East China Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for East China, including popular attractions, best things to do, hiking/biking routes, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to East China

East China is a vast and diverse region of China that stretches from Shanghai in the south to Shandong province in the north. This region is known for its bustling cities, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful natural scenery. It’s home to some of China’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Yellow Mountains. East China is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore China’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in East China

Here are some of the most popular places to visit in East China:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shanghai Museum
  • Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
  • Hangzhou West Lake Cultural Landscape
  • Forbidden City
  • Temple of Heaven

Natural Attractions of East China: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yellow Mountain (Huangshan Mountain)
  • Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve
  • Mount Tai
  • Dongqian Lake
  • Thousand Island Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of East China

East China offers some of China’s best hiking and biking routes. Here are some noteworthy routes:

  • Huangshan Mountain: The Yellow Mountains is a great place for hiking and offers stunning views.
  • West Lake: The lake has a stunning and well-paved biking path that circles the Lake.
  • Mount Tianmu: Mt. Tianmu offers beautiful hiking trails and the possibility of spotting a variety of rare plants and animals.

Best Things to Do in East China: Activities and Tours

There’s so much to see and do in East China. Here are some top things to do:

  • Watch an Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • Enjoy a Cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai
  • Visit the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing
  • Take a Walk along the Xi’an City Wall
  • Enjoy the beautiful tea plantations in Hangzhou

Week-Long Itinerary for East China

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to East China:

Day Destination Activities
Day 1 Shanghai Explore the Bund and Pudong
Day 2 Shanghai Visit the Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden
Day 3 Hangzhou Enjoy West Lake and Lingyin Temple
Day 4 Huangshan Mountain Hike the Yellow Mountains
Day 5 Mount Tai Visit Dai Temple and hike the mountain
Day 6 Qufu Visit Confucius Temple, Mansion, and Cemetery
Day 7 Beijing Visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

Food and Drink Scene of East China

East China offers some of China’s most delicious cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Xiaolongbao
  • Hangzhou Fried Rice
  • Peking Roast Duck
  • Shandong Tofu
  • Dongpo Pork

Local Beverages

  • Maotai
  • Huangjiu
  • Longjing Tea
  • Yang Pei Wine
  • Chinese Herbal Tea

Where to Stay in East China: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East China offers a range of accommodation options. Here are some suggestions based on your budget:

Luxury Hotels

  • Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai
  • Park Hyatt Hangzhou
  • Amanfayun Hotel, Hangzhou
  • Banyan Tree Huangshan
  • Hyatt Regency Jinan

Mid-Range Hotels and Hostels

  • Manxin Hotel, Huangshan
  • Joe&Fatty, Nanjing
  • NUO Hotel Beijing
  • Jinjiang Inn, Jinan
  • Ibis Hotel, Shanghai

What to Buy in East China: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

East China is famous for its silk, tea, and food products. Here are some things to bring back home as souvenirs:

  • Silk Products: Zhangzhou silk, Hangzhou silk scarves, and Suzhou silk embroidery.
  • Local Foods and Snacks: Kung Pao Chicken paste, Dongpo Pork, and Shanghai Mooncake.
  • Tea: Longjing tea, Huangshan Maofeng tea, and Biluochun tea.

Local Culture and Customs of East China

East China is a culturally rich region of China with unique customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Language: Mandarin is the official language.
  • Greetings: Bow slightly or shake hands when greeting someone.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not a common culture in China.
  • Dress Code: Dress conservatively when visiting temples or other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit East China

The best time to visit East China is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) as the temperatures are moderate, and the crowds are less.

Do’s and Don’ts of East China

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when visiting East China:

Do:

  • Keep copies of important documents with you.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try to learn a few basic Chinese phrases.
  • Use chopsticks instead of a fork and knife.

Don’t:

  • Do not touch or point fingers at someone’s head.
  • Do not discuss sensitive topics like politics or religion.
  • Do not take photos of military or government installations.

Safety and Health

East China is relatively safe, and violent crime is rare. However, travelers should be cautious of pickpockets and scammers in busy tourist areas. As for health, it is essential to take precautions against the pollution in the region.

Safety in East China

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
  • Be cautious of unscrupulous Taxi drivers.
  • Use certified money changers at banks and avoid exchanging money on the streets.

Health in East China

  • Drink bottled or boiled water.
  • Wear face masks during periods of high air pollution.
  • Be cautious of street food hygiene.

Getting to East China: Transportation Options and Logistics

East China is easily accessible from other parts of China and the world. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near East China

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport

Bus Stations Near East China

  • Shanghai South Bus Station
  • Beijing Central Bus Station
  • Nanjing Central Bus Station
  • Jinan East Bus Station

Other Options

  • China High-Speed Railway is a fast and convenient way to travel.
  • Taxis are readily available in most cities.

How to Get Around in East China

East China offers a range of transportation options for getting around. Here are some suggestions:

  • Subway: Most cities have an extensive subway network that connects to major tourist sites.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available, and most drivers take payment via mobile payment apps.
  • Bikes: Bike rentals are available in many cities, and it’s a great way to explore the area.
  • Private Car: Private cars with a driver can be hired for a day or a week.

Where to Go Next from East China: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting from East China:

  • Suzhou: Known as the Venice of the East for its canals and gardens.
  • Xi’an: Home to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
  • Qingdao: Famous for its beaches and German colonial architecture.
  • Nanjing: A historic city with a rich culture and great food.

Conclusion

East China is a fascinating region of China with a wealth of experiences for travelers of all tastes. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there’s something here for everyone. From the bustling cities of Shanghai and Beijing to the serene beauty of the Yellow Mountains, East China is waiting to be explored. So why not start planning your trip today?



    Fujian
    Jiangsu
    Shanghai
    Zhejiang