Travel across China with the Experts!

Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

Where to go for new impressions and emotions? - To Italy! Mountains, sea, lakes, architecture, food, shopping, entertainment - those are what you will find in this country. Travel is transformation, travel is the best thing you can do for yourself, travel is life! Don't wait - travel now!

A Few Words about China

The fragrance of Asian spices, the enormous flow of tourists and unfamiliar speech. These are the first things we imagine when we hear about China.

However, this country is also full of fascinating contradictions. Huge metropolitan areas interchange with small, centuries-old fishing villages. The high Himalayas border on one of the deepest hollows in the ground – the Turfan Depression. The futuristic techno landscapes merge into islands of pure, untouched nature.

Discover the new China for yourself and dispel the stereotypes with our experts who will help make your vacation unforgettable.

Best Places to Visit

Natural Landmarks and Lakes

Natural Landmarks and Lakes

The

The "Monkey Island" Nature Reserve (Sanya City)

This is the only nature reserve where monkeys live in their natural environment but at the same time, freely and fearlessly communicate with the visitors. The "Monkey Island" Nature Reserve occupies an area of about one thousand hectares and is home to 2,000 monkeys. One can reach it by powerboat or by cable railway which in itself is a Chinese tourist destination. The length of the cable railway amounts to more than 2 kilometers that can be covered in just 6 minutes. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy wonderful views of the sea and the mountains.

Lake Xihu (Hangzhou City)

Lake Xihu (Hangzhou City)

This is Lake Xihu which is translated as "West Lake". The truth is, this lake, located in Hangzhou City, was once situated outside its borders, namely in the west. Since then, the city has grown and spread, and Lake Xihu also became part of its territory even though its name never changed. The unbelievably picturesque Chinese tourist destination is surrounded by contrasting landscapes: from one side, it's the city blocks, while from the other side, it's the mighty mountains with carved edges welcoming the setting sun every evening.

Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan Province)

Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan Province)

In the southwest of the country, near Chengdu City, one can find the exceptionally beautiful Jiuzhaigou Valley. One can't help but admire the richness and the variety of local nature: crystal-clear, transparent lakes with multiple water hues interchange with roaring, rushing waterfalls, and the untouched wild forests are inhabited by rare species of animals and birds.

Shilin National Park (Southwest of China)

Shilin National Park (Southwest of China)

The stone forest is a geological phenomenon and a well-recognized natural landmark of the Shilin National Park. The nature reserve itself comprises 350 square kilometers of picturesque territories, rock formations prevailing. Apart from stone forests, there are many other beautiful places: mirror lakes, mysterious caves and grottoes, gorgeous meadows and primeval forests.

Sights

Sights

The Xuankong Si Hanging Monastery (Shanxi Province)

The Xuankong Si Hanging Monastery (Shanxi Province)

The Xuankong Si Monastery is situated literally on the very edge of a rocky cliff. The fact that this building was erected in the distant past, in the 5th century, adds to the impression. The monastery complex consists of three tiers arranged in consecutive order, each tier higher than the previous one.

The Suzhou Gardens (Jiangsu Province)

The Suzhou Gardens (Jiangsu Province)

Vacation in Suzhou leaves a mixed impression: on one hand, the city helps plunge into the atmosphere of old days as if you could go a few centuries back in time. On the other hand, there is a different Suzhou: a modern, bustling, well-developed city with an active urban lifestyle. Gardens and parks are the crown jewel of the city.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan Province)

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan Province)

In the southwest of the country, waters of the Yangtze River flow along the most beautiful canyon known as Tiger Leaping Gorge. In this area of 15 kilometers where the river seems to split the imposing, 5.5 km high rock masses with its waters, the gorge reaches its head-spinning depth of about 3,900 meters. This is the deepest canyon in the world.

Longmen Cave Temples (Henan Province)

Longmen Cave Temples (Henan Province)

In the slopes of Longmenshan and Xiangshan mountains, right in the cave hollows, one can find the third largest cave temple complex, Longmen. The statues of Buddha and different bodhisattvas were chiseled from the rock itself; it's hard to imagine the effort it took to create thousands of statues and images in the stone.

