With a rich history and culture that spans centuries, China is a country that has something to offer everyone.
One of the best things to do in China is to explore its vibrant cities.
From the energetic metropolis of Shanghai and populous city of Beijing to the more laid-back cities of Chengdu as well as Harbin, each city has its own unique character.
There are a variety of ancient sights and iconic Oriental landmarks to explore in China….
…including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City built by the Ming dynasty, as well as spectacular natural landscapes.
Of course, no trip to China would be complete without experiencing some of its unique cuisine.
From Cantonese dim sum to Sichuan hot pot, there are endless culinary delights to discover.
Best Things to do in China
Bustling cities, historic sites, wildlife, stunning scenery, as well as rich culture: there is no shortage of things to see and do in China!
Here are few of the best things to do in China on your next visit.
Forbidden City & Imperial Palace, Beijing
The Forbidden City is the largest ancient palatial structure in China and one of the largest in the world.
For centuries, the Forbidden City was the home of the Chinese emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Situated at the heart of Beijing, this massive palace complex was surrounded by high walls as well as was guarded by sentries – hence its name.
Within its sprawling grounds, the Forbidden City contained hundreds of buildings, including palaces, temples, as well as gardens.
It later served as ceremonial as well as political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and was also opened to the public.
Today, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist destination, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like for China’s rulers.
The complex consists of 980 buildings and the palace museum has several artifacts and exhibits for visitors.
Also Read: 20 Best Things to do in Beijing, China
The Summer Palace, Beijing
The Summer Palace is a historic site comprising of lakes, gardens, and palaces in Beijing.
It serves as a popular tourist destination and recreational park.
Built in 1750, the Summer Palace was used by the Qing dynasty emperors as a summer retreat.
It was also intended for entertaining high-ranking guests of the imperial court.
The palace complex was designed to imitate and surpass the styles of the renowned gardens of Suzhou.
The Summer Palace features a variety of structures, including halls, pavilions, temples, bridges, corridors, and also an imperial garden.
The palace grounds are also home to a theatre, a boat house, and a museum.
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
The Temple of Heaven is a temple complex located in Beijing.
It was built in the early 15th century during the Ming dynasty and was used by the emperor to offer sacrifices to heaven.
The temple complex covers a large area and has three main parts: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests where the emperor offered prayers, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, as well as the Circular Mound Altar.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese empire.
Stretching over 13,000 miles, it is one of the longest man-made structures in the world and also the most famous attraction in the country.
The wall was built over the course of centuries by different dynasties and rulers.
Construction began in the 7th century BC and continued into the 16th century AD.
The Great Wall also served as a way to control trade and immigration.
Visitors can hike or take a cable car to the top of the wall for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu
The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a research and breeding facility for the famous giant pandas located in Chengdu.
The non profit was founded in the 1980s to save the endangered giant panda.
Today, the base has over 80 giant pandas of all ages, making it one of the largest captive breeding populations in the world.
In addition to giant pandas, the base also houses red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and other animals.
The Chengdu research base has a visitor center with exhibits on the giant panda and its habitat.
Visitors can also see the pandas up close in the outdoor enclosures.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an
The Terracotta Army is a collection of over 8,000 life-size terracotta sculptures of soldiers and horses.
The figures were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi, in 210 BC.
They were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well on their land.
The terracotta warriors are located in three pits near the emperor’s tomb.
They are thought to have been buried to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
Today, the Terracotta Army is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can see the figures up close in the museum that houses them.
While you are here take some time to visit the historic City. Admire the Xian City Wall, City Gates, as well as other historic buildings.
Leshan Giant Buddha, Leshan
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-foot-tall statue of a seated Buddha located in the city of Leshan.
The statue was carved out of a cliff face by monks in the 8th century. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.
The Leshan Giant Buddha can be reached by taking a fun ferry trip from Chengdu.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of nine gardens located in the city of Suzhou.
The gardens were built between the 11th and 19th centuries. They are considered to be masterpieces of Chinese garden design.
The gardens are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the gardens as well as enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Tiananmen Square is a large public square in the center of Beijing.
The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Tiananmen Square is also the site of the annual National Day Parade, which is held on October 1st to celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The square is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.
Yangtze River Cruise
A Yangtze River cruise is a popular way to see the Three Gorges region of China.
The cruise takes passengers through the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam.
The dam is located on the mighty Yangtze River, the longest river in China. The cruise also stops at the cities of Chongqing and Wushan.
Passengers can explore the city sights, see small villages, as well as visit the local markets. The cruise typically lasts 3-4 days.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world.
The city is located on the east coast of China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
Shanghai is a major financial and cultural center.
The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the Bund, a waterfront area with colonial-style buildings.
Shanghai is also home to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China.
The city is a popular tourist destination for its food, shopping, as well as nightlife.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China.
The city is located on the south coast of China, at the Pearl River Delta.
Hong Kong is a major financial and cultural center.
The city is known for its skyline, which features towering skyscrapers.
Hong Kong is also home to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island.
The city is a popular tourist destination for its food, shopping, and nightlife.
Macau
Macau is a special administrative region of China.
The city is located on the south coast of China, at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta.
Macau was a Portuguese colony from the 16th to the 20th century.
Today, the city is a major tourist destination for its casinos and colonial architecture.
Visitors can explore the city’s historic center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a national park located in the city of Zhangjiajie.
The park is home to the Avatar Mountains, which served as the inspiration for the movie Avatar.
The park is also home to Huangshi Village, a traditional Chinese village.
