Cities
Palaces and altars along the Central Axis, lakeside hutong lanes at Shichahai and imperial gardens in the northwest reveal different parts of Beijing's history. Art districts in former factories, old shops in the south, a secondhand market and meals of roast duck and zhajiangmian show its culture and everyday life.
Palaces and altars along the Central Axis, lakeside hutong lanes at Shichahai and imperial gardens in the northwest reveal different parts of Beijing's history. Art districts in former factories, old shops in the south, a secondhand market and meals of roast duck and zhajiangmian show its culture and everyday life.
Across the Huangpu River, the Bund's historic buildings face the towers of Lujiazui. Away from the waterfront, Yu Garden, shikumen lanes, shopping streets and snack shops reveal other sides of Shanghai. Gardens, museums, neighborhood shopping and a basket of xiaolongbao give this large city details to explore.
Xi'an sits in the middle of the Guanzhong Plain, with the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Wei River to the north. A square old city enclosed by its walls, the Bell and Drum towers, the pagodas and palace ruins left by Tang Chang'an, and the Terracotta Army at Lintong give the city several layers. Beyond the walls, the High-tech Zone, Qujiang and Chanba are another, contemporary Xi'an.
Chengdu lies on a plain in the western Sichuan Basin. Teahouse tables in People's Park, the courtyards of Wuhou Shrine and Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Sichuan dishes and snacks, and the shopping districts of Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li show different sides of daily life. The panda base northeast of the center offers an introduction to giant pandas and conservation.
Limestone peaks rise among Guilin's streets, lakes and riverbanks, while the Li River leads south toward Yangshuo. The city brings together the princely palace, caves and karst scenery with noodle shops, oil tea and changing commercial streets.
West Lake's causeways and mountain views, the tea fields to the west, the canal's stone bridges and the new districts along the Qiantang River reveal different sides of Hangzhou. The Hubin shopping area and Hefang Street connect contemporary shopping with the old city, while pian er chuan noodles, Dongpo pork and Longjing tea offer an introduction through food and drink.
Canals and lanes shape Suzhou's old town, while classical gardens set compact courtyards against framed views. Around Jinji Lake, a newer business district gives the city a distinct modern skyline.
The Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet among hillside lanes, riverside buildings and modern shopping districts. Hotpot and xiaomian reveal different sides of everyday dining, while museums and the Dazu Rock Carvings take the story beyond the rivers to the history of the Ba and Yu region.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall follows the ridges of Huairou, where closely spaced watchtowers, steep stone steps, and Zhengguantai are key features of this Ming-dynasty stretch. Along the way, notice how the wall turns with the mountains, and choose a shorter out-and-back route to suit your fitness. A visit need not focus only on distant views.
A stretch of historic buildings on the west bank of the Huangpu River, facing Lujiazui's skyline to the east. Combine architectural details with activity on the river and views by day and night.
Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and the Long Corridor form the Summer Palace's main landscape. View bridges and hillside buildings from the shore, then examine paintings inside the corridor to see this imperial garden from different distances.
A Ming-era private garden in the old town, where rockeries, halls, water and detailed carving create a succession of enclosed spaces. Distinguish the garden from the surrounding shopping complex before visiting.
The excavated and open portion of the pits accompanying the First Qin Emperor's tomb: Pit 1 shows the army formation, Pit 2 its mix of troop types, and Pit 3 its command structure. The figures differ in armor, topknot and face, and the bronze chariots at Lishan Garden are the most direct introduction to Qin military organization and craftsmanship.
Observe giant pandas in a conservation park in northeastern Chengdu, along with red pandas and the wooded habitats where animals live. The base combines research, breeding and public education; the visit is about patient observation, not waiting for a scheduled show.
Follow the north–south axis through the Ming and Qing imperial palace, from the ceremonial courtyard of the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the Inner Court and Imperial Garden, then choose the Ningshou Palace area or special exhibitions according to your interests.
