Finding the perfect place to stay while traveling can be one of the biggest headaches of the entire planning process. If you’re visiting Guilin, let us take the guesswork out of the equation for you. Three lodging options stand out when it comes to complementing your AsiaTravel tour, all of which offer something unique to travelers of refined taste.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Alila Yangshuo

First on the list is Alila Yangshuo, formerly a working sugar mill. It is just as beautiful during the daylight hours as at night, when the property comes alive with a warm glow set against the stark backdrop of the mountain ranges Yangshuo is best known for.

Alila Yangshuo

RELATED READING: What to See, Do, and Eat on a Guilin Tour

Renovated to suit the modern traveler, Alila Yangshuo welcomes its guests with top-of-the-line customer service and its own set of customized activities in five themes: Cultural Learning, Conscious Living, Active Spirits, Culinary Arts and Couple Celebration. From a family getaway to a romantic holiday, Alila Yangshuo has something to offer each of its guests.

The peaceful pool at Alila Yangshuo

Visitors to Guilin will be astounded by the postcard-worthy views, accented by its breathtaking karst mountains and winding rivers. Those from cityscapes will be delighted to witness the lush green atmosphere. Alila Yangshuo is the perfect place to relax after a day filled with some of our favorite AsiaTravel experiences. These could include exploring the village of Xingping, famous for its harmonious setting in the midst of the placid waters of the Li River, or cycling into the karst mountain landscapes for a private painting lesson.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Li’an Lodge

Now onto Li’an Lodge, located in the Longji Rice Terraces area of Guangxi Province. With only 16 rooms, the hotel has a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. Each room is decorated with local Chinese arts and crafts and individually designed so that no room is like another.

The view of the rice terraces from Li’an

RELATED READING: 7 Things to Do in Guilin

Art lovers will delight in the natural beauty of this area, not to mention the wealth of local art available for viewing in and out of the hotel. During the day in Longji, you can hike through the rice terraces and explore local minority villages with your AsiaTravel guide. Then, in the evening you can reflect on your experiences over dinner with a view.

One of the 16 unique rooms at Li’an Lodge

RELATED READING: Why You Should Visit Guizhou and Guangxi’s Villages

This welcoming, one of a kind hotel took eight years to design and complete, resulting in a modern property that blends the real feel of China past and present to suit both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Banyantree Yangshuo

Last but not least, Banyantree Yangshuo. Perhaps the most luxurious option of the three, this hotel is accented by limestone mountains with unforgettable views.

One of the spa treatment rooms at Banyantree Yangshuo

RELATED READING: Top 7 Things to Do in Yangshuo

Guests will never meet a dull moment as your private AsiaTravel guide will lead you on the adventure of a lifetime through the karst landscape and meandering Li River located close to the Banyan Tree. One of the more unusual but unmissable offerings is a cormorant fishing tour, where guests will have a chance to ride a traditional Chinese raft and witness this traditional skill, unique to the Guangxi area.

Guilin welcomes travelers from far and wide and offers a variety of deluxe and elegant accommodations amidst endless options for recreation. If you’re still not sure which hotel will best meet your travel needs, get in touch with one of our experienced trip designers and they’ll help you make the right choice for your trip.

Adventurous travelers, curious to see China but chasing the clock, now have an enticing new option – 144 hours of visa-free travel in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province. The visa-free system has many guidelines, but in general the rule is as follows: If you have a layover in Beijing, Tianjin, or Hebei, you’re allowed to travel within this area for 6 days without a visa. To qualify for visa exemption, you must be in transit from the 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.

 

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

 

So, now the Chinese Government has taken the stress out of getting a visa, why not let AsiaTravel take the stress out of your trip. Arrange your Beijing tour with one of our experienced trip designers and all you’ll have to do is look for your AsiaTravel guide in the airport arrival hall – we’ll have taken care of the rest. We’ll provide a VIP pick-up service from the airport and will have booked you into one of Beijing’s most luxurious hotels. Your local AsiaTravel guide will then take you on a voyage of a lifetime in a cushy 144 hours. All AsiaTravel guides are local experts who know the city, its people, and its sights like the back of their hand. 

