Striking the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, China is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Explore the country’s frenzied cities or soak up its beautiful natural wonders.
One of the top places to visit in China is Xi’an, where the Terracotta Army has become a symbol of the ancient emperor Qin Shi Huang. The collection of 8,000 life-sized warriors and hundreds of chariots are a must-see.
Beijing
Beijing is a city that is both modern and traditional. It is home to some of the most impressive historical sites in China, and it is also one of the most exciting cities to visit.
The Forbidden City is a must-see on any trip to Beijing and is probably one of the most spectacular historical sites in all of China. It is filled with palaces, courtyards, temples and museums that all tell the story of ancient Chinese history.
Another historic site that is worth visiting is the Lama Temple. It is a Buddhist monastery that was built in 1694 and is now home to a massive sandalwood Buddha that stands 18 meters (69 feet) tall.
While you’re in the area, take a stroll through Jingshan Park, which is full of locals playing badminton and practicing tai chi. It is a pleasant place to relax and has some interesting buildings.
Guilin
Guilin is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s renowned for its strangely shaped karst hills, misty rivers and fantastic caves.
A trip to Guilin is a truly memorable experience. It’s a destination that’s as much a part of Chinese culture as it is a travel destination.
The city’s many parks are a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery of Guilin. Seven Star Park is the largest and has a variety of attractions inside it, including a Buddhist temple and an artificial waterfall.
Biking is another excellent way to explore the karst countryside around Guilin. You’ll find hidden trails, mountains and plots of farmland.
In the evening, you can also stroll the atmospheric Bird and Flower Market (Hua Niao Shi Chang Huaniao Shichang) to buy plants, flowers and small pet animals. This market provides a taste of traditional local life and gives you a chance to practice your Chinese while immersed in the osmanthus-scented atmosphere.
Xi’an
Xi’an may not be as well-known for its modern day attractions as some of the larger Chinese cities, but it offers some great opportunities to experience Chinese culture. This ancient city is packed with remarkable relics from the past, including one of the world’s biggest archaeological discoveries - the Terracotta Army.
Visiting the city’s many sites is easy with its Metro transit system and several train stations. You can also take a walk or bike on the ancient walls that surround the city.
If you are looking for something a little different, Xi’an has some excellent local dishes that are perfect for sharing. Try a plate of Moslem Cooked Beef/Mutton – this is like a hamburger with beef cooked on the grill, but with much more flavour. Or try Xi’an’s famous Pomegranate Kebabs – these are delicious and a popular street food in autumn.
Shanghai
The city of Shanghai is the perfect blend of Western modernity and Chinese tradition. It offers a range of experiences from ancient temples to modern shopping malls and small family-owned eateries.
- Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill-seeker, Shanghai has something for everyone. Stroll through the French Concession, soak in the city’s glitzy skyline or visit Shanghai Disneyland(r).
- A thriving business hub, Shanghai is one of China’s largest cities with a population of 25 million. A vibrant metro system and convenient taxi service makes it easy to get around town.
- If you’re looking for impressive views, a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower is a must. This space-age TV tower was built in 1995 to ring in the new millennium and offers a view over the Pudong skyline.
- If you’re after some delicious food, try Huanghe Road for authentic local dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and jianbing (a savoury crepe). The 5.5km long stretch from Jing’an Temple to the Bund is also known as Nanjing Road and boasts many modern shopping outlets.
