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15 Important Cities in China for Business Travel

Yangtze river delta city cluster around shanghai.

30 cities constitute the Yangtze River Delta City Cluster. Apart from Shanghai, there are Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi , Changzhou , Zhenjiang , Nantong , Yangzhou , Taizhou , Yancheng , Huai’an , Lianyungang , Suqian and Xuzhou in Jiangsu Province, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou , Jiaxing , Huzhou , Shaoxing , Jinhua , Quzhou , Zhoushan , Taizhou and Lishui in Zhejiang Province, and Hefei , Ma’anshan , Wuhu , Chuzhou and Huainan in Anhui Province. Though the Yangtze River Delta only occupies 300,000 km2 (115,830 sq. mi), 2.1% of China’s land area, more than 170 million people live here and generate 1/4 of China’s GDP and 1/4 of the country’s industrial added value, serving as a powerful engine for China’s economy. The top 5 recommended destinations for your business trip to China are all in this area.

Ningbo

Important cities in china pearl river delta.

The Pearl River Delta lies in central and southern Guangdong Province in southeast China, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai , Dongguan, Foshan, Zhaoqing , Huizhou , Zhongshan and Jiangmen . It has an area of 55,370 km2 (21,380 sq. mi) and population of 63 million, contributing to over 10% of China’s GDP. Electronic information and household appliances manufacturing are the most characteristic industries. Besides, it is a popular place for overseas companies to conduct industrial transfer. On the periphery of the delta are another two most important cities in China, Hong Kong and Macau. The development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) not only accelerates economic growth, but also stimulates the synergic effect among these ‘9+2’ cities, paving way for a world-class prosperous bay area.

Shenzhen

Hong kong , other important cities in china for business trip, you may like.

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The 5 Best Cities For Doing Business in China

Written by AllTheRooms

AllTheRooms is made up of a range of travelers who have lived, worked, and partied in all areas of the planet. We research the best places and most important tips for all types of globetrotters looking to scratch their wanderlust itch.

Last Updated on May 29, 2019

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When scanning the landscape for favorable business locations, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of important variables you need to take into consideration. Depending on your industry, these variables can range from the reliability of local infrastructure, demographic factors, government policies, and the availability of trading zones.

For many reasons, China has emerged with an interesting amount of advantages that appeal to both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs and investors. Firstly, Xi Jinping’s quasi-capitalist government has set measures in place such as incubators and subsidies that really incentivize business development. At the same time, industries such as internet finance, digital health, and e-commerce have yet to be fully regulated, which makes the country an exciting place for budding business owners. Additionally, as the world’s second-largest economy, China has a wide availability of money in the market, specifically in venture capital and private equity. On the demand side, it’s no secret that the country has a massive consumer market, so the opportunities to scale are more favorable than in many other places.

Perhaps most the most elusive and important variable in China is its prevalent business-friendly ecosystem. The country is effectively a soft-power hub where opportunities to network and create partnerships are all within arms-reach. For these reasons, your question shouldn’t be “should I do business in China?” but rather, “should I do business in Shanghai, Wuhan, or Beijing?”. If you’re ready to make the leap, here’s a thorough breakdown of the 5 best cities for doing business in China.

China’s capital city is traditionally known for its rich history and extensive imperial past but has quickly become one of the world’s most modern hubs for doing business. It currently hosts upwards of 21 million people and some of the largest and most profitable corporations. Beijing is a quick city in all aspects of the word. Internet speeds are off the chart, cash is being replaced by instant-pay apps, facial recognition software is largely utilized to facilitate bank transfers and payments, and people are generally known to be quick, savvy decision-makers with aggressive business mentalities.

Beneath the surface, Beijing has recently been implementing a series of business-friendly measures that make the city’s economic environment quite appealing. Both private and public institutions are adopting the mantra that every little bit counts. Manual transactions are now online, procedures have been either streamlined or shortened, and costs have been reduced. Here’s why Beijing is China’s most business-friendly city:

Creating a Business

In March 2018, Beijing significantly expedited the processes required to start your own business. The daunting question of “how long will it take to get my business running?” has been answered by the city’s authorities. Now, the entire registration process can be completed within one week as opposed to the previous three weeks. In each of the city’s five districts, Beijing has set up “one window” stations where you can submit your registration materials in one convenient meeting. The online registration mediums have been shortened from eight days to two days, with same-day approval available in some circumstances.

Property Registration

Prior to this year, the departments of transactions, taxes, and registration were each their own entities to be dealt with separately. Nowadays, the three have been combined under one online platform. Registering your property is now easier than ever, and city officials expect that 90% of applications will be handled through the new online interface.

Incentivizing Foreign Investment and Participation

In an effort to attract talent from overseas, Beijing has announced new policies related to visas, residency, and foreign investment. Those who qualify will benefit from longer visa terms, permanent residency, freer cross-border travel, and the ability to enroll their children in schools. Beijing has also relaxed regulation required for foreign investment.

New inspirations, destinations, adventures.

2. Shanghai

Number two on our list of China’s most business-friendly cities is Shanghai, the country’s most populous city. In the last two decades, Shanghai has witnessed a large increase in business opportunities for both locals and foreigners. Even during the 2008 recession, Shanghai experienced significant economic growth. Here are some reasons why businesses have been thriving in Shanghai:

Shanghai Free Trade Zone

Perhaps the most prominent reason why investors are interested in setting up shop in Shanghai is the newly established Shanghai Free Trade Zone. The country’s first real attempt to implement regional economic reform since 1980 has begun with incredible success. The zone is essentially a safe space for a range of business-related practices. Capital required to set up a company has been effectively eliminated, as well as the capital required for single shareholder companies and joint-stock companies. Foreign investors are no longer required to invest 15% within 3 months and 100% within 2 years, with timelines being made significantly longer. The city’s government has pledged to open up 18 service industry sectors to foreign investment including shipping, law, and engineering. Even video game consoles are now allowed to be sold in the region, previously banned in China since 2000.

Ideal Location

Shanghai is strategically located in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta and lays claim to the busiest container port in all of China. For this reason, the city is one of the world’s most prominent shipping hubs. In knowing that two of the city’s top sectors — real estate and retail — are heavily dependent upon sourcing foreign materials, Shanghai’s location is perfect for businesses that are resource-intensive. The city is also well-equipped with modern transportation infrastructure available by air, rail, and road.

Culture and Society

One of the often-cited reasons why foreigners find Shanghai appealing is the mix of centuries-old tradition and modern innovation. The city projects a curious blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Western gaudiness. Guanxi – – the central idea in Chinese society relating to relationships and trust — is heavily valued in business environments. Furthermore, Shanghai boasts one of the country’s best educational systems. Although this may seem unrelated, knowing that China’s best young talent is easily available in your backyard is worthy of consideration when deciding where to build your business.

3. Shenzhen

Strategically located just 20 miles from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is another one of China’s economic stomping grounds. Hosting industry leaders such as the tech giant Tencent, smartphone producer Huawei, and drone technology innovator DJI, Shenzhen is commonly known as the “Silicon Valley of China”. Innovation may be the primary reason for Shenzhen’s position on this list (the city spends five times more on research and development than Hong Kong), but it’s certainly not the only one. If you’re looking beyond the household names of Beijing and Shanghai, the “migrant city” from humble beginnings may be your ideal location to start a business. Here’s why:

Economic and Tax Incentives

Much like Shanghai, Shenzhen has created a special economic zone to help incentivize certain industries. The QianHai Zone provides lower labor costs, lower rental costs, a closer proximity to mainland China manufacturing, lower corporate taxes and other financial incentives. In terms of specific industries, reports suggest that the fields of finance, IT, logistics, science, and technology are particularly suited to flourish in the QianHai special economic zone.

Industrial Design Parks

A unique feature of Shenzhen is the presence of specially designated “design parks” to help curate ideas and spur business development. The incubators essentially help businesses get off the ground. For example, the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park focuses on ventures in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, chemical production, and electronics. Other examples include the Shenzhen Software Park, an important program created by the Shenzhen Municipal Government supporting the development of the software industry, and the Sino-Finnish Design Park which facilitates cooperation between companies and governments in Shenzhen and Helsinki.

Location, Location, Location

Listed as the third busiest container port in the world, Shenzhen is another great option for setting up your business in China. Being as far South as it is, Shenzhen is significantly closer to the economies of Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. If not for business purposes, these regions are great getaway spots for vacations.

Other Intriguing Factors

Shenzhen also flexes its muscles in ways not necessarily business related. It goes without saying that it’s an international city, but it’s also a very green city with lush parks, surrounded by rolling mountain ranges. There is a highly developed transportation system and many tourist attractions including nearby beach resorts. To top it off, there’s a captivating nightlife, cheap shopping malls, and a thriving expat community.

4. Hangzhou

Generally speaking, China’s economic growth has been slowing for the past several years. However, thanks largely to the emergence of high-tech industries, that hasn’t been true for Hangzhou. Located just southwest of Shanghai, Hangzhou recently emerged on the scene thanks to a collection of socially and environmentally-friendly policies at the G20 summit. The government shut down environmentally-damaging factories and gave employees vouchers to incentivize vacation. Here’s why Hangzhou is on our list of most business-friendly cities in China:

Emergence of Hi-Tech

Thanks in no small part to the founding and subsequent eruption of the world’s largest e-commerce company, Alibaba, Hangzhou has earned the title of China’s “capital of e-commerce” and been on the receiving end of what some call the Alibaba effect. In 2016 Hangzhou became one of China’s e-commerce pilot cities and was granted preferential powers and tax policies for handling foreign goods. If your company model has to do with e-commerce and hi-tech, Hangzhou may be your best bet.

