China Travel Tips & Guides

Traditional Chinese shadow puppetry performance with colorful figures behind an illuminated screen

TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Chinese Shadow Puppetry: History, Craftsmanship and Cultural Experiences

Chinese Shadow Puppetry: History, Craftsmanship and Cultural Experiences Imagine a darkened room, a softly illuminated screen and a processio...

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Ancient Longquan celadon kiln site in Zhejiang, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

The Ancient Kilns of Longquan: Exploring China's Celadon Heritage

The Ancient Kilns of Longquan: Exploring China's Celadon Heritage In the misty hills of southern Zhejiang, China, the story of an extraordina...

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Jiayuguan Pass fortress surrounded by the arid landscape of Gansu, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

China's Ancient Military Fortresses: Historic Passes, Great Wall Defenses and Mountain Strongholds

China's Ancient Military Fortresses: Historic Passes, Great Wall Defenses and Mountain Strongholds Across China's mountains, deserts, river v...

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Traditional Chinese jade carving displayed as an example of Chinese decorative art

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Chinese Jade Carving: History, Techniques, Symbolism and Where to Discover It

Chinese Jade Carving: History, Techniques, Symbolism and Where to Discover It For thousands of years, jade has held a special place in Chines...

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A musician playing the traditional Chinese guqin seven-string zither

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Chinese Traditional Musical Instruments: History, Sounds and Cultural Experiences

Chinese Traditional Musical Instruments: History, Sounds and Cultural Experiences The sound of a Chinese flute drifting across a lake, the ex...

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Hongcun ancient village in Anhui with traditional white walls and dark tiled roofs reflected in the water

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Xidi and Hongcun: A Guide to China's UNESCO-Listed Huizhou Villages

Xidi and Hongcun: A Guide to China's UNESCO-Listed Huizhou Villages Xidi and Hongcun are two of the best-preserved ancient villages in sout...

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Traditional Nanjing Yunjin silk brocade weaving on a wooden loom

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Ancient Chinese Silk Weaving Techniques: A Guide to Brocade, Kesi and Traditional Textiles

Ancient Chinese Silk Weaving Techniques: A Guide to Brocade, Kesi and Traditional Textiles Silk is one of China's most recognizable cultura...

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Historic Ming City Wall of Nanjing, a former capital of China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Nanjing Travel Guide: Exploring China's Historic Former Capital

Nanjing Travel Guide: Exploring China's Historic Former Capital Nanjing is one of China's most historically significant cities, with a heri...

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Ancient Chinese Inscriptions and Calligraphy: A Guide to China's Written Heritage

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Ancient Chinese Inscriptions and Calligraphy: A Guide to China's Written Heritage

Discover the carved words, monumental stone tablets and expressive writing traditions that preserve China's history through the art of the wri...

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Historic streets of Xijin Ferry in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Ancient Yangtze River Ferries: A Guide to China's Historic River Crossings

Discover the historic crossings, riverside towns and forgotten journeys that reveal how China's longest river connected people, trade and cult...

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Historic Chinese opera stage inside Beijing Huguang Guild Hall

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Historical Theaters in China: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Opera

Discover the historic stages, traditional architecture and regional performing arts that reveal the living heritage of Chinese theater. In ...

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Stone-paved historic street in Qingyan Ancient Town, Guizhou, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Historic Towns in Guizhou: A Guide to Five Ancient Towns and Cultural Heritage Sites

Historic Towns in Guizhou: A Guide to Five Ancient Towns and Cultural Heritage Sites Discover the stone lanes, riverside settlements, forti...

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Shenhai Well in Zigong with its historic wooden derrick

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 28, 2026

Ancient Salt Wells of Zigong: A Guide to China's Historic Salt Industry

Discover the remarkable wells, traditional engineering and centuries of salt-making history that shaped one of Sichuan's most distinctive cult...

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Vendors preparing fresh produce stalls at a traditional Chinese food market in the morning

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Chinese Food Markets: 8 Scenes of Everyday Food Culture

Chinese Food Markets: 8 Scenes of Everyday Food Culture Fresh vegetables stacked in careful rows. Fish glistening on beds of ice. Red chill...

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Cantonese congee with century egg lean pork ginger and scallions in a ceramic bowl

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Chinese Porridge: A Guide to Congee, Regional Styles and Traditions

Chinese Porridge: A Guide to Congee, Regional Styles and Traditions A bowl of Chinese porridge may look simple, but its character changes d...

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Traditional Chinese red carved lacquerware with intricate floral relief decoration

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Chinese Lacquerware: A Guide to Traditional Craftsmanship and Art

A quiet shine, a finely carved landscape, a scattering of mother-of-pearl flowers against a deep black surface—Chinese lacquerware rewards a c...

