Flying relatively under-the-radar on an international level (so far!), Yunnan Province is not as widely known for its landscapes as Guangxi to the east, nor famed for spicy delicacies such as Sichuan to the north. In this article, we shine a light on why Yunnan is our top pick for a getaway this winter.    

4. Visit Yunnan in Winter: Temperate Weather

With such a varied landscape, Yunnan’s weather can differ dramatically across the province. Traveling in winter you’ll avoid the rainy season, making it the perfect time to get active and enjoy the diverse nature on offer. Hiking is a particular favorite activity of ours because it gives our guests access to remote local minority villages and stunning rice terraces. Do bring layers because during winter, temperatures drop quite dramatically at night.

3.Visit Yunnan in Winter: The Joys of Festivals

Do you often suffer from post-Christmas blues? Well, this could be the year to avoid them. In Yunnan, as well as celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, there are numerous smaller festivals that happen in accordance with local minority traditions. These can start as early as February and last well into spring.

If watching men jump into a sea of fire is your thing, try the Sword Pole Festival which is one of the earliest of the season. Experiencing the festivals themselves, or even helping with the preparations, is a great way to understand the ethnic minority cultures that inhabit so much of this diverse province. With our team of experienced travel designers, we’ll be sure to sniff out the most festive of festivals to make your journey even more special.

2. Visit Yunnan in Winter: Fewer people, better guides, cheaper accommodation

Another thing to consider is how busy Yunnan’s major tourist spots can get during popular travel seasons. While you’re unlikely to see hordes of tourists on hiking routes between remote villages, the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali can become crowded. Winter is a good time to appreciate these beautiful towns at your own pace.

Outside of the main holiday periods, accommodation costs drop significantly and it’ll be easier to secure one of our top local AsiaTravel guides.

1. Visit Yunnan in Winter: Travels Through Dali with Mei Zhang

Of course, our list of top reasons to visit Yunnan this winter would not be complete without a mention of our very own AsiaTravel Founder Mei Zhang and the expert-led tour she’ll be guiding in December.

This trip skips the cities found on your average tour of China and immerses travelers in the culture and cuisine of Dali, Mei Zhang’s hometown. In 2016, Penguin published Mei’s first book Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham. Chronicling Mei’s return to southwest China in search of the region’s specialty cuisine, the book has become a globally recognized and critically acclaimed insight into the importance of cultural preservation and cultivation in a rapidly urbanizing China.

On this journey, you’ll embark on the same adventure of cultural and culinary discovery that Mei Zhang took for her book research. Accompanied by Mei herself at every turn, you’ll veer off the highway into forgotten villages and into the kitchens of Dali’s culinary artists. You’ll experience cheese making in Shaxi and get to wander through the beautiful town of Dali. With Yunnan cuisine growing in popularity across the US, this is the perfect opportunity to discover its roots and take home some top-secret recipes.

Whether it’s for a chance to whet your appetite with a new cuisine, or the need to get out and active in some beautiful surroundings, Yunnan really does have a bit of everything for everyone. To us, it’s the perfect solution for an outdoorsy, yet cultural travel experience, all while escaping that bitter cold of a northern winter!

Seeing the Great Wall of China is on many travelers’ ‘to-do’ list and it’s certainly high on our list of recommendations for Beijing.  But which section of the wall should you visit? And what should you do there? Read on for our top suggestions.

(Spoiler Alert: where possible we always avoid Badaling, a famous and over-crowded section of the wall. We recommend you do too!)

The Great Wall from Beijing: For the Wild at Heart

If you’re an avid hiker looking for a lesser-visited section of the wall, then Huanghuacheng, the “Yellow Flower Wall” might be the  place for you. The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall is further away from the city of Beijing than Mutianyu or Badaling so, if you get there early, you’ll likely have it entirely to yourself.

Huanghuacheng’s unique mountain and lake scenery is breathtaking and the area has recently undergone a five-month repair project – meaning it’s open to visitors once again. Hiking at Huanghuacheng is mid-to-high on the difficulty scale. Your AsiaTravel guide will show you the safest route and will bring a picnic along for when you get peckish. Apart from the natural scenery, this part of the wall is also known as the “First Pass” for its strategic importance.

