Guides
China trip guides: itineraries, culture and food.
Ready-made China trip plans and route ideas.
Foshan Culture Route 2026: A 3-Day Temple and Shiwan Ceramics Itinerary
Plan three unhurried days in Foshan around temple ritual, lion dance and Shiwan ceramics, with official details to time key visits comfortably.
4 min read· August 10, 2026
3 Days in Hanzhong Itinerary: Museums, Shimen and Qingmuchuan
A practical three-day Hanzhong plan covering museum sites, Shimen Plank Road and Qingmuchuan, with official details to confirm before travel.
5 min read· August 3, 2026
Wuyuan First-Time Itinerary: A Flexible 3-Day Plan
Plan a calm first three days in Wuyuan with a flexible Huangling visit, pacing advice, weather buffers, and practical booking checks for travelers.
6 min read· August 2, 2026
Zhangjiajie First-Time Itinerary: A Flexible 3-Day Plan
Plan your first three days in Zhangjiajie with a sensible Wulingyuan focus, reservation reminders, a Tianmen backup, and flexible pacing for newcomers.
4 min read· August 2, 2026
3 Days in Quanzhou Itinerary: Heritage, Food and Coast (2026)
Follow a practical 3 days in Quanzhou itinerary covering the UNESCO old city, Maritime Museum, Xunpu village, Qingyuan Mountain and Luoyang Bridge.
10 min read· July 30, 2026
3 Days in Harbin Itinerary: Ice, Architecture and Food (2026)
Plan 3 days in Harbin with a clear 3-day route for Central Street, Sun Island, Ice and Snow World, local food, transport, and seasonal backups.
11 min read· July 29, 2026
3 Days in Quanzhou Itinerary: UNESCO Sites, Food and Old-City Walks (2026)
Plan 3 days in Quanzhou around UNESCO temples, mosques, maritime relics, local food, and a practical old-city route with flexible backups for 2026.
10 min read· July 28, 2026
3 Days in Jinan Itinerary: Springs, Mountains and Temples (2026)
Plan 3 days in Jinan with Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Qianfo Mountain, Shandong Museum, Lingyan Temple, local food, and practical backups for 2026.
10 min read· July 28, 2026
3 Days in Hanzhong Itinerary: History, Mountains and Smart Backups (2026)
Plan 3 days in Hanzhong with Han-era sites, Shimen Plank Road and Longtou Mountain, plus weather backups, food stops and practical transport tips.
8 min read· July 28, 2026
5 Days in Qingdao Itinerary: Beer, Coast and Laoshan
Plan five flexible days in Qingdao with a coastal reset, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, the Navy Museum, Laoshan and room for weather for first-time visitors.
6 min read· July 27, 2026
Luoyang First-Time Itinerary: A Practical 3-Day Plan for 2026
Plan a first Luoyang trip in 3 days with Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, museums, imperial ruins, ticket advice and smart routing for 2026.
10 min read· July 27, 2026
Dali First-Time Itinerary: A Flexible 3-Day Plan
A practical three-day Dali plan for first-time visitors: make the free Ancient Town your anchor, add the Three Pagodas, and keep transit flexible.
5 min read· July 27, 2026
Changsha 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)
Plan your first Changsha trip in three days: Hunan Museum, Yuelu Mountain, Orange Isle, old streets, local food, metro routes and booking tips.
10 min read· July 26, 2026
China Itinerary: The Perfect 10 Days for First-Time Visitors (Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai)
A practical, day-by-day 10-day China itinerary linking Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by high-speed train, with verified train times, tips on visas, payments and the best time to go.
9 min read· June 27, 2026
Yangshuo 3-Day Itinerary: Li River, Karst Peaks & Countryside (2026)
A relaxed 3-day Yangshuo itinerary for 2026: Li River rafting, countryside cycling, Moon Hill and Zhang Yimou's night show, with travel tips.
8 min read· June 27, 2026
Harbin 4-Day Itinerary: Ice Festival, Tigers & Russian Heritage (2026)
A practical 4-day Harbin winter itinerary: the ice festival, snow sculptures, Siberian tigers, the beluga show and a Russian manor, day by day.
10 min read· June 27, 2026
Kunming 3-Day Itinerary: Temples, Dianchi Lake & the Stone Forest (2026)
A practical 3-day Kunming itinerary: temples and gardens, Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills, plus a day trip to the UNESCO Stone Forest. Includes corrected train info and cable car status.
