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240-hour transit only (4)

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Booking guides (4)

• 12306 English App: Book China Trains as a Foreigner (2026) — 2026 step-by-step 12306 English app guide for foreign travelers — register with passport, verify identity, pay with foreign card, tap-to-enter at gate.
• Book China Train Tickets Online in English (Trip.com, 2026) — Book China HSR tickets online in English via Trip.com — no real-name verification, Visa/Mastercard accepted, confirmation in two minutes.
• 12306 vs Trip.com: Which to Use for China Trains (2026) — Side-by-side: 12306 direct (free, harder) vs Trip.com (¥10–30 fee, easier) for foreigners booking China HSR. Fees, UX, cards, refunds, and when each wins.
• How to Book China Travel as a Foreigner (2026) — Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda? How foreigners book hotels, trains and attraction tickets in China — what each platform covers, and the honest trade-offs.

Network overview (8)

• China High-Speed Rail Network — Complete 2026 Overview — The 50,000-km HSR network, G/D/C train classes, 27 major stations, 35 tourist routes, and how to book as a foreigner — a single-page overview for first-time travelers.
• China Train Types and Seat Classes Explained (2026) — All 6 China train prefixes (G/D/C/Z/T/K) and 9 seat classes (business/first/second + soft/hard sleeper, hard seat) explained with real prices and a decision tree.
• China's 8 Regional Cuisines — A Foreigner Eating Guide 2026 — China's 8 traditional cuisines (八大菜系) — Sichuan, Cantonese, Hunan, Lu, Su, Zhe, Min, Hui — explained for foreign travelers. What to eat by region, 2026.
• China's Ancient Capitals + Hanfu Revival 2026 — China's 5 great ancient capitals — Xi'an, Luoyang, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou — and how the 2024-2026 hanfu (汉服) revival works for foreigners.
• China's Fantasy Landscapes — Avatar Mountains + Karst 2026 — Seven China landscapes that look digitally rendered but aren't — Zhangjiajie's Avatar pillars, Guilin karst, Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Zhangye Danxia, Yuanyang, Wulong.
• Cyberpunk China — Chongqing, Shanghai, Shenzhen 2026 — China's three cyberpunk cities in 2026 — Chongqing (Liziba metro + Hongya night), Shanghai (Pudong skyline + Maglev), Shenzhen (Ping An 599m). Viewpoints + timing.
• Why China Has Every Landscape — Desert to Tropics 2026 — China spans 50° of latitude — desert, snow peaks, tropics, alpine lakes, steppe, sub-Arctic ice, karst — all in one country. 8 landscapes + 10/18/28-day itineraries.
• China's Modern Life Magic — Tech I Missed Back Home 2026 — 12 daily-life conveniences foreigners notice in China on day 2 and miss back home — scan-to-pay, food delivery, HSR, shared bikes, DiDi, eSIM, VAT refund. 2026.

Train route guides (27)

• Shanghai to Beijing by High-Speed Train (2026 Guide) — 4h18m on the G-train between Hongqiao and Beijing South — ¥626+, 51 trains a day. Station choice, train vs flight, and how to book with a foreign passport.
• Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train (2026 Guide) — Everything a foreign traveler needs: 4h10m–6h on the G-train, ¥515–¥578 in 2nd class, 32 trains a day. Which Beijing station to use, scenery, how to book with a passport.
• Chengdu to Chongqing by High-Speed Train (2026 Guide) — The easiest intro to China HSR: a G-train every 15 min, 1h15m–2h, ¥85+. Stations, scenery, food tips, and how to do it as a day trip.
• Chongqing to Chengdu by High-Speed Train (2026) — Chongqing North to Chengdu East in ~1h15m, ¥85+ second class, a G-train every 15 min. Which station, prices, day-trip vs overnight, and passport booking.
• Shanghai to Chengdu by High-Speed Train (2026) — Shanghai Hongqiao to Chengdu East in 10h55m, ¥721+ second class, 15 trains a day. Honest train-vs-flight (flight usually wins), stations, passport booking.
• Beijing to Guangzhou by High-Speed Train (2026) — Beijing West to Guangzhou South in 8h on the G-train, ¥703+ second class, 17 trains a day — the longest trunk HSR in China. Train vs flight, stations, booking.
• Shanghai to Shenzhen by High-Speed Train (2026) — Shanghai Hongqiao to Shenzhen North in 10h20m, ¥552+ second class, 22 trains a day. Honest train-vs-flight, which station, and passport booking in English.
• Beijing to Harbin by High-Speed Train (2026) — Beijing Chaoyang to Harbin West in 5h20m on the G-train, ¥600+ second class, 24 trains a day — the gateway to the Harbin Ice Festival. Stations, when to go, booking.
• Shanghai to Nanjing by High-Speed Train (2026) — Shanghai Hongqiao to Nanjing South in 1h on the G-train, ¥55+ second class, 346 trains a day — the busiest stretch of the Yangtze delta. Stations, day-trip tips, booking.
• Beijing to Chengdu by High-Speed Train (2026) — Beijing West to Chengdu East in 7h30m on the G-train, ¥784+ second class, 11 trains a day. Honest train-vs-flight, which station, and passport booking.
• Beijing to Chongqing by High-Speed Train (2026) — Beijing West to Chongqing North in 7h15m on the G-train, ¥330+ second class, 12 trains a day. Honest train-vs-flight, which station, and passport booking.
• Suzhou to Hangzhou by High-Speed Train (2026) — Suzhou to Hangzhou in 1h25m on the G-train, ¥75+ second class, 179 trains a day — two of the Yangtze delta gardens-and-lake cities linked. Stations, tips, booking.
• Nanjing to Hangzhou by High-Speed Train (2026) — Nanjing South to Hangzhou East in 1h15m on the G-train, ¥115+ second class, 153 trains a day. Stations, day-trip tips, and how to book with a foreign passport.
