The city of Harbin, in northeast China, is well-known for its frosty weather come winter. Temperatures drop as low as  -40 °C (-40 °F) and thick snow covers the ground for months on end. But all that snow and ice doesn’t go to waste, the city is home to the world’s largest ice and snow festival.

If you’re looking to keep your spirits warm this winter, bundle up and get to know the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival with our insider’s guide.

History and Artistry

The festival first began back in 1963 and has grown to be the largest of its kind. At the events, you’ll not only find artists from around China, but also from around the world. Witness these artisans working by hand to craft delicate figurines of snow. In the same vicinity, you can enjoy walking through a small town made entirely of ice. The ice is hauled up by over ten thousand workers from the nearby frozen river, and used to build sculptures that can be up to 35 meters tall! 

Ice Skating

Speaking of the river, have you ever wanted to skate in a giant, outdoor snowtopia? This is the perfect chance, as the river freezes solid enough to allow visitors and locals to skate together on the surface. Yes, it’s the same river that they take the ice from, but there’s nothing to fear: the river runs nearly 2000 km long, and has an average ice thickness of up to one meter.

Russian Architecture

Harbin was the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railroad (the China Eastern Railway) and many Russians settled in the area after working on the railway’s construction. One site that marks a collective history between the two countries is St. Sophia’s Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church, and a staple of local culture.

Icy Light Show

Given that the nights will be longer than the day at this time of the year, Harbin accommodates by having wonderful light scenes playing upon massive ice sculptures. Bundle up, grab some hot tea, and enjoy the light show with a loved one.

Russian-Sino Market

After enjoying all the ice and snow, take some time to wander through the Russian-Sino market. At this multicultural market, you can find signature Russian wares such as vodka, Russian dolls, and fur hats mixed with Chinese goods. As you walk between the stalls, your AsiaTravel guide can help you barter for treasures like a true Harbiner, and afterwards you can cozy up with some steaming hot Russian-style food!

Harbin is just a 2-hour flight from Beijing and the Ice and Snow Festival lasts most of winter, usually from late December until mid-February. On a AsiaTravel Harbin tour, we’ll arrange a private vehicle and chauffeur to be at your disposal and organize a local English-speaking guide to accompany you. They’ll help you discover the main sights and then encourage you to dive deeper into the history and culture of this fascinating Chinese city.

On your first trip to China visiting Beijing and Shanghai is a must. Ideally, we’d then recommend adding Xi’an and Chengdu to the mix. But if you’re pushed for time, how should you choose between these two cities that are both chock-full of history and culture?

We’ve compared Xi’an and Chengdu side-by-side to help you make the right choice for your China trip.

Xi’an and Chengdu – Cuisine

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and is known for its authentic, mouth-numbingly spicy food. Sichuan is the home of hot pot – always a Chinese favorite – but also has such delectable dishes mapo doufu (a spicy tofu dish), lazi ji (deep fried chicken with chillies), or dan dan mian (pork, chilies, garlic, and vinegar noodles). In other words: almost all of their famous dishes are spicy, oily, and delicious.

Xi’an, on the other hand, is a city with a long history influenced by Islam. That being the case, you certainly won’t find many pork dishes, but instead will discover cuisine featuring plenty of delectable lamb, chicken, and seafood.

In Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, you’ll find several walking streets that are dedicated just to food. Deep fried crab (yes, you eat the shell), skewers with squid, lamb, or vegetables, or even “fried yogurt”, as they call it. Shaanxi Province, where Xi’an is located, is also home to rou jia mo, which is often referred to as a Chinese hamburger – a flat-ish bun cut down the side and stuffed with spiced meat. Delicious!

Xi’an and Chengdu – Living Culture

Sichuan is home to the Face-Changing Opera – a traditional performance style where actors wear different forms of disguise and quickly change them throughout the show. Face-Changing Opera involves singing, dancing, and an impressive combination of dexterity, acting ability, and musical talent. For something a little more low-key, we can arrange a game of mahjong with the locals in People’s Park.

As the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an has a colorful history and culture. The city then became a major travel destination thanks to the Terracotta Warriors. On a AsiaTravel Xi’an tour, we’ll arrange for you to cycle the city wall – one of the oldest in China – and meet a Terracotta Warriors museum director. We’d also highly recommend visiting the Great Mosque at sunset. Here, we’ll arrange for you to meet with a local Imam after daily prayers.

