Month: August 2020

A hidden gem of China’s Southwest, Guizhou is an ideal destination for those who want to venture off the beaten path. Although many travelers visit Guizhou for its diverse minority cultures and vibrant music festivals, Guizhou is also rich in natural beauty.

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Among the colorful ethnic minority villages, Guizhou‘s also spotted with rustic lakeside farms and terraced rice fields. Home to one of the most beautiful karst caves in China and many precious animals, Guizhou will not disappoint you whether you’re interested in seeing wildlife or bizarre sites of nature.

Here’s a list of what to do in Guizhou (other than dancing and sipping rice wine at minority festivals):

 Gilles Vogt via Flickr

Zhijin Cave

Originally called Daji Cave because young Miao minority children used to play badminton here, Zhijin Cave is known as the King of Caves. It not only boasts a magnificent collection of stalactites, but it also possesses the world’s largest unsupported roof span of any cave. Wandering through the forest of sparkling stones shaped like flowers, drums, and pillars, you might think you’ve walked into a mysterious underground palace. When you visit the 200-meter long Yingbin Hall covered in moss, make sure you stop at Luoqian (‘falling money’) Hole where drops of water continuously fall into the cave like hundreds of shining coins in the sunshine. Then, you can take a detour to the little cave beside Yingbing Hall to admire a ten-meter stalactite that looks like a mushroom cloud formed after a nuclear explosion.

Photo via TripAdvisor

One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest

As the name suggests, One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest is the largest natural rhododendron forest in the world.  During the flowering season from early March to the middle of May, the hills become a drawing palette of beautiful colors including dark red, light yellow, creamy white, and purplish blue. The perfect spot to marvel at this ocean of azaleas is Shuhua Peak where you can stand on the highest peak of the forest and admire the flowers bright enough to give the skyline a pinkish tint. If you look carefully as you walk through the forest, you might see different types of azaleas blooming on the same shrub which is very rare in nature.

Even if you miss the flowering season, you should still visit One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest because it offers more than azaleas. You can explore one of the limestone caves hidden behind towering trees or take a boat ride on the 400 acre Bailidujuan Lake which is a lush green color in summer and slightly tinged with orange in autumn. You might also see some rare birds like the golden pheasant.

Sujun Suajem via Flickr

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Another spot in Guizhou that you should not miss is Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia, spanning 101 meters in width and 78 meters in height. We recommend viewing it from multiple points to fully appreciate its beauty. Start with a panoramic view of the waterfall from the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion, where you can see the waterfall from a distance. Then, switch to the Water-Viewing Stage for a bird’s eye view. You can see the waterfall from its bottom at the second Waterfall-Viewing Stage, where you raise your head to admire this sublime waterfall. Finally stand in the Water-Curtain Cave to touch the waterfall and let a few drops of water sprinkle on your face.

Caohai Lake

A grassy lake with mild temperature, Caohai Lake is an ideal habitat for birds and home to 184 bird species, so it’s a must-see for bird-enthusiasts. If you visit Caohai Lake in winter, you’ll see black-necked cranes, the only plateau crane left in the world, gracefully walking on grasslands and hunting fish in the water. The best way to explore the lake is to hire a flat-bottomed boat and watch the cranes, eagles, and storks enjoying a warm winter as you meander through the channels.

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The natural wonders of Guizhou are a calming respite from your daily routine. Venture through this serene landscape, dotted with vibrant minority villages on one of our two tours through the region: Old Country Living and Hidden Guizhou. 

 

Guilin has much to offer the tourist who wants to see the real, wild heart of China. We’ve compiled the best selections from our tours in Guilin to inspire you to visit this pristine, exotic region.

