China Travel Tips: Exploring the Riches of the East

Beijing and Great Wall of China

Attractions:

The Great Wall of China: Begin your journey in Beijing by visiting one of the most iconic structures in the world. Stretching over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into China's ancient history.

Forbidden City: Explore the imperial palace complex, home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years. Marvel at the intricate architecture and vast courtyards as you immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient China.

Tiananmen Square: Discover the heart of Beijing, where history and modernity collide. Visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and pay your respects at the mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Temple of Heaven: Experience the spiritual side of Beijing at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the stunning architecture and serene surroundings as you learn about ancient rituals and traditions.

Travel Tips:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation: Utilize Beijing's efficient subway system or hire a local guide for a hassle-free exploration.

Cuisine: Indulge in Beijing's famous Peking duck and explore the city's vibrant street food scene.

Harbin – Ice Festival in Winter

Attractions:

Harbin Ice and Snow World: Experience the magic of winter in Harbin at this annual festival. Marvel at intricate ice sculptures, enjoy thrilling ice slides, and immerse yourself in a wonderland of lights and colors.

Saint Sophia Cathedral: Discover Harbin's Russian heritage at this stunning architectural marvel. Admire the Byzantine-style domes and explore the surrounding area filled with charming cafes and shops.

Central Street: Take a stroll along this historic cobblestone street lined with European-style buildings. Sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the city's unique ambiance.

Travel Tips:

Dress Warmly: Harbin's winter temperatures can be extremely cold, so be sure to bundle up in layers and wear sturdy footwear.

Book Accommodation Early: Due to the popularity of the Ice Festival, accommodations tend to fill up quickly during peak season.

Try Hot Pot: Warm up with a steaming bowl of hot pot, a popular local dish perfect for combating the cold.

Shanghai

Attractions:

The Bund: Experience the juxtaposition of old and new Shanghai along this iconic waterfront promenade. Marvel at the historic colonial buildings while gazing across the Huangpu River at the futuristic skyline of Pudong.

Yu Garden: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at this tranquil oasis. Explore classical Chinese gardens, admire traditional architecture, and wander through the maze of pavilions and corridors.

Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the top of this towering skyscraper for panoramic views of the cityscape below. Feel the thrill of standing among the clouds as you gaze out over Shanghai's sprawling urban landscape.

Travel Tips:

Explore the French Concession: Discover Shanghai's trendy side in this historic neighborhood filled with boutique shops, chic cafes, and tree-lined streets.

Sample Street Food: Indulge in Shanghai's culinary delights at the city's many street food stalls and markets. Don't miss classics like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns).

Take a River Cruise: See Shanghai come alive at night with a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River. Marvel at the illuminated skyscrapers and iconic landmarks that line the waterfront.

Wuxi and Hangzhou

Attractions:

West Lake: Discover the enchanting beauty of Hangzhou at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise the tranquil waters, stroll along scenic pathways, and admire iconic landmarks like Leifeng Pagoda and Su Causeway.

Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha: Marvel at one of the largest Buddha statues in China, standing at over 88 meters tall. Explore the surrounding temples and gardens while taking in panoramic views of Taihu Lake.

Wuxi Nanchan Temple: Immerse yourself in Buddhist culture at this ancient temple complex. Admire intricate carvings, stroll through serene gardens, and witness monks in prayer as you explore the grounds.

Travel Tips:

Plan for Crowds: Both Hangzhou and Wuxi are popular tourist destinations, especially during peak seasons. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.

Try Longjing Tea: Sample Hangzhou's famous Longjing tea, known for its unique flavor and health benefits. Visit a local tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

Rent a Bicycle: Explore Hangzhou's scenic beauty at your own pace by renting a bicycle and cycling along the picturesque paths that encircle West Lake.

Xi'an

Attractions:

Terracotta Army: Witness one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. Marvel at thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, chariots, and horses that have stood guard for over 2,000 years.

Muslim Quarter: Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Xi'an's Muslim community. Sample local delicacies, browse traditional handicrafts, and explore historic mosques hidden within the bustling alleyways.

City Wall: Discover Xi'an's ancient past as you walk or cycle along the imposing city wall that encircles the old town. Enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline and explore historic gates and watchtowers along the way.

Travel Tips:

Visit Early in the Day: Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting the Terracotta Army site early in the morning.

Try BiangBiang Noodles: Savor the flavors of Xi'an with a bowl of BiangBiang noodles, a local specialty known for its wide, hand-pulled noodles and spicy sauce.

Attend a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: Experience the grandeur of China's golden age with a traditional dinner and cultural performance inspired by the Tang Dynasty.

