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

Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum, or Beiling Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the grand resting place of Qing Dynasty’s first emperor Huang Taiji and Empress Xiaozhuang in Shenyang. This first-hand account takes readers on a journey through the mausoleum’s serene grounds, starting with the elaborate stone archway—carved with dragons, phoenixes, and clouds—and the impressive Sacred Way lined with 18 pairs of stone statues (horses, elephants, lions, qilin, etc.), each a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship. The article explores the inner courtyard, including the Dacheng Hall (used for imperial sacrifices) and the circular Baocheng covering the emperor’s tomb, offering panoramic views of the mist-shrouded pine forests and stone walls. Beyond the historical sites, the piece highlights the vibrant blend of ancient history and modern life, as locals practice tai chi, dance, and picnic in the surrounding Beiling Park. Personal anecdotes, such as interacting with a local elder about the qilin statue and savoring Manchu snacks like sachima and shaobing, add warmth and authenticity. Qing Zhaoling is not just a tomb but a living cultural heritage site, exuding peace and reverence, making it a must-visit for those seeking to connect with Qing Dynasty history and Shenyang’s local life.

Shenyang Imperial Palace, a vital cultural heritage site of China’s Qing Dynasty, offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the early imperial era, distinct from Beijing’s Forbidden City. This article shares a first-hand exploration of the palace’s three main sections—Eastern Route (built by Nurhachi), Central Route (Huang Taiji’s throne hall), and Western Route (Qianlong’s elegant gardens)—highlighting the blend of Manchu and Han architectural styles. From the octagonal Dazheng Hall and Ten Princes’ Pavilions to the delicate Juanqinzhai with its star-like glass bead ceiling, the palace’s unique features are brought to life through personal anecdotes, including interactions with a long-serving guide and observations of local life blending with imperial history. The article also touches on the palace’s rich relic collection, from Qianlong’s embroidered robes to Manchu warriors’ weapons, and captures the magical atmosphere of the sunset in the rear garden. A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts, Shenyang Imperial Palace is a hidden gem that reveals the collaborative governance and military might of the early Qing Dynasty, offering a quieter, more immersive alternative to Beijing’s iconic imperial sites.

This culinary essay is a love letter to the Roujiamo, Xi'an's iconic street food often dubbed the "Chinese Hamburger." The author recounts the quest for an authentic version in a back alley shop, emphasizing the importance of the "master stock" used to braise the pork. The narrative breaks down the anatomy of the perfect Roujiamo: the "Baiji Mo" bun with its crispy "tiger skin" crust and dense interior, paired with the rich, hand-chopped braised meat. The tasting experience is described in visceral detail—the crunch, the soaking gravy, and the complex spice profile. The author concludes that the Roujiamo is a reflection of the region's character—straightforward, hearty, and unpretentious—and argues that this ancient staple far surpasses modern Western fast food in depth and soul.

This urban travelogue focuses on the Xi'an Bell Tower, the geographical and symbolic center of the ancient capital. The author describes the unique experience of visiting a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty structure situated in the middle of a busy modern traffic roundabout. The narrative details the panoramic 360-degree view from the balcony, visualizing the city's grid layout, and the visceral experience of striking the massive replica bell, feeling its resonance physically. The piece concludes with a reflective moment in a nearby café, observing the illuminated tower at night. The author portrays the Bell Tower not as a static relic, but as a living "anchor" and meeting point that maintains its dignity and relevance amidst the chaos of modern urban life.

This narrative explores Huaqing Pool as a site of dual historical significance: the romantic tragedy of Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang, and the pivotal political violence of the 1936 Xi'an Incident. The author moves from the sensory experience of touching the ancient, silky thermal waters—the same source used by the Tang court—to the stark reality of seeing bullet holes in the Five-Room Hall where Chiang Kai-shek was captured. The article contrasts the seductive luxury of the imperial baths with the desperate scramble of the 20th-century coup. The experience culminates in the spectacular outdoor performance of "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow," which utilizes the real mountain landscape as a backdrop. The piece reflects on the site as a paradox of beauty and brutality, where history is defined by extreme emotions and events.

