For the ultimate Chinese experience, you need to go beyond the usual tourist attractions. You should see Historic Xi’an, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guilin, and Yangshuo, as well as the majestic Great Wall of China. Here, we’ll cover the 15 best places to visit in China. Once you’ve made your decision, you can plan your trip to fit your budget and your interests. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to read on to discover our top picks!
Beijing
There are many reasons to visit Beijing. If you love art, Beijing is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You can take a trip to the National Center for the Performing Arts, which is referred to as the ‘giant egg’. Here, you can enjoy a world-class opera performance or watch a Peking Opera. Beijing also has a large number of museums and galleries.
The Great Wall is a must-see in Beijing, and it is the most iconic monument in the country. Located near the Forbidden City, the Great Wall stretches for over 3,000km, and the scenery is spectacular. While some parts are beautifully restored, other sections are in various states of disrepair. If you can spare a few hours, consider hiring a tour guide to drive you around the wall, which is about 1.5 hours from Beijing.
For history buffs, Beijing is home to a number of ancient temples, which were constructed over 600 years ago. In ancient times, emperors prayed here to ensure a good harvest. Today, it is a UNESCO world heritage site and has heavy symbolism related to Taoism. It is a popular attraction with locals, and a trip to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven is often a perfect opportunity to take stunning pictures.
Historic Xi’an
Historic Xi’an is one of a handful of cities in China that boast historical city walls. This historic town is also home to one of China’s largest drum towers, the Drum Tower. Built in the Ming dynasty, this tower is the largest drum tower in China. You can climb the tower and admire the engravings and murals, or you can visit the nearby porcelain museum.
If you’re interested in history, consider a trip to Historic Xi’an. This city is home to the terracotta army, one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. You’ll be amazed by this army of stone that dates back over 2,000 years. There are dozens of other things to do and see in Xi’an, and it is a must-see for all history buffs.
If you’re interested in ancient architecture, you can visit Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. The Muslim Quarter is one of the most vibrant parts of the city, with dozens of street food stands and stores. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the Muslim Quarter for the unique street foods and cultural attractions. Don’t miss the delicious Paomo soup, which is a local favorite.
Hong Kong
While you’re in Hong Kong, be sure to explore its culture. The city is filled with colorful replicas of early dwellings, old-fashioned costumes, and bedsteads. There’s also an interactive multimedia exhibition that provides an inside look at Hong Kong’s rich history and culture. It’s the perfect place for a cultural immersion. Once a shady, foreboding place, Hong Kong now boasts a vibrant, colorful culture.
Whether you’re traveling with your family or by yourself, the Hong Kong Museum of History is a great place to explore the city’s rich history. From archaeology to ethnography, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the territory. Take the time to experience the “Hong Kong Story” exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey through the territory’s history from prehistoric times to its return to China. madisonsdish.com
The Big Buddha, otherwise known as Tian Tan, is a must-see when in Hong Kong. It’s the second-largest outdoor bronze statue in the world. The Giant Buddha is located near the Po Lin Monastery, and it can be viewed from the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. From here, you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and a trip to the Big Buddha’s surroundings.
Guilin and Yangshuo
A visit to Guilin is not complete without a trip up the Li River. There are many things to see, including the Xianggong Hill, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset. It is also a good place to catch a few glimpses of the city, which has been the subject of many media reports. Nevertheless, if you have limited time and money, you may want to spend a day exploring Yangshuo.
You can also go rock climbing in the caves outside the town. Many guides to Yangshuo mention the hot air balloon ride, which was only temporarily suspended after four Dutch tourists died during a mid-air explosion in 2009.
If you’re lucky, you might catch the famous Impression of Sanjie Liu performance on the stage of the world’s largest landscape theater. The stage, set amidst the twelve peaks, features seven chapters of traditional folk tales. The performance includes classical folk songs and the actors portray the locals as they live their lives. During this performance, you can buy souvenirs or indulge in some fine dining.
