Travel Guides & Articles | Roam China Travel

Namtso Lake Overland Journey Guide 2026: Permits, Routes & Night Sky Photography

Namtso Lake is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world and a sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. This 2026 overland guide covers the permits needed, the drive from Lhasa over the Nyenchen Tanglha Pass, where to stay at the lakeside, night sky photography conditions, seasonal wildlife, and practical tips for visiting this extraordinary high-altitude destination safely.

Updated May 2026

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tibet

Shigatse Tibet Guide 2026: Tashilhunpo Monastery & Gateway to Everest Base Camp

Shigatse is Tibet's second-largest city and home to the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lamas. This 2026 guide covers permits, Tashilhunpo entry (90 yuan), the route to Everest Base Camp, altitude preparation, accommodation options, and how to get there from Lhasa.

Updated May 2026

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tibet

Yamdrok Lake Tibet Guide 2026: The Sacred Turquoise Lake Beyond Lhasa

Yamdrok Lake is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes — a vast expanse of impossible turquoise water set against snow-capped peaks at 4400 metres altitude. This 2026 guide covers the permits required, how to get there from Lhasa, best photography spots, the sacred significance, and everything you need for a safe and respectful visit in 2026.

Updated May 2026

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jiangsu

Tongli Water Town Guide 2026: Quieter Alternative to Zhouzhuang Near Suzhou

Tongli (同里) water town near Suzhou — less crowded than Zhouzhuang, with authentic canal-side living alongside the tourist sites. The Retreat and Reflection Garden (退思园), the historic stone bridges, evening dinner by the canal, and why Tongli is a better day-trip choice for most visitors.

Updated May 2026

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xinjiang

Turpan Travel Guide 2026: Flaming Mountains, Ancient Ruins & Silk Road Grapes

Turpan (吐鲁番) — the hottest place in China and one of the most historically important cities on the Silk Road. The Flaming Mountains (火焰山) from Journey to the West, the ancient ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang cities, the underground karez irrigation channels (the engineering marvel that keeps the desert fertile), and why Turpan's grapes and melons are China's finest.

Updated May 2026

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zhejiang

Wenzhou & Southern Zhejiang Travel Guide 2026: Hidden Coastal Villages & Yandang Mountain

Wenzhou and southern Zhejiang — the dramatic Yandang Mountain (雁荡山) volcanic landscape, the ancient stone villages of Taishun County, the covered bridge (廊桥) culture of Qingyuan, and the Nanji Islands for diving and island hopping. Why Wenzhou is one of China's most overlooked scenic regions for independent travelers.

Updated May 2026

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