Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
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After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
Banpo Village
Banpo Village, Banpo Bowuguan in Mandarin, is a well preserved archaeological site just east of Xian in the Yellow River Valley, which carbon dating suggests, dates back to over 6,000 years ago. It is thought to be one of the oldest human settlements in China. This Neolithic village once consisted of a ditch, a defensive moat against animals and intruders as well as about 45 circular mud and wood houses with thatched roofs, that can be seen as the predecessors of later Chinese architecture. This prehistoric archaeological site is highly contrasted by the modern apartment and office buildings, busy roads and factories surrounding it and shows a gap spanning millennia. When entering the museum, it feels a bit like time travelling to when Chinese civilization began, with artfully crafted and painted pottery instead of the tacky souvenirs sold outside.
Daily utensils bring the simple lives of the Yangshao culture, the people that inhabited the fertile lands around Xian thousands of years ago, to life. Bone needles for sewing hemp clothes show what simple tools were used for everyday tasks, painted ceramics with markings display the importance of pottery and the early development of the Chinese language and stone axes and fish hooks give insight into different hunting methods. Although hunting and gathering was a big part of daily survival, the inhabitants of Banpo Village also engaged in farming, raising livestock and of course the aforementioned, beautifully decorated pottery. A large room at the center of the settlement hints at the importance of community and probably served as a shared meeting hall. Due to the women being buried with more artifacts, some archaeologists suggest that the society might have been matriarchal.
Practical Info
The Banpo Village museum opens daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter months and until 6 p.m. from March to the end of November. You can get there by taking the bus numbers 115, 241, 406 and 913 to the Banpo Bowuguan stop.
Address: Xian, China
Admission: Mar-Nov CNY 65; Dec-Feb CNY 45
From $ 16
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple, located in the heart of Qufu city, is the oldest and largest temple of its kind within China. Along with the Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion, the temple forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as San Kong (meaning ‘The Three Confucian Sites’).
Built in 479 BC, shortly after Confucius’ death, the temple features an impressive 466 halls, pavilions, and other rooms that are surprisingly still intact. Over the years, alterations and expansions on the temple building have transformed it into a sprawling complex with nine rows of courtyards leading up to a statue of Confucius before the temple entrance.
The Great Accomplishment Hall forms the main basis of the building, which features another statue of Confucius and a stone inscription of the Ming Dynasty, with various images depicting the story of Confucius.
Practical Info
The Confucius Temple and the other Confucius sites are situated in the city of Qufu in the southwest of Shandong Province. The Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion are situated in one area, with the cemetery just a short taxi ride away.
Address: Banbi St, Qufu, Jining, Shandong, China, China
From $ 73
Drum Tower Square
Drum Tower Square is located in the heart of Xian, right at the intersection of the four main roads running from north to south and east to west across the city. Linked by an underground passage, the square’s Bell Tower and Drum Tower are its main attractions, standing as ancient symbols of the Old City. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the towers were once used to keep time, and today they attract tourists and locals who gather in the square to marvel at their architecture.
As well as these impressive towers, there are a choice of places to eat, shop, and enjoy some people watching and live music in the square. It’s the perfect place to learn about the history of Xian and take some impressive photos. If arriving at the square in the early morning, you’ll find a gathering of locals, mostly elders, going about their morning exercises. Visit at night, and you’ll find more of a younger crowd taking an evening stroll or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Drum Tower Square is a highlight on various full-day tours of Xian and is usually combined with other top attractions in the city, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Market.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour with transport included, you can reach Drum Tower Square by taking Line 2 of the subway to Bell Tower Station and heading west from exit B. Local buses also serve the area.
Did You Know? The Drum Tower has been renovated several times and a huge drum measuring 1.8 meters tall with a surface diameter of almost three meters was added to the tower in 1996. The new drum is decorated with 1,996 studs to represent the year it was made.
Address: Beiyuanmen, Xian, China
Admission: Joint ticket for Drum Tower and Bell Tower: 50 CNY
From $ 25
Donghuamen Night Market
Follow the sizzle of wok frying and the shouts of vendors to this quintessential after-dark hotspot in Beijing. The pedestrianized Donghuamen Night Market teems with locals and tourists who come for the adventurous street food, including skewers of scorpion, snake, starfish, or lamb testicles (as well as tamer options).
