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Even for the seasoned China traveler, the ancient Silk Road regions are a place of mystery and surprise. Past civilizations and modern countries have left layer upon layer of cultural influences in this crossroads of global trade. It’s a world that’s hard to define and hard to place.

It’s also a region gone dormant in the outside world’s eyes, that is until recent years. Since being in office, President Xi Jingping has taken a special interest in the area as a corridor for future development. And it’s recently been chosen by China’s National Tourism Board as a highlight travel destination for 2015.

A few years back, I visited Xinjiang – one of the main provinces along the Silk Road – and it was the kind of experience that shows you that you don’t know as much about the world as you think.

We flew into Urumqi, and found a city that was partly China, but mixed with elements of a distinctly different world. Parts of the city could have been transplanted straight out of any other big Chinese city, with large multi-story, nondescript apartments and office buildings. Even tiles on the sidewalks were the same as ones you find in Beijing.

But interwoven into the city are signs of central Asian and Islamic influences. From mosques in city squares to alcoves of Uyghur communities, culture, and halal restaurants.

Urumqi is China’s western frontier, from here on out west, nothing feels like China anymore. The next stop on my trip was Turpan, an important point on the ancient Silk Road.

Turpan is a great place to try Xinjiang’s famous melons and grapes. If you go to Xinjiang, you’ll hear a lot about their fruit. I wrote all this talk off until I actually tasted some. How could fruit taste this much better than any other fruit I’d had in my whole life?

Another place to visit while in Turpan is the karez irrigation system. The karez is a fascinating feat of ancient engineering that turned the desert into arable farmland. It was a system of vertical wells, linked by miles of underground tunnels. These tunnels tapped into the groundwater supply and drained it into the valley.

We went from Turpan on to Kashgar.

I was lucky enough to have visited the Old Town before most of it was destroyed. Still a third of it remains standing now and it is well worth seeing. The Old Town is an intricate network of streets, homes and lives that have been built up over centuries. Walking around and talking with the local families, you could be conversing with someone who’s ancestors once traded China’s porcelain or spices to merchants from far away Europe.

Kashgar is also the place to check out the local bazaar. Though the largest bazaar in the world is in Urumqi, Kashgar’s outdoor bazaar is a truly unique cultural experience.

Of course I also did what one must do in the desert and rode some camels! It was a fun, but slightly scary experience. You don’t realize just how tall a camel is until you’re riding high up on one along the desert sands.

My final stop in Xinjiang was even further west.

We drove for hours up a winding mountain highway towards the Pakistani border. The scenery along the drive was stunning. I’d grown up hiking in the Colorado Rockies, but this was like nothing I’d ever seen. When we arrived at our destination, Karakul Lake, it was hard to know what to do with myself. I was effectively stunned by the chill, by a palette of colors I’d never witnessed before and by the intense quietness of the whole area. It was an incredible end to a journey to China’s west.

Let AsiaTravel prepare a journey that will spark your imagination. Contact us at info@wildchina.com or check out our Silk Road journey.

This week, we’re introducing China to a group of travel professionals from Brazil. It’s the very first time to the Middle Kingdom for most of the group so we’ll be showing them the highlights of this fascinating country, the AsiaTravel way.

Their first three days were spent exploring Beijing. Take a look at all they’ve discovered around the city and check back soon for photos from their next stops:  Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai.

 Here is the whole group, ready for a day of exploring Beijing with their AsiaTravel guide.

 

Special transport for our special guests!

 

Standing in Tiananmen Square, with the Forbidden City behind.

 

Exploring and discussing the Forbidden City – now an official museum, but once closed to the public for nearly half a millennia.

 

Learning about the intricate details of a Chinese tea ceremony.

 

First time to China. First time on the Great Wall!

 

The iconic Long Corridor at the Summer Palace.

 

Just in time for cherry blossoms that have just bloomed all over the city! These were along the Kunming lake inside the Summer Palace.

