Things to do in 

China

Seek alternative things to do and authentic activity ideas in China, from teahouse corners in Chengdu to canal‑side workshops near Suzhou, moving with a calm, curious rhythm.

Cultural experiences: In Beijing’s Dongcheng hutongs, try paper‑cutting with a neighborhood artist, then sip jasmine tea in a quiet courtyard; seniors appreciate the flat, slow route. In Shanghai’s Jing’an lilongs, join a morning tai chi session and learn mahjong basics over dumplings at a family kitchen; families and couples enjoy the playful pace. In Xi’an near the South Gate, step into a shadow‑puppet studio for a hands‑on look at dyes and leather; it’s an easy add after the City Wall. In Chengdu’s People’s Park, share a tea and gentle ear‑care ritual before a private hot‑pot lesson in the Wuhou area, a favorite for food‑loving luxury travelers.

Day trip ideas: From Shanghai, head to Nanxun Ancient Town (about 2 hours by road) for stone bridges, lake‑edge silk workshops, and a quiet rowboat ride. From Beijing, slip out to Cuandixia Village in the Western Hills for courtyard homes, mule‑track paths, and farmhouse noodles. From Guilin, take the local ferry to Xingping Old Town and ramble riverside lanes before a countryside bike spin to Fuli for fan‑painting. From Guangzhou, detour to the Kaiping Diaolou (about 2.5 hours) to climb watchtowers and hear migration stories; couples often cap it with a slow canal walk in Chikan.

Explore China’s Regions: In Guangxi around Yangshuo, float past karst peaks on a bamboo raft and wander farm lanes to cooking schools tucked in Chaolong. In Yunnan from Dali to Shaxi and Shangri‑La, meet Bai and Naxi artisans, hike village‑to‑village, and warm up with wild‑mushroom dishes. In Fujian near Yongding, step into earthen Tulou clusters and follow tea terraces above Anxi for oolong tastings. Along the Silk Road from Dunhuang to Turpan via Hami, split days between desert grotto art, grape‑draped alleys, and evening market snacks; seniors can use a private vehicle for comfort. In Anhui’s Huangshan, climb stone steps to cloud‑brushed viewpoints, then linger in Hongcun and Xidi’s lanes, a gentle day for photographers and families.

For China’s unique activities and regions, plan 10–12 days for one focused route (for example, Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai or Yunnan only); for two regions, 2–3 weeks keeps travel humane and unhurried.

More places to see in China

Step outside Beijing and you’ll find places that pull you into daily life, deep history, and big scenery. Plan time for a former capital, a laid‑back food city, a riverside countryside, and a Silk Road oasis—each with their own rhythm.



Xi’an: Go early to the Terracotta Army in Lintong to see the vaults before the crowds, then head back for a late‑afternoon ride on the City Wall when the light softens and the air cools. As evening settles, wander the Muslim Quarter along Huimin Street for grilled lamb skewers and warm persimmon cakes, and keep an eye out for the spice stalls tucked near the Great Mosque.



Chengdu: Be at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding when it opens to watch feeding time while the pandas are active. Afterward, unhurried tea at Heming Tea House in People’s Park gives you a window into local life with birdsong and the hum of mahjong. In the evening, catch the face‑changing show at Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera and finish with a late hot pot on Yulin Road if you want the full Sichuan kick.



Yangshuo: Float a bamboo raft down the Yulong River in late morning when mist lifts off the water, then rent a bike and pedal through Jiuxian village past stone houses and orange groves. Close the day with a steady climb up Xianggong Hill for sunset over the karst peaks.



Dunhuang: Book a timed entry for the Mogao Caves to see vivid murals with a guide who knows the stories, then walk the rippled slopes of Mingsha Shan at dusk to reach Crescent Spring as the heat eases. After dark, graze your way through Shazhou Night Market with cumin‑dusted lamb skewers and fresh apricot juice.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Expect mild days and a burst of blossoms from Beijing’s parks to Yunnan’s valleys. Wander tea villages around Hangzhou to watch the Longjing harvest and sip the first pour, then catch Qingming kites floating over riverside promenades, an easy pace for families and seniors.

Summer: Heat and summer rains shape the rhythm, so set out early in big cities or head for cooler highlands like Yunnan, Guizhou, or Huangshan. Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with river races and savoury zongzi, then drift through lantern-lit night markets that suit couples and curious food lovers.

Fall: Skies turn crisp and colours deepen, a favourite time to hike the Great Wall or photograph golden rice terraces in Longji. Trace scarlet leaves in Beijing’s Fragrant Hills and sample vintages in Ningxia, relaxed days that appeal to photographers and luxury travellers.

Winter: The north shimmers with ice and snow in Harbin, while Hainan and parts of Yunnan stay pleasantly warm for a gentler escape. Warm up with bubbling hot pot in Chengdu and stroll old quarters glowing with lanterns around Spring Festival, easy-going for multi-generational groups.

From Spring Festival fireworks and the Lantern Festival’s glowing displays to June’s Dragon Boat races and Mid-Autumn moon-viewing, the calendar keeps traditions in step with the seasons. Seek out the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival for towering sculptures, or watch the Torch Festival ignite summer nights in Yi communities across Yunnan and Sichuan.