China has always intrigued me. A country where centuries of history coexist with extraordinary modern development, it offers a fascinating mix of culture, architecture, traditions, and experiences. This autumn, I had the opportunity to explore four remarkable destinations with Trip To Go, discovering a different side of China at every stop.

Our journey took us through Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong, each offering its own distinctive character. From walking along the Great Wall of China to exploring ancient palaces, discovering picturesque tea plantations, and enjoying an international wine festival overlooking Victoria Harbour, this was a trip filled with memorable experiences.

Here’s a closer look at the highlights of our adventure.

Beijing: A Journey Through Imperial China

Our first stop was Beijing, China’s capital and a city steeped in imperial history. With its magnificent palaces, monumental public spaces, and architectural treasures, Beijing offers an incredible introduction to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

We began by exploring Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and an important landmark in modern Chinese history. The sheer scale of the square is striking, and its location at the heart of Beijing makes it an essential stop for visitors.

From there, we visited the magnificent Forbidden City, once home to China’s emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through its expansive courtyards, ornate gates, and grand palace complexes was like stepping into another era. The striking red walls, golden rooftops, and intricate architectural details offered a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of imperial China.

 

Of course, no visit to Beijing would be complete without experiencing the Great Wall of China. One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Great Wall is even more impressive in person. Stretching across rugged hills and mountain landscapes, this extraordinary feat of engineering is a powerful reminder of China’s history and ingenuity. Standing on the wall and taking in the surrounding scenery was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip.

Another memorable experience was visiting the beautiful Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat known for its landscaped gardens, traditional pavilions, and picturesque Kunming Lake. In contrast to the grandeur and energy of central Beijing, the Summer Palace offered a more peaceful setting in which to appreciate traditional Chinese landscape design.

Beijing was a wonderful introduction to China, offering a deeper appreciation of the country’s imperial legacy and the remarkable preservation of its historical landmarks.

Shanghai: Where Tradition Meets Modern Glamour

From Beijing, our journey continued to Shanghai, a city that perfectly captures China’s contemporary sophistication while retaining a fascinating connection to its past.

Shanghai has a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its soaring skyscrapers, fashionable shopping districts, historic neighbourhoods, and vibrant waterfront. For someone who loves exploring cities through architecture, culture, and style, it was an exciting destination.

 

One of our first stops was the City God Temple, located in Shanghai’s historic Old City. Surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture, bustling shopping streets, and local shops, this area provides an interesting contrast to the city’s futuristic skyline. The beautifully detailed rooftops and lively atmosphere make it an especially photogenic part of Shanghai.

Naturally, we also made time for a little shopping. Shanghai is a wonderful city for fashion enthusiasts, with a mix of contemporary shopping destinations, international labels, local boutiques, and traditional markets. Exploring the city’s retail scene was an enjoyable way to experience its modern lifestyle and discover another side of Chinese culture.

Another highlight was visiting the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. With its grand historic buildings on one side and the futuristic towers of Pudong on the other, the Bund offers one of the most spectacular urban views in Asia.

The contrast between old and new Shanghai is particularly striking here, making it a wonderful place to appreciate the city’s architectural evolution and international character.

While staying in Shanghai, we also ventured beyond the city for a day trip to Suzhou, a destination celebrated for its classical Chinese gardens, traditional architecture, and picturesque waterways.

 

Often referred to as the Venice of the East, Suzhou offers a quieter and more traditional perspective on the region. Its graceful waterways and historic character provide a lovely contrast to Shanghai’s fast-paced metropolitan atmosphere.

Including Suzhou in our itinerary allowed us to experience another dimension of China’s cultural heritage and appreciate the diversity of destinations within easy reach of Shanghai.

Hangzhou: Tea, Tranquillity, and Timeless Traditions

After the excitement of Shanghai, Hangzhou offered a refreshing change of pace.

Known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and celebrated tea culture, Hangzhou is a destination that feels distinctly serene. Surrounded by lush landscapes and steeped in tradition, the city has an understated charm.

