Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 201-220 of 356 listings.
Liyuan Theater
Liyuan Theater is situated in the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in Beijing’s Xuanwu District, south of Tiananmen Square. The area is famous for being the birthplace of Peking Opera, and the Liyuan Theater has been hosting this traditional performing art since 1990.
Popular among tourists as well as Chinese opera lovers, the performances at the Liyuan Theater offer a classic introduction to Peking Opera, with elements of Beijing culture, kung fu, and even humor featuring prominently. Performers wear theatrical makeup, dramatic masks, and stunning costumes to convey their stories, and spectators should expect thunderously loud music and heart-felt performances from the stage.
The Liyuan Theater hosts a four-part Peking Opera every evening except Chinese New Year.
Practical Info
To reach the theater by public transport, take Subway Line 7 and alight at Hufangqiao Station. The nightly four-part show begins at 7:30pm.
Address: No.175 Yongan Road, Beijing, Xuanwu District, China
Hours: Daily performance: 7:30-8:40pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)
Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si) is a working Buddhist monastery—one of the few in China. The star attractions of the Jade Buddha Temple are two figures brought to Shanghai from Singapore by a monk from Burma in the 19th century: a 6.5-foot (2-meter) seated jade Buddha encrusted with semiprecious stones and a smaller white jade reclining Buddha.
The Basics
While fairly new by Chinese standards—it was completed in 1918—the Jade Buddha Temple remains one of the city’s most popular attractions thanks to the jade Buddha statues within. Just about every Shanghai sightseeing tour stops at the temple, along with other popular points of interest, such as the Bund, Yu Garden, the French Concession, and the Shanghai Museum, depending on the option chosen. Shanghai’s hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus also stops at the temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is a must-see for first-time visitors and those interested in Chinese religion.
- Leave yourself about an hour to enjoy the temple grounds, a bit more if you plan to eat at the on-site vegetarian restaurant.
- The temple charges separate entrance fees for the temple itself and for the hall where the sitting Buddha is housed.
- Shanghai tours that visit the Jade Buddha Temple often last about eight hours.
- Photography is not permitted within the Jade Buddha Chamber.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the temple is to take the Shanghai Metro (Line 13) to Jiangning Road Station and leave through exit 4. From there it’s about a 5-minute walk to the temple along Anyuan Road.
When to Get There
Since the temple is a popular stop on guided tours, those visiting independently should arrive first thing in the morning when the temple opens. Avoid visiting during the Lunar New Year when tens of thousands of Chinese Buddhists come to pray for prosperity.
Halls of the Jade Buddha Temple
The temple is divided into several different sections, the most notable being the Jade Buddha Chamber and Reclining Buddha Hall where the two famous statues are housed. Before you get there, you’ll pass through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, where four statues look toward the four cardinal points, and the Grand Hall with its copper-colored statue of Guanyin. The Grand Hall leads to a quiet courtyard, where stairs lead to the jade Buddha chambers.
Address: Anyuan Lu, Shanghai, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 31
Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in China and a top attraction in Hangzhou. Situated at the foot of Lingyin Mountain and surrounded by forest, Lingyin Temple is known for its tranquil setting, spiritual atmosphere, and numerous pagodas, grottoes, and Buddhist relics.
The Basics
Lingyin Temple, aka the “Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,” was founded in AD 326 and has been rebuilt many times since then. First, pass through Feilai Feng, or Flying Peak, which has hundreds of Buddhist statues carved into the hillside, along the river, and inside caves and grottoes. Be sure to visit the main halls of the temple, including the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Grand Hall, and the Hall of the Buddha of Medicine.
Lingyin Temple can be visited independently, but many visitors appreciate the extra insight offered by a guided tour. Most day tours of Hangzhou, including those from Shanghai, include Lingyin Temple and other top attractions, such as West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda. Customize which attractions you visit with a private day tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You must enter Flying Peak before you can access Lingyin Temple. Admission fees are required for both.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover for both Linyin Temple and the Flying Peak area.
- Flash photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- There is a vegetarian restaurant inside the temple and a number of restaurants nearby.