The Basics
Chinese and international visitors alike flock to Donghuamen Night Market for one reason: to eat. Many of the Chinese street food offerings come skewered and fried, making them easy to eat as you wander the length of Wangfujing Street. Those with an adventurous appetite will have plenty to choose from, but even more timid eaters can opt for Chinese stir-fried noodles, skewers of fresh fruit (sometimes dipped in liquid sugar), or a custard bun.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This night market is a must-visit for foodies.
- Bring some cash in small denominations so you can sample from multiple vendors.
- While labeled as a night market, Donghuamen has some food vendors that operate throughout the day.
How to Get There
Donghuamen Night Market is located north of Donganmen Street in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. Several public bus routes stop nearby, or you can take the subway to the Wanfujing stop.
When to Get There
While some vendors serve food earlier in the day, the bulk of the food stalls set up shop between 6pm and 9pm daily.
Other Snack Streets in Beijing
No matter the hour, there’s always something to eat in Beijing. While Donghuamen is the most famous of the city’s snack streets, other options include the 24-hour restaurants of Guijie Street (known for spicy lobster), Guanganmen Snack Street (known for Sichuan specialities), and Niu Jie Muslim Snack Street (known for ethnic minority cuisine).
Address: Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China
Admission: Free
From $ 14
798 Art Zone
Located in northwest Beijing, 798 Art Zone occupies a decommissioned military factory from the 1950s that now houses an edgy artistic community. The Communist-era factories and warehouses of the complex have all been converted into galleries, studios, boutique shops and cafes whose modern and sometimes whimsical contents sit in stark contrast to the austere Bauhaus architecture.
Give yourself at least half a day to explore the 798 Art Zone. Start with the eclectic collection of sculptures, photographs and paintings at the Long March Space, one of the best collections in the area. Other notable galleries include the Chinese Contemporary with its politically minded collection, the 798 Photo Gallery and 798 Space, one of the largest galleries in the area.
Read up on art history at the well-stocked Time Zone 8 bookstore before stopping in at one of the cafes and restaurants in the district for lunch or a cup of coffee. If possible, time your visit to the 798 Art Festival in spring or the 798 Creative Art Festival in fall.
Give yourself at least half a day to explore the 798 Art Zone. Start with the eclectic collection of sculptures, photographs and paintings at the Long March Space, one of the best collections in the area. Other notable galleries include the Chinese Contemporary with its politically minded collection, the 798 Photo Gallery and 798 Space, one of the largest galleries in the area.
Read up on art history at the well-stocked Time Zone 8 bookstore before stopping in at one of the cafes and restaurants in the district for lunch or a cup of coffee. If possible, time your visit to the 798 Art Festival in spring or the 798 Creative Art Festival in fall.
Address: 798 Art Zone, No.4 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Hours: Open Daily: 10am - 5pm.
From $ 27
Binlang Ethnic Village
Located in the heart of Hainan Island, about 40 minutes outside of Sanya, this former ethnic village has been transformed into a cultural park where visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyle of Hainan’s rural Li and Miao communities. Craftspeople demonstrate their skills in recreated old-style huts, while local villagers stage an outdoor dance production.
Two on-site museums display traditional Li and Miao clothing, arts and crafts. Should you see something you like, you’ll find numerous souvenir shops (bargaining accepted) with arts and crafts for sale. Electric cars ferry visitors to various points of interest within the village — a welcome amenity when feet start to feel tired.
Practical Info
Weekends at Binlang Ethnic Village can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday instead.
Address: Ganshiling Nature Reserve, Sanya 572000, China
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: 160 RMB
From $ 50
Dongyue Temple
Founded in 1317, Dongyue Temple is dedicated to Tai Shan, one of the five great mountains of Taoism. Still an active temple, it’s one of the largest Taoist temples in north China at 11.7 acres (4.7 hectares). It’s also one of Beijing’s more unusual temples, with 76 small rooms representing the “departments” of the Taoist underworld.
The Basics
The temple features three main halls and courtyards, plus more than 350 rooms. In addition to numerous ancient carved stone statues of Taoist deities and figures, there are nearly 100 inscribed stone tablets in the main courtyard. What makes the temple stand out most, however, are the 76 rooms representing the “departments” of the afterlife, as well as the various figures and displays that accompany them. There’s also a Folk Museum, which features more than 1,600 artifacts from all over China, and numerous exhibits on ancient and folk traditions.
