Things to do in China Archives - China Tours https://www.chinatours.com/category/things-to-do-in-china/ China Private Tours, China Travel Agency Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:11:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Beijing Nightlife: the Ultimate Guide to a Real Experience of Beijing at Night https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/beijing-night-life/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:22:01 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99172 Curious about Beijing nightlife and wondering how to maximize the free time in the evenings on a Beijing tour? Look no further than this Beijing nightlife guide created by Beijing tour guides, who know all the best spots to be. With nights just as important as the days for maximizing precious time on your visit to […]

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Beijing nightlife

Curious about Beijing nightlife and wondering how to maximize the free time in the evenings on a Beijing tour?

Look no further than this Beijing nightlife guide created by Beijing tour guides, who know all the best spots to be.

With nights just as important as the days for maximizing precious time on your visit to Beijing, having a plan for what to do at night and create even more memories is a must.

Beijing nightlife

Whether you long for the majestic sight of Beijing at night with its red lanterns and lights, or you’re eager to mix with locals, Beijing is a vibrant and dynamic city at night. You just need to know where to go.

Use this traveler’s ultimate guide to enjoy the best that nightlife in Beijing has to offer.

Grab a bite and beverage

Good food, good times, great memories!

Beijing nightlife culture is definitely fun. With a strong expatriate community demanding tastes from home, there are plenty of places to grab a chilled beer, enjoy a burger, and mix locals, both Chinese and from overseas.

With our local expert’s ear to the ground, we’ve found three great food and drink venues for your China holiday.

Slow Boat Brewery Taproom

Beijing nightlife

Named for the song Slow Boat to China by Frank Loesser, this popular bar emulates the feel and atmosphere of a gentle, relaxing voyage. Serving a variety of meals and tasty burgers, Slow Boat has built a reputation for its seasonal small-batch brews.

Owned by two expat American, this bar a swag of awards to its name, including Best Burger, Best Hutong Bar, and Outstanding Local Craft Beer. A bar for the hip and upwardly mobile, you’ll find Slow Boat nestled in a quaint little alley with two red lanterns above the entrance. Small it may be, but you’ll love the cozy ambiance and fantastic service.

Find it: No.56-2 Dongsi Batiao Alley, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Check them out: www.slowboatbrewery.com

Great Leap Brewing: a craft brewing staple of Beijing nightlife

Great Leap Brewing has pioneered the craft beer scene in Beijing nightlife since it opened in 2010.

With the owners, Carl and Liu Fang priding themselves on their crafting ability, their claim that “Exceptional craft beer” is more than just a product at Great Leap Brewing, “It’s a responsibility!”.

The bar is regularly full of expats, locals, and travelers enjoying the American-style pub eats of french fries and burgers. When you visit their bar in the traditional Beijing siheyuan, be sure to venture out to the courtyard. That way, you can make like a local and sample their goods, appreciating fine local Chinese ingredients like Qingdao Flower Hops found in their 20+ craft beers.

Find it: No.45-1, Xinyuan Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Check them out: www.greatleapbrewing.com

Janes and Hooch

A popular luxury bar in Beijing, Janes, and Hooch combine friendly service, great music, and an on-trend rustic ambiance. The upmarket style of Janes and Hooch does mean the price tag is slightly higher, but the taste and atmosphere definitely makes it worthwhile. Food is straightforward, of exceptional quality, and a little cheeky! With menu items like 50 Shades of Oolong and The Filthy Martini, a visit here will make a Beijing nightlife adventure.

Find it: No.4 Worker’s Stadium North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Check them out: www.janeshooch.com

Wangfujing snack street: perfect Beijing nightlife food

Beijing nightlife

Want to create beautiful travel food memories?

On your Beijing tour, make a stop at Wangfujing snack street. Although we’re talking Beijing nightlife, a visit to Wangfujing snack street is good any time of day.

Wangfujing is usually associated with shopping, and there is certainly plenty to be had in Wangfujing snack street. However, the real star of this Beijing food mecca is the traditional local snacks.

Bustling with tourists and locals till the early hours, Wangfujing snack street offers an authentic Beijing culinary experience. From the incredibly popular sugar-coated haws or tanghulu on a stick to Baodu, to fried scorpion and Douzhir, otherwise known as mung bean milk.

Experience these unique Beijing tastes for an unforgettable night of food.

Find it: Wangfujing Snack Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Go to a Beijing club

The people of Beijing are polite, hard-working, and decent. However, like anywhere in the world, after a long day in the office, the locals gather at one of these three clubs in Beijing, to let go of the day. On your China tour and wanting a taste of real Beijing nightlife? Any one of these three unique Beijing nightclubs provides a unique insight into local nightlife.

Mix Club

Beijing nightlife

With four simultaneous dance floors, each with their own DJ’s and music, Club Mix earns the title of Beijing’s largest dance club.

As far as Nightclubs go, drinks are pricey but given you’re rubbing shoulders with A-listers and Chinese celebrities, you might be prepared to forgive them.

Find it: North gate of Worker’s Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing

MAO Livehouse

MAO Livehouse, or Musician Audience Organizer, is a chain of live venues across China. Other than the Beijing Livehouse, MAO captivates audiences in Shanghai, Chongqing, Kunming, and Hangzhou.

Since MAO started tuning into what fans wanted over 10 years ago, they’ve served more than 2.5 million music lovers with over 2,500 concerts, collaborating with more than 1,000 internationally recognized artists.

Beijing live music lovers have a saying about MAO: where there’s the MAO, there’s live music! Be sure to add it to your Beijing nightlife must-see list.

Find it: No.111 Gulou East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

LevelUp Barcade

Beijing nightlife

After legendary gaming bar, 8-Bit, closed its doors in early-2018, LevelUp Barcade has quickly become the new haven for gaming buffs.

Patrons go head-to-head, challenging each other to battles of skill, wit, and button-mashing fury. Contest with locals on iconic games like Super Smash, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart. With food and drinks available and plenty of good-hearted competition, LevelUp Barcade is a club like no other. So plug in and beat down!

Find it: Building 13, No.3 Caijing East Road, Haidian District

Go to a Beijing show

With a history spanning millennia, and tall tales filled with drama, emotion, and not so happy endings, China sure knows how to put on a show.

Hosting some of the world’s best theatrical performances, with soulful melodies, fantastical tales, and death-defying Kung Fu, it was hard making a list of just four Beijing shows.

The Legend of Kung Fu at Red Theater in Beijing

Beijing nightlife

Witness true Chinese martial arts at its best with this inspiring Kung Fu show.

The legend of Kung Fu showcased in the Red Theatre is a high-intensity performance with a moving story to back it up. The thrilling pace and incredible detail of the stage design take audiences to another time. Showcasing professional martial artists ranging in age from ten years to much older, the spectacular Kung fu action will leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast, or just have a soft spot for the young boy wishing to become a master, this is truly an unforgettable Beijing nightlife experience.

Find it: No.44 Xingfu Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Peking Opera at Liyuan Theater

Beijing nightlife

With a history spanning centuries, Peking or Beijing opera is a distinctive style of Chinese opera.

Now performed at the Liyuan Theater, the Peking Opera originated when the famous four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing.

