Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 356 listings.
Fairmont Peace Hotel (Heping Fandian)
The Peace Hotel (or Heping Fandian) is an historic art deco hotel located on the Bund and divided by Nanjing Road. Built in 1929, it has recently been restored to its former glory and today operates as two separate hotels, the North Building and the South Building.
As well as beautiful rooms and excellent food, there's a gallery on the first floor that charts all of the historic events that have taken place at the hotel, as well as the famous people that have stayed here. Don't miss the mature jazz band who perform every evening in the lounge bar – these musicians have been performing here for years and have become famous in their own right.
You can enjoy a stop at the Peace Hotel to listen to some classical jazz as part of a Shanghai luxury dinner and nightlife experience, which also includes dinner at Lost Heaven and drinks at Bar Rouge. Explore the attractions and other landmarks of the Bund on a two-hour private walking tour or with a Shanghai hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Practical Info
To reach the Peace Hotel by public transport, take Line 2 or Line 10 of the subway to East Nanjing Road Station. Numerous buses also serve the area.
Did You Know? The Peace Hotel stands at 10 stories high. Victor Sassoon, who built the hotel, once lived on the penthouse on the tenth floor.
Address: 20 Nanjing East Road, Shanghai 200002, China
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 31
Chongqing Zoo (Chongqing Dongwuyuan)
Travelers don’t have to venture out into nature to get an up close look at one of China’s top wildlife attractions. That’s because since 1955 Chongqing Zoo has been showcasing the country’s most rare and most beloved animals—like giant pandas and the South China Tiger—to visitors. This destination is stationed along the Yangtze River and serves as a hub for both research and conservation. It’s home to some 230 species and more than 4,000 animals.
In addition to natural landscapes, protected areas and animal exhibitions, families will find an amusement park, outdoor stage, restaurant and even a dry skating rink. The Chongqing Zoo is the perfect place to spend an afternoon—or even an entire day—getting a unique look at nature without ever leaving the city.
Practical Info
The zoo is located about 8 kilometers from the center of the city on Xijiao Road in the Jiulongpo District of Chongqing. Entrance fees are CNY30 per person between February and October and CNY20 per person from December to January. Fees are reduced for children and travelers with luggage can store their bags at the Visitor center near the zoo’s main entrance.
Address: Xijiao Road, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China
Admission: CNY30 per person between February and October and CNY20 per person from December to January.
From $ 47
Happy Valley Racecourse
The British handed over sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, but cultural vestiges remain. One of the most prevalent is horse racing, and the best place to see it in Hong Kong is at the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island. The sport has a history in the city dating back to 1841, a pastime of the city’s rich and elite. Today, it’s become somewhat of a local passion.
Racing season lasts from September through July, with races typically taking place on Wednesday nights. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, and you’ll find thousands of spectators betting on the horses at the track, while thousands more place bets at Jockey Club offices around the city.
Before the races, head up to the second floor of the facility to learn about the history of the sport at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum. Exhibits trace the migration routes and origins of the racing horses used, display a skeleton of one of Hong Kong’s most winning horses and hosts rotating themes exhibits throughout the year.
Racing season lasts from September through July, with races typically taking place on Wednesday nights. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, and you’ll find thousands of spectators betting on the horses at the track, while thousands more place bets at Jockey Club offices around the city.
Before the races, head up to the second floor of the facility to learn about the history of the sport at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum. Exhibits trace the migration routes and origins of the racing horses used, display a skeleton of one of Hong Kong’s most winning horses and hosts rotating themes exhibits throughout the year.
Address: China
From $ 12
Hangzhou Botanical Garden
At the northwest corner of West Lake and at the foot of Jade Spring Hill, Hangzhou Botanical Garden’s 568 acres (230 hectares) offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hangzhou. In addition to its extensive collection of flowers, plants, and trees, visitors can also enjoy a number of ponds, pavilions, and promenades.
The Basics
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a popular attraction, receiving more than 2 million visitors annually. Highlights include the Bamboo Garden, with over 150 varieties of bamboo; the Linfeng Tanmei area with some 5,000 plum trees; and the Medicinal Garden, with more than 1,200 medicinal herbs and plants, some found only in the Hangzhou area. Fish Jumping at Jade Spring is another popular attraction.
