Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 356 listings.
Dule Temple (Temple of Solitary)
Built during the Tang Dynasty (seventh to tenth century) and rebuilt in 984 AD, Dule Temple — also known as the Temple of Solitary Joy — is one of China’s oldest surviving wooden structures. Two of the Buddhist Temple’s oldest structures also rank among the oldest. The Shan Gate, a single-story wooden structure, serves as the south entrance to the temple. The Guanyin Pavilion houses one of the biggest ancient statues of the goddess Guanyin in the country, measuring over 50 feet (16 meters) tall.
While the temple structure is significant for its ancient architecture, the interior impresses with its collection of colorful and intricate frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Guided tours of Tianjin often include a stop at Dule Temple, as well as the Hyangyaguan Great Wall and Imperial Mausoleums.
Practical Info
If you don’t want to visit the temple as part of a guided tour, you can get there by catching a bus from Hebei Bus Station to Ji County. The journey takes just over two hours.
Did You Know? The architectural techniques used in constructing the Dule Temple have helped it survive numerous intense earthquakes intact.
Address: 41 Wuding St, Jixian, Tianjin, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
From $ 105
Du Fu Cottage
The former home of Du Fu, one of China’s most revered and influential poets, this 24-acre (10-hectare) park and museum is now dedicated to his life and legacy. Inside, you can see examples of his work, while the ground’s lush gardens and pretty streams provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Chengdu.
The Basics
Du Fu composed more than 240 poems during the four years that he lived at this site, starting sometime around 760 AD. His original cottage was destroyed, but numerous memorials have been built on the same spot since the Song Dynasty. Today, the compound hosts a recreated thatched roof cottage that serves as a museum to Du Fu, honoring his work and that of other Chinese poets. The extensive grounds are also home to flowering gardens, winding streams, pretty bridges, pagodas, and pavilions amid bamboo, bonsai, and plum trees.
Du Fu Cottage is located near other popular attractions, including Wuhou Temple, so consider a day trip from Chengdu that visits multiple sights. For a greater appreciation of Du Fu, his poetry, and the impact he had on Chinese literature, tour the cottage with a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Du Fu Cottage is a must-visit for history lovers and those interested in classical Chinese literature.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside exhibition rooms.
- Free umbrellas are available with a refundable deposit.
- Plan for enough time to stroll through the extensive grounds.
How to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is located at 37 Qinghua Street, Qingyang District, in western Chengdu. Take the Line 4 subway to North Caotang Road Station, then walk south for about 15 minutes. Or take the 19, 35, 58, 82, 151, or 1024 bus and get off at Dufu Caotang stop.
When to Get There
Du Fu Cottage is open year-round, with longer opening hours in the summer and shorter hours in the winter. Ticket sales stop one hour before closing time. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll see different blossoms in the gardens: plum trees in the spring, lotus in the summer, chrysanthemums in the fall, and orchids in the winter.
Largest Collection of Du Fu’s Works
Within Du Fu Cottage, you’ll find more than 30,000 pieces of Du Fu’s work, including over thousands of relics. There are examples of his poems carved in stone, in wood, in calligraphy on wood, handwritten copies, photocopies, modern print editions, translations of his poems in 15 languages, as well as murals depicting scenes from his most famous poems.
Address: China
From $ 15
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Dedicated to giant panda care, China’s Dujiangyan Panda Base, set near Chengdu in the Sichuan province, focuses on rehabilitation, disease prevention, and public education, all to conserve the endangered giant panda. Although the species is one of the rarest in the world with a global population of less than 3,000 individuals in the wild and in zoos, it’s possible to spot dozens of the monochromatic bamboo eaters at the panda base—most are being cared for as elderly, disabled, sick, injured, or vulnerable wild pandas on the road to recovery, but some are healthy, including several in quarantine before and after they leave the country.
Visitors to the research center can volunteer for a day, and once you’re outfitted in work garments and after a physical exam to ensure you’re safe to work with the fragile bears, you can alongside dedicated panda experts to observe and record animal behavior, clean enclosures, prepare food for the pandas, and simply explore the base. Supervised photo opportunities with pandas require additional fees (1800 RMB per person) that go toward supporting research at the base. All panda interactions are closely monitored by trained staff.