Here’s are just a few of the experiences we could arrange for your visa free trip in Beijing:

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Peking Duck

RELATED READING: 5 Reasons to Visit China

After your flight, why not begin your Beijing journey in style and sample the city’s famous duck dish. There are dozens of options for indulging in Peking duck and one of our favorites is Jing Yaa Tang at the chic boutique hotel The Opposite House. Once you’ve eaten your fill, ask your guide to take you on a stroll around the neighboring Sanlitun district where the finest foreign designers have their premier boutiques.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Local Hutong Neighborhoods

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

After enjoying lunch in one of the city’s upscale neighborhoods, it’s time to come back down to earth and visit the local hutong neighborhoods – where Old Beijing culture still thrives.

In these courtyard homes, AsiaTravel can arrange for you to meet people whose families have been living there for centuries. You’ll join a calligraphy master for a private lesson and have an energetic encounter with a 70-year-old cricket fighter.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – 798 Art District

 

RELATED READING: Meet Our AsiaTravel Art Expert Wai Wai

After your hutong tour, your personal driver can take you to 798, a locale displaying all manner of art, from art-deco films and murals to sculptures and friendly street artists. AsiaTravel works with a contemporary art expert who is an insider among gallery owners. She can show you the best of what 798 has to offer.

We encourage you to wander among the small side streets, all packed with artistic odds and ends for any type of art enthusiast. Bring some small gifts home for friends and family, supporting local artists and keeping your carry-on luggage below the weight limit at the same time.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Great Wall

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

On day two, take a tour to the Great Wall. Visiting a rural section of the Great Wall offers views typically uncompromised by massive crowds, though if you travel with AsiaTravel, you’ll be in luck on any section of the famous architectural marvel.

Take your time walking up its famed, and at places crumbling, steps, and take solace in the fact that you have the option of sliding your way down. That’s right, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a toboggan for the weary masses who prefer a fast and fun way to return to normal elevation. To make your visit to the Great Wall truly special, we can arrange activities such as a private champagne picnic, helicopter ride, or a tour with William Lindesay – the leading expert on Great Wall conservation.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Imperial History

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

Beyond the Great Wall, Beijing is home to a vast array of buildings that evoke the imperial history of the city. The chief among these sights is the Forbidden City, the official abode of the emperor. The Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are also impressive in their own right. We will arrange for you to take a tai chi class at the Temple of Heaven and relax at an afternoon tea at the Aman Summer Palace.

As with most new places, it’s best to see them with and through the eyes of a local, like a AsiaTravel guide. Take the stress out of your visa-free stay and make the most of your time by customizing your perfect tour with AsiaTravel.

RELATED READING: Spice Up Your Life with Sichuan Travel

Visit Pandas in China – Chengdu Panda Research Center

RELATED READING: What to Do in Chengdu

Visit Pandas in China – Dujiangyan Panda Reserve

We’ve teamed up with Patricia Schultz, travel journalist and author of the NYT #1 best-selling 1000 Places To See Before You Die, to bring you her ultimate China adventure.

In late October 2018, Patricia will host a AsiaTravel trip with a focus on Yunnan Province that she helped curate along with our award-winning trip design team. Patricia has dedicated her life to helping her readers discover the best destinations around the world. We recently caught up with her to find out why she keeps China at the top of her ‘must-visit’ list.

Hi Patricia, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Your AsiaTravel hosted tour in 2018 won’t be your first visit to China. What do you think the country offers travelers and why are you making a return visit this year?

That’s a big question about a big country. China is an ancient civilization with a rich culture and history that date back thousands of years and deserves to be experienced by non-Chinese, western travelers, and sooner rather than later. It promises so much more beyond a Chinatown, a movie, a mention in the headlines. Together those experiences represent the tip of the iceberg – but they are a superficial notion of what the country is.

Our understanding of China is, at best, very limited. You can start with a focus on the contemporary face of China, but it is just one facet. You can’t pretend to know much after a whirlwind stopover in Beijing or a brief trip that touches upon a handful of highlights. In a country of this size and potential, the experience changes greatly from city to city. And although I have visited a number of times, I always leave feeling like there is so much more to see. It keeps me humble. That’s why it remains on my shortlist. 

Along with Beijing and Shanghai, you’ve added Yunnan Province to this journey you are hosting. What is it about this region, in China’s Southwest, that made it one of your 1000 Places?

