Travel

Haven’t made plans for the Mid-Autumn holiday yet? Well, for one, you should definitely be heading to Langyuan Station for the Belt & Road Food Fest which is taking place from Sep 15-17! However, here are a few other things happening in the capital to give you some inspiration! For even more goings on and for weekly events check out our events page here, (for more family-friendly orientated events, click here.) Fri, Sep 13 What: Bizarre Beijing’s Friday The 13th Walking Tour Where: Meet at Xuanwumen Church Click here to read more What: Stories of Content Creators: Life Behind the Lens of Social Media Where: JinShang•Yuan What: Liu Yue Quartet Where: East Shore Click here to read more What: Luo Lei & Willock Lee Jazz Duo Where: The Bricks Click here to read more What: Da Xilian Quartet Where: Jianghu Bar Click here to read more What: Mirzat Solo Night Where: Tokyo Lounge Click here to read more What: The BAK2SKOOL Party Where: Amid What: DRUNK: Special Performance Where: School Bar Click here to read more What: ME 3PETER OH & The Vagabonds: Spooky Punk Where: Modernista Click here to read more What: Peiyi Liu's Jazz Quartet Where: Celestial Click here…Original link

Aside from entertainment, food, and even more food and drinks, there will also be a few market vendors at the Belt & Road Food Fest this Mid-Autumn holiday (Sep 15-17) selling their wares. From cute plushies to African artwork to ornate Kashmir scarves, there are some great goodies up for grabs, whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend or loved one or just want to treat yo' self! Baltic Amber Cultural and Creative Center波罗的海琥珀文创馆 The Baltic Amber Cultural and Creative Gallery will be selling Baltic natural amber ornaments and natural amber jewelry during the festival. All of the products are designed and produced in Baltic countries, such as Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. They have everything from exquisite ornaments, accessories, and jewelry to more practical items like pens and amber essential oil soap. Sozni Sozni hails from the Kashmir region of Pakistan, and is named after the intricate needlework used in local pashmina embroidery. At the event, they will showcase Kashmir pashmina shawls, which are protected by GI (geographical indication) certification. The patterns on these shawls are largely inspired by the local flora of Kashmir. In addition to the shawls, they will also present Persian carpets and other culturally rich…Original link

Enjoy exclusive deals! Join our Travel News & Deals WeChat Group! 3-Day Anji Mountains Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat Image courtesy of Yoga for Life This is Yoga for Life Shanghai's eighth time going to Anji Mountains' Guanyin Tang village for October Holiday Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat since 2017. Over the past seven years they have brought over 600 yogis here for retreats. Home for the two retreats is at a heavenly part of Anji Mountain, far away from noise and nestled in a massive lush bamboo forest. It's located at the top of a mountain (at an altitude of 800 meters) and in the middle of nowhere (surrounded only by mountains) – expect to be greeted by mesmerizing mountains, bountiful bamboo forests and a sky full of stars! In the mesmerizing surrounding mountain, come together with the intention of diving deep into yoga and meditation, unwinding ones busy nervous system, and rediscovering authentic connection with others. If you've been craving true silence, lots of nature and a deep inner journey dive, this retreat is for you. For More Information Click Here 6-Day MeiLi Snow Mountains Trekking Image courtesy of Sylvie MeiLi Snow Mountains is a mountain range in China’s Yunnan Province that rises to…Original link

Air China on Tuesday operated the maiden commercial flight of its first home-made C919 aircraft, becoming the second airline in China to use the aircraft after China Eastern Airlines. This is believed to be a further move to accelerate the commercial operation of the C919 plane. Flight CA1523 took off from Beijing Capital International Airport and arrived at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 1 pm on Tuesday, and the national flag carrier said it plans to use the plane on the Beijing-Shanghai route as well as the route from Beijing to Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province. Air China received its first home-made C919 on August 28 in Shanghai, together with China Southern Airlines, which also received its first C919 on the same day, a milestone for country's first domestically produced large passenger aircraft in entering a new phase of multi-operator deployment. In an earlier interview with the Global Times, Wang Yan, captain of Air China's first C919 with the registration number B-919X, said that the plane is an excellent aircraft, achieving a very high standard in design and performance, as well as in terms of control and human-computer interaction. Wang flew the plane back to Beijing on August…Original link

