China Surprised Me: 10 Incredible Days Through Shandong and Beijing
China Surprised Me in All the Best Ways
By Emma Grose, MTA Travel
When I was invited to join a hosted familiarisation tour of China as a guest of the China National Tourist Office, Sydney, I expected an incredible journey. What I didn't expect was just how much China would surprise me.
For ten unforgettable days from late May into June, I travelled through the Shandong Province and Beijing alongside a wonderful group of travel professionals from Australia, Afghanistan, Vanuatu, Ukraine, Canada and beyond. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we quickly bonded over a shared love of travel and a sense of excitement about discovering one of the world's oldest and most fascinating civilisations.
If I had to describe modern China in three words, they would be: fast-paced, clean and culinary.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how diverse the country is. Every destination had its own personality, traditions and specialities, yet everywhere we went there was a deep sense of pride in China's history and culture.
I had imagined China would feel overcrowded, but that couldn't have been further from my experience. The cities were remarkably clean, well-organised and efficient, with impressive infrastructure and plenty of open spaces.
A Warm Welcome in Shandong
After arriving in Beijing, we flew straight to Yantai in Shandong Province, where our adventure began.
Our arrival was met with incredible hospitality. We were welcomed with traditional entertainment, beautiful banquets and even media interviews where we shared our first impressions of China. From that moment on, the generosity and warmth of our hosts never wavered.
One thing quickly became clear: food would be a major highlight of the journey.
The seafood in Shandong is exceptional. Every meal seemed more impressive than the last, with endless varieties of fresh seafood, dumplings, fried rice, garlic vegetables and soups. The dining experiences themselves were unforgettable, often accompanied by cultural performances, musicians and entertainers.
One memorable meal featured an enormous electric Lazy Susan complete with individual controls at each place setting, allowing diners to speed up or slow down the rotating feast. As someone who loves Chinese food, I thought that was brilliant!
Qingdao: Coastal Charm and Beer Culture
Qingdao was one of my favourite destinations and the place where I wish I could have spent even more time.
Located on China's east coast, Qingdao combines beautiful seaside scenery with fascinating history and culture. The city comes alive at night, and one evening we enjoyed a harbour cruise taking in an incredible light display across Qingdao's skyline. The city's buildings were illuminated with colourful animations and dazzling displays that transformed the waterfront into a giant canvas of light.
Another standout experience was visiting the famous Tsingtao Beer Museum. Even for non-beer drinkers, it's a fascinating insight into one of China's most recognised brands, complete with tastings and interactive exhibits. Insert established by Germans in WWII
What really amazed me, however, was a self-serve Tsingtao beer dispenser located along the beachfront in Qingdao. This large standalone station offered a variety of beers on tap, allowing visitors to pour their own drinks and pay electronically. It was incredibly easy to use and such a fun addition to the beach atmosphere. As an Australian, I couldn't help but think, "How great would it be to have these at home?" It was another example of the innovation and convenience we encountered throughout our journey in China.
Between the coastline, architecture, food and relaxed atmosphere, Qingdao offers travellers a wonderful introduction to coastal China.
Arts, Culture and Living Traditions
Throughout Shandong, we experienced China's artistic traditions firsthand.
In Yangjiabu Folk Arts Village, we tried our hand at kite painting and traditional woodblock printing. We explored an extraordinary library that even had cat boarding facilities (!) and watched talented local performers showcase skills that have been passed down through generations.
The cultural immersion continued everywhere we travelled, from museums housing ancient artefacts and relics from multiple dynasties to spectacular evening performances featuring hundreds of performers on stage.
One thing that stood out was how China's history isn't simply preserved in museums - it's woven into everyday life.
Mount Tai: My Favourite Experience
Of all the incredible places we visited, Mount Tai was the standout.
Rising dramatically above the surrounding landscape, Mount Tai has been a sacred site for thousands of years. We travelled part of the way by cable car before continuing our climb on foot.
The views were breathtaking.
The mountain's connection to the female goddess Bixia Yuanjun (Lady of Mount Tai) who protects women, added another layer of meaning to the experience.
It was easy to understand why Mount Tai has inspired emperors, philosophers and pilgrims for thousands of years.
Following the Footsteps of Confucius
Our journey also took us to Nishan and Qufu, the birthplace and home of Confucius.
Dressed in traditional Chinese clothing, we explored beautiful gardens and cultural sites before enjoying a beautiful meal followed by spectacular light show, drone displays and fireworks.
The Confucius Museum was another highlight, offering fascinating insights into one of the world's most influential philosophers.
A formal banquet hosted with government officials was an unforgettable experience and showcased the importance of hospitality and cultural exchange.
Beijing: Ancient History Meets Artificial Intelligence
Leaving Shandong behind, we boarded China's famous high-speed train to Beijing, travelling at an incredible 350 kilometres per hour.
Beijing felt like stepping into the future.
The city is a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and cutting-edge technology. From AI innovations to robotics, I came away convinced that China is leading the world in many areas of technological advancement.
Visits to iFlyTek and the Olympic precinct highlighted just how rapidly innovation is shaping modern China.
A Bucket List Moment at the Great Wall
Nothing, however, prepared me for the Great Wall of China.
I've seen countless photographs over the years, but standing there in person is something entirely different.
We were fortunate enough to visit twice—once during the afternoon and then again at sunset.
As the sun slowly disappeared over the mountains, time seemed to stand still. The northern hemisphere sunset appeared to last forever, bathing the landscape in golden light.
The atmosphere was peaceful, reflective and almost cerebral.
It was one of those travel moments that reminds you why exploring the world is so important.
Why Australians Should Visit China
For Australians considering a trip to China, my message is simple: go.
China is safe, clean, welcoming and endlessly fascinating.
Whether you're interested in food, history, culture, nature, technology or simply experiencing something completely different, there is something here for everyone.
The variety of experiences available is extraordinary, and no two regions are the same.
Most importantly, China challenged many of my assumptions and exceeded my expectations in every possible way.
My Top Five Highlights
The incredible food and culinary experiences.
Watching the sunset from the Great Wall of China.
Visiting the Tsingtao Beer Museum.
The warmth and hospitality of our hosts.
The spectacular live performances throughout the journey.
And perhaps the funniest challenge of the trip? Learning to navigate the squat toilet!
Thinking About China?
Having now experienced China firsthand, I am more passionate than ever about helping travellers discover this remarkable destination.
Whether you're interested in a guided tour, a cultural journey, a food-focused holiday or a tailor-made itinerary, I'd love to help you plan a trip that suits your interests and travel style.
China is a destination that truly has something for everyone - and I can't wait to help you experience it for yourself.
Contact Emma Grose at MTA Travel to start planning your China adventure.