• Changsha to Zhangjiajie by High-Speed Train (2026) — Changsha South to Zhangjiajie West in 1h40m on the G-train, ¥120+ second class, 60 trains a day — the fast way from the Hunan gateway to the Avatar mountains. Stations, booking.
• Shenzhen to Hong Kong: Train & Border Crossings (2026) — How to cross Shenzhen to Hong Kong: the ~14-min Express Rail Link from Futian to West Kowloon, plus the Futian and Luohu metro border crossings. Times, fares, documents.
• Chongqing to Zhangjiajie by High-Speed Train (2026) — The new Chongqing East → Zhangjiajie West G-train: 2h 2m fastest, ~17 trains a day, 2nd class from ¥191. Stations, when to go, train vs flight, and how to book with a foreign passport.
• Guangzhou to Macau: Train, Ferry & Bus (2026) — No direct high-speed train — the smart route is the intercity train to Zhuhai (~1–1.5h, ¥70–80) then a 5-min walk across the Gongbei border. Coaches and ferries compared, plus visa notes.
• Shenzhen to Macau: The Shekou Ferry (2026 Guide) — Shenzhen and Macau face each other across the estuary, so the fast way over is the ferry — Shekou Cruise Centre (or the airport) to Taipa, ~1–1.25h, ¥200–280. Routes and visa notes.
• Haikou to Sanya by Train: Hainan's Ring HSR (2026) — Hainan's eastern ring high-speed line runs Haikou to Sanya in about 1h20–1h30, frequently, for ~¥85–105 — faster and cheaper than flying. Stations, stops and when to go.
• Guangzhou to Hong Kong by High-Speed Train (2026) — 47 minutes on the G-train between Guangzhou South and Hong Kong West Kowloon — 60 trains a day, ¥185+, immigration done in one stop.
• Shanghai to Xi'an by High-Speed Train (2026) — 6h on the G-train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Xi'an North — 28 trains a day, ¥233+ in 2nd class. Train vs flight, station choice, passport booking.
• Shanghai to Hangzhou by High-Speed Train (2026) — 45 minutes on the G-train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East — 328 trains a day, ¥34+. The classic West Lake day trip; how to book.
• Shanghai to Suzhou by High-Speed Train (2026) — 23 minutes on the G-train from Shanghai to Suzhou — 600+ trains a day, ¥31+. Which Suzhou station for the gardens, and how to book.
• Guangzhou to Shenzhen by High-Speed Train (2026) — 30 minutes on the G/C-train from Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North — 500+ trains a day, ¥72. Stations, Hong Kong onward, passport booking.
• Beijing to Tianjin by High-Speed Train (2026) — 33 minutes on the C-train from Beijing South to Tianjin — ~300 trains a day, ¥39+. The easiest day trip from Beijing; how to book.
• Xi'an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train (2026) — 3h on the G-train from Xi'an North to Chengdu East — 80 trains a day, ¥263+. Terracotta Army to the pandas; the Qinling crossing.
• Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou: HSR vs Flight vs Bus (2026) — Since the 2023 HSR, Chengdu→Jiuzhaigou is 3h rail + 90min taxi (¥510-700). Or fly (1h, 3,400m altitude shock) or bus (8-10h budget). Compared.

Tourist train experiences (71)

• Shanghai Maglev Train: Should You Ride It? (2026 Guide) — Ride Shanghai's 431 km/h maglev from PVG? 2026 prices, vs taxi, with luggage or kids, to the Bund / Disneyland / Hongqiao for HSR, plus after-hours options.
• Things to Do in Chengdu: 2026 Local Guide (15 Picks) — Pandas at 4 bases, Sichuan Opera face-changing, Mt Qingcheng Taoism, Leshan Buddha day trip, hot pot streets. 15 picks ranked for foreign visitors.
• Wulong Karst Day Trip from Chongqing 2026 (UNESCO Bridges) — How to do Wulong Karst as a 9-10 hour day trip from Chongqing — Three Natural Bridges (Transformers 4 site), Longshui Gorge, ticket prices, all 3 transport options.
• Dazu Rock Carvings 2026: UNESCO Buddhist Cliffs from Chongqing — UNESCO Buddhist sculpture complex 1.5h from Chongqing — Baodingshan vs Beishan compared, 31m reclining Buddha, 1,000-arm Guanyin, transport + ticket pricing.
• Jiefangbei Chongqing 2026: CBD Square & Mountain Trail — Jiefangbei (解放碑) Liberation Monument plaza + Mountain City Trail (山城步道) — a Chongqing local's walking guide, scams to avoid, and the best night photo route.
• Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise 2026: Night Boat Tour Guide — The 1-hour Chongqing Two Rivers night cruise (两江夜游) from Chaotianmen — NOT the multi-day Yangtze cruise. Boats, prices, what you see, and what to skip.
• Yangtze Cable Car Chongqing 2026: A Local's Visit Guide — The Yangtze Cable Car (长江索道) Chongqing — 1.16km river crossing, ¥30 round-trip, 5-min ride. Queue tactics, best time, and whether to skip it on weekends.
• Hongyadong Chongqing 2026 — A Local's Night View Guide — Hongyadong (洪崖洞) night view from a Chongqing local — best photo spot, light-show times, metro route, what to skip inside, scams to avoid. First-person 2026.
• Liziba Station Chongqing 2026 — Train Through a Building — Liziba (李子坝) — the Chongqing Line 2 monorail through floors 6-8 of a 19-story residential building. Best photo spot, train frequency, route, what to skip.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town Chongqing 2026: Foreigner's Guide — Ciqikou (磁器口) old porcelain port — pronunciation, opening hours, street food, Sichuan opera, photo spots. 30 min from downtown Chongqing by metro Line 1.
• Yangtze River Cruise 2026: The Honest Buyer's Guide — 3- to 7-day Yangtze cruises from Chongqing — what's worth it, which cabin to pick, and the 4 ships actually serving foreigners. Real 2026 prices.