Instead of always opting for 'low-hanging fruit' – pun intended – like the common apple, orange or banana, there's something about the intense treacliness of a tropical fruit that has us donning our proverbial rainforest exploration attire just to reach those exotic morsels. While mangoes, passion fruit, figs, and even papaya are mainstream these days, we're all about that 'forbidden fruit,' if you will, going bananas for bayberries, weaving through the grapevine for guava, cherry-picking cherimoya, and making lemonade when life gives us lemons – or Buddha's hand citrus. Image by Sophie Steiner/That's Traversing acai to zarzamora, and everything in between, here is the list of our top 25 Asian fruits, ranked from delicious to downright disgusting. 1. Lychee Image by Sophie Steiner/That's With records in China dating back to 2,000BC, lychee are worthy of their long history for being a beloved fruit across warm-weathered regions of the entire continent. Prized for their juicy, addictingly honeyed flavor, the blush-hued lychee flesh resembles the inside of a grape, with a smooth, pebble-like inner seed surrounded by an almost glowing aril, one that peels away from the leathery exocarp with ease, making them just too easy to crush. Fun Fact: No need to pump the brakes on that consumption as…Original link

The news first came out via Norwegian media outlet Norwegian Broadcasting Cooperations (NRK). Screenshot by That's On September 9, 2024, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre arrived in Beijing for a three-day state visit, marking a historic moment in China-Norway relations. As the highlight of the visit, Norwegian media outlet Norwegian Broadcasting Cooperations (NRK) reported that China will grant Norwegian citizens 15-day visa-free travel, making Norway the first and only Nordic country to receive such a privilege. Currently, China offers 15-day visa-free entry to citizens of 12 European countries, including: Austria Belgium France Germany Hungary Ireland Italy Luxembourg The Netherlands Poland Spain Switzerland While the specific start and end dates for the visa-free policy have yet to be disclosed, it is expected to follow China's existing visa-free arrangements with 25 other countries worldwide, which typically allow for 15-day stays valid until the end of 2025. Despite the new visa waiver, direct passenger flights between China and Norway have yet to resume following the pandemic. The only current direct connection is a cargo flight route between Nanchang in Jiangxi Province and Oslo, launched in July 2024. Discussions on improving transportation links are expected to follow, especially as more Norwegian visitors are anticipated under…Original link

Kevin Watkins stands in a garden near Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. (Photo provided by Kevin Watkins) Ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." My connection with China began in just this way. On March 4, 1981, my hometown Hastings, New Zealand, and Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, became the first New Zealand-China sister cities. In early 2003, I attended a reception held for a visiting delegation from Guilin and became friends with many Chinese people. The following year, I visited China with a delegation from Hastings District Council, taking my first step on the "thousand-mile journey" to understanding the country. We visited Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin and other places. I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by Guilin's stunning natural landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures. On my last evening in the city, I went to a cultural performance at the Children's Palace, where I was deeply attracted by the gorgeous costumes and movements of the Chinese dancers. After several routes, a dancer came down from the stage to interact with the audience of over 200 individuals. Later, she slowly approached me and asked, "Would you like to dance?" I…Original link

Want to explore far-flung places around Beijing without booking a car or trip just to do so? Hop on the subway! In this continuation of a series we ran over CNY, we'll be showcasing a few scenic spots and historic sites situated at or near the end of three subway lines. All you've got to do to get there is jump on the subway and take it to where you want to go. The Old Summer Palace Ruins Park (圆明园遗址公园 Yuánmíngyuán Yízhǐ Gōngyuán) What Is It? Constructed in 1707 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Old Summer Palace consists of three separate gardens coming together to create a massive complex spanning 2.9 square kilometers. Although it’s mostly remembered today for its looting and burning in 1860 during the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace was once a beautiful imperial park that featured striking examples of both Chinese and European-style architecture. During its heyday, the park served as the regular residence of the emperor and imperial family, with the Forbidden City only used for official ceremonies and occasions. Today, while it serves as a somber reminder of China’s turbulent past, it’s also a nice place to take a day and meander…Original link

