The Best Hotels in Beijing, China

The Best Cheap Hotels in Shanghai

The Best Hotels in Shanghai, China

China, Asia travel guide

Culture & Education

Outdoors - Land

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Attraction

Wellness

Outdoors - Water

Picture Hong Kong and the first thing that springs to mind is its skyline: a condensed sprawl of skyscrapers soaring over Victoria Harbour, backdropped by verdant hills. Behind its urban exterior, however, is a region that remains deeply connected to and proud of its distinctive culture, which blends Chinese, British and indigenous influences.

Each of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods, districts and islands has a personality of its own. Kowloon serves up sprawling markets and fascinating museums, while high-end Hong Kong Island offers endless options for shopping, drinking and dining. The outlying islands of Lamma and Cheung Chau give off a more laid-back, artsy vibe, and those craving nature should look no further than the hiking hotspot of Tung Lung Chau Island.

Introducing Hong Kong

With everything from top-notch restaurants to delicious street food, Hong Kong’s renowned cuisine is reason enough to visit. To eat as the locals do, tuck into Cantonese noodles and roast meat, or stack up dim sum dishes and wash them down with fragrant tea. 

There are some must-dos on any Hong Kong trip: riding the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour; practising the ancient art of tai chi; browsing the Mong Kok markets; visiting the region’s temples and monasteries; watching horse racing in Happy Valley; and experiencing traditional Cantonese opera at Sunbeam Theatre. Vibrant festivities take place year-round, from the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival) to the Lunar New Year.

The best of Hong Kong culture

Hong Kong neighbourhoods

Beijing, China’s sprawling capital city, is where the country’s long history of dynastic rule meets its ambition to become a high-tech giant. This dynamic plays out in the city’s architecture; ultra-modern structures built for the 2008 Olympics jar with the temples, palaces and hutongs (narrow alleyways) that have defined Beijing for centuries.

With six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Temple of Heaven and the enormous complex of palaces that make up the Forbidden City, Beijing thrums with imperial history. Many visitors use it as a base from which to explore the Great Wall of China; Badaling, the most frequented and best-known section of the wall, is within easy reach of the city.

Introducing Beijing

It might be the epicentre of Chinese history, but today Beijing is the country’s capital of cool. Former brothels are now stylish coffee shops, traditional hutongs house tiki bars and microbreweries, and a revolving carousel of works at the achingly trendy 798 Art Zone places the city comfortably at the forefront of modern Chinese art. 

While new restaurants routinely pop up all over, the best of Beijing’s cuisine can be sampled at its old-school hotpot and Peking-duck restaurants. As China’s cultural capital, Beijing also serves up a superb showcase of traditional entertainment, including Peking-opera playhouses and breathtaking acrobatic shows at Chaoyang Theatre.

Beijing culture

Beijing neighbourhoods

China’s business and financial centre, Shanghai appears to be throwing itself headfirst into the future, with soaring superstructures, opulent shopping malls and the world’s fastest commercial train zipping back and forth from Shanghai Pudong International. Peel your eyes away from the skyline, though, and you’ll see a different side to the city.

To experience real Shanghainese culture, take a stroll along traditional longtang, narrow residential lanes peculiar to Shanghai; tuck in to skewered quail in Qibao Town; watch elderly local residents play cards in Fuxing Park or practise tai chi as the sun rises; and attend a marriage market in People’s Square.

Introducing Shanghai

Visiting Shanghai is a true East-meets-West experience. Buddhist temples, classical gardens and the Old City offer a taste of traditional Chinese culture, while periods of European and American occupation have transformed China’s ‘City on the Sea’ into an international metropolis. The Bund, Shanghai’s busy waterfront on the Huangpu River, is lined with historic buildings of numerous architectural styles that include Art Deco, Renaissance Revival and Neo-Classical. Western influence is apparent in areas such as the former French Concession (FFC), whose tree-lined boulevards, bijou bistros and hip boutiques give the area a distinctly Parisian character.

Shanghai culture

Shanghai neighbourhoods

Things to do

Places to stay

Whether you're looking for a boutique bolt hole or a budget break, there's a place for you in the most romantic hotels in Tirana. Book with Culture Trip.

Europe

Albania

Tirana

The Most Romantic Hotels in Tirana

Read our list of the best places to visit in the land of the eagles during the summer. 

The Best Places in Albania to Visit During the Summer

Read our list of the top 20 must-visit attractions in Albania: from the stunning beaches of the Riviera to the archaeological parks.

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Albania

Depending on what you are interested in seeing and doing, read on to find out how to organize your trip to the "land of the eagles."

How Long You Should Stay in Albania's Most Popular Towns

Read our list of the most scenic and gorgeous natural landscapes to visit in Albania.

The Most Scenic Natural Landscapes in Albania

From the natural wonders of the north to architectural treasures, historic parks, to terrific beaches, here is a list of 12 experiences that an Albania expert will have done. 

You're Only an Albania Expert If You've Done These 12 Things

We explore some of the most gorgeous towns in Albania, from idyllic mountain villages to gorgeous seaside cities.

The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Albania

Read our list of the most five most incredible hikes to do in Albania. If you are a fan of outdoor activities, note them down in your agenda.

The Most Incredible Hikes in Albania

If you are asking yourself, which is the best time of the year to visit Albania?, read our tips for what the country has to offer at different times.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Albania?

Read our list of reasons why everyone should visit the Albanian Riviera at least once in the lifetime. 

8 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit the Albanian Riviera

Here are 11 reasons to visit Gjirokastër, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site in Albania with plenty to do. 

11 Reasons Why Everyone Should Visit Gjirokastër, the UNESCO Town of Albania

Albania is always a surprise, and if you are planning to travel to this country, you'll want to read our handy guide for visiting the Land of the Eagles. 

A Solo Traveler's Guide to Albania

Read our guide for seven great trips to take in Albania, the Land of the Eagles.

7 Great Trips to Take in Albania

Explore Europe's undiscovered destination – here's our guide to the best hotels in Albania, all bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Hotels in Albania for Every Traveller

Read our list of the top hidden gems to visit in Albania before everyone else finds them. 

6 Hidden Gems in Albania Even Locals Don't Know About

Book a bed at one of these hotels for a little taste of luxury in the Chinese capital, Beijing, all bookable through Culture Trip.

Save a few yuan by booking your Shanghai stay at one of these eight great-value hotels around the city, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Get a taste of Shanghai's trademark glamour by checking into one of these top luxury hotels in the city – now bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for China, Asia - Local News & Top Things to Do

China

Places to Stay

The Best Hotels in Beijing, China

Book a bed at one of these hotels for a little taste of luxury in the Chinese capital, Beijing, all bookable through Culture Trip.

Places to Stay

The Best Cheap Hotels in Shanghai

Places to Stay

The Best Hotels in Shanghai, China