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.
Whether you’re trying to stream your favorite shows, access Google Maps, or simply keep in touch with friends and family back home, having the right VPN, data plan, and essential apps is key to get past China’s Great Firewall.
When I close my eyes and think of Chengdu, it’s not skyscrapers or pandas I see first – it’s a smell: chili oil, caramelized sugar, and the comforting aroma of yeast drifting up from sizzling griddles filled with golden half-moons of dough. These are dan hong gao (蛋烘糕), translated directly as egg baked pancakes, and to me they’re my entire childhood wrapped up in a delicious package.
Coffee culture isn’t strong (or native) in China, but these cafes in Beijing will have you thinking otherwise. Criteria for our list considered all of the following: good coffee, decent wifi, comfortable vibe, and clean bathrooms.
From Peking duck to the humble dumpling, we have compiled a few of our favorite foreigner-friendly local restaurants in Beijing. Criteria for this list means they have menus with English and/or photos and serve authentic and stupid-delicious fare. This is your meal itinerary if you’re traveling through Beijing. Don’t just pick one, try them all.
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