For a little adrenaline and an even more challenging hike, the Great Wall at Jiankou covers the steepest, most varied terrain of the Great Wall. Another example of the “Wild Wall”, Jiankou remains largely unrestored. The Jiankou section of the Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) out of white dolomite stone from the surrounding area; set boldly against the tall, jagged mountains, this section of the wall is a photographer’s paradise.

The Great Wall from Beijing: For the Thrill Seeker

For families or travelers looking for a different perspective on the Great Wall, why not choose a helicopter ride over the Mutianyu section? Two hours outside Beijing proper, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall affords views of the stone structure snaking over precipitous mountain ridges on the horizon. It’s one thing to stand atop the wall, looking down onto the mountains below, and its’ another entirely to look down, even on those who have performed the climb, to see the grandeur of the wall itself from a birds-eye view. 

If you’re a thrill seeker hoping to keep your feet closer to the ground, the toboggan ride down the wall at Mutianyu won’t disappoint. If you want to skip the whole climb, you can opt for the gondola ride up to the top, followed by a toboggan ride along a metal track all the way back down, along a scenic route that’ll make you more familiar with the surrounding area.

The Great Wall from Beijing: For a Special Occasion

What better way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary than by asking us to arrange a romantic champagne picnic on your own, private Great Wall turret – it could even be a surprise for your loved one. We’ll arrange everything, so you can enjoy the day too!

After you’ve watched the sun go down, a glass of bubbly in hand, we recommend staying at the luxurious new Dhawa Jinshanling Hotel. Here, the wild sections of the Great Wall take over from the restored as it stretches ever further west. The hotel itself is a serene, contemporary collection of “cocoons” just steps from Jinshanling, one of the most photogenic, idyllically uncrowded sections of the Great Wall. 

There are many ways to experience the Great Wall from Beijing, how will you choose to define your experience?

National Geographic Traveler has named our ‘Travels Through Dali with Mei Zhang‘ journey as a 2018 Asia Tour of a Lifetime! Traveler chose only ’20 guided trips, from Uzbekistan to Indonesia, that uncover hidden depths, secluded shrines, and idyllic islands’ to include on the list. We’re truly honored to be a part of it.

The AsiaTravel journey Traveler selected was inspired by AsiaTravel Founder Mei Zhang’s first book Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham. Chronicling Mei’s return to her hometown in southwest China in search of the region’s specialty cuisine, the book has become a globally recognized and critically acclaimed insight into the importance of cultural preservation and cultivation in a rapidly urbanizing China.

On this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you can embark on the same adventure of cultural and culinary discovery that Mei Zhang took for her book research – with Mei herself as your guide. You’ll veer off the highway into forgotten villages and into the kitchens of Dali’s culinary artists. You’ll enjoy meaningful engagement with the region’s diverse traditions and cultures, and be inspired by the artisanal innovations that have become an important feature of modern-day Dali. 

This is an opportunity to join Mei as she goes back and says ‘thank you’ to the villagers who welcomed her into their lives. And if we know Mei Zhang, there will be plenty of serendipitous discovery too! 

Start planning your ‘Tour of a Lifetime’ today by getting in touch with one of our experienced travel designers.

All photos by Elizabeth Phung for Travels Through Dali: with a leg of ham

Slightly more laid back than China’s megacities to the East and North, the capital city of Sichuan Province boasts a relaxed atmosphere where life is savored and nature admired. With great transport links and amazing natural areas of beauty not too far away, Chengdu is a great addition to any China trip. We’ve put together our 4 must-dos in Chengdu that will make any trip to this steamy city one to remember.

See a face-changing opera

A popular form of entertainment throughout China, traditional opera has been a featuring element of Chinese culture dating as far back as the Zhao Dynasty (319-315). Naturally, in a country as vast and diverse as China, numerous regional styles have developed that vary in sound, rhythm, dance as well as acrobatics and costumes. Sichuan Opera, in particular, is famous for its face-changing element. Prepare to be amazed at the speed at which performers change their facial appearance with sly and unnoticeable strokes of hand, as well as repainting faces in the blink of an eye. Face-changing is done in order to reflect the emotions and events of the opera, keeping audiences on their seats and offering up an unusual alternative to the Beijing and Shanghai Operas.

