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Shan | China Travel & Expat

@shanstravelss

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✈️ SEA & China Travel Tips
👩🏻‍🏫 Travel | Teaching Abroad
📍 Irish girl ☘️ living in China 🇨🇳
👇🏻Free travel guides & itineraries
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How to Spend 3 Weeks in China 🇨🇳✨ Ever dreamed of exploring China but don’t know where to start? 👀 Here’s your sign to make it happen ! I’ve mapped out the perfect 3-week itinerary that takes you from ancient history to Avatar-style mountains and vibrant city skylines. 🇨🇳 This route is packed with must-see spots, local gems, and some of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had travelling through China. ✨ From the Great Wall in Beijing to pandas in Chengdu, floating mountains in Zhangjiajie, and the dreamy karst peaks of Guilin, this trip truly has everything. 🤍 SAVE this itinerary, if you’re planning to visit China (or dreaming about it). It’s everything you need to plan your trip ✈️ You’ll cover: 🏯 Beijing – history, temples & the Great Wall 🐴 Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & city walls 🐼 Chengdu – pandas & spicy Sichuan culture ⛰️ Zhangjiajie – the real-life Avatar world 🛶 Guilin & Yangshuo – rivers, peaks & peaceful countryside 🏙️ Shenzhen – modern, artsy & tech-savvy 🌆 Hong Kong – skyline views, night markets & dim sum 💡 Travel tip: Use China’s high-speed trains to get between cities ! It’s fast, scenic, and soo affordable. For all of my FREE China travel guides and tips, check the 🔗 in my bio. 💌 Or simply comment ‘China’ and I will send them straight to your inbox! 👇🏻 Let me know in the comments have you been to China yet or do you plan to visit any time in the future? And don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more China travel guides and tips! China itinerary | China travel | Beijing | Xi’An | Chengdu | China travel guide | Guilin | Yangshuo | Hong Kong | Shenzhen | China Expat | Avatar mountains | Great Wall of china | China must-visit destinations |Zhangjiajie #china #travelchina #adventuretravel #beijing #guilin #visitchina taken in China by @shanstravelss
95
a year ago
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If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, these are the 7 places I’d tell you not to skip 👇 When I visited Beijing, I didn’t realise how much there actually was to see and do there. So, many people told me to skip Beijing, it’s boring. I can tell you, that is far from true. I absolutely loved Beijing! Beijing isn’t just one landmark. It’s a city filled with history, huge open squares, quiet parks, and the cutest little hutong streets (also some of the best street food!) Here are the spots that really stood out to me in Beijing: 📌 Save this for later! Forbidden City – Absolutely massive and really impressive. Give yourself time here, it’s huge. Tiananmen Square – One of the most famous squares in the world. Worth seeing just to understand the scale of it. Jingshan Park – The best view over the Forbidden City. It’s a short climb and 100% worth it. Nanluoguxiang – Cute hutong street with shops, cafés and a more local feel. Qianmen Street – Busy, lively, and great for trying street food and soaking up the atmosphere. The Great Wall of China – You can’t come to Beijing and not go. Mutianyu is perfect for first-timers (and less chaotic). Summer Palace – again this place is huge! There is so much to see but it’s also so nice to just sit down and relax by the lake! ✨ A few tips for visiting Beijing: • Start your days early, it gets busy fast and summer gets v hot by midday. • Book the Forbidden City + Great Wall in advance • Wear comfy shoes (you will walk A LOT) • Use the metro, it’s cheap, easy and takes you everywhere Beijing really surprised me in the best way. It’s busy, but there are so many quiet and beautiful places to explore too! If you are travelling to Beijing… I have created a full FREE Beijing itinerary and Great Wall guide 🔗 in bio! 📌 Save this for your trip to Beijing! 💬 Let me know in the comments if you have been to Beijing or if it’s on your bucket list! And follow @shanstravelss for more real China travel tips & itineraries ✈️ China Travel | Beijing | Beijing Itinerary | Things to do in Beijing | China Destinations | The Great Wall of China | China hidden gems | Beijing attractions | Beijing Travel | Asia trip taken in Beijing, China by @shanstravelss
40
5 months ago