Amazingly, few Westerners have heard of Yunnan Province. There are no large crowds of American tourists and it rarely gets the press or attention it deserves. It is easier to get there today, but for the most part it remains off most people’s radar – and that to me makes it all the more fascinating.

 

RELATED READING: Top 5 Things to Do around Dali and Lijiang

I visited Myanmar, Vietnam and other areas in the northern reaches of Southeast Asia years ago where I learned about the many ethnic minorities who lived there – many of them had migrated from southern China over time, descendants of those still living and flourishing in China’s Yunnan Province. As an American, my sense of world culture and geography was pretty limited – a map helped illustrate the situation better.

I started researching more about Yunnan, known for its surprising number of minority groups and trade routes such as the Ancient Tea Horse Road (thanks in part to Jeff Fuchs), and I found it all fascinating. And the dramatic topography and scenery against which all of this culture and history is still happening today is the stuff of legends.

 

RELATED READING: Yunnan Food According to Mei Zhang

Is there one experience on this trip that you are particularly excited about?

I’m very excited about the cuisine – and I don’t have a very adventurous palate! I’ve always found Chinese cuisine so complex, nuanced and delicious. Even if you experience the finest Chinese cuisine in the US or abroad, it is commonly a limited sampling and invariably altered. Experiencing and experimenting with the local cuisine when visiting a destination lends insight and is an integral part of the journey.

Traditional specialties are sometimes not found 10 miles beyond a particular town, let alone on the other side of the world. And it doesn’t need to be a fancy or expensive meal to impress me. Tasting the street food or a dish prepared in someone’s home – that is what I find exhilarating.

 

RELATED READING: 5 Reasons to Visit China

The colors, dress, customs, and music of Yunnan’s ethnic minority communities are carefully passed down from generation to generation. We are steadily losing such respected ethnic traditions in America. Young people in Yunnan may have iPhones and computers but they still embrace their roots and heritage with a unique respect and admiration for past generations in a way not commonly found elsewhere.

This trip to me is a perfect mix of arriving – and immersing yourself – in 21st century China, followed by a giant step back in time in an attempt to understand something of the country’s early chapters of history in a corner of the country not well known to Western tourism. We’ll visit mountaintop villages and meet people whose ways and traditions have remained unchanged over time – something impossible to find in the big and busy cities of China.

It’s a fascinating mix and I’m counting the days! 

As early as the 1st century BCE, traders made the epic journey between China and Europe along the Silk Road. This legendary trade route snaked through China’s northwest and promoted incredible diversity in the region’s language, culture, and cuisine. From the ancient capital of Xi’an to the desert landscapes of Gansu and Xinjiang, a journey along the Silk Road will help you gain a whole new perspective on the Middle Kingdom.

Here are four things you must do while exploring the ancient Silk Road in China.

Photo credit: rule37 on VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-ND

RELATED READING: China’s Secret Foodie Destination

Silk Road in China- Kashgar Bazaar

The quickly disappearing historic town of Kashgar is a must visit, if only for the fact that it may no longer exist in a few years due to rapid economic development. This town is a homage to the bustling section of the Silk Road it once was. It still retains some grandeur in its Id Kah Mosque and the Abakh Khoja Mausoleum, but the vibrant culture of the Silk Road is best preserved in the nooks and crannies of the city’s Grand Bazaar. On a Sunday, see the town transformed to its former glory in the bustling market where you can find rare trinkets side by side with livestock and produce.

Dig even deeper: A three-hour drive from Kashgar is the stunning Karakul Lake. After a day or two spent haggling with the help of your AsiaTravel local guide, the pristine scenery of the lake will offer a tranquil complement to the hubbub of the bazaar.

 

RELATED READING: Why You’ll Never Be Bored in Xinjiang

Silk Road in China – Turpan’s Vineyards

The majority of Xinjiang’s population are Uyghur, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group. The Uyghur’s religious beliefs affect many aspects of Xinjiang local life including philosophy, architecture and food. In Turpan, try popular dishes such as Da Pan Ji (Big Plate Chicken) or one of the many mutton based delicacies. They pair excellently with the traditional flatbread you are sure to have spotted along your journey. The local wineries are also not to be missed. A distinct rarity in China, this fertile basin in the desert is truly remarkable. AsiaTravel will arrange for you to stop by a local family home and enjoy a picnic in their vineyard.

