China’s Sichuan Province, also popularly written as Szechuan, is well-known for its notoriously spicy food. But it’s not just the cuisine that makes Sichuan a hot destination. The diversity of culture, history, and animal-life found in the region make the province a veritable feast for the senses.

Let’s take a look at how Sichuan can tantalize more than just your tastebuds.

RELATED READING: 6 Signature Dishes of Authentic Chinese Food

Sichuan Travel – Spicy Food

Ask anyone in China about Sichuan Province and you can be sure they’ll mention the region’s cuisine. If the Chinese had a phrase like “some like it hot”, they would be speaking specifically about Sichuanese people. 

The Sichuan pepper, or numbing pepper as it’s sometimes known, doesn’t burn your mouth like traditional peppers – it makes your mouth go numb. The food in Sichuan is unlike anywhere else in the world and we urge you to check out our Gastronomic Tour of China, led by award-winning food writer, Fuchsia Dunlop. For a food lover, this 13-day-long tour around China, with a heavy emphasis on Sichuan, will leave you with a new culinary perspective!

RELATED READING: Best Places to See Pandas in Chengdu

Sichuan Travel – Pandas

Sichuan is home to a number of giant panda sanctuaries and is largely considered the homeland of China’s iconic bear. High up in Sichuan’s Qingcheng Mountains, you can even volunteer for the day as a panda keeper. In the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve you’ll learn to take care of these cute and cuddly bears and witness their roly-poly majesty.

For those of you who’d like to try and catch a glimpse of a wild giant panda, you should take a look at our brand new journey to the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve. Here you will join a conversationist and track the trail of giant pandas through the park. There also be a chance to learn about the work that is being done to protect the panda’s natural habitat.

RELATED READING: The Best Second-Tier Cities in China to Visit

Sichuan Travel – Face-changing Opera

Face-changing opera is certainly one of the more unique forms of performance you’ll find in China. It’s an elaborate form of opera where different masks are applied and switched, sometimes rapidly, during performances. There are three methods: the first uses paints on certain parts of the face; the second uses boxes or cups of powder where the actor may subtly blow or toss it on their face; and the third is the pulling mask routine. This final method is the hardest and most impressive. Skilled performers will swap masks so quickly you won’t even see the change occur!

On a AsiaTravel tour we’ll arrange VIP tickets for Sichuan’s most authentic face-changing performance. Your ticket will also include a massage and 10 minutes of Sichuan-style ear-cleaning – now that’s an experience you don’t want to miss. We’ll also arrange for children to go backstage and get their faces painted just like the actors.

RELATED READING: 6 Unbelievable Historic Sites You Never Knew Existed in China

Sichuan Travel – Jinsha Archaeological Museum

Located in the city of Chengdu, the Jinsha Archaeological Museum can scratch that historical itch for those who want to dip a toe – or whole foot – into Chinese history. You can easily spend half a day at the museum exploring the Exhibition Hall, Relics Hall, Ecological Garden, and Cultural Heritage Protection Center. Exhibitions in the main hall change throughout the year so don’t write off the museum even if you’ve visited before.

Sichuan is easily reached from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. And nowadays, some international airlines also fly direct to the provincial capital of Chengdu. Just think, these are only four of the things you could come across in Sichuan and there are many more in Chengdu alone. From food to nature to history, you’ll be glad you made the trip.

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Feature Image Photo credit: 

La Priz on VisualHunt / CC BY-ND

First-time visitors to China may have only heard of first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. But fly a few hours south of the country’s capital and you’ll find a region of China very different to that you see on the news.

Two mountainous provinces in China’s southern region, Guizhou and Guangxi, are home to the vast share of China’s ethnic minority communities – and they have some stunning natural landscapes to boot. You may have heard of Guilin the provincial capital of Guangxi? But take it from us, it’s not in the region’s cities where you’ll find the most interesting sights.

Read on to see what Guizhou and Guangxi really have to offer.

RELATED READING: Unexpected Natural Wonders of Guizhou

Guizhou

Guizhou may be one of the poorest provinces in China but it is remarkably rich in minority culture and natural beauty. There are 55 official ethnic minorities within China and many call Guizhou home. On a AsiaTravel tour of Guizhou, you’ll visit Miao , Buyei and Yi villages and learn about each minority group’s special clothing, customs, and language . You’ll also see varied cultural relics such as Ming Dynasty towers and become guest of honor at a Nuo opera performance. 

