China

China Highlights

China, with its incredible mix of ancient traditions and rapidly evolving modernity, offers an unforgettable journey. Explore the historic grandeur of Beijing, from the sprawling Forbidden City to the impressive Great Wall. Step into the future in Shanghai, with its towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Xi`an offers a journey into the past with its famous Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. For nature enthusiasts, the stunning Karst Mountains of Guilin and the impressive Yangtze River provide unparalleled beauty. Discover the diverse culinary scene, from the fiery dishes of Sichuan to the delicate dumplings of Shanghai. Experience traditional festivals, marvel at the elegant art of Peking Opera, or find tranquility in Buddhist temples. Traveling through China is like traversing through a living history book, rich with cultural treasures and scenic grandeur.

Top 10 Attractions

Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple, located in the bustling city of Shanghai, is a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary amidst the hubbub of the city. As the name suggests, the temple is known for its two jade Buddha statues – one sitting Buddha and one reclining Bu... more

The Jade Buddha Temple, located in the bustling city of Shanghai, is a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary amidst the hubbub of the city. As the name suggests, the temple is known for its two jade Buddha statues – one sitting Buddha and one reclining Buddha – imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These statues are carved from a complete piece of white jade and are of a rare artistic quality that makes them valuable cultural relics.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in Sichuan Province, is a nature reserve and national park. It`s known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Bio... more

Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in Sichuan Province, is a nature reserve and national park. It`s known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colorful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The name Jiuzhaigou refers to the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the park. There is also a wide variety of flora and fauna, and the brilliant hues of its waters, caused by their high mineral content and very clear depths, are considered unique in China.

Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter tall stone statue carved into a cliff in Sichuan, China. Facing Mount Emei with the rivers flowing below his feet, the Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern... more

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-meter tall stone statue carved into a cliff in Sichuan, China. Facing Mount Emei with the rivers flowing below his feet, the Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The statue`s serene face, carved with great detail, gazes out over the river with a benevolent smile, welcoming the world.

Li River & Yangshuo

The Li River is famous for its incredible karst landscape, where hundreds of towering limestone peaks rise dramatically from the ground. The river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Yangshu... more

The Li River is famous for its incredible karst landscape, where hundreds of towering limestone peaks rise dramatically from the ground. The river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Yangshuo is a charming town, known for its stunning karst peaks and relaxed atmosphere. A favorite among climbers, its countryside also offers excellent opportunities for cycling, hiking, and photography.

Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall and traditional residences. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyards, visitors can experience a genui... more

Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall and traditional residences. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyards, visitors can experience a genuine slice of ancient Chinese life. The city was the financial center of China in the late Qing Dynasty, and the former banking houses provide a unique insight into the country`s economic history.

Potala Palace Museum

Located in Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala Palace Museum is set in the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It`s known for its stunning Tibetan architecture, its Buddhist art, and its religious significance. The museum is home to a collection of about... more

Located in Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala Palace Museum is set in the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It`s known for its stunning Tibetan architecture, its Buddhist art, and its religious significance. The museum is home to a collection of about 65,000 artifacts, including wall paintings, scriptures, porcelain, jade, and precious metals and stones. Visitors to the museum can learn about Tibet`s history, culture, and religion while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park in Yunnan Province is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It is China`s first national park and is notable for its unique natural scenery, well-preserved ecosystem, and rich biodiversity which includes... more

Pudacuo National Park in Yunnan Province is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It is China`s first national park and is notable for its unique natural scenery, well-preserved ecosystem, and rich biodiversity which includes rare and endangered animals and plants. Highlights of the park include Shudu Lake, Militang Grassland, and Bita Lake. This park is also a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 20 percent of China`s plant species and about one-third of its mammal and bird species.