Discover the magnificent Danxia landform on the "roof of the world"! Located in northwest China's Qinghai Province, Kanbula National Geopark boasts unique Danxia landform, towering peaks, hidden caves, and emerald lakes, creating a fairytale-like scenery. Produced by Xinhua Global ServiceOriginal link

China travel is trending worldwide, with new data from the National Immigration Administration revealing a surge in foreign visitors. From January to July, over 17.25 million foreigners entered China, a near 130-percent increase year-on-year and an estimated direct consumption boost of over 100 billion yuan. Shanghai's tourism market is witnessing a strong recovery. In the first half of this year, the city welcomed over 3 million foreign tourists, up by more than 140 percent year-on-year. At the ongoing INCLUSION·Conference on the Bund, the "2024 Top 10 Consumer-Friendly Shopping Districts for Inbound Tourists" list was unveiled, revealing two of the most popular Shanghai landmarks. The Yuyuan Cultural District and the Nanjing Road Shopping Area are among the most visited shopping destinations for foreign visitors. These areas were highlighted for their high visitor ratings and strong appeal to foreign shoppers. Imaginechina A foreign couple take a selfie at Yuyuan Garden. Foreign visitors are drawn to both not just for unique Shanghai-style goods and services but also their convenient payment options. Hu Junjie, vice president of Yuyuan Inc. and co-president of the Yuyuan Commercial Development Group, said more foreign customers were becoming fans of mobile payments, finding the "scan and pay" method convenient.…Original link

The Nansha Immigration Inspection processes the 144-hour visa-free transit procedures for two eligible foreign passengers. According to the most recent statistics released by the National Immigration Administration on Aug 19, the number of foreign nationals entering the country through ports from January to July this year reached 17.25 million, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 129.9 percent. The influx of foreign tourists visiting China during this period is anticipated to stimulate consumption exceeding 100 billion yuan ($14 billion). According to Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, the significant increase in foreign tourists visiting China is primarily attributed to visa facilitation measures such as the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, unilateral visa exemptions, and mutual visa exemptions. Furthermore, the ease of foreign card payments in China, the efficient operation of domestic tourism routes, projects, and enterprises, and comprehensive promotional efforts have also influenced the increase in foreign tourist numbers. A fundamental reason for the surge in foreign tourist arrivals is the country's growing strength, which entices more foreigners to experience the evolving landscape of China. Hence, the significant growth in foreign tourist arrivals is the collective outcome of multiple contributing factors. Based on the statistical data, in recent years, shopping has emerged as the primary…Original link

Enjoy exclusive deals! Join our Travel News & Deals WeChat Group! 4-Day Leduomanyin Glacier Trek Adventure Image courtesy of C Adventure Mount Leduomanyin is located in the Mount Minya Konka massif in the Hengduan Mountain Range of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. Located in Western Sichuan, the nearest town is Kangding, just 20 kilometers away, while it is just 250 kilometers away from Chengdu, making it an ideal gateway for adventurers. This trek starts out from Kangding at an elevation of 2,600 meters, and ascends all the way up to the Leduomanyin Glacier and Ice Lake at 4,600 meters. Offering epic views of Small Mount Konka, Mount Jiazi and Mount Riwuqie, this trip is a fantastic choice to experience a glacier adventure. For More Information Click Here 9-Day Tibet Everest Base Camp Hike Image courtesy of M2adventure Embark on a unique and unforgettable journey through Lhasa and Everest. Discover Lhasa’s major sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Hike to Everest Base Camp for a rare adventure, enjoying stunning views of Mt. Everest, wild camping, and a tranquil, nearly deserted trail. Experience breathtaking scenery of the world’s highest mountain both during the trek and while staying overnight at the base camp. For More Information Click Here 3-Day…Original link

