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.

RELATED READING: 5 Last-Minute Summer Trips for Kids and Families

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.

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

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.

 

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:

 RELATED READING: Best Cities to Spend New Year’s Eve in China

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.

RELATED READING: Top 3 Hotels on the Bund

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.

 

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

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.

RELATED READING: Interview with Shanghai Jewish History Expert Dvir Bar-Gal

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.

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.

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.   

Featured Image by Songtsam

Founded by award-winning director Baima Duoji, the Songtsam Lodges form the only collection of Luxury, Tibetan-style retreats in the fabled Shangri-La region. Each hotel showcases the scenery, culture, and spirituality of its location, presenting a rounded picture of this renowned region with each lodge spinning its own unique thread.

With spectacular views and an abundance of biodiversity, this region has recognized the increasing demand for sustainable forms of tourism and hopes to protect its spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife. Constructed using unique local materials and artisanal techniques, the Songtsam Lodges have proven themselves to be trailblazers in the field of responsible travel without compromising its high standards to hospitality. Boasting a total of eight different lodges dotted throughout the valleys of the Shangri-La, we’ve painstakingly selected our favorite three, and here’s why.

The Songtsam Shangri-La Lodge | Picture by Songtsam

Songtsam Shangri-La Lodge

Occupying a traditional Tibetan dwelling, the Shangri-La Lodge sits unassumingly in the childhood village of Songtsam’s founder, Baima Duoji. With views framed by mountain ranges in all directions, the flagship hotel offers a gateway to the Tibetan Kingdom in a rustic village setting. The village itself is self-sustainable, showcasing age-old farming practices and hardy beasts at your front door. At a mere ten minutes’ walk from the Sonzanlin Lamasery, you can find inner calm as you practice Tibetan Buddhist meditation at the largest monastery in the whole of Yunnan which is still home to over 700 monks. Whether it’s learning of cultural preservation efforts in Shangri-La Old Town or joining a Tibetan family for dinner, the Songtsam has made significant efforts to bring host and traveler together in a mutually beneficial way. Upon retiring to your room, admire the hotel’s collection of handpicked furniture and intricately woven carpets, featuring modern comfort and Tibetan style in a delicate balancing act. Not far from the border (you can spot Tibetan peaks from the hotel’s open-air roof terrace), this site offers a Tibetan feel without the need for a permit.        

The Songtsam Lodge in Lijiang | Picture by Songtsam

Songtsam Lijiang

At an altitude of 2,400 meters, the Songtsam Lijiang is the lowest of the lodges, marking the start of the Yunnan-Tibet Route, and the perfect opportunity to get acclimatized. The hotel is situated in the traditional Naxi village of Ciman and offers easy access to charming Lijiang while avoiding the touristy old town. Nestled between the Yulong Snow Mountain to the north and the Wenbi Peak in the south, the sprawling lodge connects guests to the striking landscapes of this region through Naxi-style floor-to-ceiling windows. On the larger side of Songtsam lodges, guests can enjoy added bonuses in the form of a fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool. As an important crossroads between Tibetan and Han culture, the hotel reflects the importance of preserving heritage by blending traditional Chinese art and Tibetan-style carpets throughout. For the history buffs, the ancient Horse Tea Trail also passes by the hotel, telling the story of a westerner that lived in Yunnan for over 27 years.

The Songtsam Lodge in Tacheng | Picture by Songtsam

Songtsam Tacheng

Buffeted gently from all sides by fertile, low mountain valleys, Tacheng Lodge finds itself among Tibetan, Naxi, and Lisu ethnic minority communities. The views from each of the lodge’s nine rooms are awash with fertile rice paddies and vineyards, while the outdoor pool offers the perfect chance to unwind after the journey. As part of a farming community, hotel guests can delight in the fresh produce of this bountiful area by hand selecting their own ingredients from the organic gardens. The hotel is also within walking distance of Hadda village, with its black roofs and warm-hearted residents who welcome guests as long-lost friends. Get to the heart of local culture by joining an evening of traditional dance or learning more about the rare Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys which are among the world’s most endangered primates. With views that stretch through the scenic valley, your private terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy the last rays of sun before a restful night’s sleep in rural tranquility.

The Songtsam Lodge in Tacheng | Picture by Songtsam

As individually crafted, boutique hotels, the Songtsam Lodges offer the inquisitive traveler the chance to explore this extremely beautiful region in a personal and responsible manner. Whether it’s tips on the best golden-hour spot or an amusing tale of a runaway yak, the entirely locally-sourced staff reinforces the Songtsam’s grounding in this region, making for a truly unforgettable stay. These may be our three favorite lodges, but there are so many more to explore, each with their individual personality and astounding location. Get in touch to find out more about the different lodges and the option of hopping from our three favorite lodges along our Dreaming of Shangri-La route.