How to Get There
Linyin Temple is located at No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road in the Xihu District of Hangzhou. From Hangzhou Airport, take the shuttle bus (departs every 30–40 minutes) to Hangzhou Railway Station. From there, take bus nos. Y2 or K7, and get off at the Lingyin stop. Taxis are the most direct way of getting to the temple.
When to Get There
Lingyin Temple is extremely popular, especially during weekends and public holidays, and can see thousands of visitors a day when busy. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
Lingyin Temple Highlights
Find the Maitreya (Future) Buddha, manifested as the Laughing Buddha, and the Skanda Bodhisattva, the temple’s oldest statue at more than 800 years old, in the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. The ornate ceiling has paintings of dragons and phoenixes. Gaze at the giant gold-plated statue of Shakyamuni on a lotus flower in the Grand Hall. It's one of the largest wood-carved Buddhist statues in the world at more than 80 feet (24.4 meters) tall.
Address: China
Admission: Varies
From $ 54
Lion Grove Garden
Built by a Buddhist monk in 1342, the Lion Grove Garden is one of the oldest classical gardens in Suzhou and one of nine gardens in the area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its uniqueness lies in its unusual design of grotto mazes, ponds, and pavilions, with a large and elaborate grotto of taihu rocks at its center. Anyone interested in oriental design and architecture, as well as nature and history, will appreciate a visit here.
The garden's massive grotto is made up of a maze of paths winding through 21 caves across three levels, with a pond dividing the grotto into east and west sections. The rocks, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, are piled up in such a way that they are meant to resemble lions in various positions. Elsewhere in the garden, there are buildings, trees, ponds, and other elements to explore.
Lion Grove Garden can be visited as part of a day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou. Enjoy a stroll in the grotto maze here, followed by lunch and shopping nearby, or perhaps even a boat ride along the canal. The high-speed express train from Shanghai makes the journey easy, and is included on some organized tours.
Practical Info
Lion Grove Garden is situated close to Pingjiang Road in Suzhou. It is open daily from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Admission is 40 CNY in spring and summer, and 30 CNY in autumn and winter. Children under 3'11"(1.2 m) tall can enter the Lion Grove Garden for free when accompanied by an adult. For children under 4'11" tall (1.5 m), entrance is half price. This is a popular site with uneven grounds, so be sure to take your time and watch your step while exploring.
Did You Know? Aside from the Lion Grove Garden, the Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden, and the Master of Nets Garden are the most famous of Suzhou's UNESCO-listed classical gardens.
Address: 23 Yuanlin Road, Suzhou, Eastern China, China
Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 89
Jade Market
In Chinese culture jade is associated with long life and purity and many locals in Hong Kong wear protective jade pendants based on their birthday and zodiac. If the jade cracks that means some sort of bad luck has been averted.
An enormous three ton hunk of jade makes the beginning of the “jade street” section of Canton Road in Kowloon. Here you'll find more than 400 stalls selling jade bangles, rings, earrings and more.
Fakes, colored stones and low quality pieces abound, so unless you're an expert don't invest in any expensive pieces. This is a great place however to pick up inexpensive souvenirs or gifts. Buying a piece of jade here is a great cultural experience. The vendors love to tell stories about their stones and many of the same sellers have been at the market for decades. Don't forget to bargain: if the seller accepts you're first offer that means you are paying too much.
An enormous three ton hunk of jade makes the beginning of the “jade street” section of Canton Road in Kowloon. Here you'll find more than 400 stalls selling jade bangles, rings, earrings and more.
Fakes, colored stones and low quality pieces abound, so unless you're an expert don't invest in any expensive pieces. This is a great place however to pick up inexpensive souvenirs or gifts. Buying a piece of jade here is a great cultural experience. The vendors love to tell stories about their stones and many of the same sellers have been at the market for decades. Don't forget to bargain: if the seller accepts you're first offer that means you are paying too much.
Address: Kansu St and Battery St, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open 9am - 6pm Daily.
From $ 59
Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street)
Some call it a flea market and some call it a bazaar. What Upper Lascar Row definitely is, is a shopping heaven for all those on the hunt for treasures and antiques. Lascars were Indian seamen who traded between China and the Middle East and found their accommodations in the range of houses who soon became to be known as Lascar Row as well as Cat Street. The area had quite the criminal reputation and it was a common joke that if you had something stolen, you’d likely be able to unearth it in one of the shops on Cat Street. In Cantonese, thieves are often referred to as rats, and the buyers of the stolen goods as cats, which explains the nickname.
