Things to do in China

Visit Tashilhunpo, the seat of the eminent Panchen Lama, and make a 'kora' (pilgrimage circuit) of this 15th-century monastery with the pilgrims who have travelled from all over Tibet to visit this sacred edifice.

Visit the debating courtyard of Sera, one of Tibet's most prolific monasteries, to watch the monks discussing Buddhist doctrine, using traditional gestures such as clapping, pushing and even screaming to emphasise their points.

Wander the Barkhor circuit, the pilgrimage route that surrounds the sacred Jokhang temple, pausing to browse the plentiful market stalls and see the traditionally-dressed pilgrims.

Discover the bustling harbour of Aberdeen fishing village from a different perspective, watching the coming and goings of the local fleet from your seat onboard one of the many traditional sampans that ply the waters.

Soar over the spectacular landscapes of Hong Kong's Lantau Island on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, flying ever closer to the giant buddha perched serenely on his hilltop.

Try your hand at the long-practised art of calligraphy, with a lesson in the basic techniques of this beautiful, stylised writing, it is the perfect way to connect with local culture.

Soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a beautiful sunset in one of the world's most spectacular locations.

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a walking tour through the city's most fascinating districts, before tucking into some traditional pancakes for breakfast.

Visit a traditional, nomadic home of a family of the Kazakh minority community, and spend some time with them, learning about their culture, and get a glimpse of life living in a yurt.

Wander amongst the packed stalls of the atmospheric Shazhou Night Market in the Silk Road frontier city of Dunhuang, browsing delicious foods, fascinating local wares and a wealth of souvenirs.

Spend time with a Shaman, who will teach you some of a forgotten language, Dongba Pictograms - by the end of the lesson you'll know all about its history and be able to write a few basic characters.

Shaxi ancient town is not only a charming place to explore but, as the heart of an area that is home to a number of China's minority people, is the perfect place to delve into a timeless, rich culture and meet the friendly communities for yourself.

At Weibaoshan, meet with a Taoist priest to learn about the principles of this native philosophy and take part in a guided meditation session amongst these peaceful surroundings.

Surrounded by tranquil lakes and most picturesquely reached by boat, explore the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall and marvel at the spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

Take a morning stroll through Shanghai's old concessions, stopping where the locals stop to sample delicious local breakfast delicacies such as pancakes and fried bread sticks.

Circle Xian's beautiful old town by bike along the magnificent city walls, admiring views over its plethora of historic sights as you go.

Ascend to the summit of Moon Hill, one of the Li River valley's unique karst rock formations, from where you'll get spectacular views over the lush paddy fields and limestone towers for which the area is famous.

From hand-stretched noodles to barbequed meat on skewers, Xian's Muslim Quarter is a street food heaven! As you explore these atmospheric streets and soak up the history, why not grab a delicious snack or two, to keep your energy up?

Dine on delicious, doughy Shui Jiao dumplings, a Xian speciality, before getting swept away in the sights and sounds of the Tang Dynasty with a spectacular show of traditional music, dancing and performance.

Cruise on the crystal-clear tranquil waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the views over the Cangshan Mountains and passing its many famous islands, many of them complete with colourful temples.

Painted during the Ming Dynasty (1368 and 1644) the incredible Baisha Frescoes tell fascinating stories of the daily life, religion and politics of their time and have retained their bright colours and vivid patterns.

Venture to a Tibetan village in the highlands of Yunnan province to meet the local community, visit a traditional family home and experience the intriguing blend of the Tibetan and Chinese way of life.

Cruise on the waters of Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of The Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Learn about the history of Yunnan Province and its many minority peoples in a spectacular show of traditional music, dancing and performance, called Dynamic Yunnan.

Walk on the magnificent Great Wall, discovering the lesser-visited Jinshanling, a section restored to its Ming Dynasty glory and which passes through magnificent surroundings.

Sit down to a delicious meal of home-cooked food, prepared for you by members of the Tibetan community in a charming, rural Yunnan village.

Spend an evening exploring China's long and fascinating history in a breathtaking show of martial arts, acrobatics and stunning special effects - the fantastic ERA Show at the Shanghai Circus World.

At the heart of a huge tea-producing region and once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, drinking tea is an essential element of life in Chengdu. Visit a traditional tea house to experience the history, customs and taste the perfect brew.