 

 The travel companions enjoying a surprise afternoon tea at the Aman Summer Palace.

As you can tell, this group is simply delightful and we are having a wonderful time running around China with them. Check back soon for updates from their trip!

 Want to go on your own adventure in China’s capital? Take a look at one of our Beijing itineraries or contact a AsiaTravel travel designer.

Updated: March 26, 2019

A trip to Sichuan is not complete without seeing China’s cuddly national icon, the giant panda. There are three main options for panda viewing in Chengdu, each with its unique draws. Read on and find out which panda reserve is the best choice for your trip.

Pandas relaxing at the Chengdu Panda Base. Photo by Jessica Clifton.

RELATED READING: The 4 Most Romantic Places in China

Wherever you decide to go, remember that the best time to visit pandas is in the morning – before 9am if you can manage it. This is when pandas are most active and playful.

A quick comparison of Chengdu’s panda centers

 

1. Chengdu Panda Base

Just minutes from downtown Chengdu, the Chengdu Panda Base attracts thousands of visitors every year. This is the best option if you only have an afternoon to spare for your panda visit.

The base began with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild and after years of successful breeding programs, they now have more than 150 pandas. Visitors will find large, outdoor enclosures which make the center feel a bit less like a zoo. Admittedly, the pandas near the entrance seem a little gloomy under the constant gaze of large groups of tourists, but walk further into the park away from the crowds and you will find contented looking pandas enjoying in their favorite pastimes: sleeping, eating, and occasionally exerting some energy to cheekily push their brother or sister off the branch of a tree.

A rainy afternoon at the Chengdu Panda Base. Photo by M. Perdix

RELATED READING: What to Do in Chengdu: Pandas, Hot Pot, and Lazy Days in the Park

The animals here are well looked after, and once you have taken more than enough pictures of giant pandas doing cute things, you can also visit some of the other endangered animals that the base cares for including red pandas, golden monkeys, and many species of birds. The center promotes the importance of educational tourism, so as you wander around the base and enjoy the on-site museum, you will learn hundreds of interesting panda facts to amuse your with friends when you get home. You can even taste the special, high-protein cakes that the pandas are fed each day.

2. Bifengxia Giant Panda Base 

The Bifengxia Giant Panda Base opened in 2003 and is a two-hour drive outside of Chengdu. You will need to leave a whole day free to make this trip, but it is one of the best places in the world to see this beautiful animal. What awaits you at Bifengxia is a reserve of natural forest coverage and beautiful waterfalls. The pandas are relaxed and happy – getting to chew on bamboo, undisturbed and safe in their own habitat.

A giant panda at the Bifengxia Base. Photo by M. Jong-Lantink

Many of the Wolong Reserve pandas were relocated here after the 2008 earthquake, so Bifengxia now has the largest collection of giant pandas in the world. This site’s main focus is on research. As such, there is much more going on behind the scenes at this base to learn about and care for the pandas. If you enjoy hiking and want to find out more about efforts to reintroduce pandas into the wild then this is panda reserve is an excellent choice. There is also an adorable panda kindergarten where visitors can spend hours enjoying the young panda’s mischievous antics.

Map of Chengdu’s Panda Centers:

3. Dujiangyan Panda Center

Dujiangyan is the newest panda center in the area and is located about 1.5 hours outside of Chengdu city at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain. The base is smaller than the other two, but its natural environment is similar to the Bifengxia reserve, making it a great location to see giant pandas enjoying their day. The site is closer to Chengdu city than Bifengxia too, so it is a good alternative if you are on a tighter schedule.

Dujiangyan has restarted its volunteer program and visitors over the age of six can now pay to become a Panda Keeper for the day. Participants get to prepare food for the pandas, help clean out their cages, and learn more about these furry friends up close.

Panda snacks at Dujiangyan. Photo by L.W. Yang.

RELATED READING: Why Are China’s Giant Pandas So Lazy?

