China Travel Blog

Hangzhou and Suzhou are heavenly paradises in the south of China. But what should you choose if you only can visit one of these majestic cities?

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Within China, there are many famous cities that nearly every citizen knows about. Two of these are Hangzhou and Suzhou, both of which are located within a stone’s throw of Shanghai… well, by Chinese standards at least. When you ask people about these two cities, they may tell you without irony that they are “paradise on Earth.” However, this may not be entirely their personal opinion, but could be referring to the adage “Heaven is above; Hangzhou and Suzhou are below”.

Whatever the case, if you find yourself in Shanghai and only have limited time to choose between the two cities, here are some overviews of each.

Hangzhou

As with nearly every major Chinese city, it’s ancient. Yes, it’s stood the test of time, and is found at the southern end of the Grand Canal with a lake at its center. The surrounding area has many hills, fulfilling the Chinese aesthetic ideal of shanshui which is the connection between water and mountains. Marco Polo even called it “the finest and noblest (city) in the world.” Quite a recommendation.

The lake in the middle of town, West Lake, is well known in China because many famous artists throughout history have depicted it in their works. Both because of its convenient location and its fame, we suggest everyone who visits Hangzhou to have a stop near the lake.

West Lake in Hangzhou | Source: Faungg via Flickr

Another facet of the city that you may want to check out is its Longjing tea, which literally translates to “Dragon Well” tea. It is the only place in all of China that produces this particular variety of green tea. If you so choose, AsiaTravel can also arrange for you to visit a plantation where you will learn all about this particular varietal, and even have the opportunity to pick your own tea straight from the plant.

The Longjing Tea Plantations | Source: Nicholas Turland via Flickr

Finally, there’s the Lingyin Temple. Destroyed a total of 16 times since 326 AD, it has been built (and rebuilt) 17 times in total. Any place that people are this dedicated to likely has something of value to offer. Its other name is the “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” coming from the peaceful forest that surrounds the temple. A highlight of this particular temple is the Buddhas carved into the rocks on the side of a nearby cliff.

Of course, there are other things for you to discover, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise and sense of adventure of finding them for yourself!

Suzhou

Suzhou is also ancient. However, what makes it strikingly different is the series of canals, giving it the nickname the Venice of China. Dating back to 514 BCE, Suzhou has long been a city based on trade, benefitting from the cosmopolitan atmosphere which attracted merchants and educated people to support the arts and commission private gardens which still remain to this day.

It is these things for which Suzhou is still known for today: it’s calm, majestic canals, and its famous classical gardens.

Since the canals are more fun to explore on foot and experience in person than they are on the page, we’re going to focus on the famous gardens.

The Canals of Suzhou | Source: _chrisUk via Flickr

The Humble Administrator’s Garden is one of the most famous and is known for being made by a shamed historical figure who had gotten into hot water for openly criticizing the then-Emperor. Unfortunately, it typically overflows with people, particularly in peak seasons.

We prefer Tiger Hill Garden which is said to demarcate the burial location of the founder of Suzhou. It’s a little bit off the typical tourist path, so it is usually less crowded.

Finally, we also highly recommend the Master of Nets Garden. Its layout is masterfully done to make the relatively small area appear much larger through the creative use of walls and water. It’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.

Master of Nets Garden in Suzhou

Both

If you’re in Shanghai and finding it hard to choose and you want to squeeze them both into the smallest time possible, might we suggest the following: arrive in Hangzhou in the afternoon or evening, stay overnight, and spend one day exploring the city. Then, travel the same night or the following morning to Suzhou by high-speed rail, enjoy Suzhou, and head back to Shanghai in time for nightfall.

The whole thing takes about 48 hours and can be quite a rush, but if you plan it well, you should be able to see most of what we described.

One thing is certain – both cities will be striking, memorable experiences, and we highly encourage you to venture through both if you have the time. However, if you find yourself only able to visit the one, you’ll be left with something to look forward to the next time you visit.