The sprawling 126-acre site is divided into six separate zones dedicated to various areas of research and care. Guests will find 40 sets of enclosures, a panda hospital, a medical lab, and an educational center with a small auditorium and interactive displays covering the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Practical Info
The Dujiangyan Panda Base is about 34 miles (55 km) from Chengdu city center. Advance booking of most tours and activities at the base is essential, as a daily limit of 30 volunteers is implemented.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 610081, China
Hours: 7:30am–6pm
Admission: CNY 58
From $ 70
Fuli Ancient Town
Fuli Ancient Town is a historic village made of stone slabs and cobblestone roads. The village is small and all the old houses are still intact and humming with life. While everything, from local produce to goods, wares and livestock can be bought at the regularly held and popular market, Fuli is especially famous for the handmade fans. This intricate trade, in which the majority of people living here are somehow involved, has earned the village the reputation of being the artistic town in the area.
Fan craftsmanship has a long tradition in China, and the exquisite structures made of bamboo, as well as painted and folded papers, are used for more than just to keep cool. Over the years they evolved to be used in theatre or dance, as gifts, status symbols, or as simple pieces of art. The handmade fans created in Fuli Ancient Town range from small handheld fans intended for everyday use to huge pieces of art, which when hung up, will cover a whole wall. Consequently, prices vary according to the size and level of detail incorporated in the fans. But while they range from cheap travel fans to exquisite pieces of art worth hundreds of dollars, they all show intricately painted flowers, the karst landscape of Yangshuo, birds, insects and Chinese girls in traditional outfits.
Practical Info
Fuli Ancient Town is located about 8 kilometers east of Yangshuo. Taking the bus from the main bus station Yangshuo takes about 20 minutes, but the most scenic way to get there is on a bicycle via the small village roads along the Li River.
Address: Fuli Ancient Town 542706, China
From $ 37
Eastern Qing Tombs
The series of Qing Tombs located 78 miles (125 kilometers) east of Beijing remain relatively off the map, despite the fact that they’re arguably more interesting than the more popular Ming Tombs. Between 1663 and 1935, 5 emperors, 15 empresses, 3 princes, 2 princesses and 136 imperial concubines were interred in this complex of 15 tombs.
Collectively, these tombs are considered the best-preserved and largest in China, and many of them are open for visitors. The tomb of Emperor Shunzhi (China’s first Qing emperor) is the oldest on the site; it’s also the largest and most elaborate. The Yuling and Dingling mausoleums are also well worth visiting.
Insider’s Tip: Bring along a picnic lunch to eat at picnic tables scattered around the scenic grounds, as well as a light jacket; the underground portions of the tombs get chilly, even in summer.
Practical Info
On weekends and holidays, catch a tourist bus to the tobs from Xuanwu metro station in Beijing. The Tianjin Friendship Hotel in Tianjin also offers a direct tourist bus on weekends.
Address: Zunhua, Hebei, China
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: 120 RMB
From $ 63
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Originally built in 256 BC, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is the world’s oldest non-dam irrigation facility. A marvel of engineering, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dujiangyan uses the natural topography of the region, as well as hydrological features of the river, to irrigate 1.65 million acres (668,700 hectares) of farmland.
The Basics
View key portions of the irrigation system from the Anlan cable bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge reinforced with steel. It replaces a wooden bridge that crossed the span a thousand years ago. Be sure to visit Erwang (Two Kings) Temple, an ornate wooden structure built to honor the irrigation system’s two designers, Li Bing and his son. There are also other temples and scenic riverside trails for visitors to enjoy.
Many visitors combine a trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System with a trip to nearby Mount Qingcheng. While it’s possible to visit either independently, a guided tour will help travelers gain a better understanding of the irrigation system history and engineering.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The grounds are vast, so plan for several hours at the site and wear comfortable shoes.
- You can rent English audio guides for a fee.