If becoming a panda keeper isn’t enough reason to visit, Dujiangyan is now the home to some movie stars too. Fans of Kung Fu Panda may get the chance to see the panda behind the animated hero.

This reserve is only a leisurely bicycle ride away from the brand new Six Senses Resort and Spa. You could spend your days feeding the pandas and then relax in the evenings with a lovely massage in the spa. Qingcheng Mountain is a beautiful place to do some hiking and the small ancient town of Jiezi is close by. It might be worth spending a couple of days exploring the area and enjoying some time away from the city.

Whichever base you choose to visit, the best tip is to make sure your camera has a fully charged battery. Even people who think they have no interest at all in giant pandas will have changed their minds once they have seen this cheeky creature up close. Also, remember that the main objective of these reserves is to protect these beautiful creatures from extinction. Getting the chance to see a giant panda looking happy and relaxed in its natural environment really is an honor and a memory you will treasure.

A panda turns to go. Photo by M. Jong-Lantink

RELATED READING: China’s Hidden Gems for Rest and Relaxation

Last Updated: March 26, 2019

A journey to Tibet, one of the most remote regions in the world, can be an incredible experience, but you have to be ready to counter the unique atmospheric conditions that characterize the Tibetan plateau. Tibet has an average elevation of 4500 meters, and if you don’t regularly live at high altitude, you altitude sickness could put a real damper on your trip. Here are some things to remember before and during your trip to make your high-altitude Tibet travels more comfortable.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air because the “air is thinner” at high altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and weariness.

Who’s at risk?

Contrary to popular belief, risk is not affected by training or fitness. Children and adults are both equally susceptible to altitude sickness although travelers over the age of 50 are at slightly lower risk according to the CDC. Note that travelers with heart or lung problems should first consult with their doctor before traveling to Tibet.

5 tips for staying safe

1. Don’t be a hero, get medication

Acetazolamide is a particularly effective treatment for altitude sickness because it does not simply mask the symptoms, but accelerates the body’s acclimatization to high altitude, but it is difficult to obtain in China so we recommend that you visit your doctor in your home country before you travel. There are other medications such as dexamethasone and nifedipine available, but they are usually only recommended by doctors if the patient is allergic to sulfa, a primary ingredient in Acetazolamide. All-natural alternatives such as Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea do exist but research on their effectiveness is conflicting. For more information on high-altitude medications, visit the CDC or NHS websites.

2. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills

Don’t do things to make altitude sickness worse. Alcohol and sleeping pills are prime culprits. These are both are respiratory depressants and can make it more difficult for your body to acclimatize. Furthermore, alcohol can dehydrate you and leave you even more vulnerable to the altitude. On that note…

3. Drink lots of water!

Getting dehydrated is probably the worst thing you can do when trying to adjust to a higher altitude, and Tibet’s dry climate makes that an even bigger possibility.  Don’t make altitude symptoms worse – drink up! (and we water!)

4. Don’t forget to eat

Even though altitude sickness can make you loose your appetite, it’s important to keep eating and get your body the energy it needs. Carbohydrates are especially important, as they are a more efficient source of energy than fats or protein and can improve blood oxygenation.

5. Take it easy

This is perhaps the most difficult piece of advice for visitors to follow as there is so much to see and do in Tibet, but on your first couple of days in town, relax. Give your body time to acclimate to its new altitude.

If you have any other questions on traveling to Tibet, contact a AsiaTravel travel designer, and we’ll be happy to help. To begin your journey, view our award-winning Tibet tour.

Hangzhou and Suzhou are heavenly paradises in the south of China. But what should you choose if you only can visit one of these majestic cities?

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Within China, there are many famous cities that nearly every citizen knows about. Two of these are Hangzhou and Suzhou, both of which are located within a stone’s throw of Shanghai… well, by Chinese standards at least. When you ask people about these two cities, they may tell you without irony that they are “paradise on Earth.” However, this may not be entirely their personal opinion, but could be referring to the adage “Heaven is above; Hangzhou and Suzhou are below”.

