Picture endless silence broken only by the whisper of wind against distant rock formations. Beneath a vivid blue sky, the sun bathes Chinas remote Gansu Province in a hazy glow, evoking a dreamlike detachment from the world. Gansu ranks among Chinas least populous provinces. While its capital, Lanzhou—a city of over 4 million—buzzes with energy, the real draw is the profound sense of isolation amid vast landscapes. This slender Silk Road corridor offers glimpses of the Great Walls western e

From sequined revelers and wrestlers in shiny pants to sacred pilgrimages and historic towns, July brims with immersive cultural experiences for discerning travelers. Antiguas electrifying carnival, Mongolias Naadam Festival of manly arts, daring high dives from Bosnia and Herzegovinas iconic bridge, and the spiritual ascent of Japans Mount Fuji offer a perfect blend of action and reflection. Witness Wrestlers in Traditional Shiny Pants at Mongolias Naadam Festival Ulaanbaatar, the worlds c

Xian, with its ancient drum towers and sizzling lamb skewers, feels more like a Silk Road outpost than central China. Yet, on the edge of the Wei River Valley rises Hua Shan, a sacred Taoist peak whose temples and sheer cliffs predate the Terracotta Army by centuries. Hua Shans challenging trails and stunning vistas offer the perfect adventure escape from Xian, letting you explore the westernmost of Chinas Five Great Mountains. The classic ascent via the Soldiers Path climbs 1,800m over 6km

While China is renowned for its Great Wall, the country boasts numerous impressive city walls that have played a vital role in its military history. These enduring structures offer travelers a unique way to experience historic cities beyond Beijing. During the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, China saw a surge in wall construction. The iconic features—turrets, gate towers, and blockhouses—we recognize today originated from this era. Pingyao: Chinas Best-Preserved Ancient Walled

I awaken in the pitch-black night to the fierce barking of camp dogs—massive, intimidating guardians alerting us to an unseen threat. Snug in my sleeping bag inside a traditional yak-hair tent, I ponder what lurks on the expansive, desolate grassland. Come morning, I discover wolves had ventured close under nights cover, but the vigilant dogs repelled them. The familys prized yaks are all safe, being milked amid the soft glow of a high-altitude dawn. This is daily life at 3,600 meters above

Planning your next Asian adventure? Lonely Planets expert travel writers have explored ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and pristine islands across the continent to uncover the most compelling destinations for 2017. Our selections blend timeless favorites with fresh appeal, emerging hotspots brimming with experiences, and undiscovered gems. Discover where to head next in Asia for an unforgettable trip. 1. Gansu, China Gansu boasts snow-capped mountains, vast skies, and rich Silk Road heritage

Think youve explored every iconic landmark on Earth? Its time to reconsider. Beyond the Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, and Angkor Wat lies a hidden realm of extraordinary wonders. These include stunning natural phenomena and remarkable human creations, all flying under the radar. In this excerpt from Lonely Planets Secret Marvels of the World, discover some of the planets most mysterious, mesmerizing, and bizarre destinations. Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees, Hawaii, USA The Road to Hana on Maui offers

With millions of travelers crisscrossing the globe today, its easy to think every wonder has been uncovered. Yet, our planet still hides captivating, remote corners untouched by crowds. In this excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Secret Marvels of the World, four experienced writers share firsthand encounters with these astonishing, lesser-known destinations. Amy Balfour Explores Racetrack Playa, California Amy Balfours Jeep rattled over the washboard ruts of Racetrack Road in Death Valley National

Food goes beyond mere sustenance—its a gateway to cultural discovery and an essential part of any travel experience. Years later, a single dish or ingredient can vividly transport you back to that inaugural, unforgettable bite. Our editors share their first encounters with iconic dishes that left lasting impressions. If these stories spark your appetite, dive into our From the Source cookbook series to fuel your own culinary adventures around the world. Tom Kha Kai (Thai Coconut Soup) in Th

Families will love Changsha, the capital of Chinas Hunan province. It offers big-city excitement without the overwhelming crowds of larger metropolises. Young Mao Zedong once paused on Juzizhou Island in Changshas Xiang River and wrote one of his most famous poems, capturing his youthful enthusiasm for the city. Today, Changsha welcomes international families and children with open arms. Though not always a top stop on China itineraries, Changsha provides relaxed, affordable experiences with a l