• Zhangjiajie National Park: 2026 Avatar Mountains Guide — The 'Avatar mountains' park in Hunan — how to get there, the 4 zones, glass bridge, Tianmen Mountain, and 3- vs 5-day itineraries. Honest practical guide.
• Mt Emei Day or Overnight from Chengdu (UNESCO 2026) — China's holiest Buddhist mountain — 1.5h HSR from Chengdu, ¥160 ticket, ¥120 cable car, 5:30am Golden Summit sunrise, plus the Leshan 2-day double-UNESCO combo.
• Where to See Pandas in China: 4 Bases Compared (2026) — Chengdu Research Base vs Dujiangyan vs Bifengxia vs Wolong — entry fees, volunteer programs, hold-a-panda, and the 8-11am rule that makes or breaks the visit.
• Dujiangyan Day Trip from Chengdu: 3-in-1 UNESCO Guide — UNESCO irrigation system + the alternative Dujiangyan panda base + Mt Qingcheng — three landmarks within 1h of Chengdu, full-day plan, and combo ticket ¥130.
• Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip from Chengdu (UNESCO 2026) — 71m Tang-dynasty cliff Buddha, 1h HSR from Chengdu South — boat view (¥70) vs walking trail (¥80, 1-2h queue), and the natural Mt Emei 2-day combo.
• Jiuzhaigou Valley Guide 2026: 3-Day Trip from Chengdu — 108 turquoise lakes at 3,400m UNESCO valley — 2023 HSR cut access from 10h to 3h, ¥190 entry, best late Sep–Oct or Apr–May, 2-3 day plans.
• Mt Qingcheng UNESCO: Daoism Day Trip from Chengdu — Birthplace of religious Daoism (142 CE) — front mountain temples ¥80 + cable car ¥35, back mountain waterfalls ¥20, Dujiangyan combo ¥130.
• Chongqing vs Chengdu Hot Pot: Foreigner's 2026 Guide — Chongqing's beef-tallow mala (the original) vs Chengdu's herb-broth (the gentler cousin) — spice intensity, dipping sauces, prices, and which to pick.
• Wide-Narrow Alley Chengdu (Kuanzhai): 2026 Guide — Three Qing-dynasty alleys with tea houses, Sichuan opera, snack stalls — free 24/7 in central Chengdu, best 4-7pm for lantern light, metro Line 4.
• Sichuan Opera Face-Changing in Chengdu (2026) — Bian Lian — closely-guarded mask-switching technique. The 3 venues for foreigners: Shufeng Yayun (¥150-380), Jinli courtyard, Kuanzhai courtyard.
• Jinli Ancient Street + Wuhou Temple Chengdu (2026) — Three Kingdoms shrine (Liu Bei + Zhuge Liang) + Ming-style covered street with snacks, lanterns, and face-changing dinner. Half-day walking guide.
• Daocheng Yading 2026: Last Shangri-La Trek from Chengdu — Three sacred 5,800-6,032m peaks + alpine lakes at 4,000-4,700m. 4-5 day trip, fly DCY (4,411m altitude shock) or drive G318. Best late Sep-Oct.
• Things to Do in Shanghai 2026: 11 Picks for Foreigners — Shanghai 2026 ranked picks for foreign visitors — the Bund, Yu Garden, Disneyland, French Concession, Jing'an Temple, Oriental Pearl, plus 3/5/7-day timelines.
• Jing'an Temple Shanghai: How to Visit (2026) — Subway Line 2/7 to Jing'an Temple station, exit 1. ¥50 entry, open 7:30am-5pm. The Tang-dynasty Buddhist temple in a skyscraper pocket — what to see in 90 min.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an: Tickets, Fountain, Tang Guide — Tang-era Buddhist pagoda — ¥40 grounds + ¥30 ascent, free 8:30pm music fountain at South Square. The 2026 visitor guide foreigners actually need.
• Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride: 14km Loop, Tickets, Lights 2026 — World's most complete intact Ming-era city wall — ¥54 entry + ¥45 bike rental, 90-min loop, illuminated nightly. Foreign visitor logistics for 2026.
• Terracotta Army 2026: Tickets, Pits, Photos, Day Trip Guide — Visiting the 8,000 Qin warriors near Xi'an — ¥120 entry + ¥9 shuttle, Pit 1→3→2→museum order, no flash, 4-5 hour visit. 2026 foreign-traveler practicalities.
• Hua Shan Day Trip from Xi'an 2026: Plank Walk, Cable Cars — China's most dangerous mountain — 30-min HSR from Xi'an, ¥160 entry + ¥160 cable car, plank walk ¥30 add-on. Day-trip vs overnight call for 2026.
• Xi'an Muslim Quarter: 12 Foods, Map, Halal Guide 2026 — Beiyuanmen + Huimin Jie food street — biang biang noodles, yangrou paomo, persimmon cakes, lamb skewers. Hui Muslim food guide for foreigners 2026.
• Canton Tower Guangzhou 2026: Tickets, Decks, How to Visit — How to visit Canton Tower — observation-deck tickets and prices, the Bubble Tram and Sky Drop, opening hours, getting there by metro, and the best time to go.
• Things to Do in Guangzhou 2026: 10 Picks for Foreigners — The 10 things worth your time in Guangzhou — Canton Tower, Shamian Island, the Chen Clan Hall, the Pearl River cruise, Yuexiu Park, Chimelong — with honest priority calls.
• West Lake Hangzhou 2026: Causeways, Boats, How to Visit — How to visit West Lake — the causeways and bridges, the islands and tour boats, Leifeng Pagoda, the Ten Scenes, opening hours, getting there and the best time to go.
• Lingyin Temple Hangzhou 2026: Tickets, Feilai Feng — How to visit Lingyin Temple and the Feilai Feng grottoes — the two-part ticket, opening hours, getting there from West Lake, and what to see at one of China’s great Buddhist sites.