9 min read· June 26, 2026
Xiamen 3-Day Itinerary: What to See, Do & Eat (2026)
A practical 3-day Xiamen itinerary: getting there, Gulangyu Island, Zhongshan Road, Nanputuo, Xiamen University, Hulishan Fortress, Zengcuo'an, the botanical garden and Jimei, plus what to eat.
9 min read· June 26, 2026
Datong 2-Day Itinerary: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple & the Old City (2026)
Two days in Datong done right: day one for the Yungang Grottoes and the walled old city, day two for the cliffside Hanging Temple and the free Datong.
9 min read· June 26, 2026
Zhangjiajie 3-Day Itinerary: Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Peak & Tianmen Glass Walk (2026)
A complete 3-day Zhangjiajie itinerary: Golden Whip Stream, the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
China 14-Day Itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai (2026)
A 14-day China itinerary across five regions: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu's pandas, Guilin's karst scenery and Shanghai, by high-speed train and short flights.
14 min read· June 25, 2026
China 7-Day Itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai in One Week (2026)
A 7-day China itinerary linking Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by high-speed train, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and Shanghai's skyline, no internal flights required. Book timed tickets up to 15 days out.
12 min read· June 25, 2026
First-Time China Itinerary: How to Plan Your First Trip (2026 Guide)
A first-timer's guide to China: 2026 visa rules, trains, cashless setup and a practical 10-day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai route. Covers what to sort before departure so you arrive ready.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Best China Itinerary for Families With Kids (10 Days)
The first question every parent asks: will the kids survive it? Yes, with the right pace. This 10-day Beijing to Shanghai family itinerary builds in pandas, a Great Wall toboggan, and enough downtime to keep everyone happy.
13 min read· June 25, 2026
China Golden Triangle Itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai in 8 Days (2026)
The classic 8-day China Golden Triangle itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai by high-speed rail, day by day, with the key sights, transport timings and practical tips.
13 min read· June 25, 2026
Dunhuang 2-Day Itinerary: Mogao Caves, Singing Sands & Silk Road Passes (2026)
A practical 2-day Dunhuang itinerary: Mogao Caves and Mingsha dunes on Day 1, then the desert passes and Yardang badlands on Day 2, with booking tips for.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Suzhou 2-Day Itinerary: Classical Gardens, Canal Streets and the Shanghai Train
From Shanghai Hongqiao, the fastest G trains reach Suzhou in 23 minutes. This two-day itinerary covers the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove, Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill and lantern-lit Shantang Street, with booking tips and canal-street highlights.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Guangzhou 2-Day Itinerary: Dim Sum, Old Canton & the Pearl River
Two days in Guangzhou: Day 1 for clan halls, Shamian Island and a proper yum cha lunch; Day 2 for Baiyun Mountain and the Canton Tower riverfront at sunset. Practical metro tips and onward connections to Hong Kong included.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Chongqing 3-Day Itinerary: The Vertical City, Hotpot & Day Trips
Two days in Chongqing's vertical core, then one full-day trip to UNESCO Dazu or Wulong's karst bridges. With fast train times, Liziba timings, and practical tips for first-timers.
12 min read· June 25, 2026
Huangshan 2-Day Itinerary: The Yellow Mountains, Cloud Sea & Hongcun Village
A 2-day Huangshan itinerary: ride up the Yellow Mountains for the cloud sea, sleep on the summit for sunrise, then visit Hongcun village and Tunxi Old Street.
12 min read· June 25, 2026
Lijiang 3-Day Itinerary: Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Tiger Leaping Gorge
A 3-day Lijiang itinerary: explore the Naxi Old Town and Mu Palace, ride to 4,506 m on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and see Tiger Leaping Gorge.
13 min read· June 25, 2026
Hangzhou 2-Day Itinerary: West Lake, Lingyin Temple & Dragon Well Tea (2026)
A practical 2-day Hangzhou itinerary from Shanghai: walk West Lake's causeways, see Lingyin Temple, sip Longjing tea, and ride the wetlands and Grand Canal.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Guilin 3-Day Itinerary: Li River Cruise, Karst Peaks & Longji Terraces (2026)
A 3-day Guilin itinerary: city hills and caves, the classic Li River cruise to Yangshuo and the Longji Rice Terraces, with tickets, timing and maps.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Chengdu 3-Day Itinerary: Pandas, Tea Houses & Mount Qingcheng (2026)
A relaxed 3-day Chengdu itinerary: giant pandas at dawn, old streets and temples, tea-house culture and a day trip to Taoist Mount Qingcheng.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Xi'an 3-Day Itinerary: Terracotta Army, City Wall & Muslim Quarter (2026)
A practical 3-day Xi'an itinerary: the Terracotta Army (pre-book online, no on-site sales), cycling the ancient city wall, Muslim Quarter street food and the Shaanxi History Museum.
