JACOB'S WIKI

Top 7 Places to Visit Near Chengdu

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:46 +0000

Top 7 Places to Visit Near Chengdu

My name is Molly, and I’m a tour guide based in Chengdu. I was also born and raised here. Often, I show tourists around our city as well as the natural landscapes and villages of Western Sichuan.

Due to my experience, I often get asked: We want to see some natural landscapes and relax near Chengdu, where do you think we should go? So, I wrote this article to introduce my most recommended places to visit around Chengdu, where each location is accompanied by highlights and main itinerary arrangements.

Molly Xie

3 Years as a Local Guide in Chengdu

Hi, I’m Molly. When I first visited Chengdu in high school, I was captivated by the city’s leisurely pace of life, the warmth of the locals, and the incredible variety of food – delicious cuisine is everywhere. I secretly decided that I wanted to live here in the future. After graduating from university, I moved to Chengdu to work and live. The longer I stay here, the more I love this city. Later, I was fortunate to become a tour guide, introducing visitors from around the world to our local culture, exploring the surrounding natural scenery, and immersing them in the culinary delights. I feel very happy whenever I see guests amazed and full of praise for the wonderful things here.

1. The Four Girls Mountain

Four Girls Mountain in autumn

The Four Girls Mountain is about a 4-5 hour drive from Chengdu. It boasts a wide variety of landscapes to feast your eyes on, such as snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, green lakes, Tibetan Buddhist white pagodas, traditional architecture, primitive forests, and winding rivers.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, it sees relatively few tourists, especially during the off-peak season (such as spring and autumn). Here, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, clear your mind, and relish in the tranquility.

The weather there is typically pleasant, usually sunny. So far, we haven’t encountered a rainy day there yet. The blue sky, fresh clear air, and the picturesque mountain lakes create stunning scenes.

I still remember the first time I traveled there. A companion took a photo of me, and when I later shared it with my friends, they exclaimed, “Oh, this beautiful scenery looks like it was shot in Switzerland!” I smiled and said: “No, it was taken near Chengdu, but yes, the Four Girls Mountain is often praised as the Eastern Alps! That’s why you got that feeling!”

But when is the best time to visit? Well, the Four Girls Mountain is beautiful all year round, each season has its own characteristics.

The most recommended seasons to go are spring and early summer when beautiful wildflowers bloom, new grass covers the meadows, and melting water flows into the rivers and lakes.

Jiuzhaigou in early summer

Autumn is also a great time, when the vegetation changes colors from the mountain foot to the mountain top.
It’s better to avoid the heavy rainy season, especially July and August, to prevent landslides and traffic jams.

To get here, traveling by car is more convenient and easy. You should plan for around three days, with two nights’ stay. You can check out our 4-Day Mount Siguniang and Wolong Panda Research Center Tour for inspiration.

2. Mount Emei

Mount Emei

Mount Emei is known for its beautiful scenery and deep Buddhist culture. Additionally, Mount Emei is rich in vegetation and has a high concentration of negative oxygen ions, so even at the summit of over three thousand meters, it’s not easy to experience altitude sickness.

Whether you want to purely appreciate the beauty of nature, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, are a devout Buddhist wishing to pray, or even want to witness the liveliness and dominance of wild monkeys, Mount Emei is your top choice.

Since Mount Emei is located within Leshan, it is easy to reach. If you’re departing from Chengdu to visit Mount Emei, you can plan for two days and pair it with a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha for a richer experience.

On the first day in the morning, you can depart from Chengdu, drive to the Leshan Giant Buddha for sightseeing, then drive for an hour to stay at the foot of Mount Emei.
The next morning, take the scenic area bus and cable car to the highest point of Mount Emei, Jinding, to worship the Samantabhadra Buddha and other temples, and enjoy the sea of clouds.
Then you can return the same way in the afternoon.

Leshan Giant Buddha

If you want to see the sunrise at Jinding, you can drive to the foot of Mount Emei after visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha on the first day, then take the scenic area bus to the top of Mount Emei to stay overnight. Early the next morning, you can watch the sunrise, visit Jinding, then descend the mountain and return to Chengdu.

Check our our 6-Day Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Leshan and Emei Tour.

3. Suji Ancient Town

With a history of approximately 1400 years, dating back to the Sui Dynasty, Suji Ancient Town has deep cultural heritage. With fewer crowds, it can be explored in about an hour and a half, making it a great place to trace the steps of time and enjoy Sichuan cuisine.

A river runs through the middle of the town.

On the left, an entire street is filled with delicious foods such as “qiao jiao” beef, tofu pudding, rice candy, and “ka bing” that will keep you from stopping.
On the right, you’ll find places to drink tea, where you can stroll along the river and bask in the sun.

Suji Ancient Town is only a half-hour drive from the Leshan Giant Buddha. You can depart from Chengdu in the morning, visit the Giant Buddha and the ancient town, and return to Chengdu on the same day.

4. Mugecuo 木格措

Mugecuo

Mugecuo is a four-hour drive from Chengdu and is part of a Tibetan settlement area. The surrounding region of Mugecuo retains a rich Tibetan folk culture.

The scenic area boasts a variety of natural landscapes, including pristine forests, snow-capped mountains, and lakes. It is an excellent place to appreciate the scenery of the Western Sichuan Plateau.

You can traverse the original forest along the canyon plank road, check in at the Redstone Beach for its unique landscape, and witness the splashing and crashing sounds of the streams along the way.

Best time to visit: The late spring and early summer months (from April to June) and autumn (from September to October) are ideal. During these times, the climate is mild, vegetation is lush, and flowers are in full bloom, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.

In the scenic area, there are sightseeing cars that stop at each point, and the approximate visiting time is 3-4 hours. You can choose a 3-4 day tour, stay overnight in Kangding city, and combine your visit with Xinduqiao and Tagong Grassland.

You can check out our 6-Day Sichuan Adventure Tour with Yala Snow Mountain for inspiration.

5. Tagong Grassland

Tagong Grassland

Tagong Grassland is a famous grassland, approximately a two-hour drive from either Kangding City or Mugecuo. It features boundless verdant landscapes.

Here, cattle and sheep roam in herds, and the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture is evident. The thousand-year-old Tagong Temple, the sound of prayers from the temple, clouds drifting in the sky, golden rays of the sun, reflecting on the houses of the village and the green grassland, all contribute to a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

From here, you can also gaze at one of the four great sacred mountains of the Tibetan region – Yala Snow Mountain.

You can depart from Kangding City in the morning, drive along National Highway 318, pass through the photographer’s paradise of Xinduqiao, and then visit Tagong Grassland. Afterward, you can return to Kangding for accommodation, and return to Chengdu the next day.

Experience our 9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour, where you’ll feast your eyes on stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich cultural fusion of Tibetan and Han Chinese traditions.

6. Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Huanglongxi Ancient Town is a water town with a history of more than 1700 years. Not only does it have ancient streets, trees, temples, and docks, but it also boasts a rich folk culture and delicious food, making it an excellent place to relax and unwind.

The ancient town is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Chengdu and doesn’t require an entrance ticket.

The ancient alleyways retain a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Strolling along the quaint streets, you can admire various traditional buildings and ancient gatehouses.

Huanglongxi Ancient Town is much larger than the average ancient town. It mainly consists of a main street extending in a straight line, with a small stream running through the middle, and ancient lanes extending on both sides. There are shops for browsing and eating, and even small accessory shops that girls would love.

Generally, it takes about two hours to explore the town. Huanglongxi is a great destination for a leisurely day trip from Chengdu.

You can choose to drink tea or play mahjong in the old teahouses in the town, experiencing the leisurely life of Chengdu. Taste the internet-famous delicacy: Huanglongxi’s “one noodle”, visit temples, pray to Buddha, and so on.

7. Jiuzhaigou

The Autumn Colors of Jiuzhaigou

“Return from Huangshan Mountain and you’ll never want to see another mountain; return from Jiuzhaigou and you’ll never want to see other waters.” This saying illustrates the soul of Jiuzhaigou – its water. It is also known as a “fairyland”.

Zhai (寨) means village in Chinese. Jiuzhaigou is named after the nine Tibetan villages it encompasses. Along with the lakes, waterfalls, and forests in the valley, these villages together create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

Visiting the attractions in Jiuzhaigou requires a whole day, not including the travel time to and from Chengdu. You can reach Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu by car or high-speed train.

The high-speed train is faster, but after arriving at the terminal station Zhenjiangguan, it still takes another two hours by car to reach the Jiuzhaigou scenic area.
The car takes 6-7 hours to arrive. You can stop at Songpan Ancient Town and other places with Tibetan characteristics on the way.

Recommended itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights, departing from Chengdu by high-speed train

Day 1: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou

Depart from Chengdu High Speed Rail Station and take the high-speed train to Zhenjiangguan Station (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, take another 2 hours by car to Jiuzhaigou.

In the evening, you can try local delicacies near the entrance of the valley, such as Tibetan hot pot, yak meat, and barley wine, etc.

Stay overnight in a hotel near the entrance of the valley.

Day 2: One-day tour of Jiuzhaigou

Morning: Get up early and head to the Jiuzhaigou scenic area to visit Shuzheng Valley, including Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes, etc.

Noon: Have lunch in the scenic area

Afternoon: Continue to visit Rize Valley (Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoals) and Zechawa Valley (Long Lake, Five Color Pond).

Five Flower Lake

Evening: taste local cuisine at a Tibetan restaurant near the hotel.

Day 3: Jiuzhaigou – Chengdu

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the high-speed rail station and take the high-speed train back to Chengdu.

There are only two downsides to Jiuzhaigou:

One is that there are too many people (however, because the scenic area is so large and well managed, you only feel it when lining up to enter the park and at the smallest Five Color Pond).
The other is that with the opening of the high-speed train, there are many tourists, so you need to buy high-speed train tickets and entrance tickets in advance, otherwise, it’s hard to get them at the last minute. (If the high-speed train tickets are sold out, consider taking a private car or a flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou.)

If time permits, you can also drive and add a day.

On the first day, visit Dujiangyan or Qingcheng Mountain along the way, stay overnight in Dujiangyan.
Continue to Jiuzhaigou on the second day, add another day after visiting Jiuzhaigou to visit the Huanglong Scenic Area, stay overnight in Maoxian on the way back, and return to Chengdu the next day.

Qingcheng Mountain

This 5-Day Jiuzhaigou Journey from and back to Chengdu will allow you to enjoy the most colorful Spring of both Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, also provide a chance to meet the pandas in person.

Discover Chengdu with us – Your Adventure Awaits

Join us at China Highlights as we uncover the treasures of Chengdu and its surrounding areas. Experience the vibrant culture, savor the renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey.

The Warring States Period Map

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:46 +0000

The Warring States Period Map

The Warring States Period Map shows the land divisions by many regions during the Warring States Period. Click it to enlarge.

From 475 BC to 221 When the Qinshihuang unified the country, is known as the Warrior Period. It is obvious so named for wars between the states continued, even intensified. This period is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the feudalism in china.

Read more information about the Warring States Period and check out more about Chinese history.

The 3rd Tone: How to Pronounce It Like a Chinese Native

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:46 +0000

The 3rd Tone: How to Pronounce It Like a Chinese Native

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What’s the first word you ever learned in Chinese? Was it “nǐ hǎo”?

That was one of my first Chinese words, but I can’t say that I recommend it as the best starting point for learning Chinese.

Why? Because that word has made me feel like I was on the receiving end of a great conspiracy more than once.

I wrote about coming to the realization that Chinese people rarely actually say “nǐ hǎo” to each other . That was a pretty rude awakening for me. But that wasn’t the first time I felt that “nǐ hǎo” had led me astray.

The “Falling-Rising” 3rd Tone is Wrong?

Back when I started learning Chinese, I was taught, as most of us are, that the 3rd tone has a “falling-rising” pitch. Unless there are two 3rd tones together, in which case the first 3rd tone syllable turns into the 2nd tone.

We practiced this together as a class with the word “nǐ hǎo,” making sure the end of “hǎo” rose up in pitch.

Later, when I went to China, something bothered me about how I spoke versus the way I heard other people speaking. It took a while, but I was eventually able to pinpoint the problem.

It was my 3rd tone.

I would ask the lady at the market, “多少钱 (dūo shǎo qián)” – How much? The end of my “shǎo” rose up in pitch, just as I was taught.

But when the lady replied, “两块钱 (liǎng kuài qián)” – Two yuan , there was no rise in pitch at the end of her “liǎng.”

It was just low. Huh.

As I listened more carefully to how people spoke, something became clear to me: the 3rd tone does not rise at the end. It’s simply a low tone. I couldn’t even hear it dipping down at first either.

Basically, people just go to the low part of their voice range to say that syllable, and then move on to the next. No rising involved.

Tip: See Yoyo Chinese’s free video-based pinyin chart, which includes audio demonstrations for all Mandarin sounds. In it, you’ll notice that most of the third tones are demonstrated in the half-third tone method. Click here to explore the chart:

Making Sense of the 3rd Tone

“Okay,” I thought, “so the books and teachers were wrong. 3rd tone never rises. I’ve been duped.”

Then one day I was at a shopping mall in Tianjin. There was a magician there that day doing a show for kids. I stopped to watch for a while.

After almost everything the performer said to his young audience, he would follow with a dramatic, “好不好 (hǎo bù hǎo)?” – Okay? And the kids would reply with a resounding, “好 (hǎo)!”

I don’t remember anything about the magic show itself, but I will never forget how flabbergasted I was to hear those kids say “好 (hǎo)” with a great, big, incredibly obvious rise in pitch at the end.

The rise was so intense that it practically sounded more like a 2nd tone. I was perplexed.

So I re-opened the 3rd tone mystery file and eventually managed to put the pieces together.

I came to a few conclusions:

The 3rd tone does, in fact, dip down a little at the beginning. But it’s a tiny little dip, and most of the time you can’t really hear it. It happens naturally as your voice goes down to a deeper tone.
The 3rd tone does rise at the end. BUT (and this is a very big but), only when it is strongly emphasized and is not immediately followed by another syllable.

That’s why it’s traditionally taught as a “falling-rising” tone, because syllables are taught in the classroom in isolation. That’s also why the kids at the magic show said “好 (hǎo)” with a big rise at the end. It was spoken both in isolation and with emphasis. This is what’s known as a “full 3rd tone.”
When spoken within a word, phrase, or sentence (which is most of the time), the 3rd tone does not rise at the end. It’s almost like the opposite of a 1st tone. It’s just low and flat. This is what’s called a “half third tone.”

Years later, when I was learning how to teach Chinese as a second language, I had a couple of professors who recommended that both the “full 3rd tone” and the “half 3rd tone” be taught to beginner Chinese students, with the focus placed on the “half 3rd tone,” since that’s used most of the time in everyday speech.

When I first heard a professor say that, I practically jumped out of my seat and hollered out, “Amen!”

I could’ve been spared quite a bit of confusion if my early teachers and textbooks had included even a simple note on that. So I think it’s great that beginner students of Yoyo Chinese are introduced to the “low and flat” half 3rd tone in this lesson:

I think the biggest takeaway from my roundabout way of learning how to properly pronounce the 3rd tone is this:

Tones really only make sense in the context of regular speech.

So start practicing them in pairs, or even phrases, from early on in your Chinese training.

Of course it’s necessary to learn 3rd tone words as isolated syllables when first introduced at the very beginning. But then your practice should quickly change focus to recognizing and pronouncing the tones together in words, phrases, and sentences.

The Chinese teaching world is finally picking up on this and is starting to teach tones this way.

Here at Yoyo Chinese, when it comes to practicing tones, we’ve been urging our students to think outside the “isolated syllable” box for a while now.

Check out this lesson on tone pairs:

And don’t forget to check out as well for more on tone pairs.

Plenty of study materials and teachers out there still continue to perpetuate the “falling-rising” 3rd tone myth. We get a lot of questions about this in the “Q&A” comments section of our pronunciation lessons from people who’ve only been taught the traditional, full 3rd tone.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of that conspiracy, you are definitely not alone. This should finally clear up any confusion for you!

So, to recap:

– The full 3rd tone is only pronounced in isolation.

– The half 3rd tone (a low, flat pitch) is used in the context of everyday speech.

– You must practice 3rd tone syllables in tone pairs to learn accurate pronunciation in context.

Do you have any questions about the 3rd tone or practicing tone pairs? We’d be more than happy to answer them for you in the comments below!

How to answer 5 tricky questions you’ll be asked in China

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:46 +0000

How to answer 5 tricky questions you’ll be asked in China

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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I recently . While my husband and I were moving in, several neighborhood 阿姨 (ā yí) – aunties gathered at the entrance of the building, curious about the 外国人 (wài guó rén) － foreigners (and their cat).

Our new neighbors wanted to know where we were from, why we had come to Shanghai, what the cat’s name was – all pretty straightforward questions you’d find when meeting new people in my home country (the UK).

But, they also asked other questions that most people back home would find way too personal, or would only ask . Having been in China for several years, I was prepared. I knew that what might seem extremely awkward to Westerners was just an expression of curiosity and friendliness for the 阿姨 (ā yí) – aunties. Even though , your neighbors mean well!

That’s why I’m sharing my experiences about some tricky questions you might be asked in China, and how to answer them in a way that’ll keep you and your conversation partner happy and comfortable!

1. 你一个月工资多少钱? (nǐ yī ge yuè gōng zī duō shǎo qián) – How much is your (monthly) salary?

In China people tend to be much more direct about money than in Western countries, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked how much I make per month (I am also often asked about the price of my mobile phone, jewelry, or anything else that looks expensive!).

Naturally, the 阿姨 (ā yí) – aunties also wanted to know my 工资 (gōng zī) – salary. As a graduate student, I have a neat get-out for this awkward question, but for people who are working and don’t want to share, two great phrases to avoid answering are: 不高, 不高 (bù gāo, bù gāo) – not high, not high, or 是一个秘密 (shì yī ge mì mì) – it’s a secret.

2. 英国人是不是都很有钱? (yīng guó rén shì bù shì dōu hěn yǒu qián) – Aren’t all British (or American, French, etc.) people rich?

Especially among older Chinese who haven’t had the chance to travel abroad, the stereotype that all Westerners are super-wealthy still exists.

When faced with this question, I used to try to explain that some people in my home country were rich and some were not. But after a while I realized that what most people are really interested in when they ask this question is how the quality of life in China compares to Western countries.

Most Chinese are very 爱国 (ài guó) – patriotic, and are keen to hear positive impressions about their country. So, now I – truthfully – answer 中国越来越发达 (zhōng guó yuè lái yuè fā dá) – China is becoming more and more developed.

3. 你几岁？(nǐ jǐ suì) – How old are you?

When I first started hearing this question from people in China it used to bother me, especially as it was often immediately followed by advice about how it was time to have kids soon! Now I’m used to it and happily tell people my age, but if you don’t want to answer a handy alternative is to give the decade you were born in.

In the same way that Westerners talk about millennials and baby-boomers, Chinese love to compare people from different decades (thanks to China’s fast economic growth, someone born in the 1970s has very different life experiences than someone born in the 1990s).

For example, 我是八零后 (wǒ shì bā líng hòu) – I was born in the 1980s (literally “I am post-80s”). Likewise, someone born in the 1990s would be 九零后 (jiǔ líng hòu) – post-90s, and someone born in the 1970s would be 七零后 (qī líng hòu) – post-70s.

Alternatively, you can just use the trusty 是一个秘密! (shì yī ge mì mì) – it’s a secret!

4. 你的房子是买的还是租的？(nǐ de fáng zǐ shì mǎi de hái shì zū de) – Do you rent or own your apartment?

House prices in Shanghai have skyrocketed in recent years, and young Chinese face huge cultural pressure to buy a home. This means that one of the first things my new neighbors wanted to know was whether my apartment was rented or owned.

(A common follow-up is 每个月的租金多少钱? (měi ge yuè de zū jīn duō shǎo qián) – How much is the monthly rent?)

These questions are really tricky to avoid, and chances are if you’re talking to your neighbors, they’ll find out from your building manager or landlord anyway!

If you’re really not keen on answering, my best advice is to change the subject by sympathizing about the tough cost of living: 上海的房价太高! (shàng hǎi de fáng jià tài gāo) – Shanghai house prices are too high!

5. 你最近胖了吗？(nǐ zuì jìn pàng le má) – Have you put on weight recently?

Now that I’ve been in my new building for a few weeks, when I pass my neighbors in the hall, they sometimes greet me with 你最近胖了吗？(nǐ zuì jìn pàng le má) – have you put on weight recently? Or even just 你胖了! (nǐ pàng le) – you’ve gotten fat!

Luckily, I’ve been in China long enough to know that this is a common way to jokingly greet someone, or to say that they look healthy, so I don’t immediately rush down to the gym. In fact, if someone tells you 你胖了! (nǐ pàng le), don’t worry – just say it back: 你也胖了! (nǐ yě pàng le) – you’ve gotten fat too!

Have you been asked any awkward questions in China? What are your tips for dealing with tricky conversational situations? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!

Harbin Railway Station

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:45 +0000

Harbin Railway Station

There are trains for major cities in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hankou, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Yantai, Dezhou and Xuzhou.

Bullet trains are available between Harbin and other cities within Heilongjiang Province, such as Qiqihar, Mudanjiang, Suihua, and Jiamusi.

Harbin-Beijing: 10 hours by direct express trains Z2 and Z16, or 8 hours by bullet trains D28 and D26.
Harbin-Guangzhou: 37 hours by train T238/T235.
Harbin-Shanghai: 32 hours by train K58/K55.
Harbin-Zhengzhou: 29 hours by train K928/K925.

Transportation to Harbin Railway Station

Transportation: Passengers can take public buses No. 6, 11, 13, 14, 16, 21, 64, 74, 89, 101, 103, 108, 109, and 115 to get to the train station.

Harbin Railway Station Overview

Harbin Railway Station

Harbin Railway Station is located in Harbin city center. It was put to use in 1899. Harbin Railway Station is the second largest railway hub in Northeast China, after Shenyang Railway Station. The five railways, Beijing-Harbin Railway Line, Harbin-Suifenhe Line, Harbin-Manzhouli Railway Line, Harbin-Bei’an Railway Line, and Lafa-Harbin Railway Line intersect here.

Harbin to Yabuli

Yabuli Ski Resort is located 193 km (120 miles) east of Harbin City. Roads in Harbin are iced up in winter, so the safest possible way to travel is by train.

Yabuli South Railway Station is located near the Ski Resort. There are trains traveling between Yabuli and Harbin every day, and a single train ride takes 3 hours..

Harbin-South Yabuli: K7011, 7:46 am – 10:44 am

South Yabuli-Harbin: K7012, 16:20 -19:31

China Train App

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:45 +0000

China Train App

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Shangri-La Food and Restaurants

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:45 +0000

Shangri-La Food and Restaurants

When talking about Shangri-La in Yunnan, we always talk about its towering snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, vast grasslands, beautiful starry sky, and ancient towns, but we rarely mention the food there. Shangri-La is a “food highland“, relatively untouched by tourism.

Shangri-La is on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and Tibetans are the main residents there, so the food is mainly Tibetan in style. You can also find many Yunnan- and Sichuan-style restaurants in Shangri-La.

In this article, we will introduce you to several classic Shangri-La dishes and recommend you some restaurants with a good reputation. Or contact us directly for more.

3 Recommend Shangri-La Dishes

1. Butter-Fried Matsutake

Matsutake, known as the “king of mushrooms”, is definitely Shangri-La’s biggest “gourmet temptation”. Matsutake have a very delicate and delicious taste, and they have exacting requirements for their growth environment and climate. They can only be found in the unpolluted virgin forests of Northwest Yunnan and Linzhi, Tibet.

July to September is the picking season for Shangri-La matsutake, and it is also the best season to taste fresh matsutake.

Butter-fried matsutake is the classic way to eat this delicacy. The mellow ghee forces out the fragrance of the matsutake, and at the same time it locks in the freshness. When it is slightly curled, the mouth is plump and fresh, and full of grace.

Travel with us for matsutake picking experience in its high season

Butter-fried matsutake

2. Yak Hot Pot

Shangri-La’s Tibetan cuisine is based on locally-produced yak meat. The yak there grow up eating wild medicinal herbs (as well as lots of grass) grown at high altitudes of around 3,500 meters above sea level, so their meat is extremely delicious.

Yak beef hot pot has long been a dish commonly eaten by Tibetans, but now it has become the symbol of Shangri-La cuisine. The large slices of yak meat, served with seasonal vegetables, and stewed in a copper pot until crisp, are both delicious and nutritious.

Shangri-La Yak Hot Pot

3. Pipa Meat

Pipa meat is a kind of meat made using a traditional curing method of Diqing Tibetan area (Shangri-La’s prefecture). The method is to take out the internal organs and bones of a pig after slaughter, keeping the body whole, and then pickling it in a unique preparation, and leaving it to dry and cure. Because a whole dried pig looks somewhat like a pipa (a Chinese lute) in appearance, this dish is called pipa meat.

Under normal circumstances, pickled pipa meat takes at least one year to be cured and eaten. The meat is transparent and tastes fatty, but not greasy.

Shangri-La Pipa Meat

Recommended tours:

2 Recommended Shangri-La Snacks

1. Zanba (Tsampa — Roasted Barley Flour)

Zanba (tsampa in Tibetan), roasted highland barley flour, is the staple food of Tibetan people.

When making zanba, grease the bowl with some butter first, then pour in the water or tea, add the flour, and stir by hand. When mixing, remember to gently push the roasted flour to the bottom of the bowl to prevent the liquid from spilling out of the bowl. Rotate the bowl and push the roasted flour into the tea/water with your fingers close to the edge of the bowl. When the barley flour, tea, and butter are mixed well, they can be kneaded into a ball, and you can eat the dough.

Zanba is nutritious and can be made anywhere at anytime.

Zanba (Tsampa)

2. Shangri-La Yogurt

Yogurt is a traditional Tibetan dairy product in Shangri-La. Made from pasteurized, fermented yak milk after refining out yak butter to reduce the fat content, Shangri-La yogurt has a high nutritional value and is easy to digest. You can find this popular snack in nearly every Tibetan restaurant.

Shangri-La yogurt

3 Recommend Shangri-La Drinks

1. Butter Tea

Butter tea is the most popular drink in Shangri-La because of its high caloric value, which can eliminate the cold and replenish the heat needed by the human body. As a daily drink, butter tea plays an important role in the Tibetan diet.

It is simple and convenient to make a bowl of butter tea. Firstly, pour some local tea into a flask, add butter, salt, refined oil, and spices, and then stir it up and down repeatedly with a stirring handle to mix the butter and tea into a perfect infusion.

Shangri Butter Tea

2. Highland Barley Wine

Brewed from highland barley, highland barley wine has been one of the main drinks in Tibetan areas for thousands of years.

When you visit a Tibetan home, they always greet you with a cup of highland barley wine. Before drinking the wine, you should dip your right ring finger in the wine then flick it in the air three times to pay your respects to heaven, earth, and the ancestors. Once you drink a sip, the host will pour into your cup again, and you should drink up the wine after the third time this is repeated.

Highland barley wine is the favorite drink of Tibetan people, and it is essential to celebrating their festivals and happy events.

Highland barley wine

3. Shangri-La Beer

Shangri-La beer is considered the most mysterious beverage in Chinese craft beer making. Produced on the pure plateau over 3,000 meters above sea level, there are no preservatives or chemical products in the beer.

Taking Tibetan barley as its raw material, using pure snowy mountain water, and employing professional German beer-brewing technology, this beer created in Shangri-La has a unique taste. As advertised, it is “your Shangri-La in a bottle“.

Shangri-La Beer Factory is open for visiting — contact us to see inside.

Shangri-La Beer

5 Recommended Shangri-La Restaurants

There are several restaurants and snack shops in Shangri-La, especially in Dukezong Ancient Town. From Tibetan restaurants to Yunnan and Sichuan flavor ones to Western coffee bars, you should find some to meet your needs. Here we have listed some popular restaurants for your reference.

1. Yin Tong Convenient Snacks 银同便民小吃店

Features: Tibetan-style snacks, yak hot pot, highland barley cake… Opened in 2016, it has served many Chinese stars, such as Donnie Yen, and the lady boss is simple and easy-going.
Address: 32 Yiruomulang, Dukezong Ancient Town, Changzheng Avenue, Shangri-La (香格里拉市长征大道独克宗古城依若木廊32号)
Tel: 13988719963

2. The Silent Holy Stones 静静的嘛呢石

Features: Tibetan style food — yak hot pot, yogurt, fried mushrooms, dry pot potatoes, meatloaf. It’s a literary restaurant themed around Tibetan film art.
Address: 3 Zuobarui, Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城作巴瑞3号)
Tel: 0887-8286627

3. Regong Tibetan Art Studio & Restaurant 热贡艺人阁

Features: Tibetan food — yak hot pot, Anduo noodles, Tibetan pizza, exclusive secret sauce
Address: 9-2 Juelang Road, Jinlong Street, Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城金龙街觉廊路9-2号)
Tel: 13388878555

4. Compass 指南针

Features: Western style — salads, steaks, pasta, pizzas, coffee
Address: 3 Chilang Gang, Jiantang County Town, Shangri-La Pedestrian Street (香格里拉市步行街建塘镇池廊冈3)
Tel: 0887-8223638

5. Flying Tigers Café 飞虎咖啡

Features: Western style, especially French dishes. It’s a French-run, hundred-year-old courtyard house.
Address: 91 Jinlong Street, Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城金龙街99号)
Tel: 0887-8286661

Recommended Shangri-La Tours

Or start planning your Shangri-La tour with a well-designed itinerary, and fill in the meal and snack breaks along the way…

We have yet more Yunnan tours, which cover the highlights in Yunnan and also include exclusive programs to give you a unique experience.

Not interested in the above tours? We can tailor-make your own unique tour with your interests and requirements. We will design your perfect trip.

Top 3 Ways to Spark Interest in Mandarin Learning Among Kids in Hong Kong

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:45 +0000

For non-Chinese children living in Hong Kong, learning Mandarin is not only about acquiring language skills, but it’s also crucial for integrating into the community and understanding the culture. In this diverse city, parents can use specific methods to help their children develop an interest in learning Mandarin, enabling them to enjoy the learning process and apply what they’ve learned in daily life.

1、Explore Hong Kong’s Cultural Landmarks And Activities Rooted in Chinese Heritage

Hong Kong boasts a wealth of cultural landmarks and activities that parents can leverage to ignite their children’s interest in learning Mandarin. Places like the Hong Kong History Museum and the Museum of Art offer excellent opportunities to showcase Mandarin culture and Hong Kong’s historical roots. Taking children on visits to these places, with guided tours and explanations, helps them grasp the rich significance and historical context behind the Mandarin. Moreover, participating in traditional festivals such as Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival allows children to engage in activities like lion dances, lantern appreciation, and traditional crafts, offering them firsthand experiences of the unique charm of Chinese culture. Such immersive experiences are far more effective in sparking children’s interest in Mandarin than dry, textbook-based learning methods.

2、Simulating Real-life Scenarios Where Mandarin Can Be Practiced

To make learning more engaging and practical, encourage your child to frequently interact with Mandarin speakers. Take them to places like Shanghai Street in Mong Kok where they can practice speaking Mandarin with local people who can speak Mandarin. These real-world interactions will help them learn commonly used phrases and communication styles. When children experience success in these interactions, their interest in learning Mandarin will naturally increase. Additionally, encourage them to collaborate with the local Mandarin-speaking community. These activities will enhance their Mandarin communication skills and boost their enthusiasm for learning the language.

3、Using Tutors with Engaging Learning Methods

Engaging children in learning Mandarin can be highly effective by using various strategies that capture their attention, spark their curiosity, and provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. For example, gamified learning introduces interactivity and competition, making the process fun. Parents should choose teaching methods and instructors that suit their child’s personality if they consider using Mandarin tutors to teach their kids. If a child prefers learning through videos and enjoys the flexibility of time and space, enrolling them in an online Mandarin class could be beneficial. Teachers at eChineseLearning, a 1-on-1 online Mandarin school, can tailor their teaching methods to match the child’s interests, ensuring the learning experience is enjoyable and engaging.

If you are interested in having your kid learn Chinese, sign up for a free trial class via the form on this page, and we will be happy to help.

The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:44 +0000

The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon

The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, also known as Brahmaputra Canyon, is located in Tibet and lies where the Himalayas, the Hengduan Range, and the Nyainqentanglha Range all come together.

This canyon is a major tourist attraction, equal in wonder with the Potala Palace and Mount Everest. One of the best kept secrets of Tibet, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon was closed to the public from the late 1940s to the 1990s.

In 1993 permits to access the area became available and kayakers began to explore the area. Called the “Everest of Rivers” because of its altitude and challenging dangerous waters, this beautiful area has been rediscovered by adventurous tourists.

Climate of the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

The deep gorge receives moisture from the Indian ocean flowing through to the inner mountainous area, and turning the southeast part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into a lush green subtropical oasis.

There are a total of 17 mountain peaks higher than 6,000 meters along the canyon. These mountain peaks are covered with snow and the climate on the slopes ranges from subtropical to temperate to Alpine to arctic.

Ecosystem of Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

Because of the extremely wide range in climate, and temperature, the Yarlung Tsangpou Grand Canyon has one of the most abundant and complex ecosystems in the world.

Among the rare species of animals found in the area are the Bangladesh tiger, the bear monkey, the giant boa constrictor, and the rare takin, a type of antelope. Flora in the region includes the fern tree, the Yunnan iron tree and different types of mosses.

Features of Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

The word Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan ancient language means literally “water flowing down from the summit”. This beautiful canyon passes between the mountains of Namcha Barwa (Nanjiabawa) and Gyala Peri, where it has an average depth of 5000 meters.

One of the most spectacular features of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon are the two waterfalls, Rainbow Falls and Hidden Falls located in the Pemako region, which at one time were hidden by Tibetan monks who regarded them as sacred.

These falls have been called the most beautiful falls in all of China and may possibly have been the inspiration for a fictional place called Shangri-La which was described in a book called Lost Horizon, written by British author James Hilton.

Size of the Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

In 1994 the Chinese Academy of Science declared the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon the largest canyon in the world, which was later substantiated by GPS which measured the canyon at 496 km long.

It is also said to be the deepest canyon. Covering 17,000 square kilometers and measuring 5,382 meters deep at its lowest point, this canyon surpasses both Peru’s Kelka Canyon and the United States’ Grand Canyon located in Arizona.

The entire area includes Pailong Village in Nyingchi County, the Pai Village in Milin County and Motuo County.

Customize a Tibet tour to include the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, or start from scratch with our free consulting service, helping you to design a tour just right for you.

China Highlights are your China travel expert. We can help you design to trip to Tibet to experience this festival. See the following popular Tibet tours for inspiration:

You can also contact us to create a Tibet tour for you.

One Day Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:44 +0000

One Day Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake Tour

Marvel at the Incredible Glass Bridge

The long-awaited glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon was finally opened on Aug. 20th 2016! This one day Glass Bridge day tour gives you a chance to walk on the glass bridge, and it will be one of the coolest experiences of your China tour!

Tour Highlights

Skip the troublesome ticket booking process, we will take care of it!
Enjoy stunning views and endure sweaty palms on the Glass Bridge.
Take a cruise on Baofeng Lake, and enjoy the calm after the terrifying glass bridge.

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1One-Day Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake Tour

We’ll pick you up in the morning from your hotel, and drive to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area. If your hotel is in Zhangjiajie city, it will take 1½ hours to the grand canyon. If your hotel is near the national park, it will take only 30 minutes.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is famous for the Glass Bridge. The bridge stretches between two dramatic cliffs – 380 meters long and 300 meters above the canyon floor. When walking on the bridge you can see all the way down to the bottom of the canyon through the glass bridge.

Your personal tour guide will take photos and video for you, with which you can show off your courage to the whole world!

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will drive to Baofeng Lake.

Baofeng Lake is in a basin in the middle of this mountainous area. A shuttle bus will take you from the entrance to the pier.

At the lake we’ll take you on a wooden boat for a 30-minute boat ride. It is a leisurely experience as you boat on the clear water, see the hills of various shapes, and enjoy entertainment by the local minority people as they sing their traditional songs.

After the tour we will escort you back to your hotel.

Baofeng Lake

More Zhangjiajie tours

Trip Notes

We Will Take Care of the Tickets Booking!

The glass bridge started a trial operation on August 20, 2016. During its trial operation, no more than 8,000 visitors each day have the opportunity to walk on the bridge. Entrance tickets can only be obtained by reservation.

As tickets are limited, individual booking is extremely unlikely to be successful. We, as a travel agency, have first priority for ticket purchase. We suggest you book this tour at least 10 days in advance.

What to Bear in Mind:

The glass bridge is likely to close in severe weather.
Only a maximum of 600 people are allowed on the bridge at one time.
Visitors can only bring wallets and mobiles with suitable cases on the bridge.
Do not attempt it if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or a fear of heights.
Don’t behave dangerously. Don’t run on the bridge, lean over the rail, etc.

Booking Procedure:

Step 1:Select your travel date, number of people, and class of hotel for a quote. Submit your name, email address and phone number.
Step 2:Choose to make payment immediately via PayPal and your request will be listed as our top priority. We guarantee a 100% refund if you are not satisfied.
Step 3:Receive a reply within 24 hours. The tour will be tailor-made to meet your requirements and the booking confirmed.
Step 4: Enjoy the tour!

Payment Methods:

We now offer three payment methods: PayPal, credit card authorization via fax, and wire transfer. PayPal is recommended for its safety and efficiency. You can pay with USA dollars, Australian dollars, European dollars, and British pounds directly with your credit card or debit card if you do not have a PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy:

In the event of cancellation, we will refund any payment made to China Highlights (unless any cancellation fee is applicable) within 14 days of our receipt of your written cancellation request. Visit here for more details.

Customizing the Tour – according to your needs

This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule.

You can extend it with an extra day to Fenghuang Ancient Town, where the daytime is picturesque and charming, and the night is lively; or with an extra day to the city of Changsha; or add one more day to discover more at the National Park (the entrance ticket is valid three days). If your time is limited, shortening by one day can also be arranged.

For a multi-city tour, we would recommend combining Zhangjiajie with Guilin (mountain and water scenery), Yangtze River cruise (relaxing cruise on the Yangtze River) or Guizhou (ethnic minority villages). Feel free to tell us your interest and idea.

Guiding Service

Your personal tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing guidance and local knowledge. He/she will be ready and willing to help you solve any problems that may arise while on the tour.

Tour Price

FromUSD 219 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: hun-3a

Inquire

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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Hangzhou-Shenzhen Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:44 +0000

Hangzhou-Shenzhen Trains

17 pairs of trains operate between Hangzhou and Shenzhen every day, including 15 pairs of high-speed trains and two pairs of normal-speed trains. Overnight trains are also available, which takes around 17 hours to finish the train trip/

Hangzhou-Shenzhen High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 1,464 kilometers (910 miles)
Terminals: Hangzhou East Railway Station, Shenzhen North Railway Station
Duration: 9½-10½ hours
Main stops: Ningbo, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Chaoshan

Hangzhou to Shenzhen High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 15th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G997	08:02	14:06	6h 4m
D2281	10:13	20:11	9h 58m
D1665	10:45	18:10	7h 25m
D3125	11:32	21:24	9h 52m
D2293	12:47	22:35	9h 48m
G697	16:49	22:59	6h 10m

Please note: The trains listed above are only some of the ones in operation. The timetable is just for your reference.
If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Shenzhen to Hangzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 15th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D3126	07:16	17:22	10h 6m
D2294	08:13	18:16	10h 3m
G698	09:37	15:53	6h 16m
D2114	10:46	20:45	9h 59m
G100	11:45	18:35	6h 50m
G998	14:30	20:36	6h 6m

Hangzhou to Shenzhen High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$347 (CNY2,411)	US$128 (CNY892)	US$80 (CNY557)

Hangzhou-Shenzhen Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Shenzhen Railway Station, Hangzhou East Railway Station
Duration: 17 hours
Main stops: Yiwu, Jinhua, Shangrao, Dongguan

Hangzhou to Shenzhen Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 15th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
T211	13:38	06:10 (next day)	16h 32m
T101	15:11	07:46 (next day)	16h 35m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Shenzhen to Hangzhou Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 15th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
T212	13:14	05:16 (next day)	16h 2m
T102	16:06	08:54 (next day)	16h 48m

Hangzhou to Shenzhen Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$80 (CNY556.5)	US$51 (CNY355.5)	US$31 (CNY212.5)

Travel Tip

There are also direct flights from Hangzhou to Shenzhen. Over 15 pairs of flights operate daily in the peak or shoulder season.

The airfare is about 1,625 CNY for a single trip. You can check to see if there are any discounts available in advance.

Station Information

Hangzhou East Railway Station is about 9 kilometers (6 miles) away from West Lake. You can take Metro Line 1 from the station to West Lake.

How to Say “That’s So Lucky!” in Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:44 +0000

Tài xìng yùn le!

太幸运了！

So lucky!

Zhēn xìng yùn!

真幸运！

Such good luck!

Yùn qì bào péng!

运气爆棚！

Luck explosion!

Tiān xuǎn zhī zǐ!

天选之子！

Chosen by heaven!

Zǒu gǒu shǐ yùn le!

走狗屎运了！

Hitting the jackpot!

Yùn qì zhēn hǎo!

运气真好！

So lucky!

Hǎo xìng yùn a!

好幸运啊！

How fortunate!

Want to learn more daily Chinese like this?

Try your first free 1-on-1 trial class with a live native Chinese teacher today—get personalized speaking practice that actually sticks!

Fascinated by Chinese Culture: Peter Hessler’s Journey of Learning Mandarin

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:44 +0000

Peter Hessler, a well-known American journalist and author, joined The New Yorker as a staff writer in 2000 and served as a foreign correspondent until 2007. During this time, Hessler started his journey into the heart of Chinese culture, driven by a profound motivation to truly understand the essence of this ancient civilization.

He carved a niche for himself by researching the intricacies of Chinese society and culture. Through his renowned works, such as River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (2001), Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China (2006) and Country Driving: A Journey from Farm to Factory (2010), he showcased not just an understanding but a profound love for China. In his own words and experiences, we explore the motivations that led Hessler to embark on this linguistic journey, uncovering the challenges he faced and the triumphs that awaited him.

Peter Hessler’s interest in learning Chinese stemmed from a strong fascination with Chinese culture. He often travels deep into various parts of China, conversing with locals and listening to their stories. In his works, he consistently demonstrates a profound understanding and respect for both traditional and modern Chinese life. Hessler believes that learning Chinese is not just for communication, but also for understanding the Chinese way of thinking and cultural background. He deeply understands that only through language can one truly grasp the essence of a country and its people.

Hessler encountered great challenges while studying Mandarin in China, a language starkly different from his native tongue. Despite the initial struggle, Hessler remained undeterred. He viewed the discomfort of stumbling through conversations positively, practicing tones diligently until they flowed naturally. When he was a journalist stationed in Beijing, he was able to interact directly with the locals in Chinese. Through perseverance and grit, he gradually bridged the gap between himself and the locals, establishing authentic connections. Hessler’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of persistence in the face of adversity, proving that with unwavering determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Learning Chinese brought Peter Hessler profound gains. Through the language, he grasped the essence of Chinese culture and broadened his career horizons. In River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, he vividly portrayed rural life and urban changes in China. His books on China earned him a MacArthur Fellowship for his keen observations on how ordinary people navigate the complexities of life amid rapid societal transformations. In addition to his published books, his essays have won numerous awards for the best travel writing in the United States. Hessler himself has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most thoughtful Western writers on modern China.

From Peter’s experience, it can be concluded that for kids to learn Mandarin more effectively, it’s best to start with early exposure, immersive learning environments. However, if immersive learning environments are unavailable , online resources can be a great alternative. Online platforms offer interactive lessons tailored to their pace, making learning both effective and enjoyable, among them eChineseLearning is a great choice!

If you are interested in online Mandarin classes for yourself or your kid, sign up for a free trial class via the form on this page, and we will be happy to help.

Shanghai to Xi’an Flights

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:43 +0000

Shanghai to Xi’an Flights

What is the distance between Shanghai and Xi’an? How long is the journey if I take a flight?

The distance between Shanghai and Xi’an is about 1350 kilometers. The duration of a flight from Shanghai to Xi’an is about 2 hours.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, which one is more popular?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has a full range of flights from domestic to international long-haul, serving all the largest world airports. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) only serves domestic and East Asian flights, including almost all airports in China.

Where is Xi’an Xianyang International Airport located? How far is it from the city center of Xi’an?

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is located at Xianyang County, 35 kilometers from Xi’an City proper.

Hello, we want to visit the most famous attraction in Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Where is the location of it? Can we get there from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport?

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located at Lintong County, Xi’an. There are direct buses from the airport to Lintong. The schedule is 10:30, 12:00, 15:00 and 17:30.

Zhangjiajie-Chongqing High-Speed Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:43 +0000

Zhangjiajie-Chongqing High-Speed Trains

Great news for travelers! As of July 1st, 2025, high-speed train service between Zhangjiajie and Chongqing is now fully operational. A total of 24 pairs of high-speed trains run daily between these two top tourist destinations. Around 70% of the trains operate between Zhangjiajie West and the newly opened Chongqing East high-speed railway station.

Quick Facts

Distance: 650 kilometers (404 miles)
Terminals: Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, Chongqing East, West, or North Stations
Duration: about 2½ to 3½ hours

Zhangjiajie–Chongqing High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on July 4th, 2025)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2426	08:52	10:54	2h 2m
G2448	09:01	11:30	2h 29m
G2450	09:54	12:07	2h 13m
G2430	10:56	13:25	2h 29m
G2434	14:32	17:26	2h 54m
G2446	15:54	17:59	2h 5m

The timetable above is for your reference only. Check out the Zhangjiajie to Chongqing up-to-date schedules.

Chongqing–Zhangjiajie High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on July 4th, 2025)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2425	07:21	10:08	2h 47m
G2427	08:15	10:42	2h 27m
G2445	09:52	11:58	2h 6m
G2431	11:02	15:22	3h 47m
G3763	14:53	17:37	2h 44m
G2437	17:31	20:15	2h 44m

Zhangjiajie–Chongqing Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
CNY 386 (US$ 54)	CNY 305 (US$43)	CNY 190 (US$ 27)

Train Travel Tips

Chongqing East is one of the newest high-speed railway stations in China. It takes only about 40 minutes by subway to reach Chongqing’s top attractions, such as Hongya Cave and the Liberation Monument. For convenience, we recommend selecting Chongqing East as your arrival station when visiting the city.

Technical problems and theme issues

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:43 +0000

As you might have noticed, Hacking Chinese has been down for a few days earlier this week, and even if it’s up and running now, it doesn’t look the way it used to and not everything is working properly. This is because of some technical problems I haven’t been able to solve completely yet.

Unfortunately, this happened just as I left for China and since I’m currently travelling, I have limited time to deal with the problem. I’ve made sure that at least all content in available, but I won’t be able to solve all issues until I get back home.

Content online, but with problems

If you find anything important that isn’t working, please let me know and I’ll try to fix it. Here are some problems i’m aware of:

Post listings on category pages don’t work
Pictures don’t load

All articles and links should work, though. The current theme is not meant to stay, but rather than spending many hours fixing everything, I will try to get a new design for the site and use that. That means that the site will look like it does now until the new design is ready.

Beijing meet-up in July

The site went down just when I planned to announce the Beijing meet-up, so I had to cancel it since I had no way of reaching out and no time to arrange it. I will, however, be back in Beijing again on July 10th and still want to arrange a meet-up before I leave on July 15th. I will write more about this when I know more. If you’re interested, please contact me via e-mail so I know how to contact you directly. If you have previously sent me an e-mail about this, you don’t need to do it again.

Sorry for the inconvenience

Finally, I’m sorry for any inconvenience these problems may have caused. The timing is really bad and this is the best I can do under the current circumstances!

How to fake sounding like a native Chinese speaker

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:43 +0000

Ever wanted to sound more like a native speaker, but don’t have ten thousand hours to spend? In this guest article, David Moser shows how to effectively fake your way to better Mandarin. David holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies from the University of Michigan, with a major in Chinese Linguistics and Philosophy. He’s currently Academic Director at CET Chinese Studies at Beijing Capital Normal University. His previous contributions to Hacking Chinese include The new paperless revolution in Chinese reading. This article was originally written a long time ago, but in the post-truth world we live in, faking is more in vogue than ever!

Many Chinese, upon first meeting me, say something like, “But you sound exactly like a native Chinese! How is that possible?” (Those who have more than a five-minute conversation with me find this illusion quickly evaporating.)

I’ve often puzzled over why my Chinese at first leaves so many Chinese with this impression, and I’ve come to some conclusions that I am willing to share with the world.

How to fake sounding like a native Chinese speaker

The following are techniques that I seem to have unconsciously developed over the course of the past few years for the purpose of fooling Chinese people into thinking my Chinese is perfect.

Some are merely rules of thumb I apply in conversations with Chinese people. (As I once said to someone, “In speaking a foreign language, I’m all rules of thumbs.”) I am not the first to discover them, but I may be the first to openly admit to using them.

1. First, learn to speak Chinese

I’m joking, of course. This is similar to Steve Martin’s fake TV ad: “YOU CAN MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS AND NOT PAY TAXES!! How, you ask? It’s easy! First, get a million dollars…” But seriously, you do have to learn the language, of course, and a good accent is the first requirement, since it will get you 90% of the way.

If your pronunciation — especially the tones — is accurate, they will be willing to ignore glitches in grammar and bizarre lexical choices. Reasonably good pronunciation will lull them into a relaxed, uncritical mental state. Delaying conversations until the baijiu they are drinking kicks in is also a good strategy.

2. Say only what you know how to say

Don’t go out on a limb with complex, novel utterances. Stick to short phrases you’ve said a thousand times and are quite sure are idiomatic. Try to string these together into something coherent. Gary Cooper, not Proust.

3. Adopt a relaxed, unhurried speaking style

If you do this, people will assume your reaction time is naturally slow. You don’t have to appear dense (though this has advantages), but it pays to have people assume you’re the type who contemplates each utterance carefully before speaking.

This gives you time to think carefully about what you want to say. It also gives the other person time to remember they have a plane to catch and to walk away from you completely, keeping your reputation as an awesome Mandarin speaker completely intact.

4. Memorize a lot of equivocating and meta-discourse phrases

These are things like, “Oh, how can I put it?…”, “Perhaps I can put it this way…”, and “Oh, what should I say?…” This will give you time to formulate responses and retrieve rusty lexical tools from the toolbox.

The listener has no access to what’s going on inside your head, and for all they know you really are searching through a vast list of words, looking for le mot juste that will perfectly express the subtlety of your position.

Of course, this device should not be over-exploited, or used at inappropriate times, otherwise you’ll blow your cover. Don’t say, “Hey, could you please hand me the… oh, how can I put this into words?… the salt?” This will give the game away.

5. Let the other person supply the word you need

What you do is to simply hesitate before uttering some crucial word, a word which you may not be sure of, but which should be obvious and highly active in the mind of a native speaker based on the context provided.

The listener, perfectly aware of what you want to say and impatient for you to get on with the conversation, will prompt you or provide you with a usable word. Try to time it so that you repeat the word a split second after they say it, so that it seems as if you, too, were about to say that word.

This will make them feel good, because it will make them feel their reaction time is quicker than yours, and will make them feel more an active participant in the discourse. People love it when you make them feel smarter than you.

The dialogue will sound something like this:

You: “And after being so rude, he didn’t even apologize, can you imagine that? The guy is such a…”
Other person: “Jerk.”
You: “…jerk, right. I was thinking to myself, ‘Boy, if I were that guy’s girlfriend, I would really consider… consider…’“
Other person: “Dumping him.”
You: “Dumping the jerk, absolutely…”

6. If you can use an idiom or a slang phrase, do so

Never mind if it really expresses what you had in mind. If it’s anywhere close in semantic space to your meaning, use it. This will win you many, many points with Chinese people. They will be amazed that you know such an idiom or usage, since they tend to believe their language is absolutely impenetrable to foreigners, and that Chinese are genetically hard-wired to recognize characters and parse classical Chinese.

7. If someone thinks you have somehow said something brilliant and insightful, do NOT disabuse them of this notion.

Strange things can occur during a conversation, and it might just so happen that, in some flailing response to a question, you actually stumble upon a sentence that seems to suggest sage-like insight into the topic at hand.

They might compliment you with something like “You have such a deep knowledge of the Chinese language, and also of our culture and way of thinking. How did you ever reach such an advanced level?”

Even though you have no idea why they are saying this, and maybe never even understood what the topic was, simply smile calmly, Buddha-like, and say “Nali nali”, a phrase whose literal meaning “Where? Where?” most accurately expresses your state of total bewilderment, but which will be interpreted by the native speaker as “Aw, shucks.”

8. Eschew subtlety

Give punchy, black-and-white answers to questions, regardless of the complexity of your true opinion.

If someone asks, “What did you think of the movie?”, you may be thinking, “The cinematography was fabulous, natural-light interior shots with exquisite Vermeer-like shades of luminescent white – a pastel symphony! The acting, however, was wooden and strangely mechanical, though the woman who played the young daughter acted her role with a kind of crazy intensity that literally propelled the movie forward to that frenzied conclusion that left me drained emotionally. She also had a quirky sexiness that kept my eyes riveted to the screen. The guy sitting next to me was literally drooling into his popcorn…” and so on.

However, you are much better off if you answer the person’s question with something like, “Oh, how can I put it?… Just so-so. I could take it or leave it. I liked The Last Emperor better.”

The listener won’t have any idea what you really thought of the movie, but they will be impressed with the casual ease with which you express your opinions in Chinese, and will be amazed that you know phrases like “just so-so” and “I could take it or leave it”.

—

Well, there are a few more tricks I use, but these will give the learner a good start. My next few instalments include “How to Fake Playing the Brahms Piano Concerto no. 2 in D minor” and “How to Fake Being the President of a Superpower Nation”.

While it’s obvious that this article is written tongue-in-cheek (just like Why Chinese is so damn hard), much of the advice here is actually sound even if you don’t want to fake it. Personally, I think that learning filler phrases is extremely important to sounding fluent, and I must admit I sometimes also allow other speakers to fill in the word I’m looking for, which might make me appear to know more words than I do. What tricks do you use to appear more advanced than you really are?

Kunming-Urumqi Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:42 +0000

Kunming-Urumqi Trains

Only one pair of normal-speed trains operates between Kunming and Urumqi. The journey duration on one of these is 2 days, which is a long time. If the airfare is good, you can consider taking a flight.

Quick Facts

Terminals: Kunming Railway Station, Urumqi Railway Station
Duration: 45-48½ hours
Main stops: Guiyang, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Liuyuan, Turpan

Kunming to Urumqi Normal-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on March 22nd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z372	15:20	06:17 (next two days)	38h 57m

Urumqi to Kunming Normal-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on March 22nd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z374	15:43	08:08 (next two days)	40h 25m

Kunming to Urumqi Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$131 (CNY940)	US$83 (CNY595)	US$50 (CNY352)

Travel Tip

You can also consider taking a flight. Two pairs of flights operate between Kunming and Urumqi every day and the journey duration is about 4½ hours. The full airfare is about 3,380 CNY (483 USD).

However, you can check to see if there are any discounts in advance. Sometimes, you can find very good discounts, such as 70% off in April 2020.

The Shanghai Marriage Market – An engrossing experience!

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:42 +0000

The Shanghai Marriage Market – An engrossing experience!

Walk into the famous People’s Park in People’s Square (on Metro Line 2) — the heart of Shanghai City — on any weekend between 12 pm and 5 pm, and you will see something strange — a huge gathering of people which is the bustling Marriage Market.

At first glance of this crowd, the author thought it to be some real-estate brokering day event of sorts, but realized this to be more on the lines of a marriage brokering weekly event where desperate parents and grandparents are milling about, looking for a mate for their unmarried offspring.

It may sound quite crude, but actually this is traditional and a regular activity for the middle aged and the elderly folks. China Highlights was curious to know more about what exactly goes on there.

What Goes On

We found that most of the folks there were anxious mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts and even grandparents looking for a good match for their sons and daughters of marriageable age (which is open to debate). We have to warn you that this section of the park can get very crowded at this time.

But it is a one of a kind experience that fascinates you as you walk through scores of pamphlets (snapshot biographies) lining up the pathways and animated parents and grandparents involved in heated discussions and ‘brokering’ marriage deals, wondering what special qualities of the brides and grooms are being advertised.

We even spotted a fortune teller — possibly reading out the fates of some lucky fellow.

Shanghai Marriage Market Video

People line up here, sitting on the ground with biographies stuck on umbrellas (making it their private stalls), discussing futures of young people, who, in all probability, are not too happy with this arrangement. We didn’t really see any eager-to-be bride or groom and suspect the enthusiasm is fueled purely by the parents.

The pamphlet biographies include details such as birthdays, height, weight, hobbies, job of the candidates and figures that seemed like monthly incomes of the candidates. Some may even have a photo, giving it a real life dating website feel in a funny way.

Don’t feel strange if you get eyed from top to bottom there by curious mothers. We thought it was a good way to pass some time, observing serious conversations amid hordes of ‘marriage agents’.

Nearby Bar

If you get hungry or want to grab a beer, drop into the famous Barbarossa — a Moroccan lounge bar and a restaurant inside People’s Park. They have a 50% off happy hour deal daily from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Explore Shanghai with China Highlights

China Highlights helps you create your very own trip. You can visit the marriage market and do much more with your day, by planning better with the help of our various itineraries. We hope our suggestions help you get the most out of your Shanghai experience. Feel free to ask our knowledgeable travel advisors and guides for further assistance.

Xining Weather – Best Time to Visit

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:42 +0000

Xining Weather – Best Time to Visit

Xining situates at the northwest of China, with an average altitude of 2275 meters. It belongs to the continental mid-drought climate, with rich sunshine. The annual average temperature is 3.2 centigrade. Summer in Xining is cool, with the daily average temperature lower than 17 centigrade. It is a good place to escape the unforgiving heat during summer time. The period from May to Sep. with the most weather condition is the best time to visit. High season prices do apply however and it’s more crowded. With a relative high sea level, temperature differs greatly between daytime and at night. Visitors may consider bring along warm clothing even in summer time. Sun’s solar radiation in highland is strong and intense, so sunscreen, sunglasses, lip creams are needed to protect your eyes and skin.

Tips

Generally speaking, period from May-September is the best time to visit Xining and the surrounding areas. Except the comfortable weather condition, many of the region’s colorful festivals occurs this time.
This period is especially good if you want to visit the Qinghai Lake in northeast of Qinghai province, when vast area around the lake are covered with yellow rape flowers.

Xining Average Climate by Month

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High (ºC)	2	4	10	17	20	23	25	24	19	14	8	3
Low (ºC)	-14	-10	-4	2	6	10	12	12	8	2	-6	-12
Rain (mm)	2.54	2.54	6.35	21.59	41.91	52.07	80.01	82.55	57.15	24.13	3.81	2.54
High (ºF)	34	39	50	61	68	73	76	75	66	57	46	36
Low (ºF)	6	13	24	34	42	49	53	52	46	34	21	10
Rain (in)	0.1	0.1	0.25	0.85	1.65	2.05	3.15	3.25	2.25	0.95	0.15	0.1

Xining Average Monthly Temperatures

Xining Average Monthly Precipitation (in)

Huangshan Small Group Day Tours

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:42 +0000

Huangshan Small Group Day Tours

Huangshan City, is located at the southernmost tip of Anhui Province. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, includes Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area and many ancient Huizhou style villages. Huangshan is steeped in picturesque natural landscapes and history. Marvel at the peculiarly-shaped rocks and pines on the Yellow Mountains, appreciate the ancient-styled dwellings in Xidi and Hongcun villages, then have a taste of Huangshan’s most famous Maofeng tea (毛峰茶), one of China’s top 10 teas.

Food in Huangshan belongs to Anhui cuisine which is one of China’s Eight Regional Cuisines. It is known for its roasting, stewing, braising, and quick-frying. Famous dishes and snacks are sticky mandarin fish, Mao bean curd, stone cake, etc. Follow us to discover this picturesque and historical city with our professional local guides.

Best Recommended Day Tours

One-Day Huangshan Yellow Mountain Tour

Get all highlights of Huangshan Mountain.
Price From US$ 99 p/p

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Half-Day Huangshan Hongcun Acient Village Tour

Visit unique architectural style and water scenery.
Price From US$ 102 p/p

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Yunnan Weather in June 2026: Tour and Wear Guide

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:41 +0000

Yunnan Weather in June 2026: Tour and Wear Guide

June is the warmest month in Yunnan but the weather is still pleasantly cool compared to most areas of China. You would also encounter fewer visitors and see vibrant scenery, making it ideal to tour Yunnan this month.

The Dragon Boat Festival typically falls in June and you could enjoy diverse festival celebrations in different areas.

Yunnan Weather in June

In June, Yunnan’s daily average temperatures vary between 18°C and 26°C (64–79°F). But the temperature also varies greatly between day and night.

During the day, especially in sunny times, most areas are warm and comfortable, although Xishuangbanna could be a little hot. In the mornings, evenings, and during rainy periods, the weather is generally cool, except in Shangri-La, which would be a little cold at those times.

The following are the daily average temperatures of the main cities in Yunnan in June:

Region	City	Daytime	Nighttime
Central	Kunming	24°C (75°F)	17°C (63°F)
Central	Dali	26°C (79°F)	15°C (59°F)
North	Lijiang	25°C (77°F)	13°C (55°F)
North	Shangri-La	20°C (68°F)	8°C (46°F)
South	Xishuangbanna	32°C (90°F)	21°C (70°F)

June is the beginning of the rainy season and the rainfall in Yunnan increases from the north to the central to the southern region. It may rain for half of the month but the showers are usually short-lived and light, not lasting all day.

The rain won’t affect your itinerary a lot. Most of the time, the weather alternates between sunny, cloudy, overcast, or with light rain throughout the day. But if you prefer outdoor activities like hiking, you would need to adjust your itinerary depending on the weather.

8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan

What to Wear in June

In Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, lightweight clothes, such as T-shirts, trousers, and long dresses, are ideal for daytime wear, along with sun-protective clothing and comfortable shoes, while a thin coat is recommended for the nights. A waterproof jacket is needed while visiting the snow mountains.

In Shangri-La, the cooler weather makes long sleeves and hoodies suitable for the daytime. For mornings, evenings, and rainy periods, winter jackets, sweaters, and hats are recommended.

In Xishuangbanna, lightweight summer clothing, such as T-shirts and skirts, are ideal for wearing all day. Long, thin trousers are also recommended to protect against mosquitoes.

In addition, Yunnan could also be dry during this month, with strong sunlight and UV rays (even during cloudy or rainy days). It is advisable to take hydrating skincare products and sunscreen.

Top 5 Places to Visit in June

As the warm temperature and rain in June bring more vibrant scenery, it is the best time to capture the beautiful sights of Lijiang and Shangri-La. The pleasant weather also makes it ideal to visit Kunming and Dali as well as Xishuangbanna.

1. Dali

Dali Ancient Town

Dali is a popular destination in Yunnan and it sees fewer crowds in June compared to July and August. Although it experiences more showers, the skies would clear up quickly and you would be more likely to see rainbows and beautiful clouds over Er Lake.

You could cycle (which is especially fun for families with kids) or drive around the lake, or take a leisurely cruise to enjoy the breeze, lake scenery, and Cang Mountain.

If you’re fond of an ancient town vibe, Dali also has many attractions to explore. June’s quieter atmosphere makes it a great time to visit Dali Old Town (big and lively with diverse attractions), Xizhou Town (idyllic with a leisurely pace and filled with Bai ethnic architecture), and Shaxi Ancient Town ( authentic and historic, allowing for Tea Horse Road exploration).

If you prefer festivals and an ethnic atmosphere, visit Dali Old Town during the Dragon Boat Festival. You would also experience the Bai people’s Benzhu worship at the same time, with lively dragon and lion dances in bazaars, where you could find fabric monkey strings, five-colored ropes, and triangular rice dumplings.

2. Lijiang

Spruce Meadow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Since the summer vacation hasn’t arrived yet, Lijiang sees fewer visitors in June, offering a pleasantly quiet time to visit Lijiang Old Town. You could explore the Naxi culture, enjoy handicraft experiences, savor snacks, and experience vibrant nightlife activities.

Blue Moon Valley and Spruce Meadow at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain also showcase lush and refreshing scenery in June, especially on sunny days.

Since it is not the peak season, the waiting time for the cable car at Glacier Park is reduced. You could reach the summit to experience the awe brought about by being at the high altitude but most of the snow has melted by this time.

If you enjoy stunning gorge landscapes, Tiger Leaping Gorge in June would impress you as the rain makes the river surge and flow more rapidly.

For a leisurely scenic experience, you could visit Lugu Lake. The white flowers begin to bloom in June, making it ideal for viewing by boat.

3. Shangri-La

In early June, Shangri-La experiences less rain as its rainy season begins in late June. The weather is mostly clear or sunny and the natural scenery becomes revitalized during this month, making it ideal for viewing.

For diverse visiting experiences combined with vibrant scenery, you could visit Napa Lake. It is a vast green grassland in June, perfect for cycling, horseback riding, stroking the lambs, or having a drink in a café.

Alternatively, if you prefer to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than experiences, Pudacuo National Park is a great option with diverse beautiful scenery, including forests, meadows, lakes, and mountains. It is ideal for admiring by traveling in a sightseeing vehicle, taking a boat on the lake, or hiking.

June is also the last month that is perfect for admiring captivating alpine azalea. The ideal viewing spots cover Bigu Lake and the pass of White Horse Snow Mountain.

If you tour Shangri-La during the Dragon Boat Festival, you could also witness the spectacular Tibetan Horse Racing Festival, which is celebrated on the grasslands beside Napa Lake or the airport.

4. Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

In June, short showers make Xishuangbanna cooler than in dry April and May. The weather may be a little hot during the day but not severely hot, while it is cool at night, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Xishuangbanna in June also offers a cost-effective budget in this tourist offseason and you would experience fewer visitors than in crowded July and August.

You could visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (the biggest one in China) as the tropical plants thrive due to the rain. In addition, June is also the best time to capture the spectacle of countless fireflies at night.

The cool evenings in Xishuangbanna are ideal for exploring Starlight Night Market or Manting Park. You could enjoy the light shows, music, bars, song and dance performances, or savoring snacks, etc.

Recommended Tour: 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu’er Tour.

5. Kunming

Kunming enjoys a comfortable cool temperature in June. The rain comes suddenly but also leaves just as quickly and mostly falls at night, so your daytime itinerary for outdoor activities would be less affected.

If you want to know more about the local lifestyle, a visit to Green Lake Park is delightful. You could engage in activities like taiji, mahjong, or opera with local people. Alternatively, take a leisurely boat ride to admire the blossoming lotus flowers and feed the koi fish.

You could also explore the popular Stone Forest and Dragon Gate Scenic Area in Western Hills as you could enjoy a better experience with the cool weather and fewer visitors.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, you could also witness the dragon boat competitions in Haigeng Park.

Crowds and Costs

Compared to the following peak months (due to the summer vacation from July to August), June is ideal for touring Yunnan with fewer visitors and friendly travel expenses.

Crowds: At the Dragon Boat Festival, you may encounter more visitors but not heavy crowds. The rest of the time in June, Yunnan is quieter, allowing you to avoid long queues and tight ticket availability.

Costs: Most of the time, you could enjoy a relatively cost-effective budget. The accommodation fees and airfares remain at their normal prices in June, although they might be a little higher during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Recommended Yunnan Tours

Guangzhou Weather in June

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:41 +0000

Guangzhou Weather in June

Weather: Guangzhou is famous for its scorching summers that stretch to early October. There is rainy and muggy weather interspersed with hot sunny days. The average low and high temperatures are respectively at 24 °C (76 °F) and 31 °C (88 °F). It’s a rainy month with 276 mm of total precipitation, and it rains most of the days of the month. It is the most humid time of the year too. The humidity is 84%.

Depending on the weather, you might want to stay indoors and shop or visit a local outdoor attraction. See the current weather and forecast>>

Clothing: Wear summer clothes such as skirts, shorts and T-shirts. Bring an umbrella and wear sun protection. Drink lots of water, and also try herbal tea or cold bubble tea which is very popular among local people.

Things to Do

Shop, have fun, and enjoy your time: Guangzhou has a luxury mall called Teemall centrally and conveniently located in Tianhe on Lines 1 and 3. Get off at Tiyuxi Station. There are a few upscale brands such as Zara, and a variety of moderately priced Asian restaurants that tourists like.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is a good, popular pedestrian shopping street called. There are medium-price restaurants and a variety of stores where tourists find locally made jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs of Guangzhou. There is also an herb market where you can find the traditional nutritional supplements such as ginseng root and goji berries that have become popular overseas.

Zengcheng Litchi Festival: Travelers who enjoy eating sweet, juicy litchis won’t want to miss the annual Zengcheng Litchi Festival. Litchis taste good and are good for your health too.

Guangzhou Hotel Facilities Exhibition is held annually. Every year, there will be exhibitors from China, American, Germany, France and many other countries attending this exhibition.

June Trade Shows: There are big fairs for other industries of the region as well. Along with the hotel facilities fair, there are the International Robotics Exhibition, the Guangzhou Stainless Steel Exhibition, many fairs related to manufacturing, and other trade shows.

Dragon Boat Festival usually takes place during June (otherwise it’s in late May; the festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th month according to the Chinese lunar calendar). There are various celebrations in the city.

Shoulder Travel Month

June isn’t a high travel month for tourism and travel. Hotel room prices are normal, and train and flight tickets are available.

If you plan to visit, contact us, and we can help you make your arrangements in advance and find good prices.

China Highlights Tours

China Highlights arranges a variety of Guangzhou tour packages, and we can tailor-make a tour to suit your travel needs. Our tours are developed through years of experience and customer feedback.

Guangzhou Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data

Date	Average High		Average Low
June 1	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 2	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 3	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 4	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 5	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 6	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 7	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 8	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 9	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 10	87 °F	30.56 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 11	88 °F	31.11 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 12	88 °F	31.11 °C	75 °F	23.89 °C
June 13	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 14	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 15	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 16	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 17	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 18	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 19	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 20	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 21	88 °F	31.11 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 22	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 23	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 24	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 25	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 26	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 27	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 28	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 29	89 °F	31.67 °C	76 °F	24.44 °C
June 30	89 °F	31.67 °C	77 °F	25 °C

Guangzhou Climate Information by Month

Shanghai Travel Guide

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:41 +0000

Shanghai Travel Guide

Shanghai, a vibrant city situated on the Yangtze River Delta, has a fascinating past as a gateway to China. It is not only the largest economic and trade hub in the country but also a fantastic cultural center.

You can still catch glimpses of Shanghai’s colonial history in the charming Bund area, which adds to its cosmopolitan charm.

Get ready to be amazed!

Top Attractions & Places to Visit
How to Plan a Shanghai Trip
Top Shanghai Tours
Travel Guide by Month

Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Shanghai

The Bund

Yuyuan Garden

The Shanghai Tower

Shikumen in Xintiandi

French Concession

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: The Magic City’s Future Plan

How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai

How Long to Spend in Shanghai: Itinerary Ideas

How to Plan a Beijing and Shanghai Trip

How to Plan a Trip to Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

How to Plan a Day Trip in Shanghai – Stopover Ideas

Top Private Shanghai Tours

2-Day Shanghai’s Old and New Collision

See old and new Shanghai
Rowing in a water town.

2-Day A Journey to the Future

Explore the Bund in-depth
Get close to the world’s leading drone.

4-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, Water Town Culture Tour

Be a local and pick tea leaves for one day.
Enjoy a cultural experience in Nanxun Water Town.

5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour

Explore a Suzhou garden at night
Experience a tea farmer’s life in Hangzhou

2-Day Shanghai and Water Town Tour from the Port

Specially designed for a cruise excursion
Relaxe in the Zhujiajiao Watertown

A Tale of Two Cities

6-Day Beijing and Shanghai Tour

Travel from China’s capital to its prosperous largest city. Feel the contrast of old and new.

China’s Golden Triangle

8-Day Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai Tour

Explore China’s ancient glory and its modernity with our top itinerary.

Classic Wonders

11-Day Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai Tour

The best choice for first-timers
Discover the picturesque rural China

A Close Encounter with Pandas

2-Week Beijing– Xi’an–Chengdu– Yangtze Cruise– Shanghai Tour

The best choice for panda fans
Be a panda keeper

China Natural Wonders Discovery

2-Week Beijing– Xi’an–Zhangjiajie– Guilin–Shanghai Tour

The best choice for nature lovers
Witness the Hallelujah Mountains

Family Happiness

11-Day Beijing- Xi’an-Guilin- Shanghai

Top family itinerary
Experience China’s countryside life together

Beautiful China with Holy Tibet

2-Week Private Tour: Beijing–Xi’an–Lhasa-Shanghai

The best choice for ones who have a Tibet dream
Pay your respects at the pilgrim’s holy palace.

More Shanghai Tours

Shanghai Travel Guide by Month

Shanghai Weather in January

Shanghai Weather in February

Shanghai Weather in March

Shanghai Weather in April

Shanghai Weather in May

Shanghai Weather in June

Shanghai Weather in July

Shanghai Weather in August

Shanghai Weather in September

Shanghai Weather in October

Shanghai Weather in November

Shanghai Weather in December

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:41 +0000

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese

May 20, 2025

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese with Common Word Pairs

Many Chinese learners quickly discover that the Chinese language has many words that sound or look alike, yet carry different meanings. The confusion often arises when trying to express time in Chinese or describe duration in Chinese. These are not just vocabulary issues but deeply connected to Chinese grammar and how meanings shift with different time expressions.

Whether you’re preparing for the HSK exam or simply aiming to improve your daily conversation skills, mastering Chinese time-related words is essential. Let’s explore three useful word pairs that will help you understand how to use Chinese time words in the right context, so you can speak more clearly and confidently in any situation.

01. Minutes in Chinese: 分 vs 分钟

When learning how to express time and duration in Chinese it’s important to understand the difference between 分 (fēn) and 分钟 (fēnzhōng). While both refer to minutes in Chinese their usage depends on the context.

分 (fēn) is used when you’re telling exact time in Chinese
分钟 (fēnzhōng) is used to describe how long something lasts or the duration of an activity

Mastering this small but essential distinction helps improve your spoken Chinese and avoids confusion during daily conversations.

EXAMPLES:

现在是五点二十分。
Xiànzài shì wǔ diǎn èrshí fēn.
It’s now 5:20.

我可以等你十分钟。
Wǒ kěyǐ děng nǐ shí fēnzhōng.
I can wait for you for ten minutes.

02. A Quarter / 15 Minutes in Chinese: 一刻 vs 一刻钟

If you’re learning how to tell time in Chinese or talk about duration in Mandarin understanding the difference between 一刻 (yī kè) and 一刻钟 (yī kè zhōng) is essential.

Both phrases mean 15 minutes in Chinese but they are used in different ways:

一刻 refers to a specific time such as 8:15
一刻钟 is used to describe how long something takes

Similarly,

三刻 (sān kè) means 45 minutes when telling time
三刻钟 (sān kè zhōng) expresses a 45-minute duration

For Chinese language beginners it’s also okay to say 十五分 (shíwǔ fēn) or 十五分钟 (shíwǔ fēnzhōng) to talk about fifteen minutes in Mandarin.

EXAMPLES:

我八点一刻去学校。
Wǒ bā diǎn yī kè qù xuéxiào.
I’m going to school at 8:15.

我需要一刻钟吃午饭。
Wǒ xūyào yī kè zhōng chī wǔfàn.
I need 15 minutes to have lunch.

3. Hours in Chinese: 点 vs 小时

One of the most common areas of confusion when learning how to tell time in Chinese is understanding the difference between 点 (diǎn) and 小时 (xiǎoshí).

If you’re talking about a specific time on the clock like “6 o’clock” use 点
If you’re referring to a duration of time like “eight hours” then use 小时

EXAMPLES:

我每天六点下班。
Wǒ měitiān liù diǎn xià bān.
I finish work at 6 o’clock every day.

我昨天工作了八个小时。
Wǒ zuótiān gōngzuò le bā gè xiǎoshí.
I worked for eight hours yesterday.

We hope these Chinese phrases and questions for time and duration will be useful and help you the next time you want to express time in Chinese.

If you’re interested in learning more useful Chinese expressions for daily conversations, check out our blog post on 5 Small Talk Phrases in Chinese. It’s a great way to expand your Chinese vocabulary and become more confident when speaking Mandarin in real-life situations.

← Cost of Living in ChengduCost of Living in Shanghai →

June 12 | Hanfu Show

Cost of Living in Shanghai

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese

Cost of Living in Chengdu

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese

May 20, 2025

01. Minutes in Chinese: 分 vs 分钟

分 (fēn) is used when you’re telling exact time in Chinese
分钟 (fēnzhōng) is used to describe how long something lasts or the duration of an activity

Mastering this small but essential distinction helps improve your spoken Chinese and avoids confusion during daily conversations.

现在是五点二十分。
Xiànzài shì wǔ diǎn èrshí fēn.
It’s now 5:20.

我可以等你十分钟。
Wǒ kěyǐ děng nǐ shí fēnzhōng.
I can wait for you for ten minutes.

02. A Quarter / 15 Minutes in Chinese: 一刻 vs 一刻钟

If you’re learning how to tell time in Chinese or talk about duration in Mandarin understanding the difference between 一刻 (yī kè) and 一刻钟 (yī kè zhōng) is essential.

Both phrases mean 15 minutes in Chinese but they are used in different ways:

一刻 refers to a specific time such as 8:15
一刻钟 is used to describe how long something takes

三刻 (sān kè) means 45 minutes when telling time
三刻钟 (sān kè zhōng) expresses a 45-minute duration

For Chinese language beginners it’s also okay to say 十五分 (shíwǔ fēn) or 十五分钟 (shíwǔ fēnzhōng) to talk about fifteen minutes in Mandarin.

我八点一刻去学校。
Wǒ bā diǎn yī kè qù xuéxiào.
I’m going to school at 8:15.

我需要一刻钟吃午饭。
Wǒ xūyào yī kè zhōng chī wǔfàn.
I need 15 minutes to have lunch.

3. Hours in Chinese: 点 vs 小时

One of the most common areas of confusion when learning how to tell time in Chinese is understanding the difference between 点 (diǎn) and 小时 (xiǎoshí).

If you’re talking about a specific time on the clock like “6 o’clock” use 点
If you’re referring to a duration of time like “eight hours” then use 小时

我每天六点下班。
Wǒ měitiān liù diǎn xià bān.
I finish work at 6 o’clock every day.

我昨天工作了八个小时。
Wǒ zuótiān gōngzuò le bā gè xiǎoshí.
I worked for eight hours yesterday.

We hope these Chinese phrases and questions for time and duration will be useful and help you the next time you want to express time in Chinese.

If you’re interested in learning more useful Chinese expressions for daily conversations, check out our blog post on 5 Small Talk Phrases in Chinese. It’s a great way to expand your Chinese vocabulary and become more confident when speaking Mandarin in real-life situations.

Cost of Living in Shanghai

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese

Cost of Living in Chengdu

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

How to Express Time and Duration in Chinese with Common Word Pairs

分 (fēn) is used when you’re telling exact time in Chinese
分钟 (fēnzhōng) is used to describe how long something lasts or the duration of an activity

Mastering this small but essential distinction helps improve your spoken Chinese and avoids confusion during daily conversations.

EXAMPLES:

现在是五点二十分。
Xiànzài shì wǔ diǎn èrshí fēn.
It’s now 5:20.

我可以等你十分钟。
Wǒ kěyǐ děng nǐ shí fēnzhōng.
I can wait for you for ten minutes.

If you’re learning how to tell time in Chinese or talk about duration in Mandarin understanding the difference between 一刻 (yī kè) and 一刻钟 (yī kè zhōng) is essential.

Both phrases mean 15 minutes in Chinese but they are used in different ways:

一刻 refers to a specific time such as 8:15
一刻钟 is used to describe how long something takes

Similarly,

三刻 (sān kè) means 45 minutes when telling time
三刻钟 (sān kè zhōng) expresses a 45-minute duration

For Chinese language beginners it’s also okay to say 十五分 (shíwǔ fēn) or 十五分钟 (shíwǔ fēnzhōng) to talk about fifteen minutes in Mandarin.

EXAMPLES:

我八点一刻去学校。
Wǒ bā diǎn yī kè qù xuéxiào.
I’m going to school at 8:15.

我需要一刻钟吃午饭。
Wǒ xūyào yī kè zhōng chī wǔfàn.
I need 15 minutes to have lunch.

One of the most common areas of confusion when learning how to tell time in Chinese is understanding the difference between 点 (diǎn) and 小时 (xiǎoshí).

If you’re talking about a specific time on the clock like “6 o’clock” use 点
If you’re referring to a duration of time like “eight hours” then use 小时

EXAMPLES:

我每天六点下班。
Wǒ měitiān liù diǎn xià bān.
I finish work at 6 o’clock every day.

我昨天工作了八个小时。
Wǒ zuótiān gōngzuò le bā gè xiǎoshí.
I worked for eight hours yesterday.

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

Current Situation of the Great Wall of China

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:40 +0000

Current Situation of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall, China’s legendary defense line, is the country’s most important historic monument and a national symbol.

The Great Wall has a history of over 2,000 years, but now the remaining sections are those that were mostly built in the Ming Dynasty. Less than 10% of the sections are well-preserved.

Great Wall Damage

Crossing 15 provinces in China and stretching for about thousands of kilometers, the Great Wall is the best man-made monument in China. Its construction was completed throughout many dynasties.

The Great Wall at Gubeikou

Unfortunately, most of the Great Wall sections built before the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) have almost disappeared. Only the sections built during the Ming Dynasty are still in good condition.

The total length of the Ming section of the Great Wall is about 8,851kilometers (5,500miles). It is reported that about 30% of China’s Ming-era Great Wall has disappeared due to adverse natural conditions and human activities.

After the Ming Dynasty, there was no need for any empires in China to rebuild the Great Wall as their defense system. As a result, natural influences and human activities have gradually damaged the Great Wall.

Recommended Tours:

Natural Erosion of the Great Wall

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

As the Great Wall was built on mountains or across deserts, it was quite hard for the Chinese people to protect every inch of it, especially those parts of the Great Wall that were built in rural areas.

Also, the earlier Great Wall sections were made with earth, lime, and even branches, which didn’t make it solid enough to with stand the yearly rains, storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

It collapsed layer by layer every day over many years. Some of the Great Wall sections in Gansu, Shaanxi, and many other rural areas were completely destroyed and rendered unrecognizable.

Human Influence on the Great Wall

Besides natural influences, human activity has been a huge cause of damage to the Great Wall.

The people living nearby allowed their goats and cattle to graze on the Great Wall. Year after year, the activities of these animals caused the bricks and earth to collapse until the sections of wall were finally destroyed.

Many residents living near the Great Wall only consider their own benefits. They take bricks and stones away from the Great Wall for their own use, such as to build their houses, sheep pens, or latrines.

What’s even worse is that many residents close to some sections of the Great Wall sold its bricks due to poverty.

As well as these factors, the number of tourists visiting the Great Wall has been cited as one of the reasons behind its escalating damage.

Recommended Tours:

Protection of the Great Wall

The Great Wall at Jiankou

In 2006, the Chinese government put regulations into effect for the protection of the Great Wall. This ensures all the Great Wall sections in different provinces are protected.

Many popular Great Wall sections, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Juyongguan, have already been restored and are under protection.

Also, the Chinese people have planted trees and vegetation in rural areas to decrease the harm caused by natural disasters, such as storms.

Destructive behaviors relating to the Great Wall, such as graffiti, throwing rubbish, and stealing bricks, are greatly condemned. Many experts are working on ways to protect the ancient Great Wall.

Recommended Great Wall Tours

If you are planning a Great Wall tour, see our guide on how to plan a Great Wall tour. Or you can look a tour recommended Great Wall tours below for inspiration:

If you are not interested in the above tours, please contact usand we will help you to tailor-make your own Great Wall tour according to your requirements and interests.

Recommended Tours:

Learn More about the Great Wall

Year of the 龙 Lóng: Chinese Vocabulary

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:40 +0000

Year of the 龙 Lóng: Chinese Vocabulary

As the Spring Festival (春节 Chūnjié) is coming soon, let’s look at some keywords you might use to talk about it in Chinese – and to wish a Happy New Year of the Dragon to your Chinese friends, colleagues, and family.

Spring Festival Vocab

01. Spring Festival

春节
Chūnjié
Spring Festival
(also known as the Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year)

02. The Date

The celebration of the holiday follows the lunar calendar (农历 nónglì), causing its date on the Gregorian or solar calendar (阳历 yánglì) to vary each year.

This year’s (春节 Chūnjié) falls on February 10, Saturday.

2024年二月十日
èr-líng-èr-sì nián èr yuè shí rì
February 10, 2024
(by the solar calendar)

正月初一
zhēngyuè chū yī
the 1st day of the 1st lunar month
(by the lunar calendar)

除夕
chúxī
Lunar New Year’s Eve

03. Year of the Dragon

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and this year’s zodiac animal is the Dragon (龙 lóng).

龙年
Lóng nián
Year of the Dragon

By now, the dragons are all around Colorful, realistic, funny – have you taken a moment to notice the dragons around?

04. A Year Filled with Lóngevity!

In the upcoming year, lóngevity is anticipated, as the Dragon (龙 lóng) spreads its wings. Here are some 龙-related greetings you can share with your friends, colleagues, and family:

祝你在新的一年里:
Zhù nǐ zài xīn de yì nián lǐ:
In the new year, I wish you:

龙年大吉
Lóng nián dàjí
Good luck in the Year of the Dragon

生龙活虎，龙马精神
Shēnglóng huóhǔ, lóngmǎ jīngshén
A year filled with energy, spirit, and vitality

Happy New Year of the Dragon From That’s Mandarin！

Here’s to a New Year filled with happiness! Best wishes from That’s Mandarin!

新年快乐！
Xīnnián kuàilè!
Happy New Year!

How I learnt Chinese, part 3: My first year in Taiwan

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:40 +0000

In this article, I will continue the story of how I learnt Chinese. In previous parts, I have already talked about why I started learning and what it was like to study Mandarin in Sweden. After the first year, I moved to Taiwan to continue learning.

This post is part of a series; here are the other parts:

Where it all started
Learning Mandarin in Sweden
My first year in Taiwan (this article)
My second year in Taiwan
Returning to Sweden
Graduate program in Taiwan
Teaching, writing, learning

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

Going to Taiwan

This meant learning in an immersion environment combined with fairly traditional language lessons. This brought me into contact with a whole new range of issues with language teaching as done in the Chinese-speaking world. As a result of this, I started experimenting more on my own and learnt a lot about how to compensate for the weaknesses in courses and curricula.

The decision to continue to study Chinese in Taiwan was mostly a coincidence. My teacher in Sweden forwarded a note about a scholarship (the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship) and I applied for it without really expecting either to get it or to continue studying Chinese. When I actually received the scholarship, I sort of had to go. You don’t turn down the offer of studying a language for one year with most costs covered.

Arriving in Taiwan – 中華大學

I spent the first semester at 中華大學 outside 新竹. All Taiwanese who hear that ask the same question: Why? It’s a young university with a technical profile and completely unknown for their language centre. The truth is that I went there because they were one of the few institutions who really cared about me.

You see, when I applied for the scholarship, I had missed the fact that I was also supposed to have applied to a university, which I hadn’t. I had to do that really fast. I sent e-mails to all institutions on the official list. Most didn’t even bother to reply. Out of the few that did, 中華大學 was the only one that seemed to care about each individual student. This seemed important, so I went there.

Arriving in Taiwan was overwhelming, but mostly in a positive way. All things practical went very smoothly, and I received great help from the university. The biggest chock was language, which I touched upon in the previous article. To summarise, I could say a few things, but found it impossible to understand what people said. I understood perhaps 50% of what was said in class. My classmates had studied for about as long as I had, but mostly in Taiwan, which makes a huge difference.

Even though I think spending a few months at 中華大學 wasn’t so bad, it became apparent towards the end of the first semester that it wouldn’t work in the long run. I was the only full-time language student in my class, and spent perhaps five times as many hours as they did per week learning Chinese. I was far behind when I started, but felt that things had already become too easy when Christmas neared.

Another problem was that our classes were held in the evening, which meant it was very difficult to find native speakers to socialise with; I had time during the day when everybody worked or went to class, I was busy when they had time off. I needed a bigger language centre with more options and other people who took learning as seriously as I did.

Moving on – 文藻外語學院

For various reasons, my choice fell on 文藻外語學院 in 高雄, Taiwan’s second-largest city located in the south. 文藻 is a language college with a bigger language centre and filled with native students interested in languages.

While this provides a better learning environment in general, larger institutions also come with some problems. Each student matters less, and it’s less likely that they will make exceptions for you or accommodate to your needs in general. At 文藻, it still worked, but I had to push for it a lot harder.

For example, after taking the placement test, I was placed in a class which focused on the third book in the 遠東生活華語 (Far East Everyday Chinese) series. This was probably accurate in the sense that it was roughly on par with the course I had taken the previous semester. However, the whole point of transferring to 文藻 was that the pace was too low! I realised quickly that I had to do something to avoid the same problem occurring again.

I discussed the issue with the responsible teachers at the school and basically asked them what the most difficult class they had was, then asked to join it. They flatly refused (and rightly so). I then asked what the second most difficult class was and asked if I could join that one instead. They said no. I pleaded a bit and asked at least be allowed to try it. They said okay, but that I only would be allowed to stay if the teacher agreed.

The book we used was 新聞華語 (Media Chinese), which turned out to be really hard. I spent hours preparing for each class, and articles sometimes had more than a hundred new words.

All my classmates were more or less fluent in Mandarin, whereas I still had to struggle both to understand and to express my own thoughts. However, I had both the time and the motivation necessary and stayed afloat throughout the semester.

I was allowed to stay, and although I didn’t catch up with my classmates who were simply too far ahead, I learnt an incredible amount of Chinese. I was miles ahead of the people who stayed in the class where I was originally placed. I’ve written more about this in Is taking a Chinese course that’s too hard good for your learning?

Social life and language learning

Learning in a classroom is not enough, even if the classroom is located in a Chinese-speaking environment. Most language schools are fairly traditional and stay close to the textbook, focusing a lot on reading and vocabulary. Even though I spoke a lot in class too (small class size is a blessing), that was far from enough. I limited my use of English to about once per week when I played role-playing games with a group of other foreigners. The rest of the time I spent with native friends, language exchange partners and foreign classmates whose Chinese was a lot better than mine. I also practised some sports, such as diving, which meant I got to know native speakers who were far from campus, both literally and metaphorically speaking.

I think this approach was just right for me; I benefited a lot from the difficult class I was in, but the danger was of course that I had skipped a lot of more elementary language that I now had to cover on my own. This is not difficult if you have the time to spend, but can result in an advanced but narrow competence if you’re not careful.

Most of the time with native speakers was spent on simply talking about things, mostly unrelated to my textbooks. An interest in languages was also a great common denominator between me and the Taiwanese students, which meant it was fairly easy to make friends.

Lessons learnt from my first year in Taiwan

So, what did I learn during this first year that other students can benefit from? Here’s a selection of important insights I think are worth sharing:

Don’t invent the wheel – I spent a lot of time developing clever ways of reviewing characters and words. I actually developed a simple spaced repetition system on my own and kept track of scheduling manually. Spending a few hours online reading about this would have helped enormously!
Language exchanges are great – I’ve seen many negative comments about language exchange online, but I’ve met over 30 native speakers this way, and it’s been great for my learning. It’s also an excellent way to make friends if you’re not the extrovert kind who find it easy to chat with a random stranger. I haven’t experienced the language struggle people talk about; just divide the time evenly and it’ll be fine!
Class size matters – The most important factor to consider when you choose which course to enrol in is the size of the class. With fifteen other students in the group, you will mostly speak with other learners and won’t get much individual feedback. If you’re in a group of five, you will get plenty of attention. I think 3-5 is the ideal size, but it depends on what you do outside class as well.
Institutions hold ambitious students back – If you just go with the flow, you will learn much more slowly than you have the potential to. This is provided that you’re not working full time as an English teacher or just want to party all the time, of course. If you have the time, try to get into more difficult classes, where just surviving requires you to learn fast. While doing this, don’t neglect the foundations. You can deal with most of that outside class, though!
Going to class is great, but it’s not enough – I have learnt an incredible amount of Chinese from my teachers and textbooks. Even though many of the articles on Hacking Chinese are dealing with problems when learning Chinese, I still think that classroom learning is very important. You just need to make sure you take responsibility for your own learning and cover the things you won’t learn in class.

Proficiency after my first year in Taiwan

I came to Taiwan knowing a lot of words and some grammar, but without really being able to say more than the most basic things. Listening was almost impossible. After the first semester, my parents visited, which meant a few weeks of travelling across Taiwan and having to use everything I had learnt. I wouldn’t say I was fluent back then, but I could use the language to achieve most practical things I needed.

After my second semester, my reading and writing improved a lot. Naturally, speaking and listening improved too, but still suffered from the common problem of not being practised enough. Looking back, it seems like I built advanced but narrow knowledge. I don’t think that was the wrong thing to do, but spending all that time learning to read newspaper articles definitely took time from basic speaking and listening.

Stay tuned

That’s it for this time! Next time, I will talk about my second year in Taiwan.

Hacking Chinese Podcast one-year anniversary Q&A

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:40 +0000

This week marks the first anniversary of the Hacking Chinese Podcast! In this week’s episode, I answer reader and listener questions, including:

How do you study Chinese when you’re busy with other things?
How can you cope with a Chinese course that’s too hard for you?
Is it okay to use texts translated to Chinese for reading practice?

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast, Spotify and many other platforms!

If you have a question you’d like to ask me, feel free to contact me. You might also be interested in checking out my big article with 101 frequently asked questions, where I try to give concise answers to the most common questions:

101 questions and answers about how to learn Chinese

Same building blocks, different characters: How component placement changes meaning in Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:40 +0000

Chinese character components are usually placed in predictable ways. If you remember the components, you can often write the character.

But not always! Some characters share components but differ only in how they’re arranged.

These characters can be hard to remember and easy to mix up, and it might even be happening without you realising it.

You think your memory just slipped, and you mixed up the order of the components in 忙, writing it as 忘, but both these are common characters: máng, “busy”, and wàng, “to forget”, respectively.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode (#269).

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

How to learn and remember Chinese characters: My best advice

Before we dig into character components and their placement, I want to talk about something more important. If you’re not already quite familiar with Chinese characters, you might want to explore these strategies first, as they will make Chinese characters easier to learn:

Learn how Chinese characters work. This will make learning individual characters much easier. For example, understanding how functional components work, especially phonetic components, is immensely helpful. If this is the first time you hear about this, I suggest you check out my series starting with this article: The building blocks of Chinese, part 1: Chinese characters and words in a nutshell.
Employ mnemonics, if not for all characters, then at least those you struggle with. These are clever memory techniques that rely on how we remember things to create memorable associations, such as between components in a compound character.
Use flashcards and spaced repetition software. This shouldn’t take up a large chunk of your study time, but making sure you remember what you have previously learnt is important, and flashcards and spaced repetition are the most efficient way to do it, especially when it comes to learning Chinese characters.

I’ve summarised everything here: My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters

My best advice on how to learn Chinese characters

Component placement in Chinese characters is often predictable

In this article, we’re going to talk about component placement within compounds. First, we’ll look at some easy cases, then things will become gradually more complicated before we discuss what to do about all this as a student.

As a beginner, you might need to memorise that 艹, “grass”, goes at the top of 花, “flower”, but you will soon realise that 艹 always goes at the top (if not, it is written 艸). Similarly, 扌, “hand”, always appears on the left (otherwise it is written 手), as do many other squeezed variants of characters, such as 氵 (variant of 水), “water”, and 亻 (variant of 人), “person”.

You cannot perfectly predict if it is 扌 on the left or 手 somewhere else, or if it is 艹 at the top or 艸 somewhere else. For example, when writing 打 (dǎ), “to hit”, there is no other character that has any variant of 手 above 丁 or vice versa. When you have seen 打 a few times, you will be okay.

Usually, but not always, the left component gives meaning, and the right component gives sound.

Some character components don’t follow a simple rule

This is not always straightforward. 鸟/鳥 (niǎo), “bird”, can, for example, appear on the right, left or top of another component, even if the right is much more common. It’s a meaning component in all these characters, so there’s no clue which is the correct version.

On the right:
- 鹅 (é), “goose”
- 鸽 (gē), “pigeon”
- 鸭 (yā), “duck”
On the bottom:
- 鹰 (yīng), “eagle”
- 鸳 (yuān), “mandarin duck”
- 鸯 (yāng), “mandarin duck”
On the left:
- 鸵 (tuó), “ostrich”

Then there are cases which make sense only if you dig a little bit deeper, such as 阝 representing different components that mean different things depending on which side it appears:

阝 (right) derived from 邑 (yì), “city” or “settlement”
阝 (left) derived from 阜 (fù), “mound” or “hill”

Here, you know where to write which component simply by knowing what it means. If you struggle, use mnemonics!

Without knowing what the component means, you’ll have to rely on truly massive amounts of exposure to feel what is right.

Different variants of the same character, not different characters

Finally, in some cases, there are variants of the same character (same pronunciation, same meaning) that differ only in component placement. For example:

够 (gòu), “enough”, in simplified is written with the 多 on the right
夠 (gòu), “enough”, in traditional is written with the 多 on the left

These are the same characters, which is not what I want to talk about in the rest of this article. Instead, I want to focus on different characters that differ only in that they have swapped the positions of components.

Same building blocks, different characters

Here is a list of Chinese characters that have the same components but are arranged differently. Note that these characters are not variants of each other; they are different characters, usually with completely different meanings and pronunciations:

忘 (wàng), “forget, neglect” – 忙 (máng), “busy”
摸 (mō), “caress, touch” – 摹 (mó), “copy, trace”
呆 (dāi), “dull, stupid” – 杏 (xìng), “almond, apricot”
忠 (zhōng), “loyal” – 忡 (chōng), “grieved”
召 (zhào), “convene, summon” – 叨 (dāo), “talkative”
含 (hán), “contain” – 吟 (yín), “chant, recite”
唯 (wéi), “only” – 售 (shòu), “sell”
怐 (yí), “joyful, happy” – 怠 (dài), “idle, slack”
愀 (qiǎo), “to become stern or displeased” – 愁 (chóu), “to be anxious, worry”
枒 (gǎo), “brilliant, bright sun” – 枓 (yǎo), “distant, out of sight”
啼 (tí), “weep, caw” – 啻 (chì), “merely”
帛 (bó), “silk, fabrics” – 帕 (pà), “kerchief”
某 (mǒu), “certain person or thing” – 柑 (gān), “tangerine”
案 (àn), “case, table” – 桉 (ān), “eucalyptus”
皇 (huáng), “emperor” – 珀 (pò), “amber”
眇 (miǎo), “minute, blind” – 省 (shěng/xǐng), “save, province”
音 (yīn), “sound” – 昱 (yù), “bright”

There are also some that are only relevant in simplified Chinese:

机 (jī), “crucial point, engine” – 朵 (duǒ), “measure word for flowers”
垦 (kěn), “cultivate” – 垠 (yín), “limit”
吴 (wú), “a surname” – 吞 (tūn), “swallow”
庄 (zhuāng), “village” – 圹 (kuàng), “tomb”

There are also a few cases where three characters can be formed with the same building blocks arranged differently:

翋 (là), “flying” – 翊 (yì), “assist, help, flying” – 翌 (yì), “daybreak, the next day”
另 (lìng), “another” – 加 (jiā), “add” – 叻 (lè), “used for sound transcription”
旭 (xù), “brilliant, rising sun” – 旮 (gā), “corner, nook” – 旯 (lá), “corner, nook”

This list started with my own observations over a few years and was then expanded by helpful people in the comment section (thanks to Andy and Els). If you have found more examples, please leave a comment.

How to deal with component placement when learning characters

As established earlier, most of the time you do not need to take component placement into consideration when memorising characters, except as a beginner. You simply would not write 打 with the hand at the top, or 你 with the person on the right.

The reason is that it just looks wrong. You have never seen these components in a compound with any other placement, so it is not an issue.

Some of the characters discussed in this article are different, however, and can cause confusion even for more advanced students. They only become a problem when you encounter two or more from each set, which in most cases only starts happening once you have learnt a few thousand characters.

There are exceptions where both characters are rather common, such as 忙 (máng), “busy”, and 忘 (wàng), “forget, neglect”, but in cases like 音 (yīn), “sound”, and 昱 (yù), “bright”, the former is 200 times more common. So by the time you encounter the latter, you will not mix them up either.

Use mnemonics only if you really have to

In general, keep things simple. As I have already said, most of the time, no action is required. I have never confused 忙 and 忘, and didn’t even think about the fact that they share the same components until very recently.

Still, some cases really are confusing, including some of those with the same components, but also the unpredictable ones, especially 鸟/鳥. If it’s important for you to be able to recall the relative position of these components, incorporate direction in the mnemonic you use (the bird swooping in from above, being squished underneath or flying in from the side).

For example: 呆 (dāi), “dull, stupid” – 杏 (xìng), “almond, apricot”: 呆 originally showed something completely different (a person carrying a child), so feel free to make something up. How about a stupid person perched at the top of a tree with their mouth hanging open? For 杏, someone lying beneath an apricot tree with fruits falling directly into their mouths.

As argued elsewhere, there is little point in doing this just because you can. Don’t use mnemonics to remember things you don’t need to remember. Will native speakers care if you write 夠 instead of 够? Will they misunderstand if you write 鸭 with 甲 on the right of 鸟? Unlikely.

Don’t use mnemonics for everything when learning Chinese

Still, for many students, these things matter. I, for example, wrote this article because I wanted to get some of these characters right. I had subconsciously been mixing them up for a while and finally noticed that they were different characters with the same components!

Editor’s note: This article, originally published in 2016, was rewritten and republished in September 2025.

Inner Mongolia Weather: Best Times to Visit

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:39 +0000

Inner Mongolia Weather: Best Times to Visit

Being far from ocean with a wide area and an elevated altitude, Inner Mongolia has a cold/temperate continental climate with low and irregular rainfall and drastic shifts of temperature.

Scroll down to find out the main features of Inner Mongolia’s climate, best times to visit, and other seasonal travel information.

The Main Features of Inner Mongolia’s Climate

Inner Mongolia has a semi-humid zone in the east and a semi-arid zone in the west. The main feature throughout is the large temperature differences between day and night, generally over 10°C (18°F). Harsh weather in Inner Mongolia includes spring droughts and winter blizzards.

The climate of Inner Mongolia can be divided into two major climate zones: east and west.

The Grassland Climate Zone (East Inner Mongolia)

From the Hulunbuir Grasslands in the east to the Yinshan Mountains of central Inner Mongolia, winter is icy and snowy and usually lasts for half the year. The average January low in Hulunbuir is -28°C (-18°F). The mild months from May to September are the best times for a grassland tour.

The Desert Climate Zone (West Inner Mongolia)

From the Yinshan Mountains of the Alxa Desert Plateau to the Badain Jaran Desert in the west, spring is stormy, summer is extremely hot, and winter is freezing cold. Only autumn has mild weather, making it the best season for a desert tour.

Inner Mongolia Desert

Recommended Inner Mongolia Tours:

Best Times to Visit Inner Mongolia

Generally speaking, July to September is the best time to travel to Inner Mongolia, when the temperature is quite comfortable and the grasslands are lush. The annual Naadam Grassland Festival is held during this period, during which you will have the chance to enjoy Mongol sporting competitions and traditional celebrations with Mongolian folk songs and dances.

If taking a desert tour, it’s better to go in September or October for the most pleasant desert weather and the chance to witness mirages.

Inner Mongolia in Spring (April to June)

Nature is waking up in spring in Inner Mongolia. The grasses on the prairies begin to flourish and blossom, flocks and herds scatter over the grasslands, and several hundred species of migrant birds fly back to Inner Mongolia. However, in desert areas, sandstorms are common.

Best places for traveling: Hohhot and Hinggan League

Things to do:

Discover the historical sites in/around Hohhot and learn about Mongolian cultures.
Watch birds migrating throughout Inner Mongolia.
Soak and refresh in the hot springs of Arxan (which means ‘hot springs’).
Hike in the Daxing’anling forest and the wetland areas to discover the beauty of nature there.

Flocks and Herds in Hulunbuir Grassland

Inner Mongolia in Summer (July to August)

With an average daily temperature range of 16°C (60°F) to 27°C (80°F), summer is mild and short, lasting for only one or two months, and there is no “summer” to speak of in some areas of Inner Mongolia. The hottest month always comes in July with highest temperatures of 36°C (96°F) to 43°C (109°F) in desert areas.

The grassland areas become resort areas to escape the summer heat with average temperatures of around 20°C (68°F).

Best places for traveling: Hohhot, Hulunbuir, or any grassland area in Inner Mongolia

Things to do:

Join in various interesting activities on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia.
Attend the Summer Naadam Festival.

Note: The venues and dates for the Naadam Festival won’t be published in advance. You are free to contact us for more accurate information with tour recommendations.

Horse Racing on Hulunbuir Grassland

Inner Mongolia in Autumn (September to October)

Grasses turn yellow in late August and the forest areas of Inner Mongolia turn red and yellow. Temperatures are cool in the desert and suitable for various activities: camping, hiking, camel riding, etc.

Best places for traveling: Ordos, Alxa League, and Hinggan League

Things to do:

Dive into the golden ocean of Ejina’s Poplar Forest.
Hike, camp, and enjoy other desert entertainments in the Kubuqi Desert.

Note: The best time to visit Ejina’s Poplar Forest is from October 1–15 when you can hardly book a hotel room due to its popularity. It is wise to find a travel agency like China Highlights to assist you with the booking. Contact us in advance for a space.

Ejina’s Poplar Forest

Inner Mongolia in Winter (November to March)

Winter is freezing cold, with average temperatures ranging from -3ºC (-38°F) to -15ºC (-59°F), and it lasts for a very long time, sometimes more than half a year! January is the coldest month with average daily temperatures from -32°C (-89°F) to -10°C (-50°F). Extreme minimum temperatures are as low as -50ºC (-122°F).

The grasslands become a world of ice and snow, and festivals like the Winter Naadam Festival and Ice and Snow Festival take place during this period. Alshan in the Hinggan League become a popular destination to skiers due to its large quantity and good quality of snow each year.

Best places for traveling: Alshan, Hailaer, and Genhe

Things to do:

Attend the Winter Naadam Festival and Ice and Snow Festival.
Have fun and ski at Alshan Ski Resort.
Take an adventure to “China’s cold pole” and experience the extreme coldness of Lengji Village.

Note: The venues and dates for the winter festivals change every year. You are invited to contact us for more accurate information and tour recommendations.

Experience the Coldness at Lengji Village

Touring Inner Mongolia with China Highlights

Want to visit Inner Mongolia, but finding it hard to decide when and where to go? Contact our travel experts who will give you professional suggestions and help you to tailor-make an Inner Mongolia tour.

Here are our most popular Inner Mongolia tours for inspiration:

Macau Weather in August

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:39 +0000

Macau Weather in August

Weather: August is a hot and humid month. Downpours, bright sunshine, and high humidity can make the weather feel oppressively uncomfortable for unacclimatised tourists. Spending the day indoors helps. The hotel buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.

In August, there is a daily average high temperature of 31 °C (88 °F) and an average low temperature of 26 °C (79 °F). Tropical storms or typhoons help to bring in a whopping 352 mm or so of rain, and it rains about 16 days of the month.

To make sure that your trip goes smoothly, stay informed on the weather. Be aware that the territory’s long bridges might close during the typhoons. Flights may also be cancelled during seriously bad weather.

Clothing: Summer cloths such as shorts, T-shirts, and summer skirts will do outside. Sunglasses and hats might prove a relief from the bright sun. The sunlight glares off all the reflecting glass and pavement in the city. Pack an umbrella.

Things to Do

It is the right kind of weather to go to a beach such as Heisha (or Hac Sa, Black Sand) Beach. August is a good time for swimming too.

Go to the Macau Museum: The museum is in Monte Fort. There are displays and artifacts from the early history of the colony, displays about the region’s culture, and modern artwork by Macau artists.

See Monte Fort: It is a great historical attraction and is listed as being part of a UNESCO World Heritage group of local sites. The 400-year-old fort, covers 10,000 square meters, and looks like a medieval castle. If you are there in the evening and the weather is fine, look down from the walls on the shimmering colorful casino lights and see the colors of the sunset.

August is generally in the low travel season.

Room rates for hotel rooms and the price of flights and train tickets are lower than usual. To take advantage of low season for touring, see our Macau Tours and let us help you to arrange and economize your trip.

China Highlights Tours

We have years of experience developed over decades by listening to our customers’ feedback. Our Macau tour packages are reasonably priced and can be customized per your requirements. Let us help you plan a personalized Macau tour. If you are interested in touring this tourist mega highlight in the summer, contact us.

Macau Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data

Date	Average High		Average Low
August 1	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 2	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 3	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 4	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 5	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 6	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 7	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 8	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 9	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 10	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 11	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 12	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 13	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 14	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 15	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 16	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 17	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 18	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 19	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 20	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 21	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 22	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 23	89 °F	31.67 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 24	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 25	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 26	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 27	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 28	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 29	88 °F	31.11 °C	80 °F	26.67 °C
August 30	88 °F	31.11 °C	79 °F	26.11 °C
August 31	88 °F	31.11 °C	79 °F	26.11 °C

Changsha-Zhengzhou Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:39 +0000

Changsha-Zhengzhou Trains

The Changsha-Zhengzhou train route links the cultural and economic centers of Hunan and Henan provinces. 91 pairs of trains operate on this route daily and 62 of them are high-speed trains.

Changsha-Zhengzhou High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 832 kilometers (517 miles)
Duration: 3-5 hours
Terminals: Changsha South Railway Station, Zhengzhou Railway Station/ Zhengzhou East Railway Station
Main stops: Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou

Changsha to Zhengzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 8th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G502	07:08	10:40	3h 32m
G1848	08:30	12:24	3h 54m
G812	09:10	12:14	3h 4m
G834	09:57	13:44	3h 47m
G1310	11:38	15:03	3h 25m
G1536	17:55	21:33	3h 38m

Please note: These are only some of the trains in operation. The timetable above is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, please use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Zhengzhou to Changsha High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 8th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G809	07:39	10:52	3h 13m
G1537	10:37	14:47	4h 10m
G2689	11:46	15:51	4h 5m
G1309	13:38	17:32	3h 54m
G1847	16:42	20:27	3h 45m
G507	20:04	23:39	3h 35m

Changsha to Zhengzhou High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$191 (CNY1,318.5)	US$97 (CNY670.5)	US$61 (CNY419.5)

Changsha-Zhengzhou Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Duration: 8-13 hours
Terminals: Changsha Railway Station, Zhengzhou Railway Station
Main stops: Changsha, Zhengzhou

Changsha to Zhengzhou Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 8th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z14	00:44	08:48	8h 4m
K158	11:20	21:48	10h 28m
Z2	17:35	01:52 (next day)	8h 17m
Z836	23:33	07:47 (next day)	8h 14m

Please note: These are only some of the trains in operation. The timetable above is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, please use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Zhengzhou to Changsha Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 8th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z1	00:02	08:10	8h 8m
Z137	04:47	13:15	8h 28m
T145	20:10	05:22 (next day)	9h 12m
Z501	23:56	07:58 (next day)	8h 2m

Changsha to Zhengzhou Normal-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$45 (CNY312)	US$29 (CNY200)	US$17 (CNY115)

Travel by High-Speed Train

With the development of China’s high-speed rail network, the trains run much faster than before. In the time it takes a normal-speed train to travel one way from Changsha to Zhengzhou, a bullet train can do the journey both ways.

The ticket price is also cost-effective, a second-class ticket is 419.5 CNY (61 USD). It is highly recommended to take a high-speed train to travel between Changsha and Zhengzhou.

You may be interested in how to take a train in China.

Christmas Party 2021 | Beijing & Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:39 +0000

Christmas Party 2021 | Beijing & Shanghai

Last Friday was a blast – we had two amazing Christmas Parties at That’s Mandarin in Beijing and Shanghai!

Thanks to all our guests and sponsors for coming and making it so special

Here’re some pictures and videos from the events in 2 cities.

Beijing

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Shanghai

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How Long Is the Great Wall of China? 21,196 km or Longer…

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:38 +0000

How Long Is the Great Wall of China? 21,196 km or Longer…

The official length of the Great Wall of China is 21,196.18 kilometers (13,170.7 miles), according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) on June 5th, 2012. This is the first time that China has scientifically and systematically measured the length of all of the Great Wall after a six-year-long archaeological survey.

The Ming Great Wall (constructed 1368–1644), measured 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) and includes most of the best-preserved sections. Its length is similar to the length of the Great Siberian Railway, but that’s only 40% of the whole Great Wall’s length.

Continue reading and find out:

How Long Is the Great Wall Compared to …
The Great Wall of China Length by Dynasty
The Great Wall of China Length Today
How Long to Walk the Great Wall of China
How the Total Length of the Great Wall Was Measured

How Long is the Great Wall of China Compared to …

Great Wall of China Map

So how long are 21,196.18 kilometers (13,170.7 miles)? Maybe the following comparisons would bring you a more vibrant picture.

The total Great Wall of China is similar to the perimeter of the USA: all the 48 states as one body plus Alaska’s circumference and Hawaii’s.
We could say instead, that the total Great Wall length for all time would cross the US east to west 4.9 times!
The Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty alone would be sufficient to go across the United States – Mexican border (3,000+ km) and the southern Canadian land border (5,000+ km, not counting the Great Lakes and Alaska)!
If someone was to build a wall between the South Pole and the North Pole, all the Great Wall sections built in China would be just longer than this wall.

Recommended Great Wall Tours:

Great Wall of China Lengths in Different Dynasties

“Great Walls” were first built by warring states for self-defense, and then ‘First Emperor’ Qin connected these walls after he unified China and established the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC).

Since then, the walls got the name ‘Long Walls’ or Wan-Li Changcheng (万里长城/wann-lee-channg-chnng/ ‘5,000-Km-Long Wall’).

Continue reading “Why Chinese Call It the Wan-Li Changcheng (5,000-Km-Long Wall)?“.

Wan means ‘10,000’, and a li is half a kilometer. So, 10,000 li is 5,000 km (3,100 miles), which was actually a good estimation of the Great Wall’s length in the Qin Dynasty. However, this name continued in use through future dynasties, despite the Great Wall becoming longer.

Wan is also popularly used to mean ‘a great number’ in Chinese. So, a better translation of Wan-Li Changcheng would probably be ‘the Great-Number-of-Li-Long Wall’, or ‘the Great Wall’ for short!

Lengths of Great Wall of China by Dynasty

The following table gives a fuller picture of what lengths of the Great Wall (approximately) were built in each dynastic era.

Dynastic Era	Approx. Length (km)	Approx. Length (mi)
Warring States 445–222 BC	3,080.14	1,913.91
Qin & Han Dynasty 221 BC – 220 AD	3,680 km	2,286.64 mi
Jin Dynasty 1115–1234 AD	4,010.28 km	2,491.87 mi
Ming Dynasty 1368–1644 AD	8,851.8 km	5,500.25 mi
Other Dynasties Mainly Northern and Southern Dynasties (386–589 AD)	1,574 km	978.03 mi
Totals	21,196.18 km	13,170.7 mi
3,476 km (2,160 mi) ≈ the moon’s diameter 9,289 km (5,772 mi) ≈ the length of the Siberian Railway 20,000 km (12,430 mi) ≈ the traveling distance between the North Pole and the South Pole

The Great Wall of China’s Length Today — Only 9.4% Remains Intact

The Great Wall was never a single wall but a huge area with over 43,721 heritage sites in 15 provinces of north China. Unfortunately, only 9.4% of the original wall remains intact. The well-preserved sections like Badaling and Mutianyu only account for a very small part of the whole Great Wall length.

Condition of the Great Wall of China Today

Condition	Approx. Length	Percentage
Good	2,000 km (1,243 mi)	9.47%
Average	4,200 km (2,610 mi)	19.91%
Poor	3,400 km (2,113 mi)	16.11%
Worse	5,000 km (3,107 mi)	23.70%
Disappeared	6,500 km (4,039 mi)	30.81%

How Long to Walk the Great Wall of China?

When talking about walking the Great Wall, we normally refer to the Ming Great Wall, which was built about 600 years ago and represents the best-preserved sections.

In 1984, Dong Yaohui (an electrical engineer and later a Great Wall protector), with his two companions spent 508 days (around 17 months) walking and inspecting the entire length of the Ming Great Wall. Despite the tough weather and conditions, they collected first-hand information about the Ming Great Wall during their journey on foot.

It’s no longer hard to walk some sections of the Great Wall now. You can spend 2–3 hours for a normal Great Wall sightseeing tour, or 1–2 days of trekking and camping, or even 1–2 months trekking to connect the sections around Beijing for example.

The most popular sections of the Great Wall are located near Beijing, within 1–3 hours’ driving.

Section of the Great Wall	Approx. Length (km/mi)	Walking Time
Badaling	7.6 km (4.7 mi)	2–3 hours
Mutianyu	5.4 km (3.4 mi)	2–3 hours
Jinshanling	10.5 km (6.5 mi)	1–2 days
Simatai	5.4 km (3.4 mi)	1–2 days
Jiankou	20 km (12 mi)	1–2 days
Huanghuacheng Lakeside	13 km (8 mi)	1 day

Recommended Great Wall Tours:

How the Total Length of the Great Wall Was Measured

Step 1: Preparation

Who was to measure it: 1,295 people from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping

Locations: 404 counties in 15 provinces (Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia Autonomous Region, and Gansu for the northern wall, plus Shandong, Hebei, Hubei, Chongqing, Anhui, and Jiangsu for the Warring States “Great Wall” sections)

What was to be measured: walls, trenches, towers, and walled fortresses

Tools: Compass, tape measure, spirit level, but also electronic distance measurement (EDM), GPS, etc., and lots of mapping software

Step 2: Inspection and Measurement

Time taken: 3½ years

Distance covered: over 100,000 kilometers’ (62,137 mi) trekking (roughly equal to trekking every trail in the whole of Switzerland)

Step 3: Data Collation and Analysis

Over 46,111 data forms, 200,000 photos, and 30,000 videos of the Great Wall were collected, collated, and analyzed.

Step 4: Experts Review Findings and Release the Result

Over 43,721 relics were found and measured. As surveys of the Great Wall continue, the total length of the Great Wall may be found to be longer than the 21,196.18 km (13,170.7 mi) they found.

How to Spend Your Layover in Chengdu

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:38 +0000

How to Spend Your Layover in Chengdu

When you have a layover in Chengdu, of course, you want to make the most of it. But you probably have a few questions too. Can I leave the airport? Do I need a visa? What can I actually do with 7, 10, or even 15 hours?

This guide walks you through everything: top things to do, free layover hotels, Wi-Fi, food, baggage, and transportation.

Do I Need a Visa for a Layover in Chengdu?

Due to the 10-Day Visa Free Transit Policy, you don’t need a visa if your nationality is on the list, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia.

Can I Leave the Airport during Layover in Chengdu?

Yes, you can. You just need to bring your passport, fill out the arrival form, and go through customs.

But if your layover is less than 7-8 hours, you are not recommended to leave the airport.

Customs and immigration process, travelling to and from the city, checking in early, and rechecking your luggage (if needed) can easily take up 4-5 hours of your total time.

Shuangliu Airport (CTU): closer. You’ll need at least 7 hours.
Tianfu Airport (TFU): much further. You should have at least 8 hours.

What to Do in Chengdu during My Layover?

Most international flights now use Tianfu, so the layover plans below mainly follow that.

If it works for Tianfu, it definitely works for Shuangliu.

If You Have 8-9 Hours, Chunxi Road is the Best

With only 8–9 hours, visiting the Panda Base would be quite rushed, so we recommend Chunxi Road instead.

Chunxi Road, the IFS Climbing Panda

Chunxi Road (2–3 hrs) is the city center and the most iconic spot in Chengdu. It’s packed with food, fashion shops, and is very easy for you to get.

You can try some local snacks, snap a photo with the famous IFS Panda statue, and stroll around Taikoo Li, getting a quick look at Chengdu’s city vibe.

Travel from TFU: metro(1.5), bus (1.5h), car (1h)
Travel from CTU: metro(1h), bus (1h), car (40min)

Transportation tips:

I recommend using DiDi or Gaode Maps for a car ride haling. It’s the best mode of transit for you to get to/from the city from the airport. Or feel free to contact us if you need a private car.

Tianfu also has a 24-hour Airport Express (Line 18). Trains run every 10-30 mins, about 30 mins to the city centre (you’ll need to transfer for Chunxi Road).

Avoid driving and taking buses during the rush hours, as it gets jammed in the city center and can take up to 2 hours one way.