Cities

Cities

Hangzhou

Hangzhou

As the older generation says in China, "In the sky, there is Heaven; on earth, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Hangzhou is famous for its historic sights and beautiful landscapes. It became one of the most prosperous cities due to its location in the southern estuary of the Grand Canal.

Kunming

Kunming

Kunming is the capital and the largest city of Yunnan province. It is also known as "the Spring City" thanks to its mild climate. Kunming is one of the least polluted large cities in PRC. Here, one can find numerous universities, museums and other important cultural, financial and educational establishments.

Nanjing

Nanjing

Nanjing unites many various, unique features from all over the globe and remains popular with numerous migrants and Chinese. Historic and cultural heritage as well as flourishing economic and educational systems make this city one of the best places for living in China.

Suzhou

Suzhou

Suzhou is often called "Venice of China" or "Venice of the East" because it comprises numerous canals, classical gardens, and stone bridges. Suzhou Classical Gardens have been included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Suzhou, you will find a mix of the old and the new. Modern urban buildings compete with the neighboring middle-class dwellings. You can enjoy simple street food and the next day, eat at one of the expensive Western restaurants.

Children's Entertainment

Children's Entertainment

Xiangjiang Safari Park

Xiangjiang Safari Park

The large Chimelong Xiangjiang Safari Park was opened in Guangzhou in 1997. By today, it has been recognized as the best safari park in China. Overall, more than 400 species of animals inhabit the park. The total number of its residents is impressive: over 20,000 animals! Many species are endangered and registered in the Red List.

The Crocodile Farm (Guangdong)

The Crocodile Farm (Guangdong)

Crocodile Park, or simply Crocopark, is one of the largest crocodile farms in the world. It is located in the Chimelong Resort territory. Over 100,000 crocodiles live here. Tourists may feed the reptiles and watch the traditional crocodile shows.

Chimelong Water Park

Chimelong Water Park

The Chimelong Water Park can accommodate up to 40,000 people every day. It boasts the largest "Lazy River" which is over 5km long. When floating along the Lazy River you can observe the entire water park territory and overcome a number of obstacles including bumps, an ice room, numerous waterfalls and bridges, artificial waves.

The

The "Ocean World" Oceanarium (Guangzhou)

The oceanarium is located in the zoo territory. It is inhabited by more than 10,000 sea animals. Here, visitors can observe a transparent tunnel with recreated coral reefs of the South China Sea along with their dwellers. Marine predators may be found lurking in a smaller aquarium. A separate tunnel is devoted to the flora and fauna of mountain rivers and lakes. The aquarium with sharks and rays is especially popular with the visitors.

Museums

Museums

Historic Center of Macau

Historic Center of Macau

Macau – a flourishing port with strategic significance for the world trade development – was controlled by the Portuguese from the mid-16th century to 1999 when it went over to the Chinese authorities. The historic center of Macau, its old streets, dwellings, religious and administrative buildings in the Portuguese and Chinese styles present a unique example of a merge spanning aesthetic, cultural, architectural and technological influences of the East and the West. This tourist destination also comprises a fortress and China's oldest lighthouse.

China Folk Culture Village (Shenzhen)

China Folk Culture Village (Shenzhen)

One part of the village boasts miniature sights from all over China; the other part presents traditional life-size dwellings of the different Chinese ethnicities. If you visit the village in the afternoon on a working day, it will be less crowded. You can also enjoy colorful national performances and rent a small electric car to travel across the park.

Nanshan Temple

Nanshan Temple

Nanshan Temple was built in 1988 to commemorate the 2,000-year-old history of Buddhism in China. The temple and the Cultural Zone that surrounds it are like a window into the country's rich Buddhist heritage. Besides, Nanshan is the largest Buddhist temple built after the proclamation of the People's Republic of China. It is situated at the foot of Nanshan Mountain.

The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses

The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses

This historic asset was not always available to tourists. It was accidentally found in 1976. This place in Xi'An was meant for an artesian well, but instead, people found an archeological artifact. A gigantic storehouse holds hundreds of warriors standing in dozens of rows. The statues were carefully reconstructed in more recent times. Near the burial site with the emperor's remains, explorers found whole chariots with horses decorated with gold and jewels.

