Top 10 Must-Do China Cultural Experiences for Foreigners

China is a country full of charm and diversity, offering a wealth of cultural experiences in every city, each with its own unique landscape and cultural heritage. As a passionate local, I am well aware of the endless allure this country holds. Whether it’s the ancient historical sites, the delicious and distinctive cuisine, or the vibrant modern city life, China offers a wide range of experiences that will captivate your senses. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into the essence of this ancient civilization and experience wonders that can only be truly appreciated in person.

China offers countless unique cultural experiences that every foreign visitor should not miss. These experiences can be found in almost every city, providing a genuine taste of Chinese life and culture. These activities will not only allow you to feel the warmth and friendliness of the locals but also offer you a fresh sensory experience and cultural understanding. Whether it’s your first time in China or you’re already familiar with the country, these activities will help you appreciate the unique charm of China even more.

Below, we have carefully selected the top 10 must-do activities for foreign visitors in China, hoping to add a touch of brilliance to your journey. Most of these activities can be found in all major cities!

1. Foot Massage (捏脚, Niē jiǎo)

• Novelty: 4/5
• Ease of Finding: 5/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

The room for Foot Massage usually allows you to choose the size or number of people.

Also known as 足浴 (zú yù), 足疗 (zú liáo), or 足道 (zú dào), foot massage is a popular wellness practice in China. Prices range from tens of RMB (for example, street-side “郑远元修脚” services) to over 500 RMB. I recommend choosing a service priced at 200 RMB or higher or selecting a highly rated parlor on the Dazhong Dianping app. If you plan to go in the evening or on weekends, it’s advisable to call ahead to check if there’s a wait.

After the massage, you don’t need to leave immediately; you can stay in the room to relax, enjoy air conditioning, drinks, snacks, and fruit. It’s an ideal way to rejuvenate after a long journey. Skilled therapists use pressure points on your feet to relieve stress and improve circulation. It’s not only relaxing but also an interesting insight into traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Drinking Baijiu (喝白酒, Hē báijiǔ)

• Novelty: 5/5
• Ease of Finding: 5/5
• Local Acceptance: 4/5

The Moutai shown in the picture is a luxury Baijiu, generally priced over $350, with older bottles being even more expensive.

Baijiu culture has a long history in China. Baijiu, a potent Chinese liquor, has a distinctive flavor and high alcohol content, typically ranging from 35% to 60%. Prices vary from tens to thousands of RMB. You can purchase baijiu at supermarkets, convenience stores, or specialized liquor shops.

It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience local customs. Often enjoyed during celebrations and banquets, baijiu has a strong, distinctive flavor. Toasting with baijiu is a great way to bond with locals and understand Chinese drinking culture. Whether you enjoy it in a restaurant or try it back at your hotel, be prepared for a powerful taste experience—you might even find it challenging to swallow!

3. Experiencing Robotaxis (萝卜快跑无人出租车, Luóbo kuàipǎo wú rén chūzū chē)

• Novelty: 5/5
• Ease of Finding: 1/5
• Local Acceptance: 3/5

This is a video my friend recorded while riding Luobo KuaiPao in Wuhan.

Perhaps you’re familiar with using the Didi app or hailing a taxi on the street, but I recommend trying an autonomous taxi service called “萝卜快跑” (Luobo KuaiPao). This service, launched by the tech company Baidu, offers a unique and futuristic way to travel.

Currently available in Beijing, Wuhan, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the list of cities is constantly expanding. The experience of riding in a driverless car is fascinating and a glimpse into the future of transportation. Download the app here to get started.

4. Visiting Local Markets (逛市场, Guàng shìchǎng)

• Novelty: 3/5
• Ease of Finding: 4/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

Each city’s market has its own unique characteristics and is very down-to-earth.

Exploring local markets, whether traditional wet markets or modern supermarkets, is an essential experience. You’ll find a wide range of fresh produce, local delicacies, and everyday items. It’s a fantastic way to observe local life and practice some Mandarin.

Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with the friendly “aunties” (阿姨, āyí) and “uncles” (叔叔, shūshu), terms that refer to people around your parents’ age, or address them as “older brother” (哥哥, gēge), “older sister” (姐姐, jiějie), or “master” (师傅, shīfu) to show respect. I guarantee that this will double the locals’ enthusiasm in interacting with you.

5. Trying on Traditional Chinese Clothing (体验中式旗袍、中山装、汉服, Tǐyàn zhōngshì qípáo, Zhōngshānzhuāng, Hànfú)

• Novelty: 5/5
• Ease of Finding: 2/5
• Local Acceptance: 4/5

Hanfu on sale.

Cristiano Ronaldo wearing a Zhongshan suit.

China has a rich tradition of distinctive clothing styles, each with its unique history and significance:

• Qipao (旗袍, Qípáo): Also known as cheongsam, the qipao is a form-fitting dress that became popular in the early 20th century in Shanghai. It is characterized by its high collar, tight fit, and slits on the sides. High-quality qipaos can be quite expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. You can typically find bespoke and ready-to-wear qipaos through searches on Dazhong Dianping, where “旗袍” often leads to shops offering custom tailoring and purchase options.
• Zhongshan Suit (中山装, Zhōngshānzhuāng): Named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), the Zhongshan suit blends traditional Chinese elements with Western-style tailoring. Introduced in the early 20th century, it became a symbol of modernity and national pride. It consists of a jacket with a turned-down collar and four pockets, often paired with matching trousers.
• Hanfu (汉服, Hànfú): Hanfu refers to the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, characterized by its flowing robes and loose, elegant silhouette. Hanfu has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially among young people. For an immersive experience, look for shops on Dazhong Dianping that offer hanfu dressing and photography services.

