If you love history, you probably head straight to Italy or Greece. Most people do. But have you ever really considered China as a historical destination?
A country with thousands of years of continuous history and over 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where museums aren’t just displays — they feel like living archives of the past. Some span multiple floors, packed with artefacts, each carefully explained in both Chinese and English. You don’t just walk through them — you get drawn into them. Interactive rooms bring history to life in a way that makes you forget what century you’re in, and honestly, you might need a moment afterwards just to come back to the present.
And every city has its own story to tell.
If you love classical music…
You think of Royal Albert Hall in London or Philharmonie de Paris. But have you ever experienced Schubert performed live in Shanghai, played by international classical musicians?
Or sat through Figaro in a hall where the acoustics feel almost unreal?
The Shanghai Concert Hall is one of the best-preserved pre-modern Western-style buildings in the city. It was designed using a traditional “shoebox” layout — the kind that classical musicians love because it carries sound evenly and clearly across the space.
It’s also intimate in size compared to modern mega-venues. That means you’re not just hearing the music - you’re close to it. Every note feels sharper, clearer, more personal.
And here’s the surprising part: some of the best seats cost a fraction of what you’d pay back home.
If you are a food lover…
China is not one cuisine. It’s a whole world of them.
Travel north to south and everything changes — ingredients, spices, cooking methods, even the feeling of the meals themselves.
In the north, you’ll find hand-pulled wheat noodles, steamed buns, dumplings, and pancakes. In places like Harbin — famous for its Ice and Snow Festival — dumplings are often filled with walnuts and meat. It’s hearty, warming food, exactly what you need in a cold climate.
Head south, and things become lighter and more delicate. Fish becomes central, especially white fish, often simply steamed so it almost melts on the tongue. Rice replaces wheat as the staple, so you’ll find rice noodles everywhere — from vermicelli to wide flat noodles and rice rolls.
It’s not just food. It’s geography on a plate.
If you love celebrating New Year’s abroad…
Have you ever thought about experiencing Chinese New Year in China?
It’s not just a day — it’s a full festival season. From the first new moon of the year through to the Lantern Festival, the country shifts into something completely different.
Families gather, cities light up, traditions take over everyday life. And what’s interesting is that this celebration isn’t just local anymore — almost every major capital city around the world now celebrates Chinese New Year in some form.
But nothing compares to being there.
If you are a train enthusiast…
China is heaven for trainspotters.
From old steam routes to high-speed bullet trains and even maglev technology, you’re spoiled for choice. And the punctuality… it almost feels unreal if you’re used to European rail delays.
It’s not just transport — it’s part of the experience.
If you love river cruises and history…
You might have cruised through the Austro-Hungarian Empire, learning about the Habsburgs Monarchy along the way. But have you ever thought about the Yangtze River?
This is the cradle of Chinese civilisation.
Along its banks, the Ba Kingdom flourished, mainly around modern-day Chongqing. They left behind a fascinating cultural legacy — including musical traditions such as the Ba “sword dance” and drum rituals that influenced early Chinese ceremonial and military performances.
And then there are the hanging coffins.
Placed high on cliff faces, shaped almost like boats, these burial sites were designed to bring the dead closer to the spirit world — or perhaps to protect them from animals and flooding.
If you want to go deeper into this history, the Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing is well worth a visit.
If you like modern cities too…
Shanghai isn’t just history and culture - it also has rhythm.
The Xintiandi area is a great example. Cafés, boutiques, coffee spots, and old Shikumen architecture all sit side by side. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, watch the city move, and just take in the atmosphere.
If you love luxury…
If luxury travel matters to you, China might surprise you.
The hotels are often ultra-modern and sleek, with design that easily rivals major global cities. From high-end city hotels to riverside stays, everything feels polished, contemporary, and carefully designed.
But what really stands out is the service. It’s attentive, efficient, and genuinely welcoming in a way that often exceeds expectations.
After experiencing it, you may find yourself looking at hotel standards in Europe a little differently.
So what’s stopping you?
If Europe has always been your default for culture, history, food, or travel experiences, maybe it’s time to look further afield and explore beyond it.
China isn’t a single destination. It’s a collection of worlds.
So, what stops you from thinking of China as a holiday destination instead of Europe? We’d love to hear your thoughts—leave your comments below.
Explore the 14-Day 'China for First-Timers' Itinerary. Please check the details here or email