A true cultural treasure, the Beijing Opera showcases the time-honored traditions and routines of this unique art form. Speak with your local Beijing guide to book.

Find it: No.175 Yongan Road, Xuanwu District, Beijing

Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theater

Beijing nightlife

There is no language block or cultural barrier here, just the easy to understand the result of unbelievable hard-work and dedication.

Arguably the best performing arts show China, the “Kingdom of Acrobatics” in Beijing’s Chaoyang Theater is a truly spectacular performance. With its brain-bending stunts and graceful choreography, the acrobatics performed by this troupe are packed with color and excitement.

The Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show is definitely in a league of its own and is probably one of the most exhilarating nightlife activities Beijing has to offer. Purchase tickets in advance as the venue sells out fast.

Find it: No.36 North Road of East 3rd Ring, Chaoyang District, Beijing

The Golden Mask Dynasty Performance in Beijing

Beijing nightlife

An original Chinese masterpiece, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ has eight spellbinding chapters and includes more than 200 performers. Proudly produced by all Chinese playwrights, directors, and designers, the show creates an incredible story of China in a mythical era.

Telling a deeply imaginative portrayal of war, royal conquest, and great obstacles, the central character is a queen who wore a golden mask and created a prosperous dynasty. As with many Chinese stories, catastrophe struck and the queen of the Golden Mask Dynasty was faced with sacrificing herself for the safety of her homeland.

Find it: Xiaowuji North Road, Chaoyang District

Enjoy Beijing Night Life with China.Tours.com

Whether it’s a full night out, or early to bed, ChinaTours.com can help create the Beijing nightlife experience you’d love to have. With our local guides knowledgeable about what’s on, and contactable 24 hours a day, you’re in safe hands. So unwind and relax with your Beijing getaway and leave the rest to us!

ChinaTours.com is a leading provider of day and multi-day tours in and around China. Serving travelers who want an experience of real China for over ten years, ChinaTours.com offers small group and private tours to over 20 destinations in China with our most popular listed under Best China Tours. Book online or connect with one of our China tour experts and we’ll help you create the perfect China tour package and beautiful travel memories.

A ChinaTours.com tour is synonymous with authentic travel experiences, taking in the best of China’s culture, history, cuisine and people. Looking for a real experience of China but don’t know how to create the perfect tour itinerary? Our dedicated team of travel consultants who know China tours will take care of every detail. Traveling to 20 unique China destinations, including Beijing, we’ll make sure you create beautiful travel memories when you tour with us. Enquire now.

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Beijing Shopping Streets: Our 10 Picks for the Ultimate Shopping Experience https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/beijing-shopping-streets/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:47:32 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99160 Beijing shopping streets, heaven on earth for the shopaholics amongst us, and a must-do when visiting Beijing, preferably on a Beijing tour with us at ChinaTours.com. Now, you may think, “Wait a second. Doesn’t ChinaTours.com have a strict no shopping stop policy?” You are absolutely right. We value our guides and drivers and therefore pay them fair wages so […]

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Beijing shopping

Beijing shopping streets, heaven on earth for the shopaholics amongst us, and a must-do when visiting Beijing, preferably on a Beijing tour with us at ChinaTours.com.

Now, you may think, “Wait a second. Doesn’t ChinaTours.com have a strict no shopping stop policy?”

You are absolutely right. We value our guides and drivers and therefore pay them fair wages so they don’t need to rely on the commission received from forced shopping-stops for income.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go on a shopping spree on your Bejing tour. Our guides are always happy to point out the best Beijing shopping streets to you.

Beijing shopping

Want to have a little pre-shopping fun? We made you a list of the top 10 Beijing shopping streets you must visit when in China.

#1 Hustle and bustle on Wangfujing Street

Beijing shopping

Number one in our top 10 of Beijing shopping streets is Wangfujing Street (or Wangfujing Dajie). It’s one of Beijing’s oldest shopping streets, and internationally famous for its unique shopping culture. Wangfujing Street is a lively street where you’ll find anything from the quaintest, traditional curio shops to the newest, cutting-edge designer stores.

Wangfujing Street is within walking distance from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and easily accessible by public transport. Ask your guide how to get there, or make sure you download the app CityMaps2Go before your journey.

#2 Glitter and glamour on Xidan Commercial Street

Beijing shopping

There’s something for everyone at Xidan Commercial Street. You could easily spend the whole day feasting your eyes on the many big brands and small boutiques standing side by side in this modern Beijing shopping street. Every day, locals and foreign travelers alike, swarm into Xidan Commercial Street to seek pleasure in shopping. At night, Xidan Commercial Street turns into a fairytale, with its glittering lights and glamorous entertainment. Xidan Commercial Street is located in the Xicheng district and is easy to get to by public transport.

#3 Trend meets tradition on Qianmen Street

Beijing shopping

Travel back in time to Beijing’s oldest commercial area. Qianmen Street is a bustling area, packed with time-honored stores. No large shopping malls here, just clusters of old, traditional shops, polished by time. There’s an old-fashioned tram running through the street, and beautiful vintage lights make the place worthy for a late-night stroll. Qianmen Street is a vivid epitome of almost 600 years of commercial history in Beijing. Tucked away in the ancient-style buildings, you can find anything, from modern shops to traditional Chinese medicine, luxurious silk, and quirky, old bookstores. Qianmen Street is located near Tiananmen Square and is easily accessible by public transport.

#4 Bargain hunting on Silk Street

Beijing shopping

An absolute must Beijing shopping experience is an authentic Chinese shopping experience in Silk Street. Silk Street in the Chaoyang District is the place to be. Catch a late-afternoon bus or metro there, and marvel at the abundance of Chinese specialties, such as silk, tea, and pearls, or bargain with the local shop owners, some of whom speak several foreign languages. Besides shopping, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some artisan action too. Watch a craftsman mold a Tianjin clay figurine, or admire the art of Zhejiang paper cutting.

#5 Silver Street, a local’s hotspot

Beijing shopping

Shop like a local in Silver Street, the ultimate favorite of the Beijing locals. This 2.7 kilometers long street is located in the Dongcheng District and easily accessible by bus. Silver Street has countless shops where you can buy anything, from clothes and jewelry to homeware. In addition, you’ll find a range of traditional handicrafts, such as the famous Beijing snuff bottles. With so many different stores, you’ll undoubtedly find what you need in Silver Street.

#6 Trinkets and treasures at Panjiayuan Antique Market

Beijing shopping

Go to Beijing’s largest flea market, located in the Chaoyang District, where you will find piles of one-of-a-kind finds. With over 3000 shops and stalls, Panjiayuan Antique Market is a must-visit for both the serious collectors, on the hunt for unique Chinese treasures, and the casual strollers, swooping for a surprising souvenir, such as calligraphy, ceramics, or even memorabilia from the Cultural Revolution.

Stores are open every day, and the street stalls run on Saturdays and Sundays. Remember, an early bird catches the worm so be sure to catch an early bus or metro, to avoid the chaotic weekend crowds.

