Why I love China

“A passion for Chinese martial arts saw me enrolling for a four-year degree in Chinese at university in London back in the 1990s. They were fun days, when travelling China was testing but exciting in equal measure. Hotspots like Píngyáo were unheard of and Shànghǎi’s Pǔdōng was a cocktail-free flatland. I could say it's the fantastic food, the awesome landscapes, the thrill of train travel, the delightful people or...” Read More

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Damian Harper
Writer

Top experiences in China

Recent articles

Seven reasons to explore Hong Kong Global Geopark right now

Twenty years after its return to China, Hong Kong is awakening to the importance of its natural and cultural heritage on a collective scale. And it should. The city is the top in Asia and fifth worldwide in the extent of its area designated for conservation, according to the World Economic Forum's 2015 Travel and Tourism Report. In very few places are urban delights and outdoor pursuits on offer in such close proximity as here.

Natural hexagonal columns in ethereal colours at Hong Kong Global Geopark © cozyta / Shutterstock
Piera Chen
Lonely Planet Writer

First time Shanghai: discovering the best of the city

From the rickety charm of the Old Town to the space-age architecture of Pǔdōng, Shanghai is a city that's hard to pin down. For first-timers it can be as daunting as the vertigo-inducing views from its skyscrapers and as challenging as trying to eat xiǎolóngbāo (soup dumplings) without ruining your shirt, but with a few tips and a bit of know-how you’ll have Shanghai worked out in no time.

Once you’ve shopped and dined your way around the former French Concession, zipped up to the tops of Pǔdōng’s shiny architectural feats, people-watched along the Bund and soaked up the scenery of the Old Town and temples of Jìng’ān, head to some of the more off-the-beaten track neighbourhoods to get a sense of the city’s history and local life.
Kate Morgan
Lonely Planet Writer

Hidden Beijing: 10 intriguing sights to discover in the Chinese capital

As Beijing leaps skywards into the 21st century, its history can sometimes get left in the shadows. But despite the new highways and high-rises, China’s capital has plenty of past pockets hidden away to reward the intrepid explorer. Here are ten little visited, history-rich Beijing sights to get you started.

Worker's Cultural Palace: a crowd-free mini-Forbidden City © Tom O'Malley / Lonely Planet
Tom O'Malley
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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China adventures

$2699 Small group tours

Highlights of China

Experience the towering achievements of China's rich history as you uncover its past along the Great Wall and reflect on its future among Shanghai’s gleaming towers. Explore the country’s great cities, magnificent architecture, gorgeous landscapes, and archaeological treasures. Float down the Yangtze River and wander among iconic limestone karsts. Our expert CEOs will reveal the region’s hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on experiencing all that China has to offer.
$2889 Photography

Essential China

Encounter the essence of China in all its wonderful diversity—climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors before heading down south on this 3-week tour of China's cultural and natural highlights. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan and explore ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei Shan, then float down the world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEOs, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
$1614.66 Small group tours

6-Day Best of Southern China Private Tour: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Guilin and Yangshuo Including Pearl River

Experience the best of Southern China, beginning in Hong Kong and then followed by its famous mainland neighbors - Guangzhou, Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng - on this 6-day, 5-night guided tour. Explore Hong Kong’s city life as your expert guide takes you to its commercial districts. Learn about the interesting culture and colonial history of Guangzhou, and ride a bike through Yangshuo to see the fantastic natural scenery of the county. Visit the Longji Rice Terraces and hike to Dazhai to appreciate not only the resourceful method of farming but also the breathtaking Chinese landscape.
$108.99 Boating & cruises

Li River Cruise Full Day Tour of Guilin and Yangshuo

Take a day trip from Guilin along the impressionable Li River, twisting and turning through lush Chinese landscape that will have you 'snap happy' with the camera for the majority of the sightseeing tour! After some local, fresh catches for lunch on the way to Yangshuo, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of shopping and maybe pick up some real bargains in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings.
$387.50 Boating & cruises

3-Night Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang including the Three Gorges Dam

This four-day river cruise will show you the best of what China’s Yangtze River has to offer. Leave your troubles behind and relax on a sightseeing cruise along the gorgeous Yangtze River. Pass the famous Three Gorges (Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling gorges) and step off the ship to discover the Shibaozhai pagoda (included with 5-star cruise program) or the ghost town of Fengdu (included with super 5-star cruise program) and the Three Gorges Dam. Take included excursions on smaller boats and venture into Yangtze tributaries like the Shennong Stream or the Lesser Three Gorges, and enjoy delicious meals and entertainment on board the boat.
$410.66 Small group tours

4-Day Private Tour of Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Peking Duck Dinner

Discover the most popular attractions in Beijing on this multi-day, all-inclusive tour of the city with a private guide. On this stress-free Beijing tour, visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and learn about Beijing’s political history. Enjoy the natural and architectural wonders of the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, and walk among the locals along a ‘hutong,’ a traditional Beijing alley. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture at a Beijing acrobat performance and dine on China’s famous Peking duck.
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