Sail high above the breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan into the majestic heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car, reaching an observation point at 4,500 metres and exploring a beautiful high-altitude meadow.

Explore the peaceful village of Baisha, home to the Naxi, one of China's many minority peoples. Whilst here you can meet the friendly locals, delve into their rich culture and get a glimpse of their day to day lives.

Cruise on the historic Grand Canal, built over 1,000 years ago to transport goods around the kingdom, through the picturesque town of Suzhou.

Visit a plantation and learn all about the process of cultivating, plucking, processing and producing that wonderful beverage, tea! There will be a taster, to keep you refreshed.

As part of a visit to the Shaolin Temple, with its long and famous history of martial arts, watch an action-packed kung fu show by the monks and their trainees, who will demonstrate their astonishing skills.

Discover the traditional Chinese folk art of paper cutting, an intricate and beautiful craft that's been practised since the 6th century. After a demonstration of the techniques, try your hand at creating your own paper cutting.

A speciality dish of Yunnan province, tuck into a delicious bowl of Across the Bridge noodles in provincial capital Kunming, a famous and flavourful noodle soup with a touching story behind it.

Visit the village of Xizhou where, as well as browsing the laden stalls of the bustling, local market, you'll be able to see members of the Naxi minority community in their colourful, traditional dress.

Explore the quirks of local culture in Chengdu at the fascinating 'Matchmaker's Corner', a place where parents search for potential suitors for their children.

Zoom across China aboard a superfast bullet train, on what is the world's longest high-speed railway network, tracelling at up to 350 kilometres an hour in comfort.

Discover the magnificent nature of the Three Natural Bridges National Park in Wulong, walking through the lush valleys and gorges to admire the spectacular geological wonder of the three bridges themselves.

Wander the atmospheric alleyways of Xi'an's old Muslim Quarter, an area that perfectly showcases the city's illustrious history as a terminus of the ancient Silk Road.

Cruise through Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, otherwise known as the Three Gorges, admiring the magnificent scenery from the comfort of your Yangtze River cruise vesseland learning about its epic history from your onboard expert.

Tuck into a delicious feast of Beijing's best known dish, Peking Duck, a food that offers a true taste of imperial China and a long-time favourite of locals and visitors alike!

Long practised in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi - do the same with a morning class with an instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated.

Visit a busy workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors and watch them going about their age-old craft with astonishing speed and dexterity.

Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.

Step back in time to relive the majesty of the Tang Dynasty, of which Xian was the prosperous and glorious capital, with a colourful spectacular of traditional music and dancing.

Jade has long been a sacred stone to the Chinese people, bringing fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Visit a jade factory where you can learn more about its origins, its importance and how it is crafted.

At the heart of Sichuan's province, the native land of the giant panda, visit the excellent Dujiangyan Panda Base where you'll learn all about China's iconic bear, the conservation projects in action to increase their numbers and, of course, see these beautiful animals for yourself.

Visit the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue, the Grand Buddha of Leshan. Take a short boat ride to see this monumental statue towering over the waters below.

Swap the traditional turkey on Christmas Day for an authentic Peking duck feast - a local delicacy in Beijing.

On Boxing Day evening, prepare to be amazed by the incredible performances of a thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Glide through China's diverse landscapes aboard bullet trains, experiencing speed, comfort, and modernity. Connect with locals and witness the country's dynamic transformation from the window.

Indulge in a culinary adventure with China's finest delicacies, savoring delights like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot, and the iconic Peking Duck.

Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.

Overnight on the 21-hour sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa, the world's highest railway and a marvel of engineering reaching over 5,000 meters in elevation. This specially designed train equipped with two oxygen supply systems passes through stunning mountains, vast plains, and the icy expanse of permafrost.

Spend an evening immersed in the traditions of Tibet, dining on delicious local food and watching a performance of native dance and music.

Long practiced in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi. You can do the same with a morning class led by your instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated.

Soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car as night falls and a series of illuminations spectacularly light up this ancient wonder.

Be immersed in the opulence of the Tang Dynasty through a vibrant dancing show, capturing the elegance and cultural richness of ancient China, and dine on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings – a Chinese culinary delight with savoury fillings.