If You Have 10-12 Hours, don’t Miss the Panda Base

If you have 10-12 hours of layover time, it’s enough to visit the Chengdu Panda Base (4–5 hours).

Chengdu Panda Research Base

This base is closest to the city, and you can see the largest number of giant pandas and red pandas there.

It’s best to visit the pandas around 8–10 AM, when they’re most active. If you can’t make it in the morning, 2–3 pm is also a good time since it’s their feeding period, and you’ll get to see them munching on bamboo.

TFU to Chengdu Panda Base: car (1h), metro (2h), bus (1.5h)
CTU to Chengdu Panda Base: car (45min), metro(1h15m), bus(1h)

Transportation tips:

I recommend driving instead of the bus or metro. Driving to Panda Base won’t pass through the city centre, so you won’t have to worry about traffic jams.

If you take the airport bus, it only goes to Chengdu Zoo Bus Station, and you’ll still need a 15-minute taxi ride to reach the Panda Base.

The metro also passes through the city centre and can get crowded.

If you don’t want to see pandas, here are also some popular routes:

Chunxi Road (2 hrs) → Kuanzhai Alley (2 hrs) → People’s Park (1 hr)

Kuanzhai Alley

If you enjoy shopping, food, and local laid-back life, this route also shows you different Chengdu’s highlights.

You’ll walk around Chunxi Road, try snacks and pick up souvenirs at Kuanzhai Alley, then walk 15min to People’s Park, to sip a tea, relax with a massage, and experience local’s daily life.

Wuhou Shrine (2 hrs) → Jinli Ancient Street (2 hrs)

Jinli Ancient Street

If you love history and culture, don’t miss these two spots. The metro line to Wuhou Shrine is now open as well.

At Wuhou Shrine, you can learn about the Three Kingdoms and the stories of Zhuge Liang. Jinli Ancient Street is right next door, with lots of local snacks and charming traditional-style streets. You can also sit down for a Sichuan opera face-changing show.

If You Have 15 + Hours

You can have a day trip in Chengdu, covering the highlights like pandas, food, and local life experience.

If you’re a panda lover, you can even join a Panda Volunteer Program in Dujiangyan. Besides seeing the pandas, you’ll get to make panda cakes, split bamboo, clean the enclosure, and learn more about their behaviour.

If you’re into food, there’s more to do than just eating. You can visit a local market to pick ingredients with a local family, learn to cook Sichuan dishes, and enjoy the meal together.

Even with only a few hours, a private tour lets you make the most of your layover without worrying about transport or planning. Please feel free to contact us.

Chengdu Layover FAQs

1. Does the Airport Provide Free Hotel Stays?

Yes—if you’re flying Sichuan Airlines on an international route.

Requirements:

Transit over 6 hours
Ticket number begins with 876
Your passport

After affirming, you can apply for a free hotel in the Sichuan Airlines APP, or just ask the front desk to help. The free hotel is valid at both TFU and CTU.

2. What are the Hotel Options for My Layover?

If you have a long overnight layover but don’t qualify for a free hotel, you may want to book a hotel instead of sleeping in the terminal.

In Tianfu Airport, there are more options inside the terminal. Some with better facilities include Joyhub Air Hotel and Joyhub Cheer Hotel. There are also capsule hotels, or nearby hotels like All Seasons, just a short drive from the airport with shuttle service.

In Shuangliu Airport, terminal accommodation is basic, more like dorms than hotels. You can stay at nearby hotels, such as Qingju, for a more comfortable overnight.

3. Is There Free Wi-Fi at the Airport?

Yes. You need to go to the WiFi kiosks in T1, Level 2, or Level 4 (Area D). Then scan your passport, and you’ll get a printed username and password.

If you’re heading into the city, you can also buy a data package/SIM card at the airport counters.

4. Can I Recheck my Baggage during a Short Layover?

Yes. Even with only a 3-hour layover, you can usually collect your luggage.

Bags come out in about 30 minutes, and walking from T1 to T2 takes only around 10 minutes.

5. What to Eat in Chengdu? Will Everything be Spicy?

Chengdu is famous for spicy food, but non-spicy options can also be found.

If you like spicy food, you can taste hot pot, red-oil wontons, spicy rabbit head, and mapo tofu.

If you prefer non-spicy, try Qiaojiao beef, sweet-skin duck, egg pancakes (dan hong gao), douhua, liangfen, or yuan-yang hotpot (half spicy, half non-spicy). And of course, there are many Cantonese restaurants.

You can find all of these on Chunxi Road, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Ancient Street, or the airport.

Our Popular Chengdu Layover Tours

It consumes a lot of your time and energy when you travel independently in Chengdu. To maximize your stopover time, a private tour is an advisable option.

Here are our popular layover tours:

Or you can find more Chengdu tours with us.

Hefei-Huangshan Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:38 +0000

Hefei-Huangshan Trains

This train route links the capital of Anhui Province with the Yellow Mountains. 30 pairs of high-speed trains operate on this route daily. It is very convenient for tourists.

Hefei-Huangshan High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 379 kilometers (236 miles)
Terminals: Hefei South Railway Station, Huangshan North Railway Station
Duration: 1½-2 hours
Main stops: Hefei, Huangshan

Hefei to Huangshan High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 3rd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1611	08:26	10:07	1h 41m
G2553	12:14	13:48	1h 34m
G301	15:03	17:13	2h 10m
G325	16:51	19:08	2h 17m
G3183	17:54	19:42	1h 48m
G7735	21:16	22:36	1h 20m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Huangshan to Hefei High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 3rd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G7414	07:10	08:58	1h 48m
G1902	10:49	12:30	1h 41m
G330	12:30	14:06	1h 36m
G3128	15:34	17:16	1h 42m
G1906	17:57	19:31	1h 34m
G3142	21:02	22:29	1h 27m

Hefei to Huangshan High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$64 (CNY443.5)	US$34 (CNY236.5)	US$21 (CNY140.5)

Hefei-Huangshan Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Hefei Railway Station, Huangshan Railway Station
Duration: 6-7 hours
Main stops: Hefei, Huangshan

Hefei to Huangshan Normal-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on April 3rd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K1109 (service suspended)	03:00	09:08	6h 8m
K8381 (service suspended)	07:29	14:31	7h 2m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Huangshan to Hefei Normal-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on April 3rd, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K8382 (service suspended)	12:17	19:14	6h 57m
K1110 (service suspended)	16:18	22:51	6h 33m

Hefei to Huangshan Normal-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$22 (CNY155.5)	US$15 (CNY100.5)	US$8 (CNY54.5)

Huangshan North Railway Station

There are two railway stations in Huangshan: Huangshan Railway Station and Huangshan North Railway Station.

All of the high-speed trains on this route operate at Huangshan North Railway Station. Please pay attention to the stations before departure and make sure you go to the right one.

We have detailed some information about Huangshan North Railway Station below:

Chinese name: 黄山北站
Address: 2 Yinkesong Avenue, Tunxi District, Huangshan
Chinese address: 黄山市屯溪区迎客松大道北2号

The station opened to passengers on June 28, 2015. The layout of the building is detailed below:

Ground floor: ticket offices and entrances

Second floor: lounge, shops, and restaurants

Basement 1: arrivals, exit, bus station, taxis, parking

How to Get to Huangshan Scenic Area

You can take a shuttle bus to Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains) from Huangshan Tourism Passenger Transport Hub (in Chinese: 黄山旅游客运枢纽). It is located in the southwest of Huangshan North Railway Station.

The bus interval is every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 19:30. It costs 20 CNY (3 USD) per ticket and takes about 50 minutes.

If your arrival is later than 19:30, you can take a taxi from Huangshan North Railway Station. It costs about 180 CNY (26 USD) and takes about 50 minutes.

You can also book a collection service from your hotel in advance. Most hotels in Huangshan provide this kind of service.

You may also be interested in our Huangshan Travel Guide.

Top 6 Chinese Internet Slang Abbreviations

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:38 +0000

All across Chinese social media, English letter abbreviations are running rampant.Whether on web forums, text messages, or WeChat, terms like “yyds”, “dddd” and “u1s1” have been evolving and gradually working their way into everyday conversation.

As it’s easy to just dismiss them as silly trends (or even typos), today we’re breaking down what some of these seemingly random collections of letters and numbers actually mean, and how to use them!

1. yyds

“yyds” is the pinyin abbreviation for ” yǒng yuǎn de shén (永远的神)”, meaning “eternal god” or “forever idol”.

The phrase is used in positive ways to replace words such as “good-looking”, “easy-to-use”, or simply, “awesome”, and has because a catch-all, supreme-level for great people and things.

“yyds” originated in the gaming community.

At the time, one e-sports commentator praised the gamer Uzi as an “eternal god” – this was later taken by fans to describe someone they idolized, and from there its usage grew to include descriptions of things, too.

例句 (lì jù):

xià tiān de bīng zhèn kě lè yyds.
夏天的冰镇可乐 yyds。
And iced cola in summer is amazing.

gōng bǎo jī dīng yyds.
宫保鸡丁 yyds。
Kung Pao Chicken is the best.

2. awsl

“awsl” is often written or read as “A Wei is dead”, but really is used to mean “ā wǒ sǐ le (啊我死了)”. It is generally used to describe the excitement when seeing something cute, to express a feeling of “loving something to death”, or an extreme liking.

例句 (lì jù):

zhè gè wán ǒu tài kě ài le，ā wǒ sǐ le.
这个玩偶太可爱了，awsl。
This doll is so cute I wanna die.

ā wǒ sǐ le, nǐ zhēn shì gè bǎo zàng.
Awsl，你真是个宝藏。
I love you to death, you are such a treasure.

3. xswl

“xswl” is a short pinyin abbreviation of “xiào sǐ wǒ le (笑死我了)”, literally, “I’m laughing to death”. There’s actually a similar English abbreviation – ROFL (“rolling on the floor laughing”).

例句 (lì jù):

zhè gè diàn yǐng tài hǎo xiào le，xiào sǐ wǒ le.
这个电影太好笑了，xswl。
This movie is so funny, I can’t stop laughing.

nǐ xiào sǐ wǒ le！
你 xswl！
You’re so funny!

4. nsdd

“nsdd” is the pinyin abbreviation of “nǐ shuō de duì (你说的对)”, literally meaning “You’re right”.However, it’s not used just as an acknowledgement that what someone is saying is correct, but also to be dismissive or quickly end an unpleasant exchange.

例句 (lì jù):

kàn le zhè gè jiě shì，nǐ shuō de duì.
看了这个解释，nsdd。
After reading this explanation, you’re right.

wǒ wú yǔ le，nǐ shuō de duì.
我无语了，nsdd。
I’m speechless, you’re totally right.

5. dddd

“dddd” stands for “dǒng de dōu dǒng 懂的都懂” or, casually, “if you get it, you get it”.Generally speaking, this refers to a meaning that is beyond words, or for which there are no words, and it’s something that only people who already understand it can understand.

例句 (lì jù):

dǒng de dōu dǒng，bù dǒng yě méi bàn fǎ.
Dddd，不懂也没办法。
If you get it you get it, no way around it if you don’t understand.

bù shuō le，dǒng de dōu dǒng.
不说了，dddd。
I’m not saying anything else, if you get it, you get it.

6. u1s1

“u1s1” is the pinyin abbreviation of “yǒu yī shuō yī (有一说一)”.The approximate meaning of this is “speak logically” or “be reasonable” or “it makes sense”, and the phrase can appear in almost any context.

You can use the phrase alone as a response, indicating that you agree with what the other party is saying; you can tack the phrase on to the end of a sentence to elicit a new point of view, and to emphasize what’s being said.

例句 (lì jù):

yǒu yī shuō yī，zhè běn shū hěn hǎo kàn.
U1s1，这本书很好看。
To say it plainly, this book is very good.

yǒu yī shuō yī , wǒ dā yìng nǐ de shì yī dìng huì zuò dào .
U1s1，我答应你的事一定会做到。
To say it plainly, I’ll do what I promised you.

You May Want to Learn More :

“Do You Believe Every Chinese Idiom Has 2 Sides?”
“Clearing Up Confusion Surrounding Some Confusing Phrases”
”Other Chinese Expressions for “Embarrassment””

Chinese Vs. Western Entrepreneurship

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:38 +0000

Chinese Vs. Western Entrepreneurship

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

–>

One of the big buzzwords in Chinese business circles of late is entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship may seem like it should have started a long time ago in China (I mean, literally even the first businessman ever was an entrepreneur, right?).

But in an economy long dominated by massive SOEs (State owned enterprises), large-scale entrepreneurship is a relatively new phenomenon in China.

“Start-ups are ,” says one Beijing-based entrepreneur, and he’s not wrong: global business schools like Stanford and NYU’s Stern School of Business are setting up shop in Shanghai and running entrepreneurship workshops and competitions nationwide.

Startup incubators are becoming a more common sight in big cities like Shanghai, Beijing and particularly Shenzhen, often considered the nation’s start-up hotbed.

But how similar are these startups and entrepreneurs to our Western conception of what entrepreneurship means?

Let’s take a look.

A Different Environment

For one, the high-flying Silicon Valley-style entrepreneurial culture we have in the West hasn’t quite come about in China yet.

VC funding isn’t particularly well-developed at this point. There are simply too many legal and logistical hurdles left over from the pre-改革开放 (gǎi gé kāi fàng) era (the pre-Chinese economic reform era) to allow for the free-flowing systems other countries like the US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong enjoy.

More than that, though, it’s a cultural thing. Mainstream Chinese culture, , doesn’t place as much emphasis on striking out on one’s own and taking the necessary risks to start a business.

I have to say though, that strikes me as a pretty significant pile of BS. Sorry, Steve Forbes (I was all about your flat tax back in 2000 though, if it makes you feel any better).

China is, in a lot of ways, one of the most uniquely entrepreneurial places on Earth, just not in the way that we tend of think of entrepreneurship. Rather than flashy, frosted-glass-disruption-rockstar-pivoting entrepreneurship, start-up mavens here in China tend to do things in a much more low-key, improvised but still really interesting way.

Since there are so many of the legal and logistical hurdles we mentioned earlier (perhaps foremost among them the 户口 (hù kǒu) system, entrepreneurship is often of the more mom-and-pop variety.

Wearing Many Hats

Looking at it from a ground level, a shockingly huge proportion of the people you meet in China, particularly in Shanghai, have a handful of jobs or even businesses on the side.

Your local newsstand guy, for instance more than likely copies keys, fixes bikes, sells noodles and will even watch your stuff for you for a few hours if you throw him a couple bucks.

It’s that last one that intrigues me most: the freewheeling nature of capitalism itself in China means that people are immensely flexible when it comes to making their incomes.

Lax enforcement of commerce regulations means that there generally isn’t any danger of the authorities butting in – more often than not, they’ll avoid the small fish unless it provides some sort of direct political benefit.

This unique Chinese proclivity to improvise and make something out of nothing is often called 凑合 (còu he) , literally “to gather together”.

But it’s generally used to describe things done in an impromptu, informal but effective way to do something.

Here in China the default mindset is generally to take financial opportunities by saying yes and then figuring it out later, rather than saying no initially.

Profit over Formality

This spirit of flexibility and improvisation is a big part of Chinese business and entrepreneurial culture.

Just take a look at the business card of the billionaire Chen Guangbiao above.

Whereas a Western bigwig might be proud of the shiny company name and three-letter title on his or her card, Chen’s has like a dozen different jobs and titles on there. It’s some Billy Mays “but wait there’s more”-level stuff.

Entrepreneurs in China tend to ignore the conceptual distinctions between jobs and positions that we often have in the West, and I think maybe it’s something we can learn from.

Have you had experience working in China? Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve said? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Taiwan Itinerary Ideas: 1 Week or More

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:37 +0000

Taiwan Itinerary Ideas: 1 Week or More

You can see Taiwan’s main highlights in about 3 days, covering Taipei and a nearby natural spot. It’s enough for a quick taste of the city and nature. If you want a deeper experience, plan for at least 7 days. This gives you time to explore the three most popular cities, Taipei, Yilan, and Hualien (including Taroko Gorge).

With more days, you can slow down and discover more hidden gems, like Alishan (2 days), Sun Moon Lake (2 days), and Kenting (3 days). You could head to Penghu for beach time in summer or take on an adventure like hiking Yushan or exploring mountain trails.

Not sure how long you need to explore Taiwan’s top attractions? This article will help you plan the perfect itinerary with plenty of ideas.

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7-Day Taiwan Major Highlights Tour
Optional Extended Taiwan Destinations
Private Customer-Designed Tours for Taiwan

7-Day Taiwan Major Highlights Tour

On your first two days, we recommend seeing Taipei. Then go to Yilan, Hualien incluing Taroko Gorge. Yilan is along the way to Hualien, so you can see two areas consecutively. This itinerary is very family friendly and good for kids and seniors.

Day 1: Arrive in Taipei

Arrive in Taipei. Meet your driver and guide at the airport or at your hotel.

Day 2: Taipei City Tour

On the second day, we suggest going out to these top attractions. Most attractions take about an hour to explore, except for Yangmingshan, which may take half a day. The driving time between each spot is usually within 30 minutes, making it easy to fit multiple stops into your day.

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for a dose of history, where the museum offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s past. Then stop by the Taipei Confucius Temple, a Qing Dynasty-era gem with ancient ceramics and treasures.
For stunning city views, head to Taipei 101. Shop at its upscale mall, then enjoy the breathtaking view from the 508-meter (1,670-foot) observation deck. Don’t miss lunch at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung inside.
In the afternoon, Yangmingshan National Park is worth spending half a day exploring for nature lovers. Stroll through the scenic Qingtiangang grassland or explore the charming Ba-Yien Village for a relaxing escape.
In the evening, go to Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei’s most famous night markets, perfect for souvenirs and street food.

Taipei 101 and city skyline

Day 3: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen

New Taipei City is adjacent to Taipei, just a 30-40 minute drive away, which has many famous attractions like Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen. You can spend an entire day exploring these spots.

At Yehliu Geopark, take a photo with the famous Queen’s Head and experience the wonders of nature.
Head to Shifen by noon to release a sky lantern by the vintage train station, then visit Shifen Waterfall, known as the “Little Niagara of Taiwan”.
In the afternoon, visit Jiufen to enjoy street snacks like taro balls. Stay until evening when the red lanterns light up, creating a magical scene reminiscent of the world in the famous movie”Spirited Away”.

Queen’s head Stone in Yehliu Geopark

Day 4: Yilan

Depart from New Taipei to Yilan, a 45-minute drive away. Enjoy a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences.

In Jiaoxi Hot Springs, you can soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters that locals swear by for their health benefits.
You could enjoy hands-on craft experiences or watch captivating local performances at the National Center for Traditional Arts.
Wander through the scenic Dancewoods Hotels & Resorts, where a beautiful Japanese garden and tranquil atmosphere await.
Visit a leisure farm, feed friendly animals or join a fun DIY farming activity—it’s a great way to experience Yilan’s rural charm.

Beautiful landscape and building around the National Center for Traditional Arts

Day 5: Hualien

Head to Hualien on Taiwan’s scenic east coast for a day of ocean fun and local flavors.

Jump on a dolphin-watching boat tour and spot dolphins playing in the waves. If you’re visiting between June and September, you might even see whales.
In the evening, hit Dongdamen Night Market. Grab some aboriginal snacks, enjoy live music, and try your luck at the game booths—it’s a fun and tasty way to wrap up your day.

Cliffs on the east coast of Hualien

Day 6: Taroko Gorge

Drive 30 minutes from Hualien to Taroko Gorge, Taiwan’s most famous natural wonder. Be amazed by its towering cliffs, roaring rivers, and jaw-dropping scenery.

Walk the Swallow Grotto Trail, a narrow path clinging to the cliffside with stunning views. Stop by the Eternal Spring Shrine, where a waterfall flows gracefully behind the temple—perfect for photos.
For a deeper nature escape, stay overnight at a mountain lodge. Wake up to fresh air and peaceful forest views.

Swallow Grotto, Taroko Gorge

Day 7: Relax & Return to Taipei

Enjoy a quiet morning in the mountains. Take a short walk or just soak in the scenery. In the afternoon, drive back to Taipei for your departure or more city adventures.

Optional Extended Taiwan Destinations

With more time, you can head to Taiwan’s other stunning but less accessible natural spots. With our private transport, getting there is easy and comfortable.

Sun Moon Lake (1-2 days): 4 Hours from Taroko Gorge

Sun Moon Lake needs a 4-hour drive through the mountains from Taroko Gorge. We would take you to this very popular area with breakfast along the way. In the Sun Moon Lake area, there are scenic views in every season. You could explore the bike paths and hiking trails and take a boat out. Also eat Thao aboriginal cuisine — this will be a meal to remember with native dishes hundreds or thousands of years old. Spend the night to see the stars.

Landscape of Sun Moon Lake

Alishan (1-2 days): 2½ Hours from Sun Moon Lake

Alishan is a 2½ hours drive from Sun Moon Lake and five-hour from Taipei, so it’s recommended to visit Alishan after exploring Sun Moon Lake. On the way to Alishan, you could Stop by Fenchihu, a charming mountain village, for lunch or tea. Soaking in Alishan’s serene mountain scenery. Depending on the season, you can admire cherry blossoms (March-April), dense forests (May-August), or colorful foliage (September-November). Spend the night in Alishan, so that you could watch the fireflies in the forest or stars at night.

Cherry Blossoms and mini-train in Alishan

Penghu Islands or Kenting (2-3 days)

Penghu and Kenting both offer stunning Pacific Ocean views and beautiful beaches. The scenery and experiences are quite similar, but the sea in Kenting often looks bluer due to its more southern location.

Coastline of Kenting National Park

When choosing between them, consider transportation and the season.

Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan, about a 5-hour drive from Taipei or Hualien.Winter (December-January) is not ideal for visiting Kenting because there are very strong down-slope winds during this season. It’s perfect as the last stop of your trip. Spend 2-3 days relaxing on the Pacific coast, and you can also ride a scooter to leisurely enjoy the sight of the blue Pacific waters lapping against the shores.
The best way to get to Penghu Island is by taking a 50 minutes direct flight from Taipei or other major cities with airports. The island’s airport only offers flights back to Taiwan cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi. A 2-day visit to Penghu in summer or early fall is a perfect way to unwind before heading home. The warm sea water is also great for swimming.

Private Customer-Designed Tours for Taiwan

Our Taiwan tours are fully customizable. If you want to go to other places in Taiwan that are not mentioned, please tell us. Our guide will take you to the places that suit your interests during your own personalized tour.

Our popular Taiwan tours may inspire you:

Or you could tell us your tour goals and interests by contacting us to inquire about a personalized itinerary.

Shanghai-Lanzhou Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:37 +0000

Shanghai-Lanzhou Trains

There are three pairs of high-speed trains traveling between Shanghai and Lanzhou. They are daytime high-speed trains with the travel time of about 11 hours. The rest seven pairs of trains are normal-speed overnight trains, which take more than 22 hours to 25 hours to travel between the two cities.

Shanghai-Lanzhou High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles)
Terminals of daytime G trains: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站), Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州西站)
Terminals of daytime D trains: Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州西站)
Duration: G train: 10 to 12 hours; D train: 14 hours

Shanghai to Lanzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1970	06:10	16:45	10h 35m
G3180	06:41	17:51	11h 10m
G3164	09:38	21:07	11h 29m

G trains are daytime high-speed trains departing from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arrive at Langzhou West Railway Station.
Check out the Shanghai to Lanzhou high-speed train up-to-date schedules.

Lanzhou to Shanghai High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G3166	08:29	20:14	11h 45m
G1972	10:53	21:32	10h 39m
G3182	11:11	22:18	11h 07m

Check out Lanzhou to Shanghai bullet train up-to-date schedules.

Shanghai-Lanzhou High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$422 (CNY2,917.5)	US$218 (CNY1,513.5)	US$136 (CNY937)

Shanghai-Lanzhou Regular Sleeper Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Lanzhou Railway Station (兰州站)
Duration: 23 to 30 hours

Shanghai to Lanzhou Regular Train Schedules

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z376	08:57	10:26 (next day)	25h 29m
T116	15:31	16:16 (next day)	24h 45m
Z216	18:34	17:23 (next day)	22h 49m

Lanzhou to Shanghai Regular Train Schedules

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
T118	11:14	13:30 (next day)	26h 16m
K2188	11:44	18:05 (next day)	30h 21m
Z42	12:10	12:06 (next day)	23h 56m

Shanghai-Lanzhou Regular Train Ticket Fares

Superior Soft Sleeper	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$171 (CNY1,185)	US$92 (CNY640)	US$59 (CNY408)	US$34 (CNY240)

How to Buy Train Tickets in China – 5 Ways
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Top Chinese Phrases for China Train Travel
China Train Travel FAQs

11 Places to Buy or Tailor Make a Elegant Qipao in Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:37 +0000

11 Places to Buy or Tailor Make a Elegant Qipao in Shanghai

Beautiful women in tight-fitting qipaos, which accentuate their curvy figures, were a common and eye-drawing feature in Shanghai, particularly in the early 20th century. Still fashionable in China, they are less common, and usually reserved for evening wear and weddings.

Cheongsams, or qipaos (旗袍 /chee-paoww/ in Chinese), in recent years have been diversified by inspired dress-makers, and are no longer the dresses with plain floral motifs. The high neckline, the figure hugging silhouette and the high side slits speak of sophistication with a hint of sensuality that few garments have combined so harmoniously.

Take home a cheongsam bearing this unmistakable Chinese dressing philosophy. Here we recommend the most lauded cheongsam dress stores in Shanghai.

Buying a Qipao

A qipao is a unique Chinese one-piece dress. When buying or tailor-making a qipao, the fit is as important as other factors, such as style, materials, color, and length.

When you are buying a tailor-made qipao, first of all, the shop assistant will help you to choose the style, including material, pattern, collar, length of sleeves, where to position the slit, and fastening of buttons. Tailor-making a simple qipao might only need a few hours, but for a complicated one (especially for a qipao with complicated embroidery), several days or even half a month is needed. The price of the latter is much more expensive.

There are a lot of qipao shops (both for ready-to-wear qipaos and tailor-made qipaos) in Shangle Road, Luwan District (卢湾区长乐路).

‘Hanyi Cheongsam Store’, i.e Hanyi Qipao Dian (瀚艺旗袍店)

Hanyi Cheongsam Store was set up eight years ago. Embroidered cheongsams are the specialty of this store. Qipaos include those tailored by seasoned old tailors, and recently released improved cheongsams with fashionable patterns and motifs to cater to the younger generation.

Most of the qipaos have gorgeous colors and complicated embroidery. If you want to buy a simple but elegant one, this is probably not the place. The qipaos are all made by experienced tailors. Tailor-making a qipao with exquisite embroidery might take at least a week.

Price: 800 – 1,500 yuan for a traditional qipao, and 2,800 – 10,000 for a qipao with embroidery
Address: 217–221 Changle Road, Luwan District (卢湾区长乐路221)
Tel: 021-5404 4727

‘2002 Marine Cheongsam Store’, i.e. 2002 Haishang Qipao Dian (2002海上旗袍店)

a.k.a. ‘Old Shanghai Qipao Shop’, i.e. Lao Shanghai Qipao Dian (老上海旗袍店)

Different from those in Hanyi Qipao Shop, the qipaos in Lao Shanghai are “simple” but elegant, without peacock-like colors, such as bright red and green.

When seen from far away, it seems that some of the qipaos are made purely of one color. But, after you get close to them, you can see that there are exquisite patterns on them. The designer at Lao Shanghai is good at traditional Chinese painting, and the quintessence of traditional Chinese painting has been put into the qipaos.

2002 Marine Cheongsam Store is decorated with antique furniture, which perfectly accords with the old buildings around the store. So many people may think 2002 Haishang is a traditional cheongsam store when they first enter it. But they will find most of cheongsams are improved designs, for example they have an impeccably well-pruned short cheongsam with soft feather rimed on the collar and sleeves.

Price: 1,800 yuan–5,000 yuan for a Qipao, 1,000–2,500 yuan for a traditional Chinese menswear, and 1,600–3,000 yuan for a traditional Chinese-style women’s jacket
Address: 201 Changle Road, Luwan District (卢湾区长乐路201号)
Tel: 021-5404 9576
Tianzifang (田子坊) Branch address: 258 Taikang Road, Luwan District (卢湾区泰康路258号).

‘Shanghai Bund Cheongsam Store’, i.e. Shanghai Waitan Qipao Dian(上海滩旗袍店)

An international fashion brand, the cheongsams of Shanghai Bund Cheongsam Store are different from those hand-made by old tailors. Chain stores of Shanghai Bund Cheongsam Store are often opened in luxurious hotels such as the Peninsula Hotel, or the Shangri-La. Cheongsams sold in Shanghai Bund Cheongsam Store are in gorgeous hues and of course good quality.

Address: 15 Xintiandi Beili, 181 Nong, Taicang Road, Luwan District (卢湾区太仓路181弄新天地北里15号)

‘Gold Branch Jade Leaf Cheongsam Store’, i.e. Jinzhiyuye Qipao Dian (金枝玉叶旗袍店)

Jinzhiyuye is a Chinese idiom for elegant finery (literally ‘golden branches and jade leaves’). Jinzhiyuye Cheongsam Store offers traditional cheongsams and improved cheongsams for buyers to customize. The owner of the store, a fashion designer, infuses his inspiration into the design of the cheongsam, rejuvenating traditional cheongsams.

Address: 72 Route Cardinal Mercier (South Maoming Road), Huangpu District (黄浦区茂名南路72号)

Manlanlou Cheongsam Store (蔓兰楼旗袍店)

Manloulan Cheongsam Store is special. Not for its fame as one of the most well-known cheongsam stores in Shanghai, but for its various selections to meet your customization, and fine craftmanship befitting you taste. Suzhou Embroidery cheongsams are one of the specialties of Manloulan.

There are strict requirements on the designing, cutting and tailoring of a good cheongsam. Tailors need to size their customers 36 times for getting comprehensive dimension of their body.

In Manlanzhou Cheongsam Store senior tailors formulate a plan with the data, then a paper prototype of the cheongsam is offered to customers before making the real cheongsam. A marvelous thing about the tailors is that they predict the changes in customers’ stature and reserve enough fabric for future modifications.

Head Store Address: 243 Changle Road, Luwan District (上海市卢湾区长乐路243号)
Branch Address: 70 Route Cardinal Mercier (South Maoming Road), Huangpu District (黄埔区茂名南路70号)

Ligulong Cheongsam Store (丽古龙旗袍店)

Ligulong Cheongsam Store specializes in making old Shanghai-style cheongsam. The use of fabric buttons (‘frog buttons’) instead of zippers makes the cheongsams even more traditional. Although the making of this kind of cheongsam is more complicated and time-consuming, it indeed brings enchanting charm to the dress.

Ligulong Cheongsam Store keep a sharp eye on the selection of fabrics. Some fabrics are so rare that you cannot find them in other places. Precious cloth, such as Nanjing brocade and other cloth made using ancient craftsmanship, are perfect materials for making qipaos.

Hand drawn cloth with beautiful Chinese paintings on it is an exclusive cloth provided in Ligulong Cheongsam Store. The selection of button material is as unique as that of fabric. Agate, cloisonné, jade, copper, and silver are all common materials for making buttons in Ligulong Cheongsam Store.

Address: 205 Changle Road, Luwan District (上海卢湾区长乐路205号)

‘Dragon and Phoenix Cheongsam Store’, i.e. Longfeng Qipao (龙凤旗袍)

Customers are attracted by an eyeful of traditional cheongsams when they enter Dragon and Phoenix Cheongsam Store. This store was open in May of 2009. Tailors in the store have dedicated themselves in this profession for over twenty years. Some even have a working experience of over forty years.

The qipaos in Longfeng Qipao shop are great outfits as well as works of art, made with many exquisite and complicated processes. Suzhou embroidery is widely used in making a qipao. The exact measurement, well-designed style, beautiful and comfortable material, and the elaborate handiwork make every qipao there a masterpiece showing traditional Chinese culture. The fastening of buttons has auspicious symbolism, and the time for making and fastening buttons of a qipao can take as much as several days.

Head Shop Address: 942 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District (静安区南京西路942号)
Tel: 021-5228 1787
Branch Address: 209 North Shanxi Road, Jing’an District (上海市静安区陕西北路209)

Hongxiang Cheongsam Store (鸿翔旗袍店)

When Jin Hongxiang, who came back to Shanghai from Harbin after learning Western fashion design, started her tailor shop, Hongxiang Company, in 1917, streets of Shanghai were still occupied by cheongsams. But she predicted that Western dress would take a position in the closets of girls and women of Shanghai.

Hongxiang Company has been ever expanding over the last century. Now it has a reputation of making particularly good cheongsams.

Address: Nanjing Road

Xinni Qipao (辛妮旗袍)

Compared with above two shops, the Qipaos in Xinni Qipao Shop are more affordable. Besides tailor-making a qipao, Xinni also sells ready-to-wear qipaos, and offers tailoring of a qipao with your own choice of cloth (you can buy the material elsewhere; and tailoring of a qipao without hand embroidery is about 500 yuan).

Price: 580–1,800 yuan for an ordinary qipao, more than 1,800 yuan for an embroidered qipao, 30 yuan for a common small unique handbag, and 120 yuan for a small embroidered handbag
Address: 231–233 Changle Road, Luwan District (卢湾区长乐路231-233号)
Tel: 021-5404 1275, 5404 2155

Huayi Qipao Shop (华艺旗袍店)

Huayi Qipao Shop had various kinds of ready-to-wear qipaos, not only for ladies, but also for little girls. It also offers tailor-making services for guests. Besides in Jiujiaochang, Huayi Qipao has branch shops in Xinhualian Shopping Mall in Huaihai Road (淮海路新华联) and Tourist Supplies Shop in Nanjing Road (南京路旅游用品店).

Address: 52 Jiujiaochang North Road, Huangpu District (黄浦区旧校场路北52号)
Tel: 021-6336 3448

Heping Qipao Shop (和平旗袍店)

This shop is not very large, only 20 square meters, but it is has many qipaos for your selection. The price is much more affordable, but, of course, the qipaos are not as exquisite as more expensive ones. Tailor-making a qipao is available.

Address: 161 Maoming South Road, Luwan District (卢湾区茂名南路161号)
Tel: 021-6473 9043

Shopping for a Qipao with China Highlights

While you might come primarily to Shanghai to see the sights of China’s largest city, our guides and private transport can also help you shop for souvenirs conveniently and efficiently.

3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:37 +0000

3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary

The Glory of the Ancient Capital

This itinerary is designed for travelers who can arrange their own hotel and airport transfers but need sightseeing with a private guide and vehicle.

During this three-day guided tour, you will not only visit must-see sites to experience the heart of Beijing’s history and culture but also immerse yourself in China’s splendid past by joining interesting and memorable activities.

This itinerary can be customized to suit your interests, ensuring a memorable experience in Beijing.

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Witness the Grandeur of Beijing along its Central Axis

Visit Tian’anmen, the Forbidden City, and the Bell & Drum Tower, linked by Beijing’s central axis—one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites. Explore the symmetrical layout of the ancient capital.

Climb up upon the Greatest Project of Ancient China

Explore the most beautiful section of the Great Wall, where there are fewer tourists.

Join the Local People for a Morning Excercise in the Temple of Heaven

Admire the incredible architectures of the Temple of Heaven where the emperors prayed for good harvests. But also feel the relaxing lifestyle of the local senior people here.

Unlock the Mystery at Prince Gong’s Mansion

Beyond its stunning courtyards and intricate Qing-era architecture lies a captivating mystery: the Treasure Tower’s Window Code, a silent puzzle wrapped in centuries of intrigue.

Join an Exquisitely Recreated Chinese Court Feast

Savor imperial cuisine and enjoy captivating dance performances rich in Chinese aesthetics, transporting you to the splendor of ancient China.

Dress in Traditional Han Clothing for a Memorable Photo Shoot

Travel back in time to the Qing Dynasty when touring the historical sites with a traditional dress.

Travelers Love China Highlights

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Beijing | The Core of the Beijing’s Imperial Axis

After breakfast, Starting with Tian’anmen Square You will visit the famous sites on Beijing’s central axis, including the Forbidden City.

In the Forbidden City. Your guide will help you explore carefully-selected places in the Forbidden City. In addition to giving a background introduction on architecture, history, and art of the city, your guide will explain to you stories of the famous figures in the 2 dynasties and help you to trace elements of their lives here.

Capture some photos of the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, which told time in ancient days. Then head to the Qianmen Avenue to imagine the area’s past prosperity and feel its renewed vitality. And enjoy a magnificent view of Beijing’s central axis from Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower.

Attend a recreated Chinese court banquet in the evening. Experience the profound depth of China’s ancient civilization, creating unforgettable memories of Beijing.

DAY 2 Beijing| The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall at Mutianyu

In the morning, your guide and driver will take you to the Temple of Heaven – a place where emperors used to pray for a good harvest. The Park is full of life. Immerse yourself in the lives of local people – now and centuries ago – through joining in local elderly people’s morning activities.

In the afternoon, hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu. In order to save time, we will arrange round-trip cable car rides to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. On the Wall, you will have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions.

DAY 3 Beijing |The Summer Palace and Prince Gong’s Mansion

Today, you’ll enjoy an immersive tour of the Summer Palace, a royal garden, and the opulent Prince Gong’s Mansion. Before visiting these sites, you’ll change into traditional Hanfu attire, dressing up as an ancient Chinese person. This fun experience allows you to engage with China’s history and culture while capturing unique photos that will hold beautiful memories.

In the morning, visit the Summer Palace. It is where the emperors used to retreat from the summer heat.

Your guide will show you the palace area and the lake area. The best way to do sightseeing at the Palace is by taking a dragon boat on the lake. On the way, you will have a chance to view all the beautiful palaces around the lake.

Then, explore the grandeur of Prince Gong’s Mansion, a highlight of Beijing’s imperial history. Discover the treasures it houses, which cannot even be seen in the Forbidden City.

More Beijing tours

From US$779 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, and number of people.

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: bj-7

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Rita – Content Specialist

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:36 +0000

Rita – Content Specialist

Rita Yu

Content Specialist

“Hi, I’m Rita Yu, a content specialist at Highlights Travel family. As an editor with a decade of experience in the travel industry, I strive to provide readers with practical advice and effective solutions to enhance their travel experiences.”

My Story

Over my 7 years as a travel consultant, I have gained an intimate understanding of various destinations and customers’ needs. When interacting with clients, I swiftly grasp their interests and create personalized itineraries within 24 hours, catering to diverse demands, from fun-filled family vacations to romantic getaways. An example of creating memorable moments is when I helped a client celebrate his birthday at the Great Wall! Handling travel emergencies has also honed my problem-solving skills.

During my time as a tour guide, I conversed face-to-face with clients, gaining a profound understanding of their cultural backgrounds and travel preferences. With this firsthand insight, I could craft truly personalized and memorable trips tailored to each client, ensuring their travel experiences were not only enjoyable but also enriching and meaningful.

My experiences as both a travel consultant and tour guide inspire me to write engaging articles packed with practical tips. For example, my activity recommendations are tailored to suit the preferences of various travelers. I encourage couples to celebrate milestones beyond traditional candle-lit dinners by suggesting romantic local festivals or ceremonies, such as the Lantern Festival in Thailand. Families with children are encouraged to engage in hands-on experiences, animal interactions, and enjoyable outdoor activities like farming activities in Vietnam, visiting an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, and going on a sunset quad bike ride in Cambodia.

Rita

My Travel Highlights

I’m a huge travel enthusiast myself, traveling at least once annually. One of the most vivid memories I cherish is witnessing the sunset at Myanmar’s breathtaking Shwedagon Pagoda. The gleaming golden structure against the backdrop of twilight, coupled with the tranquil chants of local monks, left an indelible mark on me. It’s moments like those that remind me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. It’s not just about ticking boxes on a bucket list; it’s about soaking up the culture and finding your zen in the chaos. And if I can sprinkle a little of that magic into someone else’s journey through my writing, well, that’s the dream right there.

How to Speak Natural Chinese: Casual Expressions

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:36 +0000

Nà jiù suàn le
那就算了
Forget it then / Let it go

Hái kěyǐ
还可以
Not bad / It’s okay

Zhēn de ma
真的吗
Really? / Is that true?

Duì a
对啊
Yeah / That’s right

Zhēn yǒu yì si
真有意思
Really interesting / Fun

Nà jiù zhème bàn
那就这么办
Let’s do it this way / Done then

Xiǎo xīn diǎn
小心点
Be careful / Watch out

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How to Choose Your Chinese Name

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:36 +0000

How to Choose Your Chinese Name

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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I’d always heard that Chinese people put a lot of time into giving their child a good name, there’s even a saying about how important a good name is:

“赐子千金，不如教子一艺。教子一艺，不如赐子好名。”
(cì zǐ qiān jīn, bù rú jiào zǐ yí yì. jiào zǐ yí yì, bù rú cì zǐ hǎo míng)

Translated it’s: “Instead of giving your child gold, teach him a skill; instead of teaching him a skill, give him a good name.”

But I didn’t know just how much went into choosing a name until I had my first child and was lucky enough of be put in a two bedroom (as opposed to the regular 8 bedroom) recovery room with a woman who had given birth five days before me.

When we inquired about the little girl and her name, the mother sighed and showed us the dozens of pages of “auspicious” names that they’d printed off and were consulting.

Nearly every waking moment someone – mom, dad or one of the four grandparents – was poring over the papers.

Finding Chinese names for my kids

Compared to my roommate, I feel my husband and I didn’t put enough effort into choosing our son’s name. My husband chose the Chinese name, and thought of it rather quickly, well before our son was even born. He liked the meaning, the sound, the characters and that was that.

Our daughter’s name came about in much the same way. This time my husband thought of the name in a dream and wanted to use the same name, but different characters, whether the baby was a girl or a boy.

I picked their English names, which, ironically, took more work than their Chinese ones!

I never did find out the name of my hospital recovery roommate’s daughter, but the fact that the grandparents were just as involved in the process as Mom and Dad isn’t surprising – a lot of Chinese babies are named by a relative. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often called upon to give names to kids.

Back when I taught English classes, students would give a speech about their name. The majority of them said that they were named by someone other than their parents.

My husband’s older sister asked him to name her newborn son. He thought he picked a good one: it sounded nice and it had a good meaning.

The boy went by that name until his parents discovered a software which said the name wasn’t “lucky” enough.

They changed the boy’s name based on what the program suggested!

Besides software and name lists on the internet, some parents even go to fortune tellers for assistance and advice on choosing a name.

What’s in a Chinese name?

One unique thing about Chinese names is that they use existing words. You can’t piece together a few radicals and assign it it’s own sound like you can with Western names.

We all know of someone in the West who has a name that looks as though it’s been created by randomly putting together a few Scrabble tiles.

On the other side of it, few Western parents would consider giving their child the name “Morning”, but in China it’s a common name for babies who are born in the morning.

Like Western names, you can have the same pronunciation with different spellings. Just like I know people named Katherine, Kathryn and Catherine, I also know three people named “wáng chén”:

王忱 (wáng chén)
王晨 (wáng chén)
王辰 (wáng chén)

Of course, in Chinese, the different characters give each name a different meaning.

Choosing a Chinese name

My first name, given by a Chinese colleague, was 爱华 (ài huá) . After a month in China, it felt good to have a name for the school leaders and non-English speakers to call me.

They tried their best, but “Charlotte” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue for the average Chinese person. Plus, some guy friends were quick to point out that it sounds eerily close to 杀了他 (shā le tā) – “kill him!”

But when I started telling my classes of high-schoolers about my name, the room would erupt in laughter.

I thought they laughed because these were classes full of naughty students. However the same things happened in classes one, two and three (the classes of “good” students).

Finally a few brave girls came to me and said that the reason they were laughing was because the name used four Chinese characters.

While its totally acceptable to have a four character name, its not as common as in places like Japan. Since then I’ve noticed that of the thousands of students I’ve taught, no more than ten had a four character name. Two or three character names is the norm.

They also thought my name was hilarious because it used characters that mean “love China” and I’m an American. Obviously, I don’t love their country as much as they do, they reasoned.

Read more:

So I dropped that name and went without a Chinese name for several years. My Chinese name now is simply a transliteration of my given name. It’s probably the easiest way to come up with a Chinese name.

It’s certainly not a name I’d choose for myself, but somewhere in the process of changing visas and buying a house, I needed to start signing my name in Chinese so I became 夏洛特 (xià luò tè) . It makes my son’s friends laugh, but at least I have a legitimate family name.

Tips for choosing your Chinese name

To help you avoid the collective gasps and laughter I experienced when announcing my first Chinese name, here are a few tips to follow:

Pay attention to gender.

I was once at a speaking competition and the host introduced the next contestant as having a beautiful name and what a wonderful woman she must be.

My husband gently nudged me and said that the contestant, 梁燕铃 (liáng yàn líng) , was his male coworker!

Both the guy and the host turned a deep shade of red as he entered the stage. I have no idea why his parents gave him such a name in a country where gender roles are strictly adhered to.

Perhaps this poor guy’s parents were hoping that their third son would be a girl and named him as such.

Some names that are masculine:

伟 (wěi) – great
龙 (lóng) – dragon
豪 (háo) – grand

A few feminine names are:

花 (huā) – flower
香 (xiāng) – fragrant
静 (jìng) – quiet

Keep it simple.

My husband noticed a recent trend in parents giving their children obscure names. Every year when a new group of preschoolers visit his office to get physicals, he’s baffled by at least a dozen names out of the roughly 100 children he sees.

To help your Chinese friends save face, stick with a name that most people will recognize; don’t go looking for a character that one will only find in ancient poetry or one that has 60-plus strokes so you can wow your friends with the difficulty of writing your name!

Read more:

Avoid names that leave a bad impression

Imagine your name is Wesley Young and you’ve been studying Chinese for a while. You chose “Yang” as a surname since it sounds similar to your own.

“Wei” is a common name and it would fit well with your given name. But you might get some odd looks when you start introducing yourself as 杨伟 (yáng wěi) .

There’s another word combination with the same tones and pronunciation, though with different characters. It’s likely to leave a memorable first impression: 阳痿 (yáng wěi).

It’s meaning? Impotence.

You won’t win over many ladies with a name like that!

The Chinese language is so unique in this respect that you’re bound to run into other instances like this, so be careful!

Likewise, avoid names like the aforementioned 爱华 (ài huá) and 大山 (dà shān) .

Yes, those two North American celebrities have made a killing off of their great speaking and acting abilities, but to Chinese, these names are as laughable as “Spongebob” and “Rainbow” are to Westerners.

Ask a Chinese friend to give you some ideas.

For most Chinese, this will be as easy as it is for you to offer up a dozen English names for a Chinese friend. Although in my case, my friend gave me a name that didn’t go over well, which brings us to the final tip…

Run your name past several Chinese friends.

Before you get too attached to your new name, run it past some friends to get their reactions and comments. We live in a crowd-sourcing world; take advantage of it.

Maybe there’s something you missed or there’s a new slang word that would put you in the “bad first impression” category.

Do you have a story about how your Chinese name was chosen? Do you want help choosing your own? Tell us in the comments below!

learning-styles-use-with-caution

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:36 +0000

<br /> Learning styles: Use with caution! | Hacking Chinese

How to become a Chinese-English translator and what it’s like to be one

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:36 +0000

We all learn Chinese for different reasons, but if you learn the language to an advanced level, it makes sense to also make it at least part of your profession. Apart from teaching, becoming a translator is a long-term goal for many learners, or at least something that many have considered. But what does it take to become a translator? How good do you need to be? How should you study to get there? This interview with Carl Gene Fordham is based on reader questions.

Carl Gene Fordham is a NAATI-accredited Chinese-English translator. He holds a Master’s in Translation Studies from RMIT University, and is currently completing his second Master’s in Ancient Chinese History at Xiamen University, China. He has eight years experience as a freelance Chinese-into-English translator, and six years experience teaching translating and interpreting courses in Melbourne, Australia. His Chinese name is 傅君恺, and he runs a popular blog named 一步一个脚印, which has been featured in a separate article on Hacking Chinese. I have interviewed him once before in an article titled Chinese immersion with Carl Gene Fordham.

How to become a Chinese-English translator and what it’s like being one

This interview is built on questions submitted by readers through Facebook, Twitter and as responses to my weekly newsletter. It wasn’t possible to include all questions, but I have made sure to ask the most common ones. I have also edited and combined various questions to make the interview flow better.

Before we start the interview, I’d like to address two things. First, translation and interpretation are two different activities and while both require advanced levels in both languages, the requirements and skills involved are quite different. This article is about translation.

Second, most translators translate into their native language from other languages. This is of course because it’s much easier to understand a language well than it is to express yourself in that language. While there certainly are exceptions, reaching a a proficiency level in Chinese advanced enough to translate into Chinese would be orders of magnitudes harder than doing it the other way around.

As the title implies, this interview is separated into two parts, one about becoming a translator and one about what it’s like working as one.

Becoming a Chinese-English translator

Let’s start with the most common question I received from readers. How good do you need to be before you consider becoming a translator? How do I know when I’m ready?

Ideally, you should have very good reading comprehension skills in the language you are translating from, and a native command of the language you are translating into. By “very good” I mean you can read a variety of texts – books, newspapers, magazines, etc – without having to look up a dictionary very often.

For learners of Chinese, it takes about ten years to get this level, maybe eight years for very dedicated learners. It takes this long because you have to learn two languages at the same time: the language of reading and writing (Chinese characters) and the language of speaking and listening (Mandarin, for most people). They are two completely different linguistic systems that share very little vocabulary with European languages.

I know of two exams that attempt to measure this level of proficiency – HSK-6 and the NAATI Professional Translation Exam. However, having taken and passed both of these, I would say neither is an accurate representation of the skills required to be professional translator. So it’s really up to you to assess your own level and whether you would be confident taking on translation jobs.

Okay, how should one study to reach this level? What tools and resources are available?

People talk about many different approaches to language learning, but in my view, it’s actually quite simple. To improve a skill, you just need to practice, every day, over a long period of time, and slowly but surely you will make progress.

With translating, the most important thing is your ability to understand a wide range of texts. So read as much as you can. Take plenty of notes. And always be curious about how different words and expressions can be translated. Better yet, you can practice translating by yourself, and then get some feedback from people you know.

Are there some skills that are less important? How about writing Chinese characters by hand?

Since most translators of Chinese whose native language is English only translate into English, the ability to write Chinese characters by hand is not important at all. And even if you were translating into Chinese, you would almost never write by hand, unless perhaps in a translation exam. That being said, I am a big advocate for the benefits of learning how to write Chinese characters for all students of Chinese. But that’s a whole other topic.

Any advice for intermediate students aspiring to become translators?

Don’t be put off by anyone who says you’re not good enough to be a translator! It’s probably a generalisation, but in my experience translators tend to have, let’s just say, interesting personalities – some can be rude, arrogant or intimidating. If you can find a translator who can support you as a kind of mentor, that’s great, but if not, that’s OK too, because you can still make a lot of progress on your own.

Also, if you dream of one day becoming a translator but you feel your language level is not quite there yet, don’t give up. I remember when I first started my Master’s in Translation Studies my Chinese was no where near the level it needed to be to start professional translating, but that didn’t stop me from enrolling – in fact, it pushed me to work even harder. If I hadn’t have taken that first step, I would not be at the level I am today.

What if my communication skill is already advanced, what should I practice to become a translator?

If your reading comprehension skills are already at a high level, you should start taking on jobs. Network with as many people as you can and let them know that you are a translator and are looking for work. You can also sign up to agencies and see how much work they can offer you. There’s no practice like the kind you get from real projects. Just don’t say yes to a job that is beyond your abilities, as you may find yourself in hot water if you mistranslate something.

Do I have to take formal translation courses or certifications to work as a translator?

No, you don’t. How helpful a certification may be really depends on the course in question, so I would recommend you learn as much about it as possible before you enrol. I learnt a lot from my Master’s in Translation Studies, but it is true that there was a bit too much theory and not enough practical components. Unfortunately, most translation courses are like that. The usefulness of a certification will also vary a lot depending on the region, industry and language direction you are hoping to work in. Again, be sure to do your homework before you make any decision.

Working as a Chinese-English translator

Let’s continue with a few questions about being a translator, as opposed to how to become one. Do you feel confident translating from Chinese to English? Are there some areas you avoid?

Yes, my main language direction is Chinese-into-English, as English is my first language. I accept most jobs I get offered, but there are exceptions – I don’t take on highly technical texts, that is, the kind of texts that even native speakers of Chinese don’t understand. Unless you have a background in the field in question, you will just waste too much time on research, and that’s time that could be better spent on other projects.

How do you translate words that have no direct equivalent in the other language?

This is a topic that you could devote an entire book to! Translators often come across words which have no equivalent in the target language, especially if they’re translating Chinese-into-English. In most cases, you have to paraphrase. This is actually not as complicated as you might think.

Take, for example, the sentence in Chinese我们是同乡, literally, “We are tóngxiāng”. Yes, there is no exact word for tóngxiāng in English, but that doesn’t make translation impossible – just have to add a paraphrase like, “We are from the same town” or “We are from the same province” or even “We are from the same place” depending on the context.

Other translation decisions, though, can be more tricky, for example. Consider the term 坐月子 zuòyuèzi, the traditional Chinese form of postpartum recovery that lasts for one month after childbirth. You could use this explanation in your translation, or you could use terms like “confinement” or “lying-in”.

Neither option is ideal; the former may make your translation sound verbose, while the latter may make your text read like “translatese”, since “confinement” and “lying-in” are not widely understood by native speakers of English. Ultimately, though, you have to make a decision, and find a way to make the translation “blend in” with the rest of the text, so it reads like an authentic (i.e. not translated) text.

Another situation you may encounter is you are translating a Chinese term that may have entered into the English language. In some cases, this presents little difficulty – so you translate 功夫 as “kung fu”, 人参 as “ginseng”, etc., but in other cases you will need to decide whether to use a transcription, or go for a meaning-based translation instead.

For instance, some people translate 关系 as “guanxi”, presumably because they believe that the reader would be familiar with the concept. Others (myself included) would opt for something like “personal connections” to ensure the message is understood by the widest audience possible.

I can think of a few more terms like this: 山寨 – would you translate it as “shanzhai” or something like “knock-off goods”? 剩女 – “shengnü” or “woman in her mid- to late twenties and not yet married”? 白酒 – “baijiu” or “traditional Chinese spirits”?

There is no one correct way to translate any of these, though I would argue translating 白酒 as “white wine” could cause serious misunderstandings! You will need to make a decision based on your understanding of the term, and the people you expect will be reading the text you are translating.

Also, keep in mind that it can take years of contemplation before a good translation for a term is thought up. That, I guess, is part of the charm of translating.

Which tools (including dictionaries) do you use when you work as a translator?

A word processor, a plethora of dictionaries and a web browser. I also frequently discuss tricky translations with fellow translators on WeChat. I find that really helpful when I’m in a bind. I’ve never used sophisticated translation tools like CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) or TM (Translation Memory) beyond the university classroom, since I don’t do technical translation jobs.

What’s the job market like? How much does a translator earn?

Different regions around the world have very different translation markets, and this is again complicated by the language direction you are talking about. Because I lived in Melbourne for six years, I am most familiar with the situation in Australia.

If you want to understand the translation market in your region, you will need to get ask as many translators as you can find online. Websites like Proz and NAATI provide directories which you can use for this very purpose. Note, also, that there are many different types of translation markets, all with their own pecularities – for example, technical translation is very different from literary translation; patent translating is different from subtitle translating, and so on. Much of this work is not publicly advertised, so again, you will need to network to find it.

The two most lucrative jobs that bilinguals can get are technical translating and conference interpreting. They also happen to be the most demanding and difficult fields to enter. If you want to be a technical translator, you need to have a very strong background in a specific field, like mining, pharmaceuticals, patents, etc. Plus, you must find out whether there is a demand for the specialisation you have, and find clientele through networking or agencies.

As for being a conference interpreter, you would need to have a native-level command of two languages. In other words, your ability to communicate in Chinese in a wide range of topics would need to be as good as your ability to do so in English. On top of that, you would need to do a year or two of training at a school which provides conference interpreting training.

In terms of my personal experience as a freelance Chinese-into-English translator I can say that, though I am open to clients from all over the world, most of the work I get is from people in Australia. This is not just because my network is based in Australia – it’s also because people in Australia are willing to pay a reasonable price for a professional translation.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for clients in China, where good translating is rarely valued, or even needed. Also, most translating for companies in China is done by in-house translators, or translated by machine, with very poor results.

In Australia, if you can get a NAATI accreditation, you can at least find some work translating legal and immigration documents that require a NAATI stamp, especially for the Chinese-into-English direction. You should be able to find some work through agencies and personal contacts.

However, you will need to network a lot to get a steady stream of work, and even then it probably won’t be equivalent to a full-time salary. There are very few full-time positions for translators in Australia, and the same could probably be said for many other countries as well. However, there are plenty of jobs that require someone who has both bilingual proficiency and a number of other skills.

And this is where we come to the major issue facing most Chinese freelance translators – finding steady work. I know a lot of translators and interpreters, however I do not know any that do it full-time. I’m sure there are some, but I haven’t met them yet.

This is not necessarily a bad thing though – even if I had the choice, I wouldn’t want to do translating Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, because it is so draining mentally. I also like the freedom that being a freelancer affords. However, I would love to translate a major project like a book sometime in the future if I met the right contact and the timing was right.

What do you like most about working as a translator?

The best thing about being a translator is the freedom and flexibility that comes with being a freelancer. Once you have a good range of clients, you can accept jobs when you want them, turn down ones that don’t attract you, and take time off when needed. But it takes a lot of time to get to that position – years of honing your translating skills and meeting a wide range of people who may have work for you.

As of now I only have about eight years experience in the translating field. Most of the work I have done, well, you wouldn’t describe it as fascinating stuff – it’s mostly formal documents used in legal or business settings. Sometimes though I get an assignment which is a real joy to translate. The best kind of jobs you get are the ones which open your eyes to something you never knew about before.

For example, I recently translated a text about a Chinese artist and his stories collaborating with Australian Aboriginal artists. It was a really interesting text, and I felt I did a good job translating it. Lately, I’ve been busy with my graduate thesis for my second Master’s in Ancient Chinese History.

I hope one day I can get to a level where I can translate texts relating to Chinese history, culture or philosophy. This may not be possible for another few years yet, but it would be great to make a substantial contribution to the field, and even better, get something published. Watch this space!

A big thank you to Carl for answering our questions about becoming and being a Chinese-English translator! I have only done limited translation work myself and I found it very interesting to discuss these questions. I hope you found it interesting, too! If you have any questions, pleas leave a comment!

Shanghai Travel Reviews

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

Shanghai Travel Reviews

Explore the solid proof of our top-rated service. Here, you’ll find unfiltered feedback from satisfied clients on various trusted platforms, clearly showing how our personalized service turns each customer’s journey into beautiful memories.

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Travelers’ Choice

China Highlights Beijing Awarded Travelers’ Choice 2023 by TripAdvisor
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China Highlights Beijing Awarded Certificate of Excellence 2019 by TripAdvisor
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Chengdu Weather in June: Your Complete Guide for Visiting

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

Chengdu Weather in June: Your Complete Guide for Visiting

Although Chengdu is hot in June and starts to enter the rainy season and peak tourist season this month, compared to July and August, it’s still less crowded, not as hot, more affordable, and experiences fewer heavy showers.

This makes June a good time for families and student groups to travel, avoiding the summer rush and hottest weather.

What’s the Weather Like in Chengdu in June?

Average daily highs: 30°C/82°F
Average daily lows: 22°C/61°F
Average precipitation: 443.2 mm/17.4 in
Sunny days: 5
Rainy days: 9
Cloudy days: 16

June is already summer in Chengdu, but it hasn’t reached the peak heat yet. Daytime temperatures mostly range between 28–33°C (82–91°F).

Based on past years, there can occasionally be a few days in mid or late June with highs of 35–39°C (95–102°F). But compared to July–September, such hot days are relatively rare. So, overall, the temperature feels quite acceptable.

While it’s comfortable in mornings and evenings, around 20–25°C (68–77°F).

When it does get hot, you can consider heading to cooler spots around Chengdu, such as Jiuzhaigou, to escape the heat.

In June, Chengdu also experiences about half a month of cloudy or overcast days, but rainfall isn’t heavy (compared to 20+ rainy days in July and August).

Most of the rain comes as short showers or night rain, so it won’t have much impact on your travel. Though rivers in Leshan and Dujiangyan may occasionally turn yellow after rain.

What to Wear in Chengdu in June

Light summer clothes, such as T-shirts, shorts, and dresses.

Sun protection, like a light jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Umbrella and waterproof shoes for occasional rain.

A jacket for visiting the mountains.

8-Day Chengdu,Jiuzhaigou and Chongqing Tour From Nature’s Palette to Urban Rhythm

How about the Cost and Crowds in June in Chengdu

Overall, traveling in June still lets you enjoy shoulder season prices. Although there are more visitors than in the low season, it’s not overly crowded.

Flights and hotels are about one-third cheaper than in peak summer. For fewer crowds, you can travel before 10th, as numbers rise after some Chinese students finish their graduation exams.

The Dragon Boat Festival usually falls in June, bringing a 3-day mini holiday. During this period, hotel and flight prices can double, and Chengdu and nearby attractions get crowded, so you might consider skipping this time if you don’t like the crowds.

3 Smart Ways to Explore Chengdu This June

1. How to Visit the Pandas Wisely

For the visiting time, we recommend visiting between 8–10 am when it’s cooler.

It’s easy for you to see they’re eating and playing, as pandas mostly stay outdoors at this time. While in the afternoon, it’s often exceeds 26°C (79°F), and pandas will be less active.

For panda base, June is the birthing season of pandas, so head to Chengdu Panda Research Base if you want to see the cubs. There are 3 nursery houses that allow you to see more lovely babies.

Panda cubs

If you prefer quieter and closer viewing, or visit with kids and the elderly, Panda Valley is a good choice. The area is flat and easy to walk in, the viewing distance is close, and you can even meet free-roaming red pandas.

Or if you look for interactive and educational activities for your children, Dujiangyan Panda Base offers the panda volunteer program (for ages 10 and up.). You’ll help clean panda enclosures, prepare food, and more under the guidance.

Interested in the program? You can join us 1-Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program Tour.

2. Where to Stay Cool to Escape the Summer Heat

Jiuzhaigou is the best choice. You can enjoy cooler weather while taking in stunning scenery. In June, Jiuzhaigou’s forests are lush, water levels are high, and the colorful lakes and waterfalls are at their most beautiful.

Jiuzhaigou

If you want more water activities to cool off with kids, consider Huanglongxi. You can play in the water channels with locals or take a boat ride to enjoy the charm of the ancient town.

For somewhere closer to Chengdu, Qingcheng Mountain is only a 1.5-hour drive away. You can walk peaceful forest trails, see waterfalls, and experience Taoist culture. It’s also the hometown of Po from the Kung Fu Panda movies.

Mount Qingcheng

You can also plan indoor cool activities, such as watching Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun, learning to cook Sichuan cuisine at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, or shopping at malls like MixC, Taikoo Li, or SKP.

3. Where to Experience the Dragon Boat Festival in Chengdu

To experience some traditional customs, you can not miss Wenshu Monastery. There are a lot of Dragon Boat Festival activities to try, such as applying realgar, tying colorful strings, making zongzi (rice dumplings), crafting sachets, or enjoying a Zen tea session.

Taste Zongzi and duck eggs during the Dragon Boat Festival

Beyond Dragon Boat Festival events, Wenshu Monastery is also a great spot for photos, tea, and appreciating ancient architecture.

And you can see the liveliest dragon boat races at Wujin Corridor Bridge.

Dragon Boat Race

The competitions usually start in the morning, so it’s best to arrive before 9 am to secure a good viewing spot. Around 9:30 am, there’s a flower boat parade and performances, with the dragon boat races kicking off around 10 am.

Ready to start your Chengdu tours? You can find more Chengdu itineraries with us.

Chengdu Weather by Month

China Eastern Airlines

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is the second largest airlines in China in terms of passengers carried and the third largest airline in the world in terms of market value.

Quick Facts

English Name: China Eastern Airlines
Chinese Name: 中国东方航空股份有限公司
Total Asset: RMB 1,085,000,000,000
Brand Value: RMB 21,758,000,000
Employees: over 60,000
Alliance Member: Sky Team
IATA Code:MU
ICAO Code:CES
Callsign: China Eastern
Headquarters: Shanghai
Main Hubs: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and Kunming Wujiaba International Airport.
Focus Cities: Hefei Luogang International Airport, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Wuhan Tianhe international Airport, Qingdao Liuting International Airport, Ningbo Lishe International Airport, Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, and Changzhou Bengniu International Airport.
Frequent Flyer Program: Eastern Miles
Official Website: en.ceair.com

INTRODUCTION
EASTERN MILES
MEMBER OF SKY TEAM
FLEET AND DESTINATIONS
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES
SPECIAL SERVICE REQUESTS
MAIN ROUTES OF EASTERN AIRLINES

INTRODUCTION

China Eastern Airlines ranks second among the three largest airlines in China in terms of passengers carried, next only to China Southern Airlines. It is also the third largest airline in the world in terms of market value. China Eastern Airlines was the first civilian airline listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With a brand value reaching RMB 21,758,000,000, it ranks 42nd on the list of China’s 500 Most Influential Brands, as announced by World Brand Value Lab 2010. China Eastern Airlines has its headquarters in Shanghai, and it completed the acquisition of Shanghai Airlines in 2009.

With its main hub in Shanghai near the Yangtze River Delta Area, China Eastern Airlines’ network connects over 150 destinations, including most of the major cities in China and many international destinations in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the U.S. China Eastern Airlines joined the world’s second largest global airline alliance, Sky Team, in June 2011.

EASTERN AIRLINES’ LOGO

China Eastern Airlines’ logo is a white artistic swallow on a circle background comprised of a red semicircle resembling the Sun and a dark blue semicircle resembling the seas. The tail of the swallow is also a transfiguration of the word “CE,” short for “China Eastern.”

MEMBER OF SKY TEAM

China Eastern Airlines has been a member of Sky Team since 2011. After Star Alliance, Sky Team is the world’s second largest airline alliance, with 15 member carriers flying to 926 destinations in 173 countries. Sky Team members have a co-location at Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2. Passengers can enjoy seamless connecting flights, Minimum Connect Times, flexible ticket transfers between Sky Team members, lower prices for a given route, and faster mileage rewards by earning miles for a single account when flying on any of the different carriers of Sky Team.

Sky Team Members

Aeroflot
Aeroméxico
Air Europa
Air France
Alitalia
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Czech Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Kenya Airways
KLM
Korean Air
TAROM

FLEET AND DESTINATIONS

China Eastern Airlines’ passenger fleet comprises 270 aircrafts, mainly the A300, A320, A330, A340, Boeing 737, Boeing 767, C919, CRJ-200, and ERJ-145, among which Airbus craft comprise the majority. China Eastern Airlines has 102 A320 aircraft, which mainly serve domestic destinations.

China Eastern Airlines has extensive flights reaching over 90 domestic and about 60 international destinations. It longest non-stop route is from Shanghai to New York, which it has operated since 2007. Since March 2011, China Eastern Airlines has offered international flights from Shanghai to London.

As a member of the world’s second largest airline alliance, Sky Team, China Eastern Airlines has greatly expanded its worldwide presence. In addition to its Sky Team members, China Eastern Airlines also has a code-share agreement with the following airlines:

All Nippon Airways (Star Alliance)
Asiana Airlines (Star Alliance)
Japan Airlines (Oneworld)
Qantas (Oneworld)

Domestic Destinations

Municipalities		Beijing (Capital International Airport), Tianjin, Shanghai (Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport), Chongqing
Special Administrative Regions		Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei (Songshan Airport and Taoyuang International Airport)
NORTH CHINA	Henan	Zhengzhou, Luoyang
	Hebei	Shijiazhuang
	Shanxi	Datong, Taiyuan, Yuncheng
	Inner Mongolia	Hohhot, Erdos, Baotou, Chifeng, Wuhai
	Heilongjiang	Harbin
	Liaoning	Shenyang, Dalian
EAST CHINA	Shanghai	Shanghai
	Jiangsu	Nanjing, Nantong, Xuzhou, Changzhou, Yancheng, Wuxi, Lianyungang, Huai’an
	Zhejiang	Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huangyuan, Zhoushan
	Anhui	Huangshan, Hefei
	Shandong	Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai
	Jiangxi	Nanchang
SOUTH CHINA	Hubei	Wuhan, Yichang
	Hunan	Changsha, Zhangjiajie
	Guangdong	Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou
	Fujian	Xiamen, Fuzhou, Wuyishan
	Guangxi	Guilin, Beihai, Nanning
	Hainan	Haikou, Sanya
SOUTHWEST CHINA	Sichuan	Chengdu, Kangding, Luzhou,Yibin, Songpan
	Guizhou	Guiyang
	Yunnan	Kunming, Jinghong, Lijiang, Luxi, Baoshan, Dali, Diqing, Lancang, Mang City, Simao, Tengchong, Wenshan, Zhaotong
	Tibet	Lhasa
NORTHWEST CHINA	Shaanxi	Xi’an
	Gansu	Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan
	Ningxia	Yinchuan
	Qinghai	Xining, Golmud
	Xinjiang	Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, Yining

International Destinations

East Asia	Japan	Fukuoka, Fukushima, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Komatsu, Matsuyama, Nagasaki, Nagoya, Niigata, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Sapporo, Shizuoka, Tokyo (Haneda Airport, Narita International Airport)
	South Korea	Busan, Cheongju, Daegu, Jeju, Seoul (Gimpo International Airport, Incheon International Airport)
	Mongolia	Ulan Bator
South Asia	India	Kolkata, Delhi
	Nepal	Kathmandu
	Maldives	Malé
	Bangladesh	Dhaka
	Sri Lanka	Colombo
Southeast Asia	Myanmar	Yangon, Mandalay
	Indonesia	Bali
	Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur
	Philippines	Manila
	Thailand	Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai
	Vietnam	Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi
	Singapore	Singapore Changi Airport
	Laos	Vientiane
Southwest Asia	United Arab Emirates	Dubai

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES

Carry-on Luggage

Each ticketed passenger is currently limited to one piece of carry-on baggage with a weight limit of 5 kg and a size limit of 20 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (linear inch of 115 cm). Luggage exceeding this weight and size limitation should be checked.

Checked Luggage

Every piece of checked luggage should not exceed 50 kg and its size is limited to 40 cm x 60 cm x 100 cm for domestic flights, and a weight limit of 32 kg and a linear inch limit of 158 cm (62 in) for international flights. Luggage exceeding the above weight and size limitations will not be accepted.

Free Luggage Allowance (including both carry-on and checked luggage)

For Domestic Routes

First Class: 40 kg per passenger
Business Class: 30 kg per passenger
Economy Class: 20 kg per passenger
Infant Passengers: no separate free luggage allowance

For International Routes

The luggage allowance varies based on different routes. There two calculation rules applying for certain flights: by total weight and by pieces and limitation weight.

By total weight:

First Class: 40 kg per passenger
Business Class: 30 kg per passenger
Economy Class: 20 kg per passenger
Infant Passengers: 10 kg per passenger

By pieces:

First Class and Business Class: Two pieces of luggage, each with a weight limit of 32 kg. The linear inches are limited to 158 cm (62 in) for each piece of luggage.

Economy Class (routes to the U.S. and Canada): Two pieces of luggage, each with a 23 kg weight limit. The linear inches are limited to 158 cm (62 in) for each piece of luggage, and the sum of the linear inches of the two pieces of luggage should not exceed 273 cm.

Infant Passengers: One piece of luggage with a linear inch limit of 115 cm per piece and a car seat, bassinet, infant carrying seat, or stroller, which is not included as part of the free checked baggage limit.

SPECIAL SERVICE REQUESTS

Wheelchair Service

Passengers’ own wheelchairs should be checked. If passengers need assistance and wheelchair services, they should make reservations 72 hours before departure.

Pregnant Women

There are no special restrictions on women during their early period of pregnancy (less than 32 weeks) subject to doctors’ advice. Women in their 32nd to 36th weeks of pregnancy are requirement to produce a certificate of diagnosis issued by a doctor 72 hours before departure. Women in their late period of pregnancy (more than 36 weeks) are not allowed to travel on China Eastern Airlines flights.

Eastern Miles

Eastern Miles is the frequent flyer program for China Eastern Airlines. Members of Eastern Miles can earn and use miles on flights on China Eastern Airlines, member airlines of Sky Team, and Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. Sky Team members’ frequent flyer programs can also earn and use miles on China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.

The Qin Dynasty Map

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

The Qin Dynasty Map

The Map of the Qin Dynasty shows the area under the rule of the Qin Dynasty. Click the map to enlarge it. The Qin Dynasty was the shortest reigning dynastic clan over the first large empire in the region. The Qin rulers conquered every other region of the former Zhou Empire and some surrounding peoples as well.

Read more about the Qin Dynasty and the Terracotta Army in Qin Dynasty.

One-Day Simatai West to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

One-Day Simatai West to Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

Highlights Itinerary Price FAQ

This moderately challenging, 3-hour hike offers breathtaking views of the Great Wall from Simatai West to Jinshanling, snaking along the ridge of the mountains, taking you through crumbling, ancient watchtowers along the way. Hiking along this thoughtfully restored section of the Great Wall will transport you back in time to the heyday of imperial China and allow you to get a sense of what it must have felt like to be a Ming Dynasty soldier sent to the northern frontier of the Chinese empire to protect the imperial capital, Beijing, against nomadic invaders. Jinshanling is also famous for being one of the most photogenic sections of the Great Wall and is a fantastic place to take photos.

Tour Highlights

Hike up to the most beautiful and photogenic section of Great Wall on the ridge of the mountains.
Walkthrough ancient watchtowers of various styles and see the mechanisms of defense used on the wall.
Spend your day with a professional expat guide or a bilingual local guide who will discuss Chinese history and culture with you along the way.

The Design of the Day Trip

Guide: better than a normally licensed tour guide; friendly and helpful with fluent English
Driver: reliable licensed local driver with at least 5 years’ driving experience
Vehicle: Air-conditioned business car (max: 7 seats) with GPS facilities, big windows, and ample space
Trippest Beijing Office: 24/7 customer service, providing backup support

Trip Video Preview

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Detailed Itinerary

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7:00 AM (hotel pick-up) – 9:45 AM (arrive at the Great Wall)

In order to avoid highway traffic and the scorching mid-day sun, we like to leave at this early hour (around 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM). Depending on where your hotel is in the city, it will take 15-30 minutes to get to the highway (the highway entrance is at the north 3rd ring road; if you are staying close to the Forbidden City, for example, it will take around 20 minutes to arrive).

Once on the highway, there will be a restroom break (if needed) after about 20 minutes of driving. In total, the drive will take up to 2 hours without traffic, and closer to 2.5-3 if we run into a jam.

When we arrive, we will purchase your entry tickets and start our climb on a trail leading up to the wall. Simatai Great Wall is located along the ridges, so we will have to complete a 15-minute hike up some stairs before we reach it.

Great Wall Hiking Route Map from Simatai West to Jinshanling (click to enlarge)

Good to Know:

Great Wall at Simatai West is also called the east gate entrance of the Jinshanling Great Wall. And tourists are not allowed to enter the west part of Simatai Great Wall due to the repaired of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall at Simatai West is about 130 kilometers from downtown Beijing, right on the border of Hebei province and Beijing municipality, this part of Great Wall weaves along steep mountain ridges for 10.5 kilometers through a mountainous rural area with dense vegetation. First constructed in the early period of the Ming Dynasty during the late 14th century, the Simatai West – Jinshanling Great Wall was subsequently rebuilt to a much higher standard in the late 16th century after the Ming Dynasty decided to beef up its border defenses following a major military raid on Beijing by Mongol nomads in the mid 16th century.

Our comfortable vehicle

The East Gate of Jinshanling Great Wall (Great Wall at Simatai West)

To access the wall, it is necessary to hike up a long, winding staircase through the foliage.

9:45 AM – 12:45 PM Hike the Great Wall from Simatai West to Jinshanling

We will mount the wall through an unrestored watchtower called Houchuankou Pass (后川口), the first among many towers that we will be seeing along the wall.It is at this first pass where we will climb up on to the Great Wall itself. From there onward, hikers will be rewarded with stunning panoramas and be able to see the Great Wall stretching out to the horizon. This section of the Great Wall is known for being built atop sharp ridges, and hikers will have a great chance to understand the impressive feat of engineering the Great Wall represents with each section we ascend and descend.

Houchuankou Pass – the first watch tower you’ll be seeing

We can stop to take in the amazing view from one of the highest points we will reach that day. About halfway through the hike, at approximately 10:50, we will stop at a water and snack station for a 15-minute rest and a pick-me-up. If you feel that the hike is a little more difficult than you expected, we can certainly make more rest stops along the way, especially during hot summer weather. We will pass through several towers that offer shade; some even have a small temple on the top that you can check out if you have energy.

An old man on the Great Wall

Beautiful sunrise on the Jinshanling Great Wall

Hiking up the Great Wall

Ultimately arriving at Zhuanduokou Pass (砖垛口), the end of our hike, it is a three-story tower with large red, wooden windows facing north. This will be our last few moments on the Wall, so make sure you have taken enough pictures along the way! We will then get off the wall and walk down a short path to where we will have lunch.

Zhuanduokou Pass of the Great Wall at Jinshanling

A young girl dancing on the Great Wall

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch at a small, local restaurant

Villagers have set up a restaurant at the base of the entrance to Jinshanling, and offer traditional, tasty dishes made with fresh vegetables and meat. We’ll enjoy Northern Chinese favorites including fried tomato with egg; roasted eggplant with potatoes and peppers; stir-fried bok choy, among other tasty dishes. Lunch fee is not included in the pricing.

A tasty lunch at a local farmer’s house

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Return to your hotel in Beijing

Once we’ve been fed and watered, we’ll walk a bit further down the road and meet our driver in the parking lot. Use the toilet, do some final post-hike stretches, and jump in the car for a nap or reflections on the day’s hike at the Great Wall.

Depending on traffic heading into the city, and the distance from the expressway to your hotel, the drive home may range from 2-3 hours. We will be driving on the same expressway that we took on the way to Simatai West. Usually, though, this is an early enough time to avoid evening rush hour, so we shouldn’t have to sit in much traffic. When you arrive, make sure you back up your camera or phone’s memory card so you don’t lose your photos of this spectacular section of the Great Wall.

You may follow us on our Facebook page to see the latest updates, photos and posts from your tour guide at: https://www.facebook.com/trippest/

Know Before You Book

Price Includes:

Entrance fees to the Great Wall at Jinshanling and Simatai West.
Transport between Beijing hotel and the Great Wall.
English-speaking professional tour guide service.
Drinking water on the Great Wall.

Price Excludes:

Cable cars at the Great Wall.
Lunch.
Gratuities to the tour guide & driver (usually CNY 50 – 100 per person per day for each of them, please tip them separately.). It is not compulsory but would be a great encouragement for them.
Airport transfer.

Important Notes:

This tour is available every day. Minimum number of participants required for the tour to run is 3. Tour may be canceled in case of minimum number of participants not met. You will get a full refund.
This tour will be not available during the winter months Dec. 1 – Feb. 28.

FAQs About This Tour

What is the hotel pick-up and drop-off area?

Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing, if it is outside of this area, we provide the following ways for you to meet the tour guide:

Go to one of the meeting hotels below. Transportation is at your own expense. The meeting time will be confirmed and emailed you one day earlier.
The Regent Beijing, address: No.99, Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Closed to Exit C of Dengshikou Subway Station (Line No.5). Taxi from the airport: 27km far, cost approx. US$20 one way.
Gehua New Century Hotel Beijing, address: No.19, Gulou Outer Street, North 3th Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Closed to Exit E of Anyuanqiao Subway Station (Line No.8). Taxi from the airport: 27km far, cost approx. US$20 one way.
Book additional transfer service with us. Cost will be advised by your travel advisor according to your hotel location.
In order to save your valuable time, according to current traffic conditions, the tour guide might arrange a private DiDi Taxi (Uber) for you to return your hotel after the tour. Your Didi car can be monitored on DiDi APP, and the tour guide will also call your hotel to check if you arrive safely.
If you are not sure whether your hotel is within our pick up area, please kindly check with your hotel. Or add WeChat ID: trippest666 for more assistance.

Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off Area Map of Beijing City

What is your cancellation policy?

If we are not able to implement the contract due to war, flood, typhoon, fire, strikes, storm, earthquake, or any other condition we are not able to foresee and avoid, we will inform customers at the first possible opportunity and offer the best possible solutions, and the final bill shall be settled based on the service we actually provide.
Up to 7 days before departure: 100% refund of all money paid, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
From 3 to 7 days before departure: 90% refund, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
Within 3 days before departure: no refund.
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for canceled services due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
For groups of more than 10 people: The terms for cancellation may vary from case to case. Please ask your travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for your group.

What Makes Us Different

We are experienced and professional on Great Wall hiking!

We have been touring the Great Wall hiking trails for 8 years, and all the relevant services we provide are reliable and optimized.
You don’t need to prepare trekking poles, water, hip bag, GPS, first aid kit, or walkie-talkie, because we will provide them FREE OF CHARGE (please let us known if you need them).

We are experienced and professional

We use real western standard service!

Professional mountain guide from your own world: some of our guides are well-trained westerners, the sensibility from the same world would be the best guarantee to the REAL WESTERN STANDARD service.
All our guides are professionally trained in mountain trekking. Your tour guide will be with you to take care of your needs during the trip.

Professional mountain guide and customers

We are local based. We are more flexible and are able to serve you better.

Unlike some other online travel agents who sell tour products made by local travel agents, we built our own branch company in Beijing in 2010, and since then we started to make our own unique products. We aim to deliver a high-value tour to every one of our customers. We have more than 50 local staff in Beijing to solve your problems on the spot.

Emergency contact: +86-18807734970 (24/7 customer service)
Beijing address: Room 204, Building 8, Beijingxiangsu, Wuliqiao Erjie, Chaoyang District

Trippest Beijing Office

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7 ways to write Mandarin tones

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:35 +0000

The sounds of Mandarin and the symbols we use to write them down are two different things. We can see this reflected in the different systems used to write down pronunciation, such as Hànyǔ Pīnyīn, Zhùyīn Fúhào (Bopomofo) and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), among others. The sounds of the spoken language are the same, but each system sues different symbols to write them.

When it comes to tones, there’s one standard way to write them for each system, but there are also many other ways of writing down the tones in Mandarin. In this article, we will look at seven different ways of writing tones and discuss what pros and cons they have for learners of the language.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast, Spotify and many other platforms!

For more about the difference between writing and speaking sounds, see What’s the difference between Chinese pronunciation and Pinyin? Does it matter?

What’s the difference between Chinese pronunciation and Pinyin? Does it matter?

7 ways to write Mandarin tones

Here are seven ways to write tones in Mandarin with one example for each, using the title of this website 揭密中文 (Hacking Chinese) in Pinyin (whenever possible or relevant):

Tone marks: jiēmì zhōngwén
Tone numbers: jie¹mi⁴ zhong¹wen²
Chao tone numerals: jie⁵⁵mi⁵¹ zhong⁵⁵ wen³⁵
IPA tone letters: jie˥mi˥˩ zhong˥wen˧˥
Colour: jiemi zhongwen
Gwoyeu Romatzyh: jiemih jongwen
Tonally Orthographic Pinyin: JIE Mi ZHONG weN

Some of these are by their very nature restricted to a certain transcription system, others are merely associated with one by tradition. For example, the tonal spelling in Gwoyeu Romatzyh can’t be used with Zhuyin, but colour can be used in combination with any other system, including the characters themselves. You can use the IPA tone letters with Pinyin (as I have done above), but this is very rare, as people would normally use IPA notation for the syllables too.

For a more in-depth discussion of the transcription systems themselves, please see this series of articles: Learning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA

Learning to pronounce Mandarin with Pinyin, Zhuyin and IPA: Part 1

1. Tone marks

Example: jiēmì zhōngwén

For students, the most familiar way to represent tones is using tone marks. These are diacritic marks put above the main vowel in each syllable. The marks are mostly visual representations of the tone, but you have to remember that tone change (tone sandhi) is not shown. For example, in xiǎngyào (想要, “to want”), xiǎng is a low tone, but in xiǎngfǎ (想法, “idea; way of thinking), xiǎng is a rising tone. Read more about the third tone here if this confuses you.

I have also written this article about tone changes in Mandarin: Obligatory and optional tone change rules in Mandarin

Obligatory and optional tone change rules in Mandarin

Pros

Direct and clear link between symbol and tone height (in most cases)
By far the most common way to write tones

Cons

Hard to type
Misleading in some cases

2. Tone numbers

Example (with Pinyin): jie¹mi4⁴ zhong¹wen²
Example (with Wade-Giles): chieh¹-mi⁴ chung¹-wen²

When talking about tones, the most commonly used method is to number them from one to four, so first tone, second tone, third tone and fourth tone. In Chinese, this would be dì yī shēng (第一聲), dì èr shēng (第二聲), dì sān shēng (第三声) and dì sì shēng (第四声). The neutral tone is often called just that, or qīngshēng (轻声), but if you want a number for it, use 0 or 5.

These numbers are also common in writing. For example, numbers are used like this in Wade-Giles, which is an older transcription system that has largely been replaced by Pinyin today. The numbers are normally written in superscript as shown in my example, but this notation isn’t very common with Pinyin. You can also see it written without superscript, so jie1mi4 zhong1wen2, especially when people want a quick way to write the tones.

In textbooks and research papers about phonology and phonetics, these numbers are also used when talking about tones in general, often with “tone” abbreviated to just “T”, so T1 for the first tone, T2 for the second tone and so on.

Pros

Easy to type
Common (especially in the spoken language)

Cons

No link between numbers and tone height (arbitrary)
Shows citation form (no tone changes)
Not standard in any system in common use today

3. Chao tone numerals

Example: jie⁵⁵mi⁵¹ zhong⁵⁵ wen³⁵

These numbers were introduced by Zhào Yuánrèn (趙元任), commonly written Yuan Ren Chao in English, to show tone height and tone contours using a numbered system from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest tone and 5 being the highest. By adding more than one number, a tone contour can be indicated, so a rising tone in Mandarin is 35 and a falling tone is 51. These are usually written in superscript, so for example wen³⁵ (文) and mi⁵¹ (密).

It’s worth pointing out that there can be some confusion here, because linguists studying Mesoamerican and African languages sometimes use the same scale, but in reverse, with 1 being the highest tone and 5 being the lowest. When it comes to Chinese languages, though, 1 always means low and 5 always means high.

This is the first method we use that is normally only used to show actual pronunciation. If you just want to show that xiǎngyào (想要, “to want”) consists of a third tone and a fourth tone, just write with tone numbers, but if the goal is to describe actual pronunciation, writing xiang²¹yao⁵¹ is clearly more informative, as the low tone (actually low-falling) is clearly visible.

Pros

Clear link between tone height and number
Can show actual pronunciation (including tone changes)
Can be used to show incorrect pronunciation

Cons

Rarely used, so don’t count on people understanding what you mean
Can be confused with cone numbers
Too detailed in most cases

4. IPA tone letters

Example (Pinyin): jie˥mi˥˩ zhong˥wen˧˥
Example (IPA): tɕiɛ˥mi˥˩ tʂuŋ˥uən˧˥

Tone letters are a way of mapping tones to the height of a line of text, allowing for visual representation of tones in running text. Chao added a vertical bar as a reference, so with this system, we get:

Low tone: ˩
Low-mid tone: ˨
Mid tone: ˧
High-mid tone: ˦
High tone: ˥

These can also be combined to form tone contours, so the four tones in Mandarin are written:

First tone: ˥
Second tone: ˧˥
Third tone (low:) ˨˩
Third tone (dipping): ˨˩˦
Fourth tone: ˥˩
Neutral tone (dot at appropriate height): ꜌ ꜋ ꜊ ꜉ ꜈

Pros

Intuitive visual representation of tone height
Can show actual pronunciation (including tone changes)
Can be used to show incorrect pronunciation
Standard in IPA

Cons

Very hard to type (copy paste unless you’re a phonetician)
Sometimes not displayed correctly (depending on font)
Rarely used outside phonology and phonetics

5. Colours

Example (Pinyin): jiēmì zhōngwén
Example (characters): 揭密中文

Colour has been used to present tones in Mandarin for a long time and there are now many rivalling colour schemes. While the advantages are not as clear as they might seem at first, colour can make tones clearer, provided that you get completely familiar with one and only one system.

I have written a separate article about colouring tones that goes through all the arguments and also provides links to tools you can use to make your learning more colourful: Does using colour to represent Mandarin tones make them easier to learn?

Does using colour to represent Mandarin tones make them easier to learn?

Pros

Can be combined with the other systems, including Chinese characters
Visually easy to identify (for most people)
Provides good pegs for mnemonics
Integrates tone into the syllable (not something extra added)

Cons

Arbitrary link between tones and colours
Shows citation form (no tone changes)
Not standard in any system
Extremely confusing colour schemes

6. Gwoyeu Romatzyh

Example: jiemih jongwen

Gwoyeu Romatzyh (GR) is a romanisation system also invented by Yuen Ren Chao (he’s famous for a reason, and we’ve barely scratched on the surface of his contributions to Chinese linguistics). The idea is that since tones are integral parts of Chinese syllables, they should be integrated into the spelling of the words. As you can see from the example above, there are no tone marks, numbers or other symbols. An uninitiated reader might assume tones are not represented, but they are!

Normally in GR, the first tone is the basic form of the word, then the spelling changes for the other tones (I show Pinyin in brackets below):

First tone: chang (chāng)
Second tone: charng (cháng)
Third tone: chaang (chǎng)
Fourth tone: chanq (chàng)
Neutral tone: .chang (chang)

The complete set of spelling rules is rather complicated, so I’m not going to go into details here, but check out this article on Wikipedia or play around with this converter.

Pros

Integrated tone into the syllable (not something extra added)
No special symbols required

Cons

Mostly arbitrary (only double vowels for third tone feel natural to me)
Complex spelling rules (different initials/finals behave differently)
Almost never used

7. Tonally Orthographic Pinyin (TOP)

Example (minimal): JIE Mi ZHONG weN
Example (full):JIĒ Mì ZHŌNG wéN

This system was introduced by Terry Waltz with the goal of creating a system that is as transparent as possible for students. The full version uses the tone marks from standard Pinyin and a colour scheme, but the new innovation here is to use the size of the letters to indicate tone height. Upper case means high, and lower case means low. So for example, the first tone is written with all upper case letters (ZHONG) and the second tone is written first with lower case then upper case to indicate a rising tone (weN). Neutral tones are marked with an asterisk, since all lower case letters are used to indicate a low tone.

Below, I evaluate this system as a pedagogical tool focusing on the upper and lower case letters, not colours and tone marks that I have already discussed.

Pros

Integrated tone into the syllable (not something extra added)
Fairly clear and intuitive once the principle is understood
Can show actual pronunciation (including tone changes)

Cons

Very rarely used (not in any commonly used standard)

Wrapping up: One system to rule them all?

Tones are complex, so no wonder that people have come up with a plethora of ways of writing them down. There are even more methods than the ones I’ve shown here, such as the old system from Middle Chinese that is sometimes used in modern Mandarin too. You might for example hear people refer to the first tone as yīnpíng (陰平), the second tone as yángpíng (阴平), the third tone as shǎng (上) and the fourth tone as qù (去). There are also more obscure systems I either haven’t found or decided to exclude for one reason or another.

So, is there a best way to write down tones? That depends on the purpose of writing the tones. If you just want to show someone who knows Chinese what tone a syllable has, most of the methods shown here are massive overkill; just use a number or a tone mark. If you’re teaching complete beginners, then the situation is quite different: your goal is to teach them pronunciation rather than just let them know which tone a syllable should have. If you’re a phonetician, you need to be able to write about tones more precisely than most of the commonly used systems allow for.

And so on. I think all the systems we’ve looked at today have some merit and can be used in particular situations. My hope is that by discussing various ways of writing tones, you”ll be able to find a way that suits your needs, whether your a student or teacher.

Which of these do you like the best? Or is there maybe one that you really can’t stand? Please let me know in the comments! If you know of some innovative way of writing tones that I haven’t shown here, I’d be delighted to hear about that too!

Three Gorges Museum

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Three Gorges Museum

Overview

The China Three Gorges Museum was opened in 2005. It is a newly built museum with a construction area of about 40,000 square meters. It is near People’s Square and the Great Hall of the People. It is also called the Chongqing Museum. There are displays of Chinese art and of artifacts saved from the construction of the 3 Gorges Dam and the artificial lake. It instructs on the 3 Gorges region, the 3 Gorges Dam, the history of Chongqing and the surrounding area, Chinese history, and prehistoric times.

Detailed Description

The museum has four big themes: “The Splendid Three Gorges,” “The Very Ancient Ba Yu,” “The Urban Development of Chongqing,” and “The Anti-Japanese Days.” There are displays of antique art. There is a large model of the entire dam project, and information is presented about this impressive engineering achievement. There are also films shown about the bombing of Chongqing during WWII by Japanese planes and about the natural scenery in the Three Gorges area before the construction of the dam.

There are other six specialized exhibitions of paintings, calligraphy, money, cultural relics, and ceramics. The special exhibitions are called “Paintings and Calligraphy in Different Historical Periods,” “The Money in Different Periods,” “Sculpture in the Han Dynasty,” “Cultural Relics Donated by Li Chuli,” “Minority Customs in Southwest China,” and “Ceramics in Different Periods of China.”

One of the reasons the building was built was to house the relics from the sites destroyed by the construction of the 3 Gorges Dam. So you’ll find displays of saved artifacts from sites all over the huge submerged area. The shape of the building itself is like that of a large dam. There is a blue sun screen in front that may represent the water of the Yangtze River or the lake itself held by the dam.

There are also dinosaur skeletons on display that are from nearby Zigong in Sichuan Province and places around there. The Dashanpu dinosaur fossil site in Zigong held numerous fossil skeletons.

Location: 236 Renmin Road, Yuzhong District. It is on the west side of People’s Square across from the Great Hall of the People.

History

The museum was completed in 2005. It was meant to be a place to deposit artifacts saved from important historical sites submerged by the artificial lake behind the 3 Gorges Dam. Hundreds of archeological sites were submerged, and many objects were discovered and moved to the museum by various teams of scientists and archeologists.

Features:

Paintings, calligraphy, and money from various periods in history.
Display about the 3 Gorges Dam.
Artifacts saved from the area of the 3 Gorges Dam’s lake.

Touring Activities:

Learn about the 3 Gorges Dam and what was submerged by the lake.
Learn about natural history of the area.
Learn about WWII, the Communist Revolution, and the various historical periods.
Learn about Chinese money and Chinese art from various eras.
Visit the Great Hall of the People and stay in the People’s Plaza area to see the light show in the evening.

Hours: 9 to 5 every day except Monday.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby in the southern part of the city is the Chongqing Zoo where you can see rare species of Asian animals like pandas and South China Tigers and common animals from other places like African giraffes. There are more than 200 species of animals there.

If you are interested in dinosaur fossils, the Zigong Dinosaur Museum about three hours away in Zigong in Sichuan Province may be an excellent place to visit. The exhibits of skulls and dinosaur skeletons are world-class.

Near the museum is the Great Hall of the People. It is 55 meters tall. In front of the building is Chongqing People’s Square that is used for entertainment and official functions. The main building and the plaza are often very brightly and colorfully lit in a light show. So if you stay in the area in the evening, you might be able to enjoy the free light show. It is a real spectacle.

Lugu Lake- Explore the Secluded Beauty and Matriarchal Mosuo

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Lugu Lake- Explore the Secluded Beauty and Matriarchal Mosuo

Lugu Lake, at the border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Lijiang, is an alpine lake renowned for its stunning scenery and unique Mosuo culture.

Lugu Lake is an idyllic beauty spot that is not yet overrun by tourists and is really worth visiting. The water is clear and the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful for you to relax and slow down. You could also discover the local Mosuo people — the last matriarchal society in the world- and get insights into their lives, traditions, and customs.

Facts about Lugu Lake:

Chinese: 泸沽湖 Lúgū Hú /loo-goo hoo/
Altitude: 2,685 meters (8,809 feet) — you may initially experience altitude sickness
Area: 50 square kilometers (19 square miles)
Popular activities: enjoy a campfire party, take a boat ride on the lake, visit a Mosuo family
Suitable for: anyone, especially anyone interested in minority cultures
Time needed: one or two days

Content Preview

Top Things to Do
How Long to Spend
How to Visit Lugu Lake
How to Get to Lugu Lake
Best Times to Visit
Where to Stay in Lugu Lake
About Altitude Sickness
Matriarchal Culture of Mosuo

What Are the Most Popular Things to Do at Lugu Lake?

1. Explore the Must-See Attractions

Lige Island

Lige Island is located at the foot of Gemu Goddess Mountain with one side connecting the land. The sunrise there is amazing. From the viewing platform, you could capture iconic shots of the heart-shaped bay.

a distant view of Lige Island

Gemu Goddess Mountain

Gemu Goddess Mountain is the highest peak at Lugu Lake (3,754 m / 12,316 ft), making it perfect for viewing a sunrise, a sea of clouds, and especially the panoramic view of Lugu Lake.

A chairlift is available to ascend, but you still need to climb up for 20–30 minutes.

The Goddess Cave with bizarre stalactites could be interesting to visit, where you could even see a natural stalactite resembling the goddess Gemu of Mosuo people, but avoid the overpriced prayer items sold inside.

Recommended photo spots:

The “3450 Viewing Platform” near the 400th step
The Goddess Cave
During the chairlift descent

Grass Sea and Walking Marriage Bridge

The grass sea is a wetland meadow landscape rarely seen in most lakes, making it a uniquely beautiful scenery of Lugu Lake. The fresh greenery would bring you a sense of tranquility, relaxation, and healing, and it is also perfect for you to take captivating photos.

You would also see Walking Marriage Bridge spanning across the grass sea, a plank bridge signifying the love of Mosuo couples while also being a fantastic photo spot.

Grass Sea

Taking a boat ride or walking across the bridge is the regular way to admire the grass sea. But here is also a tip for you to enjoy a panoramic view:

After arriving, there is a boardwalk on the opposite side of the road leading up the hill. You could enjoy a photogenic bird’s-eye view of the entire grass sea and bridge.

If you visit at about 4–5 pm, you will also capture a unique and beautiful sunset.

Goddess Bay

Unlike the blue water in most areas, you could see picturesque jade water in Goddess Bay. It is one of the most beautiful bays in Lugu Lake, perfect for sunsets, starry nights, and photography.

The best time to catch a sunset is from April to September. In winter, the sunset would be blocked by mountains due to the sun’s deviation, leaving only the afterglow.

Goddess Bay

Lovers Beach

Lovers’ Beach, with expansive views and crystal-clear water, is best for viewing seagulls and sunsets. Legend has it that this is where Mosuo men and women dated, adding more romance that’s ideal for couples to enjoy a lovely time.

There are actually two lover beaches at Lugu Lake. The one in Sichuan is recommended as it is bigger, livelier, and has many beautiful photo settings for you to take selfies.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Enchanting Morning Mist

Have you ever encountered a dreamy fairy-tale scene while paddling a canoe, bathed in the sunrise, and surrounded by ethereal mist and even hovering seagulls?

If not, go there and experience the morning mist at Lugu Lake — it’s a truly unique sight that draws many visitors to witness it.

The ethereal morning mist of Lugu Lake

Compared to other seasons, winter from December to February sees frequent and the most spectacular morning mists. Additionally, the best time to admire the mist is from 7–8:30 am.

Recommended spots:

Puluo Wharf
Guanhai Wetland Wharf
Love Wharf

3. Admire the Beauty of Floating Water Flowers

The floating water flowers with white petals form one of the famous and iconic types of scenery at Lugu Lake. You could only admire this romantic scenery from May to October, with July and August being the period that they are in full bloom.

The best way to visit is by taking a boat to the center of the lake, where you could see a vast expanse of flowers. In contrast, along the shore, the flowers are sparse. It is best to admire them in the morning as the flowers would wilt in the afternoon when the sun is strong.

Water flowers in Lugu Lake

4. Take Part in a Campfire Party

In Luoshui and Lige, you may have a chance to take part in a campfire party arranged by local villagers. You pay about 30 yuan to join in. Even if it’s not as authentic as it once was, it is still a good way to relate to local people and experience their way of life.

5. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake

Boating is a good way of exploring the lake and the islands. Local boats are made from thick logs and are known as zhucaochuan (/joo-tsao-chwan/ ‘pig-trough boats’).

You could charter a boat to see the beautiful lake scenery and enjoy a leisurely morning (best for admiring the morning mist and water flowers) or afternoon (best for catching a sunset).

Colorful zhucaochuan

6. Pay a Home Visit to a Mosuo Family

If you want to have close contact with local Mosuo people, we could arrange a home visit. You could see their house, talk with the family, and even eat with them. It is a great way to get to know about their daily lives and learn about local folk culture.

Home visit to a Mosuo Family

How Many Days to Spend at Lugu Lake

It is advisable to spend 2–3 days visiting Lugu Lake. It allows for a more leisurely travel pace and enough time for visiting.

Recommended Itineraries (Start from Lijiang)

For a 2-day trip, after arriving at Lugu Lake, it is better to take a leisurely boat ride around Lige Island in the afternoon to relax from the tiring morning drive, so we don’t recommend arranging a car tour on the first day.

Day 1: Lijiang to Lugu Lake in the morning, then a leisurely afternoon boat ride around Lige Island
Day 2: round-lake car tour, visiting the grass sea and Lovers’ Beach, departure in the evening

A 3-day trip gives you more time to explore more attractions and enjoy a richer experience, such as a moderate hiking trip and a campfire party:

Day 1: Lugu Lake arrival, enjoy your afternoon boat ride
Day 2: travel around the lake, moderate hiking, a Mosuo campfire party at night
Day 3: immerse yourself in the tranquil vibe of the lake, departure

Read more about our 3-Day Lugu Lake Tour.

Is It Possible to Take a Day Trip from Lijiang?

A day trip from Lijiang by private vehicle is possible, but we don’t recommend it as it takes 7–8 hours traveling back and forth, leaving you with only a few hours for visiting unless you get up at 6 am. Additionally, it would be really tiring.

How to Travel Around Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake offers diverse ways for you to visit, such as by driving a car, taking a boat ride, cycling, hiking, and even riding on a scooter.

The best way to tour Lugu Lake is by chartering a car for a round-lake tour to visit the lakeside attractions and combining this with a boat ride to the islands to enjoy the tranquil water. It is also more leisurely, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

If you’re more active, you could try cycling or hiking just a section of the lake to explore the unique scenery. For cycling, the section from Dazu Village to the town at Lugu Lake is flatter and more beautiful. For hiking, Axiayou Valley near Daluoshui Village is an ideal spot, as well as the part from Luokui North Wharf to Goddess Bay.

However, self-driving and riding a scooter around the lake are not recommended as the tortuous roads make it more difficult for tourists. In addition, buses and taxis are also hard to find due to its remote location.

Must-experienced boat riding

How Can I Get to Lugu Lake?

Transport from Lijiang: The best way to reach Lugu Lake from Lijiang is by minivan or to hire a car, taking about 3½–4 hours. You could also take a bus, which takes a similar time and ultimately reaches the passenger station near Daluoshui Village.

Transport from Kunming: A direct flight from Kunming to the lake’s airport (Ninglang Luguhu Airport) is the most convenient way, taking 1 hour and 15 minutes. After landing, it takes you about 40 minutes to transfer to Lugu Lake from the airport.

Transport from Dali: The best direct way to get from Dali to Lugu Lake is also by car, taking about 3½–4 hours. However, there are no direct buses available.

Chartering a car to Lugu Lake and traveling around the lake with a local guide is the most popular choice for most visitors. If you also require a private car service but have no idea where to find one, China Highlights is always here and happy to offer help. Just contact us.

What Are the Best Times to Visit Lugu Lake?

The best times to visit Lugu Lake are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). With stable weather and more clear days, it is easier for you to see the vibrant blue lake and enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64–77°F). There are also fewer visitors and the hotels are more cost-effective.

If you’re looking to see the colorful beauty, autumn is better. It is the most picturesque season of Lugu Lake, with a golden grass sea, reeds, and blooming gesang flowers. In comparison, spring landscapes are relatively plain, but from late March to April, it’s perfect for viewing flowers.

Summer from June to August is cool at Lugu Lake (15–25°C/59–77°F), but it also experiences frequent rainfall. However, if the weather is sunny, Lugu Lake is pleasant to visit as it is the best time to admire the seasonal water flowers, splendid sunsets, and the most verdant grass sea.

Winter may be a good time to visit Lugu Lake if you prefer fewer visitors and more clear days. This season is also best for viewing seagulls and morning mist.

The daytime temperatures are about 10–15°C (50–59°F) during winter. However, you still need to keep warm. The temperature may drop to minus degrees in the mornings and evenings.

7-Day Yunnan Minorities Cultural Tour: Kunming, Dali and Lijiang

Where to Stay at Lugu Lake

Daluoshui Village: As the largest accommodation area of Lugu Lake, it is highly recommended for its lakeview hotels, convenient transport, complete facilities, and variety of food options.

Dazu Village: It is more authentic and artistic, also offering more hotels with lakeside views, and suitable if you seek somewhere quiet. If you want to witness a sunrise over Gemu Goddess Mountain, it would be the best choice. However, it is relatively far away and not ideal for public transport.

Langfang Village: As a newly developed area, you could find more high-end boutique hotels with better decoration. However, the hotel prices are higher and transport is less convenient.

Will I Encounter Altitude Sickness at Lugu Lake?

Lugu Lake, with an average elevation of 2,685 meters (8,809 feet), could be accepted by most visitors. However, you still have the possibility of encountering altitude sickness, especially on Gemu Goddess Mountain.

If you feel uncomfortable while visiting, a portable oxygen bottle may help, and you could also prepare some foods that are high in calories and sugar, such as Coca-Cola, Snickers, and other types of chocolate.

Does the Matriarchal Culture of Mosuo Still Exist?

The Mosuo are known for their unique matriarchal society and “walking marriages”.

Most couples do not actually marry, and women and men live in their mothers’ homes respectively. At night, men might walk to the houses of the women and then return to their own homes in the morning, and children are raised by their mothers and maternal uncles.

Today, walking marriages are rarely seen among younger generations of the Mosuo, since most young people now choose to marry. However, you could still experience their strong matrilineal cultural atmosphere and gain an insight into the walking marriage tradition and their way of life.

Shijiazhuang-Jinan Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Shijiazhuang-Jinan Trains

64 pairs of trains run between Shijiazhuang and Jinan, including 58 pairs of high-speed trains and six pairs of normal-speed trains. The journey duration when taking a high-speed train is only about 2 hours.

Shijiazhuang-Jinan High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 298–904 kilometers (185–562 miles)
Terminals: Shijiazhuang Railway Station, Jinan Railway Station / Jinan East Railway Station
Duration: 1½–2½ hours
Main stop: Dezhou

Shijiazhuang to Jinan High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 5th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G375	07:52	09:48	1h 56m
D1623	10:07	12:39	2h 32m
D1639	14:50	17:13	2h 23m
G1829	20:37	22:29	1h 52m

Please note: The trains listed above are only some of the ones in operation. The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Jinan to Shijiazhuang High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 5th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1830	06:57	08:42	1h 45m
D1626	11:14	13:20	2h 6m
D1678	15:26	17:17	1h 51m
G2816	20:49	22:43	1h 54m

Shijiazhuang to Jinan High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$48 (CNY331)	US$26 (CNY177)	US$16 (CNY110)

Shijiazhuang-Jinan Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Jinan Railway Station / Daminghu Railway Station, Shijiazhuang North Railway Station
Duration: 3½–6½ hours
Main stop: Dezhou

Shijiazhuang to Jinan Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 5th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K884	00:21	05:08	4h 47m
Z358	00:37	05:30	4h 53m
Z270	22:52	02:44	3h 52m
K1334	23:48	05:10	5h 22m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Jinan to Shijiazhuang Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 5th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z268	00:45	04:27	3h 42m
K1332	08:36	13:04	4h 28m
Z356	09:14	13:20	4h 6m
K1216	14:34	21:15	6h 41m

Shijiazhuang to Jinan Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Superior Soft Sleeper	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$37 (CNY250.5)	US$21 (CNY140.5)	US$14 (CNY92.5)	US$7 (CNY46.5)

Travel Tip

If you would like to have a berth so that you can enjoy a short rest, you can consider taking one of the Z trains, which are the fastest normal-speed trains. The journey duration is only about 3½ hours.

Station Information

Daminghu Railway Station is located in the center of Jinan, about 500 meters away from Daminghu Scenic Area. If you plan to visit this area, you can consider taking a train that departs from or arrives at Daminghu Railway Station.

Mini Chinese Class: How to Say “Black Shoes” in Mandarin

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Mini Chinese Class: Learn how to say “black” and “black shoes” in Mandarin — the fun and easy way!

Ever wondered how to talk about colors and fashion in Chinese? Let’s start with “black” — and level up with a useful phrase: black shoes!

Learn “黑色” (black) and “黑色的鞋” (black shoes)
Practice pronunciation + real-life sentence
Fast, fun, and beginner-friendly!

Want to try it with a real tutor?
Sign up for a free online 1-to-1 Mandarin lesson on this page for your kid.

What color are your favorite shoes? Comment below！

Kids Can Watch Chinese TV to Improve Their Listening Skills

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Children best learn Chinese by absorbing new sounds, tones, and rhythms. This is easily accomplished by exposing them to a show in their target language, but only after they’ve already built a language foundation through real-life interactions with caring and attentive adults. Once your child has been exposed to Chinese and has a handle on the basics with a teacher, you can feel at ease letting them enjoy a TV program.

We’d like to introduce you to a kid-friendly station, CCTV-14 as well as some kid-friendly titles that will not only entertain your kids but will let them pick up new vocabulary as well. Animated movies, series, kids’ game shows, and other youth-oriented program series, can be a nice supplement to structured learning. The following selection of titles is complete with summaries of the show so you can help find a program suitable for your child’s individual preferences.

Chāojí fēi xiá
超级飞侠 — Super Wings
This series follows Jett, a charming jet plane that delivers goodies to youngsters all around the world. Every delivery presents Jett with a new dilemma that he and his Super Wings teammates must work together to overcome. Jett and the Super Wings have the incredible ability to morph from planes to incredible heroes who can sprint, climb, lift, dig, and even dive deep underwater.

Dà fēngchē
大风车 — Big Pinwheel
Set at a school, Dafengche interests kids with topics related to school and classmates with real people who speak more natural and authentic Chinese compared to animations. The stories, which are surprisingly sophisticated, revolve around things like homework, parents, and home life. They cover themes such as friendship, trust, and cooperation. My kids are really interested in the characters and how they interact. We slowly get to know them as friends of our own.

Bānbān hé lì li de xiǎo wánɡɡuó
班班　和　莉莉的　小王国 — Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
You may already be familiar with the animated series called Peppa Pig, the same creators (and many of the same voice actors too) created Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom. It’s about the friendship between fairy a princess named Holly and an Elf called Ben who lives in the magical Kingdom of elves and fairies.

Wēi lā de yěshēng dòngwù
威拉的野生动物 — Willa’s Wild Life
This is a popular show for children who love animals and the idea of having animals as friends. You can find the young girl, Willa, in her backyard which is home to a variety of talking zoo animals. These animals include a giraffe, a camel, two elephants, an alligator, and many more zoo creatures.

Hǎidǐ xiǎo zòngduì
海底小纵队 — Octonauts
In Chinese, the title translates to “underwater squad” which makes perfect sense. The show follows an underwater exploring crew of animals made up of a group of eight adventurers who dwell in the Octopod, an undersea base from which they embark on underwater adventures with the support of a fleet of underwater vehicles. The crew’s encounters with animals and the places they visit are based on real marine species in their natural environments. Children marvel at the ‘Vegimals’ too, which are half-animal, half-vegetable creatures. Preschool children largely make up the audience demographic for this show.

Guójiā dìlǐ píndào
国家地理频道 — National Geographic Channel (Kids)
For older children with a sense of adventure, Nat Geo is a true winner. The most popular out of their programs are animal, outer space, and culture related themes. While some of the animal programs are uncensored others are made primarily for children viewers so discretion is advised when choosing wildlife themed shows. There is so much fascinating knowledge to be discovered in tandem with Chinese.
Let it be noted that while TV can be an effective tool for furthering a child’s according to research, children with language delays tend to watch television too early. It took them around ten months to say their first meaningful words. Children under the age of 12 months who watch more than 2 hours of television each day are six times more likely to have language delays. Therefore, children under the age of two do not learn language by watching television or films, even if the programs are labeled as educational. Listening to and engaging with nurturing adults helps babies and toddlers learn new words and develop language skills – genuine dialogue from real people, as opposed to TV.

You May Want to Learn More :

“Clearing up Confusion Between “zhe 着” and “le 了” for Children to Learn Chinese”
“The Most Easy Song for Children to Learn Chinese Greetings”
”Quiz and Analysis to the Chinese Measure Words “Zhī 只”, “Tóu 头” and “Gè 个””

From Passive to Fluent: Activate the Chinese You Already Know

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Many Chinese learners recognize hundreds of words but can barely speak when needed. That’s not a memory problem—it’s a fluency activation issue.

You already know more Chinese than you think. Here’s how to turn that passive knowledge into real-life, active use—step by step.

Step 1: Speak Words in Full Sentences

Learning single words is not enough. You need to use them in meaningful contexts.

Instead of learning:

“走（zǒu） = to walk / to go”

Learn full phrases like:

我先走了。 (Wǒ xiān zǒu le.) – I’m leaving now.

我们走吧！ (Wǒmen zǒu ba!) – Let’s go!

When you connect a word to a sentence and a real-life situation, it becomes easier to recall and use naturally.

Step 2: Use Every Word in Three Personal Contexts

Whenever you learn a word (new or “known”), immediately say it in three types of sentences:

About yourself:

我现在在喝水。 (Wǒ xiànzài zài hē shuǐ.) – I’m drinking water now.

About someone else:

他不吃鱼。 (Tā bù chī yú.) – He doesn’t eat fish.

As a question:

你喜欢吃辣吗？ (Nǐ xǐhuān chī là ma?) – Do you like spicy food?

If you can use a word in all three contexts, it’s already yours.

Step 3: Write Without a Dictionary

Choose a simple topic (your day, your favorite food, what you see outside) and write 3–5 short sentences only using the words you already know.

Examples:

今天我很忙。 (Jīntiān wǒ hěn máng.) – I’m busy today.

我喝了咖啡。 (Wǒ hē le kāfēi.) – I drank coffee.

晚上我要看电影。 (Wǎnshàng wǒ yào kàn diànyǐng.) – I want to watch a movie tonight.

No dictionary. Just output. It forces you to retrieve words from memory—true activation.

Step 4: Shadow and Then Change

Shadowing = listening to native speakers and repeating immediately.

But don’t stop there. Slightly change what you hear.

Start with a simple sentence:

你真的来了？ (Nǐ zhēn de lái le?) – You really came?

Then try variations:

我真的来了。 (Wǒ zhēn de lái le.) – I really came.

他真的不来了？ (Tā zhēn de bù lái le?) – He’s really not coming?

This helps you move from copying to creating in Chinese.

Step 5: Reverse Your Practice – Meaning → Chinese

Most learners review flashcards this way: Chinese → English.

But in real life, you need to do the opposite.Try this:

“To rain” → 下雨 (xiàyǔ)
“Late” → 迟到 (chídào)
“Hotpot” → 火锅 (huǒguō)
“I’m on the way” → 我在路上。 (Wǒ zài lùshàng.)

Training your brain to recall words (rather than recognize them) makes your Chinese active, not passive.

Step 6: Micro-Routines for Daily Fluency

Don’t wait for long study sessions. Use tiny moments throughout your day.

Try this:

Say 3 Chinese sentences while brushing your teeth.
Write one sentence in Chinese in your to-do list.
Record a 30-second voice note summarizing your day.

Examples:

我等一下要开会。 (Wǒ děng yíxià yào kāihuì.) – I have a meeting soon.

你吃午饭了吗？ (Nǐ chī wǔfàn le ma?) – Have you had lunch?

外面下雨了。 (Wàimiàn xiàyǔ le.) – It’s raining outside.

The more often you use Chinese in context, the faster your fluency grows.

Recap: From Passive to Fluent in 6 Practical Steps

Step	What to Do	Why It Works
1	Speak full sentences	Context builds memory
2	Use every word in 3 ways	Personal use = stronger recall
3	Write without a dictionary	Forces active thinking
4	Shadow + vary	Builds flexibility
5	Reverse flashcards	Simulates real-life output
6	Micro habits	Builds fluency daily

Ready to Use the Chinese You Already Know?

At eChineseLearning, we help you transform passive vocabulary into real speaking power. Every lesson is designed to activate what’s already in your brain—and get you actually using it in real conversations.

Start your free 1-on-1 trial class today and speak Chinese that sticks！

Quiz: Which sentence is applying the “shadow and vary” method correctly?

You hear:
“他明天去北京。” (Tā míngtiān qù Běijīng.) – He’s going to Beijing tomorrow.

A. 她明天去上海。(Tā míngtiān qù Shànghǎi.)
B. 他今天去北京了。(Tā jīntiān qù Běijīng le.)
C. 他明天想去北京。(Tā míngtiān xiǎng qù Běijīng.)

Feeling Sick in China? Essential Chinese Phrases for Doctor Visits

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:34 +0000

Getting sick while traveling or living in China can be stressful—especially if you‘re not confident in your Chinese. From explaining your symptoms to buying medicine or asking for rest at work, knowing the right phrases can make all the difference.

Here‘s a guide to help you navigate real-life health situations smoothly, without feeling lost or anxious.

1. Describing Your Symptoms

When visiting a doctor or clinic, it‘s important to describe how you feel clearly. Use simple phrases to make sure you‘re understood.

Useful Phrases:

Wǒ gǎn mào le.

我感冒了。

I have a cold.

Wǒ fā shāo le.

我发烧了。

I have a fever.

Wǒ tóu téng.

我头疼。

I have a headache.

Wǒ dù zi tòng.

我肚子痛。

I have a stomachache.

Wǒ hěn kùn, méi jīng shén.

我很困，没精神。

I feel tired and have no energy.

2. Visiting the Doctor

At the hospital or clinic, you may need to explain when your illness started or ask for medicine. Doctors in China are used to quick conversations, so short sentences are perfectly fine.

Useful Phrases:

Wǒ zuó tiān kāi shǐ tóu téng, jīn tiān yòu fā shāo.

我昨天开始头疼，今天又发烧。

Yesterday I started having a headache, and today I also have a fever.

Qǐng gěi wǒ kāi yī xiē yào.

请给我开一些药。

Please prescribe me some medicine.

Wǒ xū yào yī zhāng bìng jià tiáo.

我需要一张病假条。

I need a doctor‘s note for sick leave.

3.Buying Medicine at the Pharmacy

Sometimes you don’t need a hospital — just a trip to the yào diàn (药店, pharmacy). Pharmacists may ask about your symptoms before recommending medicine.

Useful Phrases:

Wǒ yào mǎi gǎn mào yào.

我要买感冒药。

I want to buy cold medicine.

Yǒu méi yǒu zhǐ ké yào?

有没有止咳药？

Do you have cough medicine?

Qǐng wèn nǐ men yǒu tuì shāo yào ma?

请问你们有退烧药吗？

Excuse me, do you have any fever-reducing medicine?

Zhè ge yào yī tiān chī jǐ cì?

这个药一天吃几次？

How many times a day should I take this medicine?

Duō shǎo qián?

多少钱？

How much is it?

4.Asking for Sick Leave

Whether for school or work, asking for time off is sometimes unavoidable. Polite, simple requests work best.

Useful Phrases:

Duì bu qǐ, wǒ bù shū fu, yào qǐng bìng jià.

对不起，我不舒服，要请病假。

Sorry, I’m not feeling well, I need to take sick leave.

Wǒ yào qǐng liǎng tiān bìng jià.

我要请两天病假。

I need to take two days of sick leave.

5.Everyday Health Conversations

Even outside hospitals, you may want to talk casually about health with friends, colleagues, or family.

Useful Phrases:

Nǐ yào duō hē shuǐ.

你要多喝水。

You should drink more water.

Nǐ gǎn mào le ma?

你感冒了吗？

Do you have a cold?

Duō xiū xi, bié tài lèi.

多休息，别太累。

Rest more; don‘t overwork.

Stay Healthy and Speak Chinese Like a Local

Dealing with sickness in China doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right phrases, tone, and cultural awareness, you can navigate clinics, pharmacies, and work situations confidently. Each phrase is not just words—it‘s a glimpse into how Chinese people talk about health and show care for each other.

