Planning a trip with the whole family – whether that means toddlers, teens, or even grandparents – can be a logistical puzzle. These curated multi-day trips focus on hands-on activities packed with local flavor (literally) and experiences that are perfect for everyone.
Before you dive into China’s rich culture and delicious food, there are a few things you should know to help you feel more comfortable and avoid any awkward moments. From water etiquette to understanding the nuances of Chinese dining customs, this quick guide will help you navigate your way through everyday experiences with ease and confidence.
You probably don’t think of China when you think of wine. That’s about to change. Hidden in China’s remote northwest, where the vast Gobi desert meets the Helan mountain range, a quiet wine revolution is unfolding. Ningxia, once known for sheep herding and sandstorms, is now producing some of the most exciting wines in the world—and almost nobody knows about it.
Planning a trip to China? For most travelers, obtaining a tourist visa (L-Visa) is essential before arrival, but there are several exceptions and visa-free options that could simplify your journey. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to know.
This is a story about how a yak herder, a French grape, and how a forgotten village gave rise to one of the world’s rarest wines. We begin high in the mountains of Yunnan, one of China’s Western-most provinces, where the Mekong River slices through Tibetan foothills and Catholic church spires rise from the center of timeless villages. There we meet Hongxing, a small boy herding yaks for his family in the remote village of Cizhong.
In the bustling alleys of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where street food and local delicacies narrate the city’s rich history and culture, one small restaurant stands out for its unique flavors and unwavering commitment to tradition. Zhiliang Steamed Dumplings is not just a beloved staple for locals; it’s become a must-try stop for travelers seeking the authentic taste of Xi’an.
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This is not your standard "go to a market and then a street-food stall" experience. We’re way beyond that. Come visit us throughout China, Cambodia, and Portland USA.
If you’re looking for some locally inspired gifts for the foodies in your life then our Portland Gift Guide for Foodies is going to be perfect; we’re not sure there is a more passionate group of foodies in Portland than us! These are the first places we go when we’re looking for something fun to treat ourselves (or our loved ones.) Plus a bonus snack stop at the bottom if you’re looking to treat yourself as well.
A fair amount of visitors take advantage of one of Siem Reap’s many unique offerings: bugs. Well, bugs for eating. But it’s not just a tourist trap, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that two billion people, more than a quarter of the world’s population, eat bugs as part of their standard diet.
Drinking in China is a big deal, only Tajikistan and Russia have a higher alcohol consumption per capita. In fact, the best-selling beer in the world is Chinese – Snow. And to top it off, you’ve probably never heard of the most sold alcohol in the world- Baijiu (which is a Chinese, check out our guide here).
Pub Street is cool for a short while, but the best bars aren’t there. Check out our guide to the best places to grab a drink in Siem Reap.
The Great Wall is a must-visit for everyone visiting China, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do on your own. Navigating Beijing and far-away places like the Great Wall is not simple even if you speak Chinese. Eliminate the hassle of figuring everything out by yourself – sometimes tours are the best way to see things! Trust us.
Grab a warm drink and get your cheer on with this list of the best Portland winter festivals and Christmas events happening this holiday season! From lights to trains to parties to extreme sports, Portland is the place to be for the holidays and we’ve got you covered.
Dim Sum is a style of Cantonese food that originated from the southern Canton region of China, therefore its traces are hard to find on the streets of Beijing which is situated north. It’s harder still to find authentic and quality Cantonese food up here. So when Furongji opened, the Lost Plate team had to give it a try. It’s run by the incredible team at The Orchid guesthouse who also offers the best rooftop brunch in town.
Don’t miss these bars and restaurants for the best Portland happy hours and deals in town!
What to eat, where to stay, what to do, how to get around; we’ve got it all covered in our free Portland, Oregon Travel Guide.
What to eat, where to stay, what to do, how to get around; we’ve got it all covered in our free Xian Travel Guide.
Pufferfish are among some of the most poisonous vertebrae in the world, yet for some reason, they are eaten as a delicacy in many Asian countries, including China. Despite the Chinese government banning the preparation and serving of this fish since 1990, it is still quite popular and often sold “off-menu.” In fact, the government estimates approximately 30-50,000 of them are eaten each year!
Phnom Penh is a beautiful and often overlooked capital city. Many travelers speak about it with mixed reviews, but for those that know the city, Phnom Penh is a place of hidden gems. The only businesses that survive here are small, personable, and full of personality. They’re easily missed and wonderfully intimate, and are entirely reliant on word of mouth.
This Phnom Penh Travel Guide is packed full of tips for what to eat, drink, do, and where to stay, plus a lot more!
Everyone knows that they need to try hotpot when visiting Chengdu, but few people know about the different types of hotpot the city has to offer. Take a look at our list of the best hotpot in Chengdu and the different ways locals enjoy this insanely spicy soup and the best places to find it!
Even as a first-time visitor to China, it is impossible not to notice the prevalence of QR codes in restaurants, attractions, and even the mom-and-pop shops along the street. Have you ever wondered what these QR codes are for?
