G'day! I'm Chris. I left my home in rural Australia back in 2007 to pursue a life less ordinary.
I specialize in ambitious travel - bucket list worthy journeys such as the Great US Road Trip, the ultimate African safari, and following the length of the Silk Road.
South Korea might not technically be my backyard anymore, but I was lucky enough to call the land of kimchi, soju, and noraebang home for two and a half pretty remarkable years when I first hit the road back in 2007.
A lot of people completely overlook South Korea when they’re planning their Asian adventure. It’s not as historically interesting as China, as zany as neighbouring Japan, or as exotic as the Southeast Asian nations.
What South Korea lacks in ‘wow’, it more than makes up for in a kind of all around charm. There are few countries as friendly, welcoming, and off the beaten path in all of Asia.
What follows are my do’s and don’t’s in South Korea gathered from two and a half years as an expat and a subsequent visit as a traveler in 2013.
Do sample Korean food
Ddeok galbi is a dizzying blend of chewy rice cakes, vegetables, and spicy chicken. Image courtesy of Teach ESL Korea.
Korean food really doesn’t get a lot of play around the world. While every man and his dog is familiar with Japanese sushi, Mongolian BBQ, and a good kung pao chicken from the local Chinese take out – the world really hasn’t been treated to the wonders of a good galbi meal, some spicy kimchi, or the icy sweetness of patbingsu.
I’ll admit this about Korean food – it very rarely looks appetizing. This is not a country obsessed with creating food that looks good, but don’t let that fool you. My mouth literally waters at the thought of a spicy ddeok galbi lunch or a hearty bibimbap breakfast to kick start my day. If you have a little doubt about their food, you can check for restaurant deals in Seoul and discover trending food places with good reviews. With the eatigo app, you can also make advance reservations for a more comfortable dining experience.
But enough of my yammering. I’m not going to do Korean food justice in a short entry. Let some pictures and a few of my older entries on Korean food and Korean street food do the talking for me.
Don’t eat bosintang (dog soup)
Far be it from me to judge a country that chooses to eat the cute and cuddly dog. I come from a country where both of the animals on our national crest (the kangaroo and emu) are regular features on the menu. I’ve got no qualms about a country’s choice of meat.
But bosintang, a soup made from the meat of Jindo dog, crosses a bit of a line for me. Say what you will about the way in which cattle or chickens are killed in developed countries – dogs that are bred for meat in South Korea are literally beaten to death.
Why? Because Korean cultural lore says that the adrenaline in the dog when it dies will go towards increasing a man’s stamina. And I don’t mean his ability to run a race.
Do get out and experience South Korean festival culture
Celebrate the arrival of Spring by visiting Jinhae for their annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
This is a country that loves a celebration. In fact, one of the most engaging aspects of your visit will undoubtedly be attending one of the many South Korean festivals. Don’t believe me? Here’s just a few of the many, many festivals you can find around Korea during the year.
And that is literally just a handful of the bigger festivals on show each year. There are dozens and dozens of them, and there’s even overlap (multiple cities host cherry blossom festivals and lantern festivals) so you can miss one and still make its sister event later in the year.
Each festival offers a unique insight into some facet of Korean culture, but it’s also a great opportunity to try some new foods and see a new corner of Korea.
Time to hit the water? I think so
Don’t cling to the Western world
Korea, like much of Asia, has made rapid strides to fit into the Western world.
You’ll find a McDonalds on virtually every corner and there are Western clothing outlets from Gap to H&M to Forever 21.
Sometimes these comforts from home are a necessary evil. You might have had a rough day and the only thing that will stave off the tears is a juicy Whopper and a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream.
A sinfully good European Frico Cheese burger from Lotteria.
But it’s easy to slip from occasional indulgence to ‘home away from home’ while you’re in Korea, and you’re not only depriving yourself of the true Korean experience – you’re likely to put on a whole bunch of weight in the process.
Getting out to explore some hole in the wall kimbap joint or a smoky soju bar lets you get in touch with the real Korea and the real Koreans who inhabit it. You’re far more likely to meet a unique character in a Korean restaurant than you are queuing for a sub at Quizno’s in Itaewon.
Between soju being dirt cheap and available virtually everywhere, employers encouraging their employees to come out on nightly visits to soju bars and noraebangs (singing rooms), and the lack of an open container law – Korea really is a drinker’s paradise.
Myself and Jesse (his English name) rocking some Bon Jovi in 2008.
Events such as the Boryeong Mud Festival are borderline hedonistic, but even your average weeknight in Korea will see locals and foreigners alike carousing in the bars and in the streets.
The bright neon lights that line most Korean streets put you in mind of Las Vegas, and the illusion is supported by the seemingly limitless supply of soju bars, hofs (beer & food joints), foreigner bars, cocktail lounges, noraebangs, and restaurants serving up libations ranging from locally brewed beer to imported whiskeys.
If you like to imbibe, you’re going to have a great time in Korea. It’s a country where drinking is every bit a big a part of life as eating rice three times a day and loving the taste of kimchi.
Fruit soju. Manna from heaven.
Don’t be a bad representative of your country
I don’t say this in a confrontational or derisive way – but South Korea is still a somewhat insular nation with a very out-dated view of the rest of the world. If you look at their history of being invaded by all and sundry though, you can understand their over-arching cultural xenophobia.
That’s not to say the average Korean is a foreigner hating maniac. The vast majority of Koreans I met were very excited to be meeting somebody from another country. There’s a pervasive fascination with all things Western in South Korea, but it’s tinged with a kind of innocent ignorance that can be offensive to some.
When I told my employer I was dating a South African girl, for example, he mimed waving a spear above her head as if the nation was full of savages.
I once had a student proudly proclaim to be: “Obama is a nigger”. He didn’t even realize the word’s negative connotations, but he’d obviously heard it somewhere.
Dealing with this feeling of being an outsider is all a part of the Korean experience, but you don’t make things any easier for yourself or for others if you play the part of the evil foreigner. It’s one thing to enjoy a drink and have a good time and another thing to get drunk and pick a fight. It’s one thing to make a tiny cultural faux pas and another thing to flaunt your cleavage in defiance of Korean tradition.
Koreans completely understand a good hangover, but remember that you’re an ambassador for foreigners everywhere.
Do take the chance to soak in Korea’s immense natural beauty
Bigeumdo island off Korea’s SW coast is usually much sunnier than this spooky picture might indicate…
It might not be immediately obvious amidst the towering sky-scrapers and the neon lined streets of Seoul, but the Korean peninsula boasts a lot of truly beautiful natural landscapes.
While Jejudo’s volcanic mountains and beaches are the most famous of these, there are secret places all over the nation that will capture any photographer’s imagination.
There’s beautiful Daewonsa Temple outside of Gwangju – where Tibetan Buddhist ideals blend seamlessly in with the gorgeous mountain scenery. There are the countless tiny islands dotting the west coast of Korea such as Bigeumdo; beautiful beaches such as Gwangali and Boryeong; snow capped mountain peaks such as Muju; and the vast national park of Seoraksan.
Hikers are going to be in heaven in Korea as well. The mountainous peninsula takes full advantage of the many peaks that scar the landscape with walking trails criss-crossing the nation.
Beautiful Daewonsa temple outside of Gwangju in the country’s South West
Don’t believe everything you read
Western media loves nothing more than to beat up the hostile relationship between North and South Korea. It seems a month couldn’t pass without a concerned friend or family member asking me if I would be fleeing the country in light of recent incidents.
“What incidents?” I’d ask.
Truth is, while the papers of the US and the UK love to talk up the brewing conflict between the two Koreas – those of us on the peninsula barely ever even heard about it.
While there is obvious tension to be felt when touring the DMZ, the fear quickly fades once you get away from the line that separates communist North Korea and the democratic South. The general feeling in the South is one of sadness and pity towards their starving Northern neighbors, and talks of unifying the peninsula are always at the forefront of the political agenda.
Relax. You’ll be fine.
Risking life and limb in the blue room
Do explore
If you only follow only one of the do’s and don’t’s in South Korea I give here, make it this one.
Korea is a small country, but they cram a hell of a lot into it. Believe me, there is no shortage of things to do in South Korea.
This has nothing to do with the article, but aren’t Korean kids adorable?
Korean culture is such a fascinating mixture of thoughts and beliefs – a wonderfully confused blend of thousands of years of tradition and the rapid absorption of Western ideals and beliefs.
You’ll never truly experience it without roaming off the beaten track, stepping outside of the safety of the ever growing foreigner community, and taking a few risks.
My recent introduction of the showdown between Egypt or Turkey was a popular one, so I thought I’d do another and have it a little bit closer to home this time around.
It seems like every nation has its fierce city rivalries. You’ve got New York versus Los Angeles in the US, Sydney versus Melbourne in Australia, and a bizarre Paris versus London rivalry that spans countries.
In China, the fiercest inter-city rivalry undoubtedly lies between cosmopolitan Shanghai and historic Beijing. The history of China’s most famous sites pitted up against the world-class dining and night-life scene of the former European occupied city.
So, which is best? Should you spend more time in Beijing or in Shanghai?
I’ve got the answer for you below.
Round 1 – History: Imperial Sites versus Colonial Heritage
You don’t visit a country with China’s history without a passing interest in soaking in some of its many ancient sites. I was humbled by the ancient walls of the Stone Fort in Tashkorgan, and standing atop the Great Wall of China on a wild Great Wall hike very nearly moved me to tears.
Beijing’s Historic Sites
Boasting sites including (but certainly not limited to) Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace – Beijing has no shortage of culturally significant sites for you to soak in.
Whether your interest lies in Imperial China or in its more recent political history, Beijing is the heart of China in many ways. While it’s true that a lot of these places are often over-crowded with tourists, it’s still possible to experience them with a little time for quiet contemplation. Taking in the view of the Forbidden City from atop the hill in Jingshan Park or wandering the Summer Palace at sunset can be a great way to see them without the jostling crowds.
The Nine Dragon Screen took a bit of effort to find, but it was worth it.
Even the Great Wall of China, one of the most recognisable landmarks on earth, can be experienced on your own. Skip Badaling and Mutianyu, and instead make your way out to Jinshanling, Gubeikou, or Huanghuacheng for a glimpse of how it must have been to stand atop the wall when the threat of Mongol invasion loomed large.
On top of the world!
