BEIJING TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with DIY Itinerary, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, Budget, Tips and More for First-timers in China

Traveling to Beijing, China for the first-time? Check out this detailed BEIJING TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with travel information such as sample DIY Beijing itinerary, top things to do, hotels, budget and expenses, how to get around, and travel tips and reminders to help you plan your trip.

This Beijing Travel Guide covers the top things to do in Beijing, must-see landmarks, and essential travel tips for first-time visitors. As one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating cities, Beijing blends imperial history with modern culture, offering unforgettable experiences at iconic attractions like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. From exploring historic hutongs and ancient temples to tasting authentic Beijing roast duck, travelers will discover why Beijing is one of the best places to visit in China. In this complete Beijing travel guide, you’ll find the best Beijing tourist spots, cultural highlights, travel itineraries, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Beijing, China.

Beijing is the capital city of China, as well as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. As a huge city, Beijing is the second largest Chinese city by urban population after Shanghai. When in Beijing, you will surely be filled with a lot of history, culture, amazing landscape, and sumptuous cuisines. There are plenty of things to do and to experience in Beijing. For first-timers, it could be quite overwhelming where to start. But don't worry, let me help you plan your trip with this First-timer's Travel Guide to Beijing.

SHANGHAI TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with DIY Itinerary, Things to Do, Tourist Spots, Budget, Tips and More for First Timers in China

Ni Hao! Or should I say, hello! Hehehe! If you're planning a trip to Shanghai, I hope this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog with DIY Itinerary help you have a memorable trip to Shanghai!

Traveling to Shanghai, one of the most dynamic cities in China, offers an exciting blend of modern skyscrapers, historic neighborhoods, world-class shopping, and vibrant culture. As China’s largest city and a global financial hub, Shanghai travel attracts millions of visitors looking to experience iconic landmarks, futuristic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll along the famous waterfront promenade of The Bund, admire the skyline from the top of Shanghai Tower, or explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden. Whether you are searching for the best things to do in Shanghai, planning a Shanghai travel itinerary, or looking for a comprehensive Shanghai travel guide, this vibrant metropolis offers unforgettable experiences that combine traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge urban life.

In this Shanghai Travel Guide Blog, I will help you in planning a trip to one of China’s most progressive cities. Although Shanghai isn’t China’s capital city (that honor goes to Beijing), it is China’s largest and most developed city. Being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, it is also China’s financial center. And there’s no better way for me to start my adventure in mainland China than to explore this vibrant city that offers a unique blend of the old and new.

Discovering the Middle Kingdom: Top Things to Do in China

China, a land of ancient wonders and modern marvels, offers travelers an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of history combined with breathtaking natural landscapes and cutting-edge urban experiences. From the iconic Great Wall stretching across northern mountains to the futuristic skylines of Shanghai, China presents a captivating blend of tradition and innovation that leaves visitors spellbound. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary adventures, or natural beauty, this vast country delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

BEIJING DAY TOURS: The Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs

Now I know why it’s called the Great Wall of China!

Every visitor to China hopes to climb The Great Wall. Whenever I think of China, the first thing that comes to mind is a picture of The Great Wall of China. Growing up, I always envision myself visiting it, as it is one of the most impressive architectural wonders of the world. That’s why I promised myself that one day I will visit China and walk on the The Great Wall.

UPDATED CHINA VISA REQUIREMENTS and Application for Tourists (How to successfully get a Chinese tourist visa?)

Traveling to China this 2021 and you want to know the list of requirements, how to apply, and how to successfully get a Chinese Visa in the Philippines?

For Filipinos traveling to China you need to secure a Chinese visa to enter Mainland China, except Hainan Province which allows visa-free entry for Filipinos. In this Chinese Visa Travel Guide, I will give you the step-by-step procedures on how to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa and the list of requirements needed to get a Chinese visa. Please note that this only covers Chinese tourist visa for Filipinos visiting China. For other Chinese visa types and requirements you may visit the official website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines.

CHINA TRAVEL TIP BLOG: How to Get to BEIJING from SHANGHAI?

After enjoying and exploring the tourist spots and exciting things to do in Shanghai, it’s time to travel to our next destination - Beijing. Getting to Beijing from Shanghai, you may take a domestic flight or take the high-speed train. We chose to take the train because it's cheaper and we also want to experience what is considered as "China's fastest train." With a speed of 250-350 km/hour for G Trains, taking the high-speed train will bring you to Beijing from Shanghai in less than 6 hours. How cool is that?

SHANGHAI TOWER, "The Tallest Building in China and 2nd in the World!"

Shanghai Tower is a touristy stop and a prominent structure of the city's amazing skyline. If you're looking for a place to see Shanghai from above, a visit to the Shanghai Tower Observatory should be included in your itinerary. That is why, when we were planning our Shanghai Itinerary, we made sure that a visit to the Shanghai Tower's Observatory should not be missed.

Top Things to do at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND in China + Travel Tips, How to Get There & More!

Planning a trip to Shanghai, China? Don't miss visiting Disneyland Shanghai!

Growing up, I always dreamed of visiting Disneyland. As a kid, it's an ultimate dream for me to have a memorable holiday in Disneyland with my family and friends. Unfortunately, we are not rich and our family cannot afford to travel abroad to have a Disneyland experience. That is why, I promised myself that when the time comes that I'll be given the chance to visit Disneyland, I will grab the opportunity, and will enjoy and have an amazing time.