Updated: March 19, 2019

Suzhou’s stunning canals and decorated gardens make this little city the perfect getaway from the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. If you only have one day to indulge in a break from it all, you’ll need to look no further than Suzhou for rest and relaxation mixed with authentic cultural experiences.

With frequent high-speed trains running in and out of Shanghai (approximately a 25 minute train ride from the city), a day trip to Suzhou is a perfect respite from the big city life. Whether it’s your first time in town, or you’re back for more, we’ve put together a list of places that combine the classic spots with alternative choices that will bring out a different side of Suzhou you wouldn’t see on the usual tourist itinerary.

 

Suzhou Canals by _chrisUk via Flickr

First Stop, Gardens: Humble Administrator’s or Tiger Hill?

 

Humble Administrator Garden

This is one of Suzhou’s largest classic gardens, and its popularity reflects that. This, we believe, is a good reason to avoid it. Don’t get us wrong – it’s a beautiful place, but with fame come long lines. If you’re going to go here, we suggest you avoid peak seasons and times, such as very early in the morning.

But what’s so great about the area? The gardens here reflect the refined artistic tastes of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which saw garden cultivation as a form of artistic expression. Its name and origin come from a man, Wang Xianchen, who fell out of favor because of his outspoken criticism of the then-Emperor. He may not have been very politically savvy, but his garden-founding talents have stood the test of time.

If you want a similar experience, but without the bustling crowds, might we suggest…

Tiger Hill Garden

Suzhou was founded in the 6th century BC by a man named He Lu; to celebrate the founder’s accomplishments, Tiger Hill is said to demarcate his burial place. On top of this, it is also known for the Cloud Rock Pagoda complex, which looms over the surroundings like a guard on watch, and for its well-kept scenery and various historical sites.

We prefer Tiger Hill to the Humble Administrator’s Garden because it is a lesser-known secret, and thus attracts smaller crowds even during peak seasons.

Tiger Hill Garden | By AsiaTravel Travelers, Chuck & Kathy 

Pingjiang Road

If you find yourself a little peckish, Pingjiang Road is a wonderful location to have lunch in while experiencing genuine Suzhou. It’s said to be less touristy than Shantang Street and is lined on both sides with buildings that encapsulate Suzhou’s traditional architecture. It’s relaxed, stylish, and feels more genuine than most places you’re liable to stumble upon.

 

Pingjiang Road Canal | Joan Compderrós-i-Canas via Flickr

Suzhou Silk Factory

Suzhou has been the centre of China’s silk trade for hundreds of years. From cultivation to its various uses, the secret of this precious material was guarded viciously for centuries until the Byzantines managed to smuggle silkworm larva out of the country, thus breaking China’s monopoly on the ultra-soft fabric. If you’re interested in a mix of business and history, then consider touring the silk factory to see how the modern process goes from worm to loom.

 

Suzhou Silk in Progress | By AsiaTravel Travelers, Chuck & Kathy 

Master of the Nets Garden

We highly recommend that you have a look at the Master of the Nets Garden. While it’s not as big as others in the area – at barely more than half a hectare, it’s actually the smallest – it’s considered one of Suzhou’s most exquisite gardens. The garden uses space ingeniously to create the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size, creatively directing the eye with its various adornments. While exploring the garden, our AsiaTravel guide will explain how feng shui has been implemented in this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and the philosophical and aesthetic principles underlying the arrangement of plants, rocks and water to form a Chinese garden.

 

Master of Nets Garden | Rita Heine via Flickr

To complete your Suzhou trip, dine at a traditional Suzhou restaurant – the city boasts a number of excellent restaurants that are worth a try. Many local favorites are located at Taijian Nong (Taijian Lane) around the Guanqian Jie shopping street, including the famous Song He Lou (Pine and Crane Restaurant) that is a little more than 200 years old. Savor traditional Suzhou specialties such as Songshu Guiyu (squirrel-shaped Mandarin fish), Gusu Luya (Gusu marinated duck) and Luobosi Su Bing (pan-fried turnip cake). After dinner, end your day with a stroll in modern Suzhou along Guanqian Jie.