• Xixi Wetland Hangzhou 2026: Tickets & Boat Guide — How to visit Xixi National Wetland Park — the electric-boat routes, tickets, the east vs west sections, getting there from West Lake, and the calm half-day pace.
• Leifeng Pagoda Hangzhou 2026: Tickets & Sunset View — How to visit Leifeng Pagoda on West Lake's south shore — the ¥40 ticket, the White Snake legend, the ruins inside and the best sunset view over the lake.
• Grand Canal Hangzhou 2026: Gongchen Bridge & Cruise — How to visit the Grand Canal in Hangzhou — the Gongchen Bridge, the Qiaoxi historic district, the canal water-bus, free to walk, and Metro Line 5 access.
• Qinghefang & Hefang Street Hangzhou 2026 Guide — How to visit Qinghefang and Hefang Street — Hangzhou's best-preserved old quarter below Wushan hill: free to wander, snacks, the Huqing Yu Tang medicine hall, and how to get there.
• Longjing Tea Villages Hangzhou 2026 Guide — How to visit the Longjing tea villages and the free China National Tea Museum — Dragon Well green tea, tastings, the scam caution, and how to reach the hills west of West Lake.
• Things to Do in Hangzhou 2026: 10 Picks for Foreigners — The 10 things worth your time in Hangzhou — West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Xixi Wetland, the Qinghefang old street, the Grand Canal, the tea villages — with honest priority calls.
• Suzhou Classical Gardens 2026: Which to Visit, Tickets — How to visit Suzhou's UNESCO classical gardens — which of the Humble Administrator's, Lingering, Lion Grove and Master of the Nets gardens to pick, plus tickets.
• Suzhou Museum 2026: I.M. Pei's Building, Tickets — How to visit the Suzhou Museum — I.M. Pei's celebrated 2006 building beside the Humble Administrator's Garden, the free timed-entry booking, hours and what to see.
• Tiger Hill Suzhou 2026: Tickets, Pagoda & Legend — How to visit Tiger Hill (Huqiu) — the leaning Yunyan Pagoda, the Sword Pool and King Helü's legend, the ~¥60 ticket, and Metro Line 6 to the gate.
• Hanshan Temple Suzhou 2026: Tickets & the Bell — How to visit Hanshan Temple — Suzhou's Cold Mountain Temple by the Grand Canal, the Maple Bridge poem and bell, the ~¥20-25 ticket and how to get there.
• Pingjiang Road Suzhou 2026: Canal Street Guide — How to visit Pingjiang Road — Suzhou's best-preserved canal street: free to walk, the 1.6 km lane of teahouses and opera, when to go and how to get there.
• Shantang Street Suzhou 2026: Canal & Boats — How to visit Shantang Street — Suzhou's Tang-dynasty 'Seven-Li' canal street: free to walk, the ¥30-50 boat, best after dark, and Metro Line 2 access.
• Panmen Suzhou 2026: Tickets & the Three Scenes — How to visit Panmen — Suzhou's only surviving ancient city wall and water-gate, the 'Three Scenes' (gate, Ruiguang Pagoda, Wumen Bridge), the ~¥25 ticket and Metro Line 4 access.
• Suzhou Water Towns 2026: Tongli vs Zhouzhuang — Tongli vs Zhouzhuang — the two best water-town day trips from Suzhou: which to pick, the ~¥100 tickets, the Metro Line 4 vs bus options, and how to beat the crowds.
• Things to Do in Suzhou 2026: 10 Picks for Foreigners — What to do in Suzhou — the classical gardens, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road, Hanshan Temple, the silk story and the Tongli and Zhouzhuang water-town day trips.
• Tianmen Mountain Zhangjiajie 2026: Visitor Guide — How to visit Tianmen Mountain — the cable car, the cliff-edge glass skywalks, the Tianmen cave 'Heaven's Gate' and the 99-bend road, with tickets and routing.
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge 2026: Grand Canyon Guide — How to visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge — the 430 m glass-decked span, timed-entry tickets, how to get there, and the canyon trail and boat below.
• Things to Do in Zhangjiajie 2026: Top 10 Picks — What to do in Zhangjiajie — the National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, the glass bridge, Yellow Dragon Cave, Baofeng Lake, the Bailong Elevator and Tujia culture.
• Forbidden City Beijing Guide 2026: Tickets, Gates, Plan — Forbidden City Beijing 2026 — ¥60 peak / ¥40 low real-name ticket booked 7 days ahead, Wumen in / Shenwumen out, 3-4 hour central-axis route, Treasure + Clock galleries.
• Summer Palace Beijing: Tickets, Gates & What to See — China's grandest imperial garden — Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. 2026 tickets (~¥30-60), best gate, and a half-day plan.
• Temple of Heaven Beijing: Tickets, Hours & What to See — The Ming altar of prayer in south Beijing — the triple-eaved Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the early-morning park life. 2026 tickets and plan.
• Beijing Hutong Tour: Where to Go & How to Explore — Old Beijing's grey-brick courtyard lanes — which areas to walk (Drum Tower, Houhai, Nanluoguxiang), how pedicab tours work, and when to go. Free to explore.
• 798 Art District Beijing: Galleries, Hours & Getting There — Beijing's contemporary-art quarter in a Bauhaus-era factory (Dashanzi) — free to walk, galleries ~10-18h (many shut Mon). What to do, when to go, how to get there.
• Li River Cruise Guilin to Yangshuo 2026: How to Book — The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — the 4-5 hour scenic boat through the Karst peaks of the ¥20 note. Piers, tickets, classes, and the bamboo-raft alternative.
• Reed Flute Cave Guilin 2026: Visitor Guide — How to visit Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) — the illuminated limestone caverns in northwest Guilin, with ticket info, hours, and how to combine with Elephant Trunk Hill.
• Longji Rice Terraces 2026: Day Trip from Guilin — How to visit the Longji rice terraces from Guilin — the Zhuang and Yao villages of Pingan and Dazhai, the Ping'an viewpoints, when to go, and tour vs DIY.
