Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 301-320 of 356 listings.
Shijia Hutong Museum
The center of Beijing once consisted of an extensive network of narrow alleyways known as hutongs. Linking the capital’s traditional courtyard homes, these residential neighborhoods were a hive of activity and everyday life. While the city is still dotted with these traditional residences, Shijia Hutong Museum is unique in that it’s specifically designed to preserve the history of hutong culture.
The museum spans 1000 square meters, with various exhibition rooms showcasing items depicting hutong life as it was decades ago. Among the items are labor contracts from the 1920s and 1930s, old faded bus tickets, and baskets used by traditional Chinese households. There are also rooms fashioned according to the typical domestic furnishings of Beijing family homes from the 1950s through to the 1980s.
One of the exhibition rooms has been transformed into a mock up studio, where you can listen to recordings of the various sounds of hutong life, all at the touch of a screen. Sounds vary from birds tweeting and the calls of various street peddlers, to the sound of workers sharpening their tools and knives.
Insider’s Tip: It’s worth listening to all of the sounds in the museum’s studio until you get to the sound of the time being called out, which occurred every two hours after nightfall during the Qing dynasty.
Practical Info
The Shijia Hutong Museum is located just a few hundred meters north of contemporary Jinbao Jie and the Dongdan shopping area. It's around a 10-minute walk from Exit A of Dengshikou Station on Line 5 of the subway.
Address: 24 Shijia Hutong, Beijing, China
Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
From $ 43
Shidu Nature Park
Shidu Nature Park is situated in the southwest of China’s Fangshan District. Sprawled across 300 square-kilometers, this scenic area is ideal for a day trip for those who enjoy nature and the great outdoors. The Juma River snakes through Shidu and is punctuated with striking limestone karst formations, making it a photogenic spot from almost every vantage point.
Adventurous types will enjoy the various activities on offer here, including bungee jumping, rock climbing, and river rafting. You may also wish to stroll around and explore all the different paintings, inscriptions, and memorials within the park. Shidu spills over into villages, with the valley making way for farm animals and scenes of rural life. Be sure to explore places such as Cottage Scenic Spot, Monkey Mountain, Wang Jingxian Valley, and Bali Valley.
If you want the freedom to enjoy Shidu Nature Park at your leisure, book a self-guided private day tour from Beijing. This allows for the convenience of getting there and back in a private vehicle with your own driver, but also the flexibility to spend the day as you wish.
Practical Info
Shidu Nature Park is located around two hours from Beijing. If not arriving as part of a tour, you can reach it by bus or train.
Did You Know? Shidu means ‘Ten Crossings’. In ancient times, ferries were built at each of the 10 main turnings in the River Juna. The name is still in use despite the fact that modern bridges have since replaced the ferries.
Address: Shidu Zhen, Beijing, China
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: Cost of various attractions in park varies
From $ 46
Zhouzhuang
Just a 90-minute journey from the urban sprawl of Shanghai and not far from Suzhou, the traditional water town of Zhouzhuang offers a glimpse into ancient China. Today a popular spot among international tourists, Zhouzhuang is the oldest water township in the country, made up of scenic canals, ancient bridges, and well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The waterways that crisscross the town feature many stone bridges, all of which offer beautiful views of the area. The most famous of these are the Zhenfeng Bridge, Fu'an Bridge, and the Twin Bridges of Shide and Yongan. In addition, a number of houses of significance are still set in Zhouzhuang, namely the Shen House, which is an old private residence with seven courtyards, 100 rooms, and five archways, plus a wharf for mooring boats. The Zhang House is an important historical building built during the Ming Dynasty, while Ye Chucang's Residence is the former home of the poet and statesman who campaigned against gambling and opium in China. Milou Tower and the Chengxu Taoist Temple are other highlights that shouldn't be missed.
The town is a popular day trip destination from Shanghai, with some tour options also including a trip to see the sights and attractions of Suzhou.
Insider Tip: Don't miss out on the most famous of Zhouzhuang's local food—Wansan pork hock.
Practical Info
Admission into the town costs 100 yuan per person for the day. This ticket includes entry into all of the attractions, although organized boat rides down the town's narrow canal require an additional fee. The easiest way to reach Zhouzhuang is as part of an organized tour, but it can also be reached by bus by Suzhou and Shanghai.
