Many visitors stop by the main cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and maybe Xi’an, with a few opportunities to get off the beaten path and to experience the beautiful nature of China.

After five years of living in China, I’ve had plenty of experience planning itineraries and showing my friends and family around. Today I’m going to share with you the perfect two week itinerary for China.

The 2 week China itinerary I’ve put together will show you some of the best things to do in mainland China and help you explore the major sights, while also spending some time on the Tibetan Plateau.

Let’s take a look!

2 Week China Itinerary

So, where to go in China? If you only have two weeks at your disposal, you’re going to need to be ok with missing out on a few places.

You will see the most iconic cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, as well as visit some bucket list places such as the Great Wall of China, but you’ll have to save Hong Kong and the southern provinces of China for another trip – there simply isn’t enough time.

Below is the ultimate 14 day China itinerary for those who want to get off the beaten path and see some of the best places to visit in China.

Days 1-3: Beijing

It’s not a trip to China without stopping by the capital city of Beijing.

After a solid two-years of living in Beijing, I might be a bit biased, but there are so many incredible things to do in this city.

From hiking the Great Wall of China to wandering the Forbidden City, and exploring Beijing’s hutongs, you could spend your full two-weeks here and not see everything.

Hike the Great Wall

I’m a bit of a Great Wall of China fanatic, and I’ve hiked NINE different sections of the wall. (Yeah, I know I’m a bit obsessed.)

If you want to see the Great Wall the right way, my biggest advice is to get off the beaten path and visit the Wild Wall, a section of  the wall not officially open to tourists.

Either that, or visit a part of the great wall that is tourist-friendly, but un-restored. Check out a section like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, or Jinshanling.

Whatever you do, I definitely recommend skipping Badaling, the most famous and touristy section of the Great Wall.

If you want a section that’s easy to visit, take a public bus to Mutianyu instead. While you won’t have the wall all to yourself, you’ll avoid the crowds and have incredible views!

Wander the Hutongs

I’m in love with Beijing’s hutongs, a network of traditional alleyway streets and courtyard houses that used to cover all of Beijing.

I’ve shown so many people around the hutongs that I’ve developed my own little hutong-day tour route that covers the Lama Temple, Wudaoying Hutong, the Bell and Drum Towers, and Houhai Lake.

But in my opinion, the best way to visit the hutongs is to simply get lost on your way from A to B.

I also recommend taking a tour of the hutongs to learn more about Beijing’s culture and history.

Viator, a Trip Advisor company, has a hutong and food tour. 

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park

You can’t go to Beijing without seeing the iconic Tiananmen Square with the giant Mao Portrait over the top of the entrance to the Forbidden City.

Spend about 30-minutes wandering around Tiananmen Square, then head into the Forbidden City, where you can explore for about 2 hours.

The Forbidden City is GIANT, and you could easily spend all day there, but for me and most of my family and friends, two hours is just enough to see all of the main sights without getting overwhelmed.

Once you’re finished with the Forbidden City, head to Jingshan Park, where you can catch a view of the Forbidden City (and the rest of Beijing) from above!

If you have more time, then be sure to take a trip out to see the Summer Palace for a quiet retreat from the capital.

If you don’t want to do it on your own, here are a few tour options for you. Click each link to see more details including price, availability and reviews.

• Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Tour
• 2-Hour Summer Palace Walking Tour
• Tian’anmen Square and Forbidden City Walking Tour

Where to stay in Beijing

• For sightseers, the area east of the Forbidden City is full of cheap accommodation.
• For hostels, there’s the well located YHA Peking International Youth Hostel.
• For a budget hotel, friends have enjoyed the modern Hotel Kapok, again right next to the Forbidden City.
• A couple of blocks east you come to Wangfujing where the high-end hotels are clustered.
• The Mandarin Oriental is a personal favourite, and towers over DongHuaMen night market (due to reopen n 2016). Alternatively, look for a family-run traditional courtyard hotel in the same area.
• If you’re going to be spending every night in the bars, it would be more convenient to be over by Sanlitun, where you’ll find most of the expats and backpackers hanging out in Bar Street.

Days 4-6: Xi’an

Xi’an is one of my favorite cities in all of China.

This ancient capital is a must-see on your China itinerary and is very easy to get to from Beijing. While it’s tempting to take a quick flight, I actually recommend riding the 4.5 hour high-speed train instead.

Once you factor in arriving at the airport 2 hours early, and how far the airports are from both cities (and the fact that Chinese flights are always delayed), the train ends up being both faster and cheaper than flying!

Bike the Xi’an City Wall

Biking around the ancient city wall is a must on your trip to Xi’an.

You can rent bikes at many of the main gates on the wall, but personally, I recommend starting at the South Gate.

A bike trip around the wall can take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on how often you stop for photos. Not only will you get to explore this ancient site by bike, you’ll have a view of all of downtown Xi’an from the wall!

Once you get off the wall I definitely recommend exploring the art and caligraphy district near the South Gate.

There are so many shops and souvenirs in the area, and it’s a beautiful neighborhood to photograph.

Explore the Huiminjie Muslim Market

The best time to head to the Muslim Market is just before dinner.

Eat your heart out at the many food stalls, and wander through the souvenir area to bargain for things to take home.

While you’re here, be sure to try local lamb kebabs and liangpi noodles!

Terracotta Army

You can’t go all the way to Xi’an without taking a day-trip to the Terracotta Warriors – plan time for it on your China itinerary.

This ancient army dates back to the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, and is China’s equivalent to the pyramids.

Here you can see row upon row of life-size terracotta warriors in giant pits.

Altogether, with the bus ride and visiting the site, you’ll want to budget your morning and afternoon for this day-trip.

See all the tour options and availability for the Terracotta Warriors here.

Hua Shan

If you can manage to squeeze in a day-trip to Hua Shan, then I 100% recommend it!

Take a harrowing cable car up the side of the mountain, to embark on the “world’s most dangerous” hike.

Here you can find the infamous Hua Shan plank walk, where you’ll strap yourself into a harness and walk along a plank embedded into the side of a cliff.

The view down is enough to make your heart beat out of your chest, it’s one of the craziest things to do in China, but the experience is worth it!

Where to stay in Xi’an

• The highly rated Eastern House Boutique Hotel offers oriental-style guestrooms in Xi’an downtown, around a 5-minute walk from Xi’an City Wall. See rates and availability.
• Hantang Inn Hostel Xi’an is located in the center of Xi’an. It combines Chinese and Western designs. See rates and availability.
• Located besides Tang Paradise, a 9-minute drive from Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Gran Melia Xian offers accommodations in Xi’an, featuring private gardens, a lake and an international brand shopping mall, indoor pool and spa center. See rates and availability.

Day 7-8: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong

Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan province is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and one of the best places to visit in China.

Hike all day through crystal-clear lakes and rivers that reflect the bright blue sky.

Here you’ll be able to see all the way down to the bottom of each lake, and capture photographs most people could only dream of.

The next morning head to Huanglong, which is known for its colorful calcite deposit pools. These sky-blue mushroom-cloud pools make it obvious why many Chinese people call Huanglong a “fairyland”.

Where to stay in Jiuzhaigou

• Located near the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise is about 35 minutes’ drive from Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See rates and availability.
• Jiuzhai morning hotel is a 10 minute walk from the entrance to Jiuzhaigou. See rates and availability.
• Located in Jiuzhaigou, Rissai Valley, the more lux Ritz-Carlton Reserve features a garden, terrace, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. See rates and availability.

Day 9: Horse trek in Songpan

If you love riding horses, you’ll definitely want to put this on your China itinerary and take a one-day horse trek on the Tibetan plateau.

The cute mountain town of Songpan, just near Jiuzhaigou, is home to day and overnight trips on horseback.

Travel with a local Tibetan guide, and explore parts of China that most tourists will never see.

Day 10-12: Chengdu

After a quick flight or a 4-6 hour bus ride down to Chengdu, you’re going to want to spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and teahouses in this scenic city.

For your first evening, I also highly recommend going for hot pot, a famous eating experience from Sichuan and Chongqing.

Don’t worry, they have non-spicy broth for those who can’t handle the heat!

Leshan Buddha day trip

When in Chengdu, you’ll need to take a trip to the Leshan Buddha, the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

You can easily hop on a day trip from your hotel, or take one of the many tourist buses there and back.

This Buddha is definitely worth the two-hour trip to see its massive scale. I’m about the size of one of his smaller toes!

The Panda Reserve

If you visit Chengdu, you definitely can’t miss the Panda Reserve, it’s one of the best things to see in China.

Be sure to head there in the morning, when the giant pandas are most active. Catch them eating bamboo, playing with one another, and sleeping in trees. Who knew little pandas love to sleep in trees?

You’ll also need to head to the baby area, where they have the youngest pandas playing with toys and rolling around.

Trust me, the Panda Reserve will definitely be a highlight of your trip. You can take a private tour here.

Where to stay in Chengdu

• Ascott Raffles City Chengdu offers luxurious apartments with free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The apartments all feature upscale amenities and some units are fully equipped kitchen. See rates and availability.
• Located along the historic Qintai Path, Chengdu Wenjun Mansion Hotel (Kuanzhai Xiangzi Branch) is decorated in a traditional Chinese style, a 5-minute walk from Tonghuimen Subway Station (Line 2). See rates and availability.
• Set in Chengdu, ideally located next to Jinjiang River, Shangri-La Chengdu offers well-equipped guest rooms with stunning city views, elegant restaurants and a luxurious ballroom. See rates and availability.

Day 13: Beijing

For your last day in Beijing, I recommend visiting the Temple of Heaven, my favorite imperial site in the country and one of the top China tourist attractions. You can take a guided tour here if you want to go deeper into the history of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afterwards, you can head over to the Pearl Market, one of my favorite bargaining markets in Beijing.

Stock up on sunglasses, electronics, silk, pearls, and a new suitcase to get all of your shopping home!

I know what you’re probably thinking. Wait… no Shanghai on this list of places to go in China?! 

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Shanghai as a tourist city.

My decision to skip it might be pretty controversial, but I honestly think there’s much more to do and see for a traveler in Beijing, than in Shanghai.

Besides, it’s always much cheaper to get a round-trip flight in and out of the same city.

However, if you really want to visit Shanghai before you leave, I have an optional Shanghai ending in this itinerary as well.

Just keep in mind, you’ll only want to head to Shanghai if you can actually sightsee on day 14, instead of using day 14 to fly home.

Day 13-14: Shanghai

If you really want to spend some time in Shanghai, make sure you have two full days at the end of your trip to China to give this mega city justice.

Of course, you’ll need to see the Bund.

You may want to stop by a few other famous sites like the Yu Yuan Gardens and surrounding area, Jing’an Temple, and the French Concession.

I also highly recommend slurping on a plate of soup dumplings while in Shanghai.

Many people say that the best soup dumpling place is just outside the Yu Yuan Gardens (you’ll find the line without even trying), but personally, I recommend going to a small local place outside of a touristy area to get an authentic experience.

Finally, if you want a great view of the city you can go up in one of Shanghai’s iconic buildings.

I’ve only been up in the JinMao Tower, but I’m dying to visit the Shanghai World Financial Center because they have a glass-bottom floor!

From either of these skyscrapers, you can see all of the surrounding city, and the world-famous Pearl Tower right next door.

Where to stay in Shanghai

• If you’re on a budget, I recommend the Shanghai Hidden Garden Hostel. The location in Pudong is right where everything is happening, as well as being opposite the Bund.
• On the high end, the Langham Hotel in Xintiandi is a great choice. Their service is great and they are right by all the nice shopping and dining venues.

Getting Around China

Navigating China can feel overwhelming, but it’s pretty easy to get from place to place.

The best way to get around China is by China’s extensive high-speed train network, connecting major cities with comfort and convenience. 12Go is a good resource for ticketed travel in China.