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If it’s your first time in Chengdu, this is exactly how I’d spend 3 days 👇 Chengdu ended up being another one of my favourite cities in China!! It’s busy, but also really chilled at the same time! Pandas, spicy hotpot, and the best walking streets, what more could you want. So, if you’re going to Chengdu and not sure what to see or do, this is exactly what I’d recommend 👇 📌 Don’t forget to save this for later Day 1 – City highlights + culture 🐼 IFS Mall (say hi to the giant panda on the building) 🛍️ Chunxi Road for shopping + city vibes 🏯 Wuhou Shrine for history 🏮 Jinli Ancient Street (best in the evening) 🎭 Face-changing opera show Day 2 – Slow Chengdu + food 🌿 People’s Park (look for the match-making corner) 🧧 Kuanzhai Alley for food + souvenirs 🌶️ Spicy hotpot at Qiaoxifu 🌉 Anshun Bridge at night (one of the prettiest spots in the city) Day 3 – Pandas + extras 🐼 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (go early!) 🪆 Optional: Leshan Giant Buddha day trip 🎋 SKP Mall bamboo towers (looks aesthetic… until you get soaked ) ✨ A few tips for visiting Chengdu: • Go to the panda base early, they go inside before 10am especially on hot days • Chengdu is made for slow travel, don’t rush it • Be ready for spice… it’s not like anything back home • Evenings are the best part of this city If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put together a free Chengdu travel guide with everything you need (food spots, transport, full itinerary). 🔗 Link in bio 📌 Don’t forget to save this for later 💬 Let me know in the comments if Chengdu is on your bucket list Follow @shanstravelss for more real China travel tips, guides and inspo! ✈️ Chengdu, things to do in Chengdu China, China travel, China must-visit destinations, where to visit in China, China itinerary, Chengdu itinerary, 3 days in Chengdu, Chengdu attractions, where to visit in China, pandas in China. taken in Chengdu, China by @shanstravelss
70
6 months ago
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If you’re planning your first trip to Beijing, these are the 7 places I’d tell you not to skip 👇 When I visited Beijing, I didn’t realise how much there actually was to see and do there. So, many people told me to skip Beijing, it’s boring. I can tell you, that is far from true. I absolutely loved Beijing! Beijing isn’t just one landmark. It’s a city filled with history, huge open squares, quiet parks, and the cutest little hutong streets (also some of the best street food!). Here are the spots that really stood out to me in Beijing 📌 Save this for later! 📍 Forbidden City – Absolutely massive and really impressive. Give yourself time here, it’s huge. 📍 Tiananmen Square – One of the most famous squares in the world. Worth seeing just to understand the scale of it. 📍 Jingshan Park – The best view over the Forbidden City. It’s a short climb and 100% worth it. 📍 Nanluoguxiang – Cute hutong street with shops, cafés and a more local feel. 📍 Qianmen Street – Busy, lively, and great for trying street food and soaking up the atmosphere. 📍 The Great Wall of China – You can’t come to Beijing and not go. Mutianyu is perfect for first-timers (and less chaotic). 📍 Summer Palace – again this place is huge! There is so much to see but it’s also so nice to just sit down and relax by the lake! ✨ A few tips for visiting Beijing: • Start your days early, it gets busy fast and summer gets v hot by midday. • Book the Forbidden City + Great Wall in advance • Wear comfy shoes (you will walk A LOT) • Use the metro, it’s cheap, easy and takes you everywhere If you are travelling to Beijing👇🏻 I have created a full FREE Beijing itinerary and Great Wall guide 🔗 in bio! 📌 Save this for your trip to Beijing! 💬 Let me know in the comments if you have been to Beijing or if it’s on your bucket list! And follow @shanstravelss for more real China travel tips & itineraries ✈️ China Travel | Beijing | Beijing Itinerary | Things to do in Beijing | China Destinations | The Great Wall of China | China hidden gems | Beijing attractions | Beijing Travel | taken in Beijing, China by @shanstravelss
66
7 months ago
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I think I found the most beautiful sunset spot in the world…. I’d heard people say the sunsets here were good, but I didn’t fully get the hype until I saw one myself. Like look at how pretty she is!!! We witnessed this stunning sunset during our trip to Boracay in the Philippines. 📌 White Beach (Station 1), Boracay If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, here are some of the best sunset spots in Boracay: 🔒 Make sure to save this post for later! 🌅 White Beach (Station 1) – probably the most famous spot. Exactly where this clip was taken/ ⛵ Paraw sailing – one of the best ways to watch the sunset. Traditional sailboats head out just before the sun goes down to cath the sunset out in the ocean. 🍹 Station 2 beachfront bars – similar to station 1. Here you can grab a cocktail and watch the sunsetting. 🌴 Diniwid Beach – quieter and a little more hidden if you want fewer crowds. 