Before You Go
Essential apps, payments, transportation and practical tips for travelling in China.
EXPLORE ESSENTIALSDISCOVER · 发现
Explore
探索 · tàn suǒ
Places, traditions, festivals, and Chinese ways of thinking—one journey, one story at a time.
TRAVEL · 旅行
Discover China.
A little preparation. A much richer journey.
Explore China.
Your journey into China starts here.
Discover cities, find remarkable places, and plan your journey through China.
Explore Travel GuidesTHE CHINESE CALENDAR · 节气与节日
A year in China.
Discover the stories, traditions and customs behind China's seasons and festivals.
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Solar Terms
二十四节气Festivals
Traditional Festivals
传统节日Stories
Culture & Traditions
文化故事CULTURE · 文化与礼仪
Culture & Customs.
More than just a doorway.
In traditional Chinese architecture, the threshold could symbolise the boundary and dignity of a household. In some traditional beliefs, stepping directly on it was considered disrespectful. Today, you may still be asked to step over a raised threshold when visiting an old building.
门槛A small architectural detail with a cultural story.DISCOVER THE STORY →Why not step on it?
A little care at the table.
When sharing a meal, avoid leaving chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice. Rest them on a chopstick rest, or place them neatly beside your bowl instead. It is a small gesture of consideration at the table, and an easy custom to remember.
餐桌礼仪Why not stand them upright?
A different frame of view.
A doorway can be more than a way into the next room. This eight-sided opening invites a closer look at its shape, the space around it, and the view beyond. Follow Ivy's story of an octagonal doorway and discover a small detail you might otherwise walk past.
八边形门洞DISCOVER THE STORY →Why eight sides?
A new note is on its way.
Coming soon.
敬请期待More to discover.
Another story to come.
Coming soon.
敬请期待A little closer.
ESSAYS · 随笔
Words, colours, memories and ideas that reveal another side of the Chinese language.
READ THE ESSAYS