Ti Gong Shanghai and Kazan will be directly connected by a new direct flight service starting September 28. China Eastern Airlines is set to launch the first direct flight between Shanghai and Kazan, a central Russian city, starting on September 28. Serviced by flight numbers MU5065 and MU5066, the new route will offer three weekly round trips on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets for the Shanghai-Kazan route are now available for purchase on the official website and app of China Eastern Airlines. Tickets for the first flight from Shanghai to Kazan on September 28 were priced at 2,170 yuan (US$305.70) while the return trip cost 2,015 yuan, the airline's official website showed on Thursday. The outbound flight is scheduled to depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at noon local time and arrive at Kazan International Airport at 5pm local time. Return flights will depart Kazan at 8pm local time and arrive in Shanghai Pudong at 9am local time the following day. The airline plans to operate the route with A330 aircraft, which are equipped with high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi services that allow passengers to stay connected throughout the flight. Kazan, a vibrant city with a rich history, offers a unique blend…Original link

Prepare to be captivated by a lively and colorful celebration of Afro-Latino cultures right in the heart of Shanghai! The exciting festival showcases a fusion of Latin American and African music, dance, food and art. Experience a day filled with non-stop dancing to the beats of top Latin and African DJs. Indulge in mouth-watering traditional food and drinks, and explore a wide array of unique crafts. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to immerse yourself in the dynamic and diverse Afro-Latino cultures in Shanghai. Get ready for an unforgettable festival atmosphere! Entry is free! Date: September 15-16, 1pm-10pm Venue: LAOWAIJIE Address: 3338 Hongmei Rd, near Yan'an Rd W. 虹梅路3338号, 近延安西路Original link

After Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, Chengdu becomes the 4th destination of the Michelin Guide in Chinese mainland. The Michelin Guide globally recognized for its professional restaurant recommendations will certainly offer you a valuable guidance for delicious and noteworthy dining experience in Chengdu. For the complete overview 2 Michelin Stars (2)   Xin Rong Ji 新荣记 Formerly known as Rongleyuan, this long-established Sichuan restaurant has been operating since 1861. Only six tables are available for reservation each day. Address： No. 2-8 Feicuili, No.8, Liuli Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu 成都市武侯区琉璃路8号翡翠里2-8号 Tel： 028-61197776   Yu Zhi Lan 玉芝兰 Check info via https://chengdu-expat.com/places/yu-zhi-lan-chengdu/ 1 Michelin Star (11)   Chai Men Hui 柴门荟 The cuisine is a fushion of Sichuan flavors and Western concepts, resulting in a delightful blend where the East meets the West, offering a rich and diverse array of flavors. Address: UNI ELITE, No. 287, Jiaozi Avenue, Gaoxin District, Chengdu 成都市高新区交子大道287号中海环宇荟 Tel: 028-80803377   Fang Xiang Jing 芳香景 The restaurant features traditional Sichuan dishes such as Steamed Chinese Cabbage with Broth, Minced Chicken with Sprinkled Topping, etc. Address: No.5-1, China Railway Ludao Art City, Majiahuayuan Road, Jinniu District Chengdu 成都市金牛区马家花园路中铁鹭岛艺术城5号院附1号 Tel: 028-64601181   Furong Huang 芙蓉凰花园酒楼 The traditional Sichuan cuisine is prepared…

Who doesn’t love a good pub quiz? They’re such a great way to socialize, have some drinks, and test your general knowledge with a little bit (or a lot, depending on how seriously you take it) of friendly competition mixed in. Alas, the quiz night scene in Beijing isn’t quite what it used to be but there are still a fair few kicking about, so let’s take a look at them. Tuesday The Local Tuesday Trivia  Start time: 8pm Prizes: First, second and second to last teams get prizes, plus there are prizes for each round Quiz length: Usually around two hours Team size: No minimum team size, it’s recommended that teams of over six people split into two teams Price to enter: Free The Local 1/F, 101, Southeast of Zone E, Bldg 80, Courtyard No. 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体北路4号院80号楼E区东南侧第一间101一层 Side Street Jiaodaokou Tuesday Quiz  Start time: 8pm Prizes: Include things like sparkling wine and vouchers Team size: Maximum of six people per team Price to enter: Free Side Street Jiaodaokou 113-02 Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District 东城区交道口东大街113号-02 Wednesday Wednesday Night Quiz at Paddy O'Shea's Start time: 8pm Prizes: First, second, and third place get prizes Number of rounds:…Original link