Visitors can explore the village and see the local farms and houses as well as visit the popular area of Golden Whip Stream.
The park is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty.
Li River, Guilin
For centuries, the Li River has been one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.
Winding its way through the picturesque karst landscape of Guilin, the river provides a stunning backdrop for boating excursions and photographs.
Legend has it that the river was created by a dragon, and its meandering course certainly seems to support this claim.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of limestone cliffs, bamboo forests, and traditional Chinese villages.
The Li River is truly a unique and magical place, and it is no wonder that it is one of China’s most beloved tourist destinations.
Harbin Ice and Snow World
Harbin Ice and Snow World is an annual winter festival held in the city of Harbin.
The snow festival features ice sculptures, snow sculptures, and winter sports.
Visitors can explore the festival grounds and see the various attractions.
The festival is a popular tourist destination for its unique atmosphere.
Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, is a site of Chinese Buddhist art in Dunhuang, Gansu province.
The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years.
The first caves were carved out in 366 AD and the last in 1449 AD.
The Mogao Caves are located at the eastern end of the Silk Road, where the desert meets the oasis.
Dunhuang was an important stopover for traders traveling along this ancient trade route.
As such, the caves reflect the religious and cultural influences of Buddhism from India, Persia, Central Asia, and China.
Today, the Mogao Caves are a popular tourist destination for their artistic and historical value.
Potala Palace
The magnificent Potala Palace is a Buddhist monastery located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.
This beautiful palace was the home of the Dalai Lama before he fled to India during the Tibetan uprising in 1959.
Today, the palace is a popular tourist destination for its architecture and religious significance.
The palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou Valley is a nature reserve located in Sichuan province.
The valley is home to waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, and forests.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty.
West Lake, Hangzhou
West Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.
Located in Hangzhou, the lake is surrounded by a number of different attractions, including temples, pagodas, gardens, and museums.
It is renowned for its scenic beauty and has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets and photographers for centuries.
Visitors to West Lake can enjoy a variety of activities, including cruise on the many tour boats, hiking and cycling.
The lake is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites, making it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the history and culture of China.
Yellow Mountain, Huangshan
The Yellow Mountain, or Huangshan, is one of the most famous China attractions.
It is famous for its surreal landscape of towering peaks, hot springs, odd-shaped pine trees, and strange rock formations.
Huangshan is also popular for its rich history and culture.
The mountain is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims since centuries.
It features in many works of arts as well as movies.
The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Chinese tiger.
Due to its unique beauty, the Yellow Mountain has been a popular spot for tourists for centuries.
Every year, millions of people come to hike the mountain’s trails and enjoy the stunning views.
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is a region of China that is rich in history and culture.
The region is home to the Mongolian people, who have their own language and customs.
Inner Mongolia is also famous for its landscape, which includes the Gobi Desert and the Great Wall of China.
Despite its remote location, Inner Mongolia is a popular tourist destination, due to its unique combination of culture and natural beauty.
Visitors to Inner Mongolia can experience traditional Mongolian life, explore the desert landscape, and also see some of China’s most famous landmarks.
A must visit China attraction is the city of Hohhot, which was once the capital of the Mongol Empire.
You can enjoy a number of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the many temples and historical sites.
Inner Mongolia is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Chinese red panda.
Shaolin Temple
The Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist monastery located in the Song mountains of Henan province.
The temple is famous for its association with martial arts and for its unique architecture.
Founded in 495 AD, the temple has been a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists for centuries.
Today, the Shaolin Temple is a popular tourist destination for its religious and historical significance.
Visitors to the temple can participate in a number of activities, including martial arts classes, meditation, as well as explore the many temples and historical sites.
Famous Chinese foods
There are a variety of famous Chinese foods that are popular with tourists.
Some of the most popular include Peking duck, dumplings, and off course noodles.
Peking duck is a dish that originated in Beijing.
Made by roasting a whole duck over an open fire, this is the essential Chinese dish.
Locals serve the peking duck with pancakes, scallions, and a sweet sauce.
Dumplings are another popular Chinese dish.
Made by wrapping a filling of pork or vegetables in a dough wrapper, the dumplings taste like comfort food.
They can boiled or steamed or pan fried and are in variety of shapes.
Noodles are a staple of Chinese cuisine.
Popular street food includes noodles served in soup, stir-fried noodles, as well as cold noodles.
These are just a few of the many popular Chinese dishes that tourists can enjoy.
Traditional tea ceremony
While tea is commonly consumed in many cultures around the world, the traditional tea ceremony in China is a unique and revered ritual.
The ceremony involves the preparation and serving of tea using special utensils and techniques.
Locals view it as a way to promote harmony and peace and often perform it as a formal event.
Visitors to China can experience the tea ceremony at many local teahouses.
During the ceremony, visitors will have the opportunity to sample different types of tea and learn about the history and cultural significance of this important beverage.
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to visit China is during the spring or autumn.
The climate is generally mild during these times of year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
However, visitors should be aware that the spring and autumn are also peak tourist season.
If you are planning a trip to China, be sure to book your hotel as well as flights well in advance.
China is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture.
From the Great Wall to the Terra Cotta Warriors, there are countless reasons to visit China.
Travelers can explore ancient temples, stroll through picturesque gardens, and also shop in bustling markets.
In addition, China is home to some of the best food in the world.
From spicy Sichuan cuisine to delicate Cantonese dim sum, there are endless culinary delights to sample.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that China is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.