Xi’an and Chengdu – Fun for the Whole Family

After watching a Face-Changing Opera in Chengdu, kids can get their face painted behind the scenes. Or, if that’s not your thing, how about having your ears cleaned the Sichuan way? If that doesn’t take your fancy, then perhaps you’ll be more interested in the country’s iconic giant panda. Located just an hour outside of Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve offers visitors the chance to volunteer for the day as a panda keeper.

Xi’an is also fun for the whole family – children can even partake in some hands-on history and make their own tiny terracotta warrior for you to take home. Afterwards, why not practice taiji or kung fu with a master on the city wall.

And of course, everyone’s got to eat. In Xi’an, you can learn how to make one of China’s most favored dishes: dumplings. We’ll arrange a private class and they’ll show you the art of rolling, stuffing, and sealing the dough. They’re a treat for everyone!

Both Xi’an and Chengdu have a lot to offer and can be reached easily from Beijing and Shanghai. If you have to make a choice and still can’t decide which city to visit, get in touch with one of our experienced trip designers. They’ll customize the perfect journey to fit your needs.

Qinghai Province is bordered by Xinjiang in the north, Sichuan in the south, Gansu in the east and the Tibetan Autonomous Region in the west. It’s the largest province in China but you’ve perhaps never heard of it. Unless you’re a seasoned China traveler, you’ve almost certainly never visited.

We recently took a trip to Qinghai and there were so many things we loved about it that we lost count. After coming back down to earth and getting over the excitement of the journey, we wanted to share five reasons why we think every curious traveler should consider Qinghai on their next China trip.

Qinghai – Ethnic Minority Culture and Cuisine

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Ethnic minority groups (including Tibetans, Hui, Tu, Mongols, and Salars) make up 46% of Qinghai’s population. On a trip to Qinghai you’ll be constantly coming across different cultures, languages, traditions and cuisines.

21% of that number are Tibetan. If you want to experience Tibetan culture without the hassle of a permit, visiting Qinghai is a great option. On a AsiaTravel tour of the province, we’ll arrange a local Tibetan guide to accompany you along the journey. They’ll help you become immersed in local history and culture and even organize for you to stop by a Tibetan home for a cup of salty Qinghai tea.

Qinghai – Diverse Wildlife

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Qinghai province is sparsely populated and much of the region is protected by the government as ‘areas of no people’. Here, high up on the Tibetan Plateau, wildlife thrives.

The Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, named as the largest and highest plateau in the world by UNESCO in early 2017, is one of our favorite places in Qinghai. The reserve is the official home of the Tibetan Antelope but also serves to protect 230 other rare species of animal. As you pass through Hoh Xil, you’ll cross paths with herds of antelope grazing alongside wild yaks, donkeys and horses. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the odd wolf or even a bear!

Qinghai – Unique Landscapes

RELATED READING: Adventures on the Tibetan Plateau – No Permit Required

As well as having the world’s largest and highest plateau, Qinghai province is the proud location of China’s biggest lake. Located just a 2hr drive from the provincial capital of Xining, we’d highly recommend spending a summer’s day cycling by the lake’s shore.

Qinghai – Fascinating History

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Qinghai has it’s fair share of classical Chinese history. According to legend, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty (618–907) was betrothed to marry the great Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo as means of keeping peace between the two empires. The princess traveled for 3 years on horse-back from Chang’an (modern day Xi’an) to Qinghai, where she was met by the king. The princess was devoutly Buddhist and she ordered for Buddhist scriptures to be carved into every mountain they passed to ensure their safe passage. Today, in Yushu prefecture, you can still see many of these scriptures and locals often find Tang Dynasty coins in the river.

Extend Your Trip

RELATED READING: What to Do in Gansu

If crossing paths with Tibetan antelope on the world’s largest and highest plateau just leaves you thirsty for more adventure, there are so many incredible destinations that can be easily reached from Qinghai. Let AsiaTravel arrange a trip extension into the Tibetan Autonomous Region and take the world’s highest train journey from Xining all the way to Lhasa. Or why not jump on a bullet train to Zhangye in Gansu and discover the Danxia land formations? Your AsiaTravel guide will make sure you avoid the crowds and can even prepare a champagne picnic for you at sunset.

Our brand new journey to Qinghai is the ultimate China road trip. Over the course of six days, you’ll gradually ascend onto the Tibetan Plateau to reach Hoh Xil, a region known to the locals as ‘Lord of Ten Thousand Mountains’. Along the way, you’ll meet diverse cultures, protected wildlife and stunning vistas at every turn. Let’s Plan Your Trip to Qinghai!