#7 Gulou East Street: new discoveries in old Beijing

Beijing shopping

New meets old in Gulou East Street, one of the main streets in Beijing’s old Hutong district, and easily reached by bus. You’ll find all kinds of eccentric things like vintage clothing, video games, quirky animation, and something truly retro -a traditionally-made rice-paper umbrella. While you’re there, pop into one of Gulou East Street’s many cafes, bars, or restaurants for a delicious Hutong treat.

#8 Arts and crafts on Liulichang Cultural Street

Beijing shopping

Immerse yourself into hundreds of years of commercial culture. Liulichang Cultural Street is a shopping heaven for art lovers and artists alike. You’ll find lots of high-quality Chinese art, such as ancient books, calligraphy, paintings, and much more. Liulichang Cultural Street is located in the Xuanwu District, and you can easily get there by metro or bus.

#9 Afternoon tea on Maliandao Tea Street

Fancy some afternoon tea after a morning of sightseeing? Why not hop on the metro or bus, and visit Beijing’s largest tea market. Maliandao Tea Street has more than 100 tea shops, and about five tea halls collecting thousands of different kinds of teas from all across China. Each shop has its own special area for tasting the different kinds of teas, and the owners are always happy to share tips and tricks on how to distinguish the quality of tea, or how to sip your tea like a professional.

#10 Finish the day at Shichahai (or Houhai) Bar Street

With over 100 bars, restaurants, and cafes, Shichahai Bar Street is the ideal nighttime hangout after a day of sightseeing and shopping. Both travelers and locals head here to grab a drink, listen to some live music, or sing karaoke. However, Shichahai is not only worth a visit at night. Surrounded by the beautiful Shichahai Lake and one of the oldest Beijing Hutongs, it’s also perfect for a leisurely stroll during the day.

There seems to be a never-ending array of shops, shopping centers, and malls sprouting up in Beijing, which makes Beijing shopping an almost inevitable part of your China tour in Beijing.

Tour with ChinaTours.com

Want to avoid the commission-based shopping stops, and instead, have an authentic shopping experience in Beijing? Talk to our ChinaTours.com experts today, and book one of our many Beijing tours.

Are you a culture aficionado who wants an authentic experience when you travel? The team at ChinaTours.com is too. Designing small group, private and custom China tours is in our DNA. As a family-owned business, we’re committed to opening up a whole new world of China to Western travelers. We focus on giving our guests a genuine experience of the history, culture, and cuisine of Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan just to name a few. We love to do this in ways that build bridges and forge understanding between people. Ready for a China tour package made of beautiful travel memories? Talk to ChinaTours.com – the friendliest China tour company. 

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A Nature Lover’s List of Things to Do in Guilin https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/guilin-top-things-to-do/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:08:07 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99150 Sitting against a backdrop of natural landscapes and scenery, with incredible karst mountains, lush rice fields, and beautiful lakes, you know you’ll find plenty of things to do in Guilin. You could take a half day cruise, and float upstream the Li River all the way to the ancient village of Yangshuo. Or explore real rural […]

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Things to do in Guilin

Sitting against a backdrop of natural landscapes and scenery, with incredible karst mountains, lush rice fields, and beautiful lakes, you know you’ll find plenty of things to do in Guilin.

You could take a half day cruise, and float upstream the Li River all the way to the ancient village of Yangshuo. Or explore real rural China on a full day trip out of the city, into the Longji terraced rice fields, and its picturesque surrounding villages.

Nevertheless, a trip to Guilin is like walking into paradise. If natural beauty is what you’re looking for, Guilin is the perfect place to be. But with so much natural beauty to witness, the hardest bit is choosing what to do first.

That’s why we created a list of things to do in Guilin. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the exotic scenery of beautiful Guilin.

Things to do in Guilin

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Li River

Things to do in Guilin

Maybe you haven’t heard of the city of Guilin before, but you probably have heard of the Chinese classic beauty, the Li River. The river is the hallmark of the Guilin landscape and immediately reminds you of an ink-wash painting.

Unwind, and enjoy the slow pace and captivating scenery on a cruise along the Li River, where verdant hills form a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets, and cooking smoke curling upwards in rural villages. If you’re lucky, you may see some trained cormorants catching fish the traditional way, a skill once practiced all throughout South-East China.

Got inspired? Why not book one of our Guilin tours that include a Li River cruise, like our Guilin 1 Day tour.

Travel back in time in the ancient town of Yangshuo

Things to do in Guilin

After half a day of sailing up the Li River, you will enter a county called Yangshuo, famed for its graceful tranquillity and enchanting natural landscape. Step off the boat and into an atmosphere of history.

Visit the ancient town of Xingping, Yangshuo’s true gem, with scenic sites, such as the Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal, and an abundance of historical relics and traditional dwellings that remain much the same as they were in the ancient time.

Then, head over to West Street, where old meets new. West Street is a bustling place, crammed with old houses, cafes, and bars. We strongly recommend going souvenir shopping if you have some time to spare.

Marvel at the secret workings of nature

Things to do in Guilin

Nestled in Guilin’s city center is the famed Elephant Trunk Hill. A masterpiece of karst landscape that resembles a giant elephant, drinking water with its long trunk. It’s a fascinating and inspiring place that has become a top choice for travelers to catch their very first glimpse of Guilin’s legendary scenery.

Travel 7.4 kilometers further northwest, and marvel at another awe-inspiring wonder of nature. The Reed Flute Cave takes you into a bizarre, underground world, made of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave has been a tourist hotspot since the Tang Dynasty and even shows inscriptions left by ancient celebrities.

Feeling intrigued? Why not dive into the captivating spirit of Guilin by exploring with one of our specialty Guilin tours.

Release your inner culture vulture in Longsheng County

Things to do in Guilin

Dating all the way back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1863), the terraced landscape in Longsheng County is considered the best all around China, both in scale as in grandeur.

The scenery of the rice fields changes along with the seasons. However, no matter which season you prefer traveling in, the terrace looks stunning anyway, from the glittering mirrors in spring, and lush green carpets in summer, to the stunning golden yarn in autumn, and silvery-white icy fields in winter. While you’re there, visit some of the surrounding rural villages, where the Zhuang and Yao people live the life of ethnic minorities. Their traditional architecture, clothing, and customs will create a lasting memory.

Looking to release your inner culture vulture and meet with Longsheng County’s ethnic minority cultures? Book our Longji Terraced Rice Field Private Tour and get up close with local rice growers and the heart of China.

Try the delicious taste of Guilin cuisine

Things to do in Guilin

When talking about Guilin cuisine, the first dish that comes mind is Guilin rice noodles. Guilin’s most renowned dish and one of the city’s iconic symbols. These mouth-watering noodles are delicate and soft, with a smooth texture, and topped with a special bone soup made of chopped pig’s or cow’s gut, minced onion, pepper, coriander, and a few drops of sesame oil.

But rice noodles aren’t the only dish Guilin cuisine has to offer. You’ll find the distinguishing spicy and sour flavors of Guilin in many other foods, such as the fiery Guilin chili sauce, Yangshuo beer fish, Guizhou snails, and traditional rice cakes like Aiyebaba, Ciba, and Matigao.

Experience the taste of China with ChinaTours.com

Fancy a gourmet experience while visiting Guilin? Joint ChinaTours.com on one of our extended Guilin tours, capturing the culinary essence of this city’s natural beauty.