Historic Sites in Shanghai
You have to search a little harder to find the same level of historic sites in modern Shanghai. While few of these can claim to have the cultural significance of the Summer Palace or the Great Wall, places such as Yuyuan Garden, Longhua Temple, or the nearby water towns offer a little glimpse into Chinese history.
If your interest in Chinese history is in its colonial history, than it is in Shanghai that you’ll find Europe’s most insidious influence. The motley architectural collection of The Bund and the leafy laneways of the French Concession give a glimpse into an entirely different aspect of China’s history.
Yuyaun Gardens in Shanghai. Photo courtesy of SteFou.
Beijing by a country mile
Both Beijing and Shanghai boast sites of cultural and historic significance, but it’s a bit of an unfair comparison. Shanghai has emerged as a major city in only the last century or so, giving Beijing a massive head start that is only furthered by its status as the nation’s capital.
If Chinese history is what draws you to the country, than you can’t really go past the fascinating locations on offer in Beijing. It’s a runaway winner in this category.
Beijing: 1 Shanghai: 0
Round 2 – Food: Classic China versus Cosmopolitan China
Chinese food is famous around the world, but you haven’t really tried it until you’ve eaten it on Chinese soil. Whether you’re looking for an up-scale restaurant for a bit of fine dining or you’re a street food hound like I am, both cities offer an abundance of options when it comes to food.
Traditional Food in Beijing
Beijing (or Peking) duck is one of the more iconic examples of Chinese cuisine and no Beijing bucket list would be complete without sampling crispy duck fat, sweet plum sauce, and succulent duck meat.
Preparing to eat my first bite of scrumptious Beijing duck.
Beijing cuisine is a treasure trove of tastes for all palettes. From the mild mix of fanqie chao dan (scrambled eggs & tomato) that is one of the first meals most China expats sample to the more exotic such as wu long to zhu (sea cucumber and quail eggs), there’s a lot to like about Beijing cuisine. Don’t forget to try jianbing (savory pancake wraps) and the quintessential, humble dumpling.
As the political hub of China, you’ll find food from all over the country here. Spicy Sichuan cuisine, seasoned lamb kebabs from Xinjiang, fiery Hunanese, fragrant Yunnan delicacies, and much more vie for your palette’s attention across the city.
While Beijing often lagged behind diverse Shanghai when it comes to foreign cuisine, the years since the 2008 Beijing Olympics have seen a renaissance of international cuisine in the city. You’ll find everything from Israeli to Japanese to German to American staples in the city’s hutongs and high rises.
Shanghai’s Foodie Paradise
Shanghai’s history as a former colonial settlement gives it a bit of an unfair advantage when it comes to international cuisine. Europe and the western world have had a foothold in Shanghai for far longer than elsewhere in China, and it shows in the diversity of offerings available.
Mexican, Russian, French, Spanish, and so much more can be had if you don’t mind paying Shanghai prices.
Traditional Shanghai cuisine draws a lot from its seaside location (although local cuisine tends more towards freshwater fish) and legendary dishes such as drunken shrimp (shrimp literally cooked in alcohol and served live) are popular here. Steamed dumplings (baotze) are a popular treat here, and Shanghai food does tend towards the sweet or the oily. Pork is king here, although chicken is an ever popular treat among the Chinese.
Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are Shanghai’s claim to culinary fame. Image courtesy of Ruth Hartnup.
Beijing Edges It!
It’s a neck and neck battle again, but Beijing’s place at the heart of Chinese culture gives it a real edge. Food from all over China’s provinces can be found and enjoyed in both cities, but a combination of lower prices and Beijing’s local cuisine being famous in its own right gives it the win in my eyes.
Beijing: 2 Shanghai: 0
Round 3 – Shopping & Culture: Knock-offs and designer brands
While it certainly doesn’t blow my skirt up, there’s no doubting that shopping may well be on a person’s mind while they’re in China. With quality retailers (and their less quality knock-offs) doing brisk business in a China rapidly falling into line with the world’s consumer culture, there’s no shortage of shopping malls or even entire streets dedicated to consumerism.
Shanghai’s Fake Markets and Boutiques
Shanghai Old Street, Xin Dian Ti, Dongtai Road, and the former British district of Nanjing Road are meccas for those with money to spend or eyes in need of a little window shopping. Like much of Asia, there’s a delightful mix of the modern and the old school all swirled together into a dizzying mish-mash in which rickety carts manned by wispy haired vendors compete with glitzy boutiques for your attention.
Nanjing Road is a haven for shopaholics. Image courtesy of Maher Najm.
Shanghai’s Museums and Galleries
If culture of a less consumerist style is more your thing, then Shanghai’s got no shortage of museums either.
The Shanghai Museum bucks the trend of uninspired and confusing Chinese museums. It’s well lit and (more importantly) English labelled exhibits cover a vast period of Chinese history. The deceptively entertaining Shanghai Urban Planning Museum, the interactive Shanghai Museum of Science & Technology, and the hole in the wall charm of the Propaganda Museum give you plenty of options.
The Shanghai Propaganda Museum is a personal favourite. Image courtesy of Buster & Bubby.
If art is your thing, you might also get a thrill out of visiting the M50 Creative District. Here, you’ll see the best and brightest of China’s art scene refining their craft in a kind of creative commune. Sculpture, painting, calligraphy, photography, video, and much more can be seen in this ever-changing celebration of the creative arts.
Beijing is a city similarly stocked with excellent shopping. What it lacks in modern sophistication, Beijing makes up for in a kind of earthy charm.
If you’re looking to test out your haggling skills, Beijing’s markets offer a real baptism of fire. Silk Street is one of China’s most famous shopping destinations, but there’s also places like the Panjiayuan Flea Market and more touristy spots like Wangfujing for your shopping needs.
Of course, there’s also the ever present malls, fashion outlets, and the like to cater to the more Western tastes.
Wudaoying is one of many fantastic hutongs just begging to be explored.
Culture and Art in Beijing
Culture? You’re in the right place! As if the horde of historical sites isn’t enough, there’s more than just ruins and temples to occupy you.
The Chinese capital is awash with museums, art galleries, and monuments. I’m not just talking dusty old museums, either. You’ll find your fill of Chinese history and culture in the National Museum, Palace Museum (aka the Forbidden City), the Beijing Capital Museum, and the National Gallery, but did you know Beijing is also home to museums with such eccentric themes as traditional Chinese medicine, bees, eunuchs, and even a museum of tap water!
Add these to places like the 798 Art District and the pop-up galleries that litter the hutongs, and you’ve got plenty to occupy your mind.
I was surprised by just how green Beijing is. I had expected a built up concrete jungle.
A Dead Heat
To me, a guy who is ambivalent to museums and despises shopping, I’m going to call it a dead heat. I can’t split Beijing or Shanghai in this one.
Beijing: 3 Shanghai: 1
Round 4 – Family Fun: Kids in Beijing versus Kids in Shanghai
If my little brother Izaak has taught me nothing else about travel, it’s that being a kid in Asia isn’t always so exciting. Without the context of history, the dusty tombs and crumbling monuments we all find so fascinating just aren’t that interesting. I can’t begin to count the number of times my youngest brother yawned while the rest of us gawked at some Korean temple or museum.
But both Shanghai and Beijing do offer a little more than just monuments, temples, and museums.
Shanghai: Disney and the Rest
While stories of the newly opened Shanghai Disney’s less than civilised crowds might put a few off, the world’s largest Disney park is still very much on my to do list.
Chinese theme park chain, Happy Valley also has a presence here and is joined by such kid-friendly options as the Shanghai Zoo (boasting more than 620 animals), the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai Wild Insect Kingdom, and the Shanghai Sculpture Park to keep the younger set entertained.
Family-friendly spots such as Yuyuan Gardens, People’s Park, the Willie Wonka-esque Bund tunnel, and the scintillating ERA Acrobatics show are all good options to entertain young and old alike. There’s certainly plenty of things to do with kids in Shanghai.
While Beijing doesn’t have a Disney park to wow the little’uns, there’s still a variety of kid-friendly activities to ensure they remember China as fondly as you do.
Local theme parks include the traditional theme park thrills of Shijingshan Amusement Park and the miniature replicas of Beijing World Park. Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Ocean Park, and the Pacific Underwater World are also options for animal obsessed kids.
Its cultural activities that Beijing offers kids in spades. Whether they’re wandering the hutongs, exploring Chaoyang Park, or clambering atop the centuries old stones of the Great Wall – Beijing’s history and culture are accessible for all ages.
My little brother at the Beijing Zoo in 2010. He looks whelmed.
Shanghai by a Nose
Once again it’s proving hard to split the two. There’s certainly no shortage of kid friendly museums, amusement parks, and animal centered amusements to keep kids entertained. Shanghai Disney really gives it that little extra gravitas when it comes to being a kid-friendly location, so I’m going to give the southern city its first outright win.
Beijing: 3 Shanghai: 2
Round 5 – Night Life: Partying in Beijing and Shanghai
I love the night life (I love to boogie), so it’s no surprise that I would gladly sink a few beers (or endure some baijiu) in either of these cities. While my boozy evenings out in Shanghai far outnumber those in my new home of Beijing, I’ve seen enough positive signs to know that either city would do the trick.
Both Shanghai and Beijing are regular stops for touring artists, with the likes of Lady GaGa, Jason Mraz, and most of the world’s biggest DJs including the cities on their touring itineraries.
With the foreign population booming in China, there’s an ever expanding selection of foreigner friendly or even foreigner run bars to imbibe at.
Feeling a little braver? Head out to one of the countless Chinese night clubs and get up close and personal with the locals in the smoky confines of a dimly lit fire hazard.
An ice cold beer on a scorching hot day. Bliss.
Bar Streets in Beijing
Much like the rest of the world, both cities boast ‘bar streets’. In Beijing, the king of these is Sanlituan’s Bar Street, a neon jungle of dodgy alcohol, sloppy foreigners, and all-night KTV joints. There’s also an ever-expanding selection of international cuisine to be had.
For a more cultural bender, drinking beers on the shores of Houhai Lake at least allows you to feel like you’re actually in China.
My personal favourite option when it comes to a night out in Beijing? Visiting one of the many hipster bars in the city’s hutongs. Craft beer joints like Slow Boat and Great Leap, hole in the wall cocktail bars like Tiki Bar, and even a boozy Beijing brewery crawl are all on my ‘to drink’ list in my new home.
