The China Journey is exactly what it sounds like – a travel and culture website dedicated to exploring the wonders of China. It highlights China’s amazing cities, attractions, cuisine, cultural heritage, and festivals. In fact, the site’s author notes that in its first year he published over 530 posts covering China’s main places and culture. Whether you’re curious about historic sites or planning your first trip, The China Journey offers friendly guides and insider tips on everything from Beijing’s skyline to Sichuan hot pot.
Discover China’s Cities & Landmarks
China’s cities are full of contrasts – ancient and modern side by side. For example, Beijing (pictured below) is the nation’s capital and a blend of old and new. It’s home to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City (a vast imperial palace), and near Beijing the famous Great Wall of China. The Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was “continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD” and stretches over 20,000 km.
In Xi’an, you can see the Terracotta Army – thousands of life-size clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang. UNESCO describes this site, discovered in 1974, as containing “thousands of statues” that were masterpieces of realism and of great historical interest. Modern cities like Shanghai offer a completely different vibe: towering skyscrapers, the historic Bund waterfront, and bustling markets. Shanghai and Beijing together show both China’s soaring high-rises and its imperial palaces.
China also has many charming smaller cities. Suzhou (near Shanghai) is famous for its classical gardens – nine exquisite gardens with ponds, pavilions and rockeries. UNESCO calls Suzhou’s gardens “masterpieces” of Chinese landscaping. Other highlights include Chengdu (home to giant pandas and spicy food), Guilin with its emerald rivers and limestone hills, and Zhangjiajie in Hunan – whose pillar-like peaks inspired the movie Avatar. In fact, Zhangjiajie’s scenic area became a UNESCO World Heritage site (as part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area) in 1992.
Top Attractions in China:
Great Wall of China (near Beijing) – ancient fortification, symbol of China.
Terracotta Army (Xi’an) – thousands of clay soldiers guarding an emperor.
Forbidden City (Beijing) – vast Ming/Qing dynasty palace complex (UNESCO).
Classical Gardens of Suzhou (Suzhou) – nine historic gardens, UNESCO-recognized masterpieces.
Savor Chinese Cuisine
No trip to China is complete without tasting its food. Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse – each region has its specialties. For example:
Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) – This famous dish from Beijing is known worldwide for its crispy skin and rich flavor. It is often carved tableside and eaten with thin pancakes and sweet bean sauce.
Sichuan Hot Pot (火锅) – A bubbling, spicy stew of broth and ingredients. It’s extremely popular, especially in Sichuan and Chongqing. Diners cook slices of meat, vegetables and noodles in the communal pot, sharing a warm meal.
Dim Sum (点心) – Small bite-sized dishes that are the heart of Cantonese cuisine (Guangzhou/Hong Kong). Dim sum includes dumplings, rolls, buns and pastries – often served in steamer baskets. There are hundreds of dim sum varieties today.
Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) – A famous Sichuan stir-fry with chicken, peanuts and dried chiles.
Other highlights: Dumplings in the north, spicy mapo tofu in Chengdu, soup noodles in Lanzhou, and sweet red bean pastries or fruit mooncakes for dessert.
Chinese chefs and home cooks prize the color, aroma and taste of their dishes. Each plate is often balanced with salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. In fact, there are eight major regional cuisines (Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, etc.), reflecting China’s size and history. Today China also has many food tours and cooking experiences; The China Journey features guides on local specialties in each city, from Chongqing hot pot to Shanghai’s xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Embracing Heritage & Festivals
China’s culture is rooted in thousands of years of history. Many sites are UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving art and architecture. Besides the Great Wall and Forbidden City, other heritage spots include the Potala Palace in Lhasa (Tibet), the Mogao Caves (Dunhuang), and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
China’s intellectual and spiritual history also shines through in traditions like Chinese opera (Peking Opera, Sichuan Opera, etc.), kung fu martial arts, and Feng Shui beliefs. For example, UNESCO notes that Silk Road traders from China “brought about the widespread transmission of knowledge, ideas, cultures and beliefs” across Asia. Cities like Xi’an were ancient Silk Road hubs, where Chinese and foreign cultures exchanged art, technology and religion.
Festivals are a window into Chinese life. The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) is the biggest holiday. According to UNESCO, it “has a history spanning thousands of years” and is rich with customs like family reunions, dragon dances, lanterns and fireworks. During Chinese New Year people clean homes, pay off debts, and wish for prosperity. Other major festivals include:
Dragon Boat Festival (端午节): Held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it features exciting dragon boat races on rivers and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). This ancient festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and includes hanging herbs to ward off evil.
Lantern Festival (元宵节): Celebrated on the 15th day of the New Year cycle (first full moon), it marks the end of New Year celebrations. People light colorful paper lanterns and eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), symbolizing family unity and luck. Children often solve lantern riddles at night.
Mid-Autumn Festival: In autumn, families gather under the full moon to eat mooncakes and enjoy lantern displays.
Many Others: Qingming (Tomb Sweeping), Double Ninth, and various ethnic minority festivals.
Recent recognition (like UNESCO listing Chinese New Year as intangible heritage) shows China’s festivals are increasingly shared globally. The China Journey covers major events (like Harbin’s Ice Festival or local temple fairs) so travelers can experience these celebrations themselves.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning a trip to China can feel daunting, but The China Journey offers practical guidance to help. The site acknowledges common concerns – for example, language barriers, train tickets or entry tickets, and cultural differences. It suggests preparing well or even using a trusted travel agency to arrange itineraries. Here are a few key tips:
Language & Communication: English is not widely spoken outside big cities. Don’t worry – the site advises using translation apps and learning a few basic Mandarin phrases. Many signs in subways and airports also have English.
Mobile Payments: China is largely cashless. Almost every shop, restaurant and taxi accepts WeChat Pay or Alipay (mobile QR code payments). It’s a good idea to set up one of these apps (by registering your bank card) or be prepared to use cash in very rural areas.
Transportation: China’s high-speed trains and metros make it easy to get around. The China Journey has a detailed guide on China’s high-speed rail (HSR), which connects major cities at speeds up to 300 km/h. Book train tickets in advance online or via apps.
Visa & Entry: Most travelers need a visa, so check the latest requirements. The site’s Visa Strategies guide offers advice (e.g. on multi-city entries or visa-free transit options).
Best Time to Visit: China’s climate varies. Generally, spring (April–May) and autumn (Sept–Oct) are pleasant. The site’s Best Time to Visit guide recommends avoiding extreme heat or pollution-heavy winters in some cities.
Health & Safety: Tap water is not drinkable in most places – carry bottled water. Street food is generally safe, but pick busy stalls.
By combining cultural insights with up-to-date tips, The China Journey aims to make your first China trip smooth and engaging. Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Great Wall, tasting local delicacies, or joining a festival parade, this website helps you plan an authentic journey.