Featured Picture by Pete on Flick

There has been an ocean of ink spilled on the topic of understanding China stemming all the way back to the time of Marco Polo, who some say was the first to really expand the West’s awareness of East Asia. If you’re a reader looking for suggestions to help you better understand one of the most populous, influential countries in the world, look no further than this list of four books to expand your understanding of the Middle Kingdom.

Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China

By John Pomfret

This selection is a memoir written from the author’s perspective about the events and experiences that took place while he attended Nanjing University in Beijing during the 1980s. A participant in one of the first student exchange programs between the US and China, Pomfret focuses on the opening of China during the time of Deng Xiaoping’s reforms. It has been praised as an unvarnished, honest, and riveting read that is also popular among ethnic Chinese communities living in America.

Picture by USC Annenberg

It will help you better understand the roots of modern China, how the system works, and the perspectives of the people who live there. As the title implies, it follows five of his classmates, and you will learn how they view their situation, the future they saw for China, and their struggles.

You will enjoy this read if you want to understand the roots of China’s modern economic system, as well as how citizens view their economic and political system.

The Last Days of Old Beijing

By Michael Meyer

Michael Meyer paints an immersive, intimate picture of Beijing from the perspective of one of its oldest neighborhoods as it faces impending demolition at the altar of progress. As the description aptly puts it:

Soon we will be able to say about old Beijing that what emperors, warlords, Japanese invaders, and Communist planners couldn’t eradicate, the market economy has.

Picture by Michael Meyer

The book interweaves stories from the late 2000s with historical events spread across the past millennium. This may be the novel for you if you are planning on visiting China and would like to understand what the capital city used to be and what has become of some of the cultural artifacts as the incessant march of economic advancement continues.

Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China

By Jen Lin-Liu

If you’re interested in the vast history and variety behind Chinese cuisine, consider this engaging story that follows the author, Chinese-American Jen Lin-Liu, as she begins studying at a local cooking school without so much as a heater or even a measuring cup and works her way up through street food stands and, eventually, even upper-class Shanghai restaurants. Through her story, she demonstrates that after decades of turmoil and deprivation, the middle class yearned for comfort and luxury.

Picture by LumDimSum

Taking place in the early 2000s during an explosion in new cuisine and experimentation in the cooking scene, the author is able to get behind the local people’s defenses. As Lin-Liu does not clearly look like a foreigner, she is allowed the unique perspective of an American while getting to hear the true feelings of the people she engages with. The book is written in a witty, warm, and endearing fashion that is perfect for anyone who is looking for a close-up perspective of China.

Country Driving

By Peter Hessler

This book is the final in an award-winning trilogy written by the then-New York Times correspondent in China. In 2001, he earned the right to drive in China and spent years – years! – and over 7,000 miles driving around the country’s different regions, following the Great Wall and into the Tibetan Plateau, to see just how the development of the country’s infrastructure affected the people who live there.

Picture by thebeijinger

If you want a fairly in-depth exploration of what it is like to live and travel within China – complete with many of the small, random, “what the heck was that” experiences that can come with life in China as an expat – then this is the book for you. Hessler rents houses in villages, follows one family’s gradual rise to political and financial success, drives the length of the Great Wall, and visits artist communities. This barely scratches the surface of the scope of this book but gives you some idea of the quirky, nitty-gritty world that the author successfully draws the audience into.

All of these books are worth visiting, each showing you a different perspective of China. If you want something from when the country was just opening up, a selection that explores the food side of a cuisine-obsessed culture, or an almost decade-long exploration of the country – they’re all there for you. Whenever you finish any of them, we’d love to hear what you think. Do you feel these stories still apply to modern day China? How do you think things may have changed?

“吃了吗” (chī le ma), so goes the ancient Chinese greeting. Literally meaning “Have you eaten?”, “吃了吗?” is actually used to ask how someone is, the implication being that someone who has eaten must be doing well (of course!). While the saying may have lost its intention in everyday language, the greeting is a clear reflection of China’s fixation with food – and the inspiration behind our latest series: Have You Eaten?

Boasting an impressive eight cuisines across its many distinct regions, the Middle Kingdom is bursting with culinary diversity, causing both confusion and friction when it comes to dinner time. Luckily for you, we’ve put in the legwork to bring you a series of standout restaurants that have made it onto our very own list of favorites. Delving headfirst into the gastronomic narrative, here is the story of RED BOWL.