For shorter distances within cities, you can find small local buses, or within cities, there is usually a metro. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, though the drivers rarely speak English.

Alternatively, hail a “Didi,” China’s answer to Uber.

Tips for Visiting China

Before you start booking attractions and hotels, here are a few things you need to know before you go…

• Get a VPN! China is famous for having the Great Firewall over the country, which means social media apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram are blocked, as well as most Google products – Google Maps, Google Translate, Gmail…everything. You will struggle to use the internet without a VPN.
• Get train tickets in advance. There is usually a long line for tickets at the station and when traveling between cities, good seats get booked up in advance.
• Plan to visit in April or October, these are the quieter months and have good weather.
• Be prepared for the language barrier. Have important addresses written down in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers or ask for directions.
• Carry your own essentials. Items like toilet paper, napkins, and hand sanitizer may not always be readily available, so it’s wise to have them on hand.
• Be prepared for the squatty potty.
• You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, with a country as large as China, there are so many options for where you should spend your two weeks.

If you prefer nature, substitute Sichuan with a week in Yunnan and experience the Longji Rice Terraces or hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges known for its incredible mountain views and scenes of the Yangtze River.

Or end your trip in Guilin and Yangshuo, where you can simply rent a bike and cycle through the countryside.

There are far too many incredible places to visit in China, and the unfortunate reality is that it’s impossible to see everything in a few months, let alone two weeks!

However, this China itinerary will create an incredible trip around China and is designed to give you a great introductory visit.

You’ll get a peek at China’s politics, history, culture, pandas, cuisines, and natural beauty.

You’ll explore the biggest cities, and smallest countryside towns, all while following a schedule that gives you time to appreciate each place.

Traveling to China can be daunting, and while there is no such thing as a perfect two week China Itinerary, in my opinion, this one is as close as it gets!

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I hope this two-week China itinerary helps you plan your own China trip. If you have any China travel tips, please share in the comments.

Located in the bustling neighborhood of Tsim Sha Tsui, in Kowloon Hong Kong, this huge building complex was once a residential complex that has now been turned into a run-down mass of shops, currency exchange shops, restaurants, offices, laundromats and guest houses.

All packed tightly together in one 17 story tall building.

It has a notorious past, often featuring in the news as the backdrop of many unsavoury events, but it’s also one of the most famous buildings in the city.

In short, it’s a dump, but it’s also the best place I’ve ever stayed at. It’s estimated to be home to 4,000 residents, many of which are newcomers, expats and budget travelers looking for affordable accommodation.

What is The Atmosphere of The Chungking Mansions?

The chaotic Chungking Mansions are located on Nathan Road, the longest road in HK. It’s easily accessible by MTR, which is located across the road, as well as by taking the star ferry.

The entrance is small and sandwiched between a mall and other smaller stores. You can easily miss it if you’re not looking for it.

In fact, I walked past it several times trying to find it. And when I did find it, I wasn’t even certain if it was the right place.

I took several steps inside before coming to a sudden halt. This place is crazy! In the first few minutes I saw people from just about every square inch of the planet. It’s well known that Chungking Mansion is where Hong Kong’s ethnic minority community gather, mostly from South Asia countries such as India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as Africans and Middle Eastern communities.

In short, it’s a melting pot of cultures.

People were moving around at a fast pace and my eyes needed to adjust to all the commotion. It took me a few moments to even acknowledge the aggressive touts vying for my attention. It’s like the wild west of travel in there.

I almost turned around and walked straight out – Almost. I read everything I could about Chungking Mansions before I arrived so I knew its reputation.

The building is a notorious refuge for petty criminals, prostitution, drug traffickers and illegal immigrants. The police did a mass sweep through the building in both 1995 and 1996, and still to this day there is a police presence in the area.

Don’t let this reputation scare you though. Although it’s busy, chaotic and packed with people, it’s quite safe to visit and most guesthouses will have CCTV, plus there is a security guard.

Though the locals still see it as the sort of “ghetto at the center of the world” in Hong Kong.

So why would I want to stay in a place like this? For one reason, Time Magazine named Chungking Mansions “The Best Example of Globalization in Action” in its annual “Best of Asia” series.

The magazine says there is nothing to be afraid of and I agree. Underneath its gruff exterior lies a unique and amazing place.

Knowing this, I gained my composure and walked into the center of the building. A sign for the hostel I wanted led me to a line for the elevator where I waited and waited.

I waited in a queue for 30 minutes to use the elevator. My pack was digging into my shoulders and I’d long given up searching for staircases (there are none).

The line slowly dwindled down until I was next. In the meantime I looked at an official-looking poster on the wall with “Reward” written in big letters at the top.

It read, “Found in the mountains of Kowloon. He was gagged and tied with electrical tape and left for dead. 3000 Hong Kong Dollar reward for information leading to arrest of his killer(s).”

Underneath was a picture of a Middle Eastern looking man.

The elevator door finally opened again, I crammed into the tight space with about five other people and went to the 14th floor to find my hostel. It was a hostel in the loosest sense of the term.

Beds were crammed into closet sized rooms and the communal showers were disgusting.

Some rooms don’t even have windows, and don’t expect a double bed – you’ll have a bunk bed with just enough space to get into your bed and nowhere to put your bag.

If you’re lucky to have a private bathroom, it’s often a wet room and doesn’t have a separate shower, so water will always spray over the toilet when you’re showering.

At night, the front desk operator cheered so loudly at the soccer matches on TV that I woke up several times each night.

I guess I shouldn’t have expected much from Hong Kong’s cheapest hostel.

I now know what Time Magazine was talking about with “globalization in action”.

When I signed in, I saw countries from Cameroon, Ghana, Brazil, Philippines and France to just name a few. I met more people from distant places there than anywhere else I’ve ever been.

What To See In Chungking Mansions

Chunking Mansions is an interesting place to see even if you’re not staying there. In fact, I spent most of one day just exploring the place. The main floor is a shopping mall of assorted little retail stores selling trinkets and cheap knock-offs of brand name goods.

Just one floor up is a multitude of restaurants. They’re easy to find due to several touts with flyers aggressively vying for your attention. If you tell them you want to eat there, they’ll escort you all the way to your table.

I was reluctant at first to eat there due to the unappealing conditions of the hostel, but I had read about how world-class they are so I gave them a chance.

The food is fantastic. I ended up eating at about four small family-run restaurants and it was some of the best food I’ve eaten anywhere.

The whole of the ground floor is filled with the aroma of spices. They have a great selection of mostly Indian, Pakistani and Nepalese cuisine.

This was by far the most fascinating unsanitary fire-trap I’ve ever stayed at and I even felt sad saying goodbye to it days later when I left. As I was trudging off to my next destination Macau, I saw two timid backpackers at the entrance nervously talking to each other.

I could tell what was going on. They were debating back and forth about if they wanted to stay there or not. I made my choice to continue inside, would you?

If you want to escape the bedlam of Hong Kong and return to nature, check out these cool Hong Kong hikes and these things to do in Hong Kong.

Final Thoughts

Chungking Mansions, although chaotic and a little sketchy if you’re not used to it, is a vibrant and multicultural hub.

This iconic building is perfect for travelers who love to mix with different cultures, try world cuisines, and have unique experiences.

From its bustling ground-floor shops to the diverse range of African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern restaurants, Chungking Mansions is definitely a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors.

You certainly need to see it to believe it.

Hong Kong Accommodation

We have hand picked a selection of the best Hong Kong accommodation options for 3, 4,and 5-star hotels, plus apartments and hostels. Click here for our Hong Kong accommodation list.

China Travel Guides

For more inspiration about visiting Hong Kong and China, be sure to check out the following guides…

• 2 Week China Itinerary – Unmissable Places to Visit in China
• 34 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China
• Wondering What to Do in Beijing, China? Read on
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
• Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside China
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China

Needless to say, there are many things to do in Shanghai, from strolling along the iconic Bund to immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the Shanghai Museum, this city has something for everyone.

If you’re not sure what to do in Shanghai, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ve shared our top tips for attractions to visit in Shanghai, plus advice on where to eat, sleep, drink, shop and explore.

Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?

It’s hard to explain the sense of optimism and excitement that you feel when you walk through Shanghai – it’s a city that is just alive and buzzing.

I think this is because China is a country that is developing so quickly and playing an increasingly important role globally.

So for visitors, Shanghai is a great place to get an understanding of modern China’s role in our global future.

The city also offers a great mix of old and new – on the one hand you can see old-school produce markets in the streets, eat traditional cuisine, and witness time-honored customs, but on the other hand you can see a rapidly expanding skyline that is so gleaming and futuristic it almost looks like it was built by aliens.

Where else in the world can you experience such a contrast? If you can’t answer that question, then we’re agreed that Shanghai is definitely worth a visit.

Things to Do in Shanghai

To me, a visit to Shanghai is more about people watching and observing what life is like in modern China, rather than hitting up a series of historic sites.

With that in mind, here are a couple of attractions in Shanghai I highly recommend for soaking up the city’s culture and atmosphere.

1. Walk Along The Bund

The Bund is an iconic waterfront promenade that offers a fusion of history and modernity.

Nestled on the banks of the Huangpu River, this is the perfect place to capture the mesmerizing skyline featuring both colonial-era and contemporary architectural marvels.

It’s lined with trendy restaurants and bars, and when nighttime hits, the skyline turns into a dazzling spectacle of illuminated skyscrapers reflected on the tranquil waters.

2. Visit The Shanghai Museum & People’s Square

Located in People’s Square, The Shanghai Museum is an excellent attraction if you want to learn about traditional ceramics, furniture, jade, coins, paintings and so on.

Marvel at the impressive Chinese art collections, calligraphy, ancient artifacts, and intriguing exhibitions that offer a glimpse into China’s rich heritage.

People’s Square itself is worth a visit, since it serves as a bustling hub that combines historical significance with modern vibrancy.

3. Check Out The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

This museum is worth a visit, if only to see the enormous scale model of the city.

You get to see what the city looks like now, as well as all the developments that are planned for the coming years.

As you step inside this six-story building, you’ll be amazed by the city’s remarkable transformation. Learn about the innovative urban development strategies, witness the grandeur of Shanghai’s skyline, and gain a deeper understanding of its rich history.

4. Observe the Marriage Market

If you’re in town on a weekend, you definitely shouldn’t miss the marriage market held at the north end of People’s Park.

This is where parents gather and scour notices in the hopes of finding a suitable spouse for their adult children.

5. Admire The City Views at Night

Without a doubt, one of the highlights of a visit to Shanghai is seeing the city skyline all lit up at night.

There are lots of rooftop bars that offer great vantage points (see my tips below about where to drink for more on that) but a really enjoyable way to take it all in is to go on a cruise along the Huang Pu River and The Bund, which is the waterway that runs through the city.

The cruises are cheap (around $6 or so) and you can buy tickets from the booths at the southern end of the Bund promenade.

6. Take the Kids to Disneyland Park

One of the top things to do in Shanghai with kids is to visit Shanghai Disneyland, which is a magical experience for the whole family.

It boasts unique and innovative rides, such as Tron, one of the world’s coolest coasters, and the all-new Pirates attraction, plus a chance to walk down Mickey Avenue and meet the characters.

Marvel at the spectacular shows and parades that bring beloved Disney characters to life in dazzling performances, as well as experience a fusion of Disney magic and Chinese culture, as Shanghai Disneyland incorporates elements of Chinese tradition and folklore into its attractions and design.

7. Explore the Neighborhoods in Shanghai

A great way to get to know a city is to wander around the neighborhoods.

The French Concession is a part of Shanghai that was once a French settlement, and it’s a lovely area to stroll through.

The streets are quiet and leafy – which is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city – and there’s lots of nice architecture. The area also has great shopping (see below for more specifics).

If you want to see the more traditional side of Shanghai, the area surrounding the Yuyuan Gardens is full of little alleyways dotted with fishmongers and local markets, and consequently, not many tourists!

