Regions of China
Beijing, Great Wall, Tianjin & Datong — Best in Apr–May & Sep–Nov (Golden Gingko Autumn in Oct) · Gateway: Beijing Capital (PEK) & Daxing (PKX) Airports + Beijing South / West High-Speed Rail Hubs
Beijing, Great Wall, Tianjin & Datong (北京、天津与华北) is famed for Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Mutianyu & Jinshanling Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutong Courtyards & Datong Hanging Temple. Signature regional specialties include Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck Carved Tableside), Zhajiangmian, Copper-Pot Mutton Hotpot & Jianbing. Primary transit hub: Beijing Capital (PEK) & Daxing (PKX) Airports + Beijing South / West High-Speed Rail Hubs.
Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Water Towns — Best in Mar–May & Sep–Nov · Gateway: Shanghai Pudong (PVG — 300 km/h Maglev in 8m!) & Hongqiao Integrated Air/Rail Hub (SHA)
Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Water Towns (上海、苏州、杭州与江南水乡) is famed for The Bund & Lujiazui Skyline, Yu Garden, French Concession, Zhujiajiao / Tongli Water Towns, Suzhou Classical Gardens & Hangzhou West Lake. Signature regional specialties include Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings), Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns), Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish & Longjing Tea. Primary transit hub: Shanghai Pudong (PVG — 300 km/h Maglev in 8m!) & Hongqiao Integrated Air/Rail Hub (SHA).
Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Luoyang, Pingyao & Silk Road — Best in Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov · Gateway: Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) & Xi'an North High-Speed Rail Station
Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Luoyang, Pingyao & Silk Road (西安、洛阳、平遥与丝绸之路) is famed for Terracotta Warriors (Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum), Xi'an 13.7 km Ming City Wall Cycling, Muslim Quarter, Longmen Grottoes & Zhangye Danxia. Signature regional specialties include Roujiamo (Crispy Xi'an Burger), Biangbiang Hand-Pulled Belt Noodles, Yangrou Paomo & Persimmon Cakes. Primary transit hub: Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY) & Xi'an North High-Speed Rail Station.
Chengdu, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou & Yunnan (Dali/Lijiang) — Best in Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov · Gateway: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) / Shuangliu (CTU) & Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG)
Chengdu, Chongqing, Jiuzhaigou & Yunnan (Dali/Lijiang) (成都、重庆、九寨沟与云南) is famed for Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Leshan Giant Buddha, Jiuzhaigou Turquoise Lakes, Chongqing Cyberpunk Monorail & Yunnan Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Signature regional specialties include Sichuan Mala Hotpot, Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, Kung Pao Chicken & Gaiwan Jasmine Tea. Primary transit hub: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) / Shuangliu (CTU) & Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG).
Guilin, Yangshuo Li River & Zhangjiajie Avatar Peaks — Best in Apr–Nov · Gateway: Guilin Liangjiang (KWL), Yangshuo Rail Station & Zhangjiajie Hehua (DYG)
Guilin, Yangshuo Li River & Zhangjiajie Avatar Peaks (桂林、阳朔与张家界) is famed for Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo ¥20 Banknote View), Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, Longji Rice Terraces, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Tianmen Mountain. Signature regional specialties include Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen), Yangshuo Beer Fish (Pijiu Yu) & Stuffed Li River Snails. Primary transit hub: Guilin Liangjiang (KWL), Yangshuo Rail Station & Zhangjiajie Hehua (DYG).
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen (Gulangyu) & Hainan — Best in Oct–Apr (Mild Subtropical Winter!) · Gateway: Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen North (14m G-Train to Hong Kong West Kowloon!) & Xiamen (XMN)
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen (Gulangyu) & Hainan (广州、深圳、厦门与华南) is famed for Canton Tower & Shamian Island, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shenzhen OCT Loft, Xiamen Gulangyu Car-Free UNESCO Island & Fujian Tulou Earth Buildings. Signature regional specialties include Cantonese Dim Sum (Yum Cha — Har Gow, Siu Mai, Char Siu Bao), Roast Goose & Chaozhou Beef Hotpot. Primary transit hub: Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen North (14m G-Train to Hong Kong West Kowloon!) & Xiamen (XMN).