2026 Beijing’s Hottest & Trendiest Travel Trending(Constantly Updated) | Trip.com

August 3–September 1, the Return to Hogwarts™ Back-to-School Season kicks off at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ in Universal Beijing Resort! 🌠 The brand-new nighttime projection show "Hogwarts™ Forever" debuts for a limited time! Dazzling lights weave a familiar back-to-school tale—come gather and celebrate your house pride! Remember this moment: the Hogwarts™ Express whistle will sound right on time. Gryffindor™! Slytherin™! Hufflepuff™! Ravenclaw™! Raise your wands! Cheer together and revel in your house glory! 🔮 New themed gear Quidditch-inspired merchandise makes its debut 🪄—refresh your house-pride wardrobe. 🥘 New bites The Three Broomsticks is serving limited-time house-themed platters 🍕—new flavors waiting for you to try. ⭐ Double buffs for maximum magic ✅ 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film release ✅ Universal 5th-anniversary anthem "Rush to Infinity" revealed live for the first time ✅ Surprise appearance by Zhou Shen on August 2, leading that day’s Universal Grand Parade 🧙 Outfit inspo House robe + scarf + interactive wand = picture-perfect shots Grab your wand 🪄, put on your robe, rally for house pride, and set off on a magical back-to-school adventure together!

Where blind boxes meet dessert and IP becomes a flavor—POP MART’s standalone dessert brand POP BAKERY has sweetly debuted its first store in China on the Aranya coast. Have your cake with an ocean view—POP MART just made that daydream real. 🏠 First store in China, the only one As POP BAKERY’s first brick-and-mortar in China, the Aranya location marks a milestone from pop-up to permanent. Miss it and there won’t be a next one—for now. 🌊 Bubble cottages facing the sea The location is a view in itself. Facing the beach with waves at its back, two cottages stand side by side. Sea breeze + sweet aromas + ocean views, and the vibe is just right. 🎂 Turning blind box characters into edible art DIMOO, LABUBU, MOLLY, SKULLPANDA, Xingxingren… almost every dessert takes the shape of an IP character. Cakes, mousses, butter cookies, chocolates, ice cream—their names read like a must-try list. 🫖 Tea drinks join the menu Unlike past pop-ups, the first store debuts signature tea drinks, fruit infusions, and coffee. Sit down, take your time, and savor slow moments by the sea. 🍞 Five full lineups IP-shaped cakes, seasonal specials, fresh-baked soft European bread/croissants/toast, and IP-themed candied fruit skewers… from signatures to snacks, the choices will spoil you for choice. There are also seaside-themed exclusives available only here. 📍 Location: East side of North Station, Phase 6 Cultural & Creative Street, Aranya community 📆 Hours: Jun 17 (Wed) soft opening | Jun 18 closed | Jun 19 (Fri) grand opening 🏖️ Come to Aranya, take in the sea view, bite into a LABUBU cookie, and sip a signature fruit tea—this is what summer should feel like.

On July 27, 2026, Zhengyangmen Gate Tower reopened to the public after conservation work. Inside, the basic exhibition "Mighty Zhengyang" is divided into four sections: "First of the Nine Gates," "Gate of Ritual," "Bustling Market," and "Zhengyang Through the Ages". 🏯 Zhengyangmen Gate Tower ⏰ Closed: Mondays (except public holidays) Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM, closes at 5:00 PM). There are many stairs inside. Visitors with limited mobility should consider their own circumstances before visiting. As Zhengyangmen Gate Tower welcomes more visitors, come experience its history and culture.

