An Autumn Visit to Simatai and Gubei Water Town: Wall Walks and Warm Baths
Pair Simatai’s steep, weathered Great Wall with a slower visit to Gubei Water Town, choosing the walk, cableway and bathing arrangements to suit your day.
Travel topic
Slow travel
Fewer stops, deeper experiences and breathing room.
Curated reading
248 guides
Walking Jinci in Taiyuan: halls, springs and the stories between
Follow Jinci from its theatre stage to the Sage Mother Hall, ancient trees, spring channels, pagoda and Tang stele, with local legends kept in their proper place.
Suzhou’s Old Lanes and Gardens, with a Day at Lake Tai
Walk Tongdeli, Pingjiang Road and Shantang, compare four classical gardens, and leave a separate day for Mingyue Bay on Lake Tai.
Qingdao’s Cinema History: Old Theatres, Museums and Film Sets
Explore four sides of Qingdao’s film history, from the former sailors’ club and Butterfly House to a museum on the west coast and purpose-built street sets.
Visiting Dali’s Third Month Fair: Markets, Food and Bai Traditions
Understand Dali’s Sanyuejie fair, browse crafts and local food, and plan for crowds without confusing a historical 2019 programme with this year’s events.
Huanglongxi near Chengdu: Streamside Lanes, Tea and Local Food
Plan an easy outing to Huanglongxi, with the dragon-shaped watercourse, quieter lanes, riverside tea and Sichuan dishes worth looking for.
Eating Around Nanjing: Tangbao, Duck-Blood Soup and Eighteen Food Stops
Explore Nanjing through soup-filled tangbao, crisp beef dumplings, duck-blood vermicelli soup, rice cakes and sweet lotus-root porridge, with places to try them.
Eight Yangshuo Stays: Choosing Between Xingping, Moon Hill, the Yulong River and Town
Compare eight countryside-style stays around Yangshuo by their setting, rooms and food, from an island near Xingping to gardens beside the Yulong River.
A Hengqin Bay Weekend: Waterfront Views and a Hotel Stay
Pair a carefully checked bay-cruise option with a relaxed stay at Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel, leaving room for meals and family downtime.
Guishan Island: Coastal Walks, Maritime Stories and Seafood
A gentle introduction to Guishan in the Wanshan islands, with rocky shores, Mazu worship, village stays and ferry planning.
Eating around Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao: A Three-City Food Guide
Dim sum and milk tea in Hong Kong, oysters and local snacks in Zhuhai, then egg tarts and pork-chop buns in Macao.
A Yangzhou Hotel Near the Old Canal: Compact Rooms and Useful Shared Spaces
A closer look at the Heyi Zhishang experience branch for Yangzhou’s old canal and Dongguan Street, from its room layout to laundry, dining and family spaces.
A Courtyard-Style Hotel Base for a Stay in Zhouzhuang
A look at the courtyard setting and practical room design of Holiday Inn Express Suzhou Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, with details to check before booking.
Yangzhou Along the Water: Gardens, Old Ferries and the People Who Shaped the City
Follow Yangzhou’s canals through merchant gardens, printing history, temples and old ferry sites, with room for the city’s Muslim heritage and writers.
Two Days in Yangzhou: Morning Tea, Lake Bridges and Salt-Merchant Gardens
Spend two days around Slender West Lake and Geyuan, with Huaiyang breakfasts, rock gardens, local crafts and room for an evening by the water.
Water-Town Weekends near Shanghai and Beijing: Choosing a Base
Compare seven Jiangnan towns and two very different Beijing-area escapes, with an emphasis on what an overnight stay adds.
Jiangnan in Spring Rain: Water Towns and Lakes to Take Slowly
Choose between canal-side Zhouzhuang, Liangnong by Siming Lake, Xinye’s village lanes and the softer horizons of Jiangnan’s lakes.
Getting to Huanglong Island via Sijiao: Plan the Transfers
Understand the separate mainland ferry, road crossing on Sijiao and onward boat to Huanglong before arranging an island stay.
Three Days on Gouqi and Shengshan: Beaches, Cliffs and Fishing Villages
A relaxed route from Shanghai to Gouqi and Shengshan, with beach time, mussel-farm views, sunrise cliffs and Houtouwan’s green houses.
Three Days in Xishuangbanna: Canopy, Botanical Garden and Elephant Habitat
Give Wangtianshu, the Menglun botanical garden and Wild Elephant Valley a day each, with time in Jinghong for noodles, temples and the night market, plus practical accommodation choices.
Planning Putuoshan: Temples, Island Walks and the Ferry
Choose a one- or two-day route around Putuoshan’s temple areas, then check the sea crossing and local transport that make it possible.
Understanding Zhengzhou: Henan Museum and the History Beyond It
Begin with Henan Museum’s objects, then connect them with Shang-city remains, the Yellow River and the older commercial streets of Zhengzhou.
Eating in Zhenyuan: Morning Noodles, Rice Tofu and a Riverside Dinner
Build a day of food around noodles and fried rice cakes, sour-spicy rice tofu, soft tofu and an evening fish meal by the river.
Staying by the River in Zhenyuan: Bridges, Hills and Evening Lights
Explore the Wuyang River between Zhusheng Bridge and the newer bridge, then turn into old lanes or climb for a wider view.
Finding Your Bearings in Yubeng: Villages, Ice Lake and the Sacred Waterfall
Understand Upper and Lower Yubeng, the walks to Ice Lake and the Sacred Waterfall, and the more exposed Ninong exit before putting together a mountain journey.
A Quiet Weekend in Zhenyuan: River Lanes and a Forest Detour
Walk beside the Wuyang River, explore the old town’s uphill lanes and leave an afternoon for the pools and trees of Tiexi.
Shuguang Road, Changsha: Rice Noodles, Neighbourhood Kitchens and Coffee
Follow Shuguang Road from older residential lanes to noodle counters, Hunan cooking, coffee shops and small creative businesses.
A Winter Walk at Yanghu Wetland Park in Changsha
Reeds, waterside boardwalks and yellow leaves give this park west of the Xiang River a quieter winter character.
Daheishan Island: Coastal Cliffs and an Unhurried Overnight Stay
Choose a brief boat excursion for Longzhao Mountain or stay overnight for village walks, seafood and a slower island day.
Two Days in Changdao: Cliffs, Bays and Island Life
Choose between northern cliffs, southern headlands and a boat excursion, with practical ideas for ferries, guesthouses and seafood meals.
Xitang with Several Generations: A Gentle Route and Practical Choices
Plan a family visit to Xitang with a manageable canal route, a possible boat ride, quieter accommodation, ticket checks and legal parking arrangements, especially when older relatives and children travel together.
Using Changbaishan Wanda Resort as a Base: Skiing and Mountain Days
Decide whether a resort stay fits your Changbaishan trip, then separate hotel activities, ski time and excursions to Tianchi.
Daocheng and Yading: Seasons, Walking Routes and the Journey from Chengdu
Distinguish Daocheng town from Yading, compare the Pearl Lake and high-lake walks, choose a base and understand how the seasons change a western Sichuan road trip.