The World’s Most Beautiful Rail Routes

The fast-paced life that we lead in today’s world leaves us with a defined time limit to enjoy vacations. Air transport is always an easier and practical choice to reach a destination. However, some vacations are meant to be devoured and enjoyed in the lap of nature where the luxury of time stands still. Trans-Siberian Private & Small Group Tours provide just the right break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with their most scenic rail routes in the world.

What do you need for a trip to China?

One of the oldest and wealthiest countries in the world is located in East Asia. China is an astonishing motherland to stunning natural landscapes, fascinating animals and cultural vibrancy. It also has many beautiful and modern-looking cities that attract tourists from all over the world. Chinese people lead a fast-paced life, dealing with a constantly shifting climate just like us in Europe.

Ultimate Guide on Chengdu Panda Tour Guide

Any trip to Chengdu is not complete without a visit to one of the four giant panda centers in the area. The cuddly national icon of China, and the logo of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the cute black and white pandas are one of the world’s rarest animals, and were hunted and forced out of their natural habitats until they were close to extinction. Now recovering and taken of the endangered list, the pandas live both wild and in captivity in China, at 26 panda research centers as well as at more than a dozen wild locations in Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi.

Learning Mandarin with Rosetta Stone

As the saying goes... “It’s never too late to learn something new.” And I totally agree!

The best part about traveling and experiencing other cultures is the language. So before I travel to any country, I always make sure that I learn a few basic words and phrases from the country I’m visiting that can be useful for my travel. A simple “greeting” and saying “thank you” are the simple words I start to learn. But I guess, it would also be good if I learn more conversational phrases so I would somehow be able to communicate more with the locals.

BUY 1, TAKE 1 PROMO: Cruise from Manila to Vietnam, China, Malaysia, or Palawan with Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo this December 2018!

Good news Pinoy Adventuristas!

Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo is coming back to Manila this December 2018! With Manila as its homeport, SuperStar Virgo is offering new 5-night cruises from December 4, 2018 to January 3, 2019. The best part is.... They are offering a Buy 1, Take 1 promo where the 2nd guest per cabin gets free base fare when you cruise from Manila to Vietnam, China (visa-free when you pre-book a shore excursion), Malaysia, or Palawan!

Foods You Should Try as a Newcomer to China

Do you have that one drive-thru Chinese place near your house that is your go-to on a busy weeknight?

Or, maybe it is that Chinese buffet with orange chicken that is simply out of this world.

For me, just about anything with fried rice speaks to me…

Discover Jiuzhaigou, the Fairyland of Water

Jiuzhaigou is one of the places that is still untouched by the hustles and bustles of China. Located in the edge of the Tibetan plateau it stretches over 72,000 hectares. Lying in the pinnacle between the northern Sichuan and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, its elevation ranges between 2,000m and 4,500m. Tourists have been fleeting to Jiuzhaigou since the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park was opened for tourism in 1984. Jiuzhaigou means a land of nine villages constituting to the fact that there a nine villages in the valley. Only seven out of them is populated by people.

Flytpack Travel WiFi in Macau and Hong Kong

Last week, I went on a 3-day vacation in Macau. It was a "spur-of-the-moment" trip that is not part of my travel plans for this month. At first, I don't have any plans of joining my mon and my brother on this trip. But 2 days before the trip, I decided to buy a ticket and join them for a much needed vacation.

Teaching in English in China

I love to travel but I admit that sometimes I am out of funds and that’s normal. I am not that rich to support all my travel needs and that is why I am working as a freelancer. If you are a budget traveler like me who dream to wander around the world but don’t have enough funds, applying for different freelance jobs around the world is one of the best options. There are many freelance jobs that you can do while traveling the world and the most common jobs that you can apply includes being a tour guide, where you can travel together with the tourist as you work. You can also be a waiter in different restaurants globally. Or you can also work in a hotel outside the country.

Discover Shanghai, the “Paris of the East” via AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia Philippines, the world’s best low-cost airline, continues to connect the world as it added another wonderful destination on their route map – Shanghai, “The Paris of the East”.

Discover the Far East Teaching English in China

Discovering the Far East

In today’s increasingly globalized world, the demand for the English language is seemingly endless. For the adventurous, teaching English in China has become the best way to earn a living and explore this exciting country. But this isn’t new. For generations restless and intrepid souls from the West have been fascinated by the prospect of travelling through the vast mountain ranges, trellised rice paddies, and—more recently—sprawling neon-lit cityscapes of China. The nation is home to one of the oldest continuous civilizations on the planet (with more than 4,000 years of documented history) and a host of natural and man-made wonders, from the plumes of water cascading down the Huangguoshu Falls and the mist-shrouded peaks of Mt. Wuyi, to the modern skylines and bustling streets of Beijing and Shanghai, not to mention the striking Great Wall. China has always called out to those who have the traveller’s thirst for the new and unfamiliar, the blending of the ancient and the modern, whether as an explorer or as an entrepreneur. The question then becomes how to get your foot in the door and how to make a living once you get there.

Neil Cardano in Macau China for AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016

Last September 3 to 6, 3016, the top 6 finalists traveled to Macau, China for the final leg of the AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 contest. They went through a series of challenges in landscape, portrait and food photography with the guidance of Coaches/Judges Jacob Maentz and Wawi Navarroza. I asked one of the finalists, Neil Cardano about his Macau experience.