Category: China
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Ancient town of Ciqikou, porcelain port in Chongqing
In the Shapingba district, embraced by the waters of the Jialing River, lies the ancient village of Ciqikou (磁器口, Cíqìkǒu). Historically known as the gateway to Chongqing, this enclave is much more than a tourist destination; it is a living testament to the region’s commercial past. Walking through its cobbled streets, travellers leave behind the…
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How to get to Guilin and Yangshuo on your trip through China
The mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo are undoubtedly one of China’s most iconic sights. However, travelers often struggle to fit them into their itinerary across the Asian giant. If you’d like to know how to reach this stunning karst region, we’ve provided several options below. Including Guilin and Yangshuo in your China itinerary is easier…
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Xidi, the echo of history within the walls of Anhui
In the heart of Anhui Province, in eastern China, lies a peaceful haven that looks as if it were painted with Chinese ink on a silk canvas. The ancient village of Xidi (西递, Xīdì) is, along with its neighbour Hongcun, one of the most extraordinary examples of rural architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.…
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Family trip to China
China is a destination that seems straight out of an adventure book and is fascinating for all ages. The Asian giant is a hospitable country and very safe to travel around with children. The mix of ancient traditions, its aesthetics so different from the West and the abundance of technology keeps the little ones’ curiosity…
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Xiamen, the best-kept secret of the Chinese coast
If you’re looking for a destination in China that combines sea breezes, colonial buildings, and mouthwatering food, you have to set your sights on Xiamen. At Asiahop, we love this corner of the world because it breaks away from the chaos of the big metropolises. It’s relaxed, clean, and has a unique personality. Where is…
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What to see and do in Beijing in 3 days
As with many large cities in Asia, it is very difficult to see everything a big metropolis has to offer in a short period of time. Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Osaka… these are megacities where we could spend a month and still be surprised by new places to discover. But the reality is that we usually…
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Xiaolongbao, Shanghai’s culinary treasure
Xiaolongbao is one of the most recognisable and delicious dishes in Chinese cuisine. They consist of thin wheat dough filled with different ingredients and traditionally steamed in small bamboo baskets. What is Xiaolongbao? There are several characteristics that distinguish Xiaolongbao from other similar steamed dough dishes. With a delicate, very thin, almost transparent dough, the…
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Chongqing’s Luohan Temple
Among the steep streets of Chongqing (重庆), one of China’s largest cities, lies an oasis of serenity that transports visitors to centuries past. Luohan Temple (罗汉寺), also known as Arhat Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China, offering a unique spiritual experience amid the fast-paced atmosphere of this modern metropolis in southwest…
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The charm of Hongcun, the hidden gem of Anhui
Located in Anhui province (安徽), eastern China, the ancient village of Hongcun (宏村) represents one of the country’s best-preserved cultural treasures. This settlement, with more than 900 years of history and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, offers visitors an authentic immersion in traditional China, far from the hustle and bustle of large…
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Fujian Tulou, unique Chinese architecture
The Fujian Tulou (土楼) are ancestral fortresses historically inhabited by family clans. Circular or rectangular at the base, they are built with earth and wood, have several stories high, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Still inhabited, some Tulou date back to the 12th century. And their shapes do not leave…