Today, Upper Lascar Row is no longer the center of lawlessness and the road has evolved into a market for antiques, second hand items and junk. It’s also clearly a tourist destination with lots of kitsch, Mao statues and jade pieces. Provided they do some digging, visitors can find bargains on silk products, jade, handicrafts, brass works, ceramics and random treasures ranging from the Ming Dynasty to the Cultural Revolution. The price of course depends on the age and the rarity of the items, but many of the items are also modern replicas intended to add a nice touch of interior decoration to a home for a cheaper price.
Practical Info
Upper Lascar Row is located in Sheun Wang and you can get there by taking the MTR to the station of the same name. It can be visited any time of day of course, but the shops usually open late in the morning and close around 7pm or later. The exception is Sunday, when the market remains closed.
Address: Sheun Wang, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Longji Rice Terraces
For the farmers who reside in Southern China’s Longji region, rice terraces are simply a way of life. Yet for the thousands of annual visitors who make the 2-hour journey from the city of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces—nicknamed the Dragon’s Backbone—are an iconic symbol of Chinese agriculture and one of the most photographed sites in the country.
The Basics
Here in Longji, in Longsheng county, layer upon layer of cultivated terraces stretch skyward on steep slopes—at some points they slope at over 50° angles. Despite the dramatic grades of the mountainside, however, traditional Chinese rice farmers have managed to sculpt the hillside into orderly terraces that annually yield massive harvests of rice.
When visiting the Longji Rice Terraces, you can walk among rural and traditional villages that still house ethnic minority people such as the Yao and Zhuang people. Most travelers visit as part of a guided day trip from Guilin; these self-guided, small-group, or private tours often include a visit to a Zhuang or Yao village, where women still grow very long hair in a traditional style.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Longji Rice Terraces are a must-see for photographers and those looking for a rural escape.
- Day trips to the rice terraces from Guilin last upwards of eight hours, and often include hotel pickup and drop-off from your Guilin hotel.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Due to their considerable distance from Guilin (59 miles/95 kilometers), the easiest and most convenient way to visit the terraces in and around Longsheng is to book a guided tour.
When to Get There
Though there really isn’t a bad season to visit the Dragon’s Backbone. The early summer months of May and June are popular for photographers, as this is when the terraces are irrigated and cast a mirrored effect that crawls up the walls of the valleys.
Which Terraces to Visit
The Longji region is home to several picturesque rice paddies, the most famous of which are the terraced fields of Ping’an Village. Less touristed and perhaps more visually impressive are the fields at Jinkeng near Dazhai Village.
Address: Longsheng, Guilin, China
Admission: CNY 50
From $ 58
Inner Court
During the time when the Forbidden City served as the residence for the imperial family, the palace was divided into an inner and outer court. The outer court was where the emperor came to conduct official business, and the inner court served as the living quarters and private gardens for the royal family. In the days of the Ming Dynasty, only royal family members, the emperor’s concubines and eunuchs were allowed within the walls of the inner court.
Visitors enter the inner court by passing through the Gate of Heavily Purity (Qianqing Men) flanked by two bronze lion statues. Inside, the court contains three halls similar to the three found in the outer court. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was where the emperors lived until the 1720s, while the Hall of Union houses the throne of the empress. The third hall, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, contains an imperial bedchamber of the empress. Behind the halls, you’ll find the Imperial Garden, a private retreat for the royal family members.
Visitors enter the inner court by passing through the Gate of Heavily Purity (Qianqing Men) flanked by two bronze lion statues. Inside, the court contains three halls similar to the three found in the outer court. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was where the emperors lived until the 1720s, while the Hall of Union houses the throne of the empress. The third hall, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, contains an imperial bedchamber of the empress. Behind the halls, you’ll find the Imperial Garden, a private retreat for the royal family members.
Address: 4 Jingshan Qianjie, Beijing, China
Hours: Open: Apr 1 - Oct 31: 8:30am - 5pm; Jul 7 - Aug 26: 8am - 5pm; Nov 1 - Mar 31: 8:30am - 4:30pm. Closed Monday Afternoons except holidays.
