Itineraries, planning tips and city guides written by our local experts — everything you need to plan a China trip, then book it in real time.
Itineraries and country-wide planning guides.
How the 144-hour visa-free transit policy works, who qualifies, eligible cities and how to plan a stopover trip.
11 min read
When to visit China in 2026. Best seasons by region, what to pack, and the holiday crowds (Golden Week, Spring Festival) you must avoid.
9 min read
How foreign tourists ride China's high-speed trains in 2026: booking with your passport, collecting tickets, station procedures and top routes.
10 min read
A foreigner's guide to eating in China 2026: the major regional cuisines, how to order, halal and vegetarian options, and street food safety.
9 min read
How many days to spend in China in 2026. Sample itineraries from a one-week Golden Triangle to a three-week grand tour, with what fits in each and how to plan.
10 min read
Everything about hiring a private English-speaking guide in China in 2026: what they do, daily costs, private guide vs group tour, and how to book a licensed local expert.
9 min read
A complete 2026 guide to the Yubeng village trek in NW Yunnan: the Xidang route, Sacred Waterfall and Ice Lake hikes, altitude, best season and pro tips.
10 min read
Your 2026 guide to the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail in Yunnan: the 28 Bends, Naxi and Tea Horse guesthouses, the two-day route, difficulty and best season.
10 min read
A 2026 trekking guide to Mount Siguniang in Sichuan: the Changping and Haizi valleys, Rilong base town, altitude, the Bipenggou crossing and best season.
10 min read
Plan a 2026 trip to Yading & Daocheng in western Sichuan: the world's highest airport, the Chonggu-Luorong trek, Milk Lake, altitude advice and the best autumn season.
10 min read
Plan Kanas Lake and North Xinjiang for 2026: getting there via Urumqi and Burqin, Hemu and Baihaba Tuva villages, the fish-viewing platform, and the famous autumn forests.
10 min read
Plan a 2026 visit to Zhangye Danxia in Gansu: how to reach the Rainbow Mountains by train, the Linze and Binggou scenic areas, the best afternoon light and photography tips.
10 min read
Explore Pingyao, China's intact Ming-Qing walled city and old banking capital in Shanxi: city walls, Rishengchang draft bank, courtyard inns and travel tips.
9 min read
Discover Guizhou's Miao and Dong villages: Xijiang Thousand-Household Miao Village, Kaili, drum towers and wind-rain bridges at Zhaoxing, festivals and travel tips.
9 min read
Visit Wuyuan in Jiangxi: white-walled Huizhou villages, spring rapeseed terraces at Jiangling, ancient Likeng and Wangkou, plus the best season and travel tips.
9 min read
Plan Kashgar & southern Xinjiang: the old town, Id Kah Mosque, Sunday bazaar, Karakul Lake and the Karakoram Highway to Tashkurgan. Permits, seasons & tips.
10 min read
Plan Dunhuang: book the Mogao Caves, climb Mingsha singing-sand dunes to Crescent Lake at sunset, and explore Yumen Pass & the Yadan landforms. Seasons & tips.
10 min read
Plan Jiuzhaigou: the multicoloured lakes & waterfalls of northern Sichuan. The Y-shaped valley shuttle, Nuorilang Falls, Five Flower Lake, Huanglong & seasons.
10 min read
Foreign and international driving permits are not valid in mainland China. Here's exactly why you can't self-drive solo, and the legal workaround that does.
8 min read
A full stage-by-stage guide to the G318 from Chengdu to Lhasa via Litang and Batang: the high passes, altitude, best season, permits and how to drive it.
8 min read
How Muslim travellers eat, pray and explore China: qingzhen halal food, historic mosques, Muslim quarters and practical tips for Xinjiang, Ningxia & Gansu.
10 min read
China's greatest treks ranked: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yubeng, Mount Siguniang, Haba Snow Mountain, the wild Great Wall, EBC Tibet and the Yading kora.
10 min read
For repeat travellers: Guizhou's ethnic villages, southern Xinjiang, Yunnan's Nujiang, the Gansu Silk Road, Fujian tulou and Guangxi beyond Guilin.
10 min read
When is the best time to visit Beijing? Month-by-month weather, crowds and prices — plus the two ideal windows for the Great Wall.
8 min read
Compare the best Great Wall sections near Beijing in 2026: Mutianyu, Badaling, Jinshanling and Simatai. Find which one suits families, hikers and photographers.
8 min read
A detailed 3-day Beijing itinerary for 2026: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Summer Palace and the city's best hutongs.
11 min read
The complete 2026 guide to seeing giant pandas in Chengdu: which base to visit, best times, tickets, the volunteer program and insider tips for the best experience.
7 min read
A detailed 5-day Chengdu itinerary for 2026: giant pandas, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan, Sanxingdui and the city's legendary hotpot and teahouses.
11 min read
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