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Carlos Adampol Galindo via Flickr

Guilin is home to China’s most archetypal scenery. The green karst peaks reflect on tranquil rivers and waves of water-filled rice paddies ripple across slopes of verdant mountains. This lush scenery is the embodiment of Chinese natural aesthetic principle, “lǜshuǐ qīngshān.” (Green hills and blue waters)

Step into the landscape you see reflected in Chinese ink paintings, the vivid inspiration for centuries of poems, songs, and legends. The summer season until October is the best time to visit.

But before we show you the best of Guilin, let’s get something straight. When people say Guilin, they’re really talking about two different places: Longsheng and Yangshuo. These two towns embody Guilin’s beauty and atmosphere. We recommend a day trip to Longsheng to see the stunning rice terraces, then return to Guilin for the night and head to Yangshuo for 2-3 days the next day.

Here are our top recommendations to make the most of your trip to Guilin in both Longsheng and Yangshuo:

Longsheng

Llee Wu via Flickr

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

After an early morning drive from Guilin to the Zhuang minority village of Ping’an, our guides will take you on your choice of hikes through ribbons of undulating rice terraces. In May, the still-unplanted terraces of water will mirror the white clouds and color of the sky above, yielding some of the best opportunities for photographers to shoot the sunrise. As harvest season approaches in early fall, venturing out onto the mountain slopes gives travelers the chance to witness Zhuang farmers covering the slopes, bending down into the harvest and tending to the intricate bamboo and earthen irrigation systems which give life to the mountainside.

Yangshuo

P Bibler via Flickr

Bamboo Raft  

One of our favorite things about Guilin is that you don’t have to travel by car. Instead, take a traditional bamboo raft down the wide, green waters of the Li River from Yangshuo to the remote village of Xingping. It’s not a fast ride, so take off your shoes and let your feet trail in the cool water off the side of the boat as your raftsman guides you down the river with karst giants towering above on each side.

Biking 

From Xingping or Yangshuo you can easily explore deeper into the surrounding villages and landscapes by hopping on a bike. Out in the rural areas cars are few and the roads are smooth, so this is one of the best ways to get away from summer tourists and make your own journey through the peaks, rice fields, and old villages of Guilin.

Impressions of LiuSanjie

The blue waters of the Li River and surrounding misty karst peaks serve as the stage and backdrop to this contemporary impressionist performance of and old Zhuang romance legend. It’s choreographed by Zhang Yimou, the mastermind behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony. Sit back on the banks of the Li and enjoy the song and performance of local fishermen, actors, and children as a brilliant light show dances off the water and surrounding karst rock.

Yuan 2003 via Flickr

Hiking

While you’ll spend the majority of your time marveling at the karst landscape from below, spending the effort to get a view of the Li River and mist enshrouded mountains from above is more than worth it. When looking up these forested monoliths seem impossible to climb, but several peaks in the area are accessible by ancient stone stairs leading to pavilions and panoramic views. Each peak takes about thirty minutes to climb. Xianggong Mountain and Xilang Hill in Yangshuo offer some of the convenient options for families and those in Yangshuo (railings, constructed viewing platform, etc), while Laozhai Hill in Xingping is more remote but offers one of the best sunset viewing spots in the area.

Cooking Class

Take a break from the outdoors and dig your hands into local culture with our traditional Guilin chefs as they teach you how to cook local style in a brick courtyard house. Classic dishes will include recipes featuring chicken and pork and a variety of seasonal vegetables. A favorite of our travelers is jiandan jiao, a simple but mouth-watering dish of steaming dumplings fried in egg.

Landscape Painting class

Try your hand at following the Chinese classical art masters who used Guilin’s landscape as their inspiration. Under the guidance of our local professional artists, use traditional Chinese horse or rabbit hair brushes and mo, Chinese ink, to paint the surrounding mountains and rivers around you onto delicate rice paper. If you’re looking to make something more practical, you can do the painting on your own, original Chinese paper fan!

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Ready to take in Guilin’s jade-green rice terraces, spectacular karst peaks and mouth-watering food? Join us on the Guilin – Into the Scroll tour.