Admission: Adult: Apr 1 - Oct 31: CNY 60; Nov 1 - Mar 31: CNY 40. Student: CNY 20
From $ 72
Lingyun Temple
Located on Lingyun Mountain, Lingyun Temple is also referred to as the Great Buddha Temple because of its spot at the head of the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world.On both sides of the entrance gate to the temple are four memorial monuments, with the principal building composed of the Tianwang, or Heavenly King Hall, the Precious Hall of the Great Hero and the Scripture Collection Hall, all of which neatly form a multi-tiered courtyard house.
It’s said that in the year 713, the confluence waterway of the Dadu, Min and Qingyi rivers was a rushing torrent and a danger to both shipping vessels and the livelihood of the local people. A monk of the Lingyun Temple believed that the waters might be calmed if a giant likeness of Buddha was chiseled out of the cliffs, facing the turbulent waterway, so the Leshan Giant Buddha was created and has supposedly been protecting those who navigate the river ever since.
Practical Info
A great option for a day trip, Lingyun Temple is located about a two-hour drive outside of Chengdu. Take a taxi from Leshan City to the Giant Buddha or take a ferry ship from Leshan Harbor to the Giant Buddha.
Address: Lingyun Mountain, Leshan, China
Hours: Daily 9am-4:50pm
Admission: 90 RMB
From $ 84
Longqingxia Ravine
Also known as the Dragon’s Rejoice Ravine, the Longqingxia Ravine can be found on the Gucheng River, just under 100 kilometers northwest of Beijing. This area of natural beauty is a huge draw for visitors on day trips out of the city, with many renting boats to get up close to the ravine and marvel at its lush vegetation.
An iconic natural landmark of the Longqingxia Ravine is the Jiguanshan, or Rooster Crown Mountain – so called because it resembles a rooster lying down. This is a solitary peak surrounded by water on three sides.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to reach the Longqingxia Ravine by public bus from Beijing, the easiest way to get there is by hiring a car or going as part of an organized day trip.
Address: Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 76
Mt. Qingcheng
Regarded as the birthplace of Taoism, and one of its most sacred mountains, Mt. Qingcheng has a history dating back 2,000 years. Surrounded by peaks and lush forests, Mt. Qingcheng offers a peaceful escape from the big city of Chengdu, and there are plenty of temples, historical sites, and cultural relics for visitors to enjoy.
The Basics
There are two main parts to Mt. Qingcheng: the front and the rear. Most of the temples and other historical and cultural attractions can be found in the front, including Jianfu Palace, Shingqing Palace, and Tianshi Cave. The rear mountain is known for its tranquil natural scenery and is a popular area for hiking. The most popular route to climb the front is to take a ferry across Yuecheng Lake, and then a cable car up, before walking the final 20 minutes to the summit. Just that doing so doing so will bypass a number of temples and other historic and cultural sites.
Many visitors combine a trip to Mt. Qingcheng with nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System (the combined area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). While it’s possible to visit independently, visitors will gain a better appreciation of the Taoist significance of Mt. Qingcheng through a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mt. Qingcheng is a must-visit for those interested in Taoism.
- There are separate entrance fees for the front and the rear. There is an additional cost to take the boat and the cable car.
- Bring a jacket or layers if visiting in the fall or winter.
- Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes if planning to hike.
- A full day tour of Mt. Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System can take upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
Mt. Qingcheng is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Chengdu. For those not visiting on a tour, take the metro to Xipu, then a train to Qingchengshan station, and finally a bus to the scenic area entrance. You can also take a bus to Qingchengshan from Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu. From Dujiangyan, take bus 101 or 102 to Mt. Qingcheng.
When to Get There
Mt. Qingcheng is very popular with Chinese tourists. Avoid visiting during weekends and public holidays, especially the May and October national holidays.
Top Sights at Mt. Qingcheng
Jianfu Palace is the best preserved temple on the mountain. It was built during the Tang Dynasty and is still a fully functioning Taoist temple with over 100 monks. Situated at 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), Shangqing Palace dates from the Jin Dynasty and was rebuilt in the 1800s. Tianshi Cave is where ancient Taoist master Zhang Daolin was said to have lived. And from Laojun Pavilion, take in the stunning views over Dujiangyan City below.