There are also two museums on-site: the Plant Resources Museum and the Han Meilin Art Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Shaded strollers, umbrellas, and wheelchairs are available free of charge with a refundable deposit. They can be obtained from the Visitor Service Center at the South Gate.
- Public bike rentals are available at the Magnolia and Camellia Garden station and at the Bamboo Garden station.
- There are a number of restaurants and convenience shops throughout the garden grounds.
How to Get There
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is located at the northwest corner of Hangzhou’s West Lake area. Take bus nos. 15, 28, or 82 and exit at the Yu Quan stop, or take bus nos. 7 or 27 and exit at the Botanical Garden stop.
When to Get There
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is open year-round. Seasonal flowers and plants make it worthwhile visiting at different times of the year. Spring is a great time to see plum blossoms and rhododendron, while colorful tropical flowers and lotus bloom in summer. Fall is a great time to see osmanthus and maple leaves changing colors, while winter visitors come for the magnolia and camellia.
Research and Education at Hangzhou Botanical Garden
Opened in 1965, Hangzhou Botanical Garden also includes a research center focused on the cultivation and protection of different plant species. The research center attracts academic visitors and those who wish to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and medicine. It offers courses on a variety of related subjects, including tea processing, flower arrangements, plant taxonomy, and landscape design. There are also numerous educational programs for children, including single-day and multi-day camps.
Address: No.1 Taoyuan Ling, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 152
Feilai Peak (Feilai Feng)
Feilai Peak, or Feilai Feng – literally translated as ‘Peak Flown from Afar’ – is a unique, 200-meter tall limestone peak located next to the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
At the site, ancient tree roots rise above the ground, their branches twisting and winding up the peak. Due to erosion, there are a large number of caves within the mountain, and some of these feature intricately carved Buddha statues that were created during the Song and Yuan dynasties.
The largest Buddha statue here is the Maitreya Buddha, with its exposed belly and beaming smile; this is one of the best-preserved statues of its kind, displaying the artistry of carving in the Song Dynasty. In Longhong Cave, there is a seated statue of Avalokitesvara, while in Shexu Cave, a beam of sunlight pours in through the rock tunnels above – a famous scene known as 'the gleam of the sky'.
Practical Info
To reach Feilai Peak and the Lingyin Temple, take tourist bus K7, Y1, or Y2 and alight at Lingyin Station.
Address: Lingyin Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310000, China
Hours: 7:30am-5pm
Admission: CNY45
From $ 58
Chungking Mansions
The Chungking Mansions make up a complex in Nathan Road on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. This 17-story building is divided into five blocks, which are home to numerous budget guest houses, restaurants, shops, money changers, and even residential suites, with around 5,000 people living here permanently.
Built back in 1961, the Chungking Mansions have become something of a tourist attraction over the years, seeing an estimated 10,000 international visitors passing through its doors daily, buying, selling, eating, and sleeping within its walls.
Within Chungking Mansions, you can buy almost everything from electronics to south Asian curry. It’s a chaotic, busy, and often claustrophobic place, but this is all part of the experience and the building’s location and notoriety make it a must-see stop if you find yourself in Kowloon.
Practical Info
The Chungking Mansions are very centrally located, with the nearest MTR stop being Tsim Sha Tsui.
Address: 36-44 Nathan Rd, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Fengjing Ancient Town
Boasting more than 1,000 years of history, Fengjing Ancient Town is one of Shanghai’s most charming water towns. Black and white houses and scarlet lanterns flank shady canals; ancient bridges, such as Yuan Dynasty Zhihe Bridge, reflect in the water; and folk artists create prized “peasant paintings”. The wedding museum is also charming.
The Basics
Fengjing Ancient Town has a moderate entrance fee, and a few of the attractions within also charge for entry. Many visitors choose to visit as part of a tour, either of Fengjing alone or combined with another ancient Shanghai water town such as Xitang.