Shanghai
For travelers who are looking for a cultural experience, Shanghai has several things to offer. For one, its French Concession features a rich collection of European-style houses and buildings. While many of the homes have been replaced with more modern ones, the layout of the neighborhood retains a European feel. Regardless of your taste in art, you are sure to find something interesting and unique in this neighborhood. https://linktr.ee/madisonsdish
If you’re looking for a unique way to see the city skyline, you’ll want to visit the Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, which is 1,535 feet (468 meters) high and serves as a broadcasting center, hotel, and observation deck. Be sure to reserve a spot in advance to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, you can explore the Buddhist temple complex at Jing’an, which was constructed around 800 years ago. There, you can admire the largest sitting jade Buddha statue in China. You can also spend time shopping and eating at the city’s many malls and restaurants.
You’ll also want to check out the Jing’An Temple, which is dedicated to Chinese philosopher Confucius. Though the Confucian Temple is often overlooked by tourists, it is a beautiful example of Chinese traditional architecture. Its rock formations and stone-carved Buddha statues make it a particularly beautiful piece of art. It costs a small extra fee to see the statues, but is well worth the price.
Chengdu
Sichuan Opera is a must-see for those visiting Chengdu. This form of Chinese opera is based on traditional folklore and traditional Chinese novels. It blends solo performances with acrobatics, fire-spitting and masquerade. The shows are accompanied by complimentary drinks and light snacks. It is a great way to experience the city’s rich culture without paying a fortune.
For ancient architecture, visit the Erwang Temple, which is known for its embellishments and overall design. Nearby, Mount Qingcheng is an ancient ruins of Taoism and is only 68 km from Chengdu. While there, make sure to spend some time exploring the city’s cultural and natural resources. If you’re an animal lover, Chengdu is an excellent place to visit.
A must-see in Chengdu is the Kuanzhai Alley. Also known as the Wide and Narrow Alley, this historic area has a diverse collection of shops, from old buildings from the Qing dynasty to newly renovated stalls selling everything from food to wares. The alleys are lined with restaurants, bars, and shopping arcades, and many of the buildings are now converted to hostels.
Ningbo and the Tianyi Ge Library
A must-visit for anyone traveling to China, Ningbo is an ideal spot to spend a day. Nestled beneath the famous green mountains of China, this city boasts one of the largest collections of rare books in the world. A 16th century man named Fan Qin started building the library here, collecting books from his family and friends and eventually accumulating over 70 000. During his lifetime, he had collected many books which now provide a fascinating insight into the history of Ningbo.
The library is one of the most ancient and beautiful places in China. It was built around 1561 by Fan Qin, a Ming dynasty official. He had a private library of 70,000 volumes but over the years, it began to suffer. Insects, climate, and corrupt officials had a detrimental effect on his collection, but he managed to save it and eventually expand it to over 300,000 volumes. The library is especially strong in local history, with over 80,000 volumes in its collection – including many rare and eminent books.
Hangzhou and the Historic Grand Canal
West Lake and the Historic Grand Canal are two of the most famous sights of Hangzhou. The canals, which are separated from one another by causeways, are full of old temples, pagodas, and museums. Along the water, there are sitting areas and walking paths. You can also take a boat ride on the West Lake. You can also visit nearby Shanghai and canal towns.
After visiting the historic Grand Canal and Hangzhou, you can go shopping for souvenirs. The city has a number of shopping malls including Hangzhou Tower Mall, Intime Departmental Stores, and Xie Bai New Century Mall. You can also buy herbal medicines and natural supplements from the Ginseng Shopping Mall. Don’t forget to visit the Hangzhou Tea Market, where you can buy some of the finest tea in China. You can also shop at the many souvenir stores.
The West Lake is the perfect place for viewing the ancient architecture of the city. You can also visit the Xixi National Wetland Park, which features a traditional temple and several homes. Hangzhou Botanical Garden and Zoo provide typical city entertainment. Lastly, visit Yangshuo, a city in south China. This former backpacker’s paradise is famous for its beaches, cheap accommodations, and laid-back atmosphere.