Enjoying a Houhai Lake ‘sunset’. It’s also a great spot for a beer!
Glitz and Glamour in Shanghai
In all things, Shanghai tends to do it with a little more style and sophistication. Even a weekend of drunken debauchery in Shanghai is likely to be a more upmarket affair than you’d find elsehwere in China.
Shanghai’s drinking scene is one heavy on trendy night clubs, stylish speakeasies and cocktail bars, dingy sports bars, and comfortable beer gardens. It’s a night life scene that speaks to the city’s international flavour, but you’ll be paying a premium for it. Shanghai is Hong Kong, London, and Sydney expensive!
All of this fussing and fighting is making me feel like we just need to have a drink together and hash things out.
You’re going to make me choose?
Fine! My love of craft beer and the deliciously hipster hutongs like Andingmen and Wudaoying give Beijing the edge for me.
Are you happy now?
Beijing: 4 Shanghai: 2
Round 6 – Day Trips
You don’t just visit a city and not leave its confines. That’s like going to Sydney without hitting the Blue Mountains or heading to San Francisco without a visit to the Napa Valley. In other words, it’s just not cricket.
Both Shanghai and Beijing offer more than enough to keep even the most hard to please tourist entertained, but travel outside of the city and you’re bound to find something spectacular.
Beijing: The Great Wall and the Ming Tombs
Case in point: Beijing is a short drive to pretty much the most famous sight in all of Asia – the Great Wall. Just 80km from Beijing, the vast wall draws tourists from all around the world to walk its length or even camp out on its stony expanse.
There’s also the Ming Tombs (50km from Beijing) as well, and they’re not to be overlooked either. Some of China’s most famous (and infamous) Emperors found their final resting place here, and you’d be remiss to leave China without having walked the Sacred Way.
Huanghuashan is a bit harder to get to, but it’s definitely worth it for the serenity.
Shanghai Day Trips: Spoiled for Choice
Shanghai may not boast attractions of the same name value as Beijing, but there’s some fantastic day trips to be had.
Nearby water towns (think Venice, but Chinese) offer a glimpse into a more idyllic representation of Chinese life, while nearby cities such as Hangzhou and my former home, Nanjing are destinations in their own right.
Cycling around Hangzhou’s picturesque West Lake is a (literal) breath of fresh air after the city’s pollution, and Nanjing boasts sites such as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial and the original Ming Tomb. You can read all about things to do in Nanjing right here on my site.
Manly men biking around West Lake.
Another Close One
Beijing may have the bigger name value, but Shanghai’s day trips offer name value all of their own.
At the end of the day, I just can’t split the two. They’re both fantastic hubs from which to visit other spots, so I’m going to call it a dead heat and declare Beijing the overall winner.
FINAL SCORE: Beijing: 5 Shanghai: 3
Read More
Want to read more about Shanghai and Beijing? Here are a few posts I’ve written on the subject:
What is your opinion on the Beijing or Shanghai battle? Does China’s capital hold all of the aces? Or is there something to be said for choosing Shanghai over the big city in the north?
Actually a Serengeti sunset that I snapped, but who’s counting?
The sun sets fire to the Serengeti savannah as a herd of wildebeest shift nervously in the cool morning air.
Not far off, you can see the stalking lioness that they can’t. It’s dramatic irony on a mortal scale. Will the hungry lion get close enough to launch herself at her prey in a storm of killing claws and fangs, or will the habitual skittishness of these oddly ugly members of the antelope family again prove vital?
You are on the Serengeti at the heart of the largest movement of mammals in the world. The Wildebeest Migration carves a dusty, meandering path across this vast wilderness each year and you’re hot on its tail.
Our Maasai guide walks us through the wilderness to educate us on traditional medicine.
The air still retains some of the day’s warmth as they begin to dance.
At first, it is just a kind of guttural humming and hooting, but as more voices join the first, it begins to take on a tune that is at once primal and familiar.
Their straight-backed jumps are punctuated by dusty explosions of dry earth and high pitched screams of unrestrained jubilance. Their colourful attire takes on new hues in the shifting light of the setting sun.
Behind the Maasai, the vast silhouette of Mt. Meru prematurely blots the sun. The air turns chill, but the infectiousness of the Maasai dance has gripped you. Your shoulders shrug along with them, your feet tap, and you’re swept up in it.
You are at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge engaged in a cultural safari among Africa’s most famous tribal people – the Maasai.
The crystal clear waters of Zanzibar
You squint into the impossibly bright midday sun and reach for the perspiring glass that sits beside your deckchair.
A delicious sea breeze sweeps in off the jade waters that lap at the white sand with soothing repetition.
Joining the gentle purr of the waves is the rattling of palm fronds overhead and the distant call to prayer.
The breeze shifts and you catch a whiff of the spicy Indian feast that is being prepared back in the kitchens.
You are on the beaches of Zanzibar, an island both exotic and steeped in history. Also, check out this amazing website for private island vacations!
17 Reasons to Visit Tanzania in 2017
Africa Amini Maasai Lodge
It’s a sad reality of the increased tourism levels in Tanzania that it is getting harder and harder to have an ‘authentic’ Maasai experience.
As the country modernizes and more people realize how lucrative catering to western visitors are, interactions with Tanzania’s most famous tribal residents have taken on a dynamic that is at once both predatory and desperate.
Thankfully, initiatives such as the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge are working to not only bridge the gap between visitors and the Maasai but also to improve the lives of the Maasai.
Sleeping out on the plains in a surprisingly comfortable Maasai boma has been one of my favourite nights in Tanzania.
Founded by a German doctor, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge is a luxury lodge designed in a distinctly Maasai style. Guests can expect to overnight in comfortable Maasai style bomas soothed to sleep by the sound of the wind and awake to birdsong and an unparalleled view of Kilimanjaro at dawn.
Beyond all of the bells and whistles, the lodge’s chief charm is that it is run by and for the local Maasai community. The staff who serve you a fusion of German and Tanzanian cuisine are local, the guide who takes you out onto the plains to learn about traditional medicine is a local warrior, and the women teaching the beadwork classes all hail from the nearby village.
The staff at Africa Amini Lodge are all from the local Masai community.
Fireside storytelling is accompanied by the meat of a freshly killed goat washed down with a hearty blood soup, but for the faint of heart, there is more palatable fare to be sampled at the on-site restaurant.
For me, the highlight of any visit to the lodge is the chance to chat openly and frankly with the Maasai. Hunkered down on a makeshift seat, we chat about everything from domestic violence to warrior tradition to female circumcision to marriage law to how the men spend their free time.
It’s a better education in Maasai culture than any dusty textbook or curated Wiki could ever hope to be.
The sun is high as we set out for our guided nature walk.
Tanzania’s unquestioned king when it comes to attracting tourists, the annual Wildebeest Migration sees more than a million wildebeest and zebra make the pilgrimage from the fertile plains of Ndutu to the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya.
The massive movement of animals boggles comprehension. Even seeing a portion of its ever-moving bulk is likely to be one of the more exhilarating wildlife experiences you’ll ever have. The rumbling of hooves, the old man moaning of the herd, and the persistent odor all combine into a dizzying assault on the senses.
A wildebeest cuts across the rising sun
While the herd’s movement is impressive on its own, there’s a certain bloodthirsty thrill in seeing the mortal struggles. Whether it’s the excitement of seeing a pride of lions or an opportunistic leopard picking off a member of the herd or the high drama of a river crossing – people come from all over the world for their chance to see the dance of life and death in motion.
Regardless of what time of the year you visit the Serengeti, you’ll be treated to a wildlife experience that defies expectation.
Animals wander the savannah in every direction, as ambivalent to the presence of gawking tourists as we might be to a curious housecat peering at us from behind shifting curtains.
The plains are home not only to the fabled Big Five, but also to an African who’s who that includes gazelles, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, and so much more.
Alongside the broad plains of the Serengeti, the sheltered lost world of Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most diverse wilderness areas in all of Africa.
A caldera in actuality, the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater is the best place in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhinoceros as it leads a lonely existence out beyond where the heat haze causes its shape to shift and swirl.
A picnic lunch by Ngorongoro’s famous hippo pool offers a chance to snap this Game of Thrones style pose.
Laconic wildebeest chew listlessly, penitent warthogs go down on bended knee to feed, and hippos chuckle from the safety of their watery abodes.
It is in Ngorongoro that you’ll see large herds of Cape Buffalo too. These deceptively placid looking relatives of the cow are considered to be the most dangerous of the Big Five – no small feat when said group includes leopards, lions, and the mighty elephant.
A Cape Buffalo regards me with vague curiousity.
The Ngorongoro Conservation area is also one of the last places in Africa where tribal society and wild Africa live side by side. Maasai herdsmen usher their herds across the same ground where elephants graze, lions prowl, and hyenas skulk.
All of this takes place against the backdrop of the volcanic caldera’s steep walls, a wave of stone and wood that never breaks, and instead contents itself with casting a long shadow over the crater floor.
An ostrich struts across the crater floor of Ngorongoro.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
The so-called Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (or Kili as it is more affectionately known) dominates the Northern Tanzanian horizon. On the rare occasions where the shy mountain chooses to remove her tattered robe of clouds, all eyes turn to her.
The world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro beckons thousands of ambitious climbers each year to attempt its slopes. The challenge in climbing Kilimanjaro is not in the steepness of its slopes or the precariousness of the climb, but in the altitudes at which the human body begins to come apart.
Despite this, the mountain is considered one of the more climber friendly peaks in the world, and its various routes range from the often crowded ‘Coca-Cola’ to the lengthy, meandering explorations of the likes of Rongai or Lemosho.
For those who perhaps aren’t up to the task of ascending to Uhuru Peak, day climbs up the mountain give a small taste of what it’s like to attempt the ascent. A hike to Kibo Hut takes you through the mountain’s most verdant region but still gets you home in time for dinner.
Hunting with the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi
The Maasai are far from the only tribe to call Tanzania home. At Lake Eyasi, the Hadzabe Bushmen continue to live a life that is all but extinct elsewhere in the world.
Hunter-gatherers who have thus far resisted the modernization that is sweeping across the country, the Hadzabe are one of the few tribes in the country who is still permitted to hunt for their food.
With homemade poisons, ingenious disguises made from the remains of previous catches, and supreme stealth, the bushmen hunt out on the salt-stained shores of Lake Eyasi while the women gather fruits, roots, and vegetables tp supplement their diet.