Fengjing tours typically cover attractions such as historic Zhihe Bridge and the wedding museum and include a boat ride and stops to sample mooncakes, millet wine, and other delicacies. Fengjing is famous for its folk art, so painting classes or demonstrations are other popular options.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring cash. You can’t assume that Fengjing shops will take credit cards.
- A boat trip through this fabled water town is a must with children.
- Fans of Chinese regional food won’t want to miss out on the “Four Treasures of Fengjing”: millet wine, pork trotter, mooncake, and dried tofu.
How to Get There
Fengjing Ancient Town is about 43 miles (70 kilometers) southwest of Shanghai. To reach it by public transport, catch metro Line 1 to Jinjiang Park station, then ride the bus from West Meilong bus station to Fengjing station. If you don’t speak Chinese, you might find it easier to join a Fengjing tour or hire a private driver and guide.
When to Get There
Fengjing Ancient Town is open seven days a week from morning until afternoon. As with all canal towns, try to avoid visiting during China’s peak domestic tourist seasons, the Golden Weeks in early October and the Lunar New Year period (January or February). In winter, roughly mid-November to mid-March, even subtropical Shanghai can be surprisingly cold.
Southern China’s Water Towns
Built around a canal network that includes the mighty Grand Canal, southern China’s water towns have been drawing domestic tourists for centuries, even since they first grew wealthy on the proceeds of the Silk Road. Famous water towns such as Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitan, and Zhouzhuang, as well as less well-known towns like Fengjing, have been heavily reconstructed to recreate their historic charm.
Address: Fengjing Ancient Town, Shanghai, Jinshan, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Gyantse
Once a hub for trade with India and later a battlefield under British attack, Gyantse is a city steeped in history with a culture and people still deeply rooted in tradition. Travelers who venture to this destination, which is located along the Nyang-chu River, will find sprawling fields in quiet residential neighborhoods, while Buddhist temples and lively local markets exist closer to the center of town.
Gyantse’s size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and several sites are certainly worth making a visit. Pelkor Choede, known as the center of Gyantse, is a yellow hat monastery that, despite a lack of upkeep, showcases local religion and tradition through interior paintings and traditional architecture. Travelers learn about the city’s past at Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fort that’s also home to an Anti-British Imperialists museum. And the eight-story Gyantse Kumbum showcases ornate artwork and highly detailed Buddhist images that are sure to impress most any traveler.
Practical Info
Public buses run routes between Gyantse, Xigatse and Lhasa, but most travelers still elect to arrive via organized tour from the capital.
Address: Gyantse, Tibet, China
From $ 1,880
Fa Yuen Street Market
Set amid bustling Mongkok, Fa Yuen Street Market is a must-visit Hong Kong street market. It’s best known for sportswear—one stretch with scores of sports shops is known as Sneaker Street—but it’s a mecca for all sorts of goods and clothing. There’s an indoor wet market with stalls selling cooked food and nary a souvenir in sight.
The Basics
Fa Yuen Street Market is easy to visit independently: just hop on the MTR, then cruise the stalls for goods. However, both the wet market and the cooked food center will be hard to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese. A good local guide can enhance the shopping experience.
Fa Yuen Street Market typically features as a stop on Mongkok walking tours, market walking tours, Hong Kong market tours, and occasionally on Mongkok food tours. You can also request a Fa Yuen Street Market tour when planning travel with a private guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rather unusually for a Hong Kong street market, the goods on Sneaker Street are rarely fake—expect great discounts on older models.
- Bras, briefs, and women’s outerwear at the Fa Yuen Street Market are made for very petite frames.
- Leave room for a snack at the Fa Yuen Street Cooked Food Centre, which serves traditional dishes.
How to Get There
Set in Mongkok, on the Kowloon side, Fa Yuen Street Market runs from Dundas Street to Prince Edward Road. Just take the MTR to Mongkok station, select exit D3, and turn right along Argyle Street until you hit Fa Yuen Street. Taxi drivers generally speak English but in case of doubt, show the Chinese characters: 花園街.
When to Get There
The stalls tend to get going around 10am or 10:30am and start to close over the course of the evening—although it’s not unusual for shops and stalls to still be serving at midnight. Weekdays are less crowded than at weekends and Fa Yuen Street Market is open year-round, with the exception of the first two days of Chinese New Year.