And of course, to explore modern Shanghai, you can’t go past Pudong. This is the newer section of the city that stretches along the east side of the river, opposite the historic city center.

The Lujiazui area is particularly dense with unusual and futuristic skyscrapers.

8. Eat The Local Cuisine in Shanghai

Let me start by warning you that Chinese food in China tastes nothing like the Chinese food we’re used to eating in the Western world.

A lot of the food is either really bland or really unusually spiced, or made with parts of animals we could never in a million years fathom eating, or the food is just so bizarre you don’t even know what it is.

Be sure to try Xiao Long Bao, which are soup dumplings with pork meat in them.

What you do is bite a hole in one end of the pastry and slurp out all the liquid before eating the rest of the dumpling. This type of dumpling is a Shanghai specialty.

There are some great restaurants in Shanghai if you know where to look. Here are some of my favourites:

• Xintiandi, which is an affluent pedestrian-only area of shops and restaurants, has lots of great food options including both Asian and Western fare.
• Sinan Mansions, made up of a bunch of renovated villas, is also full of restaurants that appeal to Western palates.
• For Yunan food and beautiful décor, I really enjoy Lost Heaven. It’s sister restaurant, Coconut Paradise, serves up really good Thai food.
• For a splurge, M on the Bund offers great Bund views and mostly Western food (it’s run by some Aussies), while Mr and Mrs Bund serves fabulous French cuisine.
• If you want a really fun meal, I recommend eating at Haidilao Hot Pot, which is a chain of hot pot restaurants that offers manicures and games while you wait for your table.
• For budget eats, the Tokyo Food Court, which is under the HSBC and Cartier stores near Xintiandi, has lots of options like sushi, noodles, pizza, pasta etc.
• If you’re craving western food, check out Wagas – the chain serves up wraps, sandwiches, soups etc, which are perfect if you don’t feel like a heavy, greasy lunch.
• Jia Jia Tang Bao is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and is a great place to try authentic Chinese street food.

9. Hit the Bars in Shanghai

If you want to party, then you’ll want to hit up M1NT which is the hottest club in town.

It’s set in a high-rise building and is so glamorous it even boasts a tank of baby sharks!

If you’re looking for more places to spend a night out, then here are some great bars in Shanghai:

• Barbarossa is a Moroccan themed lounge in the middle of People’s Park.
• If you like girly, pink places, you’ll enjoy Glamour Bar.
• People 7 is a nice bar, but you have to solve a puzzle to get in the door (and to use the bathrooms), so don’t go there drunk!
• Sinan Mansions and Xintiandi are both full of great drinking spots including a wine bar and a German beerhouse.
• Shanghai also has countless rooftop bars with stunning views – VUE Bar at Hyatt on the Bund even has rooftop Jacuzzi that you can enjoy while you drink.

10. Explore the Bustling Markets in Shanghai

There’s no shortage of shopping to be had in downtown Shanghai and you’ll see what I mean if you go.

Nanjing Road is the main shopping street, and Huahai Middle Road is where you’ll find the big malls and flagship stores.

If you prefer markets, head to Tianzifang. This market has good prices on handicrafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs. Tianzifang is a really cool area to wander around, but the narrow maze-like streets are really easy to get lost in.

There’s also a giant underground market below the Science and Technology Museum in Pudong (you’ll see it as soon as you walk out of the metro station).

This is the place to go for fake designer stuff, as well as other random knick-knacks, but prices here are on the high side.

However, if you’re looking for something special, I recommend visiting the French Concession.

Changle Lu (“lu” means street in Chinese) near Ruijin Lu is where you’ll find good boutiques by emerging Chinese fashion designers.

The area where Xinle Lu, Donghu Lu, and Fumin Lu intersect is where you’ll find nice home-wares, fashion, and restaurants.

And Jinxian Lu is another area in the French Concession with emerging local designers. All of these spots are the cool shopping areas where people “in the know” go.

11. Take a Day Trip to Smaller Towns

Shanghai can get overwhelming, so be sure to visit the small towns outside the city.

If you want to see traditional Chinese gardens, Suzhou can be visited as a day trip.

The train between Shanghai and Suzhou is really modern and fast, but be warned that getting around Suzhou itself can be a bit confusing and not many people there speak English.

Hangzhou is another popular side trip. The city is most famous for the pretty scenery and traditional buildings along its lake.

Or alternatively, you can visit Zhujiajiao, also known as water town, and where you can ride a gondola along the canals as though you’re in Venice.

12. Visit The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center has a fabulous collection of posters that give you a visual history of the country and help you understand the ideas put forth during the Cultural Revolution.

The museum is hidden away in the basement of an apartment building, so finding it is half the fun.

13. Get a Foot Massage

It may seem slightly random, but I recommend getting a foot massage in Shanghai. They’re really cheap and you can share the experience with a bunch of friends.

Just be sure to learn the word for “softer” because Chinese massages can be kinda painful!

14. Visit the Observation Deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower

For breathtaking vistas, head to the Observation Deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

Standing at an impressive height of 263 meters, this iconic observation deck offers a mesmerizing vantage point to admire the city’s skyline.

Take in the urban sprawl, marvel at the Huangpu River, and witness the vibrant cityscape come to life.

With its glass-bottomed observation deck and alluring transparent sightseeing corridor, the Oriental Pearl Tower is not for the faint-hearted!

15. Sky Walk Jin Mao Tower

Another exhilarating adventure to be had in Shanghai is on the skywalk at Jin Mao Tower.

Located on the 88th floor of this iconic skyscraper, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Step onto the 1.2-meter-wide glass platform, strap in, and marvel at the awe-inspiring views below.

With no rails to obstruct your sight, you’ll feel a rush of adrenaline as you walk along the 60-meter-long skywalk, suspended 340.6 meters above the ground.

This is the world’s highest outdoor glass skywalk, presenting an unmatched opportunity to witness the cityscape from a breathtaking perspective.

16. Watch A Performance at Shanghai Circus World

If you’re looking for things to do in Shanghai at night, be sure to check out a mesmerizing performance at Shanghai Circus World.

Find yourself immersed in a spectacle that combines acrobatics, live music, stunning visuals, and elaborate costumes.

Witness the perfect blend of traditional Chinese artistry and modern innovation as performers defy gravity with breathtaking feats and daring stunts.

17. Relax in Yu Garden

Step into a realm of tranquility at the Yu Garden, the largest urban park in Shanghai.

This gem, nestled in the heart of the Old City, offers a breathtaking escape from the bustling streets.

As you wander through its intricately designed landscapes, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of emperors and dynasties.

Marvel at the elegant pavilions, meandering bridges, and serene ponds adorned with vibrant lily pads.

Uncover the secrets of this 500-year-old garden, steeped in tradition and artistry.

18. Head Up The Second Tallest Building in the World: Shanghai Tower

Another pinnacle of modern architecture in Shanghai is the Shanghai Tower.

This vertical marvel pierces the sky, standing at a staggering height of 632 meters, making it the second tallest building in the world.

As you ascend through its sleek and futuristic interior, prepare to be awestruck by the panoramic views that unfold before your eyes.

The observation deck on the 118th floor offers an unparalleled vantage point, allowing you to witness the vibrant cityscape in all its glory.

19. Visit The Longhua Temple

With a legacy spanning over 1700 years, this ancient temple stands as a testament to China’s vibrant cultural heritage.

As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll be captivated by its serene atmosphere and exquisite architecture.

Marvel at the towering Longhua Pagoda and immerse yourself in the rituals and traditions of Buddhism.

Feel a sense of tranquility wash over you as you witness devotees offering their prayers and lighting incense.

Finding WiFi in Shanghai China

When you’re in need of internet, staying connected in China is not as easy as it is most countries.

Most hotels and hostels will provide wi-fi for guests, however, if you’ll be staying for a while I recommend getting your own travel VPN.

This is because a lot of popular websites (like Facebook) are blocked in China.

The city does have a free public wi-fi service, but I would never consider connecting to it as there are a lot of scam-y, fake services in Shanghai and you don’t want anyone hacking into your computer or accounts.

You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

Getting To And Around Shanghai

Shanghai has two airports, and if you’re traveling to or from Pudong International Airport, consider taking the high-speed train.

The Maglev goes at up to 268 mph, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. It’s worth taking the train just for the experience.

When it comes to getting around, Shanghai’s metro is fast, cheap, clean and really easy to use, with plenty of signage in English.

However, if you’ll have to make lots of transfers to get to your destination, a taxi can be a good option since they’re quite affordable (although you might have to contend with a bit of traffic).

Shanghai is a big city, so you’ll need to take some form of transport to get from point A to point B, but the city is quite walkable within the neighborhoods.

A lot of what there is to do in Shanghai is walk around and soak up the atmosphere.

Best Time of Year to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai gets crazy humid in the summer time – as in, you step out the front door and in about 30 seconds your clothes are soaked through with sweat. Ick.

So I would avoid summer, but any other time is good to visit.

Where to Stay in Shanghai

If you’re on a budget, I recommend the Shanghai Hidden Garden Hostel. The location in Pudong is right where everything is happening, as well as being opposite the Bund.

On the high end, the Langham Hotel in Xintiandi is a great choice. Their service is great and they are right by all the nice shopping and dining venues.

For more places to stay in Shanghai choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses check the map below

Final Thoughts

I love Shanghai because the city is constantly growing and evolving so there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Shanghai is China’s largest and richest city and has a captivating blend of Eastern and Western cultures, which makes it really easy to travel to as a Westerner.

With its innovative architecture, rich history, and lush nature, Shanghai has become one of China’s most vibrant metropolis.

We hope this guide gave you some ideas for what to do in Shanghai and inspired your trip.

Popular Shanghai Tours

More China Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to China? Check out these other resources…

• 34 things to know before you visit China
• What to Do in Beijing
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge, China

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Whether you’re staying for a few days or a week, you’ll find you’ll never run out of things to do in Beijing – there’s so much to see and explore.

As part of our city guides series, we interviewed Stephen Whale who lived in Beijing, China, and is well placed to talk about the top attractions in the city.

Stephen shares with us his insider Beijing travel tips and knowledge on things to do in Beijing for those looking for the best places to see, eat, stay, drink, and explore.

Is Beijing Worth Visiting?

Beijing is the capital of the most populous nation on earth and home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions. It has a long and fascinating history, and some of the countries oldest landmarks are located in the city – so for history buffs, it’s definitely worth visiting.

It’s also the closest city to the Great Wall of China, which is one of the main reasons why people visit Beijing. But aside from that, Beijing has plenty to offer.

It’s also a city undergoing tremendous change, so it’s worth visiting Beijing soon before the last of the traditional streets and hutongs are bulldozed in the name of progress.

Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing is not short of landmarks and places to visit. Below is a list of some of the most unmissable attractions in Beijing that you simply cannot miss.

A couple of warnings: avoid Beijing Zoo – it’s one of the few places in northern China to see Giant Pandas, but the living conditions are terrible.

Take the time to travel to Chengdu and visit the Panda Conservation Base instead. It’s still a bit questionable, but they’re at least helping the species.

1. Get Lost at The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)

The big three things to do in Beijing are Tian’an’men Square, the Forbidden Palace, and Temple of Heaven.

The Forbidden City is a huge complex that stands as a testament to China’s rich history.

This iconic city, also known as the Imperial Palace, was built during the Ming Dynasty, and served as the imperial residence for emperors and empresses for over 500 years, housing emperors and their retinues.

Its significance lies not only in its grandeur but also in its symbolic representation of power and authority.

The intricate design, with its elaborate palaces, stunning courtyards, and ornate decorations, transports visitors to a time where emperors once ruled with absolute sovereignty.

It’s one of the most important landmarks in the city, so be sure to add it to your to-do list.

2. Pay Respects at Tian’anmen Square

Tian’anmen Square is an expansive square, spanning over 440,000 square meters, and has witnessed countless pivotal moments throughout the country’s history.