AsiaTravel have secured a great offer for your 2016 summer and winter stays at Peninsula Hong Kong.

• By far the most opulent hotel in Hong Kong, the iconic Peninsula is known as the Grande Dame of the East. This flagship hotel of the Peninsula brand provides guests with a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Hong Kong experience. Upon arrival, guests step into the timeless colonial glamour of a bygone era and the hotel effortlessly combines the luxury of the past with modern renovations, a spectacular open air Roman-style pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center offering unobstructed views of Victoria harbor.
• As well as offering up to 15% off your stay this summer and winter guests who book with AsiaTravel for two consecutive nights or more can enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast for two people for the duration of their stay.
• And there’s more… AsiaTravel can also make you an instant VIP with our PenClub benefits.

To book your stay contact info@wildchina.com or go one better and be our guest on a customized Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour 

 

 

Goldfish, birds, toys, clothes and electronics – there seems to be a street in Hong Kong for just about every type of commodity you might need. Inside the checkered warren of the city’s lanes you will find many great bargains, and interesting slices of local life. Here are some to visit during your next trip to the city:  

Photo by Barney Moss via Flickr

Southern part of Hong Kong Island

Stanley Market

Address: Hong Kong, Stanley, Stanley New St, 赤柱赤柱大街

Set in the seaside town of Stanley on Hong Kong Island’s south coast, Stanley Market is known for its huge selection of bargain clothes, inexpensive Chinese knick-knacks and household goods. At its Western end is Tin Hau Temple. Built by the notorious pirate Cheung Po Tsai in 1767, it remains one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. An easy 25-minute walk takes you to the beach, where bars, pubs and restaurant line the waterfront.

Opens 10am to 5pm daily.

 

Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon side

Photo by Daniel Chodusov via Flickr

Temple Street Night Market

Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Few places in Hong Kong are livelier than Temple Street, a popular street bazaar named after the Tin Hau temple at its center. Stall vendors lay out their wares every night from as early as 4pm, selling trinkets, watches, electronics, leather and menswear. While the stalls are mainly aimed at locals, the market’s popularity with tourists has driven prices up, and you might find better deals in the shops hidden behind the stalls. Fortune-tellers, street doctors, impromptu performances of Cantonese opera and the clack of mahjong tiles further add to the festivity of the market.

Opens 5pm – 11pm daily.

Jade Market

Address: Junction of Kansu Street and Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Halfway between Yau Ma Tei and Jordan on Kansu Street is the Jade Market, two solid blocks of flea markets and shops selling everything from high quality jade jewelry and figurines to glass trinkets. Genuine jade can range in color from milky white to a beautiful deep green. Another common hue is a cream color with brown or yellow flecks. Be careful about imitation jade at the market and always start with a bargaining price about 50% of what the vendor offered. The more eager he is to give it away the more you should suspect it is not the real McCoy.

Opens 9am to 5pm daily.

Photo by Mitch Altman via Flickr

Mongkok, Kowloon side

Ladies Street

Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

This market on Tung Choi Street boasts over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs across a one-kilometer stretch. More popular with tourists, prices here are comparatively higher than other markets. It does offer plenty of haggling fun for cheap souvenirs, ‘I Love HK’ t-shirts, accessories and other curios. Fashion here is often more “auntie” than trendy.

Opens 12pm to 10pm daily.

Photo by Geneva Vanderzeil via Flickr

Flower Market

Address: Flower Market Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon

Immerse yourself among the exotic blooms and scents of Hong Kong’s Flower Market. The 50 or so shops and wholesalers get especially busy during the period before Chinese New Year, as families flock towards the market to buy auspicious flowers and plants for the new lunar cycle.

Opens 7am to 7pm daily.

Bird Market 

Address: Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon       

Designed in the charming style of a traditional Chinese garden, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is a pleasant place to witness the old Chinese hobby of bird-keeping. Elderly men gather here, carrying their their feathered friends in intricately crafted bamboo cages. Sweet birdsongs ring out from the stalls selling exotic birds, porcelain water dishes and other related paraphernalia.