Japan pioneered high-speed rail with its Shinkansen bullet trains in 1964, but today, China reigns as the global leader with the worlds longest high-speed rail network. Over the past decade, China has developed more than 22,000 kilometers of high-speed track. In 2017, it unveiled the Fuxing (Harmony) train, capable of 350 km/h speeds, cutting Beijing to Shanghai travel time to just 4.5 hours. Officially defined as trains operating at 250–350 km/h, Chinas high-speed services now connect near

Discover Chinas southwestern province of Yunnan, home to the vibrant cultures of the Bai, Yi, and Naxi ethnic groups. Explore historic old towns nestled beneath snow-capped peaks and indulge in flavorful street food at lively local markets. Though Yunnan draws millions of visitors—especially domestic Chinese tourists—these curated destinations deliver the provinces authentic highlights with minimal crowds, based on extensive on-the-ground experience. Shaxi Nestled in a fertile river valley

Discover Chinas southwestern province of Yunnan, home to the vibrant cultures of the Bai, Yi, and Naxi peoples. Explore historic old towns nestled amid snow-capped peaks, and indulge in flavorful street food and lively local markets. A favorite among visitors—especially Chinese tourists—these recommended destinations deliver Yunnans highlights with far fewer crowds. Shaxi Nestled in a fertile river valley ringed by mountains, the ancient town of Shaxi was a key stop on Chinas legendary Tea

December offers prime opportunities for unforgettable adventures tailored to the seasons optimal conditions. Test your limits on the worlds most rugged terrains, dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems, or chase adrenaline on roaring rapids and pristine snowfields. Whether youre a casual thrill-seeker or an extreme adventurer, these destinations deliver awe-inspiring moments and lifetime memories. Explore Patagonias Wild Frontiers as Spring Transitions to Summer South Americas remote Patago

December is the perfect time to indulge in exceptional cuisine and beverages beyond traditional holiday fare. Explore fiery Southeast Asian flavors, world-class Basque dining, iconic Cuban cocktails, and festive English treats. Discover our curated selection of gourmet destinations ideal for food enthusiasts this December. Experience Cubas Vibrant Rhythm with a Cocktail in Hand During the Coolest Month Havana, Cubas capital, blends faded colonial elegance with modern vitality. Stroll throug

Kick off the new year with well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, whether youre embracing a new year, new you mindset or simply seeking tranquility. Treat yourself to balmy sunshine, serene yoga retreats, or detox experiences featuring thermal baths and holistic mud treatments to nurture body and soul. These expert-curated escapes simplify planning your perfect stress-free getaway. Sunny Rejuvenation in Florida, USA Miamis glamorous Art Deco scene offers the perfect winter escape from gray skie

Where can travelers find—and more importantly, how can they cultivate—a true spirit of adventure? Who better to answer than those who have dedicated their lives to pursuing it? We invited the star-studded lineup of speakers from the UKs Cheltenham Literature Festival to share their favorite destinations, most extraordinary experiences, and essential tips for embracing an adventurous life. For even more ways to ignite your sense of thrill, discover Lonely Planet’s Atlas of Adventure, the definiti

Harbin, nestled in Chinas far north, is world-famous for the Harbin Ice and Snow World—a mesmerizing neon-lit wonderland of frozen castles and thrilling ice slides, evoking a real-life Narnia. Yet, the citys true historical allure lies in its early 20th-century Russian architecture, a remnant of when Russia built a railway through Manchuria to streamline the Trans-Siberian journey. Remnants of Harbins rich Russian and Jewish heritage endure, best discovered on foot during temperate summers—thou

For architecture lovers, elements like flying buttresses, Art Deco curves, and Cor-ten steel evoke the soul of a city. Architecture shapes a destinations identity, mirroring its historical ideology, innovative spirit, and enduring symbols—such as Pariss Eiffel Tower. While Paris, New York, and London often steal the spotlight, these 10 alternative cities offer world-class architectural treasures worth exploring. Barcelona: Antoni Gaudís Colorful, Organic Masterpieces Barcelonas streets blend

Experience the thrill of local life by exploring cities via iconic transport like Hong Kongs double-decker trams or ferries gliding past Manhattans skyline. Its an affordable, immersive way to travel authentically. Ditch dull commutes for extraordinary journeys. Moscows opulent metro stations rival museums, while La Pazs cable cars offer breathtaking aerial views. Transform urban travel into adventure across these eight standout transport experiences. Ride Hong Kongs Iconic Double-Decker Tram