Government Assistance

Hangzhou emerged as the world’s e-commerce capital largely in part due to strategically implemented government measures to help prop-up business ventures. The city’s government provides tax breaks for hi-tech firms, incentives for internet startups, and even housing subsidies for entrepreneurs and marketing events.

Other Key Industries

In addition to hi-tech and e-commerce, Hangzhou is an important player in the industries of equipment, biotechnology, and food and beverage manufacturing. Although known as China’s “capital of silk and women’s garment’s,” some say the labor-intensiveness of the industry doesn’t add much value to the city’s overall growth potential.

Rounding up our list of China’s most business-friendly cities is Wuhan. A bit of a geographic outlier here, Wuhan is considered a political, economic, cultural, and educational hub of central China. Traditionally speaking, Wuhan has been primarily focused on the manufacturing sector. However, all that changed in recent years. Today the city boasts four scientific and technological development parks, over 350 research institutes, 1,600+ hi-tech institutes and investments from 230 Fortune Global 500 enterprises. If your business is better suited to a more central-China location, Wuhan is your place. Here are our reasons why:

Regional Advantages

Located 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) West of Shanghai on the Yangtze River, Wuhan is home to the largest inland port in China and one of the largest in the world. The city effectively links East with the West, as well as the North and South through advanced transportation technologies available by land, air, and river.

Special Industrial Zones

Building on its heritage as a manufacturing stronghold, Wuhan is home to many “special industrial zones” helpful in supporting industries from different sectors. Examples include the Optics Valley Area specializing in biotechnology and environmental protection, the Automotive Industry Cluster focusing on automobile and aviation, and the Wuhan New Port-neighboring Industry Cluster, which focuses on river transportation and steel-processing.

Culture of Urbanization

In the past few decades as China began modernizing, most people from smaller towns bypassed Wuhan en route to China’s bigger cities on the eastern coast. These days, however, Wuhan is noticing a huge population influx of its own. The result has been a growth in urban development and local attractions. Han Street, a new shopping complex, is one with plenty of Western brands that stretches for football fields. Han Street, the new metro system, and loads of employment opportunities represent the business ambitions of central China.

Destinations

Travel Guide

Best Places to Visit for Expats in China

No matter you are in China for business, study or permanent living, you are highly suggested to make maximize use of your weekends and holidays to explore this wonderful country. Maybe getting up close to the incredible landscapes is your preference? Are you interested in the unique culture of the Great Wall, Kung Fu and ancient army? Or do you want to take your taste buds on a trip by sampling Chinese specialties? China offers all of this and more.

Here are up-to-date lists of Best Places to Visit in China for China Expats . All are voted completely by over 20,000 foreigners in China.

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Best China Tours for Expats in China:

☛ 3 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Natural Wonders Tour
☛ 2 Days Leisure Chengdu Private Tour with Panda Visit
☛ 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour
☛ 4 Days Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour (Silk Road Short Break)

For Nature Lovers

Have you been yearning to nature for a long time? China has everything for you, from the majestic gorges to towering Kast Mountains, magical avatar mountains to holy snow mountains, breathtaking Yellow Mountain to beautiful Rainbow Mountains, stunning rivers to pure alpine lakes, otherworldly stone forest to spectacular waterfalls, and so on.

Guilin Guilin's Scenery is the best under heaven! This ideal place always drives tourists crazy with majestic Karst Hills, emerald rivers…
Yellow Mountain "No mountain is worth seeing after a trip to Yellow Mountain". Yellow Mountain, or called Huangshan, is the most beautiful mountain in China!
Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains are calling! Here in Zhangjiajie, you can get up close to thousands of magical Avatar pillars!

Guizhou Guizhou has China's largest waterfall - Huangguoshu Waterfalls, a rising star among mountaineers - Fanjingshan…

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park

Daocheng Yading Daocheng is praised as the Last Pure Land on Our Planet! It has superb snow mountains, ice glaciers, alpine lakes, valleys…
Hangzhou When it comes to the most beautiful lake in China, Hangzhou West Lake usually tops the list. Mountains of tea plantations in this city are also amazing!
Kunming Kunming, the spring city with pleasant weather all year round, is also rich in natural wonders like the stone forest, red land…

Best China Tours for Nature Lovers

☛ 3 Days Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour
☛ 4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour
☛ 3 Days Huangshan Highlights Leisure Tour
☛ 3 Days Classic Fanjingshan Tour
☛ 5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour

For Chinese History & Culture Fans

With as long as 5,000 years of history, China has abundant of cultural museums and heritages to explore. It is because of its long history and splendid culture that every year China attracts flocks of visitors to come and travel around. If you are also Chinese culture fans, simply visiting museums isn’t always enough. You’ll get the most satisfactions out of ruins of ancient times in front of you and visiting places that once the capital and prosperous hub in the past. Getting close to its historic cities and sites is like opening a door to trace the mysterious and splendid past. And in China, the cities below are the top picks to trace its past.

Beijing From the world-class Great Wall to spectacular Forbidden City, Beijing, of course, always tops the travel list of Chinese culture fans.

Lijiang Lijiang Old Town is one of the four best well-preserved ancient towns in the whole China. Lijiang also has Baisha Village, Shuhe Ancient Village…

Suzhou "Suzhou Gardens are the finest under heaven". Suzhou City has a flavor of elegance everywhere, from the classic gardens to water towns, silk factories to ancient streets…
Foshan Fungfu Fans? Why not add Foshan, the Hometown of Marital Arts, into your trip? You can learn the stories of many martial arts masters here, including Bruce Lee!
Shaolin Temple Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu that you see in many Kung Fu movies. Here, you can join the Kung Fu classes and enjoy Kung Fu shows.
Kaili If you are curious about the minority culture in China, or want to visit some well-preserved minority villages, Kaili is one of the best choices.
Leshan Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-visit for all Buddhist devotees. This stone Buddha is the tallest in the world!

Best China Tours for Chinese History & Culture Fans

☛ 2 Days Beijing Layover Highlights Tour
☛ 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
☛ 3 Days Romantic Lijiang Tour with Visits to Naxi Kingdom
☛ 3 Days Essence of Luoyang Tour
☛ 3 Days Best Dunhuang Culture and Scenery Tour
☛ 3 Days Kaili Minority & Cultural Experience Tour with Xijiang Miao Village

For Families

If you are in China with your kids and searching for places to spend your weekends and holidays, choices are a lot. You can visit the China Icons like Great Wall and pandas, sail the picturesque Yangtze River or Li River and marvel at the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie and so on.

Xian Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda , Bell Tower, Drum Tower… Everyone can have fun in Xian.
Yangtze River The classic Yangtze River cruises take 4~5 days. If you have more days, you can have an in-depth visit of 11~15 days. Everything is perfectly arranged for your family.

Zhangjiajie Floating Avatar Mountains, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Yellow Dragon Cave, nearby tranquil Fenghuang Ancient Town…
Chengdu Everyone loves adorable Pandas! And in Chengdu, you can not only admire their lovely looks in a distance but also be a one-day keeper to feed them...
Yangshuo Guilin’s scenery is the best under earth, and the landscape in Yangshuo is the best in Guilin. Yangshuo is an ideal place to take a glimpse of Chinese countryside!

Xiashuangbanna Featured with large groups of plants and wild animals and a strong flavor of tropical and South East Asian, Xishuangbanna is a popular tourist land for families.

Best China Tours for Families

☛ 4 Days Beijing Family Tour with Kids Fun
☛ 2 Days Xian City Break
☛ 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour
☛ Days Best Shanghai Family Holiday Tour

For Hiking Aficionados

Looking for some amazing accesses to wonderful mountains, gorges and so on by your steps? No matter you are beginners or experienced hikers, China can perfectly fulfill your dreams. There are notable great wall, popular Yellow Mountain, adventurous Mount Kailash, little-known Yubeng and so forth for you to choose!

Great Wall "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man"! There are top 7 sections of great walls are calling, including Mutianyu, Jinshaling, Badaling, Simatai, etc.

Tiger Leaping Gorge The Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trail is one of the most famous routes in the world! It is a totally natural one winding through the hillside and cliffs high above a gorgeous gorge.

Mount Siguniang The beautiful Mount Siguniang provides diverse of hiking opportunities, from leisure hiking to top professional hiking to the summits of Snow Mountains.

Best China Tours for Hiking Aficionados

☛ 2 Days Mutianyu and Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
☛ 3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour
☛ 2 Days Mount Emei Leisure Hiking Tour from Chengdu
☛ 3 Days Xian Mount Huashan Leisure Tour

For Foodies

Every city in China offers diverse delicious dining options. You can of course treat your taste mud with excellent dishes in the city you are living or working. However, if you want some authentic tastes of specialties of different regions, you can head to Chengdu for Sichuan Cuisine dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, to Chongqing for Nine-grid hot pot, to Shunde for excellent Cantonese Cuisine, to Xian for various kinds of cooked wheaten food…

Chengdu Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan, the province where many notable dishes like including Mapo Tofu, Twice Cooked Pork and Gong Bao (yes Kung Pow) Chicken originate.

Beijing Everyone knows Beijing Roast Duck! Instant-boiled Mutton is also delicious. You may also like the unique Fermented Mung Bean Juice, Rolling Donkey, Pea Flour Cake…

Chongqing The hot pot meals in Chongqing, the Hot Pot City in China, are considered to the best and most beloved. You can throw almost any ingredient into the hotpot.