 

Night time Canals | Ross Bowling via Flickr

Indulge in a tour through Suzhou’s resplendent atmosphere on the Hangzhou and Suzhou: Heaven on Earth tour. A relaxing getaway from bustling Shanghai, Suzhou impresses clients with its stunning architecture, tranquil canals, and gardens designed by fengshui masters.  

Sometimes overlooked by tourists on their way to more famous destinations, Guiyang has a lot to offer the discerning traveller.

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Nicknamed the ‘Forest City’ and the ‘Summer Capital of China,’ Guiyang’s history dates back to the 13th century, and it is surrounded by beautiful Guizhou scenery.

Whether you’re interested in traditional Chinese villages, a picturesque hike in a stream filled valley, or discovering China’s biggest waterfall, you’ll find that Guiyang and its surroundings has more than enough to keep you enthralled for 24 hours. Here are a few suggestions…

Yunshantun Old Han Village

Source: Zhangzhugang

Built in the 14th century, the Old Han Village showcases the remaining culture of the Han Chinese ethnic group. The ancestors of these villages migrated from Jiangxi to Guizhou during the Ming Dynasty, bringing with them an ancient culture which survives to this day. During your visit you’ll see women dressed in traditional Ming Dynasty costumes, and houses that remain faithful to the Ming architectural style.

 

Xijiang Miao Village

Source: MDRX

If you’re willing to venture further out of town, you’ll find the largest gathering place of the Miao ethnic minority, where over 1000 Miao family live in the traditional way. You can watch traditional cultural performances and enjoy the views of the rice paddy fields and wooden-stilted houses stretching out into the distance.

Whilst there, check out the Miao Nationality Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Miao people, and climb up to the viewing platform to enjoy a unique panorama of a village that is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world.

Damochong Valley

Source: Philippe Semanaz

Spend the cool afternoon hiking through the Damochong Valley. Forget the energy of the city and relax in nature, listening to the flowing streams and wandering through a dense bamboo forest. Instead of cars and shopping malls, the valley is inhabited by quaint local villages, where traditional ways of life still thrive. You’ll get the chance to learn the traditional methods of papermaking from the locals who call this valley their home.

 

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Source: WaitinZ

A short trip out of town is the justifiably famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. Almost 80 metres high and 100 metres wide, it is the biggest waterfall in China. Replace the hum of the city with the roar of the water, and discover the surrounding limestone caves and ancient forests.

With history and nature to rival almost anywhere else in China, you’ll find Guiyang well worth the trip, and a marked contrast from your experience in first tier cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Twenty four hours is enough for a meaningful experience. Of course, if you can stay longer, you’ll have access to even more of the wonder this city has to offer.

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Curious about the hidden treasures of Guiyang? Join AsiaTravel on one of our two trips to Guiyang and the surrounding areas of Guizhou and Guangxi: Old Country Living and Hidden Guizhou

 

A hidden gem of China’s Southwest, Guizhou is an ideal destination for those who want to venture off the beaten path. Although many travelers visit Guizhou for its diverse minority cultures and vibrant music festivals, Guizhou is also rich in natural beauty.

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Among the colorful ethnic minority villages, Guizhou‘s also spotted with rustic lakeside farms and terraced rice fields. Home to one of the most beautiful karst caves in China and many precious animals, Guizhou will not disappoint you whether you’re interested in seeing wildlife or bizarre sites of nature.

Here’s a list of what to do in Guizhou (other than dancing and sipping rice wine at minority festivals):

 Gilles Vogt via Flickr

Zhijin Cave

Originally called Daji Cave because young Miao minority children used to play badminton here, Zhijin Cave is known as the King of Caves. It not only boasts a magnificent collection of stalactites, but it also possesses the world’s largest unsupported roof span of any cave. Wandering through the forest of sparkling stones shaped like flowers, drums, and pillars, you might think you’ve walked into a mysterious underground palace. When you visit the 200-meter long Yingbin Hall covered in moss, make sure you stop at Luoqian (‘falling money’) Hole where drops of water continuously fall into the cave like hundreds of shining coins in the sunshine. Then, you can take a detour to the little cave beside Yingbing Hall to admire a ten-meter stalactite that looks like a mushroom cloud formed after a nuclear explosion.

