China Travel: Most Popular Articles

Top 10 Things to See in China
Discover ten of China's top things to see ranging from the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall, the karst mountain landscape in Yangshuo, the hypercity of Shanghai and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. There are hundreds of attractions in China but this Top Ten List of Things to See gives you a key into planning your itinerary.

Health and Medical
While a trip to China should not be a cause for any worry, concerning your health, it's best to be prepared before you go. You may be wondering, what shots do I need for China? Find out more about vaccinations that are recommended for China and other health issues.

Shanghai Markets
Shanghai boasts some great shopping and one of the best places to experience it is in the open markets. From crickets to pearls, you can buy it in Shanghai. Find out where to shop the markets in Shanghai.

Visa Contact List
Contact list for Chinese Embassy and Consulate-Generals in the United States. Includes address, hours of operation, email and website information.

China Weather
What the weather is like in China: annual weather information for major areas in China.

Before You Go to China
Find out what you need to and should do to prepare for your trip to China. You'll want to get your travel documents ready, such as your passport and visa, read up on any health concerns and create your packing list as well as start creating your itinerary for your visit to China.

Things to Do in Shanghai
You might find yourself with a couple of extra days in Shanghai. If you're tired of museums and temples and want to sample a bit of history, a bit of local vibe, a bit of shopping and a bit of eating, this list should give you some ideas of things to do and how to spend a few days on your own in Shanghai.

Best Shanghai Shopping
Want to know where the best Shanghai shopping is? You could spend precious hours wandering the lanes and markets of Shanghai's shopping districts, but if it's high-quality, original gift items you're after, go no further than the shops listed here. These are the best-of-the-best for Shanghai shopping.

China Travel Docs
Find out what travel documents, including information about your passport and visa, you need when visiting China.

Bargaining 101
Bargaining in China can be a fun and social experience but you need to learn the rules before you play. Following this simple primer about how to shop and how to bargain in China will help you make the most of your shopping trip.

May in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in May, what to bring and what's happening.

Buying Pearls
This quick primer will give you some insight in valuing your pearls, telling the difference between real and imitation pearls and understanding what a cultured pearl is. After this quick read, you'll be ready to hit the pearl markets in China.

Pearl's Circles
A great place to buy pearls in Shanghai, or in China for that matter, is in the First Asia Jewelry Plaza near Shanghai's Yuyuan or Yu Garden Bazaar area. With "wholesale" prices, every strand of lovely sea and freshwater pearls is negotiable. For the higher budget, while still less than prices abroad, high-grade South Sea pearls are available. You can also find semi-precious stones such as garnet, peridot, rose quartz and turquoise as well as jade, amber and coral.

Visiting the Great Wall
Find out the best spots along China's Great Wall to visit.

Ways to Ruin Your Trip
You don't want to ruin your trip to China. Consider the Yin and Yang of it all; no trip to China is without its highs and lows. To maintain the highs and keep the lows at a minimum, here is a little advice to help you enjoy your trip to China.

Terracotta Army
Glimpse China's historical past at the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang who united China and built a monumental tomb to himself, including some 8,000 terracotta lifesize warriors and horses, creating an underground army to protect his voyage in the afterlife.

Packing Musts
Make your China packing list easier to manage by finding out what items aren't readily available so that you can bring them with you.

Fuxing Road Walking Tour
Wander down historic Fuxing Road in the old French Concession of Shanghai, China and discover shops and boutiques along the way. This walking tour will help you see one of Shanghai's French Concession's most beautiful streets, as well as help you bring back some lovely souvenirs from your trip.

Panjiayuan Market
Whatever it is that you're shopping for in Beijing, or China for that matter, you will most likely find it at Panjiayuan flea (or "dirt") market. From amber and pearls to old Beijing Opera costumes, terracotta warrior replicas and Cultural Revolution kitsch, it is on sale at the Panjiayuan market, a shopping paradise.

Great Wall History
A short history of China's Great Wall from ancient through Ming times.

Boutique Hotels in Shanghai
While still a new concept in Shanghai, and even in China, boutique hotels are popping up and there are a few posh properties that the discerning traveler will enjoy taking advantage of.

Shanghai for Kids
Not only is China, in general, a great place to bring your kids, Shanghai has some fun activities on offer for children when they get bored of the classical gardens, temples and endless shopping.

Water and Food Safety in China
What you need to know about drinking water and eating prepared food and street snacks in China.

Visiting Shanghai
Find out the basics about visiting Shanghai including its location, features, weather and how to get around.

Large jade carving
What to buy shopping photo gallery

June in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in June, what to bring and what's happening.