• Things to Do in Guilin & Yangshuo 2026: Top 10 — What to do in Guilin and Yangshuo — the Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Moon Hill, Yulong River, Xingping, Xianggong, Impression Liu Sanjie, Longji.
• Longmen Grottoes 2026: Visiting Luoyang's UNESCO Cliff — How to visit the Longmen Grottoes — ~100,000 carved Buddhist statues over 1 km of Yi River cliff, the 17.4 m Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, tickets and routing.
• White Horse Temple Luoyang 2026: China's First Buddhist Temple — How to visit White Horse Temple in Luoyang — the first Buddhist temple in China (founded 68 CE), the international-themed pavilions, Bus 56 from the city.
• Things to Do in Luoyang 2026: Top 10 Picks — What to do in Luoyang — Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, the Sui-Tang capital ruins, Luoyi Ancient City, Guanlin Temple, the museum, the peony festival, Laojun Mountain.
• Lijiang Old Town 2026: UNESCO Naxi Heart of Yunnan — How to visit the Lijiang UNESCO Old Town — the Naxi-minority cobbled lanes, Sifang Street, Black Dragon Pool with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind it, Mu Family Mansion, Naxi orchestra.
• Tiger Leaping Gorge 2026: The Yunnan Trek Guide — How to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the world's deepest gorges (3,790 m peak-to-river), the 2-day high trail from Qiaotou to Tina's, the lower drive-and-walk option.
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 2026: Lijiang's Sacred Peak Guide — How to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — the 5,596 m sacred peak above Lijiang, the Big Cable Car to 4,506 m, Spruce Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, the altitude reality.
• Stone Forest 2026: Kunming's UNESCO Karst Day Trip — How to visit Stone Forest near Kunming — the UNESCO karst landscape of 270 million-year-old limestone pillars, the Yi-minority Ashima legend, transport from Kunming.
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces 2026: The UNESCO Hani Terraces Guide — How to visit the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces — UNESCO 2013, the Hani-minority terraces, Duoyishu sunrise, Bada sunset, when to go for mirror-water vs harvest.
• Things to Do in Yunnan 2026: Top 10 Across 4 Bases — Top 10 things to do across Yunnan — Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon, Stone Forest, Yuanyang terraces, Dali, Erhai, Songzanlin, Pudacuo, Meili Snow Mountain.
• Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG) 2026 Guide — Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG) for foreigners — China's seventh-busiest airport, Metro Line 6 to the city, 240-hour transit port, transfers to all four Yunnan bases.

Trip planning (96)

• China Visa for Americans: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide — US citizens need a tourist visa for stays beyond 240-hour transit. Required documents, photo specs, fees, processing time, and the 10-year multi-entry option.
• China Travel Advisory 2026: Level 2 Explained + Real Risk — Why China is at Level 2 (not 3) in 2026, what the US/UK/CA/AU government advisories actually mean for tourists, and how it changes by traveler type.
• Best Time to Visit China: 2026 By Region & Month — Late Sep–Oct and late Mar–May for most cities. Yunnan year-round. Tibet Apr–Oct. Avoid Spring Festival and the Golden Weeks (May 1, Oct 1).
• China Public Holidays 2026 & 2027: Travel Calendar — China's 2026 and 2027 public holiday dates, the 3 weeks foreign travelers should avoid, and how Spring Festival, May 1, and Oct 1 hit trains and hotels.
• Best Time to Visit Tibet 2026: Months, Weather, Permits — Tibet's tourist season is late April–October — peak May–June and September. Lhasa winter -10°C closes overland routes. Plus permit timing for foreigners.
• Best Time to Visit Yunnan 2026: Year-Round Climate Guide — Yunnan is China's only year-round destination — Kunming 1,890m, Lijiang 2,400m. March–May & Sep–Nov are best. Skip late June–Aug rainy season. Plus Yuanyang terraces timing.
• Where to Go in China in Summer: 7 Cool Escape Destinations — Beijing and Shanghai are 35°C+ in July–August. The 7 high-altitude or far-north Chinese destinations that stay 18–25°C — Yunnan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qingdao, Northeast, Sichuan plateau.
• Where to Go in China in October (After Golden Week) — October is the best month for first-time China travelers — but only after Oct 7. The Oct 1–7 Golden Week to avoid, the best autumn destinations, and a week-by-week plan.
• China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: 2026 Rules & Cities — Stay in China up to 10 days without a visa — 50+ nationalities, 60+ ports of entry, and the third-country rule that catches most travelers.
• China Pre-Trip Checklist 2026: What to Set Up Before You Fly — Set up Alipay + WeChat Pay, a roaming eSIM, and DiDi before you board. Plus airport arrival, hotel rules, real-name booking, scam alerts, dietary phrases.
• Alipay for Foreigners 2026: Bind a Foreign Card & Pay — Bind a Visa/Mastercard/Amex/JCB card to Alipay as a foreigner — 7 networks, real-name first (mandatory), free ≤¥200/txn then 3%. Steps, fees, fixes.
• WeChat Pay for Foreigners 2026: Add a Foreign Card — Add a foreign Visa/Mastercard/JCB to WeChat Pay as a foreigner — passport real-name first, free ≤¥200/txn then 3%. Steps, accepted cards, limits.
• How Much Does a China Trip Cost? 2026 Budget Guide — Real 2026 China trip cost: $30–300/day by style. 14-day mid-range $2,300–3,200 all-in including flights. Compared to Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• How Many Days in China? 7 / 10 / 14 / 21-Day Guide — 14 days is the gold standard. 10-day is the minimum, 21 lets you add Yunnan or Tibet. Per-city day counts and what-gets-cut tables for first-timers.
• 10 China Travel Myths Foreigners Believe in 2026 (Debunked) — 10 stale claims about China travel — no Google, expensive, need a tour group, dangerous, locals unfriendly — debunked with 2026 data and workarounds.
