China has a vast and fascinating history, a diverse and rich culture, and breath-taking natural scenery. There is a lot to see and do in this enormous and diverse country, from the well-known Great Wall of China to the busy streets of Shanghai.
Beijing, the capital city of China, is one of the most visited places. In addition to marveling at contemporary architectural marvels like the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, travelers may explore historic monuments like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven in this city.
Shanghai, on the other hand, is a thriving city with a dynamic nightlife and a rich cultural legacy. It’s a terrific spot to browse for trinkets and experience delectable Chinese food.
Other must-see locations in China include Xi’an, the location of the renowned Terracotta Warriors, and Chengdu, the home of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where tourists may interact closely with giant pandas.
The beautiful karst vistas of Guilin and the Huangshan Mountains, which have propelled innumerable Chinese poets and artists throughout the ages, are just two examples of China’s breath-taking natural beauties.
China is an unforgettable travel destination that is certain to make an impression on anybody who visits due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and breath-taking natural beauty. In this article, we will give you what you should see and do when you visit China.
Visit Beijing
China’s capital city, Beijing, is an intriguing location with much to offer everyone. This city boasts a special fusion of modernity and historical traditions, from well-known sites to bustling markets. The Great Wall of China, the largest wall in the world and a reminder of the nation’s lengthy history, is one of the sites that visitors simply must see. In addition, open to visitors is the Forbidden City, a spectacular palace complex that housed Chinese emperors for centuries. The Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square are among further well-known locations.
Visitors should enjoy Beijing’s renowned Peking Duck, which is also well-known throughout the world for its cuisine. A range of delectable snacks like jianbing, a savory pancake, baozi and lamb skewers are available from vendors in the city’s vibrant street food scene.
In addition to the city’s attractions, Beijing has a tonne of places to shop, including contemporary malls and classic markets like the Silk Street Market. There are also many museums and theatres that display traditional music and dance performances for individuals who are interested in Chinese culture. Overall, Beijing is a city that provides travelers from all over the world with an outstanding travel experience.
Visit Shanghai
China’s largest metropolis and one of the key financial hubs is Shanghai. This thriving city is renowned for its distinctive fusion of traditional Chinese culture and cutting-edge design. Shanghai is a well-liked travel destination for both local and foreign travelers because there are so many things to see and do there.
Shanghai’s Bund, a picturesque riverbank promenade with breath-taking views of the city skyline, is one of the city’s must-see attractions. The Yu Garden, a stunning traditional Chinese garden with pavilions, rock formations, and water elements, is another well-liked tourist destination. The city’s several museums, including the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum, are also open to visitors.
Nanjing Road is a busy commercial corridor featuring a range of shops and eateries for dining and shopping. The French Concession, meantime, is a hip area with lots of boutique stores, cafes, and bars.
The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the venerable Jing’an Temple are a few further well-liked Shanghai attractions. Visitors at well-known locations like the Bund, Xintiandi, and Tianzifang may also experience the city’s renowned nightlife.
Visit the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
One of the most remarkable and distinctive archaeological finds in the entire world is the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers and horses were interred with the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, as an army to guard him in the afterlife. The three pits that have been dug up are thought to contain more over 8,000 warriors, 130 chariots, and 670 horses.
The terracotta figurines at the site may be seen up close and visitors can explore the pits. Each one of the figures is distinctive in its features and attitudes. There is a museum on the property that offers background knowledge on the significance and history of the location in addition to the army.
Anyone travelling to China should see the Terracotta Army, which is regarded as one of the country’s best tourist destinations. Public transit or signing up for a guided tour are also simple ways to get to the monument from the city of Xi’an. Another option is to combine a trip to the Terracotta Army with a stop at one of the nearby historical or cultural attractions, including the Xi’an City Wall or the Shaanxi History Museum.
If you would like to book a tour to visit the Terracotta Army, click here or on the Get Your Guide image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.
Visit the Pandas in Chengdu
Animal enthusiasts and families travelling to China must pay a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. More than 150 giant pandas, as well as other critically endangered species like red pandas, call the research facility home. The pandas may be seen in their natural environment, and visitors can learn about their habits and way of life. The best time to visit is at feeding time when guests may observe the pandas playing and munching on bamboo.
