HomeTravel Guides

China

China’s enormous size means you find every type of climate within its borders, from tropical to polar, as well as ancient ruins, ultra-modern skyscrapers, and a cuisine that runs from dumplings to numbingly spicy hot pot. Its megacities buzz with energy while deep pockets of its vast gorgeous nature landscape—turquoise beaches, mist-wreathed mountains, and seemingly infinite deserts—remain wild.

qianmen-china-govanz.jpg
Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to China.

Related Guides
  1. BEIJING/CHINA-SEP 14: Temple of Heaven Park scene- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests on Sep14,2015 in Beijing, China. The temple was built in 1420 A.D. in the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.
    Beijing
    May 23, 2018 02:36 PM
     · 
    Matthew Durnin
  2. Shaanxi ancient city wall and Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Xi'an, China
    Xi’an
    May 17, 2018 11:42 AM
     · 
    Emily Chu
  3. Travel-Guides-Shanghai-02.jpg
    Shanghai
    May 23, 2018 03:00 PM
READ BEFORE YOU GO
The Andean lodge and action shot of a dancer
Hotels
These Luxury Hotels Want to Plan Your Entire Trip. Here’s Why You Should Let Them
From Bhutan to Peru, luxury hotel companies are increasingly expanding their offerings beyond a single property, designing trips that connect multiple retreats into one itinerary.
August 7, 2026 11:57 AM
 · 
Chris Schalkx
Large golden columns flank the check-in counters at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, India
Air Travel News
Can Airports Be Beautiful? These 7 New Terminals Were Just Recognized for Their Stunning Design
July 16, 2026 01:54 PM
 · 
Chris Dong
Two Buddhist monks walk together in the courtyard of a mountain monastery in Bhutan; the exterior is decorated with painted woodcarvings.
Spring 2026
The Busy Person’s Guide to Slow Travel: 20 Thoughtful Trips for Every Type of Traveler
April 24, 2026 10:31 AM
 · 
Ellen Carpenter
Golden Eagle Silk Road Express interior
Trending News
3 Stylish New Trains Launching in Europe and Asia in 2026
March 2, 2026 04:21 PM
 · 
Jessica Puckett
Aerial view of Songstam Lodge Cizhong surrounded by forest and the jade-blue Upper Mekong River in the background
Hotel News + Openings
A New Wine-Focused Mountain Lodge Just Opened in the “Bordeaux of Asia”
August 25, 2025 07:26 PM
 · 
Katie Chang
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
21 Must-Do Experiences in Beijing, China
From cooking classes to high tea, and from pedicab tours to sidecar excursions, some experiences just shouldn’t be missed in China’s capital city.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Matthew Durnin
The Best Hotels in Shanghai
When staying in Shanghai, travelers are spoilt for choice. Whether they’re looking for a boutique hotel within walking distance of the French Concession, an Art Deco landmark overlooking the Huangpu River, or a modern skyscraper with amenities including 24-hour butler service, they’re sure to find a hotel room to suit their needs. The hardest part will be deciding on just one place.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Staff
Must-See Historical Sites of Xi’an
When the Terra Cotta Army was uncovered in Xi’an in 1974, the world took notice of the Shaanxi city. The army—filled with 8000 life-size soldiers, as well as weapons, horses, chariots, and other characters—was buried in the tomb of China’s first emperor. Visitors can discover more treasures than frozen troops in Xi’an, though: Along with its famous cuisine, the city is rich with peaceful temples and and holy mosques, hutongs that rival those in Beijing, historic palaces from the Tang Dynasty, and intact walls and fortifications that date back to the seventh century.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Emily Chu
The Best Restaurants in Shanghai
With celebrated chefs hailing from every corner of the globe, Shanghai’s broad culinary landscape offers incredible restaurants in a spectrum of styles. Dumplings—Shanghai’s most popular snack—come in every glorious incarnation: fried and steamed, pork and radish. But there’s much more to eat and drink here. Duck into an urban soup kitchen, sit down for satisfying noodles, or discover the plethora of options on Wujiang Lu. Here are our picks of where to go!
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Staff
The Best Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai is an adventurous shopper’s wonderland—here you’ll find everything from vintage Communist propaganda to ceramic paperweights shaped like dim sum. Bargain hunters and fashion-forward travelers will be in their element, too: You can grab expertly tailored suits and trendy Feiyue sneakers for scary cheap prices. No matter what you’re into, here’s where to shop.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Sophie Friedman
The Best Hotels in Beijing
If you’re planning to stay in Beijing, you’ll have your pick of both international hotel chains and a growing number of boutique properties, many within walking distance of major sights. Choose a spot in a central location, near the Summer Palace or an important shopping street, or base your decision on perks like room service and free Wi-Fi. Either way, you can expect to find a great home base for getting to the heart of Beijing.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Staff
Where to Drink in Xi’an
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Emily Chu
A Taste of Shanghai’s Tianzifang District
Tianzifang is a must while you’re in Shanghai, but the maze of alleys and shops can be slightly overwhelming for first-timers. Here are a few of my favorite places—from funky shops to cool barrooms—to seek out while you’re wandering.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
The Perfect Weekend in Shanghai
There’s plenty to do in Shanghai, but if you’re pressed for time, prioritize those experiences that will give you a well-rounded perspective on the city. From an early morning stroll around Jing’an Park to an acrobat show to seeing the Bund by night, even taking a day trip to a water village, here’s an ideal itinerary for Shanghai.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Staff
Exploring Shanghai’s Outskirts
Shanghai’s sprawling metro system makes reaching the city’s outlying destinations speedy and convenient. Several villages, islands, and attractions that offer a welcome respite from the bustle of the city are now just a few stops away from downtown. Be it a museum, a film studio or going to the source of the beloved xiaolongbao, it has never been easier to explore Shanghai’s outskirts.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
Load More