Impression West Lake in Hangzhou. Photo courtesy of chloester via Flickr.

If you watched the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, you’re already familiar with the work of director Zhang Yimou. Impression West Lake, a one-hour musical and visual performance staged on West Lake in Hangzhou, gives visitors the opportunity to see a similar — though on a much smaller scale — live display.

Hangzhou’s Impression West Lake, like Zhang’s other performances staged in Yangshuo and Lijiang, uses nature as a stage. Before the show opened in 2009, an actual stage was built a few inches below the surface of West Lake, giving the impression that the performers are gliding across the water. Hundred of costumed performers act out a series of five “impressions” or acts depicting a local Hangzhou legend of tragic love and eternal devotion.

While the show is in Mandarin, the general story is easy to follow with the help of dancing, theatrics and a musical score that earned a Grammy Award nomination in 2009.

When you book tickets to the show, you’ll have to select what class of seat you’d like. The seats in the front nearest the lake are the cheapest, but they don’t offer quite as good a view as the more expensive seats in the two balconies. You can also choose to sit in “VIP” seats located on boats anchored on the lake.

For additional cultural insight, book a Hangzhou Night Tour that includes dinner and the Impression West Lake show.

-Lydia Schrandt

Impression West Lake Show in Hangzhou from China Things to Do

Yonghe Lama Temple in Beijing. Photo courtesy of Jorge Lascar via Flickr.

Yonghe Lama Temple – Beijing

Housed in the former residence of a Qing Dynasty emperor, Beijing’s Yonghe Lama Temple, often referred to simply as Lama Temple, the Yonghe Lama Temple blends Tibetan Buddhist and Han Chinese styles. In a city filled with temples and shrines, this one stands out because it’s associated with Tibetan Buddhism, and you’ll notice Tibetan prayer flags strung across its courtyards and passages.

The original structure dates back to 1694, but it didn’t start serving as a temple and Lamasery until the mid-eighteenth century. Unlike many religious structures in China, this one survived destruction during the Cultural Revolution thanks to an intervention by the prime minister Zhou Enlai.

Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Photo courtesy of ahenobarbus via Flickr.

Temple of Heaven – Beijing

The Temple of Heaven, likely the most famous temple in China, sits right in the heart of Beijing and has long been one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks. The name has been slightly mis-translated into English, as it’s not really a temple but an alter where China’s emperors once came to offer sacrifices for prosperity in the coming year. The three-tiered alter in the center of the park remains an impressive Ming Dynasty architectural achievement.

While the alter is rather small, the park in its entirety warrants at least two hours to explore. It’s particularly charming in the morning hours when Beijing’s elderly citizens come en mass to dance, play cards and socialize

Nanputou Temple in Xiamen. Photo courtesy of sly06 via Flickr.

Nanputou Temple – Xiamen

Xiamen, a city of four million people on China’s southeastern coast, manages to go under the foreign tourist radar while being high up on the list of domestic tourism destinations in the country. Nanputou Temple, located at the base of South Putou Peak, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. This Buddhist temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty, though it was destroyed and rebuilt during both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As it stands today, the temple honors the Bodhisattva Guanyin, thought to reside in Mount Putou to the north.

A visit to Nanputou Temple allows you to see modern Buddhism in action, and once you’ve toured the temple grounds, you can hike up the mountain behind the temple for excellent views across Xiamen Island.

Mogao Caves. Photo courtesy of Kzaral via Flickr.

Mogao Caves – Dunhuang

The Mogao Caves, or Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, are a complex of nearly 500 cave temples and sactuaries built into the rock outside of Dunhuang along the Silk Road. The statuary and wall paintings found within offer an overview of more than 1,000 years of Buddhist artwork. When the manuscripts and artifacts of the Library Cave were unearthed in 1990, it was considered by many to be the greatest discovery of ancient Chinese culture. If everything within the Mogao Caves were to be displayed in a gallery setting, they would fill an estimated 15 miles (24 kilometers) of space.

Hanging Temple in Hengshan. Photo courtesy of Rafael Gomez via Flickr.

