Best hotpot restaurants in Shanghai, China

Shanghai might be considered southern China, but in the depths of winter the chill really sets in. This is when locals make a beeline for hot pot restaurants, where vegetables, thinly-sliced meats and other goodies are cooked in a boiling, soupy brew. Here’s where to find them.

Yan Gege (Yàn gégé, 焱格格)

Prominent Hong Kong actor and animal rights activist Lü Songxian founded this vegetarian Beijing-style hot pot restaurant to show off the beauty of produce and clear vegetable broths. Be sure to try the delicious fresh tofus, and the huge selection of mushrooms that take up a whole portion of the menu and tout various different medicinal curative properties. Also delicious are the crisp lotus roots and egg dumplings.

Hong Chang Xing Mutton Hotpot (Hóng zhǎngxìng, 洪长兴)

It’s impossible to miss the towering blue dome when driving on the Yan’an overpass towards the Bund that marks Shanghai’s oldest halal restaurant. Founded in 1891, this century-old restaurant is a family-owned mutton hot pot restaurant, where you’ll find tables huddled around a bubbling pots of clear broth, heated by a charcoal fire. You’ll dip in an array of thinly-sliced meats, vegetables and tofu for a long and perfectly warming meal. While there are other locations, this is the one where the atmosphere is just as interesting as the food itself.

Elixir Health Pot (Wú lǎo guō, 无老锅)

This hot pot serves soup that you could simply drink straight from the pot, as it’s a bubbling potion touted for its health properties and skin rejuvenation by celebrities across Asia. The white ‘collagen’ pot is particularly wholesome (and delicious), made from pork bones and knuckles that have been simmered for hours, until the resulting soup is thick and fragrant, somewhat akin to tonkatsu ramen broth. Later, Chinese herbs including goji berries, ginseng and other roots are added to impart their curative properties. This is a hot pot that rejuvenates as well as warms the belly. Be sure to order their special house made ‘ice cream’ tofu (bīngqílín dòufu, 冰淇淋豆腐), the light little egg dumplings (dànjiǎo, 蛋饺) and the special mushroom platter (蘑菇拼盘, mógupīnpán) to pair.

Holy Cow

Anthony Zhao, the founder of this hot pot spot, trained in some of Shanghai’s finest dining establishments before he broke off to pay tribute to his native Shanghai cuisine. At Holy Cow, the kitchen serves primo, pesticide-free beef from Dalian and vegetables grown on their own farms. They also serve frozen soup dumplings that go into the hot pot and come out fat and delicious. The soup itself also merits being consumed by itself, as it’s a clear meat consomme that’s bolstered with Chinese herbs. It’s a healthful, flavorful and delicious experience sure to satisfy a crowd.

Hai Di Lao (Hǎidǐ lāo huǒguō, 海底捞火锅)

This particular chain is from Sichuan and has made a killing not only for its spicy hot pot, but also for the service. During peak hours, there will generally be a wait for a table, but the staff will make it worth your while. In the lobby, you’ll find free fruit, manicures, shoe shines and more which will help make the time pass quickly. There are several locations around town – this is one of the more popular.

See more: The signature dishes that define Chinese cuisine

Source: Internet

2 days in Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang, as another minority autonomous region in China, is a place dwelled by Uygur people. It is a wonderful place with rich fruits and passional Uygur minority. Here are the best places to visit in Xinjiang, to help you find your way to get close touch with the unique minority culture.

Jiaohe Ancient City

Jiaohe Ancient City is renowned as the "perfect ruin of earth building" because it has been well preserved for almost two thousand years. It is incredible that these earth buildings dug from soil used to be the capital city of the former Cheshi State which housed 700 households, 6500 residents plus 865 soldiers. The whole city covers 360,000 square meters. Most of buildings we can see so far were built during Tang Dynasty. Small but complete, there are specific buildings for manufacture, military defense, official work, etc.