Dig even deeper: Travel west of Turpan and you will find the ancient ruins of Jiaohe, a stunning archaeological site in the Yarnaz Valley. Jiaohe is the remains of a fortress that is at least 2000 years old.

 

Photo credit: emperornie on Visual Hunt / CC BY-SA

RELATED READING: 6 Things You Didn’t Know about Xinjiang

Silk Road in China – Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves

In the fourth century, hermit monks began visiting the Mogao Caves for meditation, worship and to store texts. The monks would carve intricate murals into the walls and as time progressed, they became a religious site of great importance. At the pinnacle of their use, the caves contained tens of thousands of frescoes, paintings, sculptures and terracotta statues.

Excavation of the caves took place over ten centuries – through changing dynasties, economic conditions and even religious views. In this complex of 492 grottoes, you can witness the amazing progression of Buddhism in China through art. The Mogao Grottoes were rediscovered in the 20th century and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On a AsiaTravel tour, we’ll arrange an expert in medieval Buddhist art to give you an insiders’ view of the caves.

Dig even deeper: Discover a particularly surreal side of Chinese landscapes by visiting the Danxia Rainbow Mountains. They’re located just a few hours from Dunhuang.

 

Photo credit: Laika ac on Visualhunt / CC BY-SA

RELATED READING: Silk Road Tours: Our Insider’s Guide to the Top Destinations

Silk Road in China – Crescent Moon Lake

Crescent Moon Lake is a beautiful oasis nestled in the Gobi Desert. It has provided relief for travelers along the Silk Road for thousands of years. On a camel ride around the aptly named lake, you can get a feel for the terrain. You can then find your own oasis here when we arrange a private champagne barbecue nearby.

As you enjoy dinner under the stars, you’ll notice the sand dunes make an interesting whistling sound when the wind blows. During his travels in the region, Marco Polo even nicknamed them, “The Singing Dunes.”

Choosing just four things to represent the immense offerings of the Silk Road in China is a near impossible task. When you travel with AsiaTravel, we’ll perfectly customize your journey to fit your own tastes and interests. Click one of the related trip links below to see what else could await you on your adventure.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Laruse Junior on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-ND

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.

The city of Hangzhou is just a short train ride from Shanghai and makes an excellent extension to any tour. The city’s romantic scenery has inspired poetry throughout the ages and it’s a destination often referred to in China as “heaven” or “paradise” on Earth. Should you find yourself passing through with only a day to spare, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of just 24 hours in heaven, we mean – Hangzhou.

RELATED READING: How to Choose Between Hangzhou and Suzhou

 

Hangzhou Day Tour – West Lake

Morning to Lunchtime

Hangzhou lies at the end of the Grand Canal which starts in Beijing and flows all the way to West Lake, a placid body of water located in the center of the city. 

In a city that embodies the lake’s traits: calming, peaceful, beautiful, and mellow, it wouldn’t be right to spend your morning rushing around sights and traversing great distances. Slow down to the local pace and let AsiaTravel arrange a private boat with a traditional Chinese musician to accompany you as you drift around and look at the scenery.

From mid-morning until lunchtime, we’ll arrange an excellent insight into daily life when we spend time with the locals who gather each day at the park. As you stroll around the lake, passing by a plethora of activities including people singing, dancing, playing around with Chinese yo-yos, and betting money on games of mahjong, your AsiaTravel guide will help to translate your questions and facilitate conversations.

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

Hangzhou Day Tour – Lingyin Temple

Afternoon

One of the most sacred spots in Hangzhou is Lingyin Temple. The temple has been revered by scholars and artists throughout the ages and, during your afternoon in Hangzhou, we’ll arrange a walking tour around the Lingyin’s serene spiritual sights.

One of China’s most significant Buddhist temples, Lingyin is home to stunning grottoes and cave carvings. It has stood between Feilai and Beigao Mountain since 326AD and is hailed as one of the first Zen Buddhist Temples to exist in China. The afternoon is also the perfect time to relax at a teahouse. It won’t be your average afternoon tea, though. Hangzhou’s specialty is Longjing Green Tea. Originating from Longjing Village (right outside Hangzhou), this tea was a firm favorite of Chinese emperors.

