Authentic Travel Diaries & Private Tours,Discover the Real China with Local Experts and Genuine Stories

Join Maya, an Indian spice research scholar passionate about Sino-Indian culinary exchanges, on a flavorful journey through Chengdu China—the heart of Sichuan’s “ma la” (numbing-spicy) culture and home to giant pandas. Her adventure starts with a hands-on cooking class at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, where she masters balancing chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to make iconic Kung Pao Chicken. She explores Qing Dynasty-style Kuanzhai Alley, sipping jasmine tea while watching a Sichuan opera face-changing show, and wanders Jinli Ancient Street’s lantern-lit lanes for spicy rabbit heads and wontons. Maya visits the Chengdu Panda Base to watch fluffy cubs munch bamboo, and travels to the 2,200-year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation System—a marvel of ancient engineering. She indulges in a lavish hot pot feast at Hai Di Lao, savoring fresh river fish and lotus root in a fiery broth, and explores local markets for premium Sichuan peppercorns. Blending immersive cultural stories with practical tips—including transportation hacks, top eateries, and a 3-day itinerary—this guide reveals Chengdu as a city where bold flavors, ancient traditions, and laid-back local life blend seamlessly.

Join Sophie, a French wine connoisseur and cultural heritage enthusiast, on a mesmerizing journey through Xian China—the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Her adventure kicks off with the iconic Terracotta Army, where she marvels at thousands of life-sized clay soldiers with unique faces and the well-preserved bronze chariots of Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. She savors classic Xian dishes: crumbling flatbread into rich yangrou paomo (lamb soup), biting into crispy roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), and tasting grilled chuanr skewers in the bustling Muslim Quarter. Sophie cycles along the Ming Dynasty Ancient City Wall at sunset, explores the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda linked to monk Xuanzang’s Silk Road pilgrimage, and delves into Shaanxi History Museum’s Tang Dynasty treasures. She also discovers Xian’s wine legacy, sampling Han Dynasty-style huangjiu (rice wine) and local grape wine with distinct terroir. Blending immersive cultural stories with practical tips—including transportation hacks, top eateries, and a 3-day itinerary—this guide reveals Xian as a city where 2,200 years of history dances with vibrant modern life.

Join Emma, an American East Asian imperial history student, on a captivating journey through Beijing China—where 800 years of imperial legacy meets vibrant local hutong life. Hosted by a former Forbidden City tour guide, Mr. Li, she explores iconic sites: the Forbidden City’s golden throne halls and imperial jewelry collections, the Temple of Heaven’s echo-amplifying walls, and the Summer Palace’s dragon boat rides on Kunming Lake. She witnesses the solemn Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremony at dawn, then dives into local culture—savoring Granny Wang’s 40-year-old jianbing recipe in Nanluoguxiang, sipping jasmine tea with mahjong-playing locals, and cycling around Shichahai Lake at sunset. Beyond the palaces, Emma discovers Beijing’s soul: erhu players under ginkgo trees, tai chi practitioners in temple courtyards, and generations of families living in siheyuan courtyard houses. This guide blends her immersive diary with practical tips: subway navigation hacks, top Peking duck restaurants, hutong etiquette, and a 3-day itinerary balancing must-see imperial spots and off-the-beaten-path local experiences—perfect for history buffs and culture seekers alike.

Join Yuki, a Japanese architectural and landscape photographer, on a journey to Hongcun, a renowned "village in a painting" in Anhui Province, China. Drawn by Moon Marsh’s iconic reflection, she stays at Lotus Court Inn, run by retired Huizhou architecture expert Mr. Cheng, who shares key photography tips—dawn at Moon Marsh for perfect light and minimal crowds. Yuki captures Huizhou-style houses with white walls and black "horse-head" gables, explores Chengzhi Hall with intricate wood carvings (like the 100-Lion Beam), and rents a bamboo raft on South Lake to visit the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon filming spot. She experiences local culture too: learning Huizhou ink-making, savoring stinky mandarin fish and stone fungus chicken stew, and watching Huizhou opera. A hidden stream by the east gate, recommended by an art student, becomes the site of her favorite shot—locals washing vegetables amid bamboo reflections. Beyond photography, Yuki grasps Hongcun’s essence: 900 years of harmony between humans and nature, using local materials and adapting to the land.