Sneaker Street: the Fa Yuen Street Sports Market
Hong Kong’s trend-conscious youth have been shopping for the latest sneakers on Fa Yuen Street since the 1980s, and sneaker junkies will be awestruck by the range on offer. Besides the latest offerings from mainstream global brands such as Nike and New Balance, look for chic boutiques with niche brands and Asian favorites.
Address: Fa Yuen Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
From $ 59
Cheung Chau Island
One of Hong Kong’s many charms is the variety of experiences in the immediate vicinity of a major international metropolis. As you’re wandering through the sleepy fishing villages or lazing the day away on the sandy beaches of Cheung Chau Island, it’s easy to forget you’re in Hong Kong. But the island offers much more than just pretty beaches and fresh seafood.
This small island -- even smaller than nearby Lantau -- was once a hideout of eighteenth-century Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai, who legend says plied the waters of the South China Sea pillaging the fishing villages he passed. Cheung Po Tsai Cave, one of his supposed safe houses, is open for exploration. Elsewhere on the island you’ll find waterfront walks and inland hikes winding past local temples, quiet beaches and lookouts with panoramic views over the South China Sea.
Each year during late April or early May, islanders celebrate the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of the more unusual cultural festivals in Asia. Thousands of competitors climb three 60-foot (18-meter) towers covered in steamed buns, trying to collect as many of the buns as possible in a quest to become King or Queen of the Buns. The higher up a bun is, the more it’s worth.
This small island -- even smaller than nearby Lantau -- was once a hideout of eighteenth-century Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai, who legend says plied the waters of the South China Sea pillaging the fishing villages he passed. Cheung Po Tsai Cave, one of his supposed safe houses, is open for exploration. Elsewhere on the island you’ll find waterfront walks and inland hikes winding past local temples, quiet beaches and lookouts with panoramic views over the South China Sea.
Each year during late April or early May, islanders celebrate the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of the more unusual cultural festivals in Asia. Thousands of competitors climb three 60-foot (18-meter) towers covered in steamed buns, trying to collect as many of the buns as possible in a quest to become King or Queen of the Buns. The higher up a bun is, the more it’s worth.
Address: China
From $ 90
China World Trade Center
Nowhere is China’s rapid modernization more apparent than in Beijing at the China World Trade Center. Completed in 2010, the complex houses Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the China World Trade Center Tower III, as well as upscale hotels, shopping complexes, apartments, convention space and office buildings.
The entire complex is also representative of China’s opening relations with the rest of the world. The China World Mall, located within the China World Trade Center, was one of the first places to sell imported brand name good in the country. The China World Exhibition Hall has hosted several high-profile trade shows since its opening.
From a tourist perspective, the China World Trade Center is perhaps best known as the home of the China World Hotel, Shangri-La's Beijing luxury accommodation offering. For shopping enthusiasts, the China World Mall houses an ice skating rink as well as retailers for brand names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci and E. Zegna.
The entire complex is also representative of China’s opening relations with the rest of the world. The China World Mall, located within the China World Trade Center, was one of the first places to sell imported brand name good in the country. The China World Exhibition Hall has hosted several high-profile trade shows since its opening.
From a tourist perspective, the China World Trade Center is perhaps best known as the home of the China World Hotel, Shangri-La's Beijing luxury accommodation offering. For shopping enthusiasts, the China World Mall houses an ice skating rink as well as retailers for brand names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci and E. Zegna.
Address: Beijing, China
From $ 67
China Aviation Museum
The China Aviation Museum is the largest of its kind in Asia. This huge facility, located in an old air force base, is an aircraft enthusiast’s dream, but is also fascinating for anyone with an interest in engineering or the military. The museum is also family-friendly, with various attractions and games for the kids.
Located around 50 kilometers north of central Beijing, close to several sections of the Great Wall, the China Aviation Museum makes for a great day trip from the city. There are hundreds of aircrafts and missile launchers of various makes to see, including various Russian and Chinese crafts, as well as two British Spitfires and a US Starfighter.