Best China Tours for Foodies

☛ 2 Days Best Chengdu Food Tour with City Sightseeing
☛ 5 Days Brilliant Lingnan Culture & Food Tour
☛ 4 Days Beijing Food Hunting Tour

For Photography Enthusiasts

Photography is a great way to record the beautiful China and forever keep your memories during your travels in China. No matter you are professional photospheres with superb photographic "guns" or shutterbugs who just want some interesting Instagram images, China never let you down. From the sprawling mountains to the scenic beaches, idyllic rice terraces to never-ending meadows, China is full of great places to press your shutter.

Longji Rice Terraces Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin is not only famous for its huge size and traditional minority culture, but also unique terraces in amazing shapes of moons, phoenixes, dragons...

Best China Tours for Photography Enthusiasts

☛ 4 Days Xiapu Mudflat Photography Tour
☛ 4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Awesome Photography Tour

For Modern Charms Philatelists

Looking forward to visit the modern cities to experience the rapid development of China or to feel the most state-of-the-art high-techs? There are also a lot of recommendations in China.

Hong Kong From high-end shopping malls to colorful recreation venues, luxury cruises to stunning skyline, every corner in Hong Kong gives you perfect explanations about modern.
Shenzhen Shenzhen is regarded as an incubator for cutting-edge design, a rule-breaking tech hub and a bastion of next-gen urbanism. High-tech stories usually starts here!
Guangzhou Guangzhou is at the forefront of modern living, but is not that crazy as Shanghai and Shenzhen. Shopping and dining sprees there are great!

Best China Tours for Modern Charms Philatelists

☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
☛ 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour
☛ 2 Days Shenzhen Short Stay Tour with All Essences

Helpful China Expats Travel Guide

Weekend Trips from Beijing
Weekend Trips from Shanghai
Shanghai Day Tours 2024
Weekend Trips from Chengdu
Weekend Trips from Guangzhou
Weekend Trips from Shenzhen
Weekend Trips from Hangzhou
Weekend Trips from Suzhou
China Expats Travel Tips

Recommended China Tours for Expats 2024

This is the most popular China tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai to visit the most iconic China attractions - Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, etc., and explore great of both China’s past and present.

Guilin Li River Scenery on 20 RMB Chinese Note, Taken by Claire from UK in October 2021

With the Golden Triangle plus the fabulous Karst and countryside scenery of Guilin, this tour leads you to top 4 destinations anyone cannot miss out in China especially for the first-timers.

Travel from north to south China, meet stunning nature and culture, urban and countryside scenery with relaxing cruise experience on the beautiful Yangtze River.

Coverinng top highlights in China to please your eyes, ease your spirit, witness grand and beautiful landscape in special ways.

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When you’re thinking about starting a business in China, it’s like picking your dream destination for a great adventure! But, before you pack your bags, let’s talk about choosing the perfect city to start your business journey. China has this cool classification system for its cities: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Think of it like ranking cities by how awesome they are businesses. The most recent ranking of Chinese cities for their commercial magnetism has just been released. There are more new first-tier cities now. Now, here’s the exciting part: Tier 1 cities are like the superheroes of business cities! They excel in so many ways, making them the top places on our list.

But wait, there’s more! These Tier 1 cities also have a bustling atmosphere of competition, which can be a great motivator. Plus, they’re often close to other businesses, making collaboration a piece of cake. Oh, and they’ve got that fancy image that can boost your brand’s reputation. Last but not least, their business policies are usually pretty friendly for entrepreneurs.

So, when you’re thinking about where to set up shop in China, it’s no surprise that the Tier 1 cities are the top contenders. They’re like the A-listers of the business world!

Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in Central China, has received a notable upgrade, securing its position as a new first-tier city. Wuhan hit hard during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a dip in its business district’s strength, sliding down seven places. Additionally, the daily average number of people moving around the city decreased by two positions. But, it still holds significant importance as a political, economic, financial, cultural, and educational center in the heart of China. Major industries thriving here include optical electronics, automobile manufacturing, and iron and steel production.

Additionally, the city is witnessing growth in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental protection. Wuhan’s GDP is notably split between its industrial and service sectors, showcasing its diverse economic landscape.

Nanjing isn’t just a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage; it’s also a powerhouse in terms of economic development and urban infrastructure. Situated in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, Nanjing plays a multifaceted role as a central hub for politics, industry, culture, logistics, and technology within Jiangsu Province. In recognition of its historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and robust economic prowess, Nanjing was officially granted sub-provincial administrative status by the Central Government of China, joining a select group of 15 other cities in this prestigious category back in 1994.

Hangzhou:

Hangzhou is the capital of Jiangsu, advantageously located 2 hours away(by rail) from Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta. Hangzhou is best known for being the headquarters location of Alibaba and for West Lake. West Lake is a huge lake surrounded by ancient temples and gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site, located in the middle of the city.

Hangzhou (along with Chengdu) is considered an “Emerging 1st tier city” with characteristics resembling that of a first-tier city. The city attracts a lot of great domestic talents and is an IT and science research hub.

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and the gateway to western China, also renowned for its panda sanctuaries. It is located in the center of China, 2 hours away from Chongqing, the only other mega-city in the region making this two-city hub the uncontested business center in western and Inner China.

Chengdu is an “emerging 1st tier city” and is the most advanced 2nd tier city in China. It benefits greatly from being an almost tier 1 city in the emerging deep China regions of Sichuan and the surrounding provinces. Chengdu is the fastest (economically) growing city in China. In 2019 Bloomberg reported Chengdu had overtaken Shenzhen becoming the best performing city in China.

China’s capital and the 2nd most populous city in China. Beijing is the political and cultural center of China and has long been a major international business hub. It is home to the highest number of billionaires and fortune 500 companies in the world. The city is home to the second highest number of foreign talents in China, after Shanghai.

However, most of the fortune 500 companies in Beijing are state-owned and the city has a general reputation of having stricter policies in regards to foreigners and foreign business operations which is why we decided to rank Beijing last out of the 4 tier 1 cities on our list.

Also known as Canton, Guangzhou is over 2200 years old serving as the terminus of the ancient Silk Road. It is worth noting that the locals’s first language is Cantonese, although many speak Mandarin as a second language. The city is the capital of Guangdong province, the most populous and urbanized province in China. Guangzhou is home to a large number of foreigners from Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

The Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in the world, happens twice a year in Guangzhou. In 2019 the fair attracted 200,000 visitors and generated over $30 billion in trade. For this, Guangzhou is an ideal location for trading and commerce.

Shenzhen is located in Guangdong province in the Pearl River Delta, less than an hour away from Hong Kong. Shenzhen is China’s most hi-tech city, richest city (per capita income), and youngest city. The average Shenzhen resident is 28 years old. Deemed the hardware capital of the world, the area around Shenzhen produces 90% of the world’s electronics. Arguably the best location in the world to prototype and produce consumer electronics due to the abundance and proximity of custom-made and retail suppliers.

The city is a tech and financial hub, with some of the largest tech and banking companies in the world being headquartered there such as Tencent, Huawei, DJI, BYD, China Merchants Bank, and Ping’An Bank. Shenzhen is the 4th city in the world with the most billionaires (after Beijing, Shanghai, and New York).

Before 1980, Shenzhen was a tiny village bordering Hong Kong. In 1980, the CPC designated the area as China’s first free trade zone and the influx of population and direct investment quickly followed. Because it is a new city, roads and infrastructures are modern and transportation is not a concern.

Shanghai always ranks among the best cities for business in China. It is the most populous city in China, has the largest and busiest metro system in the world, and has the busiest container port in the world. Shanghai has long been a favorite in China among expats, it has the highest population of foreigners in China. It is an international hub where top talents from all over China and the rest of the world settle in to find work opportunities. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, large numbers of college educated Chinese who had studied and lived overseas, migrated (or moved back) to Shanghai, further adding to the talent pool.

Shanghai is advantageously located at the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta, halfway between the capital Beijing in the north and the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong) in the south. The city’s location in combination with China’s expansive railway and multiple airports make it an ideal well-rounded place to travel to and from in China, East Asia, and Southeast

In conclusion, choosing the right city to start your business in China is like laying a strong foundation for your business. Starting a business in a first-tier city in China offers a multitude of advantages. These cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, provide access to vast and diverse consumer markets, a highly skilled workforce, and numerous networking opportunities. They are hubs for finance and investment, making it easier to secure funding and establish global connections.

Additionally, first-tier cities often offer favorable policies and incentives for businesses, fostering a supportive environment for startups and growth. Being in such a competitive environment can stimulate innovation and enhance your business’s visibility. Moreover, the rich cultural and lifestyle amenities of these cities can attract and retain top talent, ensuring your business’s long-term success.

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15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)

China, a captivating blend of history and natural beauty, beckons travelers with its incredible destinations.

From ancient wonders to modern marvels, there is no shortage of incredible places to explore in this vast nation.

These 15 places we've selected are great ideas for your annual family trip, birthday trip, anniversary trip, bucket list trip, or any other big milestone trip.

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1. The Great Wall
3. Xi'an
6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
8. Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou
9. Huangshan
10. The Silk Road
11. The Greater Bay Area
13. Jiuzhaigou
14. The Yangtze River
15. Inner Mongolia

1. The Great Wall — Top Landmark of China

The Great Wall is an absolute must-see when visiting China, particularly for first-time travelers. This ancient and magnificent military defense project, spanning tens of thousands of kilometers, continues to emanate a distinct allure.

Aside from the option of visiting the Great Wall via cable car, embarking on a hike along the Wall would also serve as a fantastic means of exploration .

For those with ample time and a penchant for adventure, camping on the Great Wall could be an exhilarating experience.

During summertime visits, it is highly recommended to explore the Great Wall at night to escape the heat. Alternatively, witnessing the sunset and indulging in a prepared picnic would make for a delightful experience.

