China is vast and has a long history, and there is so much to see and explore.
1. The Great Wall of Beijing
One of China's iconic symbols, the Great Wall is the longest city wall in the world and a stunning feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding paths through rugged countryside and steep mountains are scenic. It is listed in the "New Seven Wonders of the World" and on China's UNESCO World Heritage List.
The wall stretches from China's western border to the east coast and is about 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) long, but the most intact and best-preserved part is close to Beijing. So that's what people usually mean when they refer to the Great Wall of China.
There is no better way to explore the Great Wall of China than on foot or on foot with the Great Wall. Walk through the ruins of the watchtower. Take your time and feel history come back to life.
2. The Forbidden City in Beijing – the Forbidden City of 24 emperors
It used to be a "palace" city where ordinary people were off-limits. More than 8,000 gold-roofed rooms are a luxury example of ancient Chinese architecture, elegantly designed and painted red and yellow.
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which lasted 560 years until 1911. 24 emperors lived here. The World Cultural Heritage, now known as the "Forbidden City" in Chinese, is a treasure trove of Chinese cultural and historical artifacts. Read 10 facts you should know before visiting the Forbidden City
It is recognized as one of the five most important palaces in the world (along with Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in the United States and the Kremlin in Russia).
3. Xi'an Terracotta Army - an underground army with a history of 2,000 years
The terracotta warriors have been buried underground for more than 2,000 years. However, in 1974, farmers dug a well and discovered one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. It became a World Heritage Site in 1987.
It is significant because hundreds of elaborate life-size models represent armies that defeated all other Chinese armies during the Warring States period (475 BC to 221 BC), and they were decisive factors in the formation of a unified China.
4. Chengdu Giant Panda – China's "National Treasure"
Giant pandas are loved not only by Chinese, but also by many foreigners, and not only by children. While there are plenty of zoos in China and elsewhere where you can see giant pandas, the best place to be is Chengdu – the "hometown" of giant pandas.
Places where you can see giant pandas up close include Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Center, Dujiangyan Giant Panda Valley, and Bifeng Gorge Giant Panda Base.
5. Daocheng Aden Nature Reserve – jewel-colored lakes, colorful forests, meadows
Daocheng Aden Nature Reserve is known as "the last pure land on earth" and "the last Shangri-La" for its breathtaking natural scenery.
"I want to go there with my lover and see the clear blue sky, see the snowy mountains, see the golden meadows, and experience the fairy tale of autumn." A Chinese romance movie "I Belong to You" makes Daocheng a romantic tourist destination.
As early as 1928, the Austrian-American explorer Joseph Roque visited Daocheng and photographed its beauty and published it in National Geographic magazine, making it known to the world.
The Tibetan cultural experience is another highlight of this route. During the trip, you can see many ancient monasteries and Tibetan-style houses.
6. The Li River in Guilin and Yangshuo – China's most famous landscape
The karst landscape along the Li River captivated the artist's heart. Generations of Chinese painters and poets have been inspired by the natural beauty there, capturing breathtaking natural scenery with their pens and brushes. When Chinese tourists look for places of natural beauty, they first think of the Li River and Yangshuo.
The Li River is listed by National Geographic as one of the "Top Ten Water Wonders of the World". Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush (senior) and several world celebrities such as Bill Gates have been to the Li River.
The 83-kilometer-long section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful. The river scenery is dotted with strange mountains, cliffs, and rural villages, and bamboo forests.
Taking a leisurely cruise or a 3-4 hour family-friendly moderate hike (more about the Li River hike) is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Li River.
You can challenge SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. mini raft) on the Yulong River, ride a bamboo raft, cycle around the countryside or take an all-terrain vehicle for an exciting road trip.
7. Potala Palace in Tibet – the heart of the roof of the world
The Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibet. It was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. It is a huge treasure trove of Tibetan history, religion, culture, art and other materials and articles. The palace is famous for its collection of precious sculptures, frescoes, scriptures, Buddha statues, antiques and religious jewelry.
You can witness the architectural marvels that contain the royal heritage of Tibet, hear the story of the Dalai Lama's residence in the palace, and see the palace from four of the best vantage points.
