Travel Guides & Articles | Roam China Travel

Golmud Qinghai Guide 2026: Gateway to Tibet, Desert Landscape & Qaidam Basin

Golmud (Geermu) in western Qinghai is the last major city on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway before Lhasa, sitting in the hyper-arid Qaidam Basin at 2,800 meters. It serves as the practical gateway to Tibet overland and to some of China's most otherworldly desert landscapes — salt lakes, yardang formations, and the vast emptiness of the Qaidam. This guide covers Golmud's role as a transit hub, the surrounding desert attractions, and practical tips for the high-altitude frontier.

Updated May 2026

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qinghai

Qinghai Lake Cycling Guide 2026: Circumnavigating China's Biggest Lake

Cycling around Qinghai Lake (青海湖) — the 360km circumnavigation route that the Tour of Qinghai Lake professional race uses every July, the 2-3 day stages for independent cyclists, which sections are paved, the altitude (3,200m — acclimate first), the best months (June-September), and renting bikes in Xining vs bringing your own.

Updated May 2026

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fujian

Quanzhou Travel Guide 2026: China's Maritime Silk Road Capital

Quanzhou (泉州) in Fujian — named by Marco Polo as 'the greatest port in the world' in the 13th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. The mix of Muslim mosques, Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and Taoist temples that reflects the city's extraordinary cosmopolitan medieval history. The Kaiyuan Temple, the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, and the Huian stone sculpture tradition.

Updated May 2026

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shandong

Qufu Travel Guide 2026: Birthplace of Confucius & the Three Kongs

Qufu (曲阜) in Shandong — the birthplace of Confucius and one of the most important historical sites in China. The Three Kongs: the Confucius Temple (孔庙, largest Confucian temple in China), Kong Family Mansion (孔府, the largest aristocratic residence in China), and the Confucius Cemetery (孔林, the largest family cemetery in the world). Getting there from Jinan or Taishan.

Updated May 2026

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sanya

4 Days in Sanya, Hainan: Beaches, Snorkeling & Tropical China

A practical 4-day Sanya itinerary — which beach to base yourself at (Yalong Bay vs Dadonghai vs Sanya Bay), the best snorkeling at Wuzhizhou Island, day trips to the Wuzhishan rainforest and the Li and Miao minority villages, and whether Sanya lives up to its 'Hawaii of China' reputation.

Updated May 2026

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sanya

Where to Stay in Sanya, Hainan 2026: Beach Resorts, Budget Hotels & Which Beach to Choose

Sanya accommodation by beach — Yalong Bay (luxury resort zone, the Ritz-Carlton and St Regis territory, ¥1500+/night), Dadonghai (mid-range and budget, family-friendly, real restaurants nearby, ¥300-800), Sanya Bay (cheapest, long beach, less touristy). The all-inclusive vs independent question, and how peak season (Dec-Feb) doubles prices.

Updated May 2026

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