Tianchi Lake

Tianchi Lake or Heavenly Lake is a lake with water from melted snow around. As a natural alpine lake, it has an elevation of 1,980 meters. With limpid water, the lake shines like a sapphire under the sun and is surrounded by green mountains. At the southeast end of the lake is the magnificent Bogda Peak, meaning “Sacred Mountain” in the Mongolian language.

Tianchi literally means ' Heaven Lake ' or ' Heavenly Lake ' and can refer to several lakes in China and Taiwan. Formerly known as Yaochi (Jade Lake), it was named Tianchi by Mingliang in 1783, the Qing Dynasty Commander of Urumqi Command.

Xinjiang Regional Museum

Xinjiang Regional Museum is integrated museum, located in the Urumqi City. It is a beautiful building decorated by Uygur style, and has more than 5,000 arts and history relics. It features in three exhibition hall including Ethnic Exhibition, History Reclics Exhibition, Mummy Exhibition.

Mori Forest of Diversiform-leaved Poplars

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A forest of diversiform-leaved poplars, a tenacious ancient species, can be found at the south edge of Junggar Basin, 150 km away from Mori County, covering an area of 35 square kilometers. With a history of 65 million years, the forest is the oldest primeval forest of diversiform-leaved poplars in the world, and is known as a "living fossil".

Faced with broiling heat and droughts, the forest stills stand in the desert, brimming with energy and life. The trees are described as "having the ability to grow erect for a thousand years, live for a thousand years after falling, and the life remain undying after death for another thousand years."

Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is located about 190 km from the Kashgar City, Xinjiang. It seats at the foot of the Muztagh Ata (7546m), and along the China Pakistan Highway. At an altitude of 3600m, Karakul Lake is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau. It also features in the amazing combination of lake and snow mountain views.

At its surrounding, there are three giant mountains such as Muztagh Ata (7546m), Kongur Tagh (7649m) and Kongur Tiube (7530m) which remain snow-covered throughout the year. The best season to visit Karakul Lake are Summer and Autumn when travelers come in great numbers to see the unreal scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue.

Id Kah Mosque

Photo Matteocolombo Photography

Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China, and one of three largest in middle Asia. It is located on the west of Id Kah Square in Kashgar. Getting close to Id Kah Mosque, you will be impressed by the elegant blue gate of mosque. Id Kah Mosque is the holy land for the Muslims. Every day, there are thousands of Muslims worshipping here. In the history, Id Kah Mosque used to be a school where taught Islam culture. Many scholars and honored clergies graduated from here.

See more: What to eat in Xinjiang, China

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2 day trip to Yunna, China

Located in southern China on the borders of Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos, Yunnan is well on the backpackers trail. This diverse province, home to the highest concentration of Chinese ethnic minorities and over sixteen languages, is arguably one of China’s most beautiful and perfectly demonstrates that China is not a homogeneous country. Tourism makes up over 12 percent of the province’s GDP, but due to its size and incredible number of attractive destinations, few spots feel overcrowded at any one time.

Lijiang Ancient City

Being one of the only 2 ancient cities listed as the World Cultural Heritage in China, Lijiang Ancient City is a must-go place. Its more than 800 years history enables the ancient city be filled with rich antique flavor, therefore, you can not only see those very fancy Mu’s Residence and other old houses, bridges, attractive natural landscape in places like Black Dragon Pool, but also be immersed in the featured ancient romance of Lijiang people and the shining culture of Naxi people.

Kunming

Known as the “spring city” for its equable climate, Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is an enjoyable place to spend two or three leisure days.

During the daytime, you can take a deep breath while observing the rarely-seen karst landscape at Stone Forest, which was also recognized as the natural oxygen zone of china. When the dark comes, you can enjoy a grand and unique dance musical show name Dynamic Yunnan Impression Show at Kunming auditorium. The show will display different dances of the minority tribes in Yunnan to you. Kunming is also the transport hub of Yunnan province. For most of the time, Kunming is served as the gateway city to transfer to its amazing surrounding wonders, such as Dali, Shangri-La, and Lijiang.