Photo via TripAdvisor

One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest

As the name suggests, One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest is the largest natural rhododendron forest in the world.  During the flowering season from early March to the middle of May, the hills become a drawing palette of beautiful colors including dark red, light yellow, creamy white, and purplish blue. The perfect spot to marvel at this ocean of azaleas is Shuhua Peak where you can stand on the highest peak of the forest and admire the flowers bright enough to give the skyline a pinkish tint. If you look carefully as you walk through the forest, you might see different types of azaleas blooming on the same shrub which is very rare in nature.

Even if you miss the flowering season, you should still visit One Hundred Mile Azalea Forest because it offers more than azaleas. You can explore one of the limestone caves hidden behind towering trees or take a boat ride on the 400 acre Bailidujuan Lake which is a lush green color in summer and slightly tinged with orange in autumn. You might also see some rare birds like the golden pheasant.

Sujun Suajem via Flickr

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Another spot in Guizhou that you should not miss is Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia, spanning 101 meters in width and 78 meters in height. We recommend viewing it from multiple points to fully appreciate its beauty. Start with a panoramic view of the waterfall from the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion, where you can see the waterfall from a distance. Then, switch to the Water-Viewing Stage for a bird’s eye view. You can see the waterfall from its bottom at the second Waterfall-Viewing Stage, where you raise your head to admire this sublime waterfall. Finally stand in the Water-Curtain Cave to touch the waterfall and let a few drops of water sprinkle on your face.

Caohai Lake

A grassy lake with mild temperature, Caohai Lake is an ideal habitat for birds and home to 184 bird species, so it’s a must-see for bird-enthusiasts. If you visit Caohai Lake in winter, you’ll see black-necked cranes, the only plateau crane left in the world, gracefully walking on grasslands and hunting fish in the water. The best way to explore the lake is to hire a flat-bottomed boat and watch the cranes, eagles, and storks enjoying a warm winter as you meander through the channels.

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The natural wonders of Guizhou are a calming respite from your daily routine. Venture through this serene landscape, dotted with vibrant minority villages on one of our two tours through the region: Old Country Living and Hidden Guizhou. 

 

Guilin has much to offer the tourist who wants to see the real, wild heart of China. We’ve compiled the best selections from our tours in Guilin to inspire you to visit this pristine, exotic region.

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Carlos Adampol Galindo via Flickr

Guilin is home to China’s most archetypal scenery. The green karst peaks reflect on tranquil rivers and waves of water-filled rice paddies ripple across slopes of verdant mountains. This lush scenery is the embodiment of Chinese natural aesthetic principle, “lǜshuǐ qīngshān.” (Green hills and blue waters)

Step into the landscape you see reflected in Chinese ink paintings, the vivid inspiration for centuries of poems, songs, and legends. The summer season until October is the best time to visit.

But before we show you the best of Guilin, let’s get something straight. When people say Guilin, they’re really talking about two different places: Longsheng and Yangshuo. These two towns embody Guilin’s beauty and atmosphere. We recommend a day trip to Longsheng to see the stunning rice terraces, then return to Guilin for the night and head to Yangshuo for 2-3 days the next day.

Here are our top recommendations to make the most of your trip to Guilin in both Longsheng and Yangshuo:

Longsheng

Llee Wu via Flickr

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces

After an early morning drive from Guilin to the Zhuang minority village of Ping’an, our guides will take you on your choice of hikes through ribbons of undulating rice terraces. In May, the still-unplanted terraces of water will mirror the white clouds and color of the sky above, yielding some of the best opportunities for photographers to shoot the sunrise. As harvest season approaches in early fall, venturing out onto the mountain slopes gives travelers the chance to witness Zhuang farmers covering the slopes, bending down into the harvest and tending to the intricate bamboo and earthen irrigation systems which give life to the mountainside.