If you are planning a trip to China and want to make an itinerary based on your interests and requirements, feel free to contact us . Our tour services are personalized .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2. Beijing — The Ultimate Destination for First-Time Explorers

Beijing, the capital of China, is the most popular tourist destination in China every year. You could get the maximum experience of Chinese culture and history from one destination.

There you could learn some stories about Chinese emperors by walking in the Forbidden City, which was once their home.

For foodies, Peking Duck is not to be missed, and there are plenty of hidden snack bars in the hutongs.

If you want to experience the bustling (or leisurely retired) life of Beijingers, you could visit a Beijinger family in the hutongs or walk around a local community with markets and parks.

3. Xi'an — Embrace the Essence of Culture in a City Steeped in History

One of the most popular China destinations among foreign travelers, Xi'an particularly attracts tourists on their first trip to China.

The Terracotta Army in Xi'an is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. More than 6,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses have been unearthed, all with different expressions and poses. Many remain interred.

For a richer experience and better understanding, we would arrange a hands-on experience of making your own clay warriors. Here you could get more ideas for your China trip on Top 10 Unique Experiences in China You Won't Miss

If you are looking for outdoor activities with your kids, we recommend a bike ride along Xi'an's 600-year-old Ancient City Wall where you could have a good all-around view of the city.

Hanging out and snacking on the Muslim Streets could also be a wonderful choice.

4. Chengdu — A Captivating Haven for Panda Enthusiasts

To make your first trip to China complete with a panda encounter, Chengdu cannot be missed.

Chengdu is the best place to see pandas in China. You could also take part in volunteer programs to take care of giant pandas.

During the program, you would get to go into pandas' bedrooms for daily cleaning duties, make their favorite cakes, watch them being fed, and get a souvenir certificate. See more on How Long to Spend in Chengdu .

5. Tibet — A Bucket List Favorite

Tibet is a sacred place for Buddhists as well as a bucket list destination for many travelers.

It is overflowing with rich Tibetan culture, characteristic Tibetan architectural structures, and unspoiled plateau scenery. Read more on How Long to Spend in Tibet .

There you could explore the Potala Palace, which is an iconic landmark in Tibet, travel to Everest Base camp and stand in front of the "Apex" of the Roof of the World, and gaze at the beauty of Yamdrok Lake and Namtso.

If you are traveling with kids and want to have some special experience, we recommend an interesting camp experience with a nomadic family on their pasture and working together with them. All our tours are customized.

5-Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour
8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
11-Day Overland Trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu
14-Day Tibet Tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — Nature Lover's Paradise

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, featuring precarious peaks, limpid streams, dense forests, large karst caves, and biodiversity, is one of the must-see scenic areas in China.

It was thrust into foreign travelers' eyes via the movie Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains were inspired (in part) by peaks like Heavenly Pillar in the park.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a sea of clouds by taking a cable car to the mountaintop. Walk along the steps, and you'll witness spectacular views unveiled before your eyes, offering a unique perspective from various angles.

Additionally, the cool and refreshing air will rejuvenate your mind, making it an ideal summer retreat.

7. Guilin — A Family Adventure Awaits in Nature's Playground

Guilin's idyllic scenery draws millions of tourists from near and far every year. Its marvelous limestone scenery is renowned as "the most beautiful on earth". The fresh air and countryside scenery make it an ideal place to escape industrial pollution.

Relax on a Li River cruise and enjoy its stunning karst landscapes. Go to Yangshuo, the tourism-magnet town near Guilin. You could also enjoy some time relaxing on a bamboo raft ride, bicycle, and/or sidecar tour to explore the countryside.

If you are seeking an adventurous experience with your kids, explore a wild limestone cave or discover a beautiful valley that is still mostly unknown, even to locals.

Going kayaking to enjoy the cool water and appreciate the karst scenery along the river could also be a wonderful family activity, especially in the summer.

8. Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou — 1 Hour by Bullet Train

High-speed rail gives you some new comfortable and convenient China tour options. Suzhou and Hangzhou are now only an hour's travel by bullet train from Shanghai!

In Shanghai, explore the Bund in-depth and its historical buildings and visit the world's biggest Starbucks and see how AR (augmented reality) is used in the store.

In Hangzhou, you could visit a tea plantation to see how farmers pick tea leaves and discover the process of making tea.

A trip to Suzhou will let you appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese gardens and water towns. See more on How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou .

9. Huangshan — Where Majestic Mountains Paint an Unforgettable Landscape

The legendary natural scenery is the highlight of Huangshan. It has "the most beautiful mountains in China". The Yellow Mountains, with their seas of clouds, oddly-shaped rocks and pines, and hot springs at the mountain foot, attract many many visitors.

Besides the enchanting mountains, you could also see the beautiful surrounding countryside. Escape to a rural utopia in Bishan village and see how artists have turned this small area into a rural paradise.

3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour
12-Day Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Guilin, and Hong Kong Tour - Selected Picturesque China

10. The Silk Road — Embark on an Unconventional Journey Through History

The Silk Road would show you a different China. It was once the most prosperous trade route in China. Even if it is no longer as prosperous as before, it is still proud to show its unique charm, waiting for every visitor to find its brilliance.

You would see marvelous landscapes with unique Danxia landforms, pristine deserts, and crystal lakes. Visit the old Mogao Caves to see fine murals and learn about how Buddhism entered China. See more on How Long to Spend on the Silk Road .

Feel its exotic culture in Xinjiang by visiting its lively bazaars, and mosques, and meeting friendly locals.

7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour
13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour - Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities
More 21-Day The Great Silk Road Tour

11. The Greater Bay Area (Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau) — Unveiling a Visa-Friendly Paradise

With its unique blend of cultures, this vibrant region offers many attractions.

From exploring the bustling streets of Hong Kong and admiring the skyline, to experiencing the glamorous Portuguese architecture in Macau and indulging in delicious Cantonese cuisine in Guangdong, there is something for everyone.

Besides, you could explore more in Guangdong to discover its Lingnan culture, such as watching amazing lion dancing and learning the Wing Chun style of kung fu in Foshan .

Hong Kong and Macau offer visa-free access to numerous international tourists, while Guangdong province also allows visitors to make use of the 144 visa-free transit policy .

12. Yunnan — Where Outdoor Adventures Meet Serene Natural Beauty

Located in Southwest China, Yunnan enjoys pleasant weather, warm in winter and cool in summer.

It is the most diverse and colorful area in China. There you could hike across Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the deepest gorges on the planet, visit the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoy a lazy time in the old towns, visit a non-public dormitory of Songzanlin Monastery, bike with the refreshing breezes of Erhai Lake...

All our tours can be customized. Contact us to create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour - Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan
9-Day Yunnan Family Tour - Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La

13. Jiuzhaigou — Immerse in the Serene Splendor of Lakes and Natural Beauty

Jiuzhaigou, located in Sichuan province, is a must-visit destination in China, especially for nature enthusiasts.

Its colorful lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and unique ecosystem make it a fairyland.

Take leisurely walks along the wooden boardwalks, immersing yourself in the serenity.

14. The Yangtze River — Embrace Serenity and Rekindle Your Affinity as Couples

The Yangtze River, the longest river in China and Asia, would offer stunning and diverse landscapes along its course.

A cruise offers leisurely couple time and provides several typical China-culture-related onboard activities.

Embarking on a cruise along the Yangtze, you would be amazed by the majestic Three Gorges, featuring towering cliffs, misty mountains, and serene waters.

The mesmerizing scenery of the Gorges changes with the seasons, from vibrant greenery in spring and summer to enchanting autumn foliage. As the river continues, picturesque countryside and terraced fields unfold, showcasing the rural charm of China.

Along the way, cultural and historical sites such as Fengdu Ghost City and Shibaozhai Pagoda provide insightful glimpses into China's rich heritage.

15. Inner Mongolia — Uncover Extraordinary Landscapes and Adventures

Inner Mongolia, a vast region in northern China, is also a destination that should not be missed.

The grasslands, stretching as far as the eye can see, offer a unique opportunity to experience the nomadic way of life. You could also stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian yurt to experience their traditional lifestyle .

Adventure out into Kubuqi Desert's hinterland to escape crowds and enjoy all kinds of interesting desert activities.

If you want to explore Mongolian culture, don't miss the Naadam Festival.

Tour China with Us

Below are recommended China tour itineraries for you, including the most popular places from the list above.

For a different combination of China cities, or to tour more of China your way, contact us with your favorite China highlights and we'll tailor-make your dream tour. All of our tours can be tailor-made.

11-Day Beijing- Xi'an-Guilin/Yangshuo- Shanghai Tour
2-Week Beijing- Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Guili-Shanghai Tour
Find some inspiration from our popular China tours

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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60 Essential Things to Know Before You Visit China for Business

More and more overseas businesses are expanding to China for new opportunities.

Business travels are the direct way to reach your potential customers and partner. But there are quite a few common issues in the China business travels for western businessmen.

After several years China market entry consulting, I’ve compiled some top tips for going to China that many businessmen wish they’d had before landing in China.

Essential Things to Know Before You Visit China for Business

Make your china business travel plan, 1. set up business appointments.

It would be quite easy if you only need to finish one single task to meet a certain existing client or visit a specific place.

However, in many cases, you want to meet some potential customers you've never known before, you might visit several cities in your coming trip.

You need to plan your travel well.

Collect leads of potential customers or partners.
Make self-introduction, explain your business goal, and propose potential meeting.
Providing time slot options.
check Coordinate the place, the time and the people for all the meetings.