Is it beer-thirty yet? No matter where you are or where you’re from, there is beer- and China is no exception. In fact, the bestselling beer in the world is a Chinese brand called Snow, which sells twice as much as Budweiser, three times as much as Heineken, and four times as much as Corona every year. Not bad for a beer that’s only sold in China.
A visit to Cambodia isn’t complete until you visit at least one Phnom Penh markets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, food, discounted clothing, or local handicrafts – they have everything. The best part is that no matter where you are, they’re just a short tuktuk ride away!
Portland’s location provides a huge variety of different sights and climates to explore nearby. Here is our list of the best things to do within an hour of Portland, Oregon!
There are a few good things to know before you travel to China that will prepare you for the unexpected and make your trip a lot easier. To avoid surprises, take a look at our China Travel Tips to make your trip more successful!
The most common question we get from guests on our Xian food tours is “Where should we eat?” It’s a really good question since most authentic and local places have no English options (like the amazing places we selected for our Morning and Evening Food Tours.) With that said, the restaurant scene in Xian serves up some amazing Shaanxi local dishes. We hand-picked the Xian restaurants listed below because we love them, visit often and are the first places we take friends and family members who visit.
If you have joined our Beijing Breakfast Food Tour, you already know why our favorite stop is visiting the He family’s Egg Filled Pancake Shop – also know as Jidan Guan Bing. These small, savory pancake-like pastries filled with egg and flavored with chili (or soybean paste) are a lesser-known foodie delight, and lucky for us they’ve shared their family recipe.
Shanghai, as one of the biggest business and financial hubs of Asia, is no doubt one of the most frequently visited cities in the Chinese mainland. It may be one of the major attractions on your China trip or you might simply be taking advantage of the convenient flights, making it a short layover stay. Either way, you will probably want to do some souvenir shopping during your time in the city and there is no shortage of places to do that. Our first recommendation is the markets- get a taste of local life and street eats at the same time too.
We’re often asked by our food tour guests to recommend the best hotels in Beijing, so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places to stay. Not only are their reputations high, they are English-friendly, offer some incredible dining options, and provide unique a Beijing experience.
What to eat, where to stay, what to do, how to get around; we’ve got it all covered in our free travel guide for Chengdu, China.
Chengdu is a relaxed place to hang out, and the city holds some of our favorite places to stay in China. We hear all about hotel experiences from our guests every day, so here’s a list of the best hotels in Chengdu – keeping location, feedback, and foodies in mind!
When you ask a tourist what they know about Chengdu, their answer will be that it’s where pandas are from. When you ask a Chinese what they think about Chengdu, there are always a few things on their mind.
Cider in the United States has a long history. The old soggy cap that was put away for winter storage (prohibition) never really recovered the industry. Decades later, we finally have the beginning of a situation where the demand for cider is increasing, so people have been producing more and more. However, heritage apple varieties that produce good quality cider are in short supply.
Apples originated in central Asia and were originally cultivated in places like Azerbaijan and Turkey. Through trade and migration, apples spread across the globe. For cider, the result has led to only a handful of regions known for their top-quality cider. It’s likely that any area growing apples also fermented them at some point in time.
This is your complete guide to the Portland’s Best Summer Foodie Events and Food & Beer Festivals, brought to you by our team of foodies in Portland, Oregon!
As you have probably figured out by now, we at Lost Plate really like eating – and we really like eating at special events in the summer! But summer isn’t just about food festivals and ice cream every day – here is a list of the best Portland summer events & festivals that you will want to check out.
Beijing is home to some incredibly well-preserved and beautiful historical monuments. But one thing that we think the city doesn’t get enough credit for is how amazing much of the modern architecture is. From the “Bird’s Nest” of Olympic Park to the National Theater, Beijing is home to some architectural treasures that are often overlooked. Here’s our guide to the buildings that we think warrant a visit – and a photo or two!
America has a strong history with cider. The tradition and trees were brought over by European immigrants. At that time, cider was a safe, accessible, and common drink when water sanitation wasn’t where it is today. Cider was at one time as American as apple pie and made from apple varieties that are nothing like what we buy today in the grocery store (and are still not readily accessible.)
Cambodia’s generally a pretty easy place to travel. English is widely spoken, people are friendly, and expenses are pretty reasonable once you touch ground. Even so, here’s a couple things to make your trip extra-comfortable.
In 2021, the New Year falls on February 12th, and in China everyone gets some time off to spend with their families from February 11th through 17th. The direct translation for this holiday in Chinese translates to “Spring Festival” and celebrates the arrival of spring.
China has a long history grounded in strong traditions that date back thousands of years. Perhaps more than any other country, these are still seen clearly today and make China a very interesting place to explore! The best way to see what you never knew about China is by taking a look at the traditions in the north and south of China, roughly defined by the Yangtze River.
The Qinling mountain range is one of the largest in China and many people are surprised to see how close they are on a clear day in Xian. Hua Shan’s jagged peaks and stunning landscape are one-of-a-kind and hiking Huashan Mountain is definitely worth adding to your Xian itinerary. For the adventure seeker, it also holds the Plank trail, often dubbed as the most dangerous hike in the world!
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