Dongyue can be explored on its own, or you can see it on a tour that visits multiple Taoist temples. Other tours include it on along with stops at Buddhist and Confucian temples for a broader picture of Chinese culture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an active temple and visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Admission is free during national holidays.
- There are some macabre displays, which may not be appropriate for young kids.
- Although the temple grounds appear small, there’s a lot to see. Plan on at least 90 minutes, especially if you plan to visit the Folk Museum as well.
How to Get There
The temple is located in the Chaoyang District. By subway, take Line 6 and get off at Dongdaqiao Station (Exit A) and walk east, or Line 2 and get off at Chaoyangmen Station (Exit A) and walk east. Or take the 75, 101, 109, 139, or 615 bus and get off at Shenlu Jie Station.
When to Get There
The temple is at its most vibrant (and crowded) during holidays like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, when a big temple fair and other activities are held.
Departments of Dongyue
The 76 Taoist departments cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the Department of Punishment to the Department for Accumulating Wealth to more esoteric departments like the Department of Flying Birds. Plaster statues depict each department’s topic, and there are donation boxes where worshippers—in appeals to departments for retribution, absolution, or good fortune—can leave red envelopes containing cash, burn incense, or hang a fortune card.
Address: China
From $ 70
Clock Tower
In 1910, the Kowloon-Canton rail line began service, shuttling passengers between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Five years later, the Clock Tower was erected at what was then the Kowloon Station, where it still stands today. The 144-foot (44-meter) tall red brick and granite structure has since become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and a quite meaningful one for Mainlanders who passed through the station on the way to their new lives in Hong Kong and abroad.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Clock Tower is easily accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars and Star Ferry Pier. If you’re in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, it’s worthwhile stopping by to see one of the city’s Declared Monuments and to do some people watching, as the public area in front of the Clock Tower has turned into a popular hangout among locals.
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Clock Tower is easily accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars and Star Ferry Pier. If you’re in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, it’s worthwhile stopping by to see one of the city’s Declared Monuments and to do some people watching, as the public area in front of the Clock Tower has turned into a popular hangout among locals.
Address: China
From $ 135
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Built in 652, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) is one of Xi’an’s oldest structures. While its form follows the typical pagoda style of several successive levels, it lacks the decorative frills typically associated with such buildings in China. Within you’ll find Buddha statues and religious relics brought from India along the Silk Road.
The Basics
The stone Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of Xi’an’s most notable landmarks, and it’s almost always included in city sightseeing tours around the ancient city. It’s usually visited along with other Xi’an attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xi’an City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and the Bell Tower.
Within the structure, a spiral staircase leads up to an overlook with a panoramic view of the city. Visitors pressed for time in China who still want to see this and other Xi’an highlights can do so with a day trip by air from either Beijing or Shanghai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The pagoda is a must-see for first-time visitors and travelers with an interest in Chinese or religious architecture.
- Visitors must pay an entrance fee to Da Ci’en Temple, as well as a separate fee to climb the pagoda.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb the pagoda tower.
How to Get There
Several public buses stop at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, but the easiest way to get there is to take the Xi’an Metro to either Dayanta or Xiaozhai stations. The latter is about a 10-minute walk from the pagoda.
When to Get There
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is open daily throughout the year. For the best weather for enjoying this and other outdoor attractions in town, plan to visit from March to May or September to October.
Da Ci’en Temple
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda sits on the grounds of Da Ci’en Temple. While the grounds of the Buddhist temple are much smaller than their original size, they still exceed 12 acres (5 hectares). Xi’an’s Drum Tower and Bell Tower sit to either side of the entrance, with a series of structures running along its central axis, including the Hall of Mahavira, Sermon Hall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Hall of Xuanzang Sanzang.
Address: China
From $ 18
Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen Tower)
The Gate of Heavenly Peace, or Tiananmen Tower, is featured on the officially emblem of the People's Republic of China. Situated on the northern edge of Tiananmen Square, it served as the principal entry to the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Gate of Heavenly Peace is also the name of a documentary film about the protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. The protests sparked the largest nonviolent political protest in the country’s history.
The structure itself is made up of a tower situated on top of a platform. It’s one of the most imposing monumental gates in the world, notable for its sheer size and ornate features, including its columns. Stone lions and white marble bridges guard the entrance to the tower and viewing stands flank both sides, which are opened up for visitors on the first day of each month.