Yangshuo

P Bibler via Flickr

Bamboo Raft  

One of our favorite things about Guilin is that you don’t have to travel by car. Instead, take a traditional bamboo raft down the wide, green waters of the Li River from Yangshuo to the remote village of Xingping. It’s not a fast ride, so take off your shoes and let your feet trail in the cool water off the side of the boat as your raftsman guides you down the river with karst giants towering above on each side.

Biking 

From Xingping or Yangshuo you can easily explore deeper into the surrounding villages and landscapes by hopping on a bike. Out in the rural areas cars are few and the roads are smooth, so this is one of the best ways to get away from summer tourists and make your own journey through the peaks, rice fields, and old villages of Guilin.

Impressions of LiuSanjie

The blue waters of the Li River and surrounding misty karst peaks serve as the stage and backdrop to this contemporary impressionist performance of and old Zhuang romance legend. It’s choreographed by Zhang Yimou, the mastermind behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony. Sit back on the banks of the Li and enjoy the song and performance of local fishermen, actors, and children as a brilliant light show dances off the water and surrounding karst rock.

Yuan 2003 via Flickr

Hiking

While you’ll spend the majority of your time marveling at the karst landscape from below, spending the effort to get a view of the Li River and mist enshrouded mountains from above is more than worth it. When looking up these forested monoliths seem impossible to climb, but several peaks in the area are accessible by ancient stone stairs leading to pavilions and panoramic views. Each peak takes about thirty minutes to climb. Xianggong Mountain and Xilang Hill in Yangshuo offer some of the convenient options for families and those in Yangshuo (railings, constructed viewing platform, etc), while Laozhai Hill in Xingping is more remote but offers one of the best sunset viewing spots in the area.

Cooking Class

Take a break from the outdoors and dig your hands into local culture with our traditional Guilin chefs as they teach you how to cook local style in a brick courtyard house. Classic dishes will include recipes featuring chicken and pork and a variety of seasonal vegetables. A favorite of our travelers is jiandan jiao, a simple but mouth-watering dish of steaming dumplings fried in egg.

Landscape Painting class

Try your hand at following the Chinese classical art masters who used Guilin’s landscape as their inspiration. Under the guidance of our local professional artists, use traditional Chinese horse or rabbit hair brushes and mo, Chinese ink, to paint the surrounding mountains and rivers around you onto delicate rice paper. If you’re looking to make something more practical, you can do the painting on your own, original Chinese paper fan!

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Ready to take in Guilin’s jade-green rice terraces, spectacular karst peaks and mouth-watering food? Join us on the Guilin – Into the Scroll tour.

AsiaTravel have secured a great offer for your 2016 summer and winter stays at Peninsula Hong Kong.

• By far the most opulent hotel in Hong Kong, the iconic Peninsula is known as the Grande Dame of the East. This flagship hotel of the Peninsula brand provides guests with a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Hong Kong experience. Upon arrival, guests step into the timeless colonial glamour of a bygone era and the hotel effortlessly combines the luxury of the past with modern renovations, a spectacular open air Roman-style pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center offering unobstructed views of Victoria harbor.
• As well as offering up to 15% off your stay this summer and winter guests who book with AsiaTravel for two consecutive nights or more can enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast for two people for the duration of their stay.
• And there’s more… AsiaTravel can also make you an instant VIP with our PenClub benefits.

To book your stay contact info@wildchina.com or go one better and be our guest on a customized Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour 

 

 

Goldfish, birds, toys, clothes and electronics – there seems to be a street in Hong Kong for just about every type of commodity you might need. Inside the checkered warren of the city’s lanes you will find many great bargains, and interesting slices of local life. Here are some to visit during your next trip to the city:  

Photo by Barney Moss via Flickr

Southern part of Hong Kong Island

Stanley Market

Address: Hong Kong, Stanley, Stanley New St, 赤柱赤柱大街

Set in the seaside town of Stanley on Hong Kong Island’s south coast, Stanley Market is known for its huge selection of bargain clothes, inexpensive Chinese knick-knacks and household goods. At its Western end is Tin Hau Temple. Built by the notorious pirate Cheung Po Tsai in 1767, it remains one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. An easy 25-minute walk takes you to the beach, where bars, pubs and restaurant line the waterfront.

