Zhejiang
Libn Hall is an early Qing dynasty structure with some wood carvings that remain impressively vivid; keep an eye out for the bats (carvings of, that is)…
Zhejiang
Libn Hall is an early Qing dynasty structure with some wood carvings that remain impressively vivid; keep an eye out for the bats (carvings of, that is)…
Jiangsu
This huge, faux–Ming dynasty complex is filled with tourist shops and a couple of exhibition halls. Admission is free and the landscaped gardens, ponds,…
Qingdao
Within Zhongshan Park is Qingdao's largest temple, Zhanshan Temple, an active Buddhist monastery. The temple has a number of dramatic sandalwood Buddhas…
Qingdao
South of the tree-lined area known as Badaguan (八大关, Bādàguān), No 1 Bathing Beach is a very popular spot, perhaps for its snack stalls and children's toy…
Harbin
Located in the far eastern suburbs of Harbin, this is the largest Jewish cemetery in East Asia. There are more than 600 graves here, all well maintained…
Liaoning
The housing for a huge drum sits slap in the middle of the Old City and has a scant number of ceramics on display but is most popular for the 360-degree…
Henan
Not far from East is Red Square, this square is known primarily for the rebuilt, traditional architecture of Chaoyang Gate (朝阳门, Cháoyáng Mén).
Suzhou
Down a narrow lane, this small museum is dedicated to kūnqǔ, the opera style of the region. The beautiful old theatre houses a stage, musical instruments,…
Xiamen
The charming 3km walking trail on an abandoned railway track in this park makes a welcome change from the crowds of the city. It is reached by bus 1, 15,…
Dali
Dali's attractive Confucian Temple is a 2014 reconstruction on the site of the original Qing dynasty structure, but the grounds are peaceful and there are…
Shandong
Many climbers start their ascent at the bus stop by the Guandi Temple, the first of many dedicated to the Taoist protector of peace. Note the old…
Zhejiang
Putuoshan's oldest structure is this five-storey, 18m-high stone pagoda, with alcoves carved from the rock sheltering Buddhist statues. Built in 1335, its…
Chengdu
This six-floor museum is understaffed and understuffed, and the regular rotating exhibitions are hit or miss, but the good is good enough to make it worth…
Macau
Set amid the baroque graves of the Cemetery of St Michael, this dainty chapel, built in 1875, has a green-and-white facade and baroque features in small…
Phurbu Chok Hermitage Mani Lhakhang
Lhasa
Pilgrims walking the Potala kora keep the huge prayer wheel spinning constantly in this charming chapel on the eastern side of the Potala. A stall across…
Guizhou
Check out this charming Confucian temple in the north of town, which was originally built in 1394. It has some stunningly intricate cloud-scrolling…
Shandong
This Qing-dynasty arched gateway, topped by a single-roofed shrine, is at the entrance to the village and is where teachers would take new pupils to make…
Kunming
One of the topmost publicly accessible points of Xi Shan, this large pavilion inside the Dragon Gate scenic area offers breathtaking views of Dian Chi…
Qinghai
The main assembly hall at this monastery is impressive, but most surprising is the temple featuring a huge 18m statue of Guru Rinpoche, with smaller…
Lhasa
The smallest of Drepung’s colleges, this one can safely be missed if you’ve had enough. The principal image in the main hall is Jampa. Upstairs are some…
Sichuan
Relocated to its current site in 1850, the present temple is a 2013 rebuild of the historic structure, combining typical features of both Confucian…
Shandong
This vast expanse of golden sand in the developing district 11km east of the old town attracts clam diggers and sunbathers alike. Get off at the Huanghai…
Fujian
Along the river, this five-storey square tǔlóu boasts some wonderfully carved wooden beams and pillars. Rooms are available here at the Changdi Inn.
Lhasa
This small chapel on the western side of the Meru Nyingba Monastery has a central image of Marmedze (Dipamkara), the Past Buddha, and a small inner kora…
Guangdong
On the east bank of the Han, this is the oldest and best-preserved temple dedicated to the Tang dynasty philosopher Han Yu, who was banished to ‘far-flung…
Guizhou
Small, attractive temple on Shiping Mountain, with delightful forest views near the edge of the Miaojiang Great Wall.
Lijiang
The Dongba Cultural Institute is part of a renovated complex on the hillside north of the old town. Here you can see Naxi cultural artefacts and scrolls…
Shandong
Ji'nan’s oldest mosque has stood in one form or another in the centre of town since 1295. Cover arms and remove hats before entering. A lively Hui (Muslim…
Sichuan
This pagoda-style temple overlooking the river is Anju's main worship site. A recently renovated building, it's still worth a visit for a gander at its…
Chongqing City
For views of the city skyline, climb 345m Pipa Mountain Park, the highest point on the Chongqing peninsula. During the day, residents bring their…
Yunnan
The best-known courtyard home in town was once owned by local salt magnate Wu Weiyang, who was summarily executed by communist forces in 1949. You can…
Qingdao
Once reserved only for the likes of Mao and other state leaders, this sheltered cove just east of Badaguan has calm waters good for a swim. It's a short…
Sichuan
Part of the Republic of China's army academy was relocated to Anju in 1938. Many of the commanders who fought the Japanese in WWII were trained here…
Yunnan
This pleasant island has gardens, parks, a 17.5m-tall marble statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig; aka Guanyin) and a hotel. Boats to the island cost ¥50…
Zhejiang
Nanxun's most famous attraction is this sprawling villa, though its best feature only shines in summer, when the lotus flowers in the courtyard pond…
Shandong
This gateway marks the point where shuttle buses arrive from Tianwai Village and where some hikers, seeing the mountain steps disappearing into the clouds…
Zhejiang
This hall is a lovely wood-panelled affair containing intricate and exquisite carvings above its pillars.
Chongqing City
The renovated former city gate (directly beneath the bridge) is now part of Dongshuimen Old Street, which includes the Huguang Merchant Hall, as well as a…
International Calligraphic Art Gallery
Fujian
Next to the Shuzhuang Garden, this excellent small museum has calligraphic works from across North Asia. It’s in the southwest of the island.
Guangxi
This colossal banyan tree, its limbs propped up by wooden poles, is quite a sight set against the karst hills. It's also a major tourist magnet, so don't…
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