From historic celebrations to political demonstrations, it has served as a gathering place for the Chinese people for centuries.

Tian’anmen Square holds deep symbolic value as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Chinese nation.

It’s also surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Monument to the People’s Heroes, National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People.

Spend any time in Tian’an’men or Wangfujing and it’s inevitable that some friendly students will approach you looking to practice their English.

Chat to them by all means, but don’t accept their invitation for a drink as it turns into an expensive scam.

Likewise, ignore anyone who offers to show you some cut-price works by art students.

3. Try Skewered Insects at DongHuaMen Night Market

What better way to end a day than with a trip to DongHuaMen night market to sample the unusual foods on a stick, such as seahorses and scorpions.

This is a culinary haven for those adventurous foodies. With a rich history dating back centuries, this bustling night market has become an iconic destination for locals and tourists alike.

If you’re not brave enough to try skewered insects, how about trying a sizzling hotpot instead? The market embodies the spirit of Beijing’s vibrant street food culture, and is one of the best places to eat in the city.

4. Be Enchanted By The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is an architectural marvel, built during the Ming Dynasty, and is a sacred site where emperors once performed ancient rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest.

The Temple of Heaven holds a special place in Chinese folklore, as well as being famous for its stunning design, with intricate details and magnificent color palettes.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens, it’s one of the best places to visit if you need to escape the chaos of Beijing’s traffic and honking.

5. Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Other Beijing attractions you cannot miss are the ornate but busy Lama (YongHe) Temple or the nearby Confucius Temple that is generally much more serene.

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhism temple that dates back to the early Qing Dynasty.

It was once the royal residence of Prince Yinzhen before he ascended to become Emperor Yongzheng.

Today, it’s considered one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet.

6. Visit the Arts Districts

798 Art Zone is an artist’s haven created in a Bauhaus-designed ex-military factory. It’s peppered with some fine works of art, but it’s worth noting that up and coming artists are rapidly being ousted by rent increases, leaving it mostly inhabited by artists that are more established.

Cheaper and more adventurous art is still being created in Ai Weiwei’s Caochangdi Art District or Songzhuan Artist’s Village.

7. Take a Day Trip to The Great Wall of China

The most famous day trip from Beijing must be to the Great Wall of China. For those with only half a day, Badaling is very close to the city, but can be extremely busy.

For a different experience, it’s also possible to camp overnight there, on top of the Wall.

Slightly further away is Mutianyu – it’s a full day trip and a bit more climbing but you get to see unrestored wall rolling across the hills.

There are plenty of other ‘Wild Wall’ sections to enjoy hiking trails, but be careful as they can be poorly maintained and the emergency services won’t come and find you in the event of an injury.

If there’s time, take a trip to Cuandixia. It’s a village that has barely changed for 600 years. Stay overnight to experience the slower pace of rural village life, coal-heated beds and fresh and delicious locally grown food.

Read this post if you want to hike the Great Wall of China

8. Admire the Birds Nest

In the north of the city is the Beijing National Stadium, or Bird’s Nest. Used in the 2008 Olympics this stadium is best visited at dusk, just before the stadium and nearby Water Cube are colorfully illuminated at night.

The adjacent Olympic Park is a good place to catch a break from the crowds and traffic.

9. Explore The Summer Palace

For a break from the crowds head west. Haidian district is home to the tranquil Summer Palace (once a holiday home for the imperial family), Fragrant Hills walking trails and the Beijing Botanical Gardens.

The Summer Palace was originally built as a royal garden in the 18th century, as a retreat for emperors seeking respite from capital.

With its magnificent palace grounds, intricate gardens, and backdrop of the serene Kunming Lake, it surely does offer what it was intended.

10. Look Out For Beijing’s Modern Architecture

Beijing’s skyline is not only made up of ancient temples and palaces, but some modern architectural marvels as well.

Rising high above the city, the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, is Beijing’s tallest skyscraper and is a symbol of the nation’s progress and ambition.

Another iconic structure is the CCTV Headquarters building, an angular arch sometimes called ‘The Underpants’ – you’ll know it when you see it!

These contemporary buildings are a testament to China’s forward-thinking design and technology industry.

11. Try the Local Cuisine

The best food outlets in Beijing are often the cheapest and busiest. The high turnover ensures that it’s fresh and usually made to order.

Any street will have bun or dumpling shops where a filling meal can be had for 4-8rmb. For more upmarket soup dumplings look for the Taiwanese Ding Tai Fung chain.

In the morning keep an eye out for carts selling my favourite, a Jian Bing Chinese pancake.

Half a Peking Roast Duck – the strip on the right is considered the best piece and is reserved for guests. Of course, nearly everyone will want to try Peking Duck.

The most hyped is DaDong, famed for its crispy skin – it’s excellent duck but the side dishes aren’t up to the same standards given the high price.

Most tour groups will visit a brand of Quanjude, but as with DaDong you might notice a distinct lack of Beijingers eating there.

A good compromise is Bianyifan, which has been serving duck since 1416 and is a perfect combination of excellent duck and other dishes.

Beijing is also home to some of the best examples of regional Chinese cuisines. If you’re not travelling further in China take the opportunity to try spicy yet delicate Sichuan hotpot, rich in flavour Yunnan dishes or rustic Xinjiang lamb kebabs.

For a special meal look for Imperial food, as served to the Emperors, but be prepared to pay handsomely. The Beijinger website has a useful directory of English-friendly restaurants.

If you’ve somehow tired of Chinese food, then Sanlitun is home to the majority of foreign restaurants.

The South East Asian food is of particularly high quality, whilst the Italian and American dishes might leave a lot to be desired, and cost many times the price of a Chinese meal.

12. Enjoy a Drink in Sanlitun

There are two main areas to go for a drink in Beijing – Sanlitun and the hutongs around HouHai Lake.

In warm weather, it’s hard to beat sitting by the lake with a drink, accompanied by the sounds of local musicians.

If it’s a little cooler head to Sanlitun where it’s possible to find everything from grungy music dives to stylish private clubs.

Be wary of suspiciously cheap fake spirits – the headache isn’t worth it – but do try Chivas Regal whisky with green tea.

13. Watch an Evening Performance

The most popular things to do in Beijing at night are watch the Peking Opera, check out athletic or Kung Fu Shows, or chilling out to live music in HouHai and Nanluoguxiang.

A Peking Opera, sometimes referred to as Chinese Opera, is known for its colorful costumes, intricate makeup, and graceful movements.

Each scene tells of Chinese history and folklore, with a blend of music, singing, acrobatics, and martial arts.

For non-aficionados, the Peking Opera can be a bit much to endure and many people leave at the first interval, so an alternative is to visit Prince Gong’s Mansion near HouHai for a tour of the gardens and a 15-minute opera performance.

14. Hit the Shopping Malls

For luxury brands, Wangfujing is the premier shopping street, closely followed by Sanlitun Soho, although be aware there’s a 50% luxury tax on many items so you’re unlikely to find a bargain.

For less authentic goods, try the Pearl Market or Silk Market. Haggling is essential here, but well-made fake clothes, bags, watches and jewellery can be bought very cheaply. The hiking gear looks good, but I wouldn’t want to be wearing it in an emergency.

Cheaper but less English-language friendly is the Zoo Market, opposite Beijing Zoo, and you can find some real gems in the Panjiayuan Antiques Market.

15. Attend a Festival in Beijing

The absolute highlight is Chinese New Year when the city is a cacophony of fireworks for 15 days. It can wear thin after a week of sleepless nights…

The Cherry Blossom festival in YuYuanTan park is beautiful. Alternatively, the annual Lantern Festivals in the city parks provide a source of interesting nights out.

16. Head to the parks

If you need to escape the bustling metropolis, there are many urban parks that offer a serene oasis where nature can soothe the senses.

The fragrant gardens of Beihai Park are known for their tranquil lakes and ancient pagodas, while the vast expanse of Jingshan Park offers breathtaking vistas of the Imperial City.

Another popular park is Ritan Park which has an abundance of vibrant flora, or find serenity amid the harmonious blend of art and nature at the Olympic Forest Park.

Head to parks early to see people practicing Tai-Chi, or late to see them ballroom dancing. Feel free to join in!

17. Get a Foot Massage

After all this walking around, try a foot massage. US$10 will get you two hours of pampering, including healthy snacks and fruit juices.

Skilled therapists use ancient techniques passed down through generations, plus use aromatic oils and play soothing music create to create an ambiance of serenity.

If you’re in need of rejuvenation, it’s one of the top things to do in Beijing!

18. Visit the Ming Tombs

Located on the outskirts of Beijing are the Ming Tombs. These mausoleums, built during the Ming Dynasty, hold the remains of thirteen emperors and their consorts.

Each tomb is an architectural marvel, reflecting the beliefs and geomantic theories prevalent during that era.

The tombs’ strategic location and design showcase the profound influence of Fengshui in ancient Chinese culture.

19. Admire Views from The Bell Tower/ Red Drum Towers

If you want to get amazing views of the Beijing skyline, head to either The Bell Tower, or the Red Drum Towers, which offer amazing vistas of the city.

Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, the towers served as a vital timekeeping center, where bronze clepsydras and resounding drums dictated the rhythm of daily life.

As you ascend its ancient steps, panoramic views of the city become present, but the towers also hold significance to the Chinese people and of Beijing’s past.

Getting To and Around Beijing

From Europe, the cheapest way to get to Beijing is always AeroFlot, but I tend to pay a little extra and use Lufthansa for more comfort and a working entertainment system.

Travelling to the US, American Airlines or Delta are cheapest, but I prefer Air China for the on-board dim sum.

If heading south to New Zealand or Australia, domestic flights in China can be very cheap, so it’s sometimes an option to fly via Shenzhen or Guangzhou and continue from there on an international ticket.

The next best option is trains. They’re very cheap, but the distances involved can take multiple days to cover. This is improving rapidly as China introduces high-speed rail services across the country.

When getting around Beijing, avoid the pedicabs in Beijing.

The cheapest way to get around Beijing is by metro – the price differs depending how far you go, but it never gets more expensive than ¥7 RMB ($0.96 USD).

It’s best avoided at rush hour. Many stations have maps in English but it’s worth carrying a subway map round anyway.

The easiest way to get around Beijing is by taxi. Prices start from ¥14 ( US$ 1.92) and costs ¥2.30 ($0.32) per kilometer afterwards.

Note that there’s a surcharge after 2km that won’t appear on the meter, so be prepared to pay the extra, but there’s no expectation of tipping.

Make sure you have your destination written down in Chinese – hotels can assist with this. To hail a taxi, don’t point – extend your hand with the palm downwards and waggle your fingers.

Whilst the taxis are generally helpful, there are a few unscrupulous drivers so it’s worth watching that the meter goes up evenly, and your change is real.

Stay away from the three-wheeled pedicabs. They’re dangerous and will almost always try to scam passengers, even Chinese.

Walking is an option around the major tourist sites such as Qianmen hutongs, Tian’anmen Square or Wangfujing. Most streets run North-South or East-West, so map reading is straightforward.

Beijing city is very flat but spread out, so if you travel much farther afield you’ll need to find transport – many hostels also offer a bicycle hire service.

In the hutongs, you can give your feet a break by hiring a rickshaw but negotiate a price before getting in.

Finding WiFi in Beijing

It’s very easy to find WiFi, but you should be aware that the government censors many social media web sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

Google sometimes works, such as Gmail, but Google Maps doesn’t. Wikipedia is often blocked, but Wikitravel is generally OK.

Internet addicts may wish to invest in a cheap VPN to bypass the blocks if you’re spending a few weeks in China.

If you want to access these while you’re in China, you’ll need to purchase a VPN. You can try a VPN from NordVPN here, which comes highly recommended.

To find free Wifi you can go to international chains such as Starbucks, McDonalds, etc, or any local coffee shop – Maan is particularly fast. Some of these require a local telephone number to get free access.

