Urban China Travelogue
A Mother’s Journey Through China: Exploring Our Country, One Step at a Time
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Urban China Travelogue, a space where stories, flavors, and hidden gems of China come alive. I’m Vivian, a mother who has traveled through 23 provinces and 56 cities — from the Great Wall in Beijing to Chengdu’s spicy alleyways, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter in Xi’an.
This website was born from countless journeys, teaching me that travel is more than sightseeing — it’s about understanding culture, tasting local delicacies, and making every city feel like home.
Why I Created Urban China Travelogue
Travel often comes with small, real-world challenges that guidebooks overlook:
- Which bus to take in Jiuzhaigou?
- Where to find the best street food in Chengdu?
- How to choose between Long Lake and Colorful Pond?
These details matter.
Urban China Travelogue was created as a bridge — a place where travelers can find practical tips and heartfelt stories. From experiencing the “morning court” at the Forbidden City to late-night food maps of Xi’an, to altitude sickness advice in Sichuan, everything is written with care and tested by experience.
What Makes Us Different
Tested itineraries
Every plan is tried by real travelers, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
Deep insights into tourist attractions
Beyond the basics, we explain the meaning behind Beijing’s rooftop beasts or Dunhuang’s murals.
A living food map
From Roujiamo in Xi’an to Chengdu’s ice jelly, we share authentic Chinese food trails with insider tips.
Hidden gems
Discover the secret 1% of spots most travelers miss.
Our Living Guide Library
Our Living Guide Library
Soon, Urban China Travelogue will feature a library of local guides who have spent years exploring their cities. Some will help you discover paper-cutting traditions in Beijing’s hutongs, others will lead you through dialect-rich stories in ancient towns.
Like me, they welcome every traveler as family — because a smile at the end of a journey is the true story of China.
Travel Philosophy
Travel Isn’t a Checklist — It’s a Conversation
When I see a French painter sketching Naxi hieroglyphs in Lijiang, or a German musician playing “Jasmine Flower” on the Bund, I know these moments capture the essence of cultural exchange.
At Urban China Travelogue, we believe travel is about stories, flavors, and connections. Whether you’re exploring China’s iconic attractions, tasting local food trails, or following our tested itineraries, we aim to make every journey feel like a new home.
— Vivian, always on the road
(P.S. If you have interesting travel stories to share—whether about attractions, local cuisine, itinerary suggestions, or anything else that could benefit our planning discussions—we welcome your submissions. After review, we will publish your contributions and provide compensation.).
Welcome to China
Join me on this journey to discover how to truly explore China — its cities, flavors, and hidden stories. Let’s take the first step together and see where the road leads.