8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the filming location of "Avatar" and is a must-visit place for peerless beauty. It is large and has many different scenic areas. The "floating mountains and peaks" that inspired Avatar are concentrated in this park.
The top scenic spots are Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream. These three areas can be visited by visitors of any age.
The main attractions are easy to walk, with cable cars, elevators, trams, shuttle buses, concrete roads and steps.
9. Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes
"There is the Louvre to the west and the Mogao Grotto to the east".
The Mogao Grottoes are famous for their exquisite murals and Buddha statues. The Mogao Grottoes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
Artists from different periods of the Middle Ages left their works here. A variety of works spanning more than a thousand years complement each other.
Standing tall in the desert, the Mogao Grottoes are like a shining pearl dotted along the Silk Road.
In addition to visiting these marvelous caves, you can also gain some hands-on archaeological experience. We can take you to the Dunhuang Academy. There, you can linger and copy the master's murals, or you can copy the murals on the clay tablets under the guidance of the teacher.
10. Shanghai Bund – stunning skyline, colonial architecture
The Bund is one of Shanghai's most recognizable architectural icons. It showcases the world with its colonial European architecture and skyscrapers across Huangpu, one of the most important business districts in the world.
The Bund was the most prosperous area of Shanghai in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When the first British company opened an office on the Bund in 1846, it became the epitome of elegance.
11. Hangzhou West Lake – paradise on earth
Hangzhou is known as China's "paradise on earth" for its beautiful landscapes. West Lake was created after Chinese loved a garden-style leisure park.
West Lake is a tranquil place, urbanized as a silhouette of the northeast horizon, surrounded by mountains near and far on the other three sides. Occasional pagodas and Chinese-style arched bridges add atmosphere to tree-lined walkways, verdant islands, and hills
12. Yellow Mountain – A legendary wonder
The Huangshan Scenic Area attracts visitors with its five unique features: sunrise, sea of clouds, strange rocks, pine trees and hot springs.
Huangshan is China's most famous mountain and one of China's top three national parks – the other two being Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Jiuzhaigou National Forest Park. Compared to the other two national parks, Huangshan National Park is easier to access and naturally more popular and busy.
Nearby villages such as Hongcun were once considered ancient Chinese hideaways. Villagers bring water to the village's unique "house" and "water field." The village, in its breathtaking setting, looks like a Chinese painting. Spring canola flowers can be the icing on the cake.
13. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong – majestic skyscraper skyline
Victoria Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak is to Hong Kong like climbing the Great Wall to China; It offers Hong Kong's iconic prospect of a "tall building" of success and prosperity.
Victoria Peak is the best place to get a bird's eye view of Hong Kong. From the top of the hill, the view is worth a visit both day and night. See the high-rise buildings around busy Victoria Harbour stretching all the way to Chinese mainland. At night, the scenery is gorgeous, and the lights of the buildings dance together.
14. Lijiang Ancient City, Yunnan - cobblestone pedestrian street, small waterway
The ancient town of Lijiang in Yunnan features ancient cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and waterwheel canals decorated with flowers. Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, food stalls and hotels are everywhere.
The big watermill is a landmark of the ancient city of Lijiang. You will see them as you enter the old town. The rivers that flow through the old town keep them spinning. The bar street is right next to them and lively at night.
You can also go to the Naxi Hieroglyphic Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition Hall to feel Naxi art. The Naxi are the only people in the world who still write in hieroglyphics.
15. Dali Erhai – One of the most beautiful lakes in China
Erhai is the most beautiful place in Dali. It is a highland lake. Erhai Lake is shaped like an ear, hence the name Erhai. This highland lake is like a deep blue jewel set in the green earth. The lake is calm and blue. The gentle breeze by the lake is pleasant.
Every December, flocks of black-headed gulls fly from Siberia to winter in the Erhai Sea.
Cycling is the best way to travel around the lake. Capturing the beauty bathed in the sun and breeze is a real pleasure. There are two cycling routes around Erhai: Haixi (west coast of Erhai) and Haidong (east coast of Erhai). The Hercy route is more suitable for younger or less experienced riders. The Haidong route is quiet and has a panoramic view.