In midsummer, the 2nd Lotus Life · Art & Nature Season at Beijing Wenyuhe Park returns as promised🪷 From July 24 to August 2, for 10 consecutive days, a lakeside celebration around Yuhu Lake will weave together light-and-shadow art, Chinese-style music, cultural talks, and a waterfront market—where artistic flair and everyday vibrancy blend perfectly✨ 🎨 Light and shadow art The immersive light installation "Big and Small Pearls Falling onto a Jade Plate" sets down on the lake’s central island, reimagining the spirit of the lotus through three layers of imagery. Every night 7:30–10:00 PM, technology and natural aesthetics intertwine to craft a summer-night visual narrative. 🎵 Chinese style and healing sounds Guzheng with vocals, erhu and bamboo flutes, guqin and dongxiao take the stage in turn, as new Chinese style meets ethereal, healing melodies by the lake. Plus, a top-tier international jazz quartet performs—Eastern nuance and Western groove collide for elevated romance🎷 🎭 Traditional elegance The Kunqu classic "A Stroll in the Garden" unfolds amid the luminous lotus pond, with a surprise cross-genre guest joining in improvisation. Every glance and gesture embodies Eastern aesthetics. 💬 Culture live Sanlian unveils "A Living Proposal for Wenyuhe Park," alongside four-perspective cultural conversations and a Lotus Pond "Poetry Night for You." Amid cicada song and lotus-scented breezes, discover how city parks enrich everyday life. 🛍️ Waterfront market and floral delights A floating market sets sail on boats, inviting you to drift through the lotus pond in search of fun. Over 50 brands gather on shore for one-stop food and creative finds. The Yimeijia Hundred Flowers Market features five sections, with limited lotus-inspired drinks and lotus desserts to delight your taste buds🌸 🎓 Nature education and park adventures All-ages learning spans lotus pond science, traditional incense making, and intangible-heritage indigo dyeing. The "Lotus dreamscape" NPC adventure offers 18 challenges—collect stamps and enter a raffle with a 100% chance to win🎁 🖼️ Traveling art exhibition An open call welcomes original works—photography, writing, hand-drawn art—to transform personal perception into a shared public narrative throughout the event. 🗓️ Time: July 24–August 2, 2026 📍 Location: Wenyuhe Park, Chaoyang Demonstration Zone, East Garden (near Gate 1 and the parking lot) This summer, a lakeside festival made for shopping, admiring, cruising, and dining awaits your visit!🌾

April 30–October 6, 2026, the Badaling Night Great Wall debuts an all‑new upgraded experience The open area covers the cultural street and the stretch from North Tower 4 to South Tower 4. Lights are on 7:20 PM–10:00 PM. Performances and interactive experiences run 6:30 PM–9:00 PM. Entry verification is available 6:30 PM–9:00 PM. The south route ground cable car operates one way uphill 5:30 PM–7:30 PM. This upgrade centers on on‑wall interactions + themed dance to create an immersive night tour. Talk in real time with roaming NPCs such as Meng Jiangnü, a Ming‑era general, and frontier soldiers, and hear Great Wall stories as you walk. Join the waystation letter‑writing activity to send blessings that a courier delivers to the wall, adding a sense of ceremony and romance. The cultural street recreates a Tea‑Horse trade market, blending role‑play with borderland flair. The signature performance, "Bonfire Beyond the Pass," fuses Mongolian dance with modern choreography. At the climax, a simulated bonfire interaction invites visitors to join hands and dance to folk steps, feeling the Wall’s grandeur and the warmth of local culture in light and rhythm. Entry ceremonies and live interactions with wall patrols further deepen the sense of historical immersion. Come to Badaling and start a journey that’s uniquely yours

Want to see giant pandas? Beyond Chengdu, many cities across China offer great viewing, with pandas of all personalities waiting to meet you. Here’s our roundup 👇 Sichuan 🐼 Hehua (Huahua) 📍 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Born in 2020, a short, chubby, and super-fluffy sweetheart at the Chengdu base. She stays calm even when her bamboo gets snatched. In 2023, her “triangle rice ball” look dominated trending searches, sending the base’s ticket sales soaring 9x, with 800,000+ Super Topic followers. Widely regarded as today’s top female star among pandas. 🐼 Fu Bao 📍 Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Born in 2020 at Everland in South Korea. Keepers made her a guitar, flower crowns, and little glasses. Before she came home, a petition on Korean sites drew tens of thousands of signatures. She returned to Sichuan in April 2024, with Chinese and Korean media coverage rivaling a celebrity’s airport arrival. 🐼 Xiang Xiang 📍 Bifengxia Base, Ya’an Born in 2017 at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. A nationwide naming vote drew 320,000 entries. She generated billions of yen in economic impact each year for Japan. When she returned to China in February 2023, Japanese media aired a 12-hour live farewell. Beijing 🐼 Meng Lan 📍 Beijing Zoo Born in 2015, Beijing Zoo’s serial escape artist. He’s climbed walls by stepping on a red ball, twisted door handles, and cheekily teased visitors from afar. A single Douyin video topped 300 million views. Netizens jokingly call him Beijing’s “985” genius on the loose. Jiangsu 🐼 Mengxun & Aobao 📍 Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park A brother-sister duo born in 2022 and total foodies. You can also watch them play-fight—super lively and adorable. 🐼 Jiujiu 📍 Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo Known as the most beautiful panda in East China. More than just a pretty face, Jiujiu is quite the performer—you might even catch this panda dancing. Chongqing 🐼 Shuangshuang, Zhongzhong, Xixi, and Qingqing (the “Four Joy Meatballs”) 📍 Chongqing Zoo There are 23 pandas here—one of them is sure to steal your heart. The viral foursome “Four Joy Meatballs” is from this zoo, and if you’re lucky, you might even see them “playing mahjong.” Liaoning 🐼 Feiyun 📍 Dalian Forest Zoo The zoo’s first-gen internet-famous female: round head, snow-white coat. Fans lovingly call her “Feiyun piggy.” Together with Jinhu and Miaoyin, she’s one of “Dalian’s three treasures.” Livestreams often draw 100,000+ viewers year-round. Shaanxi 🐼 Qizai 📍 Qinling Four Treasures Science Park The world’s only captive brown giant panda, discovered in Foping, Shaanxi, in 2009. With chocolate-colored fur, he’s jokingly nicknamed the Labrador of the panda world. Shandong 🐼 Yaji 📍 Jinan Zoo A little hidden gem who really knows how to work a crowd. When standing on all fours, Yaji looks like a small bench—hence the cute nickname “Little Bench.” Which panda has stolen your heart? Beyond the stars above, many other provinces across China have adorable giant pandas waiting to meet you. Start planning your panda trip and witness the charm of this national treasure up close