Address: China
From $ 15
Lupu Bridge
When Shanghai’s Lupu Bridge was completed in 2003, it was the world’s longest spanning steel arch bridge. The bridge with a total length of 12,795 feet (3,900 meters) and a main span of 1,805 feet (550 meters) takes its name from the two districts that it connects, Luwan and Pudong, and it extends across the Huangpu River.
The Basics
Lupu Bridge, built to serve the rapidly developing areas on the southern side of the Huangpu River, is the river’s seventh bridge. Known for its use of cable-stayed, arch, and suspension technology, it was in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and won the 2008 IABSE Outstanding Structure Award. The bridge accommodates six traffic lanes and allows ships up to 70,000 tons to pass underneath. Some Huangpu River cruises offer views of the bridge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The observation deck at the top of the bridge is no longer open.
- Pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge.
- The Luwan district was merged into the Huangpu district in 2011.
- Book a cruise for a close-up look at the Huangpu River.
How to Get There
From Pudong, Lupu Bridge can be accessed from the on-ramps to North-South Elevated Road, northbound on Jiyang Road or westbound on Yaohua Road. From Huangpu, the bridge can be accessed from Luban Road interchange. Various buses also lead to the bridge, with the closest access points at Luban Road stop or Lupu Bridge stop. You can also take the metro, Line 13, to Shibo Dadao Station.
When to Get There
The bridge can be crossed as a motorist at any time, although traffic conditions vary depending on time of day. The best views of the bridge are at night, when it’s lit up.
Views of the Bridge
Although the bridge can no longer be accessed by pedestrians, it is still an impressive bridge to see. If driving across isn’t an option, visitors can get good views of the bridge from the site of the 2010 World Expo or on a Huangpu River cruise.
Address: Lu Ban Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shanghai, China
From $ 142
Luodai
Visitors flock to Luodai, an ancient town located in the Sichuan area of China, about 12.8 miles (20 kilometers) from Chengdu City. Situated at the base of Er’eshan Mountain as part of the Longquanshan Mountains, Luodai is considered the largest and best-preserved Hakka ancient town in the western part of the country. Ninety percent of Luodai’s inhabitants are Hakka, and the Hakka language is still spoken here.
Built more than 1,000 years ago, Luodai has a long history and, now, a vibrant tourist culture. The architecture and layout of the ancient town preserves the typical styles from Ming and Qing dynasties, with old streets, Hakka folk houses and narrow alleys. There are also several parks, a museum and four guildhalls, which add great historical and artistic value. Created in the typical architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the guildhalls feature exquisite carvings of Chinese motifs like dragons, flowers, phoenix and other birds. Be sure to check out the picturesque Yudai Lake and Jinlong Great Wall and Temple.
Practical Info
Luodai Ancient Town is located about an hour’s bus ride from downtown Chengdu and makes a pleasant day trip. You can take bus #81 or #58 from Chengdu city to Wuguiqiao Long Distance Bus Station. Public buses from Wugui go directly to Luodai every five minutes, while traveling via private vehicle takes about 30 minutes from Chengdu to Luodai. Entrance is free.
Address: Luodai, China
From $ 15
Longmen Grottoes
Artists from the Northern Wei dynasty began carving in the Longmen Grottoes in the year 494 and continued to do so for some 200 years. Today, the UNESCO-listed caves contain more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and images—one of the best and last remaining collections of Buddhist rock carvings in China.
The 2,300 grottoes and niches extend along the banks of the Yi River, but only a stretch of less than a mile (1 kilometer) is open to visitors. Many of the statues have been decapitated by vandals over the centuries, but many of the heads have been returned, giving visitors a more complete image of what the caves might have looked like in their heyday.
Among the most impressive caves are the Ancestor Worshipping Temple (Fengxian Si), the largest of the accessible grottoes at Longment; Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (Wan Fo Dong) with its 15,000 Buddha carvings; and the Three Binyang Caves.
Practical Info
If you want to avoid the tour bus crowds, get to the caves first thing in the morning before the buses arrive or at night, when they’re beautifully illuminated.