At eChineseLearning, our native teachers don‘t just teach textbook Mandarin—they guide you through real-life situations. From explaining symptoms at a clinic to buying medicine or asking for sick leave, you’ll be ready for any scenario.

Try a free 1-on-1 trial lesson with a live Chinese teacher today, and start speaking about health in Chinese like a local.

Quiz: If you say “Wǒ yào mǎi gǎn mào yào” (我要买感冒药), where are you most likely to be?

A. At a restaurant

B. At a pharmacy

C. At the doctor‘s office

How to Plan a Beijing and Xi’an Trip (Itinerary, Cost, Transportation)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

How to Plan a Beijing and Xi’an Trip (Itinerary, Cost, Transportation)

Beijing and Xi’an, both being ancient capitals of China, are must-visit cities for those who are interested in learning about Chinese history and culture.

Keep reading for Beijing and Xi’an travel planning tips, including popular itineraries, travel costs, hotel options, and additional insights.

Content Preview

How Long to Stay For
A Classic Itinerary
Transportation Choice
Costs
Accommodation Choice
Best Times to Travel

How Long to Spend in Beijing and Xi’an

A classic itinerary for Beijing and Xi’an usually lasts around a week, with 4-5 days allocated for Beijing and 2-3 days for Xi’an.

Beijing boasts a larger array of historical and cultural landmarks to discover, along with more chances to participate in experiential activities. Therefore, we suggest spending more time in Beijing.

How Long to Spend in Beijing

To experience Beijing as authentically as possible and maintain a comfortable travel pace, we recommend spending around 4 to 5 days in the city.

Allocate 2 or 3 days to explore iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Dedicate an additional one or two days to discovering the hutongs, traditional residences of Beijing. You may also want to consider arranging some food tours during your explorations.

For those interested in the culture of Beijing, we recommend attending a Peking Opera performance. You could visit their backstage and dress up in their costumes.

How Long to Spend in Xi’an

For a trip to Xi’an, we recommend a duration of 2 to 3 days.

The Terracotta Warriors is undeniably the main attraction in Xi’an, and we recommend spending a day for a visit and trying to make a mini clay warrior yourself!

For the remaining time, you could arrange visits to the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, go on a food tour around the Muslim Quarter, and take a leisurely stroll along the Ancient City Wall.

A Classic Beijing and Xi’an Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.
Day 2: Tour the Forbidden City, followed by a walk through the hutongs that provides an intimate glimpse into what old Beijing was like.
Day 3: Visit the Temple of Heaven, which used to be a royal sacrificial site, and then take a trip to the Great Wall.
Day 4: Head to the Summer Palace, which was once a royal garden, and then depart for Xi’an.
Day 5: Visit the Terracotta Warriors, along with taking a stroll along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 6: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to get an overview of Chinese history and culture.

This itinerary covers the must-see attractions within a week’s span while also allowing time for special experiences and personal exploration. The pace is well-balanced to ensure it’s not too rushed.

Our tours are highly personalized, and we are happy to tailor them to fit your interests and requirements. Please feel free to contact us.

6-Day Beijing and Xian Tour Time Travel in Two Ancient Chinese Capitals

How to Travel Between Beijing and Xi’an

Taking a bullet train between Beijing and Xi’an lasting 4½ to 6 hours is a highly recommended option, providing a more flexible and convenient travel experience. There’s no need to worry about the long waiting time at the airport, and ticket changes in emergency situations are easier.

Alternatively, there are direct flights available that can transport you between Beijing and Xi’an in 2 to 2½ hours. However, please note that airports are located quite far from the city center, taking around 1½ to 2 hours by car.

Taking into account the additional travel and transportation time, the entire journey by air is roughly comparable to that of a high-speed train, or only slightly faster. It’s essential to consider possible traffic delays on the road, which could increase travel times even further.

8-Day Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai Tour China Golden Triangle

Costs

For a private tour in Beijing and Xi’an, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person.

This price typically includes the costs for flights or trains within China, 4-or-5-star accommodations, lunch, entrance fees for attractions, private transportation, and personal tour guides.

During peak times such as May 1-5, October 1-7, and the summer holidays, the prices for hotels and airfares can go up by 50 to 100%.

When you book with us, you’ll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure (more details here⇒).

11-Day Tour: Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin/Yangshuo – ShanghaiClassic Wonders

Accommodation Choices in Beijing and Xi’an

For those who prefer a central location for entertainment and shopping in Beijing, Wangfujing is the more popular area to stay. However, for a more unique lodging experience, we recommend opting for a hutong-style hotel.

In Xi’an, the area around the Bell Tower is the more popular choice for those looking for a convenient central location. Alternatively, staying near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is also a great option. The area is quieter and the prices for accommodation are generally more affordable.

14-Day Beijing – Xi’an – Zhangjiajie – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai Private Tour China Natural Wonders Discovery

Best Times to Visit Beijing and Xi’an

Autumn is considered the best season to visit Beijing and Xi’an if you’re looking for comfortable weather conditions. Summer, particularly during July and August, has a higher chance of experiencing rainfall.

However, since the majority of attractions in Beijing and Xi’an are cultural sites, they are not significantly affected by the weather.

We will create a suitable itinerary of activities based on your preferences or your family’s preferences for all seasons.

The first weeks of May and October are peak tourist seasons, closely followed by the summer holidays. If you’re planning a trip during these periods, we highly recommend booking at least 6 months to a year in advance to ensure the availability of desired accommodations and attractions.

11-Day Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou and Shanghai Tour China Tour and Kungfu Experience

Tour China with Us!

We offer a personalized tour service. We would create a unique itinerary according to your flight times, interests, and any other requirements you have.

Just contact us, and we’ll create your ideal China trip. Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.

Here are some popular options that you could base your trip on:

8-Day Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai Highlights Tour — the classic Golden Triangle trip
11-Day Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin–Shanghai — Classic Wonders
2-Week Beijing–Xi’an–Zhangjiajie–Guilin–Shanghai Tour — a top choice for nature lovers

Shanghai-Luoyang Train

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

Shanghai-Luoyang Train

Both high-speed trains and normal-speed trains are available between Shanghai and Luoyang. There are 16 pairs of high-speed trains in service, with the travel time of 5 to 7.5 hours. In Shanghai, high-speed trains operate at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. In Luoyang, they terminate at Luoyanglongmen Railway Station.

Ten pairs of normal-speed trains take 10.5 to 17 hours from Shanghai to Luoyang and vice versa. They operate at centrally located Shanghai Railway Station and Luoyang Railway Station.

Shanghai-Luoyang High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 940 kilometers (583 miles)
Terminals of daytime G trains: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站), Luoyanglongmen Railway Station (洛阳龙门站)
Terminals of overnight D trains: Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Luoyang Railway Station (洛阳站)
Duration: daytime G trains: 5 to 7.5 hours; overnight D trains: 8.5 to 9.5 hours

Shanghai to Luoyang High-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1802	06:15	12:10	5h 55m
G3292	08:24	15:09	6h 45m
G1924	11:29	17:26	5h 57m
G1822	15:32	21:16	5h 44m

The timetable above is for your reference only. Check Shanghai to Luoyang up-to-date schedules.

Luoyang to Shanghai High-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1812	08:00	13:53	5h 53m
G1820	12:30	18:17	5h 47m
G3178	15:11	22:26	7h 15m
G1942	17:29	23:43	6h 14m

The timetable above is for your reference only. Check Luoyang to Shanghai up-to-date schedules.

Shanghai-Luoyang High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$252 (CNY1,747)	US$127 (CNY881.5)	US$75 (CNY524)

Shanghai-Luoyang Regular Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Shanghai Railway Station (上海站), Luoyang Railway Station (洛阳站)
Duration: 10 to 17 hours

Recommended Shanghai to Luoyang Regular Trains

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z376	08:57	22:12	13h 15m
T116	15:31	03:33 (next day)	12h 2m
Z304	21:00	08:08 (next day)	11h 18m

These trains are recommened because they depart from Shanghai at night and arrives at Luoyang early in the morning, so you can have more time for sightseeing during the day, and can also save a hotel bill. Other regular trains run during the day, or arrives at the destination at midnight.

Recommended Luoyang to Shanghai Regular Trains

(Updated on May 2nd, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
Z42	01:33	12:06	10h 33m
Z378	15:36	05:32 (next day)	13h 36m
K736	19:35	12:22 (next day)	16h 47m

These trains are faster or have better departure/arrival times to leave you more daytime for sightseeing.

Shanghai-Luoyang Regular Train Ticket Fares

Superior Soft Sleeper	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$101 (CNY700.5)	US$55 (CNY381.5)	US$35 (CNY244.5)	US$20 (CNY141.5)

Shanghai to Luoyang By Train or Plane?

	High-Speed Train	Regular Train	Airplane
Duration	5 to 7.5 hours	10.5 to 17 hours	2 hours
Ticket Price	First class: US$127 Second class: US$75	Soft sleeper: US$55 Hard sleeper: US$35	US$100-US$130
Punctuality	Punctual	Occasional delays	Occasional delays

Beijing-Huangshan Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

Beijing-Huangshan Trains

Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It is very convenient to travel to the attraction by train from Beijing.

Eight pairs of high-speed trains run between the capital city, Beijing, and Huangshan city, with a journey duration of about 5½–7 hours. The only one pair of normal-speed K trains take 19 hours to finish the trip.

Beijing–Huangshan High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 1,305 kilometers (811 miles)
Terminals: Beijing South Railway Station, Huangshan North Railway Station
Duration: 5½–7 hours
Main stops: Tianjin, Dezhou, Jinan, Xuzhou, Hefei

Beijing to Huangshan High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 26th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G45	06:54	12:13	5h 19m
G2553	07:21	13:48	6h 27m
G323	10:10	16:48	6h 38m
G303	11:53	18:27	6h 34m
G325	12:04	19:08	7h 4m
G2561	14:42	21:11	6h 29m

Please note: The trains listed above are only some of the ones in operation. The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Huangshan to Beijing High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 26th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2556	07:55	14:35	6h 40m
G2562	11:15	18:08	6h 53m
G324	13:26	20:16	6h 50m
G304	14:50	21:14	6h 24m
G326	15:20	22:05	6h 45m
G46	17:36	22:40	5h 4m

Beijing to Huangshan High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Superior Class	First Class	Second Class
US$307 (CNY2,121)	US$150 (CNY1,033)	US$89 (CNY614.5)

Beijing-Huangshan Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Huangshan Railway Station
Duration: 19½–21 hours
Main stops: Tianjin, Cangzhou, Dezhou, Taishan, Jinan, Nanjing, Wuhu

Beijing to Huangshan Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 26th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K1109	14:09	09:08 (next day)	18h 59m

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Huangshan to Beijing Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 26th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K1110	16:18	12:45 (next day)	20h 27m

Beijing to Huangshan Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$69 (CNY476.5)	US$45 (CNY304.5)	US$26 (CNY177.5)

How to Get to Huangshan from the Railway Stations

There are two railway stations in Huangshan city: Huangshan North Railway Station and Huangshan Railway Station.

Huangshan North Railway Station

The Yellow Mountains

Huangshan North Railway Station (shown as ‘黄山北’ on train tickets) mainly serves high-speed trains. The high-speed trains to/from Huangshan use this station.

Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses are available between Huangshan North Railway Station and the Yellow Mountains. The buses depart from / stop at Huangshan South Gate (Tangkou).

Running times: 06:30–19:30
Frequency: every 30 minutes
Duration: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Fare: 20 CNY

Tourist Bus

To Yungu Temple ticket office (at the back of the mountain range)

Running times: 10:15 and 11:50
Duration: about 1½ hours

To Ciguang Pavilion in the middle of the Yellow Mountains

Taxi

Huangshan Railway Station

Huangshan Railway Station (shown as ‘黄山’ on your train ticket) serves normal-speed trains. It’s near the city center but quite a distance from the Yellow Mountains.

City Bus 21

You can take bus 21 to Huangshan South Gate. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Taxi

It takes about an hour to reach the Yellow Mountains by taxi and costs about 200 CNY

Hangzhou-Chengdu Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

Hangzhou-Chengdu Trains

The Hangzhou-Chengdu train route is nearly horizontal in geography. The distance is about 1860 kilometers (1156 miles). There are seven pairs of trains operating on this route. Five pairs of them are high-speed trains. The duration is 12-15 hours one way. Two pairs are normal-speed trains. The duration is various from 30 to 39 hours one way.

Hangzhou-Chengdu High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 1860 kilometers (1156 miles)
Terminals: Hangzhou East Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station
Duration: 12-15 hours
Main stops: Hangzhou, Nanchang, Changsha, Guiyang, Chengdu

Hangzhou to Chengdu High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 12th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D3076	06:33	19:44	13h 11m
G2185	06:43	19:49	13h 6m
D2222	08:08	22:03	13h 55m
G2189	08:32	20:33	12h 1m
G2193	11:42	23:21	11h 39m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Chengdu to Hangzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 12th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2195	06:10	18:07	11h 57m
D2224	07:36	21:35	13h 59m
D3078	08:18	21:55	13h 38m
G2187	09:19	22:10	12h 51m
G2191	09:24	21:30	12h 6m

Hangzhou to Chengdu High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$416 (CNY2,884)	US$222 (CNY1,538)	US$133 (CNY926.5)

Hangzhou-Chengdu Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Hangzhou Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station, Hangzhou East Railway Station, Chengdu Railway Station,
Duration: 22-35 hours
Main stops: Hangzhou, Changsha, Chengdu

Hangzhou to Chengdu Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 12th, 2023)

From Hangzhou Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K529	12:26	21:18 (next day)	32h 52m

From Hangzhou South Railway Station to Chengdu West Railway Station

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K351	18:25	06:00 (next two days)	35h 35m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference.
If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Chengdu to Hangzhou Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 12th, 2023)

From Chengdu West Railway Station to Hangzhou South Railway Station

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K352	20:47	08:24 (next tow days)	35h 37m

From Chengdu East Railway Station to Hangzhou Railway Station

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K530	22:48	05:04 (next tow days)	30h 16m

Hangzhou to Chengdu Normal-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$102 (CNY704.5)	US$65 (CNY446.5)	US$38 (CNY263.5)

Travel Tips

1. Food And Water on Train

There are usually food and water selling on trains. The price on trains is a little more expensive than in shops. For example a bottle of water(500ml) costs 2CNY in a shop, but on train, it may be 5CNY; a boxed meal costs 30CNY in a restaurant, but on train, it may be 60CNY.

On some long distance trains, there are free meals provided if you take a business class seat. In other classes, you need to pay cash in Yuan for water and food.

The taste may be not good. Actually, many Chinese passengers would like to prepare food and water by selves before boarding. You can also do this like Chinese passengers.

2. Travel by Flight

For so long trip from Hangzhou to Chengdu or vice versa, you may also consider to travel by flight. It takes about 2.5 hours and the price is about CNY2000($282) in economy class. It might be cheaper than this price if there is discount.

Chinese vs Mandarin: What’s the Difference? | That’s Mandarin

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

Chinese vs Mandarin: What’s the Difference? | That’s Mandarin

Jul 26, 2024

Chinese vs. Mandarin: Key Differences Explained

One of the most ask questions: What is the difference between Chinese and Mandarin?

While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, it is not the only language spoken in China. Almost all Chinese-born citizens can speak Mandarin, but China is home to many regional and Chinese languages such as Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Hokkien.

This leads to confusion about Chinese and Mandarin are the same language. To clarify, let’s break down the key differences between them.

What Does Mandarin Mean?

Mandarin Chinese officially known as 普通话 (pǔ tōng huà) translates to the common tongue. It is the standard language of China and the most spoken Chinese.
Another used term is 中文 (zhōng wén) which often refers to Mandarin Chinese. The character 中 (zhōng) means “middle” and 文 (wén) means “language”. The term 中文 (zhōng wén) originates from China’s historical as the Middle Kingdom, meaning it can be translated as “the language of the Middle Kingdom” which basically means “Chinese language”.

From this we can see that Mandarin as Chinese is not incorrect as it is the standard Chinese language used across China. However, China is a multilingual country home to many other Chinese languages and regional spoken by millions.

Let’s take a closer look at the different languages spoken in China.

Mandarin vs Cantonese Key Differences

Mandarin and Cantonese are the two most Chinese languages each with characteristics and cultural significance.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and the most spoken language in the world with over a billion speakers It is the language used in education government and media across mainland China.

Cantonese on the other hand is spoken in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau It has a rich history a complex tonal system and is used in pop culture films and media.

While both are Chinese languages, they are mutually unintelligible, meaning Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot easily understand each other without prior exposure.

Diffrences between Cantonese and Mandarin

Mandarin and Cantonese are both Chinese languages, but they have key differences in tones and writing systems.

Tonal Differences:
Mandarin has four basic tones a neutral tone and a fifth neutral tone.
Cantonese is commonly spoken with six tones, but traditionally it contains nine tones.
Writing System:
Mandarin uses both simplified and traditional Chinese characters, while Cantonese favors traditional Chinese characters. Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot understand one another when speaking. (Most people born in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese). However, many people in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese due to education and exposure.

Similarities between Cantonese and Mandarin

Despite their pronunciation differences, Mandarin and Cantonese share some key similarities.

Written Language:
Even though Mandarin and Cantonese are spoken differently, they are not spoken in the same way, most words are written with the same characters. Mandarin speakers can read Cantonese to some extent.
Sentence Structure:
Both languages follow the same basic sentence structure, Mandarin and Cantonese follow the same basic pattern when constructing sentences, but the grammar rules differ, variations in word order, particles, and verb usage.

The Beijing Dialect (北京话, Běijīnghuà)

The Beijing dialect, ometimes called “Beijinghua” (北京话), is the local dialect of Beijing. It serves as the foundation of Standard Mandarin, how Mandarin Chinese is spoken across China. Due to its many of Beijinghua, such as pronunciation and tone, are reflected in Standard Mandarin, making it one of the most important dialects in China.

Quirks of the Beijing Dialect

The Beijing dialect intonation in the Beijing dialect can be more exaggerated and expressive compared to other Mandarin dialects. This can make the speech sound more vibrant and dynamic.
A distinct feature of the Beijing accent is the prominent use of “Erhuayin” (儿化音) where an elongated “er” (儿) sound is appended to numerous words and expressions.

The China’s Linguistic Landscape: A Reflection of Cultural Diversity is a testament to its historical richness and cultural. From use of Mandarin to the tones of Cantonese, the syllables of Shanghainese, and the numerous other dialects and languages spoken across its regions, each contributes to the nations vibrant.

FAQ

Q1: Is Mandarin the same as Chinese?
No. Mandarin is a type of Chinese but there are many other Chinese languages and dialects such as Cantonese Shanghainese.

Q2: Do all Chinese people speak Mandarin?
While Mandarin is the official language of China not all Chinese people speak it as their first language Many regions have their own dialects like Cantonese in Hong Kong and Guangdong.

Q3: Can Mandarin and Cantonese speakers understand each other?
No, Mandarin and Cantonese are mutually unintelligible when spoken. However, their written share many similarities making written communication somewhat easier.

Q4: Why does Mandarin use simplified characters while Cantonese uses traditional characters?
Simplified characters were introduced in the 1950s to increase literacy rates in Mainland China. However, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan continue to use traditional characters which are more complex.

Q5: What are some other Chinese languages besides Mandarin and Cantonese?
China has many regional languages, including Shanghainese (Wu Chinese) Hokkien (Min Nan) Hakka, and minority languages like Tibetan and Uyghur.

Q6: Is the Beijing dialect the same as Mandarin?
The Beijing dialect is a major influence on Standard Mandarin, but it has some distinct pronunciation features, such as the “er” (儿) sound, which is more prominent in Beijing speech.

Q7: Which language should I learn, Mandarin or Cantonese?
If you want to communicate with the most people in China and globally, Mandarin is the best choice. However, if you plan to live in Hong Kong or Guangdong, learning Cantonese could be useful.

If you enjoyed this article, “The Difference Between Chinese and Mandarin” you may also enjoy learning about the difference between “3 Chinese Radicals About The Body“!

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When to Use “和” (Hé) in Chinese? Grammar & Examples | That’s Mandarin

Chinese vs Mandarin: What’s the Difference? | That’s Mandarin

Jul 26, 2024

This leads to confusion about Chinese and Mandarin are the same language. To clarify, let’s break down the key differences between them.

Mandarin Chinese officially known as 普通话 (pǔ tōng huà) translates to the common tongue. It is the standard language of China and the most spoken Chinese.
Another used term is 中文 (zhōng wén) which often refers to Mandarin Chinese. The character 中 (zhōng) means “middle” and 文 (wén) means “language”. The term 中文 (zhōng wén) originates from China’s historical as the Middle Kingdom, meaning it can be translated as “the language of the Middle Kingdom” which basically means “Chinese language”.

Let’s take a closer look at the different languages spoken in China.

Mandarin vs Cantonese Key Differences

Cantonese on the other hand is spoken in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau It has a rich history a complex tonal system and is used in pop culture films and media.

While both are Chinese languages, they are mutually unintelligible, meaning Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot easily understand each other without prior exposure.

Diffrences between Cantonese and Mandarin

Mandarin and Cantonese are both Chinese languages, but they have key differences in tones and writing systems.

Tonal Differences:
Mandarin has four basic tones a neutral tone and a fifth neutral tone.
Cantonese is commonly spoken with six tones, but traditionally it contains nine tones.
Writing System:
Mandarin uses both simplified and traditional Chinese characters, while Cantonese favors traditional Chinese characters. Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot understand one another when speaking. (Most people born in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese). However, many people in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese due to education and exposure.

Similarities between Cantonese and Mandarin

Despite their pronunciation differences, Mandarin and Cantonese share some key similarities.

Written Language:
Even though Mandarin and Cantonese are spoken differently, they are not spoken in the same way, most words are written with the same characters. Mandarin speakers can read Cantonese to some extent.
Sentence Structure:
Both languages follow the same basic sentence structure, Mandarin and Cantonese follow the same basic pattern when constructing sentences, but the grammar rules differ, variations in word order, particles, and verb usage.

Quirks of the Beijing Dialect

The Beijing dialect intonation in the Beijing dialect can be more exaggerated and expressive compared to other Mandarin dialects. This can make the speech sound more vibrant and dynamic.
A distinct feature of the Beijing accent is the prominent use of “Erhuayin” (儿化音) where an elongated “er” (儿) sound is appended to numerous words and expressions.

Q1: Is Mandarin the same as Chinese?
No. Mandarin is a type of Chinese but there are many other Chinese languages and dialects such as Cantonese Shanghainese.

If you enjoyed this article, “The Difference Between Chinese and Mandarin” you may also enjoy learning about the difference between “3 Chinese Radicals About The Body“!

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When to Use “和” (Hé) in Chinese? Grammar & Examples | That’s Mandarin

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Chinese vs Mandarin: What’s the Difference? | That’s Mandarin

Chinese vs. Mandarin: Key Differences Explained

One of the most ask questions: What is the difference between Chinese and Mandarin?

This leads to confusion about Chinese and Mandarin are the same language. To clarify, let’s break down the key differences between them.

What Does Mandarin Mean?

Let’s take a closer look at the different languages spoken in China.

Mandarin and Cantonese are the two most Chinese languages each with characteristics and cultural significance.

Cantonese on the other hand is spoken in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau It has a rich history a complex tonal system and is used in pop culture films and media.

While both are Chinese languages, they are mutually unintelligible, meaning Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot easily understand each other without prior exposure.

Mandarin and Cantonese are both Chinese languages, but they have key differences in tones and writing systems.

Tonal Differences:
Mandarin has four basic tones a neutral tone and a fifth neutral tone.
Cantonese is commonly spoken with six tones, but traditionally it contains nine tones.
Writing System:
Mandarin uses both simplified and traditional Chinese characters, while Cantonese favors traditional Chinese characters. Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot understand one another when speaking. (Most people born in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese). However, many people in Guangdong province speak both Mandarin and Cantonese due to education and exposure.

Despite their pronunciation differences, Mandarin and Cantonese share some key similarities.

Written Language:
Even though Mandarin and Cantonese are spoken differently, they are not spoken in the same way, most words are written with the same characters. Mandarin speakers can read Cantonese to some extent.
Sentence Structure:
Both languages follow the same basic sentence structure, Mandarin and Cantonese follow the same basic pattern when constructing sentences, but the grammar rules differ, variations in word order, particles, and verb usage.

The Beijing Dialect (北京话, Běijīnghuà)

FAQ

Q1: Is Mandarin the same as Chinese?
No. Mandarin is a type of Chinese but there are many other Chinese languages and dialects such as Cantonese Shanghainese.

Learn Chinese in Beijing

Study Chinese in Beijing, China’s capital and its political, cultural & educational heart

Learn Chinese in Hangzhou

Study Chinese in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, nearby Xihu lake

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Learn Chinese in Chengdu

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Chengyu, a magic key to Chinese language and culture, or a waste of time?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:33 +0000

Ever since I started learning Chinese, I’ve heard people say that if I want to reach an advanced level, I should focus on 成语/成語 (chéngyǔ). They allegedly summarise the wisdom of the Chinese civilisation and carry the soul of its culture.

However, the role of chengyu in Chinese language education for foreigners has always irked me. For most students, these idioms are nowhere near as important to learn as they are made out to be, and the way chengyu is taught is deeply flawed.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode #194:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

In this article, I will share my own experience of learning and teaching chengyu. Are they a magic key to Chinese language and culture, or a waste of time?

Chengyu and other idiomatic expressions in Chinese

Chengyu are typically four-character idioms derived from classical literature. These fixed expressions often carry significance beyond the sum of the characters they are made of, so their meaning can be opaque, even if you have a good understanding of Chinese characters and know enough about literary Chinese to decode their internal structure.

To fully understand the idiom, you need to know its derivation. For example, the commonly used chengyu 自相矛盾 (zìxiāngmáodùn) means “paradoxical” or “self-contradiction”, but this is not apparent from the characters themselves, which means “self”, “mutual”, “spear” and “shield”.

The meaning “paradoxical” only makes sense if you know that the story behind this chengyu is that of a merchant selling spears and shields, claiming that his spears can pierce anything and his shields can withstand any attack. A clever bystander then asks what happens if you use one of his spears to try to pierce one of his shields.

Chengyu is only one type of Chinese idiom out of many. If you want to learn more about other types of idiomatic expressions, you can look up 俗语 (súyǔ), 歇后语 (xiēhòuyǔ) and谚语 (yànyǔ), but I rarely hear them touted as keys to all wonders, and students seem less obsessed about them, which is why I will focus on chengyu here.

My experience: Using chengyu to reach an advanced level

Let’s look at myself, a fairly typical example. As mentioned in the introduction, I heard that chengyu was the pinnacle of the Chinese language and encapsulated the wisdom of the ancients. I learnt numerous stories about them, such as the one about 自相矛盾 (zìxiāngmáodùn) related above. When I tried to use the chengyu with native speakers, they were overjoyed that a foreigner spoke such advanced Chinese.

The rumour was true; chengyu truly is the key to Chinese language and culture!

All this was wrong and nobody thought my Chinese was advanced

Then, after having learnt Chinese for many years, I realised that this was all an illusion. Most of the chengyu I learnt turned out to have limited usage (more about this later). When native speakers said it was cool that I used chengyu, it was in a “Oh, look, the foreigner is trying to use chengyu, how cute!” kind of way. Most of my attempts were also incorrect, but most people are too polite to say so.

To mention a concrete example, the textbook I used as a beginner in Sweden (汉语口语速成) had the chengyu 十全十美 (shíquánshíměi) in it, with the translation of “perfect”. I then proceeded to use this idiom incorrectly a few dozen times before I figured out that it’s mostly used in the negative, and if it is used in the positive, the standard is pretty high. It’s not something you say as a response to a question about going out for a beer.

Rethinking my approach to chengyu

I have now had more than a decade to think about the role of chengyu in Chinese language education for adult second language learners. In essence, I have three things to say:

Chengyu is more limited than you think
Always learn chengyu with a sentence
You don’t actually need chengyu

1. Chengyu is more limited than you think

The first thing you should know about chengyu is that they typically express specific concepts. The usage is often much narrower than any English definitions you see in connection with the idiom. This isn’t true for all chengyu, some even have closely corresponding expressions in English (here are some examples), but it is true in most cases.

Let me tell you about a game I used to play when writing articles. I had a good passive grasp of chengyu, so when I wrote articles, I often knew that there probably was a chengyu that would fit in a particular sentence.

The game was like a boxing match: me vs. chengyu When I used an idiom correctly, I scored one point, and when I used an idiom incorrectly or awkwardly, my opponent scored one point.

I almost always lost, even after having studied Chinese for many years and focusing a lot on writing. Using chengyu correctly is hard. This is true for other words in Chinese as well, but it’s particularly tricky with these idioms.

Chengyu are harder to learn than most vocabulary

If we take normal words and experiment by expanding their use to areas in which we haven’t encountered them before, we will sometimes find that they work in this new context, and sometimes we’ll find that they don’t. Through a mix of negative and positive feedback, we slowly build an accurate mental model of how the words are used.

Making mistakes in Chinese is necessary to adjust your mental models

When you experiment with normal words, you’ll be right a fair number of times, but with chengyu, you will almost always be wrong.

Here is a rough representation of what’s going on. The red circles represent correct usage and the white circles represent how learners tend to think about it. If the circles overlap completely, the word or phrase has been mastered.

As we can see, learning words is about adjusting the circles so they match (the size should vary too, but that would make the drawing messy). For chengyu, though, the most significant difference between the circles is the size. Chengyu usually has a much narrower usage than learners think.

Figuring out how a chengyu is used, gradually without noticing it

Let’s look at an example. I don’t remember where I learnt 不知不觉 (bùzhībùjué), but it’s a very common chengyu. Most dictionaries define it as “unconsciously”, “unwittingly” or “without noticing”. With this mental model in your mind, you can spend years and never understand why it’s underlined in red whenever you use it in writing, and why people frown when you use it in conversations.

Until you realise that the usage is much more limited than you thought. 不知不觉 (bùzhībùjué) is typically only used to refer to the passing of time, that something happens or becomes true as time goes by, without you noticing. Once you know this, it becomes obvious, as almost all examples you encounter match this new model.

Acquiring that model takes an awful lot of input, though, or someone needs to point it out to you. This requires good and honest feedback, which is not easy to get.

How to get honest feedback to boost your Chinese speaking and writing

This brings me to the second point:

2. Always learn chengyu with a sentence

The biggest mistake students (including my past self) make is that they treat chengyu as normal words, which isn’t a good approach. Instead, learn each chengyu in a specific context. I don’t mean that you should just add an example sentence to your flashcard program, I mean that you should learn the example sentence and the chengyu as one unit.

Ideally, the sentence should show the way the chengyu is typically used. If you choose a random sentence you find online, it’s unlikely to fulfil this requirement.

Some chengyu are only used to describe one specific thing, so if you know that one sentence, you’ve covered most of the uses of that chengyu!

In other words, you should start from a tiny small circle and then slowly expand that as you find other examples of how that chengyu is used, rather than drawing a big circle and gradually shrinking it. This will mean that you use chengyu less, but you will also avoid using them incorrectly.

3. You don’t actually need chengyu

Chengyu are cool. I like the stories and the cultural and historical insights I gain through the stories. However, saying that you have to be able to use lots of chengyu to get good at Chinese is simply wrong.

Do you have to understand chengyu? At a somewhat advanced level, definitely.

Do you have to be able to use chengyu? Not really. It’s perfectly possible to speak Chinese extremely well without using many chengyu.

Chengyu are cool, but that’s not enough

Your normal vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation matter much more than if you throw in a chengyu here and there. And remember, if you throw one in the wrong idiom or use one incorrectly, you’ll show that you don’t know that much, and it certainly doesn’t make communication easier.

As a beginner, it’s cool to be the cute foreigner doing his best, but that’s not so cool when you’re trying to grow up in Chinese and become an adult student.

Naturally, if you’re Chinese is so good that it starts approaching an educated native speaker, you can ignore what I just said. You also can’t escape some common chengyu even at a lower level.

That’s not what I’m talking about here, I’m talking about the thousands of chengyu that pop up in books, blog posts and YouTube videos. Understand them, study them if you like, but do so because you’re interested and like it, not in a vain attempt to make your Chinese more advanced, because you will most likely shoot yourself in the foot.

Learn the most common chengyu first

If you don’t love chengyu, I suggest you learn the most common ones. The general rule is that if you hear a chengyu three times in different situations, it’s probably worth learning it. An alternative is to check this article by Carl Fordham, where he gathers 20 chengyu that are actually useful.

In addition, note that there is no direct relationship between how interesting a chengyu story is and how useful the chengyu is. People who write about chengyu for learners tend to focus on the chengyu that have the most interesting stories, not those that are most useful. Interesting stories are great for reading practice, though!

A question of efficiency

The real reason I think students should spend less time on chengyu is that the effort it takes to learn to use a chengyu is several times greater than that required to learn most ordinary words and phrases. Unless you already have a very broad vocabulary, it’s also likely that these ordinary words and phrases are more useful.

Thus, you get more value for your time and effort by focusing on high-frequency vocabulary. Some chengyu qualify as high-frequency vocabulary, so learn those and leave the rest for later.

I’m not saying that learning to use chengyu is a complete waste of time, nor that they lack cultural significance, but I am saying that you probably have more important things to learn. If you enjoy reading chengyu stories (in Chinese), then do so; it’s excellent reading practice, but don’t think that chengyu will unlock advanced Chinese.

Editor’s note: This article, originally published in 2013, was rewritten from scratch and massively updated in April, 2024.

Chengdu Travel Reviews

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

Chengdu Travel Reviews

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Chengdu Beichuan Earthquake Memorial

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

Chengdu Beichuan Earthquake Memorial

While there are many sites in China that can showcase the nation’s long history, many tourists also wish to learn about recent events. The Chengdu Beichuan Earthquake Memorial is both a heart wrenching and inspiring memorial to the human tragedy of the Sichuan earthquake that occurred in 2008.

A Living Memorial to a Terrible Tragedy

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake devastated the Sichuan province, leading to over 70,000 deaths and rendered millions of Chinese citizens homeless. In Beichuan alone, over 8600 citizens died. The provincial government decided to make the destroyed Beichuan county seat a memorial and living museum to commemorate the disaster.

By transforming the town into a memorial, the government and people of China hoped to leave an enduring memorial to their loss. Future generations would be able to come and see the terrible toll of the quake and the efforts to recover from it.

The most terrible aspect of the earthquake was the number of children who died in it. Many schools collapsed, trapping the students and teachers within. In fact, the Beichuan Middle School, where over 1,000 teachers and students died, is placed just behind the primary entrance to the museum.

The memorial site now includes a visitor center and museum, built on the site of the Beichuan High School. In addition, the ruins of the town of Beichuan have largely been opened to the public. In addition, there are surrounding lakes that were created by the earthquake.

Recommended tours:

The Importance of the Chengdu Beichuan Earthquake Memorial

This memorial represents one of the only cases of preserving the ruins of a modern city that has been struck by an earthquake. The city is mostly preserved as the earthquake left it, save for construction work to make the ruins safe for visitors. Many of the buildings appear much as they did only a few minutes after the earthquake struck.

As a symbol of the devastation of the earthquake and of the determination of the Chinese people to remember its lessons, Beichuan has a powerful impact on visitors. It is important for all visitors to remember what the museum commemorates and treat the site in a dignified manner.

Finally, the Chengdu Beichuan Earthquake Memorial provides scientists from around the world with an opportunity to observe the after effects of a major earthquake on a modern city. These lessons may very well help to save lives when future earthquakes strike.
Discovering China’s Heart

The Beichuan Earthquake Memorial does not simply commemorate a terrible tragedy, but also salutes the Chinese people. Touring the memorial park can allow the visitor to understand both the tragedy and the strength that has allowed the Chinese people to recover from it.

In fact, after visiting Beichuan, tourists should consider visiting Yongchang Town, the new county seat of the Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County. Many of the residents of Beichuan moved there in the aftermath of the earthquake, and the town is a showcase for China’s recovery from the devastation of the quake.

Both as a memorial to the human cost of the earthquake, and as a symbol of the determination to move beyond it, the Beichuan Earthquake Memorial is a striking example of China’s living history. The wise traveler should definitely make it a point to visit this poignant site.

Recommended tours:

Touring Beichuan

Beichuan is located approximately 143 kilometers (88 miles) North of the provincial capital of Chengdu, and is accessible by scheduled bus trips. The price to tour Beichuan is 158 yuan per person. This includes all fees associated with touring the site and trips should be booked at least one week in advance.

While the museum is indoors, a large portion of the memorial park is outdoors. Visitors should prepare themselves by selecting comfortable walking shoes and clothes. Depending on the time of year, it may be wise to check the weather forecast before departing and dress accordingly.

When touring the site, the visitor should note that residents from the surrounding area often visit to pay respects to the deceased. It is not uncommon to see incense burning at the site of some of the ruins. This is especially common during the anniversary of the Sichuan earthquake.

Finally, any tourists who have handicaps that impair their mobility should check with their travel agencies well in advance to determine what, if any measures they will have to take. This is especially true for individuals who are dependent on wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

Macau Visa — How to Apply for a Macau Visa?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

Macau Visa — How to Apply for a Macau Visa?

All visitors to Macau must hold a valid passport (As with most countries, you will need at least 6 months validity on your passport) or a valid travel document.

Generally passport holders of 66 countries are exempt from a visa to Macau for a certain period of time, while some are permitted to obtain a visa upon arrival at the immigration counter.

However, passport holders of six countries are required to obtain a pre-arrival visa before arriving Macau.

Passport holders of the following countries enjoy visa-free access to Macau

Maximum Limit of Stay	Countries
14 Days	Brunei
30 Days	Australia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America, Uruguay
90 Days	Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania
180 Days	The United Kingdoms
1 Year	Holders of “Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card” or “Hong Kong SAR Re-entry Permit”. (* Valid “Hong Kong Identity Card” holders are required to bring their valid passport or travel documents when they enter Macau.)

Passport Holders of the following countries are required a visa before arriving Macau

All visitors to Macau must hold a valid passport.

Starting from July 1, 2010, passport holders of Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are required to obtain an entry visa before arriving at the Macao Special Administrative Region. Visa-upon-arrival is no longer applicable to these nationals.

However, holders of a diplomatic passport may still enjoy visa-free access to Macao. In addition, the consular officials of the above six countries posted to Chinese territory, the officials of various international organizations posted to Chinese territory and their respective families may apply for an entry permit with their passport and diplomatic/consular identity card or staff card upon their arrival at Macau.

Macau Visa Application

Visas can be obtained from embassies/consulates of the People’s Republic of China, or the Immigration Department of Macau SAR Government. The visa should be used within the validity, and it expires after the valid date.

There are three types:
Individual – MOP$100, children under 12 years of age pay MOP$50.
Family Passport – MOP$200
Group – MOP$50 per person for members in group comprised of at least 10 people organized by a single travel manager and presenting a collective travel document.

(1 USD≈12 MOP)

Please note that the above information is for reference only. It is suggested that travelers contact and check with embassies/consulates of the People’s Republic of China or the Macau Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force (website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo) for the most updated information on entry formalities.

Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral — one of Macau’s best known landmarks

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Shanghai Maglev Train — The Fastest Train in the World

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

Shanghai Maglev Train — The Fastest Train in the World

Shanghai Maglev Train (Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line) is the first commercial maglev line in the world. The line runs between Longyang Road Station on the Shanghai Subway Line 2, to Pudong International Airport, and the journey takes no more than 8 minutes to complete the distance of 30 km (19 miles). It can reach up to 431 km/hr (268 mph) during the journey. In 2003, it was enrolled by Guinness Records to be the fastest train in the world in commercial use.

Chinese: 上海磁浮列车 Shànghǎi Cífú Lièchē /shung-heye tsrr-foo lyeah-cher/
Speed: record test speed: 501 kph (311 mph); commercial max. speed: 431 kph (268 mph); average speed: 230 kph (143 mph)
Route: east to Longyang Road (Shanghai Subway Line 2), west to Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Distance: 30 km (19 mi)
Duration: within 8 minutes

Also read How to plan a day trip in Shanghai?

Main Features of Shanghai Maglev Trains

Shanghai Maglev trains don’t have wheels: They use magnetic levitation technology to move without touching the ground.

Shanghai Maglev Train

Environmentally friendly: There is no waste gas produced.

Lower energy consumption than airplanes: The energy consumption is only half that of buses and a quarter that used by airplanes.

Less noise: The trains don’t touch the railway line, which makes the sound quieter than other trains. And even when they speed up to 300 kph, the decibel levels are only about 65 to people situated 50 meters away from the train.

Run smoothly: Due to the magnetic levitation technology, there are no wheels touching the railway line. Therefore, the Maglev trains run more smoothly and quieter than trains with wheels.

Facilities on Maglev Trains

Inside the train, it is very modern, clean and comfortable, much like that in an airplane. Trained attendants are present. There is enough sitting space, since there are only 2 or 3 seats in a row. Air-conditioning is available and passengers can adjust the temperature by themselves. There is an LCD screen indicating the current running speed of the train. Many passengers pay close attention and some even take a picture, when the number of “431” appears on the screen.

Timetable and Ticket Price of Shanghai Maglev Trains

From Longyang Road Station	First Train	06:45
From Longyang Road Station	Last Train	21:40
Interval	06:45	15 min
	07:00–08:40	20 min
	09:00–18:45	15 min
	19:00–21:40	20 min
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport	First Train	07:02
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport	Last Train	21:42
Interval	07:02–08:42	20 min
	09:02–18:47	15 min
	19:02–21:42	20 min
2 Extra Trains	22:15	–
2 Extra Trains	22:40	–

The train’s doors close 1 minute before its departure.
The last train stop’s check-in is 5 minutes before departure.

Seat Classes	Ordinary Seat Class	VIP Seat Class
Single trip ticket (valid on the date)	50 yuan	100 yuan
Round-trip ticket (valid for 7 days)	80 yuan	160 yuan

With a flight ticket, passengers can buy a one-way ticket on the same day of the flight with a 20% discount.
Children under 130 cm who are accompanied by an adult can travel ticket-free.

How to get to Longyang Road Station

By subway: Take Subway Line 2, get off at Longyang Rd. Station, and use exit #3 or exit #4.

By bus: Airport Bus # 3 and #7; Bus # 983 and #976.

Buy Tickets at a Ticket Center

Passengers can buy tickets on the day they want to take the train.

Address:

Longyang Road Ticket Center: 2nd floor, 2100 Longyang Road Station
Pudong Airport Ticket Center: 2nd floor, Pudong International Airport Station

How to board the train

Passengers should board the train at least 5 minutes before its departure, otherwise please wait for the next one.

After you have bought the tickets, please follow the sign, pass through the ticket entrance, and get to the platform on the 3rd floor by the escalator.
Wait behind the safety line.
Show your tickets to the attendants.
Once onboard, please quickly put your belongings in place and sit down.
Smoking is not allowed in the carriage.
On arrival, please get off the train and follow the attendants’ instructions.

Tips

Please keep your tickets for passing both the entrance and the exit gate. The tickets will be collected at your final exit.
Please keep your tickets clean and unfolded. Tickets become invalid once damaged, and you will be denied boarding.
Passengers should board the train at least 5 minutes before its departure, otherwise please wait for the next one.
When you get off the train, please make sure that you take all your belongings.

How to Plan a One-Day Middle-Budget Shopping Tour in Hong Kong

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

How to Plan a One-Day Middle-Budget Shopping Tour in Hong Kong

With tens of thousands of stores, bustling market streets, and even whole districts devoted to its most famous pastime, it’s no wonder that Hong Kong has been known for years as a shopping paradise.

The combination of having China’s factories close-by with low taxes, duties, and labor costs make Hong Kong the ideal place for a shopping extravaganza. If you know where to go to find the best discounted products you can even do it on a medium-sized budget.

With the following one-day shopping tour plan, you will unlock the labyrinth of Hong Kong’s shopping mecca with time to spare. Besides this plan, we have more places to recommend for middle-budget shopping.

One-Day Shopping Tour Plan

On this one-day tour, you’ll start at the famous Nathan Road’s Golden Mile and Ladies’ Market in the morning, continue at the Citygate Outlets mall for brand-name stores in the afternoon, then end the day browsing through the winding Temple Street Night Market in the evening to round out your shopping day.

Morning: Nathan Road and Ladies’ Market

We suggest starting to shop at Nathan Road’s Golden Mile, which runs from Salisbury Road in Victoria Harbour to Mong Kok Station. You’ll find great shopping opportunities and good places to eat. After you have finished there, you can take a bus or the metro to Ladies’ Market.

The Ladies’ Market hawker street is not to be missed!

The main Ladies’ Market street, however, is the next street east, which is called Tung Choi Street. There are bargains available with Chinese factory outlet clothing, accessories, and factory rejects. You’ll see brand names, such as Giordano, bossini, and Baleno. Carefully check articles for defects, holes, etc., and test all electronics carefully.

Another 50 meters further east is Fa Yuen Street with a wealth of bargains including sports clothing, brand names, and the latest fashion if you are prepared to search and examine the items carefully. Most shops only take cash, won’t make exchanges, and don’t provide fitting rooms.

Afternoon: Citygate Outlets Mall

You’ll find 80 different brand-name outlets there. These are quality goods, not factory rejects. The outlets claim that their prices are 30 to 70 percent below regular prices. The brand names include, for example, Bally, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Giordano, adidas, Nike, Puma, and Esprit. There is also a Fortress for electronics but it isn’t a discount store.

Hours: Most stores are open between 11am and 10pm.

Evening: Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street market opens in the late afternoon until late evening.

Going back to Jordan Station on the MTR and walking just a few minutes west, you’ll find the iconic Temple Street. This is a good place to go to end a day of shopping.

You can browse through a plethora of items ranging from inexpensive Chinese clothes to watches, children’s clothing, toys, and accessories.

The night market is a Hong Kong shopping highlight. The street stalls begin to open at about 2 or 3pm depending on the weather, and they close at about 11pm.

Other Great Middle-Budget Shopping Places in Hong Kong

Shopping in Hong Kong is not just about consumerism but it is also a cultural experience. Besides the shopping places mentioned above, you have even more options for shopping and exploring the local people’s daily lifestyles. Add some of these options to your plan.

1. Stanley Market (Hong Kong Island)

Interesting objects in Stanley Market

Stanley is a small coastal town in south Hong Kong Island, and the market there is worth a visit. You can breathe in the gentle sea breeze, feel the relaxing township atmosphere, and find some clothes, Chinese handicrafts, and other souvenirs.

After visiting the market, you can also go into a seaside bar and enjoy a drink.

2. Cat Street Market (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island)

This is not a place to buy cats but is an antique street where you can discover some old objects. It is possible to find old movie posters, books, ethnic ornaments, and interesting handicrafts.

3. Gough Street (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island)

The street is only 100 meters long but features a series of art galleries, cafés, bars, restaurants, and characteristic shops. There, you can slow your pace and visit the shops that attract you.

Some restaurants sell authentic local food, such as beef noodles, milk tea, and buns. Would you like some afternoon tea?

4. Jardine’s Crescent (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island)

Among the large malls in Causeway Bay, there is an open-air market called Jardine’s Crescent. You can find goods there that are also liked by local people, such as clothes, handbags, accessories, and household goods.

5. Tai Yuen Street (Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island)

If you are traveling with kids or want to find some toys from your childhood, you should visit Tai Yuen Street. You can find toys for your kids, some movie or comic-themed toys, as well as some nostalgic toys from when you were younger, which are very hard to find nowadays.

6. Apliu Street (Sham Shui Po, Kowloon)

Filled with stalls and small shops, Apliu Street is not just a street market, even though it looks like it. The vendors there are usually technical experts and it is possible to find some top technological products there, such as electronic components, computer hardware, or camera equipment.

You may also make some unexpected discoveries there, such as finding some old records, watches, or video products.

7. Shanghai Street (Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon)

If you like cooking, visit Shanghai Street because you can find all kinds of kitchenware there. You may have tasted dim sum or street food and you can buy the steamers or molds to make them there.

8. Granville Road (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

Granville Road is a popular shopping place for local youngsters. Along the street, there are stores selling fashionable clothes, cute accessories, and cosmetics.

Another feature of Granville Road is the workshops on the second floor. Many designers have set up their workshops on the second floor, which has a lower rent value. You can find some unique designs or let a designer create an outfit that’s just for you.

Tips for Middle-Budget Shopping

Get Free Maps, Promotions, Discounts, and Mall Guides

Shopping in Hong Kong

You can look for coupons and promotions at the Hong Kong Tourism Board offices at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Star Ferry Pier and in the Peak Tower.

Shop in the Sales Season or During the Shopping Festival

Promotions are likely throughout the year but from December to February, especially during Christmas and before Chinese New Year, most of the malls and stores in Hong Kong will have incredible sales. This period is also for brands to launch new spring and summer clothing.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board helped to set up a shopping festival that runs from July to September, when you can find bargains on end-of-season fashion items. This is also the time for new autumn and winter clothing to be launched.

One issue you should be aware of is that the sales season is also the peak season. Flights and hotels are harder to book during this time. You are recommended to book them as soon as possible or tell us your plan and let us book them for you.

China Highlights’ Popular Hong Kong Shopping Tours

Enjoy Hong Kong shopping with us

According to Shoppers Survey, Hong Kong is the best city to shop at in the Asia Pacific region. It is comfortably ahead of the other cities in their estimation, with everything from entertainment and attractions to services, and from the quality of malls and shops to the prices being among the best.

We can arrange an exceptional Hong Kong shopping tour for you. Just contact us for a personalized Hong Kong tour and we’ll design it to suit your tastes and requirements, taking you to the stores/markets that you like.

Traveling with us, you can have a local guide who speaks your language and he/she will help you to bargain or keep you away from fake or low-quality goods.

Recommended Customizable Tour Ideas

10-Day Imperial and Scenic China Family Tour — have fun in Beijing, Guilin, and Hong Kong.

The 15 Days of the Chinese New Year

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

The 15 Days of the Chinese New Year

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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As mentioned in our article , the Lunar New Year is the biggest and most important traditional holiday among the people of China and is commonly referred to as 春节 (chūn jié) – Spring Festival. According to traditional Chinese customs, the curtains of 春节 (chūn jié) officially open on the night of 除夕 (chú xī) – New Year’s Eve, and mark the beginning of five or six days of federal holiday. But Chinese people typically view the entire 15 days following 除夕 (chú xī) as the New Year Festival, and so the celebratory activities continuously span from 除夕 (chú xī) all the way to 正月十五 (zhēng yuè shí wǔ) – the 15th day of the first lunar month.

It’s also worth mentioning that since China covers a vast territory, there are some differences in customs and cultural norms between the various regions. But today we’ll introduce how Chinese people generally celebrate the New Year across these 15 days.

除夕 (chú xī)

New Year’s Eve

The final day of the lunar year is the time when people in China 辞旧迎新 (cí jiù yíng xīn) – bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. This is a very important day for everyone in China, and there are quite a few traditions that come with it. Some of the most commonly practiced include:

穿新衣 (chuān xīn yī) – wearing new clothing
贴年红 (tiē nián hóng) – hanging new year decorations
挂灯笼 (guà dēng long) – hanging lanterns
敬祖先 (jìng zǔ xiān) – paying respects to ancestors
放鞭炮 (fàng biān pào) – setting of firecrackers
吃年夜饭 (chī nián yè fàn) – eating New Year’s Eve dinner, a.k.a. reunion dinner
包饺子 (bāo jiǎo zi) – making dumplings

Many of these traditions are symbolic of getting rid of the old and replacing them with the new, and welcoming the fresh start to life that comes with the New Year. When the evening arrives, families come together in their homes and take part in 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn), a huge feast with the best delicacies and drinks that they can muster, while they share with each other the highlights from their lives in the past year. After the reunion dinner, the older generation will give the children 压岁钱 (yā suì qián) – lucky money, and there’s no shortage of 红包 (hóng bāo) – red envelopes. 压岁钱 (yā suì qián) is given to children to signify a wish for their peace and happiness, as well as an expression of love and care. It’s also a very important New Year’s tradition to 守岁 (shǒu suì) – stay up until midnight to welcome the New Year.

正月初一 (zhēng yuè chū yī)

The 1st Day of the 1st Lunar Month

In celebration of the arrival of the new spring, once the night of New Year’s Eve has passed the air is filled with the sound and smoke of firecrackers.

On the morning of 初一 (chū yī) – the first day, people will wake up early and open up wide the doors to their home. This is called 开门大吉 (kāi mén dà jí) and is believed to be a way to open up one’s home to all the good fortune of the new year. They will then immediately set off firecrackers in order to send off the old and welcome in the new.

After breakfast, people will then 拜年 (bài nián) – pay their New Year visits to family and friends, sharing well-wishes with each other. Here are a few common phrases you might hear people exchange while they 拜年 (bài nián):

恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) – may you have good fortune and prosperity
万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) – may everything be as you wish
身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) – may you have health to your body

正月初二 (zhēng yuè chū èr)

The 2nd Day of the 1st Lunar Month

On 初二 (chū èr), in most northern areas of China, married daughters will bring their husbands back to visit their parents, so this day is referred to as 迎婿日 (yíng xù rì) – the day to welcome the son-in-law. On this day, the visiting daughters will bring presents and 红包 (hóng bāo) – red envelopes – to give to the children still living in the home and share lunch with the family. But they quickly return home to their husband’s family for dinner.

正月初三 (zhēng yuè chū sān)

The 3rd Day of the 1st Lunar Month

Traditionally speaking, 初三 (chū sān) is also known as 赤狗日 (chì gǒu rì) – Red Dog Day, since legend says that this is a day of frequent quarrel and conflict. In hopes of avoiding such disputes, people would typically stay home and 祭祀神明 (jì sì shén míng) – offer sacrifices to the Gods. But such traditions have since faded and become obsolete, as most people no longer hold such beliefs and enjoy getting together for celebrations.

正月初四 (zhēng yuè chū sì)

The 4th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

According to traditional Chinese lore, five or six days before 除夕 (chú xī) all the gods return to heaven to give their report to 玉帝 (yù dì) – the Jade Emperor – on what all transpired in the mortal realm that year. There’s a Chinese saying that goes: 送神早，接神迟 (sòng shén zǎo, jiē shén chí) – send the gods early, receive them later. It means that people should worship the gods and send them off to heaven early on that day in order to make sure they get a good seat for reporting to the Jade Emperor, thus bringing them greater blessings for the year to come; but when 初四 (chū sì) comes and the gods return back to the mortal realm to begin their work of watching the humans, people should give them a little more time to relax and hold off on worshipping to receive them back until later in the day. Since there’s lots of cooking going on during the New Year celebrations, 初四 (chū sì) is mainly dedicated to worshipping 灶神 (zào shén) – the Kitchen God – and welcoming him back among the people. It’s also interesting to note that if a boss wants to fire one of their employees, colloquially referred to as as 炒魷魚 (chǎo yóu yú) – frying the squid, then the boss wonʻt invite them to participate in the 接神 (jiē shén) – receiving of the gods – ceremony on this day. If this happens the employee knows without a doubt that it’s time to clear out their things and leave.

正月初五 (zhēng yuè chū wǔ)

The 5th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

Chinese tradition has it that 初五 (chū wǔ) is the birthday of 五路财神 (wǔ lù cái shén) – the Five Gods of Wealth, and thereby is a day to welcome these gods into one’s home to ensure the family receives wealth and prosperity in the coming year. On this day, people will get up in the early morning and set off firecrackers in a special way. They line up the strings of firecrackers to go off in the direction away from the house, and as they set them off they walk outwards as well. This is seen as a way to blow all bad fortune away from the home. They also deep clean the house, getting rid of all the trash and junk that they’ve accumulated across the previous days of festivities that are then seen as unlucky. Because of this, 初五 (chū wǔ) is also known as 送穷日 (sòng qióng rì) – the day to get rid of poverty. This day has one more name as well: 破五 (pò wǔ), since this day also marks the end of the taboos that are held during the first few days of the New Year. It’s also traditional for people in Northern China to eat lots of 饺子 (jiǎo zi) – dumplings! They look similar to the gold money boats used in ancient times, so Chinese people have the superstition that the more dumplings you eat during Spring Festival, the more money you’ll make that year!

正月初六 (zhēng yuè chū liù)

The 6th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

初六 (chū liù) in some areas is seen as a day to 送穷神 (sòng qióng shén) – get rid of the spirits/gods of poverty. There are a wide variety of ways to say it, and accompanying customs, but the tradition of the unlucky spirits and gods of poverty are a very unique and interesting aspect of traditional Chinese culture. On 初六 (chū liù), or 初五 (chū wǔ) in some areas, everyone must throw out the garbage and junk that they accumulated during the festivities of the previous few days, and deep clean their homes. This reflects the overall idea that Chinese people have of 辞旧迎新 (cí jiù yíng xīn) – getting rid of the old and welcoming in the new during this time of year.

初六 (chū liù) is also known as 启市日 (qǐ shì rì) – the day that businesses re-open. This is met with yet more firecrackers, rivaling what one might hear on 除夕 (chú xī)! In the following sections we’ll provide a simple explanation of the traditions between 初七 (chū qī) and 正月十五 (zhēng yuè shí wǔ) – the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. It’s worth nothing that nowadays these traditions are mostly antiquated and only observed by people in very few area, but in their hearts Chinese people still see this time as a continuation of the Spring Festival.

正月初七 (zhēng yuè chū qī)

The 7th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

Legend says that 初七 (chū qī) is the day that people were first created by the heavens, the birthday of humankind, and was once called 人日 (rén rì). 人日 (rén rì) is an ancient holiday, with a history of over 2,000 years! People of most areas would 吃长面 (chī cháng miàn) – eat long noodles. It symbolized the belief that after 人日 (rén rì), one can no longer rest and must work hard to prepare for spring farming.

正月初八 (zhēng yuè chū bā)

The 8th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

初八 (chū bā) is traditionally believed to be the birthday of rice, and is called 顺星节 (shùn xīng jié) – Shunxing Festival. If weather on this day is clear, it indicates that the rice harvest will be abundant in the coming year. Some businesses will choose to open on this day, since 八 (bā) sounds like 发 (fā) from 发财 (fā cái) – to make a fortune.

初八 (chū bā) is also a day that people would set their captive animals free. This not only shows how the ancient people of China valued living in harmony with nature, but also shows how they held the beautiful wish that every creature on Earth would thrive and flourish in the coming year.

正月初九 (zhēng yuè chū jiǔ)

The 9th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

初九 (chū jiǔ) was believed to be the birthday of 玉皇大帝 (yù huáng dà dì) – the Great Jade Emperor. On this day the people of ancient China would set out candles and worship the heavens, praying for the gods to bless them with good weather for the crops, peace and health. They would also typically hold a large feast to celebrate.

正月初十 (zhēng yuè chū shí)

The 10th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

初十 (chū shí) was considered to be the birthday of stone. On the evening of 初九 (chū jiǔ), people would place a pottery jar onto a flat, smooth slab of rock to freeze. Then, on the morning of 初十 (chū shí), they fasten rope around the nose of the jar, after which ten young men would take turns lifting it. If the rock did not fall, it signified an abundant harvest in the year ahead. In the southern regions, there is also a custom of lighting lanterns and having lantern-lighting banquets.

正月十一 (zhēng yuè shí yī)

The 11th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

正月十一 (zhēng yuè shí yī) is the day that fathers would hold a banquet for their sons-in-law. Typically there was lots of left over food from the celebratory feast of 初九 (chū jiǔ), even after what was eaten on 初十 (chū shí). So the fathers would use this surplus food to entertain their sons-in-law, referred to in folk songs as 十一请子婿 (shí yī qǐng zǐ xù).

正月十二至正月十四

(zhēng yuè shí èr zhì zhēng yuè shí sì)

The 12th-14th Days of the 1st Lunar Month

After 正月十一 (zhēng yuè shí yī), people start to prepare to celebrate 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié) – Lantern Festival. On 正月十二 (zhēng yuè shí èr), people start to buy lanterns and build lantern sheds. There’s a children’s rhyme that says:

十一嚷喳喳 (shí yī rǎng chā chā)

eleven, commotion and chatter

十二搭灯棚 (shí èr dā dēng péng)

twelve, build the lantern sheds

十三人开灯 (shí sān rén kāi dēng)

thirteen, people light the lanterns

十四灯正明 (shí sì dēng zhèng míng)

fourteen, the lanterns are truly bright

十五行月半 (shí wǔ xíng yuè bàn)

fifteen, carry out the half-month day

十六人完灯 (shí liù rén wán dēng)

sixteen, people extinguish the lanterns

正月十五 (zhēng yuè shí wǔ)

The 15th Day of the 1st Lunar Month

正月十五 (zhēng yuè shí wǔ) is actually a very important holiday for China: 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié) – Lantern Festival. Ever since ancient times, the main celebration of 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié) has been to light and watch lanterns. Other significant traditions on this day include:

吃汤圆 (chī tāng yuán) – eating glutinous rice balls
猜灯谜 (cāi dēng mí) – solving lantern riddles
放烟花 (fàng yān huā) – setting off fireworks

And in many areas there are traditional folk performances displaying:

游龙灯 (yóu lóng dēng) – swimming dragon lanterns
舞狮子 (wǔ shī zi) – dancing lions
踩高跷 (cǎi gāo qiāo) – stilt walking
划旱船 (huá hàn chuán) – land boat paddling
扭秧歌 (niǔ yāng ge) – doing the Yangko dance
打太平鼓 (dǎ tài píng gǔ) – playing the Taiping drums

These boisterous celebrations make it seem like Chinese New Year has only just begun!

Speaking of 猜灯谜 (cāi dēng mí) – solving lantern riddles, here’s one that we’ve prepared for our friends that are learning Chinese characters. See if you can figure it out yourself!

Guess a Chinese character based on the number “99.”

Hint #1: The answer is a character that refers to a color and closely resembles a number character.
Hint #2: We teach you this character is in !

We’ll reveal the answer at the end of our upcoming blogpost: !

asking-the-experts-how-to-bridge-the-gap-to-real-chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:32 +0000

<br /> Asking the experts: How to bridge the gap to real Chinese | Hacking Chinese

9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour

An In-depth Exploration of Western Sichuan

How much do you know about Sichuan province? The lovely giant pandas and incredible Sichuan food are not the only things this place has to offer. Sichuan also has an incredible national highway that connects the middle part of the country to Tibet. In China, it is known as the most beautiful highway and is considered a bucket list drive.

When starting from Chengdu and journeying west, you will feast your eyes on the beautiful landscape, experience the culture blend between Tibet and Han Chinese, and discover China’s best-kept secret where explorer Joseph Rock wanted to visit again and again.

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Explore the Real Hometown of Pandas

Get up close with pandas at Wolong Panda Reserve, situated in the natural habitat of these adorable creatures.

Get Lost in the Charming Valleys of the Eastern Alps

Visit Siguniang Mountain, the queen of the snow mountains in Sichuan. Take a stroll in what looks like an oil painting consisting of the snowy mountains, reflecting lakes, and forests.

Experience Tibetan Culture in the Hidden Monastery and Village

Feel the harmony between nature and the local Tibetan people and the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism.

Find the Most Beautiful Snowcapped Mountain According to Joseph Rock

Make a pilgrimage to the three sacred mountains and imagine Joseph Rock’s excitement when he arrived in Yading Village and finally viewed them after overcoming all his journey’s difficulties.

Travelers Love China Highlights

Tour Map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Chengdu to Wolong to Rilong (212 km, 4 hrs)

Wolong Panda Research Center

DAY 2 Rilong

Explore Mount Siguniang National Park including Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley

DAY 3 Rilong to Danba to Tagong (220 km, 5 hrs)

Zhonglu Tibetan village and Moshi Park

DAY 4 Tagong to Litang (224 km, 5 hrs)

Tagong grassland and Tagong monastery

DAY 5 Litang to Riwa (223 km, 4 hrs)

Mount Haizi Scenic Area, Litang Grassland, Litang Monastery, and Daocheng Tibetan Pagodas

DAY 6 Riwa

The Long-route tour of the Yading Nature Reserve including the Chonggu Monastery, the snow-capped mountains of Jambeyang and Chanadorje, Luorong Cattle Farm, Wuse (Five Color) Lake and Niunai (Milk) Lakes.

DAY 7 Riwa to Yajiang (351 km, 6 hrs)

The short-route tour of Yading Nature Reserve including Pearl Lake and Chenrezig Mountain.

DAY 8 Yajiang to Moxi (213 km, 5½ hrs)

Daduhe Gorge, Luding Bridge, and Zheduo Mountain

DAY 9 Moxi to Chengdu (328 km, 5 hrs)

Hailuogou Scenic Area

More Chengdu tours

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

FromUS$3,009p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: cd-82

Inquire

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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Huangshan Travel Guide

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

Huangshan Travel Guide

Huangshan is in the east of China and close to Shanghai. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. Huangshan is steeped in picturesque natural landscapes and history. Marvel at the peculiarly-shaped rocks and pines on the Yellow Mountains, appreciate the ancient-styled dwellings in Xidi and Hongcun villages, then have a taste of Huangshan’s most famous tea — maofengtea (毛峰茶), one of China’s top 10 teas.

When to go and What to See

Huangshan is worth visiting all year round. And you won’t regret to visit it in any season.

Spring — Rape flower of Sankou Town

Late March to early April
Northeast of the Yellow Mountains
More than 2 square kilometers rape flowers
40 minutes’ drive from the Yellow Mountains

Summer — Pine and sea of cloud of the Yellow Mountains

1½ hours by bus from Huangshan city
North of center Huangshan
Enjoy a leisure summer

Autumn — Chrysanthemum blossoms and red leaves of the Yellow Mountains

Sea of Clouds of the Yellow Mountains

Winter — Frost flowers and rime, sea of clouds

From November to March is the winter time of the Yellow Mountains

Must-Visit List

The Yellow Mountains: The seas of clouds, sunrise and the sunset, hot springs
Hongcun Village and Xidi Village: Village in paintings, the constant fieldwork foci of art students
Classic and idyllic East Chinese rural life in She and Yi counties (both are about 1½ hours’ drive from the Yellow Mountains)
Huangshan Spotlight Expriences

How to get to Huangshan

Hong Village

The transportation of Huangshan is quiet convenient. Huangshan City is about 410 km (255 mi) southwest from Shanghai. It is a tourist destination often combined with Shanghai and Hangzhou (about 250 km or 155 miles east). Flights are available to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Xi’an, etc.

The Yellow Mountains is the highlight of Huangshan Prefecture. So buses directly linking Shanghai/Hangzhou and the Yellow Mountains depart every day.

Cable cars are available on the Yellow Mountains. But you still need to do some mountain climbing to get to the tops. Stone steps and amenities are provided on all major paths.

Read more about Huangshan transportation.

Recommended Tours:

Huangshan Photography Tour

Recommended Tours

China Highlights’ 4-Day Huangshan Highlights Tour includes the Yellow Mountains and Hongcun Village.

You can watch the sunset and sunrise on the mountains because you will stay overnight on the Yellow Mountains on the second day.

If you have never traveled to Shanghai before, you can combine it with a tour of Shanghai.

Want to see more attractions in Huangshan, which are not included in our ready-made tours? No problem. We at China Highlights specialize in tailor-making tours.

Blue Moon Valley 2026: How to Visit (8 Useful Tips)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

Blue Moon Valley 2026: How to Visit (8 Useful Tips)

Blue Moon Valley is a scenic spot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, popular among visitors for its clear blue lakes and stunning mountain backdrop, making it ideal for photography.

If you are interested in Blue Moon Valley, you can find some travel tips on this page.

Content Preview

1. What to See
2. Which Is the Bluest Lake to Photograph?
3. What Is the Best Time to Visit?
4. How to Get to Blue Moon Valley
5. What Is the Recommended Tour Route?
6. How Long Does It Take to Visit Blue Moon Valley?
7. What About the Ticket for Blue Moon Valley?
8. How About Altitude Sickness?

1. What to See

White Water Terraces

The main attractions of Blue Moon Valley are four blue lakes and the White Water Terraces, where the clear White Water River cascades down the terraces.

You could stroll along the lakeside plank trails and capture stunning photos featuring both the snowcapped mountains and the blue lakes, which are the highlights of the area.

2. Which Is the Bluest Lake to Photograph?

Among the four blue lakes, Yuye Lake is the bluest and the best spot for capturing photos of the blue lake alongside the snow peaks.

After getting off the sightseeing bus, walk up a short distance to reach Yuye Lake.

3. What Is the Best Time to Visit?

Blue Moon Valley

To capture the lakes’ vibrant blue color, it is best to visit on a sunny day as sunlight serves as the best filter. The ideal time is between 11am and 2pm when the sunlight is most abundant.

For your month selection, March to May and October to December are the better choices. During these months, there is more sunshine and less rainfall.

You could check out more weather tips in our article about Lijiang Weather.

4. How to Get to Blue Moon Valley

Blue Moon Valley is located within the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. It is about a 1-hour drive from Lijiang Old Town.

Once you have entered the scenic spot, there are several options to reach Blue Moon Valley.

You could take the sightseeing bus directly from the tourist center or you could also catch a bus from Glacier Park, Spruce Meadow, or Yak Meadow to Blue Moon Valley.

5. What Is the Recommended Tour Route?

Spruce Meadow

We recommend the tour route: Spruce Meadow → Blue Moon Valley, which is suitable for most visitors, especially families with children or elderly members.

This is a half-day tour that offers beautiful scenery, including snowcapped mountains, lakes, and forests, and generally avoids serious altitude sickness.

If you’re looking for a full-day tour, you could add Glacier Park or Yak Meadow to the half-day itinerary.

Glacier Park provides the best viewpoint for stunning views of glaciers and snow peaks (the best time to visit is from October to April as there may be insufficient snow at other times), but be aware of potential altitude sickness.

Yak Meadow has scenery similar to Spruce Meadow but is at a slightly higher elevation of 3,700 meters (12,140 ft).

While it lacks the forested landscape, it is closer to the snowcapped mountains, offering a more expansive view with fewer visitors.

8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan

6. How Long Does It Take to Visit Blue Moon Valley?

A visit of 1–1½ hours is enough for both photography and strolling.

7. What About the Ticket for Blue Moon Valley?

Blue Moon Valley does not require a separate ticket as it is included in the entrance ticket for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

This ticket should be paid for on-site when entering the mountain’s scenic area.

8. How About Altitude Sickness?

Blue Moon Valley is at an altitude of 2,900 meters (9,510 ft) where the vegetation is abundant and the oxygen levels are relatively high.

The area mainly consists of flat land and gentle slopes, so as long as you don’t walk too fast or constantly climb, you are unlikely to experience altitude sickness.

If you are concerned about altitude sickness, you could buy one or two oxygen bottles in Lijiang Old Town or the downtown area (which are cheaper than the scenic area) in case you need them.

Recommended Lijiang Tours

You could also create or adjust the itinerary based on your requirements. Just contact us.

One-day Suzhou Garden & Water Town Private Tour from Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

One-day Suzhou Garden & Water Town Private Tour from Shanghai

Highlights Itinerary Price FAQ

Escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and embark on a one-day private tour of Suzhou—no need to plan your own itinerary. Explore one of Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage classical gardens and visit Tiger Hill, a must-see for the region’s cultural heritage. Then, wander through Tongli or Zhouzhuang, one of China’s most beautiful water towns. Enjoy a relaxed pace, avoid crowds, and customize your trip to your liking.

Tour Highlights

Choose your favorite garden to visit, from among the Master of the Nets Garden, the Lingering Garden, and the Lion Grove Garden.
Feel Jiangnan charm of optional Tongli or Zhouzhuang water town.
Hotel transfer service are included from Shanghai downtown.
Flexiable tour arrangement that suits your needs.

The Design of the Day Trip

Guide: better than a normal licensed tour guide; friendly and helpful with fluent English.
Driver: reliable licensed local driver with at least 5 years’ driving experience.
Vehicle: Air-conditioned business car (max: 7 seats) with GPS facilities, big windows, and ample space.
Professional product team analysis on every part of the trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Close All

The day before your tour date

The tour guide will contact you through hotel or leave a message for you regarding the exact pickup time the night before tour.

Good to Know:

Please leave your WhatsApp information when make the booking. You can WhatsApp me at +86-18807734970 in case you need to reach us.
The hotel pick-up and drop-off area should be within the middle ring road of Shanghai. For further distance there might be an extra cost for the transfer. Your travel advisor will give you a notification about this.

8:00 AM -11:00 AM Hotel Pick-Up and Transfer to visit Suzhou Garden

Your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby in the morning at around 8:00 AM. A comfortable car will transfer you and your guide to Suzhou city about 2 hours.

First, you can choose to visit one of three classic gardens in Suzhou: Master of the Nets Garden (highly recommended), Lingering Garden, or Lion Grove Garden.

The Master of the Nets Garden is especially popular with overseas tourists and is hailed as the most exquisite and best-preserved private garden in Suzhou. Different from the larger, bustling gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a serene and personal experience where you can truly connect with the elegance of classical Chinese garden design.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Visit the Tiger Hill

Then we head to Tiger Hill, also known as Surging Sea Hill, which is a famous scenic area in Suzhou, attracting visitors with a number of historical sites and its natural beauty.

We’ll explore serene gardens, hidden courtyards, and a mysterious 2,500-year-old tomb believed to hold the king of the Wu Kingdom. The famous Yunyan Pagoda, tilting gracefully for centuries, offers a picture-perfect moment you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for history, romance, or the perfect photo, Tiger Hill has it all.

12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Visit Ancient Water Town.

Next, we will transfer to visit a water town, you can choose one from Tongli or Zhouzhuang water town. Zhouzhuang is most recommended. Zhouzhuang is built amid canals, ponds, and lakes. There are many old buildings and bridges, boat rides, crafts, framed by the quaint water town scenery. Feel free to take many photos and capture the beautiful views as seen in “Shanghai Triad”.

You are recommended to take a gondola and witness the way of life of people living by the canals, first hand. This medieval water town has a history dating back more than 900 years, and has houses and bridges built in both the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties (1644–1911).

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Transfer Back to Your Hotel in Shanghai

We will transfer you to your hotel at the end of the tour. Going back to your hotel in Shanghai will normally take about 2 hours.

Know Before You Book

Price Includes:

Entrance fee – Tiger Hill; choose one from Master of the Nets Garden, Lingering Garden or Lion Grove Garden; choose one from Zhouzhuang or Tongli.
Transport between attractions, including pickup and return to your Shanghai hotel.
English-speaking local guide service.

Price Excludes:

A gondola tour in the Water Town.
Lunch fee.
Tipping of guide & driver recommended on good service on a 2:1 ratio separately (usually 50-100 RMB per person).

FAQs About This Tour

What is the hotel pick-up and drop-off area?

The hotel pick-up and drop-off area should be within the middle ring road of Shanghai. For further distance there might be an extra cost for the transfer. Your travel advisor will give you a notification about this.

The hotel pick-up and drop-off area

What is your cancellation policy?

If we are not able to implement the contract due to war, flood, typhoon, fire, strikes, storm, earthquake, or any other condition we are not able to foresee and avoid, we will inform customers at the first possible opportunity and offer the best possible solutions, and the final bill shall be settled based on the service we actually provide.
Up to 7 days before departure: 100% refund of all money paid, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
From 3 to 7 days before departure: 90% refund, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
Within 3 days before departure: no refund.
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for cancelled services due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
For groups of more than 10 people: The terms for cancellation may vary from case to case. Please ask your travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for your group.

What Makes Us Different

In-Depth Discovery

China Highlights prides itself on offering and conducting the best and most enjoyable, informative, convenient and comfortable tours in and around the beautiful, historical and vibrant city of Shanghai. We feel a professional obligation to conduct research and constantly monitor feedback and constructive criticism from our previous customers’ visits to favorite spots and the best sites to take photos. We also work out the best routes to cover Shanghai’s top sights:

In Zhouzhuang: You will take a gondola and see for yourself the hustle and bustle of life of the people living by the canals, often colourful and very interesting as you glide by.

At Lunch Restaurant : We will take you to our designated restaurant by the side of water way, have some nicely made local food on the second floor where you could view the best part of water village.

No Shopping! No Tourist Traps!

We are the 1st China on-line travel agent that promise No-shopping policy while many other tour group have to spent much time and money in the tourist shops so that they can own more commissions!

Friendly and Knowledgeable Guide

Our tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and well-trained. They only work for China Highlights / Trippest. We don’t use freelance tour guides in Shanghai.

Locally-Based for Quick Quality Service

Unlike some other online travel agents who sell tour products made by local travel agents, we built our own branch company in Shanghai in 2010, and since then we have started to make our own unique products. We aim to deliver a high-value tour to every one of our customers. We have more than 50 local staff in Shanghai to solve your problems on the spot.

China Highlights / Trippst Shanghai Office: +86-18807734970 (24/7 customer service)

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Apr 10 | Making Chinese Tie-Dye

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

Apr 10 | Making Chinese Tie-Dye

Are you in Beijing or Shanghai on Thursday, April 10, 2025?

Join us for a hands-on Chinese Tie-Dye workshop where you’ll learn the traditional techniques of this ancient art.

EVENT DETAILS

Discover the Art of Chinese Tie-Dye

做扎染 | Zuò Zārǎn

What to Expect:

A brief introduction to the history of 扎染 (Zārǎn)

Step-by-step guidance on dyeing techniques

Your own hand-dyed fabric to take home

Materials on us.

This event has passed. Browse our upcoming events!

March 27 | Mahjong Night

Kids Learn Mandarin: How to Use the Mandarin Character “来”？

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

Lái
来
Come

Lái zhè lǐ
来这里
Come here

Lái wán
来玩
Come play

Lái chī fàn
来吃饭
Come eat

Lái jiā lǐ
来家里
Come home

Lái yī xià
来一下
Come for a moment

Huí lái
回来
Come back

If you consider having your kid learn Mandarin, sign up for a free online 1-to-1 Mandarin lesson on this page for your kid.

Learning Classical Chinese is for everyone (no, seriously!)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:31 +0000

So you’re learning Chinese, and you can’t wait to be able to read the Analects of Confucius (論語/论语 Lúnyǔ), right? Or maybe it’s Tang Dynasty poetry for you, or you want to read essays by Su Shi 蘇軾, or read historical documents or other pre-20th century writing. Or maybe you just want to improve your modern Chinese, and you’ve heard (or maybe you haven’t!) that learning Classical Chinese will also help your modern Chinese. Well, this article’s for you, whatever your situation!

In this article, I’m going to talk about who should learn Classical Chinese and why, what Classical Chinese is (not to mention what Literary Chinese is), and then I’ll talk about how to learn it, whatever your goal is. We’re going to cover a lot of ground, so strap yourself in!

This is a guest article written by John Renfroe, the co-founder of Outlier Linguistics, creators of the Outlier Dictionary of Chinese Characters (see my review here), along with courses on how to learn Chinese characters, pronunciation, and (now) Classical Chinese. Before Outlier, he studied Linguistics and Paleography in the Graduate Institute of Chinese at National Taiwan Normal University. He co-founded and later ran the Taipei Classical Chinese Reading Group, a weekly reading group consisting mostly of graduate Sinology students from western universities. He also taught classical Chinese to members of the group who had no previous instruction in the language.

Table of contents

Who should learn Classical Chinese, and why?
What is Classical Chinese? Literary Chinese?
So, how do I learn Classical Chinese? Can I learn it on my own?
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert/Academic
Wrap-up: Classical Chinese is for everyone
Recommended books for learning Classical Chinese
References

Quick note before we begin: I’m mostly going to use “Classical Chinese” interchangeably with “Literary Chinese” in this article, although strictly speaking they’re different beasts. I’ll talk about the distinction in Section 2.

I. Who should learn Classical Chinese, and why?

So, who would you say is the most obvious group of people who want to learn Classical Chinese? People who want to read the classics, you say? Well…duh!

But let’s start with a less obvious group: people who have no interest in the classics, but only want to improve their modern Chinese. Believe it or not, learning some Classical Chinese will help your modern Chinese tremendously. Modern formal writing, whether it’s newspapers, academic writing, or legal and business documents, borrows heavily from the classical language. In fact, the more formal the register, the more it resembles—you guessed it—Classical Chinese!

Signage is often very classical-esque.

The Chinese language has a rich literary history spanning thousands of years. Some of the world’s most well-known books are written in Classical Chinese. The Analects of Confucius, for example, or The Records of the Grand Historian. The business world has long found inspiration from Sun Tzu’s (or Sūnzǐ 孫子/孙子) The Art of War (孫子兵法/孙子兵法). The Tao Te Ching (or Dàodéjīng 道德經/道德经) and the Classic of Changes (Yìjīng 易經/易经) are foundational texts of Daoism, a philosophy that has spread throughout the world.

Now, it may seem obvious, but just because you’ve learned Chinese doesn’t mean you can read The Art of War (or any other classic work) in Chinese! It’s not written in Modern Standard Chinese, after all!

Classical Chinese is the wellspring of the Chinese literary tradition, and anyone who wants to read these texts in the original needs to learn Classical Chinese. No more explanation needed!

Perhaps less obvious is that if you’re into Chinese poetry (especially pre-20th century), you need Classical Chinese! Tang and Song poetry are some of the world’s most precious literary treasures, and they’re very difficult to understand through the lens of modern Chinese alone. In fact, it even helps to learn a little bit about Middle Chinese (basically, the pronunciation of Chinese from the 4th through the 12th century, CE), because the meter and rhyme patterns in Tang and Song poetry will make more sense if you know about Middle Chinese tones. That’s a topic for a different article though!

Really, if you’re into pre-20th century literature of any kind, you’ll need to know some classical Chinese. For example, even though the “Four Great Novels” (sì dà míng zhù 四大名著) are written in the vernacular of their time rather than in Classical (or actually Literary) Chinese, they borrow heavily from Classical Chinese and are often written in a sort of half-classical, half-vernacular (bàn wén bàn bái 半文半白) style. So if you want to read Journey to the West (Xīyóujì 西遊記/西游记) or Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sānguó Yǎnyì 三國演義/三国演义), Classical Chinese will help _a lot_.

And even if all that stuff isn’t your bag, there’s still tons of fun stuff to read. The sheer volume of stuff written in Classical and Literary Chinese is astounding. From history and philosophy to poetry and even zombie stories (yes, seriously!), there really is something for everyone.

So it’s really for everyone who wants to reach a high level in Chinese, wherever your interests lie.

II. What is Classical Chinese? Literary Chinese?

The Chinese language has been around for thousands of years. The earliest records we have are written on turtle plastrons and ox scapulae, and date to about 1350 BCE. So is that “Classical Chinese?” No, not really.

Linguists basically divide the history of the Chinese language into four periods:

Old Chinese: 13th century BCE to 3rd century CE
Middle Chinese: 4th to 12th century CE
Early Modern Chinese: 12th to 19th century CE
Modern Chinese: 20th century and after

But where’s “Classical Chinese?” Well, strictly speaking, it’s a style of writing that flourished during a specific part of the Old Chinese period. Below, the periods are based upon styles of writing, so they don’t match up exactly with the above phonological stages proposed by linguists.

1. Pre-Classical Chinese: 13th to 5th century BCE

This is the language of the oracle bone inscriptions and Shang and Western Zhou bronze inscriptions. It’s also the language of the earliest parts of the classics: parts of the Book of Odes (Shījīng 詩經/诗经), the Book of Documents (Shàngshū 尚書/尚书 or Shūjīng 書經/书经), the Book of Changes (Yìjīng 易經/易经), and the Spring and Autumn Annals (Chūnqiū 春秋) come from this period.

2. Classical Chinese proper: 4th to 1st century BCE

At this time, the proliferation of bamboo and wooden strips as writing material led to an explosion of new texts. Dozens of texts survive from this period, including most of what’s thought of as “the classics” of the Chinese tradition. Confucius, Mencius, Laozi, and other thinkers constituted the “hundred schools of thought” of the classical period, and form the basis of much of later Chinese thought.

Interestingly, by this time period, the texts from the pre-Classical period were already very difficult to read without extensive commentary. Evidence shows that writing during the classical period was very close to the spoken language of the time (and even dialectal vocabulary is present in the classical texts), and is much different from the writing style of the pre-classical period, which seems much more terse to a modern reader.

3. Post-Classical Chinese: 1st to 3rd century CE

During this period, simplifications of the Chinese syllable led to significant changes in the Chinese language as a whole. Features of Old Chinese such as suffixes were in the process of evolving into the tones of Middle Chinese (which in turn became the tones of modern Chinese), multi-syllable vocabulary became much more common, and new ways of phrasing and syntactical constructions were introduced. The written language gradually began to separate from the spoken language, and even diversified into genre-specific styles (poetry, history, etc.).

4. Literary Chinese: post-3rd century CE

This was the beginning of what we call Literary Chinese. “Literary,” because it’s separate from the spoken, or vernacular language. So strictly speaking, Literary Chinese refers to non-vernacular Chinese after the 3rd century CE.

So Literary Chinese is the writing style of the vast majority of the Chinese literary tradition. It was the primary form of writing until the early 20th century, and is even still used today by some people (one of my professors, for example, writes his emails primarily in Literary Chinese). However, even if you mainly want to read Literary Chinese, it’s best to start with Classical Chinese, since that’s what later usage is based on. It will give you the best foundation to read the stuff you want to read.

III. So, how do I learn Classical Chinese? Can I learn it on my own?

Well, sure you can!

Of course, the traditional way is to learn it in school. If you’re a Chinese major, you probably had to take a semester or two of Classical Chinese as part of your degree. Or if you’re at a language school in China or Taiwan, you might get the chance to take a course on it. And of course, if you grew up in China or Taiwan, you probably took it in school and aren’t reading this article!

But what about the rest of us? If we don’t have access to a school that offers Classical Chinese classes, are we just out of luck?

I remember the odd mixture of horror and amusement when I told my Chinese teacher that I was “teaching myself” Classical Chinese. “That’s not possible!” she said. When I showed her my textbook, she pointed out a few phrases and asked me to translate them into modern Chinese. I managed to do it (I was at a low intermediate level in Mandarin at the time, so I wasn’t exactly eloquent), and convinced her that it was actually possible to do it without a teacher.

So how did I do it? Well, I’ll tell you. I’m going to lay out a recommended path of study for a non-native speaker to learn Classical Chinese, from beginner to expert, including which books I used along the way, along with other books that I didn’t use myself, but own and can recommend.

Note that while it is possible to learn on your own, it’s definitely easier if you have a teacher. John is teaching an online course starting March 1 called Introduction to Classical/Literary Chinese, so please check it out if you’re interested! By signing up, you’ll leran more about Classical Chinese and help support Hacking Chinese too!

1. Beginners

When you’re first starting out with learning Classical Chinese, you’ll need a textbook, a grammar guide, and a dictionary. You’ll want to go through the textbook and complete as many exercises as possible. Don’t be tempted to skip the exercises just because you’re able to read the main text for the lesson! The exercises will prepare you to deal with the more challenging things you’ll encounter in subsequent lessons.

Most textbooks assume that you already know a few hundred characters in a modern CJKV language—usually Chinese, but Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese will do too. However, I’ll also recommend one textbook meant for people with zero background in a CJKV language. The textbooks will define all the characters you’re learning as you go (and will give you the definition you need when you need it, rather than dumping a bunch of different definitions on you all at once), so there’s no need to worry about looking the characters up in a “normal” dictionary of modern Chinese, for example. Keep in mind that some characters will have different meanings in Classical Chinese than what you’re familiar with. 說/说 shuō, for example, usually means “explain” in Classical Chinese, rather than “to speak, say.” These meanings are often closer to the original meaning of the characters that we list in the Outlier Dictionary of Chinese Characters, so it may also help to cross-reference our dictionary.

The dictionary will serve you well throughout your journey. I’ll recommend one with definitions in English, and one that’s in Chinese only, but is still great for beginners to Classical Chinese. At some point, you’ll want to upgrade to something more comprehensive, but in the beginning, it’s important to have something that isn’t too overwhelming.

These are the books I used myself at the beginner level, and I can wholeheartedly recommend them. After that, I’ll recommend other textbooks for beginners that I personally own and can highly recommend, if you find you prefer them over the textbook I used. It’s best if you already know a few hundred Chinese characters (simplified or traditional—although most of these books are in traditional, some of them have simplified texts in the appendices) before you start, but in the “Other books” section, I’ll also recommend one textbook designed for people who don’t know any Chinese yet.

Michael Fuller, An Introduction to Literary Chinese

At the beginning, I used Michael Fuller’s excellent textbook, An Introduction to Literary Chinese. This book starts out by covering the basic syntax of Classical Chinese, then guides you through progressively more challenging “intermediate” texts.

Along the way, you get experience with using dictionaries of Classical Chinese, as well as classical commentary and other resources. After that, you read more difficult texts, progressing from classical texts like Mencius (Mèngzǐ 孟子) to Tang and Song writing by Hán Yù 韓愈/韩愈 and Sū Shì 蘇軾/苏轼. It’s a wonderful textbook, and it’s very popular, so if you get stuck, you can ask for help online (there’s a fairly active Classical Chinese subreddit, for example).

The book is full of exercises beyond just the reading selections, and I highly recommend completing the exercises as much as possible. Some of the exercises require access to a library, so they may not be practical unless you’re near a library with a reasonable Chinese collection, but most of them should be doable.

This is also the textbook we’ll be using in our Introduction to Classical/Literary Chinese course—the first cohort starts in March 2022, but we’ll be doing more in the future.

Edwin G. Pulleyblank, Outline of Classical Chinese Grammar

Probably the most popular reference on Classical Chinese grammar in English, this book is written in a clear, easy-to-understand style and will help you when you run into unfamiliar usage in Classical Chinese. One point to note is that Dr. Pulleyblank’s work on grammar isn’t widely used or cited among native speaking scholars, but I personally found the book very useful from a practical standpoint.

王力《古代漢語常用字字典》

Note: blue cover for traditional, green cover for simplified.

This is a thin, very portable, and very affordable dictionary of Classical Chinese usage. It’s all in Chinese, but the definitions are often easy enough to read if you’re at the intermediate level in modern Chinese. A super useful feature of this dictionary (and the other Chinese-language ones I’ll mention later) is that it provides examples of characters being used in Classical texts that correspond to the definition given. Often, you’ll find that the exact passage you’re struggling with is cited, which is super helpful because then you’ll know pretty definitively what the character means in that particular context. Highly recommended for all students.

Paul W. Kroll, A Student’s Dictionary of Classical and Medieval Chinese

This is the first dictionary of Classical Chinese published in English in over 70 years, and it’s very good. Of particular note are two features: 1) it contains the Middle Chinese for each character, and 2) it points out potential translation pitfalls, such as the fact that chái 豺 should be “dhole” rather than “jackal” (which was a more common, but erroneous translation for a long time). One huge selling point for this dictionary is that it’s available as an add-on to Pleco, so I highly recommend this one for any non-native speakers learning Classical Chinese.

Other Textbooks for Beginners

By no means is Fuller’s textbook the only one, or even the only good one! It’s just my personal favorite, but that’s probably at least partially because it’s the one I used myself. There are many other excellent books available, and I’d like to mention a few here. The Rouzer and Vogelsang books, like the Fuller book, are best suited for people with at least a few hundred characters in a CJKV language. The book by Prof. van Norden, however, is meant for people starting completely from zero. So if that describes you, van Norden is the book for you!

Paul Rouzer, A New Practical Primer of Literary Chinese

Prof. Rouzer’s book is another in a similar vein to Fuller’s. It makes frequent references to Pulleyblank’s Outline of Classical Chinese Grammar mentioned above, and it also contains Sino-Japanese (onyomi 音読み) and Sino-Korean pronunciations for all characters in an appendix. That makes it particularly useful for students who don’t have a background in Mandarin. Its selection of texts is a bit more narrow than Fuller’s, but you also get to read more excerpts from each text. Note that the texts in Rouzer come only from the classical period, rather than drawing from both Classical and Literary Chinese texts like Fuller does.

Kai Vogelsang, Introduction to Classical Chinese

Just published in late 2021, this is the most recent book on this list by far. It’s also a very comprehensive introduction to Classical Chinese, with a particular emphasis on the grammar. One possible drawback, depending on your preferences, is that the first half of the book is focused on explaining grammar points rather than reading actual texts, though it does provide lots of examples from classical works to demonstrate the grammar in use. This book may even make a good followup to Fuller or Rouzer (even though it’s a “beginner’s” textbook) for those who want a more thorough explanation of the grammar of Classical Chinese. Note again that the texts in Vogelsang come only from the classical period, rather than drawing from both Classical and Literary Chinese texts like Fuller does.

Bryan van Norden, Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners

Prof. van Norden’s book is aimed at people who have zero background in Chinese whatsoever. I haven’t used it personally (though I’ve ordered it and it’s on the way!), but I’ve heard universally excellent reviews from people, and from the little I’ve read via Amazon’s preview feature, it does look very good. So, if you’re a bit nervous about dipping your toe in, or if you don’t know much Chinese yet, this may be the book for you.

2. Intermediate

After going through an introductory textbook, you’re ready to start reading other texts for yourself. Actually, at this stage, I co-founded a Classical Chinese reading group in Taipei in order to get more practice reading Classical Chinese, and that helped tremendously even though I felt like I was in a little over my head. As it turned out though, I wasn’t! I did just fine, although the first few readings were a bit of a challenge.

However, if you’re like I was after finishing Fuller, diving into full texts might still seem a little bit daunting. If that’s the case, I have a recommendation!

Harold Shadick, A First Course in Literary Chinese, Vol. 1

Note: also in print with a yellow cover.

Yes, this textbook is also meant for beginners. However, all of the grammar explanations and vocabulary glosses are in Volumes 2 and 3, which are now out of print. That makes this a perfect next step after finishing Fuller or another beginner textbook. With Shadick Vol. 1 by itself, you get a selection of texts curated for non-native learners, but without the hand-holding that you got with Fuller. Since it doesn’t contain any explanations, I personally used this book as a reader and worked through it with a dictionary and Pulleyblank, occasionally referring to commentary when I got stuck.

The book contains selections of poetry, prose, and even dictionaries, from the classical period up through the early 20th century, so you’ll get exposure to a wide range of writing styles from different periods. I did this alongside the Classical Chinese reading group, and it helped a lot. Armed with Pulleyblank’s grammar and a dictionary or two, you can work through this book on your own, and it will greatly improve your reading ability in Classical and Literary Chinese.

Much like the other textbooks mentioned above, this book is meant for people who already have some knowledge of a CJKV language. You’ll be fine to start on it as long as you know a few hundred characters, though it progresses in difficulty quite a bit by the end, so don’t neglect your modern Chinese along the way! The rest of the books I’ll be mentioning, however, require a more advanced level of modern Chinese.

Vivian Ling (淩志韞) et al, Literary Chinese for Advanced Beginners 進階文言文讀本

Another option at this level, especially if your modern Chinese is up to the task of reading explanations and vocabulary glosses in Chinese, is this excellent book by Vivian Ling and ICLP. Again, it covers a wide range of texts from the classical period up through the Qing Dynasty, and using this book is a great way to improve your modern Chinese at the same time as your Classical Chinese. Keep in mind though, that you’ll need to be at a fairly advanced level in modern Chinese in order to use this book effectively.

王力《古漢語字典》

At the intermediate level, you may be ready to start using more comprehensive dictionaries. 王力《古代漢語常用字字典》 recommended above will take you a long way, but if you start encountering definitions that aren’t quite adequate, you can upgrade to this one, its big brother. 《古漢語字典》 is quite a bit thicker than 《古代漢語常用字字典》, so when I was studying in Taiwan, I’d keep 《古代漢語常用字字典》 in my backpack and its big brother at home on my desk.

《古漢語大詞典》

Another excellent option once you’re ready to upgrade your dictionary game is this comprehensive dictionary of Classical and Literary Chinese. Also published under the name 《古代漢語大詞典》 by Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House (上海辭書出版社). The really great thing about this dictionary is that it’s also available as an add-on in Pleco, so I highly recommend it once you’re at this stage! Even if you’re only intermediate in modern Chinese, Pleco’s tap-to-lookup functionality means that you can look up unfamiliar words in the definitions whenever you get stuck.

3. Advanced

If your only goal with Classical Chinese is to improve your modern Chinese and you’re not really interested in reading any pre-modern Chinese, then the Beginning and Intermediate sections are probably plenty for you. However, if you want to keep going, I have some recommendations for you at this stage, too.

As you may have noticed, we’re basically running out of options in English. So at this stage, it’s time to transition over to materials meant for native speakers. That means you’ll need to be fairly advanced in modern Chinese in order to use the books I mention from here on out. There’s a ton of great stuff available, so I’ll just mention a few here.

High School Readers

Two readers for Taiwanese high school students that I really enjoyed were 《文言文40篇大探索》 and 《高中國文綜合全譯本要覽》. Both books have dozens of readings spanning from the Classical period through the Qing Dynasty, together with copious notes, annotations, and other information. But any of these types of readers should be similar, so shop around a bit and see what you can find. There are also similar books meant for university students who aren’t necessarily majoring in Chinese literature (we’ll cover some books for native speakers studying Chinese literature in the next section).

《古文觀止》

This is a collection of classical writing from the Warring States period (~475–221 BCE) through the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE), so it spans over 2000 years. It was published early in the Qing Dynasty (in 1695), and it remains an extremely popular book to this day. There are many editions available, most of which have extensive notes and commentary. It contains over 200 works, so it’s sure to keep you busy for a long time.

A quick note: I’ve noticed that when non-native speakers ask how to learn Classical Chinese online, native speakers often recommend this book. But of course, it isn’t possible for a non-native speaker to just dive into something like this if they don’t have previous knowledge of Classical Chinese. If you run into this kind of advice (or the other popular one, “Just get a copy of 300 Tang Poems 《唐詩三百首》), just keep in mind that they probably aren’t aware of the differences between native and non-native speakers looking to improve their Classical Chinese. Their advice works for native speakers, who read a ton of Classical Chinese while they’re in school, but non-native speakers have to approach things very differently, which is why this book is in the “Advanced” category.

Anything else you want to read!

If you’ve made it to the “Advanced” stage, you can really start diving into whatever you’re interested in. The high school readers and 《古文觀止》 mentioned above are great if you still want to use curated material, but if you want to just dive into the Four Books (四書, consisting of 大學、中庸、論語、孟子) or Tang poetry or Buddhist sutras, you can do so at this point (or really, even before this point if you want). You may need to find resources to help you understand specific types of literature, but at this point you’re ready to tackle whatever it is you want to read. That’s not to say it will necessarily be easy per se, but you now have the skills and tools you need to dive in and start working through the texts you’re really interested in.

There’s one series of books I want to mention specifically, by Sanmin Book Co. (三民書局) in Taiwan. They publish a ton of Classical and Literary Chinese books with extensive notes and commentary written by modern experts on the book in question. This series is recognizable by its distinctive teal covers and right-to-left (vertical-style) covers. 《古文觀止》 above belongs to this series, as does the copy of 《左傳讀本》shown here.

4. Expert/Academic

If you want to go even further, and possibly use Classical and Literary Chinese professionally or in an academic capacity, there are textbooks intended for native speakers at the university level. These are much more challenging and in-depth, and are probably overkill for most people, but if you want to really reach a high level of proficiency in Classical Chinese, they’re indispensable.

王力《古代漢語》

This has been a widely-used textbook for university students in China majoring in Chinese literature and related fields for decades, and for a reason. You may have noticed that Wáng Lì (王力) has been mentioned several times in this article, and that’s because he did so much excellent work on so many areas of pre-modern Chinese. This textbook series is no exception. Consisting of 4 volumes, it’s dense and chock-full of information, not to mention extensive excerpts from Classical and Literary Chinese of all periods. There’s also a two-volume study guide for the series called 《王力古代漢語同步輔導與練習》, which will be really helpful if you decide to go through these books.

周光慶、楊合鳴《古代漢語教程》

This two-volume set is less comprehensive than Wáng Lì’s textbooks above, but they’re more up-to-date (published in 2002, vs 1962-64 for Wáng Lì’s books), so they make use of more recent research on the language. I went through these myself, and they’re excellent.

IV. Wrap-up: Learning Classical Chinese is for everyone

Phew! That’s a lot of information, and I commend you for making it this far. I hope this article has convinced you that Classical Chinese really is for everyone, including you! I also hope it’s shown you that learning Classical Chinese really isn’t nearly as daunting as you might have thought. There are a ton of resources to get you started as a non-native learner of Chinese, and this article really only scratches the surface of what’s out there for native speakers.

So, what are you waiting for? Time to hit the books!

Thank you for sharing your experience and resources, John! I have learnt some classical Chinese myself, mainly by studying Chinese textbooks for junior and senior high school in Taiwan, by studying a book covering 論語/论语 in class many years ago, and by memorising most of 道德經/道德经 just to see if I could do it. In addition to that, Classical Chinese creeps into modern, formal Chinese quite a lot, so it’s not really possible to reach an advanced reading ability without being familiar with Classical Chinese. However, I have never studied the subject explicitly beyond this, so I’ll take John’s course this spring and share my thoughts about it in a review later. To check out more of John’s and Outlier Linguistic’s work, please visit their website

Recommended books

Fuller, Michael Anthony. An Introduction to Literary Chinese / Revised Edition. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Asia Center, 2004.

Kroll, Paul W. et al. A Student’s Dictionary of Classical and Medieval Chinese. Boston, MA: Brill, 2017.

Ling, Vivian et al. Literary Chinese for Advanced Beginners. Taipei: SMC Publishing, 1997.

Pulleyblank, Edwin G. Outline of Classical Chinese Grammar. Vancouver: UBC Press, 2003.

Rouzer, Paul. A New Practical Primer of Literary Chinese. Harvard University Asia Center, 2007.

Shadick, Harold. A First Course in Literary Chinese. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1968.

van Norden, Bryan W. Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Publishing Company, 2019.

Vogelsang, Kai. Introduction to Classical Chinese. Oxford University Press, 2021.

上海辞書出版社語文辞書編纂中心編，2009《辞海版古代漢語大詞典（新一版）》，上海，上海辞書出版社，2009年5月。

徐弘縉、姚艾娟、王美珠，2006《文言文40篇大探索》，台南，翰林出版事業股份有限公司，2006年6月。

郁賢皓等注，2009《新譯左傳讀本（上中下）（二版）》，台北，三民書局，2019年11月重印。

王力主編，1962-64《古代漢語》，北京，中華書局，2011年重印。

王力主編，2000《王力古漢語字典》，北京：中華書局，2007年重印。

王力等原編，蔣紹愚等增訂，2008《古漢語常用字字典（第４版）》，北京，商務印書館，2008年。

周光慶、楊合鳴主編，2001《古代漢語教程》，武漢，華中師範大學出版社，2008年3月重印。

謝冰瑩等注，2012《新譯古文觀止（增訂五版）》，台北，三民書局，2020年6月重印。

馬景侖、董志翹主編，2009《王力〈古代漢語〉同歩輔導與練習（上下冊）》，北京，中華書局，2009年07年。

References

Vogelsang, Kai. Introduction to Classical Chinese. Oxford University Press, 2021.

Cantonese Cuisine — The Most Popular Chinese Food Abroad

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Cantonese Cuisine — The Most Popular Chinese Food Abroad

Cantonese or Yue cuisine originates from Guangdong Province (SE China around Hong Kong), and it is the most widely served style of Chinese cuisine in the world. This is because most of the Chinese who immigrated and set up restaurants overseas were from Guangdong. Though what’s served abroad now has departed from authentic Yue cuisine.

What distinguishes Cantonese food is lightly cooked fresh vegetables and meat, and sweet sauces.

Names: Cantonese food, Guangdong cuisine, Yue cuisine (粤菜 Yuècài /ywair-tseye/)
Location: Southeast China — Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau…
Distinctives: sweeter, favoring braising and stewing, adding various sauces

Cantonese Cuisine Flavors — Mild, Fresh, Natural, and Slightly Sweet

A wide variety of foodstuffs are used to make Cantonese dishes. Therefore, it surprises foreigners sometimes. The saying “They eat everything with four legs except tables and everything that flies except airplanes” is an exaggeration. But dishes might contain snakes, cats, dogs and sea life not familiar to most foreigners. Keep that in mind when you are ordering something off the menu with strange Cantonese names.

An authentic Cantonese chef’s goal is to preserve the food’s original flavor. Unlike other Chinese styles of cooking such as Sichuan style where the cook buries the food in a lot of spices and oil, a Cantonese chef aims to bring out or highlight the original flavor of the vegetable, meat, or fruit. So little spice or sugar is used generally.

Cantonese Style Porridge

The result: The result of this cooking technique is to produce food that might seem bland or insipid to foreigners who are used to the overseas style of Chinese food where a lot more sugar and spice is used. It takes some time to appreciate the mild and distinct flavors of the meat, vegetables and fruit.

Not fattening: Unlike overseas Chinese food and some regional styles, a lot of oil or grease isn’t used either. Neither are dairy products. So unlike creamy cheese wontons or a sweet and sour pork on rice meal deal at a Chinese fast food restaurant overseas, there are not a lot of calories in the dishes. This combined with the white rice or rice noodles that is the staple and the dim sum made with little or no sugar may leave a foreigner feeling hungry.

On the other hand, it makes for fine well balanced meals for dieters. If you are not dieting and still hungry, the solution is simply to eat more or order ice cream for desert if it is available.

Seasonings Used in Cantonese Cuisine

Spices used: Chives, coriander leaves, anise, touches of black pepper, and slivers of ginger provide a mild tanginess that accentuates the flavor of the food. But unless the food in itself smells or tastes bad alone, just a little of these spices are used.

Condiments and Other Seasonings

Spices used: Chives, coriander leaves, anise, touches of black pepper, and slivers of ginger provide a mild tanginess that accentuates the flavor of the food. But unless the food in itself smells or tastes bad alone, just a little of these spices are used.

Steamed fish with slivers of ginger

Rice vinegar accentuates the flavor of vegetables, and a little salt does also. A pinch of sugar gives food a mildly sweet taste that is characteristic of many Cantonese dishes and snacks. A little sesame oil adds a mild tanginess too.

But if the food is delicious as it is, almost no seasoning is added. An example is fresh sea fish. It isn’t served raw like Japanese sashimi, but to preserve and accentuate the delicious flavor, the Cantonese steam it and add just a little soy sauce, ginger or perhaps bits of chives. Like the Japanese, Cantonese delight in the natural flavors of fresh sea fish.

Several sauces are important condiments in Guangdong cuisine. The most widely used sauces include hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, plum sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and soy sauce.

Cooking Methods

Stir frying and steaming are the two most common cooking methods. But stir fried dishes are not as common as in Sichuan. Cantonese like to boil soups, braise or roast meats, and sauté food too. These cooking methods are aimed to preserve the flavor of the dishes. There are also popular deep fried foods that are often eaten as snacks, deserts, or breakfast foods. See below for examples.

Common Cantonese Dishes

These dishes are often simple and easy to learn to cook, and they are widely served in Cantonese homes. They are also the most common foods on the menus of Cantonese restaurants (see below for a menu).

Chinese Steamed Eggs are made by beating eggs to a creamy consistency and then steaming. Variations are derived by adding different ingredients such as spring onion and soy sauce.

Deep Fried Dishes

Youtiao

Although deep fried dishes are not the main stream of Guangdong dishes, there are quite a number of them which are popular around the region.

A youtiao (油条 /yoh-tyaow/ ‘oil strip’) is a long, golden-brown deep-fried strip of dough. Youtiaos are usually eaten for breakfast with soy milk.

Zhaliang (/jaa-lyaang/ ‘fried two’) is made by tightly wrapping a rice sheet around a youtiao (deep-fried dough stick). Zhaliang is widely eaten in Guangdong and Hong Kong. It is usually eaten with soy milk.

Noodle Dishes

Shahe noodles (shahefen /shaa-her-fnn/) are a kind of rice noodles which probably originated from the town of Shahe that is now a part of Guangzhou. They are broad and white in color. Their texture is elastic and a little chewy. They do not freeze or dry well and are thus generally (where available) purchased fresh in strips or sheets that may be cut to the desired width. Shahefen is popular in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan in southern China.

Meat Dishes

White Cut Chicken

is made by boiling salt-marinated chicken in water or chicken broth. When it is done, the chicken looks golden in color and tastes fresh and light, preserving the best of the original taste of chicken.

The famous white cut chicken served by Panxi Restaurant in Guangzhou is believed to be the most delicious. The restaurant has received the Golden Tripod of High Quality Production from the Department of Commerce for its Baiqie Chicken. See below for address.

The Best Places for Authentic Cantonese Cuisine

Dim sum

Cantonese cuisine is famous in China and abroad and served all over the place. But the most authentic mild, freshly pungent, and not fatty or sweet Cantonese food is still to be had in the Guangdong and Hong Kong area. Whether it is high-class gourmet delicacies or everyday home-style food, you can find it in the region. Here are some suggestions:

Panxi Restaurant in Guangzhou

This restaurant is famous for the Baiqie Chicken.

Chinese name: 泮溪酒店

Address: 151 West Longjin Road, Liwan District 荔湾区龙津西路151号

Lung King Heen (3-Michelin-starred)

This Cantonese Restaurant became famed for its food, service, and scenic views and is considered among China’s best restaurants and Hong Kong’s best Cantonese restaurant.

Chinese name: 龍景軒

Address: IFC Tower, 8 Finance St, Hong Kong

See more on The Tastiest 10 Tastiest Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong.

A Cantonese Food Menu

English	Chinese	Pronunciation	Characters
Dry-Fried Beef and Noodles	gànchǎo niú hé	gan-chaoww nyoh her	干炒牛河
Barbequed Pork (Char Siu)	chāshāo	chah-shaoww	叉烧
Soy Sauce Chicken	chǐyóu jī	chrr-yoh yaa	豉油鸡
White Cut Chicken	bái qiē jī	beye chyeah jee	白切鸡
Preserved Salted Duck	là yā	laa yaa	腊鸭
Tea-Smoked Duck	cháxūn yā	chaa-sshynn yaa	茶熏鸭
Brine-Soaked Duck	lǔshuǐ yā	loo-shway yaa	卤水鸭
Dace (fish) Balls	língyú qiú	ling-yoo chyoh	鲮鱼球
Steamed Frog on a Lotus Leaf	héyè zhēng tiánjī	her-yeah jnng tyen-jee	荷叶蒸田鸡
Shark Fin Soup	yúchì gēng	yoo-chrr gnng	鱼翅羹
Cantonese Seafood Soup	yuèshì hǎixiān tāng	ywair-shrr heye-sshyen tung	粤式海鲜汤
Orange Cuttlefish	lǔshuǐ mòyú	loo-shway mor-yoo	卤水墨鱼
Sea Cucumber (Hoi Sam)	hǎishēn	heye-shnn	海参
Small Pan Rice	bāo zǐ fàn	baoww dzrr fan	煲仔饭
Pastries (Gou Dim)	gāo diǎn	gaoww dyen	糕点

Travel with China Highlights and Taste Authentic Cantonese Cuisine

Cantonese Dim Sum

If you want to try authentic Cantonese Cuisine, our tours can take you to authentic local restaurants.

Recommended Chinese Food Tour:

12-Day Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong Cuisine tour — travel across the country and explore the most popular destinations in China and savor five different regional cuisines.

Ancient Chinese Culture (1600–221 BC) — Development and Features

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Ancient Chinese Culture (1600–221 BC) — Development and Features

Ancient Chinese culture, before the imperial era (from 221 BC), has obscure beginnings. Later invasions and contact with foreign cultures has colored Chinese culture, but the underlying forms established during the Shang and Zhou eras still appear in modern Chinese culture in everything from religion, to traditions, to dress, to writing in characters.

The Shang people (c.1600–1046 BC) developed cultural forms such as pictographic writing, typical foods and clothes, and emphasizing large-scale construction projects. These traditions were emulated afterwards in the Zhou era (1046–221 BC) when Confucian philosophies developed, the imperial dynasties, and modern China.

How Ancient Chinese Culture Was Defined

Many historians use the phrase “ancient culture” to mean the culture of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Imperial culture began with the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. During the imperial eras, the dynastic courts and educated leaders relied on the historical records of Sima Qian as the cultural model for their empires.

Ancient Chinese Culture Was Defined by Sima Qian

Chinese have traditionally believed that the Huaxia tribe originated Chinese culture. Ancient texts say that the Huaxia lived in the Central Plain near Beijing hundreds of years before the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) started and spread westwards and southwards along the Yellow River basin.

They have traditionally had this belief because the foremost ancient Chinese historian, Sima Qian (~130–86 BC), described that the supernatural, Yellow Emperor and his victorious Huaxia tribe were the origin of the Han people and their civilization and culture.

The Records of the Grand Historian 史记 by Sima Qian (~130–86 BC) presented the history of the prior two millennia.

It is said that his history, Records of the Grand Historian (太史公書 Tàishǐgōng Shū or 史记 Shǐjì), that was written before 86 BC before he died about the foundational text of chinese civilization. his work along with texts that are attributed to Confucius, and other historians modeled ancient culture.

His writings about the founding of the early civilization, their ancient traditions, philosophy, and religion, as well as his biographies of famous people such as Confucius (551–479) and the first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, basically defined ancient Chinese culture for the last 2,200 years. Chinese people consciously or unconsciously have modeled their lives on Sima Qian’s accounts.

The Reliability of Sima Qian’s History

Some of Sima Qian’s history of the Shang (c. 1600–1046 BC), Zhou (1046–226 BC), and of the first Emperor of the Qin (259–210 BC) have been partially verified by archeological discoveries.

For example, Sima Qian wrote the names and some biographical details about many Shang rulers who lived 1,000 years before his time, and 23 of these names were found in Shang oracle bone records discovered during the past 100 years. This lends credence to his writings about the origins of the Xia of which there is as yet no archeological evidence.

So, whether Sima Qian’s writings accurately reflected the early ancient culture or are myth and construct, for thousands of years, people thought his histories were true. Following in the tradition of ancestral veneration and religious esteem of the Xia and Shang Dynasties, they imitated and adopted the culture he described as their own.

The Origins of Chinese Culture

A Shang oracle bone display at the Yinxu Museum in Anyang exhibit some of the earliest pictographic writing samples.

Historical records from the Shang era (1600–1046 BC) are scanty, but ancient Chinese historical records that date from about 2,200 years ago say that the Han people originated from the Huaxia tribe of the Yellow Emperor who lived on the Central Plains.

For thousands of years, people have believed the tradition that the Central Plain was the original domain of the Yellow Emperor.

Sima Qian described that the Yellow Emperor won wars around 2500 BC to become the ruler of the Central Plains, the original heartland of the the Yellow Emperor’s Huaxia tribe, and the lower reaches of the Yellow River.

His and other ancient accounts, such as the Bamboo Annals that were discovered in 281 but written six centuries earlier, provide evidence that that the Yellow Emperor established a capital city called Zhoulu in the Central Plain that was perhaps near Beijing.

The histories say that the descendants of the Huaxia, the Xia Dynasty, were notable for carrying out huge long-term construction projects involving thousands of people to control Yellow River flooding and thereby benefiting by abundant harvests. Expensive large-scale landscape-altering construction became a tradition in successive empires and is still a hallmark of Chinese culture today.

Ancient Chinese characters were pictographic and more rounded than they are today: for example 日 (‘sun’) once was a circle with a dot in the middle.

It is written that one of the Yellow Emperor’s descendants became the first king of the Xia, and he began the Xia Dynasty by making his son the ruler of the kingdom. In this way, he set the tradition of multi-generational hereditary clan rule of kingdoms and empires, i.e. dynasties, that was followed ever after until the end of the Qing era in 1912.

Based on ancient texts and archeological evidence, the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC) and Zhou Dynasty existed from about 1600 to 221 BC. These empires were in the Central Plain and the lower and middle reaches of the Yellow River. They developed an ancient culture that later empires emulated, and many of their cultural traits are still a part of Chinese culture.

Though there is little archaeological evidence about civilization in the region of modern China before 2,000 BC, there is speculation that the Erlitou site (1900–1600 BC) on the Central Plain is a Xia city since it was inhabited during the period of time the Xia Dynasty is said to have existed.

The Distinctiveness of the Ancient Cultures

The Sanxingdui people had a clearly different method of bronze craftsmanship and a distinct artistic style than the Shang.

The Shang and Zhou treasured writing, and this in part allowed them to survive for such long periods of time. Little is known about the cultures of the civilizations that neighbored the Shang Empire such as the Sanxingdui. However, no samples of writing has been found in the Sanxingdui site northeast of Chengdu or at other Shang-era sites.

The Sanxingdui did not undertake large-scale construction either. It is clear that the culture of the Shang and Zhou were distinctive in that they were literate and emphasized large-scale construction, and they had a distinctive artistic tradition.

Archaeological discoveries about the Shang show us that they had peculiar cultural traits such as an emphasis on keeping records in pictographic writing, worship of Shangdi, and a propensity for major multi-year construction projects. Like the Chinese of more recent times, they had favorite instruments such as gongs, bells, and flutes, and they drank tea and wore silk garments. They developed artistic motifs, religion and political philosophy that the people have followed for the last 3,000 years until present times.

9 Aspects of Chinese Ancient Culture

Ancient Chinese culture from about 3,600–2,200 years ago underpins modern Chinese culture in everything from traditions to religion to writing: see how.

1. Pictographic Characters for Writing

The Shang initiated the use of pictograms for writing.

Archaeological discoveries show that by 1200, the Shang were writing in pictograms that were somewhat similar to the characters used today in Chinese writing.

Scholars have discovered that some characters such as the word for father, 父 fù, look somewhat similar to the characters that the Shang wrote. Modern characters are composed of small pictograms. For example, the top pictogram in the character in the picture is the sun.

2. A High Esteem for Writing, Literature and Historical Records

The Shang seemed to rely heavily on writing for record keeping. Their inscriptions have been found on tens of thousands of oracle bones and on their surviving bronze metal creations. Writing was probably an important feature of daily life, but most of their writings have been lost since they would have written them on parchments or others things that deteriorated.

This emphasis on writing and education was an important part of ancient culture, and it was also important in all the imperial eras beginning with the Qin conquest in 221 BC and ending in 1912.

The Shang and Zhou emphasized the importance of historical record keeping and venerated the records, and later people did too. This is a key aspect of their ancient culture that is still seen in modern Chinese culture.

3. The Style of Arts and Crafts

The Shang produced large, heavy, and geometrically intricate bronze objects in characteristic styles that the Zhou clan who were initially subjects of the Shang Dynasty continued after they took over the empire.

Their bronze work was very different in style than the bronzes of the contemporaneous Sanxingdui civilization in Sichuan even though it is known that there was trade between the two cultures. It shows that the ancient people of the Shang and Zhou dynasties maintained a distinct artistic culture with their own motifs and never adopted the alien style of the Sanxingdui.

Anyone familiar with Chinese artistic style can see that the Sanxingdui masks’ facial features are very different than those of ancient Chinese art and that the geometrical patterns and decorations of the Sanxingdui are foreign.

The Sanxingdui bronze object pictured below for example seems oddly irregular and off-balance, with projections seeming to defy the center of gravity, but the people of the Shang and Zhou and succeeding eras generally created objects that are geometrically balanced around the center of gravity. This sense of proportion and order has always been a characteristic of Chinese art and craftsmanship.

4. A Preference for Jade

Jade is a lustrous and durable semiprecious stone long used for jewelry and art.

The Shang prized jade objects unusually highly compared to other cultures, and the people in the Zhou era did as well. Archeologists have discovered a substantial quantity of jade ornaments, artworks and other objects that were made for ritual ceremonies and decoration. The Shang even used it to make body armor, and in later eras, royalty were encased in jade burial suits.

Jade objects had religious significance, and this is an unusual tradition of ancient culture that many modern Chinese retain. They consider it to be quite an auspicious material, and many still wear it as an amulet as you can observe in China today.

5. Tea Culture

Green tea brewing is another ancient Chinese tradition carried on in modern times.

Archeologists discovered tea in a 2nd century Han emperor’s tomb, and ancient records say that it was considered a medicinal drink in the Zhou era. It is thought that tea was first cultivated in Yunnan during the Shang Dynasty era. From there, the custom of drinking tea spread through the Zhou era states and then to other countries.

During the Tang Dynasty and afterwards, tea was a major export to the Tibetan Empire along the Tea Horse Road, and it is still China’s most popular natural health beverage.

Other than water, green tea is the most commonly drunk beverage in China. Chinese produce more green tea than any other kind of tea (black, red, green, white). About 80% of the world’s green tea is grown in China. Chinese commonly consume dozens of varieties of tea.

6. The Silk Culture

An Imperial Silk Robe

Another Chinese characteristic stemming from the ancient past is the love of silk. Chinese people were the inventors of silk fabric. The earliest example of silk fabric dates from 3,630 BC in Henan. Silk cloth manufacture was well advanced during the Shang Dynasty era.

The ancient people thought that Confucius himself wrote:

The wife of the Yellow Emperor Huangdi was having tea under a mulberry tree when a silkworm cocoon fell into her cup. As she watched, a strand of fiber unspun from the cocoon, and she realized that the strong filament could be used to make cloth.

Thus, an industry was born. She taught her people how to raise silkworms and later invented the loom.