Visiting the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is probably China's most famous museum. Its famous red walls housed Ming and Qing emperors for nearly 500 years. Now the halls, gardens, pavilions and nearly one million treasures are visited and viewed by 8 million tourists a year. Find out more about visiting the Forbidden City during your trip to Beijing.

Squat Toilet
Directions and a discussion on squat toilets in China.

"Big Five" Ten Day Itinerary
See the "Big Five" sights - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Yangtze River & the Three Gorges Dam and Shanghai's Bund in this ten day itinerary to China.

Cash and Purchases
Find out the most convenient and safe way to carry cash, get cash and make purchases, including information on using your ATM, credit card or travelers' checks, while you're visiting China.

BJ opera masks small set
What to buy shopping photo gallery

SH Best-Located Budget Hotels
Read profiles of five of the best-located inexpensive and budget hotels in Shanghai.

First Aid Kit Packing List
Bring a first aid kit with you to China. Navigating a Chinese pharmacy is no fun when you're in need so be sure to include a first aid kit in your packing list.

Guilin Rice Paddy
See pictures of China within these China Photo Galleries. The galleries are indexed by place including photos of Beijing, the Great Wall, Shanghai, Yangshuo and Tibet.

Din Tai Fung Restaurant Review
Din Tai Fung is originally a Taiwanese restaurant but has outlets across Asia, including Shanghai and Beijing, and also in California. Read the review of Din Tai Fung's Xin Tian Di outlet in Shanghai and you'll be ready to plan your trip just to get a taste of their dumplings.

Beijing Opera Masks
What to buy shopping photo gallery

A Short History of Shanghai
Read a short history of Shanghai and its evolution from a sleepy fishing village to the commercial capital of China.

October in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in October, what to bring and what's happening.

Habits of the Giant Panda
Giant Pandas are secretive and elusive but they look like cuddly fluffy black and white bears. Find out what the Giant Panda is all about.

July in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in July, what to bring and what's happening.

Visiting Hangzhou
Heralded as China's "Paradise on Earth", Hangzhou is a tranquil city sitting just 2 hours outside of Shanghai. A wonderful place to visit to catch a glimpse of traditional China, Hangzhou's West Lake, towering pagodas, serene temples and bustling historic streets together make it an attractive tourist destination for the business traveler with a few extra days or the family traveling in China with kids.

Ski Resorts in China
Skiing is a sport that's starting to really gain popularity with Chinese. Find out where to go skiing with this directory of ski resorts in China.

The Giant Panda Breeding Base
The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu is an optimal place to see the Giant Panda up close and not behind bars at a zoo.

Chinese Currency
Get familiar with the Chinese currency, or Renminbi. Understand what notes and coins are in circulation.

Guangzhou City Profile
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province - both called Canton in earlier times. It is now an economic powerhouse and most travelers will be there on business or en route to Hong Kong. Find out the history of Guangzhou and Guangzhou's attractions.

Shopping for Her in Shanghai
Great gift ideas from Shanghai, China, for the women in your life. The rewards of shopping in China should, after all, be shared.

Kids Packing List
Traveling with children can take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Find out what you can buy for your kids in China and what you'll need to bring with you.

September in China
Find out what China is like in September, what to bring and what's happening.

January in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in January, what to bring and what's happening.

Three Days in Beijing
Beijing, Capital of China, is the seat of current and past power. A visit to Beijing must include stops at the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong's Mausoleum, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs and, of course, the Great Wall.

August in China
Find out what China is like in August, what to bring and what's happening.

US Embassy and Consulates
Listing of contacts, addresses and emergency numbers for American Citizen Services units in the Beijing US Embassy and the Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenyang Consulates General.

Chinese New Year
In-depth explanation and information about Chinese New Year, its history, the Chinese lunar calendar, the Chinese Zodiac and much more.

Jinshanling, Simatai Hike
For hikers: profile of a trek that can be done between the Jinshanling and Simatai sections of the Great Wall of China.

Shaolin Temple
As the center for Zen Buddhism, Shaolin Temple offers visitors to China a look into the history of Buddhism's spread from India as well as the spectacular physical display of the monks' study of Kung Fu, a specialezed type of Chinese martial arts.

Shopping for Him in Shanghai
Great gift ideas from Shanghai, China, for the men in your life. The rewards of shopping in China should, after all, be shared.

Tipping in China
Do you need to leave a tip in China? Find out all about tipping.

Mid-Autumn Festival
Falling in the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, or the exact middle of fall, the mid-autumn festival has been a tradition of coming together as a family, celebrating the moon and eating moon cakes in China for centuries.