Address: Zhouzhang, Eastern China, China
Admission: 100 CNY
From $ 74
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
If you’ve seen the James Cameron film Avatar, you might recognize the scenery at China’s majestic Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. According to park officials, it was photos of the national park in Hunan Province of Central China that inspired the floating mountains depicted in the film.
The park was the first designated national forest park in China and a favorite among outdoor loving travelers. The 185 square mile (479 square kilometer) park encompasses countless towering sandstone pillars, many times poking out from a sea of clouds, as well as peaceful streams, gaping karst caves and abundant natural wildlife.
Yuanjiajie, the most popular spot in the park, is where you’ll find the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, while the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon area is home to the newly opened highest and longest glass bridge in the world.
Practical Info
A ticket to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is valid for four days. Elevators, cable cars and the tourist train cost extra.
Address: Zhangjiajie, Southern China, China
Admission: 245 Yuan
From $ 124
Zhanqiao Pier
Built in 1891, Zhanqiao Pier has become a symbol of the city of Qingdao and one of its most iconic attractions. The 33-foot-wide (10-m) pier extends 1,444 feet (440 m) into Qingdao Bay, with the octagonal Huilan Pavilion (the structure pictured on the Tsingtao beer label) at its terminus. The traditional Chinese pavilion, which sometimes hosts art exhibitions, juxtaposes the European architecture prevalent in the rest of the city.
While originally a naval pier, the earliest known dock in Qingdao now serves pedestrians coming to enjoy the sea breezes and harbor views of the city.
Practical Info
The Zhanqiao Pier is free to walk along and open 24/7. Take the bus or train to the Zhanqiao Pier stop, and, if you have the time to spare, plan a visit during the day and at night to take in two very different views of Qingdao. Entrance to Huilan Pavilion costs 4 yuan.
Address: No. 12 Taiping Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
From $ 91
Shigatse
With approximately 50,000 residents, the sprawling city of Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest town. Home to thriving businesses, unique shopping and a number of religious and historical sites, Shigatse attracts travelers from across the globe—in part, because the central police station proves one of the easiest (and quickest) places to get a Nepal tourist visa.
The city is divided into two distinct sections: the tiny Tibetan town, which serves as a nod to the city’s roots, and a contemporary Chinese neighborhood that offers travelers a bit more modern flare. Travelers can venture to the Tashilhunpo monastery, where Panchen Lamas come to worship at the feet of the world’s largest bronze Buddha. The free market and gift market in the city’s Old Town neighborhood are great places to spend an afternoon searching for handmade crafts from local artisans, while the nearby Shigatse Fortress offers travelers an impressive look at the city's past.
Practical Info
Shigatse is located on the Friendship Highway and accessible via public bus and minibus from Lhasa, Gyantse, Lhatse, Sakya, Dromo and several other destinations.
Address: Shigatse, Tibet, China
From $ 1,880
Yuyuan Garden
Dating from the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan Garden, in the middle of the Old Town (Nanshi) Shanghai, is one of China’s best-preserved classical gardens. Covering an area of 5 acres (2 hectares), Yuyuan Garden is known for its beautiful scenery, elegant layout, and delightful pavilions, pagodas, pools, bridges, and rockeries.
The Basics
There are six main scenic areas to the garden, and each with several photogenic spots. Climb the 50-feet (14-meter) Great Rockery for a birds’-eye view of the whole garden. Don’t miss the Exquisite Jade Rock, a porous, spiky 5-ton rock with a fascinating history. Scattered throughout the garden are also numerous sculptures, carvings, calligraphies, paintings, and inscriptions.
Yuyuan Garden is a popular attraction and features on many guided tours, whether you want to explore for a half or full day. Most tours will include other top attractions such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, or Xin Tian Di. For a more customized and personalized experience, opt for a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is must for those with an interest in nature, history, and architecture.
- Plan to spend about an hour here—two if you’re not in a rush.
- Yuyuan Garden isn’t wheelchair accessible; there are several steps at the entrance and more throughout the garden.
How to Get There
Yuyuan Garden is located at No. 137 Anren Street, Huangpu District. Take the metro, Line 10, and get off at Yuyuan Station (Exit 1). Or take public bus nos. 11, 26, 64, 805, or 930 and get off at Xinbeimen Station, or City Sightseeing Bus, line 1, 3, or 5.