See more: Top must-visit destinations in Kunming, China

Dongchuan Red Land

Located at the northeast of Kunming city, Dongchuan Red Land is a wonderful place to get close to the nature’s cool fabricate and shot for a series of excellent photos. Being the most magnificent red land besides that in Rio de Janeiro, Dongchuan Red Land shows amazing sightseeing before you, with layers of red colors from bright to dark, which is extremely rare.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Yuanyang Rice Terraces, superposed layer upon layer, was created by the Hani nationality in south Yunnan for more than 1,200 years. One top thing to do in Yuanyang is to see the spectacular sunrise and sunset view of the rice terraces; another is to feel the unique customs of Hani villages.

These terraces are divided into four parts, namely, Bada, Laohuzui, Duoyishu and Qingkou. The golden clouds at sunrise in Duoyishu Rice Terraces are the most attractive. There is a large slope in Duoyishu Village for watching the sunrise, which can accommodate over 1,000 people at the same time. If you want to shoot the sunrise, getting up early to take the best position is necessary. The sunset of Laohuzui and the clouds sea of Qingkou will not let you down.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a dramatic and scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, winding its way between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Hiking the length of the gorge will require several days and some strenuous trails not recommended for beginners. It is possible to drive the length of the gorge as well, although the hiking trail offers more varied scenery.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

30 kilometers from Lijiang downtown, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a very sacred status among the local Naxi people. As the southernmost mountain and a well-known mountain in China, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rich in multiple types of glaciers, eye-pleasing sightseeing of snow of its 13 peaks, distinct beautiful scenery in all seasons, etc. Moreover, you will be amazed at the large-scale live-action performance in Ganhaizi, which provides you the real history and life in Lijiang this charming destination.

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Best attractions to visit in Guangzhou, China

Designated as a special economic zone, Guangzhou was the first part of China to boom and the city continues to lead the country’s economic growth. Below are some of the best sights in Guangzhou.

Guangzhou Opera House

Recipient of a raft of international architecture awards and a blushing amount of critical praise the Guangzhou Opera House is a flagship construction projects and one of the most impressive Opera houses ever built. Accurately described as smooth pebbles floating on a river bed, the building is at once relentlessly urban but also subtle, fluid with easy contours and unpredictable turns. While it’s the architecture that’s the attraction the hall is also​ a regular host to world-class operas and theatre.

Shamian Island

Shamian Island was the site of the original foreign trading settlement – and foreigners from Britain, France and several other countries were confined to the island. Much of the colonial architecture they erected remains, from grand, veranda fronted buildings to the Protestant and Catholic churches that remain in service. It’s still possible to get an impression of a colonial time gone by. Read the full guide to Shamian Island.

Canton Tower

China has an almost addictive attraction of throwing up skyscrapers and nowhere is it more noticeable than Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The twisting, turning, gravity defying Canton Tower was once – albeit briefly – the tallest building in the world and still towers over the first of skyscrapers in the city. Nicknamed twisted firewood due to its sweeping braided appearance, visitors can take in the view from the 108th-floor observation deck or take a trip around the very top of the tower inside a cable car. As well as views over Guangzhou there are also a number of swanky restaurants in the tower.

Six Banyan Tree Temple

Guangzhou doesn’t really revel in its history as much as it should. Few cities can claim to have influenced the world as much as Guangzhou – from gunpowder and fireworks to its immigrants who can be found in every far-flung corner of the globe. One of the best historical sights in Guangzhou is the Six Banyan Tree Temple. Originally built back in 537, the current building dates from 1373 and was restored in the 1900s. The complex features a number of ornate temples and halls that you are free to visit as well as an impressive and – when climbed – exhausting – eight-storey pagoda.