Opens 10am to 5pm daily.

 

Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon side

Photo by Daniel Chodusov via Flickr

Temple Street Night Market

Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Few places in Hong Kong are livelier than Temple Street, a popular street bazaar named after the Tin Hau temple at its center. Stall vendors lay out their wares every night from as early as 4pm, selling trinkets, watches, electronics, leather and menswear. While the stalls are mainly aimed at locals, the market’s popularity with tourists has driven prices up, and you might find better deals in the shops hidden behind the stalls. Fortune-tellers, street doctors, impromptu performances of Cantonese opera and the clack of mahjong tiles further add to the festivity of the market.

Opens 5pm – 11pm daily.

Jade Market

Address: Junction of Kansu Street and Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Halfway between Yau Ma Tei and Jordan on Kansu Street is the Jade Market, two solid blocks of flea markets and shops selling everything from high quality jade jewelry and figurines to glass trinkets. Genuine jade can range in color from milky white to a beautiful deep green. Another common hue is a cream color with brown or yellow flecks. Be careful about imitation jade at the market and always start with a bargaining price about 50% of what the vendor offered. The more eager he is to give it away the more you should suspect it is not the real McCoy.

Opens 9am to 5pm daily.

Photo by Mitch Altman via Flickr

Mongkok, Kowloon side

Ladies Street

Address: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

This market on Tung Choi Street boasts over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs across a one-kilometer stretch. More popular with tourists, prices here are comparatively higher than other markets. It does offer plenty of haggling fun for cheap souvenirs, ‘I Love HK’ t-shirts, accessories and other curios. Fashion here is often more “auntie” than trendy.

Opens 12pm to 10pm daily.

Photo by Geneva Vanderzeil via Flickr

Flower Market

Address: Flower Market Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon

Immerse yourself among the exotic blooms and scents of Hong Kong’s Flower Market. The 50 or so shops and wholesalers get especially busy during the period before Chinese New Year, as families flock towards the market to buy auspicious flowers and plants for the new lunar cycle.

Opens 7am to 7pm daily.

Bird Market 

Address: Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon       

Designed in the charming style of a traditional Chinese garden, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is a pleasant place to witness the old Chinese hobby of bird-keeping. Elderly men gather here, carrying their their feathered friends in intricately crafted bamboo cages. Sweet birdsongs ring out from the stalls selling exotic birds, porcelain water dishes and other related paraphernalia.

Opens 7am to 8pm daily.

Photo by Rob Web via Flickr

Goldfish Market

Address: Tung Choi Street North, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Locals head to the Goldfish Market to buy luck-bringing goldfish, aquarium pets, corals, aquariums, and aquatic ornaments. It is common to see oxygen-sealed plastic bags of goldfish (and other weirdly shaped ones) hung on racks and ready for sale.  You’ll also spot a few amphibians and reptiles crawling about.

Opens 10.30am to 10pm daily.

Shanghai Street

Address: 312-343 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon

Shanghai Street is one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares; a walk here gives you a glimpse of disappearing Hong Kong, of old Chinese opera houses and beautifully preserved shop-house buildings. It is also a great place to buy affordable kitchenware including handcrafted items like sandalwood fans and bamboo steam baskets used for dim sum usually sold in family-owned shops.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

Sham Shui Po, Kowloon side

Photo by Marcel Druck via Flickr

Apliu Street

Address: Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

In the heart of Sham Shui Po, vendors at the popular street market sell new and second-hand electronic devices, audio-visual equipment and telecommunications products at bargain prices. Tip: Check the voltage and plug/socket of the item for electronic compatibility.

Opens 10am to 10pm daily.

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Excited to venture out and explore the vibrant markets of Hong Kong? Book AsiaTravel’s Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour.

Hong Kong: apart from being one of the world’s global financial centers, the metropolitan city ranks highly for top-notch standards in its service and hospitality sectors. Many exciting accommodation choices are available, some of which will take you above skyscrapers with drop-dead vistas of the city. Read on for our top 5 picks for Hong Kong hotels.