When to Get There
The garden is open year-round, although admission fees are higher in the spring and fall than in the summer and winter; spring, when the garden is in full bloom, is the best time to visit. The garden is a popular destination on weekends; visit during the week and early in the morning for fewer crowds.
Yuyuan Bazaar
Yuyuan Bazaar, located right next to Yuyuan Garden, is a bustling marketplace with shops, teahouses, and restaurants. It’s a great place to buy some souvenirs or to some local snacks, including xiaolongbao.
Address: 218 Anren Jie, Shanghai 200010, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Shek O Peak (Dragon's Back)
Considered one of the best urban hikes in Asia, Dragon’s Back runs along a ridge, resembling its namesake, in Shek O Country Park. It’s a great way to escape Hong Kong’s concrete jungle and see stunning views of Shek O beach, Tai Long Wan (or Big Wave Bay), Tai Tam Bay, Stanley Peninsula, and the South China Sea.
The Basics
Dragon’s Back is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong, with a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderately challenging. At 5 miles (8 kilometers) long, it forms the eighth and final stage of the Hong Kong Trail.
With straightforward access and a well-marked trail, Dragon’s Back is easy to navigate independently. Those who prefer to hike with company and who wish learn more about the trail and hiking in Hong Kong can go on a guided hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Stock up on supplies in Shau Kei Wan before starting the hike, as there are no ways to restock on the trail.
- A scenic spot overlooks Shek O beach to the east and Dragon’s Back to the northwest.
- Shek O Peak, at 932 feet (284 meters), is the highest point of the trail and a good spot to enjoy views of Shek O and Tai Long Wan.
- Many people choose to hike all the way to Big Wave Bay beach, but you can also catch a minibus for part of the last portion of the hike.
How to Get There
Take the Island line MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station. Take Exit A to Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus and bus no. 9 to To Tei Wan entrance on Shek O Road. You can also take the Shek O minibus next to the bus terminus. Look for the well-marked trailhead next to To Tei Wan village.
When to Get There
Although it’s possible to hike the Dragon’s Back trail year-round, the Hong Kong summer heat and humidity can be overwhelming for some people. It’s best to start earlier in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded. This is a popular hike, especially on weekends.
Longer Hikes in Hong Kong
Those with more time looking to do a longer hike can choose additional portions, or the entirety, of the Hong Kong Trail, which is 31 miles (50 kilometers) long, from the peak to Big Wave Bay. Other trails to consider include the 62-mile (100-kilometer) MacLehose Trail, the 48-mile (78-kilometer) Wilson Trail, and the 43-mile (70-kilometer) Lantau Trail.
Address: Hong Kong, China
From $ 72
Tomb of Emperor Jingdi (Hanyangling)
In addition to the world-famous terra cotta warriors, another excavation site of a famous Chinese emperor can be found in Xian. Emperor Jingdi reigned from 11-141 BC and unlike other emperors, he had a very passive approach to ruling. As a staunch follower of Confucianism, he was a capable leader and tried to improve the lives of his subjects by reducing taxes and avoiding diplomatic conflicts. Accordingly, his reign is considered a golden era for the people and the imperial family and was only once marred by a successfully averted rebellion.
In the typical hierarchical fashion of ancient China, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi itself can be found at the very center of the complex, while various smaller burial pits and tombs are scattered around it. Visitors can see the over 40,000 excavated clay figures of animals, warriors and officials – mostly miniature forms of their real-life counterparts – and other artifacts in the various pits in the subterranean Hanyangling Museum by donning blue shoe covers and carefully walking on a glass floor over the ongoing excavation site. While some might consider the life-sized terracotta warriors more impressive, this miniature version allows a closer look at the small sculptures. Although their dress made of cloth and wood has long ago decayed and the figurines are now naked, they, together with various prepared information such as a 3D film offer a detailed insight into the social structure and life at the time of the Han Dynasty.
Practical Info
From the beginning of March to the end of November, the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while during the rest of the year the site closes an hour earlier at 6 p.m. The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi is located about 20 kilometers north of Xian in Zhangjiawan Village. You can get there by taking the bus number 50, 207, 228, 230, 328 or K616 to Xian City Sports Park and then hopping on the Tourist Bus number 4 the rest of the way to the stop Yangling Mausoleum.