Chime Long Circus

There is good news and there is bad news here. The Chime Long circus is one of the biggest and the best in the world, employing world class acrobats, clowns and dancers who perform in Broadway quality choreographed stunts and acts. The performances are on par with everything Cirque du Soleil can throw together – some would say better. The bad news is the animals. Despite a burgeoning international reputation the Chime Long Circus continues to involve animals – including tired looking elephants and grumpy looking bears – in their acts. They’re not entertaining and they’re not needed and until Chime Long does away with them you may feel like crossing them off your visit list.

See more: The worth-visiting cities in China

Source: Internet

Explore the most beautiful regions of China in 7 days

China is the world’s second-largest country and home to a plethora of different natural environments to explore. From some of the highest mountains the earth has to offer in Tibet, all the way to the harsh deserts of Xinjiang Province in the west, China’s landscapes are varied and breathtaking.

Everything about China’s most beautiful regions is done in superlatives. The Pacific coast of this giant country stretches for an incredible 9,000 miles. It boasts the second and sixth-longest rivers in the world, the Yangtze and the Yellow River. It is got subtropical forests in the south, along with towering mountain ranges. All this nature, combined with one of the world’s oldest cultures makes China a dream destination.

Northern China

The northern region used to the culture center of China. It is also the cradle of Chinese civilization. Here are three greatest ancient capital cities, Beijing, Xian and Luoyang. Dunhuang, the important destination of ancient Silk Road, has the most fabulous Buddhism arts. Pingyao is famous for its Shanxi Merchants’ culture. Datong is fascinating for its Buddhism sculpture art and gorgeous temples.

Southwestern China

The southwestern area is one of the most charming region in China. Here you can explore wild and unique ethnic culture in Lijiang, find the last horizon in Shangri-La, get close contact with the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, climb one of the top four Buddhism mountains, Mount Emei and visit Giant Buddha in Leshan, enjoy amazing waterscape of Jiuzhaigou, take a spiritual trip to Lhasa, etc.

Northwestern China

Spreading all the way from Xi’an and its Terracotta Warriors in the east to the western province of Xinjiang, Northwestern China is a truly vast area. This is a wild region, where the Silk Route passed through for hundreds of years. Only four percent of China’s population live here in the deserts, mountains, and wide-open plains.

To really feel the wilderness, a trip to Dunhuang would be a good idea. This oasis is situated on the very edge of the unforgiving Taklamakan Desert and is famed for its Buddhist cave art. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Crescent Lake and the enormous Singing Sand Dune. This place is all about desert scenery that is for sure.

See more: Top 10 attractions to visit in Xian, China

Southern Central China

The best highlight of the southern central China consists of three parts including the stunning natural landscape, fascinating Lingnan culture and vibrant representative cities of China' Speed.

Diverse landforms creates unique vision feast for eyes, dominating stone mountains of Avatar world Zhangjiajie, peaceful and charming karst landscape in Guilin. The Yangtze River shows her most beautiful face in this region. Don’t miss the Oriental Pearl - Hong Kong, Gambling Paradise - Macau, Shenzhen, Kung Fu and Cantonese Cuisine City – Foshan.

East China

Historically where Qing Dynasty China was forced to open ports like Qingdao, Shanghai, and Xiamen (aka Amoy) to the west, East China is now one of China’s most booming regions. Places like Suzhou are heavily visited for their classical gardens, for instance, and so is West Lake, in the center of Hangzhou.

But for wilder nature, head to Anji County in Zhejiang Province, home to a sprawling 235 square miles of bamboo forest. Lake Tai, one of China’s largest lakes, features over 90 islands and is linked to Beijing by the famous Grand Canal, the oldest canal in the world. Mount Wuyi is a scenic area in Fujian Province. It is an ancient volcanic landscape with masses of gorges and caves, and ample opportunities to see the improbable curves of the Nine Bend River from on high.