Guilin

Attractions:

Li River Cruise: Embark on a scenic journey along the Li River, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and picturesque landscapes straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.

Yangshuo: Explore the charming town of Yangshuo, nestled amid the karst peaks and rice paddies of the Guangxi countryside. Rent a bike, take a cooking class, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Reed Flute Cave: Delve into a subterranean world of stalactites, stalagmites, and illuminated rock formations at this mesmerizing limestone cave. Marvel at the colorful displays and learn about the cave's geological history.

Travel Tips:

Book a Window Seat: When taking a Li River cruise, opt for a seat near the window for the best views of the stunning scenery.

Try Beer Fish: Sample Guilin's famous beer fish, a local delicacy made with fresh river fish marinated in beer and stir-fried with vegetables.

Take a Bamboo Raft Ride: Experience the tranquility of the Li River up close with a bamboo raft ride, guided by local fishermen who navigate the gentle currents with ease.

Hong Kong

Attractions:

Victoria Peak: Take a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views of Hong Kong's iconic skyline and Victoria Harbour below. Capture breathtaking photos and enjoy the cool mountain breeze as you gaze out over the city.

Lantau Island: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a visit to Lantau Island, home to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha and the tranquil Po Lin Monastery. Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car for stunning aerial views of the island's lush landscapes.

Hong Kong Disneyland: Experience the magic of Disney in the heart of Asia at this world-class theme park. Meet your favorite characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and immerse yourself in enchanting lands inspired by classic Disney movies.

Travel Tips:

Explore the Outlying Islands: Venture beyond the city center to discover Hong Kong's lesser-known islands, such as Cheung Chau and Lamma Island, where you can hike, swim and feast on fresh seafood.

Hike the Dragon's Back: Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Dragon's Back trail, one of Hong Kong's most scenic hikes. Follow the undulating ridge line for breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding islands.

Chengdu and Sichuan

Attractions:

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Get up close and personal with China's most beloved animals at this renowned panda sanctuary. Watch playful pandas munching on bamboo, learn about conservation efforts, and support the ongoing protection of these endangered species.

Jinli Ancient Street: Step back in time at this bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, quaint shops, and street vendors selling local snacks and handicrafts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and soak up the vibrant culture of Chengdu.

Leshan Giant Buddha: Marvel at the world's largest stone Buddha statue, carved into the cliffs overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Take a boat ride for a unique perspective of this ancient marvel, which dates back over 1,300 years.

Travel Tips:

Visit Early in the Morning: Beat the crowds and catch the pandas during their most active hours by arriving at the research base early in the morning.

Try Sichuan Hot Pot: Indulge in Sichuan's fiery cuisine with a hot pot feast, where you can cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and tofu in a bubbling cauldron of spicy broth.

Attend a Sichuan Opera Performance: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan with a traditional opera performance featuring colorful costumes, acrobatics, and face-changing performances.

• Tim Ho Wan: Michelin Star dim sum at an affordable price.

• The Peninsula Breakfast Buffet: Lean into eating dim sum, congee, and savory dishes in the morning or for brunch.

• Wutong: Offers a beautiful view of the Hong Kong skyline, incredible atmosphere, and delicious food.

• Meet the Bund: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Shanghai with a beautiful view of the skyline, serving modern Fujian cuisine.

• Young Art · Yong Ya He Xian (Tongzilin East Road): Authentic Sichuan-style cooking and showcases of live river fish.

• Da Dong Roast Duck: Known for authentic Peking Duck straight from the source.

• Bao Xi Luan: A 2 Michelin-starred restaurant with handcrafted dim sum steals the spotlight, especially their perfectly executed flaky and airy puff pastry. Don't miss out on indulging in the whole abalone or char siu pork pastry for a burst of rich flavors.

• No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Zhajiangmian (Fangzhuanchang Hutong): Known for Chinese bolognese, a classic dish featuring thick noodles smothered in a savory pork sauce. Generously garnished with crunchy shredded cucumber and radish for added freshness.

• Guanyin Pavilion: China's oldest teahouse and a staple in Chengdu as a traditional cultural experience.

• Zuì Cháng’ān: In Xian offering street food from the Muslim Quarter. They do not offer an English menu, so here are some recommended dishes:

-Gourd Chicken (húlu jī)

-Sweet & Sour Fish (sōngshǔ yú)

-Fried Cucumber Flower (shìzi qiàng chǎo huángguā miáo)

-Fried Eggplant with Garlic (jīn suàn qiézi bāo)

-Cumin Flavored Fried Potato (zǐ rán xiǎo tǔdòu)

-A uniquely presented apple and walnut dessert (miàobǐ shēnghuā)