Join Sofia, a Mexican food blogger with an “iron tongue” for spice, on a flavorful journey through Chengdu China—the nation’s beloved “Spice Capital.” Her adventure begins with longchaoshou (Sichuan wontons) at Jinli Ancient Street, where she discovers the unique “ma la” (numbing-spicy) magic of Sichuan peppercorns. She explores Kuanzhai Alley for authentic Fuqi Feipian (Husband & Wife Lung Slices), learns to brew gaiwan tea, and is captivated by Sichuan opera’s face-changing act. Later, she dives into Jianshe Road’s street food—grilled pig brain, spicy skewers—and joins locals for Hai Di Lao hot pot, mastering the “7-second rule” for crispy duck intestines. Beyond food, Sofia highlights cultural gems like shadow puppet shows and connects with locals who share stories and passion. The guide includes key tips: navigating subways via Alipay, booking opera tickets in advance, adjusting spice levels (“qing la” for mild), and choosing stays near Jinli or Chunxi Road. Whether you’re a spice lover or culture seeker, this guide unlocks Chengdu’s warmth and flavors.

Dive into Lijiang China’s rich Naxi heritage with Tom, a Canadian cultural scholar, whose journey blends authentic local experiences with insights for travelers, including those staying at Club Med Lijiang. Start at a traditional Naxi homestay, where host A-ma serves suyou welcome tea and shares childhood stories of Lijiang Ancient Town. Explore Mufu Palace to uncover Naxi chieftain history and marvel at Dongba script— the world’s only living hieroglyphs. Watch Naxi women sing folk songs at Black Dragon Pool, savor smoky Naxi bacon and eight-treasure soup, and craft handmade Dongba paper with a local master. Delve into the Tea Horse Road’s legacy at the museum, then climb Lion Hill for sunset views of lantern-lit ancient town alleys. Even if staying at Club Med Lijiang, the guide details how to access these cultural gems: 20-minute taxi rides to the ancient town, pre-booking workshops via the resort, and day trips to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Learn essential tips: avoiding altitude sickness, respecting Naxi etiquette, and finding authentic snacks. This guide bridges Club Med Lijiang’s comfort with Lijiang’s living culture—ideal for every traveler.

Join Lila, a French exchange student, on a vivid 1-day journey through Shanghai China to discover the best things to do in Shanghai. Start with Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old classical garden where she joined locals in tai chi and sipped jasmine tea. Then, savor authentic crab roe xiaolongbao at Yuyuan Bazaar’s famous Nanxiang Restaurant—learning the local trick to avoid burning your tongue. Head to trendy Wukang Road for Art Deco gems like Wukang Building, get a street portrait, and relax at a cozy café while chatting with locals. In late afternoon, wander the Bund, admiring 52 historic Western-style buildings opposite Lujiazui’s futuristic skyscrapers. Catch the sunset and skyline light show on a Huangpu River cruise, then explore hidden alleys near Nanjing Road to find a vintage bookstore run by a French-speaking local. End with spicy Sichuan food and late-night jazz at Tianzifang. The guide includes essential tips: navigating subways with Alipay, booking cruise tickets in advance, avoiding tourist traps for authentic eats, and choosing the best areas to stay. It’s your go-to for experiencing Shanghai’s unique East-meets-West charm.