- A full day tour of Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng can take upwards of 10 hours.
How to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is located 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Chengdu. From Chengdu airport, there is a direct bus to Dujiangyan City, which takes about 90 minutes. From Chengdu, take the ChengGuan Line from Chengdu North Railway Station to Dujiangyan Railway Station, or Lidui Park Station, about 30 minutes. Visitors can also take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu to Dujiangyan Bus Station.
When to Get There
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is open year-round, but offers slightly reduced hours in the winter. The best times to visit are from April to October, when the weather will still be pleasant and the trees lush and green. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Key Components of Dujiangyan Irrigation System
There are three key components to the irrigation system: the Yuzui (Fish Mouth), a levee in the middle of the river shaped to control the flow of water that enters the two channels; the Baopingkou Diversion Passage, used to regulate the amount of water entering the system; and the Feishayan Spillway, which discharges silt and regulates water quality.
Address: China
From $ 15
Duolun Road
Duolun Road, in the Hongkou District, was known as the cultural and literary center of Shanghai in the early 20th century, when a number of famous Chinese writers called it home. Restored and reopened in 1998, today it’s a pedestrian street filled with museums, galleries, studios, antique shops, teahouses, and cafes.
The Basics
Full of historic buildings that have been restored, there’s much to see on the half-mile-long (0.8 kilometer) Duolun Road. Top attractions include the Duolun Museum of Modern Art, the League of Leftist Writers Museum, Hong De Temple (Great Virtue Christian Church), and the 60-foot-tall (18.5-meter-tall) Xi Shi Zhong Lou bell tower. Browse the many galleries and shops, then take a break at the Old Film Café, which plays old Chinese movies from the 1920s and ‘30s.
It’s best to experience Duolun Road on foot or opt for a bike tour that includes other top Shanghai attractions such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Duolun Road isn’t a top tourist attraction, but it will appeal to those with an interest in Chinese architecture, art, and literature.
- Duolun Road itself is free to visit, but some of the attractions, including museums, charge an entrance fee.
- This is a great place to pick up antiques, books, art, and Mao-related memorabilia.
How to Get There
Duolun Road is located in the Hongkou District. By metro, take Line 3 to Dongbaoxing Road Station (Exit 1) and walk northwest, or Line 4 or Line 10 to Hailun Road Station (Exit 5) and walk west. By bus, take bus nos. 18, 21, 52, 318, or 939 and get off at Luxun Gongyuan (Luxun Park) Station.
When to Get There
Duolun Road is all day, every day. Both the Duolun Museum of Modern Art and the League of Left Wing Writers museum are closed on Mondays; if you’re interested in these museums, time their visit accordingly.
Famous Writers of Duolun Road
In the 1930s, Duolun Road was home to a number of famous Chinese writers, including Guo Moruo, Mao Dun, Ding Lin, and Lu Xu, many of whom were part of the League of Leftist Writers. You can find out more about them and their works at the League of Leftist Writers Museum; there are also life-size bronze statues of a number of these writers along Duolun Road.
Address: off North Sichuan Road, China
From $ 58
Central District
Central District, as the names suggests, is the main business and commercial district of Hong Kong Island. One of the earliest areas to be developed, today Central is a heady mix of new and old, packed with skyscrapers next to historical landmarks, swanky malls near traditional shops, and a constantly evolving retail, dining, and nightlife scene.
The Basics
Central features some of Hong Kong’s top attractions. Don’t miss riding the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for some of the best views in town. Shoppers will find many opportunities to indulge in retail therapy, from the boutiques of Hollywood Road to numerous designer shops in high-end malls. Those looking to eat, drink, and be merry can find plenty to sate their appetites in trendy SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong, ever popular with expatriates and visitors.
City tours, whether aboard a historical tram or a hop-on hop-off bus, make a number of stops in the district. Walking tours can feature both well-known highlights and hidden gems off the beaten path and are a great way to get a more in-depth perspective. Foodies will delight in the multiple food-tour options.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Central is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk. Some of the terrain in Central is hilly and steep.
- It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella, as weather can be unpredictable.
