Arriving in Guilin the afternoon before our journey to Yangshuo, I was craving serious relaxation after long, exciting and hot days exploring Beijing and Xi'an. BUT, I'll admit right now that I’d not …
Welcome to the world’s third largest and most populous country, a vast land of contrast, colour, culture and history. This guide includes posts from our experiences all over China.
China is so much more than the Great Wall, the bright lights of Shanghai and the wonders of the Terracotta Warriors (though you should definitely visit them while you’re in the country). The most rewarding way to experience China is to hire a private guide, explore the local markets and plan to see some of the things that package tours rarely offer.
“China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep. For when she wakes, she will move the world.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
Things to Do
Toboggan Down from the Great Wall: After a truly awe-inspiring walk along the Great Wall, make the same travel choice as Michelle Obama and take the 20-minute toboggan ride back down.
Discover Enchanting Ancient Gardens: Wander the UNESCO World Heritage gardens in Suzhou , enjoying the detailed planning that went into very aspect of their construction. Even if you’re not a fan of gardens, Suzhou is an unforgettable experience.
Marvel at the Karst Hills in Guilin: Enjoy this region with a Li River cruise, but don’t forget to explore the rich local history and fascinating local ethnic culture too.
Enjoy Champagne Brunch in Beijing: For a luxury treat, blow the budget and book a leisurely Sunday Champagne brunch in Beijing. The contrast between the frenetic streets and the massed crowds is exquisite and both the service and the food are without fault.
Cycle the City Wall in Xi’an: Hop on a bicycle and take in the sights of Xi’an from a lofty position on the Old City wall. The flat 14 km circuit is easy to navigate, and a totally unmissable experience. We recommend starting your tour of Old Xi’an with the cycle ride, before moving on to explore more Xi’an landmarks.
Learn Chinese Painting in Yangshuo: Take your foot off the gas for a few hours and settle in with a local art teacher to learn the serenely beautiful art of Chinese painting. Even the most raw of beginners will come away with work to be proud of.
Read the latest posts about China
2 Days in Old Xi’an City | Epic Things to Do in Xi’an
With world-famous must-see attractions to explore, Old Xi'an City is one of the most exciting cities to visit in China. This ancient capital of China is also one of the country's most popular tourist …
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Great Wall of China Tour [Visitors Cheat Sheet]
Most sites offering a Great Wall of China Tour fail to tell you anything how about how to get on or off the wall. It's all about the wall itself, nothing about the journey. This wasn't something we'd …
First China Vacation Hacks | 33 Tips For Visiting China
When the ex-husband's girlfriend invited me to go on a China vacation to celebrate her 50th birthday, of course, I said yes! Who better to travel halfway around the world with than the crazy lady my …
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Suzhou Garden Photos | Suzhou, The Venice of China
Located just a couple of hours outside of Shanghai, the serene and beautiful Unesco World Heritage gardens at Suzhou are a feast for the eyes. Two of the most beautiful are the Master of the Nets …
Garden of the Humble Administrator | Suzhou, China
The beautiful waterside city of Suzhou is a delight, a welcome antidote to the frenetic modern sprawl of Shanghai. Known as the "Venice of China" and famed for its gardens and silks, Suzhou is less …
7 Interesting Facts About China You Shouldn’t Believe
Summer Palace, Beijing, China I’m pretty well-travelled but the only interesting facts about China people shared with me before I visited were half-baked horror stories from expat colleagues. …
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Shaanxi History Museum | Highlights of Xi’an, China
When you visit the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an, you're taken on a journey through thousands of years of ancient Chinese history and culture. Regarded as "the pearl of ancient dynasties and house …
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Spicy Hot Pots in China! What An Experience!
Ever keen to try out authentic local food, it felt wrong not to have spicy hot pots while in China! What I knew before the experience was that hot pot or hotpot (also known as 'fire …
China Travel: Xi’an Landmarks to Visit for Free
Eastern charm and ancient history meet luxury and superb hotels in Xi’an. The vibrant markets that sell the freshest of tasty dishes to delight any foodie are the perfect place to relax after a trip …
Xi’an Report | Cycle the Old City Wall in Xi’an, China
When my travel buddy suggested going cycling on our trip to China, the day after visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the Shaanxi History Museum, I thought she’d lost the plot! I wasn’t looking …
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Visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi’an | China Highlights
“Thousands of ancient buried terracotta figures have been discovered in rural China, after lying untouched for two thousand years. Every figure is life-sized (175cm – 190cm tall) and all of them are …
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Save ££’s on Your China Travel Visa | Visiting China
After booking a trip to China, your next step is to sort out your China travel visa, and while it's not difficult to do, you will need to set time aside for this. You don't need to shell …
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8 Reasons To Hire a Private Tour Guide in China
China is the most incredible, rewarding, exhausting, mind-blowing and exhilarating country, it's also vast and quite different from the Western world. China is a thrilling country to visit, and you …