Suzhou, a small city located just 30 minutes outside Shanghai, is world-renowned for its classical Chinese gardens. Commissioned by wealthy merchants, officials and scholars between the 11th and 19th centuries, these gardens depict China’s most stunning natural landscapes on a miniature scale. Around seventy classical gardens are preserved and open to visitors in Suzhou today. Nine have even been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are our favorites:

RELATED READING: How to Choose Between Hangzhou and Suzhou

Best Suzhou Gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden

Though the name says humble, this is actually the largest and most famous classical garden in the city. It was created in 1509 and is nearly 14 acres in size. In Humble Administrator’s Garden, you’ll find many interconnecting ponds that flow beneath eloquent stone bridges. Remember though that with fame come crowds, and you’ll likely run into more than a few people at Humble Administrator’s Garden if you visit at the weekend or over a national holiday. Be sure to talk to your AsiaTravel trip designer about the best time to visit.

RELATED READING: What to Do on a Day Trip to Suzhou

Best Suzhou Gardens –  Master of the Nets Garden

First we saw the largest, now let’s talk about the smallest.

Built in the 12th century, Master of the Nets Garden is one of the most impressive demonstrations of a classical garden – a pocket-sized design executed with delicate precision. One sight not to miss is the Rosy Cloud Pool, which is located in the center. The buildings are all assembled around the pool which makes it appear larger than it actually is. The area to the south had been dedicated to social gatherings, while the north was used for intellectual activities. Which one fits your garden-visiting style?

RELATED READING: 4 Reasons to Visit Hangzhou and Suzhou in Spring

Best Suzhou Gardens – Great Wave Pavilion

Another of Suzhou’s smaller gardens, Great Wave Pavilion is among the least crowded of the UNESCO awarded gardens. It connects with a free museum and has a more relaxed, secluded vibe. There are 108 “windows” to find around the garden, each with their own ̧unique design. If you’re a fan of serene forests and lotus ponds, you’ll like Great Wave Pavilion.

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Best Suzhou Gardens  – Lingering Garden

Lingering Garden is about 5.8 acres in size and has the archetypical Qing style, complete with beautiful halls and buildings of various size, shapes, and colors. Some of the garden’s halls are used as residences and temples and each section is joined together by long, decorated halls.

RELATED READING: How to Choose Between Shanghai and Hong Kong

Best Suzhou Gardens – Lion Grove Garden

This garden is famous for its collection of maze-like taihu rocks, a number of which resemble the shape of a lion. There are not many surviving rock gardens from the pages of history so Lion Grove is particularly special. The garden is broken up into two parts: rockery around a central pond, and a housing complex. It also has a maze of paths tunnelling through 21 caves. There is a lot to look out for in Lion Grove which makes it a great option for families. It is one of the more popular classical gardens in Suzhou so visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

The classical gardens of Suzhou are world famous and for good reason. Decades of thought and effort have been poured into them to preserve their history and make them explorable works of art. Plan your visit to Suzhou with one of our experienced travel designers and they’ll not only help you avoid the crowds, they’ll arrange an expert local guide to accompany you along the way.

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Feature Image photo credit: webmasternic7918 on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-ND

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.

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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. 

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

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!)

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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?

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!

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

Here at AsiaTravel, we are passionate about helping clients to deep dive into an area of interest. To do this, we work with a number of experts in their fields to create specialized trips and guided lectures. One such expert is Dvir Bar-Gal, the leading authority on Shanghai Jewish history.

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai Jewish History Tour, a project Dvir has been guiding the growth of for the past 15 years. We caught up with him to learn more about how he became involved with Shanghai Jewish history and what he hopes to share with visitors to Shanghai in the future.

Dvir Bar-Gal 

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

China Jewish History Tour – Dvir Bar-Gal

What made you want to take part in this project?

I actually came to Shanghai hoping to be a freelance television journalist. Before working here, I used to work in Israeli television as a cameraman and then director. From about 2000, 2001, there was no representative of electronic media for Israel in China, and I already realized then what was going to become of China in the coming decades. I was interested in the untold stories of the people who live here.

Unfortunately, the time I came was around September 11th. After September 11th, 2001, there wasn’t much interest in stories from China, so I started doing a lot of other things.

One of the things I started was a big research project, finding the lost Jewish cemeteries of Shanghai. I was working with the woman who gave the tours before me. She actually brought me the story about the cemeteries that had disappeared and the news that people were looking for them. We found a lead from a teacher who saw some Jewish gravestones and from there we started our research. This was my first involvement with Jewish research and I learned so much. The story is pretty much unknown so I learned a lot by doing the historical research and looking at it from a journalistic point of view. It was about a year and a half later that the previous person in charge went back to Israel and she asked me if I would like to help out with the tours. I have been doing it ever since.

