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China Travel: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Chinese New Year Guide
A Guide to the 2010 Chinese New Year events, legends, traditions and activities.
Christmas in China
Find out how to celebrate Christmas in China in 2009. If you're going to be in China over Christmas, you'll want to know where to get your Christmas turkey and where to go and see the Christmas Carol.
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.
Year of the Tiger
A profile of Tiger people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Tiger.
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.
Christmas in China
Christmas in China Picture Gallery
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.
December in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in December, what to bring and what's happening.
China Weather
What the weather is like in China: annual weather information for major areas in China.
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.
Health and Medical
You may be wondering, what shots do I need for China? 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. Find out more about vaccinations that are recommended for China and other health issues.
Chinese New Year
In-depth explanation and information about Chinese New Year, its history, the Chinese lunar calendar, the Chinese Zodiac and much more.
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.
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.
A Guide to Christmas in China
A Guide to Christmas 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.
China Travel Docs
Find out what travel documents, including information about your passport and visa, you need when visiting China.
Buying Pearls
Learn how to buy pearls and pearl jewelry and understand the value of pearls during your visit to China.
Chinese New Year Activities
Understand the long list of activities and what the Chinese do during the fifteen-day-long festival over Chinese New Year.
March in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in March, 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.
Visa Contact List
Contact list for Chinese Embassy and Consulate-Generals in the United States. Includes address, hours of operation, email and website information.
Visiting the Great Wall
Find out the best spots along China's Great Wall to visit.
February in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in February, what to bring and what's happening.
Prostitution in China
What you should know about prostitution in China before you go.
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.
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.
Christmas in Beijing
What to do during Christmas in Beijing.
China's Provinces
Listing of China's provinces and other administrative zones.
Squat Toilet
Directions and a discussion on squat toilets in China.
April in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in April, what to bring and what's happening.
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.
Year of the Boar (Pig)
A profile of Boar (also Pig) people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Boar (Pig).
Shanghai Fake Market
Shanghai Yatai Xinyang Fashion and Gift Market (or "the fake market") information.
Visiting Shanghai
Find out the basics about visiting Shanghai including its location, features, weather and how to get around.
Christmas in Shanghai
What to do during Christmas in Shanghai.
Vaccinations for China Travel
Required and recommended vaccinations for travel to China.
Great Wall History
A history of the Great Wall of China from ancient through Ming times.
Year of the Rooster
A profile of Rooster people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Rooster.
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.
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.
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.
Water and Food Safety in China
What you need to know about drinking water and eating prepared food and street snacks in China.
May in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in May, what to bring and what's happening.
Great Wall Length
The answer to the question "how long is the Great Wall of China".
Year of the Monkey
A profile of Monkey people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Monkey.
Year of the Snake
A profile of Snake people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Snake.
Year of the Dragon
A profile of Dragon people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Dragon.
Year of the Rabbit
A profile of Rabbit people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Rabbit.
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.
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.
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.
SH Best-Located Budget Hotels
Read profiles of five of the best-located inexpensive and budget hotels in Shanghai.
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).
SH Foreign Language Books
A listing of stores where you can buy English and other foreign language books and magazines in Shanghai.
Beijing Markets
If you are wondering where to shop in Beijing, here is a listing of some popular open-air markets and shopping streets.
Year of the Horse
A profile of Horse people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Horse.
Dong Tai Road
Dong Tai Road "Antiques" Market is a collection of stalls and shops along an old road in the center of Shanghai that is great for browsing, shopping and bargain-hunting.
Year of the Dog
A profile of Dog people, those born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Dog.
Fu Dao Le
Find out why there is a Chinese character hung upside-down on many doorways across the country, especially around Chinese New Year.
Red Underwear for CNY
Exchanging red underwear is an interesting Chinese New Year tradition practiced in mainland China and elsewhere.
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.
June in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in June, 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.
Games for sale
What to buy shopping photo gallery
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.
Travel Related Questions
Most tourist-related businesses are open during Chinese New Year and it's very possible to travel in China over the holidays. Find out more answers to your questions about traveling during Chinese New Year.
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.
Tibet Guide
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.
Public Holidays in China
Chinese public and bank holidays.
Gift Guides
In these gift guides for shopping in China are some suggestions of great souvenirs to bring back to your home country that go beyond chopsticks and fans.
September in China
Find out what China is like in September, what to bring and what's happening.
Japanese Restaurants
Shanghai has some great Japanese restaurants. Find out where to eat Japanese food in Shanghai.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shaoxing Road & Taikang Road
Enjoy a walk down two lovely streets in Shanghai's former French Concession: Shaoxing and Taikang Roads.