Top Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
If your budget allows, Shanghai has some wonderful 5-star luxury hotels to choose from. Here are five of the best hotels to stay in if you are looking to be seriously pampered during your visit to China.

Beijing for Kids
Not only is China, in general, a great place to bring your kids, Beijing has some fun activities on offer for children when they get bored of the classical gardens, temples and endless shopping.

Dragonfly Review
Dragonfly spas offer a wonderful retreat from urban chaos. With 10 locations, offering traditional Chinese massage, as well as other Asian specialties, it's hard to pass up.

Tea
What to buy shopping photo gallery

December in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in December, what to bring and what's happening.

Gameboy games
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Electronics mall
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Chopsticks
What to buy shopping photo gallery

November in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in November, what to bring and what's happening.

Shaoxing Road & Taikang Road
Enjoy a walk down two lovely streets in Shanghai's former French Concession: Shaoxing and Taikang Roads.

Mutianyu Section
Profile of the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China, recommended site to visit on a day trip from Beijing.

Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a small, sleepy town in Guangxi province in southern China. It is a beautiful spot from which to experience the fantastic natural scenery of karst mountains popping up from the ground like a child's drawing.

National Day
Profile and history of October 1, the National Day of the People's Republic of China

Made in China Restaurant
Review of Made in China, contemporary Chinese cuisine in the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Beijing, China.

Romantic Spots in Shanghai
Aside from good places to spend Valentine's Day, these dining and drinking spots in Shanghai are great to impress a date or cozy up with your partner.

Gua Sha
Understand the traditional Chinese Gua Sha treatment, where the practitioner scrapes the back with ox horn extracting the body’s toxins and relieving it of common ailments such as a cold or flu.

Year of the Boar (Pig)
A profile of Boar (also Pig) people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Boar (Pig).

GreatWall
The Great Wall is China's most famous site and a must-see attraction for all visitors to China.

Visiting Zhengzhou
If you're on your way to Shao Lin Temple to see some Chinese Kung Fu, you'll very likely find yourself in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province. This city profile gives you Zhengzhou's location, history, features, weather and how to get around.

Where to Eat with Kids in SH
China is a kid-friendly place in general, but it's nice to know where to take your kids to eat in China. Here are ten of the best restaurants for kids in Shanghai.

JIA Shanghai
Review of JIA Shanghai, Shanghai's eminent boutique hotel.

Simatai Section
Profile of the Simatai Section of the Great Wall of China

Guangzhou History
A short history of Guangzhou, or Canton, as it was known in the West for many years.

Silk pajamas
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Japanese Restaurants
Shanghai has some great Japanese restaurants. Find out where to eat Japanese food in Shanghai.

Shopping for Kids in Shanghai
Great gift and shopping ideas from Shanghai for children.

I-Spa Interconti Shanghai
Review of treatments at the ISpa, Intercontinental Hotel, Shanghai

Pearls City
What to buy shopping photo gallery

SH Foreign Language Books
A listing of stores where you can buy English and other foreign language books and magazines in Shanghai.

Xiao Long Bao
An introduction to Xiao Long Bao, dumplings that originated in Shanghai and are one of its signature dishes.

Silk slippers
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Traditional instruments
What to buy shopping photo gallery

February in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in February, what to bring and what's happening.

Choose your birth year in jade
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Clay teapots
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Outdoor Dining Spots
Shanghai has a number of outdoor dining spots to choose from. Find out the best choices for terrace dining from casual brunch to drinks overlooking the Huang Pu river on the Bund.

China Books
Recommendations for books that are great reads for anyone interested in traveling to China.

Beijing Olympics Tickets Sales
2008 Beijing Olympics tickets sales office listings for residents of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Badaling Section
Profile of the Badaling Section of the Great Wall of China.

Foot massage sandals
What to buy shopping photo gallery

People 7
People 7 Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Shanghai.

Cupping
Understand the traditional Chinese Cupping, or bahuoguan, treatment, where the practitioner creates a vacuum in small jars placed on the skin extracting the body’s toxins and relieving it of common ailments such as a cold or flu.

Temple of Heaven
Located just a few kilometers away from the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven is one of the architectural wonders on any Beijing attraction list.

Quan Ju De Restaurant Profile
Quan Ju De Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Beijing.

New Heights
New Heights Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Shanghai.

Name stamp carving
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Noodle Loft Restaurant Profile
Noodle Loft Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Beijing.

Shanghai Sculpture Park
A great place to spend the day outside the city for a bit of green space and fresh air, the Shanghai Sculpture Park in Sheshan National Holiday Area is a fun attraction near Shanghai.

Pandas
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Paper cuttings
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Taking a Taxi
Find out how to get around Chinese cities by using a taxi cab.

