China Hotels

China’s civilization is one of the oldest in history, existing for thousands of years up to this day. Its rich culture is proudly exhibited in its impressive architecture, exquisite cuisine variety, and colorful customs spanning across different regions in the country.

Aside from the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, there are more than enough reasons to visit China. There are the adorable pandas, the giant buddhas, the incredible landscapes, and the crowded shopping districts, to name a few.

A week or two may not be enough to completely visit everything there is to see in China, but not visiting at least one of the major cities is even worse. To begin, simply pick one of the most popular cities in China and start exploring the country’s culture from there.

How to Go

The airports of Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai are the most frequented by both local and foreign tourists when they want to go around China. From Beijing Airport (PEK), you can travel the 30-kilometer distance to the city proper by bus, taxi, or train. The fastest option is the train which will take only 20 minutes of travel time.

Shanghai has two airports: the Pudong International Airport and the Hongqiao International Airport. The former is farther from the city center than the latter. Both Shanghai airports have special shuttle buses and train stations that can take you to the city proper. However, Pudong Airport has a maglev train option that can take you quicker downtown compared to other public transportation.

If you’re coming from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, you can go to the city center either through train, bus, or taxi.

Getting Around

It’s relatively safe and possible to walk from one tourist spot to another in China. Walking will also give you a more immersive feeling of the local culture, so it’s recommended to give it a try. For inter-city travels, take the bus. They’re ideal for short-distance journeys since they’re cheaper and are easier to get a hold of.

But for long-distance voyages, taking the train is your best option. There are day trains, sleeper services, first-class and second-class seats, and VIP tickets to choose from. If you want a faster option, there are over 30 domestic airlines to choose from. You can cut your travel time by at least a half if you choose to fly rather than take land transportation.

Car rental isn’t recommended as China doesn’t recognize International Driving Permit rules.

Top Things to Do

Immerse yourself in China’s rich history and culture as you explore its cities. Nothing is more famous among tourist spots in China than the Great Wall. Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall section since it’s less crowded compared to the Badaling section. One of the top things to do in China is to visit the Forbidden City. While you’re there, you can also go to Tiananmen Square and Mao's Tomb. Aside from the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors is another main attraction of China. You can also visit the nearby Xi’an Wall and bike around the area.

For a relaxing trip, rafting on a bamboo raft along the Li River, cruising the Three Gorges River, and strolling the West Lake are the recommended things to do in China. If you’re looking for an interactive activity to learn more about Chinese culture, take part in a tea ceremony, learn Kungfu in a Shaolin temple, or attend a calligraphy class.

Explore the architectural wonders and glimpse at the deep history of China by taking a tour along the Silk Road. It’s a long journey, so make sure you have ample supplies with you before proceeding with the trip. The Summer Palace is another one of the famous tourist spots in China. It has exquisitely crafted lakes, gardens, and landscapes that will astonish you.

For an exciting outdoor experience, join Mount Kailash kora where you’ll circle the base of the mountain for days. You can also hike the Yellow Mountain and be rewarded with a scenic view of steep cliffs, springs, and pine trees. China is also rich in wildlife and among the most popular are the lovely pandas. See them roll in the Chengdu Research Base.

What to Eat

China is the home of dim sum and you must give it a taste during your trip. The world-famous Xiao Long Bao or soup dumpling is an absolute must-try. Siu mei or barbecued meat, pork dumplings, steamed stuffed buns, mantou, chicken feet, youtiao, and stinky tofu are also some of the street foods you should eat.

There are also a wide variety of noodle dishes to try in China. There are the Dan dan noodles, hot and sour glass noodles, and beef noodles to name a few.

Meanwhile, roasted duck is also a prominent dish in China. Beijing restaurants like Jing Yaa Tang, Duck de Chine, Liqun, Quanjude, and Da Dong Roast Duck are the best places that serve this dish. For an addictive dessert, give bingtang shanzha or crystal sugar hawthorns a taste.

Where to Stay

Beijing is the top place to look for hotels in China. As the country’s capital, the business district has everything you need. It has numerous shopping malls, popular restaurants, affordable and luxurious accommodations, and a lively nightlife. Hotels in Beijing are near major tourist spots in China like the Great Wall and Forbidden City.

The bustling city of Shanghai is also one of the most popular places to look for hotels. It has a range of accommodations from luxurious to affordable options.

Guangzhou is for foodies who want to experience a mix of urban and natural settings. China hotels in this area are near restaurants serving exquisite dim sum and are in close proximity to parks, museums, castles, and ancient architectures. The Zhujiang New Town and the CBD areas are the top districts to stay for days.

For a dynamic place to look for hotels in China, Shenzhen beats the other cities, especially when it comes to nightlife. The Luohu, Bao'an, Futian, and Nanshan are the best districts to stay since they’re accessible and have numerous affordable accommodations.

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