Normally you need a local representative to help you coordinate all these since setting up meeting appointments in different places will be annoying if you are a total stranger to China.

2. Get Connected through Someone

Chinese don’t like doing business with individuals or companies they don’t know , so working through an intermediary is crucial.

This could be an individual or an organization who can make a formal introduction and vouch for the credibility of you or your company.

Some clients tried to make appointments with key decision makers just through cold calls.

They realized this after many trials.

3. Do Business With Key Decision Makers

You have to impress and do business with decision makers at the very top .

The normal cold call strategy would not work and you will never be taken seriously.

First, it seems you don’t know the Chinese culture.
Second, they could not tell whether you are trustworthy.
Third, they will doubt your capability.

The wise investment is to find a local partner or agent to help you arrange serious meetings and introduce valuable connections.

4. Meeting Rooms

You can visit the offices of your potential clients, but it takes time for you to move from one place to another.

You need to consider time and distance issues. And traffic jams in rush hours are very common in big cities in China.

Make sure this kind of meetings would not affect your following meetings.

You can also arrange business meetings in your hotel and it will save quite a lot of your time if you have a tight schedule to meet many people, remember to book the meeting rooms in advance.

5. Optimize Your Itinerary

Some typical questions for your China business travel:

How many days will you stay in China?
How many people will you meet up with?
How many places will you visit?

Set up realistic goals first, design your itinerary according to the availability of the people you want to meet, prioritize your important meetings.

Try to arrange as more important appointments within limited days and make your travel flexible, so that you may arrange some new meetings when you are here in China.

6. Avoid Traveling on Chinese Holidays

Your business travel will be ruined if you choose to do it in Chinese holidays.

It's difficult to book tickets and everywhere is crowded.

Many people you want to see may be not at their office.

7. Hire a Local Virtual Assistant

For important China business travels, you'd better hire a senior Chinese virtual assistant to help you handle a series of jobs like leads creation, making appointments, booking hotels and planning the itinerary.

You can also hire a senior consultant to work as your local assistant to translate and solve all the possible issues you might meet up with.

Get Your Job Done

Your great team in china.

Prepare Travel Documents for China

8. visas for china.

Before you visit China, you’ll need to arrange your visa in advance since there are no visas on arrival.

Visas can be applied for in person at the Chinese consulate/embassy or can be ordered via post.

When applying for your visa to China, you’ll need to provide either a letter of invitation from a Chinese friend, relative, or a Chinese company , or provide a detailed itinerary of your intended trip. This includes return flights and confirmed reservations for your hotel bookings.

9. Booking Hotels in China

If you want some flexibility with your itinerary, make use of sites that do not require an upfront payment to make bookings.

Booking.com is a good option that you get free cancellation on most rooms.

Some Chinese websites like C-Trip or eLong require no deposit to book rooms too, and you can cancel without penalty once your visa is approved.

Local Booking sites normally offer better rates than western ones. Be sure to compare them.

10. Travel Insurance for China

Travel insurance is a must for any kind of travels.

There are way too many travel insurance options, buy from big companies and make sure to insure valuable items such as cameras, laptops etc too.

11. Keep Your Passport with You All the Time

You’ll need your passport for showing you identity and use it for booking hotels, tickets etc.

Stay Connected

12. get a vpn for china.

When you visit China, keep in mind that many western websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and most of the Google selection are blocked by the GFW . If you want to access these while you’re visiting China, you’ll need to purchase a VPN.

I personally tried many VPNs, and finally decided to stay with ExpressVPN since it is the most reliable one.

13. Buy a Telecommunication Package

International roaming in China might be quite expensive.

Consult your carriers to buy a dedicated international travel package for China during your travel.

14. Get a local SIM Card in China

China's local telecommunication rate is far cheaper than international roaming.

China’s major carriers include China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom . SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or at most corner stores, and credit is quite affordable.

Most Chinese SIMs are locked to the province in which they are purchased, so you’ll pay roaming charges when texting, calling, or using data outside of this province.

15. Download WeChat

WeChat (WeiXin in Chinese) is first app that I would recommend to download if you want to be connected with China customers.

16. Must Have Apps

Many Chinese apps would make your travel in China easier, like Maps, and Taxi Hailing Apps.

Here is a short but useful list and you can choose what you need to download.

Top 20 Apps in China for Travelers

Transit in china, 17. get to the airport early.

In China, it is a normal practice to get to the airport three hours early for international flights and two hours early for domestic flights.

Traffic jams in peak hours in China big cities are quite serious.

You'd better avoid the rush hours or get to leave for the airport earlier.

18. Expect Delays of Flights

It's interesting that most flights in China can not leave the airport on time.

But don't be late to arrive at the airport.

You need to be prepared to wait in the airport, or in the plane, although it won't be too long for most cases.

19. G-Trains Are Amazing

China's built a fantastic network of high speed G-trains.

You can travel across the country by trains, and it's more punctual than flights.

It takes you only about 5 hours from Beijing to Shanghai via G-Train.

Trains rates are quite affordable.

Most new rail station for G-Trains are huge and similar, many of them are far out of the city center.

20. Crowded Subways and Buses in Rush Hours

Subways and Buses are convenient and the fare is really cheap.

But it will be extremely crowded in rush hours.

My suggestion is to avoid peak hours.

21. Taxi Hailing in China

Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. You can use many apps (WeChat, Alipay, Didi Chuxing, Meituan, etc) to hail a taxi or a sharing car.

Most drivers will not speak English. It’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.

22. Driving in China

If you are not living here for long, self-driving is not a good idea since it really needs some practices for newbies.

Prepare a China's local driver's license or an International driver's license if you insist.

23. Rent a Bike

Bike sharing is popular in China and you can ride a bike to make your local sightseeing really efficient.

Effective Business Relationship

24. build personal relationships and win the trust.

Business relationships are built formally after the Chinese get to know you.

Doing business in China is based heavily on personal relationships , which is called Guanxi .

If you are not a friend, you are basically not a trusted business partner.

25. Be Very Patient

Normally it takes a considerable amount of time.

Decisions are unlikely to be made during the meeting.

They may take a long time.

Careful reviews and considerations are necessary.

You need time to find the right influencers and the real decision maker.

You need to break through enormous bureaucracy if your client is a big company.

You Chinese clients, big or small, need time to test you to see whether you are honest and reliable.

26. Do Not Rely Too Much On Contracts

Contracts are important, but do not rely too much on them.

Try to accumulate as little Chinese debt as possible.

Don’t deliver too much before getting paid, or pay too much before getting something delivered.

I always start with discovery contracts as pilot projects for most consulting cases.

Start some trial orders first to see whether it really works.

27. Leave Room for Negotiation

Your starting offer should always leave room for negotiation .

You must be willing to show compromise and ensure Chinese negotiators feel they have gained major concessions.

28. DON’T Assume “Yes” Means Yes

Don’t be pushy.

“We will think about it”, “I will look into it” sometimes means no.

Try to figure out the reason behind the hesitance and try to find an alternative solution.

29. Gifts Are Good, But Do Not Bribe

One-sided gift-giving is awkward and sometimes improper gifts might be even considered as bribery.

It’s best to arrange through your assistant or intermediary to see whether exchanging gifts is a good idea.

30. DON’T Assume “NO” Means NO

Gifts may be refused once, twice or even three times before they are accepted.

This is the Chinese tradition to show the humble attitude to accept any gift.

31. Accept RMB Only

The official currency of China is the yuan.

Normally, Chinese businesses do not accept any other currency, including the US dollar or Hong Kong dollar.

32. Mobile Payment is Popular

WePay and Alipay are increasingly popular in mainland China.

Foreigners can also apply for WePay and Alipay with a local bank account.

It is very convenient, but it needs several days to set it up.

33. Cash is preferred

More and more businesses in China (particularly large hotel chains and upscale restaurants) now accept Visa and Mastercard, but the most widely accepted card scheme is still UnionPay.

For foreign travellers, you’ll still need to pay with cash in most situations.

34. Exchange currency at ATMs in China

Many Chinese banks do not accept foreign cards.

But you can find larger chains such as HSBC to withdraw Chinese RMB from your bank accounts. In this way, you will get a far better exchange rate than services such as Travelex.

International ATMs are available in all major cities but it will be very hard to find in small cities or rural areas in China.

35. Tell Your Bank About Your China Travel

Before you go to China, make sure your bank knows you’re going to use your credit or debit card over there.

Otherwise, your card might be disabled or your transactions might be cancelled for "unusual transactions".

Chinese Culture

36. numbers.

Four is an unlucky number because it sounds like the word “death” in mandarin Chinese.

So do not give four of anything.

Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and progress .

Eight is the luckiest number in Chinese culture, so giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.

37. Cold Water Is Seldom Available

Cold water is seldom available in China since it’s impolite in Chinese culture.

Don’t be frightened if you can only drink hot tea, hot coffee or hot water.

Sometimes, you can get iced coke in foreign invested companies, but that is quite rare in Chinese invested companies.

38. No Tips in China

The Chinese do not tip, and people are not expecting tips.

Tipping is not officially forbidden, but it is not common , most service staff in local hotels, restaurants, and taxis do no expect tips.

Most local restaurants forbid the employees to take tips….

No tipping does not mean you don’t like the service.

Don’t be guilty of this.

Shopping In China

39. price bargaining.

Do not negotiate price in hotels, chain stores and boutiques.

But you can, and should negotiate the price for anything you want to buy from private vendors.

In these stores or booths, never accept the marked price or first price offered.

It’s always possible to get products for a fraction of the quoted price.

40. Mail Things Home from China

It's common for many business travelers to buy a lot of things in China.