☀️ Temperatures spike every July and August, leaving everyone hunting for a refreshing retreat from the stifling humidity 🌊. Water parks are easily the most popular summer escape for travellers around the region. Who can say no to speeding down splashing slides and fooling around in cool pools to beat that sticky hot weather? Adventure Cove Waterpark is Singapore’s signature water park 🌊. It boasts Southeast Asia’s very first magnetic slide, RipTide Rocket, competitive twin slide Dueling Racer, plus tons of heart-pounding spiral vortex slides 💨. Its standout highlight is Rainbow Reef, where you can snorkel amid over 20,000 colourful tropical fish and get up close with marine life 🐠. Over at Ray Bay, you may even get to interact with docile stingrays. A leisurely Adventure River, massive wave pool and dedicated shallow play area for kids ensure endless fun for the whole family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Wild Wild Wet is a local favourite among Singaporeans, fully upgraded after its reopening back in 2017 ✨. The park features 14 well-curated rides, such as the almost vertical Free Fall, disorienting Vortex and Torpedo Slide that hits speeds of up to 70 km/h ⚡. There’s also a dedicated children’s play area, regular wave pool and the gigantic Tsunami Pool with waves reaching 2.5 metres tall 🌊 — suitable for visitors of every age group. Water parks all over Southeast Asia exude unique tropical charm, while those in China offer an entirely different cooling experience with state-of-the-art equipment and highly creative themed layouts. Major modern cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou are home to top-tier, innovative water parks that merge international design aesthetics with local cultural elements, forming a one-of-a-kind summer water entertainment vibe you can only find in China. Shanghai Shanghai Maya Beach Water Park sits high on every local’s summer must-visit list 🔥. It houses Asia’s tallest 3D water slide, complete with wild 360-degree spins, vertical free falls and twisting spiral drops guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. The enormous wave pool can host thousands of guests and churn out waves up to 2 metres high, replicating genuine beach vibes. Its magical drifting river runs on advanced hydraulic technology, carrying you past rushing rapids, shadowy caves and simulated volcanic eruptions with fun surprises waiting at every turn. Heated shallow kid zones with full-time lifeguards are available, so parents can relax and bond with their little ones without any worries. Beijing Happy Magic Water Cube Water Park is the largest and best-equipped water park across Beijing and the whole of Northern China. It hosts 18 major attractions and more than 50 slides of all varieties, earning its title as an ultimate non-stop water playground.Its most imaginative ride is Deep Sea Octopus Monster, a 25-metre triple-section slide that delivers multi-level sliding thrills. Other iconic attractions include Asia’s biggest Dark Vortex Slide, the world’s first Hurricane Wall Slide, and Asia’s inaugural Storm Valley Slide. Magic Cube Castle is loaded with interactive water features like spray jets, water cannons and climbing nets. Its 11 mini slides alongside a giant tipping water bucket deliver an ultra-refreshing splash for all guests. For family visitors, the Finding Nemo Kids Zone comes with customised junior slides and dozens of fun water toys. Exotic themed parades run daily throughout the park, turning your heat escape into a dazzling visual spectacle. Guangzhou Chimelong Water Park is South China’s flagship water attraction, decked out with world-class rides and multiple Asia-record-breaking facilities 🌊. Its 30,000 sqm wave pool generates towering 2.5-metre surf waves for fully immersive thrills. The skyscraper slide complex features over 20 distinct rides, ranging from vertical drop slides and rainbow slides to swirling vortex tunnels for non-stop excitement. The 800-metre themed lazy river meanders through shadowy caves, fast rapids and volcanic scenery, alternating between gentle floating and high-energy rapids for a progressive adventure. Daily wave light shows blend upbeat music, water curtains and dynamic lighting to create a breathtaking audio-visual performance. Thanks to Guangzhou’s consistently warm climate, the park maintains pleasant water temperatures all year round, perfect for splashing any season. Luxury private VIP lounges with complete amenities can be booked by families for exclusive, premium cooling sessions. When the sweltering summer heat rolls in, China’s wide array of water parks are ready to serve you icy refreshing fun 💦. Your unforgettable cool summer getaway awaits!