• Is China Worth Visiting in 2026? The Honest Verdict — Yes for most curious travelers — unique food, scale, history, ultra-modernity, value. Plus the honest case for skipping China for Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam.
• Is China Safe to Visit in 2026? An Honest Foreigner Guide — China's violent crime rate is below US/EU averages — but the real risks are scams, traffic, food adjustment, AQI, and political red lines. The honest answer.
• China Departure Guide 2026: Tax Refund, Customs, Last Day — Claim 11% VAT tax refund at the airport, declare what you must, close out Alipay balances, and handle the final-day logistics most foreigners miss.
• Chengdu Itinerary: 3, 5, or 7 Days for First-Time Visitors — Chengdu trip planner — 3 days for pandas + Leshan + slow-life, 5 days adds Mt Emei + Dujiangyan (4 UNESCO total), 7 days adds the Jiuzhaigou HSR extension.
• Where to Stay in Xi'an 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Xi'an as a foreigner — inside the City Wall / Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an North Station and Gaoxin compared.
• Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) Guide 2026: Metro, Buses — How to get from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to the city — Metro Line 14, the airport buses, taxi and DiDi, the three terminals, and VAT refund.
• Xi'an North Railway Station 2026: HSR, Metro, Hotels — Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站) — the high-speed-rail hub for Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Luoyang, Metro Line 2/4/14, the airport link, and how much time to allow.
• Xi'an Subway Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines — Xi'an Metro guide for foreigners — how to pay with a foreign card via Alipay, which lines tourists use, fares, English signage, security checks, and hours.
• What to Eat in Xi'an 2026: Roujiamo, Noodles & More — What to eat in Xi'an — roujiamo, biang biang noodles, yangrou paomo, liangpi, persimmon cakes, and where to eat them in the Muslim Quarter and beyond.
• Where to Stay in Guangzhou 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Guangzhou as a foreigner — Beijing Road / Yuexiu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe, Shamian Island and Guangzhou South Station compared.
• Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) Guide 2026: Metro, Buses — How to get from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city — Metro Line 3, Airport Express coaches, taxi, the terminals, and the Hong Kong transfer.
• Guangzhou South Railway Station 2026: HSR, Metro, Hotels — Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) — the HSR hub for Hong Kong, Shenzhen and national high-speed trains, Metro Line 2/7/22, hotels, and how much time to allow.
• Guangzhou Metro Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines — Guangzhou Metro guide for foreigners — how to pay with a foreign card via Alipay, the tourist-relevant lines, fares, English signage, security, and operating hours.
• Cantonese Food in Guangzhou 2026: Dim Sum & What to Eat — What to eat in Guangzhou, the home of Cantonese food — dim sum and yum cha, roast meats, Pearl River seafood, claypot rice and wonton noodles, and where to eat each.
• Where to Stay in Hangzhou 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Hangzhou as a foreigner — West Lake lakefront, Wulin Square, the Hefang Street old town, Qianjiang New City and Hangzhou East Station compared.
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH) Guide 2026: Metro — How to get from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to the city — Metro Line 19 and Line 1, airport coaches, taxi, the terminals, and the Shanghai-airport confusion.
• Hangzhou East Railway Station 2026: HSR, Metro — Hangzhou East Railway Station (杭州东站) — the high-speed-rail hub for Shanghai, Beijing and Huangshan, Metro Line 1/4/19, which Hangzhou station is which, and how much time to allow.
• Hangzhou Metro Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines — Hangzhou Metro guide for foreigners — how to pay with a foreign card via Alipay, the tourist-relevant lines, the airport line, fares, English signage and operating hours.
• Hangzhou Food 2026: Local Dishes & Longjing Tea — What to eat in Hangzhou — the Hangzhou-cuisine classics from Dongpo pork to West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp, the Longjing tea villages, and where to eat each.
• Where to Stay in Suzhou 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Suzhou — the Pingjiang Road old town, Guanqian Street, Shantang Street, the Jinji Lake / SIP side and Suzhou Station compared for foreigners.
• Suzhou Railway Station 2026: Which Station, Metro — Suzhou's rail stations explained — Suzhou Station vs Suzhou North vs the Park station, which one for the gardens, the metro links and Shanghai trains.
• Suzhou Metro Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines — Suzhou Metro guide for foreigners — how to pay with a foreign card via Alipay, the tourist lines for the gardens and Tiger Hill, fares, English signage and hours.
• Suzhou Food 2026: Local Dishes & Biluochun Tea — What to eat in Suzhou — the delicate, lightly sweet Suzhou-cuisine classics from squirrel-fish to Aozao noodles, the sweet snacks and Biluochun green tea.
• Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie 2026: 4 Best Areas — Where to stay in Zhangjiajie — Wulingyuan town (the park gateway), Zhangjiajie city, inside the National Forest Park and near Tianmen Mountain compared for foreigners.
• Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) 2026 Guide — Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) for foreigners — flights, the ~5 km transfer to the city, getting to Wulingyuan and the park, and the Changsha alternative.
• Zhangjiajie Railway Station 2026: Which to Use — Zhangjiajie's rail stations explained — Zhangjiajie West (the HSR hub) vs the central Zhangjiajie Station, which one for the park, and arriving via Changsha.
• Getting Around Zhangjiajie 2026: Park Transport — How to get around Zhangjiajie — the National Forest Park ticket and shuttle network, the cable cars, the Bailong Elevator, and the city, Wulingyuan and canyon connections.
• Zhangjiajie Food 2026: Tujia & Hunan Dishes — What to eat in Zhangjiajie — Tujia minority cooking and Hunan cuisine: the three-piece pot, home-cured smoked pork, wild greens and the sour-spicy flavour base.
• China Travel Issues Troubleshooter 2026: 12 Common Problems — Alipay frozen, hotel rejects foreigners, train name mismatch, VPN dead — the 12 most common China-travel snags + the actual fix. From a US-passport editor in Chongqing 8 years.