Address: Zhanjiawan Village, Xian, China
From $ 18
Sharp Island
Sharp Island, the largest island within Hong Kong’s Kiu Tsui Country Park, measures only 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) long and a third of a mile (0.5 kilometers) wide. Visitors come to hike the half-mile (1-kilometer) Sharp Island Geo Trail, covered with volcanic rocks from various periods of volcanic activity, and to bask on the island’s two stunning beaches — Half Moon Bay and Kiu Tsui Beaches. At low tide a natural sand levee, or tombolo, allows visitors to walk from Kiu Tsui Beach to neighboring Kiu Tau. Both beaches offer facilities like campsites, changing rooms, showers and beachside barbecue areas.
Practical Info
Boats depart for Sharp Island from the Sai Kung Public Ferry Pier every half-hour throughout the day. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
Address: Hong Kong, China
From $ 33
Yungang Grottoes
The Yungang Grottoes are ancient Chinese Buddhist grottoes that reside in the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain near the city of Datong in Shanxi Province. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2001, the Yungang Grottoes are a brilliant display of Buddhist rock-cut architecture dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries.
The grottoes are divided into east, middle, and western sections. Pagodas dominate the eastern parts, while the west comprises small to medium sized caves. The caves in the middle section feature front and back chambers with Buddha statues at their center. In total, the complex comprises 252 grottoes with more than 51,000 stone Buddha statues.
Practical Info
The Yungang Grottoes are one of the most popular attractions around Datong so arranging a return trip from the city via taxi should prove easy.
Address: Nanjiao, Datong, Shanxi, China 37007, China
From $ 40
Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan)
The Shanghai Zoo houses about 6,000 animals representing more than 600 species, some of which are uniquely native to China, such as the popular giant panda, golden monkey, blossom peacock and South China tiger. These animals are joined by various international neighbors, including giraffes, kangaroos, penguins and the African chimpanzee.
The sprawling zoo offers electric shuttles that whisk you from one exhibit to the next in minutes, allowing you to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time. The vast grounds are divided into five exhibition areas: Primates, Herbivores, Carnivores, Birds and Amphibians. With thousands of plants and trees, the zoo’s environmental landscape aims to simulate the animals’ natural environment as much as it can.
The Shanghai Zoo is particularly popular among families, and features a dedicated children's area with a petting zoo and pony rides. An information kiosk at the zoo’s entrance offers schedule details for animal shows and feeding times.
Practical Info:
The zoo is located 2831 Hongqiao Road in Shanghai. To reach the site by public transport, take subway line 10 to the Shanghai Zoo stop. It’s also served by a number of bus routes.
Did You Know? The site of the Shanghai Zoo was originally a golf course, meaning it is a huge open green space not far from the city center. It is estimated that there are upwards of 100,000 trees at the zoo.
Address: 2381 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai, Eastern China 200000, China
Hours: Mar–Oct 7am–5:30pm; Nov–Feb 7am–5pm
Admission: Adults 40 CNY, children 20 CNY
From $ 6
Shikumen Museum
The Shikumen Museum is a small traditional stone-gate house located in the Xintiandi area of Shanghai’s Huangpu District. The aim of the museum is to present traditional Shanghai life as it was 100 years ago, with a mock-up of a typical home on the lower level and a small museum at the top. Shikumen is a style of house that once dominated Shanghai, and this example has been wonderfully restored and transformed into a fascinating place to visit.
There are several main rooms to explore, all featuring period furniture and filled with interesting artefacts and antiques. Items range from traditional Chinese rosewood furniture, to sewing machines and various household objects. The small exhibition upstairs contains a series of sketches and photographs focusing on various elements of traditional family and working life.
Insider’s Tip
As the Shikumen Museum is quite small, it doesn't take much time to visit (around 30 minutes), making it particularly easy to visit with children.
Practical Info
The closest metro stations to the museum are Huangpi Road South on Line 1 to the north, and Xintiandi on Line 10 to the south.
Address: Lane 181, Taicang Road, Shanghai 200121, China
Hours: Open daily 11am-11pm
Admission: CNY20
From $ 59
Tin Hau Temple
There are over 70 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hua, the goddess of the sea. The oldest at Joss House Bay was built in 1266 and is considered the most sacred while the one in Causeway Bay is known for it's architecture. If you're only visiting one though, the temple in Yau Ma Tei is probably the most popular and accessible.