Opens 7am to 8pm daily.

Photo by Rob Web via Flickr

Goldfish Market

Address: Tung Choi Street North, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Locals head to the Goldfish Market to buy luck-bringing goldfish, aquarium pets, corals, aquariums, and aquatic ornaments. It is common to see oxygen-sealed plastic bags of goldfish (and other weirdly shaped ones) hung on racks and ready for sale.  You’ll also spot a few amphibians and reptiles crawling about.

Opens 10.30am to 10pm daily.

Shanghai Street

Address: 312-343 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Shanghai Street is one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares; a walk here gives you a glimpse of disappearing Hong Kong, of old Chinese opera houses and beautifully preserved shop-house buildings. It is also a great place to buy affordable kitchenware including handcrafted items like sandalwood fans and bamboo steam baskets used for dim sum usually sold in family-owned shops.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

Sham Shui Po, Kowloon side

Photo by Marcel Druck via Flickr

Apliu Street

Address: Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

In the heart of Sham Shui Po, vendors at the popular street market sell new and second-hand electronic devices, audio-visual equipment and telecommunications products at bargain prices. Tip: Check the voltage and plug/socket of the item for electronic compatibility.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

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Excited to venture out and explore the vibrant markets of Hong Kong? Book AsiaTravel’s Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour.

Hong Kong: apart from being one of the world’s global financial centers, the metropolitan city ranks highly for top-notch standards in its service and hospitality sectors. Many exciting accommodation choices are available, some of which will take you above skyscrapers with drop-dead vistas of the city. Read on for our top 5 picks for Hong Kong hotels.

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5. Langham Hong Kong

The stunning foyer of the Langham Hong Kong. Photo via Langham Hotels

The Langham Hong Kong recently received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rating Award and was named one of Travel + Leisure 500 – World Best Hotels. Located in Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong’s exclusive shopping district, the Langham evokes classical British luxury and provides a perfect blend of past and present. The hotel incorporates fine fabrics and silk drapes into its bespoke design. Guests can enjoy an immersive British “Langham Afternoon Tea ” experience with tailor-made Langham Rose tea ware and a special menu created by culinary experts. To satiate your palate, the Langham houses three well-rated restaurants including the three Michellin-starred T’ang Court which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine reflecting the classic timelessness of the Tang Dynasty. The Star Ferry with sensational views of the Victoria Harbor is a short walk away.

4. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Inside the Mandarin Oriental’s top-rated restaurant. Photo via Mandarin Oriental

If you want an awe-inspiring view of Victoria Harbor as you tuck in for bed, look no farther than the Mandarin Oriental. The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the first and flagship hotel of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group. This iconic hotel is as legendary as the city of Hong Kong itself. It boasts a central location, five-star facilities, and is renowned for its sleek design, impressive service and exquisite blend of luxury and comfort. The style itself is bold and bright, yet retains a cozy charm reminiscent of old Hong Kong. Rooms are well-refurbished and redesigned to maximize space; service is as tip-top as any other luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Gourmands will love the three, Michelin-starred restaurants within the hotel – Pierre, with two stars, the Mandarin Grill and Cantonese restaurant, and Man Wah, each of with one-star. A stay at the Mandarin Oriental is an indulgent getaway from it all.

3. Island Shangri-La

Check-in at Island Shangri’La’s opulent lobby. Photo via Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La is all about old-school opulence – 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers bedeck its premises; the largest Chinese silk painting in the world can be observed from the bubble lifts while Fragonard drawings hang on some corridors. Elegant rooms are equipped with plush beds and spacious bathrooms – opt for a harbor-view room and you won’t be disappointed. Dining options include Michelin-starred Summer Palace, which serves Cantonese cuisine, as well as Café TOO, loved by locals for their international buffets on weekends.