How to Get There
Central is a major transport hub, where the MTR, buses, trams, and ferries all stop and connect to different parts of the city. The Airport Express links the airport to Central in less than 30 minutes, and taxis are easy and plentiful. Taking the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Central is an iconic experience for visitors.
When to Get There
The best times to visit Central are between February and May and between October and December, when the temperatures are at their most pleasant. Summer tends to be hot and humid, and winter, while not extremely cold, is damp and can be uncomfortable.
Walkways and Escalators
Walking is a great way to experience Central. Given the hilly terrain and often-wet weather, visitors should take advantage of the Central–Mid-Level Escalator and the numerous elevated walkways connecting key buildings in the district. The Central–Mid-Level Escalator is the world’s longest covered escalator and a great option when going uphill in Central. Using the elevated walkways (and going through buildings), it is possible to go all the way from Statue Square to the Macau Ferry Terminal without having to be exposed to the elements.
Address: Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)
The Forbidden City, or Imperial Palace, is the world’s largest palace complex, with more than 800 buildings and some 8,000 rooms set in the heart of Beijing. Deemed off-limits to visitors for some five centuries, today this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
The Basics
With so much to see at this Beijing landmark—everything from the living quarters of emperors to ceremonial rooms and galleries lined with Imperial artifacts—many visitors opt to visit with a guide who can navigate the vast complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties and point out its most interesting features. Those short on time in the Chinese capital can opt for a day tour that combines a Forbidden City visit with time at other Beijing attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. As well, number of gardens, museums, pagodas, and pavilions dot the area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a city tour that includes access to the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
- For a more personal experience of the Forbidden City and other Beijing highlights, choose a private tour.
- As many as 80,000 people visit the Forbidden City daily, so it’s best to book ahead or book a tour that includes skip-the-line access.
- The Forbidden City offers little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if visiting on a warm day.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.
How to Get There
Arriving by public transport or walking is preferred over taxi, as taxis are not allowed to stop nearby. Take the subway Line 1 to Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East, or catch one of the many buses going to Gugong.
When to Get There
To avoid crowds at this popular Beijing attraction, it’s best to visit first thing in the morning when the ticket office opens. Avoid weekends and Chinese national holidays.
Best View of the Forbidden City
Before or after touring the Forbidden City, it’s nice to get a sense of its size by seeing it from above. Jingshan Park, located just across from the palace’s north gate, is home to the highest point in Beijing and affords the best panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Beijing, Northern China 100009, China
Hours: Apr - Oct: 8:30am - 5pm, Nov - March: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Admission: ¥40–60
From $ 9
Cemetery of Confucius
The Cemetery of Confucius contains the tomb erected in memory of Confucius, along with the remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants. Situated just north of the sage’s birthplace of Qufu in Shandong Province, the cemetery sits around two kilometers from the Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion, which together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The oldest graves at the cemetery date back to the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius’ tomb has gone through a few changes over the years, with the present-day tomb being in the form of a cone-shaped hill.
Practical Info
The Cemetery of Confucius and the other Confucius sites are situated in the city of Qufu in the southwest of Shandong Province. The Cemetery of Confucius is a short taxi ride from the other sites.
Address: Lindao Rd, Qufu, Jining, Shandong, China, China
From $ 73
Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan)
Situated in northeast Guilin, beautiful Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan) sits half in and half out of the Li River, causing the passing water to swirl and lending it its other name: “Wave-Subduing Hill.” With a height of 695 feet (213 meters), Fubo Hill offers spectacular views of the city and river views from its summit.
The Basics
In addition to its stunning views, Fubo Hill features a number of caves and points of interest, including the Pearl Returning Cave, the Thousand Buddha Cave, and the Sword-Testing Rock, all at the foot of the hill. There are also a number of pavilions where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
Fubo Hill is a popular attraction and many tours will include a stop here, along with Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Cave. You can also combine a visit with a multi-day tour to explore top attractions outside of Guilin, such as Yangshuo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fubo Hill is a must-see for first-time visitors to Guilin.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the views of Guilin and the Li River.