• DiDi for Foreigners in China 2026: Setup, Tiers, Foreign Card — Use DiDi (China's Uber) on a foreign passport — English UI, foreign-card payment, ride tiers, airport pickup, scam-avoidance. From a Chongqing daily user.
• Lost Passport in China: 2026 Emergency Steps for Foreigners — Lost or stolen passport in China — the PSB police-report flow, embassy emergency travel doc, airport exit. Plus the 110/120/119 numbers and embassy enrollment.
• Do Foreigners Have to Register at China Police? (2026) — Yes — within 24h of any non-hotel stay (Airbnb, friend's home, your own China property). Hotels handle it. New 2026 online filing in 7 pilot provinces.
• China eSIM Compared (2026): Do You Even Need a VPN? — First-hand China eSIM comparison — Holafly, Airalo, Nomad vs a local SIM and home roaming. Which bypass the firewall, which get app SMS, do you need a VPN.
• Best eSIM for China (2026): Setup, Cost, ChatGPT — Which eSIM to buy for China, how much data you need, and how to install it by QR — including the one that works with ChatGPT and Google behind the firewall.
• Does WhatsApp Work in China? (+ Google & Maps) 2026 — Does WhatsApp work in China? Does Google or Google Maps? No — all blocked by the Great Firewall. What still works, why, and the fix that works in 2026.
• Do You Need a VPN for China in 2026? (Honest Answer) — Do you need a VPN for China in 2026? Honest answer: no — after the April 2026 crackdown most are dead. What works instead, and whether one is legal.
• China SIM Card vs eSIM (2026): How to Get Online — China SIM card or eSIM? The combo that works: home SIM on roaming for app SMS + a travel eSIM for firewall-free data, plus a buy-on-arrival how-to.
• Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) Guide 2026: Transfers, Hotels — Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) 2026 — T2 + T3A + T3B terminals, Line 10 direct to downtown 33 min, VAT refund counter, taxi/DiDi zones, in-terminal hotels.
• Chongqing East Railway Station 2026: New HSR Hub Guide — Chongqing East (重庆东站) — the newest Chongqing HSR station in Nan'an Chayuan, metro Line 6 access, slow to CKG airport, and the still-under-construction station neighborhood.
• Chongqing West Railway Station: Metro, Hotels, Chengdu 2026 — Chongqing West (重庆西站) 2026 — metro Line 5 + Loop Line, which Chengdu G-trains depart here vs Chongqing North, hotels in the Eye-of-Chongqing tower.
• Chongqing North Railway Station: Exits, Metro, Hotels 2026 — Chongqing North Railway Station 2026 — North vs South plaza explained, metro Line 10/3, 33-min direct to CKG airport, hotels nearby, and the Wulong + Chengdu HSR routes.
• Where to Stay in Chongqing 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Chongqing as a foreigner — Jiefangbei, Hongyadong, Guanyinqiao, Nan'an, Shapingba compared on walks to attractions, metro, food, and price.
• Where to Stay in Beijing 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Beijing as a foreigner — Wangfujing, Qianmen, Sanlitun, Chaoyang CBD, Houhai compared on walks to Forbidden City, metro, food, and airport.
• Beijing South Railway Station: Exits, Metro, Hotels 2026 — Beijing South Railway Station 2026 — three-station confusion explained, Line 4/14/7 metro, in-station hotels, 38 min to Wangfujing, 83 min to PEK airport.
• Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Guide 2026: T2, T3, Transit — Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) 2026 — T1 closed, T2 + T3 explained, Capital Airport Express 48-75 min to central Beijing, VAT refund, in-terminal Hilton, DiDi pickup.
• Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) Guide 2026: Express, Hotels — Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) 2026 — single Zaha-Hadid starfish terminal, Daxing Airport Express ¥35 to central Beijing, why PKX beats PEK for Beijing South.
• Beijing West Railway Station: Exits, Metro, Hotels 2026 — Beijing West Railway Station 2026 — the Xi'an / Chengdu / Wuhan / Guangzhou / Lhasa hub, Line 7+9 metro, in-station 京铁大酒店, 31 min recovery to Beijing South.
• Beijing Subway Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines, Maps — Beijing subway guide for foreigners 2026 — how to pay with foreign Visa via Alipay, which lines tourists use, English support, security check, fares ¥3-9.
• Beijing to Badaling Great Wall 2026: HSR in 22 min — Beijing to Badaling Great Wall 2026 — the 22-min Jingzhang HSR from Qinghe / Beijing North, Mutianyu vs Badaling decision, tour and bus alternatives.
• Where to Stay in Shanghai 2026: 4 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Shanghai as a foreigner — the Bund, Pudong/Lujiazui, the former French Concession, and Hongqiao compared on metro, the Bund, airports, food.
• Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Guide 2026: Maglev, Metro — How to get from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to the city — the Maglev, Metro Line 2, the new Airport Link Line, taxi and DiDi, terminals, and VAT refund.
• Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Guide 2026: Metro, HSR — How to get from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to the city — Metro Line 2 and 10, the railway-station connection, the link to PVG, and the two terminals.
• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 2026: HSR, Metro, SHA — Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station — the main HSR hub for Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing, Metro Line 2/10/17, the airport link, and how much time to allow.
• Shanghai Subway Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines — Shanghai Metro guide for foreigners — how to pay with a foreign card via Alipay, which lines tourists use, fares, English signage, security, and hours.
• The Bund (Waitan) Shanghai: Free 24/7, Best at Night — The Bund, Shanghai — what the Waitan waterfront is, when to go for the night view, how to get there, the river-cruise question, and what to skip.
• Yu Garden & Yuyuan Bazaar Shanghai: Visitor Guide — Yu Garden Shanghai — the Yu Garden vs Yuyuan Bazaar confusion, tickets and hours, where to eat xiaolongbao, and how to pair it with the Bund.
• Shanghai Tower vs Oriental Pearl: Pudong Skyline Guide — Pudong skyline guide — Shanghai Tower vs Oriental Pearl, the heights and prices of the four towers, which observation deck to choose, and when to go.