While tourists are permitted to visit with the Hadzabe and even participate in a morning hunt, tours still require a local translator. The Hadzabe tongue is one of clicks and grunts, but their welcome is no less authentic.
To preserve their culture, visitors are encouraged to bring gifts such as simple foods and knives rather than money which the tribe will have no use for.
Safaris aren’t all open top vehicles and dusty roads.
Lake Manyara National Park is most famous for its tree-climbing lions, but the opportunity to trade the car for a canoe out on the water is another drawcard for the park.
A lioness gives me the eye.
Piloted by a capable local guide, your boat skims across the seasonal lake in search of wallowing hippos, indifferent Cape Buffalo, and the startling variety of birds that call the park home.
If the view from the water doesn’t do it for you, the park’s newly opened treetop walk is Tanzania’s largest canopy walk – giving you a bird’s eye perspective of the park.
You can also take a canoe safari in Arusha National Park. Image courtesy of Wayo Africa.
Camping with elephants
The opportunity to camp side by side with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife may frighten some, but for the truly adventurous, there’s nothing more African than falling asleep to the sinister chuckling of hyenas and the comical grunts of distant wildebeest.
Whether you go bare as bones with a sleeping bag and a crackling fire or glam things up by staying in one of the many luxury tented camps that dot the national parks, a night spent out under the stars is likely to be one of the more memorable nights of your life.
A wee bit of outdoor seating so you can soak in the ambiance.
While brick and mortar lodges are able to offer creature comforts like WiFi and 24-hour electricity, tented camps trade a little of this for getting you closer to the action. There are even mobile tented camps that move with the Wildebeest Migration to ensure their guests are always just a short drive from the herd.
Tented camps range from relatively simple affairs to ultra-luxurious affairs complete with claw foot bathtubs, four poster beds, and gourmet cuisine.
A Serengeti hot air balloon safari
The ultimate in safari luxury, a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti gives visitors a truly unique perspective on the park.
Starting before the dawn, your Serengeti hot air balloon safari sees you take in the majesty of the rising sun from a few thousand feet. Words can’t describe quite how peaceful things are so high above the ground, and even a movement as large as the Wildebeest Migration seems insignificant from such great heights.
As if the experience of seeing the Serengeti from above wasn’t enough, touching down on the plains for a fully catered champagne breakfast is the ultimate in safari romance.
It’s the perfect opportunity to pop that all-important question.
The beaches of Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar has become synonymous with exotic luxury, and it’s with good reason. The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa are among the most picturesque stretches of sand and surf in the world.
Zanzibar’s beaches are a picture of the idyllic island paradise – all impossibly clear waters, gently rustling palms and soft sand.
World class snorkeling and scuba diving can be found offshore, while the island’s interior is home to such varied adventures as jungle trekking and touring fragrant spice plantations.
Zanzibar’s true charm is in its accessibility. While the archipelago does boast a number of five-star resorts, there are also family-friendly budget accommodations and quaint B&Bs for those with more humble accommodation needs.
Want to get off the beaten path? The nearby islands of Mafia and Pemba are virtually unspoiled paradises where the jungle has overtaken former colonial settlements and reasserted themselves as nature inevitably will.
Zanzibar isn’t only famous for its beaches and marine reserves. In the island’s capital, Stone Town, you have a city so steeped in history that wandering its winding alleys and bustling markets is akin to time travel.
A melting pot of cultures, Stone Town has elements of African, Arabic, Portuguese, English, and Indian culture painted across its aging palaces. Every building in the World Heritage listed old town has a story to tell, but there’s more sadness to this tale than there is joy.
Stone Town’s architecture is a charming miture of styles from around the world.
A former slave port, sites such as the Slave Markets where mainlanders were sold like cattle and the cathedral where they were imprisoned stand as sad testaments to the darker side of colonialism.
Elsewhere, the former palaces of the short-lived Sultanate that once ruled the island are tattered and fading remnants of a bygone era.
Despite its dark history, modern Stone Town is impossible not to love. It’s a dynamic and diverse city bursting with energy.
The alleyways of Stone Town are alive with life.
Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai on a Highlands Trek
Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t the only worthwhile climb in Tanzania. Mt. Meru in Arusha, for example, presents a much more challenging climb than Kilimanjaro.
For those wanting an adventure that their friends won’t have done, the opportunity to summit an active volcano at the dead of night might be just what the doctor ordered.
The highlight of a seven-day trek that begins on the fringes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ol Doinyo Lengai’s heat is so extreme that it can only be climbed in the cool of night.
For those who make the challenging climb, the reward is a stunning sunrise view of nearby Lake Natron and the Serengeti wilderness beyond. On a clear day, it’s even possible to make out Kilimanjaro.
An Ngorongoro Highlands trek also includes a hike into Empakai Crater and the chance to visit villages where tourism is more novelty than primary industry. It’s the ultimate experience in immersion with both nature and the local people.
Cycling around Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro isn’t strictly for climbers. For those who want to take in the mountain from a different perspective, the opportunity to cycle around its base presents a unique challenge.
Taking up to a week, the lengthy bike trip takes you on a complete circuit of the mountain, passing through quiet villages and through areas of wilderness not normally seen by tourists.
For those with less time (or energy), shorter rides such as the journey between Moshi and Arusha are a more manageable adventure.
It’s perhaps impossible to truly experience a country’s culture without living there, but there are ways that you can get a taste of local life beyond the smiling faces of your guides and the staff at your lodges.
A Marangu village tour is an excellent way to learn more about Tanzania’s history and its present. You’ll descend into ancient Chaga tunnels to learn about how these peaceful farmers survived Maasai raids, swim in the cool waters of an isolated waterfall, drink fresh coffee at a local tea plantation, and sample the potent banana beer that locals love.
A tour of Marangu gets you away from the tourist crowds. Fancy a dip?
In the bustling market town of Mto Wa Mbu (halfway between Arusha and Ngorongoro), you’ll have the chance to barter at a local market, eat a home-cooked meal in a local home, and cycle out to a nearby waterfall for a break from the hubbub.
If your visit allows you more time, there are few better ways to get immersed than to go out and socialize. Arusha’s nightlife is a mixture of western style restaurants, expat-filled bars, and local night clubs full of pumping bass and late night nyama choma (BBQ).
Volunteering at Kibowa
It’s a paltry offering, but even taking an hour or two out of your day to bring a little light to the lives of local orphans can make a world of difference.
Local orphanages like Kibowa house kids barely old enough to walk, students struggling through their schooling, and young mothers with nowhere else to go.
Desperate cries of, “Me baby! Me baby!” prologue the clinging hands and pleading eyes of kids so starved for affection that their mistrust of strangers bursts like a dam after a few minutes.
My time with the kids at Kibowa was rewarding and heartbreaking.
It’s an emotionally exhausting experience. The sadness of seeing the abject poverty the kids live in warring with the warmth you feel at being able to bring smiles – however temporary – to kids who don’t get a lot of reasons to smile.
If you want to make a more meaningful contribution, donations of toys, school supplies, clothes, food, or even furnishings leave a lasting impact. Longer volunteer stints to help tutor kids attending local schools are also a good way to give back.
As long as you remember that these are real people with very real struggles and not just a tourist attraction for you to gawk at and snap a few selfies with, you’re doing the right thing.
Take a dip at Maji Moto
Although it translates as ‘hot water’ in Swahili, Maji Moto is actually a deliciously cool escape from the often dry and dusty Tanzanian heat.
Definitely worth the drive…
Located a long and bumpy drive from Arusha, Maji Moto is a literal oasis in an otherwise bone-dry area of the country. The crystal clear spring is surrounded by twisted figs and succulent ferns, and it’s the perfect place to wash away the dust after a long safari.
Alive with life on the weekends, you’ll even find local entrepreneurs selling chips mayai (a delicious French fry omelette) and cool drinks. A rope swing offers one way into the water for the particularly adventurous, while others can content themselves with floating in the bright blue waters.
Get off the beaten track on the Southern Circuit
Names like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire are well-known in safari circles, and any would-be African adventurer worth their salt is likely to have heard of them during their travels.
Less is said about Tanzania’s rugged southern parks. Far from the nation’s safari capital, Arusha, these parks are an often bumpy drive from Dar Es Salaam and offer an experience unlike what you’ll find in the well-traveled north.
Parks like Ruaha and the massive Selous Game Reserve present a far wilder Africa than you’ll find on the comparatively well-maintained roads in the north. Popular attractions like elephants, lions, and giraffes can still be found here – but rarer sights such as African wild dogs are better pursued here than in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
If big game isn’t your thing, the breathtaking Kitulo National Park is a botanist’s dream – the first park in Africa set aside purely due to its floral significance.
Looking to stretch your legs? Udzungwa National Park is all about mountains, rainforest, and waterfalls. Beachside Saadani offers visitors the rare opportunity to see elephants playing in the surf, while Mahale National Park is home to Tanzania’s wild chimpanzee population.
While they’re harder to get to and accommodation options are more limited, the parks of Tanzania’s Southern Circuit offer up something different than anything you’ll find elsewhere in the country.
Staying in African luxury
Your African safari doesn’t have to be all tented camps and quaint local lodges. More and more, high luxury properties are drawing the attention of discerning travelers from all over the world.
Ultra-luxurious properties like those owned by &Beyond and Four Seasons offer world class luxury without distancing their guests from the distinct charms of their setting.
A leisurely dip in the infinity pool at the Four Seasons Serengeti, for example, sees you scant metres from an active watering hole in which baby elephants play by day and predators prowl by night.
The infinity pool at the Four Seasons Serengeti is a destination all of its own.
&Beyond’s Crater Lodge takes the ‘room with a view’ description to a whole new level, as guests overnight in clear-walled bubbles that are at reminiscent of something out of science fiction.
Zanzibar offers private island escapes and even tented camps are wowing their guests with increasingly decadent offerings.
If you’re only going to visit Africa once, it makes sense to treat yourself to a once in a lifetime stay as a part of your adventure.
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There are many more than seventeen reasons to visit Tanzania, but the above ought to whet your appetite and get you giving it some more serious thought.
If you’re looking to make your Tanzanian dream a reality, don’t hesitate to get in touch. When I’m not blogging up a storm and slumming it in Asia, I’m helping people design custom safaris ranging from budget family escapes to luxurious honeymoons.
