China

Yunnan travel guide: 7-day itinerary with budget, Yuanyang rice terraces, Dali and Lijiang ancient towns, ethnic minority culture, and transport tips from a China expat.

Guilin and Yangshuo travel guide: Li River cruise options with prices, a 3-day itinerary, budget breakdown, best time to visit, local food picks, and insider tips from a 10-year China expat.

Step-by-step Alipay setup guide for foreigners in China (2026). Link international cards, pay anywhere, and skip the tourist traps with practical tips from an expat.

A practical 2026 setup guide for WeChat Pay for foreigners in China—covering linking cards, avoiding common pitfalls, and paying like a local.

China food guide: top local snacks, where to find them & what to avoid. by an American expat with 10 years in China, practical guide for foreign travelers.

Xi’an Terracotta Army visitor guide: 2026 ticket prices, transport from Xi’an, photography rules, and what most tourists miss.

Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains: Complete Guide to China’s Most Spectacular Park As an American who’s lived in Chengdu for over 10 years and hiked most of China’s famous mountains, I went into Zhangjiajie fully expecting another overhyped tourist trap. I was wrong. (If you’re heading to Chengdu before or after Zhangjiajie, don’t miss the Sichuan hotpot – it’s the perfect way to refuel after days of hiking.) Standing on the Yuanjiajie viewing platform at sunrise, watching those sandstone pillars punch through a sea of clouds like something straight out of a James Cameron movie, I actually got emotional. It’s one of those places where photos genuinely don’t do it justice — you have to feel the mist on your face and hear the wind funneling through the rock formations. ...

Why Sichuan Hotpot Is More Than Just a Meal Hey there, fellow travelers! Are you ready to embark on a spicy adventure in the heart of China? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As an American who has spent over 10 years living in Chengdu, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on all things Sichuan, especially when it comes to the famous Sichuan hotpot. If you’re also a foodie planning a trip to Chengdu, don’t miss our Chinese street food guide – it covers the night markets and street stalls that every first-timer should experience. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you the history, best restaurants, and cultural significance of this delicious dish. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to drool! ...

How a Single Cup of Tea Changed Everything Ah, China, a land that seems to hold a billion secrets, where pandas roam with an air of nonchalance, and tea flows like a liquid poem through the veins of its cities and countryside. As a Californian who has spent over 10 years soaking up the unique charm of Chengdu, I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of delving deep into the enchanting world of Chinese tea culture. And let me tell you, it’s a world that could rival the most elaborate of Tolkien’s Middle-earth in its complexity and allure. ...

What Makes Shanghai’s Hidden Neighborhoods Special Hey there, fellow travelers! You know, when I first landed in Shanghai, I was like a kid in a candy store. The Bund was this shiny, glitzy wonderland that screamed “modern China.” But after a while, I started to feel like I was missing out on the real Shanghai. So, I decided to venture beyond the Bund and discover the hidden neighborhoods and local culture that make this city so special. And let me tell you, it was like opening a whole new box of Chinese treasures. ...