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Traditional Miao clothing with embroidered fabric and silver ornaments in Guizhou China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Traditional Clothing in China: A Guide to Ethnic Dress and Textile Traditions

Traditional Clothing in China: A Guide to Ethnic Dress and Textile Traditions China's traditional clothing tells stories that go far beyond...

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Yunnan mushroom hotpot served with seasonal mushrooms and broth in a Chinese restaurant

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

China's Mushroom Culture: A Guide to Yunnan Wild Mushrooms and Regional Cuisine

China's Mushroom Culture: A Guide to Yunnan Wild Mushrooms and Regional Cuisine China's mushroom culture is a fascinating part of its regional...

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Traditional Peking duck served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber and spring onions in Beijing

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Best Peking Duck in Beijing: 5 Restaurants for Every Type of Traveller

Best Peking Duck in Beijing: 5 Restaurants for Every Type of Traveller Few dishes capture the character of Beijing quite like Peking duck. ...

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A street food vendor preparing fresh seafood on a hot griddle in China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Food Safety in China: A Practical Guide for Foreign Visitors

Food Safety in China: A Practical Guide for Foreign Visitors Exploring Chinese food is one of the most rewarding parts of travelling throug...

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Remains of the rammed-earth Yuan Dadu city wall in Beijing's historic ruins park

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Yuan Dynasty Ruins in Beijing: A Guide to Ancient Dadu

Yuan Dynasty Ruins in Beijing: A Guide to Ancient Dadu Beijing is often associated with the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the ceremonial ...

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Beijing Ancient Observatory with historic bronze astronomical instruments on its raised platform

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Ancient Chinese Observatories: A Guide to China's Astronomical Heritage

Ancient Chinese Observatories: A Guide to China's Astronomical Heritage Long before telescopes transformed modern astronomy, Chinese astron...

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Tianyi Pavilion in Ningbo, a historic private library in China surrounded by traditional architecture and gardens

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 27, 2026

Ancient Libraries in China: A Guide to Historic Books and Literary Heritage

Ancient Libraries in China: A Guide to Historic Books and Literary Heritage Imagine stepping through a quiet courtyard, past weathered wood...

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Chinese vegetarian cuisine with tofu, mushrooms and seasonal vegetables

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine: A Guide to Traditional Dishes and Food Culture

Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine: A Guide to Traditional Dishes and Food Culture Chinese vegetarian cuisine is far more diverse than a plate of s...

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Traditional Chinese huangjiu wine vessel and tasting cups in a Shaoxing-inspired setting

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Chinese Alcoholic Drinks: A Guide to Huangjiu, Baijiu and Wine Culture

Chinese Alcoholic Drinks: A Guide to Huangjiu, Baijiu and Wine Culture China's drinking culture is a story of grains, fermentation, craftsm...

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A traditional Chinese dining table with shared dishes, chopsticks and tea cups

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Chinese Dining Etiquette: A Guide to Food Culture and Table Manners

Chinese Dining Etiquette: A Guide to Food Culture and Table Manners A meal in China is often about much more than the food on the table. It...

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A selection of Chinese regional dishes representing the diversity of China's culinary traditions

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Chinese Regional Cuisines: A Guide to China's 8 Great Cuisines and Local Food

Chinese Regional Cuisines: A Guide to China's 8 Great Cuisines and Local Food China's food culture is as diverse as its landscapes. From th...

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A street vendor preparing traditional Chinese snacks on a hot griddle

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Best Places to Try Chinese Snacks in China: 7 Cities and Local Food Guides

Best Places to Try Chinese Snacks in China: 7 Cities and Local Food Guides Some of the most memorable food experiences in China happen betw...

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Longmen Grottoes stone Buddha sculptures carved into limestone cliffs in Luoyang, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Chinese Stone Carving Art: History, Techniques and 3 Remarkable Sites

Chinese Stone Carving Art: History, Techniques and 3 Remarkable Sites China's stone carving art is more than a story of statues carved into...

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Panoramic view of Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi, China, with traditional rooftops and historic city walls

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Pingyao Ancient City: A Guide to China's Historic Walled City and Merchant Heritage

Pingyao Ancient City: A Guide to China's Historic Walled City and Merchant Heritage Discover one of China's best-preserved historic cities,...

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Traditional Buddhist temple surrounded by wooded hills in Hangzhou, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in China: Beliefs, Temples and Heritage

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in China: Beliefs, Temples and Heritage China's temples, sacred mountains, ancestral halls and historic a...

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Blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, China's historic centre of ceramic craftsmanship

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

Jingdezhen Porcelain: A Guide to China's Porcelain Capital

Jingdezhen Porcelain: A Guide to China's Porcelain Capital For centuries, porcelain made in Jingdezhen has travelled far beyond China. Its ...