Explore everything there is to know about the real Guilin with ChinaTours.com. Our Guilin tours allow you to truly experience the city of natural beauty in either a small group tour with a set itinerary or a tailor-made private tour, both led by experienced local Guilin tour guides.

You may also want to check out what is included in our popular Beijing toursXian toursTibet tours or have a look at the many other different China tour packages that we offer.

A small group, private or custom tour is the ideal way to experience China when you travel with the friendliest China tour company. Arranging specialized inbound China tours for over ten years, we understand the importance of providing comfort, safety, and a real experience of China. What makes ChinaTours.com different? Our small group focus. We can even arrange private tours for one in twenty unique China destinations. Want to learn more about how we take care of every detail? Enquire now.

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Top 10 Beijing Streets for Snacks https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/beijing-streets-snacks/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:36:16 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99297 Who doesn’t love snacks? Every country has their own takes and variations, and China is no exception! Some Beijing Streets, in particular, are known the world over for their incredible street vendors and snack streets.  If you join one of our Beijing Tours we will take you to the Top 10 Best Beijing Streets for Snacks. As […]

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Beijing streets

Who doesn’t love snacks? Every country has their own takes and variations, and China is no exception! Some Beijing Streets, in particular, are known the world over for their incredible street vendors and snack streets.  If you join one of our Beijing Tours we will take you to the Top 10 Best Beijing Streets for Snacks.

As a metropolis, Beijing tantalizes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world year after year. To serve this tremendous flow of people, because eating still a very important part of any vacation, restaurants and snack stores are playing an ever-increasing role in Beijing.

Beijing is an incredibly large area to traverse, but here are 10 Beijing Streets to nibble away on.

Top 10 Beijing snack streets

#1 Qianmen Street

Beijing streets

Chinese Name: 前门小吃街
Location: Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

With a long history and many time-honored restaurants, this street doesn’t quite bustle with people like the other snack streets on this list. Qianmen Street is a way to gain a taste of upper-class Beijing. When you find yourself surrounded by fantastic buildings in the traditional Chinese design, be sure to try these delicacies:

  • Old Beijing Hotpot
  • Beijing Duck
  • Siu Mai
  • Wonton and Syrup of Plum

You will see enough delicious food and awe-inspiring architecture here to fill any Instagram in style.

#2 Wangfujing snack street

Beijing streets for snacks

Chinese Name: 王府井小吃街
Location: Wangfujing Snack Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Usually, ‘Wangfujing’ only reminds people of shopping. However, due to the popularity of the famous shopping street, and a testament to Chinese ingenuity, the now booming snack street was established, taking position number two on our list.

Different from Qianmen Street, these vendors set up small snack stores and stalls filling the Wangfujing Snack Street. The benefit of its proximity to the shopping hub is that all the food sold there is able to be eaten on-the-go. which is convenient for everyone.

We recommend the following:

  • Baodu (Fried beef tripe)
  • Strong-smelling preserved bean curd
  • Bingtanghulu
  • Grilled Mutton
  • Fried Scorpion, or one of its relatives.

#3 Guijie snack street

Beijing streets

Chinese Name: 簋街
Location: Inside Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Praised as the first popular snack street in Beijing, Guijie earns its place at Number 3 on our list as one of the only streets where all the stores are open 24/7. It stretches about 1.5 kilometers and is also called the Ghost Street, for the street is extremely busy at night with an old saying that ghosts would enter the city in the night to have their dinner. Want to dine like a local? Try one of these specialties:

  • Hot and Spicy Crayfish
  • Sautéed Bullfrog in Chili Sauce
  • Beijing Hotpot
  • Wheat cake boiled in meat broth
  • Lamb Spine Hot Pot.

We loved these, but with almost every snack imaginable able to found here, you are really spoiled for choice!

 #4 Niujie Muslim snack street

Beijing streets for snacks

Chinese Name: 牛街
Location: Niujie, Xicheng District, Beijing

The area is most famous for the Niujie Mosque, which is the largest and oldest mosque in the city, Niujie quite literally translates to Ox Street in Chinese. It hosts a large variety of ethnicities in this downtown Beijing street, the Hui people making up the majority, it is said that this cultural cooking pot has roughly 23 distinct ethnic groups living there. Both traditional Beijing snacks and Muslim delicacies are served here, giving all visitors an exotic experience, with our favorites being:

  • Seasoned millet mush (Miancha),
  • Douzhir
  • Jellied bean curd
  • Fried sugar cake
  • Lǘdagunr
  • Yam and date rolls

#5 Fucheng Road

Beijing streets

Chinese Name: 阜成路
Location: Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing

At number 5 on our list, located near a booming business district, customers frequenting the restaurants on Fucheng Street are generally business people. Which explains why the majority of restaurants here are known for providing premium and luxurious morsels. Many Chinese regional cuisines from Hangzhou, Huaiyang, and Sichuan can be found here.

The seafood sensations offered by Cantonese restaurants is also praised as being some of the best in Beijing. Be sure to sample everything!

#6 Ping’an Street

Beijing streets

Chinese Name: 平安大街
Location: Ping’an Street, Shunyi District, Beijing

Ping’an Street, also called Ping’an Avenue, is a snack street actually made famous for its ancient buildings and surprisingly not its amazing restaurants. Stretching for approximately 7 kilometers, the street houses a number of structures and buildings constructed in the Qing dynasty; among which several of them housed members of royal families. Don’t let that deter you from a good meal though, the snacks available here are unbelievable with the likes of Baodu, Douzhir, and Zhajiangmian.

#7 Suzhou Street

Beijing streets

Chinese Name: 苏州街
Location: Suzhou Street, Haidian District, Beijing

Lucky Number 7, Suzhou Street is near the famous hi-tech center of Beijing, Zhongguancun. With restaurants originally serving to provide take-away options for the technicians that lived there. Dishes served in several restaurants were highly praised by their patrons, and rumors quickly spread across the city about the delicious food near Zhongguancun. This attracted more restaurants to buy there, which laid the foundations of the popularity of the renowned street that Suzhou Street is best known for today. Keep an eye out for Cantonese and Hunan cuisine, as well as the seafood.

#8 Fangzhuang

Beijing streets for food

Chinese Name: 方庄
Location: Fangzhuang Area, Fengtai District, Beijing

Fangzhuang is the new kid on the block of best Beijing Streets for dining and snacks. Compared with the other snack streets on this list, this Beijing street’s most advantageous selling point is the restaurants here serve dishes from all across the world.

We definitely recommend sampling the: hand-pulled noodle soup, Peking Duck, Grilled Fish, dumplings, Siu Mai, and the hot pot.

If Ping’an or Niujie Street are identified as ethnic or local cuisine, then Fangzhuang defiantly could be described as an international smorgasbord.

#9 Xiaoyun Road

Beijing streets for food

Chinese Name: 霄云路
Location: Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Xiaoyun road is an oasis, surrounded by skyscrapers as well as highrise villas giving the area a strong sense of being one part removed from the bustle that is Beijing. An assortment of restaurants populate the roadside, serving delightful foreign dishes, such as spicy and unforgettable Thai foods, and simple French cuisine. Xiaoyun also offers patrons unique and exciting African temptations.