Whatever the case, if you find yourself in Shanghai and only have limited time to choose between the two cities, here are some overviews of each.

Hangzhou

As with nearly every major Chinese city, it’s ancient. Yes, it’s stood the test of time, and is found at the southern end of the Grand Canal with a lake at its center. The surrounding area has many hills, fulfilling the Chinese aesthetic ideal of shanshui which is the connection between water and mountains. Marco Polo even called it “the finest and noblest (city) in the world.” Quite a recommendation.

The lake in the middle of town, West Lake, is well known in China because many famous artists throughout history have depicted it in their works. Both because of its convenient location and its fame, we suggest everyone who visits Hangzhou to have a stop near the lake.

West Lake in Hangzhou | Source: Faungg via Flickr

Another facet of the city that you may want to check out is its Longjing tea, which literally translates to “Dragon Well” tea. It is the only place in all of China that produces this particular variety of green tea. If you so choose, AsiaTravel can also arrange for you to visit a plantation where you will learn all about this particular varietal, and even have the opportunity to pick your own tea straight from the plant.

The Longjing Tea Plantations | Source: Nicholas Turland via Flickr

Finally, there’s the Lingyin Temple. Destroyed a total of 16 times since 326 AD, it has been built (and rebuilt) 17 times in total. Any place that people are this dedicated to likely has something of value to offer. Its other name is the “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” coming from the peaceful forest that surrounds the temple. A highlight of this particular temple is the Buddhas carved into the rocks on the side of a nearby cliff.

Of course, there are other things for you to discover, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise and sense of adventure of finding them for yourself!

Suzhou

Suzhou is also ancient. However, what makes it strikingly different is the series of canals, giving it the nickname the Venice of China. Dating back to 514 BCE, Suzhou has long been a city based on trade, benefitting from the cosmopolitan atmosphere which attracted merchants and educated people to support the arts and commission private gardens which still remain to this day.

It is these things for which Suzhou is still known for today: it’s calm, majestic canals, and its famous classical gardens.

Since the canals are more fun to explore on foot and experience in person than they are on the page, we’re going to focus on the famous gardens.

The Canals of Suzhou | Source: _chrisUk via Flickr

The Humble Administrator’s Garden is one of the most famous and is known for being made by a shamed historical figure who had gotten into hot water for openly criticizing the then-Emperor. Unfortunately, it typically overflows with people, particularly in peak seasons.

We prefer Tiger Hill Garden which is said to demarcate the burial location of the founder of Suzhou. It’s a little bit off the typical tourist path, so it is usually less crowded.

Finally, we also highly recommend the Master of Nets Garden. Its layout is masterfully done to make the relatively small area appear much larger through the creative use of walls and water. It’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.

Master of Nets Garden in Suzhou

Both

If you’re in Shanghai and finding it hard to choose and you want to squeeze them both into the smallest time possible, might we suggest the following: arrive in Hangzhou in the afternoon or evening, stay overnight, and spend one day exploring the city. Then, travel the same night or the following morning to Suzhou by high-speed rail, enjoy Suzhou, and head back to Shanghai in time for nightfall.

The whole thing takes about 48 hours and can be quite a rush, but if you plan it well, you should be able to see most of what we described.

One thing is certain – both cities will be striking, memorable experiences, and we highly encourage you to venture through both if you have the time. However, if you find yourself only able to visit the one, you’ll be left with something to look forward to the next time you visit.

Yunnan’s status as a gastronomic paradise is unwavering: between far-flung lands of idyllic villages and snow-capped mountains, the southwestern province offers unparalleled diversity when it comes to Chinese cuisine.

Also known as Dian cuisine, Yunnan cuisine features fresh local produce (thanks to the favorable geographic location and mild climate) as well as the varied cooking styles of the numerous ethnic minority groups across the region. In the north you have Mongolian-inspired dried meat, cheese and yoghurt wafers; Eastern Yunnan’s is closer to traditional Han (Chinese) cuisine, while the south is heavily influenced by the citrus and spice of Southeast Asia. Read on to find out about the colorful world of Dian cuisine.