Spend an evening exploring China's long and fascinating history in a breathtaking show of martial arts, acrobatics and stunning special effects – the fantastic ERA Show at Shanghai's Circus World.

Cruise on the waters of the Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of the Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street where you will see a demonstration of the long-practiced art of calligraphy.

Feel your pulse race as you rise above Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, standing at a height of 326 meters.

Take an exhilarating walk along Tianmen Mountain's famed glass skywalk, aptly named the "Walk of Faith". Soak up unparalleled views of Zhangjiajie's mountains, valleys, and forests.

Indulge in traditional street foods with your expert guide at Chongqing's vibrant night markets. As the sun sets, the streets come alive with the tantalising aromas of sizzling meats, spicy noodles, and fragrant spices.

Visit one of the nine villages of Jiuzhaigou and meet a local Tibetan family. Gain firsthand insights into their daily routines and cultural traditions then sit down to dine on traditional Tibetan cuisine.

Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in China's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Gaze over the lush valleys, winding rivers and towering peaks all the way to 'Heaven's Door'.

Accelerate down the Great Wall with a thrilling descent, travelling by toboggan. This great speed slide experience whisks you down through the forested natural scenery, while you take in those last glimpses of the Great Wall's spectacular architecture.

Eat like a local as you savour a delicious dinner of Peking Duck, Beijing's most famous delicacy.

Cruise on the waters of Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of The Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Alight your tastebuds with a visit to Chengdu's street food market and tuck into some authentic cuisine.

Gasp at the athletic abilities of the artists who perform in Beijing's must-see Chinese acrobatic spectacular! The show features all sorts of stunts and acts such as contortionism, juggling, plate spinning and much, much more. All the action will keep you firmly on the edge of your seat.

A Hong Kong institution, dim sum embodies both Cantonese cuisine and tradition. Part of the ritual of 'yum cha' (drink tea), these bite sized delights are served with tea. Enjoy a dim sum demonstration, learning all about the different varieties, which are steamed, fried or baked, and how they are handcrafted and served. You’ll dine on the delicious results for lunch.

A Sichuan hot pot is the perfect introduction to the food of China's west. A big bubbling pot of flavourful oil is placed in the centre of the table, with a variety of raw meat and vegetables, in small pieces, which diners skewer and cook in the oil. A delicious, and fun experience!

Find yourself amongst some of China's most spectacular scenery as you cruise peacefully down the Li River, the perfect showcase for the spectacular karst peaks and lush, pastoral scenes that surround its gentle waters.

Crossing legendary landscapes, admire the views from the sophisticated bar and observation cars, discover utmost comfort in your sanctuary-like cabin and indulge in meticulously crafted dishes in the dining cars, as you go.

Explore Kashgar's Terraced Households, traditional Uyghur mud-brick homes, and witness skilled artisans craft intricate clay pottery and printed works.

Nestled near the historic Jiayuguan Great Wall and home to China's largest cellar, visit Zixuan Wine Estate to learn the winemaking process from harvest to bottling, finishing with a tasting of two regional varietals.

Guided by a master artisan in Xining, craft a traditional Tibetan artwork known as a Thangka, used for meditation and devotion, and have your name inscribed in an ethnic minority script for a special keepsake.

Celebrate Christmas Day in style as you explore Shanghai's festive markets, cruise along the sparkling Huangpu River, and indulge in the city's rich culinary scene.

Ring in New Year's Eve with a stroll through Beijing's hutongs. As evening falls, soak up the lively atmosphere and raise a festive toast to welcome the year ahead.

Start the New Year with an unforgettable walk along the Great Wall, soaking up sweeping views, crisp mountain air and a celebratory champagne toast.

Swap tea for hops with a visit to one of Xian's local breweries. Take a look at how the beers are brewed, then sample a glass or two fresh from the source.

Explore the capital's most eclectic flea market, where thousands of stalls overflow with antiques, vintage curios, ethnic crafts, and hidden cultural gems. A paradise for collectors and the curious alike.

Refresh your body and mind at one of Chongqing’s top hot spring resorts. Set amid tranquil gardens, choose from fifty naturally heated pools, some infused with Chinese medicinal herbs and essential oils.