A good suggestion is to post these products home using China Post’s sea mail.

It will take a little bit long, say, one to two months, but is a very affordable way.

Manage Your Health

41. tap water is not drinkable.

For the most part of China, tap water in China is not drinkable.

Bottled water can be purchased everywhere at a very cheap price.

42. Air Pollution

In many large cities in China, air pollution is a serious problem.

Wear masks on days with hazardous air pollution or do not go out in these days.

43. See A Doctor in China

Chinese public hospitals can be very crowded.

In most major cities, there are specialized hospitals catering to foreigners living and working in China.

Most doctors can speak English.

44. Medicine at Reasonable Price

You can find both western and eastern medicine at Chinese pharmacies.

And the price is very reasonable.

Business Meals In China

45. building your relationships in chinese banquets.

Entertaining guests at a Chinese banquet is a very popular and important way to establish the relationship.

Do not discuss specific business issues during the meal.

46. Seat Arrangements

Do not rush to take a seat down.

Wait and the host will arrange the seat for you.

47. No Sales Pitch at the Dinner Table

Do Not open the computer and make sales pitch at the dinner table.

However, It really happens.:)

An American guy put his notebook on the dinner table and made a long sales pitch when all the dishes were ready, turning cold.

This is a true story happened last summer in Quanjude, a famous Beijing duck restaurant.

All the people on the same table are quite embarrassed, not knowing whether they can eat, or not.

So I list this as a separate tip.

48. Share the Food

In most Chinese dinners, dishes are almost always ordered communally and shared .

Ask for a spoon and a fork if you are not good at chopsticks.

49. Try Everything

It is polite to try everything that is offered to you.

If you don’t like it, just try only a little bit.

50. Family Dinners

If you are invited to attend family dinners, consider it a great honor.

And it is the opportunity to establish a personal relationship.

You can get the chance to know the couple, the kids of your Chinese customer.

Many Chinese parents want their children to speak good English.

Don’t be surprised if they ask their children to practice English with you.

51. Drink Some Wine

Drinking is an important part in Chinese entertaining.

Drink some wine if you can , but not too much.

Be prepared with an appropriate toast.

52. Do Not Pour Your Own Drink

It is the responsibility of the host to attend to the guests.

The person seated next to you may pour a drink for you.

You should reciprocate.

53. Do Not Sign any Deal After Drink

Leave these stuff to following days.

54. After-Dinner Entertainment

Like dining together, after-dinner entertainment is an excellent way to build a personal relationship.

55. Don’t Wait For Service in Restaurants

Conventional western service is only in limited number of western restaurants.

In Chinese restaurants, Chinese waiters and waitresses aren’t as proactive as you think.

Don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and call for the service guy (" fuwuyuan" in Chinese) if you want any service.

56. Real Chinese Food

You will discover thousands of dishes you've never seen.

And the the Chinese food in China is totally different from the Chinese food in any Chinese restaurant in a western country.

A Diversified And Vast Country

57. learn some chinese.

Most Chinese people don’t speak English. It is advisable to write down basic phrases in (Simplified) Chinese, use a help of a friend or a translator.

Starting your introduction with some Chinese phrases, like Chinese greetings, will be considered a nice and friendly behavior.

If you are willing to learn a new language, try to pick up phrases and useful words from the locals. Most of them will be eager to help you in learning Chinese, or even their own dialects!

Also be noted that not everyone in China speaks Mandarin.

There are many different dialects in China, the most common of which include Mandarin and Cantonese.

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58. China is Big

China is vast and huge, geograophically.

You will see different terrains, landscapes.

Chinese People are speaking different dialects in different regions.

59. Understand The Unbalanced China

China is a big country but not well balanced.

60. Taking photos in China

Chinese people love to take pictures, not only pictures during travels, but also selfies.

You will get attention as a foreigner in many places, esp. small cities or rural areas. So don’t be surprised if a local Chinese comes up to ask for a picture with you.

If you want to take a picture with other people or a government building, Always ask for permission.

Top 20 Must Have Apps in China for Travellers and Expats

Best map app in china that works, china reopens for international group tours and “flight + hotel” packages: a new era for travel, 4 thoughts on “60 essential things to know before you visit china for business”.

Nice write top Mr Cheng. Am a Nigerian looking for manufacturers of affordable sugar to import from China, any assistance from you will be appreciated.

The 10 Best Cities For Doing Business in China

Whoever has invested in the import-export market, have a fair idea that Chinese suppliers are the best for importing goods at a dirt-cheap price.

Doing is business with China is an all-time favorite for business. They might be a little difficult-to-handle business partner, but once you have set the terms, no one does business better than the Chinese.

But if you want to get the best Chinese suppliers , you need to know the best cities for doing business in China.

Only when you get suppliers from the best cities, you get the best deal and quality products.

Here we have listed the top 10 Chinese cities that are best for import business. Each of the specific trade rules you need to follow. If you know the cities and these norms, you can easily establish a smooth business with China and earn a good fortune.

Top 10 Best Cities for Doing Business in China

You can choose suppliers from any corner of China, but doing business with suppliers from the major cities come with their set of advantages. The primary advantage of this arrangement is the chance of overcoming language barriers. The more interior you go, the fewer number of English speaking suppliers are there for you. Choosing suppliers from these 10 cities will help you handle the business better.

1. Shanghai or Wu or Shen

Shanghai, the biggest Chinese city, is the best in China for everything. Starting from the economy, trade, transportation to shipping. In fact, the highest GDP in China comes from Shanghai. Plus, Shanghai has the best international port for trading.

Naturally, it is considered the best city for import business. The trade market in Shanghai is ever-growing. They didn’t even see a recession during 2008 when the world had an economic crash!

Do you know why the trade scenario is so great in China? Here are a few reasons behind the great trade scenario of Shanghai-

A free trade zone has been established by the Shanghai government to allow 18 new foreign investment opportunities and service segments from engineering to shipping.
Shanghai is ideally located in the Yangtze River Delta, posing as the most distinguished hub for shipping. Moreover, the location of the place makes it ideal to procure resources for business. Even the transportation system is great here.
The third most important reason for the Shanghai culture, which is an ideal mix of modernization and ancient traditions. They believe in Guanxi or in trust and relationship for their business.

This is truly the best place to conduct international business where the people believe in building relationship.

2. Beijing, one of the best cities for doing business in China

Beijing, the Chine capital, is also the lead city of Chinese culture and heritage, having 6 world heritage sites. But Beijing is more than just a cultural hub. From ancient times, Beijing stood as one of the leading cities for business and trading.

From face recognition apps to instant-pay-cash apps, Beijing is the city that is fast in everything. So is their aggressiveness when it comes to business. The city officials have taken certain measures to create a business-friendly environment in the city. Here is a why we consider Beijing as the most business-friendly city of China-

a. Time to start a business here

Can you imagine, Beijing is so fast in authorizing a business, you can set up on in just a week? There are one-window stations in each of the 5 districts of Beijing that take registration applications through online portals and provide approvals. If the load of registration is a bit low, they can let it happen in a day too. To know more about this, you check the norms for online registration at the State Administration for Industry and Commerce website of China.

b. Registration of a property

There was a time when you needed to deal with the tax department, transaction department, and much more separately, just to get a business property registered. But things have shaped-up now. You can deal with all the departments through one online portal to get your property registered.

c. Foreign investors are incentivized

Beijing, in order to promote foreign trading, is now offering easy policies for Chinese business visas , foreign investments, and even residency. All stringent laws related to foreign investment are now relaxed for your convenience.

3. Guangzhou, the shipping and commercial hub since the Qi Dynasty

Guangzhou has been known for its increasing market in foreign trade. This place experiences an growth in GDP by 13%. It holds the comprehensive strength of being the third best city in china for import-export trade.

A few things this gem city provides to the foreign trade market are-

Canton Fair for import-export business is held over here every year during spring and fall.
Guangzhou opens its door to foreign traders for industrial and agricultural growth.

4. Hangzhou, the hub of technology

Hangzhou is world-famous for hi-tech trading. Since the G20 summit policies, Hangzhou emerged in the international market as one of the lead players in the import-export business. Some trade features of Hangzhou that won over the market are-

This is the place that gave birth to the world’s largest technically-improved channel of e-commerce business, Alibaba.
Hangzhou didn’t emerge into the biggest hub for e-commerce in a day. The Government played a vital role here. The Government provides every hi-tech firm in the city with Tax relaxation, internet incentives, subsidies for housing, to set up marketing places.
Hangzhou has slowly developed into grounds that offer more than e-commerce and hi-tech. They have taken over the food and beverage market and biotechnology as well.

5. Shenzhen, the technology giant of China

Shenzhen or the Peng city poses as an important hub for air movement and port facilities towards foreign trade. Since the reformation of the Chinese trade market, Shenzhen stood as an important place for foreign trade. How it earned its fame can be said in a concise manner as-

Shenzhen hosts the International Culture Industry Fair of China every year in May, to promote products belonging to the Chinese culture to the world.
It is great to set up a business out here since you get government aid.
There is a QianHai Zone in Shenzhen that provides lower cost for labor, rental, corporate taxes, financial incentives, and more. Plus, this region is located in close proximity to the Mainland China manufacturing zones.
The industrial “design parks” of Shenzhen are world-famous, as this is the ground to display business ideas, technological know-how, and develop your business.
When it comes to location in the trade market, nothing beats Shenzhen. After all, it is the busiest port for container movement in the world.
Apart from technology and business, you might want to set your company here as it has the best transportation system and shopping opportunities.