You can get in touch by clicking the image below!
Already planning your safari? Don’t forget anything important! Check out this safari packing list.
You Say
Have your travels ever taken you to Tanzania? What were the highlights of your trip?
Never been? Which of the above has piqued your curiousity?
It’s not Australia’s size that makes it such a difficult country to travel around.
After all, nations like China and the United States are larger and manage to be infinitely easier to plan a trip around or across.
What makes Australia a difficult country to cover is that the distances between popular tourist destinations are greater and that the distractions in between them few and far between.
When I drove across the United States over five weeks last February, it was easy to find a decent sized town in which to stop for lunch or a bit of distraction.
In Australia, with the exception of a few heavily populated routes, such luxuries don’t exist.
When planning your trip around Australia, you’ve got a few options at your disposal.
Flying
You would think that a country of Australia’s size would be a natural fit for air travel. A plane can cover the long stretches of bucolic farmland or sun-scorched desert in a fraction of the time it would take a car or a train.
But the country’s low population means that regional air travel is prohibitively expensive. Qantas pretty much has a monopoly on the market, so budget travelers will often find that it simply isn’t affordable for them to fly from Cairns to Sydney or from Melbourne to Canberra.
While major hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane boast a number of affordable routes, for those wishing to get off the beaten track – flights are either expensive or non-existent.
If you are flying around Australia, be sure to make use of airport transfer services such as Link Airport Perth to avoid hefty taxi fees getting in to the city.
Trains
Most major Australian cities are serviced by their own rail networks. While locals grumble about late trains and the crowds, they’re an efficient and affordable way to navigate these cities.
Heading out of the city, many states are serviced by an aging but workable rail network. NSW, in particular, has rail services that can get you to places such as Armidale, Dubbo, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, and even Broken Hill.
When it comes to comfort, it’s hard to beat a train. Trains generally offer more legroom than planes or buses, and they’ve also got the benefit of 3G or 4G service, dining cars, and the ability to get up and stretch your legs.
Long distance services offer private en-suite rooms, three-course meals, and luxurious lounge areas, making it a really special experience. As long as you can amuse yourself it’s possible to have great fun on these trains. Space is obviously restricted so everyone congregates in the bar, and things can get pretty messy!
The three main long-distance lines run from Perth to Sydney (The Indian Pacific), from Darwin to Adelaide (The Ghan) and from Adelaide to Melbourne (The Overland). Lines also connect Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns in the east.
Beware of the time and cost involved. The longest route (Perth to Sydney) takes three whole days and can cost up to $4199 for the fanciest two-person rooms. Not so fun!
Rail passes, such as those offered by NSW Trainlink, make long term train travel an affordable way to not only move between major population centers – but also to visit some less appreciated spots.
Despite not being as expedient as a plane or as comfortable as a train, buses aren’t actually a great deal cheaper.
What they lack in leg room and affordability, however, they make up for in the selection of destinations. Where airlines fear to tread and railway lines have long since been abandoned, the humble bus has become the major source of transportation.
Whether you’re heading off the beaten track to see something on your Australian bucket list or you’re relocating for that all-important farm work, bus companies such as Greyhound are a good way to move about.
Like the train, there is also a variety of hop on – hop off tickets available for those plotting a longer trip.
Buying a car
When my friend and I crossed the United States last year as part of my Great US Road Trip, we didn’t avail ourselves of domestic flights or long haul trains.
Instead, we rented a bright red Mustang and enjoyed the freedom that this allowed it.
While car rentals in Australia can be a pricey prospect, it’s surprisingly affordable to source and purchase a second-hand vehicle using sites such as Gumtree.
Owning the car gives you the freedom o travel whenever and wherever you want. While this can mean some long stints behind the wheel in less than inspiring country, it also means you can stop whenever you spot something that interests you.
The prospect of doing a circumnavigation of Australia in a car is a dream of mine, and Caz & Craig over at yTravel did just that over the course of a year. Envy-inducing!
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Whatever method of transportation you choose, Australia is a country with a hugely diverse collection of landscapes and experiences.
Whether you’re checking items off the Complete Australian Bucket List, trying a dream Australian road trip, or just getting from A to B – the above options ought to get you there.
The Ultimate China Bucket List: 50 Must-See Places to Visit in China
China is a huge country. There’s no ifs, buts, or coconuts about it. At 9,596,960 square kilometers – it weighs in behind only Russia, Canada, and the United States for sheer size. Couple this with China’s massive population and its jaw-dropping history, and you’ve got a recipe for a borderline overwhelming array of choices when it comes time to plan your trip to China.
Put simply, there are just too many places to visit in China to do it all in one go.
For a country with so many diverse cultures and landscapes, it’s remarkable that so many Chinese itineraries consist of the same tried and tested fare.
Beijing for the historic sites, a brief detour to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors, and one final stop-off in Shanghai for shopping and a brief walk along the Bund.
For those pressed for time, this is perfectly fine, but there’s so much more to China than just these three cities.
There is a wealth of cities with more history in one neighborhood than the entirety of my own country.
There are unbelievable and almost alien landscapes the likes of which would fit in better with fantasy or science fiction.
You’ll find cultures as unlike the ‘traditional’ Chinese as our own, sample foods that go well beyond beef & broccoli, and be confused, frustrated, and amazed every step of the way.
The Forbidden City is an enduring symbol of imperial China. Image source.
A Lifetime Commitment
China is not a country to be tackled in a week or a fortnight. It’s a country that begs to be visited and revisited. A country with so much to see that it would take a lifetime to do it justice.
But if you’re planning your dream Chinese trip and came in search of suggestions, look no further! I’ve compiled a list of the fifty places you should see and the experiences you should have while in China.
It’s a far from exhaustive list, and I’m bound to have missed some things, but you’ll find a little of everything here. From off the beaten path national parks to ancient monuments to beautiful beaches, there’s a little something for every Chinese bucket list here.
If you’re inspired to embark on your own journey through this fascinating country, explore a range of curated trips to China that can help you experience the best of China’s unique culture and landscapes.
Like any country, China has a few items that should be on any first-time itinerary.
The US has the Statue of Liberty, France has the Eiffel Tower, Australia has Sydney Harbour, and England has London’s many iconic sites.
There’s a reason why Xi’an, Beijing, and Shanghai feature so prominently on Chinese itineraries: the most recognizable landmarks can be found in these three cities.
Throw in Chengdu to see China’s most famous animal and a cruise along China’s most famous river, and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic two-week itinerary.
1. Visit the Imperial Sites in Beijing (The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven)
The Summer Palace is a bastion of peace and quiet in the heart of a bustling city.
No Chinese itinerary would be complete without at least a few days in the nation’s capital.
Beijing may have a bad reputation due to its increasingly bad pollution, but pierce the haze and you’ll still find China’s most enduringly charming and fascinating city.
The presence of the legendary Forbidden City, the tranquil Summer Palace, and the distinctive Temple of Heaven give the city a triumvirate of historic sites the envy of every other city on earth.
With the possible exception of the Great Wall of China, no other landmark can really attest to better epitomizing China’s rich Imperial culture.
Looking for more for your Beijing itinerary? Check out Lama Temple, one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples.
Where: All three sites can be reached easily by taxi or public transport from most Beijing hotels.
How Much?: 40-60rmb ($10 USD) – Forbidden City, 20-30 RMB ($5 USD) – Summer Palace, and 15rmb ($2.50 USD) – Temple of Heaven.
2. Hike the Great Wall of China
Huanghuacheng is a bit harder to get to, but it’s definitely worth it for the serenity.
Arguably the most recognizable symbol of China’s rich history, the 21,196km long fortification stretches from Dandong in the country’s east all the way to Lop Lake in its west.
While it’s true that the Badaling section of the wall is often crowded to the point that you’re barely able to see the wall you’re standing atop, there remains a wealth of places where you can not only experience the Great Wall’s majesty – but even have the wall almost entirely to yourself!
Hiking sections of the wall such as Jinshanling or Gubeikou offer you a better idea of both the wall’s age and its sheer scale. Far from the over-touristed and carefully restored sections such as Badaling and Mutianyu, these sections offer a tougher climb and a modicum more peace.
Whether you take a tour through a company like Great Wall Hiking or make the journey yourself, standing atop the Great Wall should be at the top of any Chinese traveler’s to-do list.
Where: The most famous sections of the Great Wall can be reached from Beijing in 1-3 hours, but the wall itself stretches as far inland as Inner Mongolia.
Cost: 45 – 65rmb ($8 – $10 USD) depending on the section of the Great Wall. Tours and additional activities are extra.
3. Wander the Bund in Shanghai
While Shanghai’s skyline is today defined by the modern skyscrapers of the rapidly developing Pudong region, it was once defined by a collection of European constructed and owned buildings that today comprise The Bund.
Walking along the shores of The Bund is a journey through architectural history, as buildings from such varied styles as Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque vie for attention in the city’s former financial centre.
Whether you take in the atmosphere by day or soak in the twinkling lights of Pudong by night, time spent on The Bund is bound to be one of your more enduring memories of Shanghai.
A fan of Willie Wonka? The bizarre sightseeing tunnel is a dizzying aural and visual experience. Tickets are 55rmb ($9.50 USD) for a round trip.
Where: The Bund can be reached via taxi, ferry, bus, subway, or the famous sightseeing tunnel.
Cost: Free.
4. See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
The massed ranks of the Terracotta Warriors are an impressive sight. Image source.
Standing as silent testament to the will of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the ranks of China’s Terracotta Warriors are one of the nation’s most beloved cultural icons.
With each warrior being a unique sculpture, the Terracotta Warriors were an archaeological gold mine upon their discovery and remain one of China’s most popular tourist attractions.
Want to know more about the Terracotta Warriors? Adventures Around Asia has a fantastic article on their history and how to get there.
Where: The Terracotta Warriors can be reached from Xi’an by private car or public bus.
Home to more than eighty giant pandas (and a small collection of the no less adorable red panda), is the place to go if you want to see these gorgeous creatures up close and learn more about them.
Where: You can reach the Chengdu Panda Centre by public bus or taxi from Chengdu.
Cost: 58rmb ($10 USD).
6. Shop for souvenirs along Nanjing East Road
A shopaholic’s paradise, Nanjing Road is a must-see in Shanghai. Image source.