A vast sandstone peak forest in northwestern Hunan, where more than 3,000 rock pillars rise above wooded ravines and streams. High viewpoints and valley walks reveal different sides of the landscape.
A whole duck is roasted until its skin is crisp, then carved into thin slices and served with sweet wheat sauce, shredded scallions, cucumber and thin pancakes. It makes a shared meal in Beijing, with traditions of hanging-oven and closed-oven roasting and more than one way to eat it.
Beef-tallow red broth, chilies and Sichuan pepper create a familiar flavor. Diners cook tripe, duck intestines, meat and vegetables around the table; broth and ingredients vary by restaurant.
Thin wrappers enclose meat and hot broth, served in small steamer baskets. Shanghai's Nanxiang-style xiaolongbao balance wrapper, filling and broth, with variations that add crabmeat or crab roe.
Guangzhou’s tea houses put tea, dim sum and conversation at the same table. Har gow, siu mai, char siu bao and rice noodle rolls each have their own method, and there is a set of habits for ordering and eating.
Soft tofu, minced meat, doubanjiang and Sichuan pepper come together in this classic Chengdu dish served with rice. Sichuan pepper's numbing sensation differs from chili heat; the glossy red sauce also carries savory notes from minced meat and fermented bean paste. Tofu as the main ingredient does not make the dish vegetarian.
Thin noodles topped with savory minced pork, preserved mustard greens and seasonings at the bottom of the bowl make a familiar small dish in Chengdu. Mix the noodles with the sauce first, then notice the crisp aroma of the pork and the salty savoriness of the pickled greens. Spice level, broth and toppings vary by shop.
Roujiamo (肉夹馍) is the most common stuffed bun on Xi'an's streets: a baiji bun (白吉馍) griddled until the crust is browned and the inside stays soft, filled with pork braised in an old stock until tender, chopped, and moistened with the braising juices. The Hui version uses cured beef or mutton with tuotuo bread (饦饦馍), for a different flavor.
Springy alkaline noodles, rich sesame paste and crunchy pickles give Wuhan’s hot dry noodles their characteristic taste and texture. On a first try, mix thoroughly and add chilli to taste; there is no need to rush across town in search of the most authentic shop.
Wangfujing brings department stores, craft shops, a bookstore and a church together around one commercial street. It offers concentrated shopping and a chance to observe Beijing's commercial life through its storefronts, long-established businesses and street spaces.
A pedestrian shopping street on East Nanjing Road, combining department stores, established food businesses and contemporary retail. Compare gifts and branded goods, or combine shopping with the evening streetscape.
A well-established pedestrian shopping street in central Chengdu, with street-level shops, department stores and nearby shopping centers. It is suited to comparing clothing and everyday retail while observing how old and new businesses coexist. This article focuses on the Chunxi Road pedestrian street and explains how it differs from the wider shopping district.
A pedestrian shopping street in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, with the remains of an ancient road preserved under glass in the pavement; it suits combining shopping with the history of the old city.
Qianmen Street's broad roadway, Dashilan's closely packed shops and long-established businesses such as Ruifuxiang reveal different commercial spaces in southern Beijing. Browse shop interiors, fabrics and gifts, or compare the main street with its side lanes.
An open-air retail district beside Daci Temple, where low-rise roofs, preserved courtyards and glass storefronts create a different experience from an enclosed mall. It is better suited to browsing fashion brands, design and dining; compare it with Kuanzhai Alleys if you are looking for locally themed souvenirs.
Beiyuanmen is the north-south main street of the Hui Quarter, with its south end at the Drum Tower. Halal food stalls and shops, jinggao rice cakes and persimmon cakes, dried fruit and spices, and specialty stores line the street. What visitors usually call “Muslim Street” is really the collective name for the area around Beiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, Huajue Lane, and Dapiyuan.
A kora route and old commercial street formed around the Jokhang Temple, about one kilometer if you walk one clockwise circuit. Thangkas, Tibetan carpets, Nepalese handicrafts and everyday goods are spread along both sides of the flow of pilgrims, and religious sites and shops share the same street.