A Slow Weekend in Xitang: Canal Walks, Small Snacks and Lanterns
Spend a night in Xitang with time for canal walks, shrimp-and-egg snacks, qianshi cakes, sweet rice balls and lantern-lit lanes, plus sensible checks for accommodation, boats and admission.
Changdao Beyond a Beach Day: Cliffs, Island Villages and the Sea
Plan a Changdao stay around North and South Changshan, with Moon Bay, Jiuzhangya, Linhai, fishing villages and possible boat trips to smaller islands.
Yaoli and the Villages Behind Jingdezhen’s Porcelain
Follow the river through Yaoli, continue to Raonan’s kiln remains and water-powered workshops, and visit Gaoling to understand the materials behind Jingdezhen porcelain.
A Slow First Day in Xining: Noodles, City Streets and Kumbum
Leave room to arrive, eat and find your bearings in Xining before spending an unhurried afternoon at Kumbum Monastery.
Spring in Wuyuan with Children: Fields, Villages and Time to Stop
A relaxed family trip to Wuyuan, with a full day in Huangling, short village walks and practical choices about transport, food and where to stay.
Five Slow Days in Wuyishan: Tea, Kilns and Village Walks
Go beyond the main peaks with Jian tea bowls, Song-style whisked tea, old kilns, Baiyun Temple and a walk through Wufu.
From Zhangjiajie to Xijiang: A Route Through Xiangxi and Eastern Guizhou
Link Zhangjiajie with Furong, Fenghuang, Aizhai, Chadong, Zhenyuan and Xijiang, ending in Guiyang. A flexible route through mountain scenery and riverside towns.
A Wuxi Food Weekend: Huishan Breakfasts, Canal Walks and Local Dishes
Eat your way through Wuxi with silver-thread noodles, sweet soup dumplings, savoury tofu pudding and glazed ribs, leaving time for Huishan, Nanchan Temple and Liyuan.
Xishuangbanna Beyond the Checklist: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore
A practical Xishuangbanna overview: Jinghong or Ganlanba, botanical gardens and forest outings, night-market food, local transport and respectful participation in Dai celebrations.
A Rainy Stay in Xijiang: Hillside Lanes Beyond the Main Street
Two unhurried days in Xijiang can be spent on village lanes, river walks and the changing light over the timber houses.
A First Visit to Xijiang: Bridges, a Shared Meal and the Hillside View
Spend time beside Xijiang’s river, learn the meanings behind its covered bridges and watch the village lights from above.
Which Yantai Beach? From City Sands to Yangma Island and Changdao
Compare Yantai’s central beaches, the university waterfront, quieter eastern parks, Golden Beach, Yangma Island and Changdao’s pebble-lined Moon Bay.
Four Days in Xi’an: City Museums and Excursions East and West
A four-day framework for Xi’an, from the Stele Forest and pagodas to the Terracotta Army, Famen Temple and Qianling.
Three Days in Xi’an: Museums, City Walls and a Different Side of Town
A city-focused Xi’an plan combining the familiar pagodas and towers with Guangren Temple, Wuxing Street Church and Dahua 1935.
Spring Flowers by the Yulong River: A Yangshuo Side Trip
Look for spring rapeseed flowers near Xiatangzhai on the Yulong River, then combine a walk or cycle ride with Yangshuo’s river scenery and a longer Guilin visit.
Wuhan Between Meals: Jianghan Road, Optics Valley and a Famous Tower
A few contrasting Wuhan outings: Yellow Crane Tower for a first visit, Jianghan Road for an easy walk, Optics Valley for its student crowd and neighbourhood snack streets.
Wuyishan from Morning to Night: River, Temples and Rock Tea
Build your own Wuyishan day around the Jiuqu River, old temples, a tea-valley walk and the local dishes of northern Fujian.
Cherry Blossoms at Yuantouzhu: A Spring Guide to Wuxi's Lake Tai Peninsula
A practical guide to cherry season at Yuantouzhu in Wuxi: bloom stages, the garden and lakeside viewpoints worth the walk, evening viewing, transport and where to eat by the water.
Wuzhen: Xizha’s Canal Lanes and Wucun’s Village Life
A practical guide to Wuzhen’s Xizha water town and nearby Wucun, with canal mornings, bridge lanes, farm tasks and Jiangnan food.
Tanjia Qixiang: A Design Village on Wuzhen's Edge
A design-led village hotel of 38 rooms on the edge of Wuzhen, with a restaurant open to non-residents, a café that turns whisky bar, a tea room, a book room and cycling routes into the surrounding villages.
Wuzhen and Wucun: A Water Town and Its Village Resort
A practical guide to staying in Wuzhen and at Wucun, the all-inclusive village resort beside the Grand Canal: themed rooms, local food, low-key activities and how to pair the two.
Weihai: A Practical Guide to Shandong's Coastal City
Liugong Island's naval history, sunrise at Chengshantou, seabird boats and seasonal seafood, plus where to stay and how to get around Weihai.
Huajiantang Tongli: A Heritage Stay in a Former Girls' School
A stay inside the former Lize Girls' School in Tongli, taking in the courtyards, rooms, tea and games room, and dining in the old auditorium, with notes on Tuisi Garden next door.
Tongli for First-Time Visitors: Gardens, a Lake Island and a Boat Ride
A guide to Tongli's Tuisi Garden, Pearl Tower, Luoxingzhou island, hand-rowed boats and Ink Tongli, with notes on pacing and checking current details.
Tianjin Baozi: Breakfast Beyond the Famous Name
How Tianjin's breakfast baozi are made, ordered and judged, plus the neighborhood shops where the city actually eats them.
Skiing and Staying Over at Jizhou International, Tianjin
A practical guide to the slopes, access, food and overnight options at Jizhou International Ski Resort in northern Tianjin, with seasonal notes and booking checks.
What Children Notice at a Tianjin Family Hotel
A practical look at family stays in Tianjin, using The Ritz-Carlton and its executive apartments as a case study, with the concession-era streets and garden walks nearby.
Tengchong's Ginkgo Village: A Late-Autumn Guide to Jiangdong
A practical guide to Jiangdong, the ginkgo village near Tengchong: when the leaves turn, how the settlement is laid out, and how to visit without rushing.
When Tengchong's Flights Fail: Baoshan and Mangshi as Back Doors
Tengchong's ridge-top airport closes in rain and low cloud. Baoshan and Mangshi give you a second way in, provided you leave a buffer day and confirm road transfers locally.
Tengchong's War Memorials: The China Expeditionary Force and the Salween Line
A guide to Tengchong's Dianxi Anti-Japanese War Memorial and Guoshang Cemetery, with the context needed to read them: the China Expeditionary Force, the Salween standoff and the 1944 counteroffensive.
Taiyuan's Table: Noodles, Buckwheat and Shanxi Vinegar
A practical guide to Taiyuan's noodles, buckwheat snacks, Jin dishes and breakfasts, with notes on vinegar, seabuckthorn and where to eat.