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5. Langham Hong Kong

The stunning foyer of the Langham Hong Kong. Photo via Langham Hotels

The Langham Hong Kong recently received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rating Award and was named one of Travel + Leisure 500 – World Best Hotels. Located in Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong’s exclusive shopping district, the Langham evokes classical British luxury and provides a perfect blend of past and present. The hotel incorporates fine fabrics and silk drapes into its bespoke design. Guests can enjoy an immersive British “Langham Afternoon Tea ” experience with tailor-made Langham Rose tea ware and a special menu created by culinary experts. To satiate your palate, the Langham houses three well-rated restaurants including the three Michellin-starred T’ang Court which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine reflecting the classic timelessness of the Tang Dynasty. The Star Ferry with sensational views of the Victoria Harbor is a short walk away.

4. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Inside the Mandarin Oriental’s top-rated restaurant. Photo via Mandarin Oriental

If you want an awe-inspiring view of Victoria Harbor as you tuck in for bed, look no farther than the Mandarin Oriental. The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is the first and flagship hotel of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group. This iconic hotel is as legendary as the city of Hong Kong itself. It boasts a central location, five-star facilities, and is renowned for its sleek design, impressive service and exquisite blend of luxury and comfort. The style itself is bold and bright, yet retains a cozy charm reminiscent of old Hong Kong. Rooms are well-refurbished and redesigned to maximize space; service is as tip-top as any other luxury hotel in Hong Kong. Gourmands will love the three, Michelin-starred restaurants within the hotel – Pierre, with two stars, the Mandarin Grill and Cantonese restaurant, and Man Wah, each of with one-star. A stay at the Mandarin Oriental is an indulgent getaway from it all.

3. Island Shangri-La

Check-in at Island Shangri’La’s opulent lobby. Photo via Island Shangri-La

Island Shangri-La is all about old-school opulence – 779 Austrian and Venetian chandeliers bedeck its premises; the largest Chinese silk painting in the world can be observed from the bubble lifts while Fragonard drawings hang on some corridors. Elegant rooms are equipped with plush beds and spacious bathrooms – opt for a harbor-view room and you won’t be disappointed. Dining options include Michelin-starred Summer Palace, which serves Cantonese cuisine, as well as Café TOO, loved by locals for their international buffets on weekends.

 

2. Upper House

The modern chic of the rooms at the Upper House. Photo via the Upper House

The Upper House exudes modern Hong Kong style with a uniquely urban feel. The interiors are sumptuously designed by one of England’s top designers and feature bamboo, limestone and plush cushions in warm hues. The rooms, starting from the 38th floor, provide one-of-a-kind views and a respite from the bustling sounds of cars and street vendors down below. Like its sister properties, The Opposite House Beijing and The Temple House in Chengdu, the Upper House perfectly embodies the sleek modernity and urbane cool of the international mega-city. No compromises have been made on the artistic detail of this sophisticated boutique hotel. The Upper House is a great choice for business folk as well as shoppers – the hotel is in the same building as the glitzy Pacific Place mall.

1. Peninsula Hotel

The iconic pool at the Peninsula Hotel. Photo via Peninsula Hotel

• By far the most opulent hotel in Hong Kong, the iconic Peninsula is known as the Grande Dame of the East. This flagship hotel of the Peninsula brand provides guest with a one-of-a-kind, uniquely Hong Kong experience. Upon arrival, guests step into the timeless colonial glamour of a bygone era. Established in 1928, the hotel effortlessly combines the luxury of the past with modern renovations like LED touch wall panels. The spectacular open air Roman-style pool and state-of-the-art fitness center offer unobstructed views of the harbor. Arrive in style in one of the custom “Peninsula Green” Rolls Royces or Mini-Coopers. And our favorite part – AsiaTravel can make you an instant VIP with our PenClub benefits. If all of this luxury hasn’t wowed you yet, take to the air (the Pen is the only hotel with a helipad in Hong Kong) for a world-class view over Victoria Harbor or sightseeing excursions to less visited islands. You’ll never want to leave!