- Wear study shoes if you plan to climb to the summit—the path can be narrow and steep.
How to Get There
Fubo Hill is located on Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, in northeast Guilin. From the South Train Station, take bus no. 1 directly to Fubo Hill. Bus nos. 2, 58, and 203 also stop at Fubo Hill.
When to Get There
Open year-round, Fubo Hill is a popular tourist attraction; to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
Pearl Returning Cave
At the foot of Fubo Hill is Pearl Returning Cave; inside of that is the Sword-Testing Rock, which hangs from the ceiling and nearly touches the ground. Legend has it that the emperor tested his sword by cutting what used to be a stone pillar, leaving the crevice at the bottom. At the back of the cave is the Thousand Buddha Cave, with more than 200 Buddhist statues and more than 100 inscriptions, some dating from the Tang and Song dynasties.
Address: China
From $ 63
CCTV Headquarters
The China Central Television (or CCTV) Headquarters is situated within an unusually-shaped skyscraper in Beijing’s central business district. This seemingly gravity-defying structure was designed by the Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas, and is made up of two leaning towers joined at the top and bottom, creating an irregular grid with an open center. The building’s distinct shaped has earned it the nickname, ‘Big Underpants’ among Beijing locals.
While visitors are not allowed access to the CCTV Headquarters, the outside of the building is an attraction in itself. Security remains tight, particularly after fireworks during the Chinese New Year festivities of 2009 caused a fire in the Television Cultural Center, which sits adjacent to the main building.
Practical Info
The CCTV Headquarters are located at 32 Dongsanhuan Middle Road in Beijing’s CBD. The nearest subway station is Jintaixizhao.
Address: 32 E 3rd Ring Rd Middle, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
From $ 36
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Since its opening in 2000, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel has become one of Shanghai’s most popular attractions among domestic tourists. Contrary to what the name would have you believe, you won’t be seeing any of the Bund’s sights when you ride the automated subway car from the Bund beneath the Huangpu River to Pudong on the other side.
This rather bewildering by nonetheless entertaining trip takes less than five minutes, and along the way, you’ll experience a bizarre LED light show with menacing sound effects and random flailing blowup dolls to complete the trippy experience. If you need to get across the river, taking a cab might be the cheaper option, but the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is certainly more entertaining, if not perplexing.
This rather bewildering by nonetheless entertaining trip takes less than five minutes, and along the way, you’ll experience a bizarre LED light show with menacing sound effects and random flailing blowup dolls to complete the trippy experience. If you need to get across the river, taking a cab might be the cheaper option, but the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is certainly more entertaining, if not perplexing.
Address: Shanghai, China
Admission: One-way: 45 RMB; Round-trip: 55 RMB
From $ 31
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)
A landmark in Guilin since the Tang Dynasty, and considered by many to be a symbol of the city, Elephant Trunk (Xiangbishan) Hill got its name because it’s said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it’s one of the top attractions in Guilin.
The Basics
In addition to the hill itself, there are a number of caves, pagodas, and temples, including Water Moon Cave, which is said to resemble the full moon on water, or the Elephant Eyes Cave, which is located where the elephant’s “eyes” should be. Climb to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill to see the Puxian Pagoda and for panoramic views over Guilin and stop by Love Island, in the middle of the Li River, for a great vantage point of Elephant Trunk Hill.
Elephant Trunk Hill is a popular site, and many half-day and full-day tours will stop here, along with other attractions like Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Cave. You can also combine a visit with a multi-day tour that explores other areas nearby like Yangshuo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Elephant Trunk Hill is a must-see for first time visitors to Guilin.
- A cruise is a great way to see Elephant Trunk Hill, and it will also allow you to see Water Moon Cave at night.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you’re planning to climb to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill. The steep path can be slippery.
How to Get There
Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the confluence of the Li River and the Taohua River. Take bus nos. 2, 16, 23, or 58 (free tourist bus) and get off at Xiangbishan Park Station.
When to Get There
Elephant Trunk Hill is a very popular tourist attraction. Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds or at night on a moonlit cruise.