Visitors can learn about the research and conservation initiatives being made to preserve the species in addition to seeing the pandas. Additionally, there are engaging exhibits and displays that highlight the history and culture of the area. The research base is conveniently close to Chengdu’s downtown, making it a day trip destination. Visitors of all ages will appreciate and cherish this experience for years to come.
Chinese Festivals
The many festivals and celebrations in China reflect the country’s colorful culture and age-old customs. One of the most significant and frequently observed celebrations in China is the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and family get-togethers are used to honor the occasion, which typically occurs between late January and mid-February. Another significant event that honors the harvest and family reunion is the Mid-Autumn event, commonly referred to as the Moon Festival. It usually takes place in September or October, and gifts are frequently mooncakes, a traditional confection.
The Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Double Seventh Festival, commonly known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day, are further well-known celebrations in China. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival is observed. It includes a number of street performances, as well as dragon and lion dances and colorful lanterns. The ancient poet Qu Yuan is honored during the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and features dragon boat races and the consumption of zongzi, a sort of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Overall, attending a Chinese festival is a fantastic way to learn about the country’s rich culture and traditions. Visitors visiting China should make an effort to do so at least once while they are there.
Do a Cruise on the Yangtze River
A Yangtze River cruise is a fantastic experience that offers a distinctive viewpoint of the stunning Chinese landscape. The river, which is the third-longest in the world and the longest in Asia, passes past breath-taking vistas, including the magnificent Three Gorges.
Most Yangtze River cruises feature stops at some of the most well-known locations in the area, like as Chongqing and Wuhan. Additionally, it will provide them the chance to engage in cultural activities and experience traditional Chinese culture, including eating local cuisine.
The Three Gorges are one of the highlights of a Yangtze River trip. Soaring cliffs and lush forests make up this stunning area, which is inhabited by a wide range of wildlife. The Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, is frequently included in cruise itineraries.
The spring and autumn seasons are ideal for Yangtze River cruises since they provide warm weather and the prettiest scenery. A Yangtze River cruise is a must-do activity in China, whether you are seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural encounters.
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Visit Coastal City of Qingdao
The coastal city of Qingdao, which is situated on the Shandong Peninsula in eastern China, is well known for its alluring fusion of natural beauty, historical significance, and contemporary vibrancy. Qingdao has a lovely maritime backdrop with its stunning shoreline, which includes the famous Zhanqiao Pier and the golden sands of beaches like Badaguan and Shilaoren.
The colonial heritage of the city is connected with its history, which is shown in the building in the European style and the picturesque streets. Indicative of the city’s brewing history is the red-roofed Qingdao Beer Museum, which reflects the legacy of German and Japanese influence.
Regional favourites like “Tsingtao clams” and “sea cucumber with scallion” are among the seafood specialties that make Qingdao’s culinary scene famous. The city is also well-known for housing the illustrious Tsingtao Brewery, which creates one of China’s most well-known beers on a global scale.
The Qingdao International Beer Festival is another event held in Qingdao that attracts tourists from all over the world. Festivals like the Qingdao International Music Festival and the Qingdao International Sailing Week serve as living examples of the city’s cultural diversity.
Qingdao’s economic growth, innovation clusters, and well-designed infrastructure serve as examples of its modernity. The city’s attempts to maintain its natural beauty while embracing technological breakthroughs demonstrate its dedication to sustainability.
Qingdao offers a seamless fusion of old-world beauty and modern dynamism, whether visiting its historical monuments, unwinding on its beaches, or indulging in its gastronomic pleasures. It serves as evidence of the dynamic blending of tradition and development that characterizes China’s developing cities.
Visit the Shaolin Temple
One of the most well-known temples in China is the Shaolin Temple, which is situated in the Henan Province. The temple is well-known for having given birth to the martial art style known as Shaolin Kung Fu, which has gained popularity all over the world.
Visitors can explore the Shaolin Temple’s different halls, pagodas, and courtyards as well as witness Kung Fu performances and demonstrations. The temple also has a museum with artefacts and displays pertaining to Shaolin Kung Fu and the history of the institution.