Get your ears-cleaned in the kuan zhai alleyways

For a more unusual experience, we have just the thing! Chengdu’s kuan zhai alleyways, literally meaning ‘wide and narrow alleys’, are a series of ancient alleyways and courtyards lined with authentic tea houses, and stalls selling Sichuanese delicacies and arts and crafts. Whilst meandering through these interesting little streets, we recommend taking a load off and getting your ears-cleaned by the professionals. It’s a perfect opportunity for some people watching and will make sure everything is as clear as a whistle at the Chengdu Opera later on!

Play mahjong with the locals in People’s Park

There’s no better way to end a trip to Chengdu than with a relaxing afternoon in People’s Park, found in the centre of the city. Strolling around, it’s possible to test the waters with some rowboats, get your ears cleaned (again!), or enjoy a cup of green tea at one of the traditional tea houses. Our personal favorite experiences, however, is learning the art of mahjong. Mahjong originated in China and is a game of tiles that relies on strategic ability and of course a bit of luck. Observe as the locals play game after game and then try it out for yourself.

Volunteer for the day as a panda keeper

Escape the city to the verdant regions that encircle Chengdu and get up close and personal with the giant panda. Only 34 miles from the city, Dujiangyan Panda Base is a great day out that you simply cannot miss while visiting Chengdu. The base is the largest of its kind in China (and the world!) and features a panda rescue area, panda research area, panda training area…the sweetest panda-monium you’ll ever experience! After all that cuteness, a nice spicy bowl of Sichuan hotpot upon your return to the city will be just what’s needed.

There are so many great things to do in Chengdu – and we didn’t even get round to talking much about the great (spicy) cuisine! Chengdu’s slow pace of life will leave you with a calm appreciation for Chinese culture and on a AsiaTravel journey, we’ll help you make incredible memories to take home. 

Shanghai is a showstopper. Magnificent architecture, fascinating history, glitzy shopping malls, and every cuisine you could possibly imagine. But after a few days rushing around to see the best of what the ‘Paris of the East’ has to offer, you might be in need of a little break. Whether you’re looking to extend your AsiaTravel journey, or are a Shanghai resident simply looking for the perfect getaway, we’ve put together our top reasons for escaping the city and where to find them.  

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Escape Shanghai for Beautiful Natural Scenery…

Arriving from Shanghai, The Yellow Mountain‘s (Huangshan) landscape of jagged peaks and rock-hugging clouds will leave you breathless – or maybe it was just that trek up? Whether you decide to tackle the mountains physically, or slightly more gently with the help of the cable car, you’re sure to be rewarded with stunning natural views and a sense of amazement. With hikes that will take you past the likes of Xihai Grand Canyon and Lotus Peak, escaping from Shanghai for a weekend to Huangshan will give you that refreshing and needed break (as well as some sci-fi-esque snaps to take home). Less than 5 hours away from Shanghai by bullet train, this is a great add-on to any trip.

On a AsiaTravel journey to Huangshan, your local guide will also help you to discover UNESCO-listed villages once home to prosperous tea and salt merchants who developed an elaborately decorative architectural style unique to this region.

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Escape Shanghai for Chinese Imperialism at its Finest…

The cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou are just a short bullet-train ride away from Shanghai. With traditional Chinese gardens at every corner, Suzhou is the perfect place to unwind and lose yourself in a green oasis unheard of in Shanghai. Alternatively, enjoy the calmness afforded by the shores of Hangzhou’s West Lake. In both cities, you’ll find space to unwind in beautiful surroundings while living and breathing the remnants of a China past.

Soak it all in and relax whilst sampling some of the emperor’s favorite tea or stroll along the canals of Suzhou and learn how wealthy merchants, officials and scholars commissioned gardens where rocks, trees, ponds and pavilions convene harmoniously to depict an idealized China in miniature.