After 2 years of preparation, this is the Capital Museum’s first mega-scale exhibition featuring a single, museum-wide show, immersive experiences across the entire venue, and a complete narrative from start to finish. The exhibition space and the full-scene immersive public experience area are approx. 5,000 sq m each, with a total exhibition area of 10,000 sq m. Over 800 exquisite artifacts are on display. ✨ Must-see highlights at a glance (you’ll seriously regret missing this) ▪️ 800+ rare artifacts gathered, with some debuting in China. From heavyweight national treasures like Maya stelae to small, finely crafted objects, every piece carries the wisdom of ancient civilizations✨ ▪️ Two civilizations side by side. The Maya—often called the Greece of the Americas—paired with 3,000+ years of Andean history, spanning 1500 BCE to the fall of the Inca Empire, deliver a one-stop view of ancient American brilliance🌍 ▪️ A fully immersive experience. Step into a tropical rainforest Maya sanctuary. Stand before the artifacts and you’ll almost hear the chants of ancient priests and feel the calendar codes carved into Maya stelae📜 ▪️ Star exhibits alert: the Mask of the Red Queen (very likely to appear), Moche gold-inlaid turquoise earrings, and detachable ear spool ornaments of the Lord of Sipán. Each is a pinnacle of craftsmanship and wonderfully photogenic📸 🖼️ exhibition name: corn, gold, and jaguars — ancient civilizations of the Maya and the Andes 🗓️ dates: May 18–October 18, 2026 📍 location: Capital Museum

A summer-only scene beneath the Palace Museum’s 600-year-old red walls—how stunning is vermilion meeting cool green and soft pink? As lotuses blanket ponds across Jiangnan, The Palace Museum enters its most poetic season. 🌸 Unlike the gentle charm of Jiangnan’s water towns, the lotuses here play off vermilion palace walls and ornate eaves and brackets, creating a lotus scene uniquely rooted in the imperial city—red walls, lotus grace. 🎋 ✨ Vermilion × green and pink, the pinnacle of Eastern aesthetics Lotus beauty at the Palace Museum lies in contrast—the steady, weighty vermilion walls of 600 years versus the airy, lively pink blossoms and green leaves. Stillness and motion, richness and lightness—solemn architecture and refined nature blend perfectly here. Sunlight spills across glazed tiles as lotus shadows ripple on red walls; in the shifting light, you feel time fall away. 🪷 Three hidden corners, each with its own charm 🔸 Cining Garden—A hidden lotus haven deep within the palace. Delicate potted lotuses set against red walls and glazed tiles make every step feel cinematic. 📸 🔸 East side of Wenhua Hall—The main stage for lotuses. The goldfish pond mirrors the lotus pool. Come at dawn for dewy petals and the softest, most beautiful light. ☀️ 🔸 In front of Yinghuadian—A low-key vantage point with few visitors. Beneath the flying eaves, a quiet lotus pond blooms in calm elegance, capturing the serene refinement of an imperial garden. Lotuses unfurl beaded with dew, and the light is soft, never harsh—every snap can be wallpaper-worthy. Bring a telephoto lens to capture those timeless moments in shifting light and shadow. Stroll along as lotus fragrance drifts by and red walls frame the scene. In this moment, The Palace Museum is summer at its most quintessentially Eastern. 🍃

On July 2, 2026, flight CA973 landed at Venice Marco Polo Airport in Italy, marking the launch of Air China's Beijing Capital–Venice route. Beijing Capital–Venice 🛫 Outbound: CA973 Departure: 1:30 PM, Beijing Capital International Airport Arrival: 7:00 PM (local time), Venice Marco Polo Airport 🛬 Return: CA974 Departure: 9:00 PM (local time), Venice Marco Polo Airport Arrival: 1:30 PM the next day, Beijing Capital International Airport Experience Air China's Beijing Capital–Venice route and discover an airborne bridge between Chinese and Italian cultures!