RELATED READING: Join the Celebration of Guizhou’s Minority Festivals

In addition to minority culture, Guizhou has a wide assortment of parks and natural reserves which are birdwatchers, hikers, and general nature enthusiasts’ dreams. Watch as eagles, storks, cranes, and macaques soar in their natural habitats and if you have time, hike to one of the largest waterfalls in China.

RELATED READING: Best Places in China to See the Dragon Boat Festival

Guangxi

Like Guizhou, Guangxi is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority cultures and surreal landscapes. In Guangxi, you’ll bear witness to the splendor of some of China’s most beautiful settings, from rustic lakeside farms to rice terraces and karst peaks.

RELATED READING: Our Insider Advice on Guilin

The principal city in Guangxi, Guilin, means “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” and the surrounding karst topography is renowned all over China. It’s even commemorated on the 20 RMB bank note. If you enjoy hiking through picturesque scenery, then you’ll want to check this out.

We can organize special activities for adventure-addicts like a rock climbing expedition or rappelling. Or, if you’re up for a slower pace, you can take a stroll through remote pastures and rice paddies. You’ll follow little-known about footpaths and stop to cook and eat with a local farming family. 

RELATED READING: 7 Things to Do in Guilin

For even more iconic scenery in Guangxi, look no further than the Longsheng Rice Terraces. These graduated fields are beauty without measure and we’ll arrange for you to be welcomed into a Zhuang Minority Village right in the heart of the terraces. With a history dating back over two millennia, the Zhuang people are famed for their frescoes painted throughout Guangxi Province, the most famous of which is 328 feet long and 131 feet wide. You can interact with the locals and ask them questions about the art of fresco-painting with the help of your AsiaTravel guide.

Read more about our Old Country Living or Hidden Guizhou journeys and see what else your fully customized journey to China’s southern provinces could hold.

China’s capital often conjures to mind the ancient splendor of the Forbidden City and the modern might of contemporary China. But for local people, much of the real activity takes place at the city’s vibrant markets and shopping streets.

Whether or not you’re interested in shopping at these markets, they are great places to see local customs and culture in action. You’ll experience the contrasts present in modern China: local vendors selling fried scorpion in one market and a ritzy Hermès shop a few meters away. And on a AsiaTravel tour, your guide will help you to shop just like a local.  They never receive commission from certain shops or stalls for encouraging you to buy so you can shop away, rest assured that their main priority is always helping you to find the best quality products.

Here is our some of our favorite markets and shopping streets in Beijing:

Wangfujing

Source: Jirka Matousek

RELATED READING: How to Spend 72 Hours or Less in Beijing

One of the most famous shopping streets in Beijing, Wangfujing attracts brave visitors who come here to eat scorpions, grubs, seahorses and other creepy crawlies that you certainly wouldn’t find in your local Whole Foods. Despite this, Wangfujing is not just for the strong of stomach. If you enjoy sampling Chinese delicacies in a lively, vibrant atmosphere and having a real Beijing experience, then this shopping street is a must.

Sihuan Market

RELATED READING: 5 (Alternative) Must-Sees in Beijing

Rundeli or Sihuan Food Market has been described as a ‘food lover’s dream.’ Located in a picturesque, traditional hutong neighborhood, here you’ll find appetizing delights to help you fall in love with Chinese cooking. From live seafood in enormous tanks to colorful fruits, vegetables and herbs, if you can eat it, you can bet that Sihuan Food Market has it.

Sanlitun Village

RELATED READING: Make These “Houses” Your Home in China

An upmarket, cosmopolitan shopping area in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, Sanlitun is where you go if you need your fix of fine, international dining and upscale brands. Sanlitun is also home to one of our preferred partner hotels in Beijing, The Opposite House. The Opposite House provides a tranquil retreat in the middle of the shopping district, and some of the best international designers have shops a mere hop, skip, and jump away.

Panjiayuan Antiques Market

Source: Anagoria

RELATED READING: Everything You Can Do at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven

Step away from the metropolitan glitz of Sanlitun and enjoy a rustic, local experience at Panjiayuan Antiques Market. Here you’ll find antiques and artifacts of all kinds and beautiful treasures that are sure to keep you entranced. China has 5,000 years of history so curios can range from ancient Buddhist statues to vintage movie projectors from the year the PRC was founded. There are hundreds of stalls to explore so be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours here.

