Chinatodo
If you're tired of overcrowded tourist hotspots and crave a quiet town blending southern water-town charm with northern historical heritage, Liaocheng (聊城 Liáochéng) in Shandong will surprise you. Dubbed the "Water City of the North," this town cradled by Dongchang Lake (东昌湖 dōngchāng hú) boasts a unique "city within a lake, lake within a city" layout, offering a rare watery landscape in the north. How to Get There From Jinan (济南 jǐnán): High-speed train: ~1 hour Regular train: ~2 hours Bus: ~2 hours Ideal For: Slow travelers, those interested in…
Beyond the Bund and Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s quieter corners reveal nostalgic lanes, avant-garde art spaces, and untold urban legends. Fuxing Park (复兴公园 fù xīng gōng yuán) A Parisian-style garden built during the French Concession era (1909). Elderly locals dance tango under plane trees, play mahjong on stone tables, or practice water calligraphy on sunlit pavements.Why Visit: Witness Shanghai’s jazz-age elegance—weekend tea dances revive 1930s glamour with live brass bands and vintage cheongsam dresses. 1933 Old Millfun (老场坊 lǎo chǎng fāng) A labyrinth of Art Deco concrete ramps, spiral staircases, and…
Beyond the Great Wall and Forbidden City, Beijing hides centuries-old temples, artsy hutong enclaves, and culinary treasures untouched by mass tourism. Fahai Temple (法海寺 fǎ hǎi sì) A 15th-century Ming Dynasty temple famed for its exquisitely preserved Buddhist murals, rivaling Mogao Cave artworks. The dimly lit halls glow with gold-leafed deities.Why Visit: Only 20 visitors allowed daily—book ahead for an intimate glimpse of China’s forgotten Renaissance-era art. Zhihua Temple (智化寺 zhì huà sì) A serene 1443 temple with original black-glazed roof tiles and daily performances of imperial-era “jing music” by…
Discover lesser-known wonders in this coastal city, where European heritage meets local charm. Textile Valley (纺织谷 fǎng zhī gǔ) A post-industrial art zone transformed from a 1930s Japanese textile factory. Graffiti-covered warehouses host indie galleries, vintage markets, and craft coffee roasters.Why Visit: Snap photos of retro machinery repurposed into sculptures and attend weekend vinyl record fairs. Xiao Maidao Park (小麦岛公园 xiǎo mài dǎo gōng yuán) A grassy islet with wildflower meadows, rocky tide pools, and panoramic sea views. Locals fly kites here while fishermen cast lines off the cliffs.Why Visit:…
Nestled along the Grand Canal in Shandong Province, Linqing (临清 lín qīng) flourished as a bustling trade hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, its legacy lives on through well-preserved waterways, multicultural landmarks, and unique local flavors. Grand Canal Relics (大运河遗址 dà yùn hé yí zhǐ) Walk along ancient stone wharves where grain, silk, and porcelain once flowed to Beijing. The Aotouji Watergate (鳌头矶 áo tóu jī), a 15th-century hydraulic marvel, showcases ingenious engineering from China’s canal golden age.Why Visit: Touch the stones that built empires—this UNESCO World Heritage Site…
Explore the lesser-known wonders of Jinan’s Southern Mountains, where ancient history, serene temples, and breathtaking nature converge. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in China. Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺 líng yán sì)A 1,600-year-old Buddhist temple complex nestled in pine forests. Don’t miss the vivid Song Dynasty clay sculptures in the Thousand Buddha Hall.Why Visit: Witness UNESCO-tentative “Oriental Sculpture Masterpieces” and wander among ancient stupas. A spiritual retreat blending art, history, and misty mountain vistas. Simen Pagoda (四门塔 sì mén tǎ)One of China’s oldest stone pagodas, built in the Sui Dynasty…