#10 Huguosi Hutong snack street

Chinese Name: 护国寺小吃街
Location: Huguosi Street, Xinjiekou, Xicheng District, Beijing

Taking the last spot on our list is Huguosi Hutong snack street, where local Beijing residents visit the time-honored Beijing food snack stores. The alluring smell of traditional cuisine in the air can be intoxicating, with authentic Beijing dishes being served.

Put these traditional snacks on the menu for your stroll down Huguosi Hutong Snack Street:

  • Fermented bean drink
  • Glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean flour
  • Yellow split peas cake
  • Wontons
  • Donkey Burger (a kind of sesame seed cake)

Come on an adventure with ChinaTours.com

When you tour Beijing with ChinaTours.com your professional China tour guide will use their expertise to help you to locate the best Beijing Streets for restaurant and snacks. With over a decade of experience in first-class China tour packages, we invite you to join us on tour so you can experience the REAL China.

Are you a culture aficionado who wants an authentic experience when you travel? The team at ChinaTours.com is too. With over 10 years of experience, designing China tours is in our DNA. As a family-owned business, we’re committed to opening up a whole new world of China to Western travelers. We focus on giving our guests a genuine experience of the history, culture, and cuisine of Beijing and other areas of China in ways that build bridges and forge understanding between people. Ready for a China tour made of beautiful travel memories? Talk to ChinaTours.com – the friendliest China tour company. 

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Soaking Up the 5 Best Xi’an Hot Springs https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/xian-hot-springs/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:56:48 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99286 Best hot springs in Xi’an? Looking for a Xi’an tour that encompasses the Xi’an hot springs? Maybe you’ve booked a small group Xi’an tour, or your planning to travel solo to Xi’an. Whatever the case, mixing things up to make beautiful memories is what travel’s all about, right? So most people wouldn’t put the best hot springs and […]

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Huaqing hot spring

Best hot springs in Xi’an? Looking for a Xi’an tour that encompasses the Xi’an hot springs?

Maybe you’ve booked a small group Xi’an tour, or your planning to travel solo to Xi’an. Whatever the case, mixing things up to make beautiful memories is what travel’s all about, right?

So most people wouldn’t put the best hot springs and Xi’an in the same sentence. That’s because whenever we think of Xi’an, there’s usually one thing that comes to mind. The Terracotta Army.

Awe-inspiring by any measure, it’s understandable we tick that bucket list item on our tour itinerary.

Hot springs near Xi’an

But what if you’ve time on your side – maybe a free afternoon or evening in your schedule on tour in Xi’an? Wouldn’t it be great to know there are options available, other than shopping and more sightseeing?

Well, the good news is, there are other options.

The Chinese draw on a long, rich history of therapies that contribute to long life and good health. While many of these have been adopted by westerners keen to absorb some Eastern wisdom, certain treatments aren’t practical to move beyond the Chinese border. And Xi’an hot springs are one of them.

But that needed stop you enjoying the benefits while you’re on tour in Xi’an. Few people know the very first hot spring in China was found in Shaanxi province where Xi’an is located. In fact, the province’s history was influenced heavily by the hot springs in the area.

Emperors and their royal courtesans knew they were on a good thing. Over dynasties and centuries, they built resorts and summer houses, taking advantage of the health-giving and restorative nature of these pristine destinations.

Want to soak up life like an emperor and restore aching muscles from walking travel miles?

Let’s take you on a trip through the best Xi’an hot springs so you can.

#1 Huaqing Hot Spring

Huaqing hot spring

Huaqing Hot Spring in Xi’an sits at number one on the list of the best Xi’an hot springs.

Over 6,000 years old, the Huaqing Hot Spring remains not only one of the most famous hot springs in China, it is also one of the oldest. Approximately 30 kilometers east of Xi’an City, the former royal spring has become a scenic area for tourists, with a resort now well established and providing every visitor with the pure delight only Chinese emperors and courtesans could enjoy in the past.

Noted for the quality of spring water available, experts believe the water from Huaqing Hot Spring will do more than simply provide relaxation; it will restore your sense of wellbeing too.

Sounds like a natural remedy from heaven.

In Chinese: 华清池温泉
Find Huaqing Hot Spring: 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District (30 kilometers east of Xi’an City), Xi’an.

#2 Mianxian Hot Spring

Xi’an Hot Springs

Nestled in Southern Shaanxi, about three kilometers away from Mianxian, we have number two on our list of the best Xi’an hot springs.

The Mianxian Hot Spring has an average temperature of 58.2℃ and a daily flow rate of about 5,000 tons of water. This vital spring has been used in therapy since ancient times and has been commissioned as a resort after WWII.
Want healing and health? Make time to visit one or more Xi’an hot springs on your China tour.

Chinese Name: 勉县温泉
Find it: At the foot of Ma’anshan Mountain, Hanzhong City, Shannan

#3 Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring

best Xi’an Hot Springs

With an enviable outlook, the iconic Lantian Tangyu Hot Springs shares another distinguished title, that of top 8 best views in Lantian.

Situated about 20 kilometers from Lantian county and 40 kilometers away from downtown Xi’an, the Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring draws both locals and tourists for healing, relaxation, and restoration.

The Chinese love a good saying and it’s fitting there’s one for Tangyu: ‘the water in Tangyu is much more precious than gold’.

As one of the best of Xi’an hot springs, Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring is so popular that even since its beginning at the time of the Tang Dynasty, people far and wide have traveled to gather here, just to take a dip!

When you visit, you’ll understand why.

In Chinese: 蓝田汤浴温泉
Find it: 20 kilometers away from Lantian County, Shaanxi

#4 Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring

best Xi’an Hot Springs

China’s emperors had a deep affinity with Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring, so much so, that Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty built a summer residence here and named it the ‘Phoenix Spring Palace’.

Until the start of the Tang Dynasty, Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring was still used as a royal getaway destination during the summer.

Located about 10 kilometers from Xi’an where it’s nestled alongside the gate of Taibaishan National Forest Park, the Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring is also referred to Taibaishan Tangyu Hot Spring by outsiders.

Open from afternoons through to late evening, it’s the perfect way to round out a busy day on tour in Xi’an.

In Chinese: 眉县汤浴温泉
Find it: Tai’an Road, Tangyu County, Taibaishan National Forest Park

#5 Virgie Spring

Xi’an Hot Springs

Number five on our list of the best Xi’an hot springs – and the only hot spring not dignified by royalty – the Virgie Spring in Qia County of the Shaanxi province is a minerally rich spring and has unbelievable scenic surroundings.

Virgie Spring is named after a unique tradition in Qia County. It is said in ancient times, young women on the eve of their weddings would bathe themselves in the spring to embrace their impending maturity, believing this prepared their bodies for the gift of children.

Virgie Spring actually consists of a group of smaller springs forming a beautiful butterfly pattern – perhaps a nod to the mystical and magical so characteristic of Chinese mythology.

One of the perfect Xi’an hot springs to relax and enjoy.

In Chinese: 处女泉
Find it: Qiachuan, Heyang, Weinan City, Shaanxi

Ready to take the plunge on a China tour with stops in Xi’an and visit the best hot springs including the famous Huaqing Hot Spring? Book online now or connect with one of our China tour specialists.