Kirk K via flickr – Crossing the Bridge Noodles

Crossing the Bridge Noodles过桥米线 

The origin story of Yunnan’s signature dish begins with a scholar who lived on a small island. While he studied for the imperial exams, his wife would bring him food every day. She found that by the time she had crossed the bridge to the island, the soup would be cold, and the noodles soggy. Soon after, she started carrying a large earthen pot of boiling broth, with a thin layer of oil on top that acted as insulation and kept the soup warm. The noodles and other ingredients were kept in a separate container, and added to the warm broth during preparation. Crossing the Bridge Noodles is ubiquitous in this part of the country, but head to Mengzi or Jianshui County for the traditional taste.

Liz Phung – Dali Ham on the Chopping Block

Xuanwei Ham宣威腿

A local dish in Qujing Prefecture, the famous cured meat has a 250-year history dating back to 1766, and has won international awards for its excellent taste, fragrance and tender meat. It is often used to add flavor to light soups and noodle dishes. Its modern presentation comes in canned ham, luncheon meat, ham-flavored moon cakes and even candy! Our own CEO, Mei Zhang, has written a book about this savory meat and its local traditions. We even have a tour where you can relive her experience in Dali: Travels through Dali with a Leg of Ham.

夢境那小牛 via flickr – Steamed Pot Chicken

Steamed Pot Chicken气锅鸡

Travel to Jianshui and enjoy the local favorite “steamed pot chicken” that can only be found in Yunnan. The ceramic pot used for steaming was invented by Yunnan residents. Rare medicinal herbs native to Yunnan are added to the brew while the chicken is steamed delicately. The meat is tender, and the soup delicious. Locals claim that the dish is very nutritious and possesses many medicinal qualities.

Liz Phung – Rushan Cheese in the Making

Rubing乳饼and Rushan cheese乳扇

In Dali, visit the Bai community and learn the traditional ways of making rubing, a paneer-like farmer cheese made from fresh goat milk, and rushan, a cow’s milk cheese. Try pan-fried rubing seasoned with salt and chili, or stir-fried with vegetables. As a street food, Rushan is often served grilled, rolled around a popsicle stick and flavored with various sweet condiments.

Liz Phung – Hot of Cup of Joe

Pu-erh coffee 普洱咖啡

No doubt you would have heard of Yunnan’s renowned Pu-erh tea, the tribute tea to Chinese emperors a thousand years ago. Unknown to most, Yunnan has been growing a variety of coffees in Pu’ er city for more than a century. The land’s high elevation, combined with the temperature differences between day and night, lends Yunnan coffee its unique taste – rich but not bitter, with a fruity aroma that is not overwhelming. While far from artisanal, the coffee quality keeps getting better and is set to make a greater mark on the international coffee industry.

 

Ming Yang via flickr – Pineapple Rice 

Pineapple Rice 菠萝饭

Dai cooking is similar to the hot and sour tastes of northern Thailand. People there live in the Xishuangbanna region which shares a border with Burma and Laos. Devour a delicious meal of sweet pineapple rice along with tangy mushrooms skillfully steamed in banana leaves. Wild mushrooms can be found in the mountainous, forested parts of the province, and make up a huge part of Yunnan cuisine.  Wild flowers, ferns and insects may also be eaten.

Dali is a veritable Mecca of cuisine. From savory ham to sweet pineapple rice, you and your tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised by this province’s mix of history, culture, and spices.

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Ready to tantalize your palate in Yunnan? Consider joining AsiaTravel on our Yunnan Gastronomic Tour with Fuschia Dunlop, our Artisanal Dali tour, or our Travels through Dali with a Leg of Ham tour.