• Shanghai Disneyland Guide for Foreign Visitors 2026 — Shanghai Disneyland for foreign visitors — tickets and date-based pricing, the Premier Access question, must-do rides, Metro Line 11, and when to go.
• Former French Concession Shanghai: A Walking Guide — The former French Concession, Shanghai — what it is, the streets to walk, Tianzifang vs Xintiandi, the café and dining scene, and how to get there.
• Shanghai Museum Guide: Free Entry, Two Sites, Bronzes — Shanghai Museum guide — free entry with timed reservation, the People's Square and Pudong sites, the world-class bronze and ceramic galleries.
• Shanghai Art Districts: M50, West Bund & Power Station — Shanghai's contemporary-art areas — the M50 gallery district, the West Bund museum mile, the Power Station of Art, and how to fit them into a trip.
• What to Eat in Shanghai 2026: Xiao Long Bao & Beyond — What to eat in Shanghai — where to find real xiao long bao, sweet Shanghainese cuisine, the French Concession dining strip, street food, and the café scene.
• Where to Stay in Chengdu 2026: 5 Areas for Foreigners — Where to stay in Chengdu as a foreigner — Chunxi Taikoo Li, Wide-Narrow Alley, Tianfu Square, Wuhou/Jinli, Gao Xin/South Station compared on Panda Base, TFU, East HSR.
• Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) Guide 2026: T1, T2, Transit — Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) 2026 — Line 18 to Chengdu South in 47 min, four airport-express buses (Chunxi/Wide-Narrow/Panda Base/East Stn), TFU↔CTU in 63 min via Line 19.
• Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) Guide 2026: Metro, Transit — Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) 2026 — the closer airport 16 km from the city, Line 10 metro direct to Wuhou Temple, ~49 min to Chunxi Road, the TFU split, and CTU↔TFU transfer.
• Chengdu East Railway Station 2026: Metro, Exits, HSR — Chengdu East Railway Station 2026 — the main HSR hub: trains to Chongqing (1h 20m), Xi'an, Jiuzhaigou; Line 2 metro to Chunxi Road in 22 min; exits, gates, hotels, airport bus.
• Chengdu Metro Guide for Foreigners 2026: Pay, Lines, Maps — Chengdu Metro 2026 for foreigners — pay with Alipay transit ride-code, the Panda Base line (Line 3), Chunxi Road line (Line 2), airport lines, fares, hours, security check.
• Where to Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo 2026: 4 Areas — Where to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo — Guilin city centre, Yangshuo West Street, the Yulong River countryside and Xingping ancient town compared for foreigners.
• Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL) 2026 Guide — Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) for foreigners — flights, the ~27 km transfer to Guilin city, and the ~82 km transfer onward to Yangshuo.
• Guilin Railway Stations 2026: Which to Use — Guilin's rail stations explained — Guilin North (the HSR hub), Guilin Station (central), Guilin West, Yangshuo Station, and the Guilin to Yangshuo HSR connection.
• Getting Around Guilin & Yangshuo 2026: Karst Transport — How to get around Guilin and Yangshuo — no metro. Inter-city HSR, the Li River boat, the Yulong River bamboo raft, e-bikes, DiDi, and the Longji rice-terraces transfer.
• Guilin & Yangshuo Food 2026: Mifen & Beer Fish — What to eat in Guilin and Yangshuo — Guilin rice noodles (米粉), Yangshuo beer fish (啤酒鱼), Guangxi Zhuang minority cooking, snail noodles, and where to eat.
• Where to Stay in Luoyang 2026: 4 Best Areas — Where to stay in Luoyang — the old town (Yingtian Gate + Luoyi Ancient City), central Wangcheng Park on Metro Line 1, Luoyang Longmen Station and the Longmen Grottoes area compared.
• Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) 2026 Guide — Luoyang Beijiao Airport (LYA) for foreigners — small domestic airport, ~10 km from the city, and when to route via Zhengzhou (CGO) or Xi'an (XIY) by HSR instead.
• Luoyang Railway Stations 2026: Longmen HSR, Central + From Xi'an — Luoyang's three railway stations — Luoyang Longmen HSR hub, Luoyang Station central, Luoyang East — and the Xi'an + Zhengzhou + Beijing HSR pairs.
• Getting Around Luoyang 2026: Metro, Bus to Longmen, DiDi — How to get around Luoyang — Metro Lines 1 + 2 (since 2021), Bus 71/81 to the Longmen Grottoes, Bus 56 to White Horse Temple, DiDi and Alipay/WeChat QR payment.
• Luoyang Food 2026: Water Banquet & Henan Cuisine — What to eat in Luoyang — the Luoyang Water Banquet (洛阳水席), the Tang-dynasty 24-soup banquet that survives only here, Zhen Bu Tong (founded 1895), and Henan cuisine.
• Where to Stay in Yunnan 2026: 4 Bases Compared — Where to stay in Yunnan — Kunming city (arrival + Stone Forest), Dali Old Town (Erhai Lake + Bai culture), Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO Naxi + Jade Dragon), Shangri-La (Tibetan-edge at 3,200 m).
• Getting to Yunnan 2026: KMG, LJG, DIG & the HSR Compared — Picking your Yunnan entry — Kunming Changshui (KMG), Lijiang Sanyi (LJG), Diqing Shangri-La (DIG) and the Kunming-Lijiang HSR compared by base, altitude and traveller type.
• Getting Around Yunnan 2026: Regional Transport & Altitude — Moving around Yunnan — the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang HSR spine, the Lijiang-Shangri-La road, Yuanyang access from Kunming or Jianshui, the Kunming metro and the altitude reality.
• Yunnan Food 2026: Bridge Noodles, Mushrooms, Pu'er Tea & Yak — What to eat in Yunnan — Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles, wild-mushroom hot pot (summer only), Yunnan ham, Pu'er tea, Tibetan-Naxi cooking, Kunming erkuai rice cakes.