China Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

February is the last month of winter in China. Though temperatures remain freezing in large parts of the country, the bitter cold starts losing its edge in the southwest. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the splendid ice festival in Harbin, catch some sun in Macau, hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province, and go skiing in Heilongjiang province. Continue reading to find more about the weather, things to do, places to visit during your trip in China in February.

January is the middle of the winter and low tourist season in China, so expect bitterly cold weather, especially in the north. Things get warmer as you head to the far south. Since this is not the peak tourist season, you’ll get good deals on hotels in most places. But shopping can get expensive around the Chinese New Year, so keep this in mind if you plan to travel to China in January. This is also the best month to see the ice festival in the northeast city of Harbin, admire the snow-covered landscape of Jiuzhaigou National Park in southwestern China, and soak in the warmth of the sun in Hainan Island in China’s southernmost tip.

A fascinating country at any time of year, China and its world-famous sights like the Great Wall near Beijing or Xian’s Terracotta Army, features prominently on many people’s travel wish lists. The most popular times to visit the country are spring and autumn but planning a trip during the winter months opens up several intriguing possibilities without the crowds. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, here are our top 7 destinations for winter in China.

When most people imagine traveling to China, bustling metropolises and rural farming are the typical images that come to mind. However, savvy travelers know that China has much more to offer than skyscrapers and agriculture.It may come as a surprise to many, but there are tons of adventurous things to do in China. From camping on the Great Wall to jaw-dropping plank walks on the sides of a mountain, a trip to China can be a challenging and adventurous experience for spirited travellers. Read on to discover our picks of the 8 best adventures in China.

Forget what you know about western-style Chinese food and iconic takeaway boxes. True Chinese cuisine is as diverse and varied as the country itself and is a reflection of its many thousands of years of history and culture. For curious travelers, a trip to China would not be complete without tasting the diverse flavors of its world-famous cuisine.Traditional Chinese food is a delicate— almost artistic— balance of sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter. Each of your senses will come alive with every dish you sample. From the famous Peking duck to dumplings, noodles, and lesser-known Tibetan delicacies, in this article, we look at the 12 best foods from China’s most beloved cities: get ready to taste the 12 best foods in China!

As an important site along ancient trading routes and capital to several bygone dynasties, Xian is adorned with impressive cultural wonders, long-ago architecture, and a host of world-famous attractions, making this city a must-visit on any tour in China.Walk atop the ancient city wall, a remnant of the cities prosperous trading days, gape in awe at the thousands of life-size soldiers made of clay known as the famous Terracotta Army, or discover the stunning landscapes of Mount Huashan on a spectacular hiking route. These are just a few of the fantastic things to do in Xian. Read on for more ideas— in this article we list our 8 top Xian attractions that will help you make the most of your trip to Xian.

Legendary architecture, an ancient and rich culture, and landscapes straight out of your wildest dreams—China is a heaven for explorers and culture geeks intent on discovering some of the world's most amazing wonders. Who hasn’t heard of the Great Wall of China or the Terracotta Army in Xi’an? With a two-week tour in China, you will be able to really dig into this vast country. Explore the Islamic architecture in the West, gaze upon iconic mountain ranges, and discover temples that are known for their beauty and significance. If you have 2 weeks in China and are wondering what to do, check out our top China itineraries in this article.

Tracing the steps of an ancient pilgrimage route, the Silk Road in China is an enticing adventure for culture aficionados, history buffs and nature lovers alike. Explore delicate architecture, mystical wonders of art, and surreal and vast landscapes located along this heritage trail on your trip to China.In this ultimate guide to traveling the Silk Route in China, we list the most popular places you should see on your trip, from Xian in the east to Kashgar in the far west. These places are reminiscent of ancient cultures, showcase a trading spirit and put on show the magnificent landscapes the merchants shipped their goods through. Get ready to experience changes in cuisine, culture, and religion as you travel from one direction the other. Religion in Xian is mainly centered around Chinese folk religion and Taoism, but further west, the Islamic influence grows bigger, with food and culture being similar to the Middle East. Recommended trip duration: Because of the length of the Silk Road and its countless sites, we recommend at least three weeks to complete the entire road without rushing too much. Best time to visit: The weather in this region is marked by extremes in winter and summer. We recommend spring (April to June) as most suitable for proper exploring under moderate conditions.