Practical Info
To reach the Gate of Heavenly Peace, alight at Tiananmen East station or Tiananmen West and walk south. Alternatively alight at Qianmen and head north. The tower is open to visitors from 8:30am until 5pm and there is a small entrance fee. Visitors wishing to use the viewing stands need to book via a local travel agent in advance.
Address: Tiananmen, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
Admission: Adult CNY 15, student & seniors 70+ CNY 5
From $ 24
Barkhor Street
Like a treasure trove or something out of Aladdin’s cave, Barkhor Street is an ancient road that circles the square that houses Jokhang Temple. Most significant as a thoroughfare for pilgrims on their way to the temple, Barkhor Street is also home to the Tromzikhang market, host to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from prayer wheels to yak butter to tea kettles.
According to local history, when Songtsen Gampo built Jokhang Temple, its grand scale immediately began to attract millions of pilgrims from the area. So many walked around the temple that they wore a path, which came to be the original Barkhor Street. Today, visitors can see pilgrims walking clockwise around the temple, holding prayer wheels. Many of these pilgrims have come from the outer regions of Tibet, walking for days, weeks or months to reach the temple. Some move only by bowing, crossing just a few feet during each prostration. A visit to Barkhor Street is an immersion in Tibetan culture, a multi-colored and fascinating glimpse into the wide diversity of people who inhabit this land.
Practical Info
Barkhor Street is open to everyone, but it’s a fairly narrow area. Walk in a clockwise direction to go with the flow of pilgrims. The streets and alley around the street can be confusing, so try to leave before dark. Bargaining is acceptable; don’t be afraid to haggle with the vendors.
Address: Barkhor Street, Lhasa, China
From $ 220
Aberdeen Harbour
The quaint Aberdeen fishing village is famous for its picturesque harbor, where local Tanka boat people live on houseboats, junks, and sampans lashed together in messy rows and bobbing in the water in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. Situated between Hong Kong Island and smaller Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen Harbour is home to one of Hong Kong’s most famous seafood restaurants (and one of the largest floating restaurants in the world), Jumbo Kingdom.
The Basics
Many half- and full-day sightseeing tours of Hong Kong stop in Aberdeen. A popular way to experience the harbor is on a sampan ride through the trawlers and junks of the floating village. By night, travelers can dine at Jumbo Kingdom, which looks more like a Chinese palace than a restaurant, after a sunset cruise on Victoria Harbour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The fishing village is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
- Sampan tours of the harbor last 25 to 30 minutes. If you haven’t booked a tour in advance, be prepared to negotiate a rate.
- Hong Kong city tours that stop in Aberdeen typically last four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Aberdeen is a regular stop on hop on, hop off bus tours.
How to Get to Aberdeen Harbour
To get to Aberdeen, take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang station and leave through Exit B; it’s a short walk from there to Shum Wan Pier. Alternately, catch Bus 7 from the Central Ferry Piers, Bus 70 from Exchange Square, Bus 72 or 77 from Causeway Bay, or Bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon.
When to Get There
For the best weather—sunny but not too hot—plan to visit between October and March. During the fifth lunar month (usually May or June), Aberdeen Harbour hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival, when colorful racing boats fill the water and spectators munch on sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Things to Do Near Aberdeen Harbour
Aberdeen is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, where travelers will find plenty of other worthy attractions. Families traveling with kids will find amusements for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and animal exhibits at Ocean Park. The beaches of nearby Repulse Bay make for a serene escape from the bustle of Hong Kong, and shoppers won’t want to miss the bargains in Stanley Market.
Address: Aberdeen Promenade, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 40
Drum and Bell Tower
Back when Beijing consisted of single-story courtyard houses organized into hutongs, the Drum and Bell Towers in central Beijing dominated the landscape. While both structures have been rebuilt, they both date back hundreds of years.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
The Drum Tower, built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty, originally housed 25 drums; today, only one remains. The Bell Tower was added in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, and together, the two structures were used as a method of official timekeeping until 1924, when the last Emperor was forced out of the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City).
While you’re touring Beijing’s Imperial sites, keep you ears open and you might hear the drum performances staged daily, even if you’re not at the towers. It’s also possible to climb into both towers. After ascending the steep staircases, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views over the surrounding hutongs.