Advice from the Expert

Ashley Matthews

Tips in China

Tips in China are a somewhat delicate subject. Officially, they are prohibited, but this prohibition is not observed. Tips are only given to porters and maids (1-2 yuan) and for massage therapy at hotels but not at restaurants or in taxis where you will always receive your change.

Ashley Matthews

The Smoking Fine

In Hong Kong, smoking in public places (airports, stores, subway) leads to a HK$5,000 fine.

Ashley Matthews

Code of Conduct

Do not take offense when the Chinese serve you food with bare hands; this is considered respectful.

Ashley Matthews

Do Not Travel across China During Holidays

During holidays, many Chinese people set off on their own journeys across the country. Some visit their native towns or relatives while others go to traditional tourist destinations. In any case, during holidays, transport tickets may be difficult to obtain and all the interesting places are overcrowded.

Airports in the Country

Daxing International Airport in Beijing

Daxing International Airport in Beijing

Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world. It was built in summer 2019. Today, it can serve about 72 million people a year. It was built on the border between Beijing and Langfang, 46 kilometers from the famous Tiananmen Square in the center of China.

Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou

Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou

Located 28km from the city. Second busiest airport in China serving about 100 different routes. There is only one terminal but everything is very convenient and functions round the clock.

Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok)

Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok)

One of the most convenient and beautiful airports in the world. Located on an island 34 km from Hong Kong City. This Chinese airport is huge and consists of three terminals.

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport

Located 16km from the city center. The largest airport in the western part of China. Serves flights from Europe and Western Asia. A new terminal was built not long ago.

Best Hotels

Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort

No 555, 名山路南段 Leshan, Sichuan
Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

Hot springs were marvelous, even more so at nighttime." In general, the spa and pool were very good and relaxing. Breakfast is served in a variety of options, and the rooms are spacious and clean. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and most spoke English well enough to communicate freely. "We will definitely come back here.

The Westin Shimei Bay Resort

No.1 Binhai Road, Shimei Bay, 571500
Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

Very good hotel, newly restored, nice breakfast, food both common European and tasty Chinese, very delicious Chinese restaurant on the first floor, clean beach, staff beyond praise, orders delivered to the room virtually within a minute, gorgeous view and room overlooking the sea.

Sheraton Huzhou

No.5858 Taihu Road,, 313000
Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

The hotel built of "layers" of plants has the form of a half-ring rising right from the water surface near the southern shore of Lake Taihu." excellent staff and rooms. "We liked it a lot!

The Tianzi Hotel

33 Yi Ling Er Guo Dao, Sanhe, Langfang, Hebei
Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

The hotel building is shaped after the three gods: the god of happiness (Fu) in the center, the god of destiny and prosperity (Lu) to the right, and the god of longevity (Shou) to the left. "Very conceptual; rooms are clean and cozy.

An Approximate Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Guilin

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay Car rental for 6 days (air conditioner + automatic transmission, €170)
Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort
1 night, 1 adult €131
Taxes +€22
Breakfast included

Day 2

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel

11:00

Visit to the Reed Flute Cave

12:00

Symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill

13:00

Lunch at RongHu Restaurant BaXiKaoRou Buffet (average check: €4-5)

14:00

Visit to the Seven Star Park

15:30

Walk to the Xiaoyao Building Site

17:00

Evening walk along Fir Lake (Shanhu) and Banyan Lake (Ronghu). There are two pagodas in the very center of the lake (the Sun and Moon Pagodas).

