China Sampler

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," enchants visitors with its labyrinth of canals, classical gardens, and rich silk heritage. Located in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famed for its beautifully preserved classical Chinese gardens, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest of them all, features exquisite pavilions, bridges, and ponds that create a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the Lingering Garden, renowned for its elegant layout and the impressive collection of Taihu rocks, epitomizing the ancient art of Chinese garden design.

Suzhou’s canals, bridges, and ancient alleyways evoke a sense of timelessness that harks back to its days as a flourishing hub during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A stroll through Pingjiang Road takes you along a narrow, cobblestone street flanked by historic houses, tea houses, and small shops selling local crafts and snacks. At night, the canals are lit up, casting reflections that transform the waterways into a dazzling display, perfect for a boat ride to soak in the enchanting views.

For history and culture enthusiasts, Suzhou’s silk industry is a must-explore. The city has been the center of silk production for over 2,500 years, and visitors can learn about its rich heritage at the Suzhou Silk Museum. Here, you can witness the intricate process of silk-making from silkworm to finished product, offering insight into why Suzhou silk has been prized across the globe for centuries.

A fun fact: Suzhou is home to the world’s longest double-decked arch bridge, the Panmen Gate’s Wu Men Bridge, which was first built in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt during the Song Dynasty. This historical marvel is a testament to the city's architectural ingenuity and strategic importance in ancient times. With its blend of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and cultural depth, Suzhou offers a mesmerizing journey back in time. Visit between April and October for the most pleasant weather and to fully appreciate the beauty of its gardens and waterways.

Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," enchants visitors with its labyrinth of canals, classical gardens, and rich silk heritage. Located in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famed for its beautifully preserved classical Chinese gardens, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest of them all, features exquisite pavilions, bridges, and ponds that create a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the Lingering Garden, renowned for its elegant layout and the impressive collection of Taihu rocks, epitomizing the ancient art of Chinese garden design.

Suzhou’s canals, bridges, and ancient alleyways evoke a sense of timelessness that harks back to its days as a flourishing hub during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A stroll through Pingjiang Road takes you along a narrow, cobblestone street flanked by historic houses, tea houses, and small shops selling local crafts and snacks. At night, the canals are lit up, casting reflections that transform the waterways into a dazzling display, perfect for a boat ride to soak in the enchanting views.

For history and culture enthusiasts, Suzhou’s silk industry is a must-explore. The city has been the center of silk production for over 2,500 years, and visitors can learn about its rich heritage at the Suzhou Silk Museum. Here, you can witness the intricate process of silk-making from silkworm to finished product, offering insight into why Suzhou silk has been prized across the globe for centuries.

A fun fact: Suzhou is home to the world’s longest double-decked arch bridge, the Panmen Gate’s Wu Men Bridge, which was first built in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt during the Song Dynasty. This historical marvel is a testament to the city's architectural ingenuity and strategic importance in ancient times. With its blend of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and cultural depth, Suzhou offers a mesmerizing journey back in time. Visit between April and October for the most pleasant weather and to fully appreciate the beauty of its gardens and waterways.