For years, China has been a magnet for tourists, thanks to its rich history and cultural heritage, making it an excellent destination to experience unique Asian culture. Known for its enormous size, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and its diverse cuisine, China offers much more than just these famous attractions. The country’s diversity and surprises can astonish even the most seasoned travelers.
But what should you see in China? There are countless interesting places and things to do, so let’s highlight some of our favorites:
Beijing, the capital of China, is steeped in culture and history, making it one of the top places to visit. Most tourists start their adventure in China here. The best way to experience Beijing is by exploring its historical buildings and learning about its past. A must-see is the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace for nearly five centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Beijing. Another key site is Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest and most renowned city squares, home to several important monuments.
Climbing the Great Wall of China is often considered a must-do activity. While it may be an exaggeration to say you haven’t truly visited China until you’ve climbed the Wall, it is certainly a top attraction. The easiest way to see the Great Wall is through an organized tour from Beijing. Due to its significance, the Wall is popular among both local and international tourists, so expect crowds, particularly near Beijing. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting sections like Huanghuacheng or Jinshanling, accessible by local bus.
If you’ve admired the Rainbow Mountain of Peru, you’ll be pleased to know that China has its own version in the Gansu Zhangye National Geopark. The park features two scenic areas: Binggou, known for its sculptured rock formations, and Danxia, renowned for its colorful rock formations created by sandstone and mineral deposits. Danxia is one of China’s most stunning landform areas and a unique spot to visit.
The Yungang Grottoes, famous Buddhist temple grottoes, are another UNESCO World Heritage site and a highly revered scenic area. Home to more than 40 major caves and over 200 smaller ones, these grottoes contain thousands of Buddha statues, with the tallest reaching 17 meters.
Xi’an is renowned as the gateway to the Terracotta Army, a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. This impressive site, featuring lifelike warriors and horses, was created to protect the emperor in his afterlife. Xi’an also boasts an impressive city fortification. For adventure seekers, the nearby Huashan Mountain offers one of the world’s most dangerous hikes, with breathtaking views to match.
For alpine scenery, head to Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan Province. This national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site features snowy peaks, fresh air, and stunning landscapes. Comprised of three valleys, Jiuzhaigou has numerous lakes and waterfalls, including High Lake, Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Rhinoceros Lake, and Mirror Lake.
Pingyao, an ancient city in central Shanxi Province, was once a regional financial hub. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao is an excellent place to experience ancient Chinese architecture and the ambiance of historical times. The city’s well-preserved walls enclose traditional shophouses, ancient temples, and old courtyard houses, offering a glimpse into Ming and Qing architecture.