18:30

Dinner at Mcfound (Qixing Road) (average check: €3-4)

20:00

Return to the hotel, overnight stay Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort
1 night, 1 adult €131
Taxes +€22
Breakfast included

Day 3

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel

11:00

Ride to Huangluo Yao Village, Longji Rice Terraces

12:45

Arrival in the tribal village of Huangluo with the long-haired Yao

13:00

Lunch in the village (average check: €1-2)

14:00

Ride to Dazhai Village

14:30

Arrival, tour to the rice terraces

17:30

Ride to Yanshou City

18:10

Arrival. Visit to the legendary Liu San Jie Show

19:00

Dinner at Explorer (average check: €4-5)

20:30

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay Li River Resort
1 night, 1 adult €78
Taxes included
Breakfast included

Day 4

9:00

Breakfast at the hotel

10:00

Ride to Zhangjiajie, stop in Huaihua

15:06

Arrival. Lunch at Xiang Dou Shi Fu (average check: €2-4)

18:38

Arrival in Zhangjiajie. Dinner at Element All Day Dining Restaurant (average check: €8-10)

19:38

Visit to the Tianmen Fox Fairy Show (€10)

20:38

Check-in at the hotel, overnight stay Purespace
1 night, 1 adult €127
Taxes included
Breakfast included

Day 5

10:00

Breakfast at the hotel

11:00

Ride to the village of Wulingyuan

11:55

Arrival. Tour of the village

13:00

Ride to the Glass Bridge in Grand Canyon

14:00

Return to Zhangjiajie. Lunch at Lobby Lounge (average check: €4-6)

15:00

Yellow Dragon Cave (entrance fee: €3)

16:00

Ride to Baofeng Lake

16:50

Arrival, walk

17:30

Dinner at Tang Shi Fu Tu Jia Shi Fu (average check: €2-3)

18:30

Walk along Xibu Street, farewell to China

20:00

Return to the hotel, overnight stay Purespace
1 night, 1 adult €127
Taxes included
Breakfast included

Day 6

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure

The Country's 5 Jewels

Ashley Matthews

Ashley Matthews

The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (Yunnan Province)

The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (Yunnan Province)

In the south of Yunnan Province, one can find a handmade miracle that has seamlessly blended into the natural landscape. These are the rice terraces occupying a huge area of 16.6 thousand hectares. The unique creation is a result of the herculean effort undertaken by the local population. For 1,300 years, people have been developing the unforgettable masterpiece inch by inch.

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (Yunnan Province)

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (Yunnan Province)

The three pagodas located near Chongsheng Temple are famous not only due to their sizes and beauty; these are the oldest buildings in the south of China, well-preserved till today. They are situated only 1 kilometer from Dali City, a fascinating and beautiful place on the shores of Erhai Lake. This architectural complex was being built during several centuries, from the 7th to the 10th century.

The Mogao Caves (Gansu Province)

The Mogao Caves (Gansu Province)

One of the oldest Buddhist temples may be found on the slope of Mingsha Sha Mountain. This is a complex of 92 caves with Mogao temples presenting the thousand-year-old history of Buddhist art. The temples were erected on the Taklamakan Desert border along the famous Great Silk Road.

Mount Taishan (Shandong Province)

Mount Taishan (Shandong Province)

It is difficult to overestimate the value of the sacred Taishan Mountain for the Chinese people; an ascent here is not just a journey – it is a pilgrimage across the most sacred places in the country. According to the myths, the five mountains of China were formed from the Creator's body. Taishan was the most important one since it was formed from the head of the supreme deity.

Cuisine

Wontons

Wontons

A triangle is one of the most popular wonton shapes. These wontons look like Italian tortellini. Usually, wontons are boiled and served with broth. Sometimes, they are fried. The filling is made of chopped pork or minced shrimp.

Youtiao

Youtiao

Youtiao may be either a dessert or a side to any spicy meat. This is something in between doughnuts and brushwood cookies. The specially-prepared dough is fried in oil till crunchy. Youtiao is sold in the streets and served in expensive restaurants as a national Chinese dish.

Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant

Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant

Ultraviolet by Paul Paire

Ultraviolet by Paul Paire

A luxurious restaurant with distinctive design, cuisine, atmosphere, and service. Overwhelmingly delicious food, drinks and desserts. A must-visit place!

FAQs

01

Where can I see pandas in China?

02

What tea should I buy in Hainan and where?

03

What should I know about the code of conduct and laws in Hong Kong?

04

Where can I go fishing in Hainan?

Emergency telephones

Police: 110

Fire Service: 119

Consulate: 010-8531 4000

What we propose

Ashley Matthews

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