If you’re ready to dive deep into the sensuous history of Dali cuisine, also pick up Mei Zhang’s book: Travels Through Dali with a Leg of Ham 

 

China in winter is home to many unexpected cold weather wonderlands. Instead of getting the winter blues this year, embrace the season and enjoy unique experiences that rival any of those you could have in the warmer months. 

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For many travelers, winter might not be the preferred time to visit the Middle Kingdom. But, be that as it may, we think there are plenty of reasons to do exactly that: less crowds, lower costs, more space and a greater capacity to fully explore the best parts of the country.

Most importantly, traveling around China during the months of November to January allows you to view and experience the land through a completely new lens. Get inspired for your next big Chinese winter adventure with the following destinations:

Harbin Ice Sculpture
Photo by Tracy Hunter via Flickr

1. Harbin

Of course Harbin is on every winter traveler’s bucket list: The yearly extravaganza of the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is a sub-zero wonderland of icy towers, massive castles and mystical creatures. It’s nothing short of a real-life scene from Pixar’s winter wonderland classic, Frozen.

Be dazzled by the colorful LED lights that brighten up the sculptures at night and lucky for you, climbing and playing on the bigger installations is encouraged.

The lesser known Rime Ice and Snow Festival is also worth a visit and happens around the same time in Jilin, just 260km southwest of Harbin. Rime is a rare occurrence, formed when warm, moist air comes into contact with objects at freezing temperature. Winter in Jilin presents an exceptionally magical scene of trees covered in white crystalline rime.

Beijing Ski Lift
Photo by Chen Zhao via Flickr

2. Beijing

Winter in Beijing is long and dry, but there is a wealth of wintry activities to keep you snug and toasty. Snow is rare, but when it falls, it adds an ethereal texture to the city’s historical streets. Hike up Jingshan Park for an unparalleled view of The Forbidden City, or take a long stroll through Beijing’s hutong neighborhoods.

During winter, the frozen Summer Palace lake is converted into a public skating rink and locals lace up their ice-skates with the whole family in tow. Join them on the rink and try riding a unique Chinese invention – the skating bicycle. In nearby Hebei province there are many ski resorts to visit too. With the impending Winter Olympics, the ski spots are set to grow quickly in quantity and quality, so there’s no better time to visit.

If spending a crisp winter morning wandering through Beijing’s historical hutong alleyways sounds like your kind of thing, inquire about our Beijing’s Past and Future tour.

View of Yellow Mountain
Photo by Chi King via Flickr

3. Yellow Mountain

Huangshan literally means Yellow Mountain in Mandarin, and it’s stunning peaks and deep valleys make for a beautiful view any time of year.  Wrap up warm this winter and ascend the Eastern Steps, passing by frozen mountain streams shrouded by photogenic bamboo forests. The walk is stunning but the pièce de résistance comes as you wake early the next morning to watch Huangshan’s famous sunrise from the top of the mountain.

Feel the warmth of the golden rays as they spill over the clouds and reflect off the glistening snow resting gently on the peaks.

Join us on an adventure to this picturesque land on our Yellow Mountain tour.

Longjing Tea Plantation

4. Hangzhou

Located just a train ride from Shanghai, Hangzhou has long been the prime source of the renowned Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Once grown and served exclusively to the imperial family, you can now learn how the green tea is made at Longjing’s tea plantations.

Pay a visit to a private farmhouse where you can sip hot, fragrant tea brewed with tea leaves picked fresh from the farm. Then relax on the terrace overlooking rolling hills of tea bushes coated with a thin layer of silvery-white snow – simply stunning.

Get started with your tea adventure on our Hangzhou: Paradise on Earth tour.

Shangri-La in Snow

5. Yunnan

At the southwestern corner of China, Yunnan’s milder climate makes a comfortable winter. The province has an unsurpassed variety of landscapes, terrain and topography and is home to some of our favorite destinations. Two in particular present a distinct take on the theme of winter wonderlands: Dali and Shangri-Li.