Escape Shanghai for Delicate Artistry…

Looking for something a little bit different? Escape Shanghai to Jingdezhen, the home of Chinese porcelain. This city is simply ceramics mad, with workshops, studios and markets aplenty. It’s the place to indulge in your creative side.

In Jingdezhen, the tradition of fine porcelain goes back over 1,700 years. Jingdezhen ceramics are famous for being “as thin as paper, as white as jade, as bright as a mirror, and as sound as a bell.” On top of watching and learning how to create delicate porcelain, on a AsiaTravel journey you’ll discover more about its past. Jingdezhen provided ancient Chinese emperors with exquisite palatial ornaments, as well as supplying a clandestine trade route of porcelain to Europe. Just a short one-hour flight from Shanghai, this trip will leave you the expert in all things ‘china.’ 

So, whether you have a few days to spare after visiting Shanghai, or are looking for a weekend getaway, consider leaving the bustling metropolis for some excellent destinations in the surrounding area. What’s more, with improved transport links it’s even possible to tie a few of these options into the same trip. Get in touch with one of our experienced travel designers to find out how.   

We love summer, and who doesn’t? Long days, festive atmosphere and always something going on. Yet sometimes, that sweltering summer heat can get just a little too much, especially in some of China’s hotter cities.

Our solution? A city break in China’s ice city, Harbin. This once-part-of-Russia city witnesses winters like no other in China, making it a much more comfortable city to visit when the warmer months do (finally!) arrive. There’s also plenty to see, do and eat in Harbin, meaning it should not be overlooked as a top Chinese destination.

RELATED READING: The 4 Best Cities for Jewish History in China

Harbin – What to See

Harbin is a unique Chinese city in the way that it is peppered with Russian and European influence. Its architecture, culture, customs and music are the result of a vibrant mix of different origins. Take a stroll down Zhongyang Street where you’ll be met with a façade of European style buildings, Russian bakeries and French fashion; you may even end up doubting whether you’re still in China.

Harbin’s Jewish heritage is equally rich with over 20,000 Jewish immigrants settling there during the 1920s. What’s more, you’ll have plenty of time to fit in all these sights with long daylight hours thanks to its far north positioning.

RELATED READING: Top 4 Things to Do in Harbin

Harbin – Festivals

Much the same as many cities, Harbin’s summer is great for a spot of festive fun.

If it’s beer that tickles your fancy, then you’re in luck. The Harbin International Beer Festival is held at the start of every July and lasts for ten days. During these ten days, there are a whole host of activities, including singing, dancing, beer tasting (obviously!), as well as trade fairs and exhibitions.

If you are planning to visit Harbin in August instead, you’ll be treated to the Harbin Summer Music Concert which also spans over ten days, starting on August 6th every other year. The opening ceremony alone is often a feat in itself. Over the years, this concert has showcased some phenomenal performances; notably, a 1001-piano concert in Flood Memorial Square which made it into the Guinness World Book of Records.

RELATED READING: Insider’s Guide to the Harbin Ice Festival

Harbin – What to Eat

As with its architecture and heritage, Harbin’s gastronomy is also heavily influenced by Russian, Korean, Mongolian and North Chinese cuisine. Dishes are served large and salty, but definitely worth giving a try. Highlights include night market seafood dishes such as garlic oysters and grilled squid, as well as our personal favorite, guobaorou. Guobaorou can otherwise be described as Sweet and Sour Pork but with a unique Harbin twist thanks to the addition of ketchup or orange juice to the sauce.

Harbin – How to Get There

Harbin is easily reachable from almost anywhere in China. With growing international importance, Harbin has also recently opened up connections with a number of other Asian nations as well as Russia. If the bullet train is more your style, it will take you seven hours from Beijing.   

The city of Hangzhou is nestled in the thriving Yangtze River Delta and provides a relaxing escape from bustling Shanghai.

Hangzhou’s magnificent West Lake (the inspiration for a man-made version in Beijing’s Summer Palace) provides amazing daytime views and boasts an equally impressive nightlife. The West Lake Scenic Area is definitely the best place to stay in Hangzhou and here are our favorite hotels in the area.