While China tries hard to crack down on its reputation as a place for fakes, it remains a popular place to bargain for designer brands that might fetch much higher prices elsewhere.
Stretching for more than three miles and featuring over 600 businesses, the always bustling Nanjing East Road is a dizzying cacophony of sights, smells, and sounds.
Whether you’re hunting for an authentic Chinese souvenir or the latest in fashion or technology, Nanjing East Road is sure to offer up something.
Where: Nanjing East Road stretches from The Bund to Jing’an Temple in Shanghai, and can be reached by public transport or taxi.
Cost: Free.
7. See Shanghai from The Pearl
Shanghai’s most recongnisable skyscraper. Image source.
While Yuyuan Gardens showcases Shanghai’s Chinese history and The Bund stands as a testament to its international occupation, the towering silhouette of The Pearl stands as a tribute to modern China.
While you’re coming for the view from the Aerial Sightseeing Corridor, The Pearl offers visitors a number of activities to engage both young and old.
The Oriental Pearl Science Fantasy World, Shanghai Municipal History Museum, and a revolving buffet restaurant are all on site as well.
Where: The Pearl is located in Shanghai’s Pudong district, and can be reached by taxi or public transport.
Cost: 160 – 220rmb ($23 – $32 USD). Lunch is 338rmb ($49 USD) for a buffet.
No trip to China would be complete without devouring this delectable dish.
While it’s available all over China, eating Peking (Beijing) duck in the nation’s capital is something that should be on any culinary bucket list.
There’s no shortage of options in Beijing, and you’ll find a wealth of articles debating which restaurant offers the best value for money and best quality.
For me, I think the best Beijing duck in the city can be found at DaDong. You can read more about my experience here.
Where: All over Beijing. Check out this list for some inspiration.
Cost: 50-200rmb per person ($10 – $40 USD).
9. Visit Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Tower is one of several highlights of the Tienanmen Square area. Image source.
Infamous for its role in the massacre that China continues to claim didn’t happen, Tiananmen Square is one of the world’s largest public squares and a popular tourist spot located just across the road from the Forbidden City.
The most recognizable building will undoubtedly be the 600-year-old Tiananmen Tower, but the Square is also home to other buildings such as the National Museum of China and the final resting place of controversial figure, Chairman Mao.
Where: Tiananmen Square is located opposite the Forbidden City’s front entrance.
Cost: Free. 15rmb ($3 USD) to climb Tiananmen Tower.
10. Take a cruise along the Yangtze
A cruise along the Yangtze River is one that continues to elude me. Image source.
One of the twin cradles of Chinese civilization (alongside the Yellow River), the mighty Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world.
Major cities along the river include Chongqing, Nanjing, and Shanghai – but it is the scenic gorges, especially Three Gorges, that are the highlights of any Yangtze River cruise.
There are no shortage of options and itineraries when looking to spend some time upon the river, and many itineraries combine the river with nearby attractions such as Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yellow Mountain, the Leshan Giant Buddha, West Lake, and much more.
Where: The Yangtze River stretches from the Tibetan plateau all the way to Shanghai. Cruises start in a number of major cities.
Cost: Dependent on itinerary and provider, cruises range from $500 – $3000 USD per person.
11. Visit Yuyuan Gardens
Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai is a classic example of the style. Image source.
A classic example of a Chinese garden, Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai is one of the most accessible and impressive examples of the art form.
At 20,000 square metres, the park is relatively small by Chinese standards but packs a lot into the small space including pavilions, rockeries, ponds, bridges, and a bustling bazaar.
Highlights of the gardens include the Bridge of Nine Turns, the Exquisite Jade Rock, and the Yuyuan Bazaar. Be sure to grab Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) while you’re there!
Where: Yuyuan Gardens is a short walk from The Bund, and can also be reached by taxi or public transport.
Cost: 40rmb ($8 USD).
The Unmissable
Got more than a week to spend in China? Here’s a collection of the very best the country has to offer.
From breathtaking national parks to underrated historical gems to fascinating cultural experiences, this list of twenty-five Chinese itinerary ideas is sure to inspire.
It’s rare you’ll go more than a week without seeing some viral video of this death-defying hike on social media.
Sometimes called “the world’s most dangerous hike”, Huashan’s Plank of Death is just a small part of a Huashan Scenic Area in Shaanxi province. With three routes of varying difficulty, the mountain itself is worth your time, even if you’re a bit too chicken to tackle the precarious ladder and plank portion of the hike.
Curious to learn more? Adventures Around Asia has a great article on the Huashan plank walk.
Where: Huashan can be reached by train, bus, or private car from Xi’an.
Cost: 180rmb ($27 USD) for entry. 30rmb ($5 USD) for harness rental. Cable car extra.
13. Visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial
A somber tribute to those who lost their lives. Image source.
The atrocities committed by Japan in Asia both before and during World War II are often glossed over in the west, but China very much remembers the nefarious acts of their would-be conquerors.
The Rape of Nanking was a nightmarish period of six weeks in which the Japanese perpetuated mass rape and mass murder against the population of the former Chinese capital. Between 50,000 and 300,000 people lost their lives during the occupation.
Today, the city remembers the darkest period in its history at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial. Part museum and part somber memorial, it stands as a haunting reminder of the very worst of mankind.
Where: The Memorial can be reached easily by bus, taxi, or subway. Nanjing is a 90-minute train ride from Shanghai.
Cost: Free.
14. Visit Yellow Mountain and Hongcun Village
Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) is China’s most famous mountain. Image source.
A region of towering stone spires, twisted pines and stunning sunrises, Yellow Mountain is arguably China’s most famous mountain.
Visitors come from all over China and around the world to see Huangshan’s bizarrely shaped rocks and trees jutting from a sea of shifting mists. It’s truly one of China’s most surreal and beautiful locations.
When you’re done soaking in nature’s beauty, nearby Hongcun Village is a step back in time, epitomizing Qing and Ming era architecture as well as presenting visitors with unspoiled rural panoramas. For those wanting an escape from bustling modern China, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Where: Huangshan is located in Anhui province. It can be reached by bus or train from Hangzhou or Shanghai, or can be flown to.
Cost: 150 – 230rmb ($21 – $34 USD) for Huangshan. 105rmb ($15 USD) for Hongcun Village.
15. Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge
A study in serenity, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of China’s most treasured landmarks. Image source.
One of the most breathtaking landscapes not just in China, but in the world – Tiger Leaping Gorge boasts the snow-capped peaks, dramatic cliffs, and terraced farms that inspired the landscapes of Kung Fu Panda.
Hikes vary in length and difficulty, but you’d be hard-pressed to find somebody returning from the gorge without a sense of wonder.
It’s not easy to get there on the uneven roads, but it’s worth the effort.
Where: The closest city is Lijiang and can be reached by local bus.
Cost: 65rmb ($10 USD) for an open-ended ticket.
16. Gamble in Macau
Macau isn’t all glitz and glamour. There’s plenty of old world charm too. Image source.
With annual gambling revenue seven times that of Las Vegas, Macau is the true sin city when it comes to games of chance.
A former Portuguese colony, the city still very much wears its colonial history on its sleeve, Macau offers a charming contrast of historic European buildings and glitzy casinos catering to the world’s largest gambling market.
Like Las Vegas, Macau is more than just gambling – with bungee jumping, shopping, live entertainment, greyhound racing, and a number of historic sites also worth your time.
Where: Macau is a special administrative zone that can be reached via ferry from the mainland (Shenzhen), bus, car, or flight.
Cost: There is no cost to enter Macau.
17. Soak in the Sanya sun
The impressive Buddhist monument at Nanshan Temple isn’t historic, but it’s certainly impressive. Image source.
White sand beaches and crystal clear waters aren’t the first things that come to mind when you picture China, but the country’s southernmost province is an island paradise the likes of which you’d expect to find in Southeast Asia.
A popular playground for the Chinese and Russians in particular, Sanya boasts some remarkably picturesque beaches – the most famous of which is Yalong Bay.
In addition to sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling – the island of Hainan is a playground of resorts, spas, floating restaurants, and amusement parks perfect for a family getaway.
Nanshan Temple is also worth a look, with its towering three-sided statue of Guan Yin Buddha being a highlight.
Where: Sanya is located in southern China, and can be reached by regularly scheduled flights from all over the country and abroad.
Cost: Varies depending on accommodation and activities. The island boasts everything from backpacker’s hostels to five-star resorts. Check all the options with Cozycozy!”
18. Explore Jiuzhaigou
One of the more surreal places you’ll encounter in your travels. Image source.
Bright blue waters so clear you can see every leaf on the lake floor, beautiful waterfalls that cascade down tier after tier after tier and verdant forest whose leaves paint the surrounding mountains in an explosion of colours make Jiuzhaigou one of the most surreal and beautiful locations in all of China.
Located far from the hustle and bustle of modern China, this stunning valley high in the Sichuan tablelands is an unspoiled paradise in which wild pandas still roam to this day.
While you’re highly unlikely to see the park’s most famous residents during your visit, the landscape and the quiet mountain villages after which the park is named are sure to spellbind.
Where: Jiuzhaigou can be reached via flights to the nearby airport or by taking a bus from Chengdu.
Cost: 220rmb ($32 USD)
19. See the giant Buddha in Leshan
The Leshan Buddha’s size really needs to be seen to be truly appreciated. Image source.
Located just a short bus or train ride from Chengdu, Leshan is home to the world’s tallest stone Buddha in the world and the largest pre-modern statue in the world.
Like something out of ancient fiction, this towering (71 metre) representation of Maitreya sits solemnly on the banks of the Qingyi River. With its proximity to Chengdu’s panda centre, it’s a perfect day trip. In fact, there are many Chengdu tours that combine the two!
Where: Leshan can be reached by bus or train from Chengdu, or by ferry from Chongqing.
Cost: 90rmb ($13 USD).
20. Take a ride around (and on) West Lake
One of China’s most popular playgrounds, West Lake is a blessedly cool escape from the summer heat. Image source.
Immortalized on the 1 RMB note, Hangzhou’s West Lake is a picture of serenity – all swaying willows, tranquil ponds, gracefully arching bridges, and meticulously manicured gardens.
Surrounded on three sides by mountains, the lake is one of China’s most popular tourist attractions, and the perfect place to while away a day in spring, summer, or fall.