The latest addition to elegant Rosewood Beijing, RED BOWL offers a one-of-a-kind hot pot experience in the heart of the capital. But first things first, what is Chinese hot pot?

Hotpot at RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

A firm favorite throughout the nation, hot pot traces its history back to times of barbaric rule over a millennium and a half ago. Upon setting up camp for the evening, voyaging Mongol horsemen would use the heat from the fire to simmer soup in their helmets and sear meat upon their shields, making for a comforting and replenishing meal. Spreading throughout Northern China, this process was adapted by dipping vegetables and seafood into a flavorsome broth to cook. Thankfully, helmets were soon swapped out for metal pots – much more sanitary! With a communal pot in the middle of the table, this method of cooking is regarded as a sociable experience and adds an element of fun with its DIY aspect.

A selection of premium-quality meats at RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

As the craze spread, so did creativity. Stretching from the East China Sea to the mountains of Sichuan, hot pots have been adapted and constantly reinvented to reflect the flavors and ingredients of the local region. For example, a visit to Chongqing will see diners burning their lips on the area’s famed pepper-laden broth. Indeed, hot pots embody the diversity of Chinese cuisine, which bring us back to the dilemma of choice…

That’s where RED BOWL comes in. With the admirable goal of creating a world-class experience that appeals to everyone, they’ve reinvigorated the traditional hotpot without sacrificing any of its raw authenticity. But with more hotpot jaunts than you can shake a stick, what is it about RED BOWL’s story that has got us so hooked?

1. They make hotpot accessible for all tastes and styles.

Unlike other restaurants that focus on a specific cuisine with one variety of broth, RED BOWL offers six options, each as lip-smackingly tasty as the next. Pair this with an extensive range of dipping sauces and you have an unapparelled hot pot experience. Don’t worry though, the RED BOWL staff are experts when it comes to pairing the broth to the perfect sauce. Scared of spice? Not a problem. RED BOWL has three spice-free flavors.

Green Pepper Stock at RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

2. They make hot pot chic and fun.

While nothing makes up for poor flavor, we’re firm believers that dining is a multisensory experience and always find ourselves drawn to restaurants that offer both delicious food and great atmosphere. From the second you walk into RED BOWL, the vibe is chic and classy without feeling stuffy. Set upon a backdrop of graffiti-clad walls and smooth hip hop, the space reflects today’s China with its fusion of modernity and tradition. For a spot of fun, take a peek at the cocktail menu. While a slightly unusual pairing for hot pot, these cocktails have been carefully crafted to complement the dishes. Be sure to try the spicy Hot Monkey Vespa which pairs perfectly with the heat of the food.

The chic interiors of RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

3. They use phenomenal ingredients.

Impressively, an abundance of choices doesn’t hamper the quality, with broths that are left bubbling overnight to intensify the flavors and ingredients that are hand selected by Chef de Cuisine Zhu Qing. As well as locally sourced ingredients, RED BOWL makes a bold statement with imported Australian Wagyu Beef and Inner Mongolian Lamb Leg Roll. Plus, with a focus on nothing but the crème de la crème, the scallops are massive and delicious and the fish cheese ball is to die for. Then, guests can wash it all down with inventive takes on classic cocktails to round off their dining experience in style.    

A platter of seafood at RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

The Gin and Tonic at RED BOWL | Picture by Rosewood Beijing

We can’t wait to go back.

To celebrate the announcement of another Tea Horse Road journey with Jeff Fuchs this November, we’re sharing one of our favorite posts of AsiaTravel Explorer and Expert Jeff Fuchs musing on the importance of the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road, and why we should all bump it up on our travel list.  

A rugged Jeff Fuchs stares down the lens | Photo by Jeff Fuchs

The Ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road has long held the attention of explorers and vagabonds alike for the fact that it represents one of the globe’s great and daunting adventures. It is a cultural odyssey as much as a physically demanding pathway that brought tea, salt, horses, and all manner of goods from the fringes of the old dynastical empires into and onto the Tibetan Plateau. Pre-dating the Silk Road, the Tea Horse Caravan Road and its meandering pathways through indigenous zones, ancient tea forests, and stunning geographies offer up a deeper look into the very historical fabric of southwest China, Tibet, and beyond.

Across snow passes and over some of the planet’s great waterways, the route takes in three dozen cultures and two dozen languages…all with their own histories with tea and the great trade route.