🏝 Bulabog Beach viewpoint – amazing perspective looking back toward the island. A few Boracay sunset tips: • Get there about 30 minutes before sunset to see all of the colours change. • The sky changes quickly, so keep your camera ready. • Walk along the beach after — the whole island has such a nice evening vibe. Boracay might be famous for its beaches, but the sunsets are what I really loved!! If Boracay is on your bucket list: 🔒Save this post for later!! 💬 Let me know in the comments if you have witnessed the beautiful sunsets in Boracay. Don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more southeast Asia travel tips ✈️🌍 The Philippines | Boracay | Boracay sunset location | Best sunset in Boracay | Where to watch the sunset in Boracay | Philippines sunset | Philippines travel | what to do in Boracay | Boracay attractions | #boracay #boracayisland #boracaysunset #philippinestravel taken in Boracay Island, Philippines by @shanstravelss
70
7 months ago
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If you’re visiting Guilin for the first time, this is exactly how I’d spend 3 days 👇 Before I went, I just knew Guilin was pretty! I didn’t realise how fricken pretty it would be! 🥹 It looked like someone had painted the entire landscape. Stunning karst mountains, winding rivers, beautiful villages. I fell in loveeeeeee. Here’s the simple 3-day plan I’d recommend: 🔒 don’t forget to save this for later! Day 1 - Guilin City 🌞 Sun and Moon Pagoda 🌺 Two rivers and four lakes scenic area 🏮 Zhenyang pedestrian street 🐘 Elephant trunk hill 🏞️ Reed flute caves 🏨 Sky Garden Inn Day 2 - Xingping Ancient Town 🚤 Bamboo rafting 🏞️ 20 RMB viewpoint ⛰️ Laozhai Mountain 🎣 Cormorant Fishermen 🐠 Beer fish Day 3 - Yangshuo County 🚲 Bike tour of Yangshuo countryside 🌉 Yulong Bridge ⛩️ Jiuxian Village 🌳 Big Banyan Tree 🌙 Climb Moon Hill 🏮 West Street at night ✨ A few tips for first-timers: • Check the weather — sunny days = stunning photos (we visited in October) • Bring good walking shoes (you’ll climb more than you expect) • Don’t rush Guilin — it’s a slow, scenic kind of place • Stay at least one night in Yangshuo County! Guilin was definitely one of the most beautiful places I visited in China! If you’re planning a trip, I’ve written a full 3-Day Guilin Itinerary with transport details, where to stay, how to book the Li River cruise, and my favourite viewpoints. 🔗 link my bio. Don’t forget to save this for later 🫶🏼 And follow @shanstravelss for real, practical China travel tips ✈️ Guilin | Yangshuo | Guilin itinerary | Guilin China | What to do in Guilin | China must visit destinations | China travel | China itinerary | China travel guide | Xingping ancient town, Yangshuo | Asia travel | taken in Guilin, China by @shanstravelss
92
8 months ago
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If it’s your first time in China, this is the route I’d tell you to do 👇 China isn’t one “vibe”, it’s multiple countries’ worth of experiences in one! Here are 8 places you shouldn’t skip (save this for later 🤍) 📍 Beijing – Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square + Peking duck 📍 Great Wall of China – Go to Mutianyu for fewer crowds, epic views + the toboggan 📍 Xi’an – Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter food + cycling the city wall 📍 Zhangjiajie – The real-life Avatar mountains + glass bridge 📍 Tianmen Mountain – 999 “Stairway to Heaven” steps, glass skywalk + insane cable car 📍 Chengdu – Pandas, teahouses + spicy hotpot 📍 Guilin & Yangshuo – Karst mountains, Li River + countryside cycling 📍 Hong Kong – Skyline hikes, dim sum + Victoria Peak views ✨ First-time China tips: • Don’t rush it! distances are BIG, use high-speed trains • Avoid Golden Week & Chinese New Year if you can • Download Alipay/WeChat Pay + a VPN before you go • Plan by region (Beijing + Xi’an together, then head south/west) China will honestly exceed your expectations — the food, the landscapes, the history, the contrast between ancient and modern. I’ve made detailed FREE China guides & done-for-you itineraries to make planning a trip to China easy! 🔗in my bio Don’t forget to save this for later 🤍 Let me know in the comments which stop in China is top of your list 👇 And follow @shanstravelss for real, practical China travel tips ✈️ China itinerary | China must-visit destinations | Beijing | Chengdu | Xi’An | Zhangjiajie | Hong Kong | Cihina travel guide | China travel tips | Where to visit in China | China top attractions | #chinatravel #visitchina #chinadestinations #beijing #guilin taken in China by @shanstravelss
75
8 months ago