Other Attractions at Elephant Trunk Hill
Puxian Pagoda, at the top of Elephant Trunk Hill, was built during the Ming Dynasty to worship Samatabahra. Yunfeng Temple, located on the southwest slope of Elephant Trunk Hill, was the home of the Buddhist Monk Jianzhen during the Tang Dynasty, and was also used during the Taiping Rebellion. Today the temple contains an exhibition gallery devoted to that conflict.
Address: China
From $ 63
Cuandixia Village
Travel back in time on a visit to the historic village of Cuandixia, which dates back to the famed Ming Dynasty. More than 500 well-preserved homes that date back thousands of years dot the landscape of this popular destination. Visitors looking to experience a taste of early life can opt to stay in one of these historic homes, since many of them now serve as travel lodges.
After wandering the cobblestone streets of the historic village, which include challenging outdoor staircases and quiet back alleys—head to the hillside where a network of scenic trails offers up epic views of Cuandixia Village that’s perfect for hikers looking to spend a day outdoors.
Practical Info
The village is located about 90 kilometers northwest of Central Beijing in the Jingxi Mountains. Visitors traveling by private car can access Cuandixia using National Road 109, or take bus 929 from Pingguoyuan subway station.
Address: Cuandixia, China
From $ 65
Flower Market Road
The flower market is probably the most colorful and definitely the best smelling of the many Mongkok area markets. The vibrant stretch of road houses over 100 specialty shops and flower wholesalers. Here you'll find everything from delicate orchids to hearty cacti as well as scores of flowers, bonsai trees and exotic plants.
It's easy to walk through the market, buy a local bouquet at a reasonable price and take colorful photographs. The best time to visit is the week before the Lunar New Year when the market is extra active with locals buying elaborate good fortune arrangements. You can also combine this with a visit to the adjacent Yuen Po Street Bird Market and Garden.
It's easy to walk through the market, buy a local bouquet at a reasonable price and take colorful photographs. The best time to visit is the week before the Lunar New Year when the market is extra active with locals buying elaborate good fortune arrangements. You can also combine this with a visit to the adjacent Yuen Po Street Bird Market and Garden.
Address: Flower Market Rd, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Most shops open from 7am - 7pm.
From $ 59
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jiniantang)
The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall houses the remains of one of China’s most influential men, Mao Zedong, who was chairman of the Communist Party from its inception in 1943 until his death in 1973. Located to the east of Tiananmen Square near the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is an important part of Beijing’s must-see tourist attractions.
The building itself is grandiose and imposing, featuring 44 granite posts and a yellow-glazed, double-eave roof. Inside, the body of the chairman lies draped in a Communist flag within a crystal cabinet, which is flanked by guards who keep the crowds moving. Security here is tight and bags and cameras will need to be dropped off to the east of the building before entry.
Practical Info
To Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is open from 7:30am until 1pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Guests should have a few spare Yen for baggage and camera storage and remember to take their passports.
Address: Tiananmen, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Tue-Sun 7:30am-1pm
From $ 29
Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen
Get a glimpse into the life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Chinese Republic and the Great Forerunner of the Chinese Democratic Revolution, at his former residence in Shanghai. See where he carried out a large number of revolutionary activities, wrote treatises, and met with members of the Communist Party from 1918 until 1924.
The Basics
The two-story Western-style house contains a number of original artifacts, and the rooms are arranged as they were when Dr. Sun Yat-sen lived here. Walk around and see his personal belongings, original furnishings, books, paintings, photographs, and other memorabilia, including a map hand-drawn by Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself. Don’t miss the house’s lovely garden. Finish up at the museum next door, featuring over 300 items, including manuscripts, historical documents, and audiovisual exhibits on Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s life and the revolution.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the residence. Depending on the option chosen, tours also include other attractions around the former French Concession; important historical sites, such the former residences of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai; or top attractions such as the Bund and Xintiandi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The admission fee covers both the former residence and the museum next door.
- Photos are not allowed in the residence.
- Audio guides are available for rent.
- Visitors will need to put on disposable covers for their shoes when visiting the former residence.
