China Travel Guide

Beijing’s skyline may be all modern towers and glass facades, but step into a hutong—and you’re instantly transported into another world. These narrow alleys, lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan), are the living, breathing soul of Old Beijing. Let’s explore what hutongs are, which ones you shouldn’t miss, and the best ways to experience them like a local. 🏠 What Are Hutongs? Hutongs (胡同) are traditional alleyways unique to northern China, especially Beijing. They date back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and were historically organized around siheyuan, or courtyard homes, which housed generations of families. Today, hutongs are a rare […]

Shanghai isn’t just skyscrapers and shopping—it’s a treasure trove of world-class museums that bring together China’s rich heritage, nature, science, and space exploration. Whether you’re a culture lover or traveling with curious kids, these 5 museums offer immersive experiences for all ages. 1. Shanghai Museum (People’s Square Branch)– “China’s Window to the World” The Shanghai Museum at People’s Square is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in China. Its distinctive architecture—round dome atop a square base—symbolizes the ancient Chinese cosmology: heaven is round, earth is square. Inside, you’ll find nearly 1 million cultural relics, especially renowned for its bronze […]

🏞 What Is the Three Gorges Dam? The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydroelectric project, located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, China. Completed in 2012, the dam generates massive amounts of electricity, controls floods, and enhances navigation—representing one of China’s most ambitious engineering feats. It’s not just a technological marvel, but also a scenic destination, with panoramic river views and state-of-the-art features like a ship elevator. 📍 Where Is It and How to Get There? The dam sits near Yichang City in central China’s Hubei Province. 🎫 Entrance Fee and Opening Hours 🌟 Top Things to […]

Want to bring home a one-of-a-kind gift from your China trip? Skip the factory-made magnets and keychains—head to Dali, where you can create your own hand-dyed scarf, shirt, or tote bag using an ancient art called Zha Ran (traditional Bai minority tie-dye). What Is Zha Ran? Zha Ran (扎染) is a 1,000-year-old natural dyeing technique from the Bai ethnic group in Yunnan. The process uses plant-based dyes, usually indigo, and involves twisting, tying, folding, and dipping fabrics to produce elegant, fluid patterns. ✨ The best part? You won’t know the final pattern until you unwrap the strings! It’s like opening […]

Just a few minutes from the Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace (华清池 Huá Qīng Chí) offers a different kind of wonder—natural hot springs, romantic imperial legends, and stunning views of Mount Li at sunset. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual sights in Xi’an, this 3,000-year-old royal retreat is not to be missed. 🏯 What Is Huaqing Palace? A former royal retreat dating back over 3,000 years, featuring Tang Dynasty architecture, hot spring culture, and the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei—one of China’s most famous romances. 📸 Top Things to See at Huaqing Palace 🎶 Evening Highlight: […]

Planning your China adventure? Don’t miss this classic duo—Shanghai and Suzhou. One is China’s futuristic financial capital, the other a canal-laced city nicknamed the “Venice of the East.” Just 30 minutes apart by high-speed rail, they make for an unforgettable combo of skyscrapers and silk, dumplings and gardens. Whether you have 3 days or 6, this guide has everything you need—from metro stops to ticket prices and sample itineraries. 📍Top Attractions in Shanghai (with Metro Info) 📍Top Attractions in Suzhou (with Metro Info) Suggested Itineraries 3 Days / 2 Nights: Highlights-Only 4 Days / 3 Nights: Balanced Experience 5 Days […]