Just over an hour from the skyscrapers of central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town feels like stepping into a completely different world. Instead of busy roads and towering buildings, you’ll find quiet canals, centuries-old stone bridges, narrow alleyways and traditional houses lining the water.
Shanghai’s international skyline, European architecture and polished shopping streets made it feel much more familiar. It ended up being our least memorable stop in China, but we also think that’s because we visited it last.
Chongqing is quite unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. Towering skyscrapers, layered roads, neon lights and incredible food combine to create one of the most fascinating cities in China.
Matsue is well worth visiting if you like historic cities with a slower pace. It has one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, a moat, old streets, awesome samurai history, lakeside views and a quieter atmosphere than the more famous historic cities.
If you are travelling through western Japan, Shimane Prefecture, Matsue or Izumo, we think it is absolutely worth making time for.
Masuda isn’t a famous destination, and it’s not somewhere we’d suggest going far out of your way for, but it worked well as a pause between Mojiko and Izumo.
Mojiko, also known as Mojiko Retro, is a small port town at the northern tip of Kyūshū, just across the Kanmon Strait from Honshu.
Is Fukuoka worth visiting? We think so, especially if you want a calmer and less touristy Japan.
A 23 day Japan slow travel itinerary by train, following the San-Yo and San-In Line from Fukuoka to Tottori before heading south to Okayama.
Chengdu was our first stop in China, and it completely exceeded our expectations. Discover giant pandas, incredible Sichuan food, friendly locals and our favourite places in this complete Chengdu travel guide.