Starting July 20, 2026, railway authorities will pilot a new train ticket reservation booking service on over 200 trains on the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway and the Beijing–Shanghai Railway. Passengers can place reservations 17–60 days before departure. July 20–August 29 is a transition period, with regular operations from August 30 onward. 🚆 Train ticket reservation service pilot During the pilot, passengers can choose either exact reservation or flexible reservation. Exact reservation lets you specify departure/arrival time, seat class, and fare. Flexible reservation supports time windows and travel duration. Each booking can include up to 19 travelers, and each railway account can hold up to 3 pending reservation bookings at the same time. From 8:00 AM daily, reservations open for departures 60 days in advance. The reservation service does not currently support group reservations of more than 19 travelers. Ticket refund and change rules have been adjusted: for refunds requested 20–8 days before departure, a 5% fee based on the ticket price will be charged. ⏰ Time: July 20–August 29, 2026 is the transition period, and regular operations begin August 30. Try the railway’s train ticket reservation booking service and plan your trip in advance!

From Jul 5, airline fuel surcharges are officially reduced—the perfect chance to save. 💰 New rates at a glance Under 800 km: fuel surcharge CNY 50 (down CNY 30), and with the civil aviation development fund, a one-way total is just CNY 100 800 km and above: fuel surcharge CNY 100 (down CNY 50), and with the civil aviation development fund, a one-way total is just CNY 150 Round-trip deals are even better—short-haul round-trip CNY 200, long-haul round-trip CNY 300. 🗓 Effective from Jul 5 Tickets issued on or after Jul 5 will automatically follow the new rates. No need to rush, no need to rush, no need to rush—the price drops right on schedule. 🌞 Summer travel costs drop With lower fuel surcharges, airlines adding more summer capacity, plus local culture-and-tourism vouchers and a wave of summer promotions, booking summer flights now is great value. Action tip: Once you know where you are headed, lock in your itinerary. Issue your ticket after Jul 5 to enjoy the new prices automatically. In peak summer, fares rise fast—start watching early and book early. 💸

This summer, Universal Studios has your fun covered. Universal Beijing Resort’s signature seasonal event, “Universal Cool Summer,” returns with high energy from June 12 to Aug 16. It coincides with the park’s 5th anniversary, with upgraded experiences and more highlights than you can count What’s on this cool summer? - Splash party: The main stage features a soak zone, a splash zone, and a dry zone. There’s a lot of water, so we recommend a raincoat and quick-dry clothing - Battle of the bands show: Shrek, the Minions, Po, and the Madagascar crew take the stage as band members, and Megatron joins as DJ for the first time - Character meet and greets: Princess Fiona, King Julien, and more appear in summer‑exclusive looks, with a surf‑themed photo spot at the end of Hollywood Boulevard - Graduation‑season exclusives: A graduation live show, a set menu at Luoxia Restaurant, and a Beverly Hills–themed cake - Annual pass perks: Claim coupons from June 2–14 and redeem a Jurassic World–themed badge from June 13–29 More in August: Back to Hogwarts In late summer (Aug 3–Sep 1), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings back Back to Hogwarts™ with refreshed, limited‑time experiences for witches and wizards to unlock Whether it’s a grad trip, a family‑friendly getaway, or a friends’ day out, Universal is worth repeat visits this summer. Tag your travel buddy and make a plan together

