China is renowned for its fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Its ancient arts, such as calligraphy and silk weaving, stand in contrast to the rapid technological strides made in recent decades. The country’s culinary diversity, from Peking duck to Sichuan spices, is a major draw, while events like the Dragon Boat Festival showcase its deep cultural roots. Today, cities like Beijing and Shanghai are not just historical icons, they are global hubs of commerce, technology, and cultural exchange, cementing China’s influence on the world stage.

The Renminbi, commonly abbreviated as RMB. The basic unit of the Renminbi is the Yuan. The widespread use of the social platform WeChat as a paying app, from street vendors luxury shopping plazas almost makes it another currency.

Due to its vast size China has a most diverse climate. In the North you’ll be faced with hot summers and cold winters. The south has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Coastal areas can be quite rainy, especially during the monsoon season, while the western regions can be arid or semi-arid. Overall, weather can vary greatly depending on the region, making it a tough country to pack for.

When you travel to China, a valid passport and typically a tourist visa are needed. You will need to apply for at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Flights to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are available from most international airports. Upon arrival, you can travel within China using domestic flights, high-speed trains, or buses. Make sure to check current travel advisories and entry requirements.

Consider starting with Beijing to see iconic sites like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Shanghai is another great destination for you with its modern skyline, the Bund, and vibrant cultural scene. Xi'an is a must-visit for the Terracotta Army. If time allows, consider visiting Guilin for its startling landscapes or West Lake, a beautiful and historic lake in Hangzhou. Each city offers a unique glimpse into China's rich history and culture.

China is filled with top attractions, starting with Beijing’s Forbidden City, Great Wall, and the Summer Palace, an exquisite example of Chinese garden design. Shanghai dazzles with its modern skyline, the iconic Bund, and the historic French Quarter, while Xi’an is home to the fascinating Terracotta Army. Explore Guilin’s Li River, known for its incredible karst landscape, and visit Lhasa’s Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Don’t miss Hangzhou’s West Lake or Chengdu, the home of the adorable Giant Pandas

China is a food lover’s paradise. Try Peking Duck, a Beijing classic with crispy skin and tender meat. For breakfast, don’t miss Dim Sum, a Cantonese specialty of bite-sized portions served in steamer baskets. Hot Pot is a fun, social dining experience where you cook raw ingredients in a simmering pot at the table. Vegetarians will love Mapo Tofu, a spicy Sichuan dish made with tofu in a flavourful sauce.

China celebrates numerous festivals, starting with the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) in February, a time for family reunions, feasts, fireworks, and lion dances. The Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, features lantern displays and sweet rice balls (tangyuan). Qingming Festival honours ancestors with grave cleaning. The Dragon Boat Festival celebrates boat races and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest with mooncakes and family gatherings under the full moon. National Day on October 1st commemorates China’s founding with parades and fireworks.

Anantara Oaks Chengdu at Cultural Heritage Park fuses modern elegance with Chengdu’s cultural heritage, offering a chic retreat near the Chengdu Panda Base and historic Wuhou Shrine for an authentic local experience.

Sister hotel Tivoli Chengdu at Cultural Heritage Park, just a few minutes away within the same park, offers a more contemporary, art-focused design, perfect for those seeking a stylish stay with a refined touch.

Anantara Guiyang Resort in Guizhou combines modern luxury with Miao and Dong traditions, featuring intricate wood carvings and vibrant textiles. Nearby, the stunning Huangguoshu Waterfall and surrounding karst mountains offer a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature.

Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature in China’s tropical heartland. Moments from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and Dai villages, it’s the ideal escape to explore the region’s rich biodiversity and authentic local lifestyles.