This article explores the author's evening visit to Tang Paradise in Xi'an, initially approaching the "theme park" with skepticism. The narrative describes the stunning transformation of the park at night, where lighting and architecture combine to create a mesmerizing "city of gold" reflected in the lake. The author highlights the immersive atmosphere created by the throngs of visitors dressed in traditional Hanfu, blurring the lines between modern tourism and historical reenactment. A key focus is the grand performance, "The Dream Back to the Great Tang," which, despite its theatrical nature, successfully evokes the poetic and romantic spirit of China's golden age. The piece concludes that Tang Paradise serves not as a historical artifact, but as a cultural "dreamscape," allowing visitors to emotionally connect with the grandeur and artistry of the Tang Dynasty.

This vivid travel essay captures the author's intense encounter with the Hukou Waterfall, the world's largest yellow waterfall. The narrative focuses on the sensory overload of the experience: the ground-shaking roar, the taste of the muddy mist, and the visual shock of the "liquid gold" crashing into the narrow gorge. The author takes the reader down to the "Dragon Cave" viewing platform for a terrifyingly close perspective from below the waterline, offering a visceral description of the river's raw power. The experience is deepened by a cultural encounter with local Ansai Waist Drum performers, drawing a parallel between the ferocious energy of the river and the resilient spirit of the people who live on its banks. The article portrays Hukou not just as a scenic spot, but as a profound confrontation with the elemental force of the Yellow River.

This adventure narrative details the author's strenuous hike up Taibai Mountain, the highest peak of the Qinling Mountains. The article brings to life the drastic "one day, four seasons" weather changes, moving from the humid base to the freezing, high-altitude summit. The author vividly describes the unique geological landscape of the glacial stone seas and the physical challenge of navigating the rocky terrain while battling altitude sickness. The climax of the journey is the arrival at the Great Taibai Lake, a pristine, mystical body of water at the summit. The piece captures the raw, untamed beauty of China's wilderness, emphasizing the physical endurance required and the profound sense of humility felt when facing nature's grandeur.

This article recounts a pilgrimage to Famen Temple, a site renowned for housing the finger bone relic of the Buddha and a secret underground palace discovered by chance in the 1980s. The author describes the awe-inspiring approach through the modern complex and the descent into the ancient crypt, capturing the palpable spiritual intensity and emotional reactions of fellow visitors. The narrative delves into the significance of the archaeological find—not just the religious relic, but the Tang Dynasty treasures that rewrote the history of tea culture and global trade. Balancing the grandeur of the "Namaste Dagoba" with the quiet contemplation of the museum artifacts, the piece offers a personal reflection on faith, history, and the miraculous preservation of the past.

This travelogue captures the exhilarating experience of cycling the 13.7-kilometer loop atop the ancient Xi'an City Wall. The author writes from the perspective of a traveler immersing themselves in the physical and visual contrast of the journey: the "inside" view of old courtyards versus the "outside" view of modern skyscrapers. The narrative highlights the tactile details of the ride—the bumpy cobblestones, the wind at the watchtowers—and a heartwarming encounter with a local resident who helps fix a flat tire, illustrating the wall's function as a living community space. Concluding with a sunset view at the South Gate, the article presents the City Wall not merely as a defensive structure, but as a "park in the sky" that offers a unique, physical connection to the city's dual identity.

This narrative explores the author's visit to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, offering a blend of historical reverence and modern observation. The article contrasts the bustling, carnival-like atmosphere of the surrounding plaza with the serene, incense-filled sanctuary of the Da Ci'en Temple. The author describes the physical exertion of climbing the ancient wooden staircase and the reward of a panoramic view that juxtaposes Tang Dynasty architecture with Xi'an's futuristic skyline. The experience concludes with the famous musical fountain show—initially met with skepticism but ultimately appreciated as a communal celebration—and a grounding meal of Biang Biang noodles. The piece portrays the pagoda not as a static monument, but as a living anchor in a vibrant, evolving city.

In this evocative travel essay, the author explores the haunting beauty of the Western Xia Imperial Tombs in Ningxia, China. Dubbed the "Oriental Pyramids," these earthen structures are the last remnants of the mysterious Tangut civilization annihilated by the Mongols. The narrative takes the reader on a solitary walk through the windswept plains at the foot of the Helan Mountains, contrasting the raw, weathered majesty of the rammed-earth mounds with the typical grandeur of other Chinese historical sites. The author reflects on the "dead" Tangut script, the howling wind, and the profound melancholy of a forgotten empire. The piece culminates in a twilight meditation on the transience of power and legacy, offering a deeply personal and atmospheric perspective on one of China's most enigmatic archaeological sites.