Things to Do in China

Pudong, the area of Shanghai east of the Huangpu River, is home to many of Shanghai’s most famous modern buildings. Formerly an agricultural area, Pudong is now Shanghai’s financial district and commercial hub -- a stark contrast to the colonial buildings of the Bund just across the river.

Pudong’s skyline includes notable buildings like the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV tower, Jinmao Tower Observatory, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and the International Convention Center. Pudong New Area is also home to Century Park, the largest park in the city, as well as some of Shanghai’s best shopping opportunities, like Nanjing Road.

Before visiting Pudong, take a walk along the Bund for the best views of the iconic Shanghai skyline across the river. Once you’ve crossed over, set aside some time to ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the 1,535-foot (468-meter) tall space age building that stands out among the other skyscrapers of Shanghai. Within you’ll find an observation floor, shopping mall, revolving restaurant and the Shanghai History Museum in the basement.

One of the most recognizable, dramatic, and popular icons of the city of Macau are the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral. Originally constructed in 1580 by Jesuit priests, the church was twice ravaged by fire in 1595 and 1601. Not to be deterred by the loss, construction resumed in 1602 and ultimately grew into what would be the largest Christian church on the entire Asian continent. As fate would have it, however, disaster met the church once again in 1835 when fire ripped through the soaring cathedral for the third and final time.

Devastated by the blaze all that remains of the Church of St Paul are the 66 stone steps which ascend a steep hill and the intricately carved five-tier façade for which the ruin is now so famous. Carved from granite which was able to withstand the fire, the façade features a panorama of carvings which fuse traditional European Renaissance and Oriental artistic styles. The façade was carved by Japanese Christians escaping religious persecution and was constructed in a classically Baroque style. Images found on the façade include traditional Jesuit scenes from the Bible to Portuguese sailing vessels with billowing sails. The stone lions which flank the third and fourth tiers are representative of the Chinese influence in the construction and design of St. Paul’s.

Behind the façade now sits St Paul’s Museum as well as remnants of the original city walls. Dating to 1569 the naturally formed barriers are formed from a blend of clay, soil, sand, glutinous rice, crushed rocks and small bits of oyster shells.

While viewing the façade from beneath the ruin is reason enough to pay a visit to St Paul’s, many visitors opt to ascend the steel staircase which runs behind the soaring structure. Already perched on a hill overlooking the city, steel staircase allows visitors to peer out the windows of the second-tier for a framed view of the city of Macau which is unlike any other. Be sure to bring a coin to toss into the second-tier window from the staircase—a classic Macanese tradition for bringing good fortune.

Hong Kong and its surrounding islands have plenty of sleepy fishing villages and secluded beaches, but if you’re looking for a more upscale beach resort experience, you’ll find it at Repulse Bay. Primarily a high end residential area, Repulse Bay also has a crescent-shaped white sand beach -- one of the best on Hong Kong Island -- with a roped off area for swimming and a shopping and dining venue inside the Repulse Bay Tower.

Some of the beaches on Lantau and Cheung Chau Islands are nicer and quieter, but Repulse Bay scores extra points for its proximity to the city. In just a 20-minute bus ride from Central you can be soaking up the sun in Repulse Bay. To ensure a quieter beach experience, avoid the central portion of the beach where tour buses from the Mainland tend to unload; opt instead for eastern portion. You’ll find grocery and convenience stores in the area where you can buy supplies for a picnic lunch, but expect prices to be higher than if you stock up in the city before coming.

When the frenetic pace, flashing LED lights and crowded streets of Hong Kong become a bit overwhelming, consider spending a day at the beach in Sai Kung. Located on the Sai Kung Peninsula, Sai Kung District is the second largest by area in Hong Kong, though the area is largely rural. Sai Kung town, a former fishing village, has become a hotbed of seafood restaurants, many located on the waterfront along a stretch of road known as Seafood Street.

Besides the food, Sai Kung is also known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. By day, visitors come to soak up the sun on the beaches lining Clear Water Bay. At night, the waters just off the coast light up with the lanterns of small chartered boats fishing for squid, an activity tourists can participate in as well. If you can pull yourself away from the waters, Sai Kung offers some of the best hiking trails in the greater Hong Kong area.

If you ask around Hong Kong about the best attractions, chances are you’ll hear mention of the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island. What you probably won’t hear mentioned is Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery, yet this once remote monastery is one of the city’s most important Buddhist sites.

The monastery was established in 1906, long before the Big Buddha was erected, by three monks traveling from China. The three men discovered a flat stretch of land amid the verdant mountains and though it would be a perfect place for meditative religious practice. The monastery didn’t gain a spot on the global tourist map until 1993 when the Buddha statue was completed, and today it welcomes thousands of tourists who ride the cable car to see the statue and gaze out over the South China Sea.

The monastery itself is easy to overlook but is well worth a visit, particularly for the excellent vegetarian restaurant run by the monks. Dishes vary season to season and are made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients thought to help cleanse the body and spirit.

For a uniquely local shopping experience, plan to spend a few hours at Beijing’s Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market). The market is famous for its three floors of dealers selling pearl strands from around the world and is the largest pearl market in the country, where you'll find freshwater and salt water items in nearly every shape, size, color and price point imaginable. If you’re planning to purchase higher quality pearls, know what you’re looking for before you go, since quality varies widely.

Contrary to the name, the Pearl Market does offer more than just pearls. The three basement floors house a massive seafood market where many of Beijing’s major hotels and restaurants come to bid on fresh seafood. On the ground floor, you’ll find electronics and watches, and the second floor houses silks, brand name clothing, shoes, handbags and luggage. Haggling is expected throughout the market.