Inspiration

Beijing's hutongs: fragile pearls of Chinese tradition

What I like about the hutongs: their surprising old-fashioned charm which reminds you what towns used to look like, in danger from modernity. In fact, housing needs and the liberalization of the economy have entailed a process of urbanization that puts the beautiful old towns in danger. The hutongs will be lucky not to be completely obliterated.

Sven Lindner

The hutongs, Beijing's hidden treasure

Our articles to prepare for your holidays

The Temple of Heaven: a wonderful open-air paradise

The taxi dropped me off in the historic Xuanwu district, in South Beijing, and my eyes were caught by the majestic temple that stands very elegantly in the distance. Built in 1406, with architectural gracefulness as impressive as its arrangement, it's the Temple of Heaven.

Yunnan, for sustainable travel in China

It's not easy to be a responsible tourist in China! The environment here suffers like nowhere else; historic buildings are destroyed to make way for pale, concrete imitations; and the Chinese love the kind of guided tours that involve large groups of tourists being dragged from one point to another by a guide yelling into a microphone. Oh dear! Adopt a sensible approach, and make yourselves ambassadors for a different kind of tourism!

The Tibetan plateau: a harsh life with mountains!

Welcome to the biggest and highest plateau in the world. At an average height of 4,200 meters, it is so high that you have trouble breathing. On it you will find the highest mountains in the world, including Everest and Lhotse , which is 8,516 meters high. It's not surprising that very few people live here, but the countryside is magnificent.

Walk in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie park, which is also called Wulingyuan, covers part of the Wuling mountains. Marvel over the walk beside the Jian Bian Xi river and discover the superb site of Shen Tang Wan.

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