The museum features a large U-shaped underground hangar that used to shelter old warplanes, but is now filled with rows of planes and other exhibits. It was built with huge steel doors in case of nuclear attack.
Insider’s Tip: Battery-powered vehicles are available for those less able to walk around the museum’s vast site, while everyone else should be sure to wear comfortable shoes. To really appreciate the China Aviation Museum, it’s a good idea to read up on the history of aviation in China prior to your visit.
Practical Info
The China Aviation Museum is located at the foot of Xiao Tang Hill in Changping District, around an hour’s taxi ride from central Beijing. To reach the museum by public transport, take Line 5 of the subway to Tiantongyuan Station and then change to bus number 643.
Address: Xiaotangshan, Beijing, China
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm Tuesday-Sunday
Admission: Outdoor exhibits: Free / Indoor exhibits: CNY50
From $ 52
China Art Museum
The inverted scarlet pyramid that towers over Pudong isn’t just an icon of Shanghai. It’s home to one of Asia’s largest art museums, including works previously housed at the Shanghai Art Museum. Spread across several huge floors, the China Art Museum tells the story of the rise of modern art in Shanghai and hosts world-class exhibitions.
The Basics
Tickets to the main galleries of the China Art Museum are free, with charges for exhibitions. However, navigating almost 700,000 square feet (64,000 square meters) of art, much of it labeled only in Chinese, can be challenging. If you’re serious about discovering Chinese modern art, it’s well worth joining a Shanghai art tour, a China Art Museum tour, or hiring a specialist private guide to introduce you to the megacity’s vibrant art scene. The signage at temporary exhibitions is generally more discernible.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The China Art Museum is a must-do for anyone serious about Chinese art—or anyone who wants a selfie with a gigantic building.
- The museum website is rarely updated, so check English language sources like Time Out Shanghai for exhibition information.
- Be prepared to walk a lot; wear more comfortable shoes than you might at a smaller museum.
How to Get There
The museum is easily reached and has its own metro station: China Art Museum (Zhonghua Yishugong) on Line 8. You can also ride Line 7 to Yuntai Road (Yuntai Lu) and walk around 2,300 feet (700 meters). For a more scenic ride, choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour that stops at the museum.
When to Get There
The China Art Museum is closed on Mondays, except on national holidays. Although admission is free, you still have to present ID, obtain tickets, and clear security, so there can be lines at busy times of year, like weekends and national holidays.
The Story of the China Art Museum
The China Art Museum started its life as the Shanghai Art Museum in the center of town in 1956, then moved to the building still known as the Shanghai Art Museum in 2000. It relocated to its current Pudong structure, created for the China Expo, in 2012. The new China Art Museum is more than 10 times bigger than its former home.
Address: Pudong, Shanghai, China
Admission: Free, Special Exhibits ¥ 20
From $ 31
Historic Centre of Macau
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre of Macau comprises a zone of culturally significant buildings scattered in the southwestern corner of the Macau peninsula. Easily enjoyed as a half-day or full-day walking tour, the Historic Centre of Macau primarily focuses on the fusion of Portuguese colonialism with traditional Chinese cultural heritage. As an important Far East trading port, Macau has one of the longest-standing histories of European influence found anywhere on the Asian continent. For over 400 years two distinctly different cultures coexisted on a tiny strip of land. During this time both the Chinese as well as Portuguese residents crafted temples, forts, public squares and traditional works of architecture that create what is now the best example of European influence found anywhere on the Asian continent.
Popular stops in the Historic Centre include the 15th century A-Ma Temple, where devotees of this Goddess of seafaring come to burn incense and pray for safe passage. You may also want to climb atop the old walls of Monte Fort where cannons which once defended against invading Dutch sailors now point towards glitzy casinos. Down on the street level the classic, pastel façades of Portuguese buildings give areas such as Senado Square and the Church of St. Dominic a fairytale appearance. Other stops like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral show that history isn’t always kind, in that even the grandest of buildings are still susceptible to fire and disaster.