Whether or not this story is true, it is known that the Shang and then the Zhou had a tradition of sophisticated silk weaving. They traded in silk, and a Shang-era silk garment was found in a contemporaneous tomb in Egypt.

Silk weaving and the preference for silk is another cultural tradition that continues in modern times. Chinese produce more than half of the world’s silk.

7. Worship of Heaven and Rulers

The Shang had a belief in a supreme god called Shangdi, who represented Heaven. In the Zhou era, it was believed that Shangdi presided over big issues such as war, harvests, natural disasters, and the succession of dynasties.

Sophisticated ceremonies such as the annual Prayer for Good Harvests by the emperors became part of Chinese tradition. See the Temple of Heaven.

The Mandate of Heaven principle meant that China’s rulers were revered as the representatives of Heaven on earth, and so emperors enjoyed the utmost respect, bordering on worship… as long as everything was going well.

A key political concept passed down from the ancient eras is the concept of the Mandate of Heaven described by Sima Qian and thought to have been espoused by Confucius. This idea is also somewhat original to the Chinese, though it is reflected in other ancient cultures around the world. The ancient Chinese believed that if a dynastic clan or a particular dynastic leader became corrupt or misruled, “heaven” would signal that it was time for a change of dynasties via various omens such as natural disasters, signs in the heavens, ominous dreams, prophecies, etc.

The ancient historical accounts and some recent archaeological evidence show that the people of the Zhou era believed that the first Zhou king conquered the Shang Dynasty because the Shang lost the Mandate of Heaven. They believed that the first Shang King defeated and conquered the Xia Dynasty in the same way.

The Zhou believed that the last Shang king was very corrupt and misruled so badly that he made the people suffer. He killed his own son and tortured and murdered his ministers, so he lost Shangdi’s Mandate to rule. Then the last Shang Emperor was defeated by the Zhou rulers because his own troops and slaves rebelled and joined the Zhou in 1046 BC.

From the fall of the Qin Empire onwards, a series of serious natural disasters and the large loss of life were interpreted by the populace as signs that a dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven, and almost every major empire and large kingdom since then has fallen after such a serious of disasters. The people rose up in rebel armies and turned in revolt against the rulers as it is said that the Shang slaves and troops rebelled against the last Shang emperor.

8. Folk Religion and Daoism

China Highlights customers appreciating ancient Terracotta Army soldiers that were made to protect the First Emperor in the afterlife.

The Shang also worshiped their own ancestors and notable dead people. They believed the dead souls could both harm and help people, and this key ancient belief in ancestor worship is still current in Chinese culture and most Chinese worship their ancestors. These concepts were part of the folk religion.

Since the Shang believed that the soul continued to live afterwards, they tried to equip the souls at burial with items they might need (including sacrificing humans and animals to go with them for their use) and did things like giving food or money to spirits. This tradition continued through the Qin and Han Dynasty eras down to the present day.

The Qin Emperor’s huge Terracotta Army is an example of the elaborate expense that was showered on many other emperors and kings throughout history to benefit them in the afterlife, and most modern Chinese still offer food, spiritual money, and other items to their ancestors especially on select days such as the Hungry Ghost Festival and the Qingming Festival. People often sacrifice fresh fruit and food, but nowadays they often place plastic flowers and fruit at graves.

Most Chinese might also worship at shrines of historical figures. Perhaps half of all Chinese still worship small idols representing dead historical figures such as successful generals. They place them in their houses and places of business.

Zhou era Taoism, as described by the ancient texts, the Dao De Jing (道德經) and Zhuangzi (莊子), became China’s largest native religion. Taoism predates Buddhism, which arrived in the early centuries AD from India.

9. A Tradition of Mega Building Projects

The wide Grand Canal stretching 1,794 km (1,115 miles) to Beijing follows in the mega-engineering tradition set by the Shang and Zhou.

The Shang and Zhou also set a tradition for big construction and engineering projects. It is recorded that the first Xia king named King Yu was granted the Xia Kingdom at the age of 53 because he had been very successful in controlling the floods of the Yellow River through gargantuan engineering projects. He greatly increased agricultural output through his projects. He even carved out a channel through a valley for the river to flow through.

Whether or not this story is true, following in the tradition, the Shang and Zhou dynasties and the various states of the Zhou era undertook unusually large construction and irrigation projects such as long defensive walls of the states of the Yan, Zhou and Qin that were built before the Qin Great Wall (215 BC) and the Dujiangyan irrigation and flood control project that was built in 256 BC.

The succeeding ancient empires continued this political and economic policy. Large empires sometimes used millions of laborers for a single project such as the Grand Canal. Even in modern times, the building of mega construction projects such as the Three Gorges Dam, the biggest and most expensive dam project in the world, is inspired by this ancient tradition.

How China’s Ancient Culture Was Transferred to the Imperial Dynasties (1046–206 BC)

As the Zhou Empire spread out from Shang territory after 1046 BC, their writing system enabled them to develop a sophisticated bureaucracy, science and advanced technology. Writing enabled them to promulgate a common philosophy and culture among the people they assimilated.

During the Spring and Autumn period, the culture of the Zhou region transitioned from being one that was imposed by a powerful central dynasty to one that was shared among the states through trade, itinerant scholars such as Confucius, and annual attendance of rulers and officials at Zhou Dynasty rituals. The states had the hallmarks of Zhou Dynasty culture in common such as common religions such as early Taoism and Confucianism, common ideas of history and political philosophy, and similar technology and architectural styles.

The Imposition of Qin Culture (221–206 BC)

The conquest of the region during the Warring States era by the Qin Empire marked the end of the Zhou ancient Chinese culture because the Qin court forcibly imposed a standard, somewhat artificial culture based on the Qin State culture on all the people they conquered.

They attempted to forge a common culture and philosophy through forced migration, destroying conflicting books and writings, forbidding private schools for education, and killing philosophers and scholars. They imposed everything from imperial philosophy and religion to acceptable festivals, common weights and measures, writing, and language. The Qin were heavily authoritarian.

The ancient culture forged by the Qin was passed on by empires of the Western Han and later dynasties. In the Han era, special academies were organized for mastering the ancient classics, and although trade, foreign invasions, foreign contact, and technological development has altered culture significantly over the past 2,000 years, the ancient cultural traits are still observable in modern culture.

The Vestiges of the Ancient Culture Now

The nine traits of ancient culture explained above continue in modern China. Ancient culture is most observable during traditonal festivals, such as Chinese New Year, when people make an effort to keep up the old traditions, attend to clan burial places and temples, and perform rituals and customs of the past.

Tourists can also learn about the ancient culture in the many museums that have been built to house the artifacts of archeological sites. The Terracotta Army Museum is a place to learn about the Zhou and Qin eras, and the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has exhibitions of Shang and Zhou era relics and history.

Explore Ancient China with Local Experts

Our expert guides can facilitate discovering more of the Great Wall’s ancient culture.

You can explore the Terracotta Army, the Great Wall and other ancient sites with us. We are one of the largest private touring companies in China and have a great reputation on TripAdvisor. While traveling with us, YOU set the itinerary and can explore your interests.

4-Day Emperor’s Tour of Beijing — Discover the ancient culture and history of Beijing with a knowledgeable guide.
2-Day Xi’an Panoramic Tour — have a panoramic view of this imperial city, its glorious history, and authentic food.
Beyond the Golden Triangle Tour — Our 9-day Beijing–Xi’an–Pingyao–Shanghai tour plan is designed particularly for history lovers.

Chinese Ancient Currency

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Chinese Ancient Currency

Brief Introduction

In ancient China, coins were the main forms of currency. These coins can be made of copper, iron, lead, gold and silver with different shapes, weight and marks. Different from equivalents like draught animals, textiles and shells, ancient coins play an important role in archaeology, that they not only have the reference value to judge the history of relics or remains, but also are significant materials for researching the history of commercial economy in ancient times. Because draught animals and cereals are difficult to deposit and divide, Chinese forebears used shells as a medium of exchange and unit of account in commerce during the last phase of the primitive society. The metal coins turned up in the last phase of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC–476 BC), and the history of paper currency in China can be dated up to the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127).

Shell Money

Because shell has small and exquisite appearance, bright color, solid texture, and the feature of easy to carry and count, shell is used as a kind of primitive money circulated at the end of the Neolithic Age. Shell money is a kind of commodity money lasting the longest time. The unit of shell money is ‘peng’ (朋 in Chinese, means friend), which originally means two clusters of shells. Generally speaking, one peng is made up by two clusters of 10 shells. At the end of the Shang Dynasty (1675 BC–1029 BC), due to the lack of shells in Northeast China, there were other forms of shell money which can be made of pottery, stone, bone, jade, copper and gold. However, the most common one is made from natural shells.

The invention of shell money which made of copper at the end of the Shang Dynasty (1675 BC–1029 AD) marks the beginning of the use of metal coins in China.

Copper Cash

Copper cash is the general terms of Chinese ancient currency made of copper which turned up in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC–206 BC), a dynasty leaving so many legacies to the Chinese people such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. The copper coin is evolved from ‘huan cash’ (环钱, a kind of ancient copper coin with ring shape used in the Warring States Period which lasted from 475 BC to 221 BC). Generally speaking, most of the copper coins are round and there is a square hole in the center of the coin, hence there is another Chinese name called ‘fangkong cash’ (Fangkong, means square hole) and a nickname called ‘kongfang brother’. People can distinguish different kinds of copper coins by the letters marked on the coins. These letters always refer to the region title in different dynasties, such as ‘Qianlong Tongbao’ (乾隆通宝, Qianlong is one reign title lasting from 1736 to 1795, ‘Tongbao’ means the treasure in circulation) and ‘Yongzheng Tongbao’ (雍正通宝) in the Qing Dynasty (1616–1911).

The earliest copper coin is called ‘ban liang qian’ (半两钱, Ban Liang coins) which turned up and began to circulate in the whole country following the found of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC–206 BC). Ban Liang coins were more material economical than any other coins circulated at that time and the square hole was easier to make. This revealed that people at that time were efficiency-conscious, which was also reflected in the spectacle of the Terracotta Army.

People in ancient times believed that the heaven is round and the earth is square, which is one of the reasons why the copper coin has the round shape and a square hole in the center. Besides the mostly round copper coins, there are also copper coins in other shapes: spade-shaped coins and knife-shaped coins in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC–476 BC), and ring-shape coins in the Warring States Period (475 BC to 221 AD). In addition, silver ingots and gold ingots were also circulated in ancient China, and the wide use of silver coins was beginning at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

Jiao Zi – the Earliest Paper Currency in the World

The earliest paper currency in the world was called Jiao Zi which appeared in the early North Song Dynasty (960–1127). Due to the great development on commodity economy, the increase of trade, and the high demand of currency, merchants need a kind of currency with convenience on carrying with, hence the paper money turned up. It was first issued in 1023 together by 16 merchant princes in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This paper currency was a piece of paper printed with houses, trees, men and cipher.

Lhasa Train Schedule

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Lhasa Train Schedule

China Highlights offers the train schedule of Lhasa Railway Station in order to help you plan a train tour to Lhasa, Tibet.

Lhasa Railway Station is the terminal station of the Qinghai-Tibet railway. It transfers numerous tourists every year. To travel to Tibet by train, tourists should know the Lhasa train schedule well. China Highlights can offer the train schedule of Lhasa Railway Station. You can see detailed information of trains leaving from and going to Lhasa.

Trains to & from Lhasa

Train No.

Arrival City

Dep. Time – Arr. Time

Distance (KM)

Prospect Price

T164/T165

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Shanghai	上海	–	19:36	0	null
Wuxi	无锡	20:38	20:42	126	null
Nanjing(JiangSu)	南京	22:05	22:16	301	null
Bengbu	蚌埠	23:47	00:05	485	null
Xuzhou	徐州	01:22	01:29	649	null
Zhengzhou	郑州	04:14	04:20	998	null
Xi’an	西安	10:09	10:17	1509	null
Lanzhou	兰州	16:47	17:02	2185	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	19:55	20:15	2413	null
Golmud	格尔木	05:39	05:59	3231	null
Nagqu	那曲	15:38	16:05	4051	null
Lhasa	拉萨	20:15	–	4373	null

Lhasa

19:36 – 20:15

4373 KM

Hard Seat:US$61
Hard Sleeper:US$120
Soft Sleeper:US$191

T166/T163

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	11:30	0	null
Nagqu	那曲	14:55	15:01	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	00:31	00:51	1142	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	09:40	10:00	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	12:53	13:12	2188	null
Xi’an	西安	20:49	20:58	2864	null
Zhengzhou	郑州	02:45	02:57	3375	null
Xuzhou	徐州	05:45	05:51	3724	null
Bengbu	蚌埠	07:12	07:16	3888	null
Nanjing(JiangSu)	南京	08:46	08:55	4072	null
Wuxi	无锡	10:13	10:17	4247	null
Shanghai	上海	11:25	–	4373	null

Shanghai

11:30 – 11:25

4373 KM

Hard Seat:US$61
Hard Sleeper:US$120
Soft Sleeper:US$191

T22/T23

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Chengdu	成都	–	20:55	0	null
Guangyuan	广元	01:25	01:37	319	null
Baoji	宝鸡	07:58	08:22	669	null
Lanzhou	兰州	13:54	14:09	1172	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	16:55	17:15	1400	null
Delingha	德令哈	23:12	23:14	1909	null
Golmud	格尔木	02:47	03:07	2218	null
Nagqu	那曲	12:10	12:18	3038	null
Lhasa	拉萨	16:35	–	3360	null

Lhasa

20:55 – 16:35

3360 KM

Hard Seat:US$50
Hard Sleeper:US$101
Soft Sleeper:US$161

T222/T223

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Chongqing Bei (North)	重庆北	–	19:37	0	null
Guang’an	广安	20:54	20:59	131	null
Dazhou	达州	22:05	22:15	242	null
Xi’an	西安	06:00	06:18	777	null
Baoji	宝鸡	08:11	08:22	950	null
Lanzhou	兰州	13:54	14:09	1453	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	16:55	17:15	1681	null
Delingha	德令哈	23:12	23:14	2190	null
Golmud	格尔木	02:47	03:07	2499	null
Nagqu	那曲	12:10	12:18	3319	null
Lhasa	拉萨	16:35	–	3641	null

Lhasa

19:37 – 16:35

3641 KM

Hard Seat:US$54
Hard Sleeper:US$108
Soft Sleeper:US$170

T224/T221

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	10:00	0	null
Nagqu	那曲	14:07	14:13	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	23:37	23:57	1142	null
Delingha	德令哈	03:06	03:08	1451	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	09:15	09:35	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	12:26	12:44	2188	null
Baoji	宝鸡	20:12	20:18	2691	null
Xi’an	西安	22:13	22:28	2864	null
Dazhou	达州	06:39	06:46	3399	null
Guang’an	广安	07:57	08:05	3510	null
Chongqing Bei (North)	重庆北	09:30	–	3641	null

Chongqing Bei (North)

10:00 – 09:30

3641 KM

Hard Seat:US$54
Hard Sleeper:US$108
Soft Sleeper:US$170

T24/T21

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	10:00	0	null
Nagqu	那曲	14:07	14:13	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	23:37	23:57	1142	null
Delingha	德令哈	03:06	03:08	1451	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	09:15	09:35	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	12:26	12:44	2188	null
Baoji	宝鸡	20:12	20:42	2691	null
Guangyuan	广元	03:34	03:42	3041	null
Chengdu	成都	08:16	–	3360	null

Chengdu

10:00 – 08:16

3360 KM

Hard Seat:US$50
Hard Sleeper:US$101
Soft Sleeper:US$161

T264/T265

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Guangzhou	广州	–	12:12	0	null
Chenzhou	郴州	15:47	15:49	374	null
Changsha	长沙	19:14	19:20	707	null
Wuchang	武昌	22:34	22:46	1069	null
Zhengzhou	郑州	03:43	03:56	1605	null
Xi’an	西安	09:54	10:09	2116	null
Lanzhou	兰州	16:37	16:52	2792	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	19:25	19:45	3020	null
Golmud	格尔木	04:58	05:18	3838	null
Nagqu	那曲	14:51	14:59	4658	null
Lhasa	拉萨	19:20	–	4980	null

Lhasa

12:12 – 19:20

4980 KM

Hard Seat:US$68
Hard Sleeper:US$131
Soft Sleeper:US$222

T266/T263

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	12:08	0	null
Nagqu	那曲	16:01	16:14	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	01:24	01:44	1142	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	10:32	10:52	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	13:21	13:36	2188	null
Xi’an	西安	21:20	21:40	2864	null
Zhengzhou	郑州	03:25	03:35	3375	null
Wuchang	武昌	08:05	08:18	3911	null
Changsha	长沙	11:55	12:01	4273	null
Chenzhou	郴州	15:18	15:22	4606	null
Guangzhou	广州	19:05	–	4980	null

Guangzhou

12:08 – 19:05

4980 KM

Hard Seat:US$68
Hard Sleeper:US$131
Soft Sleeper:US$222

T27

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Beijing Xi (West)	北京西	–	20:00	0	null
Shijiazhuang Bei (North)	石家庄北	22:33	22:39	291	null
Taiyuan	太原	00:50	00:56	516	null
Zhongwei	中卫	07:36	07:51	1267	null
Lanzhou	兰州	13:02	13:19	1573	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	15:50	16:10	1801	null
Golmud	格尔木	01:42	02:02	2619	null
Nagqu	那曲	11:08	11:14	3439	null
Lhasa	拉萨	15:40	–	3761	null

Lhasa

20:00 – 15:40

3761 KM

Hard Seat:US$55
Hard Sleeper:US$109
Soft Sleeper:US$173

T28

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	13:48	0	null
Nagqu	那曲	17:11	17:17	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	02:48	03:08	1142	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	12:00	12:20	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	14:55	15:10	2188	null
Zhongwei	中卫	20:10	20:25	2494	null
Taiyuan	太原	03:17	03:23	3245	null
Shijiazhuang Bei (North)	石家庄北	05:36	05:40	3470	null
Beijing Xi (West)	北京西	08:19	–	3761	null

Beijing Xi (West)

13:48 – 08:19

3761 KM

Hard Seat:US$55
Hard Sleeper:US$109
Soft Sleeper:US$173

K917

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lanzhou	兰州	–	12:05	0	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	14:45	15:05	228	null
Delingha	德令哈	20:49	20:55	737	null
Golmud	格尔木	00:19	00:39	1046	null
Anduo	安多	08:39	08:41	1740	null
Nagqu	那曲	09:59	10:05	1866	null
Dangxiong	当雄	11:54	11:56	2024	null
Lhasa	拉萨	14:35	–	2188	null

Lhasa

12:05 – 14:35

2188 KM

Hard Seat:US$37
Hard Sleeper:US$79
Soft Sleeper:US$125

K918

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	08:20	0	null
Dangxiong	当雄	10:10	10:12	164	null
Nagqu	那曲	12:14	12:20	322	null
Anduo	安多	13:53	13:55	448	null
Golmud	格尔木	22:15	22:35	1142	null
Delingha	德令哈	01:44	01:50	1451	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	07:26	07:46	1960	null
Lanzhou	兰州	10:21	–	2188	null

Lanzhou

08:20 – 10:21

2188 KM

Hard Seat:US$37
Hard Sleeper:US$79
Soft Sleeper:US$125

K9801

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	–	15:05	0	null
Delingha	德令哈	20:49	20:55	509	null
Golmud	格尔木	00:19	00:39	818	null
Anduo	安多	08:39	08:41	1512	null
Nagqu	那曲	09:59	10:05	1638	null
Dangxiong	当雄	11:54	11:56	1796	null
Lhasa	拉萨	14:35	–	1960	null

Lhasa

15:05 – 14:35

1960 KM

Hard Seat:US$33
Hard Sleeper:US$74
Soft Sleeper:US$117

K9802

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	08:20	0	null
Dangxiong	当雄	10:10	10:12	164	null
Nagqu	那曲	12:14	12:20	322	null
Anduo	安多	13:53	13:55	448	null
Golmud	格尔木	22:15	22:35	1142	null
Delingha	德令哈	01:44	01:50	1451	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	07:26	–	1960	null

Xining Xi (West)

08:20 – 07:26

1960 KM

Hard Seat:US$33
Hard Sleeper:US$74
Soft Sleeper:US$117

K9811

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	–	22:00	0	null
Delingha	德令哈	03:48	03:54	509	null
Golmud	格尔木	07:32	07:52	818	null
Nagqu	那曲	17:55	18:01	1638	null
Dangxiong	当雄	19:44	19:46	1796	null
Lhasa	拉萨	21:45	–	1960	null

Lhasa

22:00 – 21:45

1960 KM

Hard Seat:US$33
Hard Sleeper:US$74
Soft Sleeper:US$117

K9812

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Lhasa	拉萨	–	17:00	0	null
Dangxiong	当雄	18:50	18:52	164	null
Nagqu	那曲	20:44	20:50	322	null
Golmud	格尔木	06:47	07:07	1142	null
Delingha	德令哈	10:16	10:22	1451	null
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	16:00	–	1960	null

Xining Xi (West)

17:00 – 16:00

1960 KM

Hard Seat:US$33
Hard Sleeper:US$74
Soft Sleeper:US$117

K9815

Station	Stations in Chinese	Arrival Time	Dept. Time	Distance(km)	Total Time (hh:mm)
Xining Xi (West)	西宁西	–	22:50	0	null
Delingha	德令哈	04:48	04:54	509	null
Golmud	格尔木	08:20	08:40	818	null
Nagqu	那曲	18:58	19:04	1638	null
Lhasa	拉萨	23:10	–	1960	null

Lhasa

22:50 – 23:10

1960 KM

Hard Seat:US$33
Hard Sleeper:US$74
Soft Sleeper:US$117

Train Schedules for Other Major Cities

Hong Kong – Zhuhai High-Speed Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Hong Kong – Zhuhai High-Speed Trains

Direct trains don’t run between Hong Kong and Zhuhai. The recommended option is to transfer at Guangzhou. The total train travel time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai including a transfer at Guangzhou South Station can be around 3 hours with a convenient connection, and the cost is abut US$42 of a second-class seat.

Hong Kong to Zhuhai By Transfer at Guangzhou

Distance: 190 kilometers (118 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
Terminals: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Zhuhai Railway Station
Transfer at: Guangzhou South Station
Main stops: Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai

Hong Kong – Guangzhou – Zhuhai High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 17th, 2025)

Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou South
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G6582	08:23	09:22	59 m
G6528	10:30	11:35	1h 5m
G6584	11:00	12:00	1h
G6530	13:22	14:26	1h 4m
G418	15:33	16:32	1h 7m
G6586	16:57	18:04	59m
G6114	17:17	18:09	52m
G6588	20:00	21:08	1h 8m
Guangzhou South to Zhuhai
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
C7625	09:45	11:46	1h 31m
C7629	10:14	11:32	1h 18m
C7637	11:25	12:49	1h 24m
C7639	12:14	13:12	58 m
C7643	12:43	13:49	1h 6m
C7675	16:48	18:07	1h 19m
C7697	19:52	21:11	1h 19m
C7711	22:34	23:29	55 m

The above schedules are for your reference only. To see up-to-date train schedules from Hong Kong to Guangzhou to Zhuhai, please click here.

Zhuhai – Guangzhou – Hong Kong High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 17th, 2025)

Zhuhai to Guangzhou South
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
C7602	06:25	07:31	1h 6m
G338	10:15	11:10	55m
C7628	11:04	12:15	1h 11m
C7636	11:48	13:00	1h 12m
G1302	12:17	13:13	56m
C7648	13:53	15:01	1h 8m
C7668	16:23	17:39	1h 16m
C7692	19:54	21:11	53 m
Guangzhou South to Hong Kong West Kowloon
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G6505	08:16	09:29	1h 13m
G6527	08:41	09:53	1h 12m
G6529	11:55	12:58	1h 3m
G6535	12:16	13:15	59m
G6525	13:53	14:59	1h 6m
G6537	15:27	16:24	57 m
G6585	18:33	19:37	1h 4m
G6587	21:50	22:34	44 m

Zhuhai to Guangzhou to Hong Kong train schedules

Hong Kong – Zhuhai High-Speed Train Ticket Prices

Routes	Business Class	First Class	Second Class
Hong Kong – Guangzhou	US$95 (CNY645)	US$51 (CNY344)	US$32 (CNY215)
Guangzhou – Zhuhai	US$30 (CNY205)	US$13 (CNY90)	US$10 (CNY70)

Hong Kong to Zhuhai By Transfer at Shenzhen

It is also possible to go to Zhuhai from Hong Kong via Shenzhen, which has fewer options than Guangzhou. There are many trains between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Shenzhen, but only 2 suitable trains between Shenzhen North Station and Zhuhai daily.

The total travel time is around 3.5 hours, and the total price is US$32 (CNY219.5) for the 2nd class seats and US$56 (CNY409.5) for the 1st class.

Hong Kong – Shenzhen – Zhuhai High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 17th, 2025)

Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen North
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G5626	08:20	08:39	19m
G5638	08:58	09:17	19m
G6530	13:25	13:49	24m
G5620	13:38	13:56	18m
Shenzhen North to Zhuhai
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G6336	10:00	11:53	1h 53m
G6338	14:34	16:43	2h 9m

The above schedules are for your reference only. To see up-to-date train schedules from Hong Kong to Shenzhen to Zhuhai, please click here.

Zhuhai – Shenzhen – Hong Kong High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 17th, 2025)

Zhuhai to Shenzhen North
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G6340	17:06	18:59	1h 53m
D942	18:14	20:07	1h 53m
Shenzhen North to Hong Kong West Kowloon
Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration
G6391	20:01	20:19	18m
G6509	21:05	21:23	18m
G6561	21:25	21:49	18m

The above schedules are for your reference only. Please click here to see up-to-date train schedules between Hong Kong and Zhuhai via Shenzhen.

Other Ways Traveling Between Hong Kong and Zhuhai

Through Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge

Shuttle buses on Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB), a large cross-sea corridor connecting Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai, was officially put into operation in December 2018. This bridge is 55 kilometers (34 miles) long. It is now the world’s longest cross-sea bridge-tunnel combination highway. The travel time on the road can be cut down from 2 hours to only 40 mins.

Shuttle bus: shuttle buses go back and forth on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge 24 hours a day. The interval time in peak hours is 5-10 minutes; 15-30 minutes during the night (00:00-06:00). They operate in two lines: Hong Kong-Zhuhai and Hong Kong-Macau. Hong Kong-Zhuhai Line originates/ends at Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge Hong Kong Port and HZMB Zhuhai Port. Hong Kong-Macau Line originates/end at HZMB Hong Kong Port and HZMB Macau Port. The travel time is around 45 minutes. The ticket price for an adult is HK$65 during the daytime; HK$70 during the night. A child ticket is HK$33 during the day and HK$35 during the night.
Cross-boundary coach: they cross through the bridge and connect urban areas of Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai. The total travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The ticket price is HK$120 per person. Wi-Fi is available on the coach.
Taxi: cross-boundary taxis are the most comfortable and convenient way to travel between Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai. The price is the most expensive.

By Ferry

Hong Kong – Zhuhai: ships depart from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal/China Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and arrive at Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port. Duration is around 1 h 10 mins. The ticket price is HK$220 per person for economy class.
ships depart from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and arrive at Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. It takes around 1 hour to go from Hong Kong to Macau by ferry, with around HK$170 per ticket.

From Hong Kong to Zhuhai/Macau: HZMB or Ferry

Which way of transportation to choose
	Shuttle Bus	Cross-Boundry Coach	Ferry
Departure	HZMB Hong Kong Port	Kwun Tong, Elements, Prince Edward	Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal/China Hong Kong Ferry Terminal
Arrival	HZMB Zhuhai Port, HZMB Macau Port	Hotels in Cotai, Macau	Macau Outer Ferry Terminal, Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port
Duration	45 minutes	1 hour and 45 minutes	around 1 hour
Price	HK$65	HK$170	From Hong Kong to Macau: HK$170 From Hong Kong to Zhuhai: HK$220
Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes	No

Frequently Asked Questions Wanted About Kids Learning Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:30 +0000

Is your kid learning Mandarin?

What do you think is the biggest challenge your child faces in learning Chinese? If you have any experience with your child learning Chinese, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave your comments.

If your child is interested in Chinese or have some difficults in learning chinese , feel free to contact me. I’m happy to discuss your needs and provide a one-on-one trial Mandarin lesson.

21-Day China Tour with Silk Road

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

21-Day China Tour with Silk Road

China Classic Wonders and Silk Road Tour

This 3-week tour is a combination of China’s classic wonders and the Silk Road. It is designed for first-time visitors to China who want to include the famous Silk Road in their trip. It includes the most popular destinations among European and American tourists, as well as the core destinations along China’s Silk Road.

This tour covers an extensive range of places from east to west including the north and middle of China. We offer the most efficient and cost-saving destination connection plan in this itinerary.

The detailed itinerary below is just for inspiration — it can be tailor-made according to your schedule and interests. Please contact your one-to-one travel advisor to personalize your journey.

Day	Highlights
1-4 Beijing	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace
5-6 Xi’an	Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter Food Tasting
7-8 Zhangye/Jiayuguan	Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan Pass
9-10 Dunhuang	Mogao Caves, The Singing Sand Mountains
11-12 Turpan/Urumqi	Ancient Ruins
13-14 Kashgar	Id Kah Mosque, Bazaar, Kala Kule Lake
15-16 Chengdu	Panda Base, Be a Chengduer in Local Park
17-19 Zhangjiajie	Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge
20-21 Shanghai	The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum East

Suggested Route for A China Tour with Silk Road

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Discover Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City

Different from large group tours, which only visit six halls, you would see a hand-picked selection of “hidden halls” for a deeper understanding of the Former Palace’s history, hear interesting stories about the emperors, and dodge the crowds.

Walking Along a Less-Crowded Section of the Great Wall

With a round-trip ride by cable car, you would be escorted to the platforms that have a wide visual field whilst benefiting from fewer tourists and not much walking.

Deepen Your Connection with Qin Dynasty Relics

View the first restored Terracotta Warriors and their restoration, then handle authentic Qin Dynasty relics in the Conservation Laboratory.

Meet the Rainbow Fallen to Earth

Take photos of China’s Rainbow Mountains, which are one of the “7 Stunning Natural Wonders of Asia” on National Geographic

Awe at the Vibrant Wall Paintings, and Create Your Own Mud Slab Copy

You would see amazing mural art, impressive Buddhist statues, and centuries of religious rock carvings at the site of the Mogao Caves. Then visit the Dunhuang Research Institute, and choose a mural sample to create your own mud slab copy to take home.

Traveling on a Camel Like Silk Road Merchants

Enjoy a camel ride across the desert of the Singing Sand Dunes, where you could easily imagine that you were traveling along the ancient Silk Road as a merchant.

Unveiling the Perfect Ruins on Earth

Step back in time and witness the historical significance and architectural wonder of the ancient city of Jiaohe, which was carved out of a rocky river island.

Catch a Glimpse of the Great Pamirs

You would drive along the China-Pakistan Highway and view the impressive Baisha (‘White Sand’) Lake and Karakul (‘Black Lake’). Snowcapped Muztagh Ata and other very tall mountains look like a row of strong guards protecting this land.

Spend a Pleasant Morning with the Adorable Pandas

Pandas are very active in the morning. They feast on bamboo, climb around the climbing frames, and romp about in their garden.

Reach the ‘Hallelujah Mountains’ via the World’s Highest Outdoor Elevator

See more than 3,000 oddly-shaped peaks rising from the ground, with lush vegetation and greenery as far as the eye can see. We will arrange VIP access for you to avoid the long line when taking the Bailong sightseeing elevator.

Travelers Love China Highlights

Suggested Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

Day 1Beijing Arrival

Landing in Beijing, you would be met by your private guide and driver who would transfer you to your hotel.

Your guide would assist you with your luggage and help you to check in at your hotel for a worry-free start to your stay.

Day 2Beijing | Forbidden City and the Summer Palace

Breakfast & Lunch

You would start your tour by walking through the largest world-famous square, Tian’anmen Square, and then arrive at the Forbidden City.

With countless houses, chambers, and halls, the Forbidden City was not only a royal residence but a treasure trove for many cultural relics. Your knowledgeable private tour guide would bring the history to life for you.

After having lunch in a local Beijing roast duck restaurant, you would visit the imperial garden — the Summer Palace. In this garden, the combination of the lake, hills, gardens, and architecture creates a harmonious and picturesque landscape.

Day 3Beijing | The Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven

Breakfast & Lunch

One of the best ways to learn about Beijing’s culture is to visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. People engage in various activities, such as morning exercises, dancing, singing, tai chi, brush calligraphy, and playing chess.

After a 1½-hour drive from the downtown area, you would reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a fully restored section that is ideal for families. You would enjoy different exploration options, such as a round-trip cable car ride for an easier walk or a chair lift up and a toboggan ride down, based on your preferences.

Day 4Beijing to Xi’an | High-Speed Train and Food Adventure

Breakfast

Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an in the morning.

This afternoon, taste a different kind of local food at the Muslim Quarter. You can choose the most typical and popular one, or opt for more challenging dishes like Stewed Lamb Trotters, Lamb Offal Soup, or Lamb Tripe Wrapped Meat.

Behind the bustling Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque is like a different world: quiet and ceremonial. The largest mosque in China is built in traditional Chinese architectural style, rare for a mosque.

Day 5Xi’an | The Terracotta Army and City Wall

Breakfast & Lunch

Explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum by tram to discover three captivating pits showcasing Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s formidable military might. Your guide will offer in-depth insights into the construction and preservation of these historic figures, emphasizing their meticulous craftsmanship, enduring might, and once-vibrant colors.

Interact with the initial restored Warriors, delve into their restoration narrative, and engage with Qin Dynasty artifacts in the Conservation Laboratory.

Go to the medieval Xi’an City Wall to have a view of the city this afternoon. You could walk on the wall for a while or rent a bike to ride along it.

Day 6Xi’an to Zhangye

Breakfast

After packing your luggage in the morning, you would fly to Zhangye.

Day 7Zhangye | Zhangye National Geopark (The Rainbow Mountains)

Breakfast & Lunch

Zhangye was a key town on the Silk Road and has a long history. You would visit its colorful hills — the ‘Seven-Color Danxia Landforms’ — in Zhangye National Geopark.

It is one of the best places for photographers and nature lovers to visit. Geologists call this area, which is very dry and has no vegetation, ‘window lattice and palace-shaped’ Danxia topography.

In the afternoon, you would visit the Great Buddha Temple and the wooden tower from the Sui Dynasty (581–618).

Day 8Zhangye to Jiayuguan to Dunhuang | Jiayu Pass

Breakfast & Lunch

You would drive from Zhangye to Dunhuang and make a stop at Jiayu Pass. There, you could experience the grandeur of its Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) fort with its tall gate tower, the vast Gobi Desert surrounding it, and the majestic mountain ranges in the distance.

After lunch, you would visit Zixuan winery in Jiayuguan. This expansive underground wine cellar is the largest of its kind in Asia, covering 13,700 square meters (147,000 square feet).

Day 9Dunhuang | The Mogao Caves and Singing Sand Dunes

Breakfast & Lunch

You would start your visit to the Mogao Caves after breakfast. These caves are an important cultural and historical landmark, offering insights into ancient China’s artistic and religious heritage.

After exploring the Mogao Caves, you would visit the Dunhuang Research Institute, where experts analyze the murals and you could choose a mural sample to create your own mud slab copy to take home.

In the late afternoon, you would experience riding on a camel in the Singing Sand Dunes.

Day 10Dunhuang to Turpan | The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty

Breakfast & Lunch

You would visit the ruins of the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and remote Yumen Pass fort remains in the morning.

The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty is the oldest example of this defensive system in China. Inspect the ruins and find out how it is different from the Great Wall (around Beijing) that you have seen in pictures.

You would then take a bullet train to Turpan in the late afternoon.

Day 11Turpan | Turpan Highlights

Breakfast & Lunch

You would begin your tour of Turpan by uncovering the ancient wisdom behind the Karez Well System, an impressive feat of engineering.

Next, you would visit the fascinating Ancient City of Jiaohe, an architectural marvel built by excavating into a steep-sided island.

In the afternoon, you would venture to Tuyugou Village, the oldest Uyghur village with a rich 1,700-year history. Along the way, catch a glimpse of the Flaming Mountains, renowned for their scorching heat, desolate landscape, and striking red hue.

Day 12Turpan to Urumqi | Turpan Museum and Erdaoqiao Market

Breakfast & Lunch

You would visit Turpan Museum in the morning. As the second largest museum in Xinjiang, it offers a glimpse into the economic, cultural, and artistic exchanges that took place along the Silk Road.

You would arrive in Urumqi after 3 hours of driving, then head to Erdaoqiao Market in the afternoon. Erdaoqiao Market is not only a shopping destination but also a cultural hot spot, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant Uyghur culture and traditions while discovering unique local products.

Day 13Urumqi to Kashgar | Kashgar Highlights

Breakfast & Lunch

Get up early and fly to Kashgar.

There, pay a visit to Id Kah Mosque, which is the second biggest mosque in China. Then you would walk along Handicraft Street, which has an amazing range of handicrafts, including copper, metal, porcelain, woodwork, and other types of goods.

You would have a break at the ancient teahouse, which has a history of over 100 years, and join in with the local people’s conversations and dancing.

Lastly, witness the legacy of the Silk Road and the unique Uyghur culture that thrives in Kashgar Old City.

Day 14Kashgar | Karakul Lake

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, you would explore the renowned Kashgar bazaar, which is famous across Asia. It offers a diverse array of goods, including dried fruits, delicacies, clothing, shoes, leather products, textiles, rugs, carpets, scarves, souvenirs, and more.

In the afternoon, discover the hidden gem of China, Karakul Lake, which is a stunning glacial lake. Also take a moment to capture some pictures at Baisha Lake — ‘White Sand’ to contrast with Karakul’s blackness.

Day 15Kashgar to Chengdu

Breakfast

You would use day 15 as a traveling day. It takes about 4½ hours to fly from Kashgar to Chengdu.

Day 16Chengdu | Lovely Pandas

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, you would visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base to see the active pandas in their nursery amid bamboo groves and walkways. Nestled in a lush, tranquil environment away from crowded urban areas, the Dujiangyan is less crowded and let you interact with the panda closely.

Afterward, you would enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Then take a seat and sip a cup of tea in People’s Park, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Local people often dance, sing, and play chess in the park. Feel the good vibes and join in them if you want to.

Day 17Chengdu to Zhangjiajie | Tianmen Mountain

Breakfast & Lunch

Take a morning flight to Zhangjiajie.

You would take the longest cable car ride in the world to the top of Tianmen Mountain, taking 30 minutes. Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk is one of the world’s highest observation platforms, jutting out from a sheer cliff at 1,430 meters above the ground. Through the glass walkway, you could see the hardy trees, karst cliffs, and long roads carved into the cliffsides.

Day 18Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Breakfast & Lunch

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its mesmerizing landscapes, towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and serene valleys. You would focus on its Yuanjiajie area, which is famous and popular for its Hallelujah Mountain, named after the floating rocks in Avatar.

It only takes 2 minutes to travel to the top of the mountain with Bailong sightseeing elevator. It is the highest and fastest sightseeing elevator in the world.

Day 19Zhangjiajie to Shanghai | Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cavern

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is a world-famous attraction that stretches across Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Walking on the transparent glass floor, visitors could marvel at the dizzying depths beneath their feet and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Your final stop in Zhangjiajie is the Yellow Dragon Cavern. Discover its breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground rivers, and vast chambers.

Then take an evening flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver would greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Day 20Shanghai | Shanghai Highlights

Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your Shanghai tour at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden. Discover its beautiful pavilions, serene ponds, intricate rockeries, and lush greenery. Learn about ancient Chinese art in Shanghai Museum East, which is designed to complement the original Shanghai Museum.

In the afternoon, embark on an In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour to unravel the captivating story of Shanghai’s rise to the skies. You would enter the old buildings along the iconic Bund and listen to their intriguing stories, offering glimpses into Shanghai’s past.

Enjoy a break at a Michelin-starred restaurant and experience local snacks before taking a public ferry ride across the Huangpu River. Then you would ascend Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Day 21Shanghai Departure

Breakfast

Your tour guide, driver, and van would pick you up from your hotel for your airport transfer and flight. Your guide would accompany and assist you as far as the security check and would then wave goodbye.

More Silk Road tours

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Tour Price

FromUS$8,179p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour Code: cht-sl-06

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China Panda Tours 2026, Panda Volunteer Program

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

China Panda Tours 2026, Panda Volunteer Program

As the first tour operator to arrange panda volunteer programs, China Highlights proudly provides various types of panda tours to meet your requirements.

From visiting pandas in a zoo to seeing baby pandas in a sanctuary, being a panda volunteer to tracking wild pandas in a remote nature reserve, your wish is our command.

How to Plan a Chengdu Panda Volunteer Program Tour? Click to know more.

Currently, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Bifengxia Panda Base, and Wolong Panda Base offer giant panda volunteer programs.

For a time-smart day tour, Dujiangyan Panda Base is the best place to join in a one-day panda volunteer experience. It is more accessible and offers a wide variety of activities.

For two- or multi-day tours, we recommend Wolong Panda Base. It provides a more natural and undisturbed living environment for pandas. Besides the giant panda volunteer program, Wolong Panda Base also offers a red panda volunteer program and a baby panda volunteer program.

Our recommended panda tours below are designed to help you start to plan a memorable trip in China. Feel free to tell us your requirements and interests — our experienced travel advisors are ready to tailor-make your dream trip.

Best Panda Volunteer Program Tours

Be a Panda Keeper

One Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program Tour

Prepare food for a panda
Get a unique certificate

Explore the Real Hometown of Wild Pandas

1-Day Wolong Panda Volunteer Program Tour

New panda base
Observe panda closely

Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders

12-Day Panda Volunteer and China Classic Wonder Tour

Best for a family tour in summer
Cover the most famous sights in China

Top China Panda Tours

These are the most popular China tours with panda experiences for panda lovers. We have designed various itinerary including Chengdu and the other main cities of China to meet your requirements. All can be customized.

A Close Encounter with Pandas

2-Week Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour

Best for panda fans’ first China tour
Be a panda keeper

Discover the Fairyland of Your Dreams

4-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour

Best for panda and nature fans
Dreamlike Jiuzhaigou valley

Decode the Legends of the Largest Sitting Buddha

3-Day Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour

A good choice for panda fans and foodies
Experience the local lifestyle

Chengdu and Its UNESCO Neighbors

5-Day Chengdu, Leshan and Mount. Emei Tour

A good choice for panda and culture fans
All the highlights of Chengdu

Travelers Love China Highlights

Day Tours with Panda Experiences

The tours below are recommended if you would like to combine a panda experience with the other must-sees or your interests in Chengdu.

The Best of Chengdu

1-Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour

A time-smart way to meet pandas
Sichuan cuisine cooking experience

Panda Wonderland Tour

1-Day Chengdu Panda Wonderland Tour

Cuddly pandas.
Largest panda sculpture.

Kungfu Panda Tour

1-Day Kung Fu Panda Tour to Mount Qingcheng

Adorable panda families
Po’s Hometown-Panda Village

Cuddly and Mysterious Kingdoms

1-Day Chengdu Tour for Pandas and Sanxingdui Museum

Meet pandas
Sanxingdui Museum

FAQs for China Panda Tours

Expand All

1. Chengdu Panda Base Touring Map

2. Where can I see pandas?

The best place to see giant pandas is surely in their “home city” — Chengdu. It’s the only place in the world where you can be a panda volunteer and take a photo next to a panda.

If you would like to see wild pandas in their natural habitat, we can arrange a wild panda tracking tour in Wolong nature reserve for you. Visiting Wolong with China Highlights, you will also have a chance to spend a private evening with a panda!

You can also see giant pandas in zoos of the following cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Macau, and Hong Kong.

3. What’s the best time to see pandas?

It is best to visit during pandas’ meal times or play times. Early in the morning from 8:30 to 10:30 is very suitable, when pandas come out to eat and play.

March to May is the mating period for pandas, so baby pandas are usually born between June and September. If you come between September and December, you will have a greater chance of seeing active baby pandas in the panda bases.

4. Who can join a panda volunteer program?

The age restriction for volunteers is 10 to 70 years old. Even though pandas may look harmless, they are large omnivores and should be given the same respect as bears.

Parents must ensure that they prevent their children from coming into direct contact with the pandas. The cost for children of 10 years old and above is the same as the cost for adults.

If your children are between 0–9 years old, you can still take them with you during the program. The children can not enter the room where the panda cage is. Your guide can help take care of them if you like.

Suzhou-Hangzhou High-Speed Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

Suzhou-Hangzhou High-Speed Trains

High-speed trains between Suzhou and Hangzhou take about 1½ hours to travel 240 kilometers (149 miles), with the cost of USD 16 for a second class ticket. Suzhou to Hangzhou high-speed trains depart from Suzhou/Suzhou North railway stations, and arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station. There are also a few normal-speed trains traveling between these two cities, with the duration of 2½ to 4 hours.

High-speed trains from Suzhou to Hangzhou are recommended due to their punctuality, short travel time and comfort.

Quick Facts

Distance: 240 kilometers (149 miles)
Terminals: Suzhou Railway Station (苏州站), Suzhou North Railway Station (苏州北站), Hangzhou East Railway Station (杭州东站)
Top speed: 350 km/h (217 kph)
Duration: 1½-2½ hours

Suzhou to Hangzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 15th, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D181	06:43	09:30	2h 47m
G1509	08:12	09:32	1h 20m
G7389	08:59	10:33	1h 34m
G7591	11:19	12:56	1h 37m
G7583	13:55	15:39	1h 44m
G7491	18:52	20:17	1h 25m

There are 41 bullet trains from Suzhou to Hangzhou, departure times are from 06:43 to 20:17. Trains listed in the timetable are some of them. Check out Suzhou to Hangzhou high-speed train schedules.
Suzhou to Hangzhou high-speed trains operate at different train stations in both cities. Please pay attention to the departure / arrival stations of your train when you book train tickets.

Hangzhou to Suzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 15th, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G1866	07:26	09:09	1h 43m
G7372	08:07	09:50	1h 43m
G7316	10:08	11:55	1h 47m
G7390	13:34	14:55	1h 21m
G7310	17:43	19:36	1h 53m
G7350	20:43	22:07	2h 24m

There are 42 bullet trains from Hangzhou to Suzhou, departure times are from 07:33 to 20:01. Trains listed in the timetable are some of them.Check out Hangzhou to Suzhou high-speed train schedules.

Suzhou-Hangzhou High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Train Type	Business Class	First Class	Second Class
G Train	US$50 (CNY341.5)	US$26 (CNY178.5)	US$17 (CNY111.5)
D Train	—	US$22 (CNY150)	US$14 (CNY94)

Suzhou-Hangzhou Normal-Speed Trains

There are also several normal-speed trains traveling between Suzhou and Hangzhou, with a lower running speed of about 100 km/h (62 mph). The travel time is 2½ to 4 hours, varying due to the different numbers of stops on the journey. Most normal-speed trains operate at the centrally located Hangzhou Railway Station and Suzhou Railway Station, which are closer to the tourist attractions in both cities. Soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat cost USD 26, USD 19 and USD 6 respectively.

How to Plan a Day Trip in Shanghai – Stopover Ideas

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

How to Plan a Day Trip in Shanghai – Stopover Ideas

This article is created to guide you how to plan a layover or a day trip in Shanghai. If you use Shanghai as a gateway city for China visits you could discover Shanghai in a series of mini trips.

One of China’s “layover cities”: Shanghai has one of China’s most important airports, Pudong International Airport, making Shanghai one of the main arrival/departure cities for China.

Time Needed: at least 6 hours

A journey between the airport and the Shanghai urban area takes about one hour, which means that you need at least a 6-hour layover to get out of the airport, see a central Shanghai attraction and get back with time to check in for your flight.

A Suggested Half Day / Day in Shanghai

A Sample Itinerary: Pudong Airport – the Oriental Pearl – Nanjing Road – The Bund – Yu Garden – Pudong Airport

Covering four attractions might be too much. Select attractions according to your interests and available time.

The Bund at Night

1. Leave your luggage at the airport, and get to the city center (about 2 hours).

It takes about 1 hour to process through Arrivals, and pick up and deposit your large luggage. There are 6 luggage deposit offices in the airport.

Traveling from the airport to the city center, it is advisable to book a private transfer in advance, for time-saving convenience. Our guide will pick you up at the airport.

Alternatively, it takes about 1 hour to take subway line 2 to Lujiazui (陆家嘴 ) where the Oriental Pearl Tower is located.

2. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai Tower (about 2 hours)

If you want to have a bird’s eye view of Shanghai and a meal on the top of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, you need about 3 hours. There is a revolving restaurant in the tower.

Now the Shanghai Tower and other nearby towers offer other bird’s eye view options. We often recommend our clients to visit the Shanghai Tower instead of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower because it is taller but has a shor ter queue.

3. Explore Yu Yuan (at least 3 hours)

Yu Yuan

Yu Garden, built more than 400 years ago, is a classic Chinese garden with exquisite layout and beautiful scenery. You can taste Shanghai food on adjoining Shanghai Old Street.

4. Visit the Bund (about 2 hours)

At the end of Nanjing Road is the Bund. The night scenes of the Bund are extremely eye-catching. There are many cafés and restaurants there.

5. Shop and Eat in Nanjing Road (at least 2 hours)

Then go to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s No. 1 pedestrian street for shopping and eating.

About 20 minutes is enough to walk the mile (1½ kilometers) of Nanjing Road.

6. Return to the airport

Four hours before your boarding time, it is time to return the airport. To shorten your journey (and for the experience of the world’s fastest train) you can ride the Maglev from Longyang Lu to the airport.

Recommended 1-Day Shanghai Layover Tour

Price: From USD199 p/p
Depart: Daily

Tour Highlights

Time smart – Collection/drop-off from the airport or cruise port
All inclusive and hassle-free – five of Shanghai’s must-see attractions, such as the Bund and Yu Garden
Eat like a local – taste xiaolongbao (steamed soup buns) in a century-old restaurant

Read a more detailed intro to this 1-Day Shanghai Highlights Tour; or get started with a Shanghai tour inquiry (our consultancy is free)…

More Things to See in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Watertown

Usually three or four activities a day is about right. For attractions far from central Shanghai (like the ancient water towns), one attraction a day is about right.

If you like water towns…

There are several ancient water towns near Shanghai. Zhujiajiao Water Town is one of the most popular one and easy to access.

Our 2-Day Charming Shanghai and Watertown Tour will help you make the most of your time and maximize your experience with a private car and an experienced English guide.

If you are interested in museums…

Shanghai has more than 72 museums, China Highlights has listed the best seven on our Top 7 Museums in Shanghai page.

If you travel with a child…

If you have a child, Shanghai Disneyland is enjoyable and convenient. Take our Shanghai Family Tour to have happy family memories in Disneyland and give your children a culture exploration to the Old Shanghai.

Recommended Night Activities

It is enjoybale to take a cruise ride on the Huangpu River.

There are many night activities in Shanghai, such as:

Stroll along the Bund
Cruise along the Huangpu River
Watch an acrobatic show
Walk and shop along Nanjing Road

Click to see the top 10 things to do at night in Shanghai.

Recommended Hotels

Recommended hotels near Pudong airport:

5-star: Royal International Hotel Shanghai
4-star: Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong Airport

Recommended hotels in the city center:

5-star: Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai
4-star: Narada Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund (SSAW Hotel Shanghai)

Famous Local Food You Should Eat

Shanghai has lots of local food. You can taste them in Town God’s Temple and Yu Garden.

Iconic dishes: steamed crab, crayfish, red-braised pork,
Famous snacks: xiaolongbao (steamed stuffed buns), soup buns, fried mantou (steamed buns)

Our guides to Shanghai food and Shanghai restaurants can offer you some suggestions on choosing where and what to eat.

Need Help with Your Day Tour – Look No Further!

It is time and energy-consuming if you travel independently in Shanghai. To maximize your layover time, you are recommended to take a private tour.

Just tell us your interests and requirements. One of our specialists will take care of the rest, from tailor-making a unique tour to waving goodbye at the airport.

Here are two sample Shanghai itineraries for inspiration:

Shanghai Layover Tour: Flexible on the start and finish times, and with a tailor-made itinerary, this hassle-free tour offers an opportunity to glance at Shanghai’s highlights.
Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Water Town Culture Tour
Charming Shanghai and Water Town

How to Plan a Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

How to Plan a Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou Tour

There are three pearls in the Yangtze River Delta: Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. People may know about Shanghai because of the modern skyscrapers and old cultural buildings but may not know about Hangzhou and Suzhou – two beautiful cities that aren’t very far from Shanghai.

With the rapid development of high-speed railway, people can reach Hangzhou and Suzhou from Shanghai within an hour and it is possible to visit the three cities within a limited amount of time.

Here is a guide about how to plan a tour from Shanghai to Hangzhou and Suzhou, including necessary information and a 5-day tour plan.

Highlights of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou

Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai

Shanghai is a city that combines modernity with tradition. Visit the Bund and you will feel like you are walking along the streets of Shanghai in the 1920s. You can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Shanghai Tower or spend some leisurely time in a traditional garden.

Check out the top things to do in Shanghai.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a charming city with well-preserved natural and cultural scenery. The most famous attraction in Hangzhou is West Lake. Enjoying a boat ride on the lake is quite a relaxing and scenic experience. Also, visit Lingyin Temple to make a wish for your family.

Read about the top things to do in Hangzhou.

Lingering Garden, Suzhou

Suzhou

Suzhou is famous for its traditional gardens and water towns, which have an idyllic atmosphere and beautiful Chinese architecture. Take a rickshaw ride alongside the ancient canal to admire the ancient buildings and streets.

See the top gardens in Suzhou.

Travel Between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou by Train

As the three cities are close to each other, the best way to get around is by train.

Shanghai is the transportation hub of the three cities as there are two international airports connecting major cities in the world. Every day, over 200 bullet, or high-speed, trains depart from Shanghai to Hangzhou and Suzhou.

There are also over 30 direct trains between Hangzhou and Suzhou, which go through Shanghai.

Shanghai Airports and Railway Stations

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

In Shanghai, there are two international airports: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (IATA: SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (IATA: PVG).

The most used railway stations in Shanghai are Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station. Both have bullet trains to Hangzhou and Suzhou. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station has more trains.

Shanghai Hongqiao Is Easier to Use

For overseas travelers, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is easier to use because it is only 10 minutes’ walk to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which connects the railway lines to Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Shanghai Hongqiao is also closer to some Shanghai attractions, such as the Bund.

What to Do If You Arrive in Shanghai Pudong

Don’t worry if your flight arrives in Shanghai Pudong, just take Metro Line 2 to Shanghai Hongqiao. This will take an extra 1½ hours so you are advised to allow at least 2 hours (the more the better) for the transfer, in order to make sure you don’t miss your train.

Trains Also Depart from Shanghai Railway Station

Besides Shanghai Hongqiao, the trains to Hangzhou and Suzhou also depart from Shanghai Railway Station.

To get to Shanghai Railway Station, take Metro Line 2 then 3 from Shanghai Hongqiao, or take Metro Line 2 then 1 or 4 from Shanghai Pudong.

Arrival in Hangzhou

Xitang Water Town, Hangzhou

When traveling from Shanghai to Hangzhou, most of the trains arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station and about two to three trains at Hangzhou Railway Station.

Both stations are convenient for travelers because Metro Line 1 connects them and the most famous attraction in Hangzhou – West Lake.

Arrival in Suzhou

When traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou, the trains arrive at Suzhou Railway Station and Suzhou North Railway Station.

Suzhou Railway Station is more convenient as it is about half an hour’s drive to some famous gardens and the ancient canal. Don’t worry if you arrive in Suzhou North, just take Metro Line 2 to Suzhou Railway Station.

5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Explore the Elegant China

Tips

As the journey between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou takes 1–2 hours, travelers can take the train to another city, visit attractions within the city, and then return to the departure city or go to the third city in one day.

Although there are plenty of trains, you are still advised to book your ticket(s) early, especially during Chinese holidays and rush hours.

Accommodation Options: Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Suzhou

Night view of Suzhou

As Shanghai has more international airlines, you first stop is generally Shanghai. Departing from Shanghai, it is possible to arrive in Hangzhou/Suzhou and return in one day. So, a good choice is to stay in Shanghai throughout your trip.

Staying in Hangzhou or Suzhou after a day visiting the city is another choice. Although you need to carry your luggage all the way, you have the chance to enjoy some activities at night, such as watching a live show in Hangzhou or taking a night cruise in Suzhou.

The Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) because the weather is comfortable, warm, and there is less rainfall.

Check the four seasons’ weather and forecasts for Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Notice: Peak Season

During Chinese national holidays, such as May 1^st to 3^rd and October 1^st to 7^th, there will be more visitors in the three cities. You are advised to book your hotel and train ticket(s) as soon as possible.

If you are traveling with us, your travel consultant and guide will suggest some less crowded attractions and experiences for you, and will help you to book some restaurants in advance. We do our best to keep you away from the crowds and shorten your waiting time.

Time Needed: 5 Days

Bird-eye view of Shanghai

Five days are enough to visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Excluding the day of arrival and the day of departure, you have one day for each of the cities.

If your time is limited, you can still visit all three cities. You can arrive in Shanghai in the morning and visit the Bund in the afternoon or evening. This will save you one day for the whole journey.

If you only have 3 days or less, you can save one city or two for your next visit.

If you are seeking something to do for your layover in Shanghai, it is still possible to enjoy some attractions: half a day is enough for an in-depth visit to the Bund and one day is enough for a day trip of Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Suzhou.

Visa Requirement: 10-day Visa-Free

You may enjoy visa-free travel for up to 10 days, which is enough time to visit all three cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Check the 10-day visa-free policy for information about visa-free countries and detailed conditions.

5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou Tour Plan

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Arrive in Shanghai, check-in to your hotel, and have some rest.

You can stroll along Nanjing Road in the evening, which is the most popular pedestrian street in Shanghai.

Day 2: Visit Shanghai City

Yu Garden

In the morning, visit the Bund – a promenade alongside the Huangpu River with historical buildings. In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden to admire the concentration of traditional Chinese architecture and horticulture.

Optional: In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery / Former French Concession Precinct

If you are traveling with us, you will go on an in-depth Bund culture discovery tour for about 2½ hours. Your guide will give you information about the ancient buildings and tell you some stories about them.

If you want to learn more about Shanghai’s history, visit the Former French Concession Precinct.

Visit the Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city if you have some more time.

Day 3: Visit Hangzhou’s West Lake

The West lake

In the morning, enjoy a cruise on West Lake to admire the lake scenery, ancient pavilions, pagodas, and bridges. Then, visit Lingyin Temple to make a wish and see ancient objects and relics.

Optional: Tea Culture Experience / Live Night Shows

If you like Chinese tea, we can arrange a half-day Chinese tea culture experience at Meijiawu Tea Plantation. In this experience, you will try the whole process for making tea and will learn to drink tea in the correct way.

Our One-Day Dragon Well Tea Culture and West Lake Tour includes this experience. Check the itinerary for more information.

Want to find something to do at night? Watch a night show. The open-air live show on West Lake called Impression West Lake is the most recommended.

Accommodation: Zhejiang International Hotel (4-star) / Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake (5-star)

Day 4: Visit Attractions in Suzhou

Humble Administrator’s Garden

In the morning, visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, which is the largest traditional garden in Suzhou. It features streams, artificial hills, and ancient architectures.

After your visit, head to Tongli Water Town. Walk around the town to visit ancient architectural structures that have existed for hundreds of years.

Optional: Lingering Garden and the ancient canal

Lingering Garden is another famous garden in Suzhou, featuring a garden landscape, ancient architecture, and idyllic scenery.

It is fun and relaxing to take a rickshaw to travel around the ancient canal in Suzhou. If you choose to stay in Suzhou for one night, you can have the chance to take a night cruise on the canal. Let us help you to arrange these experiences.

Read the detailed information about our Suzhou day trip.

Day 5: Shanghai Departure

Board your flight and leave Shanghai.

If you are interested in the tour plan above, you can check our 5-day Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou Bullet Train Tour for detailed information and a quotation.

5-Day Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou Explore the Elegant China

Visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou with Us

Enjoy your tour with us

Having a tour of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou with us, you will enjoy a smooth and meaningful journey because we will arrange all of the bookings and transportation for you, and your guide will tell you about the history and stories behind the attractions.

Check out some popular tours:

Check more Shanghai tours for ideas. Everything in the itineraries can be customized according to your interests.

Also, tell us your requirements and let us create a tour for you.

The Difference Between the Beginning of Spring and the Chinese Spring Festival

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

In Chinese culture, the Beginning of Spring (立春, lìchūn) and the Chinese Spring Festival (春节, chūnjié) are both significant events, each marking a new cycle in the year. However, they differ in terms of timing, cultural meaning, and celebration practices.

The Beginning of Spring (立春, lìchūn)

The Beginning of Spring is the first of the 24 solar terms (二十四节气, èr shí sì jié qì) in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It signifies the arrival of spring, a season of growth and renewal. In 2025, the Beginning of Spring falls on February 3rd.

Symbolism of 立春 (lìchūn)

立春 marks the revival of nature after winter. It is a time for agricultural preparations, with farmers getting ready for planting. The day is often associated with eating symbolic foods such as 春饼 (chūn bǐng, spring pancakes) or 春卷 (chūn juǎn, spring rolls), which symbolize prosperity and growth.

Agricultural Significance

For centuries, 立春 (lìchūn) has guided farmers in their agricultural work. The 24 solar terms determine the farming schedule, and 立春 (lìchūn) signals the beginning of planting season. The date is crucial for aligning activities like sowing seeds with nature’s rhythms.

The Chinese Spring Festival (春节, chūnjié)

The Chinese Spring Festival marks the start of the lunar new year (农历新年, nónglì xīn nián). Unlike the Beginning of Spring, which is based on the solar calendar, the Spring Festival follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated with festive traditions. In 2025, the festival starts on January 29th.

The Meaning of 春节 (chūnjié)

春节 (Chūnjié) is the most important festival in Chinese culture, emphasizing family reunion and good fortune. It marks the beginning of the lunar year, with each year associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào). The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake (蛇年, shé nián).

Celebrations of 春节 (chūnjié)

Key customs of 春节 (chūnjié) include:

Reunion Dinners (团圆饭, tuán yuán fàn): Families gather to enjoy a meal together, featuring dishes like 饺子 (jiǎozi, dumplings) for wealth and 鱼 (yú, fish) for abundance.
Fireworks (烟花, yānhuā): Fireworks are set off to ward off evil spirits (驱邪, qū xié) and bring good luck.
Red Envelopes (红包, hóngbāo): Money is given in red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune for children and unmarried adults.

Key Differences Between 立春 (lìchūn) and 春节 (chūnjié)

Although both mark important transitions, the Beginning of Spring and the Spring Festival differ significantly in meaning and celebration.

Timing

立春 (lìchūn) marks the arrival of spring and falls on February 3rd in 2025.
春节 (chūnjié) marks the lunar new year, occurring on January 29th in 2025.

Cultural Focus

立春 (lìchūn) is focused on the natural world, symbolizing renewal and the start of the planting season.
春节 (chūnjié) is centered around family, ancestral worship, and seeking good fortune for the new year.

Traditions

立春 (lìchūn) involves more subtle customs, like eating foods symbolizing spring and vitality.
春节 (chūnjié) is celebrated with grand customs, including fireworks, reunion dinners, and red envelopes.

How eChineseLearning Can Help You Navigate Chinese Culture

Understanding Chinese culture is crucial for effective communication, and at eChineseLearning, we integrate cultural context directly into our lessons. This approach allows you to not only speak Chinese but also understand the nuances, customs, and behaviors that are key to engaging confidently in Chinese-speaking environments.

Our one-on-one lessons are tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re aiming to improve your business Chinese, navigate social interactions, or simply learn about Chinese traditions and etiquette, our expert teachers will guide you every step of the way. You’ll learn how to use appropriate language for different situations—whether formal or informal—and gain insights into Chinese values, such as respect for hierarchy, saving face, and building relationships.

We focus on practical, real-world applications of the language, ensuring that you can confidently use Chinese in various cultural contexts—whether you’re meeting colleagues for the first time, participating in Chinese festivals, or negotiating in business settings.

Start your free trial lesson today and experience how eChineseLearning’s personalized courses can help you master both the language and the cultural aspects of Chinese communication!

Ignite Your Child’s Passion For Mandarin: Tools And Resources For Kids

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:29 +0000

We understand the challenges children face when learning Mandarin. Navigating a language with different writing systems and tonal pronunciations can be a daunting task. However, with the right resources and tools, learning Mandarin can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This article will introduce some effective learning tools and resources to help kids on their Mandarin journey.

1. Interactive Language Learning Apps

One of the most engaging and effective tools for kids to learn Mandarin are interactive language learning apps. These apps offer a variety of interactive exercises, games, and quizzes to practice vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Some popular language learning apps include Duolingo, HelloChinese, and FluentU. These apps make learning Mandarin fun and convenient, allowing kids to progress at their own pace.

2.Online language courses

Online language courses can be a great resource for children who prefer to learn Mandarin in a more structured way. Designed by experienced Mandarin teachers, these courses provide a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of the language. Online courses often include video lessons, interactive exercises, and assessments to track progress. One of the well-known Mandarin online course platforms is eChineseLearning.

3.Language exchange program

Participating in a language exchange program can significantly improve children’s Mandarin language skills. These programs connect learners with native Mandarin speakers who are learning their language. Through dialogue and cultural exchange, children can improve their speaking and listening skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Tandem, HelloTalk and ConversationExchange are popular platforms for finding language exchange partners.

4.Chinese books and reading materials

Reading Chinese books and materials is an important part of language acquisition. For children, it’s important to start with beginner-friendly books that include pinyin and English translations. Gradually, children can learn more advanced reading material. Some recommended books for children learning Mandarin include the Chinese version of “The Little Prince,” the “My First Chinese Book” series, and “The Monkey King’s Journey to the West.”

5.Cultural immersion activities

To truly grasp the essence of Mandarin and Chinese culture, children should engage in cultural immersion activities. These activities include watching Chinese movies and TV cartoons, listening to Chinese music and learning about Chinese culture. Through immersion in the language and culture, children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Mandarin.

All in all, learning Mandarin for children may seem challenging, but with the right resources and tools, it can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. By using the above resources and tools, children can develop their language skills and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. Resources and tools for children to learn Mandarin.

If you are interested in having your kid learn Chinese, sign up for a free trial class via the form in this page, and we will be happy to help.

One Day Private Jiufen Gold Rush Town and Keelung Harbor Night Market

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

One Day Private Jiufen Gold Rush Town and Keelung Harbor Night Market

Foodie’s Adventure

Experience Jiufen, once a prosperous gold rush town, on this one-day excursion nearby Keelung. Discover retro Chinese and Japanese-style cafés and tea houses, pristine eroded rocks, the gorgeous Golden Waterfall, bustling Keelung Night Market, and fantastic views of the ocean.

Highlights

Golden Waterfall-a pristine & unique fall with yellow hue;
Historical Jiufen Old Street & retro-style café & tea house;
Sighting of wonderful rock erosion at Heping Island Park;
Bustling Keelung Market & variety of tasty local delicacies;

Suggested Itinerary

Start your trip with a pickup from your hotel and drive to Jiufen. Along the way, take in the breathtaking view of the mountains and scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, walk along the historical Jiufen Old Street, a market street that stretches through most of the village, and discover the retro blend of Chinese and Japanese architecture on cafés, tea houses, and souvenir shops. Then head to the Golden Waterfall, which earned its nickname from its yellow hue caused by the combination of regular rainfall in the mining area and abundant heavy metal elements deposited in the riverbed.Continue your adventure at Heping Island Park. While here, take out your camera and snap photos of the famous ‘bean-curd rock’ as well as pedestal rocks formed by wave erosion and crustal movement.

Later, stop at Keelung Miaokou Night Market, nation-wide and well-known for its great diversity and tasty local delicacies. Wander through the lanes and alleys before your transfer takes you back to your hotel.

Tour inclusions

Guided tour of Jiufen
Admission fees
Traditional Taiwanese lunch
Roundtrip transportation to and from your hotel by private vehicle
Food & Beverage Details: Taiwanese lunch

Tip: Please wear comfortable shoes

Day 1 Jiufen Gold Rush Town – Keelung Harbour Night market
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
Tour valid: Whole year round
Activities Level: Easy
Transport: air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: Lunch
Size of Group: Min. 2 persons
Tour style: Private tour
Departure Time: customized (suggested 09:00 am)
Departure Place: customized (hotel lobby, your hotel should be located in Taipei downtown)

Blackout Dates (if applicable): 2017, Jan. 27 – Feb. 1 will be Chinese New Year, as the dates of the Chinese New Year holiday differs each year, we will let you know in front what the new dates are.

More Taiwan tours

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One-to-one consultancy with our travel expert
Versatile and knowledgeable local guides
Your own chauffeur and comfortable vehicle
Hand-picked hotels to suit your preferences
Hotel buffet breakfasts and local restaurant lunches
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
The booking of internal transportation per your preferences
A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling

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Nanjing Railway Station

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

Nanjing Railway Station

Chinese Name: 南京站
Address: NO.11 Ryongban Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
Chinese Address: 南京市玄武区龙蟠路111号

Nanjing Railway Station is one of the major train stations in Nanjing. It mainly serves norma-speed trains to major cities and high-speed trains to neighbouring cities. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Nanjing South Railway Station and 46 kilometers (28 miles) from Nanjing Lukou International Airport.

The other two major train stations in the city of Nanjing is Nanjing South Railway Station and Nanjing West Railway Station. Nanjing South operates high-speed trains to and from the city.

Nanjing Railway Station Basics

Chinese: 南京站
Name on train tickets: 南京
Address: 111 Longpan Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 南京市玄武区龙蟠路111号
Metro: Take line 1 to Nanjing Railway Station
Station size: 8 platforms, 16 platforms

Nanjing Railway Station Overview

The Nanjing Railway Station was opened in October of 1968. The new building was built in 2005 and is spacious. The station has conventional lines and a bullet train line. It is affiliated with the Shanghai Railway Bureau, and it is ranked first-class. Nanjing Railway Station has 10 tracks in total. Among the 10 tracks, there are 2 main tracks which are also called passengers lines, 5 arrival and departure tracks, 1 locomotive track and 4 train compartment storage tracks. There are 4 station platforms, and each measures 500 meters. The station sits next to the subway line and is just north of a big lake with a park. Several lines meet at the station such as the Jinghu Railway (from Beijing to Shanghai) and the Hening Railway (from Hefei to Nanjing).

Station Plan

Nanjing Railway Station consists of a Nouth Terminal, a Nouth Square, a Sorth Terminal and a Sorth Square. The North Terminal has five storeys and the South Terminal has four storeys. South terminal mainly serves intercity trains to neighbouring cities.

North Terminal

3F: stores, restaurants, escalator, elevator
2F: waiting rooms, toilets, escalator, elevator
1F: waiting rooms, toilets, escalator, elevator
-1F: exit, subway station, parking lot, escalator

South Terminal

3F: waiting rooms
2F: entrance, waiting rooms, waiting room for infants and their mothers
1F: ticket office, left luggage office, VIP waiting room
-1F: arrival concourse for intercity trains, exit, subway station, subway transfer passage, parking lot for taxies
-2F: parking lot for other vehicles

The south terminal has 2 floors underground and 3 floors above ground, and it measures 270 meters long from east to west and 53.5 meters long from south to north. Its peak capacity is more than 10,000 passengers. There are 32 ticket booths and emergency 8 ticket offices in the Ticket Concourse. The total area of the Ticket Concourse is 115 square meters.

Nanjing Railway Station

The first floor of the Station Building has a Luggage Office in its western end; the Ticket Concourse in its middle and the soft-seat VIP waiting area in its eastern end. In the second floor, there are the Entrance Concourse, the General Waiting Room, the Mother-and-child Room, the Servicemen Waiting Room, and a “158” office where people can seek help, including medical help. In the third floor is the General Waiting Room. For passenger convenience, the station building is equipped with 18 escalators, 4 lifts and 10 elevators (7 for disabled people and 3 for goods).

Passengers can enter the Waiting Room on the second floor directly from the bus station on the second floor level. The Exit Concourse underground is connected with the Nanjing Subway Station and the Parking Lot where there are taxis that depart from the building. Passengers can catch the subway, buses or taxis without leaving the building.

The station has an Automatic Storage Machine area, ATMs and Mobile Quick Charger Equipment for the convenience of passengers. There are special ticket services for the disabled people, foreigners, and groups. There are medical service centers and rooms for VIPs.

Popular Train Routes to Other Cities

High-Speed Train Timetable

Trains	Destination	Departure	Duration	Ticket Fares (second/first class)
D305, D309, D781…	Shanghai	03:33 to 22:46	1 to 3.5 hours	USD 10 / USD 22
D305, D309, D781…	Suzhou	03:33 to 22:40	45 minutes to 2.5 hour	USD 7 / USD 16
D710, D712, G204…	Beijing South	00:03 to 23:57	3 to 9.5 hours	USD 30 / USD 110
D3239, D3125, G7505…	Ningbo	06:14 to 18:51	2 to 5 hours	USD 23 / USD 35
D781, D717, D3239…	Hangzhou East	04:44 to 22:19	1 to 5 hours	USD 15 / USD 23
D2281, D2281	Xiamen North	07:46, 08:09	10 to 11 hours	USD 75 / USD 119
D3125, D2281, G1603…	Shenzhen North	06:37 to 10:38	11 to 14 hours	USD 94 / USD 150

Non-Bullte Train Timetable

Trains	Destination	Departure	Duration	Ticket Fares (hard/soft sleeper)
K102, 1462, T110…	Beijing	00:58 to 22:55	11.5 to 18.5 hours	USD 38 / USD 59
K1511, K8371, K8351…	Shanghai	00:33 to 23:02	2 to 5 hours	USD 15 / USD 19
K527, T151	Guangzhou	03:33 to 22:40	45 minutes to 2.5 hour	USD 7 / USD 16
K4028, Z376, K560…	Xi’an	01:04 to 23:51	12 to 26 hours	USD 42 / USD 63
D781, D717, D3239…	Shenzhen	04:44 to 22:19	1 to 5 hours	USD 15 / USD 23
K33	Xiamen North	21:01	25 hours	USD 61 / USD 96
1228, K336, K516…	Jinan	00:29 to 23:24	7 to 11 hours	USD 23 / USD 35

Transportation to Nanjing Railway Station

Passengers can take bus No. 1, 13, 17, 32, 33, 36, 50, 59, 64, Tourist 1, 801, 811, and 813 to get there. Nanjing Metro Line 1 and Line 3 also connect Nanjing Railway Station to other places.

How to Get to Nanjing South Station from Nanjing Station

By subway: after getting off the train, go straightly down to the -1F to take subway line 1 or line 3 directly from Nanjing Railway Station to Nanjing South Railway Station. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

By taxi: a taxi ride takes about 25 minutes, with the cost of 60 CNY (USD 10).

How to Get to Lukou Airport from Nanjing Railway Station

By subway: take subway line 1 or line 3 from Nanjing Railway Station to Nanjing South Railway Station (11 or 13 stops), then take line S1 to Nanjing Lukou International Airport (8 stops). The whole journey takes an hour and 40 minutes.

By shuttle bu: walk 2 to 3 minutes to the east side of South Square, take shuttle bus from the station to the airport. The whole journey takes around an hour and 20 minutes, with the cost of 20 CNY (USD 3).

Nanjing Railway Station Special Tips

Inquiry Phone Number: 025-85822222; 025-85824224
Nanjing Railway Station Ticket Booking Number: 85824224, 85071111.
Passengers can collect their tickets at the No 1 Service Window on the first floor of the Nanjing Gulou Post Office Tower.

Christmas Shopping in Shanghai 2026 (Best Christmas Markets)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

Christmas Shopping in Shanghai 2026 (Best Christmas Markets)

Curl your hands around a mug of lightly spiced mulled wine, a traditional German beverage. Sing along to Christmas carols, gaze at decorated trees twinkling their bells and breathe in the sweet scent of gingerbread while scouring the stalls for gifts and seasonal memorabilia. No, you’re not at a European Christmas market – you are in Shanghai.

Shanghai has evolved quickly over the last five years when it comes to Western holidays and festivities. This city offers the best there is in Chinese mainland. Hitting the many Christmas markets is the best way to find original, high quality items, and in late November and December, you’re sure to find one of them around town.

The Paulaner Bräuhaus Christmas Market

Every December sees the famous Paulaner Bräuhaus Christmas market – one of the most popular markets in the city. They used to hold this market each year at the French Concession branch, however that has now closed. This year, the market will be held in Pudong.

“People should come to get a real European experience of Christmas in Shanghai” says Jacob Hayes DeLois, marketing director of the event. “It’s not too difficult to find. What we want people to take away from this is the experience of the traditional winter customs from Europe.”

So how does DeLois ensure that the Paulaner star shines the brightest? “We’re selling Christmas wreaths and trees, which always gets people pretty excited about Christmas,” assures DeLois. “We’re also selling glass Christmas tree ornaments and wooden toys.” There will also be an impressive tree and a wooden train set for the kids to toot along to.

With the bite that’s now in the air, you’ll definitely need energy to keep you shopping and the markets have their share of traditional treats. DeLois promises traditional German pretzels and bratwurst sausages, as well as Stollen, plenty of gluh-wine/ mulled wine and of course, gingerbread. I’m sure you’ll bag a box of mince pies along the way too.

Dust off your Christmas stocking and find your embarrassing chunky-knit-reindeer-clad jumper. Jingle into the festive spirit and experience an authentic Christmas market.

The Jing’an Christkindlmarkt

Gift Wrapping: No need to worry about last minute wrapping on Christmas eve – if you bring your presents along, Paper Tiger Shanghai are bringing along their “fine Chinese paper and designs” and providing a beautifully unique gift wrapping service.

As far as Christmas tradtions go, the Jingan Christkindmarkt is one that remains in Shanghai. Indulge in delicious Christmas food such as gingerbread, baked apples and chestnuts while letting the children pay Santa Claus a visit on the weekends. There will be beautifully decorated wooden stalls and wintercharm throughout the market.

Other markets that you should check out include:

NAIS Pudong Christmas Market

This is a special market in December that is very kid oriented, with activities planned for children. It is a festive event filled with performances from student musicians, shopping vendors and plenty more.

Moller Villa Christmas Market

This year at the historic Moller Viller, a huge castle located in downtown Shanghai, you will find a Christms fair that will take you to a completely different time period. Celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas feast, live performances, auctions and a free tour of the ‘fantasy castle’.

Sukhothai Boutique Christmas Market

In the heart of Shanghai you will find a stylish Christmas market with activities to bring you joy for the holiday. This exclusive event will feature Christmas cookie decorating, children’s gifts, crafted cocktails and much more.

A Winter Wonderland

An exciting event is coming to Shanghai this Christmas that will span across Anyi Lu at Jingan Kerry Centre. With this year’s theme being ‘home for the holidays’ you will find yourself at a Christmas market that reminds you of home, yet displays unique characteristics. Be delighted as you try delicious Christmas-themed brioched ice cream sandwiches and dine at award-winning restaurants.

Christmas Charity Bazaar

This is a fun charity event that will get you into the Christmas spirit. You will find everything from Christmas arts and crafts, raffle prizes and festive food and drinks. Come support Sunrise as they hold their first-ever charity bazaar supported by volunteers who will run the event.

Christmas in Shanghai, Besides Markets

Enough about markets. If you are looking for a more immersive Christmas in Shanghai in 2024 – Christmas meals, festive bars, and church services – we have that covered for you! See our guide to Christmas in Shanghai.

Shanghai Christmas Tours

Check out our best selling Shanghai only tour plan: 3-Day Essence of Shanghai (perfect for a visa free visit via HK)

Here are more top China tour ideas, many including Shanghai.

Let us help you plan a personalized China trip for you or you can even tailor-make a trip with us, based on exactly what you want to see and do.

Merry Christmas and happy shopping!

Hong Kong Weather in April

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

Hong Kong Weather in April

In April, the probability of precipitation increases with time. April weather in Hong Kong is mostly rainy or cloudy with some mist.

The average low and high temperatures are 16 °C (61 °F) and 29°C (84°F). The temperature can get even higher, which makes it suitable for spring outings.

Sunshine isn’t very frequent in April. Ultraviolet intensity is low so you don’t need to be as careful when going outside.

What to Wear and Prepare

You can wear summer clothes: The weather is getting much warmer and you may feel hot as the temperature may rise above 30°C (86°F). Some summer clothes, such as T-shirts, are enough for the daytime, although you should also prepare a light jacket for the evenings.

Take or buy an umbrella: If you want to travel lightly, you can choose not to take your own umbrella and buy one in Hong Kong instead, if needed.

Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in April

1. Sightsee on Victoria Peak

The view from the Victoria Peak

The cool spring weather is ideal for walking along the paths on Victoria Peak.

For extended walks, several paths wind down among the country parks that surround the peak. You can walk down a path towards the city to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

2. Enjoy a Romantic Night in Victoria Harbor

On a fine and comfortable evening in April, it is pleasurable to take your lover to Victoria Harbor and admire the nighttime scenery. With the spring breeze blowing across you, the night will be a romantic memory for you.

At 8pm, A Symphony of Lights shines every night. Enjoy the spectacular performance!

3. Have Fun with Your Kids in Theme Parks

On a fine spring day, nothing can be better than having a full day of happiness with your kids in Hong Kong Disneyland. This is the fifth Disneyland to be opened worldwide and it includes seven theme parks, among which the Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point are unique.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is another choice. With over 40 rides and attractions, you and your family are sure to have a happy and fulfilling day.

12-Day Classic China Tour with Panda Hong Kong – Guilin – Chengdu – Xian – Beijing

4. Relax on a Beach

As the temperature rises in April, the beaches in Hong Kong become popular destinations.

Repulse Bay is a great free public beach. It is the first choice for visitors due to its clean water, beautiful environment, and perfect facilities.

Hong Kong Events and Festivals in April

The world’s premiere rugby sevens event is held in late March / early April each year. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world visit Hong Kong to see the teams compete in this fast-paced sport, as well as enjoying the parties and social events.

Champions Day horse racing

April 28^th is Champions Day, which is one of the greatest international horse racing tournaments in Hong Kong. Featuring three top contests in one day, this is an exciting event for horse racing fanatics.

The 23^rd day of the third lunar month (the end of April) is the Birthday of Tin Hau. On this day, more than 70 Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong will host celebrations.

Note: The actual date of some events might differ between the years. You are recommended to confirm the date with us in advance.

Classic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise Hong Kong – Guilin – Yangtze River Cruise – Xian – Beijing

Visiting Hong Kong in April: Travel Tips and Popular Tours

April is in the shoulder season.

April is generally a moderate month for tourism. Hotel rates are moderately high, and travel tickets are easier to purchase than they are in October and November.

See more Hong Kong tours.

Mid-Autumn Festival Facts (10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

Mid-Autumn Festival Facts (10 Interesting Things You Didn’t Know)

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important traditional festival to Chinese people after Chinese New Year. Here are 10 stunning facts about this popular holiday.

1. The Mid-Autumn Festival is often in late summer!

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls as early as September 8, which is late summer for south China; not even autumn! Its latest date of October 6 is still only early autumn for south China. Only in north China, where there are short summers and long winters, is the festival aptly named climatically, but only for about half of the time. So why is it called “Mid-Autumn”?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is always celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the middle of lunar month 8. The 7th, 8th, and 9th lunar months are classed as autumn. So actually it is the “mid-lunar-autumn” festival.

Read about the relationship between the moon and the Chinese lunar calendar.

2. It’s also called the “Moon Festival”.

In Chinese beliefs, the roundness of the full moon means ‘togetherness’, thus the reunion moon is very special in Chinese culture. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month every year, which is a “full moon day”.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the harvest moon is supposed to be at its brightest and fullest of the year. This festival also has an origin in moon worship.

3. Chinese people believe the moon is brightest at Mid-Autumn, but it’s not usually!

It is generally believed that the moon is brightest in fall, which holds some truth, due to least cloudy skies on average. But it’s no more likely to be a supermoon than any other time of the year.

Actually, the Mid-Autumn Festival does not always occur on the night of the full moon, which is contrary to popular belief. The Chinese lunar calendar does not coincide perfectly with the cycles of the moon. However, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month is always within two days of the harvest moon night.

4. Mid-Autumn Festival once ranked 2nd among China’s festivals.

Migrant Chinese workers would always try to go home for Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now, many just go back for Chinese New Year as interest in traditional festivals is waning (moon pun coincidental).

The Mid-Autumn Festival is now joint third for public holiday allocation alongside Labor Day and three others.

5. Unbelievable! A box of mooncakes can be more than 1,000 yuan!

The cost of a mooncake is actually quite low, e.g. 4 yuan (less than 1 USD) for one mooncake. But the beautiful, luxury packs are a higher price. Every year, star-rated hotels promote luxury tailor-made mooncakes, which are sometimes priced higher than 1,000 yuan (150 USD) for each box (usually 6 mooncakes, approx. 1 kg).

The luxury mooncakes are usually stuffed with luxury ingredients, such as shark fin, abalone, and bird’s nest. Or they are packaged in a luxury box that is decorated with gold or silver. People like to buy them as presents for friends or families.

6. Chinese people make some huge mooncakes — some bigger than a jacuzzi!

Every year, Chinese people will try to make a mooncake as big as possible to break the record.

The largest mooncake was made in Shanghai in 2013. It weighed about 2,500 kg (5,500 lb), with a diameter of about 2.5 meters. It was much bigger than a kingsize bed and heavier than a family car.

7. 3-day Mid-Autumn breaks are popular — train tickets are sold out quickly.

There will be a three-day holiday during the festival. Chinese people like to spend time with their families, or to travel outside their towns on a short trip. Train tickets are usually sold out quickly during the festival time and famous tourist spots are usually quite crowded.

8. Mid-Autumn was once the second “Valentine’s Day” in China.

In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival was another Chinese “Valentine’s Day”, alongside the Double Seventh Festival (this usually falls in August). Single people used to pay homage to “the old man in the moon” — the god who unites people in marriage — and prayed for his help finding true love and getting married quickly. Couples enjoyed spending some romantic time together.

9. Chinese people like to climb hills or walk by a lake to appreciate the mid-fall moon.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s very popular to appreciate the bright moon. Therefore, Chinese people like to find a place close to the moon in order to appreciate it fully, such as the roof, or a mountain top. Or some people like to go to the lakeside to enjoy a leisurely night with friends.

See the Best places to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

10. The Chinese youth love to give lucky money as Mid-Autumn gifts using WeChat.

In traditional customs, people usually give mooncakes as gifts. But the Chinese youth tend to give lucky money — “digital red envelopes” — to friends or families via their phones. It’s a fashionable activity to celebrate a festival.

Want to share the Mid-Autumn Festival story with your family? The 3-minute video below will show you all about it.

Challenges Non-Chinese Children in Hong Kong Face While Learning Mandarin

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

In the multicultural city of Hong Kong, non-Chinese children face unique difficulties and challenges when learning Chinese. Despite the city’s abundant educational resources and multilingual environment, these children still encounter numerous obstacles in their Chinese language journey. Here are some specific challenges that are particularly pronounced in Hong Kong:

1、The Impact of Cantonese Immersion

Hong Kong’s predominant use of Cantonese in schools and daily life presents a unique challenge for non-Chinese children learning Mandarin. These students are more exposed to Cantonese in their communities, creating a disconnect that makes it difficult for them to practice and reinforce their Mandarin skills outside the classroom.

2、Incompatible Curriculum and Materials

Most Hong Kong schools, except for international ones, use Chinese textbooks and curricula designed for local students. These materials often assume a foundational knowledge of Chinese that non-Chinese students typically lack, leaving them struggling and frustrated.

3、Limitations of Education Policies

Although the Hong Kong Education Bureau promotes multicultural and multilingual education, there are still gaps in the implementation of these policies. For instance, resources and support services for non-Chinese students learning Chinese are relatively limited and fail to fully address their educational needs. Many schools lack Chinese courses specifically designed for non-Chinese students, making it challenging for these students to receive effective help and guidance during their studies.

4、Chinese Exam Pressure

Hong Kong’s Chinese language exams have high standards, which can be particularly stressful for non-Chinese students. The exams typically involve extensive character writing and complex reading comprehension, which can be very challenging for these students. Poor performance can lead to feelings of frustration, further impacting their motivation to learn.

Although non-Chinese children in Hong Kong may face the above challenges when learning Chinese, there are several ways to support them. You can find a tutor for your child or enroll them in local Chinese extracurricular classes. Online Chinese tutoring classes are also an excellent option as they offer high-quality teachers, flexible scheduling and the ability to review lessons, among them eChineseLearning is a great option. eChineseLearning has specialized in teaching Chinese online for 18 years, with hundreds of highly-qualified teachers from Mainland China.

If you are interested in having your kid learn Chinese, sign up for a free trial class via the form on this page, and we will be happy to help.

Chinese writing challenge, January 2026

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:28 +0000

It’s time for a Chinese writing challenge! This is a great opportunity if you want to improve your written Chinese. If you’re like most of us, you probably don’t spend as much time on this as you should.

Writing here refers to composition, i.e. how to write texts in Chinese rather than how to write individual characters but feel free to write by hand if you want. There will be a separate challenge focusing on characters and vocabulary later!

Hacking Chinese writing challenge, January 10-31, 2026

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to learn more about Hacking Chinese Challenges:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many other platforms!

This is how you sign up and join the challenge:

Sign up (using your e-mail, Facebook or Twitter)
View current and upcoming challenges on the front page
Find the writing challenge and click “Enrol!”
Set a reasonable goal (see below)
Start writing!
Report your progress on your computer or mobile device
Check the graph to see if you’re on track to reach your goal
Check the leaderboard to see how you compare to others (if you want)
Share progress, tips and resources with fellow students

Please note: The challenge starts on the 10th, so even if you join now, you won’t be able to report progress until then. I posted this article today, so you have a few days to prepare!

What should you write? How should you write?

Both what you write and how you write depend a bit on your level and your goals for learning Chinese. I have summarised my best advice about improving writing ability here: 20 tips and tricks to improve your Chinese writing ability

20 tips and tricks to improve your Chinese writing ability

Your Chinese writing challenge: Set a reasonable goal

Set a goal which is as high as possible without feeling unreachable. For the duration of the challenge, I think it’s reasonable for part-time students to spend half an hour, three times per week, which will mean 4-5 hours over the entire challenge. Full-time students can aim for at least twice that.

Preliminary challenge schedule for 2026

Here is a preliminary list of challenges for 2025, but I’m always open to ideas. Based on user participation, surveys, as well as my own opinion, reading and listening challenges, are particularly helpful for a large number of people, followed by those focusing on vocabulary. These will recur more often throughout the year, with other, more specific challenges in between.

Challenges last for roughly three weeks. They always start on the 10th of each month and last until the end of that month. Three weeks is enough to get a significant amount of studying, but not so long that people lose focus. This also leaves ten days of breathing space between challenges.

January: Writing
February: Listening
March: Speaking
April: Reading
May: Vocabulary
June: Listening
July: Writing
August: Reading
September: Speaking
October: Listening
November: Vocabulary
December: Reading

1-Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

1-Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour

Explore the Authentic Chengdu Life

Many travelers visit Chengdu to see giant pandas but return for the food and its unique laid-back culture. This day trip invites you to explore Chengdu’s local parks, folk theaters, and time-honored streets to understand better the city dwellers’ lifestyle and their go-with-the-flow attitude toward life.

Feel free to customize your private journey, we are more than thrilled to assist you.

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Learn Tea Etiquette in an Ancient Teahouse

Relish the unique Gaiwan tea with the locals in the park, and immerse yourself in the genuine Chengdu way.

Visit the Backstage of a Local Theater

You have the opportunity to go backstage and understand the performance preparation process of the Sichuan Opera actors.

Roam within the Age-old Alleys

Explore the Wide and Narrow Alley, lauded as the epitome of old Chengdu, and immerse yourself in the city’s culturally enriching street life.

Travelers Love China Highlights

Suggested Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary and it is adjustable based on your needs. The time points in the following itinerary are for reference only. Your guide will adjust according to the actual circumstances of the day and your requirements.

9:00 am Chengdu People’s Park

Your private guide and driver will promptly meet you at your hotel, ready to embark on a day’s leisure journey with you.

Venture into the century-old Chengdu People’s Park and begin your laid-back day. In the main square, locals participate in various activities like tai chi, kicking a shuttlecock, and square dancing. The daily ritual of stopping at a teahouse to meet friends and chat began in Chengdu at least 1,000 years ago. Take a seat and sip a cup of tea. Your guide will explain the etiquette of how to drink tea and the intentions you express when you put the lid, bowl, and tray in different places.

2:00 pm Backstage of a Local Theater

Chengdu is the main home of Sichuan opera. Every day, there are many grassroots opera houses that we recommend. After lunch, follow your guide and have a chance to step backstage to see how the actors and actresses make up and chant with them.

3:00 pm Wide and Narrow Alleys

Next, journey to the Wide and Narrow Alleys, the treasured remnants of Chengdu from the Qing Dynasty era. Here, you can delve into Chengdu’s folk culture, explore ancient architecture, or shop for unique crafts and local snacks. Amidst traditional teahouses and modern cafes, experience a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

5:00 pm Wave Goodbye

At the end of the trip, we will escort you to your hotel.

More Chengdu tours

Tour Price

FromUS$199p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on the program, travel date, and number of people

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English-speaking local guide
Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: cd-7

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Chongqing Weather in June, Chongqing Temperature in June

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

Chongqing Weather in June, Chongqing Temperature in June

Weather: June may be the third hottest month following July and August. The average temperature ranges from 22 °C (72 °F) to 29 °C (84 °F) daily. You may feel hot in the morning and in the evening as there is minimal breeze.

It is often cloudy or overcast, but when it is sunny, it may be scorching since the sunshine is strong and the humidity is high. There are 16 days of rain in the month for a total of 171 mm.

Forecast: The weather is changeable, so stay abreast of the local weather forecast>>

Air quality: Lightly to moderately polluted.

Clothing: Shorts, T-shirts and rain gear.

Things to Do in Chongqing in June

In June, you can duck indoors into museums when it rains. Otherwise, you can enjoy the scenery and breezes on a Daning River cruise or a Yangtze cruise.

Half-Day Daning River Cruise

The Lesser Three Gorges: It is a good time to see the lush green gorges. Both the water and the landscape are green and contrasts with the muddy brown color of the Yangtze. Most tourists say that the scenery is better than at the big Three Gorges. Cool river breezes help you to stay cool.

Shop at Ciqikou

Ciqikou Old Town: This favorite tourist shopping area isn’t for bargain hunting as much as for recreation. The area is known for old preserved architecture and many walking lanes. Try the local food such as Suan La Fen (Sour Hot Noodles).

Stay Cool and Learn in the Three Gorges Museum

The Three Gorges Museum is a large and modern museum where many tourists like to spend a few hours. It is a fascinating place to learn about the region of the Three Gorges, its history, and see the preserved antiques and artifacts from the submerged area. You can learn about the huge new dam too.

Touring Chongqing in June

Tourist High Season

June is officially “high season” for tourism, but tourism is relatively lower than in July and August when universities and schools are on summer vacation.

Flights tickets and good hotel rooms may be hard to book. China Highlights can help you reserve these at a large discount.

Chongqing/Yangtze Tours

7-Day Yangtze and Li Rivers Tour: Cruise the Yangtze and tour Chongqing where you’ll visit Ciqikou and the Chongqing Zoo’s Panda Room. Cruise on the Li River of Guilin too where you can enjoy the beautiful lush natural summer scenery.

See our full spectrum of tours.

Chongqing Climate Information by Month

Hefei-Nanjing Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

Hefei-Nanjing Trains

The Hefei-Nanjing train route links the cultural and economic centers of two neighboring provinces – Anhui and Jiangsu. 111 pairs of trains operate daily on this route. The shortest journey duration is 48 minutes on most of the high-speed trains.

Hefei-Nanjing High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 157 kilometers (98 miles)
Terminals: Hefei South Railway Station / Hefei Railway Station, Nanjing South Railway Station
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Main stops: Hefei, Nanjing

Hefei to Nanjing High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 16th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G7755	07:00	09:17	2h 17m
G7188	08:15	09:10	55m
G7184	10:11	11:06	55m
G3151	14:05	15:17	1h 12m
D3078	19:28	20:19	51 m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Nanjing to Hefei High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 16th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D2373	07:20	08:08	48m
G1545	08:45	09:33	48m
G677	10:25	11:24	59m
G7387	12:25	13:13	48m
G1553	15:07	15:57	50m

Hefei to Nanjing High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$29 (CNY201)	US$15 (CNY107)	US$10 (CNY67)

Hefei-Nanjing Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Hefei Railway Station, Nanjing Railway Station
Duration: 4 hours
Main stops: Hefei, Nanjing

Hefei to Nanjing Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 16th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
T235	02:28	06:16	3h 48m
K1158	05:58	10:37	4h 39m
K8361	22:35	02:52 (next day)	4h 17m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Nanjing to Hefei Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 16th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K8363	03:27	07:11	3h 44m
T237	14:09	18:18	4h 9m
K1156	15:21	20:34	5h 13m

Hefei to Nanjing Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$20 (CNY140.5)	US$13 (CNY92.5)	US$7 (CNY46.5)

Railway Stations in Hefei

As you can see in the ‘terminals’ sections above, the trains on this route operate at Hefei Railway Station and Hefei South Railway Station. You can read the information about these two stations below:

Hefei Railway Station

Chinese name: 合肥站
Address: 1 Zhanqian Road, Yaohai District, Hefei
Chinese address: 合肥市瑶海区站前路1号

This was the first railway station in Hefei and it has nine platforms. The layout of the building is detailed below:

Ground floor: ticket offices, entrances, lounges 1 and 2, platforms

Second floor: lounges 3 and 4

Basement 1: exits

South Square: bus station, metro lines 1 and 3

North Square: bus station

Hefei South Railway Station

Chinese name: 合肥南站
Address: Longchuan Road, Baohe District, Hefei
Chinese address: 合肥市包河区龙川路

The station opened to passengers on November 12, 2014. With a modern design, it has a high-speed railway station and a metro station on different floors in the same building. The layout of the building is detailed below:

Ground floor: ticket offices and the exit hall

Second floor: lounge, shops, and restaurants

Basement 1: exit, bus station, taxis

Basement 2: parking

Basement 3: metro lines 1 and 5

Basement 4: metro line 4

Qingming Festival Greetings: No Happy Qingming Festival

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

Qingming Festival Greetings: No Happy Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival is a time to mourn the departed and pay respect to ancestors.

So, how can we greet and say kind words to people, while remaining suitably solemn, at Qingming Festival? Here, we recommend some polite and proper greetings and wishes in Chinese and English:

1. Wishing you peace at Qingming Festival.

qīng míng píng ān
清明平安。

2.Wishing you a smooth Qingming Festival.

qīng míng shùn lì
清明顺利。

3. At Qingming Festival, may your tomb sweeping go well and your mountain worship bring fortune.

qīng míng jié sǎo mù shùn lì, bài shān fā cái
清明节扫墓顺利，拜山发财。

4. At this Qingming Festival time, I would like to express my warmest greetings and fond commemoration of the deceased.

qīng míng jié zhī jì, zhì yǐ yīn qiè wèn hòu, miǎn huái shì zhě
清明节之际，致以殷切问候，缅怀逝者。

5. May the departed rest in peace, and I wish you and your family safety and health.

yuàn shì zhě ān xī, zhù nǐ yǔ jiā rén píng ān jiàn kāng
愿逝者安息，祝你与家人平安健康。

6. The deceased may not be with us, but they are with us in our prayers. Best wishes to you at Qingming Festival.

shì zhě bù néng yǔ wǒ mén xiāng bàn, dàn yǔ wǒ mén de qí dǎo tóng zài, zài qīng míng jié xiàng nǐ zhì yǐ zuì měi hǎo de zhù yuàn.
逝者不能与我们相伴，但与我们的祈祷同在，在清明节向你致以最美好的祝愿。

7. May the deceased rest in peace while the living live a blessed life.

shì zhě yǐ yǐ, shēng zhě rú sī
逝者已矣，生者如斯。

FAQs

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Questions Answered

That’s Mandarin Chinese School

If you have a question that is not covered below, please feel free to send us an email or use our live chat system.

Find the Best Deal

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Find the Best Course

We will help you find the right course for your Chinese level.

Your reply within 24 hours

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Courses/ Study

Application

Visa

Accommodation

Before Arriving

What are your Mandarin classes like? What’s the schedule?

For both group and private classes, one class is 45 minutes. Most of our students take more than one class per day, so there’s always a 10-minute break between classes – it proves to be helpful to process what you’ve just learned.

Part-Time Group courses include 4 classes per week.

Intensive Group Courses include 20 classes per week.

Class schedule for Private classes is flexible.

The class content is based on the course you’ve chosen, and the classes can vary slightly based on the teacher’s personal style – but an average class usually includes a review of previously learned content, an engaging and student-centered input of new words & grammar, a reading/viewing section (of a related article or a video), and practice, practice, practice – which will help you convert the newly learned content into your active vocabulary.

Most importantly, you will be encouraged to speak Chinese as much as possible, and the classes will be held in Chinese. For more details, read the next 2 questions.

What are your teachers like? Are they native speakers?

We have high requirements for our teachers, and only hire 5% of applicants. All our teachers are native Chinese speakers and are university graduates with majors in Chinese language education or Chinese literature.

They have also previously obtained a Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL, or TCSOL) certificate before they joined us and successfully completed That’s Mandarin’s mandatory Teachers Training Course (TTC).

Will the classes be taught in English?

All of our classes are taught in Chinese to give students a fully immersive Chinese experience. Even for absolute beginners, our teachers will only use limited English to help you understand them. Our teacher will use pictures, videos, signs, and gestures to help you learn.

As your Chinese level progresses, less and less English will be used in your classes and you will be able to understand more and more Chinese every day.

What materials are used during classes?

We use our own in-house learning platform NihaoCafe for both online and offline Chinese classes.

For HSK 1-3, the standard course is built around a TV series we filmed featuring 64 episodes, and the story set in modern China with over 70 characters in 45 locations. Students can watch the videos, read interactive dialogues, learn new words & grammar, and practice with exercises on the platform.

For HSK 4, more advanced learners can read articles on various topics: Chinese culture, modern China, China’s economy & job market, dialogues from daily life, and many more. This level has the same set of interactive exercises as the previous levels.

For HSK 5-6, our teachers customize the lessons completely based on student’s learning style and goals. They choose from an extensive pool of materials such as articles, videos, comic books, translation classes, HSK papers, and more.

Custom materials are available to students of all levels if they wish to customize their private classes.

If you are interested in a specific field, you might choose a specialized course such as Chinese for Business, Diplomatic, Medical purposes etc.

What will my classmates be like? Where are they from?

Our students come from all over the world and from all walks of life! We’ve had students ranging from 5 to 60 years old as we offer a variety of courses for different age groups and different professions.

Can I take the HSK exam at That’s Mandarin?

Yes, you can register for the HSK exam at our school. We also offer HSK preparation courses which are extremely popular with students looking to get into Chinese universities or those who are applying for a job and a job permit in China.

Is it posible for me to have classes at my office?

Yes. Please contact our staff for more details.

When is the best time to apply for a course?

We recommend to apply at least 3 months in advance to guarantee you will get a spot in a program of your choice, with your preferred schedule. By applying early, you can also benefit from our early bird discount.

Besides, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa at least 30 days in advance and longer if you’re applying for a student X2 visa (for long-term Chinese courses only).

What are your teachers like? Are they native speakers?

We can arrange a free trial class for you so that you can experience our methods directly and find out what makes us different from other Chinese language schools.

It will also give you a chance to meet our teachers and to discuss your exact requirements so that we can put together the best possible course for you. We will also give you some recommendations and make a study plan for you after the trial lesson.

How do I obtain a Chinese visa to study at your school?

Your visa type will depend on the type of Chinese course you sign up for.

For a short-term course, you can simply apply for a tourist visa. It’s the least complicated visa to apply for that allows you to study with us.

For a long-term course, you can apply for a student X2 visa, for which you will be required to provide a number of documents, like a school acceptance letter, financial record, etc.

For more detailed information, please contact our staff.

Do you provide accommodation?

We can help you to arrange your accommodation in China. Please go to the Shanghai school page or Beijing school page to get more information. Or contact us directly with your accommodation requirements.

Do you provide airport pick-up and drop-off services?

Yes, we can provide both airport pick up and drop off services. Just let us know your departure or arrival information at least 2 weeks in advance and we will promptly get back to you with pricing information. Contact us.

Air Travel: Chinese Vocabulary for Your Next Flight

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

Air Travel: Chinese Vocabulary for Your Next Flight

Now that international travel has fully resumed and we can all fly wherever we want, let’s brush up on the essentials — Chinese vocabulary useful for air travel

Air Travel Chinese Vocabulary

Let’s start with the basics – airports, flights and planes:

01. Airport

机场
jīchǎng

NOTE
There can be more than one airport in a city. To confirm which airport someone is flying from, you can ask:

你去哪个机场？
Nǐ qù nǎ gè jīchǎng?
Which airport are you going to?

02. Flight

航班
hángbān

NOTE
To ask someone about their flight, you can say:

你坐几点的航班？
Nǐ zuò jǐ diǎn de hángbān?
What time is your flight?

03. Plane

飞机
fēijī

NOTE
In contrast to a “flight” which is a process of flying in the air, a “plane” is a physical vehicle. In Chinese, 飞机 (fēijī) and 航班 (hángbān) can very often be used interchangeably. But in phrases such as “to go by plane”, use 飞机 (fēijī):

你是坐飞机还是火车？
Nǐ shì zuò fēijī háishi huǒchē?
Are you going by plane or by train?

04. Luggage

行李
xínglǐ

NOTE
Depending on the type of luggage, you can check it or carry it with you on board:

托运行李
tuōyùn xínglǐ
check-in luggage

携带行李
xiédài xínglǐ
carry-on luggage

05. Window Seat

靠窗
kàochuāng
near the window

EXAMPLE
If you prefer to look out the window when flying, you can say:

我想要靠窗的位子。
Wǒ xiǎngyào kàochuāng de wèizi.
I’d like a window seat.

06. Aisle Seat

过道
guòdào
aisle

NOTE
To get an aisle seat, ask for an “aisle-near-seat”:

我想要过道旁边的位子。
Wǒ xiǎngyào guòdào pángbiān de wèizi.
I’d like an isle seat.

07. To Check In

登机
dēngjī
to check in

NOTE
As online check-in is getting more and more common, you can check in online in advance:

在线登机
zàixiàn dēngjī
online check in

08. Boarding Pass

登机牌
dēngjīpái
boarding pass

09. Economy / Business Class

商务舱
shānɡwù cānɡ
business class

经济舱
jīnɡjì cānɡ
economy class

NOTE
If your flight is delayed for a long time, you can try your luck upgrading to business class:

我可以升级到商务舱吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ shēngjí dào shāngwù cāng ma?
Can I upgrade to business class?

升舱
shēng cāng
to upgrade (one’s class)

10. Security Check

安检
ānjiǎn
security check

NOTE
With an increasing number of passengers flying after the pandemic, it might be a good idea to arrive early to pass the security check without any rush:

过安检
guò ānjiǎn
to pass the security check

11. To Delay (a Flight)

延误
yánwù
to delay

NOTE
延误 (yánwù) means “to delay”, and it means that the plane will “take off later” than planned, 晚起飞 (wǎn qǐfēi). This word is quite formal, so you will often see it on the airport display board, whenever the flight status is “delayed”, 延误 (yánwù).

In spoken language, however, you can use the verb 晚点 (wǎndiǎn) to say that your flight “was late”:

我的航班晚点了。
Wǒ de hángbān wǎndiǎn le.
My flight was delayed. (=took off late)

12. To Cancel (a Flight)

取消
qǔxiāo
to cancel

NOTE
Let’s hope that this never happens to you. But sometimes, there will be reasons to cancel a flight:

因为天气原因，航班都取消了。
Yīnwèi tiānqì yuányīn, hángbān dōu qǔxiāo le.
All the flights have been canceled due to bad weather.

13. To Change (the Ticket(s))

改签
gǎiqiān
to rebook flights; to change one’s flight reservation

NOTE
If your flight gets canceled, you’ll probably want to change your ticket to a different date. Nowadays, it can be done online or via the app, but you can also call the airline and say:

我的航班取消了，请帮我改签一下。
Wǒ de hángbān qǔxiāo le, qǐng bāng wǒ gǎiqiān yīxià.
My flight was canceled, can you help me rebook it please.

Take It Further

The topic of air travel is so rich — we’ve barely scratched the surface!
Can you think of more flight-related words?

Leave your ideas in the comments below or on our WeChat Public Account

In the meantime, here are a few questions for you:

你喜欢坐飞机吗？
Nǐ xǐhuan zuò fēijī ma?
Do you like traveling by plane?

你坐过的最长时间的飞机是多长时间?
Nǐ zuò guo de zuì cháng shíjiān de fēijī shì duō cháng shíjiān?
What’s the longest flight you’ve ever been on?

5 Off-the-Beaten-Track Places in China

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:27 +0000

5 Off-the-Beaten-Track Places in China

Tired of traveling to known places crowded with tourists? Want to have a more genuine experience when traveling around China? 5 off-the-beaten-track places in China is what you need.

Numerous magnificent monuments and scenic spots are what Chinese people are proud of when they are introducing Chinese history and culture to foreign visitors.

You might have been to some of the well-known tourist sites such as the Great Wall. However, there are quite a few less prestigious tourist destinations that are also worth visiting. So, without further-a-do, let’s have a look at 5 off-the-beaten-track places in China.

1. 南浔Nanxun (Nánxún)

Nanxun is a typical water town located in Zhejiang province. This little town is not as popular as Xitang (西塘 xītáng) and Wuzhen (乌镇 wūzhèn), which are visited by millions of local and foreign tourists every year. But it’s still got some marvelous places for you to explore. It also provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the serenity which you can hardly observe when living in a big city.

Just like most of the other water towns in China, small rivers and streams play a tremendous role in forming the panorama of Nanxun. Some of the famous water towns are being commercialized to make profits by taking advantage of the large number of visitors they receive every year. But souvenir stores can hardly be seen in Nanxun. This will allow you to have an insight into the local people’s daily lives of this small town.

2. 沙溪古镇 Shaxi Ancient Town (Shāxī Gǔzhèn)

Shaxi is situated in Jiangsu province. It’s pretty close to Shanghai, the financial center of China. Shaxi is a typical ancient Chinese town, people call it “the second 周庄 (zhōuzhuāng)”. This is one of the most famous ancient towns in China.

In Shaxi, you will be able to see a good number of old buildings which can serve as a decent illustration of Chinese architecture. What is different between Shaxi and other ancient towns? It’s a tourist site but at the same time also a residential area. This means you will have the chance to observe the local people’s simple and peaceful life.

3. 仙居 Xianju (Xiānjū)

Xianju is a small beautiful town located in Zhejiang province. The literal meaning of the name of this town is “a place where immortals live”. Its mysteriousness will for sure attract inveterate travelers to come for a visit.

Surrounded by undulating hills and terraced fields, the stunning natural scenery of this secluded town is well preserved. This makes it an ideal choice for you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As Xianju is not considered a popular tourist destination at all, you will have the opportunity to know more about the local culture and traditions.

4. 杨家溪Yangjiaxi (Yángjiāxī)

Yangjiaxi is situated in Xiapu, Fujian province. Despite the fact that only a few people are more or less familiar with this scenic spot, it is a place that every photographer is dreaming about. Yangjiaxi presents itself as a land of idyllic beauty.

In addition to admiring the fascinating natural scenery and being in close contact with harmless wild animals, you wouldn’t like to miss out on an exhilarating rafting journey. This would make you get awestruck by the magnificent mountains and cliffs.

5. 腾冲 Tengchong (Téngchōng)

Tengchong is located in Yunan province, an exotic place with a unique ethnic culture. The city itself is famous for its national volcanic and geothermal park. This is one of the very few places in China that would allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of volcanoes and related sciences.

Meanwhile, Tengchong is also a popular spa resort owing to its well-developed hot-spring tourism. It’s a fabulous choice for those who are looking to have a good time with their friends in a relaxing atmosphere.

We hope you enjoyed reading about 5-off-the-beaten-track places in China! If you’re interested in reading about more places in China to visit, have a look at the blog post below on the ‘Best Places to Travel in China According to Each Season’.

https://www.thatsmandarin.com/blog/best-places-travel-china-each-season/

Nanjing Transportation

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

Nanjing Transportation

The city is on the Yangtze River about 300 kilometers (about 200 miles) west of both the sea and Shanghai. Nanjing is served by a bullet train system between Nanjing and Shanghai. Because of the convenience, speed and cheaper ticket prices, the bullet trains may be the best way to travel to Nanjing. Otherwise, there are regular trains, long-distance buses and an airport.

Air

How to Get the Airport

Airport Shuttle Bus: It takes about 1 hour driving from the Nanjing urban area to the airport. Passengers can take an airport shuttle bus to there, and the ticket fare is 25 yuan. The shuttle bus is available from 06:00 to 19:00 with the departure interval is 30 munities, starting at Xinghan Mansion (星汉大厦, which is located in 180 Hanzhong Road).

Taxi: Taking a taxi from Nanjing urban area to the airport costs about 100 yuan, including 20 yuan toll.

Coach/Bus

Nanjing is well connected to cities inside Jiangsu Province and around it. There are also long-distance buses to Beijing (about 12 hours) and Guangzhou (maybe 24 hours). The overnight buses to cities far away are usually “bed buses” where people lie in berths instead of sitting in chairs. Tourists might find this either delightfully comfortable, or terrible. The berths are generally short. Western-style long-distance buses with chairs are becoming more common, but “bed buses” are the regular way to travel. Most bed-buses don’t have bathrooms, and there are generally few rest stops.

Zhongyangmen bus station is the busiest station and is a large modern terminal. It is next to the North Train Station. The Zhonghuamen Station next to Nanjing South Train Station has service to Anhui Province.

Coach/Bus to nearby Cities

Passengers can catch a bus in Zhongyangmen Long-Distance Bus Station (中央门长途汽车站) to nearby cities. The following information is the ticket price and the time needed to several nearby cities respectively: from Nanjing to Shanghai (about 85 yuan, 4 hours), Hefei (about 46 yuan, 2.5 hours), Huangshan (76 yuan, 4 hours), Hangzhou (100 yuan, 4 hours) and Suzhou (about 65 yuan, 2.5 hours). Buses to Zhenjiang(about 20 yuan, 1.5 hours), Wuxi (about 19 yuan, 1.5 hours), and Yangzhou (27 yuan, 2 hours) are caught in Nanjing East Long-Distance Bus Station (南京长途汽车东站).

Address for Zhongyangmen Long-Distance Bus Station: 7 Jianning Road (建宁路7号)
Address for Nanjing East Long-Distance Bus Station: 17 Huayuan Road (花园路17号)

Waterway

If you have the time and want to rest and enjoy the scenery, a 4 or 5 star cruise might be a relaxing way to travel. The scenery is better past Wuhan, and you can travel all the way from Chongqing and see the Three Gorges Dam that is the biggest dam in the world with locks and its super-large artificial lake behind it. There are less expensive cruise ships and passenger boats, but the lack of accommodations and good food may make the trip uncomfortable and tiresome. You can go from Shanghai to Chongqing and see intermediate points in between such as Wuhan. The port is on the western side of Zhongshan North Road (中山北路). It is two kilometers south from the Yangtze Bridge on the eastern side of the river going south. Passengers can take bus No.4 or No.10 to go there.

Railway

Bullet Train

The bullet train line between Nanjing and Shanghai stops at Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou. It is one of the busiest high-speed rail sections in China. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Shanghai to Nanjing. Some of the trains go on to Hangzhou.

The station is set up like a subway station. You can buy your tickets at the station and wait in the waiting room for your train. The gate to the train opens about 10 or 15 minutes before the train leaves. Follow the crowd to the train and show your ticket to an attendant to make sure you are getting on the right train. Then find your seat. The seat number is printed on the ticket. Attendants come by offering drinks or snacks. If you miss your train, you can exchange your ticket for another ticket. There may be a charge for the change of tickets.

During the busy time of the day, there are trains leaving every few minutes, but in the late evening, there are only 1 or 2 trains per hour. The first train leaves about 6 am and the last train leaves about 9 pm. From Shanghai, you can get on other bullet train lines that go to other cities. Ticket prices are quite low for a trip between Shanghai and Nanjing. There are two classes of tickets.

A new bullet train line is being built between Nanjing and Shanghai. It scheduled to open in July of 2010. It will be faster and is expected to cut the travel time between the two cities to 75 minutes. It will travel more than 300 kilometers per hour. It is said to cost almost 6 billion USD to build.

A 250 kilometer-long bullet train system is being built between Nanjing and Hangzhou. It is expected to cut travel time between the two cities to 50 minutes. The present slower bullet train goes by way of Shanghai, so travel time is much longer. It is set to open in 2012.

A third very fast train line is under construction between Beijing and Nanjing. It is expected to cut travel time between the two cities to four hours.

Regular Train

Nanjing has three train stations called Nanjing North Railway Station, Nanjing West Railway Station and Nanjing South Railway Station. Nanjing South Railway Station is being expanded, and it is said it will the largest in Asia when construction is finished. Nanjing North is presently the main train station. The smaller Nanjing presently has southbound trains. Regular trains are a good alternative for long-distance travel.

The regular trains are slower, but they are useful because ticket prices are cheaper. They are good for overnight trips because there are first and second class bed tickets. First class tickets are for beds in a closed compartment with 4 berths. Second class tickets are for open compartments with 6 berths in a three-layer bunk bed. You can ask the ticket agent for the particular berth level you’d like. Some people may find it difficult climbing up and down the ladder to the top berth. There are also third-class hard seat tickets, but ticket window clerks often try to steer foreigners away from them.

The main railway station, Nanjing North Railway Station, is located on the northern shore of Xuanwu Lake, and it is also very close to Zhongyangmen Long-distance Bus Station. The station has a modern appearance like an airport with landscaping. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find your waiting room and get on the right train. Chinese train stations are confusing because of the paucity of English signs and people speaking English. Crowds may also make the security checking and ticket checking processes take a while. The ticket office, pedestrian entrance and the local-bus station is on the first floor.

The Nanjing South Railway Station is next to the Zhonghuamen subway station and bus stations.

In addition to the option of purchasing train tickets at the railway station itself, the visitor can purchase train tickets at alternative Nanjing train ticket offices located in other parts of the city.

City Transportation

Taxi

Taxi fare starts a 9 RMB (about 1.30 USD) and you can get around in the city for about 20 RMB. Make sure that the driver uses the meter or you may get overcharged. The receipt describes the distance traveled. Unless you are going outside the city, the fare shouldn’t be more than 15 or 20 RMB. If it is, you can ask for a printed receipt and also write down the driver’s ID number. If you want your money back, a local may help you call the taxi telephone hotline.

Bus

Big Chinese cities always have extensive bus networks. During rush hours, there may be standing room only. There are tourist bus routes that are marked with the Chinese symbol for the word travel that go mainly to the tourist spots. Fare is only about 2 RMB (about .29 USD). For buses without air-conditioning, the fare is usually about 1 RMB.

Nanjing’s Lukou International Airport (airport code: NKG) is about 35 kilometers from the city center. It is basically a domestic airport, but you can get flights to Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Germany. However, there aren’t flights to Shanghai because there is a convenient bullet train.

Travel Tips

Some of the taxi drivers and people trying to sell you tickets at the bus stations (called touts) or metro stations may try to take advantage of tourists by giving counterfeit money in change. So it is suggested that you carry small bills for taxis, and don’t let a driver or tout switch your real money for fake money. It is also recommended that you don’t buy tickets from touts because they may either overcharge or they may give you a ride on a bus that doesn’t actually enter the airport area but stops outside somewhere.

Things to Do with Kids in Hangzhou

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

Things to Do with Kids in Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the “most splendid and luxurious city in the world“, said Marco Polo (1254-1324), a famous Italian traveler in the 13th century.

It is a picturesque city located in the central part of China.

It was once the capital city of the Song Dynasty. Its natural beauty and history enthrall visitors from all over the world.

Different people have different feelings about this city. Aged people find relaxation there, young people experience romance there and children get joy there. No matter what age people are, they all love this city. If you are visiting Hangzhou with children, below are some highly recommended activities that you can do.

West Lake

West Lake is the most beautiful attraction in Hangzhou. It is a must-see attraction for both the young and the old. You will see exactly what is depicted in the Chinese paintings. There are several ways to visit it. Visitors with kids can rent a bicycle or take a tram as the lake is quite big.

West Lake, a good place for family tour.