Jinci Temple in Taiyuan: A Guide to Shanxi's Founding Shrine
A guide to Jinci Temple in Taiyuan: Zhou-dynasty origins, a Northern Song Goddess Hall with life-size clay figures, ancient cypresses, springs and water-sharing legends.
Meili North Slope: An Eight-Day Trek from Yagong to the Yunnan-Tibet Pass
A five-day walk on the Meili North Slope from Yagong, with camps above 4,000m, the 5,200m Yunnan-Tibet pass and glacier views, set inside an eight-day Deqin itinerary.
Hulunbuir Routes: Grassland, Border Towns and Vehicle Advice
A practical guide to Hulunbuir's northern grassland loop, a longer route via Arxan, and choosing a car and driver for long distances across Inner Mongolia.
Pingtan Island: A Practical Guide to Fujian's Wind-Swept Coast
A practical guide to Pingtan Island near Fuzhou: getting there, when to go, the north and south coasts, stone villages, beaches, seafood and where to stay.
Fuzhou's Cangshan Old Houses: A Walking Guide to Yantai Mountain
A practical walking guide to the treaty-port houses of Fuzhou's Cangshan district, taking in the old Hwa Nan campus, Fuyuan Road, Park Road, Kangshanli, Machang Street and Fanchuanpu church, with notes on architecture and access.
Photographing the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou
Practical notes for photographing Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden: pavilions, water reflections, framed views, and the quieter corners worth slowing down for.
How to Read Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden
A guide to the layout, history and key pavilions of Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, with a walking route and notes for a calmer visit.
Crab Soup Dumplings Along the Lower Yangtze
Crab roe soup dumplings and crab xiaolong in Longpao, Jingjiang, Wuxi, Suzhou and Shanghai: what distinguishes each style, how to eat them, and where to start.
Suzhou in Colour: A Year of Temples, Lakes and Gardens
Where Suzhou's seasonal colour shows up: the New Year bell at Hanshan Temple, autumn crab on Yangcheng Lake, mandarins at Dongshan, ginkgo at Dinghui Temple, maples on Tianping Mountain and plum blossom at Xiangshan.
Shuhe as a Base: Getting Around Lijiang, Dali and Kunming
A practical guide to Yunnan's classic triangle, using Shuhe and Lijiang as northern bases, with notes on coaches, trains, mountain shuttles and the Erhai and Lugu lake loops.
Shuhe Old Town: A Quieter Corner of Lijiang
A guide to Shuhe, the old market town north-west of Lijiang that grew up around the Tea Horse Road: slower, lower-key and easier to read than Dayan's busy lanes.
A Practical Guide to Choosing a Three Gorges Cruise
A practical guide to route direction, ship fleets, shore excursions, ports and seasons on the Yangtze, with advice for an unhurried Three Gorges cruise.
Xiling Gorge: A Practical Guide to the Longest of the Three Gorges
The Xiling Gorge runs about 76 kilometers along the Yangtze. Here is how to read its broken geography and plan a visit around Qu Yuan's hometown, the Three Gorges Dam, and the quieter valleys near Yichang.
Winter in Shennongjia: Snow, Skiing and the High Wetlands
A winter guide to Shennongjia's high snow country: Shennongding, the frozen Dajiuhu wetland, backcountry routes around Laojunshan, three ski areas, and practical bases at Muyu and Pingqian.
Dajiuhu Wetland: Two Days on Shennongjia's High Plateau
A two-day guide to Dajiuhu in Shennongjia: shuttle access from Pingqian, dawn mist, alpine meadows, wildlife, lodging and seasonal conditions.
A Rainy Afternoon at Shenzhen's Ancient Art Museum
A practical route through Shenzhen's Ancient Art Museum, with directions, a gallery-by-gallery loop, and what to see in the bed, seal, bronze and ceramic collections.
Shenzhen's Quiet Corners: Four Courtyard Cafes and Restaurants
Four low-key cafe and restaurant stops in Bao'an and Nanshan, from a silent upstairs reading room to a flower-filled garden in Shekou.
Five Road Trips from Shenzhen for Readers, Film Fans and Coastal Wanderers
A theme-led guide to five drives from Shenzhen: Guangzhou bookshops and campuses, Chaoshan and Xiamen poetry, Kaiping film locations, Yangshuo limestone country and Zhuhai's coast.
Dasheng Hutong and the Shanghai Comfort Food That Stays With You
Fried pork chop, local borscht and red-yeast pork belly at Dasheng Hutong, a restaurant on Shaanxi North Road serving old Shanghai and Western-style dishes in generous portions.
Shanghai Snack Trail: Dumplings, Bakeries and Food Halls
A loose snack route through Shanghai, with soup dumplings on Huanghe Road, spring qingtuan, food-hall egg tarts, Wukang Road bakeries and old-school cream cakes.
Shantou by the Plate: A Teochew Eating Guide
A practical guide to eating across Shantou, from old-town egg tarts and rice cakes to beef hot pot, dim sum, rice noodle rolls and late-night porridge.
Shantou's Coast: Six Beaches and Headlands
A guide to six coastal stops around Shantou, from Qing'ao Bay's crescent sand to Mayu Island's Mazu temple, with notes on swimming, access and sea safety.
Zhanglin Ancient Port: Red-Head Boats and the Chaoshan Diaspora
A walk through Zhanglin Ancient Port in Shantou's Chenghai District: the red-head boat trade, the old docks and riverbank, Xinxing Street, the temples, and Nanshengli with Qin Mu's former home.
Fujian Tulou: Choosing Among Seven Earthen-Building Villages
A practical guide to seven tulou clusters in Yongding, Nanjing and Hua'an: what each does well, where access is limited, and route combinations that don't turn into a day of driving.
Xiamen on Screen: A Film-Location Guide to the Older Streets
A film-led guide to Xiamen's older streets, island lanes, Jimei campuses, lakeside parks and coastal roads, with practical notes for independent walks.
Seda and Larung Gar: An Overland Guide to Sichuan's Monastic Valley
A practical and respectful guide to Seda and Larung Gar in western Sichuan, covering the overland route, monastic etiquette, altitude, weather and the region's cultural sites.
Donggar Monastery: A Quiet Guide to Seda's Nyingma Center
A guide to Donggar Monastery outside Seda: its Nyingma history, the Medicine Buddha Tower, festival dates, how to get there and how to behave once inside.
Where to Stay in Sanya: Coast by Coast, and Four Resorts
A practical guide to Sanya's beach districts and four high-end resorts, including Atlantis, The Sanya EDITION, Crowne Plaza Haitang Bay and The St. Regis Yalong Bay.
Two Days in Haitang Bay: Island, Hot Springs and Seafood
A two-day guide to Haitang Bay, covering Wuzhizhou Island, Nantian hot springs, seafood at Haitang 68, duty-free shopping and Atlantis Sanya.
Renting a Car in Sanya with Children: A Practical Guide
When a rental car makes sense for families in Sanya, plus what to expect from toll-free highways, parking, booking, paperwork and costs.