Hanging Temple – Hengshan

What makes the Hanging Temple in Hengshan so impressive it its precarious positioning, clinging to a sheer cliff face 246 feet (75 meters) above the ground. The monastery was originally built in 491 and has survived ever since, though it was renovated during both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Besides being an impressive architectural feat, the temple honors Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist principles alike.

Visit the Hanging Temple on a private tour from Beijing.

Sakya Monastery. Photo courtesy of Antoine Taveneaux via Wikimedia Commons.

Sakya Monastery – Tibet

Built in 1073, the Sakya Monastery long served as the seat of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism and is still considered one of the order’s most sacred sites. It was one of few Tibetan monasteries largely spared during the cultural revolution, and what was damaged has since been renovated. Unlike most Tibetan Buddhist structures, Sakya Monastery is much more Mongolian in style, probably because it was largely funded by the Mongolian leader Kublai Khan, the great Mongol ruler.

Ta’er Temple in Xining. Photo courtesy of Barry Rogge via Flickr.

Ta’er Temple – Xining

With Tibet getting harder to travel to, many travelers turn to Western China to experience Tibetan culture, and Xining is one of the most popular jumping off points for travels into Tibet and through Western China. The city is also home to an beautiful temple of the Yellow Hat Buddhist order, Ta’er Temple. Established in 1583 in honor of the founder of Yellow Hat Buddhism, the monastery was once home to some 3,600 monks, but today a mere 400 reside there, learning the arts of scholarly debate, tantra and astrology.

- Lydia Schrandt

China’s Most Beautiful Temples, Shrines and Monasteries from China Things to Do

Sunset at West Lake. Photo courtesy of Mitch Altman via Flickr.

The charming city of Hangzhou has captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors, both domestic and international, throughout its existence. Marco Polo called it “the most splendid city in the world” and a popular Chinese saying goes, “Heaven above, Hangzhou below.”

While modern Hangzhou is much like any other Chinese city, the West Lake area remains one of the most picturesque spots in all of China, and most of Hangzhou’s best activities and attractions are located here.

During the Song Dynasty up until the Mongol invasion, Hangzhou served as the the capital; it was thought to be the largest city in the world at the time. Famous Chinese poets, scientists and diplomats came to the city to live out their lives in its beautiful surroundings. When Kublai Khan and his invading army captured the city in 1276, and the capital was relocated to its current place in Beijing.

With its close proximity to Shanghai, it’s easy to visit Hangzhou on a day trip via bus, private taxi or the express train. The latter is the most convenient and quickest option, as express trains depart from Shanghai five times per day. The total trip takes less than two hours. Once in the city, head straight for West Lake, an area best explored both by foot and by boat.

The designated UNESCO World Heritage Site covers an area of over 20 square miles (33 square kilometers), so there’s much more to see than just the lake. Learn about the history of two Chinese traditions at the China National Silk Museum and the China Tea Museum, tour the Yongfu, Lingyin and Taoguang Temples and catch a sunset from one of West Lake’s hilltop pagodas, either the Thunder Peak Pagoda or the Pagoda of Six Harmonies.

Visitors who choose to stay overnight in Hangzhou will be rewarded with a more intimate encounter with the city. Wake up with the sun to watch a tai chi session on the misty banks of West Lake, or take an early morning walk around the lake when it’s largely crowd-free. Spend an afternoon sipping tea in one of Hangzhou’s dozens of tea houses before ending your day dining on pork and seafood dishes known as some of the best cuisine in China.

- Lydia Schrandt

Hangzhou, China’s Enchanting City by the Lake from China Things to Do

This year we have Asha from our Europe team and Brock from the North America team back to do it all again in Asia and Australia! Their second stop is Beijing, where they spent a few days exploring the history and culture in and around the city.

Asha and Brock in Beijing

Follow their journey around Asia and Australia and read more about their Beijing itinerary.

- Viator Travel Team

Asha and Brock in Beijing from China Things to Do

The scenic Li River winds through Yangshuo’s limestone karsts.

China‘s natural beauty is as abundant as it is diverse, just as you’d expect in a country with an area greater than that of the United States. While China’s rich history and fascinating cultural diversity are reason enough to visit, the country’s natural wonders shouldn’t be overlooked.