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The only itinerary you’ll need...👇🏻 This city in China will seriously steal your heart… ❤️ Before we get started, don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more China travel tips and inspo! I wasn’t sure what to expect before my first visit to Beijing! Many people told me to skip Beijing, it is just a massive city? Overwhelming crowds? History everywhere? Yes it is a massive city (but so is most Chinese cities now), yes it’s crowded (again so are all of the major cities in China) and yes its full of history, but that’s what makes Beijing such a fascinating and important city in China 🇨🇳 Honestly, I kind of fell in love with Beijing. Beijing isn’t just a city you see. It’s one you feel, ancient, chaotic, colourful, chaotic again, and always fascinating. Here’s the breakdown of my Beijing itinerary (what I actually did + what I recommend)👇🏻 🔐 Save this for your trip to Beijing!! Day 1 🇨🇳 Tiananmen Square 🏞️ Jingshan Park 🏯 Temple of Heaven 🏮 Qianmen Street (street food) 🥟 Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) Day 2 🥾 Great Wall of China 🌼Summer Palace 🐉 Nanlouguxiang 🍜 Beijing Beef Noodles Day 3 🏯 Forbidden City 🇨🇳 Beijing National Musuem 🚶‍♀️ Hutong city walk 👨‍🍳 Roast peking duck ✨ A few practical tips for visiting Beijing: • Book Great Wall + Forbidden City tickets in advance to skip queues • Take the metro everywhere, it’s fast, clean and easy • Try Peking duck (duh) and street food! • Give yourself some chill time in hutongs — they’re worth it 📍Are you planning a trip to Beijing? You can read my full FREE Beijing itinerary + travel tips guide to help you plan your days, transport, food and more — 🔗 in my bio. 💬 Comment below and let me know if you have been to Beijing or plan to visit this city in China! And don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss if you want to see more China travel guides + real itinerary advice 🤍 Beijing | China destinations | Beijing travel guide | Beijing what to do | Beijing attractions | Beijing itinerary | China cities to visit | China itinerary | China travel guide | Great Wall of China | Forbidden City China #beijing #beijingtravel #china #visitchina taken in Beijing, China by @shanstravelss
61
8 months ago
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If it’s your first time in Beijing, here’s exactly how I’d spend 3 days 👇 Beijing was one of those cities that completely shifted my expectations. I thought it would just be busy, political, intense. It is all of those things… but it’s also beautiful, historic, chaotic but peaceful at the same time and full of moments that make you just stop and really appreciate the city. Here is how to spend the best 3 days in Beijing👇🏻 🔒Save this for your China trip Day 1 🇨🇳 Tiananmen Square 🏞️ Jingshan Park 🏯 Temple of Heaven 🏮 Qianmen Street (street food) 🥟 Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings) Day 2 🥾 Great Wall of China 🌼Summer Palace 🐉 Nanlouguxiang 🍜 Beijing Beef Noodles Day 3 🏯 Forbidden City 🇨🇳 Beijing National Musuem 🚶‍♀️ Hutong city walk 👨‍🍳 Roast peking duck ✨ Travel Tips for First-Timers • Book Forbidden City tickets in advance (they sell out) • Bring your passport — you’ll need it for entry to attractions • Use the metro — it’s cheap, clean and easy • Start your days early to beat crowds • Wear good shoes (you will walk A LOT) I’ve written a full 3-Day Beijing Itinerary with detailed directions, transport tips, ticket advice and food recommendations 👇 🔗 It’s linked in my bio. 💬 Let me know in the comments if Beijing is on your bucket list! Don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more real, practical China travel inspo itineraries and guides ✨ Beijing | China Travel | Chiona destinations | Beijing itinerary | Beijing things to do | Beijing guide | Asia destinations | Asia travel | China expat | #chinatravel #beijing #visitchina taken in Beijing, China by @shanstravelss
83
8 months ago
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Why did nobody tell me this.... 😂 These are the iconic bamboo towers at Chengdu’s IFS Mall — and yes, they will pour water down like heavy rainfall. It looks aesthetic… until you’re directly under it. Before visiting the iconic Bamboo Towers in Chengdu, I saw videos portraying glowing bamboo towers, dreamy lights and people posing next to it giving main character energy. But what I didn’t see on Instagram was that it’s basically like an artificial monsoon season and everyone underneath is fighting for their lives trying not to get soaked. We genuinely thought we’d found a calm, pretty photo spot. But no, we were sprinting through. Shoes wet. Hair ruined. 10/10 core memory though. 📍 Where are the Iconic bamboo towers? Chengdu SKP, a super modern luxury mall in Chengdu. It’s actually underground, and the fountain installation sits in the open plaza above it. 🚇 How to get there: Take Chengdu Metro Line 1 to Jincheng Plaza East Station (Exit A) and it’s a short walk. Super easy if you’re already exploring the south of the city. 