 

2. Upper House

The modern chic of the rooms at the Upper House. Photo via the Upper House

The Upper House exudes modern Hong Kong style with a uniquely urban feel. The interiors are sumptuously designed by one of England’s top designers and feature bamboo, limestone and plush cushions in warm hues. The rooms, starting from the 38th floor, provide one-of-a-kind views and a respite from the bustling sounds of cars and street vendors down below. Like its sister properties, The Opposite House Beijing and The Temple House in Chengdu, the Upper House perfectly embodies the sleek modernity and urbane cool of the international mega-city. No compromises have been made on the artistic detail of this sophisticated boutique hotel. The Upper House is a great choice for business folk as well as shoppers – the hotel is in the same building as the glitzy Pacific Place mall.

1. Peninsula Hotel

The iconic pool at the Peninsula Hotel. Photo via Peninsula Hotel

• By far the most opulent hotel in Hong Kong, the iconic Peninsula is known as the Grande Dame of the East. This flagship hotel of the Peninsula brand provides guest with a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Hong Kong experience. Upon arrival, guests step into the timeless colonial glamour of a bygone era. Established in 1928, the hotel effortlessly combines the luxury of the past with modern renovations like LED touch wall panels. The spectacular open air Roman-style pool and state-of-the-art fitness center offer unobstructed views of the harbor. Arrive in style in one of the custom “Peninsula Green” Rolls Royces or Mini-Coopers. And our favorite part – AsiaTravel can make you an instant VIP with our PenClub benefits. If all of this luxury hasn’t wowed you yet, take to the air (the Pen is the only hotel with a helipad in Hong Kong) for a world-class view over Victoria Harbor or sightseeing excursions to less visited islands. You’ll never want to leave!

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Want to test out the pillows for yourself? Be our guest on a customized Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour and find your favorite home away from home in Hong Kong.

 

The new high-speed rail line to Yunnan makes one of our favorite China destinations that much more accessible. From June 30th 2016, you’ll be able to travel from Shanghai all the way across the country to Kunming, China’s launchpad for outdoor adventure, in just 10 hours.  

The journey from Shanghai to Kunming, Yunnan is now only 10 hours. Photo by Enzo Jiang via flikr

The journey from the port megacity of Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, China’s year-round hub for adventure travel and cultural immersion, was once an 18 hour ride by train. This new line shaves off almost half the time, getting you there in 10 hours flat. For travelers from Beijing, the trip will take only 30 minutes more.

Trains can be one of the best ways to get around China. Check in is much less of a hassle and the new CRH high-speed trains are very comfortable, with more spacious seating than you’ll find on most domestic flights in China. And the best thing of all, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the Chinese countryside that you would completely miss flying overhead.

Where to Go from Kunming

Kunming is the launchpad for all kinds of adventures in Yunnan province. Here are few places to head next when you hop off the platform in Kunming:

Head northwest to the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons with popular hiking routes and gorgeous views. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Visit the quaint old town of Dali to explore the local Bai architecture, visit local artisans, and taste some scrumptious locally grown Yunnan specialties. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Stay at the Aman Hotel right in the heart of Lijiang Old Town. The Amandayan boasts a beautiful garden of local plants and flowers. It’s a lovely setting to spend an afternoon, sitting in a courtyard, drinking tea, and watching the blossom petals fall with the wind. Photo by Amandayan Lijiang

 

Visit Shangri-la, which remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. The charming town is located in a broad valley on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 10,500 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and lakes. 

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See all the Yunnan highlights on our classic Yunnan tour.

September 2015 marked a landmark anniversary for AsiaTravel – 15 years of pioneering experiential travel experiences throughout China! When deciding how to celebrate, a gala dinner seemed like an obvious choice but we aren’t ones to settle for the ordinary…

Instead, we decided to mark our achievements by celebrating China’s artisans – after all, they were the reason we began our journey and the reason we continue to strive today. We partnered with The Opposite House, one of Beijing’s most chic 5-star hotels, and invited thirty carefully selected artisans from Dongbei to Yunnan to exhibit and sell their handcrafted and cultivated treasures at an up-market boutique bazaar.