Come and experience China with ChinaTours.com

ChinaTours.com provide the best China tours, as our tour groups are kept small so you experience the best of China whether it is one day or a tour of several days. We offer tours throughout China including tour packages in and around Xi’an, BeijingTibet and even Hong Kong.

A small group, private or custom tour is the ideal way to experience China when you travel with ChinaTours.com, the friendliest China tour company. Arranging specialized inbound China tours for over ten years, we understand the importance of providing comfort, safety, and a real experience of China. We can arrange private tours for one in twenty unique China destinations, or a custom tour to best suit you. We’d love to hear from you if you would like to know more.

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Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower: Why the Revolving Restaurant Is Worth a Visit https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/oriental-pearl-revolving-restaurant/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:40:02 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99280 Located at the top of the luxurious Oriental Pearl Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant, or Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, offers diners panoramic views of the city, 267 meters above beautiful Shanghai. This iconic venue is no mere restaurant. The tower is a destination as well for locals and travelers alike. Delve into the detail […]

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Oriental pearl tower restaurant

Located at the top of the luxurious Oriental Pearl Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant, or Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, offers diners panoramic views of the city, 267 meters above beautiful Shanghai. This iconic venue is no mere restaurant. The tower is a destination as well for locals and travelers alike.

Delve into the detail below to discover why the Oriental Pearl Tower and its revolving restaurant should be on your Shanghai highlights list.

Oriental Pearl Tower – It’s a towering achievement

The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower is a multi-purpose facility with sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, the Shanghai History Museum, a cruise dock, and events center.

At 468 meter high, it stood as the tallest structure in China from 1994–2007, when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. Standing on the bank of the Huangpu River, it is central to Lujiazui and opposite The Bund, which is renowned for its grand architectural buildings with its variety of styles.

The Oriental Pearl Tower remains one of the most symbolic venues and tourism destinations in Shanghai. Classified as an ‘AAAAA’ scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration, it’s proclaimed The Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant has one of the 10 best views in Shanghai.

The tower features 11 spheres, both big and small. The two largest spheres, along the length of the tower, are visible from great distances, as the tower is brightly illuminated in various LED sequences at night. The design and symbolism of the tower are said to be based on a verse of the Tang Dynasty poem, Pipa Song by Bai Juyi about the wonderful sprinkling sound of a Pipa instrument, like pearls, big and small falling on a jade plate.

‘AAAAA’ scenic views

Including the Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, the tower has 15 Observation levels. The highest of these, known as the Space Module, is an awe-inspiring 350 meters high. Boasting an outdoor observation platform, not for the faint of heart, sightseers are protected from falling by a 50mm thick, transparent glass floor looking straight down onto the busy Shanghai streets below!

The lower sightseeing level is a still modest 263 meters above ground and the Space City floor rests at 90 meters. The Oriental Pearl Tower has a 20-room hotel, called the Space Hotel, between the two large spheres. There are also exhibition centers and a small shopping complex.

A basement museum and the history of Shanghai

Oriental pearl tower restaurant

The exhibitions of The Shanghai History Museum, in the basement of the tower, are truly incredible. The museum is a winding maze, full of great information about the development of Shanghai from its very beginning. Unsurprisingly, their attention to detail is impressive, giving great insights into the early lives of the rich and poor Chinese of Shanghai, and their ever-changing city. There are few better ways to understand Shanghai and its history than a visit to the Shanghai History Museum.

The Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant

Oriental pearl tower restaurant

Soaring at 267 meters above Shanghai’s bustling streets, this tower top revolving restaurant is an experience unlike any other, with its breathtaking views of the city in full vision beneath and all around you.

Traditional Chinese cuisine meets western-style cooking in epic fashion at the buffet. The food is delicious, however, if you don’t book your table in advance you’ll be watching the sights and the people eating! Our local guides help you through these processes to avoid missing out on any must-see sights, like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Revolving Restaurant.

When the sun goes down and the stars dot the vastness above. One of two breathtaking marvels can be seen. One is the night sky, scattered with countless stars, an unforgettable sight! The other is the mesmerizing illumination of the city-scape below and all around you.

Experience real Chinese sights with ChinaTours.com

Get more out of what you want in China! With our local experts guiding your holiday, you can discover what makes Shanghai culture so truly unique. The flexibility and freedom provided by ChinaTours.com mean every traveler can experience the real sights of Shanghai. Talk to your local guide on tour and take advantage of the buffet of lunch and dinner options available at The Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant.

A small group, private or custom tour of Shanghai is the ideal way to experience China when you travel with the friendliest China tour company. Arranging specialized inbound China tours for over ten years, we understand the importance of providing comfort, safety, and a real experience of China. What makes ChinaTours.com different? Our small group tour focus. We can even arrange private tours for one in twenty unique China destinations. 

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Discover Unique China With Hangzhou Shopping and Find a Beautiful Travel Memory https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/hangzhou-shopping/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:19:43 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99248 While Hangzhou is rich in natural scenery and cultural heritage, Hangzhou shopping is special too. As a China Tour Agency using local tour guides, we know all the very best places to shop and these are detailed below.  Why not join us on a tour of Hangzhou and you will experience the best of Hangzhou shopping opportunities […]

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hangzhou shopping

While Hangzhou is rich in natural scenery and cultural heritage, Hangzhou shopping is special too. As a China Tour Agency using local tour guides, we know all the very best places to shop and these are detailed below.  Why not join us on a tour of Hangzhou and you will experience the best of Hangzhou shopping opportunities with a knowledgeable local bilingual tour guide?

With history dominating any Hangzhou – it’s been named a Historic and Cultural City by the Chinese Government – Hangzhou shopping might seem a lightweight activity by comparison. However, Hangzhou combines the best of Chinese tradition and contemporary trends to create a unique memory of visiting China.

Avoiding all commission-based shopping stops, you’ll find a Hangzhou shopping, featuring traditional Hangzhou tea, silk, and Wangzingji fans, and modern shopping malls, the ideal way to take home a little piece of China from your tour.

Hangzhou shopping: silk, tea, and fans ancient treasures for a modern traveler

Hangzhou Silk: Luxurious, beautiful, wearable

hangzhou shopping

Known historically and today as the Silk City, Hangzhou silk is China’s undisputed capital of silk.

For more than 4000 years, Hangzhou silk has been revered for its luxurious texture, brilliant colors, and gorgeous patterns depicting authentic Chinese designs.

The reputation of Hangzhou silk now goes well beyond the city’s border, and both local Chinese and foreign travelers seeking out the perfect travel memento.

There’s no doubt you’ll be surrounded by silk clothing and trinkets everywhere you go in Hangzhou, but ask your local guide to show you only the very best Hangzhou silk. Seeking out the perfect gift for family, or just a great travel memory? A Hangzhou silk scarf ticks all the boxes.  Buying something silk is a must item when shopping in Hangzhou.

Discover more at Hangzhou China Silk Town, 267 Xinhua Road, Hangzhou.

Hangzhou Tea: Fragrant and refreshing

hangzhou shopping

Hangzhou tea has an established place among China’s nation of tea drinkers.