Sanqingshan in the Mist: A Trail Guide to Fog, Cloud and Stone
Mist is normal on Sanqingshan, not a ruined day. A flexible two-day route through West Coast sunsets, Sunshine Coast cloud seas, named rocks and wet boardwalks.
A Seasonal Guide to the Flower Meadows of Ruoergai and Hongyuan
When the wildflower meadows of Ruoergai and Hongyuan bloom, how to reach them, and what to see nearby in northern Sichuan, plus highland travel advice.
Three Days on the Ruoergai Grassland
A three-day loop from Chengdu across the Ruoergai Grassland, with stops at Moon Bay, Hetai Hot Spring Valley and Songpinggou, plus notes on altitude, weather and driving.
Ruoergai Grasslands and Heta Hot Spring Valley: A Three-Day Plateau Loop
A three-day loop through the Ruoergai grasslands, Flower Lake, Heta Hot Spring Valley, Hongyuan and Songpinggou, with notes on altitude, driving times and what to check before you go.
Three Days in Rizhao: Seafront, Tidepools and Fishing Villages
A three-day route through Rizhao's urban seafront, its northern fishing villages and the reef at low tide, with notes on tides, transport, rooms and seafood.
Rizhao's Coast in a Few Days: Six Practical Stops
Where to swim, tidepool, eat and wait out bad weather on Rizhao's coast, with notes on crowds, fees and safety.
Rizhao on a Budget: Public Beaches, Tide Pools and Seafront Walks
A practical guide to Rizhao's public beaches, tide-pooling villages, seafront landmarks and evening food street, with tips on eating and staying without overpaying.
Quanzhou in Five Days: Temples, Bridges and the Old Port City
A five-day walking itinerary through Quanzhou's old city, its multi-faith monuments, maritime museums and outlying stone bridge and coastal villages.
Quanzhou: A Practical Guide to the Old Port City
How to read Quanzhou through its old streets, temples, maritime history, Minnan food and easy coastal excursions.
What to Eat in Qinghai: Noodles, Breads and Xining Food Streets
A practical guide to Qinghai's everyday noodles, breads, yogurt and lamb, plus two central Xining food streets worth planning a day around.
Qingdao After Dark: A Guide to the City's Night Markets
Taidong, Licun, Lujiazhuang and the High-tech Zone run different kinds of night market: neon snack streets, metro-side grazing strips and a 600-stall food market in Chengyang.
Xiandao: A Seafood-Led Japanese Table in Qingdao
Xiandao Shangshan Cuisine on Taiwan Road lets Qingdao diners build a long Japanese meal around bluefin tuna, lobster, sea urchin, oysters and grilled dishes.
Qinhuangdao in Four or Five Days: A Beidaihe-Based Itinerary
A four- or five-day plan for Qinhuangdao with Beidaihe as a base, covering Shanhaiguan's Great Wall sites, the resort beaches, birdwatching at Pigeon Nest, the old wharf and the Gold Coast.
Chasing the Sea: Foraging Qinhuangdao's Tidal Flats
How to read the tides, choose a stretch of shoreline, gear up, and look for clams, oysters, razor clams, crabs and starfish on Qinhuangdao's tidal flats.
Aranya in Winter: Sea and Architecture on the Qinhuangdao Coast
A slow guide to Aranya's Lonely Library, seaside chapel, dune museum and restaurants, with practical notes for a quiet winter visit from Beijing.
Xianluo Island's Sea Cable Car: A Slow Crossing Off Nandaihe
The sea cable car to Xianluo Island crosses low over the water off Nandaihe, with practical notes and coastal stops in Nandaihe, Beidaihe and Aranya.
Qiandongnan: Miao and Dong Country in Guizhou
A practical guide to Qiandongnan's Miao villages, Dong drum towers, terraced valleys, river towns and sour-soup cooking, with notes on pacing and checking local details.
Qilian Mountains: Grassland, Red Rock and Silk Road Remains in Qinghai
A practical guide to the Qinghai side of the Qilian Mountains, including Zhuor'er Mountain, Qilian County, E'bao's Silk Road walls, driving notes and the closure of Bayi Glacier.
Qinghai and Qilian in Summer: A Cool-Weather Travel Guide
How summer works on the Qinghai plateau, from Xining and Qinghai Lake to Chaka and Qilian, with layering advice, warnings about snow on high passes and two- and three-day route ideas.
Inside Pingyao's Escort Agency Museums
Pingyao's escort agencies once moved silver, grain and letters across difficult roads. The city's agency museums explain the rules, coded speech and calculated caution behind that trade.
Pingyao Ancient City: Walls, Courtyards and the Roots of Chinese Banking
Exchange houses, yamen courtyards, city-wall views, Jinzhong food and ticket advice for Pingyao's walled old town.
Pingyao County Yamen: A Guide to the Old Government Office
A guide to Pingyao's county yamen, from the main court and six offices to the jail, shrines and magistrate's quarters, with a route through the compound.
Penglai: Six Coastal Sites of Myth and Maritime History
A practical circuit through Penglai Pavilion, Sanxian Mountain, the Eight Immortals area, Tianheng Mountain, the aquarium and the old naval Water City, with notes on pacing and sea views.
Penglai with Children: Myths, Coast and a Theatrical Resort Base
A few days in Penglai with children: a castle-themed hotel base, a beach you can walk to, landscaped sites built around local legend, and the practical checks that matter before you go.
Nanxun's Plum Blossom Dumpling: A Sweet Rice Cake With a Story
Meihua jiao, Nanxun's flower-shaped rice cake: the Qianlong legend behind it, how it is cooked in a welled griddle, and where to look for one in the old town.
Nanxun in Spring: Canal Greens, Tea and Blossom Weather
A seasonal guide to Nanxun's old water town in spring, from xiuhuajin greens and spring bamboo shoots to tea by the canal and rain on the bridges.
A Night in Nanjing Along the Qinhuai River
An evening walk through Old Mendong, Taoyedu and Bailuzhou Park: small snacks, quiet riverbanks and a late pot of tea in Nanjing.
Spring Flowers at Four Nanjing University Campuses
Where to see cherry blossoms and mixed spring planting at four Nanjing campuses, with notes on timing, access and campus etiquette.
Nanchang: River Landmarks and Five Country Drives
City sights along the Gan River, plus five self-drive loops to old villages, forest parks, and lakefront stops within about two hours of Nanchang.
Wagan Soup: A Guide to Nanchang's Meat Patty Breakfast
How Nanchang's meat patty soup is made, why the wagan method matters, what goes into the jar, and where it sits beside the city's rice-noodle breakfasts.
Santa at the Edge of China: Mohe's Arctic Christmas Village
What you'll actually find at Mohe's Arctic Christmas Village: Santa appearances, a symbolic Arctic Circle marker and certificate, an Arctic-themed postmark, a 5.3-metre stocking, reindeer rides and winter lights.
Mohe in Winter: A Guide to China's Far North
A winter guide to Mohe in Heilongjiang: Arctic Village, Beihong, Longjiang First Bay, the Nine Bends wetlands, birch forest and Ewenki reindeer country, plus realistic advice for travelling in deep cold.