Beijing’s Palace Museum showcases the grandeur of the Ming and Qing courts, Sichuan’s Sanxingdui Museum unveils the mysterious Shu civilization from 3,000 years ago, and Shaanxi History Museum distills the splendor of a capital that hosted 13 dynasties. Together, these three museums trace a timeline from antiquity to the early modern era—an in-depth cultural journey for anyone fascinated by Eastern civilizations. About the Palace Museum in Beijing 👑 ▪️ Also known as the Forbidden City, the Palace Museum sits at the heart of Beijing and served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A total of 24 emperors lived and governed here. Covering about 720,000 square meters, it is the largest surviving wooden palace complex in the world. ▪️ Unlike the heavy stone architecture of many European palaces, the Forbidden City is equally monumental yet distinctly Chinese: a strict north–south central axis, red walls and yellow glazed tiles, sweeping eaves, and complex bracket sets—everywhere you look reflects traditional ritual order and a cosmic worldview. ▪️ The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony along the central axis form the symbolic core complex. The Hall of Supreme Harmony hosted enthronement ceremonies, and its gilded throne symbolizes imperial power. Some halls may have phased closures for conservation or restoration. Check official notices before your visit. ▪️ The Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery, located in the Eastern Six Palaces area, house a wealth of Qing imperial treasures and mechanical clocks from Europe, including gifts once presented by British envoys—making for an intriguing cross-cultural comparison for visitors from the UK. ▪️ Plan for at least half a day. Enter via the Meridian Gate and exit via the Shenwu Gate or Donghua Gate for a smooth route. Tickets must be reserved in advance with timed entry. Opening hours vary slightly between peak and off-peak seasons, and summer/holidays see heavy crowds, so plan ahead. 🎫 ▪️ After your visit, walk to Jingshan Park and climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City—an iconic photo spot. About the Sanxingdui Museum 🗿 ▪️ Located in Guanghan, Sichuan Province, about 40 km from Chengdu, Sanxingdui Museum showcases artifacts unearthed from the Shu civilization dating roughly 3,000–5,000 years ago. ▪️ Excavated sacrificial pits have yielded large numbers of bronze masks, bronze sacred trees, gold scepters, ivory, and more—challenging long-held notions that Chinese civilization was centered solely in the Central Plains. Newly excavated items are progressively restored and exhibited to the public. ▪️ Unlike the solemn, symmetrical bronzes of the Shang and Zhou Central Plains, Sanxingdui bronzes are fantastically imaginative—huge protruding-eye masks, vertical-eye figures, and sky-reaching sacred trees that exude mystery. ▪️ The large standing bronze figure is about 2.6m high—one of the earliest, largest, and most complete bronze standing figures in the world. The bronze sacred tree rises nearly 4m, with divine birds perched on its branches. It is believed to have been a ritual conduit between heaven and earth. 🌳 ▪️ The new exhibition hall centers on the theme “Asleep for millennia, awakened to awe,” with three main galleries and an interactive zone. It features many artifacts and employs climate-controlled cases and glasses-free 3D, offering a contemporary experience. ▪️ For the latest exhibition updates, opening hours, and reservation rules, refer to official channels. ▪️ Getting there: take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Guanghan North, then a taxi to the museum. You can also join a day tour from Chengdu or charter a vehicle for a convenient round trip. 🚄 About Shaanxi History Museum 🏺 ▪️ Based in the ancient capital of Xi'an, Shaanxi History Museum is among China’s first national first-grade museums and is acclaimed as a “treasure house of Huaxia.” Its vast collection spans from prehistory to the late Qing. In addition to the main building, the Qin and Han Civilization Museum (a branch) focuses on Qin and Han themes. ▪️ Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, was the capital for 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang, and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road. This background gives the museum an exceptionally dense and high-caliber collection. ▪️ Unlike the Palace Museum’s emphasis on imperial life, Shaanxi History Museum also presents imperial grandeur but highlights the long, continuous arc of Chinese civilization, especially the peaks of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang eras. ▪️ Signature masterpieces include a gold-inlaid agate cup with animal-head terminals, a gilt silver ewer with a dancing horse holding a cup, the empress’s seal, the Du tiger tally, and a gilt bronze silkworm—each telling a story of the Silk Road or dynastic change. ▪️ The “Treasures of the Great Tang” special exhibition showcases the Hejia Village hoard of gold and silver, with exquisite craftsmanship and imported elements from Persia, Sogdia, and Rome—direct evidence of Silk Road exchange. The Tang mural gallery, famous for rare tomb murals, requires a separate reservation. ✨ ▪️ Admission is free but by reservation with timed entry. The main building and the Qin and Han branch release reservations separately. Quotas during summer and holidays are extremely competitive and are released at fixed times—be ready to book the moment they open. During peak seasons the museum often adjusts closure days and extends opening hours; follow official notices for details. ▪️ After the museum, consider visiting the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Army, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi'an’s ancient city wall to compare artifacts with their historical settings. Practical tips 📝 ▪️ Reservations: the Palace Museum, Sanxingdui, and Shaanxi History Museum all require real-name reservations, especially busy in summer and on holidays. Rules and release times vary by venue. Your passport can serve as a valid ID for international visitors. 🎫 ▪️ Guides: all three museums offer audio guide rentals with English available. Many galleries have bilingual labels. For deeper insight, book a live guided tour or join an official English tour group. ▪️ Photography: most outdoor and many indoor areas of the Palace Museum allow photography, but flash and selfie sticks are prohibited. Some precious exhibits at Sanxingdui and Shaanxi History Museum are not allowed to be photographed—follow display case notices. 📸 ▪️ Transportation: high-speed trains and flights are frequent between Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi'an, making it easy to link your itinerary. The Beijing–Xi'an high-speed train takes about 5 hours, and Xi'an–Chengdu takes about 3–4 hours. ▪️ Language and payment: major cities and top attractions have decent English coverage, and translation apps help with daily communication. Mobile payments primarily use WeChat Pay and Alipay, both of which support linking overseas bank cards. 💳 ▪️ What to wear: museum interiors are temperature-controlled, and air conditioning can feel cool in summer—bring a light layer. The Palace Museum covers a large outdoor area, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. 👟 ▪️ Food: signature local dishes include Beijing roast duck, Sichuan cuisine, and Xi'an specialties like yangrou paomo and roujiamo, with distinct flavor profiles. If you are sensitive to spice, ask for mild or no spice when ordering. 🍜 From the red walls and gilded roofs of the Forbidden City, to the bronze sacred trees of Sanxingdui, to the Tang gold and silver at Shaanxi History Museum—one trip offers a sweeping view of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization at its finest.