There are plans to provide a WiFi cloud over Beijing, but it’s still in development.

You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

Best time of year to visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is definitely the autumn from September/October. The winter brings the cold winds from Siberia and the spring breeze carries the dust from the Gobi Desert.

Summer can be very hot, whilst autumn is a much more comfortable temperature and the gentle breeze keeps the pollution at bay.

Avoid travelling during the Chun Yun migration which usually takes place in January and February (15 days before Chinese New Year), when half of the cities 20 million inhabitants go home to the countryside for their annual holiday.

Tourist sites are packed, whilst public transport and restaurants are understaffed.

Where to stay in Beijing

For sightseers, the area east of the Forbidden City is full of cheap accommodation. For hostels, there’s the well located YHA Peking International Youth Hostel.

For a budget hotel, friends have enjoyed the modern Hotel Kapok, again right next to the Forbidden ,City.

A couple of blocks east you come to Wangfujing where the high-end hotels are clustered.

The Mandarin Oriental is a personal favourite, and towers over DongHuaMen night market (due to reopen n 2016). Alternatively, look for a family-run traditional courtyard hotel in the same area.

If you’re going to be spending every night in the bars, it would be more convenient to be over by Sanlitun, where you’ll find most of the expats and backpackers hanging out in Bar Street.

For more places to stay in Beijing choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses using the map below

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot not to love about Beijing – the pollution can be terrible, the crowds overwhelming and the traffic deadly, but once you cut through all of that and get on the streets the variety is amazing.

Everywhere you look you can find the blurring of borders between East & West, new & old, traditional and contemporary.

Walk through the quieter areas and every corner has an adventure, a friendly face or simply something very strange going on.

There aren’t enough capital cities where you don’t bat an eyelid when you see someone in their pyjamas singing opera and walking backwards with their pet bird to an alfresco tea dance.

More China Travel Guides

Need more inspiration for traveling to China? Check out these other resources!

• Things to Do in Shanghai
• 34 things to know about China before you visit
• 2 Week China Itinerary. Best places to visit
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China
• Incredible Things to do in Hong Kong
• First timers guide to Beijing

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Yangshuo is known for its stunning river winding through the karst mountain landscape and endless rice fields.

There are plenty of things to do in Yangshuo, but the most popular activity is to go for a bike ride.

We spent almost a week in the pretty village enjoying its relaxed atmosphere and had to drag ourselves away to explore more of the region and landscapes.

Here is what we discovered…

Cycling in Yangshuo

We decided to hire bicycles to go cycling through the Yangshuo countryside to the nearby town of Fuli.

It was a bumpy old back road that took us past farmers ploughing the fields with their buffaloes and little farm villages along the winding river.

We eventually arrived in the old Chinese town to wander the streets and to check out the strangely charming historic buildings and the fans they are famous for making.

As we were walking within the city walls by the river, we were accosted by a small group of elderly friends sitting around a table by the river under an umbrella playing cards, singing and chatting.

They were excited by the foreign visitors and filled us with endless cups of green tea, peanuts and biscuits.

When it became evident that communication in Chinese was not going to happen, they whipped out their pen and paper and wrote down what they wanted to say in Chinese characters.

Ahh! So that’s what you were trying to say.

When all else fails, you can turn to the universal language we all understand – music.

They got out their Chinese songbook, put on some music and started singing to us.

Slowly they began to unveil their good China for instruments, passing us the wooden bangers and clappers instead. And then we started jammin’.

We laughed and sang together, and I’m sure my attempts at following their lead to sing in Chinese sounded Russian to them, but they thoroughly enjoyed it and so did we.

Our Tommy Lee style finale got us big thumbs up and huge grins. They were really disappointed when it came time for us to bid them farewell.

Random travel encounters with the local people are so memorable.

Sometimes even more so than the beauty of the jungled river landscape.

What have been some of your memorable cycling or random stranger meetings on your travels?

Getting A Bike Rental in Yangshuo

The good news is you will find plenty of bike rental shops in Yangshuo in the West Street area.

Some accommodations come with free bikes you can use, or have their own bike rental facilities, so it’s a good idea to check with your hotel before you rush out to the hire shops.

Renting bikes is also super cheap. You can get a Chinese bike (without gears) for as little as $1.50 USD per day, or a mountain bike for around $3.00 USD per day.

The highest quality bikes are $6.50 USD per day, but you really don’t need anything fancy to cycle in Yangshuo as it’s pretty much all flat.

FAQs About Biking in Yangshuo

Here’s what people usually ask us about cycling in Yangshuo…

What is the best route to cycle in Yangshuo?

There are many cycling routes in Yangshuo and the one you choose largely depends on what you want to see and how long you want to cycle.

Here is a quick overview of each route:

Yangshuo to the Ancient Jiuxian Village

This route passes along the Yulong River and takes you to a quaint, old village with only 44 traditional houses. The route is about 15km and takes 2 hours to complete.

Along the way you will pass the Jima Wharf where you may see buffaloes grazing in the fields, before ending at Jiuxian Village.

Yulong River Loop

This 30km cycle route takes you on a full loop of the Yulong River and combines a visit to Jiuxian Village, the Gongnong Bridge and Xiangui Bridge, Jima Wharf and Shuiedi Wharf.

This is a great half day cycle route for those who want to see incredible scenery.

Moon Hill Cycle Route

This is a 26km cycle route that takes you through the small villages and countryside to the limestone rock formation known as Moon Hill, which is an arch with a window in the middle.

Fuli and Xingping

This is one of the longest routes in Yangshuo and the one we decided to take. It’s about 55km and takes you past Pantao Hill, Bilian Hill, the Li River and finally to the market town of Fuli.

You can continue on to the town of Xingping where you can take a cruise on the Li River with bamboo rafts, but we decided to turn back as we enjoyed the views on the way to Fuli.

Before You Go

If you’re planning on cycling in Yangshuo, be sure to organize your eSim card. We get ours through Airalo.

Setting up an eSim is even easier than buying a sim card. All you do is install the app, choose your destination and package, install the eSim and then activate it.

It’s only $5 for 1 GB data for 7 days, or $9 for 3 GB data for 30 days.

When traveling in China, you will also want a VPN, so you can access many sites typically blocked by China. Grab your VPN for China here.

You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

Further Reading on China Travel

Looking for more travel tips for China? Then check out the following resources…

• 2 Week China Itinerary – Unmissable Places to Visit in China
• 34 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China
• Wondering What to Do in Beijing, China? Read on
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China
• 15 Best things to do in Hong Kong

When climbing the Great Wall of China, it’s important to know which section of the wall is right for you and what experience you want to get out of the climb.

For example, Badaling is easily accessible, immaculately restored and extremely crowded, but then there are sections like Gubiekou that are hard to reach, largely in ruins and fairly isolated.

If you want to get off the main tourist trail and get the true experience of the wonder and explore a more urban, off-the-beaten-path section of the Great Wall, then you’re going to want to visit Jiankou.

This 20km stretch of the wall is non-ticketed, has not been restored, and is less visited by tourists – all the more reason to visit.

In this guide, I’ve shared details about each section of the Great Wall of China and how you can climb the Jiankou section.

The Sections of The Great Wall of China

Climbing the Great Wall of China is a bucket list experience for most, so it’s important to do it right. Here is an overview of each area of the wall you can climb.

Badaling

Badaling is the most famous section of the wall to climb, since it’s the closest to Beijing (about 80km away). This section of the wall was built in 1505, at the time of the Ming Dynasty and is the most renovated area of the wall.

It was built to protect the Juyongguan Pass and the city of Beijing from invaders, as well as being a border control for Silk Road merchants.

This part of the wall has undergone restoration and was the first section to open to the public in 1957.

Although busy, Badaling is 4.7 miles of historical monument that really showcases the mystique of this expansive piece of construction. Really the only downside to visiting Badaling is the people, but you can avoid this by waking up early and being the first person to the wall.

It’s easy to get to, you can simply catch a train from Beijing to Badaling. It’s become hugely touristy nowadays and is lined with hotels, ever-present souvenir hawkers, restaurants serving western-styled food and even a cable car.

Simatai

Located in the north of Miyun District, 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing, is the Simatai section of the Great Wall of China.

This section dates back to 550–577, to the time of the Northern Qi Dynasty, and was rebuilt by Hongwu Emperor in the Ming dynasty.

Simatai’s Great Wall is a lot smaller than Badaling but is still largely well preserved. It spans for 5.4km and has a total of 35 beacon towers and watch towers.

It also has several passageways and garrison stations that were used during raids.

This part of the wall has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s unique about Simatai is the terrain. Nestled in the Yan Mountains, it’s a steeper section of the wall and even has open-air gondolas to help the hordes of tourists ascend part of the wall.

Gubeikou

Gubeikou is also located in the Miyun District in northeastern Beijing, and this section of the wall was used as an ancient checkpoint between Northeast China and Beijing.

The wall here has not been reconstructed and has largely been reclaimed by nature. It’s harder to access but that means less tourists.

It stretches for 40 kilometers and has 172 watchtowers and 14 beacon towers.

It was first built in 550-557 at the time of the Northern Qi Dynasty but was rebuilt by General Xuda in the early Ming Dynasty.

Jiankou to Mutianyu

After visiting the more well-known sections of the Great Wall, I was ready for some hard core wall hiking.

I was ready for Jiankou.

The Jiankou section of the Great Wall, which is extremely difficult and dangerous to climb in some sections, joins the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (the second most preserved section of the Great Wall).

It has incredible vistas, undeveloped sections, a dense area of reclaimed wall, and is very hard to access and a must do for any serious Great Wall enthusiast.

Basically walking the Jiankou section is an adventure that no other section of the Great Wall can provide, and is the best section to visit if you don’t have the tolerance for crowds.

Jiankou is a Ming Dynasty section of the Great Wall and built in 1368 along steep mountain ridges and tall cliffs.

In these areas where the wall has been destroyed by natural degradation, the only way up or down the wall is over crumbling ruins with very steep climbs or vertical surfaces.

The plan for Climbing the Great Wall of China

The Jiankou section of the Great Wall stretches from the Nine Eye Tower (Jiu Yan Lou) in the north to Zheng Bei Lou in the south-east and has around 22 towers.

I heard that Jiankou does not take more than a few hours strenuous walk so my plan was to hike from the Nine Eye Tower past Zhengbeilou towards the Mutianyu section.

If I could not reach the Mutianyu section by 4 or 5pm, I’d stop at that time, leave the wall and make my way back to Beijing.

This plan sounded nice in theory but did not work in practice.

Getting to Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China

The starting point for hiking Jiankou is a small village called Xi Zha Zi that is around 75-80 kilometers north of Beijing and hard to reach.

To get to the village you first catch the subway to Dongzhimen station on line two then catch the 916 express bus at Dongzhimen Wai long distance bus station.

The bus station is right next to exit B at Dongzhimen station and hard to miss.

The 916 express bus takes around 90 minutes and terminates at a small city called Huairou where you get off at the last stop. From Huairou you catch a taxi to the village and the taxi ride takes just over one hour.

At Huairou, you’ll be mobbed by black (unofficial) taxi drivers as soon as you step off the bus who will all want to take you to the Great Wall.

They will probably offer to take you to the village for around 200rmb which is way too much. A fair price is around 100 to 120rmb so don’t pay more.

I ended up paying 80rmb after half an hour of haggling and the taxi was a small old rust bucket with a tiny fuel efficient engine.

The drive from Huairou to the village is through the mountains and very enjoyable with gorgeous scenery.

The taxi driver Mr Ma told me there was no way I’d make the hike from Nine Eye Tower to Mutianyu so we agreed that either he or one of his buddies would pick me up in the afternoon near the Zhengbeilou.

From the Village to the Great Wall of China

The village is small and only has a population of around 300 people who are mostly farmers. Walking through the village is a great way to see a side of China that most tourists never experience.