Tea figured greatly into this ‘highway through the sky’ as it was – and to some extent remains – one of the great panaceas and commodities of time. Tea was more a fuel and medicine to the ancient tribes and its safe transport was one of the great vitals of the trade world.

Yunnan tea farm | Photo by Jeff Fuchs

This AsiaTravel journey along the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road seeks to dig into and take the journey back to its roots. Authentic touches of exploration off the beaten path, serious tea-highs from some of the planet’s purest ancient tree teas, and homestays that are entirely integral with delving deeper into a culture and land are on offer. Walking through some of the oldest tea forests on the planet, and then sampling them in a cup bind the leaf to its drinker and, by extension, to any that partake in a cup.

The journey from field to cup begins | Photo by Jeff Fuchs

We’ve enhanced sections to take you deeper still into Yunnan’s diversity and created more of a full-on adventure with daily tea samplings, from fresh bitter harvests to locally prepared specialties (including the Tibetan’s famed and pungent butter tea) from local regions.

I’m delighted that this journey has continued and been intensified to add a more authentic feel that reflects life and travel upon the Tea Horse Caravan Road. In traveling upon this most ancient of trade routes, it is important to retain some of the original feel of travel, life, and interaction for our guests.

It is vital that such a journey keep its vitality and spontaneity. It is only through this kind of travel and attention to detail that a route’s history, legend, and truths can remain intact.

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If Jeff’s descriptions of tea got your heart beating a little faster, check out the itinerary for Jeff’s “Asia Revealed” trip here. If you want to read more about Jeff and his travels, check out his blog here.  And if you have any questions, shoot us an email at info@wildchina.com

Original posted 

As the month of Saka Dawa continues, the Buddhist practice of performing a kora has become increasingly common in this rugged western region. And with visitors to Tibet growing year by year, it has become both important and beneficial to travelers to have an understanding of Tibet’s sacred practices. Without much further ado, here is our specialized guide for everything you need to know about the kora.

The word kora is a transliteration from the Tibetan word kor, meaning circle. The added ‘a’ refers to the Latin ambulare (meaning ‘to walk’), giving an overall meaning of walking around something in a circle, or circumambulation. While the name may have a very practical meaning, its significance is closely linked to Buddhist practice and is sacred to Tibetan life. 

Back in the 6th century, it was very common for the Buddha to spend his time under a tree and, in time, this was where his disciples would come to revere to him. However, it was his disciple Ananda who brought up the question of where devotees would be able to pay their respects in the Buddha’s absence. The Buddha pointed to his usual tree and indicated that walking around it, mindful of the tree’s significance, would be the natural way to pay one’s respects. As time went by, monuments such as the dome-shaped stupas were erected containing relics from the Buddha himself. Much like trees, these stupas were solid structures, meaning worshippers could not enter inside, and the faithful took to walking around the stupas as if they were the Buddha’s favorite tree. So, the practice of circumambulation became a widespread Buddhist custom. 

While paying homage to the founder of Buddhism, the act of circling sacred sites is also said to earn religious merit and ensure a brighter future and closer relationship to the spiritual path. 

So, what does the actual practice of a kora involve, and where can it take place? 

The kora, which is sometimes referred to as a pilgrimage, involves circling any form of sacred site. It can be manmade, such are stupas, temples, and monasteries, or mighty natural sites like lakes and mountains – the infamous Mount Kailash is considered to be the most sacred of all.

During the kora, worshippers will be seen circling clockwise a predefined number of times (each site has a specific number of laps associated). In practice, Buddhists will recite prayers while counting mantras on their rosaries. The idea behind this is that it focuses the physical, verbal, and mental all at once, allowing time for spiritual reflection. Although most Tibetan Buddhists will be seen performing the kora by walking around the sacred site, the most devout will make their way around by fully prostrating, standing up, and repeating the actions from where their extended hands previously reached. An even more extreme version of this form of meditation is the horizontal prostration, where the practiser will make the slow progression in steps no larger than the width of their person.

For the best insight into this sacred practice, there are a select few sites dotted throughout Tibet which are considered to hold deep religious significance and, therefore, attract the largest number of worshippers. 

At the top of the list is Tsekhor Kora, a 3km circuit around the base of the hill upon which the red and white Potala Palace stands. As the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, the palace is seen as the center of Tibetan Buddhism and now holds the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a must-see while visiting Lhasa.    

Also in Lhasa, the Lingkhor Kora follows the outer boundary of Lhasa District and can take up to four hours to complete just one circuit. On this kora, Tibetan pilgrims can be seen spinning hand wheels and chanting Buddhist scriptures. 