Reed Flute Cave

The Reed Flute Cave, located in Guilin, is a spectacular world of various stalactite, stone pillars, and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. The cave got its name from the type of reed growing outside, which can be made into melodious fl... more

The Reed Flute Cave, located in Guilin, is a spectacular world of various stalactite, stone pillars, and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. The cave got its name from the type of reed growing outside, which can be made into melodious flutes. Inside, over 70 inscriptions written in ink can be found on the cave wall, dating back as far as 792 AD in the Tang Dynasty. The cave is illuminated by multicolored lighting, a thrilling spectacle especially appealing to photographers.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, situated in the People’s Square in the heart of Shanghai, is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation demonstrate the wisdom and ability of ancient Chinese people. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces, i... more

The Shanghai Museum, situated in the People’s Square in the heart of Shanghai, is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation demonstrate the wisdom and ability of ancient Chinese people. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, and minority art. The arrangement of the exhibitions and the design of the museum`s architecture make it a treasure house of Chinese cultural heritage.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. Known for its beautiful landscapes and concentrated ancient Chinese architectures, the Summer Palace has been a garden paradise for emperors escaping the summer... more

The Summer Palace in Beijing is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. Known for its beautiful landscapes and concentrated ancient Chinese architectures, the Summer Palace has been a garden paradise for emperors escaping the summer heat of the city. The palace features a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures. Kunming Lake, the central lake on the Summer Palace grounds, is essentially man-made and the soil dredged was used to build Longevity Hill.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is a complex of Taoist buildings where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties visited for annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. Its layout reflects the dual nature of Earth and Heaven, a key con... more

The Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing is a complex of Taoist buildings where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties visited for annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. Its layout reflects the dual nature of Earth and Heaven, a key concept in Chinese cosmology. The temple is circular, representing Heaven, and the leafy park in which it sits is square, symbolizing the Earth. It`s an outstanding example of Chinese architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Bund

The Bund, a waterfront area in central Shanghai, showcases the city`s preeminent architectural symbols. The area`s buildings vary in architectural style and include Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. The Bund is a testament... more

The Bund, a waterfront area in central Shanghai, showcases the city`s preeminent architectural symbols. The area`s buildings vary in architectural style and include Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. The Bund is a testament to Shanghai`s historical development, with buildings that housed numerous banks and trading houses from the UK, France, the US, Italy, Russia, and Japan, as well as the consulates of Russia and Britain. It`s an excellent place to appreciate both the old and new views of vibrant Shanghai.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing is a palatial complex that housed 24 Chinese emperors over almost 500 years of history. With its beautifully preserved buildings and stunning architectural details, the complex offers an unparalleled insight into Chinese... more

The Forbidden City in Beijing is a palatial complex that housed 24 Chinese emperors over almost 500 years of history. With its beautifully preserved buildings and stunning architectural details, the complex offers an unparalleled insight into Chinese heritage and culture. The Palace Museum within the city is home to over a million unique historic artifacts. As one of China`s most significant historical landmarks, the Forbidden City is a must-see.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a remarkable feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches more than 20,000 kilometers, making it one... more

The Great Wall of China is a remarkable feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches more than 20,000 kilometers, making it one of the most significant historical sites in the world. While the most integrated parts are close to Beijing, there are sections speckled throughout northern China. Its diverse state of preservation, from fully restored to ruins, provides a nuanced and fascinating exploration of this colossal monument.

The Hanging Temple

The Hanging Temple, or Hanging Monastery, is a remarkable wooden structure built into a cliff near Mount Heng in Shanxi Province. Known for its unique location and the fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, it`s a spectacle of Chinese religiou... more

The Hanging Temple, or Hanging Monastery, is a remarkable wooden structure built into a cliff near Mount Heng in Shanxi Province. Known for its unique location and the fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, it`s a spectacle of Chinese religious harmony. The architecture of the temple is a feat of engineering, with crossbeams inserted into the rock serving as the foundation. Overhanging at an altitude of more than 50 meters, the temple seems to hang in the void, a testament to the ingenuity of its builders.

The Pearl River

The Pearl River, the third longest river in China, offers a fantastic way to explore Guangzhou, the third largest city in China. The night cruise is particularly popular, allowing visitors to take in the city`s skyline, which is illuminated by dazzli... more

The Pearl River, the third longest river in China, offers a fantastic way to explore Guangzhou, the third largest city in China. The night cruise is particularly popular, allowing visitors to take in the city`s skyline, which is illuminated by dazzling lights. Highlights include the Canton Tower, the second tallest tower in China and one of Guangzhou`s landmarks, and the strikingly modern Opera House.

The Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, in Lhasa, Tibet, was the principal residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands atop Red Mountain in the center of Lhasa Valley. The p... more

The Potala Palace, in Lhasa, Tibet, was the principal residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands atop Red Mountain in the center of Lhasa Valley. The palace is an iconic symbol of Tibet, known for its impressive structure and the combination of Tibetan and Han Chinese influences in its architecture. The palace houses many precious cultural relics, including murals, scriptures, Buddha statues, and antiques.

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army represents one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Unearthed in Xi`an in 1974, this vast collection of life-size statues was created to accompany China`s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to the afterlife.... more

The Terracotta Army represents one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Unearthed in Xi`an in 1974, this vast collection of life-size statues was created to accompany China`s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to the afterlife. The detail in each figure, from their facial expressions to their armor, is astounding. Each statue appears to be unique, contributing to a remarkable piece of history frozen in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a captivating glimpse into China’s past.

The Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains, or Huangshan, is one of the most famous and beautiful mountain ranges in China. It is known for its spectacular natural scenery including towering peaks, oddly-shaped rocks, twisted pine trees, and seas of clouds, along with its... more

The Yellow Mountains, or Huangshan, is one of the most famous and beautiful mountain ranges in China. It is known for its spectacular natural scenery including towering peaks, oddly-shaped rocks, twisted pine trees, and seas of clouds, along with its hot springs and ancient villages nearby. The Yellow Mountains boast over 1,500 kinds of plants and hundreds of species of birds and animals. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both for its unique natural beauty and its influence on Chinese art and literature.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square in Beijing is one of the world`s largest city squares, an immense space that can hold a million people. Named after the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its North, it has great cultural significance as it was the site of... more

Tiananmen Square in Beijing is one of the world`s largest city squares, an immense space that can hold a million people. Named after the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its North, it has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. This sight is a must-see for its relevance to China`s history and its surrounding sites including the Forbidden City, Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Great Hall of the People.

Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is a natural harbor separating Hong Kong Island in the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. It`s one of the busiest and most impressive harbors in the world. From here, you can enjoy the world-renowned skyline of Hong Kong,... more

Victoria Harbour is a natural harbor separating Hong Kong Island in the south from the Kowloon Peninsula to the north. It`s one of the busiest and most impressive harbors in the world. From here, you can enjoy the world-renowned skyline of Hong Kong, especially beautiful when lit up at night. The harbor is a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong. A ride on the Star Ferry, one of the city`s iconic activities, offers a fantastic viewpoint to appreciate the harbor.

West Lake

West Lake, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a freshwater lake divided into numerous sections by causeways. This elegant lake has inspired poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th Century due to its stunning natural beauty and historic rel... more

West Lake, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a freshwater lake divided into numerous sections by causeways. This elegant lake has inspired poets, scholars, and artists since the 9th Century due to its stunning natural beauty and historic relics. It`s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among its standout features are its tranquil waters, the charming Su Causeway lined with peach trees, and a variety of temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is the inspiration behind the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The park is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, some of which rise over 800 meters into the sky. The park is a... more

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is the inspiration behind the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The park is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, some of which rise over 800 meters into the sky. The park is also home to diverse fauna and flora, with many species endemic to China. The incredible views from the glass bridge or the cable car provide visitors with unforgettable experiences.

Zhangye Danxia Landform

Zhangye Danxia Landform, located in Gansu Province, is known for its colorful rock formations, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over millions of years, layers of different colored sandstone and minerals were pressed together an... more

Zhangye Danxia Landform, located in Gansu Province, is known for its colorful rock formations, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over millions of years, layers of different colored sandstone and minerals were pressed together and then buckled up by tectonic plates, forming the current landscape. The area has been developed into a Geopark with a number of boardwalks and viewing platforms to enable visitors to fully appreciate this geological wonder.

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