Destinations: Explore the Middle Kingdom

From the neon skyline of Shanghai to the yak-filled pastures of Tibet. Browse our complete library of regional guides, sorted by province and city to help you find your perfect corner of China.

The Li River in Guilin, China, flowing past numerous steep, tree-covered karst limestone mountains under a bright blue sky with white clouds. Several tour boats and smaller vessels are visible on the clear water, and dense green foliage covers the riverbanks and mountain bases.

Guilin & Yangshuo Itinerary: 4-Day Karst Peaks, River Cruises & Rice Terraces

Planning a trip to Guangxi province can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of logistics involved in navigating rural [...]

A wide view of lush green rolling grasslands with a winding blue river. Numerous horses and cows, including calves, graze freely across the vibrant green pastures. In the distance, gentle green hills rise under a bright blue sky dotted with scattered white clouds.

How to Visit China’s Grasslands: Hohhot to Hulunbuir Steppe Travel Guide

You have likely seen the photos: endless ribbons of green rolling under a cobalt sky, white yurts dotting the horizon, [...]

A lone person walks along a narrow, winding dirt path between towering, rugged red sandstone walls of the Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon near Kuqa, Xinjiang, with a sliver of bright blue sky visible above.

Xinjiang By Public Transport: 7–10 Day Route from Urumqi to Kashgar

Most guidebooks will tell you that traveling China’s far west requires a private driver, an expensive tour group, or a [...]

A vibrant spread of traditional Cantonese cuisine from Guangzhou, perfect for a meal beyond dim sum. The focus is on two steaming claypot rice dishes: one with sliced Chinese sausage (lap cheong), savory chicken, and fresh gai lan, and another with braised meat, two sunny-side-up fried eggs, and green vegetables over rice, all drizzled with sauce. The meal also includes a clear pork rib soup with a corn cob slice, a bowl of braised quail eggs, a separate whole Chinese sausage, glazed chicken wings, and a side of crispy fried snacks, all laid out on a rustic wooden table.

Guangzhou Food Neighborhoods Guide: Where to Eat Beyond Dim Sum

Most travelers land in Guangzhou with one goal: eat as much dim sum as humanly possible. While the yum cha [...]

The breathtaking turquoise waters of Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou National Park, China, show submerged tree branches covered in moss. The crystal-clear water reflects the vibrant blue sky with scattered white clouds. The lake is surrounded by a dense forest on steep mountainsides, displaying a mix of evergreen pines and deciduous trees with autumn foliage in shades of orange and yellow. A wooden boardwalk with tourists walking along it is visible on the left bank, and snow-capped mountains rise in the distance under a bright sunny sky.

Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong? How to Choose and Plan Your Sichuan Fairyland Trip

Sichuan Province is home to two of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites in China: Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong [...]

A panoramic view of the Longji Rice Terraces in Dazhai village, Guangxi, China, featuring lush green, winding paddies cascading down mountain slopes. Numerous traditional wooden minority houses and modern guesthouses are nestled within the terraces, illuminated by warm golden hour sunlight.

How to Hike the Longji Rice Terraces Without the Tour Crowds

The Dragon’s Backbone (Longji) Rice Terraces are arguably one of the most photographed landscapes in China. But if you search [...]

A breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic, snow-capped Mount Everest under a brilliant blue sky, as seen from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. In the foreground, a traditional white Buddhist stupa (chorten) with a golden spire and colorful prayer flags stands on a rocky, arid landscape. The path leads through a desolate valley towards the towering Himalayan peaks, highlighting this iconic Everest Base Camp view and its connection to required Tibet travel permits.

Tibet Permits Explained: Tourist Permit, Aliens Travel Permit & More

Planning a trip to the "Roof of the World" involves navigating one of the most complex bureaucratic landscapes in global [...]

A breathtaking view of the multi-tiered Deyue Pavilion, a traditional Naxi architecture pagoda, located in Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park) in Lijiang, Yunnan, China. The pavilion's vibrant colors and tiered roofs are perfectly reflected in the calm blue water. Majestic, snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rise in the background under a clear sky, with a graceful stone arched bridge visible over the lake to the right.

Ultimate Yunnan Loop: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La in 10 Days

Planning a trip to China’s southwest can be overwhelming due to the sheer scale of the province. However, the Ultimate [...]

Aerial daytime overview of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, featuring a towering central ice spire, elaborate multi-spired ice castles, and vast icy pathways bustling with visitors at the Harbin Ice and Snow World.

Harbin Ice Festival Survival Guide: Routes, Gear, and Budget Tips

Harbin is not a destination for the faint of heart. Located in Heilongjiang province, bordering Russia, this city transforms into [...]

An aerial view of the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a vibrant red sandstone cliff face. The colossal statue features a serene expression with closed eyes, a gentle smile, and dark, tightly coiled hair-like features, with a red urna on its forehead. Lush green trees partially obscure the lower portion of the statue, while a paved walkway with a red railing is visible in the upper left, alongside the moss-covered, layered rock of the cliff. This iconic Buddhist site is a major attraction near Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Day Trips from Chengdu: Leshan, Emeishan and 5 Underrated Alternatives

Chengdu is famous for its laid-back teahouse culture and the adorable residents of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. However, [...]