Xiushui Silk Market

Source: Phil James

RELATED READING: How to Make the Most out of a Trip to the Great Wall

The ‘Beautiful Water’ Silk Street houses over 1700 stalls and as the name suggests, you’ll find one of China’s most ancient and mysterious exports here, silk. The old market was demolished a few years ago but commerce is still thriving at their new location on Xiushui East Street. Prices are likely be outrageously high when you first ask, so come here with your bargaining hat on and prepare to fight hard to get a good deal. If you’re looking forward to shopping while in Beijing, your AsiaTravel guide can help you find the most authentic silk and help you barter it down.

Whether or not you want to shop, AsiaTravel loves to show you a slice of authentic life, and sometimes markets are the best place to see China’s diversity. And if you are looking to buy some souvenirs for your family or some authentic crafts for yourself, your AsiaTravel guide can of course help you find the highest quality products around.

‘Tis the season to fill those Santa sacks with gifts for all your friends and family. Here at AsiaTravel, we love to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate Christmas with our team. (Our IT Director even borrows Santa’s big red coat for the occasion!) Now we’re looking to spread the Yuletide joy beyond our office. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the Sinophile in your life, we’ve compiled a short-list of our favorite finds.

9. Everyone at AsiaTravel loves sitting down with a steaming cup of Pu’er tea and Jalam Tea Company‘s selection are always our top pick. Jalam concentrates on sourcing the finest of Yunnan’s teas and with each tea they offer, they present the adventure and tale of the journey to source it.

8. We have our finger’s crossed that Santa will leave a copy of Fuchsia Dunlop’s 5th book, Land of Fish and Rice, under our tree. Featuring stunning food photography, appetizing recipes, and curious tidbits from life in Jiangnan, Land of Fish and Rice is food writing at its finest.

7. Lost and Found, a Beijing based homeware store, have these super cute thermos mugs in stock and they are perfect for snuggling up by the fire with on a winter’s day. Lost and Found also sells both new and vintage furniture and can deliver all over the world. All of their new furniture products are designed and built by them in the city of Beijing and can be custom-made just for you.

6. If fiction is what you’re looking for, this year we enjoyed bestselling author John Shors’, Unbound. A love story set on the Great Wall of China, Unbound is a great gift for the romantic Sinofile in your life.

5. Made in Mongolia produces just about the best slipper to pitter-patter around the house in. MIM has a beautiful range of handcrafted fair-trade felt products which use 100% natural Mongolian wool.  Their ethically produced fashion and home accessories combine the beauty of contemporary design with the timeless qualities of traditional Mongolian felting and embroidery.

4. John Pomfret’s The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom is chock full of interesting tales about the relationship between China and the United States. The book won the 2017 CFR Arthur Ross Book Award and is definitely a gift we would love to unwrap.  We know this book will be a great reference for years.

3. Tibet is set to be a hot destination in 2018 and what better gift to give than a life-changing experience? Our Soul of Tibet Small Group Tour, limited to 12 people or less, will take you past softly rolling mountains, freshwater lakes, and gilded temples to the very heart of this incredible region.

2. As Beijing’s cold winter sets in, high-quality scarves rank high on our most-wanted list. Norlha Textiles designs, produces and sells timeless yak textiles made by nomads on the Tibetan Plateau and is committed to working in a socially responsible way: combining a highly skilled workforce with a rare raw material (yak wool) to make world-class products. Norlha also helps to advance the livelihood of local people through stable, well-paid employment.

1. AsiaTravel Founder and CEO, Mei Zhang, published her first book in 2016. One part travelogue and one part recipe book this is a gift that is sure to delight the China obsessed foodie in your life. Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham will make you yearn for a taste of Dali. For an added bonus for that special someone, consider our Travels through Dali with Mei Zhang 2018 tour. With Mei as your guide, you’ll jump into the book’s pages and into the kitchens of Dali’s culinary artisans.

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Interested in making your last-minute gift the gift of a lifetime? Contact one our experienced travel designers and start customizing your perfect China trip

Nestled between the high-altitude Tibetan and Loess plateaus, China’s Gansu Province has been making international headlines as one of Lonely Planet’s Best Destinations in Asia for 2017.

