Chengde Mountain Resort may evoke images of a venue for a breakfast buffet and acupressure massage, but it is actually the literal translation of the Qing emperors' summer retreat. Constructed in the eighteenth century, it spans a park area comparable in size to the entire city. This collection of palaces and gardens is the primary attraction for visitors to Chengde, which is largely an overlooked city of around one million residents located in the northern region of Hebei province.
Learn key Christmas vocabulary in Chinese.
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Christmas is just around the corner, and as we look ahead to the upcoming week, there are several festive events taking place in the capital.
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Even more locations offering holiday meals!
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Still searching for weekend plans? Here’s some inspiration for you!
The food and beverage scene in Beijing has been quite challenging recently, but a few businesses, such as the wine bar uh-huh, have managed to recover from a difficult period.
Every December, inquiries begin to pour in: Where is the official countdown celebration?
In yet another setback for the F&B sector, the Indian restaurant Bollywood Tales has officially shut down.
Beijing is an exciting city! Stay updated with our weekend summary of the most recent news.
One of Mei Ling's longtime friends arranged for a driver with a luxury minivan to take us to Chengde, making stops I had selected along the way. We had time to eat breakfast at the Xinmin vegetable market, where I saw a tray of unusual short white tubes with meat attached to them. Mei Ling identified these as pig larynxes, and they were served to me inside a rolled bread. They were absolutely delicious, savory, and crunchy, and I went back for a second serving which I bought myself. One of the aspects I love most about China is that every visit brings us new foods to try that we haven't experienced before.
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Beijing's all-female comedy group marks their tenth anniversary at JinShang Yuan.
Starbucks, Burger King, McDonald's, and Lavazza have all introduced special collaborations for the month of December.
Welcome to our blog dedicated to China—a captivating nation where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge innovation. Here, you’ll discover immersive articles on Chinese culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and everyday life in both sprawling metropolises and peaceful rural regions. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply curious about this remarkable country, we aim to provide fresh insights and practical guidance.
Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from travel tips—such as navigating the visa process and planning your itinerary—to exploring must-see destinations like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and dynamic cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Food enthusiasts will enjoy our deep dive into Chinese gastronomy, sampling everything from savory street snacks to timeless classics like Peking duck.
We also shine a spotlight on modern China, examining its fast-paced technological advancements, burgeoning e-commerce, and forward-thinking architecture. Through firsthand experiences and expert commentary, we hope to bring you closer to the real China—its festivals, customs, and vibrant energy. Join us on this journey, and uncover the fascinating layers of history, innovation, and cultural diversity that make China truly unforgettable!