This article follows my personal journey through the Ming Tombs valley near Beijing, where thirteen emperors chose their final resting place among mountains, cypress trees, and solemn stone avenues. I describe how architecture, feng shui, and the natural landscape blend into a single grand design, turning the site into both a historical monument and a living classroom for understanding Chinese views of life, death, and the universe.
Step through the crimson gates of Beijing's Palace Museum and enter a world that was once off-limits to all but the imperial family. This article guides you through the 600-year-old Forbidden City, exploring its grand architecture, secret courtyards, and vast collection of 1.5 million cultural treasures. From essential travel tips to the stories behind the throne, discover how to navigate the world’s largest palace complex and connect with the heart of Chinese history.
During my two years living and working in Beijing, I’ve mastered the art of getting around this sprawling metropolis—whether darting across town for a morning meeting, hiking to the Great Wall for a weekend adventure, or exploring hidden hutongs on a lazy afternoon.
During my two years living and working in Beijing, I’ve mastered the art of getting around this sprawling metropolis—whether darting across town for a morning meeting, hiking to the Great Wall for a weekend adventure, or exploring hidden hutongs on a lazy afternoon.
This article introduces Beijing's amazing historical sites (such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park) and must-try local delicacies (such as Peking duck, jianbing, zhajiangmian, dumplings, and candied hawthorn), presenting visitors with an unparalleled cultural and culinary journey.
Having spent over a year living in Beijing, I’ve wandered its bustling food streets at dawn, dined in century-old restaurants, and shared home-cooked meals with local families.
As someone who has wandered Beijing’s hutongs, marveled at its imperial grandeur, and savored its street food for months, I’m thrilled to share this guide to a city that blends 3,000 years of history with cutting-edge modernity
When I first set foot in China, I knew food would be more than just sustenance—it would be a gateway to understanding the country’s history, culture, and soul. Over the past year, I’ve wandered from the bustling streets of Beijing to the misty mountains of Sichuan
Below is an English guide designed for your international friends, explaining how to navigate China's "cashless" environment. It includes placeholders for images to make the content more visual.
The document explains service fee standards for consulate services in 2025. Payment methods include Money Orders, MasterCard, and Visa; cash and personal/company checks are not accepted. Mail-in services only accept Money Orders.
Great news for global travelers! As of November 2025, China has updated its unilateral visa-free policy, allowing citizens from 48 countries to visit China for up to 30 days without the hassle of applying for a visa
When I clutched the visa emblazoned with the Great Wall pattern, the raised texture under my fingertips left me with an impression of China rooted solely in the flying eaves and Dougong brackets from movies, and the "Four Great Inventions" from textbooks
Great news for travelers! As of September 30, 2025, the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco has launched a new Online Visa Application System
Welcome to China — A Journey of Culture, History & Modern Wonders
Welcome to Sunny China Travel — Your Trusted Guide to Exploring China.