This region of China, West of Beijing, was an important desert outpost along the Silk Road. During imperial times, Gansu’s rough and wild hinterlands were filled with nomadic tribes and traveling merchants praying for safe passage through the desert. Today, however, this once distant province is now well within reach. Gansu is a mere two and a half hour plane ride from Beijing, and there is a high-speed train between Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, and Xi’an that takes about the same amount of time. 

We love to visit Gansu on our tours and here are some of our favorite things to do there:

RELATED READING: Five Surreal Landscapes in China

Visit the Danxia Landforms

The Danxia Landforms are well-regarded for their other-worldly colors – they were even added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. 

On a AsiaTravel journey into the ‘Rainbow Mountains’ you’ll be able to hike through five different “platforms” of height. The higher you climb, the more beautiful the landscape becomes. On any platform the view is different, and the best time to go there is at sunset – we’ll even arrange a picnic for you to enjoy whilst you watch the sun go down.

RELATED READING: The Mogao Caves and Other Top Dunhuang Attractions

Mogao Grottoes

Dug out of the western cliffs of the Mingsha Mountains, this complex of 492 grottoes represents the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art. Used by travelers for meditation, worship and to store texts, these temple caves contained tens of thousands of frescoes, paintings, sculptures and terracotta statues. They also housed innumerable manuscripts, including the earliest dated and printed book yet found. 

The caves were created over the course of 1,000 years and were a central religious and cultural crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. The Mogao Grottoes were rediscovered in the early 20th century and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On a AsiaTravel journey, we’ll arrange a private tour of caves normally off limit to the public with the director of the Dunhuang museum.

RELATED READING: 6 Signature Dishes of Authentic Chinese Food

Lanzhou Beef Noodles Cooking Class

We love a bowl of beef noodles on a cold day and there’s no place better than Gansu to learn the history and procedure of cooking the dish.

Your guide will help you join the locals in an authentic beef noodle restaurant and on a AsiaTravel journey you’ll even learn the art of hand-pulling the noodle for yourself. The noodles in this dish should be as thin as thread and the beef should be soaked in water for several hours before being served. The noodles are usually quite spicy, but if you would like less heat, you can ask for less red pepper spice.

RELATED READING: 5 Reasons Why China’s Great for a Luxury Family Vacation

Yellow River Cruise

The Yellow River is the second longest river in China and is widely considered to be the cradle of Chinese civilization. Cruises along the Gansu section can be taken by motorboat but goat skin rafts were the traditional transportation for people who lived along the banks. It’s by far the most authentic way to float down the river.

To make the rafts, the goat skins are made into balloons which are then fastened on wood frames to build up a simple and powerful form of aquatic transport. It’ll feel like floating back in time to the historic era when the Yellow River was a key byway for trade between China and Central Asia. Of course, you’ll be provided with life jackets. Safety first!

Filled with surreal landscapes and Indiana Jones-worthy archaeological sites, Gansu is not to be missed. Why not see this hot new destination the AsiaTravel way? Let’s plan your trip to Gansu.

Kunming is the latest city to join the ranks of visa-free travel in China. A scheme that has been rolled out to a number of major cities in recent years, the visa-free permit gives the budding adventurer 144 hours (6 days) to touch down in, and explore, a city and its nearby environs. To qualify for visa exemption, you must be in transit from your point of origin to another country besides China. In other words, it must be a layover and you have to have the documents to prove your onward travel.

When you check in for your flight to Kunming, you’ll need to let the airline know that you’re planning to stay visa-free. Then, when you arrive, follow the “visa-free stay” signs in immigration. You’ll fill out a slightly longer entry card than normal, and your 144 hours will begin at 00:00 hours the next day.

Here’s all you need to know to get the most out of visa-free travel in Kunming.

Kunming: Visa-Free Travel

Often referred to as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its temperate climate year-round, Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province, a lush and culturally diverse region in China’s southwest. A major metropolis by any standards, Kunming is markedly more cosmopolitan than the rest of Yunnan province. The city has evolved a bohemian, artsy vibe, with a growing number of independent galleries, cultural centers, and cafés. 

Kunming is also a pretty well-connected city, making travel to and from the area easy. In fact, many AsiaTravel travelers use Kunming as a jumping off point for other parts of Yunnan, as well as a welcome addition to travels through Southeast Asia.

Photo by Fuchsia Dunlop

Kunming Visa-Free Travel: Where to Eat?

