Exploring the Best Places to Visit in China

China is a vast nation with a long and storied history, a plethora of cultural attractions and a landscape that ranges from the highest mountains in the world to sprawling deserts and tropical beaches. With so much to explore and experience, it can be hard to know where to start when planning a trip to China. Luckily, this guide to the best places to visit in China should take some of the guesswork out of your trip planning.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and the largest man-made structure ever built. Stretching over 13,000 miles, it is the only man-made structure visible from space. A visit to the Great Wall of China is a must-do for anyone visiting the country, with sections of the wall open to visitors in Beijing, Shanhaiguan, Simatai, and Jinshanling.

A visit to the wall offers an unforgettable experience, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the immense scale of the structure making it truly awe-inspiring. There are plenty of activities available along the wall, from camping and hiking to zip-lining and horse riding. Visitors can also explore the many watchtowers and fortresses that line the wall.

For those wanting to experience the Great Wall in a unique way, there are night tours available, allowing visitors to explore the wall by moonlight – a truly magical experience.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a sprawling palace complex in the heart of Beijing. Built in the 15th century, it was the former home of the Emperors of China and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forbidden City is one of the most impressive man-made structures in the world, and a visit here is a must for anyone visiting Beijing.

The Forbidden City is home to hundreds of buildings, from palaces and temples to gardens and courtyards. Visitors can explore the many rooms and corridors of the palace, as well as the beautiful gardens and pavilions. There are also a number of museums in the Forbidden City, including the Palace Museum, the Hall of Clocks, and the Hall of Embroidery, where visitors can learn more about the history of the complex.

The Forbidden City also hosts a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, making it an exciting and vibrant destination.

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Located near Xian in Shaanxi province, it is the burial site of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The site is home to over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors, archers, horses and chariots, all buried in the 3rd century BC to guard the emperor in the afterlife.

A visit to the Terracotta Army is an awe-inspiring experience, with the sheer scale and craftsmanship of the statues making it truly breathtaking. Visitors can explore the three main pits, each of which contains hundreds of warriors in different poses and uniforms. There are also a number of other attractions at the site, from a museum to a film about the history of the army.

The Terracotta Army is an essential stop for anyone visiting Xian and a great way to learn more about the history of China.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a sprawling traditional Chinese garden located in the outskirts of Beijing. Built in the 18th century, it was the former residence of the Qing dynasty Emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Summer Palace is home to beautiful gardens, temples, pavilions and palaces, making it a truly magical destination.

A visit to the Summer Palace offers an unforgettable experience, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and lakes. Visitors can explore the many buildings and gardens, such as the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Gallery and the Garden of Harmonious Interests. The Summer Palace also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, from music performances to traditional Chinese festivals.

The Summer Palace is a great place to experience traditional Chinese culture and to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Li River

The Li River is one of the most beautiful rivers in China and a must-see for anyone visiting Guangxi province. Stretching for over 200 miles, the river is home to stunning scenery, with towering limestone karsts, lush green fields and picturesque villages. The best way to experience the river is to take a boat tour, which offers spectacular views of the river and its surroundings.

The boat tour takes visitors along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, stopping at various villages and attractions along the way. Visitors can also get off the boat to explore the villages and take in the stunning scenery. There are also a number of activities available along the river, from kayaking and cycling to bamboo rafting and rock climbing.

The Li River is an essential stop for anyone visiting Guangxi province and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

The Bund

The Bund is the waterfront promenade in Shanghai, a bustling city located on the east coast of China. The Bund is home to a number of iconic buildings, from ornate colonial-era architecture to modern skyscrapers. A stroll along the Bund offers an amazing experience, with stunning views of the river and the skyline of Pudong.

The Bund also offers plenty of activities, from shopping and dining to sightseeing and boat cruises. Visitors can explore the many buildings that line the waterfront, from the art deco Peace Hotel to the imposing Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. There are also a number of museums and galleries in the area, as well as a number of bars and restaurants.

The Bund is a great place to experience the energy and vibrancy of Shanghai and to take in the stunning views of the city.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a stunning canyon located in Yunnan province. The gorge is formed by the Jinsha River, which winds its way through the mountains, creating a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and lush green valleys. The best way to experience the gorge is to take a hike along the trails, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding countryside.

The hike takes around two days, with overnight camping available in the area. The trail offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world, with lush green valleys, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. There are also a number of villages along the way, where visitors can sample local cuisine and learn more about the culture and history of the area.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is an essential stop for any nature lover and a great way to experience the stunning landscapes of Yunnan province.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road is a network of trading routes that once connected China to Europe and the Middle East. The Silk Road was an important trading route for centuries, with traders exchanging goods such as silk, spices and tea. Today, the Silk Road is a popular tourist destination, with many sections of the route open to visitors.

A visit to the Silk Road offers an amazing experience, with stunning scenery, ancient cities and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the many cities along the route, such as Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan and Kashgar. There are also a number of attractions along the Silk Road, from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang to the ruins of Jiaohe in Turpan.

The Silk Road is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of Central Asia and a great way to experience the stunning landscapes of the region.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, stretching to a dizzying 29,029 feet. Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, it is an iconic landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting the region. While it is not possible to climb the mountain, visitors can get a glimpse of the summit from Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 17,000 feet and offers stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings. Visitors can also explore the nearby villages, such as Rongbuk Monastery, where they can learn more about the culture and history of the region. There are also a number of activities available in the area, from mountain biking to river rafting.

Mount Everest is an essential stop for anyone visiting Tibet and a great way to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.

The Li Jiang River

The Li Jiang River is a stunning river located in Yunnan province. The river winds its way through limestone karsts, lush green fields and picturesque villages. A cruise along the river is one of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of Yunnan, with visitors able to explore the many villages and attractions along the way.

The Li Jiang River cruise takes visitors from the city of Guilin to the city of Yangshuo, stopping at various attractions along the way. Visitors can get off the boat to explore the villages and take in the stunning scenery. There are also a number of activities available along the river, from kayaking and cycling to bamboo rafting and rock climbing.

The Li Jiang River is an essential stop for anyone visiting Yunnan province and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan is a stunning mountain located in Anhui province. The mountain is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, with towering granite peaks, lush green forests and cascading waterfalls. A visit to Huangshan offers an unforgettable experience, with visitors able to explore the many trails, take in the stunning views and sample the local cuisine.

The best way to experience the mountain is to take a cable car to the summit, where visitors can explore the many trails and take in the stunning views. The trails offer some of the most stunning scenery in the world, with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. There are also a number of temples and villages to explore, as well as a number of activities such as rock climbing and paragliding.

Huangshan is an essential stop for anyone visiting Anhui province and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

China is an amazing country with so much to explore and experience. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the stunning Li Jiang River, there are plenty of places to visit in China that are sure to make your trip an unforgettable one. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or an adventure seeker, China has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places to visit in China.