Yau Ma Tei was originally built on the harbor before land reclamation drove the shoreline far away. Now it sits in the heart of the popular Temple Street Night Market. It's known just as much for it's beauty, history and Wall of Nine Dragons as it is for being the social heart of the neighborhood. In front of the temple you'll find a row of willing fortune tellers, inside Chinese chess players congregate in the square.
Oddly, this temple is one of the most popular filming locations for Hong Kong gangster movies.
Yau Ma Tei was originally built on the harbor before land reclamation drove the shoreline far away. Now it sits in the heart of the popular Temple Street Night Market. It's known just as much for it's beauty, history and Wall of Nine Dragons as it is for being the social heart of the neighborhood. In front of the temple you'll find a row of willing fortune tellers, inside Chinese chess players congregate in the square.
Oddly, this temple is one of the most popular filming locations for Hong Kong gangster movies.
Address: China
Hours: Open 8am - 5pm Daily
From $ 37
Zhaojue Temple
Considered one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in western Sichuan, Zhaojue Temple dates back to the 600s, though little remains of the original architecture. While few traces of the original buildings remain, Zhaojue Temple has made a great contribution to the culture exchange between China and foreign countries. According to Zen history, in the Kamakura period, there were 24 Zen sects in the whole country; 20 of them were from Chengdu’s Zhaojue Temple Yuanwu Keqin sect. The temple has served as a birthplace and ancestral temple for many Japanese and southeast Asian Buddhist temples over the years.
Surrounded by towering pines, cypress and bamboo in the foreground and verdant mountains in the distance, Zhaojue Temple is also known as a place of peace and tranquility. Stroll around the grounds and enjoy a meal at the excellent vegetarian restaurant there, or if pandas are of interest, the Chengdu Zoo is located just next door.
Practical Info
Zhaojue Temples is located at 333 Zhaoqing Road in the Chenghua District of Chengdu, about 3.1 miles (5 km) from the Chengdu city center. Buses are plentiful from Zhaojue bus station, and the site is also located next to the Chengdu Zoo.
Address: 333 Zhaoqing Rd, Chengdu, China
From $ 87
Shaolin Temple
Set at the base of Shaoshi Mountain, nine miles (15 kilometers) west of Dengfeng, lies the Shaolin Temple, famous not for its Buddhist history but for its martial arts. The original monastery was built in 495 during the Northern Wei Dynasty as a place for meditation.
According to temple legend, an Indian monk by the name of Bodhidharma came to the monastery and meditated in a cave for nine years, and as part of his practice, he developed a series of exercises mimicking animal movements that eventually became Shaolin kung-fu.
Today, the Shaolin Temple is a hotbed for martial arts enthusiasts from around the world who come here to study at the dozens of martial arts schools within the monastery. Visitors not interested in practicing kung-fu themselves can still tour the temple and watch a free martial arts show at the Shaolin Martial Arts training Center.
Practical Info
You can get to Shaolin Temple by catching a direct tour bus in Zhengzhou.
Address: Zhengzhou, Dengfeng, Henan 207, China
Hours: Daily 7am-5pm
From $ 97
Yulong Bridge
The 600-year-old Yulong Bridge, also known as the Dragon Bridge, is located in the north of Yangshuo in an area surrounded by the hundreds of tall karst peaks, rural mudbrick villages, rice paddies and grazing water buffalos. It is a 60-meter-long single-arched bridge—the biggest of its kind in Guangxi Province—and is shaped like a rainbow bending its way over the languidly moving water. The steps are an uneven jumble and because of its old age, the sides of the bridge are sloping inward. Beneath the bridge, women from the nearby Baisha village wash their clothes and children play in the shallow water. In fact, the area around the Yulong Bridge is perfect for swimming, as the water moves slow, is much cleaner than the Li River and there are many natural pools. Bamboo raft rides are sold directly beneath the bridge, with many locals more than willing to take visitors for a float down the river
It’s really no wonder that this romantic landscape and the charming, antique bridge have quite some folklore attached to it. According to one legend, a student heading to an important exam came upon the river but could not cross it due to a monster living in it and creating huge waves. With the help of the dragon king and his daughter, however, the monster was defeated, so the student went on to take his exam and several years later, returned to build a bridge in thanks. Another legend says that a dragon was so mesmerized by the beautiful scenery that he decided to stay there forever. The locals kept seeing the dragon and decided to name their bridge after him—Yulong literally means “meet the dragon.”
