The Tourist Gaze

When you think of China, you might envision sprawling cities, ancient wonders, and rapid modern development. In August 2007, I had the chance to experience just that—although six days was far too short to truly understand this vast country, it was enough to scratch the surface and catch a glimpse of its rich past and dazzling future.

I traveled with my aunt (Tita Marie), uncle (Tito Boy), his wife (Tita Fenny), and my grandmother (Lola Caria), on a whirlwind private tour that took us across the key cities of China: Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. Each city offered its own unique charm and a blend of history and modernity that made the trip unforgettable.

Day 1: Hong Kong and Shenzhen

The journey began with an early morning flight from Manila, and by lunchtime, we were in Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong. Our first stop was the Window of the World, an amusement park that features mini replicas of the world’s famous landmarks. It was a fun way to start the trip, although the heat and jet lag had us longing for the cool breeze of our next stop.

Tip: When traveling between Hong Kong and mainland China, be sure to check visa requirements, as you may need a separate visa for entering mainland China.

After a jade museum tour and a visit to the pearl and silk museum, we settled in for a local dinner before boarding our next destination—Shanghai, where we arrived in the early hours of the next day.

Day 2: Shanghai

By the time we checked into our hotel in Shanghai, the sun had barely risen. The morning began with a tour of The Bund, a historic waterfront area with colonial-era architecture, followed by a visit to the Shanghai Museum, where we only had time to admire the building’s exterior before heading to the Xintiandi district, a blend of traditional and modern architecture.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes when walking along The Bund. The area is very walkable, and there’s a lot to explore, especially along the waterfront where the views of the skyline are stunning.

Lunch was followed by an afternoon of “secret” shopping, and a tour of a traditional Chinese medical center. Dinner was an experience in itself, with local dishes that had me asking for seconds. After a long day, we boarded another flight to Beijing, arriving just in time for a late-night rest.

Day 3: Beijing

The day started with a visit to the Beijing Zoo, where I was captivated by the panda exhibit. From there, we headed to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace for Ming and Qing dynasties, which stood as a testament to China’s glorious past. We also visited Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, and had a Peking duck lunch, a highlight of the trip!

Tip: When visiting the Forbidden City, arrive early to avoid the crowds. The place is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for lots of walking.

In the afternoon, we explored the Olympic Village, with the 2008 Olympics just around the corner. We also stopped by the Summer Palace, where we took in the beauty of traditional Chinese landscaping and architecture.

Day 4: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs

No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. I climbed the section at Badaling, one of the most famous and well-preserved sections of the Wall. The view from the top was incredible, and it truly felt like stepping back in time. The rest of the day was spent touring the Ming Tombs and the Lama Temple, two locations that provided insight into China’s spiritual heritage.

Tip: If you plan to visit the Great Wall, consider taking the cable car up if you want to save time and energy. The climb can be steep and tiring, but the view is definitely worth it.

Day 5: Exploring More of Shanghai

We returned to Shanghai for the final leg of our journey, where we had the opportunity to see the TV Tower, the Business District Park, and take a stroll along East Nanjing Road, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets. As the day wound down, we attended a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, an unforgettable display of grace and strength. We capped off the evening with a relaxing river cruise along the Huangpu River.

Tip: For great views of the city, head up to the observation deck at the Shanghai Tower or the Jin Mao Tower. The skyline at night is particularly breathtaking.

Day 6: Shenzhen and Hong Kong

We made our back to in Shenzhen for a final round of shopping and sightseeing before heading back to Hong Kong four evening departure back to Manila.

While I certainly didn’t come close to experiencing everything China has to offer, this trip left me in awe of its diversity—both in the ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and in its modern cities like Shanghai, which pulsates with growth and ambition. I left China with a deeper appreciation for its history, culture, and the incredible pace at which it is transforming itself on the world stage.

Tip: China is a country of contrasts—where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology and bustling metropolises. When visiting, take time to learn about the local culture and try the regional dishes that make each city unique.