Teetering on the Tibetan border in Shangri-La brings you to the snowcapped peaks of Meili Snow Mountain and the fascinating local mix of Tibetan and Han culture. Here you can visit Ringha Temple and watch thousands of multicolored prayer flags flap in the winter breeze and enjoy a spiritual connection to this ancient land at Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Buddhist temple in the province. Icy Napahai Lake will offer a tranquil scene full of the wonder and grace of unsullied nature and a hot cup of Tibetan milk tea will warm your bones. Experience this breathtaking escape on our Songtsam Circuit tour and spend your evenings curled up by the fire in world-star retreats.

In central Yunnan, you will find the old town of Dali, home to the Bai minority group. To prepare for winter, the minority families cure ham and pickle vegetables the same way their ancestors have since time immemorial. Satiate your winter appetite and dive into the kitchens of Dali’s artisans our Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham tour.

Nicolas Bourque via Flickr

6. Tibet

Another great place to visit in China in winter is the exotic land of Tibet. With softly rolling mountains covered in powder white snow and beautiful temples crested with colorful flags, winter in Tibet is a sight to behold. Located in China’s far west, Tibet’s altitude will make you feel like you’re in heaven at the roof of the world

Tibetan winters are known for their blue skies and clear days. You can cozy up in your parka as you listen to the monks recite their harmonious sutras in gilded temples. On all sides you’ll be enveloped by the sacred sights and sounds of this land, resplendent with all the trappings of typical Buddhism.

 

If a pilgrimage to this holy land sounds like a cure for your winter doldrums, consider joining us on the Soul of Tibet tour or our Escape to Lhasa tour. It’ll be like chicken soup for the soul.

Winter doesn’t have to stop you from visiting China. In fact, you can enjoy all the best things the cold season has to offer: sipping hot tea by a fire, gorging on steaming cuisine, and taking advantage of the chance to skate on the country’s stunning frozen lakes.

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Convinced that a trip to China could help quell the winter doldrums? Check out some of our best tours for winter: Travels through Dali: with a Leg of Ham, Hangzhou: Marco Polo’s Paradise on Earth, and Beijing’s Past and Future.

Grab your camera and get ready to see our favorite parts of Dali on this self-guided biking tour. Download the map to begin your own Dali adventure.

 

Tucked between Cang Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali, Yunnan is a Ming-era town that has retained much through the ages. It was once capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and though the Kingdom fell long ago, the indigenous Bai ethnic minority who comprised its population still accounts for the majority of the residents in both the town and the surrounding villages. As a result, Dali offers rich, colorful traditions and diverse architectural design, set against some of China’s most stunning scenery.

From the cobbled streets of the old town, to the fishing villages on the shores of Erhai lake, grab your camera and embark on our AsiaTravel self-guided bike tour of Dali. The best part? It can be taken completely at your own pace.

Download the Dali Bicycle Tour map

 Directions:

1. 1. Begin your ride at The AsiaTravel Dali House

2. 2. Renmin Road, Dali Old Town Head East and ride through charming Dali Old Town. Explore the town’s traditional Bai architecture before crossing highway 221 and following the small roads heading east until you reach the shore of Erhai Lake.
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3. 3. Caicun Village Caicun village is just one of the communities you will visit along the lake. Continue North and although you will be traveling through farmland, the scenery is well worth the bumpier ride.

4. 4. Fengbei South Line Head West, back towards town, when you reach Fengbei South Line. Be careful when crossing the highways as there are no bike lanes.
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5. 5. The Three Pagodas The last stop before heading home, Dali’s emblematic Three Pagodas are located at the foot of Cang Mountain. Dating from 836AD, the central tower is both the tallest and oldest of the three Buddhist structures.

Want a local AsiaTravel guide to show you the way? Check out our Yunnan tour.