 

One of the most enjoyable experiences was our visit to a tea plantation, where we had the opportunity to discover the region’s longstanding tea-growing traditions.

Hangzhou is particularly famous for Longjing, or Dragon Well green tea, one of China’s most celebrated varieties. The rolling green tea fields provided a beautiful setting and a welcome opportunity to appreciate a tradition deeply embedded in Chinese culture.

 

There is something especially appealing about exploring a destination through its local traditions, and the tea plantations offered a different perspective on China beyond the grand landmarks and modern cities.

Another highlight was visiting the historic Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda.

Overlooking the Qiantang River, this impressive structure is one of Hangzhou’s most recognizable historical landmarks. Its tiered architecture and traditional design reflect centuries of Chinese craftsmanship and Buddhist influence.

 

The pagoda’s setting, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the river, added to the peaceful atmosphere that made Hangzhou such a memorable stop.

Of all the destinations on our itinerary, Hangzhou offered perhaps the greatest sense of tranquillity, making it a wonderful complement to the energy of Beijing and Shanghai.

Hong Kong: A Cosmopolitan Finale

Our final destination was Hong Kong, a city that has long fascinated travellers with its dramatic skyline, dynamic culinary scene, and distinctive East-meets-West character.

Having explored the cultural and historical landmarks of mainland China, arriving in Hong Kong introduced yet another dimension to our journey.

One of the highlights of our visit was attending the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, an annual celebration of international wines, culinary experiences, and Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the festival brought together an exciting selection of wines and culinary offerings in a lively waterfront setting. For someone who enjoys discovering destinations through food, wine, and hospitality experiences, it was a particularly fitting way to conclude our travels.

Of course, no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without taking in the magnificent views of Victoria Harbour. Framed by the towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon’s bustling waterfront, the harbour is truly the heart of the city. Whether admired during the day or illuminated after dark, the skyline is nothing short of spectacular. The movement of boats across the water, combined with the city’s unmistakable energy, creates an atmosphere that makes Hong Kong such an exciting destination.

We also spent time exploring Whampoa, located in the Hung Hom neighbourhood of Kowloon. Known for its distinctive ship-shaped shopping centre, The Whampoa is a unique retail and lifestyle destination featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience another side of Hong Kong beyond its famous landmarks, discovering a neighbourhood where shopping, dining, and everyday city life come together.

Hong Kong was a fitting conclusion to our journey, combining the sophistication of an international city with exceptional culinary experiences, vibrant neighbourhoods, and some of Asia’s most memorable urban scenery.

Discovering China with Trip To Go

Looking back on our journey, what struck me most was the remarkable diversity of experiences we enjoyed across four destinations.

Beijing offered a fascinating introduction to China’s imperial history, while Shanghai impressed with its modern sophistication and architectural contrasts. Hangzhou revealed a quieter side of the country through its beautiful landscapes and tea traditions, and Hong Kong provided a cosmopolitan finale filled with food, wine, and spectacular harbour views.

Travelling with Trip To Go gave us the opportunity to experience these contrasting destinations within one memorable itinerary, combining some of China’s most iconic landmarks with cultural discoveries and local experiences.

While China’s major cities are certainly impressive, it was the contrast between destinations that made this journey particularly memorable. From centuries-old palaces and ancient pagodas to tea-covered hillsides and illuminated skyscrapers, each stop offered something entirely different.

For travellers curious about exploring China, I would certainly recommend considering an itinerary that combines its historical cities with its modern metropolitan centres. It is this remarkable balance of heritage, innovation, and cultural diversity that makes China such an intriguing destination.

And as for our adventure with Trip To Go? It was a wonderful reminder that some of the most memorable journeys are those that take you beyond the familiar and introduce you to an entirely new perspective on the world.

If you’re considering your own adventure to China, explore the travel experiences available through Trip To Go and use my exclusive booking code TTGTWF5 when planning your journey.