Best Hotels in Hangzhou – The Four Seasons

This famous luxury brand is well represented by its Hangzhou version – five-star elegance with 78 guest rooms and suites, 11 private dining rooms and three pagoda style villas with indoor pools. The hotel sits on the North-West corner of the lake and most rooms have views of traditional Chinese gardens. Enjoy boating on the lake easily from the hotel or, further afield, go tea picking in the Long Jing Rice Terraces.

The Four Seasons is AsiaTravel’s preferred partner in Hangzhou and we find that its the best fit for most of our clients. It is right near West Lake, so transportation is a breeze and the stunning scenery is complemented by exceptional service from the staff.

Best Hotels in Hangzhou –  The Hyatt Regency

Another large 5-star hotel with 390 rooms, the Hyatt Regency provides modern decor and amenities, overlooking the West Lake. It is located in the new lakeside pedestrian zone giving easy access to shopping and entertainment near the Broken Bridge. Signature features are a health spa with indoor pool and top quality restaurants – including 28 Hubin Road offering authentic Hangzhou cuisine. Walk further along the lake towards downtown and you will see many locals dancing in the open air in the evening.

The Hyatt Regency is another hotel recommended by AsiaTravel for its location right on the edge of West Lake. Talk to a AsiaTravel travel designer and we’ll help you decide if The Hyatt Regency is the perfect choice for your own tastes and itinerary. 

Best Hotels in Hangzhou – The Amanfayun

This is a luxurious resort hotel, considered as a spiritual sanctuary reflecting Buddhist monastic traditions. It consists of 46 rooms, suites and villas with distinctive touches set in a former tea-plantation village. Among its relaxing features is a spa spread across five pavilions with seasonal treatments to relax you alongside traditional massage and reflexology. As would be expected in this location, the resort includes teahouses to relax and reflect in and some fine dining restaurants.

The Amanfayun has a totally different ambience than the Four Seasons or Hyatt Regency. Close to the Lingyin Temple, the Amanfayun feels like a luxury resort that is the essence of the Aman Brand. The atmosphere is quieter, so it’s a great fit for clients who prefer a resort style accommodation away from the main action. 

 

Spending a luxurious weekend in Hangzhou is a great getaway in and of itself, or it can be added to any itinerary that stops in Shanghai. AsiaTravel can arrange a private boat for on West Lake, which can include a picnic and live music from a pipa player.  Other must-sees are the Ling Yin Temple, a huge Buddhist Temple set in the park of Fei Lai Peak in North West Hangzhou and the Ancient Cultural Street- a pedestrian street and a mecca for souvenir hunting and for finding two of Hangzhou’s most sought after products – tea and silk.

When it comes to international renown and cuisine, Shanghai certainly lives up to its nickname as the ‘Paris of the East’. In Michelin’s 2018 Shanghai guide, the city was awarded a number of additional stars and two restaurants even received the coveted “3 Michelin stars” status.

We pride ourselves in always having first-hand information about China’s hottest travel gems to share with our clients so when we hear about exclusive dining experiences, we go straight there to check them out personally.

Here are a few of our favorite upscale restaurants in Shanghai:

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Best Upscale Restaurants in Shanghai – M on the Bund

The ambience of this restaurant is perfectly accented with its view overlooking the river from the 7th floor. Sit inside or out on the open-air terrace for a better look at the iconic city.

At M on the Bund, Foie gras, black truffles, and other local ingredients are used throughout the menu which includes European classics like crispy suckling pig, and salted leg of lamb. Make sure you save room for dessert too because the pavlova here is divine.

M on the bund has won several awards including “Shanghai’s Best Fusion Restaurant,” “Best Wine Selection,” and “One of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World” (Conde Nast Traveler). It combines tastes from several different continents to create a menu that is loved by visitors and locals alike.

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Best Upscale Restaurants in Shanghai – Yi Long Ge

Just like M on the Bund, you’ll have a wonderful view of the river and Shanghai’s historic waterfront at Yi Long Ge. Unlike M though, Yi Long Ge focuses on creating modern adaptations of classic Chinese and Cantonese dishes.