The Macau Historic Centre is easily Macau’s most popular visitor destination (that isn’t a gaming venue), and a stroll through the area is literally a walk through history that is unlike any other in the world.
Popular stops in the Historic Centre include the 15th century A-Ma Temple, where devotees of this Goddess of seafaring come to burn incense and pray for safe passage. You may also want to climb atop the old walls of Monte Fort where cannons which once defended against invading Dutch sailors now point towards glitzy casinos. Down on the street level the classic, pastel façades of Portuguese buildings give areas such as Senado Square and the Church of St. Dominic a fairytale appearance. Other stops like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral show that history isn’t always kind, in that even the grandest of buildings are still susceptible to fire and disaster.
The Macau Historic Centre is easily Macau’s most popular visitor destination (that isn’t a gaming venue), and a stroll through the area is literally a walk through history that is unlike any other in the world.
Address: Macau, China
From $ 72
China National Silk Museum
Located south of Hangzhou’s West Lake, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed China National Silk Museum is the largest museum in the world devoted to silk. In addition to an extensive collection of silk garments, textiles, and relics, the museum covers 5,000 years of silk development, history, and culture across eight galleries.
The Basics
You can easily spend a few hours exploring the China National Silk Museum’s 86,110 square feet (8,000 square meters) of exhibition space, which are set on an area of more than a half-million square feet (50,000 square meters). There is a lot to see, including textiles from the Han and Tang dynasties, modern-day cheongsams, and traditional weaving machines. The museum’s proximity to West Lake and other top Hangzhou sights make it easy to visit the museum and other attractions on the same day, either independently or as part of a guided tour covering other landmarks such as Leifeng Pagoda and Qinghefang Ancient Street. If visiting on your own, guided museum tours are available by appointment.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The China National SIlk Museum is a must-see for fashion and textile lovers, and those interested in the history of the Silk Road.
- Admission to the museum is free.
- Audio guides in Chinese and English are free, though an ID and refundable deposit are required to borrow one.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, which are available for free.
- A teahouse and gift shop are located on the museum grounds.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the southern side of West Lake, at No. 73-1 Yuhuangshan Road in the Shangcheng district. A number of buses stop at the museum, including 4, 12, 31, 42, 87, and 133. Alternatively, take a taxi or ride a bicycle around West Lake to the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 12pm to 5pm Monday and 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday year-round. The exhibition halls are cleared out 15 minutes prior to closing. On weekends and national holidays, the Textile Conservation Gallery is closed.
The Galleries and Exhibitions of the China National Silk Museum
After an extensive renovation in 2016, the museum reopened with impressive updates to its permanent galleries, including the Story of Chinese Silk, Sericulture and Silk Craftsmanship in China, the Textile Conservation Gallery, and the Xinyou Archive Center. These galleries are complemented by a variety of changing exhibitions covering various topics related to silk, textiles, and relics—particularly those of Chinese origin.
Address: 73-1 Yuhuangshan Road, Hangzhou, Shangcheng District 310002, China
From $ 54
Chimelong International Circus
Opened in 2000, the Chimelong International Circus has become the largest professional circus venue in the world, where guests are taken on a multimedia journey of special effects, laser lights, acrobatics, horsemanship, clown antics, magic, dancing and a thrilling motorcycle Ball of Death, where nine riders perform at high speeds inside a suspended metal globe.
Before and after the 80-minute show, guests can shop for circus-themed souvenirs at the Circusky or Day & Night shops or grab something to eat at the Circustar Restaurant.
Practical Info
A free shuttle to the park departs from Hanxi Changlong Station in Guangzhou every 15 minutes during park hours.
Address: Yingbin Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: 5pm-9pm (show starts at 7:30pm)
Admission: 300 Yuan
From $ 123
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is considered a Chinese national treasure. Opened in 1987 to care for rescued wild pandas, the 165-acre (67-hectare), open-air sanctuary is now one of southern China’s most popular destinations due to its focus on breeding, conservation, and introducing new pandas into wild populations.