Source Internet

How to spend a day in Tianjin, China

With the fascinating scenery and profuse resources, it is a time-honored cultural city with potential tourism value. As the political and economic center of Bohai region, Tianjin is the largest coastal city located in North China. Blessed with a variety of attractions, this is a good place to explore. There are also many natural scenes of beauty as well as great historical events.

Haihe River

As the mother river and symbol of Tianjin, the Haihe River, 72 kilometers long, runs through the city and out to the Bohai Sea. A total of 21 bridges stand over the Haihe River and each constitutes a scenic attraction, forming a distinctive bridge culture throughout the region. Rising over the spectacular Yongle Bridge is the Tianjin Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel which lights up the city every night.

Eye of Tianjin (Ferris Wheel)

Ferris Wheel (Eye of Tianjin) is a 120-meter tall giant ferries wheel built above the Yongle Bridge (formerly Chihai Bridge), over the Haihe River in Tianjin, China. It is claimed to be the only such wheel to have been constructed over a bridge in the world. It is known as one of the landmarks of Tianjin City. If you would like to see the night view on the ferry wheel, make sure you go on a clear night and you can see the whole city of Tianjin.

Wu Da Dao (Five Great Avenues)

Five Great Avenues is a rectangular region located in the south of the downtown, in Heping District, Tianjin. There are five parallel streets from east to west named under five cities of southwest China, namely Chongqing, Changde, Dali, Munan and Machang. And this is how it got its name. Those featured factors constitute a true fun of art in this attraction. While seated in a horse-drawn carriage in Five Great Avenues, it provides an opportunity to see the truly unique cityscape. It has become a destination for visitors, which truly showcases the city's charm and history.

The Florentia Village outlets

The Florentia Village outlets, located on the outskirts of Tianjin, is a high-end outlet mall housing more than 200 fashion brands: including Prada, Bvlgari, Celine, Chloe, Fendi and Jimmy Choo. The outlets boast the "ultimate shopping experience" since its opening in 2011, with discounted prices all year round. It also features Italian-style architecture, as well as Italian and international cuisines.

Tianjin TV Tower

Located on the east side of the Water Amusement Park, Hexi District of the southern part of the city, Tianjin TV Tower is called Tian Ta for short and is famous for a sky-high tower over water. The tower measures 415.2 meters, and is known as the fourth highest tower in the world after the ones in Toronto, Moscow and Shanghai. It is used primarily for communication. Approximately two-thirds up the tower is an observation pod with floor space 253 meters (830 feet) (used mostly for communication equipment). It is a member (10th tallest) of the World Federation of Great Towers.

See more: 6 best foods to try in Tianjin, China

Source: Internet

The worth-visiting cities in China

A picturesque country full of diverse landscapes, cuisine and culture, China boasts captivating cities that showcase its colorful contrasts, from gleaming skyscrapers to cobbled alleyways. It is a country where you can experience ancient traditions and visit world-class attractions, and spend your time exploring iconic landmarks, meeting pandas and meandering through the quiet countryside. From the Great Wall in Beijing to the UNESCO-listed streets of Lijiang, here are some of the best cities to visit in China.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a city that sprawls and seethes with the energy of more than 24 million people and is one of the world’s largest cities. It gradually increased in importance as a city throughout the dynastic ages of the Song and Ming, but it was under the Qing that it boomed to become the most important trading port on the Yangtze River Delta.

In the present day Shanghai is much the same and the shimmering skyscrapers on the Bund are testament to the city’s trading power. You will still find traces of the old however in the numerous historic buildings and the leafy canals of the French Concession.

Hangzhou

Famed for its natural scenery, Hangzhou and its West Lake have been immortalized by countless poets and artists. In the 13th century Marco Polo described the city as the most beautiful and magnificent in the world. Hangzhou’s most famous sight, West Lake, is a large lake separated by causeways and lined with ancient buildings and gardens designed for relaxation and spirituality. Visitors will find pagodas, temples, walking paths and tea farms along its shores.