Address: Di'anmen Outer Street, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 15
Bonham Strand
Bonham Strand is located in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. The street ends at Des Voeux Road West, which is where Bonham Strand West Road begins. The streets were named after Sir George Bonham, the third Governor of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century.
This nostalgic market area is known for its old-fashioned shops, and is the place to head for traditional Chinese medicines and herbal remedies. There are also a whole host of other shops selling a range of food items, and it’s a particularly good place to buy dried seafood.
There are also a number of tailors in the area for those looking for custom-made clothing during their trip, and it’s just a short walk from Bonham Strand to the historic Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Practical Info
Most of the shops along Bonham Strand are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Address: Bonham Strand, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Antiquarium of the Palace Museum
Inside the walls of the Forbidden City complex—a vast museum in its own right—sits the Antiquarium of the Palace Museum. This collection is divided into galleries based on art form and features artifacts such as including paintings, clocks, pottery, furniture, and figures made of jade and bronze, some dating back to the days when Qing emperors roamed the halls and gardens of the Forbidden City. A look at the possessions of these Chinese emperors is a great way to get an idea of their enormous wealth and status.
Among the many notable artifacts is the Nine Dragon Screen, a colorful glazed brick wall—one of three of similar styles in China (the other two are in Beihai Park and Datong). Other exhibits worth a visit are the Treasure Gallery (inside the Palace of Tranquil Longevity) and the Clock Exhibition Hall (inside the Hall for Ancestry Worship).
Practical Info
The Antiquarium of the Palace Museum is located along the eastern side of the Forbidden City. The galleries are housed in the buildings to the east and west of the Meridian Gate entrance. Additional fees may apply for some exhibits.
Did You Know? Many of the ornate clocks on display in the Antiquarium were actually made in Great Britain.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Beijing, Northern China 100009, China
Hours: 8:30am–5pm
Admission: 10 RMB
From $ 69
A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)
One of the oldest temples in Macau, A-Ma temple was built in 1488 and commemorates A-Ma, goddess of the sea (also known as Mazu and Tin Hau). Featuring multiple prayer pavilions set on different levels of a hill overlooking the Inner Harbour, A-Ma Temple forms part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
The temple comprises six main parts: Gate Pavilion, Memorial Arch, Prayer Hall, Hall of Benevolence, Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin. The number of pavilions at the temple that are dedicated to different deities is representative of the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, as well as various folk beliefs that are held in Macau. As you wind your way through the temple, notice the stone lion guardians, the poems engraved in rock, distinctive red walls, and the roofs decorated with porcelain. Don’t miss the views overlooking the water, particularly from the uppermost pavilion, dedicated to Kun Iam.
Most sightseeing tours of Macau will feature a stop at A-Ma Temple, along with other top attractions, such as the Ruins of St. Paul and Macau Tower. Day-trips from Hong Kong and Shenzhen are also available. Or visit on a hop-on hop-off bus to explore at your leisure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A-Ma Temple is a must for first-time visitors to Macau.
- This is a place of worship, so visitors should be quiet and respectful.
- The temple is free to enter, but donations are accepted.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, as there are a lot of steps at the temple.
- Day tours from Hong Kong can last upward of 11 hours.
How to Get There
A-Ma Temple is located near Barra Square, in the southwest part of Macau Peninsula. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk from Senado Square. Bus routes 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 18, 21A, 28B, 55, MT4, and N3 also stop near the temple.
When to Get There
The temple is open year-round. The most festive times to visit are during Lunar New Year celebrations, and during the A-Ma Festival, which honors A-Ma’s birthday on the 23rd of the lunar third month. Most tour groups tend to stop in the mornings; visit during the afternoon to avoid these crowds.
How Macau Got Its Name
Legend has it that when the Portuguese first arrived in Macau, they landed at a promontory near A-Ma Temple. They asked local villagers for the name of the land, and the villagers replied, “A-Ma-Gau,” meaning Bay of A-Ma, which was later changed to Macau.
Address: Barra Square, Macau, China
From $ 72
Flagstaff House
Built in the 1840s and located inside Hong Kong Park, Flagstaff House is the oldest example of colonial heritage in Hong Kong. Since the 1980s, Flagstaff House has been home to the Museum of Tea Ware, with the KS Lo Gallery added a decade later in a building southeast of the museum.