The inaugural Beshan Gāi was an Aladdin’s cave of artisan goods. From jewelry to homeware to organic produce, it was a day of fun and discovery for everyone. Over 2,000 visitors attended the event and there were regular musical performances throughout the day from one of Yunnan’s best folk singers. There was even a sugar painter on hand ready to create edible masterpieces for our younger audience. Beshan Gāi 2015 was designed and themed by POP-UP Beijing, and the event was covered in magazines such as Conde Nast China, Bloomberg China, City Weekend and Time Out Beijing (to name just a few).

With outstanding feedback from artisans and visitors alike, this year Beshan Gāi will return as a 4-day moving bazaar across different venues in Beijing and we are looking for artisans to join us.

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BESHAN GAI 2016

When: Saturday September 24^th – Sunday September 25^th

Where: The Opposite House & Taikoo Li North Village

Expected Attendance: 1,000 – 2,000 high end consumers per day

Special showcase for selected vendors:

Showcase 1: Thursday September 22^nd @ The Peninsula Hotel

Showcase 2: Friday September 23^rd @ The Rosewood Hotel

Expected Attendance: VIP & media guests, up to 400 high-end consumers per day

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The benefits of participating in Beshan Gāi

• • You will be part of a carefully themed and curated environment with both entertainment and Food and Beverage zones
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end consumers from both the expat and Chinese community in Beijing
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end media outlets invited by AsiaTravel
• • You will receive exposure to AsiaTravel’s global community through a social media campaign to 25,000+ worldwide
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product on the official Beshan Gāi website
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product through our media partner’s distribution channels, both in printed magazines throughout Beijing and online via their website, blog and social media

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Grab your camera and get ready to see our favorite parts of Dali on this self-guided biking tour. Download the map to begin your own Dali adventure.

 

Tucked between Cang Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali, Yunnan is a Ming-era town that has retained much through the ages. It was once capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and though the Kingdom fell long ago, the indigenous Bai ethnic minority who comprised its population still accounts for the majority of the residents in both the town and the surrounding villages. As a result, Dali offers rich, colorful traditions and diverse architectural design, set against some of China’s most stunning scenery.

From the cobbled streets of the old town, to the fishing villages on the shores of Erhai lake, grab your camera and embark on our AsiaTravel self-guided bike tour of Dali. The best part? It can be taken completely at your own pace.

Download the Dali Bicycle Tour map

 Directions:

1. 1. Begin your ride at The AsiaTravel Dali House

2. 2. Renmin Road, Dali Old Town Head East and ride through charming Dali Old Town. Explore the town’s traditional Bai architecture before crossing highway 221 and following the small roads heading east until you reach the shore of Erhai Lake.
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3. 3. Caicun Village Caicun village is just one of the communities you will visit along the lake. Continue North and although you will be traveling through farmland, the scenery is well worth the bumpier ride.

4. 4. Fengbei South Line Head West, back towards town, when you reach Fengbei South Line. Be careful when crossing the highways as there are no bike lanes.
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5. 5. The Three Pagodas The last stop before heading home, Dali’s emblematic Three Pagodas are located at the foot of Cang Mountain. Dating from 836AD, the central tower is both the tallest and oldest of the three Buddhist structures.

Want a local AsiaTravel guide to show you the way? Check out our Yunnan tour.

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Photo credits: 1. Jeremy Foster via flikr 2. Jeremy Foster via flikr 3. Alex Keshavjee via flikr

Guizhou is home to one of China’s largest ethnic minority populations, and throughout the year these vibrant communities celebrate their traditions with vivid and inspiring festivals. We’ve brought together a calendar of Guizhou festivals so you can get in on the action.