Once you pass through the village, there are a number of paths you can take and only one of the paths heads towards Nine Eye Tower.

I had to ask for directions three times to find right path. The locals are friendly so if you are not sure, ask for “jiu yan lou” or just point at the wall which is clearly visible I the distance look lost.

Looking lost was not hard to do and worked for me.

Once you are on the path, the way to go is clear and you will have no problem reaching the wall.

The path goes through very heavy scrub and reaches the wall north of Beijing Knot after 30 minutes of walking, and then I was on top of the Great Wall of China!

What Does the Jiankou Wall Look Like?

The wall was nothing like what I expected and these three words sum the wall up perfectly.

Overgrown, dangerous and awesome. There is also a lot less foot traffic here as I barely saw anyone.

I estimate that at least 80% of the Great Wall was intact with the battlements and the road/path between the battlements in surprisingly good condition.

The main areas where the battlements and the road were in ruins or had been destroyed was in the very steep sections south of the Beijing Knot.

Overgrown

Walking the intact sections of the Great Wall of China would have been very easy if those sections were not overgrown.

I’m not talking about a few weeds and the occasional shrub. I am talking about serious overgrowth with very thick shrubs, grass, weeds and small trees.

Walking the wall in these parts was like walking through a jungle with the sky blocked by foliage and no sense of direction. The path through the jungle was very narrow, and in some parts, you had to squeeze through entangled shoots and branches.

I’ve seen the wall restored and in immaculate condition, in complete ruins and in various states of disrepair, but I have never seen a relatively intact wall like the Jiankou section that was so overgrown and covered in vegetation.

This part of the wall does not need restoration. It needs weeding. Badly.

Dangerous

I always thought that Jiankou’s reputation for being dangerous was exaggerated but I was very wrong.

The northern section of Jiankou from the Nine Eye Tower to the Beijing Knot is safe and easy to walk.

The section from Beijing knot to Zhengbeilou is extremely dangerous with three areas where the wall has been destroyed and you have to use hand and foot holds to climb up.

Like rock climbing without the safety rope.

One of these sections is especially dangerous and so steep that the surface of the wall is basically vertical.

Being stupid and reckless, I climbed all the dangerous sections, even the vertical section.

I was half way up vertical section and running out of hand and footholds when it finally occurred to me the dangerous the wall was in and how stupid I was to try and climb it.

There were various times when I thought about turning back, but the views and thrill of it all kept me going.

Plus, at this stage, climbing back downhill was much more dangerous than continuing so I ignored the drop below, stopped thinking about how the bricks and rocks I was clinging to were laid over 600 years ago, resisted the urge to panic and kept climbing.

The drop from these steep sections can be over 6 meters and the bottom is rock and brick so if you fall, you are going to break something and will definitely not be walking away.

Jiankou is an extremely isolated section of the wall and I only saw two other people that day.

If you hurt yourself there, you may not get help for a long time and the nearest hospital is hours away. People have died climbing Jiankou so be aware of the danger and be careful.

Getting Back to Beijing from Jiankou

Walking and climbing Jiankou took much longer than expected so I could not even reach Zhengbeilou.

In the end, I ran out of time and had to leave the wall at Lian Kou at around 4:15pm. The walk from the wall down the mountain to the pickup point took around 45 minutes.

I called Mr Ma on the walk back to let him know I was on my way and he said one of his buddies would be there.

I reached the pick up point and there was no driver, so I called Mr Ma again who said no one was coming to pick me up, hung up on me and refused to take any more calls.

Wow.

So what do you do when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere with the sun setting?

Start walking, stick your thumb out and hope for a lift.

After around an hour of walking, I managed to catch a lift with a very friendly family from Beijing who were great.

They dropped me off at a bus stop on a some main road and I caught a bus an hour later to Huairou.

By that time were no more buses to Beijing so I found a taxi and negotiated a lift to the nearest Beijing subway station for 80rmb. I eventually arrived back at the hostel at 11pm.

An exciting end to an exciting day. Despite the challenges, it was still a whole lotta fun.

Where to stay in Beijing

• For sightseers, the area east of the Forbidden City is full of cheap accommodation.
• For hostels, there’s the well located YHA Peking International Youth Hostel.
• For a budget hotel, friends have enjoyed the modern Hotel Kapok, again right next to the Forbidden City.
• A couple of blocks east you come to Wangfujing where the high-end hotels are clustered.
• The Mandarin Oriental is a personal favourite, and towers over DongHuaMen night market (due to reopen n 2016). Alternatively, look for a family-run traditional courtyard hotel in the same area.
• If you’re going to be spending every night in the bars, it would be more convenient to be over by Sanlitun, where you’ll find most of the expats and backpackers hanging out in Bar Street.

Tips for Climbing the Great Wall of China

Before you go, here are some words of advice to help your climb run smoothly.

• It can be quite a workout climbing the wall, so wear loose trousers and leave your denim at home.
• Wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots. Heels, wedges, and open-toed sandals are not appropriate.
• Wear clothing in layers so you can take them off. It can be cold when you start but when you hike, perspiration sets in and you’ll want to cool down. Wear a light sweater.
• Bring your own snacks as refreshment stands are expensive.
• There are no facilities such as bathrooms along the wall, so try not to overdo it on the water intake so you don’t have to take regular bathroom breaks. There is a bathroom at the ticket office entrance to the Badaling section.
• Be aware of the occasional pickpocket. This isn’t usual at the Jiankou section, more the busier sections such as Badaling and Simatai.
• Visit early in the day to avoid the bus loads of people who turn up around 10am.
• An important note of caution, remember the wall is the result of mostly manual labor 600 years ago by an ancient Chinese civilization, and therefore it’s not the sturdiest of structures in places. Always watch your footing, don’t take any risks, and be mindful not to cause any damage to the wall.
• You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

Best Time to Visit The Great Wall of China

When it comes to visiting the Great Wall of China, timing can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience.

Arguably the best times of year to visit is during the spring months of March to May.

This season offers ideal conditions in terms of weather for exploring this great engineering feat.

Not only will you avoid the blistering summer heat and the bitter cold of winter, but you’ll also have the advantage of fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season from June to August.

The shoulder seasons of May and September to early October are also a good time of year to visit to avoid a lot of avid hikers.

Spring also brings better light conditions for photography and more daylight hours for exploring, as well as blooming landscapes, allowing you to experience the grandeur of the wall with a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

Final Thoughts

It is said that Zhengbeilou is one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall of China for photography and with high altitudes of up to 991 meters, the jaw-dropping views and scenery are fantastic.

I was unfortunate not to make it that far on this Great Wall trip due to my lack of knowledge and know-how, so hopefully this guide will help you prepare better so you can make the entire journey.

My next Great Wall of China trip will be to walk from Zhengbeilou all the way to Mutianyu.

More Tips for Traveling in China

Need more inspiration for your trip to China? Here are some other guides!

• Key Things to know before you visit China
• Tips for First Time Visitor to Beijing
• What to Do in Beijing
• Things to Do in Shanghai
• 2 Week China Itinerary

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With a total metropolitan population of 22 million, it is home to almost 10 million more people than the London metro area, and 3 million more people than New York City’s metropolitan area, and boy do you feel it.

But while Beijing may feel overwhelming for first time visitors, if you go in armed with the know-how and advice, and feel somewhat organized, you can be in for a really incredible experience.

Beijing is a melting pot of ancient cultures, architectural gems, and unique travel experiences.

To ensure you have the best trip possible, here are some of our top tips for your first time visiting Beijing.

Things To Know Before Visiting Beijing

From knowing where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what to see, these are the most important things you should know before you go to Beijing…

1. Don’t Miss The Important Beijing Landmarks

Just as London is critical to England’s history, Beijing is critical to the rich history of China.

For centuries, Beijing, formerly known as Peking, has served as the cultural and political hub of China.

The Beijing visitor will be delighted by a host of historical palaces, ancient temples, huge stone walls, and state-of-the-art new architecture.

Be sure not to miss these landmarks…

The Forbidden City

The Ming and Qing emperors of China built an impressive palace in the center of Beijing , starting in early the 15th century.

By the time it was completed in 1420, the palace included 980 buildings, 8,707 rooms, and covered a total of almost 8 million square feet.

In 1987, the Forbidden City was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open to tourists, the Forbidden City is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Chinese history or art.

Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, also borders the Forbidden City.

Temple of Heaven

In the southeastern part of the city lies the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist complex.

Constructed at the same time as the Forbidden City, the temple is important both in terms of its religious significance in China and its historical significance.

In 1998, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing architecture and landscape design.

Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty

Even in death, the Chinese emperors made sure to leave their mark. Also a World Heritage Site, these elaborate tombs were excavated in 1956 by Chinese archaeologists.

Unfortunately, Cultural Revolution fervor stopped the excavation and led to some destruction of the artifacts originally excavated, but the museum still contains many well-preserved artefacts from the tombs.

National Center for the Performing Arts

Also known as the National Grand Theatre, the center is an opera house made of titanium and glass, surrounded by a large artificial lake. West of Tiananmen Square, the hall is home to opera, symphonies, and plays.

Wangfujing Street

One of the busiest pedestrian streets in the world, Wangfujing is home to almost 300 brands of Beijing, including famous hat, shoe, and tea stores.

The Night Market offers exotic street food that includes fried scorpions and unusual sea creatures – western stomachs, be warned!

Wangfujing Cathedral

Not far from Wangfujing’s shopping district is a Catholic cathedral built by the Jesuits in the mid-17th century.

It is an odd bit of European architecture in a city that otherwise blends mostly ancient Chinese architecture with modern westernized skyscrapers.

The Imperial Summer Palace

The Summer Palace was once the getaway for the Emperors and Empresses who needed a quiet retreat from the chaos of Beijing.

The picturesque setting next to the Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill make the palace a serene sanctuary.

Lama Temple

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe gong, is one of the most famous temples in Beijing,

With its vibrant colors and spiritual ambiance, as soon as you walk through its ornate gates you’ll feel the tranquility and reverence of the place.

The temple’s impressive architecture and intricate Tibetan-style artwork set it apart from other temples in the city.

Be sure to check out the Hall of Heavenly Kings and Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses.

2. Don’t Avoid The Hutongs

Hutongs are small, narrow alleyways that usually contain local restaurants. They are a window into the traditional way of life and a cultural experience not to miss.

3. Don’t drink the tap water

Only drink bottled water, as the tap water is not safe to drink in Beijing.

4. Get a VPN

China is famous for having the Great Firewall over the People’s Republic of China, and so there is a block on Western internet sites and social media apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, even Whatsapp.

You may also find most Google products such as Gmail and Google Maps are blocked too. Think you can use Google Translate to help with the language barrier? That’s blocked too.

But don’t worry, there is a way around all of this. Get a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

They are completely legal and are necessary for accessing the apps you use at home. Even if it is just to stream on Netflix (yes, that’s blocked too).

You’ll also want to get an eSim before arrival to access the internet. You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

5. Get the Subway, avoid Taxis

The best way to get around Beijing is using the metro. Taxi drivers don’t speak English, which can make getting around difficult since you will need to show them an address in Chinese characters (simplified Chinese, not Traditional!)

There are usually subway stations at most tourist attractions, it’s really cheap, and quite easy to navigate once you get the hand of it.

The subway also has ticket machines that can be translated into English, and all announcements are made in Mandarin and English.

6. Watch out for the tea scam!

Generally Chinese people are hospitable and welcoming of foreigners, but there are some who take advantage.

It’s quite common for tourists to became a victim of the “tea scam” which can dampen a trip.

If someone comes up to you and asks if you want to go for a “traditional Chinese tea” then move on.

They advertise it as a cultural experience, but what ends up happening is you go for tea, they order a bunch of stuff, and you end up paying for it. Sometimes it can rack up to $150 USD.

And they won’t let you go unless you pay it.