The Museum of Tea Ware traces the history of tea in China throughout the ages, with a large collection of antique Chinese tea ware on display. Here you can explore a whole range of rare Chinese ceramics, including teapots, bowls, teaspoons, brewing trays, and sniffing cups. As well as the exhibits, the museum also holds regular demonstrations, gatherings, and lectures on China’s tea drinking culture, as well as on ceramic art.
Flagstaff House can be taken in as part of a historical walking tour of Hong Kong, or can be combined with larger tours incorporating the Botanical Gardens, Victoria Peak, and a number of the city’s other main attractions.
Insider’s Tip
Flagstaff House’s cafe on the ground floor is a great place to relax with a pot of tea.
Practical Info
Flagstaff House is located within Hong Kong Park in the Admiralty area of Hong Kong Island. To reach it by metro, head to Admiralty station, use exit C1, then follow the signs up the escalator to Hong Kong Park.
Address: 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
From $ 74
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The classical gardens of Suzhou feature some of the most tranquil and pristine landscapes in China. More than 50 gardens dating as far back as the 6th century BC cast a harmonious network of manicured paths, bridges, ponds, and pavilions over much of the historic city of Suzhou. Nine of the gardens are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, their Ming- and Qing-era mastery of Chinese garden architecture and design having attracted world visitors for hundreds of years. The Lingering Garden, famous for its garden hall inlaid with ancient calligraphy, and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest of the nine, are the best preserved, but also worth visiting are the Master of Nets Garden and Tiger Hill.
You can visit the gardens on a day trip from Shanghai. Most tours include entrance to one or more of the classical gardens, and can also be combined with a trip to nearby attractions, like the Zhouzhuang water village, Tong Li Old Town, or the Silk Museum. If you wish to see the most famous of Suzhou’s gardens in one day, book a private day trip of Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, and Master of Nets Garden.
Practical Info
Suzhou is located approximately 62 miles (100 km) west of Shanghai, and the two cities are connected by high-speed train. Most gardens are open daily from 7:30am to 5:30pm, but hours vary slightly by garden and by season. If not visiting the gardens as part of an organized tour, expect to pay separate admission for each garden.
Address: Suzhou, Eastern China, China
Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 102
Drum Tower (Gulou)
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Xian's Drum Tower (Gulou) is set across from the equally ancient Bell Tower in the heart of the Old City. The structure's original purpose was to keep time, with its drums beaten each morning to mark sunset (Sunrise was marked with the tolling of the bells in the Bell Tower). The tower has been renovated several times over the years, and a huge six-foot-tall (1.8-meter-tall) drum was added in 1996, with 1,996 studs installed to represent the year it was made.
After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
The square in which the Drum Tower is located is a lively area filled with various shops, eateries, and other attractions. A trip here is included on most tours of the city and is usually combined with other top attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Market.
Insider Tip: The Drum Tower is beautifully lit up at night and climbing up to its higher levels provides some fantastic views of the twinkling lights of downtown Xian.
Practical Info
The Drum Tower is in the center of Xian, a short walk from the Bell Tower; you can buy a combined ticket to cover both sights for 50 CNY. The site can be reached by taking Line 2 of the subway to Bell Tower Station and heading west from exit B. Local buses also serve the area.
Address: Beiyuanmen, Xian, Northwest China, China
Hours: April–Oct: 8:30am–9pm; Oct–March 8:30am–6pm
Admission: 35 CNY
From $ 18
Ancient City Wall at South Gate
The Ancient City Wall at in Xi'an is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. It was built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, under the regime of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and expanded upon from walls remaining from the Tang Dynasty.
Visitors can either cycle or walk along the Ancient City Wall, which is almost 14 kilometers long and takes around three hours at a leisurely pace. The site features a moat, a drawbridge, the main towers, watchtowers, and gates, all of which combine to depict an impressive ancient defense system.
The South Gate is situated near the Bell Tower and is widely considered to be the most significant, with greeting ceremonies by the government held in the South Gate Square, which has recently been restored. Like the other gates, the South Gate features three towers – the gate tower, which holds the drawbridge, the narrow tower and the main tower. Two public museums are also located inside the barbican and archery tower of the South Gate, which are both free to enter.
Practical Info
The South Gate is the most convenient to reach, with a number of buses stopping nearby. It’s open from 8am until 10pm. Tourist cars and bicycle hire are available from here.
Address: South Main Street, Beilin District, Xian 710000, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-10pm
From $ 25