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Want to test out the pillows for yourself? Be our guest on a customized Hong Kong: Pearl of the Orient tour and find your favorite home away from home in Hong Kong.

 

The new high-speed rail line to Yunnan makes one of our favorite China destinations that much more accessible. From June 30th 2016, you’ll be able to travel from Shanghai all the way across the country to Kunming, China’s launchpad for outdoor adventure, in just 10 hours.  

The journey from Shanghai to Kunming, Yunnan is now only 10 hours. Photo by Enzo Jiang via flikr

The journey from the port megacity of Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, China’s year-round hub for adventure travel and cultural immersion, was once an 18 hour ride by train. This new line shaves off almost half the time, getting you there in 10 hours flat. For travelers from Beijing, the trip will take only 30 minutes more.

Trains can be one of the best ways to get around China. Check in is much less of a hassle and the new CRH high-speed trains are very comfortable, with more spacious seating than you’ll find on most domestic flights in China. And the best thing of all, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the Chinese countryside that you would completely miss flying overhead.

Where to Go from Kunming

Kunming is the launchpad for all kinds of adventures in Yunnan province. Here are few places to head next when you hop off the platform in Kunming:

Head northwest to the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons with popular hiking routes and gorgeous views. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Visit the quaint old town of Dali to explore the local Bai architecture, visit local artisans, and taste some scrumptious locally grown Yunnan specialties. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Stay at the Aman Hotel right in the heart of Lijiang Old Town. The Amandayan boasts a beautiful garden of local plants and flowers. It’s a lovely setting to spend an afternoon, sitting in a courtyard, drinking tea, and watching the blossom petals fall with the wind. Photo by Amandayan Lijiang

 

Visit Shangri-la, which remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. The charming town is located in a broad valley on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 10,500 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and lakes. 

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See all the Yunnan highlights on our classic Yunnan tour.

September 2015 marked a landmark anniversary for AsiaTravel – 15 years of pioneering experiential travel experiences throughout China! When deciding how to celebrate, a gala dinner seemed like an obvious choice but we aren’t ones to settle for the ordinary…

Instead, we decided to mark our achievements by celebrating China’s artisans – after all, they were the reason we began our journey and the reason we continue to strive today. We partnered with The Opposite House, one of Beijing’s most chic 5-star hotels, and invited thirty carefully selected artisans from Dongbei to Yunnan to exhibit and sell their handcrafted and cultivated treasures at an up-market boutique bazaar.

The inaugural Beshan Gāi was an Aladdin’s cave of artisan goods. From jewelry to homeware to organic produce, it was a day of fun and discovery for everyone. Over 2,000 visitors attended the event and there were regular musical performances throughout the day from one of Yunnan’s best folk singers. There was even a sugar painter on hand ready to create edible masterpieces for our younger audience. Beshan Gāi 2015 was designed and themed by POP-UP Beijing, and the event was covered in magazines such as Conde Nast China, Bloomberg China, City Weekend and Time Out Beijing (to name just a few).

With outstanding feedback from artisans and visitors alike, this year Beshan Gāi will return as a 4-day moving bazaar across different venues in Beijing and we are looking for artisans to join us.

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BESHAN GAI 2016

When: Saturday September 24^th – Sunday September 25^th

Where: The Opposite House & Taikoo Li North Village

Expected Attendance: 1,000 – 2,000 high end consumers per day

Special showcase for selected vendors:

Showcase 1: Thursday September 22^nd @ The Peninsula Hotel

Showcase 2: Friday September 23^rd @ The Rosewood Hotel

Expected Attendance: VIP & media guests, up to 400 high-end consumers per day

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The benefits of participating in Beshan Gāi

• • You will be part of a carefully themed and curated environment with both entertainment and Food and Beverage zones
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end consumers from both the expat and Chinese community in Beijing
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end media outlets invited by AsiaTravel
• • You will receive exposure to AsiaTravel’s global community through a social media campaign to 25,000+ worldwide
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product on the official Beshan Gāi website
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product through our media partner’s distribution channels, both in printed magazines throughout Beijing and online via their website, blog and social media

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