At Shuaifuyuan in Dongcheng District, PUMCH's International Medical Services offers appointments for foreign patients and 24-hour emergency care at its Dongdan campus. Arrangements differ from the Xidan campus, so confirm the campus, department and consultation location when booking.
An international medical center on the Middle Wulumuqi Road campus, offering outpatient, inpatient and emergency care. Confirm consultation languages, specialist arrangements and commercial insurance conditions before seeking treatment.
A general hospital at 197 Ruijin 2nd Road with international medical services. Confirm ordinary outpatient and international care appointments, check-in and insurance billing separately.
Tongji Hospital offers appointment-based outpatient services through its Hankou and Optics Valley campuses. The hospital describes specialty care and interpretation or escort support for outpatient visits; confirm which arrangements apply at the campus you plan to visit.
A general hospital on Zhongshan Second Road in Yuexiu, with its main campus far from the Nansha campus; regular outpatient care, the special-needs center and the international medical center each have their own entrances and booking methods.
At its main campus on Huayuan North Road in Haidian, Peking University Third Hospital's International Medical Services offers appointments for Chinese and foreign patients in specialties including sports medicine, orthopedics and internal medicine. Foreign patients have a telephone booking channel. Confirm the clinic location for your specific appointment; international medical services are not an emergency-care channel.
The International Department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital is on the east side of its main campus on Yinghuayuan East Street, Chaoyang District. It offers English and Japanese inquiries and outpatient appointments in areas including internal medicine, surgery and pediatrics. Distinguish it from the hospital's other campuses before visiting.
An appointment-based outpatient clinic on the first floor of the Health Management Center at 33 Beiyuan Road. It offers specialist and general practice care, self-payment and eligible commercial insurance direct billing. This international clinic has no emergency department.
A practical starting checklist for your first China trip.
Plan intercity journeys together with the local connections at each end.
The Yangtze, the Han River, and Wuhan’s spread-out districts shape local travel. Knowing how cross-river distances, summer heat, and rain can affect outdoor visits helps you plan more carefully.
Xi'an's old city inside the wall, the Lintong archaeological area, and the museum cluster in the south of the city are far apart. Summer heat, spring dust, and autumn's long rainy spells all change the outdoor experience. Confirm reservations for the Terracotta Army and the Shaanxi History Museum in advance, respect residents' daily life in the Hui Quarter, and choose a ride or walk on the city wall that matches your fitness—this reduces last-minute disruptions.
The coastal experience in Qingdao depends heavily on the weather: spring and summer sea fog cuts visibility, winter sea winds make it feel colder, and swimming is only allowed during the swimming season at official bathing beaches and within safe areas. Checking the weather, tides, and Laoshan reservations before setting out can reduce the disruption caused by temporary ferry suspensions, closures, or sold-out slots.
Sanya's beaches are accessible most of the time, but swimming is not allowed during typhoons, heavy rain, or temporary closures, and swimming, sun protection, and seasonal changes each have their limits: Yalong Bay and Dadonghai are high-risk stretches for rip currents, scenic areas and beaches close temporarily when a typhoon affects the area, and bluebottle Portuguese man o' war have also washed ashore. Checking the weather, warnings, and how to get medical care in advance is more useful than changing plans at the last minute.
The average elevation of Lhasa's urban area is 3,650 meters, and neither flying nor taking the train lets your body acclimatize for you. Keep activity low for the first two days and distinguish ordinary altitude sickness from signals that need immediate medical care; if you have breathlessness at rest, changed consciousness or unsteady walking, descend or seek care promptly.
Foreign tourists need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Lhasa, and so do Taiwan residents holding valid documents; it must be arranged by the travel agency handling your trip, according to the itinerary, and you cannot bypass the agency and enter on your own. The permit is tied to specific people, dates and routes, border areas need additional permits, and permits may be suspended temporarily.
