This post is written in partnership with Klook. However, all opinions are our own.
China is one of our favorite countries. We have visited it a few times over the years, and the rapid improvement in infrastructure and attractions has made it one of our top picks whenever we think about where to go next.
From historical sites to modern technological wonders, China has it all. These are some of our favorite activities and things to do, based on our past few visits.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the quintessential China experience. It’s where most first-timers get their taste of the country. This city was also where we first fell in love with China!
An Immersive Dining Experience at Xu Yan
This is one of the most unique dining experiences we have ever had. You time-travel into a Tang Dynasty imperial court and enjoy a feast amidst traditional banquet dances.
We went in not knowing what to expect, and we absolutely loved it. The historical costumes available for guests to dress up in really added to the vibe. If you want a dinner that is as much a show as it is a meal, this is it.
Book the experience via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Wander Through History at Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a beautiful spot right in the middle of the city, surrounded by shops and teahouses. It is worth a stop if you want a quiet break from the city buzz and a look at classical Chinese garden design.
Shop Nanjing Road at People’s Square
Nanjing Road is the main artery of the city. This is where you will find big international brands alongside local gems. If you love shopping, this is where you want to be.
Nanjing Road also leads you to Shanghai’s iconic Bund, where you can take in the city’s famous skyline. Try to time this for sunset if you can manage it.
Beijing
Beijing is the current and historical capital of China. It has all the iconic attractions you have heard about since you were young, and it mostly delivers on the hype.
Hike the Mutianyu Great Wall
The Great Wall is arguably the most iconic attraction in all of China. You cannot visit Beijing and skip it.
What surprised me: there are actually thousands of different sections of the Great Wall, and not all of them are accessible to visitors. The Mutianyu section is one of the most famous sections for visitors, and that is where we went during our trip.
It is easily accessible from Beijing via public transport, or you can book a guided Mutianyu tour via Klook that brings you straight to the Visitor Center. Use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Step Inside the Forbidden City
This is where Chinese royalty once lived. The entire complex is massive; it would take you days to visit every corner of it. Even a few hours here give you a strong sense of the scale and history.
Get your Forbidden City tickets via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Explore the Hutongs
Beijing is famous for its Hutongs the traditional alleyway neighbourhoods where people historically lived. Near the main city centre, you can find many of these living quarters still preserved in their original state.
Some of them have been converted into hipster shopping areas with cafes and boutiques. It is worth a walk through if you want to see a different side of the city.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is China’s tech and innovation hub, a city that barely existed a few decades ago and is now shaping the future. It is sleek, futuristic, and moves at a pace that makes other cities feel like they are standing still.
As a technology enthusiast, Shenzhen is a dream come true for me!
AI & Robot Tour: Inside Shenzhen’s Tech Scene
Shenzhen is the leading centre for all things technology. If you are excited about autonomous vehicles or AI, you should sign up for this tour to get a glimpse of the latest tech.
During this tour, you get to ride in an autonomous vehicle. This was our first time in a car without any human drivers.
We also got to experience receiving our food delivery from a drone. It was operating even though it was raining, which was really cool.
Book the AI and robot tour via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Nanyao Yijing: Shenzhen’s Hidden Cultural Corner
This was our second immersive dining experience, and it totally blew us away. It was a completely different vibe from the one in Shanghai. For this experience, you get to be a court official attending a royal dining banquet.
The Shenzhen experience is a lot more interactive. There were even game booths before the dinner where we could try out some traditional Chinese games.
Book the Nanyao Yijing experience via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
See the World in a Day at the Window of the World
This theme park lets you glimpse the entire world in a single day. Think of it as a mini expo with exhibits that mimic the world across all five continents.
It is suitable for people of all ages. There were thrilling water coaster rides as well as small swimming areas for kids.
Get your Window of the World tickets via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Macau
When people think of Macau, they usually think of casinos and egg tarts. But there is actually a lot more to do there for the whole family.
Studio City and Water Park
Studio City is worth considering if you want a movie-themed hotel experience. The resort runs different themed experiences throughout the year. During our visit, there was a resort-wide Disney pop-up experience.
It also has an all-weather Water Park with both indoor and outdoor areas. It caters to people of all ages and thrill levels, so it works whether you are travelling with kids or just looking for a fun day.
Book Studio City and the Water Park via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
The Golden Reel: Macau’s Iconic Ferris Wheel
Studio City is also home to the Golden Reel, Macau’s iconic Ferris wheel. It is integrated right into the hotel structure and gives you a great view of the Cotai Strip.
House of Dancing Water: An Unmissable Spectacle
We went into this performance not knowing what to expect, and it absolutely blew us away. The production was spectacular, and every performer was highly skilled.
If we could only do one activity in Macau, this would be it.
Book your House of Dancing Water tickets via Klook and use code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off.
Old Macau: A Short Ride from the Strip
Just a 20-minute bus ride from Studio City, you will find yourself in old Macau, where most of the locals live. The pace here is completely different from the casinos and resorts, and well worth it if you want a more grounded look at the city.
Narrow streets are lined with traditional shops selling egg tarts, dried goods, and herbal teas. The mix of Portuguese colonial architecture and Chinese shophouses gives the area a character you will not find anywhere else in Macau.
Final Thoughts: China Keeps Getting Better
Every time we visit China, we come back with a list of things we wish we had more time for. The country moves fast! New attractions, better infrastructure, and experiences that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago are popping up all the time.
From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the futuristic energy of Shenzhen, from old Macau’s quiet lanes to Shanghai’s dazzling Bund at sunset. Each city gave us something completely different. That is what we love most about travelling in China!
We hope this guide gives you a starting point for your own China adventure.
All of the experiences we covered can be booked on Klook, and you can use our code SHRUGKLOOK for up to 10% off across the platform.