7. Be comfortable with lack of personal space

Beijing is overcrowded and busy at all times, so no matter what time of year you visit be prepared to be thrown into the crowds.

Space is a luxury in Beijing, so expect your accommodation to be small, and there to be loud noises everywhere you go.

Peak hour on the subway is madness! Try to avoid traveling on public transport at this time. Just wait in a lovely park for an hour or so until it calms down.

8. Wear masks

You may be wondering why people in Beijing wear masks, and it’s largely due to the air pollution.

Beijing has poor air quality most of the time due to smog, and while it won’t kill you, it may irritate your sinuses.

You can wear a mask to help with this. Hey, after COIVD we’re all used to this!

9. Make sure you try Peking Duck

Beijing is known for its regional cuisine such as crispy pork, Sichuan noodles, soup dumplings, and of course, peking duck.

As the birthplace of this iconic dish, Beijing offers the most authentic and flavorful experience.

Renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat, Peking duck is still made in a traditional way which involves roasting the duck until the skin turns golden and crispy.

Served with delicate pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce, every bite of Peking duck is a delightful explosion of taste.

10. Be prepared for the squatty potty

If you’ve traveled in Asia before, you may have come across the squat toilets in public toilets.

If you haven’t, you’re in for a real culture shock. These type of toilets are really common in China and it’s rare that they come with toilet paper.

Your hotel and some upscale restaurants may have a Western-style toilet, but I guarantee at some point you will encounter one of these.

Oh and ladies, take hand sanitizer with you.

11. Get your Visa Early!

Most countries need a visa to enter China, so be sure to get your visa well in advance as it can take a number of weeks to be approved.

The application process is quite in-depth, so be sure to fill in the paperwork correctly.

12. Get WeChat

The Chinese use WeChat for everything, from booking tables in a restaurant to paying for groceries.

In most places, you can pay for things with your credit or debit card, but in some places you may find that they only accept WeChat Pay.

The downside to WeChat is you need two current WeChat users to verify your account. If you don’t know anyone in China, ask your hotel reception to help you set it up.

Once you’re on WeChat, you will find traveling in Beijing is much easier.

13. Take out Small Amounts of Cash

Don’t bother with currency exchange places, as they often rip you off with poor exchange rates.

Take out a small amount of cash from ATMs and use your card for most purchases. Most places accept card, so cash isn’t really needed.

If you have a travel credit card, this should work out the cheapest way of paying for things.

14. Don’t Tip

China is one of those countries where tipping is seen as offensive, rude and embarrassing.

The only service in which you might want to tip is if you have a tour guide, but they will usually say they if accept tips to avoid any embarrassment.

Where to stay in Beijing

• For sightseers, the area east of the Forbidden City is full of cheap accommodation.
• For hostels, there’s the well located YHA Peking International Youth Hostel.
• For a budget hotel, friends have enjoyed the modern Hotel Kapok, again right next to the Forbidden City.
• A couple of blocks east you come to Wangfujing where the high-end hotels are clustered.
• The Mandarin Oriental is a personal favourite, and towers over DongHuaMen night market (due to reopen n 2016). Alternatively, look for a family-run traditional courtyard hotel in the same area.
• If you’re going to be spending every night in the bars, it would be more convenient to be over by Sanlitun, where you’ll find most of the expats and backpackers hanging out in Bar Street.

For more places to stay in Beijing choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses using the map below.

Final Thoughts

China is a bucket list destination for many people, especially those looking to get a rich and immersive cultural experience.

While Beijing is big, crowded, and chaotic, it’s also a cultural gem and one of the best travel experiences you can have.

We hope this guide to useful tips to know before visiting Beijing was useful to you.

Of course, you can find so much more in your Lonely Planet Guidebooks and I highly recommend you befriend a local to show you around.

If you need more tips or advice, feel free to reach out to us in the comments!

More China Travel Tips

Need more tips for visiting China? Check out these other guides…

• What to Do in Beijing
• Things to Do in Shanghai
• Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside China
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China
• Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China
• 2 Week China Itinerary – Unmissable Places to Visit in China
• Incredible Things to do in Hong Kong

Named after a legend hunter who once fled a tiger by jumping the narrowest point of the gorge to the other side, the gorge is famed for its narrow, craggy rock surface which often has snow-capped peaks in the winter and lush greenery in the spring.

The mountains on either side of the Tiger Leaping Gorge reach over 5,000 meters at their highest point, looking down over the Yangtzee River running through it.

The dramatic scenery and the relaxed hiking trail through the rural villages, home to the Naxi minority people, make this a very enjoyable travel adventure to have in China.

But if you’re not sure what to expect or how to complete this 2 day hike, then keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike.

About Hiking The Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike

The trail starts at Qiaotou, a small town in the western Yongjia County of southern Zhejiang, in the Yunnan province of China.

The hike is a multi-day hike that spans for 22km and has an elevation gain of 1,980 meters.

Most people complete the hike in 2 days, but we recommend you spread it over five days to allow for a more relaxed hiking experience and to spend more time at the villages meeting with the locals and enjoying the scenery.

The ending point is where the high and low road meet at Tina’s guest house, Walnut Garden.

We recommend walking the upper trail and taking it as slow as you can. The trail passes along the border of the town of Shangri-La, as well as overlooks the serene Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Jinsha river.

We met plenty of hikers that race through the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail in a day, and we don’t know how they would have managed to enjoy or appreciate the experience.

The high trail is easily accessible, with clearly marked signs, and clean and friendly lodges to rest at along the way.

There is a small fee to enter the gorge at ¥45 pp ($0.30 USD) and you will also need to carry cash with you to pay for guesthouses and food as there are no ATMs along the hike.

The hike is well marked with signs along the way letting you know distances to each place.

Day 1 Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

The trail begins with a slightly uphill track through villages and farms taking you up to the edge of the mountains with splendid views of the muddy Yangtzee river below.

The weather was wet so we had to take extra care with the muddy narrow tracks.

As we began the hike in the evening and we weren’t pushed for time, we only trekked for 1.5 hours before we reached our first sleeping place the Naxi guesthouse.

The Naxis are a Chinese minority group and can be identified by their royal blue and white outfits. The Naxi guesthouse is a popular resting place for travelers hiking the Tiger leaping Gorge trail.

There were about 10 other travelers there and we had a relaxing evening talking over a delicious dinner and then retiring to a $5 room overlooking the central courtyard.

Day 2 Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

As it was Craig’s birthday, we decided to have a sleep in and hike for only 3 hours to the next guesthouse.

The bad weather had cleared, and although the first hour was difficult with a 3,000m summit hike, the view as the clouds cleared to reveal the jagged mountain tops opposite made it all worthwhile.

The walk then leveled out through pine forests, past waterfalls and snaking along the cliff edge for spectacular views.

We found another guesthouse along the way where we stopped for spicy cucumber salad, Naxi bread (to die for) and rejuvenating green tea.

After our energy had been restored we made it over the 28 hairpin turns up the gorge, the most difficult part to the trek, which involved steep trails and climbing using the rocks and roots of trees to help.

The outstanding views made it all worthwhile. We had heard a lot of talk before going on the trek about it being quite dangerous and difficult. We didn’t find it to be this bad but you certainly want to be of reasonable fitness to do the hike.

The trail can be very narrow and slippery at times with lots of switchbacks, so you do have to be extra vigilant with each step, especially in wet weather.

The Halfway Guesthouse was the perfect place for us to collapse after the 28 bends, the infamous switchbacks on the hike and the only portion of the hike that’s particularly strenuous.

If you don’t want to hike this bit, you can rent a donkey to take you up.

This was one of those places you just stumble upon, stay there longer then you think and just remember it forever.

The Halfway Guesthouse sits above the clouds and is famous for its loo with a view, which has been featured on several documentaries.

You truly could not do your business in a more picturesque spot, even I wanted to do the manly thing and hang around in the toilet for longer than was necessary.

What we remember most about it though is the eccentric owner Frankie. He entertained his international guests with his unique technique for catching the ever present and annoying flies.

Frankie. with amazing speed and dexterity, would catch the fly in one hand and then slam it down on the quartz table to finish it off. If this didn’t work Frankie would drop a can on top of the stunned fly to squash it.

That evening was spent drinking several beers with other Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers to celebrate Craig’s birthday.

Frankie even brought out a special birthday pancake with peanuts cooked inside for Craig and shots of rice wine made their way into the celebration.

The bar was a place we did not want to leave as it sat on the edge of the mountain with spectacular views of the gorge below.

The guest house itself had bright and airy rooms with views and we splurged out with a wooden framed bungalow with private bathrooms.

Day 3 Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

We loved The Halfway Guesthouse so much we stayed an extra night and spent our spare day hiking around the area.

It was here, as we were coming back down from the mountain, that I learned how treacherous the path could be in the rain. I slipped on a rock and slammed down very hard, corking my butt on the corner of the rock. I had a quite the souvenir bruise from it.

Taking a walk in the soft evening light that evening was a magical time to take in the serenity and beauty of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek and helped to take my mind of my aching butt.

Day 4 Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

From the Halfway Guesthouse it was only a half hour steep walk through and under waterfalls and fields to the road below.

From here you can walk down to the middle rapids and see the stone from where the mythical tiger leapt across the gorge, which is how the gorge got its name.

The rapids were raging – the wildest water I’d ever seen. It was thrilling being so close to it and experiencing the awesome power of water.

Getting down and back up from the middle rapids involves a really steep climb. 20 m high vertical ladders on the cliff face help you to get back out.

Take the climb really slow and whatever you do don’t look at the twigs that are hammered into the rock face holding the ladder up.

The climb out was scary and exhausting so we pulled up to the Tibetan Guesthouse for the evening.

It was a quiet place to stay with magnificent views from our room and also the toilet. We thoroughly enjoyed our sunset beers and dinner that evening.

Day 5 Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

The next day we decided to walk all the way back to Quiatou along the 21km low road. Crazy! Yes we know it. But we loved this area so much we wanted to experience as much of it as possible.

It was a pleasant walk and as we were closer to the river it gave us a much different perspective of the gorge.

Once we reached the upper rapids it wasn’t as enjoyable as you meet with thousands of Chinese tourists and their tour buses. The walk suddenly became noisy, busy, and dusty – very different to the high road.

We were exhausted as we neared the end of the 4 hour walk back. We picked up our luggage from where we left it, had a shower, and then hopped on the next bus to Lijiang Old Town.

Life for us is all about the memories, and hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge was an experience that we will never forget.

Tips for Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Before you go, be sure to follow these words of advice…

• Only take with you what you will need for the trek. There are guesthouses at the beginning of the trek where you can leave your luggage and carry just a day pack of supplies.
• There are plenty of guesthouses along the way for food so you only need to take with you only bottles of water and snacks.
• Wear good hiking shoes.
• Try not to go when the weather is bad. Take care on the narrow trails, especially those that run close to the edge.
• Carry first aid supplies for blisters, altitude sickness and any other medications you need. Note that there are no hospitals along the trail.
• It’s a good idea to bring hiking poles.
• Carry plenty of yuan. There’s no ATM on the route, so be sure to have enough cash to pay your entrance fee to the gorge and for guesthouses and food on the way.

Getting To and From Tiger Leaping Gorge

You can get buses from Lijiang (2 hrs) or Zhongdian. From the middle rapids you can get taxis back instead of walking as we did.

The closest airport to the Tiger Leaping Gorge is Kunming, where you can get a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Lijiang every hour, which takes four hours.

Check that the roads will be passable for your return journey and arrange for a pick up from Walnut Garden before you leave on your trek or phone Jane’s Guesthouse on the trail.

Cost for a 6 car van is approx 150 RMB.

Where to Stay on The Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike

Below are the guesthouses we stayed at along the way:

• Naxi Family Guesthouse
• Tea Horse Guesthouse
• Halfway Guesthouse
• Tina’s Guesthouse
• Sean’s Guest House
• Woody’s Rooms

Guesthouses range in price and comfort, but for budgeting purposes we recommend you allow ¥150-¥200 per night for accommodation and some food.