Gold chickens and diamonds
What to buy shopping photo gallery

March in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in March, what to bring and what's happening.

Double fish ornaments
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Tibet Attractions
Just eight suggestions on what to see while you're in Tibet. These are the "biggies", but suffice it to say that anything you see in Tibet will be impressive and will leave you transfixed by this amazing country and its gentle people.

Jinshanling Section
Profile of the Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of China

881 South Beauty
881 South Beauty Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Shanghai.

Jade shop
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Odds and ends
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Ornamental tassels
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Mutianyu Battlements
See pictures of China within these China Photo Galleries. The galleries are indexed by place including photos of Beijing, the Great Wall, Shanghai, Yangshuo and Tibet.

May Day
May Day holidays around the first of May in China.

junk street
What to buy shopping photo gallery

hand-painted fan
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Hangzhou Hotels
A helpful listing of a range of hotels in and around Hangzhou, China.

Local sweets and snacks
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Mao Tshirts
What to buy shopping photo gallery

Traveler Nuisances
Travelers to China should be aware of some nuisances they might find during a visit to China. There's nothing to be afraid of, but there are some things you should watch out for.

Karst Mts and the Li River
See pictures of China within these China Photo Galleries. The galleries are indexed by place including photos of Beijing, the Great Wall, Shanghai, Yangshuo and Tibet.

April in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in April, what to bring and what's happening.

Battlements
See a Great Wall Photo Gallery with multiple pictures from the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall.

Year of the Sheep (Goat or Ram
A profile of Sheep (Goat or Ram) people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Sheep (Goat or Ram).

Best Way to See Beijing
Find out the best way to see Beijing on your own or with a tour group.

Year of the Ox
A profile of Ox people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Ox.

Year of the Rat
A profile of Rat people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Rat.

Kid Travel Worries
Will My Child Get Sick in China? Travel to China evokes a lot of worries when children are concerned. Find out answers to your big questions about traveling to China with kids.

August in Beijing
Find out what Beijing is like in August, what to bring and what's happening.

Xi'an City Profile
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, has seen the rise and fall of dynasties, was the gateway to the Silk Road and was the Tang Dynasty's capital during China's Golden Age. Now a tourist destination for visiting the Army of the Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is a fascinating place.

Traveling to Tibet
Tibet is a beautiful country full of gentle Tibetans scratching out an existence under harsh circumstances. Nonetheless, see Tibet as it is and make your own judgments. Understand the restrictions around travel to Tibet and find out how to get there.

How to Get to Lhasa, Tibet
You can travel to Lhasa, Tibet, via air, rail or overland via limited routes. Find out how to get to Tibet.

Getting Around Shanghai
China's second most-populous city, at first glance, it may be intimidating to navigate your way around Shanghai. Here are some useful tips for arrivals, using public transportation, taxis, airports and generally getting around Shanghai.

Hangzhou History
Hangzhou, a large tourist destination about 125 miles southwest of Shanghai, has a long and glorious history. Spanning 2,200 years, Hangzhou has historically been a seat of power and wealth. Today, with its West Lake, it is still a place of influence attracting millions of tourists as well as foriegn and domestic investment dollars.

Bank Holidays in China
Chinese bank holidays and hours.

Potala Palace, Lhasa
View images from Lhasa to Shigatse, the Potala Palace, soaring mountain scapes and amazing Tibetan skies.

Qingdao
There's more to do in Qingdao than just drink beer, although that is a respectable pass-time in this Bavarian-influenced city. Visit the beaches, tour historical buildings, savor the seafood and climb Mt. Laoshan - all during your visit to Qingdao, China.

The Naked Cow
Restaurant review of The Naked Cow, serving Western food Chinese style, or shared.

Tiananmen Gate
See pictures of China within these China Photo Galleries. The galleries are indexed by place including photos of Beijing, the Great Wall, Shanghai, Yangshuo and Tibet.

Water Towns
"Water Towns", Chinese villages on the Yangtze River Delta that have preserved their historic architecture along the canals they use for transport, make a perfect day trip from Shanghai or side trip from Suzhou.

Visa for Hong Kong
Answers to your questions about getting visas and other documents together before going on your trip to China.

Southern Barbarian
Restaurant review of Southern Barbarian, a friendly Shanghai eatery serving authentic provincial Yunnan, China cuisine.

Fu 1039: Shanghainese Cuisine
Down a lane and through a garden, Fu 1039 offers the visitor a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine as well as a peek into what it must have been like to eat it in the 1930s. Eating food surrounded by history is a treat and the dishes don't disappoint at Fu 1039.

Guangzhou
Temperature Charts: Average Temperatures in Major Chinese Cities