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

Hangzhou Day Tour – Jiangnan Cuisine

Evening

South of the Yangtze River in the Jiangnan area (which includes Hangzhou, Shanghai, and parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang) there is a dish that can only be described as a mouthful of flavor and delight – Xiao Long Bao (小笼包). Although there is uncertainty about whether these little dumplings filled with tender meat and delicious soup hail from Hangzhou, they are certainly not to be missed in this region. Longjing tea isn’t just for drinking either; the dried tea leaves beautifully compliment lightly fried shrimp.

Should you stay into the evening and are looking for a little romance, come back to the water at the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and take an evening cruise along the river. The Four Seasons and Hyatt Regency are two five-star hotel options situated by West Lake that can make for a luxurious overnight too.

 

Even with only 24 hours in Hangzhou, you’ll learn why the city was declared by Marco Polo as “the finest, most splendid city of the world.” Our Gastronomic Tour of China gives two whole days to the exploration of the delicate and fresh local Hangzhou cuisine – from market to satisfied stomach.

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.

Yunnan might not be a province in China you’re familiar with, so it might come as a surprise when we tell you it’s a destination that belongs on any China travel list. 

AsiaTravel Founder Mei Zhang hails from the region and it’s a place that has always held a special place in our hearts. In Yunnan, you’ll find spiritual and cultural sites, beautiful scenery, tasty dishes, and much more! And it’s inevitable really, that you’d find so much diversity in an area that’s larger than Germany.

Here are four facts about Yunnan that will inspire your China travel.

RELATED READING: Top 5 Things to Do in Dali and Lijiang

Yunnan has some of China’s most breathtaking sights

You’ll find breathtaking landscapes all across Yunnan, from carefully tended rice terraces and serene lakes to sky-high mountain ranges. One such mountain range is Yulong, home to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This mountain range is a sanctuary for rare animals and plants and you’ll find a number of Yi ethnic minority villages in the area. On a AsiaTravel journey, we’ll help you to meet with a local shaman there who will bless your journey.

The Yuanyang rice terraces are also a must-see in the right season. Each terrace is meticulously cared for and you’ll notice that each small section will vary in color, sometimes dramatically, from those around it.

RELATED READING: 4 Best Hotels in Shangri-La

You can experience Tibetan culture without the restrictions

Yunnan shares a border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) on its western side, and Tibetan culture has seeped through over time. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting a permit to visit the TAR then Yunnan might be a good option.

Dozens of temples are sprinkled across the land and in the western part of Shangri-La, you can find monks and Lamas chanting sutras at Gadan Dongshulin Temple. Songzanlin Monastery is also well-worth a visit to see Tibetan Buddhist culture. 

Abujee is another area of Yunnan where you can see Tibetan life in action. In this remote area, you’ll walk alongside Tibetan and Yi herders tending to their flocks and can even sit down with them for a cup of salty yak butter tea.

RELATED READING: Take the High-Speed Rail to Yunnan

Yunnan is home to 25 ethnic minorities

Yunnan is one of the most culturally diverse provinces in China and is home to more than 25 ethnic minority groups. Witness the song and dance of each, see their traditional clothes, and try their delectable dishes. Three of the most prominent groups you’ll find are the Bai, Naxi, and Mosuo, each with their own unique style and customs. If you’re into the social sciences, you’ll find the variety fascinating – many of the cultures are matriarchal!

RELATED READING: Yunnan Food According to Mei Zhang

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Phung

Yunnan is home to its own unique cuisine

The flavors and techniques used in Yunnan cuisine are a blend of famously spicy Sichuan food in the north, light and seafood oriented cooking in eastern China, and fresh Thai flavors in the South. Farmers bring produce down from the mountains and locals visit the market at least once (sometimes twice) a day to ensure they get the freshest ingredients. 

One of the most well-known regional dishes is “Crossing the Bridge Noodles” and there are several stories explaining the name. If you’d like to learn more about Yunnan cuisine, AsiaTravel founder Mei Zhang’s first book, Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham, serves as a great introduction.

Yunnan is a province with a little bit of everything. Food, nature, and culture are all one of a kind in this area of China. Are you ready to embark on a journey through this incredible province?

Feature Image Photo credit: Wilson Loo on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

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.