Popular activities at West Lake include renting bikes to cycle its bridges and shores, taking a scenic ferry ride out onto its waters, and visiting the famous Leifeng Pagoda.
Hangzhou itself is a wonderfully green and relaxed city, and its proximity to Shanghai makes it an easy addition to even the most crowded itinerary.
Where: West Lake is located in Hangzhou, which is a short train or bus ride from Shanghai. The city is also served by its own international airport.
Cost: Free. Leifeng Pagoda, boat rides, and bike rental attract their own cost.
21. Visit one of China’s famous water cities
Tongli is a classic example of a Chinese water town. Image source.
Canal cities might be more closely associated with Europe’s Venice, but China has a long history of settlements built on or around the water.
These water cities offer a charming glimpse into simpler times, and while some have become tourist traps, many retain much of their old world charm after hundreds of years.
Hongcun (mentioned earlier) is arguably the most famous of the water cities, but Tai’erzhuang in Shandong and Zhouzhang near Shanghai are also popular options.
If you’re looking for something a little more authentic, Tongli, Xitang, and Nanxun near Shanghai are better options.
Where: There are water towns scattered across China. Check out this list of Chinese water towns for some Shanghai adjacent inspiration.
Cost: Varies dependent on the town and its level of commercialism.
22. See the Longsheng rice terraces
While rice terraces are always an impressive sight, they’re something else in Longsheng. Image source.
China’s rice terraces are picturesque no matter where you go, but the Longsheng Rice Terraces near Guilin are the unquestioned king. Otherwise known as the Dragon’s Backbone, this classic example of Chinese agricultural ingenuity shouldn’t be missed.
A study in bucolic beauty, the terraces are surrounded by quaint villages where the adventurous tourist can get a taste of the real China. Covering 66 square kilometres, the various terraces have plenty of space – so you’ll rarely feel overcrowded while you soak in the serenity.
Where: The scenic area can be reached by bus from Guilin.
Dramatic karst rock formations, indifferent water buffalo munching on their meals in the shallows, idyllic rice paddies, and bamboo rafts flitting along the Li River’s surface like water bugs combine to make it one of China’s most beautiful regions.
Another Chinese landmark immortalized on the nation’s currency, the Li River is a step back in time. Fishermen use cormorants to catch fish, disinterested farmers trudge through their paddies, and it’s all as you imagine China might have been hundreds of years ago.
Taking a bamboo raft down the Li River is definitely one for any self-respecting Chinese bucket list. You can also take a more traditional cruise, soar above it all by helicopter, or even hike the Li River’s banks.
Where: The Li River is located close to Guilin.
Cost: Varies based on how you want to tackle the river. River rafts range from 50-200rmb ($7 – $30 USD).
24. See the Avatar mountains
Like something out of fantasy, Zhangjiajie inspires and amazes. Image source.
Avatar might not have left much of an impression once the 3D glasses came off, but you’d be a tough judge to not be impressed by the soaring karst pinnacles of Zhangjiajie National Park.
Jutting up into the clouds like spears, the mesas of Zhangjiajie inspired the surreal scenery in James Cameron’s CGI blockbuster, and inspired hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year.
Nearby Tianmen Mountain is an impressive sight all of its own, and doesn’t draw quite the crowds that the park itself does.
Where: Flights to Zhangjiajie depart from most major Chinese cities, and you can also get there by taking a lengthy train ride of 10+ hours.
Cost: 248rmb ($36 USD) for the park. 248rb ($36 USD) for Tianmen Mountain.
25. Soak in the serenity of Dali
Dali is atypical of modern China. Image courtesy of TravelFREAK.
A charming lakeside town which can boast startling ethnic diversity, Yunnan’s Dali is the laid back alternative to more modern Kunming.
Nearby Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake lend the city some real natural beauty, while manmade wonders such as the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple contribute with their own unique beauty.
Dali isn’t so much a city you see as it is one you experience – a modern day Shangri-La that backpackers from around the world have fallen in love with.
Where: Dali is located in northern Yunnan, and can be reached by bus or train from Kunming.
Tibet’s inclusion in China may remain a source of hot debate, but there’s no debating the stunning beauty of Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Once the home to the Dalai Lama, the five-hundred-year-old Potala Palace stands some 100 metres above Lhasa and an astonishing 3,750 metres above sea level, making it the highest palace in the world.
While access to Tibet is hard to negotiate and access to the palace even more so, even taking in its majesty Lhasa should be a goal for any lover of architecture and religious history.
Where: Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet. It can easily be reached by taking a local bus or taxi.
Cost: 100 – 200rmb ($14 – $28 USD).
27. Get lost in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
China’s Muslim culture is often overlooked. Image source.
While many people visit Xi’an each year to see the Terracotta Warriors, you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t take the time to explore China’s former capital more thoroughly.
Xi’an once acted as the starting point for the famous Silk Road, and as a hub of Asian trade, it attracted a considerable Middle Eastern influence over the centuries. This influence remains today, and the Muslim Quarter is both a living museum of historic Muslim architecture, but also a culinary journey of delicious foods found nowhere else in well-traveled China.
It’s an interesting insight into a China that isn’t the stereotype of fried rice and mahjong.
Where: Located in Xi’an, the Muslim Quarter can be reached by taxi or local bus.
Cost: Free.
28. Eat at the world’s cheapest Michelin star restaurant
Dim sum are one of China’s most popular cuisines. Image source.
Hong Kong’s first entry on the list is a delicious one, and it’s one that won’t break your bank. It’s not often you get to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant for cheap, but Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum is just that.
While the small eatery has gone on to spawn an entire chain, the original is still considered the best, and no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without trying the restaurant’s world class selection of dim sum.
Got your appetite up? Check out Sassy Hong Kong’s post on Tim Ho Wan.
Where: There are four Tim Ho Wan locations in Hong Kong. See the above article for addresses.
Cost: Roughly $150 USD for dinner for two.
29. See Hong Kong from atop Victoria Peak
Tell me that doesn’t look just a little bit amazing. Image source.
The best place to take in Hong Kong’s twinkling skyline, Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist destinations day or night.
The more active can choose to hike their way up to the peak, but the popular Peak Tram is a scenic and more comfortable alternative. Tickets are HK$40 ($5.10 USD) return.
Once at the top, there are a number of tourist attractions include Madame Tussauds, Sky Terrace 428 (Hong Kong’s highest viewing platform), and more.
A Different View
Would you rather see Hong Kong from above while also breaking a sweat? KKday offers a Beacon Hill rock-climbing tour that affords a similarly spectacular view of the city.
While hot pot is available all over China, Chongqing’s take on the popular spicy broth is perhaps its most famous variant.
Featuring Sichuan’s famous mouth-numbing pepper and a number of other unique ingredients, Chongqing hot pot isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a challenge any adventurous eater should be up for.
Where: Chongqing is overflowing with restaurants serving up this popular local delicacy, although you can find it in Sichuan restaurants all over the country.
Cost: Varies.
31. Visit the Mausoleum of San Yat Sen in Nanjing
The San Yat Sen Mausoleum is just one of several reasons to visit Nanjing’s Purple Mountain Scenic Area. Image source.
While he’s not as (in)famous outside of China as Chairman Mao, Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s role in forming both modern China and modern Taiwan cannot be overstated.
A political revolutionary revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for his role in introducing democracy (such as it is) to both Chinas, Sun Yat Sen’s life was one of constant struggle and turmoil.
For those wishing to pay their respects for the unique political figure, his mausoleum can be visited at Purple Mountain in Nanjing.
An impressive construction in its own right, the Mausoleum’s proximity to other Purple Mountain attractions such as the original Ming Tomb and the nearby parklands makes it a perfect day trip from the city.
Where: Purple Mountain Scenic Area can be reached from Nanjing by bus, train, or local taxi.
Cost: Entrance to the Mausoleum is free, but Purple Mountain costs 15rmb ($2.20 USD).
China’s largest lake, Qinghai Lake is a 4,317 square kilometer saltwater lake famed for its serenity and the lush grasslands that surround its occasionally frosty shores.
The lake itself may not seem especially spectacular, but the utter quiet that surrounds it and the diverse ethnicities that live in the area make it an intriguing cultural journey. Boat rides, bird watching, and cycling are also popular activities.
It’s well off the tourist trail and at high altitude, so it’s not one for the pampered or the faint of heart.
Want something even more off the beaten track? Check out the starkly beautiful Chaka Lake, which is also in the Qinghai province.
Like something out of post-apocalyptic fiction. Image source.
Where: Buses can be taken from the city of Xining.
Cost: Free.
33. Visit the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are a must-see for history buffs. Image source.
One not to be missed while in Beijing, the thirteen tombs of Ming Emperors whose combined reign stretched from 1368 – 1644.
While only certain parts of the massive complex are open at any given time, the chance to wander its famous Sacred Way and visit a few of its large tomb complexes is one worth jumping on.
While the original Ming Tomb can be found in Nanjing, these thirteen are better known and represent a greater portion of the once great dynasty.
Where: You can reach the Ming Tombs by bus, taxi, or subway from Beijing. It is often combined with a visit to the nearby Badaling section of the Great Wall.
Cost: 100 – 130rmb ($15 – $19 USD).
34. Attend the Harbin Ice Festival
Just one of many impressive (and cold) monuments. Image source.
The world’s largest ice sculpture festival, the annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival sees the northern Chinese city transformed into a winter wonderland of impressive structures of snow and ice lit by brightly coloured lights.
Running throughout the cold winter months (December – February), the festival sees millions of people visit the three venues that host the various ice and snow sculptures.
Temperatures range from -10C to -25C during the festival, so pack warm!
Where: Harbin can be reached by flights, long-distance train, or long distance bus from Beijing and other major cities.
Cost: 240rmb for Sun Island ($35 USD), 330rmb for Ice & Snow World ($48 USD), and 150rmb for Zhaolin Park ($22 USD).
35. See Asia’s highest waterfall in Guizhou
Huangguoshou Falls plummets into the Rhinoceros Pool. Image source.
Standing at 74 metres in height and 81 metres in width, the impressive Huangguoshou Falls in Guizhou province is the largest waterfall in Asia.
With a thunderous roar, the waters of the falls plunge into the Rhinoceros Pool and awe crowds of tourists from all over the world. Accompanied by a number of other waterfalls, it makes for a thrilling (and slightly moist) day out.