You will find mostly guesthouses which double up as restaurants, and the occasional hostel with dorms. Most guesthouses offer private double and twin rooms, but you may need to share a bathroom.

You don’t need to book guesthouses in advance and many of them are not on booking platforms, but if you want to be prepared you can find guesthouses via our booking partner, Booking.com.

Best Time To Do The Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike

The best time of year to do the hike is in Spring (April and May) when the weather is warm and the meadows are in bloom.

There is no prettier sight than seeing the ray of sunshine over the mountains and canyons, and sparkling off the dew-wet grass in the morning.

Another great time to do the hike is in October, just after the rainy season and before the winter, when there are fewer crowds.

June to September is the rainy season and is not the best time to do the hike.

You can get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

More China Travel Guides

Need more inspiration for your trip to China? Here are some other helpful guides.

• Tips for First Time Visitors to Beijing
• What to Do in Beijing
• Things to Do in Shanghai
• Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside China
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• Essential Things to know before visiting China
• 2 Week Itinerary Guide for China

No seriously, they did base Avatar on Zhangjiajie.

These days, more and more tourists from around the world want to visit China to experience the thrill of this ancient country and to tap into its rich history, and perhaps catch a glimpse of its bright future.

While modernization has meant that many western amenities are now available, it’s not exactly designed for western visitors.

Those who visit without knowing the major tips for travelers to China will find their experience to be a long list of troubles and catastrophes. In many cities, the English level of the locals isn’t great, so there won’t be anyone to help you out on the ground.

To make sure you don’t face any unwanted obstacles and hurdles that might catch the unprepared unaware, we’ve prepared this China travel guide to things to know before you visit China.

After two and a half years living and working in China, plus being able to travel the country extensively, I’ve pretty much made every mistake so you don’t have to.

Things to Know Before You Visit China

In this guide, I’ve compiled some top tips for going to China that I wish I’d had before I got there.

Hopefully, these will help you discover what a wonderfully challenging and beautiful country this is.

1. Cash is preferred

Although more and more businesses (particularly large hotel chains and upscale restaurants) now accept Visa and Mastercard, the most widely accepted card scheme is UnionPay.

However, for the most part, when you are traveling in China you’ll need to pay with cash!

2. China recognizes only one currency – its own

The official currency of China is the yuan, otherwise known as RMB or colloquially as ‘quai’.

Notes are available for 1RMB, 10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB, and 100RMB. There are also 1RMB coins available, as well as smaller fractions of known as ‘Mao’ for the Chinese leader who adorns them.

Chinese businesses do not accept any other currency, including the US dollar or Hong Kong dollar.

3. Exchange currency at ATMs in China

While many Chinese banks do not accept foreign cards, larger chains such as HSBC can be used to withdraw local currency from foreign bank accounts. This usually offers a far better exchange rate than services such as Travelex.

International ATMs are available in all major cities but may be harder to find in less tourist friendly areas.

4. Don’t forget to tell your bank you’re visiting China

Before you go to China, make sure your bank knows you’re going to be using your credit or debit card over there. You don’t want your card being canceled mid-trip for unusual transactions.

5. Prepare for Language Barriers (Especially in Banks)

If you need to do your banking face to face, you may need to bring a local to help translate.

Chinese people don’t often speak very good English, and their grammar is different to English, so simply using Google Translate or another translation app isn’t going to work for important things.

Very few bank employees will have sufficient English to help you, although in larger cities such as Beijing or Shanghai should have an English speaker on staff.

6. Don’t tip in China

The Chinese do not tip, and you aren’t expected to either.

7. Use your haggling skills

Outside of chain stores and boutiques, it’s totally possible to practice your haggling skills. Never accept the marked price or first price offered.

With shrewd negotiation, it’s possible to get souvenirs and such for a fraction of the quoted price.

8. Visas for China

One of the most important things to know when traveling to China is that they do not offer visas on arrival. So before you travel to China you’ll need to arrange your visa well in advance!

When applying for a tourist visa, you’ll need to provide either a letter of invitation from a Chinese friend or relative, or provide a detailed itinerary of your intended trip. This includes return flights and confirmed reservations for your hotel bookings.

Visas can be applied for in person at the Chinese consulate or can be ordered via post.

9. Booking hotels in China

If you want some flexibility with your itinerary, make use of sites that do not require an upfront payment to make bookings.

Booking.com has over 50,000 properties in China including hotels, apartments, and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms. And their book now, pay later at check-in system allows you to lock in that rate with some flexibility. Check current hotel prices.

Chinese sites such as C-Trip require no deposit to book accommodation, and you can cancel without penalty once your visa is approved.

10. Travel Insurance for China

While China is a very safe country with relatively low crime, it pays to be prepared. So one of my top China travel tips is don’t leave home without travel insurance!

If something unexpected does happen and you are not insured, you can be up for a lot of money AND inconvenience. For a small price to pay you get peace of mind – if you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel. 

For Americans, consider a big brand like Alliance Travel Insurance who are a world leader in the industry and trusted by millions (y TravelBlog are ambassadors).

11. Drinking water in China

One of the things NOT to do in China is drink the water.

For the most part, tap water in China is not drinkable. Bottled water can be purchased very cheaply at most restaurants and stores.

13. Pharmacies in China

Chinese pharmacies offer both western and eastern medicine at very reasonable prices. Prescription medication can usually be purchased without a prescription (within reason) by simply providing the pharmacist with your identification.

14. Finding a doctor in China

Chinese hospitals can be crowded and daunting, but most major cities also have specialized hospitals catering to foreigners living and working in the country.

Even in the crowded public hospitals, many doctors will speak English.

15. Coping with air pollution in China

Larger cities in China have serious problems with air pollution, particularly in Beijing. Many locals swear by masks on days with hazardous air pollution, but it is safer to avoid exertion on days with particularly bad pollution.

16. Bring toilet paper

One of the unusual things to know before going to China is that most Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. In fact, prepare yourself for the squat toilet, which if you haven’t seen before, is one of the biggest culture shocks!

Hotels and nicer restaurants, or even McDonalds (though not KFC), will have proper toilets with toilet paper available, but it’s always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper or a box of tissues!

17. Bring hand soap or hand sanitizer

Like toilet paper, hand soap is not standard in many Chinese bathrooms. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you just to be sure.

18. Get to the airport early

It is advisable to get to the airport three hours early for international flights to China and two hours early for domestic. Chinese airports can often be chaotic and overcrowded, so you’ll be grateful for that extra time.

19. Expect delays

In my two and a half years in China, I can count on one hand the number of flights that left on time. Be prepared to wait in the airport (or even on the plane) when flying from a Chinese airport.

20. Catching buses and trains in China

China is serviced by a fantastic network of buses and trains, including the high-speed G-Trains that can whisk you across the country in a matter of hours.

Rates are extremely affordable by western standards. Train stations are usually very modern and have high security.

You can buy train tickets from machines which will usually have the function to translate to English, but if not, you may need to use Google Translate (or another translater app if you don’t get a VPN) to help you communicate with the ticket officer.

21. Bring your passport when making a booking

You’ll need your passport when making a booking, and you can only book one ticket per passport.

22. Make use of local booking sites

Chinese booking sites such as C-Trip and eLong often offer better rates than western booking sites. Be sure to check both when planning your trip.

23. Driving in China

If this is your first trip to China, you’ll soon see that Chinese roads can be rather chaotic, so self-driving is really only recommended for the particularly brave!

24. Catching taxis in China

Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. Most taxi drivers will not speak English, so it’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.

25. Eating street food in China

Chinese street food is delicious and it is everywhere! When choosing which vendor to purchase from, check to see where the locals are dining.

If you see a queue, it’s likely to be a safer bet.

26. Spitting in China

The Chinese do not use handkerchiefs and tissues to clear their noses, and instead spit. While this can be a bit confronting when you first visit China, they’re similarly affronted when they see us blowing our noses and keeping it.

27. Personal space

China is a crowded place, and the locals have become accustomed to a much smaller personal space than we are accustomed to in the west.

Don’t be surprised if you’re jostled or shoved when queuing – it’s just part of Chinese culture.

28. Taking photos in China

The Chinese love to take photographs, and don’t be surprised if a local tries to snap a sneaky photo of you or even comes up to ask for a picture with you.

Like in most other countries, it always pays to ask permission before photographing a person or a government building.

Likewise, if someone takes a photo of you without your permission, try not to get too upset about it, they are just not used to seeing foreigners.

If you don’t want your photo taken, simply say “Bu Yao Pāi Zhào” which means “don’t take photos.” Or simply saying “Bu Yao” would be enough to show what you mean.

29. Mailing things home from China

With cheap prices and a huge variety of products, it can be easy to go over your luggage limit while shopping in China.

Thankfully, it is very affordable to post things home using China Post’s surface (sea) mail.

This can take one to two months but is a very affordable way to get your belongings home.

30. Beware of Chinese knock-offs

Shopping streets such as Nanjing Road in Shanghai are a great place to find a bargain, but be aware that knockoffs of prominent brands can be seized at the airport upon your return home.

31. Don’t be shy in restaurants

Chinese waiters and waitresses aren’t as proactive as you may be used to, so don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and call for the fuyian if you want service.

Also be aware that conventional western service is hard to come by. Don’t be surprised if your starter, main, and dessert all arrive at once while your friend still waits for their first dish.

32. Get a local SIM card in China

If you want to always have access to the internet, be sure to get a local sim card.

China’s major carriers include China Telecom and China Unicom. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or at most corner stores, and credit is quite affordable.

Most Chinese SIMs are locked to the province in which they are purchased, so you’ll pay roaming charges when texting, calling, or using data outside of this province.

Even then, the rate is far cheaper than international roaming.

You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.

33. Get a VPN for China

When you visit China keep in mind that its ‘Great Firewall’ blocks sites such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and most of the Google selection. That means no Gmail and no Google Maps.

If you want to access these while you’re visiting China, you’ll need to purchase a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Don’t worry, a VPN is totally legal and everyone does it.

When shopping for VPNs, check that they cover China – as many free options do not.

34. Download WeChat (Weixin)

China’s premier messaging app is Weixin (WeChat in English) and everybody you meet – expats and locals alike – will have it. You even use it to pay for things, book a table in a restaurant and order food.

Without it, you simply cannot function in China. You can download the free app for free, but you need to have at least two friends already set up to be able to create an account. You can always ask your hotel accommodation to help you with this, if you don’t know anyone in China.

Once you’re all set up, it’s a great way to keep in touch with locals you meet along the way who may not have social media.

Best Times to Visit China

The best time to visit China is during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).

These seasons offer comfortable weather and are considered tourism-friendly since they are not so overcrowded.

If you’re planning on visiting the countryside of China such as Yangshuo or the Karst Mountains, this time of year offers the perfect balance of mild temperatures and low rainfall.

Make sure you avoid Chinese New Year, which while is a huge cultural experience, it’s the busiest time of year and when the Chinese people from overseas return home to spend time with the family.

Most things are closed and the weather is cold since its always in January/February.

Chinese New Year may be a great time for locals but for tourists, it’s not the best time to visit China.

Final Thoughts

This is a massive country with a rich history, over thirty distinct cultural groups, and a huge variety of landscapes to explore – don’t limit yourself to the same few sites everybody else visits.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten track. While Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are worthy of their international fame, there is so much more to China than these cities and their cultural sites.

I hope my local insights and traveling to China tips help you have a memorable time.

More China Travel Tips

Need more tips for visiting China? Check out these other guides…

• What to Do in Beijing
• Things to Do in Shanghai
• Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside China
• Climbing the Great Wall of China
• Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China
• 2 Week China Itinerary – Unmissable Places to Visit in China
• Incredible Things to do in Hong Kong

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