As the new academic year starts, universities across China are welcoming their freshmen in interesting and heartwarming ways, giving them a strong sense of belonging. Let's have a look! During this fall semester at Zhejiang University in East China, a robot dog was spotted effortlessly carrying freshmen's luggage, swiftly navigating through crowds and climbing stairs. The X30 quadruped robot was developed by a team from the university and DEEP Robotics, a leading quadruped robot developer based in Hangzhou, reported Xinhua News Agency. The 1-meter-long robot dog has a height of 50 centimeters when standing upright and weighs about 56 kilograms. It can carry up to 20 kg of goods. Apart from carrying luggage, they can also do somersaults.Original link

Ever since China began expanding its visa-free travel and 72/144-hour visa-free transit policies to more countries last year, have you had any friends or family members who have come to Beijing to visit since then? Anyone you know planning to come? What sort of essential tips would you give them? The Beijinger is running a new series providing such essential tips for short-term visitors to the capital. We hope it’ll make things easier for overseas visitors, and help make your life easier inviting and receiving visitors from back home. Check it out and give us your feedback below! Beijing is one of the world's most important and historic cities and has served as China's capital since the 15th century. How much time does a visitor need to see everything there is to see? One day isn't enough, and a week probably isn't, either. There are far more sites than we could possibly list here, but below is an introduction to the most unique and interesting places to visit in Beijing. We listed the official Ticket Purchasing channel for all venues request tickets, but recommend you to book tours through reliable travel websites like www.trip.com to have a better experience, because purchasing tickets…Original link

The Place Nestled in the bustling heart of Guangzhou, Zazoo emerges as a gem in the city’s vibrant music and nightlife scene. This live music bar and restaurant has captured the hearts and imaginations of young socialites and music enthusiasts alike. Its very name, Zazoo, conjures images of rhythmic melodies and dancing figures, promising an experience that’s all about joy, freedom, and unbridled celebration. Upon entering Zazoo, you’re immediately enveloped by a sea of red—a color that permeates the venue through its curtains and stage. The ambiance exudes a retro charm reminiscent of a bygone era where indie bands ruled the night. The meticulous design details, from the decor to the lighting, invite you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Every evening, a dynamic in-house band takes the stage, delivering a series of unique performances that vary in genre but always hit the right note. Whether it’s the soulful tunes of a keyboard, the gentle strumming of a guitar, or the soothing vocals that whisk you away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Zazoo’s music is a conversation between soul and sound. During the day, Zazoo transforms into a serene escape with its sunny terrace. It’s the perfect spot…Original link

On Wednesday, August 29, the city of Guangzhou celebrated the 240th anniversary of the historic voyage of the Empress of China, the first U.S. merchant ship to sail to China. The commemoration took place in Pazhou, a prominent area within the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou. The Empress of China embarked on its journey from New York on February 22, 1784, carrying American goods such as ginseng, furs, and cotton. The ship arrived at the historic port of Huangpu in Pazhou on August 28 of the same year. This voyage marked the inception of China-US economic and trade relations, establishing a pivotal moment in the history of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. “Pazhou has evolved into a major convention and exhibition center, hosting significant events like the Canton Fair, which attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually, including many from the United States,” said Wang Jun, a board member of Guangzhou Pazhou Hong Kong Macau Passenger Transport Co., Ltd. Wang highlighted that 66 airlines have now integrated intermodal air-sea transportation services between Hong Kong International Airport and Pazhou Ferry Terminal, with 19 airlines offering direct check-in services at Pazhou. These services have greatly improved travel convenience for both…

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