10 Best Places to Visit in China
China's culture and heritage stretching back to the dawn of humanity, offer tourists a unique adventure. Mysterious locations transport visitors back in time to show them a glimpse of humanity's oldest and most revered culture. It is a land of staggering beauty and immense history, a place where ancient traditions are still very much alive. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the neon-lit streets of Shanghai to the Great Wall of China, from the endangered pandas to culinary delights such as the Peking Duck, there's something for everyone in this vast country. Here are just a few reasons why you should add China to your travel itinerary.
10. Macau
Recently, there has been a lot of debate. Which should you visit, Macau or Las Vegas? Both locations are vying to be the casino and gambling capital of the world. It’s easy to see why Macau is challenging Las Vegas for the throne. Macau is an exciting city full of bright lights, glitz, glamour, and gambling. Millions of tourists visit China each year to experience the thrill of poker chips and the sprawling gaming halls. You can go to some of the most famous casinos in Macau, like the MGM Grand and Venetian.
Macau isn't only about gambling. If you want to see the other side of Macau, go explore the remnants of Portugal's colonial era when it ruled the island. Its famed fort, churches, and Baroque homes are a few examples. Visit Coloane and Taipa's beach areas if you're looking for a quieter experience on the island.
9. Suzhou
Suzhou is world renowned for its gardens which boast intricate designs and exquisite micro-landscapes, is located west of Shanghai. This historic city is home to beautifully designed canals, bridges, and the Classical Gardens. The twenty-nine-acres of Gardens of Suzhou are some of the most magnificent gardens in China, dating from about the 11th century.
Visitors to the garden can not only enjoy an elegant and peaceful cultural ambiance but also a delicate blend of Chinese architecture and natural beauty while walking through it.
The Humble Administrators’ Garden, the largest of the classical gardens, is the most extensive and renowned of all the gardens. With its mesmerizing design and captivating appearance, such as; magnificent halls, delicate pavilions, lush flowers, and zigzagging bridges, it has appropriately received many honors. It’s not only listed as a World Cultural Heritage site but also proclaimed as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China.
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou should be high on your China travel itinerary.
8. Lhasa
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, lies on the Lhasa River's north bank in a valley of the Himalayas. Lhasa is home to one of the most famous and iconic ancient structures in China, the Potala Palace. For many years, it was a center of religious and political power, housing some of the religion's most important treasures. The Red Palace—one of two palaces within the complex—was built in the 17th century and contains its largest shrine.
Specifically, the Enthronement Hall houses many murals that illustrate scenes from the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan King of Tibet's lives. Other features in the Red Palace include several large halls for religious teaching and extravagant burial chambers for some of the past Dalai Lamas.
7. Hong Kong
Situated near China’s southeastern coast, Hong Kong is a posh, international business hub where Chinese culture, British colonial influences, and contemporary high-technology all come together. Although it boasts the world’s highest concentration of skyscrapers and is one of the most densely populated areas, Hong Kong also provides plenty of lush parks, mountain views, and pristine beaches.
The world-famous Victoria Harbour, which is a magnificent sight at night with all of the dazzling skyscrapers, and The Peak, Hong Kong Island's highest hill, which offers breathtaking views of the harbor, are just a few of the must-see attractions. From amusement parks like Ocean Park and Disneyland Hong Kong to renowned museums, exquisite shopping malls, bustling night markets, horse racing, gorgeous beaches, and rides on the world's longest outdoor escalator (which also goes inside!), there's something for everyone in Hong Kong.
6. Chengdu
Chengdu, the City of Cute Giant Pandas, is the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China. The city's history dates back to at least the fourth century BC, when it served as the Shu Kingdom's capital. Artifacts from that period are on display at the Jinsha Site Museum. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a conservation center where visitors may view endangered giant pandas in a natural setting, is also located here.
Nothing is quite as endearing as seeing a big panda in person. If you're looking to get up close and personal with one of these amazing animals, the best place to go is Chengdu. Not only can you see giant pandas in their natural habitat, but you can also participate in volunteer programs that help take care of them.
5. Guangzhou
Guangzhou, the country's third-largest city, is a busy and chaotic city to visit. Its sheer size alone can be intimidating and overwhelming to would-be travelers. It is located northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River and is known for its modern architecture.
The Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid, has earned the nickname "double pebble" for its unique shape. Other notable structures include the carved box-shaped Guangdong Museum and the Canton TV Tower skyscraper. For a taste of traditional culture, visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall complex from 1894, which now houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.
4. Xi’an
Xi’an is a metropolis and the capital of Shaanxi Province, located in central China. It used to be called Chang’an (Eternal Peace), denoting the eastern end of the Silk Road. Moreover, it was where the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties' ruling houses resided. In Xi’an's surrounding plains are many archaeological sites containing discoveries like Bingmayong (Terra Cotta Army). There are thousands of life-size hand-molded figures buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
3. Shanghai
The largest city in China, Shanghai, sits on China’s central coast and exudes a vitality that rivals New York and Paris when it comes to modernity. Shanghai's modernity is evident in the tall and robust skyline, which reflects the city's rapid growth throughout history. Due to Shanghai's phenomenal development over the last century, the metropolis is a good mix of diverse architectural designs, making it a perfect shopping destination as well as a "building museum."
The country's biggest city is also a global financial hub. Its heart is the Bund, a famed waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings. Across the Huangpu River rises the Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including the 2,000-plus-foot Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with distinctive pink spheres. The sprawling Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers, and ponds.
2. Guilin
Guilin is heralded as one of the most beautiful cities in China. It lies in southern China and is dotted with spectacular limestone karst scenery. The center of the city is surrounded by two lakes, Shanhu (Cedar) and Ronghu (Banyan), which were remnants of a medieval-era moat that once encircled the town. Connected waterways allow boats to travel through these and other lakes. Many visitors to Guilin head to the Moon and Sun Pagoda for the lovely view it offers over the area.
Former US President Richard Nixon is said to have been captivated by Guilin's beautiful natural environment and remarked, "I've traveled all around the world." I've discovered that no metropolis can compare to the beauty of Guilin.
1. Beijing
Beijing, China’s sprawling capital, has a history stretching back 3 millennia. Yet it’s known as much for its modern architecture as its ancient sites, such as the grand Forbidden City complex, and the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nearby, the massive Tiananmen Square pedestrian plaza is the site of Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the National Museum of China, displaying a vast collection of cultural relics.
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks and a massive feat of ancient engineering. Its winding path across picturesque mountains makes for some great scenery. No wonder it is considered on "the New Seven Wonders of the World" list and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in China. Though its total length extends about 3,100 miles (5,000 km) from west to east across the country, many sections are in disrepair or have been lost altogether over time. The best-preserved and most visited section is near Beijing.
There is no better way to explore China’s Great Wall than by hiking or walking along it. Tread the centuries-old bricks and walk through the watchtower ruins. Take your time and feel the history come to life.