This restaurant is located within The Peninsula Hotel and the decor is classically elegant and refined. The staff at Yi Long Ge is considerate and sensitive to even the most refined of needs, and will help with anything you need.

 

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Best Upscale Restaurants in Shanghai – T’ang Court

When you first walk into T’ang Court, you’ll be amazed at the massive windows that reveal the splendor of Shanghai, as well as the high ceilings and pristine floor layout.

This restaurant was the first in Mainland China to be awarded three Michelin stars and it’s not a surprise. The staff here are incredibly skilled at anticipating customer’s needs and the menu has a delectable Cantonese flair. You’ll be presented with a “tasting menu” so you can enjoy the variety of their fare and be sure to try the Peking duck – It’s as succulent as you’ll ever find it. No grease, packed with flavor, and fresh from the farm.

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Best Upscale Restaurants in Shanghai –Ultraviolet

In Michelin’s 2018 guide, Ultraviolet became the second restaurant in Mainland China to receive 3 Michelin stars.

With a name like Ultraviolet, you know you’re in for a different kind of dining experience. Self-proclaimed as “avant-garde”, the decor is highlighted by, as you might imagine, a purple-ish violet light. You’ll find ten chairs around one table and every guest is served the same 20-course set meal. Your meal will then be enhanced by a multimedia experience of sound, video, and light from both the table and the walls.

Due to Ultraviolet’s limited capacity of 10 diners per night, this restaurant books up months in advance. If you want to add an experience at Ultraviolet to your Shanghai trip, be sure to book ahead.

These restaurants are just a taster of the upscale dining options available to you in Shanghai and each will provide an experience you’ll remember for years to come. Talk to our Trip Designers about visiting Shanghai and they’ll carefully curate an itinerary full of restaurant experiences that’ll delight all of your senses.

Situated in southern China and famed for its vast karst landscape and expansive lakes connected by rivers, Guilin is an ideal destination for your adventurous family.

Guilin is the well-known name, but it’s actually a large city that is used as a springboard for activities around Guangxi province. Don’t spend too much time in the city of Guilin itself and instead, move into the surrounding landscapes. From rafting on the Li River to hiking the surreally beautiful Moon Hill, there’s an activity awaiting every member of your family in Guilin.

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Get to grips with traditional Chinese culture when your family tries fan-making in the small town of Fuli. Located just 8 kilometers from Yangshuo, Fuli has a 500-year history of making fans. Your family’s class will include a brief introduction to the history of fan-making, followed by a chance for you all to create your own delicate rice paper fan.

Another approach to experiencing local culture is with kung fu lessons. A particular delight for the children, we’ll arrange a knowledgeable, patient instructor at a beautiful site adjacent to the town.

RELATED READING: 3 Best Hotels in Guilin

Would your family jump at the chance to go camping in Yangshuo with the priceless backdrop of the karst hills? Your AsiaTravel private guide will pitch your tent and make a sumptuous barbecue dinner over a roaring fire while you family enjoys all that nature has to offer. At sunrise, you can enjoy the views of limestone hills and crystal clear rivers.

For an incredibly unique Chinese experience, try oil tea making. Local mountain tribes living in mountainous areas of Guilin make and drink their own oil tea, which is strong and caffeinated. It is made by frying tea leaves with oil, garlic, salt and ginger. Water is later added and the tea is poured through a strainer before drinking.

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One would be remiss to visit Guilin and skip its famous tea fields. Your family can feel like a part of Chinese history while picking tea leaves on an organic farm. You will learn the step-by-step process of tea leaf picking from a local tea master, get your own bamboo bucket, and use your newfound knowledge to harvest tea leaves by hand.

If your family is adventurous and outdoorsy, you might want to try your hand at rock climbing. Guilin offers numerous opportunities for hikers and rock climbers of all ages and levels. The luxurious Alila Yangshuo has its own mountain dedicated to rock climbing and we’ll arrange for you to be accompanied by an expert at all times.