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Every year visitors from China and around the world make the journey to Guizhou in order to witness the many traditional festivals of the Miao ethnic group. These festivals are a perfect way to experience and celebrate one of the many faces of Chinese culture and we have pulled together a few of next year’s highlights that you should be marking on your calendar now:

Stunning Beadwork on a Traditional Miao Garment
Source: Daderot

Miao Long Table Banquet
As soon as harvest is completed in September or October – you can contact one of our trip designers for more details.

Despite the rapid transformation of China in recent years, the Miao ethnic minority have stayed true to their traditional dress, lifestyle and, of course, cuisine. The Miao Long Table banquet is a welcome antidote to the well earned hunger of a long day of sightseeing, as you sample dishes like Sour Fish Soup and Oil Tea made with ginger and salt, and indulge in enthusiastic toasts with local rice wine. The Long Table banquet is an important tradition and connection to the past celebrating a local goddess who was once able to feed the whole village. Each dish comes from the unique methods brought down from by Miao people for centuries to honor special occasions. 

Miao New Year
November 5

Miao Dancers
Source: Matěj Baťha

The Miao people have their own way of welcoming in the New Year, and their own calendar for deciding when it is. The Miao New Year typically rolls around in the 9th, 10th or 11th month of the Chinese lunar calendar and to mark the occasion, the Miao people assiduously prepare, gathering provisions, arranging ancestor worship, visiting neighboring villages and playing the Lusheng, a traditional music instrument made from bamboo.

Lusheng Festival
February, Several Dates

Lusheng Playing
Source: Impressive Pipes

The lusheng is the cornerstone of all Miao New Year celebrations. This bamboo instrument can measure up to three meters long, and makes a sound you’re unlikely to hear from any other source. During the Lusheng Festival, the biggest event of the Miao New Year, girls dress up in their finest traditional attire while boys lug the instruments to Lusheng Stadium to perform a dazzling display of dance and music.

Sister’s Meal Festival
April 11-13

Source: Fanghong

The oldest ‘Valentine’s Day’ in Asia, the Sister’s Meal Festival began its life as a humble courtship ritual where young Miao men and young Miao women could meet and embark on a life together. With their colorful traditional dresses and enthusiastic displays of local dance and music, the Sister’s Meal Festival soon began to draw a larger crowd. You can expect to be among thousands of other visitors who have gathered to watch this ancient ritual play out once more.

Dragon Boat Festival
May 30

Source: Flickr

The Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, placing it near the summer solstice. Across China citizens mark the occasion by drinking wine and eating triangular rice snacks known as Zongzi. They’re delicious, and if you’re in China at the right time you should definitely try them. In Guizhou, the Dragon Canoe Festival lets you witness the Miao ethnic people take to the waters in traditional boats, and race each other while dressed in purple and gold.

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Want to pull up a seat at the Long Table Festival or try your hand at playing Lusheng? Journey with AsiaTravel throughout Guizhou on our Hidden Guizhou Private Tour. If you’d like to travel with a small-group of like-minded adventurers, we also do a yearly small group tour to Guizhou: Hidden Guizhou Small Group Tour.

From Peking duck in Beijing to the spice markets of Sichuan, Chinese cuisine is as vast and fascinating as the country itself. Here are our tips for eating the best Chinese food in China. Warning: this post will make you hungry.

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One of the first things you’ll learn when you visit China is that there’s no such thing as ‘Chinese food,’ at least not in the way most people think of in the West.

Chinese cuisine is as rich and varied as the dishes of Europe. The spicy aromas of Kung Pao Chicken in Sichuan is as different from the sweet flavors of Shanghai roast pork as a steak tartare in Paris is from a bowl of paella in Barcelona. Practically every province in China is known for a different dish and a new flavor.

Every year, award-winning writer, chef and China culinary expert, Fuchsia Dunlop leads a Gastronomic Tour of China – a journey through these foodie havens and into the country’s local markets, top restaurants and family kitchens.