11 min read· June 25, 2026
Beijing in 4 Days: The Perfect First-Timer's Itinerary
A practical day-by-day plan for first-time visitors: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Temple of Heaven, hutongs, Peking duck and the Summer Palace, plus booking and transport tips.
9 min read· June 18, 2026
Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect First-Time Visitor Plan (2026)
A complete, day-by-day Shanghai itinerary for first-time visitors, covering the Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong skyscrapers, the French Concession, plus Metro, Maglev and payment tips.
11 min read· June 17, 2026
Chinese customs, etiquette, and cultural tips for travelers.
Foshan Culture 2026: Understand Lion Dance and Local Traditions
Explore Foshan culture through Guangdong lion dance, a living tradition of martial arts, dance, and music, alongside the Foshan Ancestral Temple Museum.
3 min read· August 10, 2026
Changsha Culture and Traditions: Embroidery, Ceramics and Han History
Explore Changsha culture through Hunan embroidery, Tang-era Tongguan ceramics and the Hunan Museum’s Mawangdui Han tomb displays for first-time visitors.
3 min read· August 10, 2026
Hanzhong Culture: Opera, Han Heritage and Museum Visits
Hanzhong’s culture comes into focus through Han Diao Guangguang and the Han-era heritage at Hanzhong Museum, with practical visit details for the Guhan.
3 min read· August 3, 2026
Wuyuan Culture and Local Traditions: Huiju, Nuo Dance and a Living Heritage Landscape
Understand Wuyuan culture through Huiju opera, Wuyuan Nuo dance and its place in the Huizhou Cultural Ecological Protection Area for first-time visitors.
3 min read· August 2, 2026
Zhangjiajie Culture: Tujia Traditions Behind the Peaks
Learn how Tujia villages, stilted houses, ritual performances, and the Hand-waving Dance shape Zhangjiajie’s cultural landscape for first-time visitors.
3 min read· August 2, 2026
How to Play Chinese Mahjong: Beginner Rules and Table Etiquette (2026)
Learn Chinese mahjong in plain English: tile groups, turn order, how a hand wins, regional rule differences and polite table behavior in China.
9 min read· July 29, 2026
Harbin Culture and Traditions: Food, Music and Winter Life (2026)
Understand Harbin culture through ice rituals, Chinese Baroque streets, concert traditions and Northeast food, with practical etiquette for your 2026 trip.
8 min read· July 29, 2026
Quanzhou Culture and Traditions: A Traveler’s Guide for 2026
Meet Quanzhou through Nanyin, puppet theatre, living temples and port-born food, with practical etiquette and a culture-first route for 2026.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Jinan Culture and Traditions: Springs, Food & Festivals (2026)
Explore Jinan culture through spring-water rituals, shadow puppetry, Song poetry, seasonal festivals, local food, and respectful etiquette in 2026.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Hanzhong Culture and Traditions: 9 Local Experiences (2026)
Explore Hanzhong culture through Han history, local opera, folk songs, New Year rituals, rattan craft, Qiang heritage, tea, and breakfast customs.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Chinese Gift-Giving Etiquette: What to Give and Avoid (2026)
Choose an appropriate gift in China with practical advice on colors, numbers, red envelopes, business rules, taboos, and polite presentation.
9 min read· July 27, 2026
Shanghai Tourism Festival 2026: Dates and 2-Day Plan
Plan the 2026 Shanghai Tourism Festival from July 8 to October 6 with event themes, night activities, transport tips, and a 2-day route.