Address: China
Hours: March 1- to Oct 31 7am-7:50pm; Nov 1-Feb 28 7:30am-6:50pm
Admission: CNY 120
From $ 320
Little Li River (Yulong River)
The Yulong River, also known as the Little Li River, is the largest tributary of the Li River, and it runs 26 miles (43 kilometers) across Yangshuo county. The river flows past limestone karsts, bamboo forests, rice paddies, ancient villages, and stone bridges. Floating down the river, or hiking or biking next to it, provides up-close views.
The Basics
Cruising down the Yulong River in a bamboo raft with poles offers an experience that’s serene when compared to the motorized rafts and boats used on the Li River, but you also bump over weirs, or small dams. Historical points of interest include the villages of Xiatang and Jiuxian villages, and Yulong, Fuli, and Xiangui stone bridges.
While cruising on a bamboo raft is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Yulong River, many enjoy hiking or biking along the river. Try all three over a course of a half-day or longer guided tour and enjoy the river and countryside without worrying about navigating. For multi-day tours, additional activities such as rock climbing or a cooking school can be added.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hiking, biking, or rafting the Yulong River is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
- Check individual tours for age restrictions on riding on a bamboo raft.
- Grab a bite to eat or a cold drink at one of the floating restaurants along the river.
How to Get There
The Yulong River connects to Li River just south of Yangshuo and is easily visited from Yangshuo. Most of the Yulong River is within the newly created Yulong River Park, which restricts motorized traffic. Those entering other than on foot or bike will have to exit their transport and purchase tickets for a shuttle bus that runs within the park.
When to Get There
The Yulong River can be visited year-round, but it’s most popular April through October due to the sunny, warmer weather. Some people may find the heat uncomfortable for hiking or biking at the height of summer (June through August). Rafting runs year-round.
Popular Rafting, Biking, and Hiking Routes
The three most popular rafting routes along the Yulong River are from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village (about 2.5 hours), Chaoyang Wharf to Gongnong Bridge (about two hours), and from Chaoyang Wharf to Shui edi Dock (about one hour). Most bike tours along Li River take between two and four hours. The most popular section for hiking is between Yulong Bridge and Gongnong Bridge, and takes about two hours.
Address: Yangshuo, Guilin, China
From $ 25
Lugou Bridge
Some 485 granite and marble lions—each slightly different—stand guard along Beijing’s Lugou Bridge, built in 1192 and the oldest in the Chinese capital. Italian explorer Marco Polo supposedly wrote about the bridge, with its 11 arches spanning the Yongding River southwest of central Beijing, earning it the nickname Marco Polo Bridge.
The Basics
The nationally famous Lugou Bridge has featured in countless movie scenes filmed in Beijing, yet it remains a bit off-the-beaten path for foreign tourists. Guided tours to the bridge might also include points of interest, such as the Peking Man Site, where the first complete Peking Man skull was discovered in 1929, or the Stone Flower Cave with its colorfully illuminated rock formations.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lugou Bridge is a must-visit for history buffs and photographers.
- Beijing tours that include the bridge typically last about eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection if you plan to spend some time on the bridge, as you’ll find little shade.
How to Get There
While outside Beijing’s city center, the bridge is still easily accessible by public transportation. Take one of several public buses to Lugou Xinqiao Station or ride the Beijing Subway (Line 14) to Dawayao Station and catch Bus 339 to Lugou Xinqiao Station.
When to Get There
This scenic spot is open for visitors throughout the year, with reduced hours during the winter months (November to March). While there’s no bad time to visit, you’ll capture the best photos of the curving arches and stone lions right around sunset.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident
On July 7, 1937, the stone bridge witnessed one of the most important moments in modern Chinese history when fighting broke out between Japanese troops and the Chinese army, setting off the eight-year Sino-Japanese War. This war would continue until Japan finally surrendered in 1945 at the end of World War II.
Address: Beijing, China
Admission: Free
From $ 55
St Joseph's Church
Located on Wangfujing Street in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, St. Joseph's Church (sometimes referred to as the East Cathedral), is one of four significant Catholic cathedrals in Beijing. The construction of the church was finished in 1655, making it the second oldest in the city after the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Throughout the years, St. Joseph’s Church has seen a number of restorations. It’s a huge and imposing grey stone building, predominantly Romanesque in style but with some Chinese architectural features. Over the years it has become not only an important venue for Catholics, but also a significant cultural site and a popular attraction for visitors to Beijing.
