China without the chaos: an interactive map, routes, and AI planning

Located just 5 minutes from Beijing Daxing Airport, this modern hotel offers comfortable soundproofed rooms, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym. Guests love the frequent free airport shuttle and thoughtful touches like complimentary late-night snacks and a self-service laundry.

Sanchunli Meng Resort Hotel is a premium boutique escape perched near the iconic Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village viewpoint. Blending modern luxury with authentic Miao culture, it offers guests exceptional personalized butler service, an infinity pool with mountain views, and unique cultural workshops.

Located in the heart of the Chaoyang District, Conrad Beijing stands out with its striking futuristic design and magnificent views over Tuanjiehu Park. The hotel is highly praised for its world-class, personalized guest service and exceptional dining options. However, guests should be prepared for some minor wear and tear in the rooms.

LS Hotel (Guilin Liangsu) is a boutique-style premium hotel in Yangshuo known for its exceptional service and breathtaking mountain views. Guests praise the modern, clean rooms and the highly attentive staff who coordinate everything via a dedicated WeChat group. Numerous free perks — transfers, afternoon tea, evening desserts, and professional photo shoots — greatly enhance the stay. Some mention minor issues with soundproofing or views not always matching the promotional photos, but overall the hotel delivers an A-level experience.

Situated directly on the historic Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai masterfully combines classic 1920s Art Deco elegance with cutting-edge in-room technology. Guests enjoy sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the futuristic Pudong skyline, alongside exceptional dining at the Michelin-starred Sir Elly's. The hotel's legendary service, highlighted by personalized concierge care and a fleet of custom Rolls-Royce Phantoms, defines true luxury.

Set on the northeastern shores of the breathtaking Fuxian Lake, this premium resort features expansive Tuscan-style gardens, a private beach, and spacious lake-view rooms. Guests can enjoy unique highlights like ethnic bonfire dances, complimentary travel photoshoots, and even helicopter rides. While the outdoor pool is permanently closed, the indoor facilities and stunning sunsets make it a top pick for a serene getaway.

Atour Light Hotel Shanghai The Bund Wusong Road is a stylish midscale design hotel located within walking distance of the Bund and Nanjing Road. It stands out for its exceptional sleeping comfort, courtesy of custom orthopedic pillows and mattresses, alongside a highly praised self-service laundry. Guests love the modern amenities, large casting-enabled TVs, and the warm, helpful service provided by the staff.

Directly connected to Daxing Airport terminal, this high-end boutique hotel doubles as a stunning designer library with a 2,500-square-meter bookstore lobby. Guests enjoy spacious, high-tech rooms with smart toilets, an indoor heated pool, and top-tier hospitality tailored for seamless layovers.

Perched high above Pacific Place in Admiralty, The Upper House is a serene sanctuary designed by architect André Fu. It offers exceptionally large, minimalist rooms with breathtaking Victoria Harbour views, a complimentary in-room Maxi Bar, and highly personalized service that redefines modern luxury.

An engineering marvel built 88 meters underground in a former quarry, this unique resort features dramatic views of a waterfall and cliffs. While famous for its spectacular nightly laser and drone shows, the property is located in an isolated suburb of Shanghai and requires a taxi to reach.

An intimate and stylish specialty coffee corner in Sai Ying Pun known for its distinct terracotta-and-cement decor, exceptional espresso, and inventive fruit-infused coffee mocktails. Travelers stop by for stable quality brews, freshly baked bagels, and a cozy atmosphere despite the very limited seating.

Designed by the architectural studio LAAB, commaa is a minimalist hybrid café and art gallery in Sheung Wan. It serves exceptionally high-grade Kyoto matcha and artisanal coffee alongside delicious Basque cheesecakes.

This upmarket restaurant in Chaozhou is another gem from the F&B chain. Chef Gu, who hails from the city, has been cooking professionally for over 30 years. His menu is based on tradition but imbued with creativity. The boneless pigeon stuffed with bird's nest in matsutake broth delivers striking layers of textures. Professional wine and tea sommeliers take care of the libations. Chinese reds and whites aside, try the phoenix tea brewed with spring water.

Tucked away in a longstanding residential area, this noodle shop has a loyal following. The noodles are either served in spicy or white broth, or tossed in various seasoning pastes. For noodle soup, try their signature eight-treasure white broth made with chicken, bamboo shoots and dried seafood including shrimps, squids and oysters. Or have your bouncy noodles tossed in the famous mala chilli pork sauce for heady, addictive aromas. 

For those times when only a burger will do, there is Beef & Liberty. New Zealand grass-fed beef is ground in-house twice a day, in time for lunch and dinner, and then served in homemade buns. The ribeye burger boasts a juicy, 220g patty cooked medium or medium-well, alongside caramelised onions, mustard mayo and cheese. Their super-rich milkshake, made with just ice cream and whipping cream, is also well worth a try.

This restaurant annexed to a B&B on the outskirts of Guangzhou feels like an oasis. Bamboo bushes cocoon the terrace dotted with patio tables shaded by parasols. Well-crafted dim sum are served at breakfast and lunch, and Cantonese classics at lunch and dinner time. The deep-fried pork medallions stuffed with crab and shrimp have a crispy texture and plenty of umami. River fish such as the topmouth culter from Lake Wanlu is another must-try.