Most people visiting the Great Wall of China see the same two sections. We've spent years exploring the wall beyond Badaling — from an unrestored pass hiding in Badaling's shadow, to a watchtower riddled with WWII bullet holes, to the section where the wall literally walks into a lake. Here's where to go if you want to avoid the most crowded parts.

Many years ago I visited Chongqing with no research and no expectations. What I got was one of the most surprising cities I've ever been to and I've been recommending it ever since. Here's the guide I wish I'd had.

Ask for a Chinese meal in the West and someone will ask whether it comes with rice. In China, that question barely makes sense because depending on where you are, the answer might be hand-pulled noodles, a charred clay-oven flatbread, or a dense paste of roasted barley flour. This guide breaks down the staple foods Chinese people actually eat.

You've done the sakura circuit in Japan. You've seen the Instagram posts. But China’s flower culture? It's been going for 2,000 years longer, with philosophical weight that makes hanami look like a recent trend. If you're ready to go deeper than sakura, this is where you start.

China is massive, but some of the country's best destinations sit just a few hours from Beijing and Shanghai. We've picked eight side trips that show you different sides of China - from ancient water towns to mountain cities where your GPS gives up trying to make sense.

Travelling by train in China is more than just getting from point A to B, it's an opportunity to see the country's diverse landscapes unfold. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about China's rail network, from booking tickets to boarding with your passport.

China is a world unto itself. This is what makes it an incredible place to visit, and also quite intimidating. Most of us rely on apps like Google Maps, Instagram or Uber, but none of those work in China. Here's your complete guide to the essential apps you'll need.

China is having a tourism moment. As visa rules relax and infrastructure develops, we're sharing five places that inspire us for 2026, from Yunnan's burgeoning wine scene to Guizhou's towering peaks. These aren't your typical tourist destinations, they're places that will help you discover what China really has to offer.

Xiamen is one of China's most underrated cities, a small coastal gem with incredible food, centuries of cultural exchange, and a thriving arts scene. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to China's best noodle soup, Xiamen offers a laid-back alternative to China's megacities

Some of the best ways to understand Chinese culture are hiding in plain sight: in the parks, the markets, and the street corners of everyday life. We've chosen two everyday activities to share with you and help you dive deeper into Chinese culture: people watching and shopping.

Shanghai has been a melting pot for nearly 200 years, and its food scene reflects that history. Whether you're after the city's famous soup dumplings, regional Chinese cuisine from Yunnan or Sichuan, or modern fusion that takes classics to a whole new level, this Shanghai food guide will help you eat well

Shanghai is one of the most vibrant, fast-moving cities in the world. To help you find your feet in this massive city, we're starting our Shanghai guide with two neighbourhoods that capture different sides of the city: the cosmopolitan Former French Concession (a great place to stay) and Qibao (a great water town to visit).