6. Wuhan, yet another in the list of best cities for doing business in China

Wuhan is known for its integrated transport system and industries. From 2014 to 2015, the GDP of Wuhan has grown by 8.8%. Wuhan’s trade fame is not restricted to international business but also stretches to the domestic trade market.

This is considered as the economic hub of Central China because of the technology and scientific development parks, over 1600 technology institutes, and more. Some other advantages that are making Wuhan one of the best cities for doing business in China –

Wuhan has regional advantages over many places being located in the central part of China and also as a result of having great transportation links.
There are many “special industrial zones” over here in Wuhan that is specialized in biotechnology, rive-based transportation.

7. Chengdu, the center for logistics

Chengdu is well known for its logistical power, technology, communication business, and transportation. The GDP fo this place has grown by 7.7% from 2015 to 2016. So the growth is very promising for developing a business over here. If you want to import items from china then is the manufacturing base for many suppliers.

8. Suzhou, the best city for service

Suzhou is the largest manufacturing hub of China, located very close to Shanghai. The city indulges in trading of electronic equipment, IT, steel, and more. Suzhou has grown considerably over the years and shows a growth of 7% GDP every year.

9. Chongqing, the river-connecting city for business

Chongqing is a modern city for ideal trading as it is well connected with the Yangtze River. Reasons, why it grew to be so important, are-

The transportation and industries grew considerably over years.
Chongqing has shown GDP growth by 11% in a year too.
This city is considered as the best among 20 emerging cities of China in the year 2010 in the Economic Intelligence Unit.

10. Tianjin, one of the best cities for doing business in China

Tianjin has been known for its great economy since 1860. It is one of the oldest cities in China to have a port for industrial development.

If you are looking for the best cities for doing business in China, there are many opportunities here. Look for the cities that provide Government support when it comes to foreign trade. When you get incentivized for the business and have a great mode of transportation, business is bound to bloom.

Tips for Successful Negotiation with the Chinese Supplier
Importing Profitable Goods From China | Make The Deal Count
High Demand Goods Importing and Exporting from China