From Bangkok to Beijing, from Chiang Mai to Yunnan, from Thailand to China, temples are becoming hot destinations for a new generation of travelers. It’s not only about making a wish—many young people want to pause before thousand-year-old architecture for a true mental reset and a cultural experience. So, what makes each of these temples worth a special trip? 🙏 Erawan Shrine in Bangkok · The city’s most popular place to make a wish Its four faces are associated with career, love, wealth, and health. You should pray to all four clockwise to complete the ritual. When you make a wish, give your name and birth date, and say how you plan to give thanks if it comes true. From early morning to late at night, it’s packed with worshippers and rich in ceremony. 🤫 People say wishes are granted here, but if yours comes true, be sure to return and give thanks. ⛰️ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai · Buddha relics inside a golden stupa on the summit Perched atop Doi Suthep with sweeping views of Chiang Mai. First, climb 306 steps flanked by seven-headed naga balustrades—the ascent feels like a practice in itself. At the top, the golden stupa enshrines Buddha relics and gleams in the sun. After praying, you can receive a holy water blessing and a white string bracelet from a monk. 🤫 Said to be especially effective for seeking wisdom and a bright future. 🏯 Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou · A visual feast of Chan (Zen) aesthetics With almost 1,700 years of history, it sits beside Feilai Peak and is a spiritual center of Chinese Chan Buddhism. The real draw isn’t just the buildings, but how nature and practice become one. The hike and worship are a meditation in themselves, and the ancient monastery amid mountains and water quiets the mind in an instant. 🤫 People say prayers for promotions and career go particularly well here. 🌸 Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple · A peaceful corner in the heart of the city A rare pocket of calm in a bustling metropolis, its architecture blends Chinese and Western aesthetics, and the three Burmese jade Buddha statues showcase exquisite craftsmanship. In the wishing area, read the wish cards left by other visitors and you’ll find it’s more than a place of faith—it’s a space where strangers resonate with one another. 🤫 Many visitors say prayers for love and relationships are especially effective here. 🏔️ Songzanlin Monastery in Yunnan · A spiritual cleansing at a highland sanctuary Often called the Little Potala Palace, this Gelugpa monastery stands at 3,380 m and expresses grand devotion through its architecture. The must-try experience is turning the prayer wheels. In the thin highland air, joining the collective ritual lets you feel the power of faith in a profound way. 🤫 No wonder people say prayers for safety and health are especially powerful here. 👑 Lama Temple in Beijing · Where imperial culture meets religious art Once an imperial residence and now Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple, it’s a living history of architecture. The temple’s three woodcarving masterpieces represent the height of ancient craftsmanship, and the treasure basin in front of the Hall of the Wheel of Dharma was used for the Qianlong Emperor’s first bath after birth. 🤫 It’s said to be especially effective for wealth and career. Instead of worrying about what to ask for, go to experience the millennia of culture and masterful craftsmanship these temples hold. The way they move your heart is the most meaningful thing to take with you.