Watch Chongqing's skyline come to life in a magical light show, where over 5,000 synchronised drones choreograph a stunning performance above the city's soaring riverside towers.

As night falls, watch Furong transform into a magical riverside town, with lantern-lit streets and the gentle glow of traditional stilt houses reflecting in the water.

Take a walk along Tianmen Mountain's thrilling Cliff-Hanging Walkway. Stretching over the cliffs, it provides uninterrupted views of Zhangjiajie’s towering deep valleys and dense forests.

Watch Chongqing's skyline come to life in a magical light show, where over 5,000 synchronised drones choreograph a stunning performance above the city's soaring riverside towers.

Soar 7km up Tianmen Mountain on China’s longest cable car to the breathtaking ‘Heaven’s Door’ and test your courage on the thrilling glass skywalk. In winter, misty peaks and crisp air create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere.

Celebrate Christmas cruising down the majestic Yangtze River. Sail past dramatic gorges and riverside villages while enjoying festive meals, holiday cheer, and an upgraded amenities package, including lounge access and drinks.

Experience the electrifying energy of Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. Join the city’s biggest celebration counting down till the New Year aboard a Victoria Harbour cruise and toast with champagne as the skyline lights up.

Throughout the tour you’ll be joined by a master to learn the movements of several different forms of qigong. Ancient Chinese moving meditation, practicing qigong balances tranquillity and movement with breath exercises and repetitive, slow movements, to increase the flow of qi in the body and increase strength and inner peace.

Go behind-the-scenes at some of Chongqing’s most dynamic and innovative companies, meeting with teams behind the marketing strategies and production processes that are making them so successful. As a hub of robotics and intelligent manufacturing, the time spent within these facilities will be invaluable, and a fascinating glimpse into the operations of the future.

On Saturday nights, the sky over downtown Chongqing is full with over 5,000 drones flying in an intricate ariel display. Alongside the city’s towering skyscrapers, that are lit up in coordinating light show, this immersive audiovisual spectacular is choreographed to show city landmarks, cultural symbols and even local cuisine.

A traditional medicine system rooted in Miao ethnic culture, a visit to the Miao Medicine Clinic will give you access to centuries of natural wisdom. Discover how the Miao use local herbs and unique therapies, and learn how their practices are being integrated with modern scientific research.

Soothe your body and calm your mind at one of Chongqing’s hot spring resorts. Set amid tranquil gardens, you can soak in over fifty naturally heated pools, some infused with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs believed to improve circulation, boost immunity, and relieve fatigue, while essential oils provide a calming aromatherapy effect for complete relaxation.

You'll be joined by a master to learn the movements of several different forms of qigong. An ancient Chinese moving meditation, practicing qigong balances tranquillity and movement with breath exercises and repetitive, slow movements, helping modern leaders steady the mind, improve focus, and foster the inner strength needed to navigate today’s fast-paced world.

A traditional therapy rooted in Chinese medicine, ear seeding involves placing small seeds or beads on specific points of the ear to stimulate pressure points and improve the flow of qi. During the session, you’ll learn how this practice is used to promote relaxation, support wellbeing, and help balance energy throughout the body.

Arriving among the timeless wooden architecture of Zhaoxing, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back in time. A warm welcome awaits in the form of traditional Dong song, melodies passed down through generations and long sung to greet honoured guests to the village.

A living tradition of the Guizhou mountain villages, batik reflects techniques passed down through generations. Traditionally coloured blue and white, you’ll get to wax, dye, dewax and dry your material, decorating it as you wish, to create a special souvenir to take home with you.

Try your hand at making Xian's famous dumplings, learning how to shape these iconic bites before sitting down to enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet for dinner. As you dine, watch a spectacular Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.

Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you can see these adorable bears up close and learn more about the conservation projects that helped giant pandas be reclassified from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable'.

A centuries-old practice of Chinese medicine, reflexology works on the simple belief that points on the feet connect to every part of the body. You'll experience a soothing sequence of pressure and massage across the sole, arch and heel, leaving you feeling grounded and restored.

Bolted to the face of a towering sandstone cliff, the Bailong Elevator is as dramatic as the landscape it unlocks. Ride hundreds of metres skyward through the mist of Zhangjiajie to emerge above the treetops, where the iconic stone pillars of one of China's most otherworldly landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.