The Pagoda Forest at the Shaolin Temple, which is made up of approximately 240 stone pagodas that date back to the Tang Dynasty, is one of the temple’s key draws. The pagodas range in size, with the tallest measuring more than 15 meters. Wandering around the forest, appreciating the beautiful carvings and discovering the meaning of each pagoda is possible for visitors.
Pilgrims that visit the Shaolin Temple to pay respects and make prayers find it to be a popular site. Anyone visiting China should be sure to visit the temple because of its serene settings, gorgeous architecture, and historical significance.
Visit the Yellow Mountains
Huangshan, sometimes referred to as the Yellow Mountains, is a picturesque mountain range in eastern China that is well-known for its spectacular topography, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and extensive cultural history. The mountains in Anhui province are a well-known tourist area that has drawn travelers from all over the world for millennia.
Famous for their distinctive granite peaks that are frequently shrouded in mist, the Yellow Mountains are known for their ethereal and otherworldly aura. Numerous uncommon and endangered species, such as the Chinese giant salamander and the Chinese white dolphin, can be found in the mountain range.
The Yellow Mountains offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and photography. Hot springs and spas, which offer a restorative and renewing experience, are another draw of the area.
The Yellow Mountains are stunning in nature, but they are also rich in tradition and history. Numerous Chinese poets and artists have drawn inspiration from the area, and the mountains are home to numerous old temples and shrines, including the well-known Xidi and Hongcun towns, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Take a Chinese Cooking Class
An interesting and enjoyable approach to learn about Chinese culture and cuisine is to enroll in a Chinese cooking class. A cooking class can be taken in a variety of ways, from one-day workshops to immersion events lasting a full week. Participants learn about the ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural importance of the foods they cook in the classes.
The Sichuan cuisine-loving city of Chengdu is a well-liked location for culinary classes. Visitors can enroll in cooking lessons where they can learn how to make meals like hot pot, kung pao chicken, and mapo tofu. Classes in Beijing might concentrate on regional specialties like Peking duck and dumplings.
An excellent approach to learn about the background and culture of Chinese food while also obtaining transferable skills is to enrol in a cooking class. Most of the time, participants prepare and cook their own meals in the workshops while being guided by an accomplished chef. It is a wonderful chance to discover new cooking methods, experiment with exotic products, and learn about Chinese culture.
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Visit Guangzhou
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is the provincial capital of Guangdong in southern China. It is a thriving metropolis with a fascinating history and culture, making it a must-see location for travelers in China.
The third-tallest tower in the world and one of Guangzhou’s most well-known sights is the Canton Tower. Visitors can ride the lift to the summit and take in the expansive views of the city. Another must-see destination is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, which features exquisite artwork and conventional Cantonese architecture.
Guangzhou is also a foodie’s dream, with a wide selection of local eateries serving delectable Cantonese fare. Foodies love to visit the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street because of its lively environment and wide variety of cuisines.
The Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is an excellent location for shoppers to find presents and souvenirs. The wholesale markets in Guangzhou are also well-known for offering a wide range of goods at affordable costs, from clothing to electronics.
Overall, Guangzhou is a fascinating place to visit since it offers a distinctive fusion of traditional culture and contemporary innovation.
Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha
China’s Sichuan province is home to the stunning Leshan Giant Buddha. The tallest Buddha statue in the entire world, this 71-meter tall sculpture was carved out of a cliff overlooking the Minjiang River. It took more than 90 years to build and was constructed more over 1200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty.
The statue is renowned for its fine artisanship and calm demeanor. The Buddha’s face and hands, which are both over 10 meters long, can be seen up close by visitors by scaling down the cliff. The location also has a lovely park with a number of temples and pavilions.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a well-liked tourist destination and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While taking in the spectacular views of the nearby mountains and rivers, visitors may learn about the history and culture of the area. Anyone visiting Sichuan province should check out this must-see sight since it is certain to make an impression.
In conclusion, China is a sizable and diverse nation that has something to offer everyone. A country should not be overlooked because of its rich cultural richness, historical history, and modern cities.
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