China Travel Blog
Travel guides, itineraries, abandoned places, street art and off-the-beaten-path places in ChinaHello and welcome to our China travel blog. You will find all our China blog posts in this section of our website.
Maybe you found our China travel blog because you are considering a visit to North Asia, or perhaps you are partway through planning a trip to China. Whatever the reason, we hope we can provide some useful resources and travel tips for China.
We have a bit of a love-hate relationship with China. It’s a country we know well having visited many times over the years, dating back to the early 1990s. We travelled there both as backpackers and on work-related trips. In fact, one of Mark’s claims to fame is that he once took Judith Chalmers up the Yangtze! However, we have found that, over the years, China has changed dramatically and it no longer has the same pull for us.
Our China blog posts are generally aimed at independent travellers and backpackers like us and have a strong focus on travelling around using public transport, staying in budget accommodation and exploring off-the-beaten-path and lesser-visited places.
Browse all of our China blog posts
World Smile Day 2020: Twenty smiles to brighten your day
In celebration of World Smile Day, a photo essay featuring some of the smiling faces we have encountered during our travels around Asia.
Travel Shot | The Sunday Market in Kashgar
The Sunday Market in Kashgar is still very much a full on Uyghur affair. Trading in sheep seemed to be the most common activity at this busy animal market.
Travel Shot: Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, China
Black Dragon Pool is one of Lijiang’s (and Yunnan’s) most dramatic sites. It gets busy, so to avoid the crowds, late afternoon is the best time to visit.
Suggested China Itinerary: Shanghai to Beijing via the slow route
Suggested China itinerary for independent travellers: Shanghai to Beijing via the lesser-visited towns of Nanjing, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Pingyao and Datong.
Travel Shot | The Ancient Walled Town of Pingyao in China
The ancient walled town of Pingyao is possibly the best-preserved in China. The UNESCO World Heritage listed town boasts alleyways, impressive watchtowers.
Twelve Forts and Castles from Around the World
Forts and castles from around the world that you must visit. A photo essay featuring the finest forts and castles we have visited on our travels.
Travel Shot | Luoyang Old Town in China
Photo of the Day from Luoyang Old Town in China, with its traditional streets and shops. This region is recognised as the origin of Chinese civilisation.
A look at Auto Rickshaws around the World (but mostly in Asia!)
The Characteristics of an Auto Rickshaw: Slow and sometimes uncomfortable, the auto rickshaw is as synonymous with Asia as rice paddies and noodle soup.
Travel Shot | Friday Call to Prayer in Kashgar, China
China’s Xinjiang province: A great place to see Uyghur men en masse is at the Id Kah Mosque in Old Kashgar just before or after the Friday Call to Prayer.
Cycle Rickshaws: An Asian Icon
Cycle rickshaws: An Asian institution. Developed in the 1880s they are still a common sight in many Asian countries; cyclo rickshaws are an icon in Asia.
Twelve Doors and Doorways Around the World
A photo essay of doors and doorways from around the world. We like to photograph doors – they can be full of character and don’t move out of shot.
Friday Flashback | The Old Town of Kashgar | China
Kashgar is an oasis town in China’s northwest province of Xinjiang. The city is home to Uyghur people, fat-tailed sheep, and one of the best markets in Asia.