As you’ll be staying within the city limits for the duration of the 144-hour visa, we’re sure you’ll be dying to know all the best eateries and hangouts that show off the best of what the region has to offer. Making its way onto Fuchsia Dunlop’s Yunnan Gastronomic Tour for very good reason, Kunming boasts a burgeoning culinary scene, combining Chinese tradition with the spices and exoticism of Southeast Asia. While mushroom hotpot is something of a specialty in Kunming, you’ll find delicacies at every turn with restaurants to match. A firm favorite of ours is the ancient Shiping Hall (石屏会馆), where you can enjoy chili fish in a beautiful traditional courtyard – the restaurant itself is 300 years old. Alternatively, head over to the 1910 South Train Station (1910 火车南站) to sample a more modern twist on Yunnan cuisine.

Top tip: Yunnan is China’s center of coffee cultivation, and many of Kunming’s cafes use local beans. Be sure to try a cup (or two) as you explore the city.

Kunming Visa-Free Travel: What to Do?

With bellies satiated, what should you do in Kunming? Well, when you’re not filling up on tasty treats or enjoying the natural feel of the city, why not jump on the cable car and head up Sleeping Beauty Mountain where you will be rewarded with stunning views and the chance to see Dragon Gate, a collection of beautiful temples jutting out of the cliff face.

Sticking with the rocky theme, Kunming’s Stone Forest is well worth a visit too, boasting impressive limestone formations. But, be warned, the early bird catches the worm with this one, as it is a firm favorite amongst domestic tourists.

Kunming Visa-Free Travel: Where to Stay?

And finally, where to rest our weary traveler heads? A city that is laced with the beauty of nature throughout, there are plenty of choices when it comes to finding a room with a view in Kunming. Our personal favorite is the Green Lake Hotel. While the clue is in the name, this hotel boasts great views over Green Lake Park, as well as enjoying a prime location within walking distance of Kunming Old Town, and more restaurants and cafés than you can shake a stick at. It has all the modern conveniences and services you’d want, including a swimming pool to relax in after a long day of soaking up the sights.

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So, if it’s a lengthy layover you’ve found yourself with, or you are on the hunt for a trip extension with a bit of a twist, consider Kunming – a vibrant destination with none of the visa hassles.

With a history of Jewish immigration spanning to the days of the Silk Road, there has been a presence of Judaism in China since the imperial times of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). 

Arriving from Western Asia along ancient trade routes, as well as by sea and via the Trans-Siberian railway, China has often been regarded as a place of sanctuary and prosperity for Jewish people. Sadly, it has also been one of persecution.  Read on to delve deeper into the history of Judaism in China, and find out why AsiaTravel is the only choice when it comes to planning a customized Jewish tour of China.

Must-Visit City: Harbin

Top of the list and an absolute must-see on any Jewish tour of China is Harbin, an icy city in China’s North-eastern province of Heilongjiang. Harbin is a multicultural hub that has been influenced by an eclectic mix of Russian, Korean, and Mongolian immigrants.

After the Russian Revolution, 20,000 Jews fled and settled in Harbin, creating a well-established community with synagogues, hospitals, and schools. Just meander up and down Central Street, and soak up the sights and smells of an Eastern-European past, with authentic architecture from both the Russian and Jewish communities lining this bustling street. A large majority of the Jewish community left Harbin for Shanghai or abroad during later years. The Harbin New Synagogue has been turned into a museum of Jewish culture.

Must-Visit City: Shanghai

As well as showcasing an impressive array of glitzy high rises and colonial architecture, Shanghai has also played a considerable part in China’s Jewish history. By the outbreak of the Second World War, Shanghai was the largest sanctuary for European refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Sadly, it was not long until the Japanese occupation of China forced these refugees to live in a designated area, which later on became known as the Shanghai Ghetto.

In the capable hands of our Jewish expert, Dvir Bargal, you will be transported down the tracks of time and see for yourself the daily lives of Jewish people under these conditions. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the ways the Jewish community managed to thrive despite the odds. One such example is the impressive Children’s Palace, once a mansion belonging to a Jewish family from Baghdad that now offers educational and recreational activities for children.

Why Choose AsiaTravel for Your Jewish Tour of China? 

While Harbin and Shanghai offer up the lion’s share of Jewish culture in China, we’ll also show you other areas of interest, such as the Xiaobailuo District of Tianjin, another area of Jewish resettlement. We think of the practicalities too. We’ll prepare appropriate meals, luxury hotels that are not sky-rises, as well as leisure days for Shabbat.  