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Photo credits: 1. Jeremy Foster via flikr 2. Jeremy Foster via flikr 3. Alex Keshavjee via flikr

September 2015 marked a landmark anniversary for AsiaTravel – 15 years of pioneering experiential travel experiences throughout China! When deciding how to celebrate, a gala dinner seemed like an obvious choice but we aren’t ones to settle for the ordinary…

Instead, we decided to mark our achievements by celebrating China’s artisans – after all, they were the reason we began our journey and the reason we continue to strive today. We partnered with The Opposite House, one of Beijing’s most chic 5-star hotels, and invited thirty carefully selected artisans from Dongbei to Yunnan to exhibit and sell their handcrafted and cultivated treasures at an up-market boutique bazaar.

The inaugural Beshan Gāi was an Aladdin’s cave of artisan goods. From jewelry to homeware to organic produce, it was a day of fun and discovery for everyone. Over 2,000 visitors attended the event and there were regular musical performances throughout the day from one of Yunnan’s best folk singers. There was even a sugar painter on hand ready to create edible masterpieces for our younger audience. Beshan Gāi 2015 was designed and themed by POP-UP Beijing, and the event was covered in magazines such as Conde Nast China, Bloomberg China, City Weekend and Time Out Beijing (to name just a few).

With outstanding feedback from artisans and visitors alike, this year Beshan Gāi will return as a 4-day moving bazaar across different venues in Beijing and we are looking for artisans to join us.

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BESHAN GAI 2016

When: Saturday September 24^th – Sunday September 25^th

Where: The Opposite House & Taikoo Li North Village

Expected Attendance: 1,000 – 2,000 high end consumers per day

Special showcase for selected vendors:

Showcase 1: Thursday September 22^nd @ The Peninsula Hotel

Showcase 2: Friday September 23^rd @ The Rosewood Hotel

Expected Attendance: VIP & media guests, up to 400 high-end consumers per day

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The benefits of participating in Beshan Gāi

• • You will be part of a carefully themed and curated environment with both entertainment and Food and Beverage zones
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end consumers from both the expat and Chinese community in Beijing
• • You will get face-to-face interaction with high-end media outlets invited by AsiaTravel
• • You will receive exposure to AsiaTravel’s global community through a social media campaign to 25,000+ worldwide
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product on the official Beshan Gāi website
• • You will receive exposure of your brand and product through our media partner’s distribution channels, both in printed magazines throughout Beijing and online via their website, blog and social media

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The new high-speed rail line to Yunnan makes one of our favorite China destinations that much more accessible. From June 30th 2016, you’ll be able to travel from Shanghai all the way across the country to Kunming, China’s launchpad for outdoor adventure, in just 10 hours.  

The journey from Shanghai to Kunming, Yunnan is now only 10 hours. Photo by Enzo Jiang via flikr

The journey from the port megacity of Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, China’s year-round hub for adventure travel and cultural immersion, was once an 18 hour ride by train. This new line shaves off almost half the time, getting you there in 10 hours flat. For travelers from Beijing, the trip will take only 30 minutes more.

Trains can be one of the best ways to get around China. Check in is much less of a hassle and the new CRH high-speed trains are very comfortable, with more spacious seating than you’ll find on most domestic flights in China. And the best thing of all, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the Chinese countryside that you would completely miss flying overhead.

Where to Go from Kunming

Kunming is the launchpad for all kinds of adventures in Yunnan province. Here are few places to head next when you hop off the platform in Kunming:

Head northwest to the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons with popular hiking routes and gorgeous views. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Visit the quaint old town of Dali to explore the local Bai architecture, visit local artisans, and taste some scrumptious locally grown Yunnan specialties. Photo by Jeremy Foster via Flikr

 

Stay at the Aman Hotel right in the heart of Lijiang Old Town. The Amandayan boasts a beautiful garden of local plants and flowers. It’s a lovely setting to spend an afternoon, sitting in a courtyard, drinking tea, and watching the blossom petals fall with the wind. Photo by Amandayan Lijiang

 

Visit Shangri-la, which remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. The charming town is located in a broad valley on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 10,500 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and lakes. 

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See all the Yunnan highlights on our classic Yunnan tour.