China travel blog

These China travel stories follow a route from the big cities to the country’s northwest: spend three days exploring Beijing, get a first feel for Shanghai, or travel from Xi’an towards Kashgar along the Silk Road. Expect personal impressions alongside practical observations about trains, sightseeing and the landscapes encountered on the journey.

Beijing in three days

Beijing: My top tips and sights for 3 days maps out one possible first visit, from a hike on the Great Wall north of the city to well-known sights. Three full days offer an introduction rather than a complete picture of the capital, so the report also explains why allowing additional time can be worthwhile.

Shanghai at a slower pace

For a short stay in a vast metropolis, these Shanghai sightseeing tips share a personal take on places that worked well and others that felt overrated. Start with an early walk along the Bund, then use the observations to shape your own two-day exploration.

From Xi’an along the Silk Road

Xi’an is the historic starting point for a longer Silk Road journey. Begin with Xi’an and the Terracotta Army, then follow the rail journey through Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang in this route from Xi’an to Kashgar. It brings together Tibetan monasteries, cave temples, mosques, desert landscapes and oasis cities, while leaving space for the complexity of the region.