When you gaze at the stars, have you ever dreamed of piloting a space fighter across the cosmos? In summer 2026, that dream touches down in Beijing. After 8 years of meticulous development, China’s hardcore sci-fi IP Nantianmen Project launches a large-scale science and sci-fi themed exhibition at the China Millennium Monument, delivering an immersive feast where technology and culture converge. ✨ Highlights you can’t miss 🤖 A landmark in China’s homegrown aerospace sci-fi IP Developed independently by AVIC Global, Nantianmen Project envisions a global integrated strategic defense system composed of a large strategic air-and-space carrier platform, space fighters, and tactical mecha. The IP boasts a sweeping worldbuilding bible of more than 500,000 words and 100+ weapon and equipment design drawings, with every detail rigorously researched. Its debut at Airshow China 2024 set the venue abuzz; now, its first standalone exhibition in Beijing unveils internal materials for the very first time—an opportunity not to be missed. 🤖 3,000m² immersive interstellar battlefield Taking over the entire Contemporary Art Hall on the South Plaza of the China Millennium Monument, the exhibition spans 3,000m² with a 2-level immersive zone, 3 major space battle sectors, and 23 interactive experience points. From the moment you step inside, you become a star warrior, traversing different space battlefields and carrying out missions. Every scene is carefully crafted to transport you to a futuristic theater of war. 🤖 Life-size mecha and aircraft, 1:1 scale A colossal 1:1 “Baidi” air-and-space fighter, “Chengying” tactical mecha, “Xuannv” unmanned fighter, and “Hanguang” vertical takeoff and landing platform assemble on site. All mecha names draw from the Classic of Mountains and Seas—Luan Bird, Baidi—blending ancient mythology with future aviation for a distinctively Chinese sci-fi romance that breaks out of Western genre tropes and brims with cultural confidence. Even better, all 23 interactive installations are inspired by prototypes of cutting-edge technologies, so you can feel the power of innovation through hands-on experiences. 🎯 This exhibition is not only a must for sci-fi fans, but also a stellar choice for family-friendly science learning. The perfect fusion of Chinese mythology and hardcore sci-fi offers spectacular visuals while showcasing the profound depth of Chinese culture. 📌 Practical information: Exhibition name: Sky Memory—Nantianmen Project science and sci-fi themed exhibition at China Millennium Monument Dates: July 8–October 11, 2026 (closed on Mondays) Location: China Millennium Monument (South Plaza) Contemporary Art Hall Transportation: Subway Line 1/Line 9, Military Museum Station, about a 10-minute walk Summer’s unmissable tech spectacle—round up your friends and check in. 🌟

Beijing Wildlife Park celebrates its 25th anniversary, and this summer break the park has a full season of dream-worthy experiences—nonstop surprises and endless fun. 🎉 Red panda citywide takeover The red panda mascot "Jiangtian" takes on playful personas and pops up at malls, hotels, theaters, and more for a citywide tour. Spot it to unlock exclusive perks—packed with fun! 💦 Summer splash party The Blue Town splash zone is fully open. Dive into water-gun battles and icy refreshments, and unlock hidden rewards while you cool off. Peak summer joy starts right here. 🎂 Red panda birthday season An adorable birthday feast is here to soothe your soul. Get up close with red pandas and watch the iconic group birthday celebration for the animals. Plus, take home exclusive limited-edition merchandise. 🎶 Animal forest music season A one-of-a-kind animal forest music season arrives at the park. Diverse bands perform in rotation with the sunset as the backdrop and greenery as your seat. Join interactive parades with small animals and feel the romance and sense of ceremony where music meets nature. ⏳ Recommended time: suitable for all-day fun during summer 📍 Location: Beijing Wildlife Park 💡 Travel tips: Pack waterproof gear for the splash zone. The music season areas can be crowded, so plan your route in advance. Come to Beijing Wildlife Park and unlock this summer’s dream-worthy experiences.

Recently, Beijing's Temple of Heaven Park has become a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. A rare European robin has been spotted among the pine and cypress trees. With its small, adorable stature, clear and bright song, and striking orange-red breast feathers, it has attracted numerous visitors and photographers. In addition, an Eurasian eagle-owl has quietly become the park's newest "celebrity." Its calm and composed demeanor, even when provoked by other birds, is amusing to watch. In recent years, Beijing's diverse parks have become important stopover sites for migratory birds, with many uncommon species making frequent appearances. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the unique sight of these birds but also experience the magic of nature, finding both surprise and relaxation. However, it's important to respect the birds' natural habits while observing them. Improper feeding by visitors can harm the birds' health, reduce their ability to forage in the wild, and disrupt their migration patterns. Please maintain a safe distance from wild birds, do not disturb their lives, destroy their habitats, or feed them indiscriminately. Let's practice responsible birdwatching and be allies in protecting wildlife. Come to the Temple of Heaven Park and embark on a civilized and fascinating birdwatching journey.