Although much of China’s Jewish population left for the US and Australia following the Second World War, remnants of a rich Jewish culture are still to be found within the Middle Kingdom, from tasty snacks to lasting architecture.

Get in touch with one of our experienced travel designers and find out how to rediscover a portion of Jewish history during a trip to this fascinating and diverse country.

You’ll often hear us talking about getting off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean we don’t indulge in luxury – especially when we’re staying in one of China’s megacities.

Shanghai stands proud as a cosmopolitan outpost of modern China, home to shining skyscrapers contrasting its rich colonial history. With world-leading hotels now dotted all over town, it’s easy to be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a place to stay. Here are our favorite luxury accommodation choices for 2019.

Photo courtesy of Bvlgari Shanghai

Luxury Hotels in Shanghai: Bvlgari Hotel

Opening up two hotels in China in the last year, this lifestyle brand has extended East, bringing with it all of the class and luxury of its Italian origins. Harmoniously blending old and new, Bvlgari incorporates Shanghai’s restored chamber of commerce (dating back to 1916) and a 48-story tower – with roof terraces and sweeping views, of course. Situated a mere stone’s throw away from the historic Bund, sip on a cocktail at La Terrazza whilst you admire the iconic Pudong skyline.

STAY FOR: Intimate luxury and sweeping vistas

Photo courtesy of The Middle House, Shanghai

Luxury Hotels in Shanghai: The Middle House

Another recent addition to the Shanghai collection, The Middle House opened its doors earlier in 2018 following the success of its sister hotels in Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Kong. With a superb location in Shanghai’s historic Dazhongli district, The Middle House is quite literally in the middle of the city – a hotspot for shopping, sightseeing, and exploring Shanghai’s rich culinary culture. Once you’ve soaked up as much of the city as your legs can handle, head back and enjoy the Mi Xun spa.

STAY FOR: Being in the thick of it and blissful rejuvenation 

Photo courtesy of Capella Shanghai

Luxury Hotels in Shanghai: Capella Shanghai

For those of you looking for something a little different on your next trip to the “Paris of the East”, Capella Shanghai might be the answer. Nestled within a cluster of traditional houses in Shanghai’s Xihui district, Capella has transformed a series of Shanghainese shikumen homes into luxury villas and created a boutique hotel like no other. With a distinct Parisian design flair throughout the property, Capella prides itself in protecting the city’s cultural heritage by finding the perfect blend of history and modernity. Legendary French chef Pierre Gagnaire developed the restaurant’s menu and the simple but authentic French cuisine is the best in town.

STAY FOR: Stylish interiors and culinary distinction

Photo courtesy of Amanyangyun, Shanghai

Luxury Hotels in Shanghai: Amanyangyun  

If you’re looking for the relaxation of a country retreat then look no further than Amanyangyun, Aman’s first Shanghai property. Located approximately an hour’s drive from bustling downtown, Amanyangyun enjoys large open spaces filled with nature. With a layout based on restored Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, the retreat offers an authentic Chinese experience, boasting private courtyards and a forest of camphor trees. Amanyangyun emphasizes its relationship with guests and aims to treat them like old friends – offering complete tranquillity and friendly hospitality you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

STAY FOR: Nature and absolute relaxation

Photo courtesy of The Peninsula Shanghai

Luxury Hotels in Shanghai: The Peninsula Shanghai

Not a newcomer but a long-time favorite, The Peninsula Shanghai is world renown for unparalleled service and a fine taste for luxury. Being named Shanghai’s Best Hotel in 2017, it’s no surprise that we include The Peninsula on our ‘top hotels in Shanghai’ list every year. The Peninsula boasts two Michelin star-rated restaurants and an indulgent wellness center. The real showstopper, however, has to be Sir Elly’s Terrace, the perfect spot for sundowners with a stunning view over the Shanghai skyline.

STAY FOR: Unrivaled excellence and killer views

Don’t settle for an ordinary trip on your next visit to Shanghai. Get in touch with our experienced trip designers and start crafting a perfectly personalized experience.

From the intricate paintings of classical China to revolutionary propaganda of the 20^th century, art in China has both enjoyed and suffered from its intrinsic relationship with the country’s politics. With a tumultuous century now behind us, art in China is in renaissance once again, especially in Beijing. The epicenter of this grand nation, Beijing is home to a flourishing art scene. The city boasts alternative and contemporary districts, as well as traditional architecture and antiques. We’ve put together this Beijing guide so art lovers can get the most out of this diverse destination.

