Its best to visit Yangzhou in spring, when the gardens and parks are blooming, even if the place is crowded, Zhang Yue discovers.My trip to Yangzhou coincided with Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival in April and I was worried about the crowds.[Read more]

Some 60 kilometers from Jingdezhen, the Porcelain Capital of China in Jiangxi province, lies a small township -- Yao Li. With the Yao River running through its green-carpeted landscape, the mountainous village holds much appeal to tourists who appreciate an idyllic lifestyle. [Read more]

Hangzhou, at least among Chinese tourists and expats living in China, is a pretty popular destination. Only the National Day holiday attracted over 4 million tourists and the upcoming Spring Festival will probably bring even more. Besides the local recognition, Hangzhou made the 2011 New York Times Top Travel-worthy Cities. [Read more]

For such a small city, Danyang in Jiangsu Province boasts some truly impressive historical remains and an even longer history than Beijing. Along with the tomb of the emperor of the Liang State in the Southern Dynasty (502-557), the most significant and meaningful site is Jizi Temple, which dates back over 3000 years ago.[Read more]

Shiwei, also known as Ji Lalin, has a long history that dates back to the 5th century AD when villagers first settled here. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shiwei, was known as Dada, and considered a Mongolian homeland. Currently it’s the only ethnic Russian township in China, and the diverse population lives together harmoniously.[Read more]

A lake dotted with islands and fringed by a laid-back city is a perfect setting.Crocodiles, jellyfish and other perils of the deep are not part of the Qiandaohu experience, meaning you can add swimming in the Great Outdoors, in azure waters veiling buried archeological treasures, to your stress-free trip into Chinas less-industrial past.[Read more]

Built six centuries ago to repel invading armies, the ancient fortress of Longli is today poised to attract legions of outsiders with its legacy as a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) castle.The problem, however, with designing Longli solely to ward off attacks has been that it has really thrown off the feng shui, residents say.[Read more]

The Shanhai Pass of the Great Wall in Hebei province is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of life in China some 600 years ago. The place where the Great Wall meets the Pacific Ocean at its eastern end is a stunning sight that draws millions of tourists today.[Read more]

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Shanghai metropolis to seek out a historic and well-preserved ancient town, then head for Zhouzhuang, a place regarded as Chinas most famous water town.[Read more]

Anchang, an ancient town 12 kilometers west of the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province, with its untouched historical beauty, tranquility and elegance, is a good alternative to those overcrowded destinations.[Read more]