Leaving the crowds of Lhasa behind, pilgrims head to Lake Namtso to circuit one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. While this kora can take between twenty to thirty days to complete, the breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters and snow-capped peaks might encourage you to do a second lap. 

And finally, the most popular kora of all is that which circles Mount Kailash, considered the holiest mountain in the world and of significance to four world religions. This circuit takes around three days to complete, with overnight stops being made at monasteries along the route. 

In a region where religion is so tightly woven into the fabric of Tibetan culture, travelers can’t help but acknowledge the importance of Buddhism. Witnessing and even taking part in a kora is a great way to experience Tibetan life.

As part of our ‘Have You Eaten?’ series, we share our latest foodie-finds that showcase another unique culinary experience on offer in China. This week, we didn’t have to venture far, seizing the opportunity to try out Beijing’s exclusive Black Sesame Kitchen which is well known for using rich Chinese flavors as a lens to bridge culture. While its name has certainly caught traction within the city and beyond, its location is unpretentious which adds to the restaurant’s genuine charm – and contributes to our appetite in trying to find it! Tucked away among a throng of hutong alleyways, BSK is a mere stone’s throw away from the Forbidden City and boasts a traditional courtyard setting. What we really love about this restaurant, though, is its focus on sharing stories, from the narrative behind its creation to the tales shared by fellow diners at the communal meals – and, of course, the food’s pretty spectacular too.  

We caught up with the creative genius behind it all, Jen Lin-Liu. 

Jen Lin-Liu 

After several years working as a foreign journalist in China, American-born Jen Lin-Liu decided to change direction in her life, opting instead to follow her burning passion for food. In a country so obsessed with eating, traditional Chinese recipes, cooking methods, and even ingredients are jam-packed with cultural and historical references, creating a fascinating concept that Jen was keen to tap into. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Jen enrolled at a local cooking school and worked hard to not only understand the lectures from a linguistic point of view but follow the countless cultural nuances dropped throughout the classes. Her constantly-raised hand was an unusual sight among Chinese students and she took her instructor by surprise when he finally realized she was, in fact, American.

Black Sesame Kitchen at a glance through the windows

Returning home each day with a pocketful of new recipes and stories to match, Jen’s expat friends soon became engrossed in this culinary foray into Chinese culture. Jen recognized the importance of food as a lens into the multifaceted daily lives of Beijingers and ultimately made the decision to rent out a small hutong so that she could host lessons and cook dinners for her friends. Word of these evenings quickly spread throughout the expat community and attracted international visitors in the process. Food became a great way to interact with chefs, business people, and other locals in the community, helping to bridge the divide between how a visitor may experience China and what China is actually like on the ground. And so, Black Sesame Kitchen was born. 

Following on from her book, Serving the People, Black Sesame Kitchen became the physical manifestation of how food can be used to bring together a diverse group of people and create a fascinating environment that overcomes cultural divides. During the nightly communal dinners, guests take a seat in the open-plan kitchen-meets-dining room and share in this experience with a constantly changing group of people. You might be seated with another traveler, a Beijing local, an expat living away from home, or any number of other characters – all who bring a unique understanding of life in China.

Courtyard area at Black Sesame Kitchen 

In the elegant open setting that brings together chef and diner, ten delicious courses are served up, each boasting freshly sourced ingredients from local markets. With only one sitting per evening, the experience is intimate and the menu constantly evolves to match current tastes and seasons. Culinary inspiration is drawn from Jen’s book of classical and imperial Chinese cuisine and mixed up with Chef Zhang’s creative flair – the homemade black sesame ice cream with candied seasonal fruit is a definite must-try. Topped off with selected wines to match the dinner’s flavors, the overall experience makes for a relaxing and social evening of good food and new friends.  

Wining and Dining at Black Sesame Kitchen 

If you choose to visit during the day, you’ll discover the secrets of stir-frying and noodle making in Beijing’s back alleys. In addition to its communal dinners, BSK also hosts private cooking lessons on Wednesdays and Sundays which are packed with inspiring foodie stories and tips on how to stock your pantry with the right ingredients. We love how unique this experience can be made, with options such as free-flow champagne or a pre-dinner wine and dumpling demonstration hour.

Baozi, a type of steamed bun 

As a writer, Jen believes in how stories can shape and inspire other people and this could be no more apparent than at the communal table of Black Sesame Kitchen. With limited capacity and a successful reputation, be sure to book in advance! You wouldn’t want to miss out on this incredible culinary experience.