Winter in Mohe: A Practical Guide to China's Far North
How to plan a winter trip to Mohe: Beiji Village, Longjiang First Bay, the border at Wusuli Shoal, reindeer, Christmas Village and the food that keeps you going.
Luoyang Museum: A Quiet Record of an Ancient Capital
Luoyang Museum's ding-shaped building, its two-floor layout, and a collection split between local excavations and Palace Museum transfers, with notes for visiting.
Following Laozi Through Luoyang: Museum, Pass and Mountain
Where to find Laozi's legacy around Luoyang: a free memorial hall in the old town, Hangu Pass and the Confucius meeting site, and the trails and inns of Laojun Mountain.
Luoyang's Heluo Heartland: A Guide to Longma Foutu Temple
A guide to the Heluo region around Luoyang, its Hetu and Luoshu traditions, and the steles and riverside setting of Longma Foutu Temple.
Lugu Lake Without the 'Kingdom of Women' Label
A practical guide to Lugu Lake on the Yunnan–Sichuan border: Mosuo villages, boat trips, Caohai marsh, autumn colour and how to visit without turning a living culture into a spectacle.
Lugu Lake: A Travel Guide to the Mosuo Daughter Kingdom
A guide to Lugu Lake's Mosuo communities, mountain water, grass wetlands, traditional boats and sunset viewpoints, with notes on travelling responsibly.
Lugu Lake: A Practical Guide to Villages, Boats and Mosuo Culture
Notes on villages, road transport, canoe crossings, Mosuo food and the scenery around Lugu Lake, for travellers planning several nights rather than a quick circuit.
Lushan in Four to Six Days: Lakes, Peaks and Villas
A four-to-six-day Lushan itinerary: the western lakes and caves, the eastern peaks and villas, Guling town, and an optional sixth day at Nuona Pagoda, with notes on shuttle logistics and mountain weather.
Lushan Without the Guesswork: Transport, Lodging and Trail Tips
A practical guide to reaching Guling, using Lushan's scenic shuttles, finding rooms, handling tickets and pacing the steep walk at Sandiequan.
Lushan: Villas, Politics and Memory on a Chinese Mountain
A guide to Guling, Lushan's mountain town, and the villas, academies, temples and wartime sites that surround it.
Nyingchi: A Softer First Stop in Tibet
A practical, landscape-led guide to Nyingchi in southeastern Tibet, covering the Yarlung Tsangpo gorge, Namcha Barwa, Milin, village stays around Lunang and what the roads demand.
Peach Blossoms Under the Snow Peaks: Spring in Nyingchi
A practical guide to spring in Nyingchi, Tibet: when the wild peach blossoms open, where to see them against snow peaks and canyons, and how to shape a short itinerary.
Libo: A Practical Guide to Xiaoqikong, Daqikong and Duyun
How to see Libo's karst scenery, including the Seven Small Arches, the boats on Yuanyang Lake, Daqikong's gorge, Duyun's film locations and where to eat beef rice noodles.
Duyun and Dushan: A Food-Led Guide to Qiannan
A practical guide to eating and walking in Duyun and Dushan, southern Guizhou: a compact old quarter, a Qin-Han film set, and the fermented three sours of Dushan.
Eating Through Lijiang: Ten Restaurants for Naxi and Yunnan Flavours
Ten Lijiang restaurants for Naxi courtyard cooking, Yunnan minority dishes, local salmon, fried rice, sour fish and noodles, with notes on where each fits.
Lanzhou's Century-Old Iron Bridge Over the Yellow River
Lanzhou's 1909 iron bridge over the Yellow River is still a working crossing. Walk the deck, follow the bank below it, and climb White Pagoda Mountain for the view back.
Lanzhou Snack Streets Beyond Zhengning Road
Zhengning Road draws the crowds, but Lanzhou's evening eating spreads out to Jiuquan Road, Minzu Jinjie and the Yuquan Shanzhuang food hall near Zhongshan Bridge. What to expect at each, and how to order.
Lhasa Travel Portraits: Where to Shoot and How to Prepare
What a Tibetan-dress portrait session in Lhasa involves, where to shoot around the Potala and Jokhang, and how to prepare without getting in worshippers' way.
Five Festivals That Shape Lhasa’s Year
Losar, Shoton, Lhabab Duchen, the Linka Festival and Ganden Ngamchoe, with context on what happens and how to plan around shifting Tibetan calendar dates.
Jiuzhaigou: Lakes, Waterfalls and Tibetan Villages
A practical guide to Jiuzhaigou's three valleys, its seasonal water and forest, the Tibetan villages inside the reserve, and how to pair it with Huanglong, Songpan and Chengdu.
Jiuzhaigou in Winter: Snow, Blue Lakes and Frozen Falls
A winter guide to Jiuzhaigou: snow on the boardwalks, blue lakes ringed with ice, the frozen curtain of Nuo Ri Lang falls, and practical notes on walking the valley in cold weather.
Jingdezhen: A Guide to the Ceramics City
A practical guide to Jingdezhen's ceramics: university campuses, city museums, markets, Sanbao studios and the kiln villages of Fuliang County.
Jingdezhen in Clay: Markets, Old Kilns and Working Studios
Where to look at ceramics in Jingdezhen: the Le Tian market, the shops along Xinchang East Road, the derelict old ceramic factory, and the working workshops at the Ancient Kiln museum.
Baotu Spring Park: A Guide to Jinan's Number One Spring
What to see at Baotu Spring Park in Jinan, how the gates and buses work, who gets ticket concessions, and which nearby sights pair well with a visit.
Seven Jinan Snacks Worth Seeking Out
A guide to Jinan's everyday foods: spiral scallion pastries, savory tianmo porridge, sesame noodles, braised pork rice, pot-stick dumplings, old tofu and lotus-leaf baozi.
Xiuning: A Slow Loop Through Huangshan's Zhuangyuan Country
A guide to Xiuning in Huangshan: examination heritage in Haiyang, Qiyun Mountain's inscriptions, old Wan'an, tea villages and ancient groves.
Camping and Stargazing in Huangshan District
Where to camp around Taiping Lake and the hills of Huangshan District, from lakeside lawns and RV parks to groves, village sites and hotel grounds.
Where to Stay for Huangguoshu: City, Scenic Area, or a Nearby Village
Choosing a base for Huangguoshu: Anshun's food streets, hotels by the scenic-area gate, and design-led guesthouses in the villages and on the cliffs above the Baling River.
Huangguoshu Waterfall: A Guide to Guizhou's Karst Landscape
A guide to Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou, covering the main fall, Tianxingqiao and the village of Huashishao, with notes on planning and on checking current details before you go.
Eating Through Hulunbuir: Milk Tea, Lamb, Russian Dishes and Local Tables
Where to eat in Hulunbuir and Hailar: Mongolian pot tea and Buryat buns, plain-broth lamb hotpot, Russian baking in Manzhouli, northeastern bone pots, steak pot and late-night skewers, plus what to buy for the trip home.
Hulunbuir for First-Timers: Grassland, Forest and Border Country
A first trip to Hulunbuir starts in Hailar. Choose the southern grassland and Manzhouli or the northern forest and border villages, then allow for long drives and seasonal weather.
