Shanghai is absolutely massive, and given that Western mapping products like Apple Maps and Google Maps don’t really work, that doesn’t make trip planning any easier either. I know the feeling all too well, having planned multiple trips to China myself! Luckily, you don’t need to figure …
Most travelers only know Chengdu as the place to see China’s beloved giant pandas—and while that’s definitely a must, it barely scratches the surface of what the city has to offer. Chengdu is a major university city, which gives it a youthful, open-minded vibe. The …
Most travelers heading to China default to the big names: Beijing for the Great Wall, Shanghai for the skyline. And sure, those cities are impressive. But if you’re even slightly interested in understanding how China became what it is today, you need to add Xi’an …
If you’re not familiar with China’s long and layered history, it might surprise you to find a bustling Muslim neighborhood in the middle of Xi’an. But the Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Jie in phonetic Chinese, has been a central part of the city …
Even though I’m Chinese myself (American-born, raised in a Cantonese-speaking household), that didn’t stop me from experiencing culture shock once I landed in China. The pace, the systems, the lack of English, the little unspoken rules—it was a lot to adjust to, even with the …
Most people visiting China for the first time start with Beijing and Shanghai. And look, that’s fine, but let’s be real—Beijing in the winter? Absolutely freezing. This itinerary is based on an actual family trip we took during the winter months (late November to December). …
When I was planning my trip to Chongqing, I ran into a problem that I was really not used to—I had no idea what to actually do there. Google searches kept leading me to the same generic TripAdvisor recommendations, and none of them made the …
I used to be all about unique stays in less touristy areas. But as I’ve gotten older, I just don’t have the patience to be based far away from a train station. In Chongqing, we based ourselves in one of the most convenient districts possible: Jiafangbei. …
Honestly, I think Shibati is one of the most underrated areas in all of Chongqing. If you love repurposed buildings, perusing through little shops, and getting lost in the nooks and crannies of a historic neighborhood, Shibati is a must-visit. Once a consulate area and …
Ciqikou Ancient Town, a former trading hub dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is one of Chongqing’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s packed with tea houses, street food stalls, and traditional wooden buildings that give off a sense of old-world China. If you’re used to big, …