Shanghai
Rising from the east flank of West Hill, this graceful 20m-high pagoda dates to the 10th century. It's a nice spot for a photo op. Grab a drink at the…
Shanghai
Rising from the east flank of West Hill, this graceful 20m-high pagoda dates to the 10th century. It's a nice spot for a photo op. Grab a drink at the…
Lijiang
At the peak of the park atop Lion Hill – views of Lijiang from here are unbeatable. Take a moment as well to admire the 1st-floor reproductions of Dongba…
Shanghai
This red-and-grey-brick building on the south side of Hongqiao Rd, across from Grand Gateway 66 mall, was established in 1850 by the Jesuit priest Claude…
Kunming
Originally built more than 400 years ago, this mosque was ripped down in 1997 in order to build a larger version, which is now one of the five largest in…
Kunming
This Tang pagoda can't be climbed, but it is a good spot for people-watching, with all manner of tea-drinking and mahjong games going on in the adjacent…
Lhasa
This mosque in the Muslim district serves as the spiritual focal point of Lhasa's several thousand Muslims, especially on Fridays. It's closed to non…
Lijiang
This pleasant little temple at the heart of the old town is among the best-preserved in Lijiang. Look for signs off of Chongren Alley near the Wanzi…
Jiangsu
This mysteriously named optical art museum has a miniature hall of mirrors and a handful of room-size 3D illusions, perfect for interactive group photos.
Guizhou
The Zhenyuan Museum displays items relating to the history of the town, including stacks of old photos – but the cannon out front is the real prize.
Hunan
This museum celebrates Mao's life through paintings and old photos, assisted with decent English captions. However, it was closed on our last visit.
Guizhou
Now pretty much a block of flats from the 1960s, little remains of the Confucius Temple except for its main facade and the Lǐ Mén (Gate of Rites).
Guiyang
There's not a lot left of this restored pavilion, but its central location makes it popular with locals. Kite flyers gather at the highest landing.
Fujian
A very simple museum behind Tumen Jie displaying puppet heads, intricate 30-string marionettes and comical hand puppets. Shows run intermittently.
Changsha
Tree-shaded and dotted with lakes, leafy – and incredibly huge – Lieshi Park is very popular in the mornings for singing, dancing and taichi.
Gansu
The best morning views of the monastery come from the Thangka Display Terrace, a popular picnic spot.
Henan
There's not much to see inside this narrow, muddy cave. Unless you're really into clambering over slimy rocks, you can safely skip this one.
Gansu
A monastery of 90 monks set against a stunning backdrop of vertical rock formations. The name literally means 'White Stone Cliff Monastery'.
Henan
Although replete with colourfully painted eaves, there is little to see at this restored temple. Take bus 60 or 85 from the train station.
Fujian
A handsome red-brick building located to the southwest of Gulang Yu. It now houses local university teachers so there is no public entry.
Henan
Zhengzhou's eastern outskirts are marked by long, high mounds of earth, the remains of the old city walls. You can climb up to explore.
Shanghai Stock Exchange Building
Shanghai
Shanghai's stock exchange used to run in the Peacock Hall of the Astor House Hotel before moving to new custom-made digs in Pudong.
Fujian
Originally built in 1196, this small temple that has undergone numerous renovations is dedicated to the goddess of seafarers.
Zhejiang
The house is empty and there's nothing to see. Mao reputedly spent the night here, but in fact he only had an afternoon nap.
Lhasa
One of the monastery's recently renovated minor residences, this building can be missed if you are running short of time.
Zhejiang
Built in 1870, this wooden cantilever bridge runs straight over the stream, in the grassy hills 3km northeast above Sixi.
Lhasa
One of the monastery's recently renovated minor residences, this building can be missed if you are running short of time.
Jiangxi
Has detailed explanations, in English as well as Chinese, of Longhu Shan’s formation. Beside the park's ticket office.
Guizhou
Small, obscured temple dedicated to the fearsome 'fire god' Yan Di (炎帝), a deity in early Chinese mythology.
Guangdong
Part of the Guangji Bridge complex. It's also a popular rendezvous point for locals meeting up with friends.
Guizhou
Anshun was once ringed by a defensive city wall, a modest chunk of which still stands on Tashan Donglu.
Guizhou
The modern church has an impressive bell tower, but the 19th-century ruins next door are the real draw.
Jiangxi
This small museum by the park ticket office is dedicated to Taoism but has information in Chinese only.
Shanghai Old City
Originally dating to 1917, this famous mosque is the main place of worship for Shanghai’s Muslims.
Beijing
A small islet at the southeastern end of Kunming Lake, the Phoenix Mound is a popular vantage point.
Temple of Heaven Park & Dongcheng South
One of the four main access points to Temple of Heaven Park.
Henan
This weathered old tower marks the more authentic (although still heavily touristed) Old Town area.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Scenic spot where a tiger is said to have leaped across the river, thus giving the gorge its name.
Henan
This small fissure in the Wanxian Mountains is the source of a flow of cool, clear spring water.
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