A Spring Photography Day in Hangzhou: Tea Hills, Bamboo and West Lake
A one-day spring route through Longjing tea terraces, Fayun, Meijiawu, Yunqi Bamboo Path and West Lake, with notes on access and timing.
A Snack Guide to Hangzhou's Old Streets
Where to eat around Drum Tower, Hefang Street and Gaoyin Street: lamb skewers, fried ribs, stinky tofu, zongzi, ding sheng gao and salty soy milk, with notes on what to order and how to pace the walk.
Eight Autumn Routes in Jiangsu and Zhejiang: Ginkgo, Maples and Wetlands
A day-trip guide to eight autumn routes around Hangzhou, Nanjing, Huzhou and Shaoxing, with persimmon-lined wetlands, ginkgo villages and old mountain paths.
Hulunbuir in Summer: Grassland, Wetland and Forest Beyond Hailar
A practical guide to summer in Hulunbuir: the Moriger River, Erguna Wetland, Lake Hulun, Manzhouli and the forests around Moerdaoga, with route ideas and travel notes.
Hulunbuir by Air, RV and Lake
A route through Hulunbuir using a light aircraft, an RV night near the Moergele River and a boat on Hulun Lake.
Haikou for a Weekend: Sea Wind, Arcades and Hainan Flavors
A weekend in Hainan's capital: bay-side apartments, the arcades of Qilou Old Street, sour fish broth and canteen lunches, rooftop evenings and the long crescent of Holiday Beach.
Feng Xiaogang Movie Town: Photographing Haikou's Republican-Era Streets
How to visit Feng Xiaogang Movie Town in Haikou: the 1942, Old Beijing and Nanyang streets, ticket options, transport, and photographing the period setting without the crowds.
Haikou and Wenchang: A Quieter Coast on Hainan's East Side
A practical guide to Qishui Bay, Tongguling, Stone Park, Dongjiao Coconut Forest, Haikou's film streets and volcanic park, with notes on getting around.
Guilin and Yangshuo: A Practical Guide to the Li River Landscape
A practical guide to Guilin and Yangshuo: Li River cruises, Yulong River rafts, cycling the Ten-Mile Gallery, where to base yourself, and what to eat.
Eating Through Guilin, Yangshuo and the Longji Terraces
Rice noodles mixed dry and finished with broth, beer fish in Yangshuo, bamboo-tube rice and cured pork on the Longji slopes, farmhouse cooking near Gudong: where and how to eat across the region.
Guilin’s Two Rivers and Four Lakes: Boats, Walks and Night Views
Boat and walking routes through central Guilin’s linked rivers and lakes, with the landmarks, night views and practical choices explained.
Luoping's Spring Rapeseed Fields: A Guide to Peaks, Terraces and Waterfalls
A seasonal guide to Luoping's rapeseed fields in eastern Yunnan, covering Jinji Peak Cluster, Niujie's spiral terraces, Jiulong waterfalls and practical spring travel notes.
Luoping's Rapeseed Bloom: Fields, Villages and Waterfalls
Luoping in eastern Yunnan fills with yellow rapeseed fields in late winter and early spring. A guide to timing, transport, the Jinji and Luositian viewpoints, Jiulong Waterfalls and Duoyi River, with food and itinerary notes.
Guangzhou After Dark: Late Food, River Bars and Dawn Markets
How to follow Guangzhou past midnight: seafood streets in Haizhu, riverside and Tianhe bar districts, the wholesale flower trade, the surviving dawn markets and morning tea at first light.
Guangzhou in 24 Hours: Tea Houses, Old Streets and River Lights
A day through Liwan's tea houses and antique warehouses, Shamian's concession streets, a Lingnan garden in Panyu, and the Pearl River after dark.
Walking Old Dongshan: A Guangzhou Neighbourhood Guide
A practical walking guide to old Dongshan in Guangzhou, taking in Xinhepu's garden houses, revolutionary sites, small art museums and a compact street route.
Two Days on Gulangyu: Walking the Island's Historic Lanes
A two-day walking route across Gulangyu, linking the Organ Museum, old villas, Shuzhuang Garden, Moonlight Rock and the food stalls of Longtou Road.
Gulangyu Beyond the Ferry Queue: Architecture, Gardens and Quiet Lanes
A practical guide to Gulangyu's ferries, historic villas, gardens and music museums, with routes through the quieter residential lanes and advice on pacing a day on foot.
Gulangyu for First-Time Visitors: Ferries, Villas and a Walking Route
A first visit to Gulangyu needs two plans: a ferry booking and a walking route. Here is how the piers work and where the old villas, lanes and gardens fit.
Gannan, Gansu: A Traveler's Guide to the Tibetan Plateau's Eastern Edge
How to plan a trip through Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: Labrang and Langmusi, grassland and wetland routes out of Lanzhou, festival timing, monastery etiquette and altitude.
A Festival Year in Gannan: Grassland Camps and Horse Races
A seasonal guide to Gannan's Tibetan festivals: summer grassland camps and arrow offerings, a winter prayer season, and horse racing on the Sangke grasslands.
Songkou Ancient Town: A River Port and Its Charitable Ferries
A guide to Songkou in Yongtai, Fuzhou: its river-port history, charitable ferries, the Crane-Shaped Road, old shopfronts and the quieter lanes and villages behind them.
Eating Old Fuzhou in Taijiang: A Street-by-Street Guide
A street-by-street guide to Taijiang's old Fuzhou food: beef soup, yuanxiao, peanut soup, rice rolls and old-style cakes.
How Many Days Should Fenghuang Ancient Town Get?
Fenghuang's old town fits into a day. A second day gets you into the Miao villages or out to the Aizhai Bridge; three or four days let you slow down.
Fenghuang Old Town: A Practical Guide
Practical advice for Fenghuang Old Town: seasonal timing, rail and air connections, the nine sights, shopping and photo negotiations, and Miao village etiquette.
Fenghuang on a Budget: Transport, Rooms, Food and Local Shopping
Practical advice for visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town cheaply: rail and coach connections, rooms in the lanes versus the river, where to eat, and how to buy ginger candy, cured pork and Miao silver without paying over the odds.
Winter Walking at Luyuanping, the Village Below Enshi's Cliffs
How to walk Luyuanping in winter: the one-day loop and two-day traverse, ice on the cliff walkway, village guesthouses, and what to check before setting out.
A Short Temple Stay at Baoguo, Mount Emei
A practical guide to staying a night or two at Baoguo Temple: vegetarian meals in the refectory, evening chanting, early meditation, an introduction to Emei martial arts, and the mountain routes that follow.
Dunhuang: Caves, Desert and the Work of Keeping Them
A guide to the Mogao Caves, Cave 17, Crescent Lake and the six-day Qinghai–Gansu overland route, with advice on visiting without adding to the pressure on a fragile site.
Mogao Caves: Booking, Timing and Cave Access
How to book Mogao Caves tickets, what the guided visit involves, why the cave list changes, and how weather and desert conditions can affect a day near Dunhuang.