Yangshuo Karst Formations

The town of Yangshuo in China’s Guangxi Province is home to one of the country’s most dramatic natural landscapes. From Yangshuo, you can take a boat ride down a stretch of the Li River that winds through giant limestone karsts that jut out of the ground for as far as you can see.

Huanglong National Park. Photo courtesy of Culantor Lin via Flickr.

Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Parks

Located in the middle of mountainous Sichuan Province, the lakes, waterfalls and bizarre geological formations of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong are so colorful, it’s hard to believe they’re real. The snow-covered peaks visible from both parks are almost as breathtaking as the technicolor calcium carbonate pools.

Peaks of Zhangjiajie. Photo courtesy of Dayou_X via Flickr.

Zhangjiajie National Forest

If you’ve ever seen James Cameron’s film Avatar, then the strange rock formations within Zhangjiajie National Forest should look familiar to you, as they inspired the film maker’s vision of verdant peaks floating in the sky. It also holds the distinction of being China’s first national forest park, established in 1982.

Huangguoshu Falls. Photo courtesy of mrs.gsoell via Flickr.

Huangguoshu Waterfalls

To see the Huangguoshu Waterfalls Scenic Spot, you’ll have to travel off the beaten path to a province not often visited by foreign tourists: Guizhou. Your efforts will be well rewarded with spectacular views of the biggest waterfalls in all of China.

The view from Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. Photo courtesy of Quiltsalad via Flickr.

Huangshan

Once you’ve seen the views from the top of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), you’ll understand why it’s one of the most famous mountains in China. When the weather’s right, you can stand above the clouds and see tree-topped granite peaks jutting out from the white blanket.

Changbai Mountain. Photo courtesy of drnan tu via Flickr.

Changbai Mountain

Changbai translates to “always white,” and while you might not see snow on a visit to Jinlin Province’s Changbai Mountain in the summer, the landscape remains beautiful year-round. The mountains, dotted with sparkling blue volcanic crater lakes, are home to both Siberian tigers and certain species of bears.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s China tours and things to do, China attractions, and China travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

The Natural Wonders of China from China Things to Do

Lunar New Year lanterns. Photo courtesy of Augapfel via Flickr.

While holiday seasons in China can be crowded at times with domestic tourists on vacation, they also represent an exciting time to witness first hand centuries old traditions. With five major festivals and holidays spread throughout the year, you can plan your travels during any season you want.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is the most important and most famous holiday in China. Coinciding with the start of the lunar calendar in late January or early February, this festival takes place throughout China, from the smallest village to the biggest cities. On New Years eve, expect to see fireworks lasting late into the night. On New Years Day, most families prepare feasts to share with neighbors and friends. In the weeks following the festival, many Chinese cities host Lantern Festivals complete with colorful cultural performances.

Tomb Sweeping Festival

This lesser known Chinese festival occurs each year in early April. Throughout China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, families first carry offerings to their ancestral shrines before heading out to enjoy the spring. Children tie small lanterns to kites shaped like animals in the Chinese zodiac and fly them in public parks. You’re supposed to cut the string of your kite to let it fly free in order to bring good luck and health.

Dragon Boat Festival

China’s Dragon Boat Festival dates back more than 2,000 years to the days of famous Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drown himself in a river so he wouldn’t have to see his country conquered. Local villagers, upon hearing of his death, rowed their boats down the river tossing food to the fish to help protect the poet’s body. The practice continues to this day in the form of dragon boat races, staged in major cities throughout China.

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is celebrated in September on the day of the autumnal equinox. Families and friends gather together to gaze at the full moon, eat the sweet treats called moon cakes and enjoy the cool weather. Hangzhou is thought to be the best place in China to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival, where visitors can see the moon from one of West Lake’s moon-viewing pavilions.

National Day

National Day, sometimes called Golden Week for the seven days given off for the celebration, commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1 each year. Troops gather in Tiananmen Square for the ceremonial raising of the flag, and fireworks light up city skies throughout China. Parades and cultural performances are also staged in major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s China tours and things to do, China attractions, and China travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

Important Festivals and Holidays in China from China Things to Do

Potala Palace in Lhasa

The Buddhist kingdom of Tibet far up in the Himalayan mountains may technically be part of China, but it feels worlds away. It’s one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations and one of the trickiest to get to. Understanding the requirements for entering Tibet and planning ahead will go a long way toward ensuring a safe and successful trip.