Chinese Currency
Get familiar with the Chinese currency, or Renminbi. Understand what notes and coins are in circulation.
"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.
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.
Lunar Calendar & Zodiac
An introduction of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and the Chinese Zodiac system.
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.
October in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in October, what to bring and what's happening.
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.
China in Winter
What China is like during the winter season - what to do and where to go.
Guilin Photo Gallery
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.
Guangzhou History
A short history of Guangzhou, or Canton, as it was known in the West for many years.
Dongmen Road Fabric Market
Shanghai Cybermart and Computer Electronics Market information.
China Books
Recommendations for books that are great reads for anyone interested in traveling to China.
Chinese Tea
What to buy shopping photo gallery
Nan Luo Gu Xiang
This ancient street has been turned into a fun shopping street in Beijing. Browse for unique souvenirs; drink and eat at hip cafes and restaurants.
Shanghai Day Trips
There are a lot of things to do outside Shanghai for cultural interest, sightseeing and relaxing. Take advantage of the places within 2-3 hours of Shanghai for day trips or weekend getaways.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Find out the essentials about going to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
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.
What to Wear in China
Find out what to wear in China and how to pack for your visit to China.
Shopping for Kids in Shanghai
Great gift and shopping ideas from Shanghai for children.
Chinese New Year Origins
Read about the origins of Chinese New Year.
Performance at the 2008 Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
See photos from the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Chinese New Year 2010
The date for Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, 2010.
Lujiabang Road Fabric Market
Shanghai South Bund (Lujiabang Road) Fabric Market information.
July in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in July, what to bring and what's happening.
August in China
Find out what China is like in August, what to bring and what's happening.
Beijing
Temperature Charts: Average Temperatures in Major Chinese Cities
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
Tipping in China
Do you need to leave a tip in China? Find out all about tipping.
Shanghai
Temperature Charts: Average Temperatures in Major Chinese Cities
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.
Hong Qiao Pearl Market
Shanghai Hong Qiao New World Pearl Market information.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival closes out traditional Chinese New Year celebrations on the fifteenth day with a full moon.
November in China
Find out what the weather in China is like in November, what to bring and what's happening.
A History of Xi'an
A short history of Xi'an and its rise and fall as an imperial capital and gateway to the Silk Road.
Electronics mall
What to buy shopping photo gallery
Small set of Beijing Opera Masks
What to buy shopping photo gallery
Xiao Nan Guo Spa Review
Review of Xiao Nan Guo Spa in Shanghai, a fantastic way to experience a Chinese spa and bath house.
Drinking Chinese Tea
Part of Chinese culture for as long as there has been a Chinese culture – that’s over 5,000 years – drinking tea is an essential part of experiencing China. Traditionally, Chinese tea is served in several steps using small teapots and tiny cups. While artistic and stylized, drinking Chinese tea is an enjoyable pastime and good way to break up a day filled with sightseeing.
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.
Festival goers at a large snow sculpture
See photos from the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Sanlitun Village
Sanlitun Village is the opposite of chinoiserie shopping in Beijing. From Apple to Adidas with Starbucks thrown in, check out this ultra-cool shopping mecca for all things international.
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.
Hong Kong in China
The answer to the question "is Hong Kong part of China".
Best of Beijing
A list of the Beijing's Best attractions, sights, shopping and food.
Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar
One of Shanghai's top tourist destinations is Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar market area in the old Chinese neighborhood.
M on the Bund
M on the Bund Restaurant Profile, helping you decide where to eat in Shanghai.
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.
Guilin
Temperature Charts: Average Temperatures in Major Chinese Cities
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.
China Adapters
What kind of adapter do I need for my plugs in China for their wall sockets and electrical current?
Chopsticks
What to buy shopping photo gallery
Harbin Ice Sculptures at Night
See photos from the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Mutianyu Section
Profile of the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China, recommended site to visit on a day trip from Beijing.
Churches in Shanghai
Listing of Christian churches and English services in Shanghai.
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.
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.
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.
Freshwater and sea pearls
What to buy shopping photo gallery
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.
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.
Shanghai Temples
Listing of the best Shanghai temples to visit during your trip to Shanghai.
Chinese Restaurants Shanghai
Top picks for eating Chinese food in Shanghai.
Jinshanling Section
Profile of the Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of 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.
Ritz Shanghai
A profile of the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai
Simatai Section
Profile of the Simatai Section of the Great Wall of China
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