Winter at Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain
A winter guide to Dujiangyan's working irrigation system and Qingcheng Mountain's temples and trails, with notes on timing, terrain and what the season changes.
Daocheng and Yading: A Practical Guide for Independent Travel
Route options, altitude advice, trail notes and practical details for an independent trip to Daocheng and Yading in western Sichuan.
Dandong's Egg Guozi: Hunting Down a Breakfast in the Alleys
A practical guide to jidan guozi, Dandong's griddled egg-and-doughnut breakfast, how it differs from Tianjin jianbing, and where to look for a well-known neighbourhood stall.
China's Fruit Seasons: A Regional Guide to What Ripens When
Where China's best-known fruit crops ripen through the year, from Dandong strawberries in winter to Guangdong lychees in summer and Jiangxi citrus in late autumn, with notes on what to look for at the stall.
Lüjiang Village: Photographing the Yalu River Bend in Dandong
A guide to Lüjiang Village in Dandong: the Yalu River bend, late-spring canola, the Shenxian Ding viewpoint, and photography near an international border.
Bronze, Bells and the Book of Songs at Datong Museum
A guide to Datong Museum's exhibition of bronze vessels named in the Book of Songs, with notes on the Buddhist and Daoist sculpture galleries in the same building.
Dalian Bathhouses: Soaking, Scrubbing and Eating in Northeast China
A practical guide to Dalian bathhouses, including Nordic-style soaking halls, family-friendly leisure centers, private suites and Korean-style saunas.
Dali Beyond the Photo Spots: Old Town, Erhai and Cangshan
How to spend two days in Dali's old town, around Erhai and up Cangshan, with notes on cycling, lake cruises, Bai festivals and planning around altitude and weather.
Photographing Erhai Lake: A Shore-by-Shore Route in Dali
A shore-by-shore route for photographing Erhai Lake in Dali: sunrise stops on the west shore, sunset viewpoints on the east, and notes on access and changing conditions.
Four Design-Led Stays Around Dali and Erhai Lake
Four architecturally distinct places to stay in Dali, from an artist's house above Erhai to a courtyard hotel inside the old town.
Eating Through Dali: Local Snacks and Specialties
Dali's rice cakes, milk fan, pea jelly, sour fish and Bai dishes, with notes on flavour, texture and where to find them.
Where to Photograph Chongqing’s Layered Cityscape
A district-by-district guide to photographing Chongqing, from a converted printworks and graffiti-covered housing blocks to a cliffside teahouse, the stilted tiers of Hongyadong and the wooded ridge at Nanshan.
Chongqing by the Table: Ten Restaurants and What to Order
A neighborhood guide to ten Chongqing restaurants, with ordering notes for hao'er fish, grilled fish, chuanchuan, maoxuewang and jianghu taverns.
Bashang Grasslands: A Self-Drive Loop from Ulan Butong to Qiansongba
A self-drive loop through the Bashang grasslands near Chengde, linking Fengning's open steppe, the Jingbei First Sky Road and the forests of Qiansongba.
Putuo Zongcheng Temple: Chengde's Little Potala
A guide to Putuo Zongcheng Temple in Chengde: its Potala-inspired layout, the stele pavilion, the Five Pagoda Gate, the Red Terrace and the gilded roof of Wanfa Guiyi Hall.
Chengdu's Neighborhood Charity Markets: Local Life Beyond the Landmarks
Chengdu's neighborhood charity markets are Chinese-language, irregular and not built for visitors. Here is what happens at them, and how to behave if you go.
Chengdu's Napoleon Pastry: A Guide to the Layered Dessert
Where to eat Chengdu's take on the Napoleon mille-feuille, from the cream-white shop on Daye Road to walnut classics, durian-and-pork-floss experiments and the teas served alongside.
What to Eat in Chenzhou: Hunan's Southern Table
A practical food guide to Chenzhou, from spicy shao ji gong chicken and Qifengdu fish noodles to Dongjiang fish and handmade rice dumplings.
Chenzhou Before You Go: A Practical Guide to Southern Hunan
Practical planning for Chenzhou in southern Hunan: the Dongjiang Lake mist season, rail and air access, and itineraries running from a two-day weekend to a week among mountains and hot springs.
Three Independent Homeware Shops in Beijing
Handmade Japanese tableware in Chaoyang, an all-white design shop near Guozijian and contemporary Chinese furniture in Dashilan, with addresses and practical notes for a browsing day.
Eating Through Qiaogang: A Practical Guide to Beihai's Vietnamese Food Street
Where to eat on Qiaogang Food Street in Beihai: seafood sold by the tank, Vietnamese rice rolls and chicken noodles, Lingnan sweet soup, fruit shaved ice and crab noodles, plus what to check before you order.
Ngari, Western Tibet: Sacred Mountains, Lost Kingdoms and High Plateau Roads
A cultural and practical guide to Ngari, western Tibet: Gang Rinpoche, Namnani, Lake Manasarovar, Pangong, the Guge kingdom and Zanda's earth forest.
Ngari, Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Far West and the Great North Route
A route-focused guide to western Tibet’s Ngari region: the Lhasa–Kailash southern corridor, the Changtang lakes and the Puruogangri ice field.
Planning the Ngari Grand Circuit: Clothing, Food, Lodging and Altitude
Practical notes for the Ngari Grand Circuit in western Tibet: what to wear, what to eat and carry, where to book ahead, how the northern route varies, and how to handle altitude and a basic medical kit.
Where to Stay in Arxan: A Guide to Inner Mongolia’s Forest Country
Arxan pairs autumn forest, volcanic lakes, snow and hot springs with simple guesthouses, camps and a seasonal ice house. Here is how to pick a base and what to confirm before you go.
Arxan in Winter: A Photography Guide to Snow, Rime and Frozen Lakes
A practical guide to Arxan's winter photography stops: the rime corridor, Bailang Peak, the Unfrozen River and the frozen crater lakes.
Dragon Boat Festival, Beyond the Long Weekend: Races, Zongzi and Qiang Rituals
A guide to Duanwu as it is actually kept: dragon-boat races in Hangzhou and Guangzhou, regional zongzi from Quanzhou to Xi'an, and the women-led Qiang festival in Aba, Sichuan.
Touch Cloud Resort: A High Pasture in Li County, Aba
At 2,680 metres in Li County, Aba Prefecture, Touch Cloud Resort trades livestock for weather. What to expect from the mountain road, the rooms, the food and the cloud-watching, plus when to go and what to pack.
Winter at Wutai Shan: Roads, Temples and Cold-Weather Basics
A practical guide to visiting Wutai Shan in winter: the southern approach, driving on ice, a downhill temple route, East Peak access, seasonal etiquette and the scams to sidestep.
Three Days on Wutai Shan: Temples in Taihuai and the Five Peaks
A three-day route through Taihuai's main monasteries and the five terrace peaks of Wutai Shan, with notes on road access, walking and the official peak shuttle.