It is interesting to rent a bicycle and ride around the lake with your kids, enjoying the view, taking pictures, and stopping for coffee or tea.

Taking a boat on the lake is also fantastic. If you happen to know the story of the White Snake, you can tell the kids as they enjoy fairy tales.

If you do go on the Su Causeway, near the south end you will see a bridge going west to a park known as the Flower Pond (花港). It’s really beautiful and worth a visit. You can see lots of golden fish and there are kiosks that sell fish food for 3 yuan a bag. Buy some and feed the carps with your kids; it is fun to watch the golden carps go crazy over the food. The best place to feed the carps is on the bridge.

Hangzhou Paradise Park

Have fun at the amusement park.

It is a good place for kids to have fun. There is an Adventure Island, Fairyland, Maya Tribe, Water Park, Moon Slope, Rafting River and Jungle Party. Kids can go on the roller coaster, pirate ship, Samba balloon or anything else that they are interested in.

Among all of those amusements, the water park is quite popular. The swimming area is kept pretty clean and the water slides are not very steep, especially for children over 1.5 meters. You can play with your kids and can try most of the activities inside, especially on a hot summer’s afternoon. When kids go on some adventures they may scream out, but as long as you are with them, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Next to the water park, there are a few small restaurants, which serve pretty good food so you can enjoy a meal there.

Location: 92, Xianghu Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou. It’s about a half hour drive from the center of Hangzhou.

Xixi Wetland Park

Xixi Wetland Park is a good place for relaxation and to have fun with your kids. It is about 15 kilometers from downtown Hangzhou. It is an oasis of nature surrounded by an urban development.

There are good walkways and kids can play in the water there. There is also a village with a pagoda to climb and see the view from all directions. What is more, you can see the traditional local version of the Peking Opera performances. Most of the area is covered by water; there is not much land.

It is very green in summer time, the view is beautiful and the water is clean. It is suitable for families with kids to spend a lovely day there.You can take a boat, stroll around or have a barbecue there which would be lots of fun with kids.

Tips: Please do remember to watch the kids all the time due to the narrow bridges and low fences, as they could easily get hurt.

Best times to visit: from March to April or from September to the end of October are the best times to go there.

Location: It is five kilometers from West Lake, about 15 kilometers from downtown Hangzhou.

The Song Dynasty Town

The Song Dynasty Town is the biggest and the most popular theme park for Song Dynasty (960-1279) cultures in China. It is located in the south-west area of West Lake. There are lots of different areas for different activities and performances.

Visitors with kids can go to the children’s recreation area. Kids can play on the merry-go-round, search for treasure on the beach, go to the adventure island, or experience the sea rover. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy different performances there.

Location: in the south-west area of West Lake

Hefang Ancient Street

Hefang Ancient Street is a typical pedestrian shopping street in the old town of Hangzhou. It contains many attractions. The street is full of shops, selling mostly locally made items, from tea to cakes, swords to chopsticks. Mixed with the sound, noise, color, foods and souvenirs, the street looks very interesting.

In a Tai Chi Teahouse, there are six tea masters in the same location representing six generations. You can see the Kung Fu tea demonstrations and experience a tea ceremony.

If you go to the far eastern end you will find a narrow alley crowded with snack shops. Sample some with your kids, they will love it.

Location: Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, about 15 minutes’ walk from West Lake.

Recommended Hangzhou Tours

4-Day Essence Tour of Hangzhou: our top recommendation

Experience the 1-hour bullet train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and then discover Hangzhou’s natural beauty and long history, with a day trip to Wuzhen Water Town.

See more Hangzhou tours or contact us to tailor-make your own unique Hangzhou tour.

Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Train

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Train

The Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Railway links two leading tourism provinces of Zhejiang and Anhui. Bullet trains on this route operate at Hangzhou East Station and Huangshan North Station.

Before the Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Railway opened, only two pairs of bullet trains traveling between Hangzhou and Huangshan, taking more than 3 hours to cover around 500 kilometers (310 miles). They originate from Shanghai and end at Huangshan. Hangzhou was a intermediate station.

Distance: 287 kilometers (178 miles)
Shortest duration: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Terminals: Hangzhou East Station (杭州东站), Huangshan North Station (黄山北站)
Number of trains: 11 pairs of bullet trains
Stops: Hangzhou East 杭州东, Fuyang 富阳, Tonglu 桐庐, Jiande 建德, Qiandaohu 千岛湖, Jixi North 绩溪北, Shexian North 歙县北, Huangshan 黄山北

Hangzhou to Huangshan High-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on March 15th, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2185	07:15	08:45	1h 30m
G3073	09:11	10:25	1h 14m
G7313	10:34	12:02	1h 28m
G7301	15:53	17:20	1h 27m
G7305	18:37	20:28	1h 51m
G7497	21:24	22:48	1h 24m

There are 31 bullet trains from Hangzhou East to Huangshan North every day. Depart from 07:15-21:24. The shortest travel time is 1 hour and 14 minutes (train G3073), and longest travel time is 1 hour and 58 minutes (train G7315). Check Hangzhou to Huangshan high-speed train schedule.

Huangshan to Hangzhou High-Speed Train Schedule

(Updated on March 15th, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G2668	06:22	07:54	1h 32m
G7320	11:48	13:27	1h 39m
G7318	13:46	15:43	1h 57m
G1510	16:21	17:55	1h 34m
G2390	16:58	18:30	1h 32m
G2186	20:35	22:10	1h 35m

Check the real-time high-speed train schedule from Huangshan to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$46 (CNY326)	US$25 (CNY174)	US$16 (CNY109)

Search for train prices and schedules and book a ticket now!

Famous Tourist Attractions Along the Way

The Yellow Mountains

The Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Railway is known as the most beautiful high-speed rail line in China, passing through a number of world-famous tourist destinations including Hangzhou, Qiandao Island and the Yellow Mountains. From the train window, views change from ancient water towns in the south of Yangtze River to Huizhou ancient towns.

Hangzhou: West Lake, Nanxun Water Town
Qiandaohu: Qiandao Island
Shexian: Shexian Ancient Town
Huangshan: the Yellow Mountains, Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village

7 Facts on China Train Travel

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

7 Facts on China Train Travel

Understanding the unique features and facilities on Chinese trains can enhance the overall travel experience for international tourists. Here are some key facts to be aware of.

Get verified by China Railway to use e-ticket

Certainly, the continuous upgrade of China Railway has introduced convenient e-ticket services, allowing both domestic and international tourists to board trains without the need for physical paper tickets. However, there’s an important prerequisite for using this service: all passengers must undergo verification by China Railway.

For first-time passengers, the initial step involves collecting paper tickets at any train station in China. This process not only provides the necessary physical proof for the journey but also serves as the verification step by China Railway. During the collection of paper tickets, passengers’ identities are verified, enabling them to subsequently use the e-ticket service for future travels.

Please click the link to find more information about “how to take a train in China”

Get verified at a ticket office of a train station

Using toilet is a big challenge for foreign passengers

Currently, both western and squat toilets are available on high-speed trains. However, you may find squat toilets on all normal-speed trains. Squat toilets may be a big problem for many foreign passengers. Thus, you must prepare yourself emotionally to take a train ride in China, especially for the first time. Please kindly notice that each carriage only has one toilet so it may be a little crowded in some shoulder or peak season. The toilet will close 15 minutes before the train reaches a railway station.

Tips:

– The door of toilet can be locked from inside. If you don’t lock from the inside. The other passengers will find the sign appears green from the outside. The green sign means no one inside the toilet. The other passengers may probably open the door unintentionally!

– They usually don’t offer toilet paper. Please prepare toilet paper yourselves.

– Toilets are usually at the back of each carriage.

Be careful when you use water heater on China train

Hot water is offered on all China trains. There will be indicator lights above the water heater. If the heating light is on, the water has not been heated. When you take the hot water, you’d better take half cup of hot water but not a cup of hot water. That is because it is really hot with a cup of water in hand! It is easy to burn yourself or nearby passengers!

Tips: On bullet trains, sometimes, they will offer disposable paper cups. However, you’d better prepare a cup yourselves. It is not always available.

Please pay attention to the size of the sleeper berth on the train

For long-distance train travel, we probably consider taking a sleeper as a priority. When you take a train ride by hard sleeper, please pay attention to the size of the berth. DONNOT imagine the size! The size of the hard sleeper is 1800 mm*500 mm. Please avoid your quilt or personal things falling on others since the berth is narrow! There are 3 berths on each side of each cabin: lower berth, middle berth, and upper berth. The height from the lower to upper berth should be 970mm, 745mm, and 550mm. If you’re quite strapping, it may be uncomfortable for you to sleep a very long time on the berth. If you can afford the cost of a soft sleeper, you probably can consider taking a soft sleeper whose size is 1900 mm*700 mm. Only 2 berths on each side: lower berth and upper berth.

Hard sleeper: hard sleeper is the choice of the great majority of people. Although it is not very comfortable to lie down, at least it is more comfortable than sitting on hard seat for quite a long time. The price is also easier to be accepted by the public.

Hard sleeper berth

Soft sleeper: soft sleeper is much more expensive than a of hard sleeper. Of course, the money is not spent in vain. The cabin of soft sleeper is relatively independent and the environment is more quiet. Soft sleeper’s size is a little large than that of hard sleeper. The most important thing is that soft sleeper cabin has a door!

Please click the link to find more information about how to choose a sleeper on the train: “Overnight Trains in China”

Avoid travelling in Chinese peak season

Have you heard about a Chinglish phrase “people mountain, people sea”? This Chinglish phrase is used to describe how crowded in Chinese peak season, especially during some golden weeks, Chinese Lunar New Year, Labor’s Day, National Day Holiday. They are the busiest time of the year on China’s transportation network. The air fare is usually very high during this period so train travel becomes the first choice of most Chinese people and foreign visitors. We highly recommend you avoid the transport stress. You cannot imagine all of the train tickets sold out within seconds after the tickets are issued online. However, if your travelling date is fixed, China Highlights , as a professional ticket agent, can offer train tickets booking service for you.

The air conditioning on the train is always either too hot or too cold

Trains in China are all equipped with central air-conditioning so the temperature of each cabin cannot be adjusted. You may feel particularly cold when take trains in summer; you may feel hot when in winter. If you’re beginner of train ride in China during summer, please always remember to bring a coat with you. We have seen some passengers wrapping themselves in a curtain on the train before…

In China, train travel is usually more convenient than air travel

Chinese rail network is changing so rapidly and unimaginably. The total length of Chinese rail network has reached more than 149,000 kilometers (about 92,584 miles), of which high-speed railway length has reached 45,000 kilometers (about 27,961 miles). It ranks NO.1 in the world by the 2024. Nowadays, we usually consider train travel in priority if the duration on bullet train is within 6 hours. Compared with airports, most railway stations(with a few exceptions) are relatively closer to downtown area, which save you time and money on transfer transportation. Let’s take the travel from Guangzhou to Shanghai for example. It used to take over 20 hours by normal-speed trains between Guangzhou and Shanghai. Now it only takes about 7 hours by high-speed train. If you have limit budget during your China trip, you may also consider taking overnight normal-speed trains for long-distance travel, saving your hotel bill. Moreover, Chinese rail network can help you reach most cities or even a small towns in China!

7 Most Popular Features on Alipay, or 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

7 Most Popular Features on Alipay, or 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo)

Alipay app, known as 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo) in Chinese, is an online payment app that belongs to Alibaba Group (阿里巴巴 Ālǐbābā), the creator of Taobao (淘宝 Táobǎo). It was established in Hangzhou in 2013, but now its headquarters are in Shanghai. In 2015, Alipay overtook PayPal as the world’s largest mobile payment platform.

One of the most popular services on Alipay is, no doubt, online payments. But similarly to WeChat (微信 Wēixìn), Alipay is not just a payment app. The two are competing to be all-in-one, lifestyle platforms that people can use (and never leave) to conduct all their day-to-day activities.

So, what are these popular features on Alipay?

1. UTILITY PAYMENTS

生活缴费 (Shēnghuó Jiǎofèi)

Connect your account and pay for your water, gas, and electricity bills with automatic utility payments.

2. HELLOBIKE, BIKE SHARING SERVICE

哈罗出行 (Hāluó Chūxíng)

Rent shared bikes with your Alipay account without a deposit.

3. TOP-UP CENTER

充值中心 (Chōngzhí Zhōngxīn)

Top up your phone credit and purchase internet traffic packages.

4. ELEME, FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE

饿了吗 (Èleme)

Order food delivery from popular restaurants within the app.

5. ALIPAY TICKET SERVICE

电影演出 (Diànǐng Yǎnchū)

Buy movie and event tickets with Alipay’s ticket service.

6. “ANT FOREST” PROJECT

蚂蚁森林 (Mǎyǐ Sēnlín)

Go green and collect “green energy points” as rewards for your eco-friendly actions across other apps in Alibaba’s “Ant Forest” project.

7. ALIPAY MONEY TRANSFERS

转账 (zhuǎnzhàng)

You can easily send money to friends, as well as pay in online & offline shops with your unique QR code (二维码 èrwéimǎ). Purchases on Taobao and Tmall are also processed via Alipay.

We hope this article on 7 Most Popular Features on Alipay was helpful. If you’re looking to learn some more Mandarin, have a read about Mandarin Chinese Words Used To Describe Quantity.

1ON1 Private Chinese Course

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

1ON1 Private Chinese Course

Program description

1ON1 Private Chinese course is suitable for students who seek personalized attention and want to learn Chinese at their own pace & schedule.
You can choose to learn in our campuses in China or online.

When

Flexible schedule
Mon – Sun

Where

Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, online

Capacity

1 student per class*

Price

From RMB200/class

*You can also choose to make a small private group with 2-3 friends of a similar level, and take private classes together. Contact us for details.

About

course highlights



Flexible class schedule



Flexible content based on your learning goals (e.g. focus on Business Chinese, HSK preparation, etc.)



Customize your study process according to your interests



Our teachers will be there to help you track and boost your learning progress



Significantly improve your ability to listen, speak and understand Mandarin



If you choose to follow the Standard Course, you will be covering 1 TM Level* within 30 classes.

*Learn more about our levels here.

1ON1 Private Course Features

Program details

Flexible class content

Your learning content is customized to your needs, study goals and personal interests. For example, you can focus on a particular skill — Speaking, Listening, etc. — or choose topics related to your job.

Flexible schedule

With private classes, you can choose when and how often to have your Chinese classes. You can study at a leisurely pace, or go into full Chinese language immersion with as many as 4 classes a day.

Personalized attention

With 1ON1 classes, you have your personal teacher helping you at every inch of your learning process. Besides, your course coordinator and head teacher will monitor your progress to help make the most out of your learning.

Students Say

see what our students say about 1ON1 Private course

“I have done some classes before, but they are mostly where you have to write a lot of stuff and they just follow the book. But here, I feel like there is a lot of communication with the teacher”

– Sunny, India

See Google reviews

Course Locations

choose your course location

Beijing

Shanghai

Suzhou

Hangzhou

Chengdu

Online

Private 1ON1 Course Pricing

1 class = 45 minutes

CNY

USD

EUR

Private Classes

starting from

RMB200/class

Flexible schedule
Tailor-made content
Level assessment & progress tracking
24/7 access to online platform NihaoCafe

Apply

All Set to Make Your Learning Efficient

resources to help you make the most out of your time

The Best Teachers

All our teachers are university graduates who’ve completed our internal training. Rest assured you’re in good hands — we only hire 5% of all applicants

Digital Class Notes & Materials

All the materials you’ve studied in class, including the notes taken by your teacher on a digital whiteboard, will be available in your NihaoCafe account 24/7

Illustrated Textbook of Your Level

Apart from the digital materials, you will also get a paperback textbook. Review all the vocabulary, grammar, and dialogues from class, and practice with unique exercises

When can I start my classes?

You can schedule classes at any time that suits you.

How long is each class and how many classes in one session?

Each class is 45 minutes. Usually, you will take two classes in one session, for example: 13:00 – 13:45, a 10-minute break, then 13:55 – 14:40.

Alternatively, if you have a busy schedule, you can take both classes back-to-back, from 13:00 – 14:30, totaling 90 minutes.

How much time in advance do I need to cancel a class?

No need to worry about your busy schedule. If you need to cancel, just let us know 18 hours in advance, and you won’t miss any class.

Can I bring my own materials, and will the teacher help me prepare for learning?

Yes, you can bring your own materials, and our teachers will gladly tailor the lessons to your needs. You can follow our standard curriculum or have the lessons customized. Our teachers have diverse backgrounds, including economics and politics, and are experienced in working with a wide range of students.

Can I find a teacher who speaks my language (e.g. French, Korean, Thai, Russian, etc.)?

Yes, we have teachers who are fluent in different languages. If needed, they can use your native language to assist with learning.

Why 随便（Suí biàn） Is More Complicated Than “Anything Is Fine”

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:26 +0000

If you‘ve ever said “Anything is fine“ in English, you might think the Chinese word 随便（Suí biàn） works the same way.

But in real Mandarin, 随便（Suí biàn） is far more nuanced than “anything is fine“. Misusing it can make you sound rude, indecisive, or even sarcastic. Understanding its social layers is key to speaking naturally and confidently.

随便（Suí biàn） Doesn‘t Always Mean “Anything Is Fine“

In textbooks, you might see:

Suí biàn
随便
Anything is fine

But native speakers use it in many contexts:

To show agreement: “Sure, that works“
To signal indifference: “I don‘t care either way“
To express mild annoyance: “Do whatever you want“

Example:

Nǐ xiǎng chī shén me?
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?

Suí biàn
随便
Anything is fine / Whatever you want

Depending on your tone, this can sound polite, casual, or slightly irritated.

Tone and Context Matter More Than Words

Tone, facial expression, and situation define how 随便（Suí biàn） is received.

Examples:

Polite/Neutral:

Suí biàn, zhè ge hěn hǎo.
随便，这个很好。
Anything is fine, this one is good.

Casual/Indifferent:

Suí biàn, nǐ kàn zěn me bàn.
随便，你看怎么办。
Whatever, it‘s up to you.

Annoyed/Sarcastic:

Suí biàn, xiǎng zěn me bàn zěn me bàn.
随便，想怎么办怎么办。
Do whatever you want.

Notice how the same word can sound very different depending on tone, setting, and your relationship with the listener.

Common Learner Mistakes

Many learners overuse 随便（Suí biàn） in English-like ways:

Using it in professional emails or formal settings
Using it without tone awareness
Saying it too quickly when making decisions

These mistakes can cause misunderstandings. Native speakers might think you‘re careless, indifferent, or even rude.

How to Use 随便（Suí biàn） Naturally

Observe the social context : Are you with friends, coworkers, or strangers?
Match tone to intention: Your attitude communicates as much as the word itself

Examples:

Nǐ xiǎng kàn diàn yǐng hái shì chī fàn?
你想看电影还是吃饭？
Do you want to watch a movie or eat?

Suí biàn, dōu kě yǐ, nǐ jué dìng jiù hǎo.
随便，都可以，你决定就好。
Anything is fine, it‘s up to you.

Speak Confidently With 随便（Suí biàn）

The secret to mastering 随便（Suí biàn） is context awareness and tone control.

At eChineseLearning, one-on-one lessons help you:

Practice real conversations with correct context and tone
Avoid sounding rude or vague
Build confidence speaking naturally

Try a free trial lesson today and learn how to use nuanced words like 随便（Suí biàn） naturally in everyday Mandarin.

Quiz: You are with a friend deciding which movie to watch. You want to politely let them choose. Which sentence fits best?

A) Suí biàn, dōu kě yǐ, nǐ jué dìng jiù hǎo.
随便，都可以，你决定就好。
Anything is fine, it‘s up to you.

B) Suí biàn, xiǎng zěn me bàn zěn me bàn.
随便，想怎么办怎么办。
Do whatever you want.

C) Suí biàn!
随便!
Anything is fine!

Comment your answer below!

Changsha Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Changsha

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

Changsha Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Changsha

Changsha is one of China’s great inland metropolises, and it is now opening up for tourism. It is interesting for tourists because it is less touristy, more authenticly Chinese, and prices are lower than in the better known tourist locals.

Tourists might also want to stop there on their way to or from the Zhangjiajie/Wulingyuan scenic area that is only four hours away by bus.

Chinese: 长沙 Chángshā /chung-shaa/ ‘long sand’
Population: 7 million people, capital of one of China’s most populous provinces
Highlights: Orange Island, Mount Yuelu, pedestrian street
Time needed: a day
Popular activities: Sightseeing, hiking in the parks, shopping, dining
Must sees: Orange Island’s spring gardens and fruit trees

Changsha Highlights

Stinky tofu is a favorite snack on Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street

These four most popular tourist attractions are all within about 7 miles or 11 kilometers of each other in the center of the city. This makes visiting all these places easy while staying in Changsha.

Huangxing Road (黄兴路) Pedestrian Street

The highlights are the little Chinese shops that give economical prices and a wide selection and the little restaurants and snack stands along it. The lively and friendly atmosphere on the two kilometer street provides an interesting place to shop, and you can save money compared to the more touristy cities.

This street is the region’s favorite shopping and dining pedestrian street.

Sightsee on Orange Island

Orange Island (橘子洲, Júzǐzhōu): This narrow island and park is in the middle of Changsha in the Xiangjiang River, and it is probably the second most popular attraction for tourists after Mount Yuelu. There are gardens and thousands of fruit trees, frequent grand firework displays in the evening, and a big statue of Mao’s head.

Walk and Sightsee in Yuelu Academy Park

The Hunan Provincial Museum

Mount Yuelu Park: You can get good exercise and walk for an hour up the hill and see both nature and the city skyline in Changsha’s most popular park. Yuelu Academy was one of the first four “universities” in China. It was built in 976. A highlight of the park is a museum about education that teaches people about the historic academy, Hunan University, and China’s modern educational system and goals.

Discover the History of Hunan

Hunan Provincial Museum: One of foreign tourists’ most popular highlights is this large museum. Among the thousands of well-preserved artifacts on display from various eras are those from a 2,000 year old Han-era tomb.

Weather

Changsha has a subtropical, but moderately humid, climate. It freezes in winter and is hot in summer. The city is considered one of the 10 or so “furnace cities” of China. Especially the inner city swelters in humid heat, and temperatures may rise above 40 °C (104 °F). See the Changsha weather forecast.

Best Times for Touring

Instead of visiting in sweltering summer, or winter when it is cold, April, September, and October are the best months to visit Changsha in terms of weather, scenery, and air quality. April is one of the best months for visiting Changsha because flowers bloom profusely at the two big parks.

Air Quality

Changsha is an industrial city, but paradoxically, the air quality is unusually good for a Chinese city. The river wind is what keeps pollution low in the city. Visitors can enjoy blue skies and clean air at the big parks along the Xiangjiang River. In December and January coal is burned, so if you have asthma or other ailments, it might be best to avoid the city these months.

Changsha Dining and Shopping

Huangxing Street has a wide variety of inexpensive, tasty, and authentic snacks. The street is known for its stinky tofu, octopus legs, and peanut snacks. A lot of the local food is spicy and hot.

Restaurant dining: For a posh, comfortable, and modern environment for moderately priced buffets, you could go to the Sheraton Hotel’s International Feast buffet.

Shopping

There are three major shopping areas that most interest tourists. The premier area for foreign tourists is the Wuyi Road, Huangxing Road, and Zhongshan Road axis in the northern part of Changsha. These streets connect, and the area is close to the scenic river.

Transportation

Changsha is an inland transportation hub, so it’s very accessible by bullet trains, regular passenger trains, and a major domestic airport.

Passenger and Bullet Trains

Changsha train station

Trains: The main train station serving regular trains and some bullet trains is Changsha Railway Station (长沙站) about three miles east of Orange Island. Metro Line 2 connects it with Changsha South Railway Station (长沙南站), serving bullet trains to Shenzhen, Beijing, and the east coast pass .

Airport

Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) is the largest and best-equipped airport in Hunan Province, 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of the city center.

Bus Stations

There are three long distance bus stations: East Station, West Station, and South Station. West Station has buses for Zhangjiajie, and South Station for Guilin.

Read more about Changsha transportation.

Nearby Tourist Destinations

Zhangjiajie is 320 km northwest of Changsha (4 hours, 100 RMB by bus), and is known for the precipitous pillars of its National Forest Park.

With our driver and guide we can help you enjoy a quicker journey (3 hours by expressway) and stop where you want. A China Highlight’s guide can help you avoid crowds, get around Zhangjiajie quicker and have a smoother time going to the places you like. See How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour>>

The popular ancient town of Fenghuang is peaceful and scenic.

Recommended Changsha and Hunan Tour

7-Day Hunan Tour: Visit Changsha, Fenghuang, Wulingyuan and Mao’s hometown.

Personalize your tour: What would you like?>>

Zhongwei Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Zhongwei

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

Zhongwei Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Zhongwei

Zhongwei City is located in the west of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is only 2 hours by plane from Beijing. Zhongwei was once said to have had no north gate, simply because there was nothing more to the north.

Its advantageous and strategic location has endowed Zhongwei with its scenic features: vast deserts, green hills, the Yellow River, and oases. At the same time, tourists are able to enjoy various entertaining activities there, such as sand slides and camel rides.

Thanks to the Yellow River, Zhongwei is blessed with rich agricultural land. The city is also well-known as “Jiangnan (the Yangtze River Delta) in the desert”.

Content Preview

Highlights of Zhongwei
The Best Time to Visit Zhongwei
How to Plan a Tour to Zhongwei or Ningxia
Recommended Zhongwei Tours

Have Fun in the Vast Desert — Highlights of Zhongwei

People come to Zhongwei for one thing usually: to enjoy the desert. Zhongwei provides wonderful entertainments and unique accommodation in the desert.

Shapotou Tourism Area — Best for Enjoying Desert Activities

Shapotou Tourism Area

Shapotou offers a lot of exciting activities including sand sledding, camel trekking, dune buggying, shuttle bus riding, speedboating, sheepskin rafting, glass bridge walking, and more. Bungee jumps and a zip line over the Yellow River are also available.

There is a unique experience in Shapotou — planting wheatgrass squares. Wheatgrass squares are China’s secret for turning desert into grassland. Thanks to these squares, China has transformed more than 6,000 hectares (23 square miles) of desert into grasslands and forests for the last 60 years.

You could work with sand wardens in the desert to make wheatgrass squares and contribute to making our world a better, less desertified place.

If you are looking for a desert trek in Shapotou, we can also arrange that for you with a professional guide. The route is about 6 km (3–4 miles) and takes approximately 2 hours.

Recommended tour: 3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience

Jinshahai Scenic Area (‘Gold Sand Sea’) — Best for Desert Accommodation Experience

Desert tents in Jinshahai Scenic Area

Jinshahai also offers a lot of exciting activities such as sand sledding, camel trekking, and dune buggying. ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and go-karting are also available.

Jinshahai has a special steam-train-themed hotel. The hotel was transformed from a steam train. It was the first-generation train traveling on the Bao-Lan Railway, China’s first desert railway, in 1958. Each carriage is a room. In addition to carriage room, there are wonderful desert tents. In summer, living in the desert will give you an opportunity to see an amazingly starry sky.

The Tenger Desert

Besides those two desert locations, there is the Tengger Desert. It is more suitable for backpackers who seek adventure and a wild experience. Each year there is a desert rally there.

Suji Yellow River — Experience the Most Beautiful Boutique Hotels in China

Suji Yellow River

On the edge of the Yellow River, opposite the Tengger Desert, there is a boutique hotel collection of five famous Chinese hotel brands. They keep the perfect balance of wilderness and luxury.

There are art galleries, bookstores, cafes, teahouses, bakeries, restaurants, izakaya (Japan-style bars), swimming pools, hot springs, and more.

You will have a very-well-catered-for vacation experience there.

The Best Time to Visit Zhongwei

April to October is the best time to visit Zhongwei.

Zhongwei is in the middle of the temperate zone in an arid climate region and close to Tengger Desert to the northwest. It is often windy, and there is a lack of rain in the area.

Zhongwei weather features a late spring, a short summer, and a long winter.

Ningxia is famous for its wine production. Early September to early October is the season for picking grapes. If you are interested in wine, we can also arrange a winery visit for you.

How to Plan a Tour to Zhongwei or Ningxia

A trip to Zhongwei usually needs three days. You could refer to our 3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience.

If you want to enrich your Zhongwei trip, you could add Yinchuan and Wuzhong to your plan.

Yinchuan is where you can experience wine culture and Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227) culture.

Recommended attractions include:

Rock Paintings in the Helan Mountains

Rock Paintings in the Helan Mountains — See the life of ancient mankind 3,000 to 10,000 years ago recorded in images.
The Western Xia Imperial Tombs — Learn about Xixia history and culture.
Xige Winery — Learn about the reason why Helan Mountain wine has been winning awards at international wine tasting events.

Wuzhong is a place you could learn about the Hui culture: enjoy a Hui morning tea, a full selection of Hui food, and visit a Hui family.

Tour Zhongwei with Us

All our tours are customizable. If you are planning a trip to Zhongwei or Ningxia, contact us. We will create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements. Our most recommended Zhongwei tour is:

3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience

Taiyuan Railway Station

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

Taiyuan Railway Station

Where the Trains Going to

Taiyuan railway station, as the terminal of both Beijing-Taiyuan railway line and Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan railway line and the starting point of Taiyuan-Jiaozuo railway line, is an important transport hub of Shanxi Province. More than 20 trains are available every day heading to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Baotou, and other large cities.

There are several bullet trains every day heading to Beijing, such as D192/D193, D2002, D2012, D2010, D2006, D2004, and D2014. A single trip takes about three and a half hours.

Travelers can take train K7802 from Taiyuan to Datong, and it takes about 6 hours.

Transportation to Taiyuan Railway Station

Transportation: travelers can take public busesNo. 1, 5 and 21 from the downtown to get to

Urumqi-Xining Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

Urumqi-Xining Trains

Currently, four pairs of high-speed trains run between Urumqi and Xining. The journey duration on a high-speed train is over 9 hours, which is quite a long time.

Quick Facts

Distance: 1,598 kilometers (993 miles)
Terminals: Xining Railway Station, Urumqi Railway Station
Duration: 9-10 hours
Main stops: Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Liuyuan, Turpan

Urumqi to Xining High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 18th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D56	08:18	17:39	9 h 21 min
D2706	10:10	19:48	9 h 38 min
D2708	11:13	21:13	10 h
D2712	11:46	21:23	9 h 37 min

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Xining to Urumqi High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 18th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D2701	10:29	19:37	9 h 8 min
D55	10:50	20:32	9 h 42 min
D2703	11:11	21:20	10 h 9 min
D2711	13:06	23:10	10 h 4 min

Urumqi to Xining High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

First Class	Second Class
¥882 ($126)	¥551 ($79)

Travel Tip

You can also consider taking a flight. Three pairs of flights operate between Urumqi and Xining every day and the journey duration is about 2½ hours. The full airfare is about 1,720 CNY (246 USD).

However, you can check to see if there are any discounts in advance. Sometimes, you can find very good discounts, such as 70% off in April 2020.

How to Get from Shanghai’s Airports to Downtown Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

How to Get from Shanghai’s Airports to Downtown Shanghai

Shanghai is a huge city, and getting across it might feel overwhelming. Here are the most efficient ways to get between both of Shanghai’s international airports (Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport) and the downtown area to help you navigate your first journey into the city center once you arrive in Shanghai.

How to Get to Downtown Shanghai from Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Taxi

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

A taxi in Shanghai from Pudong International Airport to downtown will cost between 150 and 190 RMB, and take approximately 45 minutes. This can be longer if you’re traveling during rush hour, but is an easy option especially if you’re traveling with children or have a lot of luggage.

The most important thing is to make sure you’ve got your destination written out in Chinese (ideally printed off a hotel website) before getting in the taxi. Not all taxi drivers speak English.

Subway

This is your cheapest option, and probably the fastest if you’re coming in around peak times. Shanghai Metro Line 2 will take you from Airport Station to People’s Square in approximately 67 minutes, and costs 7 RMB. Trains run between 6:00 and 22:00.

The Maglev can get you from the airport to Longyang Road on Metro Line 2 in just 8 minutes, potentially knocking 20 minutes off half the journey and ticking off a record-breaking experience in the process, all for 50 yuan.

Shanghai Metro

While this is a fast option during rush hour, be aware that trains will be very full during this time.

Airport Shuttle Buses

There are 10 airport bus lines available to the center of Shanghai from Pudong International Airport. They cost 20–30 yuan, and journeys take up to 1½ hours. Shuttle buses may be too challenging with the language barrier and finding the right stop for you.

Private transfer:

China Highlights can help you arrange a private transfer from Shanghai’s airport to your downtown hotel, or wherever you want to go from the airport after your arrival. Prices start at 25 USD per person, depending on your group size and how much luggage you have. This is the most convenient way to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to downtown Shanghai by far, as you’ll be taken care of from door to door.

How to get to Downtown Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

For travel from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to central Shanghai, we recommend private transfers over taxis and the Metro for convenience. Buses are available but probably too complicated with the language barrier and route-finding issues.

Taxi

Shanghai Taxis

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is a little closer to the city; a taxi will take around 30 minutes and set you back between 100 and 150 RMB. This is the most convenient way to get to Shanghai’s downtown from the airport if you have heavy cases or are traveling with kids, but beware of taking taxis during rush hour if you are tight on time.

Not all taxi drivers speak English so most important thing is to make sure you’ve got your destination written out in Chinese (ideally printed off a hotel website) before getting in the taxi.

Subway

From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, this is your cheapest option at 5 RMB. You can take Subway Line 10 from the airport’s Terminal 1, and Subway Line 2 or 10 from the airport’s Terminal 2. Trains run every 6-12 minutes between 5:35 and 22:50, and take about 35 minutes to People’s Square.

This is a fast option during rush hour when traffic will be busy on the roads, but trains will also be very full during this time.

Explore Shanghai with China Highlights

Our expert drivers could help with your luggage and make your transition into China as easy as possible.

As mentioned above, we have an airport transfer service that can give you complete peace of mind. One of our experienced drivers will await your arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, to take you to a vehicle designed for a comfortable ride based on how many people you are traveling with.

If you want more support than just the airport transfer alone, we have loads of Shanghai tours to choose from! Options include numerous tours to explore China starting in Shanghai, a Shanghai Family Disneyland Tour, or a shorter 2-day Shanghai and Water Town Tour to see some of Shanghai’s older and smaller surrounding towns.

Not sure where to start on planning your trip? Or think you’ll need or would like more help than just the pick-up service? Get in touch with China Highlights to create your own China trip.

7 Chinese TV Shows to Binge Watch and Improve Your Mandarin

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:25 +0000

7 Chinese TV Shows to Binge Watch and Improve Your Mandarin

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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Right now, while the world is , we’ve got a LOT of time on our hands.

In our free time at home, many of us are binge-watching our favorite TV shows and movies, to relax and get away from all of the chaos going on right now.

Last time, we shared the , to get your spirits up and learn some Chinese through song!

This time, we’re rolling out the TV edition, with the top 7 binge-worthy Chinese language TV shows! Most of these shows can also appeal to those in the high range and up (of course English or Chinese subs will help!)

Generally speaking, these shows used very common, colloquial language that you’ll find yourself using all the time in Chinese! Plus, watching TV shows is a SUPER fun way to improve your listening skills, adopt new words and phrases to add to your spoken Chinese, and to learn more about different aspects of Chinese culture.

Here are our top 7 TV shows, across several different genres. You’re bound to find at least one that suits your taste!

What’s even better is that ALL of the shows on our list can be found easily on Youtube – watch on your phone, tablet, laptop, or pull it up on your TV for the best experience!

#1 – Comedy Series:

爱情公寓 (ài qíng gōng yù) – iPartment

This show is hands down one of the most popular sitcoms in China, and is often referred to as the Chinese version of the popular American sitcom “Friends”.

爱情公寓 (ài qíng gōng yù) literally translates to “Love Apartment”, and follows a group of 20-something friends that are neighbors and hangout a lot together.

This is one of the first Chinese shows to show an urban, more Western way of life, incorporating one-night-stands, drinking contests, and other more Western concepts into the plot lines.

The language used is quite colloquial, and it’s a great show to start off with.

Keep in mind, this is a sitcom, with lots of jokes and cultural references included. Don’t feel bad if you don’t understand many of the jokes! Just think of how many cultural jokes appear in Friends – as a non-native speaker, if you understand even a couple references in this kind of show, that’s already really great!

Get started on the first episode on Youtube here:

#2 – Romantic Series:
我可能不会爱你 (wǒ kě néng bú huì ài nǐ) – In Time With You

Hands down, this is one of the best romantic dramas in Chinese (and my personal favorite!).

The title literally means “I Probably Don’t Love You”. This Taiwanese series tells the story of the main character Cheng You Qing battling the passing of time and hitting the age of 30, while she struggles to find the right partner to settle down with.

Another major character is Li Da Ren, her male best friend from high school. This series is full of ups and downs, and really captivates you throughout, until the very end.

This series also uses super colloquial Chinese, and you’ll find your listening and speaking skills improving the more you watch!

Plus, the songs in this drama are REALLY beautiful and catchy – a great bonus! (Don’t watch the music video though unless you want somewhat of a spoiler!)

Watch the first episode here:

#3 – Dramatic Series:
他来了，请闭眼 (tā lái le, qǐng bì yǎn) – Love Me, If You Dare

This is a Chinese TV show from 2015, and has received really high ratings. The Chinese name literally translates to “When He Comes, Close Your Eyes” – just from the title, it sounds pretty eerie!

The main character, Simon, is a psychologist who returns to China from abroad after a close call with a serial killer, and with his assistant, they work to solve puzzling, violent criminal cases.

If you enjoy dramatic TV shows, this is right up your alley!

Plus, the language used overall has a good deal of colloquialisms (though there’s technical language in there too).

Get started with Episode 1 of this series here:

#4 – Ancient Drama:
将夜 (jiāng yè) – Ever Night

If you’re a fan of action, adventure, and historical dramas, you’ll really enjoy this drama!

This 2018 Chinese series received really great ratings. The story is set in the Tang Dynasty, and follows a revengeful young man who seeks justice. His family was massacred when he was young, but he was able to escape and survive on his own.

The story gets even more interesting as it unwinds.

Keep in mind though, that as with most ancient dramas, a large portion of the language used is, well, ancient. So don’t worry too much if you’re having trouble following the Chinese – this one might be best to stick to English subs!

Watch the first episode of this drama here:

#5 – Musical Talent Show:
中国好声音 (zhōng guó hǎo shēng yīn) – Sing! China/The Voice of China

For all you music lovers out there, this show will be right up your alley! This series, originally known as “The Voice of China”, and recently rebranded as “Sing! China”, is more or less the equivalent of the popular franchise TV series across the world, “The Voice”.

The name 中国好声音 (zhōng guó hǎo shēng yīn) literally means “The Good Voice of China”.

On the show, you’ll see tons of super talented contestants battle it out to see who has the best voice in China!

What’s more, most of the song lyrics and language used throughout the show is quite conversational, so you’ll also be adding some new language to your belt! You might even find a few new Chinese songs that you like!

Here is the first episode of the most recent season, from 2019:

#6 – Dating Show:
非诚勿扰 (fēi chéng wù rǎo) – If You Are the One

This show is hands down the most popular dating game show in China, and one of the highest rated shows for Jiangsu TV. The title literally means “Not Sincere, Don’t Disturb”.

It’s important to note that in Chinese culture, blind dates – and dating are quite important for many 20- and 30-somethings. Not to mention the cultural importance placed on getting married – , by that age.

Needless to say, this show is a great way to learn more about the Chinese dating culture, and pick up some new language while you’re at it!

As with many reality TV shows, the show uses a good amount of colloquial language, so it’s a great way to study as well!

Check out one of the more recent episodes, from 2020, here:

#7 – Variety TV Show:

奔跑吧兄弟/奔跑吧 (bēn pǎo ba xiōng dì/bēn pǎo ba) – Running Man China/Keep Running

This show is a wildly popular variety show in China, based off of the popular original Korean variety show “Running Man”. The show’s title was rebranded, and has been shortened to 奔跑吧 (bēn pǎo ba) more recently.

The basic idea is during the show the MCs and special guests have to complete missions in order to win a race.

This is definitely an entertaining show, and does use a decent amount of colloquial Chinese!

Watch one of the more recent episodes from this year here:

Learn More

We hope you enjoyed this list of popular Chinese TV shows to binge while you’re at home!

If you’re just , it’s best to have a basic understanding to get the most out of the above TV shows.

The first FULL level of our is FREE right now – that’s over 40 lesson videos!

Start with Lesson 1, “Chinese is Easier Than You Think” :

Let us know in the comments below: What is YOUR favorite Chinese TV show?

10 Facts Travelers Should Know About Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

10 Facts Travelers Should Know About Shanghai

Shanghai is known as “The Pearl of Asia” and “The Paris of the East”. It’s a city of youth, commerce, and an international beat that runs through each side street and riverwalk.

Here are 10 facts you should know before visiting Shanghai.

1. Shanghai is the world’s largest city.

China is known for its crowds, and Shanghai is possibly the best example of this. Shanghai’s city proper population was 24 million people in 2014, and it is continually rising. Shanghai’s extensive metro service is necessary to cover its many districts and keep this thriving city running each day.

When the Chinese government set out to make Shanghai the New York of Asia, they certainly took the motto of “city that never sleeps” to heart.

Shanghai tops the list of world cities by population within an administrative area (city proper), and comes third in the world in terms of commuter zone population as well (metropolitan area pop.: 35 million).

See more on China’s Largest Cities.

2. Shanghai is a world finance and cultural center.

Shanghai’s bund view

The city has boomed in the last two decades because of China’s desire to see it become an international center of finance and culture. Many businesses are thriving in Shanghai and offering new opportunities to China’s growing middle class and foreigners looking to broach the Chinese market.

The city has seen a constant rate of growth and is the center for many international companies working within China. It has also become a hub of culture with notoriety in fashion, art, and design. Shanghai is also known as the birthplace of Chinese cinema, which is gaining popularity around the world.

3. Shanghai is a transportation powerhouse.

The Maglev train in Shanghai

The longest metro system in the world spreads beneath the city of Shanghai with 400 miles (644 km) of tunnels and track. The Shanghai metro has 393 stations spread throughout the city and connecting major attractions, making it easy to navigate for international visitors. Shanghai boasts the world’s fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev, which connects Pudong International Airport to downtown Shanghai.

Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao international airports are also powerhouses of transportation, servicing a combined total of more than 110 million passengers annually.

4. Shanghai is close to some beautiful water towns.

Located between 20km and 100km to the west of Shanghai are several ancient towns that use waterway like roads. In these picturesque towns, locals and tourists alike travel around on canal boats. A visit to one of these towns is an ideal day-trip from Shanghai. Check out our guide to the top 10 water towns near Shanghai.

Get some inspiration from our 2-Day Shanghai Water Town Tour.

5. Shanghai is the most attractive China city for expats.

In 2016, Shanghai was named the most attractive city for expats for the fourth time in six years by International Talent Magazine. 48,000 expats were polled and asked to rank their city on categories such as living environment and policies for foreign professionals. Shanghai was home to more than 170,000 expats as of 2015.

6. Millions of travelers enjoy Shanghai’s top sights each year.

A night view of the Bund from a Huangpu River cruise

Modern: The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, The Shanghai Tower…
Ancient: Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, City God Temple…
Museums: Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shanghai Municipal History Museum…
Amusement: Shanghai Disney Land

7. Shanghai boasts a fantastic blend of history and modernity.

When it was a colonial territory in the mid-nineteenth century, Shanghai was divided into British, U.S. and French concessions and a Chinese walled city. Many Chinese lived in the foreign concessions, which caused a blending of cultures that brought Shanghai a unique variety of architectural styles and a fascinating history.

As a thriving metropolis, Shanghai also has a very modern feel. The city’s modernity is most apparent when nighttime falls at the Huangpu River, where visitors can see a stunning light display and enjoy great views of the city’s skyscrapers. See How to Spend a Night in Shanghai: Top 10 Things to Do.

8. Shanghai’s foreign concessions are now foreigner attractions.

Shanghai’s French Concession

The French Concession is the most well preserved and well known of the former foreign concessions. Filled with European architecture and art-deco styles, the French Concession is a popular place for tourists and locals alike.

Many areas in the city center were influenced by foreign planners and architects, which gives the city its unique international feel. Areas like the Concession and the Bund are still popular areas to find expats who call Shanghai home.

9. The best times to visit Shanghai are the middle seasons.

Shanghai in spring

The best times to visit Shanghai are in the spring and autumn. Summers have temperatures in the 90s °F (32°C+) and high humidity levels. Winter temperatures hover around freezing, and it becomes damp.

The spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and clearer air, which are coveted travel conditions in China. Visiting in the spring means prime viewing of Shanghai’s many flower gardens and green spaces, which offer a brief respite from the built-up feel of the city itself. Autumn offers mild temperatures with less humidity and rainfall to interfere with your excursions.

Of course, when traveling in China be sure to consult the calendar of national holidays to ensure you avoid the crowds.

10. Shanghai is now 10-day visa-free!

For citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and others, Shanghai offers a 10-day Visa-Free option for 24 provinces.

Travelers who wish to avoid the hassle of applying for a visa may choose this option as long as they are willing to limit their transit to these areas.

Visiting Shanghai with Us

Visit Shanghai your way. We’re here to make dreams a reality.

If you are looking to experience the heart of modern China, let us help you plan a tour that is perfect for you!

2-Day Shanghai Classic Tour is best for 1st time visitors. It will take you to see the highlights of Shanghai in a in-depth way.
Interested in specific aspects of Shanghai life? We can create a custom tour of China with your unique ideas and requirements.

Hong Kong vs Shanghai – Which City Should I Visit?

Jiuzhaigou in July 2026: Weather, What to Wear & Crowds

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

Jiuzhaigou in July 2026: Weather, What to Wear & Crowds

July is the high-water season in Jiuzhaigou, and one of the best times to visit. But it’s also the peak of the summer holidays and rainy season, so you’ll expect more crowds and rainfall.

However, July isn’t the most expensive time yet. Prices rise a bit but stay reasonable. And summer is also cool and pleasant here, perfect for a summer escape with your family and friends.

What’s the Weather Like in July in Jiuzhaigou

Daytime (sunny): 23–30°C (73–86°F)
Morning & night: 14–20°C (57–68°F)
Rainy days: 16–24°C (61–75°F)
Rainfall: 552.4 mm (21.7 in)

With an elevation difference of about 1,000 meters across the scenic area, you may experience all kinds of weather in July. Hot, cool, sunny, or rainy, is all possible.

Still, it’s much cooler than Chengdu’s 35°C (95°F) summer heat. But you’ll still need to keep warm in the mornings and evenings, as it can get a bit chilly then.

Although it rains more often in July, most showers are scattered and brief, with sunshine in between. But remember to bring a light coat, as when it rains, it’s a bit cold around 14-20°C (57–68°F).

Overall, the rain makes Jiuzhaigou even more beautiful with fuller water. Though it’s less convenient for photos and the boardwalks can get slippery, the scenery isn’t much affected, and road closures are rare. Just bring some waterproof gear and you’ll be fine.

What to Wear in July

Light shirts like shorts, skirts, T-shirts, light trousers, caps, and a light coat are recommended to pack for your Jiuzhaigou trip in July.

Also, prepare some waterproof and sun protection stuff like an umbrella, a raincoat, waterproof shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Recommended Tour: 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour

Best Spots to Visit in Jiuzhaigou in July

In July, during the high-water season, Jiuzhaigou’s landscape is dominated by lush greens, dotted with blue-green lakes and spectacular waterfalls.

Every spot is beautiful, especially the following locations:

Primeval Forest: Perfect for you to trek on the flat and tranquil trails across the verdant forests, and watch the birds.
Grass Lake: In July, vast patches of yellow flowers bloom among the green grass, then you’ll enjoy a scene like an oil painting.
Arrow Bamboo Lake: You can watch wild ducks swim freely across the green grasslands.
Five Flower Lake: The lake with the most fish, and you might even spot an otter.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall: In July, the waterfall is at its fullest. It will recreate scenes from the 1986 version of Journey to the West in front of your eyes.
Shuzheng Lakes: You’re strongly recommended to climb up to Shuzheng Village’s viewing platform for a full panoramic view.
Sparkling Lake & Reed Lake: Around 3 pm, the sunlight hits just right, and you’ll capture a sight that the water sparkles like diamonds.

Explore Beyond Jiuzhaigou: Hidden Gems Nearby

If you’re spending 2–4 days in Jiuzhaigou, you can extend your trip to explore several nearby scenic spots.

We can tailor a private itinerary to your pace, arranging private transport and a guide. So you’ll experience the layered beauty of this area, from terraced lakes to ancient towns and meadows.

1. Huanglong National Park

Huanglong National Park

In July, Huanglong also reaches its high-water season, making the scenery even more spectacular.

As you hike down the mountain, you’ll walk through lush forests, spot playful squirrels, and see many waterfalls and terraced colorful pools with abudnant flowing water.

However, the cable car can have long lines in July and August, around 1-2 hrs. To avoid the wait, enter the park around 8:30 AM, and you can get on the cable car in about 20 minutes.

2. Songpan Ancient Town

Songpan Ancient Town

In summer, the hills around Songpan Ancient Town turn lush green, much better for your viewing and photos.

Besides experiencing Tibetan and Qiang culture, you can also enjoy the fresh mushroom hotpot. The rainy season brings many fresh and soft mushrooms, ready for you to taste.

See our 6-Day Songpan, Jiuzhaigou and Dujiangyan Tour.

3. Zhongcha Valley

If you enjoy short hikes, horseback riding, or even visiting a Tibetan family, you can spend 2–3 hours exploring Zhongcha Valley, just a 20-minute drive from Jiuzhaigou.

Zhongcha Valley is at its most beautiful in July. Besides the rolling green meadows, you’ll see yellow wildflowers in bloom, herds of cattle and sheep, and scattered traditional wooden Tibetan houses along your hiking route (around 30-60min).

What about the Crowds and Cost? (with Travel Tips)

Although July isn’t as expensive as the autumn leaf season, it can get crowded.

In the first half of the month, daily visitors range from 20,000–30,000, and in the second half, 30,000–40,000. But don’t worry, we’ve got easy solutions for you.

1. Jiuzhaigou in July isn’t as crowded as you might think

Jiuzhaigou is very well managed. Shuttle buses take just 10–25 minutes to get you from the entrance to the park, unlike other places where you might wait 1–2 hours in line.

The park also assigns visitors to three different routes based on crowd levels. Except for the Five-Color Pools and bus stops, you won’t feel overly crowded in most spots.

2. How to Handle the Lunch Rush?

Nuorilang Center is the only restaurant in Jiuzhaigou, and also a transit hub, so it gets very busy during lunch.

It’s best to eat early or late (around 11 am or after 1 pm), or bring your own light meal.

3. How to Avoid the Entrance Rush around 7:30 am?

7:30 am is the rush hour to enter Jiuzhaigou, so there will be a traffic jam on the road to the scenic area.

We recommend staying at a hotel near the park entrance to walk in, or adjusting your schedule to arrive earlier at 6 am or later around 8–9 am.

4. Book Tours, Tickets, and Guides in 1-2 months Advance

We recommend booking train tickets at least 15 days in advance, or arranging a private tour 1–2 months ahead.

If you prefer something hassle-free, we recommend booking a private tour. We’ll arrange everything for you, from transportation, hotels, a guide, an itinerary, to tickets. It’s especially convenient for family trips, as everything will be well taken care of.

5. How much cost in July in Jiuzhaigou?

The ticket and shuttle bus cost is 280 RMB (160 RMB in the low season). If you or someone in your group is over 60 years old, you can save 190 RMB on the entrance ticket and only need to pay 90 RMB for the sightseeing bus.

Although hotel prices may increase by around 50%, it’s still relatively moderate compared with the National Day holiday and the peak season for autumn foliage in October. You can refer to the following prices:

Hotel	Off season	Summer holiday	Peak month (Oct)
4-star	400	600	1200
5-star	1000	1200	2000

Jiuzhaigou Climate Information by Month

Hong Kong Christmas Shopping — What to Buy and Where

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

Hong Kong Christmas Shopping — What to Buy and Where

As an Asian shopping mecca and as one of the world’s centers for Christmas festivities, Hong Kong has advantage for Christmas shopping. You’ll find some of the world’s best Christmas displays and seasonal decorations and get deals on items ranging from Christmas gifts, to decorations, to electronics. Hong Kong is the natural place to go for enjoyable Christmas shopping.

It is a place to go to find deals. The generally mild and sunny weather is an attraction for people wishing to escape frigid, dreary northern climes. The electronics, toys, and fashion markets are particularly excellent. It is considered the world’s freest economy and has low taxes that give you advantages for low prices and wide selection.

Where is There a Better Place to Go ?

CNN named Hong Kong’s WinterFest (December 4, 2015 – January 1, 2016) as one of the top 10 places in the whole world to spend Christmas.

Below are our suggestions for the best places to go shopping during Christmas in Hong Kong. See our luxury, middle price, and bargain ideas.

Luxury Christmas Shopping

The IFC Mall houses a large Apple store and Bose and Oregon Scientific for sophisticated electronics products. For fashion, there are Lane Crawford, ZARA, and Burberry and many others. There are famed jewelers such as Chopard, CARAT, Pandora, and BVLGARI.

The Landmark Mall and boutique area for high fashion is about 200 meters southeast via the Central Station underpass.

The cluster of shops includes the interlinked Prince’s Building for Chanel, a. testoni, Cartier, and Ralph Lauren. Alexandra House has Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Chater House closest to the IFC has Armani shops.

Fine Dining

The IFC Towers complex houses the “6-star” Four Seasons Hotel with the best Michelen 3-star Cantonese restaurant in the region. There is also Caprice that is one of the best French restaurants. They are above the IFC Mall. You can watch the evening light show from the windows while dining.

Middle-Price Christmas Shopping

Clothing, Shoes, Sports Clothes and Electronics

Go to CityGate Outlets for savings on a wide selection of brand name products. The mall is across from Hong Kong International Airport. Most of the 80 or so brand name stores sell clothing, shoes, and sports clothes.

These are quality goods, not factory rejects. Their claim is that prices are 30 to 70 percent below regular prices. You’ll see Chinese with suitcases buying products in quantity to take back to China.

There are for example: Bally, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Giordano, Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Esprit. There is also a Fortress for electronics, but it isn’t a discount store.

Open: generally between 11 am and 10 pm.
Transport: Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. Transfer at Lai King Station. The location of the mall 5 minutes from the airport makes it convenient for tourists.

Dining

The Food Republic food court at the mall has stalls that provide a variety of international cuisine at prices around 50 to 100 HKD (6.50 to 13 USD). There are a variety of other restaurants there too.

Toys, Toys, Toys

There is a large Toys R Us in Harbour City Mall next to the TST Star Ferry at Victoria Harbor. Children generally like the ferry ride. Toys R Us is a large toy supermarket with the latest toys and gadgets that kids like.

Harbour City is HK’s largest mall. It is considered more of a middle-price mall with 450 shops, 50 restaurants, 3 hotels, and 2 movie theaters.

Extended shopping hours from December 1 to December 26, 2012.
Christmas Display: There is a large “Love is All Around” Christmas display featuring a carousel and a charity picture taking spot.

Bargain Shopping

Unfortunately, unlike in other countries, there aren’t pre-Christmas sales with lower prices to attract shoppers. Prices actually go up. However, the malls try to attract customers through special Christmas displays, decorations, and entertainment.

The main shopping streets are places to find bargains to compete on prices. The best places for bargain shopping are Temple Street, Sham Shui Po, Ladies Market and adjacent streets in Mong Kok. These areas of shopping streets in Kowloon are probably the best places for the average tourist because transportation to them and between them is quite easy, and the selection is great.

Transport: Next to Jordan Station, Mongkok Station and Sham Shui Po Station respectively, they are a few minutes apart on Bus 7 or the MTR.
Tip: You can get free maps, shopping guides, tourist guides, coupons and information about promotions at the Tourism Board offices at the TST Star Ferry at Victoria Harbor and on Victoria Peak.

Temple Street for Souvenirs, Small Gifts, Cheap Clothes, and Knick Knacks

Temple Street, a Hong Kong shopping highlight, is a good place to shop for souvenirs in the evening and enjoy dinner. You can browse through a plethora of items ranging from inexpensive Chinese clothes to watches, children’s clothing, and accessories.

Open hours: The street stalls begin to open about 2 or 3 pm depending on the weather, and they close about 11 pm.
Transport: It is a few minutes walk from Jordan MTR Station.
Dinner: Enjoy a meal on the street. The Chinese food is average quality, and you’ll probably have a memorable time.

The Ladies Market Area for Electronics, Clothing, Jewelry, Pets, Flowers, and Christmas Trees

The streets of the Ladies Market area between Mongkok Station and Prince Edward Station offer a wide variety of products at low prices. Expect crowds, small stores, outdoor stalls, and street snacks. Many stores will not give refunds, so check the products carefully for defects.

Sai Yeung Choi Street at Exit D2 of Mong Kok Station is known for cameras, lenses, computer devices, computers, and electronics.

The main Ladies Market street is the next street to the west called Tung Choi Street. There are bargains on Chinese factory outlet clothing, accessories and factory rejects. You’ll see brand names such as Giordano, Bossini, and Baleno. Carefully check the articles

Fa Yuen Street is fifty meters further west with bargains on sports clothing, brand names and the latest fashion if you are prepared to search and examine carefully. Most shops only take cash, won’t make exchanges, and don’t provide fitting rooms.

Flower Market Street is about 300 meters east of Prince Edward Station. You find real live Christmas trees and about a hundred flower shops. It is off of Sai Yee Street parallel to Prince Edward Road.

Sham Shui Po for Wholesale Christmas Toys and Decorations, Electronics, Computer Devices, and Party Articles

Computers and electronics: The best computer and accessories deals you will generally find in Hong Kong are in Sham Shui Po. It is also where you can find repair shops for computer repairs and second-hand products. Beware of stolen goods and fake products though.

Golden Computer Center is a large electronics market for electronics bargains. Everything from blank CDs to entire computers. It is internationally famous and crowded. It is about 100 meters north of Sham Shui Po MTR Exit D2.

Wholesale Christmas decorations and toys: Besides its electronics market, what makes Sham Shui Po famous are its stores that specialize in Christmas decorations and wholesale children’s toys. If you want to buy in big lots for a Christmas party for example, this is the place to go in HK.

Fuk Wing Street about 100 meters north of Exit B2 is a treasure trove for Christmas stuff such as fake trees, tinsel, decorations and party articles.

The area around Nam Cheong Street about 200 meters west has dozens of clothing stores and tiny shops that sell cheap kids clothing and jewelry. It is said that for Christmas decorations, you can’t beat the prices in Sham Shui Po.

Tip: The stores are not designed for retail shoppers, so you’ll have to rummage around and try to get the busy shopkeepers’ attention.
Transport: Sham Shui Po MTR.
Hours: Most shops open about 11 am.

China Highlights’ Tours During Christmas

Tour Hong Kong with China Highlights

For your Christmas holidays, we can arrange a fine Christmas tour for you.

Our tours are developed through years of experience and customer feedback and are reasonably priced. They can be customized to your requirements. You can contact us for help.

See more Hong Kong tour packages.

Let us help you plan a personalized Hong Kong tour.

Christmas Season Travel Information

Tour Hong Kong with China Highlights

Low Season: The last half of December is an excellent time for touring in Hong Kong. The busy crowds of Chinese tourists don’t arrive until Chinese New Year, and many foreigners visit during their Christmas and New Year holidays.

International Hong Kong flight tickets are more difficult to obtain right around Christmas and New Years Day.
Guides, drivers, and private vehicles can be provided for great private tours for individuals and groups.
China train tickets you need for a great trip to China.

A 9-Year-Old’s Story: Boost Kids’ Mandarin Learning Confidence!

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

Lily, a 9-year-old girl from an American family with no Chinese background, felt overwhelmed when she first started learning Mandarin. She often doubted her ability to grasp such a complex language and lacked confidence in her progress. However, as her parents and teachers found effective ways to support her, Lily’s journey in learning Mandarin turned into a powerful tool for building her self-confidence. In this article, we will take into Lily’s Mandarin journey, exploring the practical ways to boost your child’s confidence through learning Mandarin.

1. Positive Feedback and Encouragement

Positive feedback plays a significant role in building a child’s confidence. Some education experts have pointed out the importance of praise and encouragement in boosting a child’s self-esteem. Lily’s parents used simple methods to provide positive feedback. When Lily learned new Mandarin words, they praised her effort and gave her small rewards, like stickers. Once she collected enough stickers, she could exchange them for a small toy or treat. They also kept a learning journal together. They recorded her progress and wrote encouraging notes, which helped Lily see how much she was improving and boosted her confidence.

2. Setting Small Goals and Achieving Them

Setting and achieving small goals can significantly enhance a child’s confidence. Child development expert Dr. Carol Dweck emphasizes, “Setting achievable small goals and gradually reaching them helps children experience success continuously, which boosts their confidence.” Lily’s parents set weekly goals for her, like learning ten new Mandarin words or finishing a simple Mandarin storybook. They used a progress chart to track her achievements. When she reached her goals, they celebrated with a family outing or a special meal. These small victories made Lily feel proud and motivated her to keep going.

3. Real-Life Application and Presentation Opportunities

Giving children chances to use their Mandarin skills in real-life situations can boost their confidence. Language education expert Eileen Brown says, “Applying learned language in real life and gaining recognition through presentation opportunities can significantly enhance a child’s confidence.” Lily’s parents encouraged her to participate in Mandarin speech contests and talent shows at school. Performing in front of an audience and receiving applause made Lily feel accomplished.

4. Teaching and Role Reversal Opportunities

In addition to structured activities, more informal methods can also be effective in boosting your child’s confidence. Another effective method was letting Lily teach her parents some basic Mandarin phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye.” They scheduled weekly Mandarin lessons where Lily taught them these phrases. Her parents showed genuine interest and praised her teaching, which made Lily feel proud and confident in her abilities.

To build confidence in non-Chinese children learning Mandarin, it’s important to focus on positive feedback, setting small goals, and providing real-life application opportunities. Even without speaking Mandarin, parents can actively participate in their child’s learning journey. Applying these strategies can make learning Mandarin a positive and confidence-building experience. Celebrating progress and providing opportunities for success helps children develop a love for learning Mandarin and a strong sense of self-confidence.

If you’re interested in having your kid learn Chinese online, sign up now for our free trial class! Just by completing the free trial, you can enter our 618 Lucky Draw and get prizes as follows.

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5 Ways to Study with Yoyo Chinese While You’re Stuck Indoors

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

5 Ways to Study with Yoyo Chinese While You’re Stuck Indoors

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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Right now, many of us are working from home, , and staying indoors as much as possible as we try to limit the spread of the .

While you’re stuck inside and using virtual tools more now than ever, to put your free time indoors to good use, by starting to learn the language spoken by over 1.3 billion people – Chinese.

Our courses break the stigmas of learning Chinese, teach from a native English speaker’s perspective, and provide a really strong foundation in Chinese sentence structure, word order, and grammar, while equipping you with the most common, important language to know.

In this post, we list out 5 fun, interactive ways to get the most out of our online learning resources for studying Mandarin, so you can make real progress in learning Chinese!

#1: Use Our FREE Interactive Pinyin Chart

Having trouble with pinyin pronunciation and spelling? Looking to fine-tune your pinyin speaking, listening or spelling skills? Check out our FREE to hear EVERY possible pinyin pronunciation.

The pinyin chart is arranged by sound, and comes with TONS of short video clips explaining how to pronounce the sounds, with clear explanation, similar pronunciations in the English language, and important details for mouth and tongue position.

This chart is a great way to hone in on the pinyin spellings/sounds that you find most difficult, to hear how they should sound, and reproduce those sounds yourself.

Check the chart out .

#2: Check Out Our FREE Sample Lessons

If you’re just starting out learning Mandarin mastering pinyin and tones can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we dedicated several full units of our to guiding you through pinyin pronunciation, spelling and tones.

The Beginner course also gives you CLEAR explanations about Chinese sentence structure and grammar, while equipping you with vocabulary and sentence structures that are key for having real conversations with Chinese people. What’s more, you’ll be able to reach basic conversational fluency in Mandarin by the end of the course!

Get started learning Chinese, with 40+ full lessons for FREE .

Not a beginner? We also offer the first few lessons of our and for FREE, so you can try it out and see if it’s the right fit for you – you’ve got nothing to lose!

#3: Use Our Features to Their Full Potential

Many students get started on our website, but aren’t fully aware of all of our lesson study tools and how to use them in the most effective way!

After watching the lesson video, go through these reviews and get started in really honing in on the lesson material!

To go through the study features, just click “Practice” on the lesson page:

Audio Review Round One (with Lecture Notes PDF):

First, listen to our for lessons that have it, and click on the PDF Lecture Notes for a ‘cheat sheet’ if it’s difficult for you to remember the material!

The Audio Review MP3 was created in a way that is highly compatible with our PDF lecture notes, making it a versatile tool that you can use to study in different ways, with varying level of difficulty!

If you’re having difficulty, listen to the Audio Review while reading the lecture notes first. That way you have the notes in front of you, which serves as a review of what you learned, while you practice speaking the lines aloud as the host asks you the questions during the Audio Review.

Audio Review Round Two (Optional):

Now, for an added challenge, listen to the MP3 one more time, this time WITHOUT the Lecture Notes – now you’ll really be putting your comprehension of the lesson material to the test!

This helps both your pronunciation and listening skills, gets you more comfortable speaking Chinese, plus it’ll also really help you to retain what you learned since you’re basically translating from English to Chinese!

Check out this demo to learn more about the Audio Review:

Flashcards:

After the Audio Review, you’ll be directed to our interactive flashcards, complete with audio so you can study the words you’re learning, while also improving you listening and speaking skills. Try to mimic the pronunciation of each word from the audio.

Check out this demo to learn more about how the Flashcard Review works:

Quizzes:

Once you’re done, it’s onto our 10-question quizzes, which really tests your comprehension of the lesson.

Dialogue Replay:

Some of our Beginner lessons, and nearly all of our Intermediate and Upper Intermediate lessons, include REAL on-the-street interviews with Chinese native speakers, which brings us to one of our other important study features: the Dialogue Replay.

This feature is great because it breaks down each line of the interview, and gets you to train your ears to the way Chinese natives REALLY speak! This isn’t your average textbook stuff with Wang Peng and Li You (not that we don’t appreciate them!).

The Dialogue Replay takes each line of the interview in the lesson video, and breaks it down with Chinese characters, pinyin and English, and includes the real ‘normal’ speed audio taken directly from our interviewee, as well as a ‘slow speed’ version which is more clear and standard.

Through the Dialogue Replay feature, you’ll hear different people with different accents, speaking at different speeds and levels of clarity, which will prepare you for understanding .

Check out this demo to learn more about how the Dialogue Replay works:

#4: Check Out Your Up For Review Flashcard Deck

You’re going to LOVE this “Up For Review” flashcard feature! If you’ve started using our flashcards, you will start to have flashcards appear in this deck, which can be found here:

This “Up For Review” deck uses an algorithm based on the Spaced Repetition System, so the cards you will see there are the ones that you’ve studied before and haven’t seen recently. It’s a really great way to keep what you’ve learned fresh.

Just spending a few minutes a day with the “Up for Review” flashcard deck is all you need to refresh yourself on the flashcards that should be on your list to review.

#5: Check Out Our FREE Yoyo Chinese Blogs

One great thing about our website is we have a BUNCH of free resources to aid you in learning Chinese and better understanding Chinese culture, including our Blog page.

Many of these posts also include great infographics that you can download to your device for future reference!

Below is a list of some of our most popular blogs both on the academic and cultural end, but feel free to explore further on your own at https://www.yoyochinese.com/blog.

The Three De’s:

Here are some out of the box ways for studying:

Learn Chinese with Comics:

Learn Chinese with a Rap:

Enjoy this ‘out of the box’ way of learning?

Check out our , to get you reading full Chinese sentences through watching animated stories in Chinese.

If you’re just getting started with learning Chinese characters, you can also check out our and courses, which collectively teach you how to read and write the 600 most common Chinese characters, and gain, which combine to form nearly 80% of all written Chinese:

That wraps up our list for 5 ways to study Chinese on our website. We hope this post is helpful in highlighting some of the different useful features on our website for learning Chinese, so you can progress in learning this amazing language!

Using Chinese textbooks to improve reading ability

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

These are some of the textbooks I have in my bookshelf. Have you used any of them?

The title of this article might look odd, don’t textbooks at least partly exist to help you learn to read Chinese? Indeed, but it also seems popular to bash textbooks and favour more natural and wild ways of learning. In this article, I’m going to explain why I think textbooks are good for learning to read Chinese, although there are several caveats and a few specific ways you should use them.

It’s also the case that this month’s challenge on Hacking Chinese is about extensive reading (it’s not too late to join, it’s only been running for a few days) and I have received some questions about what beginners should read. I did offer some suggestions in the article linked to above, and one of them is indeed “textbooks”. However, I don’t just mean that you should keep using your textbook, I mean that textbooks are good sources of reading material in general that you can use much more than you do at the moment. Before we look into that, though, why are textbooks good?

Texts meant for native speakers are harder than you might think

The obvious reason textbooks are useful for learning to read Chinese is that they are designed for foreign adults. This is very different from writing a book for a native speaker, even if it’s a child. They already know how to speak Chinese when they start learning to read properly!

Therefore, books for children seldom work well as reading material for adult second language learners, at least not beginners or lower intermediate learners. They focus on entirely the wrong things, and take things for granted that are actually very difficult for us.

Furthermore, it seems like the goal of these books is to teach the children new words, rather than telling an entertaining and/or edifying story, so even if the size of the printed characters indicates that a book ought to be easy, it can contain many characters and words you really don’t need to know.

Dealing with the diversity problem

If you read books in electronic format and use a pop-up dictionary (see last week’s article for more about this: The new paperless revolution in Chinese reading), you can still read these texts, but it’s essential that you don’t try to learn everything you see. Remember, for every unnecessary word you learn, you could have learnt a useful word that would have improved your Chinese much more. Use the rule of three: only learn something the third time it appears.

The main problem with authentic reading material of any kind is diversity. If you design a textbook for second language learners, you try to avoid using more new words than necessary, so it’s a very bad idea to introduce three near synonyms in the same chapter. That happens all the time in texts written for native speakers, because diversity is one of the signs of language mastery. Re-using the same words again and again just shows that the author has a limited vocabulary. As second language learners, however, that’s exactly what we want!

Incidentally, this is why non-fiction, even if it’s fairly advanced, is still easier to read than novels. When you read a novel in Chinese, the author often makes a point of not using the same words over and over. In academic writing, if you change the terminology in every sentence, you won’t get your paper published.

The benefits of reading textbooks

Textbooks introduce words at slow pace and make a deliberate effort to re-use words in later chapters to make sure you still remember them. One chapter builds upon the next. Apart from this, each new step is described and explained, and although the explanations are far from perfect, it’s still better than nothing. Most of the questions you might want to ask about the text, such as what certain words mean, how they are used in the text and how the grammar works, have already been answered.

In addition, textbooks focus on things that are relevant to your situation. Of course, the match isn’t perfect, so middle-aged Korean learners will have to read about American college students, and you might learn more about baseball than you want to, but this is still pretty good. It’s at least possible that these topics will be good to know about. It’s also better than the typical story for children, which have little to do with your situation. I’m not saying that the average textbook is terribly interesting to read, I’m just saying that the alternatives aren’t much better.

Use more than one textbook for reading practice

I have argued before that you should use more than one textbook. The reasoning is simple: since each author limits diversity in a different way, by using several different textbooks, you gain most of the benefits while avoiding the main drawback, the lack of diversity. You also double or triple the reading material you have for your specific level, which is awesome. You don’t have to learn or read everything in these books, of course, but the extra reading practice is great.

If I get the chance, I would like to try to teach a full-time student using three different textbooks and going through chapter one in all three, then chapter two in all three and so on. It would of course take longer to get to an “advanced” level, but the foundation would be much more solid and I think the end-result would be better. Some language centres and schools rush students through textbooks and I really hate that. The amount of Chinese you know is not measured by how many chapters you have finished in any given textbook series.

Some problems with using textbooks for reading practice

Even though I think that textbooks are excellent for beginners and intermediate learners, there are problems as well:

The language is somewhat unnatural – This is a result of the lack of diversity mentioned above. Natural, spoken Chinese is very diverse and the textbook author sacrifices this to make the text easier. Still, the language isn’t a big problem and most complaints seem exaggerated to me. I can recall many occasions where one native speaker looked at my textbook and said “we never say that” only to hear someone use that exact phrase a few days later.
The illusion of advanced learning – This is something I mentioned above. Many textbook series advance too quickly, meaning that they start using fairly difficult language in book three or four, teaching the students lots of idioms and formal ways of expression. This gives the illusion that the student has reached an advanced level. However, the lack of diversity mentioned above means that there are huge holes in the student’s knowledge of very basic Chinese. Use more than one textbook.
Limited range of topics – I mentioned above that it’s good that textbooks focus on topics relevant for your situation, but this is also a drawback once you get to an intermediate level. Thus, while it’s okay to keep to textbooks (and graded readers, see below) as a beginner, the range of topics is just too limited for intermediate learners. Of course, this varies from series to series, there are many different kinds of textbooks and some have very diverse content. Just don’t stay in textbook land too long. If you feel that you have, you might want to read this: Asking the experts: How to bridge the gap to real Chinese.

Add graded readers to the mix

Even though I’m fond of textbooks, there are other sources of reading material available. Grader readers are excellent, because just like textbooks, they are targeted at language learners at a specific level (measured by how many characters you know). This might still be too hard for complete beginners, but once you know a few hundred characters, you should have a look at Mandarin Companion and Chinese Breeze. They are meant to give you more volume and the content is usually more interesting that the average textbook’s.

Which textbooks to use

I don’t think it’s super important which books you use for reading practice. It’s not going to be your main source of learning anyway, so anything you can pick up cheaply or find in other ways should be fine. If you have no clue at all, here are some of the major textbooks series used around the world:

Integrated Chinese
New Practical Chinese Reader
Practical Audio-Visual Chinese

What books do you use? Have you found any other reading materials I haven’t mentioned here? Please leave a comment!

Training your Chinese teacher, part 3: Listening ability

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:24 +0000

Listening ability is often neglected in classrooms. Naturally, the students hear the teacher talk and might even hear other students talk, but beyond this, listening ability is often reduced to occasional exam-like listening comprehension exercises where students listen to something and then answer questions.

This is understandable to a certain degree. Improving listening ability, especially once you get through the beginner stages, takes so much time that it’s simply not plausible to do all the listening in the classroom.

As I discussed in the introduction to this series of articles about training your Chinese teacher, time quality is a major factor. It seems like a waste of precious time with a teacher to listen to a recording and answer questions. If you’re motivated enough to read this article, I think you should do that on your own, not with a teacher. In fact, the bulk of the work, as always, needs to be done by you as a student.

That doesn’t mean that there’s nothing a teacher can do to help you, of course, far from it! In this article, I will discuss worthwhile things you can do with your teacher to improve your listening ability. Before I get into that, though, here’s a list of the other articles in this series. You should read the introduction if you haven’t done so already, because it states clearly what this series is about, and perhaps more importantly, what it’s not about. Then pick whichever articles are most relevant to you!

Training your Chinese teacher, part 1: Introduction
Training your Chinese teacher, part 2: Speaking ability
Training your Chinese teacher, part 3: Listening ability (this article)
Training your Chinese teacher, part 4: Writing ability
Training your Chinese teacher, part 5: Reading ability
Training your Chinese teacher, part 6: Characters, vocabulary and grammar

Training your Chinese teacher, part 3: Listening ability

Listening comprehension is a actually very complicated and processing happens on many levels at the same time. It’s not only about decoding the sounds and seeing how they form words and sentences (bottom-up listening), but also relying on prior knowledge, context and other cues (top-down listening). Failing to understand what someone is saying can have many and various reasons, which I discussed in an earlier article:

Chinese listening strategies: Problem analysis

As I wrote in that article, many of the problems associated with listening ability are actually caused by other problems, such as a lack of vocabulary in general. I will ignore such issues in this article and focus only on those that deal with listening directly.

Basic decoding and phonological awareness

One of the fundamental issues when learning a new language is to figure out what it sounds like (phonetics) and how they are sorted and interact (phonology). These processes are largely subconscious and we can only influence them by deciding to practise in ways that make sense and perhaps by directing our attention. There is no mental trick or technique that will magically help you hear the difference between two tones, for example, but you can practise in ways that will help your brain figure it out.

There are a few things a teacher can do for you here, but also some built in limitations of a teacher. First, methods that work:

Provide a model for what the language sounds like – This should be obvious, but one major advantage of having a teacher is that she functions as a reference for how the language sounds. While you can achieve this on your own through audio recordings, a teacher can produce anything you might need at will. Synthetic audio is not good enough yet to provide such a model (it is good enough to provide the general meaning, however).
Exaggerate differences between sounds you struggle with – One approach that has been proven to work when it comes to teaching adult learners the difference between tricky sounds is to exaggerate the difference until it becomes noticeable, then reducing exaggeration gradually. This is analogous to how we naturally speak to infants. If you struggle to hear the difference between two sounds, say c and ch, your teacher can produce exaggerated versions of each sound to highlight the difference for you.
Direct attention to the feature that matters – The reason it’s hard to figure out the sound system of a new language (say the difference between b and p in various languages) is that the brain needs a lot of data to be able to draw conclusions. If you focus on the wrong feature, you will only be able to hear the difference between two sounds in that specific setting. For example, if you think that the main thing that distinguishes the fourth tone from the other tones is that it’s louder, it will take you much longer to learn. A teacher can point this out and help you focus on the feature that really matters (which is of course the falling tone).

The last item above points us to one of the major limitations of having a teacher (focusing on the singular of “teacher” here): because the brain tends to use whatever cues are available to figure out which sound is which, the input needs to be varied to give the brain enough data to construct an accurate model of the sounds.

If you only listen to your teacher speaking Mandarin, you will learn how she pronounces the sounds and tones, but your brain might be focusing on the wrong features. Only if you listen to many different voices will you be able to sort out what’s essential for each sound and tone, and what’s peculiar to each individual speaker.

Thus, a teacher can and should:

Provide you with varied listening material – This can of course be recorded, so using your textbook audio, some podcasts or other listening resources work. Having more than one teacher in parallell also makes sure that you don’t get too focused on how one individual speaks.

Listening speed, or how quickly you can understand things

The more I teach Chinese, the more I realise that this is the most important problem for students, at least in teacher-student conversations. When speaking with strangers on the street, other problems tend to be bigger such as decoding (perhaps because of accent) or vocabulary (because the stranger doesn’t know what words the student has learnt).

As a teacher, I often know very well which words a student knows. Sometimes I might know exactly which words the student knows, because I have either taught all the words personally, or I know which learning materials the student has used. However, having studied a word and reviewed it many times does not mean that you will understand it in a new context.

The best way to identify a problem with speed is simple repetition: If you hear something once and don’t understand, then hear it a dozen times more and then you do understand, your problem is simply that you’re not processing the language quickly enough. Naturally, you could also slow the audio down to check this, but there’s a limit to how much you can slow something down before it stops being helpful.

And now we’ve come to the area I think a teacher is extremely useful, perhaps it’s even the most important thing a teacher does:

Provide students with large amounts of level-adjusted language – To show you what I mean, let’s take a beginner example. Someone who has learnt numbers, time and dates plus some basic verbs can in theory understand a basic timetable, including when to have class, when someone eats breakfast and when they go to bed. However, it takes hours and hours of practise to go from “knows all the words” to “understands these words in unfamiliar contexts”, even if every single word is known. A teacher can keep you focused and learning intensively for as long as you can cope with by slightly varying what’s being said and keeping the dialogue going.

When described to someone who has never tried this, it sounds stupid, but I want to highlight that this really works. Even without introducing a single new word, a skilled teacher can keep you engaged for a very long time. This is incredibly hard to do without a teacher, because there are no services that have such a detailed understanding of what you know and can vary output in such a way while still staying within the boundaries of correct language usage.

This type of practise is the bread and butter of teachers focusing on Comprehensible Input (CI) and Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), but many good teachers do this intuitively without necessarily putting a label on the method they use. For more about this, see the article series starting with this post:

An introduction to comprehension-based Chinese teaching and learning

Focus on the process, not the product

Like I said in the introduction, classroom listening is often test-like in that it cares mostly about the result rather than the process. This includes various techniques and strategies you can employ before, during and after listening. Here are a few examples:

Before:

Pay attention to context. Are there clues to what the speaker might say, such as environment, facial expressions or something else?
If you know what the topic is, think through what you know about it in advance. Which words have you learnt relating to this topic? What might the person say?
Make yourself ready to listen (this is especially important on exams). Personally, I try to relax, pop my ears and close my eyes (to shut out irrelevant visual cues). If you’re interested in why popping your ears actually helps, I found this really interesting article about that very question.

During:

You don’t need to understand everything when listening; focus on the things you do understand and try to not get stuck on things you don’t understand. This takes some practice.
If you know in advance what you’re listening for, try to identify that information and listen for words related to it (such as times if your goal is to figure out when the bus leaves). The fact that you don’t understand anything else might not be relevant.
Take notes, both te stay focused and to force yourself to identify what really matters.
Use your understand of the context and topic to predict or guess what the person might say. You might not be able to guess perfectly, but it narrows the scope of possible answers.
Silently shadow (repeat in your head) what someone is saying, or parts of what they’re saying, to stay focused. This works very well on longer listening exams when the mind tends to wander.

After:

Briefly review what you did understand
Review your notes
Identify what you didn’t understand for follow-up questions or re-listening

These are all strategies that should be more or less obvious to experienced teachers and language learners alike, but if you, like most students I teach (adult university students) have never thought of listening comprehension in such detail, you might benefit from going through the process with a competent teacher. Listening can seem like “just listen” before you really sit down and analyse the process, which will reveal that it’s far from simple and that there are many thing you can learn from a teacher.

Providing guidance, support and resources for listening

The final role a teacher plays in learning to understand spoken Chinese is to help you navigate the vastness of online learning resources and how to deal with them. We have already established that you need:

Varied input
Input adjusted to your level

This is exceptionally hard to do on your own, because evaluating the difficulty of something quickly is almost impossible as a beginner. Your teacher tan help you find suitable listening materials featuring different speakers. Like I’ve said a few times now, the teacher can’t do the listening for you, but still plays an important role in finding materials you can then study on your own. Because the bottom line is still that you have to do an awful lot of listening, probably much more than you think, to get good at it.

I can’t suggest learning materials for you specifically, but if you haven’t checked it out yet, I suggest you have a look at Hacking Chinese Resources, where there are currently more than 100 resources tagged with “listening” on different levels. If you’re a beginner, you could also check out this article:

https://www.hackingchinese.com/the-10-best-free-listening-resource-collections-for-learning-chinese/

Practising listening with your teacher

While it’s true that listening is mostly a matter of practice and that you will have to do most of that practising on your own, a teacher can still be great to speed up progress. Firstly, a teacher can help you sort out the sounds and tones of Chinese, which is essential for listening comprehension. Secondly, a teacher can provide you with input on your level, allowing you to speed up processing, which is also essential for comprehension. Thirdly, a teacher can help you learn the strategies you need to successfully understand spoken Chinese. And lastly, a teacher can help you find suitable learning materials that you can then consume at your own pace.

I can’t possibly cover everything in an article, even if I knew everything, which I don’t. So over to you! As a student, do you have any specific activities you find very useful to practise with a teacher to improve your listening? As a teacher, do you have similar activities you use to help students improve? Leave a comment below!

Victoria Harbour – Introduction, Tips, and Tour Plan

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

Victoria Harbour – Introduction, Tips, and Tour Plan

Discover the heart of Hong Kong – Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is probably the most popular tourist area in the world! Find out why, and how to enjoy it.

Our Victoria Harbour travel guide and day tour plan provides a way to navigate around the large bay area and optimize your visiting time to enjoy the harbor area the most, with the least stress.

The harbor is a complex place, but the popular tourist areas are mainly in the central section. Until you get familiar with the area, it might seem like a maze to move around in. Don’t worry though: you’ve come to the right place. It’s all explained here.

What is Victoria Harbour Hong Kong?

Natural channel between Hong Kong Island and the Hong Kong mainland
Width: about 1 kilometer (.6 miles) between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central
Length: about 9 kilometers (5 and a half miles)

Victoria Harbour from Victoria Peak

Victoria Harbour is an almost ideally naturally sheltered channel between Hong Kong Island and the Hong Kong mainland. The channel is deep enough for the biggest ships and sheltered by the high mountains on Hong Kong Island from storm winds. It is also naturally curved like a semicircle around the north shore of Hong Kong Island so that high waves are blocked out. Islands to the east and south and a narrow opening on the eastern inlet further shelter the harbor.

This sheltered area was one of the British Empire’s biggest military and trading ports, and it is now both the world’s premier tourist area and one of the world’s busiest commercial ports. Two big cruise ship ports bring in tens of thousands of eager shoppers and sightseers each year, and the transportation connections to the harbor area are among the world’s best and quickest.

What Is Best For Tourists at Victoria Harbour in 2020?

The Avenue of Stars has handprints and statues of Hong Kong’s entertainers

Much has been constructed and modernized in the last several years. The harbor is narrower now, but new park and public areas now beautify the shores. Around the large harbor, there are many good places to go and visit, but we recommend these main highlights to go to 2020, and provide a day tour plan below.

The West Kowloon Cultural Centre and the ICC Tower and mall
Tsim Sha Tsui’s variety of shopping streets, big malls, museums and restaurants
The revamped Avenue of Stars
The Star Ferry for scenic cross-harbor transportation
The Central Waterfront Promenade
IFC Mall for luxury shopping and fine dining
Central’s Hollywood Road and Cat Street for curios and souvenirs.

The new tourist attractions and facilities really interest tourists and make the harbor area more ideal for combining shopping, recreation, cultural experiences, and education together for an enjoyable trip. See our Day Tour Plan for these places below.

The Best New Recreational/Cultural Facilities

The West Kowloon Cultural Centre

ICC Tower and Elements Mall is in the West Kowloon Cultural Centre

The new West Kowloon Cultural Centre is a still under construction, but it is already drawing tens of thousands of tourists to the West Kowloon waterfront. It is a large area. The ICC Tower and Elements Mall is the keynote in the center of the area for both luxury shopping and dining. It and the West Kowloon Station dominate the area.

There is a newly completed promenade and park promontory in front of the ICC Tower and Elements Mall. New museums and the Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera, art and tea are big hits with tourists. The Xiqu theater seating for audiences of more than 1,000.

There is a promenade on top of West Kowloon Station for sightseeing as well as a garden beside it.

Transportation is especially convenient to the cultural center area because there are four big MTR stations in it: Kowloon Station, Kowloon Airport Express Station, Austin Station and the new West Kowloon HSR Station that provides direct transportation to cities across China. These stations make regional and international travel to the harbor remarkably quick.

There are underground pedestrian walkways with shops and food outlets for convenience. See Transportation below.

The Newly Expanded Avenue of Stars

The Symphony of Lights

The newly expanded and modernized Avenue of Stars now boasts a new, updated Symphony of Lights show with a new musical score and much better multimedia building lighting. The lighting effects are brighter and more colorful, and new buildings have been added.

Sometimes, the whole of the adjacent Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s southern face is turned into a super giant big screen. It is perfectly shaped, curved and colored for this use, so you can watch video and special effects played out on it during special events at the waterfront. The multimedia system is called the 3D PULSE.

The Central Waterfront Promenade

On the north shore, a giant 197-foot-tall (60-meter) Ferris wheel was built in 2014. It takes up part of a new large promenade offering tourists a place to relax and traffic free and scenic pedestrian routes to get around Central.

The harbor views are quite good. The Maritime Museum is an interesting option that is highly rated by visitors. New park areas, event areas, and sports areas make it a place to head out to for sightseeing and recreation for those coming in on the various ferries that dock nearby.

Best Harbor Area Dining

The 3 Michelin star Lung King Heen is known for having the best gourmet Cantonese cuisine in the region.

The quality of the dining restaurants around the harbor has improved too. It is notable that IFC Mall’s Four Seasons might be the most Michelin-starred building in the entire world. In 2019, Michelin awarded both Caprice for French cuisine and Lung King Heen for avant-garde, organic Cantonese-style cuisine 3 Michelin stars, and Sushi Saito, a new Japanese restaurant, was rated 2 Michelin stars for 2019.

Our recommendations for the best dining experiences for tourists to Hong Kong for the price, quality, scenery, tourist friendliness, and ease of access (since you’ll probably come to the Harbour anyway) center around Victoria Harbour Hong Kong.

For luxurious dining with good Harbour views, we recommend the Four Seasons. You definitely will need reservations though. We could reserve tables for you.

Our Suggested Victoria Harbour 1-Day Tour Plan

For an optimal Hong Kong Victoria Harbour day visit, we recommend staying close to the Tsim Sha Tsui and Central areas to avoid hassle and lost time traveling. This tour plan covers both sides of the harbor and is designed to minimize transportation time so you can maximize your time at the harbor highlights. We recommend seeing these highlights and doing these things as priorities in this order starting in the morning.

You’ll experience the harbor’s best scenery, shopping, culture and experiences for a varied and enjoyable day visit.

Morning Arrival

The West Kowloon Station has an appropriately futuristic design as well as a garden area.

Go to the ICC Tower: To start the day optimally, avoid the morning rush hour crowds and traffic. Go after 9:00 am, and try to be there before Chinese tourist crowds arrive around 11. Avoid the weekends and the holidays when the attractions are crowded with Chinese tourists.

Transport: For public transport, you can take the MTR to Kowloon Station. See the Transport information below.

Our travel advisers can help with tours and private transport. We can facilitate a whole tour of the harbor and the region or accommodate you in assisting your Hong Kong visit in other ways according to your plans. We take care of the tickets, reservations, and transportation.

Get an Octopus card: Hong Kong is fairly unique in the world because you can purchase a card that you can swipe to pay for MTR and bus fares. The card can also be used to pay for many other things such as purchases at supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants all over the region.

The card allows people to travel without standing in line to buy tickets. Cardholders simply swipe their cards, and their fares are deducted electronically.

You can buy these at the MTR station ticket windows. No ID is required to buy one, and you can add money as you wish and return the card to a station window for some money back.

Morning Sightseeing: The ICC and West Kowloon Cultural Centre

The Sky100 will give you a great bird’s eye introduction to the harbor, and you can learn about some of the history of the harbor and region too.

Sky100 Observation Deck: You can see harbor and most of the big city at the top of the ICC Tower. It opens at 10:00 am.

Alternative: Instead of visiting the observatory, you could have lunch or brunch in one of the adjacent restaurants on the top floors of the ICC Tower. You can get a window view and enjoy the same scenery as enjoy delicious food and drink.

The price might not be that much than the ticket price for the observation deck. Our agents can book reservations for you. Table reservations are necessary around lunchtime and dinner.

Enjoy the Cultural Centre area. The new Xiqu Centre would be an ideal place to go to enjoy some Chinese traditional art, opera, and tea. You could see the museums in the Cultural Centre, go out to the shoreline park, or shop in the adjacent streets.

Suggested Shopping Highlights in West Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui

Temple Street shopping

For combining tourist shopping and sightseeing, no place in Hong Kong can beat Tsim Sha Tsui/West Kowloon. Depending on what budget you want to spend, here are our recommendations.

Luxury shopping: The ICC’s Elements Mall is the highlight for luxury shopping in West Kowloon.

Street shopping/bargains: For lower prices, souvenirs and gifts shops, we suggest you walk a few minutes west over to the shopping streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Walking a little further west brings you to the Golden Mile of Nathan Road for sightseeing and more shopping.

Middle budget shopping/dining: Walking south past Kowloon Park, you’ll come to the giant Harbour City Mall that is Hong Kong’s largest mall. It is full of middle priced shops, restaurants, theaters, and entertainment places, and it doubles as a giant cruise ship docking facility called Ocean Terminal. Sometimes, military ships including huge American aircraft carriers dock there too. We recommend several American-style restaurants in Harbour City Mall in our lunch recommendations below.

Late Morning – Enjoy Tsim Sha Tsui / the Avenue of Stars

If the weather is fine, we recommend going over to the Avenue of Stars area. The museums, waterfront and Harbour City Mall are there. If you are interested in architecture and visiting Hong Kong’s most interesting urban street, then visit St. Andrews on Nathan Road (not far from the Xiqu Centre) and walk down Nathan Road towards the harbor.

Museums: Two fine museums, the Space Museum and the Museum of Art, are side by side along the Avenue of Stars. Of the two, the exhibits in the art museum are better quality and more interesting. There are many expensive Chinese antiques.

Transport: Taxis to the waterfront from the West Kowloon Cultural Centre area take about 5 minutes (about 8 USD). Walking takes about 25 minutes, and public buses cost about 1.50 USD.

Best Lunch Time Options around Victoria Harbour

For American food with a scenic view of the harbor, BLT Steak is a minute walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry

Middle budget lunches: You can have lunch at the Harbour City Mall or numerous restaurants thereabouts. If you want American-style food, we recommend BLT Steak and Dan Ryan’s in the mall.

Gourmet hamburgers? For great American-style snacks and take-out burgers, we recommend the Tsim Sha Tsui Butchers Club Burger near Nathan Road. These stand out as special in Asia and the world. In 2016, Michelin Guide director, Michael Ellis, said that the Central branch’s hamburgers were “some of the best” he’s had. He’s been around the world at the best places. He gave them the a Bib Gourmand rating for less expensive restaurants in Hong Kong.

Gourmet lunches: If you want fine dim sum or Michelin-starred meals, then we suggest go over to the Four Seasons and the IFC Mall for lunch. In the IFC, we recommend 3 Michelin star Lung King Heen if you can afford it or Lei Garden for a dim sum lunch. While in Hong Kong, you can experience authentic Cantonese-style food.

Or if you want a great harbor view from the top of the ICC Tower for your lunch, we recommend Tin Lung Heen for Cantonese. For more information about these fine gourmet restaurants,

Budget lunches: If you want about the least expensive meals you can find in the area, there is a McDonalds close to the Star Ferry.

Another place for low cost meals is Chungking Mansions. It is a big hotel building on Nathan Road above the Tsim Sha Tsui Station (about a 13 minute walk from the Avenue of Stars). There, you find about a score of ethnic restaurants ranging from Chinese to South Asian to African. Be careful about your belongings and pockets while you are there. The building has many third world people.

Cross the Harbor on the Star Ferry

Ride the Star Ferry to enjoy views of the Victoria Harbour skyline.

Ride the Star Ferry: To cross between the Avenue of Stars/Harbour City Mall area and the IFC Mall area, we suggest ride the Star Ferry for a great scenic experience. The Star Ferry is adjacent to both Harbour City Mall and the Avenue of Stars.

The ride costs almost nothing (starting at about 30 cents USD). The view and experience in the lower deck is better.

Afternoon – Enjoy Central

Shopping in the IFC Mall or other nearby luxury malls is an option. You could walk directly from the Central Star Ferry pier into the IFC Mall in a few minutes.

To see the Central Waterfront Promenade, simply walk out of the ferry building and walk left along the harbor. The Ferris wheel and Maritime Museum described above are adjacent.

Many tourists might simply enjoy a walk along the promenade. If you follow it, you’ll go over towards Tamar Park, Admiralty Station, and Hong Kong Park that has an aviary, colonial buildings and the Hong Kong Museum of Tea Ware. It is a public park that is tourist favorite and has a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor.

Dinner: You could reserve a table at one of the fine restaurants in the IFC. If you go back to Tsim Sha Tsui, Temple Street has street dining and a night market.

Seeing the Symphony of Lights: Eating somewhere in Tsim Sha Tsui or the IFC Mall puts you close to the Avenue of Stars to see the Symphony of Lights at 8:00 PM. You could try to get a spot on the public stands near the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry terminal by getting there around 7:30 or so.

Travel Essentials for Planning a Trip

How to Get There

The 1A Bus is a scenic double decker bus in Tsim Sha Tsui that runs directly to the Star Ferry. It is a good bus for tourists.

From around the world: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located off the north coast of Lantau Island. You can take the Airport Express directly from the airport to Kowloon Airport Express Station (25 minutes, about 13 USD) or the Hong Kong Airport Express Station (27 minutes, about 14 USD). So it is very convenient for international travelers wanting to visit the harbor.

The Kowloon Airport Express Station is in the basement of the ICC Tower next to Kowloon Station. The Hong Kong Airport Express Station is in the basement of the IFC Mall, and it is adjacent to Central Station.

From around China: As of 2019, there are about 45 cities in China from Beijing in the north to Guiyang, Guizhou in the west linked directly to the West Kowloon Station. You could travel to Kong Kong in as little as 9 hours from Beijing.

From around Hong Kong: The MTR provides rapid and basically safe transport to the harbor from most of the places tourists go. Ferries travel to and from the Central piers to Lantau, Lamma and other islands.

We recommend you avoid using the buses to avoid getting on the wrong one and getting lost. The bus drivers often don’t speak English, and even if they do, they might not provide any help. The exception are the convenient Bus 6 and 7 on Nathan Road for going short distances.

Island Tram: The Hong Kong Tramway that goes through Central by the IFC Mall is an ideal tourist transportation method to get around. It is cheap and sometimes overcrowded. So avoid the rush hours. The top deck is excellent for sightseeing.

The Best Time for a Visit

The IFC Tower and mall

The best time to visit Victoria Harbour is from October to December when it is cool and dry. Rainy, cloudy weather usually commences in January. If the weather is inclement, the Symphony of Lights is canceled.

The summers are beautiful, warm, and sunny, but there are occasional tropical storms.

Victoria Harbour History

The Treaty of Nanking between China and Britain in 1843 stipulated that Hong Kong was a part of the British Empire. Victoria Harbour gradually became a major port because it was close to Canton and along the major shipping lines between Japan and Singapore.

According to records, in 1844 only 538 ships docked there.
From these small beginnings, by 1931 over 42,000,000 tons of cargo was shipped through.
During the 1950s and the 1960s, Hong Kong became a manufacturing center.
In the 1970s, containerized shipping allowed much faster throughput of manufactured products.

Reclamation projects have changed the look of the harbor. The width of the channel between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central is now less than half of what it was about 20 years ago.

Choosing a Sector of the Harbor to Explore

Central Sector

This is the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Victoria Harbour’s Central Sector.

The natural harbor is quite big, 9 kilometers long, and is divided into three parts: east, west and central. The area most tourists will want to go to unless you are coming in on a cruise ship or a ferry is the central sector that includes Tsim Sha Tsui and Central on Hong Kong Island.

The Central ferry piers have ferries you can use go to other islands of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macau. These are conveniently adjacent to the Central Star Ferry terminal in front of the IFC Mall.

Western Sector

The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal has Turbojet Ferries to Macau. This dock is in the western part of the harbor west of the IFC Mall on Hong Kong Island. Many locals and experienced visitors find interesting places to go to in the western part of Hong Kong Island, but most tourists should prioritize the central sector.

The Kwai Tsing Container Port is the world’s 6th busiest container port (2018) and is in the northwestern part of the harbor. It is where much of the export wealth of Hong Kong is funneled through, and it is one of the most important ports for China.

But we recommend that you avoid going to this industrial area unless you really want to see what a huge busy container port looks like. It is so big it is amazing to see if you haven’t seen big ports before.

Eastern Sector

The Kai Tak giant cruise ship terminal is two miles to the east of the Star Ferry on the Kowloon side. It can handle two of the largest cruise vessels at a time and has an MTR station and shops, but there isn’t much to do in the area.

Other Attractions around Victoria Harbour

From Victoria Peak, you can see Victoria Harbour.

Kowloon Attractions

In Tsim Sha Tsui, there are hundreds of things to see and do. You can enjoy Kowloon Park for example, or go to the Museum of History and the Science Museum.

Hong Kong Island Attractions

Victoria Peak may be the most memorable place to view the harbor, especially after a half hour or hour walk through the city park above Mid-levels. If you are thirsty or hungry there is a big mall with restaurants, refreshment places and a Starbucks. The Peak Tram also goes up there. City buses and taxis ascend as well.

Hong Kong Park is another park attraction.

The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense is a gem of a museum and park area for a short visit. It is an old British fortress complete with the original cannons at the eastern inlet of Victoria Harbour.

Maps and tourist information are available for free at the Star Ferry Hong Kong Tourism Board’s office atop Victoria Peak.

Touring Victoria Harbour with Us

You can sightsee, tour and shop in comfort and style in Hong Kong with us.

Our knowledgeable guide will share the interesting stories of Victoria Harbour with you and will lead you to the best spots that you’ll prefer. Your driver will ferry you conveniently with care.

We create tailor-made, private tours according to the wishes of our clients. Here are regional tours for your consideration:

4-Day Hong Kong Family Tour – Disneyland Park and the highlights of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour
Imperial and Scenic China Family Tour – Beijing, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong.

Private Transport: Instead of using taxis, we could arrange private transport for your tour.

All our tours are modifiable, or you could design your own. Contact us. We reply in 24 hours. Or tell us your interests and requirements, and we will tailor-make a Hong Kong tour for you.

Where to Stay in Dali — 7 Best Boutique Hotels

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

Where to Stay in Dali — 7 Best Boutique Hotels

Dali, the old town of the Bai Kingdom in Yunnan, is surrounded by charming Erhai Lake and spectacular Cangshan Mountain. This romantic city could be a dream destination for couples or anyone looking for a peaceful place to stay that’s full of character.

Stroll in the historic streets, enjoy mountain breezes and subtropical sunshine, listen to the old stories told by in ancient towns. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city by staying in a traditional Bai-style boutique hotel for a few days is a good way to quiet your mind.

The sightseeing in Dali is mainly in four areas: around Xizhou (Bai minority town), around Erhai Lake, around Dali Old Town, and in Shaxi Ancient Town. With our seven selected boutique hotels in these areas, you can enjoy a relaxing stay while experiencing the best of authentic Dali.

Around Xizhou Town — Countryside Scenery

The little town of Xizhou (the name means ‘happy town’) is a quiet town, about 30 minutes by car from Dali Ancient Town. It is surrounded by rice paddies and is mainly known for the well-preserved traditional Bai-ethnicity houses.

1. The Linden Centre

THE LINDEN CENTRE

Highlights: ancient manor architecture, countryside views

Location: 5 Chengbei Village, Xizhou Township, Dali

Price: from 87 USD per night

With many courtyards and architectural flourishes, the Linden Centre is located in Xizhou, a Bai minority village in Dali with thousands of years of history. Its location cannot be beaten: quiet, amid rice fields, and yet close to town — a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The hotel was founded in 2008 by an American couple, the Lindens, whose love for Chinese cultural tradition led them to give up their jobs, sell their home in America, and search throughout China for two years with two young sons to find a heritage site that could be restored and serve as a foundation for community development and cultural pride.

The Linden Centre has 16 rooms, 3 courtyards, and a lush private garden and terrace overlooking rice paddies beyond The Centre’s walls. You will experience more than just a hotel room: the warm and varied common spaces will make you feel at home.

Interactive activities like a walking tour of the morning market and calligraphy classes are on offer to help you better understand local tradition.

2. Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel

SKY VALLEY HERITAGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Highlights: a handcrafted hotel, traditional Bai-style construction, Bai cuisine

Location: Xianglong Village, Xizhou Township, Dali

Price: from 127 USD per night

Both East and West style rooms are beautifully crafted at Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel in pretty Xizhou Town, which is about a mile (2 km) from Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Imagine taking a bike into the country, past the rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and quaint family farms to see the local attractions.

You can feel the love and thoughtfulness that were given to this handcrafted hotel — an amazing labor of love lasting several years, carefully preserving all that is precious of the original design and structures.

Cuisine is a key element of the experience as well: the restaurant offers delicious Bai cuisine.

If you want to explore Dali’s countryside while taking some exercise, whether hiking or biking, we have special routes to suit all your interests and abilities. Contact us.

Around Erhai Lake — Stunning Lake Views

With its clear water and its reflections of land and sky as well as the Cangshan Mountains, Erhai Lake is another highlight of visiting Dali. It’s about 20 minutes by car from Dali Old Town.

3. Fansu Guanyun Lake View Light Luxury Inn(Dali Erhai)

FANSU GUANYUN LAKE VIEW LIGHT LUXURY INN

Highlights: balconies with great lake views, ‘sky mirror’, sunset view point

Location: 394 Haiyin Village, Dali

Price: from 64 USD per night

With a great location for enjoying sunsets, Fansu Guanyun Lake View Light Luxury Inn (Dali Erhai) has a peaceful atmosphere with a view over Erhai Lake and a Cangshan Mountains backdrop. The lake-view rooms of the hotel face Erhai Lake with wide views of beautiful scenery.

Discover the popular ‘sky mirror’ experience on the rooftop, where you can take many beautiful photos with family and friends.

When you return to the hotel after a day’s walk, a free milk rose foot bath can be prepared for you. If you want to relax and escape from the city noise, Fansu Guanyun Lake View Light Luxury Inn may be the best choice for you.

This hotel is one of the newest hotels in Dali, having opened in 2019. It is very popular on the Internet, but the staff on duty may not speak English and the choice of breakfast is limited as well.

Recommended tour: 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Tour — Enjoy the landscapes, history, and minority cultures of Yunnan

4. Munwood Panorama Inn

Highlights: outdoor swimming pool, sunset view point

Location: 44 Wenbi Village, Haidong Township, Dali

Price: from 76 USD per night

Finding a trendy guesthouse in Dali can be difficult among all the traditional options. Munwood Panorama Inn is a trendy one though, a good place for enjoying the sunrise, with a quiet atmosphere and nice views of Erhai Lake.

Munwood Panorama Inn has 23 rooms. Opened in 2017, it was fashionably redecorated in 2019. Can you imagine sitting by the outdoor swimming pool and enjoying the beautiful view of Erhai Lake? From the 4th floor’s view point you can take many pretty pictures as well. If you want to explore Erhai Lake, renting a scooter or a bike is very convenient there.

The hotel provides a one-to-one butler service and they will ask your breakfast preferences in advance to make arrangements. But Western food is limited.

Dali Ancient Town — Night Bars, Street Snacks, and Brilliant Lights

Dali Ancient Town is considered the tourist center of Dali. It is the most bustling place in Dali.

5. Suhuaying Inn

Highlights: great design, delicious breakfasts

Location: 57 Fu’an Alley, Lower Section of Renmin Road, Dali

Price: from 50 USD per night

If you wonder which hotel is convenient as well as quiet in the town of Dali, Suhuaying Inn is your ideal answer. It is a 1-minute walk from Renmin Road and close to Erhai Gate.

Suhuaying Inn was newly decorated in 2020. The first step into the hotel is amazing. You will be impressed by the cozy courtyard: flowers and grass, pavilions and flowing water. The hotel perfectly combines the elegance of traditional Chinese-style architecture with the convenience of modern facilities. The furniture and decoration are as exquisite as a museum display.

Staying there, you can experience local life and appreciate the unique culture and history of Dali. Although not all the staff speak English, their warm service makes you feel at home.

If you have any questions about picking a hotel in Dali, feel free to contact us. We will arrange the ideal hotel for you and we can design your ideal itinerary.

Recommended tour: 4-Day Essence Dali Tour — Meet a Dynamic Dali

Around Shaxi Ancient town

Shaxi Ancient Town is isolated 2½ hours by car from Dali. It was an important trading hub on the Yunnan–Tibet Tea-Horse Road. Because of its distance from Dali and because the highway between Dali and Lijiang doesn’t go past Shaxi, Shaxi is less travelled and has become popular with those who love quietness, traditions, and primitive old-town culture.

6. Shaxi Landscape Hotel

SHAXI LANDSCAPE HOTEL

Highlights: architectural beauty, great location

Location: 2 Sideng Street, Shaxi Ancient Town, Jianchuan County, Dali

Price: from 72 USD per night

Elegant Landscape Hotel is a shining jewel, nestled in the heart of Shaxi Ancient Town, which was founded as a trading point at the Tea Horse Road. It has a fantastic central location, yet the rooms are quiet.

This hotel was a house and was converted to a hotel about four years ago [2020]. It is full of architectural beauty and sophistication, feeling compact as well as spacious. There are many wonderful paintings on the wall. Each floor has common seating spaces outside, which are very tastefully done, as is everything else there.

Stand on the balcony of your room, look out on this non-commercial town, and taste the slow life of Shaxi.

Staff may not speak English. The choice of breakfast is limited as well.

7. Sunyata Shaxi Hotel

SUNYATA SHAXI HOTEL

Highlights: traditional Bai-style design, pretty garden

Location: 115 Sideng Village, Shaxi Ancient Town, Jianchuan County, Dali

Price: from 92 USD per night

Opened in 2017, Sunyata Shaxi Hotel is a great accommodation choice in Shaxi, an ideal option to get away from the noises of the city and enjoy your personal peace.

The hotel retains its traditional Bai-style design, ascetic but not simple, its sparing decoration engenders a harmonious relationship between man and nature. Rustic old-world China is still to be tasted there. Water garden sounds and bird songs coming through its large windows enhance rather than disturb your seclusion.

Perfect for reading a book, drinking a cup of coffee, chatting with your friends — trust me, you won’t want to leave.

Bear in mind, the staff may not speak English, and the choice of breakfast is limited.

Recommended tour: 4-Day Dali and Tea Horse Road Experience Tour

Discover Dali with China Highlights

If you have plans to travel to Dali or other places in Yunnan, do not hesitate to contact us. We can tailor-make your own unique private tour, or you could just choose from our well-designed Yunnan tours.

Tengchong Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Tengchong

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

Tengchong Travel Guide – How to Plan a Trip to Tengchong

Tengchong at the Tea-horse Road is a famous historical city bearing witness to the rise, prosperity and falling of that significant trade route. The city remains every aspect brought by the once thriving trade with aged streets lined with horse inns, shops selling horse gears and entertainment catering to those passing-by merchants. Walking along the tranquil streets, one can still feel the trading air of this former trade town.

Tengchong is at the westernmost edge of Yunnan Province located at a highland. It features a unique volcanic landscape with volcanic parks, hot springs, wetlands, waterfalls clustered among the region. Tengchong see increasingly more tourists in recent years after the highway connection with Dali and Baoshan. Tourism industry develops fast and tourism facilities improved considerably. Tengchong is leapfrogging rival destinations to emerge as a newly-rise coveting tourists city in Yunnan province.

Tengchong has a very pleasant weather with enjoy sunshine, mild climate and plentiful rainfall. It’s possible to travel to Tongcheng all year round but the period from July to August with a lot of rains is not advised.

Attractions

Volcanic Park

Tengchong has the biggest volcanic groups in China. Around 90 volcanic cones, 22 of whose vents are in good condition. Volcanic landscape such as Volcanic lake, cave, karst terrace dominates the area. Tengchong hence is renowned as the “Volcanic Museum” in China.

A Volcanic park was set up in the Mazhan town, 23 kilometers away from Tengchong town to provide tourists the possible best opportunity to enjoy the volcanic wonders.

Beihai Wetland

Beihai Wetland in TengchongWetland is a piece of turf-covered marshland floating on water. Large stretches of grassy turf float on the water, like a huge colorful flower carpet, under which is fathomless water. The Beihai Wetland is also a paradise for various species of flora and fauna.

Hot Sea

Hot Sea Park

It is a cluster of more than 80 hot springs, geysers and several natural swimming pools. The waters have healing quality, which is believed to cure stress-induced ailments.Transportation to Tengchong

Tengchong is only accessible via highways. Departures from Kunming, Dali and Baoshan to Tengchong are available.

Kunming-Tengchong: 740 km, 12 hours
Dali-Tengchong: 5-6 hours
Baoshan-Tengchong: 3 hours

Note:The airport at Baoshan has flights to/from Kunming. Baoshan-Kunming: 40 minutes. It’s much more convenient to take a flight to Baoshan first and then proceed to Baoshan through highway.

Accommodation

Chengchong town and the Hot Sea Scenic area has many hotels which can provide many levels comfort. The Tengchong Guangfang Hotel( Tengyue Road, Tengchong Town) is the best one in the town.

Urumqi Weather in October

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

Urumqi Weather in October

Weather: October in Urumqi is cool and fresh, with fall colors in the mountains, parks, and countryside.

The average daily high is 14°C (57°F), and the average low is 4°C (39°F). There is 21 mm (about an inch) of rain/snow that falls lightly on about 6 days of the month.

Clothing: All hotels and restaurants in Urumqi have central heating. Dress in layers for the cold, but variable conditions. Given the large temperature changes at the change of season, beware colds and stay warm when outdoors.

Pollution: The Air Quality Index has been averaged at 69 in Urumqi in October, which is “good” for China cities.

Things to Do in Urumqi in October

October is a good month for outdoor activity in the city, as pollution is fairly low and temperatures are cool.

Enjoy Climbing Red Hill for a Bird’s Eye View of Urumqi

October provides the last chance to enjoy the sweeping green slopes of Nanshan Pasture with its Kazakh yurts before winter sets in.

Red Hill is a steep red rock in the middle of Urumqi. There are amusement rides in the leafy park, and it is a popular place for photography.

Appreciate the Urumqi Area’s Pastoral Culture in Autumn

In October, the scenery changes with fall hues and the first flurries of snow. You can experience Kazakh local life on the grassy slopes, as they tend their flocks of animals on Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Pasture.

Visit the Heavenly Mountains and Heavenly Lake

You can also enjoy fresh fall air, fine mountain views, and Kazakh culture in the Heavenly Mountains around Heavenly Lake. However, note that this area will be particularly busy, and probably best avoided in the first week of October.

Touring Urumqi in October

The last of the tourist crowds flock to Heavenly Lake in October before winter sets in.

October is the end of the tourist season in Urumqi. After October’s first week, top attractions like Heavenly Lake are not as crowded as they can be in summer/early-fall. We recommend you avoid the National Day week, however…

The golden-week National Day holiday (October 1–7) brings brings huge numbers of tourists from all over China. Numerous activities are organized to attract the crowds, which may however affect your enjoyment of some attractions. Book your hotel rooms early if you come in this peak tourism week.

End of the High Travel Season

After the first part of October, tourist crowds shouldn’t be a bother, and prices for Urumqi flights or train tickets, and hotel room prices, will go down compared to summer. We can help you arrange these, and other things on your China wish list, your way.

How to Prepare for HSK Level 6 Within Limited Time

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

How to Prepare for HSK Level 6 Within Limited Time

If you’re learning Chinese, it’s very likely that at some point, you are going to take an HSK test (汉语水平考试 Hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì). And you’ll need to prepare for it well.

In this post, I share my experience passing HSK Level 6, and give you some tips, applicable to all levels

Time Frame

First, let’s take a look at my background, so that you can compare it to yours, and make the most out of these tips:

I started to learn with Chinese in 2013;
Studied it for 2 years at the university in my country;
Passed HSK3;
Took language courses in China for 1 year;
Passed HSK Level 5;
Learned Chinese for 1 more year at the university in my country;
Entered the university in China to do a Master’s degree.

This is quite a common path of many Chinese language learners who start learning at university, and you can totally manage your learning within a similar time frame (or a shorter one, if you have private lessons).

Now for me, everything’s been going great – until I learned that I HAD to pass HSK Level 6 during the first year of study, because it’s a requirement of my scholarship program. As a true procrastinator, I was delaying preparation till the very last moment. So I started preparing 1 month before exam, although had bought the books 7 months earlier.

Tip 1: MANAGE YOUR TIME

Be responsible and DO NOT DO LIKE ME Why? Just because it’s a great stress for your nervous system and… your brain.

Tip 2: LEARN NEW WORDS IN CONTEXT

Don’t sweat too much over the word list. In order to successfully pass HSK6, learners are supposed to know 5000 words (while HSK5 includes 2500 words, so HSK6 is much more difficult – you literally need to double your vocabulary). But the truth is that you don’t have to know ALL of them. And what’s more important – trying to remember only words without any examples of using them. So don’t waste your time on rote memorization – instead, focus on making sentences with new words, and learn them in context.

Tip 3: PRACTICE WITH TESTS FOR HSK LEVEL 6

It might sound cliche, but I can’t stress this enough – do AS MANY real tests as you can. Believe me, in preparing for an exam like this, you will kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, you’ll slowly but surely learn and remember new words and grammar (this is also pretty important). On the other – you’ll get used to the exam format. You can begin by doing tests at your own pace, and then continue with a timer. The reading part of HSK Level 6 is really tricky, as it doesn’t check your actual ability to READ in Chinese. It checks how FAST you can FIND the right answer in the text and your LOGIC.

Books to Help

Here are some books I used during my 1 month of preparation:

This one is great, because includes detailed explanations to each exercise of the test. It will help you to understand WHY the answer is what it is.

The other book I recommend is very convenient to use, because you do not need to open a laptop for doing the listening part – just scan QR-code and listen to the audio on your phone.

Tip 4: ASK NATIVE SPEAKERS TO HELP

Don’t hesitate to bother your Chinese friends to explain the things you didn’t understand in the tests. If you don’t have Chinese friends, you can always ask for help That’s Mandarin’s teachers on the school’s instagram. Learn on your mistakes, LOVE your mistakes and try to figure out your weakness. Whether it’s listening part or reading or writing and then pay more attention to it.

Tip 5: TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT THE TESTS

Read the texts of the tests after finishing them one more time, and mark all the words you don’t know. The real test is harder than the ones in books or online, so be ready for it – and try to get familiar with more vocabulary. I also suggest that you listen to the audio exercises for a few times, until everything becomes clear.

If you have plenty of time for preparation, this book can be of real help, as it contains exercises for each kind of HSK questions:

That’s all! Wish you good luck at the exam!

P.S. To finish on a positive note, just wanted to let you know that I’d successfully passed HSK Level 6, and got a good score! (Even though just after the test I was sure I’d failed it.) But the lesson from this was, one-month preparation was stressful, and I’d never do it the same way again. Studying from morning till night, going to sleep, and then studying again wasn’t the way to go – it was really beginning to feel like Groundhog Day. So do not repeat my mistakes, manage your time wisely, and good luck

Share your opinion in comments below – or tweet us at @thatsmandarin!

Aug 02 | Mahjong Night

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

Aug 02 | Mahjong Night

EVENT DETAILS

Mahjong Night

麻将夜 | Májiàng Yè

Learn all about Mahjong
Play mahjong with students and teachers
Enjoy drinks & snacks — and make new friends!

This event has passed. Browse our upcoming events!

Aug 08 | Mahjong Night in Beijing

June 07 | Make Zongzi, Rice Dumplings

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:23 +0000

June 07 | Make Zongzi, Rice Dumplings

Are you in Beijing or Shanghai on Friday, June 07, 2024?

Come and learn about the history behind the Dragon Boat Festival, and make your own rice dumplings, also known as 粽子 (zòngzi)!

EVENT DETAILS

Make Zóngzi, Rice Dumplings

包粽子| Bāo Zòngzi

Learn about the history of the Dragon Boat Festival, or 端午节 (Duānwǔ Jié)
Discover the tradition of making rice dumplings, or 粽子 (zòngzi)
Materials on us!

DATE AND TIME
June 07, Friday
19:00 – 20:30

PRICE
150RMB/person

100RMB/person
(if you bring a friend)

LOCATION
That’s Mandarin Beijing Campus
Xinzhong Street Road B No.12, Bldg 4, 3F

That’s Mandarin Shanghai Campus
Wuding Rd 881, Bld 1, 5F

This event has passed. Browse our upcoming events!

May 18 | Practice the Mind-Body Exercise of Baduanjin

Beijing – Baoding Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

Beijing – Baoding Trains

Baoding is comparatively close to Beijing. Currently, 78 pairs of high-speed trains and 39 pairs of normal-speed trains operate between Beijing and Baoding. There are more than enough options to choose from.

The journey duration when taking a high-speed train is only about 1 hour while it takes twice as long when taking a normal-speed train.

Beijing–Baoding High-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Distance: 150 kilometers (93 miles)
Terminals: Beijing West Railway Station, Baoding East Railway Station
Duration: approx. 40–50 minutes

Beijing to Baoding High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 24th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G6701	05:34	06:15	41m
C125	07:15	09:24	2h 9m
G7813	09:30	10:11	41m
G1591	10:15	10:56	41m
G503	14:47	15:28	41m
G1589	15:32	16:13	41m
G527	17:20	18:01	41m
G6743	22:00	22:56	56m

Please note: The trains listed above are only some of the ones in operation. The timetable is just for your reference.

If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service .

