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.

10 Things To Do On A Cunard Cruise

04 November 2025

Setting sail with Cunard is like stepping into a world of timeless elegance where luxury sets sail towards distant shores and dream destinations. However, a cruise on Cunard is not just about where you’re docking; it’s also about the magnificent onboard experience. It’s about long days filled with excitement, pampering, dining, exploring, fun, and many activities. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family, there’s something for everyone on board. From sipping afternoon tea to discovering exclusive entertainment, here’s Whitestar Cruise & Travel's list of the top 10 things to do on a Cunard cruise.

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

27 October 2025

If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…

Five dream destinations you should be booking now

27 October 2025

Some experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of trips where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving your Travel Counsellor the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years. Here are five destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Do these 8 things when you travel to China

Walk the Great Wall

Wander Beijing’s Summer Palace

See the Terracotta Army (Bingmayong)

Tour Jiuzhai Valley National Park

Climb up to the Tian Tan Buddha

Stroll along Shanghai’s Bund

Experience the glamour of Macau

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

10 Things To Do On A Cunard Cruise

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

Five dream destinations you should be booking now

Find your personal Travel Counsellor