As the world’s third-largest country by area and second-largest by population, China offers an extraordinary variety of travel destinations. Even longtime residents often find it impossible to chart the whole expanse of the land in a single lifetime. Its cultural legacy, shaped across more than 5,000 years, has also influenced much of East and Southeast Asia, leaving a remarkable historical footprint. That long heritage lends to the country’s transformation from ancient dynasties to today’s thriving centres of business, technology, and entertainment. Yet, reminders of earlier eras remain present across its cities. Pagodas and temples stand alongside skyscrapers illuminated by neon lights after dusk, all reflecting principles of feng shui that still shape urban design. MICHELIN-starred restaurants led by international chefs share the same stage as traditional eateries where recipes and techniques have been preserved for generations. Together, these contrasts reflect a society that embraces modern progress while maintaining strong cultural roots.
(travelchina.org.cn)
SHANGHAI
For families travelling together, several destinations combine cultural discovery with engaging activities for all ages. Shanghai continues to be a crowd-puller with its vibrant mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Though global influences build this city up as a bustling modern metropolis, it remains steadfast in its Chinese identity, making it one of the most accessible cities for international visitors who want to experience the best of both worlds.
(shanghai.gov.cn)
What to do:
- Shanghai Disneyland
The largest Disneyland resort in Asia, this park features eight themed lands, including the only Zootopia area in the world. While some staple Western attractions found in other Disney parks are absent, the resort introduces experiences shaped by its guiding philosophy, Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese. Local design elements, Chinese-inspired streetscapes, localised dining experiences, and unique characters such as LinaBell create a distinctive atmosphere that reflects Shanghai’s cultural context.
W: shanghaidisneyresort.com
IG: @shanghaidisneyresort - Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
For a fun trip that doubles as an opportunity for education, the city’s largest public aquarium is a worthy option. Little ones with an affinity for exploring marine life can come face to face with 15,000 creatures of 450 unique species. They can be found throughout the nine exhibits that highlight different global regions, from South America, Africa, to China, showcasing endangered species of the Yangtze River. Not to be missed is the 168m tunnel that takes visitors on a walkthrough of the ocean floor, surrounded by schools of brightly coloured fish, rays, and turtles gliding through the waters, and sharks swimming overhead.
Where to stay:
- Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
Located within the resort area, this elegant property continues the Disney storytelling through Art Nouveau-inspired design. Rooms and public spaces reference beloved stories such as Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Guests also benefit from a complimentary water taxi to the park and early entry privileges before the official opening time.
W: shanghaidisneyresort.com
IG: @shanghaidisneyresort
Where to eat:
- Cheng Long Hang, Huangpu
While offshoots have sprouted at other locations, the original Huangpu branch remains the one awarded a MICHELIN star. The pavilion-style interior provides a refined backdrop for dining, while the menu champions seasonal hairy crab sourced from the restaurant’s own farms for a taste of Shanghainese cuisine.
CHENGDU
For families who wish to explore China further, they can look 1,950km west of Shanghai to find Sichuan Province. This region is widely celebrated for its cuisine, particularly its distinctive mouth-numbing mala spice, which defines many regional dishes. Its capital, Chengdu, is recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy and is also home to several giant panda conservation centres.
(gochengdu.cn)
What to do:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This 238-hectare conservation centre focuses on protecting and studying giant pandas. Designed to resemble their natural habitat, the expansive bamboo landscapes house breeding facilities, research laboratories, and veterinary centres. Visitors may also encounter other native endangered species, including red pandas and golden monkeys.
W: panda.org.cn - Renmin Park
At Chengdu Renmin Park, also known as People’s Park, locals gather to sip jasmine tea, play mahjong, dance, and even arrange matches for their children. With teahouses all around, the park offers an authentic glimpse of Chengdu’s relaxed tea culture, especially at the historic Heming Teahouse inside the park itself.
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu
Rising 41 storeys above the city centre, this luxury hotel places guests close to Tianfu Square and key commercial districts. Among its 350 accommodations are spacious rooms and suites suited to families. Younger guests can also participate in the Ritz Kids programme, which includes interactive activities such as cooking classes and themed in-room experiences.
W: ritzcarlton.com
IG: @theritzcarltonchengdu
Where to eat:
- Mi Xun Teahouse
Don’t be turned away by its plant-based label just yet. Inspired by the nearby Daci Temple, this restaurant still presents flavourful Sichuan cuisine within the city’s Upper House outpost. Seasonal ingredients, carefully sourced produce, and a strong tea programme reflect its farm-to-table philosophy, attesting to the concurrent one MICHELIN star and Green Star it holds.
W: upperhouse.com
IG: @mixun_teahouse
BEST TIME TO TO VISIT:
- May: Catch Shanghai Disneyland’s springtime surprises, like character crossovers and birthdays. Panda cubs are also quite playful this season.
- December: Disney’s magic is taken further as it coincides with Christmastime. Winter is also the pandas’ favourite season as adults get more active and babies start to take their first crawls.
Asia Dreams Volume 58