Baoding to Beijing High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 24th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G4842	00:37	01:18	41m
G6714	07:31	08:30	59m
G7818	10:13	10:56	43m
G606	10:36	11:15	39m
G502	13:31	14:12	41m
G686	15:00	15:48	48m
C130	17:25	19:38	2h 13m
G528	23:05	23:46	41m

Beijing to Baoding High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$30 (CNY 202)	US$17 (CNY 112)	US$11 (CNY 70)

Beijing–Baoding Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

Terminals: Beijing West Railway Station, Baoding Railway Station
Duration: 1½–3 hours

Beijing to Baoding Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 24th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K7725	05:10	07:13	2h 3m
K1455	10:51	12:36	1h 45m
T7	16:43	18:03	1h 20m
Z53	22:32	23:54	1h 22m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Baoding to Beijing Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 24th, 2023)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K180	04:20	06:06	1h 46m
Z96	09:20	10:51	1h 31m
T290	16:38	18:10	1h 32m
K22	20:55	22:48	1h 53m

Beijing to Baoding Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$16 (CNY104.5)	US$11 (CNY69.5)	US$4 (CNY23.5)

Tang Paradise in Xi’an: What to Do and How to Visit

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

Tang Paradise in Xi’an: What to Do and How to Visit

As you enter Tang Paradise, it feels like you’ve stepped back 1,000 years in time! You would be amazed by the ancient-style buildings that dot the landscape.

Pavilions and towers are everywhere and the lakes, which are home to elegant swans, shimmer with a vibrant green. The surrounding flowers and trees are exceptionally beautiful. Strolling through the gardens, you could almost imagine people from the Tang Dynasty reciting poetry, painting, singing, and dancing. It’s a place worth visiting!

Tang Paradise has something for everyone. Whether you’re male or female, young or old, you would find scenes that resonate with you.

In recent years, tourists have shown a particular interest in wearing Hanfu to enhance their experience of traveling through time. Tang Paradise is the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photos. Wearing ancient costumes while wandering through the historic gardens creates an indescribable feeling!

Susan Yang

20 Years as a Local Guide in Xi’an

Hi, I’m Susan, a proud native of Xi’an. After traveling extensively across China, I’ve realized that my hometown remains my favorite. As a tour guide, I take pride in sharing the stories of Xi’an, along with its food and culture. I hope to meet you and help you experience the beauty of this city through my guidance.

Content Preview

What to Do and See
How to Take Nice Photos
How to Visit
Best Time to Visit
How to Get to

What to Do and See in Tang Paradise

Tang Paradise is a place where you could explore a vibrant dream from thousands of years ago. As you step into Tang Paradise, it feels as if you have traveled back in time, immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

As you wander through this enchanting space, you could sense that every building has its own ancient story to tell.

Exploring the Tang Dynasty’s Architectural Beauty

Purple Cloud Tower

Walk slowly alongside Furong Lake, which is surrounded by pavilions and towers in a beautiful setting. The water sparkles, reflecting the weeping willows and pavilions along the shore, resembling a natural ink-wash painting.

In front of the Purple Cloud Tower, the landmark building in Tang Paradise, I was taking photos for my clients when two ladies dressed in gorgeous clothing walked past me. At that moment, I felt as though I had traveled back to the Tang Dynasty.

In the Imperial Banquet Hall, you could savor the court cuisine of the Tang Dynasty while enjoying court performances. My favorite dish is a hot pot.

Enjoy Featured Shows and Performances

Performances in Fengming Jiutian Theater

The following are the approximate times of regular performances in Tang Paradise for reference. The schedule might change. For specific times, please refer to the performance information of Tang Paradise.

Restoration Performances of Tang Dynasty Murals

Ladies Under the Tree: 15:25–15:33, 16:25–16:33, 18:25–18:33, and 19:25–19:33, at the Children’s Play Area
Playing the Lute and Sipping Tea: 15:50–15:56, 16:50–16:56, 18:50–18:56, and 19:50–19:56, at the Apricot Garden
Ladies with Fans: 14:40–14:48, 15:40–15:48, 17:30–17:38, 18:30–18:38, at the North Gate of the Ladies’ Hall

Paid Performances

The Court Music and Dance of the Tang Dynasty “Drum”: 15:00–15:35 and 19:00–19:35, on the third floor of the Purple Cloud Tower.
Dreaming Back to the Great Tang: 17:00–18:00, at the Fengming Jiutian Theater. It showcases the prosperity of the flourishing Tang Dynasty with modern artistic techniques.
“Searching for Dreams in Furongli” in the Tang Ladies’ Space Station: 19:00–19:50, in the Ladies’ Hall.
Chasing the Dream of the Great Tang: 20:30–21:00, at the North Square of the Purple Cloud Tower. It is a large-scale water, dance, light, and shadow show. The actors are dressed in gorgeous Tang costumes, dancing gracefully and singing melodiously, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cultural charm of the Tang Dynasty.

In addition, there are other performances, such as the Furong Snow Show — 3D Light and Shadow Show on the Mountain, the Light and Shadow Display of the Sand Table of Chang’an City in the Prosperous Tang Dynasty, the Music Fountain Performance, Gorgeous Shadows and Beautiful Costumes (clothing performances), etc.

Taste the Variety of Mouthwatering Snacks and Dishes

Pita bread soaked in lamb soup

Tang Market: It is a commercial street imitating the style of the Tang Dynasty, with numerous shops and stalls selling commodities in the style of the Tang Dynasty. There, I always find some novel trinkets. It also offers many branded cuisines, such as street fish, hot pots, etc.

Chang’an Wharf: It offers a variety of Chang’an snacks, such as candied haws, Jianzhen tofu, etc.

Hu Shop: There are specialty foods, such as pita bread soaked in lamb soup, cold rice noodles, and Chinese hamburgers.

How to Take Nice Photos in Tang Paradise

Tang Paradise is very suitable for taking photos while wearing Hanfu. However, I don’t recommend renting Hanfu in the park as they’re relatively expensive there. The Hanfu offered outside the park have much better prices. Next, let me tell you where the best places are to take beautiful photos.

1. Purple Cloud Tower

Take Hanfu Photos at Purple Cloud Tower

You could take pictures with the Purple Cloud Tower as the background from the square in front of it to show its majestic appearance. You could also ascend the Purple Cloud Tower and overlook the scenery of Tang Paradise from the railings upstairs, photographing the pavilions, towers, lakes, and garden landscapes in the distance.

2. Furong Lake

Furong Lake

When walking along the lakeside, you could photograph the reflections in the water. The weeping willows and lotus flowers on the shore and the pavilions on the lake set off each other, forming a beautiful picture.

3. Colorful Clouds Long Corridor

Colorful Clouds Long Corridor

When walking inside the long corridor, you could take portrait photos with a classical charm. When the sunlight is abundant, it shines through the gaps of the long corridor, and the light and shadow effects are excellent, making it very suitable for taking pictures.

If you are interested in taking Hanfu photos, you could some more ideas in our How to Take the Best Hanfu Photos in Xi’an

Our guests are taking photos in Hanfu at Tang Paradise.

4. Flag Pavilion

The Flag Pavilion’s surrounding arrangements are also in the style of the Tang Dynasty. When taking pictures there, you could combine the architectural details of the Flag Pavilion with people to create a strong Tang Dynasty atmosphere.

5. Tang Market

Taking pictures there could capture a strong flavor of the marketplace. The ancient-style signboards, a dazzling array of commodities, and the coming and going of tourists could all add a lively atmosphere to the photos. You could stand at the entrance of the shops or in the middle of the street to take pictures and record this commercial atmosphere imitating the Tang Dynasty.

How to Visit Tang Paradise

It would take you 1½ hours’ walk but you could also choose to take a shuttle car to save your energy. The shuttle car stops at each place so you would not miss out on going anywhere.

Start from the Royal Banquet Gate – Silver Bridge Waterfall – Ziyun Tower – Tang Market Block – Tang Poetry Gorge – Soul of Poetry – Palace Maid Hall – Flag Pavilion – Chang’an Wharf – Apricot Garden – Lu Yu Tea House – Children’s Amusement Area – and then return to the Royal Banquet Gate.

If you would like to add Tang Paradise to your Xi’an trip, feel free to contact us. We could create an itinerary based on your interests such as preparing Hanfu clothing for you for photos.

Best Times to Visit Tang Paradise

Tang Paradise During Lantern Festival

Spring and Autumn: the Best Times of Year to Visit

Spring (March–May): Flowers are in full bloom in the park, especially apricot blossoms in the Apricot Garden. Walking alongside the lake and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and flowers, you could fully experience the beauty of the spring scenery at Tang Paradise.

Autumn (September–November): The autumn air is clear and crisp, and the sky is blue. At this time, the leaves in the park are gradually changing color.

Summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) are not suitable for visiting Tang Paradise.

In summer, the temperature could reach 38°C (100°F) and it’s easy to get heatstroke when outdoors. In winter, the temperature is about -5°C (23°F) and it feels extremely cold.

Nighttime: the Best Time of Day to Visit

The Long Corridor lit at Night

Tang Paradise at Night

As the sun sets, the buildings in the park are bathed in a warm golden afterglow. For example, the Ziyun Tower looks even more solemn and magnificent under the illumination of the setting sun.

At this time, strolling alongside Furong Lake and looking at the sunset glow and ancient buildings reflected in the water, with light and shadow intertwined, is like being in a dreamy world. Moreover, the temperature in the evening is relatively comfortable, so it wouldn’t be too hot or too cold when you visit.

The night light show at Tang Paradise is about to start. As the sky gradually darkens, you could slowly enjoy the transition from natural light and shadow to the brightly lit scene.

If you want to know more about Xi’an weather information, you could see on our Best Times to Visit Xi’an.

How to Get to Tang Paradise

You could take bus number 609 or Metro Line 4 (Tang Paradise Station). Taxis could also take you there directly. However, during holidays, you may have to wait for a long time to get a taxi. A private car is the best choice.

China Highlights can provide you with a hassle-free private tour in Xi’an. Contact us to create your personal trip with our expert.

That’s Mandarin Voted Top Language Provider by GoOverseas in 2023!

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

That’s Mandarin Voted Top Language Provider by GoOverseas in 2023!

We are extremely excited and honoured to have received the recognition of Top Language School by GoOverseas!

This year we have been rated as a one of top providers in two categories: Fun & Housing!

Thank you so much to all our students online and offline who continue to choose That’s Mandarin every year

1. That’s Mandarin Voted as Top Language School: Fun

First, we are thrilled to announce that That’s Mandarin has been selected as one of the top institutions providing a fun learning experience!

We strive to make every aspect of learning with us a fun and rewarding experience, ensuring that our students not only learn effectively but also enjoy every moment of their journey with us.

“The Chinese school That’s Mandarin is the best in Shanghai based on my experience. Very friendly and modern environment, professional and supportive teachers, super helpful stuff! The school has it’s own teaching platform which is very convenient and user friendly. The bonus is the amazing terrace with a city view, complementary coffee, tea. And also the school regularly throws theme events/parties, where you can practice speaking Chinese, have much fun as well as making new friends!

— Nina, Online Program Alumni

“I love it! Nice staff. They are cooperative and professional. Teachers are so patient and friendly. Different kinds of cultural activities will be organized by them, for example, Mahjong events. Now I am obsessed with Mahjong. Recommend!!

— Feby, Online Program Alumni

2. That’s Mandarin Voted as Top Language School: Housing

And one more exciting announcement: we have been selected as one of the top institutions providing a high-quality housing assistance.

“We are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible experience during their stay in China. We understand that a comfortable living environment is crucial for a successful language learning experience, which is why we prioritize finding high-quality housing options to ensure that our students have a pleasant and enjoyable stay in China.

— That’s Mandarin Team

We’ve Been Voted Mandarin School of the Year by That’s Beijing Awards 2023!

Oct 10, 2023

That’s Mandarin Awarded Mandarin School of the Year Once More!

Aug 29, 2023

Recap | Happy Housewarming Party in Chengdu

Feb 8, 2024

5 Simple & Funny Chinese Jokes | Learn Chinese with Humor

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

5 Simple & Funny Chinese Jokes | Learn Chinese with Humor

Apr 1, 2025

Chinese Comedy | 5 Funny & Simple Chinese Jokes to Learn Mandarin and Culture

Chinese jokes are not only an excellent way to learn the language but also an enjoyable way to dive deeper into Chinese culture and humor.

Here are five simple Chinese jokes to enjoy. Share with your friends and improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Chinese Comedy

Chinese comedy has a long history and includes various genres. let’s explore three of the most popular forms of Chinese comedy starting with Xiangsheng, or Crosstalk Comedy.

01. Xiangsheng, or Crosstalk Comedy

Xiangsheng (相声, xiàngsheng) is one of China’s most iconic comedic art forms. It typically involves a humorous dialogue between two performers, though solo and multi person performances also exist.

相声
xiàngsheng
comic crosstalk; sketch

Here are some key facts about this genre:

Roots back to the 19th century: Xiangsheng has a rich history in China evolving over many years to become one of the most beloved forms of comedy.
Originating from Northern China: This comedic style originated in the northern regions of China, particularly in Beijing, and has since become a national phenomenon.
Combines 4 main techniques: The performance style of Xiangsheng includes speaking, imitating, teasing and singing. These techniques make it a highly engaging and interactive form of comedy.

02. Chinese Skits

Chinese skits (小品 xiǎopǐn) focus on everyday life and relatable humor. These mini dramas highlight social situations, misunderstandings and humorous mishaps, making them a popular form of entertainment in China.

小品
xiǎopǐn
sketch; skit
lit. “little-article”

Here are some key facts about this genre:

Gained popularity in the 1980s: Chinese skits rose to prominence during the 1980s and became an integral part of Chinese comedy.
Became a staple of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Chinese skits have become a must see feature of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala – China’s most watched TV program.
Often feature famous actors and comedians: The genre often showcases well-known actors and comedians, adding star power and humor to the performances.

03. Chinese Stand-Up Comedy

Adapted from Western-style stand-up, Chinese stand-up comedy (清口, qīngkǒu) is a newer phenomenon in China, gaining attraction in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

清口
qīngkǒu
stand-up comedy
lit. “tasty and refreshing”

NOTE

Shanghai-style stand-up comedy (海派清口, Hǎipài qīngkǒu) was pioneered by comedian Zhou Libo. It features observational humor about Shanghai’s fast-paced life, work-life balance, and even the city’s high cost of living.

5 Funny and Simple Jokes in Chinese

Before diving in, let’s learn how to say “joke” in Chinese:

笑话
xiàohua
joke
lit. “laugh-talk”

Now let’s enjoy some simple and funny Chinese jokes to lighten up your day:

01. Vampires

A: 吸血鬼喜欢吃辣吗？
Xīxuèguǐ xǐhuan chī là ma?
Do vampires like spicy food?

B: 不喜欢，因为他们喜欢不辣的。
Bù xǐhuan, yīnwèi tāmen xǐhuan bú là de.
No, because they like “not spicy.”

What’s the punchline?

The phrase “不辣的” (bú là de, not spicy) sounds like “blood” in English—a classic wordplay joke.

FAQs about Chinese Comedy and Jokes

1. What are the different types of Chinese comedy?

Chinese comedy includes various forms like Xiangsheng, Chinese Skits and Chinese Stand-Up Comedy. These genres focus on humor derived from daily life wordplay and observational comedy.

2. What is Xiangsheng Crosstalk Comedy in Chinese culture?

Xiangsheng (相声 xiàngsheng) is a traditional form of Chinese comedy that involves humorous dialogues between two performers. It often uses wordplay, imitations and teasing to entertain audiences.

3. How does Chinese humor play on wordplay?

Chinese humor often relies on wordplay (谐音 xiéyīn) where words with similar sounds are used to create puns.

4. Why are food related jokes popular in Chinese comedy?

Food-related jokes are popular in Chinese comedy because food is an integral part of Chinese culture. Many jokes play on the meanings of food related words, creating humor around daily life.

5. What is the significance of “Xiaopin” (Chinese Skits) in Chinese comedy?

Xiaopin (小品) is a form of Chinese skit that portrays everyday situations with humorous twists. It often addresses social issues and misunderstandings making it relatable to audiences. Xiaopin became widely popular because of the China’s Spring Festival Gala.

6. How does Chinese stand up comedy differ from Western stand up?

Chinese stand up comedy (清口 qīngkǒu) is a newer form influenced by Western stand up. Shanghai style stand-up features observational humor about Shanghai’s fast-paced life, while more traditional forms use wordplay and social commentary.

7. How can I learn Chinese through humor and jokes?

Learning Chinese through humor especially by understanding wordplay is an effective way to grasp the language. By paying attention to puns and jokes you can improve your vocabulary and comprehension while also getting a glimpse into Chinese culture.

8. Can I use Chinese jokes to improve my Chinese pronunciation?

Yes, Chinese jokes often include wordplay that highlights similar sounds or tones making them a fun and practical way to practice Chinese pronunciation. Listening to the punchlines and mimicking the tone will help reinforce your speaking skills.

10. Why are Chinese jokes often based on wordplay and tone differences?

Chinese jokes are often based on wordplay and tone differences because the Chinese language has many homophones meaning words that sound alike but have different meanings. These similarities create opportunities for humor especially in jokes like those involving puns.

← Top Job Apps in China 2025 | Fast & Easy Job Search ToolsApril 24 | Mahjong Night →

Why Learn Chinese Online: Benefits of Chinese Live Classes

April 24 | Mahjong Night

5 Simple & Funny Chinese Jokes | Learn Chinese with Humor

Top Job Apps in China 2025 | Fast & Easy Job Search Tools

5 Simple & Funny Chinese Jokes | Learn Chinese with Humor

Apr 1, 2025

Here are five simple Chinese jokes to enjoy. Share with your friends and improve your understanding of the language and culture.

01. Xiangsheng, or Crosstalk Comedy

Here are some key facts about this genre:

Roots back to the 19th century: Xiangsheng has a rich history in China evolving over many years to become one of the most beloved forms of comedy.
Originating from Northern China: This comedic style originated in the northern regions of China, particularly in Beijing, and has since become a national phenomenon.
Combines 4 main techniques: The performance style of Xiangsheng includes speaking, imitating, teasing and singing. These techniques make it a highly engaging and interactive form of comedy.

Gained popularity in the 1980s: Chinese skits rose to prominence during the 1980s and became an integral part of Chinese comedy.
Became a staple of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Chinese skits have become a must see feature of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala – China’s most watched TV program.
Often feature famous actors and comedians: The genre often showcases well-known actors and comedians, adding star power and humor to the performances.

03. Chinese Stand-Up Comedy

5 Funny and Simple Jokes in Chinese

Now let’s enjoy some simple and funny Chinese jokes to lighten up your day:

B: 不喜欢，因为他们喜欢不辣的。
Bù xǐhuan, yīnwèi tāmen xǐhuan bú là de.
No, because they like “not spicy.”

FAQs about Chinese Comedy and Jokes

Chinese comedy includes various forms like Xiangsheng, Chinese Skits and Chinese Stand-Up Comedy. These genres focus on humor derived from daily life wordplay and observational comedy.

2. What is Xiangsheng Crosstalk Comedy in Chinese culture?

Xiangsheng (相声 xiàngsheng) is a traditional form of Chinese comedy that involves humorous dialogues between two performers. It often uses wordplay, imitations and teasing to entertain audiences.

3. How does Chinese humor play on wordplay?

Chinese humor often relies on wordplay (谐音 xiéyīn) where words with similar sounds are used to create puns.

4. Why are food related jokes popular in Chinese comedy?

Food-related jokes are popular in Chinese comedy because food is an integral part of Chinese culture. Many jokes play on the meanings of food related words, creating humor around daily life.

5. What is the significance of “Xiaopin” (Chinese Skits) in Chinese comedy?

6. How does Chinese stand up comedy differ from Western stand up?

7. How can I learn Chinese through humor and jokes?

8. Can I use Chinese jokes to improve my Chinese pronunciation?

10. Why are Chinese jokes often based on wordplay and tone differences?

Why Learn Chinese Online: Benefits of Chinese Live Classes

April 24 | Mahjong Night

5 Simple & Funny Chinese Jokes | Learn Chinese with Humor

Top Job Apps in China 2025 | Fast & Easy Job Search Tools

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

Chinese Comedy | 5 Funny & Simple Chinese Jokes to Learn Mandarin and Culture

Chinese jokes are not only an excellent way to learn the language but also an enjoyable way to dive deeper into Chinese culture and humor.

Here are five simple Chinese jokes to enjoy. Share with your friends and improve your understanding of the language and culture.

Chinese comedy has a long history and includes various genres. let’s explore three of the most popular forms of Chinese comedy starting with Xiangsheng, or Crosstalk Comedy.

相声
xiàngsheng
comic crosstalk; sketch

Here are some key facts about this genre:

Roots back to the 19th century: Xiangsheng has a rich history in China evolving over many years to become one of the most beloved forms of comedy.
Originating from Northern China: This comedic style originated in the northern regions of China, particularly in Beijing, and has since become a national phenomenon.
Combines 4 main techniques: The performance style of Xiangsheng includes speaking, imitating, teasing and singing. These techniques make it a highly engaging and interactive form of comedy.

小品
xiǎopǐn
sketch; skit
lit. “little-article”

Here are some key facts about this genre:

Gained popularity in the 1980s: Chinese skits rose to prominence during the 1980s and became an integral part of Chinese comedy.
Became a staple of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala: Chinese skits have become a must see feature of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala – China’s most watched TV program.
Often feature famous actors and comedians: The genre often showcases well-known actors and comedians, adding star power and humor to the performances.

Adapted from Western-style stand-up, Chinese stand-up comedy (清口, qīngkǒu) is a newer phenomenon in China, gaining attraction in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

清口
qīngkǒu
stand-up comedy
lit. “tasty and refreshing”

Before diving in, let’s learn how to say “joke” in Chinese:

笑话
xiàohua
joke
lit. “laugh-talk”

Now let’s enjoy some simple and funny Chinese jokes to lighten up your day:

A: 吸血鬼喜欢吃辣吗？
Xīxuèguǐ xǐhuan chī là ma?
Do vampires like spicy food?

B: 不喜欢，因为他们喜欢不辣的。
Bù xǐhuan, yīnwèi tāmen xǐhuan bú là de.
No, because they like “not spicy.”

What’s the punchline?

The phrase “不辣的” (bú là de, not spicy) sounds like “blood” in English—a classic wordplay joke.

1. What are the different types of Chinese comedy?

Chinese comedy includes various forms like Xiangsheng, Chinese Skits and Chinese Stand-Up Comedy. These genres focus on humor derived from daily life wordplay and observational comedy.

2. What is Xiangsheng Crosstalk Comedy in Chinese culture?

Xiangsheng (相声 xiàngsheng) is a traditional form of Chinese comedy that involves humorous dialogues between two performers. It often uses wordplay, imitations and teasing to entertain audiences.

3. How does Chinese humor play on wordplay?

Chinese humor often relies on wordplay (谐音 xiéyīn) where words with similar sounds are used to create puns.

4. Why are food related jokes popular in Chinese comedy?

Food-related jokes are popular in Chinese comedy because food is an integral part of Chinese culture. Many jokes play on the meanings of food related words, creating humor around daily life.

5. What is the significance of “Xiaopin” (Chinese Skits) in Chinese comedy?

6. How does Chinese stand up comedy differ from Western stand up?

7. How can I learn Chinese through humor and jokes?

8. Can I use Chinese jokes to improve my Chinese pronunciation?

10. Why are Chinese jokes often based on wordplay and tone differences?

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

Why My Child Switches Back to English So Fast?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

Grace:

Hi everyone, and welcome back to MandarinPod4Children. I‘m Grace, your host and Mandarin learning coach.

Today‘s episode is for every parent who has ever thought:

“My child knows some Mandarin—but every time I ask them to use it, they switch right back to English.”

Sound familiar? Maybe your child can say a few phrases during class, but the moment they‘re home, it’s back to English. Maybe they even laugh and say, “That‘s too hard!” or “I don‘t remember.” And as a parent, you might wonder—are they really learning anything?

Joining me today is Dylan, a father from Australia whose ten-year-old son, Noah, has been taking Mandarin lessons for over a year. Dylan noticed that Noah understands more than he speaks—but English always takes over. Dylan, thank you for being here.

Dylan:

Thanks, Grace. Honestly, I‘m relieved to talk about this. I kept asking myself, “Is it just my kid? Or is this normal?”

Grace:

Oh, it‘s definitely not just your child. What you‘re describing is one of the most common struggles I hear from non-Chinese-speaking families. Tell us a little more—what does it look like for Noah?

Dylan:

Well, in class he does pretty well. His teacher tells us he participates, answers questions, even tries full sentences. But at home? Nothing. If I say, “Hey, can you tell me how to say this in Mandarin?” he just shrugs. Or he‘ll start in Mandarin but switch back to English mid-sentence. And honestly—it makes me worry. Like, if he can‘t use it outside the classroom, will he ever really learn it?

Grace:

That‘s such an honest question. And I want to reassure you—and every parent listening—switching back to English is not a sign of failure. It‘s a natural stage of bilingual development.Here‘s why: our brains always choose the “path of least resistance.” English is Noah‘s comfort language. Mandarin, on the other hand, is still fragile—like a seedling. In the classroom, the environment protects that seedling. But at home, without support, the brain defaults back to the stronger system: English.

So switching back doesn‘t mean he‘s not learning. It means his brain is protecting him from effort and risk.

Dylan:

That makes sense. But it‘s still frustrating. Sometimes I feel like we‘re paying for lessons that don‘t “stick.”

Grace:

I hear that frustration all the time. And here‘s the key: learning is sticking—but in invisible ways. His listening comprehension is growing. His memory for sound patterns is forming. The problem isn‘t that he isn‘t learning. The problem is transfer: how to carry Mandarin from the classroom into daily life.That‘s what we need to work on today—building bridges between Mandarin and home life.

Dylan, let me ask—have you tried any strategies at home to get Noah speaking Mandarin?

Dylan:

Oh yes. I tried the classic parent move: “Say this word for me!” Or “What‘s this in Mandarin?” Sometimes I even offered rewards, like, “Say three Mandarin words and you can have dessert.” But it backfired. He just rolled his eyes and said, “I don‘t want to.”

Grace:

That‘s such a common trap. We call that “perform on demand.” And the truth is, performance creates pressure. Kids don‘t like being tested at home, especially in a language their parents don‘t speak. It makes them feel like they‘re on stage, and mistakes feel risky.Instead, what kids need are safe prompts—ways to use Mandarin without feeling judged.

Dylan:

So what does that look like in practice?

Grace:

Great question. Let‘s break it down into practical steps.

Step one: Use what I call “tiny invitations.” Instead of asking him to perform, invite him into a shared activity. For example, play a Mandarin song while you‘re cooking and ask, “Do you recognize any words?” No pressure to translate. Just an invitation to notice.

Step two: Let him be the teacher. Kids love power. If you ask Noah to teach you one word from his class each week, you flip the roles. Suddenly, he’s not being tested—he‘s the expert. And research shows that teaching boosts retention far more than performing.

Step three: Anchor Mandarin to routines. Pick one moment each day—like breakfast or bedtime—and make it a micro Mandarin ritual. Maybe at breakfast you only use Mandarin numbers for the food on the table. Or at bedtime, you play a short story in Mandarin. These tiny rituals make Mandarin feel natural, not forced.

Dylan:

I love that idea of micro rituals. Right now, everything feels separate—Mandarin is just “class.”

Grace:

Exactly. And that separation is why his brain defaults back to English. By weaving Mandarin into small family habits, you’re telling his brain, “This language belongs here too.”

Dylan:

Okay, but what about when he does try Mandarin and immediately switches back to English? Should I correct him? Encourage him? Or just let it go?

Grace:

Fantastic question. This is where many parents unintentionally shut down confidence. The golden rule is: mirror, don‘t correct.Instead of correcting or saying, “No, say the whole sentence in Mandarin,” you mirror it back naturally. That way, he feels understood and celebrated, not criticized.

Over time, those half-English, half-Mandarin sentences will grow into fuller Mandarin expressions—because he feels safe experimenting.

Dylan:

That‘s such a relief. I used to worry that if I didn‘t correct him, he‘d learn it wrong.

Grace:

I understand that fear. But actually, constant correction backfires. It creates what we call a “risk-avoidance cycle,” where kids stop trying because they don‘t want to be wrong.Think of it like riding a bike. You don‘t shout, “Wrong! Wrong!” every time they wobble. You just cheer when they pedal forward. The same applies here—celebrate the attempt. Accuracy will come with time and exposure.

Dylan:

That makes so much sense. I can see how I was making him more nervous without realizing it.

Grace:

Exactly. And this is why many kids speak Mandarin only in class—they feel safe there. Our goal is to recreate that safety at home.

Let me share five strategies that families can try if their child always switches back to English:

First, make Mandarin social, not solitary. Watch a cartoon together, even if you don‘t understand. Laugh, guess, enjoy it as a family.

Second, use props and play. Puppets, toys, even pets—let Mandarin words come through play. Play bypasses performance anxiety.

Third, set a “Mandarin minute.” One minute a day where the goal is to use any Mandarin word. That‘s it. Low stakes, high consistency.

Fourth, create visual reminders. Post one or two Mandarin words around the house—on the fridge, by the bathroom mirror. Passive exposure helps normalize it.

Fifth, celebrate code-switching. When your child mixes English and Mandarin, treat it as progress, not failure. It shows their brain is making connections.

Dylan:

Those are fantastic. I especially like the “Mandarin minute.” I feel like we could actually stick to that.

Grace:

Exactly. The goal is not perfection—it’s consistency. And consistency builds comfort, which eventually builds fluency.

Dylan:

Grace, I have to say, this really eases my mind. I thought switching back to English meant Noah wasn‘t learning. But now I see—it’s part of the process.

Grace:

It absolutely is. And the fact that he participates in class means he has the foundation. With your support at home—through safe prompts and micro rituals—he’ll slowly bring Mandarin into daily life.So, for every parent listening: If your child constantly switches back to English, don‘t panic. It doesn’t mean they‘re failing. It means their brain is protecting them. Your job is to make Mandarin feel safe, fun, and part of daily life—not just a classroom subject.

Dylan, thank you so much for your honesty today. I know a lot of parents will feel comforted hearing your story.

Dylan:

Thank you, Grace. Honestly, I feel like I can take a breath now. We‘re not behind—we‘re just on the journey.

Grace:

That‘s exactly it. And for our listeners: if you‘d like professional guidance on how to bring Mandarin into your home, check out a free trial lesson at eChineseLearning.com. Our teachers specialize in helping non-Chinese families build confidence and consistency.Until next time, I’m Grace. Stay patient, stay playful—and remember: switching languages isn‘t a setback. It‘s part of the path.

Learn Chinese Pronunciation RIGHT with the (FREE!) Yoyo Chinese Interactive Video & Audio Pinyin Chart

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:22 +0000

Learn Chinese Pronunciation RIGHT with the (FREE!) Yoyo Chinese Interactive Video & Audio Pinyin Chart

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

–>

Bad Habits = Bad Accents

Chinese pronunciation is notoriously difficult. You’ve probably heard the horror stories about non-native speakers trying to speak Mandarin and getting nothing but blank stares (or worse yet, awkward laughs!) in response from native Chinese speakers. No language learner should suffer through that!

The problem though is that most online Chinese learning programs fail to help students build a solid foundation in pinyin and tones, both of which are key to fluent Chinese pronunciation. As a result, many learners pick up bad habits that can take years to undo or end up with an accent that native speakers have trouble understanding.

In this post I’ll explain how you can build that solid foundation in pinyin and tones, setting yourself up for success in learning spoken Chinese! I also recommend this from Grace Mandarin Chinese that can help you master Chinese tones!

What is ‘Pinyin’ Anyway?

If you didn’t know already, pinyin – 拼音 (pīn yīn) – is the most commonly used alternative system for writing or typing Chinese. Instead of Chinese characters, pinyin uses letters from the Latin alphabet, which is much easier and convenient for Chinese language learners.

See how I just showed you the pronunciation of the two characters for ‘pinyin’ there in parentheses? This shows that “pīn yīn” is how you would use pinyin to spell out (i.e. write or type) the Chinese word “拼音.” Another example would be “nǐ hǎo” for the Chinese word 你好.

Learning Pinyin the Right Way

But don’t be fooled!

While pinyin may look like English, pinyin is NOT English! In fact, one of those bad habits I mentioned earlier is pronouncing pinyin as if it were English, thereby developing bad pronunciation habits. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

The truth is that if you really want to master Mandarin Chinese pronunciation and actually be understood by native speakers, it’s absolutely essential that you master pinyin – and not just the ‘easy’ sounds, but the ‘hard’ ones too.

It’s for this reason that we’ve put so much thought into the in .

In each lesson, your new Chinese teacher – Yangyang – will go in-depth into every possible pinyin sound, tone, and tone pair combination with clear explanations, helpful insights, and familiar real-world examples. You couldn’t ask for a better head start to learning how to really speak Chinese!

What’s even better is that each of our pinyin lessons comes with dual-audio Flashcards, downloadable Lecture Notes, and a 10-question Quiz so you can drill the details and make sure they’ll really stick using a total of 450 review exercises.

The Yoyo Chinese VIDEO & Audio Pinyin Chart

Not only did we make dozens of free video lessons to help you learn Chinese pronunciation, we also created the web’s best so you can easily find and practice any possible Chinese sound combination while you learn!

If you’re anything like our thousands of Yoyo Chinese students, our Pinyin Chart will become your favorite tool for practicing Chinese pronunciation – so keep the link handy!

Videos for the Win!

If you search around online, you’re likely to come across quite a few different pinyin charts. While most have quite a bit of useful information and sometimes even audio, the Yoyo Chinese Video & Audio Pinyin Chart is special in that also includes VIDEOS that explain and demonstrate how to pronounce 93 sounds that might be tricky for you!

How to Use the Yoyo Chinese Video & Audio Pinyin Chart

In the video below we go over how you can use the Yoyo Chinese Video & Audio Pinyin Chart to help you practice, and even master, Chinese pronunciation – both pinyin and tones!

Pinyin Chart PDF Download

We also received TONS of requests for a PDF download of the pinyin chart for studying on-the-go or hanging on your wall, so we’ve made that too! to download our free .

We hope these free lessons and resources give you everything you need to launch your Chinese learning today!

Want more learning resources?

and go to our where you’ll find DOZENS more free downloads, including our and the .

Want to learn more Chinese?

to get free access to .

Jinxi Ancient Town

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

Jinxi Ancient Town

Accolades

An ancient town with a history of over 2,000 years
A water town surrounded by rivers and lakes
A town with 36 bridges built during different dynasties

Features

Jinxi Ancient Town is a small town (only one square kilometer in area) that has 16 lakes and 238 rivers. The town also has 36 ancient bridges spanning the rivers. The bridges represent various styles and were built during different periods in history.

The town has many museums, such as the first museum of antique tiles and bricks in China, the “red porcelain products museum” and the “root caving museum of China.”

Compared with other ancient towns in China, Jinxi Ancient Town is simpler, less sophisticated, and quiet.

Jinxi Ancient Town has a history of over 2,000 years. It was built during the West Han Dynasty.

Transportation

Jinxi Ancient Town is located southwest of Kunshan city in Jiangsu Province, only 8 km from the famous water town of Zhouzhuang. It takes about 40 minutes to go from Shanghai to Jinxi (about 70 km) by private vehicle. Two public buses leave from Shanghai Bus Station to Jinxi every day (one at 8:30 am and another at 9:30 am). The bus leaves from No.80 Gongxing Road.

Jinxi Ancient Town is only 8 km from Zhouzhuang water town, and is a 15-minute trip. The two towns can be arranged in a single day trip. Please feel free to contact us to arrange a one-day private tour.

Tips

Jinxi Ancient Town also has modern buildings and commercial activities.
There are guesthouses in Jinxi, but the facilities are not as good as hotels in the cities.

China Museum Tours

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

China Museum Tours

Adventures in Some of the Greatest Museums in China

Hi, history lovers! We’re offering a great adventure in some of the greatest museums in China without having to wait in line.

You will hear the history and interesting stories behind the exhibits along with questions and interactive games.

We combine history with modern China so you will have a better understanding of the rich culture of this old and new nation.

Must See Museums

Forbidden City: Emperors and Their Families

Discover the hidden halls in the Forbidden City
Go beyond the touristy routes
Hear stories of emperors

Explore 12 carefully-selected palaces in the Forbidden City, while other group tours often visit only 6-8 spots briefly. In addition to giving some background on the city’s architecture, history, fengshui and art, your guide will lead you to explore some spots related to famous figures during the 2 dynasties.

These figures will include the most hardworking emperors, the most longevous empress dowager and the most talented concubine. Your guide will explain to you their stories so you can imagine what they must have experienced in the city.

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Secrets of the Terracotta Army

Discover different aspects of the warriors
Make a clay warrior with local artisans
Visit disappearing cave dwellings

Unveil the secrets of the world wonder that can’t be Googled:

How were the craftsmen from 2,200 years ago made over 8,000 life-size warriors in 11 years, which is more efficient than a modern factory today?
Xi’an is cold in winter but hot in summer — what prevents the clay warriors from cracking?
Purple color painted on warriors is the result of a chemical reaction, how did they have the technical skill at that time?

Then your guide will accompany you to a local cave dwelling where a craftsman makes terracotta warriors in a traditional way.

Inquire on This Experience

Top National Museums

Shanghai Museum: Search for Oriental Treasures

Get close to a giant cursed oriental vessel
Listen to the mysterious musical rhythm from over 2,000 years ago
No queue — a VIP channel

What did music sound like 2,000 years ago? Why did ancient people sleep on bronze pillows? What happened to the owner of the ancient cursed vessel?

We will give you some clues with our native guide’s explanations and some interactive questions, and you will learn about the interesting history during your tour.

The tour includes the museum’s main exhibition halls, such as the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery and the Chinese Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery. Follow us to find the most amazing oriental treasures!

Inquire on This Experience

From the Last Empire to the Republic: Explore the National Museum of China with a PhD Student of Chinese History

Learn about what happened in modern China, including the CCP’s detours and progress
Led by a PhD student of Chinese history from Peking University
Explore one of the largest museums in the world

China’s speed of development is perhaps the most amazing in the world today. What happened in modern China? Why did the CCP become the governing party of China?

In our museum tour, we will focus on modern Chinese history with a PhD student of Chinese history from Peking University, which has the best history department in China.

We’ll visit the exhibition hall called The Road of Rejuvenation, which shows the history of the past 100 years in order, to gain a deeper understanding of China’s rise.

If you are visiting with kids, we also provide a kids’ treasure hunt tour (2 hours) for families, kids, and teens. Please inquire if you are interested in this.

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Shaanxi History Museum: a Journey Through 5,000 Years of Ancient China in 13 Objects

Stories behind the most celebrated art objects of each dynasty
Try ancient contraptions with your own hands
Explore the museum using our well-designed route without having to queue

Shaanxi History Museum is a great window through which to see the rich culture and history of Xi’an — a capital city of 13 dynasties in ancient China. Our museum adventure will take you on a journey through 5,000 years of history.

Listen to the stories about the amazing designs of ancient items and learn to use an exquisite pot with enigmatic technology. To ensure you enjoy your experience, we will arrange a VIP channel so that you don’t need to wait in a long queue.

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The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center: the Magic City’s Future Plan

Unveil the secret of China’s Five-Year Plan
Peep at a corner of the largest QR code empire
“Sail” in the largest cargo port in the world – Yangshan Port – when you sit in the simulation machine and drive a speedboat in the port

Shanghai is also called the Magic City in China and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center contains everything you need to know about it.

The features range from a city model that’s over 600m2 to a 360-degree 3D animation exhibition hall, and from the lifestyle in old Shanghai to today’s garbage classification display.

You will learn about China’s Five-Year Plan, hear the story behind QR codes, and play some games. With your guide’s insightful explanations and some interactive games, you will have a better understanding of Shanghai and China.

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Art Museums

National Art Museum of China

The National Art Museum of China is the largest art museum in China. It’s a national level art museum focusing on ethnic works that reflect China’s politics and culture.

Over its long history, the National Art Museum of China has hosted thousands of exhibitions featuring many national and international works of art. The museum was the first in China to create a public education department.

Visitors have an immersive experience of art through various interactive multimedia installations in the museum.

RockBund

Located in the Bund in Shanghai, the Rockbund Art Museum is committed to contemporary art. The building was restored and adapted by the famous architect, David Chipperfield.

RAM has held many major solo exhibitions for some of China’s celebrated artists. It represents the high quality of art exhibitions in China. As the host of HUGO BOSS ASIA ART, RAM presents an artistic feast of top Asian artists’ works each year.

Long Museum West Bund

The Long Museum was founded by world-renowned Chinese collectors, Liu Yiqian and his wife, Wang Wei. As the largest private museum in China, the Long Museum boasts the richest collection nationwide.

The couple’s collection covers traditional Chinese art, modern and contemporary art, “red classics” as well as contemporary art from Asia and Europe. Based on a global perspective, it aims to show the diversity of visual art.

It presents the brilliant success of Chinese art and a new vigor to today’s international art.

Yuz Museum

The Yuz Museum Shanghai is well-known for its avant-garde art exhibitions. Located in Shanghai’s West Bund, the Yuz Museum Shanghai was established by the Yuz Foundation — a non-profit organization.

The space that the Yuz Museum Shanghai utilizes was the original location of the hangar at Longhua Airport, with a total floor area of 9,000 square meters.

The Yuz Museum Shanghai is committed to collecting contemporary art, promoting the art museum movement, and offering exhibition opportunities to international artists.

The museum has a considerable collection of Chinese contemporary art, especially paintings created between the early 1980s and late 1990s.

Hidden Wonders

The Shanghai Gallery of Antique Music Box and Mechanical Works

As the only gallery themed on music boxes in China, it concentrates on showing European music boxes and their development throughout history.

Over 200 precious antique music boxes and mechanical works are on display. The gallery’s chief attraction is the world’s oldest music box, which was made by the Swiss watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon in 1796. Visitors can still enjoy wonderful rhythms from these treasure boxes that were made hundreds of years ago.

In addition to the music boxes, visitors can also get a glimpse of European craft technology through various amazing mechanical dolls.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Located in the basement of a high-rise residential building in Shanghai, the Propaganda Poster Art Centre is officially known as Shanghai Yang Pei Ming Propaganda Poster Art Museum and its owner used to work as a tour guide.

Most of the exhibits are private collections of posters and artists’ original paintings from the Cultural Revolution. Although small, it has a vast, fascinating collection of over 5,000 propaganda posters, giving an absorbing insight into China’s recent history.

A visit to this museum is recommended for anyone interested in China’s history and society.

Qianding Old Liquor Museum

Beijing Qianding Old Liquor Museum is a private collection gallery with wine as its theme.

It has a great wine exhibition with over 5,000 types of wine. The collections are divided by region and then ranked by the year of manufacture, which span across thousands of years. About 890 types of wine among the collections are no longer produced.

In addition to the wine, there are various wine bottles in different shapes and materials. Visitors can also get a glimpse of the brewing and distilling techniques for Chinese wines.

Beijing Qianding Old Liquor Museum is the perfect place for wine lovers to learn about the Chinese wine culture.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum is famous for having artifacts and mummies of Caucasians who lived in the region between 1,500 and 4,000 years ago.

As an important staging post on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, Xinjiang became an exotic region that cultivated profound traditional art and a dazzling culture, spanning across different periods and places.

There is also a collection of silk articles and other artifacts from various eras of history, as well as written materials in different languages.

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The New Silk Road – The Belt and Road Initiative

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

The New Silk Road – The Belt and Road Initiative

The New Silk Road is also called the Belt and Road Initiative. It links countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa together. The plan was initiated by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. The New Silk Road focuses on investment for railway, highway and port construction

Historical Background of the Silk Road

The ancient Silk Road was established during the Han Dynasty era (206 BC – 220 AD). The Han Empire expanded to the west and built a trade network with Central Asian countries, and it even connected the empire with Europe. The Han people traded silk, spices, and jade to other countries, and they bought glass, gold, and other noble metals.

The ancient Silk Road acted as an exchange bridge for trade, culture, and religions between China and Western countries. However, due to the Arab conquest of Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty era (618–907) and their attack on Tang trading outposts, the trade diminished.

However, trade boomed when the Mongols established a vast empire covering much of Eurasia. When the Yuan Empire (1279–1368) was overthrown, the Mongols became the enemies. They retained control in Xinjiang and stopped the trade.

When the Manchu Qing Empire (1644–1912) arose in alliance with Mongols, even though they had control of the Silk Road routes, there was little use for overland transport because ship construction and navigation technologies improved substantially. Maritime trade flourished. The Central Asian countries were isolated and developed little economically.

For more detail see The History of the Silk Road in China.

The map of the new silk road

The Silk Road Economic Belt

On September 7th, 2013, the Silk Road Economic Belt was initiated that aims to connect Central Asian countries. The “One Belt” route stretches to the Baltic Sea area via Central Asia and Russia, to the Mediterranean Sea area via Central Asia and Western Asia, and to the Indian Ocean area via southwest China.

Countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt:

Countries in Central Asia such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are just across the border from China. They are closely connected with China’s economy.

Middle-eastern countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey mainly trade oil and gas. They look forward to developing other industries and agriculture through cooperation with China.

Other countries on the boundary between Europe and Central Asia such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova are expected to achieve economic integration.

Russia is an important part of the Silk Road Economic Belt. It has a close relationship with Central Asian countries, the countries of the Caucasus region, and Western Asian countries.

If the issues in Afghanistan can be resolved peacefully, then the development of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India will also be promoted by the Belt and Road Initiative.

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road

On October 3rd, 2013, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road was initiated with the purpose of connecting the member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The “One Road” route stretches to Europe via the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and it stretches to the South Pacific Ocean via the South China Sea.

The main cities on the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is: Quanzhou – Fuzhou – Guangzhou – Haikou – Beihai – Hanoi (Vietnam) – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Jakarta (Indonesia) – Colombo (Sri Lanka) – Kolkata (India) – Nairobi (Kenya) – Athens (Greece) – Venice (Italy).

Why China’s Silk Road Is So Significant has more information about the modern Silk Road.

Recommended tours:

11-Day Tour from Xi’an to Kashgar — Along the Great Silk Road
3-Day Quanzhou Tour with Anxi Oolong Tea Experience — Discover the Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road

Traveling Along the New Silk Road

The Terracotta Army in Xi’an

There are more than 60 countries along the New Silk Road. Lots of tourism resources are waiting for you to explore them.

In China, most inland cities will develop quickly due to infrastructure construction such as high-speed railways, highways, and airways. Traveling to cities like Xi’an, Urumqi, Kunming, Guilin, and Lhasa will be more convenient. Also, applying for a tourism visa will be more convenient for countries located along the New Silk Road.

Popular Tourist Cities Along the New Silk Road in China

Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

Xi’an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, and today it’s located along the New Silk Road. It’s a popular tourist city that is well-known for the Terracotta Army and the long history of ancient China.

Recommended tours:

Dunhuang is a well-known city that was located on the ancient Silk Road. To protect trade along the Silk Road, the government set up military defenses at Dunhuang. Dunhuang is famous for the Buddhist caves containing beautiful Buddha statues and mural paintings.

Recommended tours:

Urumqi is in Western China and is close to Central Asian countries. Cities near Urumqi, such as Turpan and Kashgar, were main trading towns along the ancient Silk Road. Urumqi was the first city to construct a tourism distribution center on the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Recommended tours:

7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour
Contact us to create a trip according to your needs

Travel Along the Silk Road with Us

Dunhuang Mogao Caves

If you want to travel along the Silk Road, see our popular itineraries below for inspiration. Our tours are flexible and can be customized.

How to Plan a Huangshan Tour from Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

How to Plan a Huangshan Tour from Shanghai

Shanghai is a highly developed city with skyscrapers and bustling avenues. However, the view is totally different 400 kilometers away in the prefecture of Huangshan, where you can admire the beautiful scenery of the Yellow Mountains, visit some ancient villages, and enjoy the hot springs.

If you are planning to be in Shanghai and have a couple of free days, paying a visit to Huangshan is an excellent choice. Just read on to find the top things to do, transportation, and a 3-day tour plan.

The Top Things to Do in Huangshan

The Yellow Mountains Scenic Area

The Yellow Mountains is praised as being one of the most beautiful and spectacular mountain ranges in China. The scenic area is known for its four wonders: imaginatively-named pines, oddly-shaped rocks, a sea of clouds, and hot springs.

The Yellow Mountains offers different views in different seasons: flowers in spring, a green forest in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and rime in winter. If you like photography, the Yellow Mountains can be a treasure trove for you.

Ancient Villages

Huangshan

Besides the Yellow Mountains, the ancient villages in Huangshan are worth a visit to see their special Hui-style architectures, which feature among quaint settings and stunning backdrops.

Hongcun is a waterside village with ancient courtyards and well-preserved countryside scenery. Due to its long history and beautiful scenery, Hongcun was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2000. Another World Heritage village is Xidi.

There are more ancient villages in Huangshan District.

How to Travel from Shanghai to Huangshan

Highspeed train in China

Shanghai and Huangshan are now connected by high-speed rail lines. There are over 10 high-speed trains departing from Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Huangshan North Railway Station every day. Depending on the train you take, the journey may take 2½–3½ hours.

A good transfer option from your country to Huangshan is to fly to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, walk for 10 minutes to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and take the train to Huangshan.

During Chinese national holidays (such as May 1^st–3^rd and October 1^st–7^th) and weekends, train tickets are harder to book. You are recommended to book them in advance or let us help you book them.

How Many Days Are Needed

A 3-day journey is suitable to enjoy the wonders of the Yellow Mountains and the scenery of the ancient villages. Check the following plan to see what you can expect during your Huangshan tour from Shanghai.

3-Day Huangshan Tour Plan from Shanghai

Day 1: Huangshan Arrival and Ancient Villages

Ancient village in Huangshan

Take the train from Shanghai to Huangshan.

Visit Hongcun Ancient Village, which resembles an ink painting, to see the most authentic Hui-style architecture.

Then, visit Xidi Village to admire the ancient buildings and learn about the local history. After that, taste some local food in Tunxi Ancient Street.

Optional: Bishan Village

You can pay a side visit to Bishan, a village praised as being a rural utopia. Unlike the other villages you visit, the buildings in Bishan combine an ancient style with artistic ideas. There, you can see how artists have reformed the old buildings.

Day 2: The Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountians

You will go hiking on the Yellow Mountains. Ride in a cable car up to the mountain range and enjoy hiking while you admire the scenery. After lunch, explore West Sea Grand Canyon.

Optional 1: Hike to the Bottom of West Sea Grand Canyon

The route to the bottom of West Sea Grand Canyon is narrow and steep down some steps. You may need professional equipment and you need to be in good physical condition. If you are traveling with us, your guide will suggest the most suitable route for you and lead you to explore the best scenery.

Optional 2: The Yellow Mountains Sunset and Sunrise

If you want to enjoy grand views of a sunset and sunrise over the Yellow Mountains, we can help you to book a hotel room on the mountain range. Your guide will advise you on some of the top places and times to enjoy the views and take photos. Be aware that the hotel facilities could be limited.

Day 3: Huangshan Hot Springs and Departure

Huangshan Hot Spring

If you choose to stay in a hotel in Huangshan, you can visit more attractions on the mountains before taking a cable car ride back down.

A hot spring bath at the foot of the Yellow Mountains is the best way to wash away the tiredness of hiking.

Then, return to the railway station and go back to Shanghai.

Enjoy Your Huangshan Tour from Shanghai with Us

Visit Huangshan with us

If you are interested in this travel plan, check out our 3-day Huangshan tour from Shanghai for detailed information and a quotation.

It is a good choice to travel with us. You will enjoy a hassle-free journey with a local guide and in a private vehicle. Your guide will suggest authentic ancient villages and the most suitable hiking route, and will lead you all the way during your Huangshan hike.

Also check out more Shanghai tours for ideas of what to do during your Shanghai stay, or our Huangshan tours to see what else you can do in Huangshan.

Also, try to tell us your ideas and let us customize a tour for you.

5 Chinese Fruits That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

5 Chinese Fruits That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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Food is such a , so learning about different aspects of the country’s food culture is really important. One of the most interesting parts of the food in China are the exotic 水果 (shuǐ guǒ) – fruits – there!

To shed more light on some of the coolest, most interesting fruits in China, we summed up a list of our top 5 picks for Chinese fruit that you probably haven’t seen or tasted before!

Depending on where you live and where you’ve travelled, you may or may not have heard of (or had!) these fruits on our list.

Either way, we highly recommend you try these awesome and unique Chinese fruits for yourself when you have the chance!

1. Dragonfruit – 火龙果 (huǒ lóng guǒ)

The Dragonfruit is probably one of the most famous Chinese fruits, due to its unique appearance. Its skin is a with a white or red inside and little black seeds.

It doesn’t have a very strong taste, and is a bit similar to a pear. You eat just the inside and the little seeds (not the skin).

It is full of vitamin C, and has quite a few B vitamins. It’s good for strengthening the immune system, healing, and respiratory issues!

2. Bayberry – 杨梅 (yáng méi)

The bayberry is a fruit with an interesting, fur-like texture and a bright purplish-red color.

They are sweet and sour, like a mix between a strawberry, blackberry and a pomegranate. When eating, you can eat the whole berry, but be sure to clean it well and look out for insects.

The bayberry packs a lot of antioxidants, and is good for reducing stress, eyesight, and arthritis, among other things.

3. Lychee – 荔枝 (lì zhī)

Chances are you have seen this delicious fruit (or had dessert flavored like this) before! It’s a very common dessert in China, and in areas with large Chinese populations in other countries as well.

It has red skin, and the inside is white and almost a bit see through. It tastes sweet and a little tangy, a bit like a sour white grape. All you have to do is peel the skin and just eat the meat inside (not the skin or the seed).

Lychee is also high in antioxidants, has lots of vitamin C, and is good for increasing energy, improving blood flow, and more. Since it has a lot of sugar, it’s best to limit the amount that you eat.

4. Loquat – 枇杷 (pí pa)

These are one of my personal favorites! Loquats are orangish-yellow on the outside and have seeds on the inside.

They have a sweet flavor which has a tangy citrus feel to it. It’s a bit like a mix between an apple, pineapple and apricot. The meat of the fruit is juicy, just like a peach.

You can either peel it or eat it with the skin, but be sure to cut it open first to remove the seeds, which should not be eaten.

These fruits are high in antioxidants, and have a lot of folate and vitamin B6, and are good for immune function, healthy vision, energy production and more!

5. Durian – 榴莲 (liú lián)

Love it or hate it, the durian is one of the most notable fruits out there!

Durian is actually native to Malaysia, but since this fruit is quite popular and common in China, it made the list!

On the outside, it looks interesting, with it’s hard, green skin with sharp little spikes. Inside the durian is a yellowish-white meat.

But, it’s appearance actually isn’t the most notable part of the durian. Instead, it packs a pungent smell! To some, the smell is not bad at all, but for many people, the smell comes off as something similar to rotten onions, rotten eggs, smelly feet, or stinky cheese.

Though that may not sound appetizing, many people really enjoy the taste! It has the texture of a rich custard, and those who like it say it tastes sweet like almonds. Those who don’t think it tastes like a mushy rotten onion.

This fruit is so notorious for smelling terrible, that it’s actually banned on public transportation, and in some hotels and airports in China and some other countries in Asia, so as not to offend other people.

You just eat the inside meat (not the skin or the seed inside). It packs a lot of calories, but a lot of benefits too! It contains a lot of B vitamins, sulphur, and antioxidants. It’s good for muscle growth among other things, but keep in mind that it’s not for everyone – it’s best for people with certain conditions like diabetes or those that are pregnant to avoid it.

Learn More

We hope you enjoyed this list of 5 different Chinese fruits!

Let us know in the comments below: Have you tried any of the fruits on this list before? If so, did you like them?

And, if you have tried any other Chinese fruits not on the list, let us know as well!

If you want to learn how to say in Chinese, be sure to check out from our !

Level 1 of the course (with over 40 lesson videos!) is FREE, guiding you through pinyin pronunciation and building a basic foundation in Chinese, with some useful vocabulary and sentence structures along the way.

Get started on the first lesson !

What to Expect When Dating a Chinese Guy

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

What to Expect When Dating a Chinese Guy

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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A decade ago, my plans for coming to China included teaching for a year, two…maybe even three, before returning to the US to start my teaching career.

Dating was not part of my plan, so when it happened, I was completely unprepared for it. Looking back, I would have loved to know what I was getting myself into or at least some advice on navigating Chinese dating culture.

Since my experience was limited to just my husband, I got some additional input from two American bloggers living in China: Jocelyn Eikenburg writes and Jo Kelly-Bai writes Both talk about their relationships with their Chinese significant others.

Here are some of our insights about dating Chinese guys:

1. They date for marriage

Chinese guys, with pressure from their parents and coming from a different culture of dating, by-and-large date to marry. So much so, that my husband didn’t ask to date me, he asked me to be with him for the rest of his life.

I guess that was his marriage proposal!

Compared to most of their Western counterparts, Chinese men start thinking about marriage much earlier in the relationship. So, if you’re dating a Chinese guy, make sure to figure out what the both of you want out of the relationship so you can manage expectations.

2. Most don’t care about green cards or free English lessons

I’ve heard stories from second-hand sources about Chinese women wanting to date to get better at English or get a green card.

All of the Chinese women that have married Western men that I know of have returned to his home country soon after the wedding.

But that’s not to say all Chinese women are looking for a ticket out of China. They just seem to be more open to the idea of leaving.

Read more about .

In contrast though, Chinese guys who date Western women, tend to stay in China. Part of this comes from their obligation to care for their aging parents and grandparents.

Also it’s easier for them to continue their career here, especially if they’re older and already established in their career.

As for free English lessons, although my husband and I only communicate in English, I know of several couples who speak Chinese because their boyfriend or husband doesn’t speak a word of it.

From my experience at least, contrary to some stereotypes, getting free English lessons doesn’t seem to be a big priority for them when it comes to dating Westerners.

3. They take their parents’ word seriously

With filial piety being taught in school from first-grade on, I’ve found that Chinese adults take their parents’ word very seriously.

Jocelyn’s now father-in-law told his son that he was welcome to be friends with a Western woman but not to date her.

This must have been a huge letdown for him, but fortunately love won out. My husband’s parents are always telling us what to do, not to do, how to do such-and-such properly and how to raise the kids.

I try to listen out of respect, then choose whether or not I’ll follow what they say.

4. They’re okay with living apart

Presumably, you meet your boyfriend while you’re both in the same city as most couples do, but a large number of Chinese couples live and work in different cities.

My sister-in-law and her husband spent their whole time dating and the first four years of their marriage living in different cities, countries even, due to work.

At least half of the kids I tutor only see their dad once a year because of this. “That’s just how it is,” is the response that most people give. The opportunity to earn more money is often more lucrative than staying at home.

I didn’t realize just how common this is when we were dating and I got lucky and found a guy that likes to stay close to home. The two times he’s been given the option to go to Inner Mongolia, and triple his income, he’s turned it down.

5. They can be shy and insecure

When it comes to dating Western women, we’ve noticed that Chinese guys tend to be shy and insecure.

In a post on her blog, Speaking Of China, Jocelyn recalls the story of a Chinese taxi driver telling her that he couldn’t satisfy the needs of foreign women in a previous relationship.

Another insecurity is money. Chinese people tend to think Americans are rich and can’t provide for us on their smaller salary.

Compared to the way my husband grew up in post-Cultural Revolution China, the modest home I grew up in is a mansion.

He always paid on dates, but when he had the opportunity to get his research published in some professional journals and couldn’t afford the fee, he was very hesitant to accept the money from me.

6. They take relationships slowly

Jocelyn said that the guys that she’s dated haven’t come out directly to express their intent. They’re slow and spend a lot of time texting and talking to show their interest in you.

Physical intimacy comes pretty slowly if the guys are serious about dating. My husband and I didn’t even hold hands until our fifth or sixth date, and our first kiss was several dates after that.

Although Hollywood’s portrayal of us American women is taken by Chinese to mean that we’re all “open minded” (meaning you have a list of past relationships that numbers in the double digits or are open to one-night stands) the guys worth pursing a relationship with will respect your boundaries if you’re clear and upfront with them.

7. They carry your purse

One of the first things I noticed about the younger guys in China are that they almost always carry their girlfriend’s purse.

It’s kind of strange to get used to seeing so many guys with designer handbags on their arms, but they appear to do it willingly.

When I asked my husband about it, he said he’s never noticed. From my observations, this occurs among the 20-somethings and ceases–as does hand-holding–after the couple has a baby.

Strictly observational, but very interesting.

I’ve never asked my husband to carry my purse but do appreciate that he still holds my hand, even after two kids.

That’s about it for insights on dating Chinese guys! This article isn’t going to prepare you one hundred percent for the Chinese dating scene, but these are some things I’d been aware of when I first started dating my husband.

For more information on Chinese dating, read .

Were there any unexpected things in this article you weren’t aware of? Have you had any experience dating a Chinese person? Share with us your experiences in the comments!

An Essential Guide to Drinking in China

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:21 +0000

An Essential Guide to Drinking in China

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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If there is one thing that the Chinese enjoy drinking more than tea; it’s alcohol.

Whether you’re at Chinese dinner or belting out the high notes at karaoke, chances are you’ll be soon be clinking a small glass on the table, throwing back shots and shouting, “干杯 (gān bēi) !”

Drinking is also a crucial part of forging business relationships, or 关系 (guān xi) , in China, with many successful deals struck over a banquet dinner.

Here are some essentials about China’s drinking culture to help keep you from being the unprepared foreigner at (or under) the table.

East vs. West

Imagine getting drunk in front of your boss while out at an expensive business dinner.

In the west, you’d quickly become the office leper – branded unprofessional.

But in China, you’re a hero.

If you can believe it, drinking is actually an admirable quality in China. Whether out at a business dinner, karaoke or even at a family celebration, the more you can chug, the stronger your character.

Boozing in China isn’t just for the ‘Under 25s’, and you can even find yourself gān bēi’ing with grandma – shotting expensive red wine, warm beer and some seriously strong spirits.

But the major difference, is that typically, for the Chinese, drinking isn’t about savouring the flavour, but savouring the moment.

Types of Alcohol

The type of alcohol or how much it costs isn’t that important when out drinking with Chinese friends or colleagues.

Having said that, you’ll likely be knocking back three main types of booze; beer, wine and baijiu.

Beer:

There are a bevy of beers to be found across China, but by far the most internationally known Chinese beer is Tsingtao 青岛啤酒 (qīng dǎo pí jiǔ) . A smooth, light-malted larger with a distinct ‘ricey’ aftertaste.

Other popular beers also include; Snow 雪花啤酒 (xuě huā pí jiǔ) : most widely-purchased beer in China, has a clean taste and goes with just about anything), Sinkiang Black Beer 新疆黑啤 (xīn jiāng hēi pí) : a rich stout, perfect with meaty dishes) and Harbin 哈尔滨啤酒 (hā ěr bīn pí jiǔ) : very mild and watery.

Often in China, you’ll also find beers spelled backwards or in a jumbled way from where they are brewed.

Like the popular “Haizhu” beer found in my city of “Zhuhai”.

Find out the Chinese measure word for 啤酒 (pí jiǔ)

Red Wine:

Throughout Chinese history, all kinds of wines have been used in rituals to please and appease the gods and ancestors.

Today, China is the biggest consumer of red wine globally, with more than 130 million 9-litre cases downed by Chinese drinkers last year!

More and more, red wine is replacing beer and baijiu at fancy banquet dinners, not only because it’s seen as more exotic but because people think it’s healthier than rice-based spirits.

Some popular wine brands to try include: Jian Nan Chun 剑南春 (jiàn nán chūn) , Fen 汾酒 (fén jiǔ) and Dong wine 董酒 (dǒng jiǔ) .

Baijiu:

China’s most popular, and potent, alcoholic drink.
Like saké or vodka, baijiu 白酒 (bái jiǔ) is incredibly strong and has earned its nickname of “Chinese rocket fuel”, with its high 酒精度 (jiǔ jīng dù) alcohol percentages.

Some common baijiu brands include: 茅台 máo tái (35% – 50%), 西凤酒 xī fèng jiǔ (30% – 65%) and 五粮液 wǔ liáng yè (35% – 70%).

The superhuman strength of baijiu may be why many foreigners say they don’t have a taste for it. But you had better start trying, if you want to save face 面子 (miàn zi) when it comes time to gān bēi!

干杯 (gān bēi)!

干杯 (gān bēi) literally translates to “dry glass” but basically means “bottoms up” and comes directly after a toast.

It may seem unimportant on the outside, but it is in fact a crucial part of all social gatherings, and indeed, fostering 关系 (guān xi) – business relationships in China.

To refuse a toast of 干杯 (gān bēi) would be very unwise, as how much you drink shows your amount of respect.

So make sure you don’t step on anyone’s toes by knowing these drinking manners:

Avoid refusing to 干杯 (gān bēi) – you could be seen as rude or a wimp, or both

Unless you’re the host, don’t make the first toast – it’s disrespectful to steal the show

If you make a toast, finish your glass.

The toastee should take at least a gulp from their glass, this is known as 随意 (suí yì) and means to drink as you like.

For added politeness, tilt your empty glass forward after a toast to show you’ve finished

Don’t gān bēi with water – it’s bad luck!

Clinking

Clinking your glass with your fellow diners also comes with a whole other set of rules.

If your glasses touch and make the celebratory “clink” noise, this means it’s gān bēi time.

No clink? No pressure to finish. Just sip as much as you like.

If you want to take things a bit slower, wedge your fingers between your glass and the other person’s when clinking. Again, no clink = no pressure to gān bēi.

Often you’re at a big, round dinner table and so when toasting, everyone simply taps their glass on the table before drinking.

If you’re really a stickler for the rules, remember: young people should clink the rim of their glass lower on the glass held by those senior to them (either in age or position).

Drinking Courage

Drinking in China means more than just whetting your whistle – it’s also about upholding your dignity and saving face or, 面子 (miàn zi) .
Some believe that those who have strong 酒胆 (jiǔ dǎn) or ‘drinking courage’, have strong 人品 (rén pǐn) – character.

So, it’s fine to get drunk at dinner.

In fact, it’ll make your hosts happy knowing they have showed you a proper good time.

For the ladies, there is less social pressure to gān bēi into oblivion, and it’s more relaxed for everyone at family gatherings, too.

But if you get invited out to a business dinner, you’d better watch out, because you’ll need to bring your drinking A-game to the table.

How to Survive

Yes, it’s fine to let your hair down and drink up at business and social events.

But here’s the kicker – you can get drunk but not to the point of being unable to speak or stand – or you may lose face.

So how do you strike the balance between getting a little buzzed or completely blind?

Well, it’s a fine line but nothing that can’t be fixed with a few survival tips:

– Pace yourself: Don’t overdo it with your gān bēis early on. Dinner will take hours, so if you can help it, take things slow from the first cup.

– Drink water and eat: If you’re at a Chinese social gathering or business dinner there will be food, and plenty of it. Eat and hydrate regularly to avoid letting the alcohol get the better of you.

– Make good excuses: They don’t necessarily have to be true, but they have to be believable. Pretending to be staggeringly drunk or saying you’re trying to get pregnant (both man or woman) usually does the trick.

– Elect a drinking rep to drink all the shots on your company’s behalf!

– If you want to be a little sneaky, put tea in your glass. But don’t let anyone catch you!

So, what are your thoughts about the drinking culture in China? Tell us what you think or share your experiences, in the comments below! Please drink responsibly!

Kunming Weather in September

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

Kunming Weather in September

Weather: In September the average low and high temperatures are respectively 15 °C (59 °F) and 23 °C (73 °F). It rains less than in the summer, and the weather is fine. There is only about 120 mm of total rainfall, and it rains about 16 days of the month.

Clothing: T-shirts and long trousers are appropriate for sunny days in September, and with a moderate wind, it is not too hot or too cool. On rainy days, a light coat, rain gear, and long trousers are recommended. Wear water resistant shoes with good traction. Ultraviolet radiation is strong, so wear a hat and protect your skin on sunny days when you go outdoors. Check Kunming’s current weather and forecast>>

Things to Do in September

Experience Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second biggest holiday in China, and it is in the middle or end of September more than 2/3 of the years. It often falls near the October 1 National Day holidays and so becomes a part of the “golden week” holidays. It’s the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

Though there are large crowds, you’ll also be able to experience the festivities and the traditional celebrations of the ethnic people. The local moon cakes and the cassia and chrysanthemum teas are a special treat tourists should try. Moon cakes are small fruitcakes that are made from the fruits and nuts of harvest time. Cassia tea makes you feel mellow, and chrysanthemum tea makes you feel energetic.

Go Souvenir Shopping

Local shopping opportunities: The main shopping streets are easily reached in the downtown part of the city, and they are in close proximity. Dongfeng Road, Qingnian Road, and Zhengyi Road each have malls and small shops. The malls have modern foreign brands, and many of the shops sell locally produced crafts products. You can get inexpensive artistic and beautiful Sani handbags. Other superb local products include wax print artworks, wax print clothing, and fabrics. The area is also known for great herbal teas and varieties of green and brown teas.

See the Harvest at Dongchuan

Dongchuan

During the harvest time in Dongchuan, the white rapeseed flowers contrast strikingly with the reds, greens, and browns of the fields and earth. You might see white and red stripes, or a field with colorful patches.

In this rural area, the peasant farmers still work the plots with animals. The area is a three hour drive from Kunming. It is called the ‘Redlands’ because the ground is unusually red. It is a place to photograph a rustic, rural part of China, enjoy the scenery, and have hearty Chinese food.

On the road to Dongchuan, you’ll travel past mountains, streams, towns and small villages. Once there, you’ll see carts pulled by donkeys, oxen, and other animals. It is good place for a day excursion.

Hike in Stone Forest Park

When the weather is good, Stone Forest Park, about 1.5 hours away from Kunming, is a good place to hike. It is one of Kunming’s main natural highlights. It is a listed UNESCO geopark known for its unusual karsk geology. But it isn’t a good place to hike when it is raining when the paths might be slippery.

The geopark has amazing geological features. Within several square miles, you can see stone pillars, ravines, pits, and caves. Some places in the park look like a conifer forest. Lion Pavilion (Shizi Ting) is a place to walk to for a panoramic view of the area. It is the highest point in the park. Wear shoes with good traction because a slip might be dangerous.

Touring Kunming in September — High Travel Season

September is a heavy travel month, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival and at the end of the month before the October 1 National Day “Golden Week” holidays. During these times, the attractions are very crowded.

The prices for hotel accommodations, flight tickets and train tickets are much higher than usual. Unless you want to experience the holidays, it would be best to avoid visiting during these dates. We can help find your hotel rooms and get your tickets so that you won’t have to stand in lines or try to book remotely.

Our Most Popular Kunming Tours

If you are planning a tour to Kunming, consider September as the weather is quite pleasant. Enjoy a delightful and worry-free tour with China Highlights. Just tell us your interests and requirements; we will take care of the rest.

3-Day Essence of Kunming Tour: — including the spectacular landscape of the Stone Forest and the largest Buddhist complex in Yuantong Temple
8-Day Shangri-La Tour: — including a variety of attractions ranging from ancient towns to snowy mountains, and from one of the world’s deepest canyons to notable limestone “forest” formations

Our tours can be modified as per your requests. Customize a tour and discover Kunming in your own way.

Kunming Average Daily Temperatures Based on Historical Data

Date	Average High		Average Low
September 1	73 °F	22.78 °C	59 °F	15 °C
September 2	73 °F	22.78 °C	59 °F	15 °C
September 3	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 4	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 5	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 6	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 7	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 8	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 9	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 10	73 °F	22.78 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 11	72 °F	22.22 °C	58 °F	14.44 °C
September 12	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 13	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 14	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 15	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 16	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 17	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 18	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 19	72 °F	22.22 °C	57 °F	13.89 °C
September 20	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 21	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 22	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 23	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 24	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 25	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 26	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 27	71 °F	21.67 °C	56 °F	13.33 °C
September 28	71 °F	21.67 °C	55 °F	12.78 °C
September 29	70 °F	21.11 °C	55 °F	12.78 °C
September 30	70 °F	21.11 °C	55 °F	12.78 °C

Kunming Climate Information by Month

Xinjiang Weather: Best Time to Visit, Seasonal Travel Tips

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

Xinjiang Weather: Best Time to Visit, Seasonal Travel Tips

The world’s most landlocked region, Xinjiang, has a climate that is characterized by low rainfall, large temperature differences between day and night, and long hours of sunshine (averaging 7–8 hours/day).

Due to Xinjiang’s large area, the weather varies between different cities and prefectures. With the Tianshan (‘Heavenly Mountains’) range as the boundary, the difference between southern and northern Xinjiang is obvious.

Norther Xinjiang (Urumqi, Ili, Altay, etc.) has vast grasslands and high mountains. It is wetter and cooler than southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Turpan, Hetian, Aksu, etc.), which has huge deserts.

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Best Times to Visit Xinjiang
Xinjiang in Spring
Xinjiang in Summer
Xinjiang in Autumn
Xinjiang in Winter

Best Times to Visit Xinjiang

Here are average monthly temperature ranges for the major tourist cities of Xinjiang.

°C/°F in	Urumqi	Kashgar	Turpan
Jan	-16–-8°C (3-46°F)	-11–-1°C (12–30°F)	-10–-3°C (14–26°F)
Feb	-14–-6°C (7–21°F)	-5–4°C (23–39°F)	-3–7°C (26–44°F)
Mar	-7–7°C (19–44°F)	4–16°C (39–61°F)	8–20°C (46–68°F)
Apr	7–18°C (44–64°F)	11–23°C (52–73°F)	15–29°C (59–84°F)
May	13–24°C (55–75°F)	15–28°C (59–82°F)	21–35°C (70–95°F)
Jun	19–29°C (66–84°F)	19–32°C (66–90°F)	27–40°C (81–104°F)
Jul	21–31°C (70–88°F)	21–34°C (70–93°F)	29–42°C (84–108°F)
Aug	19–29°C (66–84°F)	19–31°C (66–88°F)	27–40°C (81–104°F)
Sep	13–23°C (55–73°F)	15–28°C (59–82°F)	20–34°C (68–93°F)
Oct	5–14°C (41–57°F)	7–21°C (45–70°F)	10–23°C (50–73°F)
Nov	-5–3°C (23–37°F)	-1–10°C (30–50°F)	0–10°C (32–50°F)
Dec	-15–-5°C (5–23°F)	-7–2°C (19–36°F)	-8–0°C (18–32°F)

The best times to visit Xinjiang are from May to October when the flowers are in blossom, grasslands grow luxuriantly, and melons and grapes are ripe for tasting.

Xinjiang has a lot to do all year around: appreciating flowers in spring, summer resorts, enjoying fruits in autumn, and skiing in winter.

Nalati Grassland

If you want to see the scenery, you can visit Northern Xinjiang. Ili has large lavender flower seas that are at their best in mid-June. July and August are the best times to visit grasslands and lakes: Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Grassland, Sayram Lake… Autumn scenery in Kanas is the most beautiful.

Compared with the beautiful northern Xinjiang, southern Xinjiang is more of a historical and cultural landscape, such as the relics of the Silk Road, which are less weather-dependent.

See more travel tips about best and worst times to visit xinjiang.

12-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour

Xinjiang in Spring (March to May)

Temperature: The average temperature ranges in March, April, and May in Xinjiang are respectively: -2–7°C (28–45°F), 7–18°C (45–64°F), and 13–24°C (55–75°F).

In spring, the solar radiation and the temperature of the desert increases rapidly in southern areas such as Turpan, Kashgar, and Hetian where there are strong winds, sandstorms, and dusty weather.

In the more mountainous north of Xinjiang, spring brings rain but still in low amounts. Temperatures also rise rapidly.

Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night averages 12°C (54°F), so bring a jacket or coat.

Kashgar Old City

Things to Do

Northern Xinjiang’s spring comes late, in April, while southern Xinjiang is already blooming at that time and is already above freezing in March. Warmer places, such as Kashgar and Turpan, are recommended.

Visit Kashgar Old City, Kashgar Livestock Market, and Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Near Turpan, explore Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Emin Minaret, and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.

Also in the south, appreciate the vast grandeur of the Pamirs and Kunlun Mountains, and the desert scenery in Kuqa and Korla.

In April, apricot blossoms are luxuriant in Yili’s Xinghua Valley.

7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour Urumqi-Turpan-Kashgar

Xinjiang in Summer (June to August)

Temperature: The average temperature ranges in June, July, and August in Xinjiang are respectively: 19–29°C (66–84°F), 21–31°C (70–88°F), and 19–29°C (66–84°F).

Summer in Xinjiang is the peak season for tourism. The average temperature in July is 20–30°C (68–86°F) in northern Xinjiang, which is comfortable.

The temperature decreases from the southern deserts to the mountains. When the sun is scorching in the desert basins, such as Turpan, where it can get to over 40°C (104°F), the temperature in the mountainous area is about 15–27°C (59–80°F).

Clothing: Although it is hot during the day, it is cool and breezy in the evening with about 19°C (66°F). Bring light and breathable shirts and other sun-proof clothing, and warm clothes if visiting mountainous areas.

Sayram Lake

Things to Do

In Xinjiang, summer is the time to enjoy the scenery and avoid the heat. The grasslands in Ili are lush and green. Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Grassland and Tangbula Grassland are all beautiful.

Ili River Valley in June is full of seas of lavender.

Heavenly Lake in Urumqi and Karakuli Lake in Kashgar are both stunning against the clear sky. The vines are loaded with fresh grapes in Turpan Grape Valley in August.

Grape Valley

Contact us to create a trip to Xinjiang. We will make a trave plan according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley Xinjiang Surreal Summer

Xinjiang in Autumn (September to October)

Temperature: The average temperature ranges in September and October in Xinjiang are respectively: 13–23°C (55–73°F), 5–14°C (41–57°F).The cool and clear weather makes autumn a comfortable season for tourism.

Clothing: Bring t-shirts and light jackets for September; thicker sweaters and jackets are needed in October.

For more information about Xinjiang weather in September and Xinjiang weather in October.

Kanas in autumn

Things to Do

Autumn in Xinjiang is short, but there is a lot to do. September is still a season for enjoying all kinds of fruits in places like Turpan Grape Valley: grapes, Hami melons, apples, yellow peaches, figs, pomegranates…

Kanas has the most beautiful scenery in autumn. The lake is surrounded with dense alpine forests of spruce, birch, elm, and Siberian larch. Cabins are scattered among a sea of golden birches. The forests provide a vivid backdrop of colors, an unspoiled dazzlingly beauty. Autumn is also a season to have the experience of picking cotton in Kanas.

8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas

Xinjiang in Winter (November to February)

Temperatures: The average temperature ranges in November, December, January, and February in Xinjiang are respectively: -5–3°C (23–37°F), -13–-5°C (9–23°F), -16–-8°C (3–18°F), and -14–-6°C (7–21°F).

Xinjiang experiences snow in winter: from very small amounts in the desert to significant amounts in the mountains. The number of snow days in Northern Xinjiang is generally 25–45, falling as early as October and as late as March.

A temperature inversion phenomenon occurs in the mountainous areas of Altay, Yili, and Urumqi, which makes them warmer than you’d expect and an ideal place for ice and snow activities. The quality of ice and snow is good and there is usually no wind and bright sunshine.

Altay, the northernmost part of Xinjiang, has a long, cold winters, and heavy snowfalls. The Altay Declaration released in 2006 officially recognized Altay as the world’s birthplace of skiing with a history of 10,000 years.

Things to Do

Skiing is the focus of many a Xinjiang winter trip to seek out one of a number of China’s top ski resorts: the Silk Road International Ski Resort, Altai Mountain Wild Snow Park, Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort, Nalati International Ski Resort…

Kanas has beautiful snow scenery. There is glittering rime hanging on the groves of birch trees, snow-covered glacial lakes, endless snowy vistas, and cabins deep in the snowy forests.

Tour Xinjiang with Us

All our tours are customizable. See our recommended Xinjiang tours for inspiration:

12-Day China Silk Road Tour from Xi’an to Kashgar — The most selected Silk Road itinerary.
21-Day China Tour with Silk Road—China’s classic wonders and the Silk Road
12-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour —Taklimakan-Pamirs Adventure.
10-Day Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai Highlights Tour — Discover Colorful Landforms and Ancient Wonders

Or contact us to create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

Cost of Living in Suzhou

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

Cost of Living in Suzhou

May 19, 2025

Cost of Living in Suzhou

Thinking of moving to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, canals, and fast-growing economy?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses in this cost-friendly city:

NOTE

This page offers a rough guide to prices in Suzhou. Costs can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and spending habits.

Housing

Housing is the largest variable in your cost of living.
Prices can range depending on the location, rental type, and duration of stay.

To make budgeting easier and more flexible, we’ve put together some recommended options in Suzhou tailored to how long you’ll be staying:

Short-Term (Under 1 Month)
Hotel:
Flexible, hassle-free, no utilities to manage.

Medium-Term Stay (1–3 Months)
Homestay:
Experience full cultural and language immersion by living with a Chinese family — perfect for students looking to rapidly improve their Mandarin.
Serviced Apartment:
Enjoy comfort and convenience with a higher standard of living — ideal for students who prioritize privacy and quality.

Long-Term Stay (3–6 Months)
Shared Apartment:
Ideal for students on a budget.
Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000/month, depending on location, apartment type, rental period, and how you find the listing.

Once you’ve enrolled in the course, your dedicated Course Consultant will be happy to recommend several partner hotels—typically within a 10-minute walk from our schools—or connect you with trusted rental agencies.

Food & Groceries

Suzhou offers a wide range of food choices, from cheap local eats to fine dining:

Dining Out

Meal in local restaurant: RMB 30-50/meal

Western restaurant: RMB 60-90/meal

Breakfast (jianbing, baozi): RMB 5-15/meal

Coffee in Western-style cafe: RMB 15-35/cup

If you bring your own cup (自带杯 zìdài bēi), drinks are often much cheaper

Beer (bar/pub): RMB 40–80
Water: RMB 3-4/bottle
Fast food meal: RMB 35-50

Groceries

On average, a single person might spend around RMB 1,000-2,000 per month on groceries.

Grocery prices in Suzhou can vary depending on where you shop and your eating habits. This can be higher if you prefer imported goods or organic products.

For fresh and cheap produce, visit local wet markets, or try online shopping (网购, wǎnggòu) via apps like Hema.

Transportation

Suzhou’s public transportation system is efficient and expanding.

Metro ride: RMB 2-5 per trip
Monthly metro pass: ~RMB 200
Bus ride: RMB 2-5 per ride
Bike rental: ~RMB 20/month

Although public transport is popular, ride-hailing services like Didi and local taxis are also widely used and easy to find in China.

Didi (Chinese Uber): RMB 20-50 for a short ride
Didi (from the airport to the city center): ~RMB 150
Local taxi: starting from RMB 10

NOTE:

Local taxis have a starting fare that usually covers the first 3 kilometers. After that, the meter begins to calculate the cost based on distance.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs in Suzhou are generally affordable compared to many Western cities. Here’s a rough breakdown for a standard one-bedroom apartment:

Electricity: ~RMB 100–300/month, depending on air conditioning or heater use.
Water: ~RMB 30–60/month for regular use.
Gas: ~RMB 20–80/month, mostly used for cooking and sometimes heating water.
Internet: ~RMB 100–200/month for a decent broadband package (with speeds of 100–300 Mbps). Some apartments offer Wi-Fi included in the rent.
Mobile phone plan: a typical plan with data, calls, and texts costs around RMB 50–100/month, depending on the carrier and package.
Heating (Winter, optional): RMB 500–800/month (high gas/electricity usage).

Leisure/Lifestyle

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend on daily life and entertainment:

Gym membership: ~RMB 4,000–8,000/year, (middle and high-end fitness clubs like Will’s or Tera Wellness).
Yoga, pilates, and boutique fitness classes: ~RMB 150-200/per class.
Movie ticket: RMB 40–70 for regular ticket, and RMB 100 for IMAX or 3D formats.
Drink at a bar: from RMB 60–100
Massage: RMB 80–150/hour at local spas; RMB 300–500/hour at high-end wellness centers.
Museums & exhibitions: ~ RMB 20–60

Monthly Budget

Here’s what a single person can expect to spend monthly in Suzhou across different lifestyles:

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Cost of Living in Chengdu

Cost of Living in Suzhou

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Cost of Living in Suzhou

May 19, 2025

Thinking of moving to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, canals, and fast-growing economy?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses in this cost-friendly city:

This page offers a rough guide to prices in Suzhou. Costs can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and spending habits.

Housing is the largest variable in your cost of living.
Prices can range depending on the location, rental type, and duration of stay.

To make budgeting easier and more flexible, we’ve put together some recommended options in Suzhou tailored to how long you’ll be staying:

Short-Term (Under 1 Month)
Hotel:
Flexible, hassle-free, no utilities to manage.

Medium-Term Stay (1–3 Months)
Homestay:
Experience full cultural and language immersion by living with a Chinese family — perfect for students looking to rapidly improve their Mandarin.
Serviced Apartment:
Enjoy comfort and convenience with a higher standard of living — ideal for students who prioritize privacy and quality.

Long-Term Stay (3–6 Months)
Shared Apartment:
Ideal for students on a budget.
Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000/month, depending on location, apartment type, rental period, and how you find the listing.

Once you’ve enrolled in the course, your dedicated Course Consultant will be happy to recommend several partner hotels—typically within a 10-minute walk from our schools—or connect you with trusted rental agencies.

Suzhou offers a wide range of food choices, from cheap local eats to fine dining:

If you bring your own cup (自带杯 zìdài bēi), drinks are often much cheaper

Beer (bar/pub): RMB 40–80
Water: RMB 3-4/bottle
Fast food meal: RMB 35-50

On average, a single person might spend around RMB 1,000-2,000 per month on groceries.

Grocery prices in Suzhou can vary depending on where you shop and your eating habits. This can be higher if you prefer imported goods or organic products.

For fresh and cheap produce, visit local wet markets, or try online shopping (网购, wǎnggòu) via apps like Hema.

Suzhou’s public transportation system is efficient and expanding.

Metro ride: RMB 2-5 per trip
Monthly metro pass: ~RMB 200
Bus ride: RMB 2-5 per ride
Bike rental: ~RMB 20/month

Didi (Chinese Uber): RMB 20-50 for a short ride
Didi (from the airport to the city center): ~RMB 150
Local taxi: starting from RMB 10

Local taxis have a starting fare that usually covers the first 3 kilometers. After that, the meter begins to calculate the cost based on distance.

Monthly utility costs in Suzhou are generally affordable compared to many Western cities. Here’s a rough breakdown for a standard one-bedroom apartment:

Electricity: ~RMB 100–300/month, depending on air conditioning or heater use.
Water: ~RMB 30–60/month for regular use.
Gas: ~RMB 20–80/month, mostly used for cooking and sometimes heating water.
Internet: ~RMB 100–200/month for a decent broadband package (with speeds of 100–300 Mbps). Some apartments offer Wi-Fi included in the rent.
Mobile phone plan: a typical plan with data, calls, and texts costs around RMB 50–100/month, depending on the carrier and package.
Heating (Winter, optional): RMB 500–800/month (high gas/electricity usage).

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend on daily life and entertainment:

Gym membership: ~RMB 4,000–8,000/year, (middle and high-end fitness clubs like Will’s or Tera Wellness).
Yoga, pilates, and boutique fitness classes: ~RMB 150-200/per class.
Movie ticket: RMB 40–70 for regular ticket, and RMB 100 for IMAX or 3D formats.
Drink at a bar: from RMB 60–100
Massage: RMB 80–150/hour at local spas; RMB 300–500/hour at high-end wellness centers.
Museums & exhibitions: ~ RMB 20–60

Here’s what a single person can expect to spend monthly in Suzhou across different lifestyles:

Students who sign up for our Intensive Group Course will receive a free handbook — not only a course guide, but also a practical life guide for first-time arrivals in China.

Thinking about joining our courses? Have questions?
Reach out to us — we’re here to help!

Cost of Living in Chengdu

Cost of Living in Suzhou

Cost of Living in Hangzhou

Cost of Living in Beijing

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

Thinking of moving to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, canals, and fast-growing economy?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses in this cost-friendly city:

Housing is the largest variable in your cost of living.
Prices can range depending on the location, rental type, and duration of stay.

To make budgeting easier and more flexible, we’ve put together some recommended options in Suzhou tailored to how long you’ll be staying:

Short-Term (Under 1 Month)
Hotel:
Flexible, hassle-free, no utilities to manage.

Medium-Term Stay (1–3 Months)
Homestay:
Experience full cultural and language immersion by living with a Chinese family — perfect for students looking to rapidly improve their Mandarin.
Serviced Apartment:
Enjoy comfort and convenience with a higher standard of living — ideal for students who prioritize privacy and quality.

Long-Term Stay (3–6 Months)
Shared Apartment:
Ideal for students on a budget.
Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000/month, depending on location, apartment type, rental period, and how you find the listing.

Meal in local restaurant: RMB 30-50/meal

Western restaurant: RMB 60-90/meal

Breakfast (jianbing, baozi): RMB 5-15/meal

Coffee in Western-style cafe: RMB 15-35/cup

If you bring your own cup (自带杯 zìdài bēi), drinks are often much cheaper

Beer (bar/pub): RMB 40–80
Water: RMB 3-4/bottle
Fast food meal: RMB 35-50

On average, a single person might spend around RMB 1,000-2,000 per month on groceries.

Grocery prices in Suzhou can vary depending on where you shop and your eating habits. This can be higher if you prefer imported goods or organic products.

For fresh and cheap produce, visit local wet markets, or try online shopping (网购, wǎnggòu) via apps like Hema.

Although public transport is popular, ride-hailing services like Didi and local taxis are also widely used and easy to find in China.

NOTE:

Local taxis have a starting fare that usually covers the first 3 kilometers. After that, the meter begins to calculate the cost based on distance.

Monthly Budget

Here’s what a single person can expect to spend monthly in Suzhou across different lifestyles:

Utilities & Internet

Estimated Monthly Cost

Get a Free Trial Chinese Class

with That’s Mandarin online

Chinese for Beginners: Funny Opposite Phrases to Practice！

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

Nǐ hěn róng yì jiāo péng yǒu ba?
你很容易交朋友吧？
You make friends easily, right?

Bù, wǒ hěn gū pì.
不，我很孤僻。
No, I’m very unsociable.

Nǐ hěn kāi xīn ba?
你很开心吧？
You’re very happy, right?

Bù, wǒ hěn yù mèn.
不，我很郁闷。
No, I’m very depressed.

Nǐ hěn lè guān ba?
你很乐观吧？
You’re optimistic, right?

Bù, wǒ hěn bēi guān.
不，我很悲观。
No, I’m very pessimistic.

Nǐ hěn yǒng gǎn ba?
你很勇敢吧？
You’re very brave, right?

Bù, wǒ hěn dǎn xiǎo.
不，我很胆小。
No, I’m very timid.

Nǐ hěn cōng míng ba?
你很聪明吧？
You’re smart, right?

Bù, wǒ hěn bèn.
不，我很笨。
No, I’m not smart.

Want to learn Chinese with fun?
Try your first free 1-on-1 trial class with a live native Chinese teacher today—get personalized speaking practice that actually sticks!

5 Reasons Why Mandarin Chinese is Half as Hard (and Twice as Awesome) as You Think

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

5 Reasons Why Mandarin Chinese is Half as Hard (and Twice as Awesome) as You Think

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

–>

Ask any native English speaker what the hardest second language is to learn, and they tend to drift towards Asia or the Middle East. One look at Sanskrit leaves most second language learners waving a white flag, and Japanese’s three writing systems could intimidate anyone.

However, mention Mandarin, the language with the dreaded “tones” and complex character writing system, and .

No one, except me.

(And probably all the other writers on this site, come to think of it.)

In fact, there are many reasons I find it easier than several other second languages typically deemed simple for English speakers, such as Spanish or German.

Don’t believe me? Read on. These five key points may leave you saying “adios” to your romance language and “你好 (nǐ hǎo) – hello” to an incredible learning adventure.

1. It’s Got ZERO Verb Conjugations

Yup, that’s right. No memorizing “o, as, a, amos, ais (just in Europe), an”. No more different versions of verbs depending on the past, present, and future. No more “today I’ll go”, “yesterday I went”, “tomorrow I will be going”. Nada.

From here on out, it’s “today you go”, “tomorrow you go”, and “yesterday you go”.

Not “will be going to”, not “went to”, just “go”. We talk more about this in from our .

All those boxes of six kinds of one dang verb your Spanish, Italian or other second language teacher taught you, all those hours of progressive, past progressive, perfect, pluperfect (what is that, anyway?) and progressive future tenses, all those endless irregular verbs that haunted you into the wee hours after your late night study sessions… GONE.

Totally, utterly, gone.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Now celebrate.

Now finish the article, I worked hard on this.

(Also, it gets better.)

2. The Grammar Structure is Similar to English (or dealer’s choice)

When constructing a sentence in English, there is a certain order that users tend to automatically place parts of speech as they formulate ideas. For example:

“Today I went to the store.”

Not “Today went I to the store.” (unless you’re Shakespeare or someone equally pompous), not, “Store today I went to.” (unless you’re a robot) and definitely not “Went to today I the store.”

That’s just ridiculous.

There are some other versions of this sentence that would work (I went today to the store), but I would say that, for all intents and purposes, this would be the most effective in conveying a complete, independent thought in Standard American English.

In Chinese, the lineup (or “word order”) of ideas is very similar:

今天我去商店了 (jīn tiān wǒ qù shāng diàn le) – Today I went to the store.

Yes, those silly little lines placed over the English letters do represent of Mandarin Chinese, creating a special learning system called .

No, tones are not as hard as you think.

Yes, they are masterable by foreigners, and they actually help the learning process.

In fact, I like tones more than English words, as it makes it possible for most Mandarin words to be only two to three syllables long. Give that some thought.

Check out our unique approach to mastering Mandarin tones by practicing with their English equivalents with .

There is one other great big bit of awesome in this sentence – the fact that there are no articles! The sentence is literally “Today I went store.” (了 (le) is a particle for indicating an action has been completed).

Mandarin often does this – using context instead of annoying tiny little words like “to” and “the” – to keep its sentences as simple and to the point as possible.

To top it all off, as the English version of the sentence.

The time and subject are interchangeable in a sentence, so if you blank out and accidentally say “I today went to the store,” No. One. Cares.

Compare that to the chorus of people who would brusquely correct the English-as-a-second language student who dared utter the sentence above. The death stares I am imagining would send me back to my home language in a millisecond.

Good thing (seriously, if – I mean when – you , you’ll see what I mean)!

The similarities between English and Mandarin don’t end with sentence structure though. It keeps on going as we explore modifiers (adjectives and adverbs for you soon-to-be language people).

3. Modifier placement is the same in English and Chinese

Have you ever taken Spanish, or maybe Japanese? Then you know they both place their adjective and adverbs, or modifiers, a little bit differently than we do in English.

For example, if I’m talking about a cute little black kitty sitting in the sun, I’ll say “el gatita negra” in Spanish. Notice the color describing the cute little feline is after “kitty”.

However, when I say that in English, I’ll the say “the black kitty”, with the modifier (black) before the noun. It would be really weird if I said “The Kitty Black” (sounds like a bar).

It’s exactly the same in Chinese!

When you are placing modifiers in Chinese, ninety percent of the time, you place them before the noun or verb, just like you do in English. There are always exceptions to the rule, but that’s the case in pretty much any language. I mean, come on, the English language lives exceptions. Don’t even get me started.

4. The Days of the Week (as Well as Names of Months) are SO. EASY.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to learn the days of the week if you never had growing up? What about the names of months?

January? April? Tuesday? Wednesday?

Sure, some of these names have some interesting stories behind them. “Wednesday” originates from “Woden’s day”, named after an all-powerful Germanic god (you may know him by his Norse name “Odin”). Similarly, December was named after the latin “Decem” for 10, since it was the tenth and final month in the calendar of Romulus.

But for someone just learning these names, none of that is very helpful, especially since the first story does nothing to tell you where exactly in the week Wednesday is.

What if the days of the week where named just sequentially? That is, “weekday one”, “weekday two”, “weekday three”, and so on? What if it was the same for the months; “month one”, “month two”, “month three”, etc.?

Well guess what, my friend.

In Mandarin Chinese (and Cantonese, for that matter), it is. See what I mean with this free lesson .

When you want to say Monday, you literally say “weekday one”. Blanking on how to say April? “Month four”.

If the tears of happiness aren’t coming to your face yet, don’t worry; it keeps getting better. There’s one last reason choosing Chinese over another second language is best. Bar. None.

5. Using Mandarin Chinese is WAY More Impressive Than Other Languages

Think about all the times you’ve heard someone speak a second language, say, French or Italian. In particular, think of times when it was clearly not their own, though they still spoke it well – a friend ordering at an Italian restaurant, your buddy showing off some Spanish on a trip to Latin America, that kind of thing. You were probably impressed, but felt that, given time, you could do the same (or at least pretty close to it).

Now, imagine seeing someone you wouldn’t expect, say someone of African or Caucasian descent, open their mouth to .

(Notice I said “imagine”, since you’ve probably never seen that happen before.)

If your imagination is anything like mine, the table is probably silent, the waitress is shocked, and all of you can’t believe what just happened. Next thing you know, a whole conversation has broken out trying to understand how exactly this person managed to grasp such an unusual (but now we know not necessarily harder) second language.

When you take the time to learn Mandarin Chinese as a second language, you impress the heck out of people. Although I’m giving you the good side of everything here, let’s face it, it is still learning a new language, and every language has it’s challenges. However, thanks to the other reasons listed above, it really isn’t as hard as you (or everyone else) thinks.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started (for free)!

There is so much to be said for diving into learning Mandarin.

As a second language, its distance from English dissuades many potential learners from ever getting started, while the hidden similarities actually make it easier to get going. Plus, the absence of verb conjugations, as well as the simplicity in conveying many ideas, such as days of the week and names of months, give it a lot of advantages over learning other languages.

Everyone at Yoyo Chinese understands the hard times we are all going through in the wake of the worldwide COVID19 quarantines. To help you focus on something positive and study Mandarin during this worldwide challenge, (45 lessons) of our is FREE, so you can .

I’ve been studying Chinese for over ten years, and I can tell you that these resources are amazing! 1,000+ video lessons organized into 6 structured courses, with 10,000+ flashcards and quiz questions, audio reviews, lecture notes, and clear explanations for everything you are learning.

Study hard, and study a lot! If you really utilize all the materials here on Yoyo Chinese, you’ll soon find that Mandarin, the language that you once dismissed as impossible, has quickly become Mandarin, the language that you can’t believe you learned. You got this!

加油 (jiā yóu) – go for it my friend.

How to get good grades when studying Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

In an ideal world, everybody would be studying Chinese according to their own goals. Then, the challenge is to figure out what way of studying is the most efficient for you.

However, for most people, studying Chinese an extra layer of requirements added on top of any personal goals; a layer of grades, tests and qualifications.

Studying Chinese when your grades matter

In some cases, this extra layer imposed by institutions, companies or organisations might even be more important than your personal goals. In extreme cases, the external goals might indeed be the only reason you’re studying Chinese. Perhaps you need those credits to get into the program you want or our parents forced you to take Chinese in school, even though you didn’t want to.

There are extremes in both directions, of course, and most of us will find ourselves somewhere in the middle, i.e. personal goals are important, but we can’t afford to ignore grades or tests completely. If you only care about grades, I think you will fail unless you find some way of enjoying what you’re doing. If you don’t care about grades at all, you don’t really need this article.

Personal goals and institutional goals

Before we go into this in more detail, let’s first discuss an underlying assumption. For this article to make sense, there has to be a significant difference between personal goals and external goals, but is that really the case?

I think it is. It’s extremely unlikely that the requirements of the course you’re enrolled in or the test you’re required to take are identical.

There is also a difference between actual ability and performance on at est. Answering multiple choice questions is not the same as listening to a lecture, writing a short essay on a random topic is not the same as writing a letter to someone in Chinese. In short, you can be very good at Chinese and still fail tests. Conversely, you can pass exams and still lack crucial skills you aren’t being tested on.

I think that this is a problem with measurement (i.e. how do we measure progress, success or proficiency), something I’ve written more about in this article: Counting what counts. Having made this clear, let’s get into to the discussion of how to handle grades of various kinds and make sure you get the best grades possible.

I will focus on three aspects:

Studying the requirements
Efficiency analysis
The practice effect

Studying the requirements

This might look simple, but in some cases it can be very hard to figure out what is required of you. What I mean by “requirements” here is that you should make sure that you know what is required of you in as much detail as possible. If your preparing for a test, you need to know what abilities it tests, how they are tested and how they grade your performance.

The same is true for courses, where it can be even harder to figure out what’s required because of individual differences between teachers or an opaque grading system Still, i you don’t know what is required of you, the rest I have to say in this article won’t help you much, so make sure you figure that out first.

Efficiency analysis

The next step is to figure out which parts will give you the highest number of points for the least amount of effort. This holds true both for when you prepare for an exam and when you actually take the exam.

When preparing, focus on what’s likely to give you many points without costing you too much time. In my opinion, this mostly involves fixing your worst problems, rather than honing the skills you’re already quite good at. If grammar is your weak point, increasing reading speed by 5% will probably help less than drilling grammar patterns all those hours it took to increase the reading speed.

When taking an exam, you need to be very clear about how scoring works. For instance, earlier this year, I took the TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language, Taiwan’s version of the HSK), and since the test is arranged so that the questions become gradually harder but still have a fixed number of points, it doesn’t pay off to rush through the early parts of the exam. In other words, you need to spend more time for each point late in the exam compared to early in the exam.

A particular point of interest is the grammar/vocabulary part, which gives you many, many points without having to read a lot of text. This is where you can get the most points per unit time. Having looked at the requirements carefully, it is also clear that you can afford to miss quite a number of questions on the reading part and still pass, so it makes much more sense to go through questions carefully and run out of time rather than rush through. This is not obvious if you don’t analyse the test. It might not be true for other exams or later versions of the same exam either, for that matter.

The practice effect

When doing scientific research, the practice effect is something that can skew the results. For instance, if we want to figure out if study method A is beneficial for preparing for an exam, we can’t test the students too often, because if we do, we don’t know if they improved because they used study method A or because they practised (and thus got better at) taking the test.

When you care about grades, this is good, because you don’t really care what gives you the good results; as long as the results are good, you’re happy.

Taking a test requires a set of skills which is unique and you need time to adjust to the requirements of the test. A good example of this is IQ tests on the internet. If you do several consecutive tests that contain similar exercises (or if you do the same test more than once), you will of course receive a higher score, but it would be naive to think that this implies that you have increased your overall IQ.Your increased score is due to the fact that you’ve become more proficient at taking that particular kind of test.

Everything is hard the first few times you try; Chinese proficiency tests are no exception. Thus, take as many mock exams as you can, sign up for any pilot tests or do whatever practice questions are available. If you’re taking a course, ask your teacher for last year’s exam and practice on that. This is likely to be the most efficient way to increase your score and also allows you to identify problem areas where you might need to spend more time.

How to get good grades when studying Chinese

Passing a difficult test or a demanding language course isn’t something you can expect to do just relying on your general proficiency level. Sure, if you’re level is way above the required level, you should still be fine (after all, most native speakers would do very well on Chinese exams for foreigners, even though they haven’t prepared at all), but if that’s the situation you’re in, I don’t think you would have read this far.

No, passing an exam or receiving good grades in a course is based both your general proficiency and your ability to apply that proficiency to the particular exam or course in question. This latter part requires practice, analysis and some planning to achieve. Thus, even though it’s obvious you need to know the language, too, don’t overlook the structural aspects of proficiency exams and language courses if you want good grades!

Cramming vs. spaced repetition: When to use which method to learn Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:20 +0000

Reviewing is an integral part of learning Chinese, and students who don’t do it will forget most of what they have learned. Most students know that reviewing is important, but when it comes to how to review, things become hazier.

Simply looking at or rereading already familiar content is common but very inefficient, especially when it comes to learning to write characters. That requires you to actively probe your memory through active recall; simply reading is not enough.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode (#241):

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

Extensive reading and listening is the best form of review

Other ways to review include extensive reading and listening to new content that largely uses the same characters, words, and expressions. Graded readers and podcasts at lower levels than your own are particularly useful for this.

There are many reasons why extensive reading and listening are awesome, but the main one is that you encounter the same words over and over in slightly different contexts, allowing you to form form-meaning connections. This is vastly superior to seeing the words used in the same sentences over and over, such as when reviewing a textbook.

For recommendations, see:

The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners

The 10 best free Chinese reading resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners

For a discussion of the benefits of reviewing through reading rather than a flashcard program, see Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better.

Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better

When and how should you review Chinese vocabulary?

As noted, if you want to learn Chinese characters, especially handwriting, simply reading won’t be enough. There are also other situations where you might want to invest time specifically into learning and reviewing vocabulary.

In this article, we’re going to look at one specific aspect of how to review: the timing. Put briefly, how should the reviews be distributed over time? Should reviews be massed together (cramming) or spread out (spaced repetition)?

Understanding cramming vs. spaced repetition

Reviews of a specific item, such as a Chinese character or word, can either be crammed together in a short period (sometimes called massed repetition in the literature) or spread out over time (usually called spaced repetition or distributed repetition).

Cramming is common when preparing for exams in school, including for students of Chinese at university.

Spaced repetition is not as common, unless built into apps that some people use to learn Chinese, such as Anki, Pleco or Skritter. It’s a pity that spaced repetition isn’t used more because it has been shown repeatedly to be much more efficient, even though people who use it may perceive it not to be (see, for example, Zechmeister & Shaughnessy, 1980; Bahrick, 1993); more about this later.

Spaced repetition is often associated with flashcards, because flashcards offer a convenient way to spread reviews out over time. I’ve discussed the pros and cons of using flashcards in a series of articles with a summary here: How to best use flashcards to learn Chinese.

How to best use flashcards to learn Chinese

What to do if you’re new to spaced repetition

This article is not meant to explain what spaced repetition is and how it works, so if you’re new to the idea, please read my old article about spaced repetition software for Chinese students. In short, using a program to spread reviews out over time according to a certain algorithm can vastly improve your recall of vocabulary items.

Spaced repetition software and why you should use it

Why cramming remains popular: there’s more to cramming than you might think

One might think that if spaced repetition works so well, students would gradually adopt it as a superior method.

This is not the case, though. Research even shows the opposite, namely that cramming becomes more widespread the longer students have studied (see Vacha & McBride, 1993).

If cramming is worse than spaced repetition, how come students gravitate towards cramming anyway?

There are many factors influencing what methods students use to pass exams, but here are some plausible ones why they choose cramming over spaced repetition:

Cramming actually works in the short term. Few would argue that spaced repetition is very effective for preparing for exams the next week, because there needs to be enough time to space the reviews. Even programmes built on the idea of spaced repetition, such as Anki, have cram modes. This is not only because users want it (which I’m sure they do), but because it might be the best method for short-term learning.
Institutional learning is often short-sighted. In language courses, exams often focus on new material, with older material only being tested incidentally. Thus, a strategy based on cramming for exams usually does work, especially if you don’t expect to be tested on last week’s characters this week and there is no final exam with all the characters.
Sometimes the goal is short-term. If you have a basic proficiency already but want to use your Mandarin for something specific, cramming will lead to quicker results. For example, if you have a business meeting focusing on a type of product you’re not used to, cramming might be the best option. You might not need all that vocabulary in the long term, but you do need it for that meeting. The same could be true for educational purposes, translation, interpreting and many other situations where long-term learning is not the goal.
Students might lack the discipline to use spaced repetition. Even if students believe spaced repetition is the best way to learn (and many don’t; see below), they might still be too lazy or undisciplined to use it. Everybody knows that doing something when you have to, such as cramming for an exam the next day, is easier than preparing a little bit every day for something months away. I’ve known about the benefits of spaced repetition for a long time but have still crammed occasionally for exams.
Students underestimate the effectiveness of spaced repetition. This remains true even after they have tried it and performed better than they would have otherwise. In a study by Kornell (2009), it was found that students who used spaced repetition did better than students who used massed repetition. But even after sitting an exam and having their knowledge tested, they still believed that massing was more efficient!

Why students underestimate spaced repetition

The reason they are mistaken could be related to several things.

For instance, they might mistake ease of repetition for actual recall. Looking at something you already know feels familiar, so you might fool yourself into believing you remembered it better than an exam would show. This is similar to rereading a book to prepare for an exam, which makes you feel like you’re studying, but which is actually next to useless (see Callender & McDaniel, 2009).

It could also be that spreading reviews out over time feels less effective because you can’t mentally check a box and say you’re now done with section 15b after 30 minutes of cramming it.

Spaced repetition is superior because learning Chinese is not a short-term project

To summarise, cramming is a valid method that works for short-term studying. If you want to pass a course focusing on limited content and grades is everything you care about, cramming does the trick. For more about how to study to get good grades, check How to get good grades when studying Chinese.

How to get good grades when studying Chinese

However, learning Chinese is not a short-term project. It takes years.

You still need to know all the things you learn as a beginner as an intermediate student, and most of the things you learn as an intermediate student, you will need at an advanced level.

You don’t only need to know them, but you need to know them fast!

When to use cramming vs. spaced repetition

So, cramming mostly works because of the way institutional language learning is structured. If all students learnt Chinese with long-term goals of being able to communicate well in the language, cramming would almost never be the right choice. The real world of communication in a language is long term.

Using spaced repetition for successful long-term learning

As learners of Chinese, we need spaced repetition to commit characters, words, and expressions to long-term memory in an efficient way.

Note that efficiency is important here because the same study I quoted above that said that cramming worked also said cramming took more hours.

We don’t want that. We want to use those hours to immerse ourselves in the language more or perhaps learn even more vocabulary.

Learn Chinese efficiently, not quickly

What teachers can do to avoid their students cramming

As teachers of Chinese, we need to stop organising our teaching in a way that promotes cramming. Or, put differently, we need to structure our courses so that the methods that promote long-term success also work in our classrooms. The goal is for our students to learn Chinese, after all, not to get a grade.

Courses and lessons should be designed with the long-term benefit of students in mind, and cramming does not promote that. Assessment should be continuous and not only focus on what has been taught recently. Exams should focus on students’ ability to communicate, not how well they’ve memorised the five most recent chapters in their textbook.

Students should, of course, be told about this in advance, and they should be given the tools to cope. Spaced repetition is one of them.

References and further reading

Bahrick, H. P., Bahrick, L. E., Bahrick, A. S., & Bahrick, P. E. (1993). Maintenance of foreign language vocabulary and the spacing effect. Psychological Science, 4(5), 316-321.

Bloom, K. C., & Shuell, T. J. (1981). Effects of massed and distributed practice on the learning and retention of second-language vocabulary. The Journal of Educational Research, 74(4), 245-248.

Callender, A., & McDaniel, M. (2009). The Limited Benefits of Rereading Educational Texts.. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 34, 30-41.

Kornell, N., & Bjork, R. A. (2008). Learning concepts and categories: Is spacing the “enemy of induction”?. Psychological science, 19(6), 585-592.

Kornell, N. (2009). Optimising learning using flashcards: Spacing is more effective than cramming. Applied Cognitive Psychology: The Official Journal of the Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 23(9), 1297-1317.

Vacha, E. F., & McBride, M. J. (1993). Cramming: A barrier to student success, a way to beat the system or an effective learning strategy?. College Student Journal.

Zechmeister, E. B., & Shaughnessy, J. J. (1980). When you know that you know and when you think that you know but you don’t. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 15(1), 41-44.

6 Chinese Slang Phrases with 吃 (Chī) You Should Know

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

6 Chinese Slang Phrases with 吃 (Chī) You Should Know

Jun 5, 2025

6 Surprising Chinese Phrases with 吃 (Chī) – Common Slang & Idioms with “To Eat” in Mandarin

China is famous for its rich food culture and authentic Chinese cuisine. When exploring different regional Chinese dishes the verb 吃 (chī) (“to eat” in Mandarin) is often the first word that comes to mind. Interestingly there are several Chinese idioms with 吃, Chinese phrases with chī and even Chinese slang expressions that include the verb 吃, but have meanings unrelated to eating.

Let’s discover 6 surprising Chinese phrases with “to eat” and explore how they are used in everyday Chinese conversation, Mandarin slang and Chinese expressions about life.

01. To Feel Surprised

吃惊
chī jīng
to feel surprised

In this word, 惊 (jīng) means “surprise”. 吃惊 (chī jīng) is usually used as an adjective to express that you come across something unexpected. For example:

他中文说得这么好，我很吃惊。
Tā Zhōngwén shuō de zhème hǎo, wǒ hěn chījīng.
I’m surprised that he speaks Chinese so well.

02. To Bear Losses

吃亏
chī kuī
to bear losses

In this word, (kuī) stands for “loss”. Therefore, this verb can be translated as “to bear losses” or “to be in a disadvantageous position”. For example:

Jason很精明，你和他一起工作可能会吃亏。
Jason hěn jīngmíng, nǐ hé tā yīqǐ gōngzuò kěnéng huì chī kuī.
Jason is shrewd, and you might be in a disadvantageous position if you have to work with him.

03. To Be Jealous

吃醋
chī cù
to be jealous

In this word, 醋 (cù) means “vinegar”, which insinuates the “sour taste” that can be felt when you see someone you like hanging out with another person. You can use it to tease your partner a bit if he or she is the jealous type. For example:

我喜欢Mike, 但是他经常和Linda在一起，我吃醋了。
Wǒ xǐhuan Mike, dànshì tā jīngcháng hé Linda zài yīqǐ, wǒ chī cù le.
I like Mike, but he often hangs out with Linda, I feel jealous.

04. To Be Strenuous

吃力
chī lì
to be strenuous

力 (lì) means “force” or “energy”. This word can be used to describe something (work or exercises) that turns out to be quite hard and hence may “consume a lot of energy”. For example:

这份工作很吃力，你需要每天工作12个小时。
Zhè fèn gōngzuò hěn chīlì, nǐ xūyào měitiān gōngzuò shí’èr gè xiǎoshí.
This job is pretty strenuous. You need to work for 12 hours every day.

05. To Bear Hardships

吃苦
chī kǔ
to bear hardships

In this case 苦 (kǔ) means “bitter”. The literal meaning of this word (the intake of bitterness) implicitly refers to someone who is willing to handle an excessive amount of workload or face predicaments. For example:

他学习努力，很能吃苦。
Tā xuéxí nǔlì, hěn néng chī kǔ.
He studies hard and is able to bear hardships.

06. To Be Popular

吃香
chī xiāng
to be popular

香 (xiāng) means “aromatic”. This is a colloquial word that is used to describe someone or something that is considered popular. The meaning of this word can also be treated like “something/someone smells so nice that everyone wants to take a bite”. For example:

IT专业的毕业生很吃香。
IT zhuānyè de bìyèshēng hěn chī xiāng.
Graduates with a degree in IT are very popular (among employers).

6 Surprising Chinese Phrases with “to eat”

We hope this topic was useful for you! To enhance your proficiency, maintain a consistent study routine and apply these words in real-life situations for more effective practice. To find out more interesting facts about Chinese language, check out other blog posts: Traditional and Simplified Chinese Characters, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese Characters,

Visit our Instagram account: That’s Mandarin official Instagram Profile.

FAQ: Surprising Chinese Phrases with 吃 (Chī)

01. What does 吃 (chī) mean in Chinese?

The character 吃 (chī) means “to eat” in Mandarin, but it’s also widely used in idioms and slang expressions that have nothing to do with food. For example, phrases like 吃惊 (to feel surprised), 吃苦 (to bear hardships) use 吃 metaphorically.

02. Are there idioms in Chinese that use 吃 in non-food contexts?

Yes, many Chinese idioms and phrases use 吃 in a figurative sense. Examples include 吃亏 (to suffer a loss), 吃力 (to be strenuous) and 吃香 (to be popular).

03. What is the meaning of 吃醋 (chī cù)?

吃醋 literally means “to eat vinegar”, but is used to express jealousy, especially in romantic situations. It’s a common and playful slang term in modern Chinese.

04. How can I learn more useful Chinese expressions like these?

You can explore more Mandarin idioms and expressions by reading Chinese blogs, taking online Chinese lessons, or using language apps that focus on everyday usage and cultural slang.

05. Can I use these phrases in daily conversation?

Absolutely! These idiomatic expressions are commonly used by native speakers in daily life both in casual chats and formal contexts, making them great for improving your spoken Chinese.

07. What’s the best way to remember slang and idioms with 吃?

Practice by using them in real-life situations or role-playing flashcards and reading Chinese dialogues can also help reinforce these expressions naturally.

← Chinese Slang 666 (liuliuliu) Meaning | That’s Mandarin8 Chinese Nicknames for Western Celebrities | That’s Mandarin →

Chinese Names of 10 Popular Superheroes

8 Unique Exotic Fruits in China You Must Try

8 Chinese Nicknames for Western Celebrities | That’s Mandarin

6 Chinese Slang Phrases with 吃 (Chī) You Should Know

Jun 5, 2025

Let’s discover 6 surprising Chinese phrases with “to eat” and explore how they are used in everyday Chinese conversation, Mandarin slang and Chinese expressions about life.

01. To Feel Surprised

吃惊
chī jīng
to feel surprised

In this word, 惊 (jīng) means “surprise”. 吃惊 (chī jīng) is usually used as an adjective to express that you come across something unexpected. For example:

他中文说得这么好，我很吃惊。
Tā Zhōngwén shuō de zhème hǎo, wǒ hěn chījīng.
I’m surprised that he speaks Chinese so well.

吃亏
chī kuī
to bear losses

In this word, (kuī) stands for “loss”. Therefore, this verb can be translated as “to bear losses” or “to be in a disadvantageous position”. For example:

吃醋
chī cù
to be jealous

吃力
chī lì
to be strenuous

05. To Bear Hardships

吃苦
chī kǔ
to bear hardships

他学习努力，很能吃苦。
Tā xuéxí nǔlì, hěn néng chī kǔ.
He studies hard and is able to bear hardships.

吃香
chī xiāng
to be popular

IT专业的毕业生很吃香。
IT zhuānyè de bìyèshēng hěn chī xiāng.
Graduates with a degree in IT are very popular (among employers).

6 Surprising Chinese Phrases with “to eat”

Visit our Instagram account: That’s Mandarin official Instagram Profile.

FAQ: Surprising Chinese Phrases with 吃 (Chī)

01. What does 吃 (chī) mean in Chinese?

02. Are there idioms in Chinese that use 吃 in non-food contexts?

Yes, many Chinese idioms and phrases use 吃 in a figurative sense. Examples include 吃亏 (to suffer a loss), 吃力 (to be strenuous) and 吃香 (to be popular).

03. What is the meaning of 吃醋 (chī cù)?

吃醋 literally means “to eat vinegar”, but is used to express jealousy, especially in romantic situations. It’s a common and playful slang term in modern Chinese.

04. How can I learn more useful Chinese expressions like these?

You can explore more Mandarin idioms and expressions by reading Chinese blogs, taking online Chinese lessons, or using language apps that focus on everyday usage and cultural slang.

05. Can I use these phrases in daily conversation?

Absolutely! These idiomatic expressions are commonly used by native speakers in daily life both in casual chats and formal contexts, making them great for improving your spoken Chinese.

07. What’s the best way to remember slang and idioms with 吃?

Practice by using them in real-life situations or role-playing flashcards and reading Chinese dialogues can also help reinforce these expressions naturally.

Chinese Names of 10 Popular Superheroes

8 Unique Exotic Fruits in China You Must Try

8 Chinese Nicknames for Western Celebrities | That’s Mandarin

6 Chinese Slang Phrases with 吃 (Chī) You Should Know

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11.11

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

11.11

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Don’t miss the chance to save on high-quality Chinese classes – tried, tested, and voted for by students from all around the world – with our biggest discount of the year

The offer is valid for both Group and Private Chinese classes. See the details below.

11.11 Deal Terms

To be eligible for this year’s 11.11 deal, purchase your class packages in the period from November 1 to November 11, 2023.

This offer cannot be combined with any other That’s Mandarin discounts or promotions.

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How to Talk About Being Proud in Real Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

凡尔赛 (Fán ěr sài) – humble brag
炫一下 (Xuàn yī xià) – show off a bit
小骄傲 (Xiǎo jiāo ào) – low-key proud
暗爽 (Àn shuǎng) – secretly happy
忍不住炫耀 (Rěn bù zhù xuàn yào) – can’t stop showing off
嘴角上扬 (Zuǐ jiǎo shàng yáng) – smile creeping up

Want to learn more？
Try your first free 1-on-1 trial class with a live native Chinese teacher today—get personalized speaking practice that actually sticks!

5 Most Practical Chinese Idioms with NUMBERS

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

5 Most Practical Chinese Idioms with NUMBERS

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

–>

The trend among many Mandarin teachers and resources is to treat studying 成语 (chéng yǔ) – idioms – as old fashioned.

If you’ve never heard of 成语 (chéng yǔ), to learn more before you read on!

It’s true that you don’t need to learn 成语 (chéng yǔ) to speak Chinese, but there are a ton of practical, common idioms that can you can use in everyday life to help express yourself naturally, just as you use idioms in your own native language.

Our new series highlights fun, useful 成语 (chéng yǔ) that all feature Chinese numbers!