Permits

China’s tense relations with Tibet have led to restricted access to the country, and the requirements are changing all the time. It’s impossible to enter Tibet on your own without a permit, so you’ll have to apply ahead of time. As of mid-2012, all tourists wishing to obtain a Tibet Tourism Bureau permit must apply as part of a tour group with at least five people of the same nationality. The entire group must enter and exit Tibet together from the same departure point.

Occasionally, events in Tibet will prompt the Chinese government to close Tibet to foreigners completely, often with little or no warning. When you’re making your travel plans, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case you’re unable to enter Tibet. A trip to the Tibetan villages of Yunnan Province is a popular alternative.

Getting to Tibet

The easiest way to get to Tibet is by flying into Lhasa from either Chengdu in China of Kathmandu in Nepal. A few other Chinese cities offer flights, but Chengdu is the most popular jumping off point and a good place to scope out other travelers of your same nationality to get your group number up to five. If you’re worried about altitude sickness, consider traveling into Tibet on the Qinghai-Tibet railway, a 44-hour journey on the world’s highest railway from Chengdu. To shorten the journey, fly to Xining and catch the train from there. It’ll take about 24 hours to reach Lhasa by train from Xining.

Lastly, you can enter by road, usually in a Land Cruiser, via Kathmandu or Qinghai Province. Attempting to enter on any other road or without a valid permit could lead to you getting deported and possibly banned from re-entering China.

In Tibet

Once in Tibet, you’ll have to have a tour guide with you at all times, including Lhasa. If you’re staying in Lhasa, you’re permitted to travel by taxi or public transportation, but if you plan to leave the capital, your tour must include private transportation and a driver. Depending on the current situation, you may be given time to explore Lhasa on your own without a guide, but it’s safest to assume you’ll be with them for the duration of your trip.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s China tours and things to do, China attractions, and China travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

Traveling to Tibet from China from China Things to Do

Five Colored Lake. Photo courtesy of B_cool via Flickr.

The province of Sichuan has some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in China, and Jiuzhaigou National Park is one of the area’s most spectacular natural wonders. Technicolor lakes, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and towering mountains located throughout the Y-shaped valleys earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992, and the honor is well-deserved.

Getting There

While the park is very accessible once you arrive in Jiuzhaigou, getting there is another matter. Most visitors get to the park by flying or taking a bus from Chengdu, 280 miles (450 kilometers) to the north. Thanks to the area’s frequent seismic activity, the bus journey can take up to 12 hours depending on road conditions along the way. Flying, while pricy, is typically much more convenient and won’t cost you two travel days as taking a bus does. If you decide to fly, you can get to Jiuzhigou via daily flights from Chengdu or Chongqing.

Getting Around

Once you get to the park, getting around is easy. Most Jiuzhaigou hotels offer transportation to the gates of the park for free. Once inside, park shuttles run throughout the park, making stops at all the popular attractions. All three valleys are also accessible via wooden plank footpaths, and if you’re willing to walk between attractions, you can escape the hordes of tourists who stick to the shuttles.

Things to See

With 114 lakes and waterfalls, you’ll have plenty to see, but some attractions are worthy of a priority spot on your itinerary.

• Five Colored Lake- Sometimes called Jade Pool, the Five Colored Lake gets its name from its range of intense colors. It’s particularly picturesque in the autumn when the trees paint an even more spectacular backdrop to the brilliant blues and greens of the water.
• Long Lake- You’ll find Long Lake at the far end of the Ze Cha Wa Valley. In late fall, the alpine lake’s blue waters stand out in front of the snow capped mountains in the background.
• Nuorilang Falls- Jiuzhaigou’s most spectacular waterfalls by far, Nuorilang Falls extend an impressive 820 feet (250-meters). Keep an eye out for Chinese couples having their wedding photos taken here.
• Shu Zheng Village- Jiuzhaigou Valley is dotted with several traditional Tibetan villages, and may of them are within the national park. The busiest of these is Shu Zheng Village, where you can visit a Tibetan home and warm up with yak butter tea.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s China tours and things to do, China attractions, and China travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

Jiuzhaigou National Park from China Things to Do

Gondola rides at the Venetian. Photo courtesy of RabunWarna via Flickr.