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A Guide to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor: What You Haven't Seen

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 26, 2026

A Guide to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor: What You Haven't Seen

The Terracotta Army is often the first reason travellers visit Xi'an. Thousands of life-sized warriors, arranged in remarkable military format...

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Cantonese steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, a classic example of Chinese seafood cuisine

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Chinese Seafood Culture: A Guide to 4 Regional Cuisines and Local Dishes

Chinese Seafood Culture: A Guide to 4 Regional Cuisines and Local Dishes China's seafood culture is as diverse as its coastline, rivers and...

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Traditional Suzhou embroidery with delicate silk stitching and floral details

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Suzhou Embroidery (Su Xiu): A Guide to China's Traditional Silk Art

Suzhou Embroidery (Su Xiu): A Guide to China's Traditional Silk Art In Suzhou, a single strand of silk can become a flower petal, a bird's ...

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Chinese-style cafe with a courtyard setting wooden lattice screens and a ceramic coffee cup

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Guofeng Cafés in China: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Aesthetics and Modern Coffee

Guofeng Cafés in China: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Aesthetics and Modern Coffee Imagine stepping into a quiet courtyard where wooden sc...

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Traditional temple architecture among the wooded hills of Hangzhou's West Lake

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Temples in Hangzhou: A Cultural Guide to West Lake's Historic Temples

Temples in Hangzhou: A Cultural Guide to West Lake's Historic Temples Explore Hangzhou's Buddhist heritage, traditional temple architecture...

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Chinese Breakfast: 12 Traditional Foods and Regional Specialties to Try

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Chinese Breakfast: 12 Traditional Foods and Regional Specialties to Try

Chinese Breakfast: 12 Traditional Foods and Regional Specialties to Try In China, breakfast is often a window into everyday life. Before the ...

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Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Fujian surrounded by green mountain countryside

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 23, 2026

Discovering the Earthen Buildings of Fujian: A Tulou Photo Guide

Fujian Tulou Photography Guide: Best Places to Photograph China's Earthen Buildings Discover the architectural patterns, village landscapes...

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Lanzhou beef noodle soup with hand-pulled noodles, clear broth, beef and fresh herbs

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

Chinese Noodles: 6 Regional Specialties and Where to Try Them

Chinese Noodles: 6 Regional Specialties and Where to Try Them In China, a bowl of noodles can tell you a great deal about the place where it ...

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A traditional Chinese gongfu tea ceremony with a small teapot and tasting cups

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

Chinese Tea Ceremony: Discover China's Tea Culture and Traditions

Chinese Tea Ceremony: Discover China's Tea Culture and Traditions In China, tea is more than a drink. It is a gesture of hospitality, a rea...

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A lively Chinese food street with local food stalls and freshly prepared street food

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

Best Food Streets in China: A Guide to 7 Cities and Their Local Flavours

Best Food Streets in China: A Guide to 7 Cities and Their Local Flavours Some of the most memorable food experiences in China happen outside ...

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Historic European-influenced architecture along Central Street in Harbin, China

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

Harbin Historic Architecture: A Guide to Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral and Chinese Baroque Buildings

Harbin Historic Architecture: A Guide to Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral and Chinese Baroque Buildings Harbin is often associated wi...

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The Grand Canal of China: History, Heritage and the Best Cities to Explore

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

The Grand Canal of China: History, Heritage and the Best Cities to Explore

The Grand Canal of China: History, Heritage and the Best Cities to Explore Discover the historic waterways, ancient cities and cultural lan...

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Traditional streets and white-walled buildings in Dali Ancient City with Cangshan Mountain in the background

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 22, 2026

A Guide to the Ancient City of Dali: A Bai Cultural Experience

Set between the dramatic peaks of Cangshan Mountain and the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient City is one of Yunnan's most rewarding...

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Sichuan hotpot with red chili broth and Sichuan peppercorns in a traditional Chinese restaurant

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 21, 2026

Chinese Hotpot: A Guide to 5 Regional Styles and How to Enjoy Them

Chinese Hotpot: A Guide to 5 Regional Styles and How to Enjoy Them Few dining experiences capture the social side of Chinese food quite like ...

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Cantonese clay pot rice with Chinese sausage and a crisp layer of rice

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 21, 2026

Chinese Rice Dishes: 6 Regional Favourites and Where to Try Them

Chinese Rice Dishes: 6 Regional Favourites and Where to Try Them Rice is more than a staple in China. It is the foundation of everyday meals,...

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Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies used in Chinese regional cuisine

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 21, 2026

Chinese Spices Explained: Sichuan Peppercorn, Chili and Mala

Chinese Spices Explained: Sichuan Peppercorn, Chili and Mala Chinese food is famous for its bold flavours, but not all Chinese spice is the s...