Where: You can take a bus from Anshun or Jinyang.
Cost: 160 – 180rmb ($23 – $26 USD).
36. Get off Beijing’s beaten track in the hutongs
Wudaoying is one of many fantastic hutongs just begging to be explored.
My absolute favourite district of Beijing is the cluster of dusty laneways and cute boutiques that make up its hutong district.
While modern Beijing has precious little time for the grimy local restaurants and crowded courtyard tenements of the city’s past, there remains a lot to love in these window alleyways where people live, play, eat, and do pretty much everything else.
Hutongs such as Wudaoying and Fengjia near Andingmen are a delightful mix of authentic China and modern hipster charm, with microbreweries, cute cafes, art galleries, local dives, fashion boutiques, and everything in between to be found.
Where: Get off at Andingmen Station and explore.
Cost: Free.
The Off the Beaten Path
Are you a seasoned China veteran looking for something truly unusual to do?
Have you tackled most or all of the above and rolled your eyes?
Here are some of the more obscure, off the beaten track places to visit in China.
37. Drink Tsingtao in Qingdao
Whether you drink it ice cold or suck it from a bag bought on the street, Tsingtao Beer is distinctly Chinese. Image source.
If you’ve spent any time at all in China or have a taste for foreign beers, you’ve probably heard of Tsingtao. While it’s not the most popular beer in China (that honour goes to Snow), it’s definitely China’s most famous malty export.
If you’re wanting to take your love affair with Tsingtao to a new level, you can pay a visit to the German-inspired beach town of Qingdao. Home to both the Tsingtao Brewery & Museum and the Qingdao International Beer Festival, it’s a place for a beer lover’s pilgrimage.
Beyond the suds, Qingdao is a picturesque city of beaches, clifftop art installations, German architecture, and good food.
Where: Qingdao is served by an international airport and a high-speed train station. It is roughly halfway between Shanghai and Beijing.
Cost: Free. Entry to the Beer Museum is 60rmb ($10 USD) and includes two beers. Tickets for the Beer Festival are 20-30rmb ($4 – $5 USD).
38. Drive the Karakoram Highway
A yurt along the Karakorum Highway, Xinjiang
One of the most scenic drives you’re ever likely to encounter, the Karakoram Highway connects the historic Silk Road city of Kashgar with the Sino-Pakistani border high in the mountains.
A day long drive that takes you through sun-blasted desert, swaying grasslands, high mountain passes, and past churning glacial rivers – this is a drive that’s all about the journey and not the destination.
Notable stops along the way include the fiery Red Mountain, the icy beauty of Karakul Lake, the historic Stone Fort in Tashkurgan, the snow-capped Sand Mountain, the serene Golden Grasslands, and the snowy silence of Kunjerab Pass.
You can read more about my epic journey along the Karakoram Highway.
Where: The Karakoram Highway begins in Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province. Flights to Kashgar typically come via Urumqi.
From the road to the rail, we focus on the world’s highest altitude railway. Connecting traditional China with Tibet, this near 2,000 kilometre stretch of rail covers some of the most visually stunning terrains in China.
Stretching from Xining all the way to Lhasa, the high-speed train cuts across a hugely diverse assortment of landscapes before ascending into Tibet – where oxygen masks may be needed due to the high altitude.
You’ll also need to arrange a Tibet tour ahead of your trip, as independent travelers are not permitted in the region.
Where: The train departs from Xining, and has seven stops along the way.
Cost: Tickets range from 224rmb ($32 USD) for a seat to 781rmb ($115) for a sleeper.
40. Go horseback riding in Inner Mongolia
A landscape doesn’t need soaring mountains to be awe-inspiring. Image source.
People are often surprised to learn that there is an Inner Mongolia, but the vast grass sea of this northern Chinese province is sure to put you in mind of the vast Mongol hordes who once ravaged China.
A distinctly different culture makes a visit to Inner Mongolia akin to visiting an entirely different country. Here, you’ll find a land of boundless grasslands that sway in the breeze, nomadic herdsmen, primitive yurts, and sun-baked deserts at odds with China’s modern metropolises.
No visit to the region would be complete without slipping into the saddle and seeing the grasslands from horseback. The horse was a vital part of what made Mongolia such a threat to ancient China, and to see Inner Mongolia from horseback is truly a bucket list experience.
Where: Inner Mongolia is served by both international and domestic airports.
Cost: 5rmb (less than $1 USD).
41. See the Caucasian mummies in Urumqi
One of several mummies on display in the Xinjiang Museum. Image source.
Creating mummies is not the sole domain of ancient Egypt, although Xinjiang’s controversial ‘Tamin Mummies’ were created by the province’s heat and dry rather than religious ritual.
Why controversial? The near 4,000-year-old Loulan Beauty is distinctly Caucasian in her features, which is at odds with modern China’s assertions that Xinjiang has always been a part of China.
The Xinjiang Museum in which the mummies reside is worth a visit while in the provincial capital, with exhibits on the province’s melting pot of ethnicities as well as its vital role in the ancient Silk Road.
You can read more about the Xinjiang Museum on Far West China.
Where: The Xinjiang Museum is located in Urumqi, and can be reached by taxi or local bus.
Cost: Free.
42. See the thousand Buddhas of the Mogao Caves
Just a small selection of the Buddhas on display. Image source.
Sometimes known as the Thousand Buddha Grottos, the Mogao Caves in China’s Gansu province are home to a startling collection of Buddhist artworks dating back more than 1,000 years.
Exploring the 750+ caves is like artistic time travel, as you’ll see different styles and mediums used in celebration of the Buddhist religion. These range from towering statues to intricate murals – a truly inspiring display of religious devotion.
Where: The Mogao Caves can be reached by bus or taxi from Dunhuang.
Cost: 220rmb ($32 USD).
43. Visit the coloured pools of Huanglong
Like nearby Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong presents an alien landscape. Image source.
Not far from stunning Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan is another stunning natural wonder, Huanglong. Like Jiuzhaigou, it is a distinctly beautiful park of waterfalls, coloured pools, and virgin forest, but Huanglong’s famous fairy pools possess a charm all of their own.
A place of almost alien beauty, Huanglong is well and truly off the beaten path, and visitors can expect peace and quiet while they soak in the park’s otherworldly beauty.
Want to see both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong? Why not try a Jiuzhaigou tour?
Where: Buses can be taken from Chengdu or Jiuzhaigou.
Cost: 200rmb ($30 USD).
44. Visit Dalian
Just one of many examples of European inspired architecture in Dalian. Image source.
A relatively young city by Chinese standards, Dalian is a beachside city with an impressive collection of Russian architecture due to its former state as a Russian settlement.
The city’s extensive coastline makes for some pretty dramatic views, and Dalian is considered one of China’s premier seafood destinations on par with Guangdong in the nation’s south.
Highlights in Dalian include the Bangchuidao Scenic Area with its hills and forests and the family friendly Tiger Beach Ocean Park.
Where: Dalian is served by an international airport as well as high-speed trains and long distance buses.
As if the breathtaking lake and the chance to stand on a volcano aren’t incentive enough, Changbai National Park is also home to a hugely diverse selection of Chinese animals including bears, lynx, leopards, deer, and the Siberian tiger!
You can keep your pandas, people – I’d die a happy man if I ever got to see a tiger in the wild and lived to tell the tale.
The park’s most famous sight is undoubtedly Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), a stunning crater lake that is worth a look at any time of year, but especially gorgeous during the snowy winter months.
Where: Take a taxi or private car from Erdaobaihe County, which can be reached by train or by flying in to Yanji Airport.
A stunningly diverse region of river canyons and dense forest, the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province is especially famous for the opportunity to raft Nine Bend River and take in the surrounding scenery.
The more adventurous will find a number of hiking trails to really get them close to nature, but a public bus within the park makes it accessible for all ages.
Where: Take a taxi from Wuyishan or a train from Xiamen or Fuzhou.
Cost: 210rmb ($30 USD).
47. Ride camels across the Gobi Desert to see Crescent Lake
A stunning contrast reminiscent of Tatooine in the Star Wars movies, Crescent Lake and Echoing Sand Mountain are a startling juxtaposition of towering dune and verdant oasis located in Gansu province.
The crescent-shaped lake exists at odds with the shifting sands of the Gobi Desert, and visitors can cool off on its shores before embarking on thrilling desert adventures such as riding camels across the dunes, sandboarding, or ATVing.
Where: Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake are both located a short bus or taxi ride from Dunhuang.
Cost: 120rmb ($17 USD). Additional cost for activities.
48. See the Kaiping Fortress Towers
Not the most charming representation of Kaiping… Image source.
Guangdong province in China’s south is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s not without its appeals.
One of the more dramatic landmarks in the province are the Kaiping Fortress Towers. Built in the waning years of the Qing Dynasty, these watchtowers and fortifications now stand solemn vigil over idyllic farmlands – making for a unique photo opportunity.
Want to learn more? Only Original Art has a great piece on their visit to the Kaiping Fortresses.
Where: Kaiping City is located a short bus ride from Guangzhou.
Known as one of the most beautiful towns in China, Fenghuang in Hunan is a classic example of a water city comprised of gracefully curving bridges, stilted houses, and boats skimming through the canals.
Sometimes called Phoenix Ancient Town, Fenghuang lies on the banks of the Tuo Jiang River and its Miao people derive much of their livelihood from its waters.
Despite its popularity with tourists, the town remains as a kind of living museum for simpler times.
Where: Fenghuang can be reached by bus from either Changsha or Zhangjiajie National Park.
Cost: 148rmb ($21 USD).
50. Live like a local in rural China
Another shot of the Dragon’s Backbone, just because. Image source.
For those really wanting to experience China away from its bustling city, it pays to get well and truly off the beaten track and visit a place not renowned for tourism.
You’ll need some Mandarin or world-class charades skills most of the time and you might have trouble finding hotels that can take foreign guests, but you’ll see China as it truly is – rather than as its state-owned media wishes it to be portrayed.
There’s no hard and fast guide on how you should do this, but stopping at one of those towns that lie between your starting point and your destination might be a good way to go about it.
You can read about my experience in rural China as a foreigner in Lianyungang.
Where: All over China.
Cost: Free.
As you can see, there are a wealth of things to do and see while traveling in China.
Whatever your budget, there is something for everyone.
Check out The Broke Backpacker’s fantastic China budget travel guide to get started planning your trip!
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