An Art Lovers’ Guide to Beijing: Wuyong Gallery

For those with an interest in fashion, we grant you private access to the concept store and gallery of Ma Ke’s fashion house, Wuyong. With the aim of steering away from mass-produced, foreign-label clothing, Ma Ke bases her collections on the concept of preserving tradition, with influences from China’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Having made appearances at both Paris Fashion Week and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Ma Ke’s work has attracted international attention and succeeds in blurring the line between art and fashion. With this exclusive behind the scenes access, you can experience the collection coming to life in all its powerful silence, while learning more about China’s traditional practices and craftsmanship.

Photo by Kyle Obermann

RECOMMENDED READING: Meet Wai Wai, Our New Art Expert

An Art Lovers’ Guide to Beijing: 798 with an Expert

For art lovers, no trip to Beijing would be complete without exploring the 798-art district. 798 is home to an eclectic mix of contemporary work, showing off everything from large sculptures to urban graffiti; the setting, an industrial area of disused military factories. To really get the most out of this artsy district, we recommend calling on the expertise of our knowledgeable contemporary art expert, Wai Wai. With Wai Wai, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on Beijing’s flourishing art scene and discover the meaning behind some of the art on show. The architecture itself is worth the trip!

RECOMMENDED READING: 5 Alternative Must-Sees in Beijing

An Art Lovers’ Guide to Beijing: Chaochangdi

Just around the corner from the 798-art district is Caochangdi, an artists’ village designed by Ai Wei Wei himself. This village mixes contemporary-style art exhibitions with fresh produce markets and livestock, a real nod to its former purpose as home to a mix of migrant workers, farmers, students, and artists. Set up around a series of low buildings and alleyways, we can arrange an exploration of this district with exclusive meetings with the artists themselves. With government plans putting the future of Caochangdi at risk, this is definitely an area of Beijing’s booming art scene that needs to be discovered before it’s too late.

An Art Lovers’ Guide to Beijing: Liulichang Market Street

To step back in time and appreciate some of Beijing’s more traditional art forms, we recommend a visit to Liulichang Market Street, known for the ancient stone dwellings that line the streets and the craftwork shops and museums found within. A meander down these streets with a local AsiaTravel guide will give you insight into China’s proud history of craftsmanship; from glazing palatial tiles, to picking up a brush and ink for some traditional Chinese calligraphy. 

Photo courtesy of The Opposite House, Beijing

An Art Lovers’ Guide to Beijing: The Opposite House

As an art aficionado, it makes sense to stay somewhere with an emphasis on design and culture too. That’s why we recommend topping off this artsy Beijing getaway with a stay at The Opposite House. Centrally situated in Beijing’s Sanlitun shopping area, The Opposite House blends striking contemporary design with Chinese aesthetics, both inside and out. Lighting, form and space are all taken into consideration in this boutique hotel to create both a pleasurable and calming effect on the senses. After a long day seeing the sights, take a soak in the hotel’s show-stopping stainless steel swimming pool; now that’s we call fine art.    

On top of the areas we’ve already mentioned, Beijing truly is in the midst of booming development, celebrating a burgeoning art scene. Wherever you go, Beijing is visually provocative, from traditional hutongs to the glitzy and futuristic architecture of CBD. With a large number of smaller art galleries dotted around the city (Red Brick Art Museum is one of our current favorites), our experts will be sure to fill your trip with more art than you can shake a paintbrush at.

You might not know the name Guangxi, but you’ll almost certainly recognize the karst peaks and meandering river the province has become famous for. Guilin (a city you might have heard of) and Yangshuo (the town you’re likely to visit) have grown exponentially in terms of tourist popularity over the last decade. Nowadays, if you visit this area without a AsiaTravel fairy godmother (or father) it’s easy to get lost in a sea of domestic visitors. However, Guangxi is so stunning that we’d hate to recommend not visiting.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of highlights from a AsiaTravel Guilin journey – to give you a taste of how to make the most of your trip.

Photo courtesy of Li’an Lodge

Things to do in Guilin: Rice Terrace Hiking

 

 RELATED READING: 3 Best Hotels in Guilin

Things to do in Guilin: Landscape Painting Class