9 min read· July 27, 2026
Qingdao Culture and Traditions 2026: Lunar New Year Rituals
Plan a Lunar New Year visit to Qingdao around the Haiyun’an fair and Langya Sea Sacrifice, with 2026 dates and respectful visitor advice for travelers.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Luoyang Culture and Traditions: 7 Ways to Understand the City (2026)
Understand Luoyang culture through peonies, Buddhist art, Hanfu, museums, local food, and practical etiquette for a respectful trip in 2026.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Dali Culture and Traditions 2026: A Respectful Guide to Bai Heritage
Understand Dali’s living Bai traditions, from March Street and three-course tea to tie-dyeing and respectful travel for first-time visitors.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Chinese Temple Etiquette: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide (2026)
Chinese temple etiquette made practical: learn what to wear, how to handle incense and photos, and how to avoid disturbing worshippers in 2026.
8 min read· July 24, 2026
Where to See Peking Opera in Beijing: 2026 Theater Guide
Compare Beijing Peking Opera theaters in 2026, from tourist-friendly excerpts to full productions, with ticket, subtitle and etiquette tips.
7 min read· July 24, 2026
Hungry Ghost Festival China 2026: Date, Customs & Etiquette
The Hungry Ghost Festival in China falls on August 27, 2026. Learn what Zhongyuan Jie means, what visitors may see and how to act respectfully.
8 min read· July 20, 2026
Qixi Festival China 2026: Date, Love Story, Traditions and Travel Tips
Qixi Festival falls on August 19 in 2026. Learn the Cowherd and Weaver Girl story, old customs, modern dates and practical travel tips.
8 min read· July 18, 2026
Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 in China: Dates, Mooncakes & Travel Tips
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 25, 2026. What the holiday means, the mooncakes and legends behind it, and how it affects travel in China.
7 min read· July 10, 2026
Chinese New Year Traditions: Customs, Food, and Superstitions Explained
A practical guide to Chinese New Year traditions: hongbao amounts, reunion dinner dishes, taboos, and how to plan around chunyun travel in 2027.
8 min read· July 6, 2026
China Business Etiquette: A Practical Guide for Meetings, Cards, and Dinners (2026)
How to handle the business card exchange, gift-giving taboos, seating hierarchy, baijiu toasts, and the concept of mianzi (face) before your first meeting.
10 min read· July 3, 2026
Chinese Festivals and Public Holidays: A Traveler's Guide (2026 Dates)
China's public holidays and festivals for 2026, verified: Spring Festival, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, the two Golden Weeks, and how to plan your trip around them.
8 min read· June 20, 2026
Tipping in China: A Complete Guide for Travelers (2026)
In mainland China tipping is generally not expected. Here is exactly where you don't need to tip, where norms are softening, and how Hong Kong and Macau differ.
8 min read· June 17, 2026
Chinese Tea Culture: A Traveler's Guide to Teahouses, Types and Etiquette
The six types of Chinese tea, how gongfu brewing and teahouse ordering work, the silent lid signals staff read, and where to drink well in Chengdu and Hangzhou.
7 min read· June 16, 2026
What to eat in China and how to order like a local.
Foshan Food Guide: Shunde Dishes, Food Precincts and Ordering Tips
A practical Foshan food guide to Shunde classics, food precincts, market-minded browsing, and simple ordering language for first-time visitors.
3 min read· August 10, 2026
Changsha Food: Hunan Flavors and Local Dishes
A practical guide to Changsha food, from hot-and-sour Hunan flavors to stinky tofu, chile pork, crayfish, rice noodles and ordering advice for travelers.
3 min read· August 10, 2026
Hanzhong Food Culture 2026: What to Order First
What to order first in Hanzhong: start with rice-based mianpi and caidoufu for breakfast, then use simple market habits to explore local food.
3 min read· August 3, 2026
Wuyuan Food Guide 2026: 6 Local Dishes and How to Order Them
What to eat in Wuyuan: red carp, paste tofu, fermented spicy fish, qigao and qingming guo, plus practical advice for ordering local dishes for travelers.
3 min read· August 2, 2026
Zhangjiajie Food: Cured Pork, Kudzu Powder and Cili Mushrooms
Order Zhangjiajie cured pork with kudzu-powder slices or Cili fir-tree mushrooms: identify the dishes, check chili and choose confidently for travelers.
3 min read· August 2, 2026
Harbin Food Guide: 10 Local Foods and Ordering Tips (2026)
Taste Harbin through guobaorou, red sausage, iron-pot stews, lieba bread and practical ordering tips for first-time visitors for first-time visitors.
9 min read· July 29, 2026
Chinese Cold Noodles: 6 Regional Dishes to Order in 2026
Learn six Chinese cold noodle dishes, where to find them, how to order in Mandarin and what to ask about peanuts, sesame, gluten and spice for travelers.