Sculpture Commemorating Shanghai’s Jewish Community

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

China Jewish History Tour – Dvir Bar-Gal

How many tombstones have you been able to locate up to now?

I located about 105 out of over 3000 that used to be in Shanghai in the past. Most of them I collected, and all of them I documented on video and film. I’m still hoping to do a long documentary about the whole story. Still photography, text, and so on. Currently, there are about 90 that I know the whereabouts of and most of them are in my possession. Many others we have lost forever, unfortunately.

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

RELATED READING: Fascinating Sites of World War II History in China

China Jewish History Tour – Dvir Bar-Gal

What can people expect on a Jewish tour of Shanghai?

The tour is a half-day tour, and it’s different from many other tours that one can think about. We mostly learn and hears stories that nobody else can provide.

We explore mysteries that are infrequently seen in daily life today, as many were destroyed or the people left, and so on. But the stories that they left behind and the legacy are what I’m trying to revive through images and the stories that I tell to people. My tours are almost a four-hour long lecture that happens in different places around the city.

We normally begin with the first Jewish community, the Baghdadi Jews, who came to Shanghai in the 19th century. Although they were a very small group of people, they became so influential and wealthy that, basically, one can not underestimate their influence on the development of the city of Shanghai and the legacy that they left behind. Almost an hour into my tour I’ll still be talking about the Baghdadi Jews. That happens mostly on the Bund, the Shanghai riverfront. Many of the landmark buildings from the past were built by the Baghdadi Jews.

Street View of Old Jewish Ghetto

Then we often travel to the area called the Hongkou District. At this point, I’m talking about going from luxury and wealth to the poorer neighborhoods of the city. These neighborhoods hosted two different Jewish communities. The first, in the early 20th century, were Russian Jews who escaped persecution in Russia and made it to Shanghai. They were a bigger group than the Baghdadi Jews and since they were running from persecution, they settled in the cheaper areas of the city.

That happened at the beginning of the century and lasted until around the time of the communist revolution. The Hongkou area was basically immigration neighborhoods like the Lower East Side in New York or the East End in London. A place that saw immigrants coming to begin their new life. When they were able to make it, they moved to the French Concession, most of them. You can see it clearly there like it happened in those other places. People coming and starting their lives, many times at the bottom, and working their way up.

A third group of Jewish people then came and flooded the area, who were the Jews escaping the holocaust. They were a massive group of people, about 20,000 of them. During the tour, people often ask why Shanghai was the one city in the world that remained an open port for people throughout most of the Second World War. In that area of the city, there is a monument that the government directed to have built; we walk through the old lanes where the people used to live, and we go to the museum. It’s a government museum; it’s not run by Jewish people, but the Hongkou district is in charge it.

I take them inside one of the dwelling houses that used to be owned by Jewish refugees – now a Chinese family is living there. We’ll see the poverty in which the Jews used to live, and also see the Chinese experience today. For many people, it is a very powerful, emotional kind of visit to see how people actually live in those kinds of places. So, you can say that the tour is going from ultra luxury to deep poverty.

There must be a lot of interesting stories along that tour. Is the clientele mostly Jewish?

The nature of the tour is Jewish, so naturally most would be Jews, but probably between 25-30% are non-Jewish. That group are usually history buffs. Many times the most heartwarming feedback I’ve received is from non-Jews. I heard maybe 3 years ago, a lawyer from America said that she thought the greatest things she did in China was take the Jewish tour.

Replica of White Horse Inn 

On your tours, what is something you hope travelers will leave with?

A sense that there was a great story into the unknown, and that they’ve discovered something that they will not get anywhere else. We try to show and to tell something that one might otherwise miss if they were not looking for the story.

What is your vision for the tour? Where do you want to take it?

I would like to keep going with more people. I hope that more students come along for the story, and maybe also locals who can’t speak English. The world is very big and has a lot of people. More and more people come, learn the story, and appreciate the historical connection between Jewish people and Chinese people, and the fact that this city has a marked lack of anti-semitism that others can learn from. I am hoping that people will learn from that and remember the day that they had this experience in Shanghai.

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Thanks, Dvir! If you’re interested in taking a Jewish history tour of Shanghai with Dvir, AsiaTravel can arrange it for you. You can dive deep into the Jewish history of all of China on our Jewish History Tour.

We also work with a number of other experts in Shanghai. Jade Ma can guide you through the city’s contemporary art exhibitions and Shanghai history expert Patrick Cranley can take you on a walk down one of China’s most historic riversides. No matter what your interest, we’ll find the best experts to help you make the most out of your trip.