Known as Dragon Well Tea or Longjing tea, Hangzhou tea is famous for its emerald green color, mellow taste, and beautiful flat leaves.

With Chinese people esteeming Hangzhou tea as a life elixir, you’ll want the perfect pack to take home. Can’t decide which one? No problem. Be sure to visit one of the local tea shops and sample the many tea varieties available or mix with locals and savor the local tea culture firsthand when you step into a traditional tea house. Lion Mount Lonjing, hand-picked at Lion Mount, is among the very best tea you’ll find.

And if an up close and real experience of Hangzhou tea is what you’re after, make your way to Hangzhou’s ‘West Lake Tea Plantations. Growing some of the finest green tea leaves in China, tea from here has warmed the hearts, and maintained the health, of local and Chinese people for millennia.

An Hangzhou shopping trip is not complete without a break to experiment and savor the local tea.

Our tip? Head to Hangzhou’s Longjing Village or Miejiawu Tea Village if you’re a tea lover. Enjoy the experience of selecting a quality tea, while learning more about China’s rich and its long, delicious history.

Wangxingji Fan Co: Form, function, art

hangzhou shopping

Handcrafted and beautiful works of art, Hangzhou fans were used as an imperial tribute in ancient times.

While Chinese fans can be found in every tourist strip, an authentic handmade fan is a piece of art.

Ask your tour guide for directions to the best-known brand, Wangxingji Fan Co. Commencing operations in 1875, a Wangxingji fan is a treasure. Building on the reputation of its founder, Wang Xinzai, Wangxingji fan is distinctive for its craftwork, design, and materials used.

Now integrating feathers, silk, black paper, and sandalwood, Wangxingji fans are beautifully decorated with the scenery of mountains and rivers, Chinese animals, and intricate flowers or figures. Graceful and elegant, they are ideal mementos of your visit to Hangzhou.

Go to No 62 Renhe Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou for a beautiful Wangxingji fan.

Hangzhou shopping: Wulin Square, Hubin Shopping District, Hefang Street, and Wulin Road

Although shopping in large commercial malls on your China tour may not be high on your agenda, after the ancient history that’s everywhere, you might be after a short break. Hangzhou’s main commercial centers offer just that.

hangzhou shopping

Wulin Square is Hangzhou’s largest and most extravagant shopping district. You can’t go more than a few feet without finding a dazzling variety of shops and department stores.

Hangzhou Mansion and the Intime Department Store are very popular with locals. With China’s fascination for Western luxury brands, here you’ll find Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and so on. The Hangzhou Department Store is also a fantastic Hangzhou shopping destination, advertising huge discounts and year-round deals.

Peckish? Offering every taste imaginable, Italian, French and Spanish restaurants, as well as local Chinese food, there’s no shortage of food options.

If a contemporary shopping fix is what you’re after in Hangzhou try:
Hangzhou Mansion – 1 Wulin Square, Hangzhou
Hangzhou Department Store – 546 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou
Intime Department Store – 530 Yan’an Road, Hangzhou

Hubin Shopping District

hangzhou shopping

Hubin Shopping District is central to the famous West Lake which serves as a perfect backdrop for the thriving fashion hub.

Bursting with magnificent malls and luxury designer outlets, the Hubin International Boutique Compound is a standout in the area. Composed of 34 international designer boutiques, this deluxe district attracts shoppers from far and wide with its cosmopolitan vibe, glamorous fashion and big-brand names, including Ferrari, Armani, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, and Omega.

Recommended shopping near Hubin shopping district:

  • West Lake Times Square – 27 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou
  • Hubin International Boutique Compound – 129 Pinghai Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou

Hefang Street

hangzhou shopping

A stone’s throw from West Lake is Hefang Street. Bustling ancient shops, authentic-style restaurants, and tea houses tucked away in traditional-style buildings, there are real experiences of China to be had here.

Find Hangzhou shopping stores with trinkets from antiquity, selling various antiques and souvenirs of Hangzhou, including jade jewelry, pearls, Hangzhou silk, handicrafts, toys, traditional Chinese medicines, and local foods. Once the old Hangzhou quarter, this area maintains ideals from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It makes a perfect destination for foreign travelers. Wander freely here and experience the ancient Chinese customs and culture of Hangzhou.

For highlights, look out for the Wangjixing Fan Shop, Wangruixing Restaurant, and the Weng Longsheng Tea Shop.

Wulin Road

Wulin Road is known as Women Street and is a haven for ladies’ fashion.

Fashionistas frequent here to update their wardrobes, as the road is lined with an incredible collection of over 1000 boutique shops. Stretching over 1.5 kilometers, the vast majority of stores are dedicated to fashionable ladies’ wear of various brands and styles.

Take your time to browse and explore Wulin Road, you’ll be sure to uncover many amazing finds.

Bars and restaurants abound, providing an area to drop once you’ve had your fill of Hangzhou shopping.

Wushan Night Market

hangzhou shopping

Don’t waste a single minute on your China tour. Hangzhou nights are for exploring too, and what better way than the Wushan Night Market.

Wushan Night Market is one of the best stops to shop or simply hang out at night in Hangzhou. Just before sunset, vendors in their makeshift stalls start popping up with a vast array of goods. About four hundred in total, the Wushan Night Market has a festive, carnival-like atmosphere. Find bargains on clothes, handmade souvenirs, and antiques.

Food snacks are a highlight at the Wushan Night Market. Take advantage of the flexibility around food on your visit to China and experiment with a variety of tastes.

Buyer be warned, though. Come ready to bargain. Our local guides can help you barter well and take home a bargain…

Drop by Yuewang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou’ from 5pm and experience the magic!

Hangzhou remains a beautiful destination for its breathtaking historical and natural sights, however, Hangzhou shopping also offers unique experiences too.

Visit China with ChinaTours.com

When you tour Hangzhou with ChinaTours.com, your professional guide will use their expertise to help you to avoid crowds, see more, discover the best photography locations, and provide you with an experience of the real Hangzhou unlike any other.

The best way to discover the most beautiful places in China is to talk with people who can provide a real experience of this diverse and fascinating country. ChinaTours.com can help plan, organize, and deliver every detail of your China tour, including flights, accommodation, where to go, what to see, foods to savor, and experiences to remember. Whether you want to see Hangzhou, Hong Kong or the Great Wall of China, we’ll make it happen. Travel to any of the 20 destinations we offer with us and see the real China. Enquire now.

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Suzhou Nightlife – What to Do in Suzhou at Night https://www.chinatours.com/things-to-do-in-china/suzhou-nightlife/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:35:46 +0000 https://chinatours.com/?p=99211 When you experience the splendor that is Suzhou, ChinaTours.com has the local expertise to maximize your time for activities on your China getaway. Finding your every need catered to by our friendly team, in the most spectacular fashion. And this includes Suzhou nightlife – where to go and what to do… When night time makes […]

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Suzhou nightlife

When you experience the splendor that is Suzhou, ChinaTours.com has the local expertise to maximize your time for activities on your China getaway. Finding your every need catered to by our friendly team, in the most spectacular fashion. And this includes Suzhou nightlife – where to go and what to do…

When night time makes up 50% of your entire holiday, don’t be caught wasting precious time on your Suzhou Tour! Whether you long for the thrill of Suzhou nightlife or you’re eager to put your feet up in one of the many tea houses to mingle with the locals. This travelers guide will ensure you have no wasted hours abroad. So let your hair down, and rock-out in Suzhou.