No matter what type of vacation your family enjoys, there is no doubt that a trip to Guilin will be the adventure of a lifetime for all of you.

 

The Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) is one of the more mysterious, spiritual areas of the world. It’s also a region of superlatives: the tallest mountains, largest plateaus, and highest-altitude cities. With all this in mind, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices when it comes to visiting.

That’s where AsiaTravel comes in. We’ve field tested all our experiences in Tibet to ensure our clients have life-changing experiences that are tailored made to suit their travel-style. Let’s take a look at some of the many options.

RELATED READING: Best Hotels in Lhasa

Where You Should Go in Tibet -Yamdrok Tso Lake

Welcome to one of the largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Why is it on this list? Because the locals consider it one of the most beautiful places in all of Tibet! Not only is it significant for its beauty, but it is considered a holy location by Tibetan Buddhists. Surrounding the lake are four temples, each with its own significance. To understand why it is considered holy, you only have to stand on its banks and witness the deep blue water, encircled by snow-capped, cloud-crowned mountains. Bring your camera, and if you’d like, we can arrange a private picnic on the lake’s shores.

RELATED READING: Do I Need a Permit to Visit Tibet?

Where You Should Go in Tibet – Jokhang Temple

When approaching Jokhang, you’ll first be struck by the combination of Tang Dynasty architectural design and the distinct Indian vihara and Nepalese elements that make the temple a comprehensive piece of art. This is the highest temple in the world for Tibetan Buddhism and it’s also the spiritual center. Jokhang Temple is considered to be the most important temple by Tibetans and should be on the ‘must-visit’ list of anyone who is interested in world religions, history, or art. Jokhang Temple is located in Barkhor Square in the center of Lhasa, not far from the river. This is a great place to do the “kora” – which is a short pilgrimage around the grounds along with locals. The local people will put tiny rocks on top of each other by the side of the road to keep track of how many times they’ve been around the temple. 

RELATED READING: Where Can I Visit Tibetan Buddhist Monks in China?

Where You Should Go in Tibet – The Potala Palace

Not far from Lhasa city, the Potala Palace is a massive building complex that used to be home to the mighty Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo. In the 1600’s, it was reconstructed to be suitable for the Fifth Dalai Lama and if Jokhang is the spiritual center of the TAR, the Potala Palace is the political center. It is on UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Heritage Sites and houses countless works of art and archaeological treasures. A treasure trove for any history buff! In the back of the palace, you can find what used to be the lively lodgings of the Lamas.

RELATED READING: Top 5 Reasons You Should Visit Lhasa

Where You Should Go in Tibet – Mt. Everest Base Camp

You’ve heard about Mount Everest plenty of times, and maybe you weren’t even entirely sure where it was. It’s one of those legendary locations that seems so far off and impossible to reach, but here’s your chance. You can stay at a base camp at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. While the foot of the mountain is still quite high – several miles above the surrounding landscape – you’ll be treated to an amazing scene.

RELATED READING: Why Tibetan Camping is the Perfect Holiday for Whole Body Wellness

Where You Should Go in Tibet – Tibetan Medical Expert

You may be familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibet has its own ancient medicine as well. In Lhasa, we’ll arrange a consultation between you and a Tibetan medical expert who can diagnose your ailments using traditional methods and prescribe special remedies just for you. 

On the wall, you can find traditional thangka paintings that show the whole medical system used by Tibetans. The expert will explain to you how it all works using the thangka painting as a visual aide.

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Where You Should Go in Tibet – Hiking 

If you want to go off the beaten path in Tibet, there are a number of monasteries that are away from the capital of Lhasa in more remote areas. On a AsiaTravel journey, you can converse with monks through your local Tibetan guide and at the Pabongka Monastery, you can take a leisurely hike of less than three hours from the monastery to a nunnery. The view will be spectacularly Tibetan: filled with prayer flags, rivers, yaks, and Tibetan dogs.

If you’re seeking a different way of living, spiritual insight, or simply to experience living history, then Tibet is not to be missed.

Feature Image Photo Credit: dotstone on VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-ND