Practical Info
St. Joseph’s Church is located at 74 Wangfujing Street. The nearest subway station is Wangfujing.
Address: 74 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Vary
From $ 18
Splendid China
Shenzhen’s Splendid China theme park features a vast array of miniature replicas of China’s most famous landmarks. The 75acre (30hectare) park showcases the history, culture, traditions, art and architecture of the various ethnic groups of China through the structures, which are about 1/15th the size of their reallife counterparts.
The buildings and historical attractions featured at Splendid China include famous sights such as the Terracotta Army, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), the Summer Palace, and a mini replica of the Li River. Further miniature scenes from China’s natural world include the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Stone Forest and West Lake.
There are also several indoor and outdoor performances held at the park’s China Folk Culture Village.
Practical Info
Splendid China is situated by Shenzhen Bay in Overseas Chinese Town (OCT). It is around a 40-minute train ride from Luohu Station to the OCT stop on Line 1 of the Shenzhen Metro; take Exit D on arrival at the station. Alternatively, it’s a 30-minute bus ride, with numerous buses serving the area.
Address: 9003 Shennan Avenue, Shenzhen 518000, China
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: Adult: CNY 180; Junior (Under 1.5 meters): CNY 90; Child (Under 1.2 meters): Free
From $ 82
Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan)
One of the four most famous classical gardens of Suzhou, the Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) has World Heritage status and also showcases two UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Arts: Pingtan and Guqin music. The garden makes fantastic use of space, with a harmonious layout of temples, statues, rockeries, halls, bridges, and ponds.
Covering almost six acres, the garden is divided into four areas: the east, west, central, and north sections, all of which are connected via a half-mile (700-meter) corridor featuring calligraphy carved into its stone walls. The central area features many buildings surrounding a pond and grotto, while the east garden includes a miniature mountain modeled after Tiantai Mountain, as well as the Celestial Hall of Five Peaks, the largest hall in the garden. The west section is mostly natural, with a large rockery built during the Ming Dynasty, while the north garden, once used to grow vegetables, now showcases a range of potted plants.
Popular among families, the Lingering Garden is often visited on day trips from Shanghai that also include other famous classical gardens in Suzhou. It's common to combine a trip here with visits to the famous water towns of Zhouzhuang and Tongli, but other options include visits to Shantang Old Street and Tiger Hill. For a unique day out, book a Suzhou culture and art tour, which includes a Suzhou opera performance at the Master of Nets Garden.
Insider Tip: There are many classical gardens in Suzhou. Aside from the Lingering Garden, you shouldn't miss the Humble Administrator's Garden or Lion Grove Garden.
Practical Info
Suzhou is located about 62 miles (100 km) west of Shanghai and is connected by high-speed train. Some tours include the high-speed train, while others use road transport. Suzhou can also be reached by bus; take Tourist Bus No. 1 and alight at the Liuyan stop.
Address: 338 Liuyuan Road, Suzhou, Eastern China 215004, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am–5pm
Admission: CNY 45–55
From $ 55
Lippo Center
The Lippo Center is a twin-tower skyscraper situated on Hong Kong Island that was designed by the American architect, Paul Rudolph. The unique building has become an iconic Hong Kong landmark and has been nicknamed The Koala Tree on account of the protruding windows bearing a similarity to koalas climbing a tree!
The two towers that make up the Lippo Center are similar in design but differ in height; Lippo Center 1 is 172 meters tall, while Lippo Center 2 reaches a height of 186 meters. Both towers are set on a four-story podium, which is home to a large atrium and a retail center.
The Lippo Center is situated on a busy road right in the heart of the city, with fantastic views of nearby Hong Kong Park. Walkways connect the base of the towers to the buildings that surround the complex, as well as a nearby MTR station.
Practical Info
The Lippo Center is located just outside the Admiralty MTR station on Queensway Road. You can also get a completely unobstructed view of the towers from Hong Kong Park.
Address: Hong Kong, China
From $ 12