Do these 8 things when you travel to China

Walk the Great Wall

It would take you about 17 months to walk the entire length of the Great Wall of China – at 21,196km, it’s roughly 1.5 times the distance between Singapore and Los Angeles! But you can walk as much or as little of it as you like, over a few hours or several days, experiencing both the evocative old parts and newer portions. One of the most popular sections, ideal for a day hike, is Jiankou to Mutianyu.

Wander Beijing’s Summer Palace

The world’s largest, best-preserved royal garden is actually a vast complex of landscaped gardens, palaces, lakes, and hills. Once known as the 'Versailles of the East’, it’s now a public park where you can wander amidst Jesuit-designed palaces and scores of Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian-style buildings. Among the highlights are the Eternal Spring Garden, the Great Fountain, and the remnants of the Haiyantang Reservoir.

See the Terracotta Army (Bingmayong)

Located close to Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi Province in central China, one of the country’s most iconic sights is this collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of China. The thousands of life-size, hand-moulded figures were buried with him in 210–209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife.

Tour Jiuzhai Valley National Park

Set in China’s Sichuan province, this network of valleys has several focal points: Nuorilang waterfall in the Shuzheng Valley, the Zharu Monastery, and the Rize Valley with its mountains clad by ancient forests. Best of all, perhaps, is the multicoloured Five Flower Lake in its shades of sapphire, emerald, jade, pale turquoise, and amber yellow, believed by locals to be a holy site.

Climb up to the Tian Tan Buddha

‘Big Buddha’ is indeed one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues, made up of just over 200 bronze pieces and ensconced on a three-storey platform on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. Completed in 1993 as an extension of the Po Lin Monastery, it’s accessed via 268 stone steps, or there’s vehicle access via a small road for disabled visitors.

Stroll along Shanghai’s Bund

Also known as Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu (East Zhongshan 1st Road), this landmark stretch of waterfront – a symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years – is where Western-style banks and trading houses were built after foreign powers entered the city after the 1842 Opium War. It’s a great place to amble, especially at night, with views of Huang Pu River and the city’s epic skyline.

Experience the glamour of Macau

This former Portuguese territory across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong has been nicknamed the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’ for its giant casinos, shopping malls, and landmarks such as the Macau Tower with its fabulous city views. A fascinating cocktail of cultural influences, it includes more than 20 impressive buildings in the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre.

To book your holiday in China, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

13 August 2026

Singapore may be compact, but its calendar is packed with celebrations that can transform an already memorable city break into something even more special. Throughout the year, its neighbourhoods are illuminated by festival lights, the Marina Bay skyline becomes the backdrop for fireworks and motor racing, and streets fill with parades, markets, music, and food. Many events reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity, giving visitors the chance to experience Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international traditions within the same city. You don’t necessarily need to plan your entire holiday around one event, either. Time your visit well, and Singapore’s annual celebrations can add colour, flavour, and a real sense of occasion to the attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods already on your itinerary.

Top Five Beer Festivals in the World

04 August 2026

There's something wonderfully unifying about a great beer festival. Whether you're a seasoned taster or simply someone who appreciates a well-poured pint in fine company, these events bring together the best brews, the warmest crowds, and traditions worth crossing continents for. We've rounded up five of the finest beer festivals on the planet, each with its own character and each deserving of a spot on your bucket list. Grab a glass, and let's raise a toast to the world's most memorable beer celebrations.

5 Wellness Destinations to Reset Your Mind and Body

03 August 2026

We've all had that moment. You catch your reflection, notice the shoulders creeping towards your ears, and realise you can't remember the last time you truly switched off. The good news? A proper reset isn't a luxury reserved for the impossibly disciplined. It's a plane ticket and a decision away. The trick is choosing the right place. Not just somewhere pretty, but a destination built to restore you, run by people who understand that real wellness goes deeper than a scented candle and a green juice. Below, you'll find five retreats that do exactly that, each with its own distinct personality and its own reason to book.