Join Emma, an outdoor enthusiast from London, on a magical adventure through Hunan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—the real-life inspiration for Pandora’s floating mountains in Avatar. This travel diary takes you from the heart-stopping ascent of the Bailong Elevator, a glass lift clinging to a cliffside that rockets 326 meters in 66 seconds, to the thrilling Tianmen Mountain Glass Plank Road, where 1,430-meter-high panoramic views of mist-shrouded peaks erase all fears. Emma shares warm encounters with local hikers, savoring fresh mountain dishes like wild mushroom pork and stir-fried bamboo shoots at a family-run restaurant, and conquering the 999 steps to Tianmen Cave for a sunset view that paints the mountains pink and orange. The accompanying guide reveals essential tips: booking timed tickets online 3 days in advance to skip lines, choosing the right hiking gear for wet trails, and navigating Zhangjiajie’s transportation seamlessly. Whether you’re planning a trip to Zhangjiajie China or craving a virtual escape into nature’s wonders, this article is your ultimate companion for an unforgettable journey.

Join Mike, a first-time visitor from New York, on his unforgettable 1-day Beijing adventure centered around the Forbidden City (Gugong) — China’s iconic imperial palace. From waking up early to witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square (with pro tips on timing!), to exploring the Forbidden City’s golden-roofed palaces and hidden tea house, this travel diary blends immersive cultural experiences with practical insights. Mike shares his encounters with locals, tastes authentic snacks like tanghulu and ludagun on Wangfujing Street, and reveals how to navigate Beijing’s subway like a local. The accompanying guide covers crucial details: booking Forbidden City tickets online 7 days in advance, avoiding tourist traps for genuine food, and cultural etiquette to respect. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Forbidden City (Gugong) in Beijing, China, or craving a virtual taste of imperial history and everyday Chinese life, this article is your ultimate companion.

This official guide, originally released by the People's Bank of China, serves as a comprehensive resource for overseas visitors navigating the china payment landscape. It assures travelers that diverse payment options are readily available. International bank cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay are accepted by merchants displaying relevant logos. Crucially, the guide details how foreigners can easily access China's dominant mobile payment ecosystem. It provides step-by-step instructions for downloading WeChat Pay China and Alipay China, registering with overseas phone numbers, and linking international credit cards to make QR code payments, simplifying the process even for those unfamiliar with Alipay in Chinese interfaces. Transaction limits for foreign users on these platforms are set at $5,000 per transaction and $50,000 annually. Additionally, the guide outlines traditional methods, explaining how to obtain cash via ATMs and exchange counters, and introduces options for opening local bank accounts or using the new E-CNY (Digital Yuan).

Discover the magic of Yangshuo, a timeless destination in Guangxi, China, renowned worldwide for its breathtaking karst mountains and emerald waters. This comprehensive travel guide details everything you need to know about visiting this scenic paradise, starting with the various transportation options from Guilin. Whether you choose the famous Li River Yangshuo cruise, a high-speed train to Xingping, or a direct airport bus, we provide up-to-date schedules and pricing to help you plan your arrival. The article dives deep into the region's top attractions, offering a comparison between the majestic motorized bamboo rafts of the Li River and the serene, manual rafting experience on the Yulong River. It also highlights unmissable cultural experiences, such as the spectacular "Impression Sanjie Liu" night show and the immersive "Guilin Romance" performance. For outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, we outline the best routes for cycling the Ten-Mile Gallery and hiking up Xianggong Hill for sunrise views. From practical travel tips to "must-see" landscape spots, this guide is your ultimate resource for planning an unforgettable trip to China’s most picturesque county.

This comprehensive travel guide provides essential logistics and sightseeing tips for international tourists planning to visit the famous Terracotta Soldiers in Xi'an, China. The article clarifies that the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum comprises two distinct areas: the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (home to Pits 1, 2, and 3) and the Lishan Garden (the Mausoleum Site Park featuring the Bronze Chariots and ancient city walls). Visitors are informed that a single entry ticket covers both locations. The guide details the specific opening hours for peak (March 16–Nov 15) and off-peak seasons, estimating a visiting time of 1.5 hours for each site. Practical transportation advice is included, highlighting the free shuttle bus service connecting the two sites and the optional electric sightseeing cars available for a fee. Furthermore, a crucial itinerary tip suggests that visitors starting at the Terracotta Soldiers museum should arrive by 14:30 and depart for Lishan Garden no later than 16:30 to fully experience this magnificent archaeological wonder.