💡 Travel tip: Go in the evening when the lights are on — that’s when it looks the most dramatic. But maybe… don’t stand directly underneath unless you’re okay with getting drenched. Bring a light waterproof layer or umbrella just in case. Chengdu is this mix of chill tea house culture + futuristic architecture + some of the best food in China. It’s honestly one of my favourite cities in China. If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put together a free Chengdu travel guide with the best things to do, food spots, and practical tips (because clearly… you need the practical tips 😂). 🔗 in my bio. 🔒 Save this for when you visit Chengdu! And don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more real-life China travel tips and inspo! 🇨🇳 Let me know in the comments, would you stand under it for the photo or run? 👀 Chengdu | China Travel Destinations | Things to do in Chengdu | Iconic bamboo towers Chengdu| China travel itinerary | China Travel Guide | #chengdu #chengduchina #chinatravel #visitchina taken in Chengdu, China by @shanstravelss
90
8 months ago
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This is China’s version of Tinder… and no, it’s not an app! Before we get started, don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for more real travel in China ✨ I was walking through People’s Park in Chengdu thinking I’d grab a tea and people-watch… and suddenly realised the people were the attraction 😅 This is Chengdu’s Matchmaking Corner — where parents (and sometimes grandparents) bring posters about their adult children in the hope of finding them a partner. Age, height, job, salary, apartment ownership… it’s all there. No swiping. No DMs. It’s literally a collection of laminated CVs and what looked like some very serious conversations 😅 It seemed absolutely crazy to me, but the more time you spend in China, the more you realise how different dating, family and expectations can be here. It’s not about romance first, it’s about stability, compatibility, and family values. Honestly it was so fascinating to see up close. If you’re visiting Chengdu, I highly recommend checking it out. 📍People’s Park, Chengdu. If you’re visiting Chengdu People’s Park is a must (especially weekends) 🌸 And while you’re in Chengdu, don’t stop here — pandas, hotpot, teahouses, old streets and some of the best food in China are all found in Chengdu 👀 📍 I’ve put together a free Chengdu travel guide with everything you need (🔗 in bio) - what to do in Chengdu - where to eat in Chengdu - how to plan your time properly in Chengdu Dont’ forget to save this for later! and follow @shanstravelss for more real life China travel inspo! Let me know below if this surprised you 👇 Chengdu| China | Life in China | China expat | Chengdu travel itinerary | Things to do in Chengdu | China must visit destinations | #chinatravel #chengdu #chengdulife #visitchina #chinadestinations taken in Chengdu, China by @shanstravelss
78
9 months ago
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I think I might have found the most beautiful dinner spot in China… 🥹✨and I wasn’t even looking for it. Before we dive in, don’t forget to follow @shanstravelss for all of your China travel tips and inspo! 🤍 We were just wandering around Chengdu late in the evening, looking for somewhere to eat dinner, when we ended up by Anshun Bridge. The whole riverfront lit up. The lights came on, lanterns were glowing and everything reflected off the river. It was beautiful and filled with people out walking, eating, chatting and having drinks along the riverfront. 📌 Anshun Bridge, Chengdu China. Anshun Bridge isn’t just pretty, either. It’s one of the oldest bridges in Chengdu and a local favourite for evening walks and dinners. It even has night markets all along it. A few tips if you visit Anshun Bridge, Chengdu: • Visit at sunset or after dark , that’s when it’s at it’s best • You don’t need a fancy reservation, but river-view tables fill up fast so arrive early! • Pair it with a night walk after hotpot or a tea house visit nearby Anshun Bridge is definitely a must-visit if you are visiting Chengdu! If Chengdu is on your list, I’ve put together a free Chengdu travel guide with my favourite spots, food recommendations, and a full itinerary — 🔗 in bio Don’ forget to save this for later and let me know in the comments if Chengdu’s on your bucket list 🤍 Chengdu | Things to do in Chengdu | Chengdu Travel tips | Chengdu itinerary | China destinations | Hidden gems Asia | Adventure Travel | Things to do in China | China Expat | #chengdu #chinatravel #hiddengemschina taken in Chengdu, China by @shanstravelss
53
9 months ago
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