Practical Info
Yulong Bridge is located on the Yulong River about 8 kilometers outside of Yangshuo next to a village called Baisha. As the ride through the countryside is a lot of fun, to get there, most people rent a bicycle or hike along one of the many paths and country roads. If the weather is bad though, it is easy to just take the bus via the main road from the bus terminal in Yangshuo.
Address: Yangshuo, China
From $ 98
Sheung Wan
Situated in the northwest of Hong Kong Island, the exotic and eclectic neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is an atmospheric place to spend a few hours. An interesting mix of traditional Chinese businesses and more modern shopping experiences, Sheung Wan is a busy (and at times chaotic) working-class district.
The historic Western Market sits within an Edwardian-style mall and is home to an array of handicraft outlets. To the east of here, antiques and curio shops huddle around Cat Street, while designer outlets and trendy restaurants line up along Gough Street.
There are plenty of dried fish shops along Wing Lok Street and Bonham Strand West, where you can buy seafood and other foodstuffs alongside the locals purchasing their weekly groceries. There are also a number of traditional Chinese medicine and herbs shops, particularly along Koh Shing Street.
Practical Info
Sheung Wan is served by the Sheung Wan Station on the MRT. Trams also run through Sheung Wan.
Address: Hong Kong, China
From $ 65
Shichahai
Shichahai is a scenic area in the northwest of Beijing that’s home to three lakes – Qinghai, Houhai, and Xihai. Dating back to the Jin Dynasty, Shichahai was once an important commercial district but is now an area for recreation. The government in Beijing declared it a Historical and Cultural Scenic District in 1992.
Shichahai literally means ‘Ten Temple Lake’, and there are indeed ten famous Taoist and Buddhist temples in the area. There are also a number of places of historic interest and remnants of old-style royal mansions, including the Prince Gong Mansion and the Prince Chun Mansion. A rickshaw ride through Shichahai’s winding narrow laneways (known as hutongs) is a popular way to see the cultural attractions of the area.
Despite its historical backdrop, these days Shichahai is more known for its lively bars and restaurants, plus its vibrant lakeside atmosphere, where locals and visitors play sports and games in the wide open spaces.
Practical Info
As it’s close to the Bell and Drum Towers and the north gate of Beihai Park, visitors can take buses from central Beijing in this direction and spend some time in Shichahai from here.
Address: Beijing, China
From $ 45
Shu Yuan Men Street
Valuable historical monuments attract tourists from all over the world to Xian. Among them is the Shu Yuan Men Street, which was once the location of the famous Guanzhong Shuyuan Academy, an institute of classical learning and one the most important schools in Shaanxi Province. Today, the road remains dedicated to different types of study and everything revolves around art and culture. On both sides of the black stone road, two-story stores mimic the antique style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties - an attempt by the city planners to restore the ancient road to its former glory. Traditional Chinese brushes, ink, paper and ink stones as well as silk, jade and porcelain can be found here. Among the racks of calligraphy brushes, ranging from delicate drawing utensils to brushes almost as big as feather dusters, works by famous artist, such as Liu Wenxi, who drew the images found on the 100 Yuan note, can be purchased.
Despite the fairly recently constructed and renovated houses, stepping into Shu Yuan Men Street is like stepping into another time. After watching the calligraphists creating their pieces of art without spilling a drop of ink and hearing the sounds of bamboo flutes, melodies created by shopkeepers to attract more customers, sometimes, visitors can even try to dip their own brushes into an inkpot and attempt to paint the complicated Chinese characters. Delicate, hand-cut and painted shadow play figures made of leather once were a popular form of entertainment and told the folk-tales and legends of ancient China. The technique required for creating this popular handicraft is extremely challenging, but you can still find the intricately crafted figures sold in this street.
Practical Info
You can find Shu Yuan Men Street behind the traditional red and gold archway on South Avenue. To get there, take one of the many busses to the Nanmen South Gate stop and walk east. Shops are usually open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but of course, the street can be visited at any time of day.
Address: Shu Yuan Men Street, Xian, China
From $ 31