1. 一石二鸟 (yì shí èr niǎo) – Two birds, One stone

is the same as one of the most common English idioms – “to kill two birds with one stone”. The Chinese idiom “一石二鸟 (yì shí èr niǎo) – literally “one stone, two birds” means the same thing in Chinese as it does in English: to achieve two things with one action.

Instead of fumbling around trying to say, “We accomplished two things with one action” in Mandarin, just use this handy 成语 (chéng yǔ) just like you would in English!

* Note that in this idiom, 一 (yī) takes the 4th tone. The rule is:

• When followed by a 4th tone, 一 (yī) changes to 2nd tone (yí).
• When followed by any other tone, 一 (yī) changes to 4th tone (yì).

Watch this super-helpful live hangout where Yangyang explains all the Mandarin tone change rules:

2. 独一无二 (dú yī wú èr) – One of a kind

独一无二 (dú yī wú èr) means “One of a kind”, and might literally be translated as “only one, no two”. Try using this idiom when describing something unique, instead of relying on “很特别 (hěn tè bié) – very special.” (Please note, the tone for 一 (yī) here is the first tone, this is a special case specific to this idiom.)

For example, you might use this idiom to describe someone you find fascinating, or explain your love for someone:

“对我来说她是独一无二的 (duì wǒ lái shuō tā shì dú yī wú èr de) – To me, she is one of a kind.”

This idiom is really a poetic way to emphasize the uniqueness of just about anything. For example, if you are standing on the Great Wall, awestruck by its majesty, you might shout out:

“长城是独一无二的古迹 (cháng chéng shì dú yī wú èr de gǔ jì) – The Great Wall is one of a kind historical site!”

3. 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì) – Three hearts, Two ideas

The third idiom in our ‘Numbers Chengyu’ series is “三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì)” which literally means “3 hearts, 2 ideas”. It captures the feeling of wanting to do everything at the same time, but ending up doing nothing (or doing none of it well), and can loosely be translated as “of two minds about something” or “half-heartedly”.

You might use this in the real world scolding a friend who is trying to tell a story and drive at the same time! You could say:

“开车时一定不能三心二意，不然会很危险 (kāi chē shí yí dìng bù néng sān xīn èr yì bù rán huì hěn wēi xiǎn) – When you’re driving, you can’t be of two minds about it, otherwise it’s dangerous!”

Another example is:

“他一边看电视，一边学习，整天三心二意的 (tā yì biān kàn diàn shì, yì biān xué xí, zhěng tiān sān xīn èr yì de) – He’s watching TV while studying, doing things half-heartedly all day.”

4. 七上八下 (qī shàng bā xià) – 7 up, 8 down

This idiom is a really fantastic way to say you are feeling worried or agitated. “七上八下 (qī shàng bā xià)” literally means “7 up, 8 down”.

We actually taught this idiom in our Chinese Characters Course, when we covered the character for “7” – 七 (qī)! Yoyo Chinese students can .

Next time you’re feeling worried, try using this awesome expression instead of using boring old 担心 (dān xīn). For example, after taking a big test you might say:

“我心里七上八下地在等待着结果 (wǒ xīn lǐ qī shàng bā xià de zài děng dài zhe jié guǒ) – I’m waiting for the results right now, I can’t help but be worried.”

Or imagine one night you are worried because your partner is home late, you could say:

“这么晚了我女朋友还没回来，我心里七上八下的 (zhè me wǎn le wǒ nǚ péng you hái méi huí lai wǒ xīn lǐ qī shàng bā xià de) – It’s so late and my girlfriend hasn’t come back yet, I’m worried.”

You might notice that both of these examples use “我心里 (wǒ xīn lǐ) – in my heart”. This idiom is almost always preceded with 心里 (xīn lǐ), which is important to keep in mind when forming your own sentences with this 成语 (chéng yǔ).

5. 十全十美 (shí quán shí měi) – Ten all, Ten perfect

To say “perfect” in Chinese you could use 完美 (wán měi). But what if you REALLY want to emphasize how absolutely perfect something is… how do you say “perfect”, but with a stronger feeling?

In English we sometimes use the expression “a perfect 10”, and there’s a similar idiom in Chinese: 十全十美 (shí quán shí měi) – literally “10 all 10 perfect”.

It’s a great, natural expression that’s easy to use in a real conversation to describe something as perfect in every way. For example, after seeing a great movie, you might say:

“这个故事有一个十全十美的结局 (zhè ge gù shi yǒu yí ge shí quán shí měi de jié jú) – This story has a perfect ending.”

Or, imagine your friend receives some disappointing news. You might console her by saying:

“世界上不存在十全十美的事情 (shì jiè shang bù cún zài shí quán shí měi de shì qing) – No perfect things exist in the world.”

Try using these 成语 (chéng yǔ) today and see how idioms help you go beyond basic vocabulary and express how you feel in a more meaningful way.

Want more Chinese 成语 (chéng yǔ)? Check out for ten more idioms!

Phonetic components, part 2: Hacking Chinese characters

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

Last week, we looked at how understanding phonetic components can help us learn to read and write Chinese characters. That’s usually something learners pick up more or less automatically, provided that the phonetic component is also a common character in itself. It’s kind of hard not to notice that most characters containing 青 are pronounced qing, albeit with different tones. This week, we’re going to look at some less obvious applications of phonetic components and how they can help us solve a truly tricky problem.

Some Chinese characters are confusingly similar

In the beginning, you can easily create mnemonics for each individual character and since you have so few visually similar characters, it’s not that hard to keep them separate. As the number of character increases, though, you will soon run into a very tricky problem: series of characters that look almost the same and only differs in one or two strokes.

If you try to learn these simply by writing them a lot, you will probably fail, or at least waste a lot of time. Instead of doing that, there is a trick you can use to solve many of these problems. Often, the reason you keep confusing characters is because it’s hard to remember meaningless things (the absence of a dot, the addition of a stroke). It’s much easier to remember pronunciation and/or concrete objects.

Confusing characters can be easily hacked by paying attention to the phonetic component

Naturally, not all confusing characters can be solved this way, but I’m going to show you some that are very easy to deal with so that you can keep your eyes peeled for these in the future. In short, the characters are really easy to confuse, but you can deduce which one is which based only on the phonetic component.

Let me give you a basic example first (adapted from this article). 良 (liang) and 艮 (gen) – When you write characters with these two components, it’s extremely hard to remember if there should be a dot or not. Considering that I know at least 25 characters with these components, it can become very confusing indeed. Until you notice that all characters containing 良 (with the dot) end with -iang or -ang (note: with “ng”), and all characters with 艮 (without the dot) end with -in, -en or -ian (note: no “ng”). Like this:

With dot (view all here): 娘, 浪, 狼, 莨, 阆, 琅, 稂, 锒, 粮, 蜋, 酿, 踉
Without dot (view all here): 艰, 限, 垦, 很, 恨, 狠, 退, 垠, 哏, 恳, 根, 痕, 眼, 银, 裉, 跟

This means that you can know if there should be a dot or not simply by knowing the pronunciation of the character! You never need to worry about remembering this, you just need to know the pronunciation of the phonetic components. Conversely, you can sometimes guess the pronunciation of a new character if you know the phonetic component. Any character containing 良 (liang) are likely to be pronounced either liang or niang, and characters with 艮 (gen) tend to be pronounced hen or gen.

More examples (please add your own in the comments)

To show you how powerful this is, here are a few more examples of characters that might be trolling you. Some of these are not relevant for simplified characters, but rather than caring too much about that, focus more on the principles. Even though simplified characters sometimes avoid the problem, more and trickier problems are created by merging character components. That’s beyond the scope of this article, though.

延 (yan) and 廷 (ting)

Characters based on 延 (yan) are always pronounced -an…

诞 dàn
蜒 yán
涎 xián
筵 yán
埏 yán shān
綖 yán
蜑 dàn
莚 yán
駳 dàn
鋋 yán
硟 chàn

…and those with 廷 (ting) are pronounced ting:

庭 tíng
艇 tǐng
挺 tǐng
霆 tíng
蜓 tíng
铤 tǐng
梃 tǐng
閮 tíng
莛 tíng
綎 tīng
鼮 tíng

易 (yi) and 昜 (yang)

Characters based on 易 (yi) are always pronounced -i…

锡 xí
赐 cì
踢 tī
惕 tì
剔 tī
蜴 yì
裼 xí, tì
埸 yì
逷 tì

…and those with 昜 (yang) end with -ang:

諹 yáng
逿 dàng táng
輰 yáng
颺 yáng
鍚 yáng

令 (ling) and 今 (jin)

Characters based on 令 (ling) all start with l- and often end with -ng:

领 lǐng
冷 lěng
零 líng
龄 líng
怜 lián
邻 lín
玲 líng
铃 líng
岭 lǐng
伶 lín
拎 līng
翎 líng
聆 líng
羚 líng

…and those with 今 (jin) don’t start with l- and often end with -n:

念 niàn
含 hán
琴 qín
贪 tān
吟 yín
岑 cén
矜 jīn
黔 qián
芩 qín

I think this is enough to show you what I mean. If you have more examples of your own, please leave a comment! And if you want to check out more like this, I suggest you head over to the list of phonetic sets at HanziCraft. I also recommend using Zhongwen.com. Of course, not all sets are easy to confuse, but I hope that this article and the previous one will make you pay more attention to the phonetic components of Chinese characters.

Hacking Chinese 2013/2014: What was and what will be

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

Even though 2014 has been here for more than a month, the year of the horse just started. I like horses quite a lot and view this as an auspicious sign indeed! As i have done previous years, I will take the opportunity to step back a bit and look at this website from a distance and share with you some thought of what was and what will be on Hacking Chinese. Of course, I’m also interested in your opinion!

What did you think of Hacking Chinese in 2013?
What do you expect from Hacking Chinese in 2014?

Hacking Chinese in 2013

As usual, the plans I detailed for 2013 didn’t all come true. It’s true that I have written quite a lot and almost certainly will be able to publish a book or two in 2014, but I spent way too little time on such projects last year. Not only that, I seem to be overly cautious by nature. I consider each step a little bit too carefully before taking it. Still, 2013 wasn’t all wasted opportunities and squandered time:

I published 56 articles on Hacking Chinese
I arranged three Hacking Chinese meet-ups
I did a big site update in March
I’ve tweaked the website numerous times
I started financing the site using ads
The number of visitors more than doubled
359 learners signed up for the weekly newsletter
I tweeted 1676 times about learning Chinese
I got 2547 new followers on Twitter
I’ve received 1104 new likes on Facebook

My personal top ten articles from 2013

An interesting aspect of publishing articles on Hacking Chinese is that it’s sometimes very hard to predict which articles will become popular. I have already shared the most read articles from 2013 on Twitter, so now it’s time to look at which articles I think were the most important this year. There’s some overlap with the popular vote, but not much:

Preparing for rainy days and dealing with slumps
Learning the right chengyu the right way
The Cthulhu bubble and studying Chinese
21 essential dictionaries and corpora for learning Chinese
Dealing with near-synonyms in Chinese as an independent learner
You might be too lazy to learn Chinese, but you’re not too old
Phonetic components, part 1: The key to 80% of all Chinese characters
Chinese character challenge: Towards a more sensible way of learning to write Chinese
Standard pronunciation in Chinese and why you want it
You shouldn’t walk the road to Chinese fluency alone

Hacking Chinese in 2014

I haven’t been very good at finishing major projects, but considering that I will both have more time to spend and that I have already done a lot, I expect more stand-alone products to be published in 2014 (this probably means mainly e-books about learning Chinese, and “more” means more than nothing). I have lots of ideas, so don’t be surprised if I produce other, perhaps rather unexpected products!

The main difference between 2014 and any previous year is that it’s time for me to see how realistic it is to spend time working with Hacking Chinese in the future. After I graduate, I need to earn my living somehow, and if you like what I do here enough, I might be able to keep spending significant amounts of time on Hacking Chinese. Thus, my goal is to spend more time on Hacking Chinese, not less. This comes with one very important question:

If I spend more time on Hacking Chinese, what do you want me to do?

Obviously, the “hidden” condition here is that I will charge for some extra services or products I add. The basic website as it is now will always be free, but if I invest more time than I currently do, it will need to be financed somehow. I don’t know yet if this will be through subscriptions, crowd funding or directly by products you can buy on the site, such as e-books; I might try all of these. If you have any feedback regarding this, send me an e-mail!

Another major issue I need to solve is how to maintain the site technically. I have numerous ideas for cool ways of making the site better and offering cooler ways of learning Chinese, but some of them requires coding, something I can only pretend to know the basics of at the moment (I know enough to make simple modifications to what other people have already done).

One alternative is for me to spend a few months learning to program for the web, but actually, I would much rather spend that time teaching people Chinese, writing e-books and so on. Therefore, I’m also looking for someone who might be able to help me out with the technical aspects of the development of the site, please send me an e-mail if you’re interested! I don’t expect you to work for free, but as long as I don’t have any significant income from the site, I won’t be able to compete with other employers in terms of salary either.

Thank you!

If I’m not making much money from the site, why do I keep spending so much time? Because I like it! I receive massive amounts of positive support from readers and every single donation, e-mail, comment, like and retweet matter! So, if you like Hacking Chinese and what to keep me happy, you can:

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新年快樂！

Triggering quantum leaps in Chinese listening ability

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:19 +0000

Image credit: Roey Ahram

Immersion comes with certain problems, which I’m sure that everyone who has tried it has experienced at some point. If you immerse yourself without knowing how to swim, you’d better learn how to stay afloat quickly or you’ll surely drown.

Fortunately, most of the time we can control what kind of immersion we do and to what extent; we don’t go swimming with the piranhas the first time. However, being in control is also a problem, because it gives you an excuse to stay at a level which is too easy for you.

The input hypothesis or i+1

According to linguist Stephen Krashen, in order to learn a language, we should expose ourselves to material at a level which is i+1, where i is our previously accumulated knowledge. Put simply, we should listen to or read Chinese which is comprehensible, but at a slightly higher level than our own.

The theory is that if we only expose ourselves to Chinese equal to our own (i.e. just i) we won’t learn very much. The same is true if the input is too difficult and we don’t understand anything (i.e. i+2).

This approach is easy to understand and intuitive for most people, but it’s also dangerous in that it will give us an excuse to avoid material we consider to be too hard. This is because it’s notoriously difficult to pinpoint what this +1 really means. I’m convinced that it’s higher than most people think.

“It’s too hard, I don’t understand anything!”

I’ve said this to myself at least four times since I started studying Chinese. In other words, I’ve felt that I’m immersing myself in Chinese which is at an i+2 level or higher. This is because I’ve consistently picked difficult courses, courses that are actually on a level slightly too high for me (see Is taking a Chinese course that’s too hard good for your learning?).

The important thing is that each time I’ve entered a more challenging environment, I’ve had the feeling that I will drown and that there is no way I can understand Chinese being spoken that quickly and with that amount of difficult words.

However, each time I’ve adapted and learnt how to handle the situation. Sure, it requires hard work and some time, but it’s not that difficult! The thing is that if you don’t expose yourself to something difficult, you will never learn how to handle it. Using running as an allegory, if you only run five kilometres each time, how can you ever hope to be able to run a full Marathon? Of course, it will be hard every time you increase the distance, but it’s obvious that you have to do so in order to reach your goal!

Adapting takes time

If you increase the difficulty of what you’re listening to, either in class or somewhere else, it will take some time for you to adapt. Don’t be scared by the fact that it might feel like you don’t understand anything in the beginning. Listening ability is a lot about piecing together information stored in your brain fast enough to be able to understand what is said around you. Doing that requires practise. The most important thing of all is that if you don’t expose yourself to difficult Chinese, you will never be able to understand difficult Chinese. It’s that simple.

The crux of the matter is that it only feels like you’re at an i+2 level, whereas you’re in fact well within what you can handle, provided that you give yourself enough time to adapt. Listening for a few hours and saying that it’s too hard is not enough! Be patient, do your best and it will pay off.

A personal example

To illustrate what I’m talking about I’ll share a personal example. When I first arrived in Taiwan, I had studied Chinese for one year in Sweden. Most of my classmates had studied Chinese for about the same time, but in Taiwan, meaning that they were far ahead of me when it came to listening and speaking (but not necessarily reading and writing). I remember that my first day in class was horrible; how could I ever hope to understand what the teacher was saying? I understood only perhaps 50%!

Then, slowly, that number started to rise. It approached 100% well before the end of the semester. This was of course partly a result of studying, but just being exposed to language at a more advanced level was certainly an important part of it. The same thing happened in the subsequent semester (see Is taking a Chinese course that’s too hard good for your learning?).

I+3 and a warning

It might be possible to learn Chinese by exposing yourself to huge amounts of naturally produced Chinese by native speakers for native speakers, but I doubt that that is the most efficient method. It certainly requires more determination than most students can muster. I say this because if you really don’t understand anything, you’re probably listening to something which is really too difficult. However, if you understand lots of words without necessarily being able to understand the sentences, you should be okay.

A quantum leap forward

The reason I say that this is a quantum leap is of course that development usually occurs in big steps, not a gradual transition. If you always listen to things that are too difficult for you and keep making it more difficult as you learn more, it will be very hard to advance, but if you feel that you are comfortable with a certain level and then take a big step to another, more difficult level, then you will be able to adapt to that, master it and then you have the foundation to take another leap. This also enables you to rest and consolidate what you have learnt before moving on.

This progression also tallies well with courses, since most language schools and courses aren’t really structured for flexible changes between different courses within a single semester. Thus, try to find something which is a bit too difficult, stick with it for one semester, feel that you’ve taken a big step towards better listening ability and then repeat the same process again next semester (or the next semester after that if you don’t feel ready). Just don’t stay in the shallow end of the pool too long.

Conclusion

In summary, I think that it’s always worth experimenting with material which at first seems to be too difficult. More often than not, you will find that if you just give it some time, you will adapt to the new level. Don’t be dispirited by the fact that you only understand fragments of what is being said, if you persist, you will make progress. It takes some practise to know what really is too difficult, but until you know that, don’t be afraid of reaching a little bit higher than what feels comfortable.

China’s Super Foods

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

China’s Super Foods

So you’ve read up on Chinese food and experienced Chinese food in your home country, but did you know that many super foods that are popular throughout the West today (and some which are actually not well-known outside of China yet) are originally from China?

These are some of China’s best super foods, where to get them, how people in China generally eat them, and what they can do for your health while you are traveling through China (and beyond if you choose to incorporate them into your lifestyle!).

Goji Berries

Chinese: 枸杞 gǒuqǐ /go-chee/

What? Goji berries, also known as Chinese Wolfberries, are the fruit of Lycium barbarum (the family that also includes potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and chili peppers) and are native to China’s northeastern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Where? You can buy them dried by the gram – for this, dried fruit stalls are usually found at popular tourist destinations, especially in mountainous regions of China. Alternatively try a supermarket.

Dried goji berries

How? Goji berries are traditionally dried and then used in rice congee, almond jelly, or a variety of traditional Chinese soups. Sometimes they are also boiled in tea, or blended into Chinese traditional medicine.

Bitter Melon

Chinese: 苦瓜 kǔguā /koo-gwaa/

Stuffed meat in bitter melon

What? This bitter melon is bitter, yes, but has a whole bunch of medicinal benefits: anti-malarial, anti-cancer, anti-viral, great for your heart, good for people with diabetes, and allegedly good for the slowing of Alzheimer’s. Although these medicinal benefits are still to be proven, kugua is eaten throughout the country as a way to cool down the body, especially during the hot summer months.

Where? Bitter melon is common vegetable, so you can buy them from vegetable markets in China. And of course you can get them from supermarket.

How? Bitter melon is usually found cooked into dishes in most restaurants across the country. A common variety is fried together with egg, kugua chaodan (苦瓜炒蛋) which is popular at Sichuan restaurants to balance out the abundance of chili, or as a cold salad-like starter (凉拌苦瓜) for the same reason.

Jujube

Dried jujube

Chinese: 红枣 hóngzǎo /hong-dzaoww/

What? Jujube dates are red and wrinkly, and although they are a dried fruit, are commonly known for being able to revitalize and moisturize the body. On top of that, they are said to clear the five sinuses, and are therefore perfect if you’ve got a cold.

Where? Jujube dates can be bought throughout the country at stores selling fruits and vegetables. Alternatively try a supermarket – ask your tour guide for help if you need it.

How? Dried jujube dates can be used in soup, tea, or sweet drinks. The fresh jujube dates is also a popular fruit.

Green Tea

Green tea

Chinese: 绿茶 lǜchá /lyoo-chaa/

What? Green tea comes in many different varieties depending on the city you are in, and has been consumed in China for centuries. The tea is believed to help toxins flush from your body, relax blood vessels, and reduce anxiety and stress. Get the whole loose tealeaves for the ultimate health effects.

Where? You can buy green tea in different beautiful boxes, or just by the gram in tea stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and even at the airport. (Tea also makes a great gift idea for friends at home!)

How? Tea is usually boiled as drink. Some people also add it in dishes.

Pak Choi

Pak choi in Chinese vegetable market

Chinese: 小白菜 xiǎobáicài /sshyaoww-beye-tseye/

What? Pak choi, sometimes known as bok choy, is a very common Chinese vegetable, and one of the best sources of vitamins that there is. Think vitamin A, C, and K, to name a few. It is also one of the most frequently used vegetables in the country, and you’ll probably find it in most of your meals.

Where? You can buy this fresh vegetable in common vegetable markets.

How? Most restaurants will serve pak choi in an oyster sauce with mushrooms, or fried with garlic, amongst other varieties. To order one of these two dishes, the garlic version is called suanrong xiaobaicai (蒜蓉小白菜 suànróng xiǎobáicài /swann-rong sshyaoww-beye-tseye/) mushroom version is called xianggu xiaobaicai (香菇小白菜 xiānggū xiǎobáicài /sshyang-goo sshyaoww-beye-tseye/). Pak choi is also commonly found in noodle soups.

Ginseng

Ginseng is usually used as medicine.

Chinese: 人参 rénshēn /rnn-shnn/

What? Ginseng is a fleshy-rooted herb, typically found in eastern Asia (mainly China), and in some areas of North America. It is used to treat a range of different ailments including type II diabetes, and sexual dysfunction in men.

Where? It’s easiest to buy Ginseng in dried form, whole or sliced. There are a bunch of different Ginseng products that are for sale at common tourist sites, but alternatively you can try a supermarket. Some products that are available include teas, energy drinks, coffee, but throughout China it is also found in cosmetic products or things like shampoo.

How? Usually people cook it in soup or tea, as medicine cuisine.

And There is More!

Besides all of these healthy ingredients and super foods, there are a bunch of fruits that are native to China that can help you balance out the inevitable: Chinese food is awesome, and there is a lot of it that you’ll want to try. There are Chinese pears (唐梨 tánglí /tung-lee/), persimmons (柿 Shì /shrr/), Chinese plums (李子 lǐzi /lee-dzrr/ ), and lychee (荔枝 lìzhī /lee-jrr/), all of which you can get at fruit stalls or from supermarkets. Ask your tour guide for more information and to help you buy them, as some are available depending on the season.

Tour With Us

We can arrange your tour to China exactly as you like, including arranging for you to get some of these super foods at markets or in supermarkets to take home to your friends or family, or ordering them cooked in dishes at restaurants throughout your trip. If you are planning a first trip to China, see our most popular tours below for inspiration:

8-Day Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai Tour — the Golden Triangle
12-Day Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong Cuisine Tour — the Flavor of China

Our tours are customizable and our guides are flexible and there to help. You can have a customized and easy China tour with us. Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will create your own China family tour.

Meijiawu Tea Culture Village

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

Meijiawu Tea Culture Village

Hangzhou’s Meijiawu Tea Village is a famous Dragon Well tea plantation nestled in the hills surrounding West Lake. It is renowned as one of the most important production bases of West Lake Dragon Well tea in China, and possibly even the world.

In its former years it once entertained the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United States, Vietnam, Great Britain, Cambodia and many other countries and regions.

The Highlights of Meijiawu Village

Meijiawu Tea Village is situated on the west side of West Lake. Once, it was just a poor village with a history of over six-hundred-years, until the local farmers started to plant tea. It has now become one of the four famous growing areas for Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea) and a featured tea farming village with rich tea culture and leisurely tourism, which attracts millions of tourists every year.

The tea culture village features 160 tea houses, in which travelers can learn about the history and culture of Meijiawu Tea Village and appreciate the whole process of the Chinese Tea Ceremony.

Drying Fresh Green Tea.

Meijiawu Village is reputed for its history of serving exquisite tea. There, elaborate tea ceremonies are held, and you will be able to understand why partaking in tea ceremony is of such importance for the Chinese.

This picturesque village will enable you to experience the pleasure of a perfect cup of tea, watch several tea ceremonies, and most interestingly select tea under professional supervision.

World-Famous Tea

The tea produced in Meijiawu Village is one of the best varieties of West Lake Dragon Well tea, considered by many the best tea in China, and hence best in the world.

Local farmers usually pick tea leaves four times every year: Mingqian tea is picked before the Qingming Festival (Chinese Tomb-Sweeping Day, Apr. 4/5), Yuqian tea is picked before the “grain rain” period (6th solar term, Apr. 20), Sanchun tea before the beginning of the summer (7th solar term, May 6) and Sichun tea just one month later (Jun. 6).

These dates remain fairly similar although they may change slightly from year to year.

Dragon Well Tea Shrimp.

Tea Food and Local Restaurants

Meijiawu Tea Village is also renowned for its tea food, which is known for its lightness, smooth texture, and slightly salty taste, such as shrimp in Longjing tea, shrimp in Biluochun tea, and Longjing fish.

Recently, local restaurants have started to offer several popular dishes, like carp with Qingshui tea, crispy skin chicken with tea, and Dragon Well tea shrimp.

Are There Any Attractions Nearby?

Apart from this world famous tea village, Hangzhou is also home to West Lake, the water feature depicted on the 1yuan banknote. It is an area of immense natural and landscaped beauty spanning 6.5 square kilometers (2½ sq. mi.).

West Lake.

The famous Italian merchant-traveler, Marco Polo, visited Hangzhou during his lifetime, as well as a few other notable figures including emperors throughout the dynasties who used it as a summer retreat.

Touring Meijiawu Tea Plantation with China Highlights

We have designed a tour specially for tea fans to experience tea culture at Meijiawu Tea Plantation. 1-Day Dragon Well Tea Culture Tour

What You Will Experience in this Tour:

Step into a tea plantation at Meijiawu Village and pick tea leaves by hand.
Learn from a local tea specialist the process of stir-drying tea, and the art of making tea.
Visit the China National Tea Museum to glean a general idea of Chinese tea classification and history.
Sample a local tea snacks banquet.

You can step into one of the best tea plantations in the world at Meijiawu.

Our tours are customizable — tell us your interests and requirements and we will help you to tailor-make a Hangzhou tour.

We are able to help arrange tickets to attractions, your preferred mode of transportation, and our recommended accommodation, as well as a top guide to help you have the best China experience with China Highlights.

How to Visit Terracotta Army: Expert Advice From a Local Guide

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

How to Visit Terracotta Army: Expert Advice From a Local Guide

The Terracotta Army, located in Xi’an, is a world-renowned wonder that every traveler to China should experience.

These incredible clay sculptures are not only artistic masterpieces but also a glimpse into the legacy of China’s first emperor. Standing before these life-sized warriors, you can feel the weight of history and the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty.

As a local English-speaking guide, I visit the Terracotta Army more than 100 times a year. Drawing from my extensive experience, this guide offers essential tips and insights to make the most of your visit.

Susan Yang

20 Years as a Local Guide in Xi’an

Content Preview

Highlights of the Terracotta Army
Suggested Visit Route
How Long Does It Take
Best Time & How to Avoid Crowds
How to Get Tickets
How to Get There
Guide vs. Self-Guided Visit
Other Tips

Highlights of the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army site can be divided into two main parts: the Terracotta Army Museum and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

What to See at the Terracotta Army Museum

Pit 1: The largest of the three pits, Pit 1 contains thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses arranged in battle formation. The scale and order are truly astonishing. Arriving early helps you avoid the crowds and appreciate the distinct postures and expressions of the warriors.

Pit 1

Pit 2: This pit features four different military units arranged in separate formations, including kneeling archers, high-ranking officers, saddled horses, and cavalrymen. It’s a great spot to get a closer look at the incredible details of each figure.

Kneeling Archer Figure in Pit 2

Pit 3: Smaller but significant, Pit 3 is considered the army’s command center. Here, you’ll find fewer but more finely crafted figures, offering insight into the strategic leadership of the ancient military. This is also the area where you can take photos with replica warriors that closely resemble the originals.

A photo of our guests with the replica terracotta warriors.

What to Do at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Explore historical relics: Visit the tumulus and satellite pits, like K9901. Don’t miss the Bronze Chariot and Horse Hall, a testament to the Qin Dynasty’s advanced artistry.
Absorb history: Learn about the site’s history and construction through tour guides and videos that bring the ancient past to life.
Enjoy nature: Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s greenery, or climb the tumulus for a scenic view of the area.
Engage with the culture: Participate in simulated archaeology activities or pick up unique souvenirs that reflect the rich heritage of the Qin Dynasty.

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Suggested Visit Routes

It is recommended to explore the Terracotta Army Museum in the following routes:

During Peak Season (Holidays & Weekends)

Start with Pit 3: This smaller, less visited pit offers a more peaceful start to your visit. It also gives you a better understanding of the army’s command structure.
Next, visit Pit 2: By now, the crowd at Pit 1 should have thinned, allowing you to explore the diverse array of figures and chariots without too much congestion.
Finish at Pit 1: Despite any remaining visitors, Pit 1’s awe-inspiring scale and the orderly arrangement of thousands of life-sized warriors and horses will leave you breathless.

During Off-Season (Weekdays with Fewer Visitors)

Start with Pit 1: With fewer tourists, you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of the main army formation and observe the fine details at your own pace.
Move on to Pit 2: Here, you’ll discover additional elements like intricately designed chariots.
End with Pit 3: This final pit, representing the strategic heart of the army, will provide a deeper understanding of the military structure.

This route follows the natural progression of the archaeological discovery, allowing you to appreciate each pit’s unique historical significance.

After exploring the museum, take the shuttle bus to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The buses arrive every few minutes.

Terracotta Warriors Tour Routes

How Long Does It Take to Visit the Terracotta Warriors?

A full visit to the Terracotta Warriors including the museum and the mausoleum takes about 3–4 hours. If you start your visit at 10 a.m. (leaving your hotel at 9 a.m.), you’ll finish by around 3 p.m.

A visit to the Terracotta Army Museum takes around 2–3 hours:

Pit 1: 1–1.5 hours
Pit 2: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Pit 3: 30 minutes

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor will take about 1 hour.

If you have extra time and energy, consider seeing “The Reborn Qin Army – The Underground Guard for Emperor Qin,” a spectacular performance blending music, dance, and stage effects that further explores the history of the Qin Dynasty.

Ticket Price: 268 yuan (36.7 USD) per person
Duration: 70 minutes
Show Times: 12:40 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 4:10 p.m. (Additional shows available during peak season)

Your guide can help you book tickets and provide more details about show schedules.

If you want a deeper experience, such as viewing the first batch of unearthed terracotta warriors and touching real Qin Dynasty cultural relics, see our 8-Day Xi’an and Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour.

Best Time to Visit & How to Avoid Crowds

The best times to visit, in terms of weather, are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures.

Summer (June–August) is the peak season due to school vacations, so expect larger crowds and longer queues (30 minutes to 1 hour).

Winter (December–February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F), but it’s a quieter time to visit. And make sure to dress warmly.

To avoid crowds, plan to visit on weekdays, and avoid weekends and national holidays. Starting early (between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.) will allow you to experience the site before it gets crowded. If you arrive right at opening time, you can enjoy a relatively peaceful visit during the first hour or two. Another suggestion is to plan your trip during the off-season.

China Golden Triangle TourBeijing–Xi’an–Shanghai

How to Get Tickets

The Terracotta Army is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. During peak seasons, booking tickets in advance is essential, especially during holidays and school vacations. You can book tickets for the Terracotta Army up to 10 days ahead.

You can book through the official website or WeChat official account (兵马俑票务在线). You’ll receive a confirmation code or voucher, which can be presented (printed or digital) at the ticket office.

During the off-season, you may be able to buy tickets at the ticket office, but it’s still a good idea to check availability and book ahead to avoid disappointment.

How to Get to the Terracotta Army

There are several ways to reach the Terracotta Army from downtown Xi’an.

One option is to take the public bus. You can catch bus 5 (306) from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and costs 7 to 10 yuan (about 1 USD), offering scenic views along the way.

Another choice is to take a taxi or a ride-hailing service. The trip takes around 45 minutes to an hour, but the cost is higher, typically between 100 and 150 yuan (14–20 USD).

Booking a guided tour is also a convenient option. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off services, and the guide shares historical and cultural insights during the ride. This allows you to relax and enjoy the journey while learning interesting facts and stories, making the travel time an enriching part of your experience.

Get to the Terracotta Army from Beijing

While it’s possible to take a day tour from Beijing to the Terracotta Army, we don’t recommend it as it tends to feel very rushed.

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Xi’an for a more relaxed travel pace. Taking a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an is a great option, with the journey taking around 4 to 6 hours.

Day 1: Arrive in Xi’an, enjoy a local food tour, and explore popular local snack streets rather than just touristy areas.
Day 2: Visit the Terracotta Army and watch a show in the afternoon.
Day 3: Rent a bicycle to ride along the ancient city wall and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda before heading home.

2-Day Xi’an Discovery by Beijing Bullet Trainr Xi’an Discovery + HSR Experience

Guide vs. Self-Guided Visit

Audio Guide: Available at the museum entrance for 20–30 yuan (3–4 USD). It provides basic information but limited interaction.
Local Guide: A local guide costs 100–200 yuan (14–27 USD). They have in-depth knowledge of the site and can answer your specific questions about the Terracotta Army.

With a private guide, you would have a more immersive exploration and gain a deeper cultural understanding throughout your entire Xi’an trip. They can suggest the best times to visit attractions, recommend local food, and provide personalized services.

Our guide is explaining the story of the Terracotta Warriors to our guests.

Other Tips for Visiting the Terracotta Army

1. Transportation from the Parking Lot

The parking lot is about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the entrance. Shuttle buses are available, but queues can be long from May to October.

If you’re fit, consider walking the 15-minute distance. Guides can accompany you on the walk, providing insights along the way.

2. Accessibility

The Terracotta Warriors site is wheelchair-friendly, featuring barrier-free access. Wheelchair rentals are available and can be booked from the parking lot.

3. Luggage Storage

Free luggage storage is available on the east side of the ticket office. For added convenience, you can also leave your luggage in our private car.

4. Smart Shopping

If you’d like to purchase souvenirs, our guide can assist you at the museum’s souvenir shop. They can help you select authentic, high-quality items and, if needed, even negotiate a better price on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair deal and a meaningful keepsake.

5. Dining Considerations

There are plenty of tourist restaurants around the museum, but the quality and prices can vary, and some may be a bit pricey.

If you’re short on time, they can be a convenient option. Our guides will help pick the best one for you, making sure it’s both tasty and affordable, so you have a great meal without overpaying.

6. Scam Awareness

Beware of scams and avoid buying books that claim to be signed by the so-called discoverer of the Terracotta Army. Even some museum guides might try to sell them.

Xiamen University

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

Xiamen University

Xiamen University is worth visiting if you are interested in university life in China or strolling in beautiful park-like grounds. This university is the best in Xiamen and one of the best in China; super-modern, with sea views and unique foreign influence from its founding.

Chinese: 厦门大学 Xiàmén Dàxué /sshya-mnn daa-sshwair/, also called 厦大 Xià Dà /sshya-daa/
Suggested visit: 2–3 hours (around a mealtime for cheap local food)

University Background and Reputation

Xiamen University is the first university founded in China by a person living overseas of Chinese ancestry. Established in 1921 by Tan Kah-Kee (陈嘉庚) of Malaysia, the university is mix of Western and Eastern philosophies, which is reflected in the spectacular entrance gates adorning several sides of the campus.

Officially named Xiamen University, but widely known as Xia Da, with more than 28,000 students and a faculty of more than 4,600 members, the university strives to live up to its Chinese motto, 自强不息, 止于至善, which translates to “Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection”.

The Best Time for a Visit

Xiamen University

March–May, September–November

The campus is open year-round, but spring is an excellent time to visit, as the campus is bejeweled with thousands of flowers blossoming. In autumn, the brightly colored foliage of the many trees dotting the campus is a major attraction.

Beautiful Buildings and Surroundings

The gorgeous buildings in the campus offer unparalleled views of the East China Sea towards Taiwan. You will enjoy marveling at the gorgeous architecture, beautiful natural setting, and unparalleled views of the sea.

Jiageng Building Complex

Jiageng Building Complex (嘉庚楼群), composed of 5 buildings, features Western architecture. A magnificent tall building fronts a gorgeous reflection pool, making it seem as though the complex is floating in the sky. It was built by teachers and students of the Architecture and Civil Engineering Department, and is the landmark of the university. Kaisi Building (凯思楼) is its most spectacular building, with the school motto written on its wall.

Lotus Lake

Lotus Lake (芙蓉湖) is in the center of the campus, just in front of Jiageng Building Complex. It has clean water and weeping willows on its banks. This is a nice place for lovers. You can always see students sitting beside the lake or walking around it.

Jiannan Auditorium

Jiannan Auditorium (建南楼群) was built by Li Guangqian, the son-in-law of Tan Kah-kee. Built as a mix of traditional Chinese architecture combined with classic Greek idea of the amphitheater, Jiannan Auditorium is able to amply accommodate thousands of spectators for lectures, concerts, and other entertainment activities.

The Library

The library has more than 3.5 million books and documents in its collection, and is home to one of the highest-speed internet networks in all of China. The main library is housed inside a gorgeous red and white building on Zhangzhou campus, it’s modern and futuristic, looking almost like something out of a science fiction movie, and is likewise equipped with unparalleled research facilities.

Travel Essentials

Location: 422 Simingnan Road, Siming District 思明区思明南路422号
Opening times for Siming Campus: Mondays–Fridays, 12–2pm (limited to 700 visitors for Danan (‘Big South’) Gate and 300 for Qunxian Gate); 5pm–12am (no limit to the number of visitors); all day normally on weekends, public holidays, and university summer and winter holidays
Transport: bus 1, 15, 21, 45, 751, 841, or 959 to Xiada (厦大)

What/Where to Eat

Fish balls

There are many crowded canteens near the university, where you can try the locally popular fish balls (鱼丸). The stores might not be as luxurious as star-rated restaurants, but the taste is really good.

Try lunch and dinner in the university’s top dining hall (Lotus Restaurant, 芙蓉餐厅). The first and second floors are for students; the third floor is open for tourists. You need to buy a card and top-up 100 yuan. The food is cheap in the dining hall, and the rest of the money can be refunded. It can be sweltering and noisy in the dining halls.

Making a Campus Tour

At present, there are no guided tours available for Xiamen University. But, due to the large number of foreign faculty and students from overseas, it is usually easy to find a friendly local on campus who can help point out the best sites to see.

Be sure to bring a camera with you, as you will want to record ample evidence of the amazing architecture and beautifully green campus set against an ocean backdrop. Souvenirs and university-branded apparel are available at shops found throughout the campus.

Recommended Xiamen Tours

If you are planning a Xiamen tour, please see our popular tours below for inspirations:

3-Day Xiamen Essence and In-Depth Fujian Tulou Tour – Relaxed Weekend Tour
5-Day Xiamen, Tulou and Wuyi Mountain Tour – Cultural and Scenic Tour

Not interested in the above tours? Our tours can be tailor-made. Just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will create a perfect Xiamen tour for you.

Nearby Attractions

Zhongshan Road – shops, food sellers, and great places to sit and enjoy the vibrant nightlife
Shapowei Art Zone – enjoy a hub for local artists and entrepreneurs, with many exciting things to do, foods to eat, and sights to see

Is learning things by heart good for improving your Chinese?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

Learning things by heart used to be a mainstay of language education but is now often frowned upon. Approaches to learning and teaching languages change, but could it be that the pendulum has swung too far this time? Could it be that memorising things so you can recite them is good for learning Chinese?

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Overcast, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

Learning languages by heart in Sweden and China

When I learnt languages in school, we didn’t have to learn hardly anything at all by heart. The Swedish curriculum is modern in the sense that it emphasises communicative competence over theoretical knowledge. You typically don’t need to quote the textbook, give verbatim definitions of words or recite grammar rules, but you do need to be able to use the language.

This is not true everywhere, though, and China can serve as a good counter-example here. Students are often required to learn long passages by heart in many different subjects, including languages. This might be a famous text (particularly in Chinese) or simply something important in the textbook (in foreign languages). When studying language and literature at higher levels, memorising target language texts is not uncommon.

Testing language ability or specific instances of the language

Learning a target language passage by heart is clearly about language learning, but let’s clarify the difference between the approaches here by looking at how learning outcomes are assessed. When learning by heart is in focus, advanced proficiency in the language is not enough to pass; you also need to know the exact content. In other words, a native speaker of English would perform badly on many English exams in China.

This can happen when learning Chinese with very old-fashioned teachers as well, who use fill-in-the-gap sentences on exams, but only accept the exact word that was in that sentence in the textbook, not any word that makes sense and fits in the gap. I’ve even encountered teachers who deduct points for forgetting the size of an object in a text, so if you write that the house is eleven metres wide, you get a point, but if you don’t remember the number and write twelve instead, you don’t.

Is learning things by heart good for learning Chinese?

In my opinion, if language proficiency is the goal, it makes sense to construct courses and exams in a way that tests this. Students who can recite the textbook but are otherwise unable to use the language should not get good grades, and students who can use the language but haven’t memorised the details of the text should do well.

So far so good, but why am I writing this article, then? Isn’t it obvious that learning things by heart is not the way to go?

Not necessarily. My opinion on the role of learning by heart has changed over the years. When I started learning Chinese at university, I thought that committing large chunks of language to memory was something boring, old-fashioned and ineffective. Why try to remember something exactly as it was said or written? It seemed like a meaningless waste of effort for little gains.

Fifteen years later, I’ve changed my mind. I think learning things by heart can be useful for learning languages in general and Chinese in particular, and that many modern approaches to language learning might have thrown out the baby with the bathwater.

Should we go back to memorising famous texts in the target language and memorise vocabulary meanings and grammar rules by heart? Should we test students on whether they remember how big a house was in a language exam?

No!

Can it be beneficial to learn some things in Chinese by heart so you can recite them verbatim?

Yes!

Learning by heart, remembering and memorising

When I say “learning by heart”, I mean memorising something in such a way that you could recite it verbatim. It’s also implied that this process refers to committing longer chunks of language, so learning that 一 means “one” and is pronounced yī is not an example of learning something by heart, but learning a sentence with this character in it so you could recite it later would count.

Here are some examples of things students sometimes memorise when learning languages:

Memorising the exact definition of a word
Memorising a collocation (combination of words that occur together frequently)
Memrosinging a phrase or sentence
Memorising a grammar rule
Memorising a longer text or dialogue

Some of these activities are useful others are not. Learning by heart is in itself not good or bad; it depends on what you’re trying to learn and why.

As long as it’s in Chinese it’s okay to learn it by heart

A general rule of thumb is that it can be worthwhile to learn anything by heart as long as it’s in Chinese. On the contrary, memorising anything in English is of questionable value and something I would advise against doing. This would rule out examples 1 and 5 in the list above, assuming that the vocabulary definition and the grammar rule are in English.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should start memorising everything you encounter in Chinese, however, because the goal is to learn the language system, not specific instances of it.

Let’s look at some cases where I think learning larger chunks in Chinese can be helpful:

Memorising a phrase to learn a sentence pattern – Sentence patterns are abstract, and learning abstract things is harder than learning concrete things. Instead of trying to memorise something like 即使A，也B, memorise a real sentence like 即使明天下雨，我们也要去. This illustrates well how this pattern is used, and will also help you apply it in real life. This is not enough, but it’s better than having a flashcard with 即使A，也B. Read more about learning grammar in this guest post by John Pasden: How to Approach Chinese Grammar
Memorising a phrase to remember how a tricky word is used – Some words in Chinese have non-obvious usages. Sure, 桌子 is used in a similar way to “table”, but a word like 奇怪 in Chinese can mean both “strange”, which is the first usage you come across, but also “to think that something is strange”. To remember the second usage, you can memorise a short sentence like 我很奇怪你不帮你妈. For more about focusing on words or phrases, check Should you focus on learning Chinese words or phrases?
Memorising a phrase to learn a 成语 (chéngyǔ) or other idiomatic expressions – In most cases when learning the basic meanings of words, you can focus on just the word itself, and you you will then learn how the word is used by reading and listening. When it comes to chéngyǔ, the usage is almost always more narrow than you think, so the best way to learn them is to also learn an example sentence. This is very similar to the previous bullet point about tricky words.
Memorising a phrase to remember the difference between two words – If you keep mixing up two words, you can try memorising a sentence that shows how they are different. For example, if you’re a beginner and forget when to use 二 and 两, memorise a sentence like 第二个教室有两个学生. Coming up with these for tricky words can be hard, though, so you might need help from a teacher. I’ve written more about how to deal with near-synonyms here, but beginners often do well in simply ignoring finer differences between words: Dealing with near-synonyms in Chinese as an independent learner
Memorising an example of a large number to give it real meaning. Numbers bigger than a thousand can be tricky in Chinese, especially numbers above ten thousand. The reason is that Chinese changes words for every fourth zero you add (ten thousand, ten ten thousand, a hundred ten thousand, a thousand ten thousand), whereas English and many other languages change after every third (thousand, million, billion). By learning one good sentence for each, you anchor these abstract differences in reality. Check this article for actual examples and more about this: Do you really know how to count in Chinese?
Memorising a longer passage, such as a song or poem, for cultural knowledge and access. Chinese people memorise a lot of passages from classical Chinese in school, and it’s not unusual for educated Chinese people to be able to quote poems and other famous works of literature. Replicating this as a foreign adult is hard, and not even desirable for most people, but it can be fun to do sometimes! For example, I once memorised half of 道德经 just to see what it was like. Naturally, if you learn something in modern Chinese by heart, you also get the words, collocations, grammar etc. for free.
Memorising song lyrics is easier but still useful. When it comes to music, memorising longer passages of Chinese is easy compared to written poetry or other forms of text, and if you like the music, it can be both enjoyable and relaxing to boot! I have been able to remember many words, phrases and collocations in Chinese many times because of the songs they appear in. If you like 一无所有 by 崔健, you’re extremely unlikely to forget this chéngyǔ ever again. Be mindful that music is an art form, so just like in poetry, language can sometimes be deliberately non-standard. I’ve written more about learning Chinese through music here: Why learning Chinese through music is underrated

How to memorise short and long passages in Chinese

Let’s wrap up this article by talking a little bit about how to memorise short and long passages in Chinese. If you’re like me and didn’t memorise long passages in school (in any language), this will not come naturally, but just like most other things in life, it’s a matter of practice. This could be the topic of a separate article, so let me know if you’d like me to write that!

There are two principles you should make use of:

Active recall – You need to actively find the right answer in your memory for it to stick there. Ask yourself questions about the memorised passage, using cloze deletion or trying to recite it without looking at the answer. Just looking at the text is not a good idea.
Spaced repetition – Spread out your reviews over time. If you want to remember it long-term (which is the goal here), you should avoid massing repetitions together. It’s much more efficient to review your passage once every other day for two weeks than seven times in a row, even if they both take the same amount of time to complete.

That’s it for now! What things do you find worth learning by heart? Do you even agree with me that memorising can be useful, or should we avoid it and focus on communicative learning instead? Leave a comment below!

Expanding your Chinese with 一步一个脚印

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:18 +0000

The number of blogs introducing different parts of Chinese have exploded in recent years. Apart from companies involved in language education who want to present content to present and future customers, there are also many blogs focusing on vocabulary, grammar, culture and so on. Today I would like to introduce one of the best: 一步一个脚印, written by Carl Gene Fordham.

Expanding your Chinese with 一步一个脚印

My main reason for recommending 一步一个脚印 is the quantity and quality of material on offer. Where other blogs post an article about a few expressions, Carl writes articles such as 222 English Emotions Translated into Chinese and 250 Physical Verbs in English and Chinese. If had focused on becoming a translator instead of a teacher, I hope I would have produced a resource like 一步一个脚印.

Before I introduce my favourite topics from this blog, I should say that many of these posts are more suited for intermediate and advanced learners (hence “expanding” rather than “learning” in the title of this post). It should be fairly obvious which is which, though. If you’re a beginner, don’t spend too much time on 40 Terms Commonly Used in Chinese Academic Writing.

If you think Carl Gene Fordham sounds familiar, it might be because I interviewed him about learning Chinese through immersion about three years ago (read the article here).

Chinese expressions, glossaries and resources

Many articles on 一步一个脚印 deal with vocabulary and expressions of various kinds. While it’s seldom a good idea to just bulk add everything you see to your flashcard program, these posts are excellent resources for learning vocabulary in certain areas. Here are the categories you should check out:

Chinese Expressions
Chinglish (how to avoid it)
Glossaries
Semantic fields

And here are some of my favourite posts:

Top 80 Most Common Polite Expressions in Chinese
15 Chinglish Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
A Comprehensive Guide to Euphemisms in Chinese and English
31 Words For Idiot In Chinese

Translation and interpretation resources

Apart from collecting and introducing interesting expressions and vocabulary, Carl also offers a lot of other valuable resources, especially when it comes to translation and interpretation.

Speech interpretations where you are presented with a speech either in English or Chinese and asked to interpret it. Each post contains the speech itself (audio), along with a transcript and a suggested translation. This is good practice even if you don’t intend to ever work as an interpreter!
Mandarin-English dialogues, where two people speak in their native language and you’re supposed to translate for them (both ways). Audio, transcripts and suggested translations are included.

Even if it requires a very advanced level of Chinese and English, along with a lot of practising to be able to interpret any of this live, you can of course take your time. Download the audio files and pause as much as you want, or listen again if you need to.

Random Word Trivia

Finally, I’d like to recommend the ten or so posts called Random Word Trivia. These are basically quizzes where you get a clue and you’re supposed to guess both the Chinese and the English expression that fits the clue. Some of them are really hard, so this is not really for beginners or perhaps not even intermediate students either.

Conclusion

I wanted to write this post because 一步一个脚印 deserves a lot more attention than it seems to receive at present (I share things, but I seldom see other people doing so). There’s a ton of very useful material there, so check it out and spread the word!

Is October a Good Time to Visit Yunnan? (See Top 5 Places to Go)

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Is October a Good Time to Visit Yunnan? (See Top 5 Places to Go)

October is a good time to visit Yunnan. Yunnan is almost always listed as one of the top places to visit in China in October. During this month, Yunnan’s scenery is stunning and the weather is as perfect as it gets.

Use this guide to plan your Yunnan trip in October.

Content Preview

Yunnan Weather in October
Top 5 Places to Visit
What to Do and See
Costs and Crowds
Travel Advice

Yunnan Weather in October

By October, Yunnan has entered autumn, with the temperature gradually cooling down.

Rain is rare and the days are mostly a mix of cloudy and sunny skies.

The average temperature range across the province in October is from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F).

During the day, you could wear T-shirts, sweatshirts, or light denim. In the evening, you would need to add a jacket for extra warmth.

Yunnan’s different regions experience slight temperature variations in October:

In the southern areas near Thailand and Myanmar, such as Xishuangbanna and Dehong, average temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F).
In central cities, such as Kunming and Dali, temperatures are typically around 16–17°C (61–63°F).
Lijiang, in the north, averages about 14°C (57°F), while further north in Shangri-La, it could drop to about 8°C (46°F).

Top 5 Places to Visit in October in Yunnan

We’ve thoughtfully chosen the following cities by considering seasonal highlights and other factors that make them ideal for first-time visitors to Yunnan.

1. Dali

Erhai Lakeview in autumn

One of the main reasons we recommend visiting Dali in October is for its breathtaking autumnal scenery. At this time, Dali transforms into a vibrant world of colors.

Drive alongside Erhai to soak up the stunning lakeside views. You could stop at various scenic spots along the way to take photos, visit charming villages, and enjoy the serene beauty of Dali’s autumn landscape.

The tranquil old towns also offer a unique charm for an autumn visit. Stroll around Shaxi Ancient Town to see the old streets and houses bathed in autumn hues.

You could also explore Xizhou Town where the rice fields have turned a rich golden hue.

Average temperatures: 12–23°C (54–73°F)
Clear skies: 58%
Cloudy: 42%

2. Lijiang

Black Dragon Pool with a distant view of the snow mountain

Lijiang in October also enjoys stunning scenery. If you visit in October, you would be treated to the breathtaking sight of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Its snowcapped peaks contrast beautifully with the golden and crimson trees at the mountain’s base.

Take a cable car up the mountain, offering a panoramic view and a magnificent landscape where ice and autumn colors intertwine.

Whether you’re strolling through the old town’s alleys or gazing at the distant mountains and fields, October in Lijiang would envelop you in the serene beauty of autumn.

Average temperatures: 9–21°C (48–70°F)
Clear skies: 65%
Cloudy: 35%

Recommended Yunnan Tours:

8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Tour
Or contact us to customize your itinerary

3. Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake

October is one of the most beautiful times of the year at Lugu Lake. The lake is surrounded by layers of vibrant colors, with crystal-clear blue waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and the vast sky.

You could take a walk along the shores, feeling the gentle autumn breeze and the tranquility of the water. Or take a wooden boat to experience the purity and beauty of the lake up close.

Additionally, visit the Mosuo villages to learn about their unique matriarchal culture. As evening falls, watch the sun’s last rays cast a golden-red glow across the water.

Average temperatures: 8–22°C (46–72°F)
Clear skies: 65%
Cloudy: 35%

4. Shangri-La

Songzanlin Monastery

In October, Shangri-La transforms into an autumn fairytale. Pudacuo National Park showcases forests painted in vibrant colors, with high-altitude areas starting to see snowfall. The grasslands of Napa Lake turn into a golden sea, complemented by deep blue lakes and pure white clouds.

Songzanlin Monastery appears even more majestic and mysterious, enhanced by clearer skies and the serene atmosphere of autumn.

Average temperatures: 1–12°C (34–54°F)
Clear skies: 69%
Cloudy: 31%

5. Xishuangbanna

Plank path in the tropical botanical garden

October marks the beginning of the best time to visit Xishuangbanna. As temperatures drop and rainfall decreases, its tropical rainforest experiences become just right.

You could stroll through its tropical botanical gardens, admiring the vibrant flowers and lush vegetation.

Explore Dai villages to immerse yourself in the local culture, with golden rice fields and traditional bamboo houses creating a picturesque rural scene.

In the evening, walk along the streets, enjoying the beauty of pagodas at sunset, and visit the night market to savor local delicacies.

Average temperatures: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
Clear skies: 45%
Cloudy: 55%

What to Do and See

Yunnan in October enjoys more sunny and clear days, which would allow you to enjoy the following activities more.

Take Beautiful Photos

Dongchuan Red Land

October is Yunnan’s dry season, with clearer skies providing more chances to capture stunning photos. Moreover, Yunnan is at its most picturesque during this time of year.

This is the best time to capture the vibrant scenery of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming, where the colors are truly breathtaking.

Haishe Park at Erhai is another perfect spot for stunning photos and Longkan Pier is ideal for capturing the beauty of sunrises and sunsets.

Additionally, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, especially Blue Moon Valley, offers a mesmerizing view where the turquoise waters perfectly complement the snowcapped peaks.

For even more memorable photos, consider dressing in traditional ethnic clothing and taking pictures against the backdrop of centuries-old villages and distant snow-covered mountains, capturing unique and beautiful moments.

Outdoor Activities

The comfortable temperatures and clear skies also provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. If you’re looking to spend quality time with your family, October in Yunnan is an ideal choice.

With younger children, you could cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake, enjoying both the ride and the beautiful lakeside scenery.

For adult children or teenagers, the hiking trails of Tiger Leaping Gorge are recommended, with October being one of the best times of year for trekking. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain also offers stunning hiking routes.

Alternatively, you could set up a campfire, stargaze, or camp in the grasslands or national parks of Shangri-La, getting up close to nature.

8-Day Yunnan Family TourA Trip with Memorable Family Moments

Experience the Local Culture

October is also an excellent time to visit Yunnan’s ethnic minority villages and experience the local culture and natural beauty.

During this season, you would not only enjoy the sight of harvest landscapes but also learn about the daily customs and cultural activities of the ethnic minorities.

In many areas, such as around Er Lake in Dali and Xishuangbanna, you could see golden rice fields with farmers hard at work.

You could also visit Zhoucheng, located at the foot of Cang Mountain, which is the largest Bai village in China.

There, you could learn about Bai ethnic clothing, traditional Bai-style architecture, and the traditional methods used by the Bai people to craft their exquisite handicrafts. If you’re interested, you could even try making one yourself.

Crowds and Costs

Crowds: The first week of October is China’s Golden Week, a most-busy travel time when popular spots like Lijiang and Dali get really crowded. But don’t worry — once Golden Week is over, the crowds thin out a lot.

Costs: Prices tend to surge during Golden Week, so if you’ve decided to visit during this time, booking your accommodation well in advance would save you some money, although prices would still be high.

If your schedule is flexible, visiting after the National Day holiday is recommended. Later in October could be better still. The weather remains pleasant and you would enjoy the advantages of fewer tourists and more affordable prices.

Advice on Traveling in Yunnan during China’s National Day Holiday

As a popular tourist destination, Yunnan is bound to attract large crowds during the National Day holiday (it is usually October 1–7).

If you plan to travel during this time, it’s important to be prepared for the crowds.

One major challenge with many tourists is the long lines at attractions. For example, the cable car to the Glacier Park on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain might have a wait time of 1–2 hours!

To manage this, we suggest the following:

1) Start your day early (possibly as early as 6 or 7am).

2) Have a backup plan (such as, instead of Glacier Park, visit Spruce Meadow, as taking the cable car going there has fixed times and doesn’t require waiting in line).

3) Adjust your itinerary to visit the most popular spots in the last 4 or 5 days, when the crowds are likely to be smaller.

Recommended Yunnan Tours

You could also contact us to make your itinerary based on your requirements and interests. Our tours can also be adjusted based on your needs.

Chengdu City Walks: A Local Guide’s Top 4 Hidden Routes

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Chengdu City Walks: A Local Guide’s Top 4 Hidden Routes

As a local guide in Chengdu, I’ve always been captivated by the city’s unique charm. I’ve curated four city walks, each offering a different perspective of Chengdu.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a fan of pandas, these walks will take you on a journey beyond the typical tourist path, immersing you in the authentic Chengdu experience. Curious? Come, let’s explore together!

Route 1: From Taikoo Li to Anshun Bridge

The reason why I recommend this route is mainly due to the visual impact it gives us and the stunning combination of history and modernity it presents. Being the most photogenic City Walk, it encompasses Chengdu’s local life, cyber aesthetics, and classical charm.

Experience more from nature’s palette to urban rhythm: 8-Day Chengdu,Jiuzhaigou and Chongqing Tour

Itinerary: Taikoo Li + Daci Temple – Tangba Street – Wangping Street + Xiangxiang Lane – Hejiang Pavilion – Jiuyan Bridge + Anshun Bridge
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Taikoo Li and Daci Temple (太古里和大慈寺) are masterpieces of the collision between ancient and modern cultures. Hidden under the colored glaze light and shadow of Taikoo Li, Daci Temple is a thousand-year-old temple.

I love it here, not only because of the bamboo forest light and shadow outside its walls, but also because of the bowl-covered tea inside, and the Zen meaning of “cultivating in the bustling city”.

Taikoo Li is like a glass jar that encapsulates Chengdu’s spicy soul into cyberpunk. In the Gucci window, AI models’ dressing shows, and in the 3D screen, giant pandas leap into virtual bamboo forests, the whole area is full of a sense of technology.

Taikoo Li

Tangba Street (镋钯街), originally named “Dangpa (挡耙)”, was the place for weapon storage in the late Qing Dynasty. It has now become a place where old Chengdu confronts Western aesthetics.

The Japanese-style coffee shop, art gallery, bookstore transformed from the ground floor of residential houses, the grey tiles and green bricks of Chongde Lane, and the graffiti wall all interpret the word “literary”.

Wangping Street + Xiangxiang Lane (望平街+香香巷): The reason why I recommend this place is definitely because of the Riverside Market. When the lanterns light up at night, Xiangxiang Lane is like a “Little Hong Kong in Chengdu”.

Locals often come here to find a variety of food, and not far away, the market stalls along the river are also bustling. Handmade coffee carts, flower stalls, egg cakes, and other handmade works, here we can feel the leisure and life of Chengdu.

Hejiang Pavilion (合江亭): Love Zebra Crossing
The Fu River and Nan River converge here, so it is called Hejiang Pavilion. Chengdu people also regard it as a symbol of love.

On this street, whether on the ground or on the walls, there are designs about the theme of love everywhere. The local government has specially set up love traffic lights and zebra crossings. We locals like to take wedding photos here, and I also registered for a marriage certificate here.

Hejiang Pavilion

Jiuyan Bridge + Anshun Bridge (九眼桥+安顺廊桥)
Speaking of Chengdu’s night view, Jiuyan Bridge and Anshun Bridge are definitely not to be missed. This place is known as the most beautiful night view in Chengdu, even the Italian merchant Marco Polo was amazed by it.

The night view of Jiuyan Bridge in Chengdu

Route 2: From Jinsha Site Museum to People’s Park

It is a journey through three thousand years of life. If you want to understand Chengdu in the shortest possible time, this route is a must.

Like a string of pearls, it weaves together the mysterious civilization of ancient Shu, the leisurely Taoist philosophy, the compassion of Buddhism, the vibrant life of the marketplace, and the living heritage into a flowing feast.

Itinerary: Jinsha Site Museum, Qingyang Palace, Wenshu Fang, Kuanzhai Alley, People’s Park, Sichuan Opera Performance
Duration: Full day

Morning: Jinsha Site Museum – Touching the Sun Code of Ancient Shu
The Jinsha Site Museum is the starting point of Chengdu’s civilization. Its treasure, the Gold Foil of the Sun God Bird represents the cosmic view of the ancient Shu people 3000 years ago.

In 2011, this pattern was embroidered on astronauts’ suits and flew to space. In 2012, the Gold Foil of Sun God Bird was chosen as the symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. You can see the totem culture of the Sun God Bird everywhere in Chengdu’s streets and alleys.

Sun God Bird Gold Foil Ornament

Want to visit more museums? See our Sanxingdui Museum tour: 1-Day Chengdu Tour for Pandas and Sanxingdui Museum

Late Morning: Qingyang Palace – Seeking the Tao in the Bagua Array
Taoism, as a native religion of China, has a profound impact on Chinese civilization, such as Feng Shui culture and traditional Chinese medicine theory. Qingyang Palace houses a rare correct Tai Chi Bagua diagram.

Here, you can also have a cup of vegetarian tea, meet locals practicing Tai Chi, and in autumn and winter, you can pick up a few thousand-year-old ginkgo leaves to make bookmarks.

Qingyang Palace

Afternoon: Wenshu Monastery – Seeking the Taste of Life in Zen Tea
Wenshu Monastery is my favorite place. For me, this is where I live on a daily basis. On holidays, I come to Wenshu Monastery to burn incense and worship Buddha.

When I’m not working, I also come here to drink tea and copy scriptures. Because every time I come to this thousand-year-old Zen forest, my heart will involuntarily calm down. I think, for me, Wenshu Monastery is a door of wisdom, as if all the negative energy I encounter can be purified by the Buddha’s compassion, tolerance, and tranquility.

Besides this thousand-year-old ancient temple, the vegetarian food here is also not to be missed, as is the daily long queue at Wenshu Fang’s Imperial Pastry Shop. With just one bite, you will understand that the taste of Chengdu people is far more than spicy.

Wenshu Monastery

Late Afternoon: Kuanzhai Alley – A Historical Scroll Through Time
Kuanzhai Alley, named after two parallel alleys, is small but a microcosm of Chengdu, a book of this city. In this book, you can find well-preserved Qing Dynasty ancient buildings and experience the daily life of Chengdu people: drinking tea, listening to opera, and ear picking.

We will also guide you to discover Chengdu’s cuisine, whether it’s Dan Dan noodles, Three Big Cannons and other snacks, or the diverse flavors of Sichuan cuisine and boiling hot pot.

Kuanzhai Alley

Dusk: People’s Park – A Slow Motion View of Chengdu’s Marketplace
At dusk, enter the century-old tea house in People’s Park – Heming Tea House, find a vacant bamboo chair, watch the copper kettle spout draw a silver arc, slowly diffuse the jasmine tea, close your eyes, smell the tea, and all worries vanish.

The matchmaking corner of People’s Park, full of matrimonial resumes, with aunties promoting their children in Chengdu dialect, rivals Wall Street elite roadshows. Joining the locals in exercise or square dancing will also become a beautiful travel memory.

People’s Park

If you’re not too tired, the evening’s face-changing Sichuan Opera will take us into Chengdu’s chivalrous spirit.

Route 3: Stroll in Yulin, Experiencing Chengdu Community Culture

Having lived in Chengdu for 18 years, in my spare time, I would invite my friends to stroll around Yulin. Experience the local life style with us: 1-Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour

First, it is a representative of Chengdu’s community culture.

Second, it has both sides of local culture: half coffee, half teahouse; half artistic, half life; it is an excellent place to experience Chengdu’s slow life and is loved by musicians, writers, and artists.

Third, this community has a variety of delicious food, from egg cakes to hot pot, a wide variety, and all taste authentic.

Finally, the street culture of this community has many elements. You can take photos of different themes.

Itinerary: Fanghua Cross Street, Fanghua Street, Yutong Xinyuan, Yujie Lane, Yard Cultural and Creative Park, Yulin Comprehensive Market, Yulin Street, Mutual Aid Garden, Fuyuan Square, Yulin Fourth Lane, Yulin East Road, Yulin West Road
Tour Time: Half day, recommended from 12:00 to 20:00
Total Length of Route: 5km

Fanghua Cross Street/Fanghua Street (芳华横街/芳华街): The place with the highest concentration of coffee and trendy people in Yulin. There are also various treasure shops: old shops, grocery stores, fusion restaurants, dessert shops. Be sure to order a local coffee to taste. You can have a simple lunch here.

Yutong Xinyua (元通欣苑): This is Chengdu’s most successful cultural community. All shops are opened on the first floor of the residential building, both quiet and lively.

Yujie Lane/Yard Cultural and Creative Park (玉洁巷/院子文化创意园): Many interesting small shops, the most famous is the Step Back Collection Old Bookstore (退步集旧书店). The Yard Cultural and Creative Park also holds various market activities from time to time.

Yulin Comprehensive Market (玉林综合市场): There are many authentic Chengdu snacks, the most grounded vendor stalls.

Yulin Street (玉林街): Gathered Chengdu’s cuisine, the headquarters of Yulin Skewer Fragrance and Wang Ma Hand-Torn Roasted Rabbit are here.

Mutual Aid Garden/Fuyuan Square (互助苑/福苑广场): The famous Chengdu Disney is here. Don’t miss the tea in Fuyuan Square, and the panda graffiti on the opposite residential building.

Yulin Fourth Lane/Third Lane (玉林四巷/三巷): As the Love Lane, the romantic pink covers the entire street. The newly built Folk Song Inside is full of 80s vibe.

Yulin East Road (玉林东路): The entire street has been renovated and renewed, becoming a benchmark for the renovation of the entire Yulin community and old communities in Chengdu.

Yulin West Road (玉林西路): The last stop, be sure to go to the small bar for a drink, and the folk song “Chengdu” will put a perfect end to this City Walk.

Route 4: From Tangba Street to Jinli Ancient Street

This route best reflects the authentic slow life of Chengdu while leading you to searching for hidden panda elements in the city streets. It is like a key, which can open the modern shell of Chengdu and explore its marketplace heart, seeing the ‘double life’ of Chengdu in one day.

Interested in Panda? See our Panda tour: 1-Day Panda Wonderland Tour

Itinerary: Tangba Street → Taikoo Li → IFS → Shuwa Street → Binsheng Street → Kuanzhai Alley → Xiaotong Lane → Jinli
Total duration: About 8 hours (including transportation, meals, and stops), suitable all year round.

First stop: Tangba Street (Artistic Awakening). Time: 9:00-10:00

Tangba Street, a place where weapons were made in ancient times, has now been transformed into a collection of artistic small shops, cafes, and bookstores.
Get up early, buy some buns for breakfast at the street corner bun shop, eat while walking, then go to a coffee shop for a cup of local coffee, stroll around the bookstore, and look for panda elements along the way.
Panda Check-in Point: Panda Bookstore, Panda Graffiti Wall at the corner.
Other Highlights: UID Café, Yiwu Bookstore, Tangba Street Historical Plaque, Old Courtyard Door Wrapped in Vines.

Second stop: Taikoo Li (Modern Magnet). Time: 10:15-11:30

Taikoo Li, a masterpiece of tradition and modernity colliding. International luxury brand flagship stores hidden in Sichuan-style residential buildings, the Zen and tea fragrance in the red walls of Daci Temple. It is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual haven.
Panda Elements: Panda Wall Climbing (7th floor viewing platform can take a “panda face” photo), Panda Bus, Panda Electronic Screen.
Other Highlights: Newspaper wall at the entrance of the mall, occasional themed markets in the square.
Lunch: Dragon Dumplings on Chunxi Road, tasting Chengdu local snacks.

Taikoo Li

Third stop: IFS International Financial Center (Top Stream Panda). Time: 11:40-12:20

It is a famous landmark in Chengdu and also the largest and busiest shopping center.
Panda Elements: Climbing Panda (7th floor viewing platform can take a “panda face” photo), Panda Bus, Panda Electronic Screen.
Other Highlights: Newspaper wall at the entrance of the shopping mall, occasional themed markets on the square.
Lunch: Dragon’s Hand Dumplings on Chunxi Road, tasting Chengdu-style snacks.

Climbing Panda

Fourth stop: Shuwa Street (Century-old Postal Memory). Time: 13:00-13:40 (10 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes on foot)

The old building of the General Post Office, built in 1896, is a mix of Western clock tower and Chinese flying eaves. The Postal Museum offers free stamping, and you can deeply experience sending a postcard to yourself or a friend at Shuwa Street Post Office.
Panda Element: Panda Post Office, separate from the General Post Office.
Other Highlights: Old-fashioned barber stalls on the street, bamboo weaving shops, old teahouses with grandpas playing long cards.

Panda Post Office

Fifth stop: Binsheng Street (Artistic Vintage Street). Time: 14:00-14:40 (10 minutes on foot)

This hundred-meter-long alley is a famous coffee street.
Choose a coffee shop to order a “Sichuan Pepper Americano” (about 28 yuan) to refresh yourself, sit under the plane trees to watch the passers-by, look at the old neighborhood with clotheslines crossing the street, and form a contrasting cuteness with the literary shops, experiencing the leisurely life of Chengdu.
Panda Element: Panda Graffiti Wall, Enter Grocery Store

Sixth stop: Kuanzhai Alley (Controversial Aesthetics). Time: 15:00-16:00 (8 minutes by bike)

Kuanzhai Alley is the example of Qing Dynasty hutongs. The courtyard gate of Kuan Alley and the grey brick wall of Zhai Alley still have historical traces to follow.
This is a popular place for cultural flash mobs, with Sichuan opera face-changing, Sichuan cuisine, Sichuan tea, Sichuan embroidery and other intangible cultural heritage, ear-picking experience (30 yuan/10 minutes), local designer collective stores, etc.
Panda Element: 52TOY store’s falling panda, wide alley garage graffiti bear, GO PANDA, Wuliangye Experience Store, Luzhou Laojiao Experience Store, Starbucks entrance.
Other Highlights: Jian Shan Academy, ancient architectural gate, Jing Alley’s brick culture theme wall, Yiding Coffee, occasional activities in the East Square.

People in Kuanzhai Alley

Seventh stop: Xiaotong Lane (Healing Series Easter Egg). Time: 16:20-17:00 (5 minutes on foot)

Adjacent to Kuanzhai Alley is a slow life block, with a mint green exterior dessert shop, a homestay with succulent plants covering the windowsill, and a handmade fabric workshop.
This is also a concentration camp for cat cafes. During afternoon tea time, you can order a pancake at “Duo Duo’s Home” cafe, paired with jasmine tea, and feel the slow time in the alley.
Panda Element: Panda-themed element street, a super large panda graffiti wall.

Final stop: Jinli (Night Color Jianghu). Time: 18:30-20:00 (15 minutes by taxi, recommended for evening entry)

An ancient street themed on Three Kingdoms culture, with red lanterns, opera stages, arch bridges, and food as its themes. Many people come here to take Hanfu art photos.
Panda Element: Panda House
Other Highlights: Wishing Pavilion, Song Youcai Dessert Shop, Small Tea House.
Dinner Recommendation: Hot Pot.

Jinli night view

Practical Tips:

1. Optional: If you’re not feeling energetic, you can skip Xiaotong Lane and Jinli, extend your visit to Kuanzhai Alley, and choose a restaurant in Kuanzhai Alley for dinner, which can be Chinese food or hot pot.

2. Dress: Vintage outfits are more photogenic (such as denim/Hanfu mix), be sure to wear sneakers!

Discover Chengdu with China Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable journey with China Highlights as we uncover the hidden treasures of Chengdu. From its vibrant streets to its tranquil parks, let’s explore the city’s unique charm together. Contact us, and experience the authentic Chengdu like never before!

Weather in China in June: Is It a Good Time to Visit?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Weather in China in June: Is It a Good Time to Visit?

You might have seen people on Reddit saying that June in China is hot and wet—not exactly ideal travel weather. But is it really that bad? And more importantly, does June actually come with some advantages that travelers often overlook?

If your travel dates aren’t flexible, don’t worry. This guide will show you what June is really like, why it can still be a great time to visit, and which destinations are especially rewarding during this month.

How’s the Weather in China in June: Is It Really Too Hot?

June marks the arrival of true summer across China. In most regions, daytime temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F) and can occasionally exceed 35°C (95°F). Only high-altitude destinations tend to stay comfortably cool.

Another challenge is the rain. June is the start of the rainy season, especially in southern China. From mid-June onward, heavy downpours can occur in places like Guilin, sometimes affecting travel for a day or two (e.g., flight delays or paused outdoor activities).

When this happens, flexible planning becomes key. With a professional agency by your side, these weather hiccups are usually managed smoothly.

If you want to minimize the impact of rainfall, consider heading north. Cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Luoyang are generally much drier in June.

June’s Benefit: Fewer Tourists

While June can be hot and wet, it also comes with a big upside: fewer tourists. Compared with the peak travel months of July and August, June offers a noticeably smoother experience — shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and generally more reasonable hotel prices.

When choosing where to go, you can focus on cooler destinations like the ones we recommend below. This way, you can avoid the worst of the heat and enjoy the added bonus of quieter, more relaxed sightseeing.

11-Day Beijing–Xi’an–Guilin/Yangshuo-Shanghai private tour plan Family Happiness

Top 5 Cool Places to Visit in China in June

1. Xinjiang

If you had to choose just one place that’s at its most beautiful in June, Xinjiang — especially Northern Xinjiang — would be it. The temperatures are cool and pleasant, and the landscapes are nothing short of stunning.

Kalajun Grassland

June is the peak season for Xinjiang’s grasslands, valleys, and forests, all bursting with life and color. At Sayram Lake, wildflowers are in full bloom, set against crystal-blue water, open skies, and sweeping meadows — every photo looks like it belongs on a magazine cover.

June is also the best time to see the lavender fields in Ili, which reach their peak bloom in mid-June. You don’t need to travel to Provence to see endless waves of purple — Xinjiang offers its own breathtaking version, with far fewer crowds.

Our 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley will take you into the early summer of the Tianshan Mountains, where you can feel its refreshing air and vast, open beauty.

Lavender fields in Ili

2. Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie sits in a mountainous region, so temperatures are generally cooler in June. The weather changes quickly — shifting between sun and mist — but this is exactly what creates the area’s poetic “misty wonderland” look.

June often gives you a wider range of scenery than any other month. On clear days, you’ll see lush, dramatic sandstone pillars; on rainy or foggy days, the landscape turns dreamlike and ethereal.

Here’s how the view looks in mist (left) versus on a clear day (right).

One of June’s biggest advantages is shorter waiting times. During the peak months of July and August, queues inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can stretch to 1–2 hours, which can be exhausting.

In June, crowds are much lighter, and if you use the VIP channels, your experience becomes even smoother and more enjoyable.

You can also extend your trip to Furong Ancient Town and soak in its illuminated night views. In June, the waterfall there reaches its high-water season, making it the best time of year to see it at its most impressive.

Get some ideas from our 8-Day Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang, and Shanghai Tour.

Furong Town

3. Yunnan

June in Yunnan is wonderfully comfortable, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). You can expect some cloudy days and light showers, but overall the weather feels refreshing rather than disruptive.

Classic destinations like Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali are always popular — think wandering through old towns, cycling around Erhai Lake, or taking in the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Erhai Lake

But our top recommendation for June is Shangri-La. The alpine meadows and forests in Napahai and Pudacuo National Park are at their greenest and most vibrant this month.

You’ll often see herds of yaks and sheep grazing by the lakes, and it’s also the peak blooming season for Shangri-La’s high-mountain rhododendrons.

Our client in Pudacuo National Park

Lugu Lake is also at one of its most beautiful moments in June, when the water caltrop flowers spread elegantly across the lake surface, creating a soft, dreamy scene.

Lugu Lake

With fewer tourists compared to the summer peak, June in Yunnan feels like a peaceful escape — a cool, quiet corner of China where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy nature at its best.

Follow our 8-Day Classic Yunnan Tour for a refreshing start to your summer — or simply contact us to create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests.

4. Tibet

Beyond its pleasantly cool temperatures, June is the ideal time for a Mount Kailash yatra (pilgrimage) and kora (circumambulation). The warmer weather and higher oxygen levels make trekking at high altitude more manageable.

For hiking enthusiasts, this is an unmissable experience. Trekking across a 5,000-meter plateau challenges both your stamina and mental strength, with each step testing your limits.

But reaching the mountain pass and gazing at the full majesty of Mount Kailash brings a sense of accomplishment and spiritual awe that words can’t capture.

Mt. Kailash kora

Even if hiking isn’t your main focus, Tibet in June offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Explore the iconic Potala Palace, immerse yourself in the spirituality of Jokhang Temple, and take in the breathtaking vistas of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau — all made even more enjoyable by the favorable weather.

Our clients in Yamdrok Lake

5. Guizhou

June in Guizhou is cool and comfortable, though you might encounter light rain. Most showers happen in the evenings, so they rarely disrupt daytime sightseeing.

This is the peak season for Huangguoshu Waterfall, when the falls are at their most spectacular and powerful. You can also explore Miao and Dong villages, wander among terraced fields, and try on traditional ethnic costumes for memorable photos.

Huangguoshuo Waterfall

For a truly local and fun experience, don’t miss a village football match — a uniquely Guizhou activity. The players aren’t celebrities, just local villagers, but their passion and energy will leave you amazed.

Rongjiang Guizhou Village Super League

Guizhou also offers a glimpse into China’s engineering prowess. Known as the “Bridge Capital,” it’s home to roughly half of the world’s tallest bridges. Visiting here gives you the chance to witness China’s modern infrastructure up close — a striking contrast to the region’s traditional landscapes.

If you are planning a trip in June, check out our 6-Day Guizhou Tour with Mt. Fanjing.

Recommended China Tours

All of our itineraries can be personalized for you and your family’s travel goals, available travel days and dates, and other requirements. Just contact us.

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for China

The Yellow Mountains or Zhangjiajie: Which Should You Visit?

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

The Yellow Mountains or Zhangjiajie: Which Should You Visit?

Two of the most famous Chinese national parks are in Zhangjiajie and Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains). Which is best for you to visit? You could perhaps make a decision in 2 minutes with our initial summaries, or read to the end for a Zhangjiajie vs Yellow Mountains comparison of the main travel aspects.

For expert advice, without reading and comparing, just tell your requirements, and we will help you plan a trip according to your interests.

Zhangjiajie or the Yellow Mountains: Summary

Both Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains offer natural wonders and great hiking, but one big difference is in the side attractions: Zhangjiajie has record-breaking high-up experiences whereas the Yellow Mountains has traditional ancient Chinese villages and architecture set in idyllic countryside.

Which is better for you depends on you and your interests. You may decide to visit both Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains.

Zhangjiajie is best for exciting mountain experiences. If you particularly want to see the “Avatar mountains” then Zhangjiajie is for you.

The Yellow Mountains are good for both extensive hiking and leisurely sightseeing. It is probably better for older people and for families with small children.

	Yellow Mountains	Zhangjiajie
Recommended Days	3-4 Days	3-5 Days
Best Time to Visit	April to November (winter scenery is excellent too)	April to November
Activities	Trekking the mountain paths, photography, gazing out over the swirling mists and island-like peaks, getting up before dawn to see the sunrise	Mountain hiking, photography, record-breaking high-up experiences
Tour Cost	210 USD/day	230 USD/day
Travel Comfort	Good, although mountain hotels are more basic	Challenging at times
Suited to Whom	Relaxing holiday seekers, photographers, hikers, all ages	People who seek adventure, photographers, hikers
Definitely Not Suited To	Not applicable	Small children, people who have difficulty walking, people who can’t endure queuing

We Recommend These Travelers Choose the Yellow Mountains:

Towering peaks of the Yellow Mountains

First-time travelers: We suggest you choose the Yellow Mountains over Zhangjiajie because it is an ancient Chinese cultural center destination and less challenging.
Seniors or people who are not good at walking: Convenient transportation is available in the park.
Families with young children
Those seeking relaxation and comfort: there are better transportation facilities, hotels, etcetera in the Yellow Mountains.
Winter travelers: Many say that the winter scenery is the best. Trams and monorail makes the going doable.
Those traveling via Hong Kong, there are fast bullet trains connecting Hong Kong with Huangshan (about 9 hours including Shenzhen transfer).

Decided to choose the Yellow Mountains? See our most popular Yellow Mountains tours.

We Recommend These Travelers Choose Zhangjiajie:

Hallelujah Peak, named from Avatar, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Adventure lovers: there are many steep drops, glass cliffside skywalks, the tallest and fastest outdoor elevator, and the longest cable car with a 70+degree incline.
Avatar fans: If you were inspired by the mountains of Pandora in Avatar, this is the closest you’ll find to them on Earth.
Serious mountain hikers: Zhangjiajie National Forest has gorgeous steep hiking trails up and down mountains with or without steps.
Those who aren’t easily travel-sick and don’t suffer from vertigo: There are many winding roads and steep drops!

See the best Zhangjiajie itineraries for more inspiration.

These Travelers May Consider Visiting Both:

Nature and adventure lovers
People who want to see the most beautiful places in China
Those whose travel time is longer than 7 days
Photographers

Zhangjiajie vs the Yellow Mountains: Detailed Comparison

If you still want more info, we’ve compared Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains for: 1. popularity, 2. things to do / activities, 3. weather / best time to visit, 4. travel comfort, 5. travel cost 6. ease of getting there, 7. walking difficulty, and 8. food.

1. Popularity

For Chinese, the Yellow Mountains are the Number 1 Mountain and a symbol of China. About 3.3 million people visited in 2016. Internationally, the Yellow Mountains are still more popular than Zhangjiajie with its aggregate attractions including its villagess ranking higher on major travel sites.

Zhangjiajie became internationally famous following Avatar in 2009. The pinnacles inspired the movie’s setting. Though for centuries the Chinese have regarded the Yellow Mountain scenery as the best, recently Zhangjiajie is al the rage. During the last 4 years, there have been long queues for the top Zhangjiajie attractions.

2. Things to Do / Activities

The cliff-side glass skywalk, Tianmen Mountain

Both Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains offer natural wonders, but the Yellow Mountains and its towns, the countryside, and the city of Huangshan have more variety for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Zhangjiajie’s attractions focus on the extreme and adventurous such as “Pandora’s peaks” in the National Forest and more steep drops at Tianmen Mountain and the Glass Bridge.

The Yellow Mountains are more relaxing. Though you could go on strenuous mountain climbing hikes, you can also just relax in hot springs, stay in countryside towns, and take the cableways/monorail to stay at peak hotels.

3. Weather / Best Time to Visit

Zhangjiajie’s weather is warmer, sunnier, and drier overall. However, the higher altitude areas in both areas are easily inclement. Icy paths and freezing temperatures preclude winter hiking for most people.

The Yellow Mountains’ weather is pleasanter than Zhangjiajie’s in summer but more uncomfortably cold for hiking in winter.

The best months to visit the Yellow Mountains and Zhangjiajie are April through November, and it is better to avoid the busy high tourism month of October. Huangshan can be visited all year round, but Zhangjiajie is poorly suited for winter visiting.

4. Travel Comfort

The infrastructure for travel and tourism is much better in the Yellow Mountains and the city of Huangshan. You have to do a lot more walking around the concrete/stone steps and bussing around winding roads in Zhangjiajie.

The Yellow Mountains region also has better quality hotels, less spicy local food, and varied Chinese and Western food options. Roads are generally better around the Yellow Mountains.

5. Travel Costs

Yellow Mountains cable car

Zhangjiajie entry fee: about $40 (not including cableways etc. at about $8 a ride)
Huangshan entry fee: about $40 in peak season, $25 in low season, not including cableways or monorail.

Costs are similarly low in the two destinations at around 200 USD/day for a full-service tour (not including transport there). Generally, the Yellow Mountains area offers better value for money on everything from hotels to transport, restaurants to sights because it is more developed for tourism and frequented. Only the hotels on the peaks are more expensive than in the lowlands.

6. Ease of Getting There

High-speed trains running from major cities direct to Huangshan make it very accessible.

Getting to the Yellow Mountains is easier. Huangshan’s Tunxi Airport has more flights than Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport.

A bullet train station in Huangshan allows for quick transportation, and it is about an hour away from the mountains.

Zhangjiajie is more isolated. The train takes a longer time from major tourist cities, such as 11 hours from Beijing, 6 hours from Guangzhou, and 9 hours from Shanghai.

7. Walking Difficulty

The Yellow Mountain attractions require less walking than Zhangjiajie’s if you use the transportation facilities. Porters could carry you up also along with your possessions.

The internal transportation to the peaks is better in the Yellow Mountains. There are three cableways and a monorail to provide access from every side. As the Yellow Mountains tourist zone is more compact than Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you won’t need to walk so far between the spectacular views, much less descend and reascend.

8. Food

We can take you to authentic local restaurants or arrange food you find more palatable.

Zhangjiajie food features sour and spicy-hot flavors with some exotic ingredients not usually found in Chinese food.

The Huangshan area features quintessentially Chinese Anhui cuisine that is one of China’s Eight Great Traditional Cuisines. Wild mountain and forest ingredients distinguish it. If you don’t like heavy spice, you’ll probably prefer it.

We Can Help You Tour Zhangjiajie or the Yellow Mountains or Both

See Zhangjiajie and/or the Yellow Mountains with us.

Choosing the most suitable destinations is only the very first step. You are still 100 steps away from an enjoyable China tour. We can take all the hassle of researching, comparing, and booking away and turn your ideas into a unique tour itinerary. Just tell us your ideas and we can create a trip for you.

Get inspired by our most popular Yellow Mountains and Zhangjiajie itineraries:

4-Day Essence of Zhangjiajie Tour
3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountain Tour: 3 days to see highlights of the Yellow Mountains and its ancient towns.

For both Zhangjiajie and the Yellow Mountains in a nature-packed China tour, we recommend adding Huangshan to China Natural Wonders Discovery: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai in 14 days.

Hohhot Food & Restaurants

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Hohhot Food & Restaurants

In Hohhot, you will have a taste of typical Mongolian food and drinks, such as milk tea, toasted millet, boiled skim milk, cream, and tender finger mutton. When you are offered mare’s milk wine, the beautiful Mongolian girls will sing the toast song and present you with a “Hada” – a piece of light blue silk to show blessing.

Special Dishes

Mongolian food and drink are characterized by their strong local flavors. Visitors will always discover a feast for their eyes as well as their appetites.

Genghis Khan Roasted Meat on an Iron Plate

This dish is very popular in Central Asia, Southern Russia and other parts of the world. According to an old legend, Genghis Khan liked this dish very much, and as he led his army on his many conquests of other tribes and countries, this favorite dish became wide-spread. The making of the dish is unique. Meat, such as mutton, pork, beef, chicken or fish, should first be sliced, and then roasted on a heated iron plate. Next, the meat is seasoned with sauce, pepper, mustard, ginger and mashed garlic before eating. The finished entrée is very delicious and fragrant, with a special flavor all its own.

Mutton Fondue

Mongolian mutton fondue dates back to the Yuan Dynasty. In different regions there are different ways of enjoying this dish. In Inner Mongolia, material for a fire pot usually comes from sheep’s brain, back, back legs and tail. When eating mutton fondue, the mutton will be sliced and boiled quickly, and then seasoned with sauce, shrimp oil, fermented bean curd and chive florets.

Snacks

Shaomai

Shaomai is a popular local delicacy, and enjoys a long history in Hohhot. As long ago as the Qing Dynasty, it had won a wide popularity in Beijing due to the unique technique of its preparation, the fine raw materials, nice and thin wrappers, delicious fillings and all necessary ingredients and seasonings. The hot Shaomai tastes delicious and is pleasing in form. Visitors to Hohhot always enjoy a taste of Shaomai.

Naked Oat Flour

Naked oat is a kind of oat, and from it is processed naked oat flour. Naked oats are cold and salt-alkali resistant, and produce a low-yield crop with a short mature period. They are also high in protein and fat, as well as many kinds of microelements, such as iron, calcium and phosphorus, and others.

The naked oat flour is often processed in a special way. After washing and drying by airing, the naked oats will be baked and then milled into flour. The flour can then be made into noodles and other kinds of food.

Phoenix’s Tail Cling to Facai

This famous dish derives its peculiar flavor from Inner Mongolia. It is made of facai, a kind of vegetable grown in Inner Mongolia, along with sparrow eggs and cucumber. Because the dish looks like a phoenix’ tail, it is called Phoenix’s Tail Cling to Facai. With a beautiful pattern and rich nutrition, this dish tastes delicious and is good for our health.

Best Vegetarian and Muslim Restaurants in Hohhot

Yinuo Qianjing Vegetarian Tea Restaurant

Based on the principle that “vegetarian food can add to people’s blessings and wisdom”, the restaurant mainly provides dishes made from melons, fruits, fungi, bean products, coarse cereals, herbal cuisine and so forth. Many dishes imitate meat or fish, the flavor being out of the ordinary. Also, various types of tea are offered there.

Chinese name: 伊诺前景素食茶餐厅 Yi’nuo Qianjng Sushi Cha Canting
Address: No. 17, Building 11, Fulin Mall, Dazhaoqian Street, Yuquan District玉泉区大召前街福临商城11号楼17号
Tel: 0471-5924783
QQ: 827686990
Opening hours: 9am – 2pm; 5pm – 9pm
Transportation: 1) Take Bus 1, 36, 38, 56, 71 or 79 and get off at South Tea Lane (南茶坊); 2) Take Bus 6, 27, 58, 59 or 302 and get off at Tumd School (土默特学校).

Lianyouzhai Vegetarian Restaurant

Advocating the culture of vegetarian food, both the shop manager and the head chef show an interest in the research of diets and the pathological therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. The warm atmosphere in the restaurant will make you feel at home.

Chinese name: 莲友斋素食馆 Lianyouzhai Vegetarian Restaurant
Average price per person: 48 yuan
Address: inside the lane on the west of the Window Lee Golden Chinese Mansion, Genghis Khan Avenue, Xincheng District 新城区成吉思汗大街维多利金色华府西侧巷内
Tel: 139 4881 3131 or 133 8488 0485
Opening hours: 11am – 8.30pm
Transportation: Take Bus 1, 1 (regular bus), 1 (night bus), 3, 8 (night bus) 10, 32 (night bus), 36 (night bus), 39 (night bus), 66, 66 (Shihu regular bus), 69 (night bus), 183, 190, 219, 236, 541, 544, B8 and get off at the intersection of Beijing Road (北京路口), and then walk about 230 meters.

Wenjie Vegetarian Restaurant

Chinese name: 文洁素食Wenjie Sushi
Address: South Street, Geosciences Bureau, Saihan District (at the intersection of Renmin Road)赛罕区地质局南街 (人民路口)
Tel: 0471-6918889
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm
Transportation: Take Bus 77 and get off at Xilin Nanlu Primary School (锡林南路小学).

Hong Ye Lou Restaurant

Covering an area of more than 2,000 square meters, Hong Ye Lou Restaurant is a large Muslim-style integrated restaurant that primarily offers traditional mutton hot pots over charcoal, assorted hot pots, various snacks, a buffet Korean-style barbecue, and dishes that are mainly fried, braised, and sautéed. Among these, the mutton hot pot over charcoal is the most popular because it is boiled in a special nutritious soup along with unique ingredients which are fresh and appetizing.

The restaurant’s dishes are so great that sometimes it can become crowded, even though it has four floors. The restaurant is divided into three areas: the hot pot area on the first and second floors, the barbecue area on the third floor, and some private rooms on the fourth floor. All of the floors are decorated elaborately, which provides a pleasant dining atmosphere.

Chinese name: 鸿烨楼 Hong Ye Lou
Recommended dishes: mutton hot pot (涮羊肉), beef hot pot (牛肉火锅), lamb sweetbread soup (羊杂汤), shaomai steamed dumplings with the dough gathered at the top (烧卖), barbecue (烧烤), brick tea (砖茶), assorted balls (丸子拼盘), golden mushrooms (金针菇), sautéed sliced lamb with green onions (葱爆羊肉), and Moo Shu Rou/sautéed sliced beef or mutton with egg and black mushrooms (木须肉).
Average price per person: 42 yuan
Opening hours: 9am – 10pm
Address: Opposite Hui People’s Hospital, Zhongshan West Road, Hui District 回民区中山西路回民医院对面
Tel: 0471-6961555
Transportation: Take bus 1, 3, 4, 16, 19, 21, 50 or 57, and get off at Shoufu Rencai Shichang (Capital Human Resource Market/首府人才市场).

Red Pomegranate Restaurant

Red Pomegranate Restaurant, a Muslim-style restaurant, is notable for its yellow color appearance on the Business Street. The restaurant is popular for its traditional halal dishes and snacks that are cooked with special flavored ingredients. The two-storied restaurant is decorated simply but brightly because of its beautiful crystal chandeliers and elegant French windows.

Chinese name: 红石榴 Hongshiliu

Lao Kan Shang Hot Pots Restaurant

As its name implies, Lao Kan Shang Hot Pots Restaurant is famous for a variety of delicious hot pots such as mutton hot pot and beef hot pot. The soup in a hot pot, boiled down with special ingredients including some traditional Chinese herbs, is fresh and nutritious, hot but not dry, and fat but not greasy. The delicate decorations, neat and tidy environment, and considerate service provide the restaurant with an additional charm.

Guilin Weather in January 2026: Warm Winter for Sightseeing

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:17 +0000

Guilin Weather in January 2026: Warm Winter for Sightseeing

January is one of the coldest months in Guilin, with average temperatures between 5°C (41°F) and 12°C (54°F).

Snow is rare except at higher elevations, but damp winds can make it feel freezing. You could expect mostly cloudy skies with limited rainfall (only 5 rainy days in January 2025), about 41mm total, typically concentrated in late-month showers.

Note that recent years show delayed and shortened cooling periods due to climate change. In January 2025, we even saw highs of 24°C in Guilin.

We expect similar patterns for January 2026, so dressing in layers that could be easily shifted, with warm clothing like padded jackets, thick sweaters, gloves, and scarves to handle sudden temperature drops.

Is Guilin Worth Visiting in January?

Yes, you can visit Guilin in January, which is ideal for those who are seeking savings and space over perfect weather or lush scenery.

Lower costs: Hotels and flights drop to the bottom.
No crowds: Skip queues at attractions and explore without jostling.
Tranquility: Experience Guilin’s karst vistas in peaceful solitude.

*Note: Avoid January 1st for holiday surge in both crowds and prices.

But if you are aiming for the best scenery, choose March-April (spring showers paint the Li River in misty greens) or September-October (crisp and clear autumn skies frame harvest landscapes).

Guilin in January is not at its best: rivers run low, vegetation lies dormant, and overcast skies often linger over the limestone peaks. The landscapes lack the vibrant energy of warmer months, with brown tones dominating the views.

15-Day Private China Nature and Panda Tours Shenzhen– Beijing– Pingyao–Chengdu–Guilin

Top Things to Do in Guilin in January

1. Venture Into the Yangshuo Swallow Cave

Caving is a must for active travelers in January. Thanks to the caves’ stable, comfortable temperatures year-round, damp chill won’t affect your trip, making this a perfect weatherproof adventure.

Led by local professional guides in small groups, you’ll gear up with helmets and headlamps before venturing into total darkness. Your headlamp becomes the only light source as you navigate passages, discovering hidden karst formations and ancient stalactite forests while guides explain their geology.

You may spot cave wildlife like salamanders or bats during the journey, which involves crawling and climbing through narrow sections before emerging above ground. This hands-on experience delivers a deeper understanding of karst terrain.

Prefer Sightseeing? Visit Reed Flute Cave for a fully developed alternative.

As the city’s largest limestone cave, it features spectacular illuminated stalactites and stalagmites strategically lit for dramatic effect. Well-paved walkways with handrails allow effortless exploration, requiring no climbing or crawling, making it accessible for all ages.

You may be interested in: Best Caves to Visit in Guilin

2. Hike the Most Scenic Part of Li River in Xingping

Hiking is an excellent outdoor activity in Guilin on dry January days.

Hike the Most Scenic Part of Li River

While winter brings colder temperatures and less vibrant foliage compared to other seasons, the Li River’s low water level during this period offers a unique advantage: the exposed riverbed allows you to wade across shallow sections in places, an experience unavailable at other times of year.

The most recommended route hike from Quanjiazhou Village along the Li River to Xingping Ancient Town. This section passes iconic scenery, including Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Huangbu Reflection (20 Yuan RMB scenic spot).

Before you embark on a hike, remember to dress in warm layers (thermal base layer, fleece, windproof/water-resistant jacket, hat, gloves) to prevent colds. You could expect strong winds along the riverbank throughout January, and conditions could become significantly colder if rain occurs. So hike only on clear days for safety and comfort.

3. Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River

Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a must in Yangshuo to view the karst landscapes.

Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River

January’s off-season status provides a significant advantage: you can board a bamboo raft with minimal wait times, unlike summer when tickets sell out within minutes.

But it is only great during sunny and clear days. If you feel chilly at your hotel, it would feel significantly colder on the water than on land. Consider indoor cultural activities like painting fans, or practicing calligraphy instead.

For a calm, dry experience with guaranteed warmth, choose the round-trip route from Yulong Bridge to Xiniu Tan. This route features beautiful scenery along a completely flat section with no dam droppings.

If you prefer the most picturesque scenery and are comfortable with minor water splashes, select the one-way route from Shui’e Di to Gongnong Bridge, which includes gentle dam crossings and offers the best value.

Regardless of your route choice, dressing in very warm, layered clothing (including a hat, gloves, and windproof jacket) is non-negotiable to mitigate cold exposure risks on the river.

You may be interested in: Guilin Bamboo Rafting: A Completed Travel Guide

4. Snow Viewing at Tian Lake Reservoir of Quanzhou County

Seeing snow within Guilin City is rare, but Tian Lake Reservoir in Quanzhou County, a high-altitude lake group over 1,600 meters, offers a silver-coated winter landscape that fulfills winter expectations.

If your schedule permits, we recommend staying overnight at Tianhu Chaping Hotel to witness sunrise over a sea of clouds and the mist-shrouded snowy lake at dawn. The snow-capped mountains and lake display remarkable pink-and-blue hues in the morning light.

Crucially, if planning a same-day round trip from Guilin, you must descend before 3:00 PM to avoid navigating poor road conditions in darkness or fog. Due to increasingly common warm winters from global warming, snowscapes typically last only three days after snowfall. Check real-time snow reports before visiting and prepare mentally for potential snow absence.

Should no snow be present upon arrival, we recommend substituting with a visit to Dabitou International Tourism Resort of Quanzhou County, and enjoy its hot springs and organic cuisine. Nearby park activities include interacting with sika deer and riding ATVs, both offering excellent alternative experiences.

What to Wear in Guilin in January: Dressed in Layers

Guilin’s January temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 12°C (41-54°F), with humidity intensifying the cold more than in December, while river winds amplify the chill on overcast days. Since it has become warmer in recent years, prioritize multiple layering over bulky single garments to balance comfort and mobility.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer paired with a warm mid-layer, such as silk or merino wool thermal underwear, under a lightweight down jacket, ensuring agile comfort whether hiking hills or cycling through mist. Your essential outer layer must be a hooded, windproof, and waterproof jacket to shield against Guilin’s sudden drizzles and the Li River’s piercing winds.

Complement this with thermal leggings and waterproof hiking pants, so you can roll them up on muddy village paths. Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear is non-negotiable. Always bring a woven scarf, touchscreen-compatible gloves, and a wool beanie for your critical defense against penetrating, damp cold.

Pack a foldable down vest in your daypack. As temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, this extra layer guarantees comfort if your evening activities extend outdoors.

12-Day Beijing-Xi’an-Chengdu-Guilin/Yangshuo-Shanghai Tour Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders

Plan a Winter Trip to Guilin with China Highlights

Not sure what to do in Guilin during winter? Follow our experienced local experts to deeply explore Guilin’s landscapes, discover hidden winter scenery you’ve never experienced, and savor authentic farm-to-table meals. Why wait? Contact us now to book your unforgettable Guilin journey!

Zhen He’s Voyages to the West

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

Zhen He’s Voyages to the West

Zheng He (or Ma Sanbao) (1371-1433 AD) was a court eunuch, marine explorer and fleet admiral, born into an adventurous Muslim family in Kunyang of Yunnan Province. His grandfather was a noble from the Mongolian tribe and once made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Ma Sanbao had an elder brother and two sisters. His parental family was greatly respected in Kunyang for its pious religious beliefs.

The Ming Army attacked Yunnan in 1381, and the eleven-year old Ma Sanbao was captured, castrated and brought to the palace of the Prince of Yan (later the Yongle Emperor) to serve as a eunuch.

In the battle of Zhengzhou (presently Renqiu of Hebei Province), Ma helped the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, to seize the throne of Emperor Jianwen. As a reward after ascending the throne, Zhu Di bestowed the imperial surname “Zheng” on Ma Sanbao; hence the name Zheng He.

Between 1405 and 1433, under Emperor’s orders, Zheng He led seven expeditionary ocean voyages to western countries. This was a great feat in the history of Chinese marine navigation, in recognition of which the title Sanbao Eunuch (Three-Protection Eunuch) was conferred on Zheng in 1431.

Preconditions of Zheng He’s Marine Voyages

Zheng He.

The shipbuilding industry prospered during the Tang (618–907 AD) and Song (960–1279 AD) dynasties, making long-distance oceanic exploration possible.
The development of compasses and gunpowder provided reassurance for oceanic exploration, in regard to security.
The Yongle Emperor was showing off marine prowess for political reasons.
Ocean trade prospered during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD). The Yuan Empire boasted the strongest army and largest fleet in the world, laying a good foundation economically and militarily for marine exploration.
Sailors, soldiers and translators worked together to accomplish the task of exploration.

Zheng He’s Seven Voyages to the West

Zheng He left on his 1st voyage in 1405 with a fleet of 240 ships and visited over 30 states along the coasts of the West Atlantic and Indian Oceans. His visits helped to strengthen relations between China and countries in Southeast Asia and East Africa. Zheng’s 7th voyage was cut short in 1433 owing to his death at Guli in India. He and his crewmen had traveled as far as the Red Sea and the East African coast.

The First Voyage

On June 15th, 1405, Zheng He set sail from Longjiang Harbor in Nanjing, and returned on September 2nd, 1407. According to records, more than 27,800 crewmen participated in the voyage. During this first voyage, Zheng visited Champa (presently Vietnam), Java Island, Malacca, Aru, Samudera, Qiulon, Kollam, Cochin (presently South West India) and Calicut (presently South India).

The Second Voyage

On September 13th, 1407, only 11 days after his return from the first voyage, Zheng left with his fleet for a second time. During this trip he visited Champa, Java Island, Siam (presently Thailand), Malacca, Cochin, Ceylon (presently Sri Lanka) and Calicut.

In July 1409, on his return voyage, Zheng made a special trip to Ceylon and erected a monument at Mt. Ceylon Temple to commemorate the voyage. It was estimated that over 27,000 crewmen had joined in the voyage.

The Third Voyage

In September 1409, Zheng left with a fleet of 48 ships from Liujiagang, Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, on a third voyage to the West. This time he visited Champa, Java, Malacca, Semudera, Ceylon, Quilon, Cochin, Calicut, Siam, Lambri and Kayal (namely, present-day Vietnam), Indonesia, Malaysia and India. On July 9th, 1411, Zheng was presented with relics from the Buddha via Ceylon, while on his way home.

The Fourth Voyage

Over 27,670 crewmen were enrolled on Zheng He’s fourth journey to the West, which departed in November 1413. They made a detour round the Arabian Peninsula and sailed as far as Mogadishu and Malindi (presently in Kenya). On July 8th, 1415, Zheng and his fleet returned home. At that time, an envoy from Malindi presented giraffes to the Ming emperor.

The Fifth Voyage

Zheng’s fifth voyage to the West started at Quanzhou (presently in Guangdong Province) in May 1417 and ended at Ma Lam (an ancient kingdom in an East African country) via Champa and Java Island. Zheng sailed home on July 17th, 1419. On his return, the Aden Kingdom presented unicorns, Maldive lions and Barawa ostriches to the Ming emperor.

The Sixth Voyage

On September 30th, 1421, Zheng left China with a fleet of ships to escort foreign envoys home. He passed through Champa, Bengal, Ceylon, Calicut, Cochin, Maldives, Hormuz, Djofar, Aden, Mogadishu and Brava. The fleet returned home on August 18th, 1422, with more envoys from Siam, Samudera and Aden.

In the 22nd year of the Yongle period (1426), the Yongle Emperor passed away, and Zhu Gaozhi (later known as the Renzong Emperor) ascended the throne. Zhu stopped Zheng’s voyages to the West, owing to bankruptcy.

The Seventh Voyage

On December 6th, 1431, Zheng He set sail towards the West for a 7th time, from Longjiangguan (presently Xiaguan in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province). He died from overwork in 1433, on the homeward voyage. The fleet was then led by another eunuch, Wang Jinghong, and returned to Nanjing on July 7th, 1433. The number of crewmen on that voyage was 27,550.

Zheng He’s Contribution to Global Ocean Exploration

Zheng He’s travels to the West were unprecedented in their scale and scope. Zheng made a great contribution to friendly relations between China and the rest of the world in the spheres of politics, economy and culture.

Zheng’s travels to the West turned a new page in the history of world marine navigation, 87 years before Christopher Columbus discovered America, 92 years before Vasco da Gama discovered the Cape of Good Hope and 114 years before Magellan sailed around the globe.

In China, Zheng He is regarded as an outstanding diplomat and navigator. His travels to the West made a great impact on world history, for which he is justifiably renowned.

Guangzhou-Zhangjiajie Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

Guangzhou-Zhangjiajie Trains

This train route connects the capital of Guangdong Province with Zhangjiajie. Five pairs of high-speed trains and three pairs of normal-speed trains operate on this route. High-Speed trains operate between Guangzhou South Station and Zhangjiajie West Station.

Quick Facts

Distance: 990 kilometers (615 miles)
Terminals: Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou South Railway Station, Zhangjiajie Railway Station / Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
Duration: 6 hours
Main stops: Guangzhou, Changsha, Zhangjiajie

Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 1st, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G6098	07:48	13:45	5h 57m
G6058	07:54	14:27	6h 33m
G6358	11:05	17:08	6h 3m
G6152	16:15	22:20	6h 5m

Zhangjiajie to Guangzhou High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 1st, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G6151	09:52	15:48	5h 56m
G6357	14:18	20:16	5h 58m
G6057	14:47	21:12	6h 25m
G6097	17:27	23:19	5h 52m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie High-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Business Class	First Class	Second Class
US$238 (CNY1,622)	US$119 (CNY808)	US$75 (CNY506)

Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 1st, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K688	16:26	04:50 (next day)	12h 24m
K1096	22:07	11:53 (next day)	13h 46m

Please note: The timetable is just for your reference. If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Zhangjiajie to Guangzhou Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on April 1st, 2024)

Train Number	Departure	Arrival	Duration
K1095	16:12	06:13 (next day)	13h 51m
T687	19:12	07:03 (next day)	11h 51m

Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
US$65 (CNY436.5)	US$37 (CNY244.5)	US$22 (CNY141.5)

Station Information

There are more than two railway stations in most cities in China. Please pay attention to the stations before departure and make sure you go to the right one.

The trains on this route operate between Guangzhou Railway Station and Zhangjiajie Railway Station / Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.

The addresses of these stations are detailed below:

Guangzhou Railway Station

Chinese name: 广州站
Address: 159 Huanshi Xilu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Chinese address: 广州市越秀区环市西路159号

Zhangjiajie Railway Station

Chinese name: 张家界站
Address: Xixiping, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
Chinese address: 张家界市永定区西溪坪

Zhangjiajie West Railway Station

Chinese name: 张家界西站
Address: Wulingshan Avenue, Shadi Township, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
Chinese address: 张家界市永定区北部沙提乡武陵山大道西侧

Travel by Airplane

For such a long distance, taking a flight is the fastest way to travel from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie. It takes about 1½ hours. Usually, one midnight flight is available daily from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.

A flight costs approximately 290 USD and discounts are sometimes available, such as 50% off. You should check the ticket prices as early as possible to see if any discounts are available.

The Best Parks in Shanghai

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

The Best Parks in Shanghai

Urban Shanghai does not have nearly many green spaces as cities like London or Paris, but there are some urban oases in the city where you can enjoy a quieter moment and indulge in a bit of people watching, as elderly locals strolling around clapping their hands for exercise, or play mahjong or draughts surrounded by an attentive crowd of onlookers.

Century Park

Century Park in Pudong is one of the newest parks in Shanghai and is the largest, opened fittingly in 2000. The park is best accessed by metro, and is situated on the junction between lines 2 and 9. There you can rent tandem bicycles pedalos, or electrically-powered boats for those that don’t want to do anything too strenuous.

Stylistically, Century Park is inspired by British, Japanese and Chinese gardens. At the entrance to the park from the metro station is an avenue that attracts street food vendors from across China as well as some other small stands. There is an entry fee of 10RMB to get in to Century Park.

ADDRESS: Century Park Pudong, Huamu Lu, corner of Fangdian Lu 浦东世纪公园五号门花木路1359号

People’s Park

People’s Park in the very heart of downtown Shanghai sits on the site of the former Shanghai Racecourse. The park makes up part of the area known as People’s Square, and is best described as a cultural center, and a welcome retreat from the malls and commercial sites that surround it. The park is home to The Shanghai Museum, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. The park is serviced by the People’s Square metro station, which is on metro lines 1, 2 and 8.

ADDRESS: 75 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huangpi Bei Lu 人民公园南京西路75号

Xujiahui Park

Xujiahui Park sits on the site if a former brick factory close to the center of Xujiahui shopping district.

The park has a waterway modeled on the way the Huangpu River meanders through Shanghai. In the spring and autumn months, the Shanghai Conservatory of Music will sometimes stage free concerts there. Visitors can go to the La Villa Rouge restaurant on the edge of the park. The building that formerly housed the Famous Pathé Record Company has since been turned into a restaurant, one of three located in old buildings on the leafy perimeter of the park.

ADDRESS: 889 Zhaojiabang Lu, near Tianping Lu
肇嘉浜路889号

Zhongshan Park

In Zhongshan Park you can watch local people practicing tai chi, and join in if you like, or practice calligraphy on the paving stones. For much of the year the park is full of kite-flyers, single string designs float gently on a long single string high above you, alongside the kite-flyers you find the typical cohort of badminton players. Zhongshan Park has much to keep young children amused, with several fairground rides. Access to Zhongshan Park is very easy, it has its own stop on metro line 2.

ADDRESS: 780 Changning Lu, near Dingxi Lu
中山公园长宁路780号, 近定西路

Gongqing Forest Park

A real hidden gem that is often forgotten because of its outlying location, yet it is nonetheless perfect for a day trip. If the hustle and bustle of Shanghai becomes too much for you, and you just want to remember what nature looks like, then Gongqing Park is worth a visit. It is the closest you can get to the forest in the entire municipality.

Aside from expansive wooded and grass areas, there is a rock climbing wall, a rollercoaster, horse riding, barbecuing, or you can simply amble through the park at you own leisure. Weekdays are the best days to go, but the park is more than big enough for visitors to find their own private spot.

The best way to get there is to take line 8 to Shiguang Road station, from there it is either a 10-15 minute walk, or a short ride in a taxi to the park entrance. Admission is 15RMB.

ADDRESS: 2000 Jungong Lu, near Yinhang Lu
杨浦区军工路2000号,近银行路

Build a Park or Two Into Your Shanghai Itinerary

– with China Highlights it’s as simple as asking!

Our Shanghai tours are fully-customizable and we encourage you to find a balance of attractions to suit your interests. Make your tour unique and personally satisfying with China Highlights.

5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

5-Day Harbin, Yabuli and Snow Town Tour

Experience a Winter Wonderland: Skiing, Rime, and Fun

This tour conveniently connects Harbin, Yabuli, and Snow Town with short, scenic drives—each under two hours—so you can spend more time enjoying the magic.

Feel the thrill of skiing at Yabuli’s 5S resort before a fun-filled journey to fairytale Snow Town. The trip from Yabuli to Snow Town isn’t just a ride; you’ll travel along China’s most beautiful winter road, with exhilarating snowmobile rides and stunning rime scenery along the way.

Unwind in a hot spring to feel the contrast of ice and fire, and don’t miss Harbin’s must-see attractions, including the spectacular Ice and Snow World and the majestic Siberian Tiger Park.

As your personal travel experts, we are ready to customize this unique winter trip just for you.

Tour Map

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Prepare to Be Amazed by Rime Spectacular

Whether you’re driving along China’s most beautiful winter road, the Yaxue Highway, or strolling through the Rime and Snow Gallery, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking spectacle of rime and snow.

Explore the Charming Snow Mushroom Village

Stroll along the lively Snow Charm Avenue and climb to the top of Bangchui Hill for a stunning panoramic view. From there, you can see the snow-covered farmhouses.

Conquer the Slopes at Yabuli’s 5S Ski Resort

Carve through a stunning winter panorama at a prestigious 5S-rated ski resort, where the slopes wind through snow-covered mountains like elegant silver ribbons.

Jump into the Ultimate Winter Playground

Want to experience all the most popular snow activities? We’ve got you covered! Enjoy a thrilling dogsled ride, a snowmobile climb, or a blast on snow tubing and long ice slides.

Relax in a Snowy Hot Spring

Rejuvenate in the hot springs, which feature both a large indoor spa with a tropical garden feel and outdoor pools where you can soak in the warm water while admiring the snowy scenery.

Step into a World of Ice and Snow

Beyond the elegant ice sculptures, you can get your heart racing by swooshing down a giant ice slide or taking a spin on the Ferris wheel for an unforgettable winter adventure

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour to suit your interests.

DAY 1 Harbin Arrival

When you arrive at the airport, your private guide and driver will be there to take you to your hotel.

DAY 2 Harbin | City Highlights

A thrilling minibus safari awaits you at the Siberian Tiger Park, where you’ll journey through the world of these magnificent creatures. Get ready for an up-close look at majestic tigers and maybe even catch a glimpse of some playful cubs.

Next, we’ll visit the stunning Harbin Pharmaceutical Sixth Factory Museum of Prints, a hidden gem often called the “Chinese Louvre.” Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular blend of Classical, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles that make this building a true work of art.

Your tour continues at the iconic St. Sofia Church, a historical and architectural landmark of Harbin. Afterward, you’ll explore Central Street, a bustling, open-air architectural museum. This vibrant street is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a foodie’s delight, offering a taste of the city’s unique culture.

As evening approaches, we’ll enter a magical world at the Ice and Snow World. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible spectacle of towering ice sculptures and brilliant light shows, a perfect end to an unforgettable day.

DAY 3 Harbin to Yabuli | Ski and Hot Spring

After an hour-long high-speed train ride from Harbin, you’ll arrive in Yabuli.

Embark on a unique horse-drawn sleigh ride that goes beyond the typical tour. You’ll journey through a “bandit’s lair” and stop at a local farmhouse to savor authentic regional delicacies like sticky bean buns and waxy corn.

Yabuli has hosted many international events, including the Asian Winter Games, so you’ll be skiing at a truly renowned resort. With trails suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, you can enjoy stunning mountain views while you glide through the snow.

Tonight, you’ll relax and unwind at one of Yabuli’s best hot spring hotels. Enjoy a therapeutic soak in the warm water while surrounded by a beautiful, snowy landscape.

DAY 4 Yabuli to Snow Town | Rime Landscape and Yaxue Highway

Today, you’ll travel along the Yaxue Highway, hailed as China’s most beautiful winter road, on your way to the stunning China Snow Town. Your private car can stop at any time, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture photos of the breathtaking winter scenery.

Take a thrilling snowmobile ride through a pristine forest to the summit of Mount Datudingzi, Heilongjiang province’s highest peak at about 1,690 meters. Afterward, you’ll explore the Rime and Snow Gallery, a real-life winter wonderland where trees are covered in stunning rime. You might even spot wildlife like roe deer. Attractions such as Bear Ridge and Weihu Hall add to the charm of this area.

Next, you’ll head to China Snow Town. Shaped by the wind, the heavy snowfall here creates adorable “snow mushroom” formations, making the village look like something out of a fairy tale.

After your visit, you’ll take a two-hour drive back to your hotel in Yabuli to relax and enjoy the hot springs.

DAY 5 Yabuli to Harbin | Harbin Departure

After breakfast, you’ll take a high-speed train from Yabuli to Harbin, where a private car will pick you up and take you to the airport.

More Harbin tours

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

FromUS$1,909p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
Flights/trains between itinerary cities
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: hrb-9

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3-Hour Shanghai Breakfast Street Food Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

3-Hour Shanghai Breakfast Street Food Tour

Highlights Itinerary Price FAQ

One of the best ways to know Shanghai is by tasting local authentic food. Shanghai cuisine is the representative of Jiangnan cuisine, with sweetness as its main feature. Shanghai breakfast, can be summed up in its variety and delicaty, the most typical four are “Salty or sweet pancakes, Fried dough sticks, soybean milk and Glutinous rice balls.” Shanghai people have been attached to them for a long time, and even exceeded the meaning of breakfast itself, which has become a memory of the taste of Shanghai.

Join us to this breakfast food tour with local tour guide to find Shanghai flavours in hidden eateries and communities and visit a local wet market to feel the lifestyle of the people!

Tour Highlights

Taste Shanghai most popular breakfast items and watch them made to order.
Explore the old streets and community to see how locals live their lives here.
Get into a wet market to see people bargaining and buying daily ingredients.
English-speaking foodie guide will show you around and tell you Shanghai’s history and food culture.

The Design of the Day Trip

Foodie guide: Our guides are grew up in Shanghai, know the city well and totally a big foodie.
Location: Get off the beaten path to find the food where is near an old community and only locals know.
Trippest Shanghai Office: English-speaking backup support — We are very happy to hear your voice
Professional product team analysis on every part of the trip to ensure a enjoyable travel experience.

Detailed Itinerary

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The day before your tour date

You’ll receive a confirmation email about the meeting time, full details and directions of the meeting place after your booking. Our tou guide will call your hotel or message you to double confirm tour details one day before your tour date for the next day’s experience. Please arrive at the meeting point ON TIME according to the meeting time and location notified by the tour guide.

9:00 – 10:00 AMWalk Through The Street For Breakfast

The tour will start at 9:00AM at Tilanqiao Subway Station. Firstly, we will explore local streets by foot as we try a lot of different dishes that make breakfast the most important meal of the day in China! While visiting 4-5 food stops, learn about the families that have been making their specialties for generations and get to know the foods that locals love and why they became so popular. We will taste fried beef pancakes, savory Chinese crepes (called Jianbing in China), Chinese doughnut sticks (Youtiao), soy milk ( Doujiang) with sweet or salty flavour in the hidden lanes and watch the locals how to prepare them.

Pancakes

Making Youtiao

Soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao)

Walk through some of Shanghai’s oldest residential communities to see how locals live their lives every day and learn about this interesting and historic area from your local guide. Your English-speaking tour guide will tell you some stories of the quaint neighborhoods and streets of Old-Shanghai.

Old street

The gate of old house

A popular breskfast shop

Note: This tour is vegetarian friendly, please note us your any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Good to Know:

Our tour routes change regularly depending on vendor opening hours and tour schedules, but we promise it will be awesome as well.
Wechat is widely use in China, we suggest you to use Wechat for further communication if possible.