Given China’s enormous size and scale, you can spend many days discovering its culture, history and cities. One week in China is sufficient to explore 2 to 3 big-ticket destinations like Beijing and Shanghai and also visit impressive sites like Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens and the charming 1000-year-old lake town of Tongli. Alternatively, you can go on a thrilling cycling adventure to top-rated destinations such as Chengdu (known for its adorable pandas) and Mount Emei, a renowned Buddhist site. See Beijing’s Forbidden City, admire the elegant 14th-century brick-and-stone Linggu Temple in Nanjing, and stroll through the Old City and Ming-era Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai during a delightful one-week trip in China. Eager to know how you can spend a week in this remarkable continent-sized country? Find out below.

The mighty Yangtze River is one of the twin Mother Rivers of China. Alongside the Yellow River in the north, the Yangtze River nourishes the vast lands of China, helping its people and wildlife to thrive. Known as China’s granary, the Yangtze River basin is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Asia and is a must-see on any China tour.While the river can be accessed at various points along its 6,300-kilometer-length, a Yangtze River cruise gives you the time you need to enjoy the exquisite scenery from the ship’s deck and on dry land, with lots of opportunities to disembark and explore on foot.

Surrounded by the majestic Karst Mountains, Guilin is one of the most enchanting cities to visit while on a China tour. The lush greenery and the river flowing through the landscape create a modern pristine oasis. Whether you ride on a picturesque river cruise or sample delicious local cuisine, a visit to Guilin is one of the most breath-taking things to do in China. Read on to discover why these fascinating things to do and see in Guilin will be towards the top of any China visit list!

Although this is often stated about a number of travel destinations, China truly does have it all. From its diverse landscape and divine cuisine to its old-world charm and fascinating culture, a tour to China has something to offer even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you plan to spend your time wandering the streets of Shanghai, marveling at the Great Wall, or tucking into street food in Beijing, you’re sure to have one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life.On the flip side, planning a trip to a country this large and diverse can be daunting. That’s where we come in. Read on for an overview of the best China itineraries to help you plan your trip based on how long you can go for.

Spending 10 days in China will allow you to see some of the most popular attractions of this vast country. You can easily cover up to five major destinations, including three sprawling metropolises: Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Add to this, unforgettable experiences such as a cruise along the Li River, a visit to the exotic Hainan Island, or a trip to Mount Emei to see the world’s biggest Buddha sculpture. Take a cable car to the Great Wall of China, do a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s charming alleys and streets, see Xi’an’s world-famous sights like the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and cruise along Shanghai’s Huangpu River during your 10-day trip to China.

Looking for a unique way to tour China? Try a river cruise. The country has a plethora of rivers — including two of the longest rivers in the world — that flow through incredibly scenic landscapes. One of the most memorable things you can do in China is embark on a leisurely cruise on one of these fine rivers. If you’re short on time, you can even find a China river cruise that’s under an hour. Other than the breathtaking vistas, cruises also allow visitors a glimpse into the everyday lifestyle of the riverside settlements. Here is an overview of some of the most beautiful rivers in China and the very best cruises you could take.

Li River, the majestic waterway that connects Guilin with Yangshuo, carves its path through a breathtaking landscape. Ancient limestone karsts warped by time jut up around ancient villages where fishermen wait for a catch and water buffalo graze. Travelers who go on a Li River cruise often describe it as the highlight of their entire China tour.Most visitors spend one night in Guilin, take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo and return to Guilin by car. The water journey from Guilin City or nearby Zhujiang Wharf to Yangshuo town takes between four and five hours, covering a distance of around 83 kilometers. For a more immersive experience, explore the Li River’s unforgettable landscape via a combination of bike, boat, and foot and spend anything from three days to two weeks in this enchanting land.