Amy Suto's Blog: Writing, Substack Growth & Travel Guides

I just got back from a month-long trip across Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Shenzhen, and here’s my step-by-step guide to how Americans can get a visa to travel to China. In this post, I break down the China visa requirements, the COVA application process, and exactly what to expect at the San Francisco Chinese Consulate so you can apply quickly and avoid the usual confusion.

I traveled to Chongqing, China — the cyberpunk mountain city known for its Szechuan hotpot, neon skyline, and dramatic river views — and it became one of my favorite places in China. In this Chongqing travel guide, I share where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do — from Bayi Food Street and hotpot spots to sunset cafes, drone shows, and ancient towns along the Yangtze River.

I spent a week exploring Shanghai and put together this travel guide with everything I wish I knew before I arrived — from the best coffee shops, boba tea, and vegetarian-friendly restaurants to luxe 24-hour spas, where to stay, and hidden gems like the Gongyan Imperial Feast. If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, this guide covers what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time in one of China’s most stylish cities.

I set out on a Great Wall of China tour that turned into the highlight of my month-long Great Wall of China trip. In this Beijing travel guide, I share where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan the best Great Wall experience — plus my favorite hidden spots around Beijing’s Hutongs, parks, and tea shops.