On the surface, Macau seems like an adult’s playground filled with casinos, racy stage productions and sophisticated Portuguese wine bars. But just like Vegas, its counterpart in the West, Macau has a lot more to offer than adult entertainment. Next time you’re in Macau with kids, consider these family friendly attractions and activities.

Ride the Venetian Gondola— Take your kids to the largest casino in the world for a gondola ride through the giant indoor canals of the Venetian. The gondoliers will even serenade you as you go.

Spend a Day at the Beach— Once you get away from the casinos of the Cotai Strip, you’ll find Macau’s small islands have been blessed with ample natural beauty. For a relaxing and inexpensive day, head to Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island. The beach even has camping facilities and a highly-rated Portuguese restaurant (Fernando’s)  if you want to make a night of it.

Visit the City of Dreams Vquarium— The Vquarium, or Virtual Aquarium, at the City of Dreams may be one of Macau’s more bizarre attractions, but it’s also free and worth a visit if you’re traveling with kids. Mermaids and sea creatures swim along the walls, dancing and granting good fortune to those viewing the performance.

Learn Some History—Macau earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list for it’s fascinating Portuguese colonial and Chinese background. Take the family on a historical tour of Macau to see some of the impressive colonial sights, including the historic center, the ruins of the Church of St Paul, the Guia Fort and Old Taipa Village.

Take in the Views at the Macau Tower— Kids of any age will enjoy the unobstructed, 360-degree views from the top of Macau Tower, and intrepid teenagers can get their adrenaline rush with a harnessed walk along an outdoor ledge or a bungee jump off the side of the building.

Get Hands-On at the Macau Science Center— The hands-on exhibits at the Macau Science Center will keep kids and kids at heart entertained. Themed halls cover everything from technology and lifestyle to the environment and sports sciences. Stop by the planetarium for a high definition 3D look at the night skies.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s China tours and things to do, China attractions, and China travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

Family Friendly Things to Do in Macau from China Things to Do

Baby panda at the Panda Research Base. Photo courtesy of Hipnos via Flickr

Chengdu, China‘s fifth largest city by population, sits along the edge of the Red Basin in the province of Sichuan. While the city of 13 million people can feel crowded and chaotic, especially given its ranking as third in cars per capita, Chengdu offers a view into a typical Chinese mega-city making the rapid switch from traditional to modern while providing a jumping off point for travelers planning to explore the rest of Sichuan Province or Tibet.

In Western countries, Sichuan Province is perhaps best known for its fiery cuisine, and you’ll find no shortage of spicy grub in Chengdu. Hot pot, the most famous dish, consists of a bubbling vat of soup with a hefty layer of oil and spicy peppercorns floating on the surface. The raw meats, fish, vegetables and other ingredients added in pick up the spicy flavor, and unlike the peppercorns you may be familiar with, Sichuan peppercorns give the mouth a tingling, numb sensation.

Besides the food, Sichuan is home to the Chengdu Panda Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the largest Panda research and breeding center in the world. Around 60 giant pandas as well as a handful of red pandas make their home here and are displayed in much closer quarters than in Western zoos. If you get lucky, you can see newborn baby pandas through the viewing windows of the viewing facility, and for a price, hold a young panda in your lap for a photo.

After you’ve explored the city, you can head out from Chengdu to visit the surrounding province. Emeishan, one of China’s sacred Buddhist mountains, and Leshan, home of the the largest Buddha statue in the world (carved out of a cliff face) are both within a few hours drive. With the new, stricter permit regulations for visiting Tibet requiring a group of five from the same country, many travelers spend a few days in Chengdu taking in the temples, monasteries and tea houses while searching for travel mates.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Chengdu tours and things to do, Chengdu attractions, and Chengdu travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in China for a customized tour!

Explore Chengdu from China Things to Do