The Basics
As one of the world’s most successful giant panda breeding centers—credited with more than 100 panda births—Chengdu Research Base provides visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about this threatened species. Inside, you can walk through the forested landscape; watch as giant pandas play, nap, and munch native bamboo; visit the panda nursery, subadult enclosure, and adult compound; and watch informational videos on panda behavior and the challenges of working with and breeding captive pandas.
Many full-day sightseeing tours of Chengdu include a visit to the breeding center, while some combo tours also visit popular Sichuan Province attractions such as the Leshan Grand Buddha or Jinsha Site Museum. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The breeding center is a must-see for families with kids and animal lovers.
- Photography is allowed within the compound, but flash is prohibited.
- It takes about three hours to walk the entire campus, so remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- Steep inclines and other obstacles may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The research base is located roughly 17 miles (27 kilometers) outside Chengdu’s city center. As such, the easiest way to visit is by taxi or through an organized tour. It’s also possible to take buses 87 or 198 from downtown Chengdu to the Panda Base bus stop.
When to Get There
The base is open year-round and is most crowded on weekends and Chinese national holidays. Opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Most pandas are born in summer; for a chance to see baby pandas, visit in July or August.
Other Animals at the Chengdu Panda Base
Giant pandas aren’t the only wild animal residents of the panda base. You can also observe red pandas, lesser pandas, golden monkeys, black-necked cranes, black swans, and other rare animals in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chengdu, Southwest China, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am-6pm
Admission: RMB 58
From $ 15
Haitang Bay
A once remote area that’s now one of Hainan’s new hotspots, Haitang Bay stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers) along the island’s southeastern shores. In recent years, Haitang Bay has earned its place on the tourist map as the home of several luxury hotels, including The Westin, Shangri-La and Kempinski, with more in the works. While ongoing development will likely draw bigger crowds to the area, it remains one of the quieter beaches on the island, perfect for watching a sunrise.
Aside from wide open sandy beach and numerous resort options, the area also features the 300-shot Haitang International Shopping Center, one of the biggest duty free malls of its kind in the world.
Practical Info
While the beach at Haitang Bay is a beautiful setting for walking or lying in the sun, the current can be quite strong, so swimming is not recommended.
Address: Haitang Bay, Haitangwan Town 571200, China
From $ 101
Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)
The Hanging Temple is built into the cliff-side of the mighty Hengshan (Mount Heng) near Datong city in Shanxi Province. Held up by oak stilts slotted into holes chiselled out from the rock, the rest of the structure that supports the temple is hidden inside the bedrock. Built in 491, the Hanging Temple has survived more than 1,500 years. The face of the building hangs from the middle of the cliff under the summit, which has protected it from the elements over all the years.
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is the only temple that incorporates all of China’s traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors to the temple come in their droves to marvel at this architectural feat for themselves, and to peer over the railings onto the rocks 50 meters below.
Practical Info
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm and there is a small entrance fee. This is one of the most popular day trips from Datong city so arranging a roundtrip by taxi or as part of a tour is easy enough.
Address: Country Rd 203, Hunyuan, Datong, Shanxi, China, China
From $ 40
Happy Valley Chengdu
While small compared to the Happy Valley parks in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, Happy Valley Chengdu features more than 40 rides and provides an action-packed day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Happy Valley Chengdu is made up of seven uniquely themed areas, including Sunshine Harbor, Happy Hour, Caribbean Cyclones, Charming Bashu, Flying Island, Magical Castle, and Leap Across the Mediterranean. Within these zones, you’ll find all the usual theme park fare, including roller coasters, water rides, bumper cars, and a ferris wheel, plus various concerts, extreme sports / street dance performances, and magic shows. There’s also a huge shopping mall located within the park, which features a range of food and retail options.
Happy Valley Chengdu has its own IMAX movie theater, plus the Sky Venture, a vertical wind tunnel originally designed for military purposes that simulates the feeling of skydiving.
Insider’s Tip
Entry into Happy Valley Chengdu can be booked as part of a day tour, which means a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, it’s possible to take a local bus or a taxi to the park, which is located on Huaxi Avenue beside the third ring road.
Address: 16 Huaxi Avenue, Chengdu 610036, China
Hours: Open daily 9am-9:30pm
Admission: CNY190
From $ 90