10:00 – 11:00 AMVisit a Local Market

Go on the tour, we will visit a local wet market to see people buying fresh produce, meat, and seafood and see what’s in season. Also you will see people how bargain in China market, it will be interesting. After that, our tour will end. Your guide would love to show you the best ways to get back to your hotel or other places you are interested in visiting.

Dry goods in the market

Fresh vegetables

Price Include:

Food and drink.
English-speaking local guide service.

Price Exclude:

Hotel pickup and drop-off services.
Personal expenses.

FAQs About This Tour

What is your cancellation policy?

If we are not able to implement the contract due to war, flood, typhoon, fire, strikes, storm, earthquake, or any other condition we are not able to foresee and avoid, we will inform customers at the first possible opportunity and offer the best possible solutions, and the final bill shall be settled based on the service we actually provide.
Up to 7 days before departure: 100% refund of all money paid, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
From 3 to 7 days before departure: 90% refund, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
Within 3 days before departure: no refund.
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for cancelled services due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.

What if I want to make a last-minute booking?

In order to making sure we have enough time to arrange your trip and make sure the availability we usually require customer make their booking at least 24 hours in advance and that’s why you can not book directly on-line for a 24-hour last-minute booking.

But that does not mean you have no chance to book a last-minute trip within 24 hours. For urgent booking, please make a phone call to us at: +86-18807734970 to check the availability or send an email (not recommended as you may not get the response immediately) at: inquiry@trippest.com

How to connect Whatsapp, Google, Facebook and other social medias when you’re traveling in China?

Due to state control of internet security in China, many popular websites and APPs are blocked, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, WhatsApp etc. It is very possible that you may not be able to receive your emails and other important information. For this reason, we highly recommend you to sign up for a VPN service(for example, ExpressVPN) before your trip, to make sure you can connect to the global internet.

Good to know: Wechat is widely use in China, we suggest you to use Wechat for further communication if possible.

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Role-playing as a way to expand your Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

Role-playing is a word which is used quite often in textbooks and education literature. However, I have played tabletop role-playing games since I was ten and coming from that kind of background, I find that the role-playing games that are used in language teaching are very limited and sometimes quite dull. In this article I will discuss how you can use role-playing games to expand language competence, both as a learner and as a teacher.

Image source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drama-icon.svg

Role-playing isn’t the same as dialogue

Sometimes, authors and teachers seem to think that students reading the part of roles in a dialogue makes it role-playing, but acting out a dialogue and role-playing are definitely two different things. The former contains no creativity and is scripted, the latter requires creativity and is mostly improvised. Role-playing is about pretending that you are someone else or somewhere else and then acting as if that were the case. Let’s look at these two situations:

Creating a new situation
Creating a new identity.

Creating a new situation

This is the most obvious use of role-playing in language learning. Instead of being in the classroom, you pretend that you are somewhere else (while still keeping your own personality). You are then faced with a situation where you are required to interact with people using Chinese. The other party might be a native speaker friend, your teacher or a language exchange partner (in fact, this is one of the best ways of learning Chinese with an exchange partner).

For instance, pretend that…

…you’re inspecting an apartment you’re might want to rent
…you want to complain about strands of hair in your soup
…you want to excuse yourself for being late
…you want to ask the way to the bank
…you are wrongly accused of stealing someone’s cell phone

The reason you want to do this with a native speaker (i.e. not your foreign classmates) is that all these situations contain lots of cultural aspects. Even if you can translate what you would have said in your native language, it doesn’t necessarily have the same implications in Chinese.

Creating new situations to practice Chinese is useful because it allows you to prepare for situations you’re not likely to come across very often. For instance, during my two years (and counting) in Taiwan, I have actually never felt the need to complain about my food in restaurants. I have only rented two apartments on my own. Sure, some situations might arise more often than others (such as asking the way or making excuses for being late), but being able to design specific situations to practice language is awesome. It’s also much more fun than most other ways of practising the same things.

Now you might think that this is actually done in lots of classrooms and you’d be right. However, the next step is to actually consider these situations more carefully and make the situation less scripted. For instance, when you try to rent an apartment, ask your partner to write down a few things about the landlord, such as what his minimum rent actually is, what kind of personality he has, what he thinks about foreigners like you, etc.Of course, you as a learner don’t know these parameters.

Try negotiating the rent with a stingy landlord, try to get him to accept that your girlfriend will probably stay in your room on weekends. Do you have a dog? Do you have a passion for playing the violin? And so on. Use different landlords, use different situations. We’re now approaching “real” role-playing.

Creating a new identity

The next step is to change who you are. This typically requires more advanced language skills, but is very useful if you can do it. For instance, if you’re practising words related to bargaining, don’t just assume that you’re the person doing the bargaining and set some parameters for the seller, do the same for yourself! This requires you to move out of your comfort zone, which is great for language learning.

The reason this is less useful and should perhaps be restricted to advanced learners is because, after all, you’re not likely to say things in a situation which are completely alien to your way of being. If you don’t own a house, you’re unlikely to find yourself in a situation where you’re trying to get as much money as you can from the stupid foreigner who wants to rent a room.

Still, as an advanced learner, I find it useful to do so in order to explore the language further. What’s it like to negotiate salary in Chinese? What’s it like to be stopped by the police for a crime you actually have committed (even if you wouldn’t in real life)? What’s it like to introduce yourself as someone else (thus leaving the patterns you have worked out through years of being asked questions about yourself)?

Expanding role-playing

For those who aren’t familiar with tabletop role-playing games, they mostly work according to the principles I’ve described above, with the significant difference that the purpose is entertainment rather than language learning. Before playing, the participants decide on a setting (sometimes fictional) and characters (also fictional) that are going to appear in that setting. Role-playing is about creating an interesting story in this setting and act as if you were a character in that story.

This can be employed for language learning as well, although this might be better kept outside the classroom simply because it takes a lot of time and works best in a one-on-one situation. Depending on your language level, you can invent different situations and characters. For intermediate learners, inventing realistic situations that are only slightly different from what you might actually experience probably works best. Advanced learners can try anything. Don’t forget to make the story interesting. Why not include a conspiracy, a love drama or whatever else you find interesting when reading books or watching films? Actually wanting to know how the story ends is a powerful motivation for playing and learning.

Of course, this is just yet another way of merging playing and learning, an essential component in successful language learning. In this way, you can practice language which is really useful, but that you’re unlikely to come across very often. If you feel that’s too complicated, then stick to situations you’re actually likely to encounter and practice those. If it doesn’t go well the first time, try again! You can’t load a saved game in real life, but you can play the same scene twice in a role-playing game!

Approaches to reading in Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:16 +0000

This is a guest post about reading in Chinese, written by Sara K. Reading is one of the best ways of picking up new vocabulary once we reached an intermediate or advanced level, but it’s also necessary to read a lot to be able to write Chinese properly. Reading also enables us to understand word usage and brings us closer to the culture behind the language. I’ll now let Sara talk about her approach and experiences of reading in Chinese. Enjoy!

I’ve been studying Chinese for 2-3 years. During that time, I’ve made my share of mistakes and stumbles, and I’ve done a lot of trial and error to discover the most effective studying methods. Here, I present how I read continuous texts in Chinese. such as books, comics, the lease to my apartment, newspaper articles, etc. I will go over the steps that I use, how I modify my steps for different situations, how I benchmark, and other issues. I am not suggesting that my approach is the best or ideal for every learner – rather, my intent is to give fellow learners ideas about how to develop their own approach to reading Chinese.

Read the text, or a portion of the text, once cold. No notes, no looking up things up in reference books, just trying to enjoy it.
Read the text or that portion of the text again. This time I make notes of any vocabulary or anything else that I want to look up in a reference, but I do not actually look at references until I are done reading the text. I like to make the notes right in the text itself so that when I actually open my references later, I can see exactly what the context for that word or phrase is. If one does not want to mark the text itself (perhaps it’s a borrowed copy) one can make the notes on a separate piece of paper.
After the second reading, I look up whatever I marked. Nowadays I turn my notes into cards for Anki without fleshing them out on paper, but in the past I would write out the full explanations on paper.
Now read the text for a third time. When using paper notes, I did this as soon as I have finished looking everything up in references and completing the notes. Using Anki, I wait until I have reviewed the cards for a few cycles before re-reading the text.

The Approach

This full approach was very helpful to me when I was at an intermediate level. At that time, I felt I needed to re-read the texts to help the new language stick in my brain – and I advise all beginner and intermediate learners to re-read texts. Re-reading texts is also helpful for advanced learners. However my time is not unlimited, so usually I think reading fresh text is a better use of my time so I can see words being used in many different contexts. I still use this approach – I just take out steps. For example, I often do the following –

Read the text cold and mark anything I don’t understand or am uncertain about.
Later go through my markings, take note of the context, look things up in references, and turn them into Anki cards.

Notice that in this shortened version I am only reading the full text once (I of course re-read the bits I marked).

One of my basic principles is to never interrupt reading to look things up. I want to get involved in the text, and having to pull out a dictionary every time I see a word I don’t know breaks the flow. Once in a while, if there is a word that is showing up over and over again, is clearly very important, and I have no idea what it means, I might pull out the dictionary in the middle of reading, but that rarely happens.

Which steps?

Of course, I decide which of the above steps to include based on why I am reading a text. Here are the most common situations:

On a Break: Sometimes I want to focus on skills other than reading, or I just want to take a break from difficult texts. So I pick texts which I find enjoyable and relatively easy. I just read the texts once cold, without markings – putting in any more effort would defeat the purpose of taking a break.
Casual: These would also be texts which I am mainly reading for enjoyment, not expanding my Chinese – but if I do not consider myself ‘on break’ I will still mark whatever I don’t know, look up things in references, and make Anki cards out of them. The bulk of my reading practice these days is like this – it has to be enjoyable and not excessively difficult for me to be able to put in the many hours it takes to become truly comfortable reading Chinese.
Pushing my level: This is when I am picking a difficult text so I can increase my Chinese proficiency (though I always pick a text which I am also interested in for its own sake – there are too many interesting things to read in Chinese for me to waste my time on a text I don’t care about). I am far more likely to add steps when the main purpose is to expand my Chinese – and if I feel overwhelmed, I will do the full approach described above.
Specific purpose, example 1: I plan to write an essay about a text in Chinese. I will probably make the markings and Anki cards and re-read the text at least once (after a few rounds of reviews on Anki), even if it’s not challenging.
Specific purpose, example 2: I have a prescription for some medicine, and the English instructions are so badly written that they are unreliable (this really happened to me). Even if I am 95% sure of what the Chinese instructions say, I would probably put in extra effort to be absolutely certain that I understand what my prescription says (such as talking with a fluent Chinese speaker to check my comprehension)

There are many other situations where something other than language acquisition goals might affect the way someone approaches a text.

Benchmarking reading comprehension

I like to benchmark two different things when reading Chinese; reading speed, and vocabulary comprehension (see this article for more about benchmarking language skills).

To benchmark reading speed, I need a set of texts which have equivalent length and difficulty, preferably of a type which I have also read in my native language (English). Thus, when I compare the speed I take to reach each text, I am comparing apples to apples, and I can also compare to my English reading speed. The set of texts I use is a manhwa called Goong (我的野蠻王妃 ). Each volume is of a similar length and has similar language, and a new Chinese-language volume gets published once in a while. I had actually been reading Goong in English before I started studying Chinese, so I know how long it takes to read a volume in English – but this is a personal choice.

Unfortunately, no two texts are completely equivalent, and many factors can interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. Each learner should find their own texts which personally works for them. Aside from comics, other good sources of long series of texts with consistent length and difficulty include: novels (each chapter can be counted as a separate text), series of novels, newspapers, magazines,, and blogs (if it is a very consistent blog). Olle Linge says that he uses the novel The War of the Worlds and reads it 10 pages at a time. If you have any other ideas about good series of texts to use for benchmarking, please comment.

I find it very encouraging when I know that I am encountering fewer and fewer unfamiliar vocabulary, so I benchmark it. Like benchmarking for speed, I need a set of texts with equivalent length and language difficulty. When I took paper notes, it was obvious when the notes were becoming fewer and fewer for each chunk of text. Now that I use Anki instead of paper notes, I use a different tag for every chunk. For example, I read an 8-volume edition of The Giant Eagle and Its Companion (神鵰俠侶 ). I used different tag for each volume. I could have also chosen to make tags for each chapter, or for every 20 pages. By tagging each equivalent chunk of text, I can track whether I have to look up more or fewer things per chunk. For example, according to Anki, theses are the cards I made for each volume of The Giant Eagle and Its Companion:

Volume 1: 105 cards
Volume 2: 74 cards
Volume 3: 80 cards
Volume 4: 92 cards
Volume 5: 74 cards
Volume 6: 60 cards
Volume 7: 60 cards
Volume 8: 73 cards

Now, notice that sometimes I had to look up more words than for the previous volume. Yet I had to look up 88 words per volume on average for the first half of the novel, but only 72 words per volume on average for the second half of the novel. If you’re wondering why I looked up so few words, it’s because this is the sequel to The Eagle-Shooting Heroes (射鵰英雄傳), which I read first. For the just first chapter of The Eagle-Shooting Heroes, I had to look up 82 words.

Sometimes there is a major vocabulary spike for a certain chunk. For example, if a story which mostly takes place on land has a scene which takes place at sea, I might have to look up a lot of vocabulary related to seafaring, and which would cause a vocabulary spike. But the overall long-term trend is downward. Measuring and seeing the downward trend is very satisfying.

Dealing with the glossing problem

When I read in my native language (English), particularly when I’m a little tired, I have a lot on my mind, or I am reading for a long period of time, I have a tendency to let things the words enter and exit my mind before I register them. For a long time, this was not an issue in Chinese because a) I did not have the stamina to read Chinese for long periods of time without break b) I read Chinese extremely slowly and c) reading Chinese required a lot of my mental faculties. However, I can now read Chinese for hours non-stop, my reading speed in Chinese has increased greatly (at least for works of fiction), I stumble on far fewer unknown characters/words/idioms, and it requires less of my mental faculties. So, if I’m not careful, I can read 10 pages of Chinese text and have none of it sink in.

In a way, it is a wonderful problem to have – it means that my Chinese reading skills are approaching my English reading skills. However, it is still a problem. What I do is that after each page or so, I try to summarize in my mind what happened. If I can’t make a summary, then I know that I need to be more focused, and I might even make myself re-read the page. This almost always slows me down, which is frustrating, but it’s better to read slower and absorb it than to fly through it. If I get involved in the story, I’ll stop doing the mental summaries because it is no longer necessary.

If you have any other suggestions on how to deal with the glossing problem, please comment.

The most important thing

The most important thing is to find a text that you are really motivated to read.

There is a comic – Evyione: Ocean Fantasy – which I loved when I first read it, but was never continued in English. Then I discovered that it had been translated into Chinese as 人魚戀人 – and that the Chinese-language edition went beyond where the English-language edition stopped. Even though the Chinese was significantly above my level, I was a lot more interested in reading it that whatever I was reading at the time in Chinese. So I dropped my short-term study goals had a kamikaze experience. It was the most challenging experience I ever had reading Chinese. I developed the approach described in this article so that I could handle Evyione (some refinements came later, of course).

And it was so worth it. I went from frequently feeling discouraged when I saw written Chinese to seeing any text in Chinese – no matter how difficult – as something I could handle if I had enough time and put in the effort.

If you cannot find any text for which you have a strong motivation, do some research on Chinese-language literature and pop culture. Particularly pop culture – I am amazed at how ignorant I used to be of Chinese-language pop culture. and I think most Chinese language courses do not do enough to introduce students to the pop culture. There was a time when there seemed to be nothing I really wanted to read in Chinese; now it seems like I’ll never have enough time to read all of the things I want to read in Chinese (many of which are not available in English). Do whatever you need to do to get a Chinese-language text that you are really motivated to read in your hands.

If you want to learn more about Chinese-language pop culture, you could follow my new column, It Came From the Sinosphere, at Manga Bookshelf, where I write about Chinese-langauge pop culture every week. There is also my article on reading comics in Chiense, which will be published here on Hacking Chinese in roughly a week..

Your own approach

I have shaped my approach based on my goals, my learning style, and the texts I am dealing with. These factors are obviously going to be different for every Chinese learner. My purpose in writing this article was to explain my approach to reading Chinese so that other Chinese learners could get ideas of things they could try to integrate into their own approach to reading. For example, I wish somebody gave me the idea of extracting vocabulary to make Anki cards earlier so I would have quit making paper notes sooner.

On the other hand, I think there might be situations where paper notes are more appropriate than Anki (for example, if somebody needs to have a good comprehension of a text within two days and has limited computer access during that period of time), so maybe somebody out there finds the idea useful. So rather than a prescription, I think of this as a series of ideas laid out on a table for anybody to take – some of them are not going to be useful for a particular learner, but there might be a helpful new thought or two.

My own reading approach continues to evolve as my goals, my Chinese proficiency, and the texts I’m working with change – so please comment about how you approach reading Chinese. I would appreciate some helpful new thoughts myself.

About Sara K
Sara K. has been studying Mandarin since Fall 2009. She currently lives in Taoyuan County, Taiwan, but grew up in San Francisco, California. She writes It Came From the Sinosphere for Manga Bookshelf, and has her own personal blog, The Notes Which Do Not Fit.

Juzi Island

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

Juzi Island

This scenic park with fruit groves is an interesting place to walk and sightsee. You can see the city skyline, buy or pick some fruit, and see the sculpture of Mao’s head.

Chinese: 橘子洲 pinyin: Júzi Zhōu /jyoo-dzuh jo/ ‘Tangerine Island’
Area: 5.8 square kilometers or 2.2 square miles
Highlights: river scenery, gardens and groves, city skyline
Time needed: 4 hours
Popular activities: Sightseeing, photography, enjoying gardens, buying fruit
Suited to: people who like walking in gardens and parks.
Claim to fame: it is unusual to have such a large scenic park and recreation area in a middle of big city in China. It greatly improves the environment, and makes Changsha a better place to live.

Highlights

This narrow island in the middle of Changsha is probably the second most popular attraction for tourists after Mount Yuelu. There are gardens and thousands of fruit trees, frequent grand firework displays in the evening, and a big statue of Mao’s head.

Orange trees: The island is named after the hundreds of orange trees. The orange trees bear oranges in October and are for sale. The prices per fruit is marked by signs on each tree.

Mao statue on Juzi Island

Mao statue: The statue looks like it is carved from rock, but it wasn’t. It was constructed in 2009 and is 32 meters high. It sits at the tip of the island.

River scenery: You can see the Changsha skyline during a walk along the riverside. The island is 8 kilometers or 5 miles long, and would make a good place for a walk or jog along the shoreline through gardens and fruit groves.

Travel Essentials

Location: Yuelu District, Changsha
Transportation: Metro Line 2 opened its Orange Island station in 2014. Other than by taxi, this is the easiest way for most tourists to go there. You could also take a scenic walk to the island across the No. 1 bridge.
Opening times: 7 am to 11:00 pm.
Internal transportation: there are park buses.
Fee: free.

Nearby Attractions

From Juzi Island, visiting the 3 other most popular attractions is easy, because they are all within about 2 miles or 4 kilometers of Juzi Island:

The Yuelu Academy: The most popular park other than Orange Island is only a mile away across the river to the west. It is on a hill on Hunan University’s campus. It is a national historical site as well because it was one of the first four universities and founded in 976.

Huangxing Road (黄兴路) Pedestrian Street: You can go there for dinner and souvenir hunting after Juzi Island. The highlight on the street are the little Chinese shops that give a wide selection and economical prices and the little restaurants and snack stands.

Hunan Provincial Museum is one of the foreign tourists favorites because of the quality of the exhibits and its size and comprehensiveness. It is only about 2 km east.

Touring Juzi Island

Juzi Island is a regional attraction. It is most beautiful in April when the gardens and fruit trees bloom and in October and November when the orange trees bear oranges and the autumn scenery can be seen.

To avoid crowds, avoid the public holidays and weekends. Schools and universities let out for summer vacation in July, and there is an influx of children and young people until August.

Tips: On sunny days, have sun protection. There are long lines for the shuttle buses. We suggest you take your own drinks and snacks to avoid high prices and limited selection.

How to Get There

Metro Line 2 opened its Orange Island station in 2014. Other than by taxi, this is the most convenient way to go there. It is also quite economical.

Recommended Changsha and Hunan Tour

7-Day Hunan Tour: Visit Changsha, Wulingyuan, Fenghuang, Yuelu Academy, and Mao’s hometown. We could add Orange Island on your itinerary per you specification.

Personalize your tour: What would you like to do?>>

Huanglong Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Time, Maps

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

Huanglong Travel Guide: How to Visit, Best Time, Maps

Is Huanglong worth visiting? Absolutely! Huanglong is also a UNESCO site and only a 2-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou, so these two attractions are often visited together.

But wait, is Huanglong the same as Jiuzhaigou? Not quite. What makes Huanglong special is its stunning multi-colored terraced pools, or just think of it as a colorful version of Turkey’s Pamukkale. Although Jiuzhaigou has more colorful lakes, you won’t find these unique terraced pools there.

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Highlights to See
Itinerary
Route and Map
Best Time to Visit
How to Get
Travel Tips

We Recommend Visiting Huanglong If

You want to see the layered color pools
You don’t suffer from altitude sickness (Huanglong is over 3500m)
You have at least 2 days in Jiuzhaigou
You’re comfortable with light hiking and climbing stairs

Huanglong is on a mountain and requires climbing many stairs. It’s also more likely to encounter altitude sickness. So if you’re in a wheelchair or sensitive to high altitudes, it’s better to skip Huanglong and just visit Jiuzhaigou.

What Are the Highlights of Huanglong?

The biggest highlight of Huanglong is the Five-Color Pond at the top of the valley, often called a “fairyland on earth.” It’s the most beautiful spot in Huanglong year-round, so no matter when you visit, it won’t disappoint your eyes or your camera.

Before reaching, you’ll find two trails leading to Five-Color Pond at Huanglong Ancient Temple:

The Left Path: just beside the pools, offers a shorter distance to reach and a closer view to visit
The Right Path: gives you a panoramic view from above

You can go up one way and come down the other to enjoy more photo spots and viewing angles.

I viewed Five-Color Pool from the Right Path Walkway in late March

Huanglong Ancient Temple is a passing spot to the Five-Color Pond. It’s most lively during the Huanglong Temple Fair on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month. On that day, local Tibetans, Qiang, and Han people will gather to celebrate, and you can witness spectacular dragon dances here.

At other times, if you’re not interested in Taoist temples, feel free to walk past it, and the Five-Color Pond is just behind.

Huanglong Ancient Temple

Besides these, Huanglong also features lush forests, clusters of travertine pools (similar to Five-Color Pool), and waterfalls, mostly along the hiking trail downhill. You may even spot playful squirrels along the way.

Downhill forest walkway in Huanglong

However, these spots offer similar scenery and are less spectacular during the off-season, so if you prefer a shorter walk, you can skip them.

How Long to Spend in Huanglong (Itinerary)

A visit to Huanglong typically takes 3 hours to half a day. Because it doesn’t take a full day like Jiuzhaigou, it’s often scheduled on the day of arrival or departure.

Day 1: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou by bullet train, visit Huanglong in the afternoon
Day 2: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, return back to Chengdu at night

This is a common itinerary that helps make the most of your time. However, if you’re worried about altitude sickness, you might consider visiting Jiuzhaigou first.

Most people don’t experience altitude issues there, so it’s a good way to acclimatize before heading to the higher-altitude Huanglong.

4-Day Immersive Jiuzhaigou Nature and Culture Exploration Tour Unveil the Mysteries of Natural Beauty and Tibetan Culture

How to Visit Huanglong: 2 Regular Visiting Routes

Classic visiting route: cable car up→take shuttle bus→climb up to the top→hike down

This option takes about 5-6 hrs, and is ideal during the peak season (autumn and summer) when the scenery is at its best. You’ll get to see almost all the major highlights along the way.

Typically, when climbing up to Five-Color Pool, many visitors start to feel some mild altitude sickness symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or tinnitus. It’s best to walk slowly and take a break if your heart starts racing, and wait until it calms down before continuing the climb.

Time and physical energy friendly route: to and from by cable car and shuttle bus

With this route, you only need to walk 20-30min to visit the Five-Color Pond after getting off the shuttle bus, then return the same way to take the bus and cable car back down. The whole trip takes about 3 hours.

This option suits off-season (spring and winter) visits, or if you just want an easy way to the Five-Color Pond without much walking. Just note that cable lines can get really long in peak season (2hrs).

Notes for the cable car and shuttle bus

Closing Time: Cable car 17:30, shuttle 17:00 in peak season (Jun-Dec 15); cable car 17:00, shuttle 16:30 in off season (Dec 16-May).
Enter before 2pm, as the visit takes at least 3 hrs. If you enter late, you may miss the last shuttle bus to get down the mountain.
The shuttle bus tickets are limited, only 5,000 tickets a day, so you’d better book it 5 days in advance if you don’t want to walk too much.
Cable car and shuttle bus may be shortly closed for maintenance (typically in November or December), so during this time you can only hike up and down.

Best Time to Visit Huanglong Scenic Area

Overall Time: Autumn (Sep–Oct) > Summer (Jun–Aug) > Spring (Apr–May) > Winter (Nov–Mar).

Autumn (Sep-Oct): Most Beautiful and Photogenic Season

Temperature: 0-27°C (32-81°F)

Huanglong in autumn

During autumn, the weather in Huanglong is cool and dry, and the water levels are full, so you can have a better viewing and photo experience.

Late Sep-Early Oct is the best time for autumn foliage

If you want to see golden forests and pools, this is the most beautiful time in Huanglong, echoing its name, Yellow Dragon.

In early September, the forest is still green, while by late October, some trees may have withered.

Due to the higher altitude, the foliage season here starts earlier than Jiuzhaigou (late Oct-early Nov).

September is cool, but October is a bit cold in Huanglong

September is cool, ranging around 8-23°C (46-73°F), suitable for light jackets.

In October, the temperature drops around 7-8°C (45-46°F). You may encounter snowy days this month, so a waterproof jacket or a thick coat is needed.

Crowded due to the peak season

This is also the peak season in Huanglong, with visitor numbers reaching up to 20,000 per day, so you may need to wait 1-2 hours for the ascending cable car. Entering early around 8-9am can avoid some queues.

The shuttle tickets are often sold out fast, too. Remember to book it in advance. If you prefer a hassle-free tour, you might consider a private tour. We’ll take care of everything for you, including transport, tickets, and a guide.

Recommended Tour: 3-Day Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Highlights Tour, to see the most beautiful Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong in autumn.

Summer (Jun-Aug): Lush and Refreshing but Wet

Temperature: 7-24°C (45-75°F)

Huanglong in summer

Huanglong is ideal to avoid summer heat

If you visit Huanglong in summer, you’ll embrace lush forests, abundant water, and pleasant alpine cool. Wearing a T-shirt and a light waterproof jacket is suitable.

Expect summer crowds and possible severe weather

June to August is also the rainy season, so you’re more likely to encounter rainy days. When it rains, it’s a bit cold, and the scenery is not so good. Flash floods or falling rocks may also occur on the way to the scenic area, so it’s not recommended to visit on rainy days.

Also, July and August are summer holidays in China, so there are more tourists and queues for the cable car.

Spring (Apr-May): Dry Season but Budget-Friendly

Temperature: 1-16°C (34-61°F)

The only worth visiting spot in spring is Five-Color Pool

April and May are the snow-melting period and dry season. You’ll see little or no water in most pools, only exposed yellow travertine. However, the Five-Color Pool remains stunning, and you’ll witness some alpine azalea blooming along the uphill way.

If you feel it’s not worth spending half a day just to see this one spot, we recommend visiting Jiuzhaigou only and skipping Huanglong, as Jiuzhaigou has more attractions to see this season.

Good for budget and low-crowd travel

Spring is a more affordable season with fewer tourists compared to summer and autumn. Shuttle tickets are easier to get, and the weather is not as harsh as winter. Still, you’ll need to wear a warm outer layer.

Winter (Nov-Mar): Snowy Scenes and Few Crowds, but Chilly

Temperature: -13-11°C (9-52°F)

Huanglong in winter

Frequent snow and frozen pools view

In Huanglong, snow is quite likely in winter due to the high elevation. The travertine shoal and forests are snow-covered, and half of the Five-Color Pool is iced over. But you’ll still catch a Morandi tone of the pool, with a muted palette of blue, white, and pale yellow.

On snowless days, the mountain may look a bit bare with just dry branches. But it’s also quiet with fewer visitors, and the travel budget is also cost-effective.

It’s also really cold in winter

Huanglong is much colder than Jiuzhaigou, especially in December and January, when temperatures can drop below –10°C (14°F). You’ll need thick down jackets or professional outerwear.

Snow also makes the path slippery and harder to walk on, and you’re more likely to have altitude sickness in the cold weather. If you travel with the elderly or kids, winter is not a good option.

If you want to see some snowscape but don’t want to experience the hard cold, November and March are better for mild cold.

The icy walkway is not suitable for hiking in winter

How Do I Go from Chengdu to Huanglong?

The bullet train is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Huanglong, taking about 2-2.5hrs. The nearest station is Huanglong-Jiuzhai Station. Most trains depart from Chengdu Dong Station or Chengdu South Station.

After getting out of the station, it takes about 30 minutes drive to Huanglong Scenic Area. You can choose a shuttle bus, taxi, or book a private tour. Since the mountain road is winding and may cause car sickness, a private car is more comfortable than a bus.

If you’re coming from Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, there are direct shuttle buses to Huanglong near the entrance. The ride takes about 2.5 hours. You can also take a taxi, about a 2-hour drive.

Travel Tips for Visiting Huanglong National Park

Can I Find Food Inside the Scenic Area?

There are no restaurants inside the scenic area, so it’s best to bring some snacks with you. Near the travertine shoal, there is a small shop selling water, sausages, oxygen canisters, and other basics, and prices are relatively reasonable for a tourist spot.

Since the full visit only takes half a day, you can eat before entering or have a meal afterwards outside the park.

Is It Necessary to Stay Overnight Near Huanglong?

For most travelers, the answer is no. Most people choose to stay near Jiuzhaigou instead, as there are more hotels, better accommodation options, and more dining choices.

That said, if you want to enter Huanglong early in the morning, especially during the peak season to avoid long queues, staying a night nearby (such as in Chuanzhusi Town) can be a smart choice.

Popular Tours Include Huanglong

Sun Island (Harbin) — Snow Sculptures and Fine Parkland

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

Sun Island (Harbin) — Snow Sculptures and Fine Parkland

Sun Island Scenic Area is the second biggest venue of the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. It also has a zoo for Siberian Tigers. It has become Harbin’s main parkland / recreation area and is used all year long.

The island is in the Songhua River and is about 3,800 hectares (14 square miles) in size. It is connected to smaller islands. It is best known as the snow sculpture display and competition area of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, but there are other highlights on the island all year around.

Typical touring time: 3–4 hours
Best seasons: winter and summer

Winter Highlights — Giant Snow Sculptures Display

In the winter, the island is the venue for many square miles of giant snow sculptures. It is the snow sculpture display venue of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival competition, also known as Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo. These 3-D images are gigantic. In 2007, one measuring 250 meters in length became the world record holder for the biggest snow sculpture.

One of Sun Island’s smaller snow sculptures

The snow sculptures are made from compacted snow so that they can preserve their form and bear weight. They are quite intricate and award winning. Unlike the better known ice sculptures, these are not lit up at night and are best seen in sunlight. Most visitors can’t see all of them because the scale of the display is simply too big for an average person to visit on foot on one visit.

Siberian Tiger Park: Winter is also the time to see scores of Siberian tigers in their favorite element. Along with the Siberian Tigers, there are also Bengal tigers, lions, and other species of cat.

Recommended tour: 5-Day Harbin and China Snow Town Tour

Spring to Fall Highlights — Frozen Sculptures and Green Parkland

Snow sculpture on Sun Island

In the rest of the year, the main highlight is a giant refrigerated Ice Lantern Exhibition Hall. It is more than an acre in size, and preserves ice sculptures all year through. Most foreign tourists think it is the main attraction.

But many bikers, joggers, and sightseers like exploring the green treed parkland, ponds, and water courses. There is a Russian Village theme area, Squirrel Island with many species of animals to see, an artificial waterfall, and groves of trees. Bike riding around the area is a popular summer recreation,

How to Plan Your Harbin Tour

A Harbin tour including a Yabuli skiing trip typically needs 6 days, including one or two days to explore the main sites of the Ice and Snow Festival and Harbin city.

Siberian Tiger Park and Central Street
Sun Island — appreciate exquisite snow sculpture art
The Ice and Snow World — wander in the colorful ice fairyland in the evening

If you want a skiing experience too, see:

Travel Essentials for Sun Island

Ice and Snow Festival dates: December 21 to February
Open: 8:30am to 7pm (non-Festival times: 8am to 5pm)
Tickets: RMB 240 per adult regular ticket (non-Festival times: adults 30 RMB)
How to get there: Bus 88, 85, and 80 go to Sun Island Station. Then you can take a cable car there.
Weather forecast: January Harbin Weather and Forecast

The Ice and Snow World is about 1½ miles from Sun Island.

Other Ice and Snow Festival Venues

The Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is best known for giant ice sculptures that are lit up with various lighting technologies.

That most popular ice sculpture venue is Ice and Snow World.
Zhaolin Park in Harbin features smaller intricately carved ice lanterns that are lit up at night too.

Recommended Harbin Winter Tours

If you are planning a Harbin tour, please see our recommended customizable tour plans below for inspiration:

Or contact us if you have any questions or other requirements.

Christmas in Shanghai- Markets, Meals, Bars, Churches

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

Christmas in Shanghai- Markets, Meals, Bars, Churches

Celebrated: Dec. 25
Location: Shanghai

Although Christmas is not a public holiday in China, it has become hugely popular, especially in larger cities such as Shanghai. For most people, Christmas is celebrated without much religious attachment and is spent enjoying the city’s Christmas markets and Christmas deals at restaurants and bars.

The Shanghai Christmas Scene

People work on Christmas day here, December 25, unless it falls on a weekend. Some foreign embassies, consulates, and international organizations may give several days off for Christmas. Shanghai expats typically take days off from work, and some companies may grant a day or half a day off to employees.

Malls, bars, department stores and restaurants prolong business hours to seize sales opportunities. Christmas supplies are available in plenty, and each year, the variety of Christmassy things on offer just keeps getting better!

Christmas dinners with colleagues and friends are increasingly becoming an important social do.

Christmas sales: These usually start during the end of November or early December in big department stores, upscale malls, and the expat-oriented supermarkets; complete with Christmas music and decorations.

Visit a Christmas Market!

If you are in Shanghai around Christmas time, one of the most enjoyable things to do is to spend time at a Christmas market. There are several that are held in the city and are bustling with tourists, locals, and expats.

The number of Shanghai Christmas markets held in November and December has increased. Expect a vibrant congregation of local businesses and vendors selling their Christmas products, drinks and loads of food. You can buy Christmas supplies including trees (real and fake), a multitude of decorative items (unlimited variety at great prices), and drink liters of festive booze or hot chocolate while you shop.

Paulaner’s Christkindlmarkt (now in its 13th year), Jing’an Christkindlmarkt (slightly smaller than Paulaner), and Jiashan Market (Farmer’s market).

For more, check out our Shanghai Shopping Guide.

Souvenirs and Gifts to take back home

Christmas is a good time for shopping. Most malls prolong business hours till midnight, and offer various promotions and Christmas discounts. Shopping hot spots such as Huaihai Road and Nanjing West Road are lit up everywhere with Christmas lights and other decor, lending a very festive atmosphere – perfect for long winter walks.

You can easily find great and inexpensive souvenirs for friends and family. These may include simple silk products such as scarves, porcelain, teas, Chinese calligraphy, wall hangings, wood carvings, weaving and embroidery. Read more on our shopping recommendations.

Christmas Dinners and/ or Buffets

If you are looking for an elegant dinner, check out what international hotels and large Western restaurants have on offer, such as JW Marriott, Kerry Pudong, Hotel Pelham’s at Waldorf Astoria, Atrium Cafe at The Hilton, and the Shangri La. See our Shanghai’s Best Restaurants list for more guidance.

Get your fill of the Christmas delicacies with the numerous Christmas buffets that are hosted across the city’s 4-star and 5-star hotels and upscale restaurants. They serve all kinds of dishes including the traditional turkey, ham, apple pie and eggnog.

We have shortlisted a few of the top restaurants for your consideration:

Cotton’s – In the atmospheric Cotton’s mansion you will find a 3 course Christmas meal with 1 dessert and 1 drink or a 3-course meal with 2 drinks; RMB 368 per person; daily at 6pm until Dec 31; No. 132 Anting Road 安亭路132号
Mr & Mrs Bund – Christmas Eve Dinner will take place Tuesday, December 24 from 5pm-10:30pm. Christmas Day brunch and dinner will also be held. The lunch is respectively at 11:30am-2:30pm and the dinner 5pm-10:30pm; Bund 18, 6/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Road, near Nanjing Dong Road 中山东一路18号6楼, 近南京东路

Hakkasan – Festive season dinner set is RMB 888 per person; Christmas brunch set available for RMB 298; on Christmas Eve there will be a live performer and saxophonist; Bund 18, 5/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 中山市东一路18号5楼外滩

CAC Christmas Party & Reggae Dance Hall After-Party – This is the annual Christmas party with a Caribbean twist. The dinner will take place on December 14 from 6pm-10pm and will include a large Caribbean buffet; RMB 348 per person and RMB 60 for the after-party; Golden Tulip Shanghai Rainbow Hotel No. 2000 Yan An Road West

Christmas Hamper – Pamper yourself or a loved one with a luxurious Christmas hamper filled with favorites such as homemade cookies, chocolate Santa, wine and more; RMB 888 per person; 1/F, 1008 Beijing Xi Lu, near Jiangning Lu 北京西路1008号1楼

There are some great and less expensive options as well that include RAW (2/F 98 Yanping Road, near Xinzha Road 延平路98号2楼, 近新闸路), Husk (218 Fengxian Road, near Nanhui Road 奉贤路218号, 近南汇路), Big Bamboo (381 Hongfeng Road, near Biyun Road 红枫路381号，近碧云路), Bali Bistro (75 Wanhangdu Road, near Beijing Road 万航渡路75号, 近北京西路), The Bull & Claw (466 Xikang Road, near Kangding Road 西康路466号, 近康定路) among others.

Peek Inside a Shanghai Church!

The true meaning of Christmas is best represented at churches. There are Christmas Eve gatherings, choir performances, and Christmas Day masses. Below is a list of famous and popular churches in Shanghai.

(I) Shanghai Community Church (上海国际礼拜堂) is the largest Christian church in Shanghai.

Address: 53 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District 徐汇区衡山路53号
Tel: 021-64376576

(II) St. Ignatius Cathedral (徐家汇天主教堂) is the largest Catholic Church in Shanghai.

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District 徐汇区蒲西路158号
Tel: 021-64382595

(III) Moore Memorial Church 沐恩堂 is the Christian church facing Renmin (Peoples’) Square.

Address: 316 Middle Xizang Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区西藏中路316号
Tel: 021-63225069

(IV) Shanghai Grace Baptist Church (怀恩堂)

Address: 375 North Shaanxi Road 陕西北路375号
Tel: 021-62539394

(V) Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

151 Hongfeng Road 红枫路151号

(VI) Abundant Grace International Christian Fellowship

Hong En Tang, 455 Hong Feng Rd., Pudong 浦东新区红枫路455号鸿恩堂
Makers Market & Christmas Celebration Service @ Abundant Grace Auditorium Dec 9, 2018, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

(VII) St Joseph’s Catholic Church

36 Sichuan Road 四川南路36号

(VIII) St. Peter’s Catholic Church

270 Chongqing Road 重庆南路270号

Charity

If you are feeling charitable this Christmas season, you could check out how you can support Community Roots China (CRC). It is a social enterprise that offers the One Heart Program each year since 2011 for Chinese children in rural areas and also HIV affected families.

Christmas at Bars

There are several bar streets in Shanghai. During Christmas, almost all the bars embrace the season’s festive look and ambiance, transforming into welcoming warm venues.

Wuding Road (武定路) – This has been fast developing as a hip bar street with many options for a meal with drinks and winter food. Our top recommendations are Barbarian, B&B, Le Cafe Des Stagiares, Malabar, a unique whiskey bar called Lab, OLA, a Portuguese bar and restaurant, Taoker, a beer and seafood joint, Bar Centrale, an Italian mid-range restaurant, Fat Cow, a trendy burger joint and Hunter Gatherer, dishing out healthy fare among others
Hengshan Road (衡山路), Maoming Road (茂名路); the ever popular and posh Xintiandi (新天地)
Fumin Road (富民路) / Julu Road (巨鹿路) junction with the Mexican Cantina Agave, Funkadeli, Chicken & Egg, em>Kartel and Maya
Friends Bar in Tianzifang (田子坊) is a great place for mulled wine and amazing cocktails with the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet.

You should also check out some of the award-winning Shanghai bars that would put out their Christmas menus:

Shanghai nightlife

Barbarossa in People’s Park with its gorgeous view of the lotus pond and terrace or bar seating
The hugely popular Union Trading Company on Fuxing Road (复兴路) with its long list of artisan cocktails
The French bar/café La Petanque with a rustic decor and tapas-style menu
Popular craft beer bars like Boxing-Cat Brewery (Sinan Mansions) and Liquid Laundry (Huaihai Road)
Wine lounges such as Dr. Wine (177 Fumin Road) and UVA (819 Shaanxi Road)

If you are looking for a party, then read on about Shanghai’s popular nightlife here.

Touring Shanghai at Christmas

The Bund, Shanghai

If you’re planning to be in Shanghai at Christmas, why not take a tour with us. Most of Shanghai’s attractions can still be enjoyed in the colder weather alongside the unique Chinese Christmas atmosphere and in tourist low season.

Recommended Tour Ideas

The Essence of Shanghai – see the best of the city in 3 days
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE – our ever-popular first-timers’ classic itinerary, taking in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai in 8 days
Christmas time sees a lot of tourists wanting to visit Hong Kong. If you are thinking the same, you must look at our guide for a trip to Hong Kong.

All of these tours and many more can be customized to your seasonal requirements, or you can build your own itinerary with our travel experts.

10 Colloquial Expressions You Must Know for HSK 4

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

As you advance in your Chinese language studies and work toward mastering HSK 4, the importance of understanding colloquial expressions cannot be overstated. These expressions are a key to navigating real-life conversations and grasping the subtleties of modern Chinese. Today I will introduce you to 10 essential colloquial expressions that are vital for passing HSK 4 and deepening your cultural insight.

1. 黄牛 (huáng niú) – Ticket Scalper

In China, “黄牛 (huáng niú)” refers to ticket scalpers, individuals who buy tickets for events, such as concerts or sports games, and then resell them at a higher price.

Example:
Bié mǎi huáng niú piào.
别买黄牛票。
Don’t buy tickets from scalpers.

2. 马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū) – So-So

This phrase is commonly used to express something that’s just “okay” or “mediocre.” When something is neither good nor bad, but acceptable, you can use this expression. It’s frequently used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing outcomes or performances.

Example:
Zhè dùn fàn zhǐ néng suàn shì mǎ mǎ hū hū.
这顿饭只能算是马马虎虎。
The meal was just so-so.

3. 搞定 (gǎo dìng) – To Fix or Handle

This expression is essential for HSK 4 and daily life in China. “搞定 (gǎo dìng)” means to complete a task or solve a problem. It is widely used both in professional and informal settings.

Example:
Bié dān xīn, wǒ yǐ jīng gǎo dìng le suǒ yǒu de zhǔn bèi gōng zuò.
别担心，我已经搞定了所有的准备工作。
Don’t worry, I’ve already handled all the preparations.

4. 摆谱 (bǎi pǔ) – To Show Off

This term refers to showing off or acting superior, often used to describe someone who is trying to impress others with their status or wealth.

Example:
Tā zǒng shì xǐ huān zài péng yǒu miàn qián bǎi pǔ, ràng rén jué dé hěn bù shū fú.
他总是喜欢在朋友面前摆谱，让人觉得很不舒服。
He always likes to show off in front of his friends, making others feel uncomfortable.

5. 侃大山 (kǎn dà shān) – To Chat Casually

This colloquial phrase means to engage in casual conversation or banter. “侃大山 (kǎn dà shān)” literally translates to “chatting about big mountains” and is often used to describe a friendly and relaxed conversation, usually among friends.

Example:
Tā men liǎng gè yī jiàn miàn jiù kǎn dà shān, hǎo xiàng yǒu shuō bù wán de huà.
他们两个一见面就侃大山，好像有说不完的话。
When they meet, they chat casually as if they have endless topics to discuss.

6. 走后门 (zǒu hòu mén) – Using Connections

“走后门 (zǒu hòu mén)” means to use connections or backdoor methods to gain advantages, bypassing the proper channels. It’s crucial for understanding how informal networks can operate in Chinese culture.

Example:
Tā méi yǒu tōng guò zhèng guī qú dào shēn qǐng gōng zuò, ér shì zǒu le hòu mén.
他没有通过正规渠道申请工作，而是走了后门。
He didn’t apply for the job through the formal channels; instead, he used his connections.

7. 支付宝 (zhī fù bǎo) – Alipay

Alipay, known as “支付宝(zhī fù bǎo) ” is more than just a payment platform in China——it symbolizes the country’s rapid embrace of technology. Many daily transactions, from shopping to paying utility bills, are done through Alipay, making it a critical term for HSK 4 students to understand.

Example:
Xiàn zài chū mén bù yòng dài qián bāo, zhí jiē yòng zhī fù bǎo jiù kě yǐ le.
现在出门不用带钱包，直接用支付宝就可以了。
Nowadays, you don’t need to carry a wallet when going out; you can just use Alipay.

8. 春运 (chūn yùn) – Spring Festival Travel Season

“春运 (chūn yùn)” refers to the massive migration of people during the Chinese New Year. This period, known for its crowded transportation hubs, is the busiest travel time of the year and highlights the importance of family in Chinese culture.

Example:
Měi dào chūn yùn qī jiān, huǒ chē piào dōu fēi cháng nán mǎi.
每到春运期间，火车票都非常难买。
During the Spring Festival travel season, it is very difficult to buy train tickets.

9. 私信我 (sī xìn wǒ) – DM Me

“私信我 (sī xìn wǒ)” means “send me a private message” or “DM me.” In a world where social media is an essential communication tool, knowing how to say this in Chinese will help you navigate interactions more smoothly.

Example:
Rú guǒ nǐ yǒu rèn hé wèn tí, kě yǐ sī xìn wǒ.
如果你有任何问题，可以私信我。
If you have any questions, you can DM me.

10. 打卡 (dǎ kǎ) – Checking In or Visiting

The term “打卡 (dǎ kǎ)” refers to the act of visiting a location and sharing your experience on social media, often with a photo. In China, “打卡 (dǎ kǎ)” at trendy or famous spots has become a significant aspect of social media culture.

Example:
Jīn tiān qù le yī gè wǎng hóng dǎ kǎ dì, pāi le hěn duō piào liang de zhào piàn.
今天去了一个网红打卡地，拍了很多漂亮的照片。
Today, I visited a famous internet hotspot and took many beautiful pictures.

Mastering these 10 colloquial expressions will greatly enhance your understanding of Chinese culture and help you excel in your HSK 4 exam. However, language learning is more than just memorizing phrases——it’s about truly understanding how and when to use them in real-life conversations.

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Timeboxing Chinese: Get more done in less time

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:15 +0000

There are three ways to improve how you learn Chinese. First, you can upgrade your method to become more efficient. Second, you can make sure you use the method to learn the most useful things first. Third, you can find ways of studying that enable you to invest more time.

Time is the most important of the three. You can learn Chinese by using a bad method and focusing on the wrong things if you invest enough time, but if you don’t spend the time, nothing else matters.

Thus, it’s important to talk about time and your motivation to invest it into learning Chinese rather than doing something else. In this article, I want to discuss timeboxing, a method that should be in everybody’s arsenal and is useful far beyond language learning.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

If you’re interested in reading more about the three factors that determine how much Chinese you learn, I wrote more about that here: Three factors that decide how much Chinese you learn

Three factors that decide how much Chinese you learn

Long-term goals for learning Chinese are great…

I often stress the importance of knowing your long-term goals for learning Chinese. If you know where you want to go, this can inform your approach. However, setting the goal to be able to “speak fluently” or to “read a newspaper” won’t help much in your day-to-day studying.

Sure, every thousand-mile journey needs to start with the first step, but if you keep your gaze at the horizon, it’s easy to get the impression that you’re standing still. You can study for a hundred days and still not feel that you’ve come closer to your long-term goal. However, if you lower your gaze and look at your feet, things seem to fly by in comparison. You can cover a lot of ground in just half an hour.

…but it’s what you do that matters

Another issue with long-term goals is that you can do a goal. For example, “speak fluently” is not a learning activity you can do for thirty minutes, or if you can, you have already reached your goal. Instead, you need to do other things to reach the goal in question. A goal is just a line you pass on your journey, but it’s walking that will bring you over the line

I wrote more about a journey as an analogy for learning Chinese here: Learning Chinese is more like walking a thousand miles than running 100-metre dash

Learning Chinese is more like walking a thousand miles than running 100-metre dash

Timeboxing Chinese: Get more done in less time

Timeboxing is an effective method to focus on what’s right in front of you and get things done, even when you don’t feel motivated or feel that the journey ahead of you is daunting. To summarise, timeboxing is about allocating a specific amount of time to a certain activity.

The idea is that a longer deadline usually just means more procrastination, so by putting activities into clearly defined boxes of a certain duration, you’ll be able to stay more focus and get more things done.

In this article, I’m going to focus on short-term timeboxing, usually with durations of 30 minutes or lower. You can apply the same principles to longer projects that stretches over days, weeks and months, but like I said, the further away the deadline is, the less helpful the method is.

It’s important to understand that it’s the time that is in focus in these examples. It’s perfectly normal to say: “I spent 15 minutes tidying up at home” or “I spent 15 minutes looking for interesting podcasts”, but timeboxing is about setting a timer for the desired duration in advanced, then only stop when the timer goes off.

Let’s look at some more examples!

Everyday activities not related to Chinese:

Tidy up your home for 15 minutes
Go through emails you should have gone through earlier for 10 minutes
Discuss an important upcoming event for 20 minutes

Examples of activities related to learning Chinese

Try out new potentially interesting podcasts for 15 minutes
Read a graded reader for 20 minutes
Trace recent vocabulary errors for 10 minutes

Why timeboxing feels like magic

Timeboxing seems plain, almost banal, but it works like magic. I have tried so many time-management tools and methods over the years, but timeboxing is one of the few I keep coming back to. There are several factors that contribute to the effectiveness of timeboxing and that might not be immediately obvious:

Starting a timer gives you a clearly defined beginning – Getting started is usually the hardest part, so by defining your starting point in a clear manner is helpful. Use a timer, preferably a physical one, but your phone’s timer app will suffice too. Set the timer to 10-30 minutes depending on the task, and when you start the time, you get started with the target activity immediately.
Working with a close deadline focuses the mind – As I think most will have experienced, having a deadline next week or next month might not influence what you do right now. However, having a deadline in 20 minutes doesn’t allow for procrastination.
Having a clearly defined end makes daunting tasks manageable – While the timer is running, you’re supposed to only work on the task you set for yourself. The task is usually part of a long-term project, such as becoming fluent in Chinese or being able to read a newspaper in the language, but this is not what you focus on during the timebox. Your only goal is to do what you have decided to do for the duration of the timebox. This feels more manageable, as anyone can practise reading for 20 minutes!
Deciding in advance when to stop gives you control – Timeboxing is great for getting started, but it’s also a great tool for stopping when you intended to. If you have an activity, you know you could spend ten hours on, setting a timer makes sure you only spend as much time as you intended. You can then set another time if you want, but you make choices between timeboxes, not during them.
Finishing what you said you would do feels good – For bigger tasks, it’s great to be able to tick a checkbox and say that you did what you set out to do. You didn’t finish the whole graded reader, but you did spend the twenty minutes you set out to do. Breaking up more complex tasks into smaller, manageable components is an age-old trick for achieving more.

There are many variants of timeboxing that you can check out if you want, but I have personally never felt that adhering to a specific instantiation of the method is particularly helpful. The most famous variant of timeboxing is the Pomodoro Technique (Wikipedia), which simply defines some of the things I have encouraged you to experiment with here.

How to become a Chinese timeboxing champion

Learning how to timebox properly is a matter of practise. I know what works for me, but I don’t know what works for you, and neither do you, if you haven’t tried it). Here is some practical advice I’ve picked over the years I’ve been using timeboxing to learn Chinese and get things done:

Define the activity in advance – It’s important that you define what you will use the timebox for before you start. You should not say “I want to study Chinese”, then start a timer, and only then ask yourself what you should do next. Instead, you should be perfectly clear about what you’re going to do before you press start.
Experiment with duration – In the above examples, I used10-30 minutes, but that’s a broad range, and for some activities, the appropriate duration might be outside the range. My advice is to start low and then increase the duration. 10 minutes is a good place to start, then increase until you feel that you start losing concentration or motivation begins to flag at the end of the interval.
Use a physical timer – It helps to have a physical timer with real buttons. It makes the start and end points of the timebox more tangible somehow. I suggest that you put the timer somewhere close so you can look at it if you want to, but not so close that you see it without trying to. You should focus on the activity, not the timer, but at the same time, it’s good to know if you have five or ten minutes left.
Stop when the timer goes off – For many people, the greatest value in timeboxing is getting started, but the ending is equally important. Don’t dilute the method’s usefulness by working past the set time. Instead, take a short break and set another timer. I usually don’t find it difficult to pick up where I left, but if you do, spend an extra ten seconds making a note about what you were doing when the timer interrupted you.
Take breaks – Timeboxing gives you an excellent opportunity to take well-needed breaks. Don’t expect to be able to do sixteen half-hour timeboxes for an eight-hour workday, which will just lead to you burning out. Instead, take short breaks between sessions and do something else. Stand up, stretch, get some water, go to the bathroom, think about unicorns or just stare off into space. If you rely on timeboxing a lot, insert longer breaks every now and then.
Practise with everyday activities – To be honest, I think timeboxing is even more useful for everyday chores than it is for learning Chinese, although it obviously works for both. Practise and experiment with timeboxing using other activities you need to get done but struggle to get started with. This also works well with family and friends. Don’t suggest that the whole family tidies up your entire home, suggest that everybody does as much as they can in 25 minutes. It’s amazing how much you can get done in 25 minutes.

Your mission this week: Timebox everything

Try timeboxing for any activity you find difficult to get started with, whether it’s related to learning Chinese or not. Follow the advice I gave above and see what works for different activities. Take notes whenever something works or you arrive at some insight into how you function, then rely on these notes to further refine the method.

Don’t think of the thousand miles you have ahead of you to your goal, don’t think about the steps you’ve already taken. Think about the next step, that’s all that matters. That’s what you’re doing now.

Just do it, just take that one step. A single step will get you farther than you think.

More about time management on Hacking Chinese

The forking path: A human approach to learning Chinese

The forking path: A human approach to learning Chinese

The time barrel: How to find more time to study Chinese

The time barrel: How to find more time to study Chinese

How long have you studied Chinese?

How long have you studied Chinese?

Have you tried timeboxing? Leave a comment below and share your ex perience!

Editor’s note: This article, originally published in 2011, was rewritten from scratch and massively updated in July, 2023.

The Mufu Wood Mansion

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

The Mufu Wood Mansion

A large reconstructed palace and castle on a hill overlooking Lijiang’s Old Town.
The large wooden structure is extensively decorated.
People can walk around in it and see something of the ruling clan’s stronghold in the Qing era.
The palace and the view of Lijiang is good.

Features

The Mu clan of the Naxi ruled here as vassals of the Ming Empire and then as vassals of the Manchus of the Qing Empire. The present building is a modern reconstruction, but it gives an idea of what their palace and castle once looked like.

The original building covered twice the surface area, and it was constructed so grandly that it was said that it looked like a palace that could rival the Forbidden City of the Qing Dynasty. This was a punishable infraction in those days that might have invited retribution.

The present structure is built half the way up a hill in the middle of the Ancient City of Lijiang. It is on the eastern side, and it receives the morning sunrise light and is shaded in the evenings. It affords a good view of the surrounding city of Lijiang. This and the recreation of various architecture styles of the Ming and Qing eras and the Naxi artwork and decorations make the place a popular site in Lijiang City in Yunnan Province.

The Mufu Mansion

The present wooden complex and its gardens cover about eight acres. Visitors can walk around on the walkways and climb up and down the stairs and see the scenery and the interiors and courtyards.

Tea is served to taste in a certain courtyard, and people can buy beverages and alcoholic drinks. The azalea and orchid gardens are particularly impressive and are a place to sit and rest for a while. At the top of the complex, there is a Daoist temple, and Daoist fortune tellers are there for hire.

History

Generations of the Mu Clan once lived at this site as local rulers. An interesting story about one of the rulers who lived when the Manchus were invading the Ming Empire is that he fled to live as a recluse when he was in his 30s.

It is said that 22 generations of the clan lived there until 1723. The palace was destroyed in the 1800’s and afterwards. Regular houses were built on the site in the last century.

The present ‘Wood Mansion’ (木府) is of recent construction. It was built after the earthquake of 1996 between 1996 and 1999. The world’s attention focused on Lijiang due to the earthquake. In order to highlight the area, some of Lijiang was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The new Wood Mansion was built with loans from the World Bank that funded the project. The dwellings on the site were torn down, and the park building was built in their place. The original Mufu wasn’t recreated. It is said that the whole original complex contained about 100 buildings and covered 16 acres. What was built now covers an 8-acre area.

Transportation

Enjoying the complex may take two hours. You can see it as part of a tour of the nearby 33 meter (108 feet tall) Wangulou Pagoda and Lion Hill Park. If you are visiting Wangulou, exit the Lion Hill Park from the south exit, and you’ll come right to the back entrance of Mu Palace. It is in the southwest side of the Ancient City section.

Walking there: Since the Mufu complex is in the Ancient City section and vehicles are not allowed in because its a pedestrian area, the best way to reach it is to hoof it. Walking there should take about 15 minutes once you get inside the Ancient City district. It is on Shizishan Hill in a tree covered park. You can walk down Pedestrian street towards it.

Important Information

Entry: about 45 RMB. Students might be able to get in for 20 RMB by showing their student ID card.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.
Recommended time: Two hours.

Beijing Train Schedule – Railway Station in Beijing, Beijing Trains

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Beijing Train Schedule – Railway Station in Beijing, Beijing Trains

Beijing Railway Station
Beijing Railway Station was built in 1901 and is the oldest station in Beijing. It is the transportation hub for destinations between northeast and southeast China. Passengers heading, for example, to Harbin, Shanghai, Shenyang, Hangzhou or Pingyao board their trains here. The station also provides international connections to Moscow, Ulaanbaatar and Pyongyang.

Beijing West Railway Station
Beijing West Train Station is one of the largest train stations in China. Here, passengers can board high-speed trains to (for example) Hong Kong, Xi’an, Xiamen, Kunming, Guilin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Beijing South Railway Station
Beijing South Train Station was the first train station to combine high-speed trains, suburban trains and metro, after re-construction in May, 2006. It runs a high-speed line between Beijing and Shanghai, and the Beijing to Tianjin intercity trains. Passengers to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Qingdao and Shenyang also depart from here.

Beijing North Railway Station
Beijing North Train Station was closed for renovation and reopened in 2019, along with the operation of Beijing–Zhangjiakou and Beijing–Datong high-speed railways. It is one of the main train stations in Beijing serves high-speed trains to Badaling Great Wall, Zhangjiakou, Datong and Hohhot. Beijing North Railway Station is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Tian’anmen Square, 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Beijing South Railway Station, 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Capital International Airport and about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Beijing Daxing international Airport.

Beijing High-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on March 15th, 2023)

To	Trains	Departure	Travel Time	Ticket Fares
Shanghai	G1, G13, G3, D709…	06:43 to 19:00	4–12 hours	1st Class: $136 2nd Class: $81 Soft Sleeper: $103
Hong Kong	G79	10:00	9 hours	Business Class: $481 1st Class: $246 2nd Class: $154
Hangzhou	G57, G19, G55…	07:15 to 19:04	4–6 hours	1st Class: $132 2nd Class: $79
Ningbo	G57, G55, G167…	06:54 to 07:55	7 hours	1st Class: $146 2nd Class: $87
Qingdao	G209, G177, G179…	06:55 to 17:55	3–5 hours	1st Class: $69 2nd Class: $46
Shenyang	G383, G381, G219…	07:34 to 17:00	4–5 hours	1st Class: $61 2nd Class: $43
Tianjin	C2551, C2553, C2601…	06:02 to 23:56	30 minutes	1st Class: $13 2nd Class: $9
Harbin	G381, G393, G371…	07:54 to 15:05	6–7 hours	1st Class: $122 2nd Class: $79
Xi’an	G437, G89, G651…	06:27 to 18:55	4–6 hours	1st Class: $120 2nd Class: $75
Chengdu	G89, G349, G571…	06:53 to 09:38	7–10 hours	1st Class: $185 2nd Class: $115
Pingyao	G627, G605	08:05, 10:28	4 hours	1st Class: $47 2nd Class: $33
Guilin	G529, G421	08:34, 09:05	8–10 hours	1st Class: $182 2nd Class: $118
Changsha	G403, G533, G79…	08:00 to 12:13	5.5–7 hours	Business Class: $293 1st Class: $148 2nd Class:$93
Guangzhou	G71, G79, D901	07:26 to 20:35	8–10 hours	Business Class: $389 1st Class: $197 2nd Class: $123 Soft Sleeper: $270
Kunming	G403, G81, G405	08:00 to 10:05	11–12 hours	Business Class: $518 1st Class:$268 2nd Class: $164
Shenzhen	G71, G79, D727…	07:26 to 20:25	11–25 hours	2nd Class: $134 Soft Sleeper:$70
Suzhou	G101, G107, D701…	06:36 to 20:05	4–14 hours	2nd Class: $75 Soft Sleeper:$70
Wuhan	G403, G79, G533…	00:51 to 19:00	4–6 hours	1st Class: $119 2nd Class: $74
Guiyang	G403, G81, G405…	08:00 to 19:35	8–12 hours	1st Class: $224 2nd Class: $138
Chongqing	G571, G309	08:18, 09:22	11–12 hours	1st Class: $132 2nd Class: $211
Lanzhou	G437, G4845, G429	06:27 to 10:45	7–9 hours	1st Class: $164 2nd Class: $102
Jinan	G1, G29, G7…	06:14 to 22:42	1.5–4.5 hours	1st Class: $63 2nd Class: $46 Superior: $133 Soft Sleeper: $66
Nanjing	G415, G101, G103, D709, D705…	06:19 to 22:44	3–9 hours	1st Class: $62 2nd Class: $107 Soft Sleeper: $75
Xiamen	G325, G355, 323, D745	10:50 to 17:39	8–16 hours	Business Class: $359 1st Class: $188 2nd Class: $114 Soft Sleeper: $112
Fuzhou	G27, G325, G303, D759…	08:10 to 14:16	7–19 hours	Business Class: $354 1st Class: $189 2nd Class: $114 Soft Sleeper: $110
Datong	G2501, G2505, G2507…	06:40 to 19:54	2 hours	Business Class: $60 1st Class: $32 2nd Class: $20
Zhangjiakou	G7875, G2501, G2403…	06:05 to 20:14	1 hour	Business Class: $33 1st Class: $18 2nd Class: $11
Hohhot	G2403, G2481, G2485…	07:22 to 20:14	2.5 hours	Business Class: $80 1st Class: $40 2nd Class: $27
Badaling Great Wall	G8821, G8823, G2507, G8827	06:25 to 15:38	20 minutes	Business Class: $8 1st Class: $4 2nd Class: $3

Beijing Regular Train Schedules

(Updated on March 15th, 2023)

To	Trains	Departure	Travel Time	Ticket Fares
Shanghai	1461, Z281, T109	14:44 to 19:05	14–19 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $142 Soft sleeper: $80 Hard Sleeper: $50
Hong Kong	Z97	12:40	12 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $147 Soft sleeper: $115 Hard Sleeper: $74
Guangzhou	K599, Z35, Z97, Z201	05:14 to 17:54	21–29 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $147 Soft sleeper: $115 Hard Sleeper: $74
Hangzhou	Z281, K101	19:10, 23:20	17–21 hours	Soft sleeper: $81 Hard Sleeper: $52
Shenyang	K4081, K489, K4115, K4117…	01:43 to 23:03	5–18 hours	Soft sleeper: $43 Hard Sleeper: $28
Harbin	K4081, K489, K4115, K4117…	01:43 to 23:00	10–20 hours	Soft sleeper: $65 Hard Sleeper: $42
Xi’an	Z151, Z129, Z19, T231…	01:56 to 22:06	11–20 hours	Soft sleeper: $65 Hard Sleeper: $42
Chengdu	Z49, T7, K817, K117…	01:56 to 22:06	21–36 hours	Soft sleeper: $109 Hard Sleeper: $69
Pingyao	K609, K603, K961, K4097	01:46 to 23:55	9–13 hours	Soft sleeper: $44 Hard Sleeper: $28
Guilin	Z285, Z5, K157, K21	08:18 to 21:08	19–28 hours	Soft sleeper: $99 Hard Sleeper: $63
Hangzhou	Z281, K101	19:10, 23:20	17–21 hours	Soft sleeper: $81 Hard Sleeper: $52
Shenzhen	Z181, K105	03:36, 23:16	25–29 hours	Soft sleeper: $109 Hard Sleeper: $68
Kunming	Z161, Z53, K635, K473	08:42 to 21:14	33–44 hours	Soft sleeper: $135 Hard Sleeper: $85
Suzhou	Z281, T109	19:10, 20:05	12–14 hours	Soft sleeper: $71 Hard Sleeper: $46
Chongqing	Z49, T9, Z3, Z95…	07:12, 21:23	18–30 hours	Soft sleeper: $96 Hard Sleeper: $61
Lanzhou	T175, Z55, Z129, Z151…	13:05 to 23:43	16–29 hours	Soft sleeper: $90 Hard Sleeper: $58
Urumqi	Z69, Z179	10:00, 21:04	30–37 hours	Soft sleeper: $135 Hard Sleeper: $85
Lhasa	Z21	20:00	41 hours	Soft sleeper: $185 Hard Sleeper: $116
Xiamen	K571	16:53	29 hours	Soft sleeper: $105 Hard Sleeper: $66
Datong	Z283, K89, K597, K573…	02:48 to 23:43	6–7.5 hours	Soft sleeper: $25 Hard Sleeper: $16
Zhangjiajie	K267, K473, K967	08:37 to 16:16	23–26 hours	Soft sleeper: $81 Hard Sleeper: $52
Huangshan	K1109, K45	10:38, 13:50	19–21 hours	Soft sleeper: $76 Hard Sleeper: $50

Beijing International Train Schedules

(Updated on January 16th, 2020)

To	Trains	Departure	Travel Time	Ticket Fares
Ulaanbaatar	K3, K23	07:27	27 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $303 Soft sleeper: $290 Hard Sleeper: $195
Moscow	K3, K19	07:27, 23:00	126 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $980 Hard Sleeper: $797
Irkutsk	K3	07:27	50 hours	Superior soft sleeper: $502 Hard Sleeper: $320
Pyongyang	K27	17:27	25 hours	Soft sleeper: $216 Hard Sleeper: $149
Gia Lam	Z5	16:09	37 hours	Soft sleeper: $302

Search for Beijing Train Schedules and Book a Ticket Now.

Shanghai – Suzhou High-Speed Train

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Shanghai – Suzhou High-Speed Train

Shanghai and Suzhou boast an extensive network of 244 pairs of high-speed trains catering to the needs of both tourists and commuters. With four high-speed train stations strategically placed in residential and industrial areas across each city, travel convenience is brought to the forefront. It’s worth mentioning that Suzhou has become a popular residential choice for those employed in Shanghai, leading to a substantial number of people commuting between the two cities. Most high-speed trains take less than 30 minutes to run from Shanghai to Suzhou.

Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
Shortest duration: 21 minutes
Number of trains: 244 pairs of trains
Terminals: Shanghai South, Shanghai Station, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai West, Suzhou Station, Suzhou North, Suzhou Xinqu, Suzhou Yuanqu

Shanghai to Suzhou Train Schedule

(Updated on February 12th, 2026)

Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
G7032	05:45	06:10	25m
D3144	07:14	07:59	45m
C3852	07:50	08:37	47m
G1204	09:33	09:56	23m
D5666	10:25	10:54	29m
G8982	14:28	15:06	38m
G7592	16:22	16:56	34m
G7122	18:02	18:35	33m

Suzhou to Shanghai Train Schedule

(Updated on February 12th, 2026)

Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration
D91	05:17	06:13	56m
G7179	07:19	07:49	30m
G7043	08:46	09:36	50m
G7599	10:25	10:48	23m
G7595	12:12	12:35	23m
G7053	14:42	15:16	34m
G7065	19:37	20:14	37m
G3175	21:53	22:26	33m

Please click Search for the Shanghai train schedules and book a ticket now.

Top Things to Do in Suzhou

Suzhou, renowned for its ancient Chinese gardens, offers a captivating experience for first-time visitors. These enchanting havens have garnered UNESCO World Heritage recognition, including the Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, and Canglang Pavilion.

Another captivating aspect of Suzhou is its picturesque water towns. Among these, the Tongli Water Town stands out as the ideal destination for tourists with at least a day to spare. However, if time is limited, the charming Shantang Street or Pingjiang Road provide excellent alternatives to soak in the beauty of the city.

Useful Tips for Shanghai – Suzhou High-Speed Train

1. There are two cities named Suzhou in China. One is 宿州 (Suzhou), in Anhui Province. The other is 苏州 (Suzhou), which is the capital of Jiangsu Province, near Shanghai and famous for its gardens and water towns. Please make sure that you choose the right city when you make a booking.

2. If you would like to visit Tongli Ancient Town from Suzhou, the most convenient way is to take a taxi. It takes around 50 minutes and costs USD20 for one way.

3. Suzhou Railway Station (苏州站) is centrally located in Suzhou City, whereas Suzhou North Station (苏州北站) and Suzhou Industrial Park Station (苏州园区站) are far away from downtown. It is recommended that you choose trains that depart from and arrive at Suzhou Railway Station for tourists.

FAQs on Shanghai – Suzhou High-Speed Trains

How long does it take to travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by high-speed train?

The duration of a high-speed train journey from Shanghai to Suzhou may vary depending on the type of train you choose:

Fastest Trains: The fastest high-speed trains can complete the Shanghai to Suzhou route in just 21 minutes.
Most High-Speed Trains: Generally, most high-speed trains take approximately 30 minutes to reach Suzhou from Shanghai.
Normal-Speed Trains: Even normal-speed trains are a viable option, taking less than an hour to traverse between these two neighboring cities. You may need to take a normal-speed train if the high-speed trains sell out during weekends or public holidays.

What is the railway distance between Suzhou and Shanghai?

The railway distance between Suzhou and Shanghai is approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles). This relatively short distance is one of the reasons why traveling by high-speed train is extremely convenient, as the journey can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Actually the Shanghai-Suzhou railway is a part of Shanghai-Jiaxing railway, which connects Shanghai the most developed cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Learn How to Say Common Jobs in Chinese

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Lǎo shī
老师
Teacher

Yī shēng
医生
Doctor

Lǜ shī
律师
Lawyer

Chú shī
厨师
Chef

Hù shi
护士
Nurse

Jǐng chá
警察
Police officer

Chéng xù yuán
程序员
Programmer

Gōng chéng shī
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Yoyo Chinese STUDY STREAK Feature Demo

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Yoyo Chinese STUDY STREAK Feature Demo

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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Like any new skill you are learning, speaking and understanding Mandarin takes daily practice to improve. You don’t need to study for hours and hours, but you do need to make a commitment to spending some time – even just 15 minutes – practicing every day.

The Study Streak is meant to help you make practicing Mandarin part of your daily routine. It’s one of our students’ absolute favorite feature on YoyoChinese.com, and is a surprisingly powerful tool for staying motivated while developing the most effective study habits.

Check out the demo to see how it works!

Start Studying Now!

Learn to speak and understand Chinese with our and learn to read and write with our .

The first units in each course are free, so check it out and see how we make learning Mandarin possible:

What’s your longest study streak? Let us know in the comments below!

Apartment Hunting in China: Top Tips You Need to Know

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Apartment Hunting in China: Top Tips You Need to Know

Pinyin chart
Video
Chinese

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Looking for the perfect place to live is never easy, least of all in China. Many 外国人 (wài guó rén) – foreigners enjoy that come complete with accommodation, or have a Chinese spouse to help out.

Those of us who aren’t so lucky must hunt for apartments.

Although the process is fairly similar to most places (find agent, convince agent that no, you really can’t go over your budget, pay what feels like a mountain of fees…), renting in China does have some unique challenges.

If you’re smart, you’ll take a local Chinese friend to help you.

If you’re not (like me), you’ll move to a new city where you have no local knowledge, zero contacts, and a deadline of two days in which to find somewhere to live!

Crazy, right?

Well, we made it – husband, cat, and I are happily tucked up in our own cozy corner of !

And of course, finding an apartment is also a great way to practice Chinese…so here is what I learned along the way.

Searching online just won’t cut it

Looking online is usually the first step for apartment hunters everywhere. Locals in Shanghai use sites like fang.com (an apartment listings site) and baixing.com (a kind of Chinese Craigslist) to search by:

租金 (zū jīn) – rent
户型 (hù xíng) – type or size of apartment (e.g. one bedroom)
区域 (qū yù) – area or district

Here’s the catch—in my experience, many of the apartments on these sites have already been rented out, do not exist, or use fake pictures of another, much nicer, apartment to lure you in.

Photos of a beautifully decorated city-center suite for only 300 dollars per month should be a tip off that it’s a scam.

So, while the Internet may be useful in finding out roughly what rent prices are in your area, they’re not a good way to find real-life apartments that you might actually be able to live in.

Tip: Open our to check your pronunciation of these words. The chart has video explanations for difficult sounds and audio demonstrations for all 400+ Mandarin sounds!

Getting outside and talking to agents – essential vocabulary

To find your ideal place, you’re going to have to hit the streets.

The best—and fastest—way is to go to the area you want to live in and walk around.

Stop at every 中介 (zhōng jiè) – real estate agent to ask if they have something that meets your requirements and budget.

Essential words and phrases you’ll need to communicate with the agent

1. 我要租房子 (wǒ yào zū fáng zi) － I want to rent an apartment.

2. 我要一房一厅的 (wǒ yào yì fáng yì tīng de) – I want an apartment with one bedroom and one living room.

Note: kitchen and bathroom are usually included and go without saying

一房一厅的 (yì fáng yì tīng de) – one bedroom one living room
两房一厅的 (liǎng fáng yì tīng de) – two bedrooms one living room

3. 预算 (yù suàn) – budget (very important!)

The agent will ask you: 你的预算是多少? (nǐ de yù suàn shì duō shǎo?) – How much is your budget?

4. 装修 (zhuāng xiū) －décor.

If having a modern, nicely finished place is a must for you, tell the agent: 我要装修很好的 (wǒ yào zhuāng xiū hěn hǎo de) – I need it well-decorated.

5. 小区 (xiǎo qū) – gated housing community, usually full of several tall apartment buildings.

As in, 这个小区安静吗？ (zhè ge xiǎo qū ān jìng ma?) – Is this community quiet and peaceful?

I’ve heard many stories about agents taking unsuspecting foreigners to see awful apartments in order to scare them into taking a quick deal at the next (less horrible) place.

But I found the opposite to be true – agents were upfront, honest, and helpful.

Having said that, Shanghai is expensive and our budget was low. By the end of day one, I was starting to think we’d never find somewhere to live.

But, amazingly, the final agent we visited had a reasonably priced 一房一厅的 (yì fáng yì tīng de) apartment in a nearby 小区 (xiǎo qū) .

The first thing we saw when arriving in the quirky communal courtyard was a gathering of elderly gentlemen wearing pajamas, playing with their dogs (also wearing pajamas).

The building was a little run-down and the apartment had the typical rock-hard Chinese style bed, but it was spacious and had a tiled Western-style bathroom. We had found our place!

Dealing with the details and 签合同 (qiān hé tong) – signing the contract

Most apartments in China come fully furnished, but you can ask the landlord if you want something added or removed.

For example, we asked for the TV to be taken away, and broadband internet be installed (who watches shows on an actual television these days?).

The most important thing you’ll need to sign the contract is an upsettingly large amount of money.

It’s standard practice in Shanghai to 付三押一 (fù sān yā yī) – pay a whopping three months’ rent up front, plus one month’s rent as a deposit (lit. pay three, deposit one).

There’s also a 中介费 (zhōng jiè fèi) – agent’s fee (typically 35%).

Our landlord, a chubby and friendly old-school 上海人 (shàng hǎi rén) – Shanghainese, wanted all of this in cash, which meant withdrawing more money from an ATM than I’ve ever done in my life.

While this may seem weird, don’t forget that debit cards and bank transfers are a in China, and a lot of older people are just more comfortable dealing in cash. Plus, after all this is done, there’s no need to pay rent for 3 months!

Moving in a few days later, I was delighted to see that the entire place had been beautifully cleaned, and (some) of the broken light fittings mended.

终于到家了 (zhōng yú dào jiā le) – Home at last!

All in all, looking for an apartment in Shanghai is not something I’m keen to repeat soon, but it wasn’t as stressful as I’d anticipated.

Good luck with your own apartment hunting journeys! Tell me in the comments below if you have any questions about apartment hunting in China.

And if you’ve got any great stories – either about China or elsewhere – please share them too!

How to improve your Mandarin speaking skills with a tutor

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:14 +0000

Improving speaking ability is probably the main reason students of Chinese enlist the help of a teacher.

This does not mean that finding a good teacher to practise speaking with is easy, or that finding one will actually improve your speaking ability, though.

In this article, I will discuss what to look for when finding a teacher, some common problems you may encounter and what to do about them, along with some suggestions for more advanced learners.

Tune in to the Hacking Chinese Podcast to listen to the related episode (#267).

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and many other platforms!

Learning Chinese with the support of a teacher or tutor
Are you ready for a speaking lesson?
Finding the right teacher
6 common problems with speaking lessons and what to do about them
1. Problem 1: The teacher keeps introducing new words and grammar points
2. Problem 2: The teacher corrects me on one thing, then when I try to fix it, she corrects something entirely different
3. Problem 3: The teacher speaks too much English
4. Problem 4: The teacher speaks too much in general
5. Problem 5: The speaking lesson is just like any other lesson
6. Problem 6: Speaking practice consists of reading scripted dialogues in a book
Additional considerations for non-beginner learners
What speaking with a good teacher can be like
What makes a great speaking teacher for you?
More about tutors and teachers on Hacking Chinese

Learning Chinese with the support of a teacher or tutor

Before we discuss what can be done to make the most of a speaking lesson, we need to recap the most important points from a short series of articles about teachers and tutors:

How to get the most out of your Chinese tutoring sessions: The student side of the equation. Make your sessions count by taking charge of your own learning. Set clear, specific goals, prepare ahead of time, and communicate openly with your tutor. Progress comes from being active, curious, and reflective, not just showing up.
7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher: The teacher side of the equation. A great tutor listens well, adapts to your needs, and gives targeted, useful feedback. This article helps you spot who will actually support your speaking goals and make lessons both effective and enjoyable.
How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide. Don’t expect to find the right tutor on the first try. This guide shows you how to search smart, try multiple options, and decide when to commit. It also compares online and offline tutoring to help you choose what fits your situation best.

I will repeat some things said in those articles that are especially important for speaking.

7 characteristics of a great Chinese tutor or private teacher

Are you ready for a speaking lesson?

Yes, you are.

Skilled teachers can hold conversations with complete beginners, even if it can be quite demanding for both the teacher and the student, especially if no other language than Chinese is used. If some English is allowed, the pressure eases and most students, except the most anxious, should manage fine.

If you do not feel ready for your first speaking lesson (even though you are), you can build some confidence by listening more. Not understanding what is going on can quickly undermine your confidence. Here are some suggestions for you:

Beginner Chinese listening practice: What to listen to and how
The best YouTube channels for learning Chinese

You might also want to check Unlocking Chinese: The Ultimate Course for Beginners and The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water.

It’s also essential that you learn some basic phrases to learn Chinese in Chinese, such as:

How do you say X in Chinese?
What does X mean?
Can you please say that again?
Can you speak slower, please?

I have collected many more such classroom phrases here: Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese.

Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese

You are ready, though. A good teacher will be able to adjust to your level, and there is really nothing to worry about. The only case where you might not be quite ready is if you enrol in a formal class with other students at a level much higher than your own, but even that can be done.

Finding the right teacher

Before you start working with a teacher to find a setup that works well for you, make sure the teacher is quite good to start with. This was covered in part 2 in this series.

While you can influence how most teachers teach, especially if you are the only student, it is extremely difficult to change someone’s basic approach to teaching, let alone their personality or attitude.

Therefore, you should try many teachers before you decide. If they offer cheaper or even free test lessons, try them out!

After a lesson, ask yourself these questions:

Did the teacher adjust the content based on my stated goals?
Did the teacher adjust her language to my level?
Did the teacher use mostly words I already know?
Was the teacher patient and willing to repeat or rephrase things until I understood?
Was the teacher patient and allowed me to speak, even if I needed time to think?
Did the teacher only use English occasionally when really necessary?
Did I feel comfortable with the teacher?

As many of your answers to the above questions as possible should be “yes”. The most important thing is that you feel motivated to learn and that you use the lesson time to practise what you want, which in this case is speaking.

The more teachers you can choose from, the more selective you can afford to be. The importance of some of these questions depends on your goals. For example, if you want a teacher to explain how Chinese characters work as a beginner, you will need some English. This is fine. If your only aim is to improve your conversational Mandarin, though, there is little need to use English at all.

6 common problems with speaking lessons and what to do about them

Here are some common problems with lessons aimed at improving your speaking ability, collected over years of first learning the language myself and then hearing about other students’ frustration.

Problem 1: The teacher keeps introducing new words and grammar points

This is a common problem, and almost all but the most experienced teachers are guilty of it. The problem is not necessarily that they think you should learn all those words or think that learning a new grammar point is more important than speaking.

Instead, it’s likely that they either do not know how hard it is to handle all these new things as a student (if the teacher is a native speaker) or they have forgotten how hard it was (if the teacher is an advanced second language learner).

Explaining a new word or pattern is also easier than figuring out clever ways to use only words the student knows, so it becomes an escape route for stressed teachers.

If your goal is to improve speaking ability, especially fluency, there should be a minimum of new words and grammar patterns.

You should learn words and grammar largely by listening and reading, not by a teacher telling you what words mean and how grammar is used.

Only truly significant gaps in your knowledge should be filled during a speaking lesson.

How to become fluent in Chinese

Solution

Focus as much as possible on what you already know. Let the teacher know that you are already learning too many words and probably cannot manage more right now. Tell her you want to master the words you have already learnt instead.

Naturally, it takes a teacher some time to adjust to your level and get to know which words you know and which you do not, so you have to be patient.

However, it is easy to tell when a teacher throws in a new word just because she thinks you might need it someday, and when she does it because she mistakenly thought you already knew it. The former is a problem; the latter is not.

If the teacher keeps overwhelming you with new words, it may be time to find a new teacher.

Problem 2: The teacher corrects me on one thing, then when I try to fix it, she corrects something entirely different

Moving the goal posts when practising is an issue not limited to language learning. The issue is that the human mind has a limited bandwidth and simply cannot focus on too many things at once. If you put too many things on your mental workbench (also known as working memory), something will fall off. This is not your fault; it’s just how the human mind works.

So, if you make a tone mistake and the teacher points it out, you are more likely to make other types of mistakes if you concentrate too much on avoiding that same tone mistake again. Then your teacher picks up on one of these new mistakes, which in turn leads to more mistakes, and so on until you just want to scream.

Solution

This is a hard problem to solve. It has bothered me for a long time; indeed, one of the earlier articles here on Hacking Chinese is about this topic, but I still find myself doing it to students occasionally as a teacher, although I would like to think I have become better at avoiding it.

Don’t try to improve everything at once when learning Chinese

The solution is to persist and focus on one issue at a time, and only switch focus once you have made real progress. As a student, always repeat what your teacher says when she corrects you, and make sure you get it right.

Some teachers do not like telling you directly that you got it wrong the tenth time as well, but it is sometimes possible to sense this anyway. If your teacher corrects something else while you are focusing on her previous correction, say that you think it is really important to fix that issue first.

Another option is to focus on one issue per lesson, so agree in advance that only tones will be corrected during this lesson, and then you can focus on grammar next time.

Problem 3: The teacher speaks too much English

This is a well-known and much-debated issue. If your goal is to improve your conversational ability, most of the lesson, if not all, should be in Chinese, with only occasional explanations in English.

Teachers and students use English for many reasons, but the most common one is that it is easier and reduces friction. Some teachers have also spent a lot of time learning English and might feel it is a waste not to use it.

How much English is too much?

That is hard to say, but the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) recommends using the target language 95 percent of the time, which seems like a good guideline.

Solution

If you are a beginner, learn some classroom language first. If you find yourself or your teacher saying the same things in English repeatedly, stop and learn how to say those things in Chinese instead.

For all learners, not just beginners, imposing a no-English rule can help. If you are confident enough to use only Chinese for the whole lesson, do that, but most students should start with a shorter time. Agree with your teacher to spend the first ten or fifteen minutes of the lesson only in Chinese, then go back and clarify things afterwards if needed.

Will a Chinese-only rule improve your learning?

Also, note that some things are easier to do without resorting to English. If the lesson focuses on meaningful exchanges about topics you care about, that’s doable in Chinese almost at any level.

If the lesson is about explaining the intricacies of Chinese grammar or how Chinese pronunciation works, then that will be hard to do in Chinese. Fortunately, if your goal is to improve your speaking ability, you don’t actually need explicit instruction, so sticking to Chinese is easy.

Problem 4: The teacher speaks too much in general

This problem is less straightforward than the others. It could be argued (and many teachers and researchers do argue) that language is mostly acquired through comprehensible input, and that speaking is the result of acquisition, not the cause.

Learning Chinese through comprehensible input

You don’t have to be a comprehensible-input purist to believe that comprehensible input provided by the teacher is extremely important; I think so, too.

If your teacher speaks almost all the time, it could therefore be valuable, but it might not improve your speaking much in the short term. If you speak all the time, you do not really need a teacher; you could just speak to yourself (that is not a joke).

Find a balance. And make sure you listen and read enough outside of lessons.

Still, there is a skill component of speaking that requires practice, too. If you focus mostly on talking about things you’re familiar with (both topic and language), a good teacher can help you build fluency and confidence talking about these things in Chinese.

Solution

There is no one solution for this since there may be many reasons behind it, but start by talking with your teacher about it, then try to speak more yourself and see what happens. Prepare more before lessons to feel more confident if that is part of the issue.

If you still struggle for a chance to speak, you may need to find another teacher. However, in my experience, most teachers speak a lot because students do not, and silence can be awkward.

Problem 5: The speaking lesson is just like any other lesson

This has happened to me many times in formal education, and it can happen with private teachers too. It says “speaking” or “conversation” on the schedule, or that’s what you’ve agreed on with your private teacher, but the lesson is just like any other lesson.

You go through a new text, new vocabulary and new grammar. You read the text, talk about the words and drill the grammar patterns.

If your aim is to improve speaking, this approach is a waste of time. To be honest, I don’t think it’s a very useful approach in general, no matter what your goal is (except for getting a good grade); I’ve even switched schools because of this.

Solution

Since this issue is clearly caused by mismatched goals, you need to clarify what you want and the teacher or school needs to clarify what they can offer.

If you are the only student, any competent teacher should be able to tailor the lesson to your goals. Tell your teacher you would rather just talk and not study new material. The suggestion below about discussing a prepared topic also works.

Problem 6: Speaking practice consists of reading scripted dialogues in a book

This probably comes from older teaching methods that do not involve much real communication. Reading can be great for a number of reasons, but it’s not time well-invested if you want to improve your speaking ability. The fact that it’s a spoken dialogue written down does not help.

Real communication: What it is, why you want it and how to get it

Solution

Start with a familiar topic, which could be the dialogue mentioned above, and talk about it instead. Talking about a known topic makes sure you know enough words to actually talk about it.

Additional considerations for non-beginner learners

Most of the advice above applies to all students, but here are some suggestions that are particularly relevant for more advanced learners.

Ask for more honest feedback. If you can already speak Chinese at a conversational level, you probably do not need a teacher just to talk with, but you do need a teacher who can spot your weak points and help you strengthen them. So finding a teacher who can do this is important. You are unlikely to be able to train your teacher to do this, but at least be clear and tell the teacher that you want honest feedback.
Ask for stricter feedback. When teaching beginners, teachers typically do not aim for perfection, but move on as long as it’s clear what they mean. If you are at a stage where you want to go beyond simply being understood and would like to speak idiomatic Mandarin, you need to let your teacher know. They might be used to a much lower standard, so asking them to raise the bar is a good first step. You will probably need to remind them of this from time to time. This is particularly true for pronunciation.
Explore alternative paths – There are many ways to say the same thing in any language. You can make a lot of progress by being able to say something in just one way, even if you also need to understand other ways of saying it when other people speak. If you want to take your spoken Chinese to the next level, try spending time with a teacher exploring these other ways of saying things you already know how to say. Paraphrase, rephrase, or simply experiment more with your teacher’s support.
Explore new topics – To broaden your horizons, agree on a specific topic in advance and discuss it with your teacher during the lesson. This could be a topic related to your job or field of study, and it can be based on written material. For example, you might both read an article on an interesting subject and then talk about it in the lesson. This is useful because you can prepare and learn the necessary vocabulary beforehand, which means the lesson time is well used applying these words rather than encountering them for the first time.
Sort out nuances – One of the hardest parts of learning Chinese on your own is working out small differences in meaning, such as between near-synonyms or grammar patterns that seem to mean the same thing. Although I have written an article about how to deal with this problem, the truth is that the most effective way to approach it is to go through the trickiest problems with your teacher. Keeping a notebook is very helpful; otherwise you will forget most of the really interesting questions. Please note that you need to be at an advanced level before most of these minor differences really matter.

What speaking with a good teacher can be like

Learning to speak Chinese with a good teacher is very demanding, sometimes even exhausting, but it is also encouraging, fun and rewarding.

As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, it is unlikely that you will be able to upgrade your teacher overnight simply by pointing out a few issues.

My hope is that you can use this article not only to improve the quality of your speaking lessons but also as guidance for what to look for in a teacher. The easiest way to train your Chinese teacher is to find one who’s good to begin with.

What makes a great speaking teacher for you?

This article series is based on my own experience learning and teaching Chinese, discussions with hundreds of other students and teachers, as well as a good deal of reading and research.

However, there are many problems I have not encountered, or there might be important details I have missed.

What do you think? What makes a really good teacher for speaking practice? Do you have any suggestions for other students looking for such a teacher? Have you encountered problems I have not discussed here?

Qingdao Liuting Airport

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:13 +0000

Qingdao Liuting Airport

Officially opened on July, 1958, Qingdao Liuting Airport has 96 airlines; among which 84 are domestic airlines, 12 international airlines, and 2 regional airlines; operating to 49 cities in China and aboard, including Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, Beijing, Urumqi, Yinchuan, Xining, Taiyuan, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Jinan, Hefei, Nanjing, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Changsha, Nanchang, Kunming, Guilin, Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong, Haikou, and cities in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. This has formed an airline network in accordance with the characteristics of the Qingdao regional economic development policy: “linking up the North and South, radiating out to the West, connecting Japan and South Korea, and opening to the world”. It has become a famous aviation gateway of China’s Bohai Bay area and the Yellow River valley.

Chinese Name: 青岛流亭机场
Airport Code: TAO
Website: http://www.qdairport.com/
Address: No.99 Minhang Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao City
Chinese Address: 青岛市城阳区民航路99
Telephone: 0532-96567

Transportation To/From the Airport

Taxi Services

Outside the gate of the Domestic Arrivals Hall are taxis with rates varying according to time and length of journey. From 05:00 to 22:00 you may pay 7 yuan for the first three 3 km (2 miles), then 1.2 yuan/km up to 6 km (4 miles), and 1.8 yuan/km for any further distance covered. From 22:00 to 05:00 you may pay 7 yuan for the first 2 km (1.2 miles), 1.6 yuan/km up to 6 km from the airport, and 2.2 yuan/km, outside a 6 km radius.

Aiport Shuttle Bus

Airport Bus Service Hotline: 0532-96567

Ticket price: RMB 20 Yuan

The following is the bus schedules

Rounte 1 (Bus No.701)

Direction	Operating Hours	Route	Stops	Vehicle Type
From Airport to Hai Tian Hotel	First bus: after the arrival of the first flight Final bus: after the last flight Note: 1. The shuttle bus will start when it is fully occupied in peak time. 2. Shuttle bus departure times and intervals depend on the flights status.	Airport – State Hwy. 308 – Fuzhou Road – Hong Kong Middle Road – Hai Tian Hotel	Qingdao Airport, North Bus Station, Tiantaicheng, Dongli Village, Haier Road, Shuangshan, Hongshanpo District (Fuzhou Road), Radio and Television Building, the Institution of Marine Geology, No.25 High School, the Institution of Fushan, World Trade Center, Hai Tian Hotel.	Guilin Daewoo Luxury Bus
From Hai Tian Hotel to Airport	06:00 – 21:00, every half-hour	Hai Tian Hotel – State Hwy. 308 – Airport	Hai Tian Hotel, the Institution of Fushan (Civil Aviation Hotel), Qingdao-Yinchuan Expressway, Qingdao Airport.	Guilin Daewoo Luxury Bus

Route 2

Direction

Operation hours

Route

Stops

Vehicle Type

From Airport to

Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road

First bus:8:00
Final bus:21:20
8:40－20:40 hourly

Qingdao Airport – Chongqing Road – Inner Mongolia Road – Huayang Road – Liaoning Road – Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road

Qingdao Airport, North Bus Station, Li Village, Shandong Road Overpass, Sifang Bus Station, Sifang Hotel, Motai 168 Huayang Shop, Liaoning Road, Electronic and Information Town, Zhongshan Road (Oriental Trading building), Railway Station, Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road

Guilin Daewoo Luxury Bus
ZhengzhouYutong Luxury Bus

From Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road to Airport

05:40 – 19:40, hourly.
Buses starting from Sifang Hotel: 06:00 – 20:00, hourly.

Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road – Huayang Road – Jiaozhou Bay Rim High Way – Qingdao Airport

Green Tree Inn on Zhongshan Road、Qingdao Charming Coast Business Hotel、Motai 168 Huayang Shop, Sifang Hotel、Qingdao Airport.

Route 3

Direction	Operation hours	Line operation	Stops	Vehicle Type
From Airport to Century Mandarin Hotel	07:30 – 18:30, hourly. Note: The shuttle bus will leave when it is fully occupied.	Qingdao Airport – State Hwy. 308 – Haier Road – Miaoling Road – Song-ling Road – Hong Kong East Road – Century Mandarin Hotel	Qingdao Airport, Thaksin Business Hotel, Haier Road (Haier Industrial Park, East Gate), Zhonghan, North Village, Liaoyang East Station, Yizhong Stadium (Beer Center), Qingdao Ocean Hotel (Convention Center), Sofia Hotel, Century Mandarin Hotel.	Guilin Daewoo Luxury Bus Xiandai Luxury Minibus
From Century Mandarin Hotel to Airport	First bus: 06:10，then hourly 06:45 – 17:45. Note: Departure according to the schedule.	Century Mandarin Hotel – Hong Kong East Road – Song-ling Road – Miaoling Road – Haier Road – State Hwy. 308 – Qingdao Airport	Century Mandarin Hotel, Sofia Hotel, Qingdao Ocean Hotel (Convention Center), Qingdao-Yinchuan Expressway, Qingdao airport.	Guilin Daewoo Luxury Bus Xiandai Luxury Minibus

Other Airport Information

Commercial Services in the Lounge

There are International Airport branches of the Bank of China on the first floor of the International Arrival Hall and the second floor of the International Departure Hall, supplying such services as domestic and foreign currency deposit and withdrawal for individuals and institutions, electronic transfers (cross-system transfers have a one day delay), currency exchange, credit cards, agency funds, insurance, bonds, China Unicom mobile phone credits and cable TV credits.

Tel: 0532-83789496 and 0532-83789497
Post Office: behind the B Class Terminal Area

Aiport Facilities

Facility	Location	Service Description
Information Desk	B Class Terminal Area	It supplies passengers of domestic and international inbound and outbound flights information such as check-in details, flight schedules and inquiries, airport service location guides and related queries about the airport and flying.
Special Passengers’ Reception Desk	B Class Terminal Area	It serves the aged, weak, sick, disabled, pregnant, children and other special passengers of inbound and outbound flights with free guiding around the terminal, free wheelchair use, baby carriages and other equipment.
Domestic Travel Isolated Zone Information Desk	After Security Check	It supplies passengers of domestic flights who have completed check-in procedures such services as airline inquiries, boarding gate guidance and guidance for airport services in the Domestic Travel Isolated Zone.
Special Passengers’ Rest Room / Children’s Playing Space	Opposite Gate16	It supplies the old, weak, sick, disabled, pregnant, children and other special passengers of domestic flights who have completed check-in procedures such services as disabled and baby changing equipped rest rooms, and a large number of recreational facilities for children, such as slides, electric vehicles, cribs, and various toys.
Remote Bay Information Desk	Remote Bay Flights Departure Lounge	It supplies passengers who have completed check-in procedures for domestic flights departing from gates 28-31 such services as airline inquiries, boarding gate guidance, guidance for airport services in the Domestic Travel Isolated Zone and related queries about the airport and flying.
Domestic Travel Isolated Zone Information Desk	Domestic Travel Isolated Zone	It supplies passengers of international flights who have completed check-in procedures such services as airline inquiries, boarding gate guidance, guidance for airport services in the Domestic Travel Isolated Zone and related queries about the airport and flying.

Taxi Directions

Please drive me to Qingdao Liuting Airport, thank you!
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Beijing to Pyongyang Train

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:13 +0000

Beijing to Pyongyang Train

There is only one pair of normal-speed trains between Beijing and Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, taking around 25 hours to cover 833 miles (1340 km). The international train from Beijing to Pyongyang is actually the extension of the domestic train from Beijing to Dandong. Two carriages will be added to this train when the train enters the North Korea.

Train Schedules

Train number: K27 (in China)/5 (in North Korea): Beijing – Pyongyang
Departure: Beijing Railway Station (Chinese: 北京站) (Address: 北京市东城区毛家湾胡同甲13号) at 17:27 every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Arrival: Pyongyang Railway Station (Korean: 평양역) at 18:15 every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

Train station with a “*” means immigration inspection needed.

K27 Beijing – Pyongyang
Travel Day	Station	Country	Arrive	Depart
1	Beijing	China		17:27
	Tianjin		19:03	19:09
	Tangshan		20:29	20:32
	Shanhaiguan		22:36	22:42
2	Shenyang		03:18	03:40
	Benxi		04:42	04:48
	Fenghuangcheng		06:30	06:33
	*Dandong		07:22	10:00
	*Sinuiju	North Korea	10:40	12:39
	Dingzhou		15:03	15:13
	Pyongyang		18:15

Train number: K28 (in China)/6 (in North Korea): Pyongyang – Beijing
Departure: Pyongyang Railway Station at 09:55 every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Arrival: Beijing Railway Station (central) at 08:40 every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday

Train station with a “*” means immigration inspection needed.

K28 Pyongyang – Beijing
Travel Day	Station	Country	Arrive	Depart
1	Pyongyang	North Korea		09:55
	Dingzhou		13:09	13:16
	*Sinuij		15:02	16:43
	*Dandong	China	16:23	18:31
	Fenghuangcheng		19:19	19:21
	Benxi		21:03	21:06
	Shenyang		22:07	22:24
2	Shanhaiguan		02:58	03:04
	Tangshan		05:21	05:24
	Tianjin		06:49	06:55
	Beijing		08:40

How to Buy the Ticket

Beijing to Pyongyang Train

Reservation of this train opens 1 month before departure. Passengers can buy international tickets from Beijing to Pyongyang at the designated ticket office in Beijing International Hotel. But the office only accepts cash (RMB) and you may encounter language problems there.

It is recommended that you book international train tickets with China Highlights. Make the booking online and tickets will be delivered to your hotel before you arrive.

Certificate you need to book the ticket:

Foreign passengers: Passport or Travel Permit
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passengers: Mainland Travel Permit

Visa required: Chinese visa and North Korean visa

Please note: North Korean visa is not granted to individual travelers, only to group tourists.

Children’s tickets:

A child under 4 years old and accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket is ticket- free if they don’t occupy individual berths. A child-ticket needs to be bought if you want to get a berth for the child.
Children between 4 and 12 years old need to buy child tickets.
Children over 12 years old need to buy adult tickets at full fare.

Search the train schedule and make a booking now.

Please note:

According to China rail policy, international tickets from Beijing to Pyongyang can only be cancelled at Beijing Railway Station by passengers themselves.
International train tickets cannot be reissued. A new ticket needs to be bought if someone lost the ticket.

Hard Sleeper on Beijing to Pyongyang Train

What are Facilities on This Train?

Soft sleeper and hard sleeper are available on Beijing – Pyongyang train on Monday and Thursday. Trains running on Wednesday and Saturday only have hard sleeper class.
A Chinese dining car is available when the train is in China, only Chinese Yuan is accepted (in cash). After the train enters the North Korea, the dining car will be changed to a North Korean one. US dollars, Euros and Chinese Yuan (in cash) are accepted.
The train is air-conditioned on the section from Beijing to Dandong. But there is no air-conditioning from Sinuiju to Pyongyang.

Things You Need to Know Before Taking the Train

1. There is immigration inspection at Dandong and Sinuiju. It takes around 6 hours from Dandong to Sinuiju.
2. SLR camera’s lens with a focal length of over 150mm, telescope and mobile phone with GPS are not allowed to bring into North Korea. Book, newspaper and computer will be check strictly by immigration inspection.
3. It is forbidden to take pictures of North Korean military personnel and policemen. And it is not allowed to take pictures on North Korean expressway.
4. This train always delays due to lack of electricity.
5. Beijing Railway Station is large and busy. It is recommended that you arrive at the train station at least 1.5 hours in advance.

One-Day New Beijing Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:13 +0000

One-Day New Beijing Tour

China’s Urban Future Unveiled

This tour is designed for travelers who are not first-time visitors and would like to explore something new about the city.

Discover the future of urban living in Tongzhou, Beijing’s dynamic sub-center, where ancient engineering meets cutting-edge innovation. This one-day tour offers a unique glimpse into China’s urban renaissance, blending sustainable development, cultural revival, and community empowerment.

You can also combine this one-day excursion with other parts of your Beijing tour. Feel free to contact us for a customized itinerary.

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Glide into the Future of Urban Mobility

Enjoy a ride on an autonomous shuttle bus. Witness the remarkable achievements in intelligent electric vehicles and their application in public transportation

Wander into Beijing City Library Where Art Meets Ingenuity

Home to 8 million books and a 40,000 sqm robotic book-sorting system, this architectural marvel features a 16-meter-tall “floating” tree sculpture

“Sail” from Ancient China to Modern China

Exquisite exhibits and the innovative layout take you on a journey all the way from ancient China. From the wisdom in water control to the national will demonstrated by the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, all of these showcase the greatness of the Chinese people.

Savor a Time-Hopping Beijing Hotpot Feast

Enjoy a traditional hot pot meal on a painted wooden boat. The bridge nearby, blending classical Chinese aesthetics with modern creativity, is a tribute from contemporary people to the romantic spirit of their predecessors.

Experience the Creativity of China’s Young Generation

Explore the 798 Art District with repurposed industrial buildings, and feel the charm of contemporary art.

Travelers Love China Highlights

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests. The time frame is just for your reference. It could be adjusted according to your schedule

9:00Head to Tongzhou District

Begin your tour with a one-hour drive from central Beijing to Tongzhou along the canal. Listen to your guide’s explanation of the significance of this man-made canal to Beijing in ancient times.

10:00Self-Driving Tech and Beijing City Library

Upon arrival, experience China’s cutting-edge innovation firsthand with a 5-minute ride on an autonomous shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Beijing City Library — the world’s largest library. Here, centuries-old literary traditions collide with groundbreaking technology.

11:00The Grand Canal Museum

Dive into the legacy of the Grand Canal Museum, where immersive exhibits unveil the secrets of the 2,500-year-old engineering marvel that shaped China’s economic and cultural landscape. Finally, admire the striking exterior of the Beijing Art Center, an architectural icon that showcases China’s bold commitment to contemporary arts.

13:00Hotpot Lunch on the Canal

Enjoy traditional hotpot lunch in a boat restaurant on the Grand Canal. Witness how this 2,500-year-old waterway has been revitalized as a vibrant ecological and cultural corridor, seamlessly connecting the past with the present.

14:00Treasures of Traditional Architecture

Stop at a square facing a historic temple complex that harmoniously combines a Confucian temple, Buddhist temple, and Taoist temple. Capture glimpses of old Tongzhou’s charm through photographs.

15:30798 Art District

Dive into creativity at 798 Art District, where street art and avant-garde installations spark imagination.

17:00Back to Your Hotel

Epilogue:

As a millennium-old transportation hub, Tongzhou in Beijing has witnessed the economic prosperity and social development brought by the excavation of the ancient Grand Canal.

In the new era of transformation and development, Tongzhou continues its historical mission. Behind its new appearance is the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, prioritizing ecology, and enhancing people’s well-being through long-term efforts.

When cutting-edge technology elegantly and intriguingly showcases stories of the past, when the romanticism of ancient and modern people meets on the Grand Canal, and when square dancing becomes the backdrop to ancient pagodas and temples, New China becomes tangible.

More Beijing tours

FromUS$239 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, and number of people.

Price Includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide or expert
Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: bj-2c

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1-Day Nanjing Tulou Tour

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:13 +0000

1-Day Nanjing Tulou Tour

Find Mulan’s “Hometown” – the Fujian Tulou

When Mulan crosses the rice fields, riding a horse, to get back home in the Disney movie Mulan, you must surely be impressed by her beautiful hometown and the amazing house that she lives in. Although it is not the exact hometown of Mulan in China, the Fujian Tulou is definitely a living world heritage, bearing the history and the unique culture of the Minnan and Hakka people.

This 1-day private tulou tour will not only let you visit the must-see attractions but will also take you to an authentic tulou village where you can get out of the tourist crowds to discover the local Hakka people’s lifestyle.

Tour Highlights

Be amazed by a “missile weapon base”, Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Walk in the oldest tulou, Yuchang Earthen Building

Find the exact scene of Mulan’s home in the movie

Be invited by the Hakka people to their rooms

Suggested Itinerary

Hotel Collection

Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. You will drive for about 3 hours from Xiamen to Nanjing.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster will be the first attraction you visit. It is composed of four round earthen buildings and a square one. It is one of the most magnificent and well-preserved Hakka fortresses. Your guide will give you detailed information about who built these earthen buildings, how they were built, and their advantages. We will drive you to a high vantage point so that you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the cluster.

Yuchang Earthen Building

Yuchang Earthen Building is a skewed building. It was built in 1308 and is one of the oldest existing tulou. This five-story earthen building is most famous for its tilted pillars. The most extreme one is slanted at a 15-degree angle. There are five highlights in this building for you to discover. Let your guide uncover its secrets.

Hekeng Tulou Cluster

Hekeng Tulou Cluster is one of the six tulou clusters that belong to the World Heritage Site, the Fujian Tulou. However, it is not affected by tourism very much. The local Hakka people keep to their traditional lifestyle in the earthen buildings, which have different shapes. This tulou cluster is depicted as being Mulan’s hometown in the movie Mulan. You will see the real earthen building where Mulan lives in the movie. The Hakka people are happy to invite you into the living room of their earthen building and show you the upstairs floor. This might not be available in other tulou clusters. Have a cup of local tea and listen to the stories about their families. It is a great chance to get close to the Hakka people’s lifestyle and culture.

More Xiamen tours

Trip Notes

1. About the Physical Demands

This 1-day tour doesn’t include a long walk. It is not difficult for seniors and kids. In the area around Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, you will travel in your private car if there are no more than four people in your group. Otherwise, you will need to travel in a shuttle bus. When you visit Hekeng Tulou Cluster, you will be dropped off at the entrance and will then need to walk for about 15 minutes to reach the main earthen buildings.

2. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the tulous is from April to November. You will see the earthen buildings surrounded by rice fields, tea bushes, or fruit trees.

3. Tailor-Make Your Tour

This is a suggested itinerary for a private tour. It can be customized according to your interests and needs. Let your travel advisor know what you prefer to do and he/she will make a unique 1-day tulou tour for you.

Tour Price

FromUS$ 329 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: xm-2

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Hong Kong Food: 20 Famous Dishes You Should Try

jacobren — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:12:13 +0000

Hong Kong Food: 20 Famous Dishes You Should Try

Domestic China trips are allowed in China (except for areas with medium or high risk). For more latest travel information such as where you can travel and what you will need, please see:

Hong Kong is known as the “World’s Food Fair”, and dining out is one of the most popular things to do as a tourist.

From roadside stalls to world-class restaurants, Hong Kong offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to food. Here are 20 popular local foods to try.

1. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is probably the most famous Hong Kong food, which has made its way into Chinese take away menus around the world.

2. Wontons

Wontons

Wontons are known as chāo shǒu (literally means “crossed hands”), added to a clear soup along with other ingredients, sometimes deep-fried. Several shapes are common, depending on the region and cooking methods.

The most famous are called Sichuan-style wontons, a celebrated snack in Chengdu. They are famous for their thin skin and rich meat filling as well as their soup, made of chicken, duck, and pork simmered for a long time.

The taste texture is very smooth and quite oily. A more Hong Kong style version would be cooked without peppers, and instead pieces of salted fish. It’s extremely popular and much ordered in restaurants or dai pai dong (traditional licensed food stalls) together with rice.

3. Roast Goose

Roast Gooses

Roast Goose is a traditional specialty of Cantonese cuisine: It is a whole goose roasted with secret ingredients, cut into small pieces, each piece with skin, meat and soft bone, and eaten with plum sauce.

For making authentic Guangdong-style Roast Goose you need a special goose variety from that region. These geese can be raised in a short time and have a lot of meat and small bones. Eating it has become a tourist attraction in itself in the New Territories.

Yung Kee, situated in Central, with a history of over several decades, is famous for Roast Goose.
Yue Kee, with over 40 years history, is the most notable restaurant in Hong Kong serving this delicacy. The former U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong was a regular customer.

4. Wind Sand Chicken

This famous dish originated from Guangdong, and become well-loved by Hong Kong people. A whole chicken is flavored and put into the oven for about 20 minutes until the chicken’s skin turns brown.

What makes it so unique is that garlic pieces are added and it looks like wind-blown sand. The chicken is roasted and crispy on the outside and very smooth and tender inside. The smell of the garlic pieces is exactly to the right degree.

5. Shrimp and Chicken Balls

Shrimp and chicken balls

Its Chinese name is “dragon and phoenix balls”. Dragon refers to the shrimps, and phoenix refers to the chicken. The name is related to Chinese royalty: the emperor (dragon) and the queen (phoenix), and is usually served in Chinese wedding ceremonies.

Firstly, shrimp and chicken meat are chopped finely and kneaded into balls, then they are deep fried with bread crumbs. The balls are crispy and tender. Salad sauce is often used to provide a sweet and sour taste.

6. Phoenix Talons (Chickens’ Feet)

Phoenix Talons

In Guangdong culture, people like using the word “phoenix”to represent chicken. The other reason probably is in Chinese pronunciation, phoenix (feng) sounds more beautiful to Chinese than chicken (ji).

Though foreigners might feel a bit apprehensive when hearing its name, Chinese people, especially the older generation, are fond of phoenix talons. It’s important to cut off all the nails of the chicken feet before frying them.

The fried chicken feet are placed on a small plate, and placed into a bamboo steamer. After frying and steaming, chicken feet become very soft and you can easily chew the bones. Phoenix talons can be served individually as well as with pork ribs and rice.

Consuming phoenix talons is good for skin and bone, because they contain much collagen and calcium. Women who are looking for better skin should eat more.

7. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

Steamed shrimp dumplings

Har Gow is one of the most representative dim sum dishes in Hong Kong restaurants. It remains a top priority of order, though expensive. Usually there are three to four shrimp dumplings in one bamboo steamer. Each shrimp dumpling has one to two small shrimps and a little pork wrapped in a thin translucent wrapper.

When it is served, the wrapper is crystal-like and shining, attracting people to put it into their mouths. One bite is enough to swallow one dumpling. The shrimp is refreshing and best if it has a little juice inside so that it is not too dry.

8. Fish Balls

Fish balls

Fish balls are a typical Hong Kong snack, made of fish meat and can be divided into two varieties.

One is the well-known cooked food sold by street venders. Its history can be tracked back to the 1950s. This type of fish balls are made of fried fish meat. Food stalls often sell them with spicy or sweet sauces.

The other kind is sold uncooked and usually served as an important ingredient of hot pot, or cooked with noodles in hot soup. The price is higher and taste different from the first type. These are available in traditional markets and super markets.

According to a statistic in 2002, the daily average consumption of fish balls in Hong Kong is 55 metric tons (about 3.75 million fish balls).

9. Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

Hong Kong-style milk tea

Hong Kong-style milk tea is a popular part of many Hong Kong people’s daily life, typically served as part of afternoon tea.

Hong Kong-style milk tea consists of Ceylon black tea, evaporated milk and sugar, the tea at the bottom and evaporated milk on top. Hong Kongers like to say that in a cup of superior milk tea the taste of milk should be stronger than the tea. Different ingredients and cooking methods produce various flavors.

By and large, milk tea is standard fare in Hong Kong-style Western restaurants and Cha Chaan Teng, as well as Hong Kong’s historic Dai Pai Dong (a Hong Kong-style outside restaurant). Nowadays, Hong Kong-style milk tea has become a symbol of Hong Kong culture. In Hong Kong films actors frequently mention it in dialogues.

Lan Fong Yuen (a Hong Kong-style Cha Chaan Teng), situated in Central, is famous for its original Hong Kong-style milk tea and has a history of over 50 years.Continue to read about Chinese tea.

10. Pineapple Bread

Pineapple Bread

Pineapple Bread is a sweet bread originating in Hong Kong, very popular, and found in nearly every bakery.

The surface of the bread looks a pineapple, hence the name, but the traditional variety doesn’t actually contain pineapple. A mixture of sugar, eggs, flour, and lard form a crisp surface with soft bread underneath, and it’s best eaten when hot.

11. Egg Tarts

Egg tarts

The egg tart is a popular pastry in Hong Kong. Hong-Kong-style egg tarts are made of butter and flour with a sweetened egg filling. First introduced to China via Macau‘s Portugese colonizers, only since the 1940s have egg tarts flourished in Hong Kong tea restaurants. They are frequently eaten with afternoon tea.

Now you can find egg tarts in most HK bakeries, café’s, and tea restaurants. Egg tarts from the Taichang Bakery are most popular with locals and visitors.

12. Beef Brisket Noodles

Beef brisket noodles

Beef brisket noodles, known as ngau lam mein or niunanmian in Mandarin (牛腩面), is a typical Hong Kong dish.

As its name suggests, the main ingredient is beef brisket (belly beef), which is braised or stewed and served on top of wheat noodles.

There are a lot of restaurants in Hong Kong serving this dish, and Kau Kee (九記牛腩) is the most famous one.

13. Snake Soup

If you have never eaten snake before, you should have a try in Hong Kong. Snake soup is a popular delicacy in Hong Kong due to its (reputed) medicinal benefits and high nutritional value. The history of this dish can be traced back to 2,000 years ago.

Feeling dubious? No need to worry, as you won’t see anything resembling a snake, and it tastes like chicken and mushroom soup.

She Wong Lam (‘Snake King Lam’) in Sheung Wan is a recommended restaurant for snake soup.

14. Clay Pot Rice

Clay pot rice

Steamed rice in a clay pot or clay pot rice (煲仔飯) is a traditional Cantonese dish.

It looks like a simple creation with white rice and a choice of toppings cooked on a traditional charcoal fire in a clay pot. However, the combination of slightly smoky steamed rice, carved pork, smoked sausage, chicken, or beef, with fresh shallots and a special sauce has long been a winning one.

15. Hong-Kong-Style Custard

Hong-Kong-style custard

Hong-Kong-style custard, also known as steamed milk pudding, is a milk-based dessert. It is regarded as a healthy dessert enjoyed particularly by women, elders, and kids in Hong Kong and Macau.

The texture of the custard is soft and smooth (it’s even smoother than a soy milk or egg pudding).

It can be served hot or chilled, and covered with red beans, lotus seeds, or fruits. Yee Shun Milk Company (義順牛奶公司) is one of the classic dessert places in Hong Kong, where you can eat Hong-Kong-style custard.

16. Steamed Rice Rolls

Steamed rice rolls

Steamed rice rolls or rice noodle rolls (cheong fun 腸粉) are classic dim sum in Hong Kong. They are made of steamed rice sheets, rolled and filled with beef, shrimp, or char siu (barbequed pork) with vegetables and sauces.

Rice rolls are made on the spot and you can order them according to your palate. A Michelin restaurant called Tim Ho Wan (添好運) is a one of the best places to try this food.

17. Fake Shark Fin Soup

In the past, a lot of hawkers used shark meat leftovers from restaurants as principle material of this snack. Nowadays, shark fin has been replaced by vermicelli as the main ingredient of this snack, hence the ‘Fake’ added in front of the name.

Mushrooms, black fungus, pork, and some other ingredients are added as the soup boils. Several seasonings are provided to accompany the meat, typically pepper, Zhejiang vinegar and sesame oil.

Fake shark fin soup was widespread at Mosque Street in the 1980s. As one of the street snacks, Fake Shark Fin Soup used to be served in small bowls and sold by vendors along the streets; hence it obtained another name “Shark’s Fin in Bowls”.

Lvzaiji Restaurant, A121 Shau Kei Wan Main East Street.

18. Rickshaw Noodles

Rickshaw Noodles

The so-called Rickshaw Noodles are a kind of fast food, really good value for money, and popular with the Hong Kong people since the 1960’s.

They are instant noodles with a variety of other ingredients such as hogskin, fish balls, sirloin, and carrots, with soup and sauces. Due to the variety of ingredients, they come in many flavors and the price range is wide.

In the past, vendors always sold this food in street corners from wooden carts, which is where Rickshaw Noodles obtained its name. Even today, Rickshaw Noodles is still very popular in Hong Kong, even though selling in street corners has become a thing of the past and modern shops have taken over.

19. Eggplant with Minced Pork

Eggplant with minced pork

Eggplant with minced pork is a Sichuan dish, but is widely served in Hong Kong restaurants. The eggplant is cut into slices and fried with cucumbers. Then minced pork is added and fried with broadbean paste and seasonings, such as red peppers, ginger, garlic, sugar, salt, and soy sauce.

The special feature is that everything is boiled in a clay pot for a while, making the strong flavor of the minced pork come out.

20. Sago Mix

Sago Mix is a traditional dessert popular in Hong Kong. Its main ingredients are Sago (similar to tapioca) and a variety of seasonal fruits. The sweet and sour taste of fruits, combined with milky fragrance and chewiness of sago, makes Sago Mix a top choice in the summer.

Many places sell Sago Mix, but Xuliushan (a sweet shop), with a history over 40 years, is the best of all.

What Else Do Hongkongers Eat?

A Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong

At least 98% of the residents in Hong Kong are Chinese, either Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, or Shanghainese.

Many enjoy a traditional breakfast that includes congee (rice porridge) and yau cha kwai (oil fried bread sticks). However, Western breakfasts that include bread, sausage, pancakes, and eggs are becoming more popular.

For mid-day and evening meals, most people serve Chinese food with rice in their homes. Some of the most common ingredients used in Cantonese cuisines include shiitake mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, salted duck eggs, kai-lan, red beans, dried shrimp, hoisin sauce, dried scallops, jujube, and lotus seeds.

Of course, dim sum (rich snacks that you can make meals of, customarily served with tea) is very popular too.

Many of the restaurants in Hong Kong have been influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. In just this one city, food enthusiasts can indulge in all kinds of authentic cuisines from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Europe, and America. With such a wide variety of food, Hong Kong has truly become a gourmet eating paradise.

Our Service Includes Helping You Eat Well

Want more help? Our expert travel advisors can help arrange your itinerary to make sure you catch all the best eateries while you explore the city. Request a tailor-made itinerary — response within 24 hours.

Or you can see more of our other recommended itineraries Hong Kong tours.