Beijing

Kyle Obermann

The city’s namesake and most famous dish, Peking Duck, is itself ample reason to include China’s capital into your travel itinerary. This hearty, iconic meal is rightly world famous and you won’t easily forget the succulent crunch of the duck’s crispy skin paired rich hoisin sauce.

But it’s not only Peking duck which puts this city on the culinary map…

Beijing’s proximity to China’s northern provinces mean that the city’s flavors are infused with many exotic influences. Wander down a historical hutong and discover Mongolian Hotpot. Far less spicy than its Sichuanese counterpart, this dish is sure to soothe the soul on a crisp Beijing evening. Goji berries, jujubes, black cardamom pods, ginseng and fresh herbs steam in an aromatic broth at the center of the table and sides of marbled meats and crisp vegetables make for a sensually visual experience along with the wafting smell and – wait for it- mouthwatering flavor.

Xi’an

Xi’an Meat Burger – Roujiamo
Source: P. Xie

While Xi’an is best known for its ancient terracotta army, the present day inhabitants of the city have plenty to offer the hungry visitor. Navigate the beautiful city walls and venture to the vibrant Muslim quarter, where savory lamb skewers are roasted over red-hot coals and sweet glutinous rice is steamed in bamboo.

After washing down your meal with an ice cold pomegranate juice, enjoy some of the city’s famous sites (if only as an excuse to work up an appetite for the second meal of the day). Traditional Xi’an dishes include flavorsome cold noodles, hot and sour dumpling soup, and steamed beef with wheat powder.

Due to its unconventionally rich melange of flavors, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is one of our favorite stops on the Gastronomic Tour of China.

Chengdu

Lajiao Chilis

It’s the third stop on Fuchsia’s Gastronomic Tour and if spicy food is something you can handle, then Chengdu will seem like paradise on earth. Just be prepared; the local dishes pack a punch.

Spiced not only with normal chili or ‘lajiao’, Sichuanese food also uses a special, local pepper known as ‘huajiao’ to give the food a tingling, numbing effect. This combination of numbness and spice is called ‘mala’ by the locals, and will ensure that your first meal in Sichuan is burned into your memory as well as your mouth.

Shanghai

After your spicy trip to Sichuan, you might need to heal your scorched taste buds with a sweet Shanghainese meal. Unlike the burning hot flavors of Chengdu, Shanghainese cuisine is ‘tiande,’ sweet, an ideal antidote to the spiciness of distant Sichuan.

Rich, fatty pieces of pork and freshly caught hairy crab are easy on the tongue, but don’t let your guard down completely.  Dishes like ‘xiaolong bao’ or small dragon bags are aptly named, because these things can be vicious. Filled not only with flavor but also with piping hot soup, these dishes have been known to squirt water at unsuspecting visitors. Pierce the bag first with a chopstick to let the steam out before digging in.

Hangzhou

Stuffed Orange with Crab Meat 
Source: 三猎

Hangzhou is famous for it’s beautiful West Lake, a still, serene body of water which attracts tourists, world leaders and, most importantly, some of the country’s most inspired chefs. If you enjoy seafood, the sweet and sour ‘West Lake Fish’ and shelled shrimp will mingle perfectly with the tranquil surroundings. You can even try the savory sweet fusion of stuffed orange with crab meat. 

Hangzhou also produced world-renowned tea, a flavor that is infused into many local specialties. A Hangzhou banquet wouldn’t be the same without a plate of tea-infused prawns soaked in the Longjing (dragon’s well) green tea that grows exclusively in the region’s hills.

Enjoy a local West Lake beer with your meal, and enjoy the calmness of this city. After the bustle and energy of Shanghai – one of the biggest cities in the world – you’ve definitely earned the downtime.

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Wonder what it’s like to wander down side alleys to the kitchen of a local auntie, roll up your sleeves, and learn to cook and eat like a local? Discover all these cities with the help of Fuchsia Dunlop, on our Gastronomic Tour of China.