A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand years. There’s no doubt that Chinese tea provides many health-giving properties, but the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony draws more from a desire to create a spiritual and […]
READ MORESearching for the best Chinese tea? Here’s the ultimate top 10 list for aspiring tea connoisseurs
The best Chinese tea? Do this countdown with us Wherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in their region. Irrespective of whether it’s north, south, or anywhere in between, it seems claimants for China’s best tea are everywhere. Now we totally understand that […]
READ MOREHow to choose Chinese tea like a local: 8 things to look for before you buy
A little bit like buying a fancy bottle of wine, knowing how to choose Chinese tea like a local can be, well, a little confusing. In fact, because the art and science of tea has a modern history, as well as an ancient one. More recent influences on the maintaining the quality of tea emerged […]
READ MOREChinese Tea: The Elixir of life in all its forms
There is something utterly calming and restorative that arises from the simple act of pouring boiled water onto crisp, tight tea leaves. The sound of water plunging to the bottom of a pot. The slow spread of color as flavor seeps through water. The promise of peace, relief, and calm – if only for a […]
READ MOREReady to celebrate Chinese New Year? This is how we do it!
If you’re traveling in China early in the year, you’ll probably notice a buzz that seems to creep up out of nowhere. Typically composed and reserved as a people, you may even find a sense of anticipation and excitement permeating the air everywhere you visit in China. Well, it’s no surprise. With Chinese New Year […]
READ MOREWhat to eat for breakfast in China: Enjoy the most important meal of the day and eat like a local
Wondering what to eat for breakfast in China? Taking a China tour and confused about the food options? That’s hardly a surprise. China is a vast country and the diversity of cultures and cuisines is one of its many distinguishing features. So how do you know what to eat? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or […]
READ MOREBeijing Haidilao hotpot: Good reasons to dine in on your China tour
A China tour is hardly complete if you haven’t imbibed the incredibly diverse food offerings that are available in the cities of every region. From peking duck to dumplings , there is quite literally, a whole new world to explore. Among the hundreds of traditional dishes, are some that you simply have to try if you’re […]
READ MOREShanghai Cuisine
Shanghai cuisine, also referred to as Benbang cuisine, balances color, aroma and taste. While appearances may not always be appealing to a Western palate (check out Hairy Crab below) – in general, Shanghai dishes feature a comparatively sweet and light-salt flavor. By contrast to the heavy and spicy flavor prevailing in China’s north, Shanghai cuisine […]
READ MOREShanghai Street Food – 8 Dishes to try in Shanghai
The perfect ingredient for creating beautiful travel memories is sampling Shanghai street food, available at any time of day from breakfast through until late in the evening. With Shanghai street food so much a reflection of the melting pot that is Shanghai itself, it’s not surprising to find it profiled on travel and food sites […]
READ MORESerious Shopping in Xian: Where to Shop in Xian When You’re Not a Shopper
Travelers adventuring in Xian on one of our Xian tours often ask our tour guides about shopping in Xian. Whilst we know guests who visit China with ChinaTours.com are people interested in culture, history and China’s incredible natural beauty, we also know collecting a memento or two is all part of the travel experience. As […]
READ MORE