Trying on these traditional garments offers a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history. It’s also a fantastic photo opportunity! Imagine renting a set of Hanfu or Zhongshan suit and taking photos in a traditional Chinese garden—your Instagram will be flooded with likes!

6. Tea House Experience (茶馆体验茶道, Cháguǎn tǐyàn chádào)

• Novelty: 5/5
• Ease of Finding: 4/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

China has a rich tea culture that dates back thousands of years. Tea was first discovered in China, with the earliest recorded use around 2737 BC. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), tea had become a popular drink, and the practice of tea ceremonies began to take shape. Chinese tea culture later influenced Japan, leading to the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, and spread to Europe through trade in the 16th century.

The tea ceremony experience is deeply calming.

China is home to a variety of teas, each with unique flavors and health benefits. Major types include:

• Green Tea (绿茶, Lǜchá): The most common type, known for its fresh, grassy flavor. Famous varieties include Longjing (龙井) from Hangzhou and Biluochun (碧螺春) from Jiangsu.
• Black Tea (红茶, Hóngchá): Known as “red tea” in China, it has a robust flavor. Famous types include Keemun (祁门) from Anhui and Dianhong (滇红) from Yunnan.
• Oolong Tea (乌龙茶, Wūlóng chá): Semi-fermented tea with a rich aroma and complex flavor. Prominent varieties include Tieguanyin (铁观音) from Fujian and Dong Ding (冻顶) from Taiwan.
• White Tea (白茶, Báichá): Least processed, with a delicate flavor. Notable types include Baihao Yinzhen (白毫银针) from Fujian.
• Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶, Pǔ’ěr chá): Fermented tea with an earthy flavor, primarily produced in Yunnan.
• Yellow Tea (黄茶, Huángchá): Rare and expensive, known for its unique processing method. A famous variety is Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针) from Hunan.

Green Tea

Black Tea

White Tea

Pu-erh Tea

Yellow Tea

Oolong Tea

Visiting a tea house allows you to experience a traditional tea ceremony, where you’ll learn about different types of tea, proper brewing techniques, and tea etiquette while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere. Many tea houses are beautifully decorated, offering a serene environment perfect for relaxation.

7. Calligraphy Class (书法学习体验, Shūfǎ xuéxí tǐyàn)

• Novelty: 5/5
• Ease of Finding: 2/5
• Local Acceptance: 3/5

Mastering calligraphy requires considerable effort.

Learning Chinese calligraphy is a wonderful way to engage with China’s artistic heritage. Many cultural centers and studios offer calligraphy classes where you can practice writing Chinese characters with brush and ink. Calligraphy is not only an art form but also a means of self-expression and meditation, reflecting the writer’s emotions and thoughts. Calligraphy experiences are not yet highly commercialized, so they can be hard to find. If you have local Chinese friends, ask them to help you search for such activities on Dazhong Dianping.

8. Karaoke (KTV) (卡拉OK, Kǎlā OK)

• Novelty: 4/5
• Ease of Finding: 5/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

Enjoying food while singing karaoke.

In China, karaoke is referred to as “KTV.” It is a hugely popular pastime, and unlike the open-mic style common in the West, Chinese KTV involves private rooms with large screens, where you can sing with friends. These venues are often equipped with extensive song libraries, impressive sound systems, and comfortable seating. Prices are reasonable, and you can order a wide variety of snacks, fruits, and alcoholic beverages to enjoy during your session. It’s a fun and social way to spend an evening.

9. Exploring Chinese Gardens and Temples (探索中式园林建筑和寺庙, Xúnzhǎo zhōngshì yuánlín jiànzhú hé sìmiào)

• Novelty: 4/5
• Ease of Finding: 4/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

This is the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan in Hangzhou, the home of a wealthy merchant from ancient times.

Traditional Chinese gardens and temples can be found in many cities, offering tranquil escapes and beautiful architecture. These sites provide a glimpse into classical Chinese aesthetics, spirituality, and cultural practices. The intricate designs often incorporate elements like water, rocks, plants, and pavilions, creating harmonious and serene environments. If you can rent a set of Hanfu or Zhongshan suit and take photos in these beautiful settings, you will undoubtedly collect countless likes on Instagram!

10. Visiting Local Museums (参观当地博物馆, Cānguān dāngdì bówùguǎn)

• Novelty: 4/5
• Ease of Finding: 5/5
• Local Acceptance: 5/5

This is the Four-goat Square Zun, a bronze wine vessel from the Shang Dynasty, displayed at the National Museum of China.

Local museums across China offer fascinating insights into the history, art, and culture of each region. China boasts a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, and its museums reflect this deep cultural heritage. From ancient artifacts to modern exhibits, visiting museums is a great way to deepen your understanding of China’s rich heritage. Many museums also feature interactive displays and bilingual information, making them accessible and informative for international visitors. Each provincial museum has its own unique collections:

• Shanghai Museum: Known for its extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.
• Shaanxi History Museum (Xi’an): Home to artifacts from the ancient capital, including relics from the Qin and Han Dynasties.
• Hunan Provincial Museum (Changsha): Famous for the well-preserved Han Dynasty mummy and the rich collection of artifacts from the Chu culture.
• Guangdong Museum (Guangzhou): Offers insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Many museums are closed on Mondays and often require reservations made in advance through WeChat. Generally, you can also request English-speaking guides or rent audio guides with English explanations, ensuring you have a rich and informed visit.

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