8 min read· July 28, 2026
Quanzhou Food Guide 2026: 5 Local Dishes and How to Order
Eat Quanzhou with confidence: decode five local dishes, understand Maritime Silk Road influences, and order around shellfish, pork, and offal.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Jinan Food Culture: 10 Local Dishes and How to Order (2026)
Explore Jinan food culture through Lu cuisine, local dishes, breakfast staples, dining customs, Chinese menu names, and practical ordering tips.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Hanzhong Food Guide: Dishes, Markets & Ordering Tips (2026)
Explore Hanzhong food culture through chilli-dressed rice sheets, fermented greens, mountain produce, market habits, and practical Chinese ordering phrases.
3 min read· July 28, 2026
Qingdao Food Guide: Seafood, Dumplings and Local Dishes
Qingdao food centers on seafood: steamed shellfish, seafood dumplings, spicy clams and cold draft beer, plus a handful of local comfort dishes.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Luoyang Food Guide: Water Banquet, Soups and Local Dishes (2026)
Taste Luoyang through its Water Banquet, breakfast soups and Xin’an steamed dumplings, with ingredient notes and practical ordering phrases for 2026.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Dali Food Culture: Bai Dishes, Three-Course Tea and What to Order
A practical introduction to Dali’s Bai food culture, signature local dishes, three-course tea, and how to order shengpi with care for first-time visitors.
3 min read· July 27, 2026
Chinese Night Market Food Guide 2026: Order, Pay and Eat Safely
Use this 2026 Chinese night market food guide to choose regional snacks, order with simple phrases, pay by phone and avoid common food mistakes.
10 min read· July 26, 2026
Chinese Dumplings Guide 2026: 8 Types, Fillings & How to Order
Identify 8 Chinese dumplings, from boiled jiaozi to xiaolongbao, with names, fillings, regional clues, allergy phrases, and ordering tips for travelers.
9 min read· July 25, 2026
Chinese Mooncake Guide 2026: 8 Flavors, Labels & Buying Tips
Choose Chinese mooncakes in 2026 with a flavor table, label translations, egg-yolk and nut warnings, storage advice and gift etiquette for travelers.
8 min read· July 23, 2026
Food Allergies in China 2026: Translation Card and Safer Ordering
Prepare a Chinese allergy card, spot common hidden ingredients, reduce cross-contact risk, and build a safer eating plan for travel in China.
8 min read· July 19, 2026
Chinese Breakfast Guide: What to Eat, Where to Find It, and How to Order
A traveler's guide to breakfast in China: the core dishes (baozi, youtiao, congee, jianbing), north-versus-south differences, where to find morning stalls, how to order and pay, and whether street breakfast is safe.
7 min read· July 10, 2026
Chinese Street Food Guide for First-Timers: What to Eat & Where
A first-timer's guide to street food in China: what to order, typical prices, the best night markets, how to pay by QR code, and safety tips.
8 min read· July 10, 2026
Vegetarian and Vegan Food in China: Phrases, Dishes, and Cities to Know (2026)
Hidden lard, chicken stock, and fish sauce turn plant-looking dishes non-vegetarian. Get the exact Mandarin phrases, safe dishes, and easiest cities for 2026.
8 min read· July 7, 2026
China's Regional Cuisines: A Traveler's Guide to the 8 Great Culinary Traditions (2026)
Sichuan isn't Cantonese, and Hunan isn't Sichuan. A guide to China's eight regional cuisines, their signature dishes, and the cities where you can try the.
8 min read· July 4, 2026
Chinese Hotpot: A First-Timer's Guide for Travelers
A first-timer's guide to Chinese hotpot: regional styles, tablet ordering, the yuanyang split pot, the DIY sauce bar, etiquette, and where to try it.
8 min read· June 18, 2026
How to Order Food in China: Restaurants, Apps, Street Food and Trains
No Chinese needed. How to order food in China: scan-to-order menus, delivery apps, street stalls, high-speed train meals, and setting up mobile payment first.
7 min read· June 16, 2026
Chinese Dining Etiquette: A Foreigner's Guide to the Table
A practical guide to Chinese dining etiquette for travelers: seating, chopstick taboos, sharing dishes, toasting, and why tipping isn't expected in 2026.
9 min read· June 15, 2026