Weizhou Island: A Guide to Volcanic Scenery, Beaches and Village Life
A practical guide to Weizhou Island off Beihai: ferry access, volcanic scenery, beaches, Shengtang church, Nanwan seafood and seasonal notes.
Weizhou Island: Lava, Sea Cliffs and Reef Flats in Guangxi
A guide to Weizhou Island off Beihai: basalt geology, the sea cliffs and flooded crater at Nanwan, the broad beaches and reef flats of the north shore, and the island's named scenic areas.
Weizhou Island: A Volcanic Coast Guide from Ferry to Sunset
A practical guide to Weizhou Island's volcanic coast, seafood markets, coral-stone villages and beaches, plus the Beihai add-ons that round out a five-day trip.
Weizhou Island: Volcanic Beaches, Ferries and Village Food
Ferry and ticket logistics, the volcanic coast at Crocodile Hill, coral-stone villages and market seafood on Weizhou Island, with notes on tides, timing and where to base yourself.
The Ferry from Beihai to Weizhou Island
How the ferry crossing from Beihai to Weizhou Island works: passport-based tickets, pier procedures, weather delays, child fares, and what to do once you reach the island.
Weizhou Island: A Practical Guide to Ferries, Beaches and Volcanic Walks
A practical guide to reaching Weizhou Island by ferry from Beihai, choosing a vessel, understanding access tickets, and planning beach, volcanic and village time.
Shuanglang as a Base: Dali, Lijiang and Erhai
How to use Shuanglang, Dali and Lijiang as bases for Erhai, mountain and plateau trips, with practical notes on buses, trains and private drivers.
Shuanglang: A Lakeside Guide to Erhai's Eastern Shore
A practical guide to Shuanglang, the Bai fishing village on Erhai's eastern shore, covering Yuji Island, the private art houses, lake viewpoints and a Cangshan side trip.
Shuanglang: Temples, Courtyards and Erhai Views on Dali's Lakeshore
A guide to Shuanglang on Erhai's northeast shore: Yuji and Nanzhao islands, Bai villages, Benzhu temples and the Kuixing Pavilion, with notes on access and timing.
Chaimiduo Farm: A Working Farm Near Shuanglang
A working farm near Shuanglang on Erhai's eastern shore, with a restored pond, livestock, a seasonal growers' market and a farm-to-table restaurant in Dali city.
Qiandao Lake Beyond the Boats: Five Ways Into Zhejiang's Island Landscape
A practical guide to Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang: greenway cycling, the Longchuanwan wetland, forest trails, kayaking, the Water Spirit show, local food and what to sort out before you go.
Qiandao Lake: Boats, Greenways and Lakeside Views
A practical guide to boat routes, lakeside cycling, short hikes, public viewpoints and food around Qiandao Lake, with seasonal notes and safety advice.
Qiandao Lake: Island Boat Routes, Temple Stops and Forest Walks
A practical guide to the central and southeast boat routes, the Longshan temple stop, and forest, stone and wetland excursions around Qiandao Lake.
Two Days on Putuoshan: A Practical Itinerary for the Island of Monasteries
A two-day route through Putuoshan's monasteries, beaches, and hill paths, with notes on ferries, shuttle buses, and temple etiquette.
Panjin Red Beach: A Field Guide to Liaoning's Crimson Marsh
A practical guide to Panjin Red Beach in Liaoning: when the salt marsh turns red, how the tide shapes a visit, and where to add a Zhiqing history stop.
Panjin Red Beach: A Seasonal Guide to Liaoning's Tidal Marsh
In the Liaohe Delta, salt-tolerant Suaeda salsa turns tidal flats red each year. Plan around season, tide and light, and use the 18-km corridor to read a working wetland.
Panjin River Crab: The Autumn Table of Northeast China
How Panjin river crab reaches the autumn table, why the city's coastal wetlands shape its flavour, and how to steam, brine or stir-fry it.
Where China's Oldest Buildings Survive: An Art Circuit Through Four Provinces
Tang timber halls, Yuan Taoist murals, Zhou bronzes, Buddhist cave temples and Song imperial stone, arranged as a practical route through Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan and Gansu.
Eating in Lianyungang: Rice Noodles, Street Snacks and Seafood
A practical guide to Lianyungang's everyday food, from breakfast rice noodles and Banpu bean jelly to tofu rolls, crab-shell cakes and seafood around the port.
The Lianyungang Table: Cured Goose, Coastal Fish and a Sweet Potato Snack
What Lianyungang eats, from wind-cured goose and Guanyun doudan to sandgoby, Banpu sausage, mantis shrimp and a sweet potato snack called baby fish.
Lianyungang: Mountains, Sea and Monkey King Country
A guide to Lianyungang's mountain-and-sea landscape, from Huaguoshan and Liandao to Donghai's crystal country, with the city's summer festival as seasonal context.
Islands Off Lianyungang: Sand, a Working Harbour and a Tidal Causeway
Lian, Yangshan and Qinshan islands make three different days out from Lianyungang: a beach with facilities, a fishing quay with sea-eroded rock, and a quiet shore reached by a tidal stone causeway.
Lianyungang: A Weekend by the Sea or Four Days of Culture
How to plan a short coastal weekend or a slower four-day visit to Lianyungang, covering Lian Island, Huaguoshan, Haizhou Old Town and where to base yourself.
Lianyungang at a Slow Pace: Mountains, Sea and Old Streets
A district-by-district guide to Lianyungang’s mountains, island beaches, Republican-era streets and city museum, with time allowances and practical checks.
Lianyungang and the Journey to the West
Lianyungang builds a cultural season around Journey to the West: Huaguoshan, city-centre performances, museum exhibitions and local opera, with advice on timing a visit.
China's Outdoors in Stages: City Walks, Day Hikes, High Camps
A practical progression through China's outdoor landscapes: easy urban walks in Kaifeng and Lanzhou, mountain day hikes in Shandong, Henan and Anhui, and high-altitude camping around Daocheng Yading and Zhagana.
Lianyungang: Huaguoshan's Myths and Liandao's Shoreline
A short guide to Lianyungang's two main draws: the Monkey King mountain of Huaguoshan and the beaches, fishing villages and seafood of Liandao island.
Lianyungang Beyond the Monkey King: Mountain, Coast and Story
A cultural guide to Lianyungang: Huaguoshan and its Journey to the West associations, the coast at Liandao, and a summer arts program that links the two.
Lianyungang at a Slower Pace: Hot Springs, Farm Routes, Haizhou History and the Coast
A four-part guide to northern Jiangsu: crystal markets and hot springs in Donghai, seasonal farm visits, Haizhou's museum and cliff carvings, and a quiet day on the Liandao coast.
Hongcun for First-Time Visitors: Water Lanes, Merchant Halls and a Walking Route
How to walk Hongcun from South Lake to the old trees, with the merchant halls and Moon Pond along the way, plus transport and ticket notes for a first visit.
A Practical Guide to Hongcun: Waterways, Lanes and Village Stays
Plan a stay in Hongcun: how the village's water shaped it, arrival routes from Yi County and Huangshan, two walking loops past Moon Pond and Nanhu Academy, and notes on meals, tickets and travelling with children.