- A lot of the exhibits are only in Chinese.
How to Get There
The Former Residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen is located in the French Concession, near Fuxing Park. By metro, take line 13 to Middle Huaihai Road Station (exit 1) and walk south for about five minutes, or take line 10 to Xintiandi (exit 6) and walk west about 10 minutes. A number of buses also stop nearby, including buses 24, 36, 42, 301, 780, 932, and 986.
When to Get There
The Former Residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and museum do not usually get that crowded, so they make a good alternative when other attractions in Shanghai are busy. Commemoration activities are held and flowers are presented on the anniversaries of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth (November 12) and his death (March 12).
Other Tributes to Dr. Sun Yat-sen
In addition to the former residence and museum in Shanghai, there are a number of museums and memorials to Dr. Sun Yat-sen around the world. Most notable are the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou. Museums and memorials dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen can also be found in other cities, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Penang, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Address: 7 Xiangshan Road, Shanghai, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 49
Gong Wang Fu
Gong Wang Fu, or Prince Gong’s Mansion, or Prince Kung's Mansion, was a Qing Dynasty imperial residence that has since been converted into an excellent museum. Built in 1777, the mansion belonged to several members of the imperial family over the years, but it got its current name from the sixth son of the Guangxu emperor, Prince Gong.
Gong Wang Fu is one of the best preserved imperial mansions in Beijing, and about half of it is open to the public. Of particular interest are the 7-acre (28,000-square-meter) traditional Chinese ornamental gardens, filled with pavilions, ponds and winding paths. A stage in the middle of the garden hosts Beijing opera and orchestral performances throughout the day.
For anyone interested in Qing architecture, a stop at Gong Wang Fu is a necessity. Since it’s a wildly popular attraction for domestic tourists, try to plan your visit first thing in the morning when the ticket office opens so you’ll have a chance to enjoy the gardens in peace before the buses pull up.
Gong Wang Fu is one of the best preserved imperial mansions in Beijing, and about half of it is open to the public. Of particular interest are the 7-acre (28,000-square-meter) traditional Chinese ornamental gardens, filled with pavilions, ponds and winding paths. A stage in the middle of the garden hosts Beijing opera and orchestral performances throughout the day.
For anyone interested in Qing architecture, a stop at Gong Wang Fu is a necessity. Since it’s a wildly popular attraction for domestic tourists, try to plan your visit first thing in the morning when the ticket office opens so you’ll have a chance to enjoy the gardens in peace before the buses pull up.
Address: No. 17 Qianhai West St, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: According to Website: Summer ('Busy' Season): 7:30am - 4:30pm. Winter ('Slack' Season) 8am - 4pm.
Admission: Adult: CNY 40, Small Children Free. Through Ticket: CNY 70
From $ 55
Goldfish Street
There are dozens of street markets in Mong Kok crowded with vendors selling “designer” purses, cell phones and t-shirts. The most interesting and unique section is down North Tung Choi street: an area colloquially known as Goldfish Street.
As the name implies, the street is devoted to all things with gills. Here you will find over forty fish shops spilling over with everything from colorful goldfish in ballooning plastic bags to aquariums full of tropical fish. Turtles, lizards and even puppies are also for sale.
Fish are a popular pet in tight-spaced Hong Kong so this area is often crowded and busy. Many sellers are adverse to pictures, but it's fun to just stroll the street and observe the spectacle. The best time to visit is at night when the stores are illuminated and the fish look particularly exotic.
As the name implies, the street is devoted to all things with gills. Here you will find over forty fish shops spilling over with everything from colorful goldfish in ballooning plastic bags to aquariums full of tropical fish. Turtles, lizards and even puppies are also for sale.
Fish are a popular pet in tight-spaced Hong Kong so this area is often crowded and busy. Many sellers are adverse to pictures, but it's fun to just stroll the street and observe the spectacle. The best time to visit is at night when the stores are illuminated and the fish look particularly exotic.
Address: 210 Tung Choi Street, Hong Kong, China
Hours: Open 10am - 6pm daily.
From $ 79