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Chinese tangyuan glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame in sweet soup

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 21, 2026

Chinese Desserts: 9 Traditional Sweets and Where to Try Them

Chinese Desserts: 9 Traditional Sweets and Where to Try Them Chinese desserts offer a different kind of sweetness from the cakes, pastries an...

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Sichuan doubanjiang fermented broad bean and chili paste used in regional Chinese cooking

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TRAVEL JOURNAL Oct 21, 2026

Chinese Pickling and Fermentation: 7 Traditional Foods

Chinese Pickling and Fermentation: 7 Traditional Foods to Discover Some of the most distinctive flavours in Chinese cuisine begin long before...

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Stories That Inspire

Chinese Shadow Puppetry: History, Craftsmanship and Cultural Experiences

The Ancient Kilns of Longquan: Exploring China's Celadon Heritage

China's Ancient Military Fortresses: Historic Passes, Great Wall Defenses and Mountain Strongholds

Chinese Jade Carving: History, Techniques, Symbolism and Where to Discover It

Chinese Traditional Musical Instruments: History, Sounds and Cultural Experiences

Xidi and Hongcun: A Guide to China's UNESCO-Listed Huizhou Villages

Ancient Chinese Silk Weaving Techniques: A Guide to Brocade, Kesi and Traditional Textiles

Nanjing Travel Guide: Exploring China's Historic Former Capital

Ancient Chinese Inscriptions and Calligraphy: A Guide to China's Written Heritage

Ancient Yangtze River Ferries: A Guide to China's Historic River Crossings

Historical Theaters in China: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Opera

Historic Towns in Guizhou: A Guide to Five Ancient Towns and Cultural Heritage Sites

Ancient Salt Wells of Zigong: A Guide to China's Historic Salt Industry

Chinese Food Markets: 8 Scenes of Everyday Food Culture

Chinese Porridge: A Guide to Congee, Regional Styles and Traditions

Chinese Lacquerware: A Guide to Traditional Craftsmanship and Art

Traditional Clothing in China: A Guide to Ethnic Dress and Textile Traditions

China's Mushroom Culture: A Guide to Yunnan Wild Mushrooms and Regional Cuisine

Best Peking Duck in Beijing: 5 Restaurants for Every Type of Traveller

Food Safety in China: A Practical Guide for Foreign Visitors

Yuan Dynasty Ruins in Beijing: A Guide to Ancient Dadu

Ancient Chinese Observatories: A Guide to China's Astronomical Heritage

Ancient Libraries in China: A Guide to Historic Books and Literary Heritage

Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine: A Guide to Traditional Dishes and Food Culture

Chinese Alcoholic Drinks: A Guide to Huangjiu, Baijiu and Wine Culture

Chinese Dining Etiquette: A Guide to Food Culture and Table Manners

Chinese Regional Cuisines: A Guide to China's 8 Great Cuisines and Local Food

Best Places to Try Chinese Snacks in China: 7 Cities and Local Food Guides

Chinese Stone Carving Art: History, Techniques and 3 Remarkable Sites

Pingyao Ancient City: A Guide to China's Historic Walled City and Merchant Heritage

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in China: Beliefs, Temples and Heritage

Jingdezhen Porcelain: A Guide to China's Porcelain Capital

A Guide to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor: What You Haven't Seen

Chinese Seafood Culture: A Guide to 4 Regional Cuisines and Local Dishes

Suzhou Embroidery (Su Xiu): A Guide to China's Traditional Silk Art

Guofeng Cafés in China: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Aesthetics and Modern Coffee

Temples in Hangzhou: A Cultural Guide to West Lake's Historic Temples

Chinese Breakfast: 12 Traditional Foods and Regional Specialties to Try

Discovering the Earthen Buildings of Fujian: A Tulou Photo Guide

Chinese Noodles: 6 Regional Specialties and Where to Try Them

Chinese Tea Ceremony: Discover China's Tea Culture and Traditions

Best Food Streets in China: A Guide to 7 Cities and Their Local Flavours

Harbin Historic Architecture: A Guide to Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral and Chinese Baroque Buildings

The Grand Canal of China: History, Heritage and the Best Cities to Explore

A Guide to the Ancient City of Dali: A Bai Cultural Experience

Chinese Hotpot: A Guide to 5 Regional Styles and How to Enjoy Them

Chinese Rice Dishes: 6 Regional Favourites and Where to Try Them

Chinese Spices Explained: Sichuan Peppercorn, Chili and Mala

Chinese Desserts: 9 Traditional Sweets and Where to Try Them

Chinese Pickling and Fermentation: 7 Traditional Foods

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