Suzhou nightlife

A city’s nightlife is an important part of experiencing the true essence of a place, and Suzhou is no exception. A city blended with both modern and ancient charms, Suzhou provides a vibrant and enchanting nightlife with a variety of activities to meet the diverse needs and tastes of tourists. After a day of action-packed excursions, Suzhou nightlife offers you a wide variety of activities – you can sip on a cup of fine tea and rest your feet in traditional tea-house, listening to the melodious sounds of Kunqu (昆曲) and the Suzhou Pingtan; or take a night cruise to appreciate the enchanting scenery along the river banks.

Wandering on the bustling streets, or sampling Chinese spirits in the pubs and clubs, you can always find Suzhou nightlife to be fun and interesting…

Suzhou Tea-House musical performances

Suzhou nightlife

A night out in the Canglang or Pingjiang Districts will never be complete without appreciating a traditional Suzhou musical performance such as Pingtan or the Kun Opera. Featuring the elegance of the Wu language, and with its captivating story-lines, the gentle melodic rhythm and graceful performances. These Suzhou Musicals are as impressive in beauty as they are in talent.

Sitting in an antique tea-house or traditional theater, you can order a pot of wonderful tea, taste the exquisitely delicious Suzhou dim sum, and experience the wonderful Suzhou nightlife as if you’re a local. With abundant cultural connotations and a powerful sense of historical significance, any one of the traditional Suzhou musical performances is a visual experience not to be missed. So indulge yourself in Suzhou on your China tour.

Night Cruise on the Moat

Suzhou nightlife

Contrasting our Li River and Yangtze River Tours, The Night Moat Cruise in Suzhou is one of our most charming. With a star-strewn night sky and an old worldly feel, you’ll breathe new Suzhou nightlife on this majestic evening cruise.

Drift the criss-cross canals, as you cruise through the striking scenery of Suzhou’s shimmering lights, sparkling river, weeping willows and ancient houses that line the river bank. ChinaTours.com provide only the best guides to share the truly romantic tales of Suzhou and The Moat’s past. In such a serene and picturesque atmosphere, it really does feel like you are sailing the waters of a thousand years ago, with so many unique antiquities to be seen.

The Master-of-Nets garden at night

Suzhou nightlife

Suzhou’s only publicly accessible garden at night, The Master-of-Nets Botanical Garden is a true gem. Both mysterious, and considered to be the most elegant attraction of Suzhou nightlife. Stroll through the garden and experience the stunning floral display bathed in yuè liàng de guāng, or the light of the moon.

Swoon to the sounds of the magnificent Pingtan, the traditional Kun Opera or the unique melodies of the Jiangnan Sizhu as you saunter around the city of opulence that is Suzhou. Why not spend the night gaining a deeper understanding of a true Chinese treasure?

Night Out on Jinji Lake

Suzhou nightlife

The Jinji Lake at night is one of the many world-famous Xuhou nightlife destinations. The dazzling neon lights reflecting across the lakes form a delightful contrast to the dark skyline. The fountains fire in synchronicity, combining lasers, pyrotechnics, and light shows to perfectly mimic the rhythm of the music, illuminating the square in light and sound. It is truly a visual spectacle to behold, proving that this old city can still do some new tricks.

Suzhou Nightlife – night markets

Pingjiang Road

Suzhou nightlife

Considered by many to be the best preserved ancient street in Suzhou, Pingjiang Road still clings to the styles and trends of the Tang and Song Dynasty, and no China tour in Suzhou would be complete without a stop along this iconic street.

Sweep down the ancient stone paths, as you make your way down to the corner shops to buy some exquisite trinkets and souvenirs; or sample the tasty local delicacies from the popular stalls and restaurants. The tranquil sound of the flowing river under the ancient stone bridges nearby and the sight of locals going about their business within their antique dwellings is pure holiday magic. Experience the traditional riverside Kun Opera and Pingtan, fueling tourists romantic fantasies of the Jiangnan water-town for centuries.

Shantang Street

Suzhou nightlife

Near Tiger Hill, Shantang Street is a historical road over 1200 years old, with its traditional styled homes lining the river banks, and local relics such as the stone arch, the ancient altar or the many clubhouses scattered around the area. There are many ways to get explore this great Suzhou nightlife attraction, including waltzing through serene lanes and taking in the ancient buildings, haggling with the local traders for a delicate oil-paper umbrella or other traditional handicrafts. After sitting in the traditional performance hall for a unique Kun Opera show. ChinaTours.com can think of no better way to finish the night off than to take a boat trip along the river, soaking up the fabulous views and local lives of the ancient city.

Suzhou Nightlife – pubs and clubs

Suzhou’s nightlife includes a bustling city with a colorful and lively bar scene. Here, locals and travelers alike enjoy the vibrant atmosphere by hitting the dance floor with the music and flickering lights, immersing themselves in the ambiance of this lively garden city.

Suzhou nightlife

Harry’s Forbidden Bar

With its live music and beer on tap, Harry’s Forbidden Bar is a wonderful place to grab a bite and beverage. The well known Singaporean establishment is the local watering hole for so many locals after a long day of work. The authentic Southeast Asian delicacies served here, by the friendly staff, are downright delicious. Our travel guides say it’s definitely worth a try.

Suzhou nightlife

ECHO Bar

Do not be deceived by the classic Chinese exterior because inside ECHO Bar is a vast hall with Karaoke machines for the locals while the big shots are preparing their vocal skills. A fashionable and glamorous stop to contrast the man-cave feel of the previous bar, spending some time in ECHO Bar is quite a lovely way to spend an evening.

Pandora Club

Pandora has gained significant recognition in Suzhou over the last few years, with China’s A-list celebrities occasioning the Club to check out the nightlife, sometimes even giving surprise performances. Bringing together the best Suzhou has to offer with Pandora’s luxurious Interior design, plentiful beverage selections, and attentive service staff. This Club is a sure thing for the party-animals of Suzhou.

Suzhou nightlife

Boiling 100°C

The hottest nightclub in all Suzhou, the dance floor is packed until the early hours. It is renowned for the variety of drinks and cocktails and live music.

Suzhou nightlife with ChinaTours.com

Whether you want to be in bed early, or experience the best of Suzhou nightlife, a ChinaTours.com guide can point you in the right direction. With our local guides on call 24 hours, know you are in safe hands, should you need their assistance. So unwind and relax with your Suzhou getaway, and leave the rest to us! Besides a tour of Suzhou, why not browse our tour packages for some of our other options, which include our Silk Road Tours and Yangtze River Cruises.
 
A ChinaTours.com tour is synonymous with authentic travel experiences, taking in the best of China’s culture, history, cuisine and people. Looking for a real experience of China but don’t know how to create the perfect tour for you? Our team of travel consultants who know China tours will take care of every detail. Traveling to 20 unique destinations in China and the surrounding region, we’ll make sure you create beautiful travel memories when you tour with us. 

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