Chengdu

Found in the Sichuan province, Chengdu is China’s panda capital. Home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, this city is one of the best places to see these iconic animals.
The research base is dedicated to the breeding and conservation of giant pandas, with a population that has grown from just six in 1987 to over 80 today. And alongside observing them, visitors can learn all about the species at the Giant Panda Museum. Whilst in Chengdu, be sure to check out the city’s tea house culture. The city is also famous for its Sichuan cuisine, so don’t leave without trying a bite or two.

Guilin

Guilin, with its marvelous limestone scenery, is renowned as one of the most beautiful place on earth. On his tour, Former US President Nixon remarked: "I have found that no city can surpass the beauty of Guilin."

Xi’an

Guilin is an hour due west from Hong Kong by air. A tour of Hong Kong can be easily combined with a Guilin tour for visa-free travel.

Xi’an was once the start of the indispensable Silk Road that made commerce between many countries in Eurasia possible. It was also the imperial seat for no fewer than eleven dynasties, before the unification of China between 1000 BC and 1000 AD making it one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Its most famous attractions is the rather recently discovered Terracotta Army, the protectors of the tomb of the first emperor of China. Xi’an also boast 14th century city walls that are more than 12 km (8 miles) long. They are not only a part of the city history, but traveling in Xi’an sometimes requires going under, on or around them.

See more: Top 10 attractions to visit in Xian, China

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and a typical big city that never sleeps. With a population of over 21 million, it is slightly smaller than Shanghai, although it is also the political center of the country and home of iconic spots like Tiananmen Square.

One of the big draws here is the fascinating Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived, and you will find opulent ceramics, artwork, fountains and thrones here. The National Museum of China is also located in Beijing and is one of the most acclaimed art institutions in the country.

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The unusual things to do in Beijing, China

The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Olympic precinct, eye-popping temples around every corner, Beijing is home to a lengthy list of huge tourist drawcards that attract equally huge crowds. But if you are looking for attractions that you might not find in the guidebooks, try these unusual things to do around the Chinese capital.

Ride a tandem bike around Houhai Lake

Houhai Lake is one of the hippest spots in Beijing. It is also known as the “back lake” and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and boutiques set along cobblestone lanes.
To save on rickshaw fees, hit up one of the bicycle rental stands, which rent by the hour and day, and pedal yourself around the lake. You can even pick up a three-person tandem.

Eat creepy crawlies at Wangfujing Snack Street

While the Wangfujing Snack Street might be touristy, there is no doubt that it is unusual. Scorpions on a stick, silkworms, rabbit heads, seahorses, donkey meat, boiled tripe, snake, wasp larvae, pig brains, lamb spine, the infamous fermented ‘stinky tofu’, these dishes certainly are not what Western visitors are used to seeing on the menu. You will find similar stalls at the Donghuamen Night Market near the Forbidden City, too.

Go karaoke

Karaoke is a staple of the social fabric in China, just like in other East Asian nations. Do not miss out. Venues can be found in most hotels and seemingly along every major street. They are sometimes called KTV, so watch for that on signs.

Check in and pay for a specified amount of time at the front desk, after which you will be escorted to a private room with audio-visual equipment, microphones, a TV, and couches. You can order drinks and sometimes food.

Delve into an underground palace

Located 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of Beijing, the Dingling Tomb is a subterranean mausoleum offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past. While Chairman Mao raided many of the other 13 famous Ming Dynasty Tombs during the Cultural Revolution, this one was opened as a museum in 1959, inviting visitors inside the haunting 400-year-old burial place of the Wanli emperor and his two empresses.

Try cupping therapy

Around China, you will notice some people with giant purple polka-dots on their skin. It is not an exotic disease; it is evidence of cupping therapy, an ancient form of traditional medicine where heated cups are applied to the skin creating local suction.

Cupping therapy is believed to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from rheumatic diseases to blood disorders and skin problems, even though no evidence exists to support these claims.

See more: Dishes you must try before leaving Beijing

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