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The top 20 places to visit in china.
China: it’s a country of legend and enigma, brimming with possibly the most dynamic history of any country in the world. It only opened up to outside tourism in the late 1970s, and to this day still sees relatively few international tourists when compared to other Asian countries. So where are the top 20 places to visit in China? After Beijing and Shanghai, what are the best places to visit in this colossal country?
In my opinion, there’s really nowhere as compelling as China. Whether you travel for history, nature, cities, or beaches – there’s something for you in the world’s most populated country. Travel in China is an extraordinary adventure; and a very humbling experience, as it will make you look on the world from an entirely new perspective.
If you’re planning on venturing to China, you’ll probably be wondering what the top 20 places to visit in China are. This list will show you some of the best bucket-list destinations in China, whether they be huge cities, sprawling national parks, ancient towns or mountains.
Also, just FYI – you might think that China is somewhere difficult to visit where you have to obtain an expensive visa to set foot in. Well, you’re kind of right, but there is a way to visit China without a visa ; if you book a multi-day layover (up to 3 days in participating cities), you don’t need a visa! So these places to visit in China have just got a lot more accessible!
The Top 20 Places to Visit in China: A Complete List
No visit to China would be complete without a trip to Beijing , the capital of the nation and one of the most important cultural hubs of the country. Visit Beijing to enjoy its rich history and culture; found all over the city, from the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven to its Olympic Stadium and art district.
Learn about Chinese history in the many Beijing museums which give you an insight into this complex and intriguing nation, and of course, enjoy the rich cuisine of the capital at some of the street food stands and restaurants in the city. Once you’ve seen all of the highlights, there are some more off-beat activities in Beijing as well . With its huge international airport that services destinations in all corners of the globe, Beijing is a great place to fly into and begin any China trip!
The Great Wall
The Great Wall is a mesmerising architectural feat, stretching over 21,000 kilometres; it spans from near the North Korean border to Gansu province. There are lots of points from which it can be visited; most popular, best preserved and easily accessible are Mutianyu and Badaling, but other spots to visit from Beijing are Jiankou (where you can camp on the wall!) and Jinshilang.
And of course, you’re not limited to visiting the Great Wall from the country’s capital – other spots where you could reach the wall are Hushan (by the North Korean border), the Overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan or the Yanmen Pass in Shanxi.
The medieval city of Pingyao is a completely unique place to visit – it is unlike any other city in the country . It was the old banking centre of China; visitors can see old vaults and abacuses used to count money on! There are also historic buildings, preserved courtyards and a city wall to climb and enjoy a spectacular vantage point over the ancient metropolis.
As well as exploring the beautiful city, there’s amazing food – such as Pingyao pancakes – and plenty of temples and other attractions. Conveniently located between Beijing and Xi’an, it’s a perfect place to visit that not so many travellers make it to.
The best time of year to visit Harbin, located near China’s border with Russia, is without a doubt during its winter ice festival . This takes place in January every year and is absolutely mesmerising, with ice sculptures all over the city and a fantastic atmosphere.
But even if you can’t visit Harbin during this time of year, it’s still worth checking out for the unique Chinese/ Russian influence, the barbecues that line the streets and the permanent ice hall exhibition.
Xi’an
Situated at the start of the Silk Road, Xi’an is a wonderful merge of eastern and western Chinese cultures. The city presents this in the fusion of Islam and Buddhism with the city walls; the Muslim Quarter houses a mosque and some of the best street food in China, yet there are many Buddhist temples – the most famous of which is Big Goose Pagoda.
Xi’an is the launching pad for the nearby terracotta warriors; and of course, there is a rich history throughout the city – it was one of the ancient capitals of China, after all! Popular things to do within Xi’an are to walk the city walls (which can be walked or cycled), explore the Muslim Quarter and visit the mosques and temples within the city. It is also in close proximity to Huashan, considered the most dangerous mountain in China . Xi’an is about 13 hours from Beijing on a regular train, or from just 4.5 hours away on a high-speed bullet train.
The capital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot is a fantastic place to visit for those who want to experience nomadic culture and the terrain of Mongolia without having to get a separate visa for Mongolia . Visit gorgeous grasslands, the typical scenery of the area which can be seen on day or multi-day trips from Hohhot and experience unqiue sceneries and authentic Mongolian hospitality. Once you’re back in the city, you can enjoy its unique features; there is a Muslim community in the city, as well as other ethnic minorities. Taking a train from Hohhot to Beijing takes between six and nine hours.
Shanghai, with its modern skyline and famous river, is appealing in a different way than most Chinese cities. There is a rich history here that is quite unlike any other Chinese city – Shanghai enjoys a strong European influence, including a French Concession and various British impacts.
You’ll never be bored in dynamic Shanghai; from its glittering Bund to its thriving restaurant, bar and arts scenes, there’s so much to explore in this booming city. Highlights include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road and the traditional Yu Garden.
Shanghai is also a perfect springboard for some of the amazing national parks, towns and cities in the area, including Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and the water town of Zhouzhang; known as ‘The Venice of China’ – which also features on this China tourist attractions list. Shanghai has a huge international airport, and can also be reached by rail from most cities.
A city steeped in history and beautiful culture, it is no wonder why Hangzhou is one of the most popular tourist cities in China. With beautiful scenes like a gorgeous lake, eloquent temples and authentic Chinese tea, Hangzhou is probably one of the most quintessentially Chinese cities you can visit.
Described by Marco Polo as ‘Paradise on Earth’, visiting Hangzhou will remind you of a more traditional Chinese culture than is demonstrated in Bejing and Shanghai. If you’re debating whether Hangzhou is worth visiting , know that it is easy to reach from Shanghai, even if it is just for a day trip. Hangzhou is just 200km from China’s largest city, and the shortest high-speed trains make the journey in only 45 minutes!
It used to be the capital of the south of China; Nanjing is a fascinating city which blends the old and new. This is represented in the ancient city walls as well as the booming shops and industrial areas of the city. However, in its more recent history, it has been the site of some dark history.
The Nanjing Massacre, which was one of the bloodiest events of the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, is commemorated at the Nanjing Massacre Memorial. It is well worth visiting this city just to learn about the event; it is vital that travellers know about these things to get a real understanding of the country.
Spice is nice in Chengdu! Travellers visit to see pandas (although I wasn’t sure about the ethics of the Chengdu panda base ) but stay for the incredibly spicy hotpots and other delicious foods. If you’re not into getting your socks blown off with extreme spice levels, other things to do in Chengdu include browsing the many pagodas, temples and laneways of this Chinese city.
It is also a gateway to other incredible parts of Sichuan, including nearby Leshan and the Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. Chengdu is very well connected to Shanghai, Beijing and south China by rail links.
Yangtze River
The longest river in Asia and the third largest in the world, the Yangtze is home to some spectacular scenes and an amazing amount of history. The river basin drains one fifth of the land area of the entire country; and it stretches from Qinghai in the west to Shanghai in the east. Its most famous attractions are the Three River Gorges; you can take a cruise from Chongqing to admire them. Chongqing is well connected to most major cities in China by rail.
Juizhaigou is one of those unbelievably beautiful spots that are difficult to sum up into words. These multi-tiered colourful waterfalls don’t look like they can be real, but rest assured that they very much are and are available for tourism, despite being undiscovered until 1972.
It’s a bit of a hair-raising adventure to reach Juizhaigou – it is located 10 hours by bus from Chengdu on some rough mountainous roads – but it is well worth it.
Note – Jiuzhai Valley has only just reopened to visitors after the August 2017 earthquake. Parts of the park may be limited for visitors and the number of travellers each day is restricted. make sure to check current restrictions before travelling there!
Located in the South West of China, about six hours by train from the border with Vietnam, Kunming has a unique fusion of Han Chinese culture with Himalayan influences. Known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, Kunming is home to beautiful temples and parks, and has wonderful surrounding nature.
Check out the Stone Forest in Shilin – an easy day trip from Kunming – or the rice terraces to the south and the red fields in the north. Or catch a train or bus to the historic old town of Dali , a truly unique place in China. Yunnan is a beautiful province, and Kunming is fantastic to use as a base to explore. You can reach Kunming easily from Chengdu and from other cities in China by long-distance train; it is also only a 6 hour journey to Hekou, which is the border town with Lao Cai in Vietnam.
Known as the ‘Venice of China’, Zhouzhuang is the country’s oldest water town. All houses are built on the river, and each has its own port. It’s a really pleasant place to just meander around the streets, but there are also plenty of old buildings and bridges to check out; including the twin Shide and Yong’an Bridges. The buildings date from the Ming and Qing dynasties, so there is plenty to admire here!
Geographically and culturally very similar to South East Asia, Guilin is probably most famous for the nearby Li River, which is featured on the 20 yuan note. Yangshuo is the best spot to cruise the Li River; boat tours take you around some of the best scenery and to the town itself. Within Yangshuo you can go cycling, take a Tai Chi or cooking class, or if you want to head back to the river you can bamboo raft past the town. Yangshou is a 1 – 2 hour bus journey from Guilin.
Another side trip from Guilin, the Longsheng Rice Terraces are a must-see. The green paddy fields are spectacular, and hikes in the area can take you around the fields and through local towns, each with their own distinct culture. Tours are offered to the Longsheng area, but it’s very easy to visit them independently from Guilin . They lie around a three hour bus journey away from the city and can be done as a day trip or overnight stay.
Hong Kong is and isn’t part of China; you need to go through a border crossing to get there, and you’ll notice some stark differences between the two. It’s also possible for most nationalities to visit Hong Kong without a visa, and it’s a good ‘intro to China’ if it’s your first time there.
The city and surrounding area are unique places to visit, and they’re great to see another side of Chinese culture. Highlights include the Big Buddha, Victoria Peak, exploring the Tsim Sha Tsui area and lots of shops, restaurants and nightlife. If you’re after a real adventure, stay in a hostel in Chungking Mansions and enjoy the amazing Indian food on the ground floor – a Hong Kong highlight for me!
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- China Packing List
- Solo Travel in China
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Stay connected, the top 15 best cities to visit in china.
15 Unforgettable Chinese Cities To Visit On Your Next Trip
China is a vast country with a rich history and diverse regional cultures. From bustling modern megacities to ancient imperial capitals, China has something to offer every type of traveler. Here are 15 of the best cities to visit on your trip to China.
Beijing is China’s capital and one of the most popular destinations for visitors. As China’s political and cultural center, Beijing offers numerous historic sites like the Forbidden City , Tiananmen Square , the Temple of Heaven , and the Great Wall of China . Beijing also has vibrant shopping districts like Wangfujing and lively nightlife areas like Sanlitun .
Don’t miss top attractions like:
- The Forbidden City , an impressive 15th century imperial palace complex with 9,999 rooms.
- Tiananmen Square , site of Chairman Mao’s mausoleum and the 1989 pro-democracy protests.
- The Temple of Heaven , an ornate 15th century altar complex where emperors prayed for good harvests.
- The Great Wall at Badaling or Mutianyu , two of the most popular restored sections near Beijing.
- The Summer Palace , a sprawling imperial garden retreat with lakes, temples, and palaces.
- Wangfujing Street , Beijing’s famous shopping street with modern malls and traditional markets.
- Sanlitun , a trendy neighborhood with shops, bars, and nightclubs.
- The 798 Art District , a funky community of galleries, shops, and cafés housed in a former factory complex.
- Hutong neighborhoods like Shichahai, old alleyways with courtyard residences, restaurants, and shops.
Beijing offers a great mix of historical sights and modern energy. Spend at least 3 full days exploring the capital.
2. Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s largest, most cosmopolitan city. As a bustling financial hub and port city, Shanghai has an ultra-modern skyline combined with European influences from its history as an international settlement. Don’t miss sights like:
- The Bund , Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade with colonial European buildings.
- Nanjing Road , China’s premier shopping street with huge malls and luxury stores.
- Yu Garden , a 16th century garden with ponds, pavilions, rockeries and tea houses.
- Shanghai Tower , the world’s 2nd tallest building with panoramic views from the observation deck.
- Shanghai Museum , one of China’s best museums exhibiting ancient bronzes, paintings, calligraphy and artifacts.
- Xintiandi , a high-end shopping and entertainment district known for shikumen stone houses.
- French Concession , an elegant residential neighborhood with European architecture, cafes, and boutiques.
Shanghai’s exciting mix of cultures and rapid growth make it a must-visit city. Plan a minimum of 2-3 days here.
3. Xi’an
Xi’an served as China’s capital and imperial center under several powerful dynasties. As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Xi’an is steeped in history. Top attractions include:
- The Terracotta Army , an underground mausoleum with thousands of lifesize terracotta soldiers from around 200 BC.
- The City Walls , massive Ming Dynasty fortifications surrounding Xi’an’s old city.
- The Great Mosque , a Chinese style mosque founded in the 8th century with lovely courtyards.
- The Shaanxi History Museum , which houses artifacts from ancient capitals across the Shaanxi region.
- The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda , a 7-story Buddhist pagoda with Tang Dynasty frescoes.
- The Muslim Quarter , with bustling markets and street food stalls.
- The Tang Dynasty Show , a performance with music and dance from the Tang era.
Xi’an’s ancient sites and culinary delights require 2-3 days to experience.
Guilin in Guangxi province is famous for the breathtaking karst limestone formations spread across its suburbs and the Li River. Some top sights include:
- A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing mist-shrouded peaks, fishermen and water buffalo.
- Reed Flute Cave , a dazzling cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations illuminated in colored lights.
- Elephant Trunk Hill , a huge rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river.
- Seven Star Park , a park centered around seven karst pinnacles, with caves, gardens and hiking trails.
- Daxu Old Town , an ancient village with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
- Yangshuo , a laidback town surrounded by landscapes popular for hiking, biking and rock climbing.
Spend at least 2-3 days enjoying the scenery in Guilin and Yangshuo.
The capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is renowned for its laidback teahouse culture and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Top sights include:
- The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base , where you can view endangered giant pandas in a natural habitat.
- Jinli Ancient Street , a restored historic street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants.
- Wuhou Temple , a temple complex honoring 3rd century strategist Zhuge Liang with restored Qing architecture.
- Du Fu’s Cottage , a thatched cottage museum displaying the life of the Tang poet Du Fu.
- Sichuan Cuisine , trying authentic hot pot, mapo tofu, twice cooked pork and other fiery dishes.
- Teahouses , sipping tea while people watching or listening to Sichuan opera singers.
2 days is enough to see Chengdu’s highlights along with relaxing at a teahouse.
6. Hangzhou
Hangzhou has been renowned for its natural beauty since the Tang Dynasty poets like Li Bai wrote about West Lake’s ethereal landscapes. Top sights include:
- West Lake , Hangzhou’s iconic lake surrounded by gardens, pagodas, and causeways like Broken Bridge .
- Lingyin Temple , an ancient Buddhist temple with a stunning feitian peak flying over the temple gate.
- Leifeng Pagoda , a 5-story octagonal pagoda on Sunset Hill beside West Lake.
- Six Harmonies Pagoda , a 16th century pagoda overlooking the Qiantang River.
- Dragon Well Tea Plantations , visiting the origin of China’s most famous green tea.
- Hangzhou’s Historic Hefang Street , with traditional shops, restaurants and tea houses.
Explore Hangzhou’s lakefront beauty for 2-3 days to relax from China’s bustling cities.
Suzhou is renowned for its classical gardens, canals, and silk production. Top attractions include:
- The Humble Administrator’s Garden , the largest and most famous classical garden with ponds, pavilions and viewing platforms.
- The Lingering Garden , another exquisite UNESCO World Heritage garden with interconnected halls, towers and ponds.
- The Master of Nets Garden , a compact yet intricately designed garden reflecting Chinese aesthetics.
- Pingjiang Road , an arched street along a canal with museums, teahouses and boutique hotels in ancient buildings.
- The Suzhou Museum , an architecturally stunning museum exhibiting ceramics, jades, paintings and calligraphy.
- Suzhou’s canals , taking a relaxing cruise to admire waterside gardens and old residences.
Suzhou deserves 2 days to unwind in its classical gardens and soak up the historical ambiance.
Lijiang in Yunnan province enchants visitors with its preserved old town and stunning scenery. Top sights include:
- Dayan Old Town , a maze of cobblestone lanes, wooden buildings, canals and stone bridges retaining ancient Naxi culture.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain , a towering snow-capped mountain great for hiking and cable cars.
- Black Dragon Pool Park , a scenic park with pavilions, gardens, and reflections of Jade Dragon Mountain.
- Dongba Cultural Museum , displaying the unique pictographic script, culture and religious artifacts of the Naxi people.
- Naxi Orchestra , listening to traditional Naxi music at the old town’s theater.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge , one of China’s deepest canyons with turquoise waters and scenic hiking trails.
Lijiang’s splendid scenery and Naxi heritage deserve 3 days minimum.
9. Huangshan
The iconic Huangshan or Yellow Mountains are renowned for their grotesquely shaped granite peaks protruding through seas of misty clouds. Top attractions include:
- Mount Huang hiking, climbing the granite stairs and trails to marvel at the oddly-shaped rocks, pine trees, hot springs, and amazing views above the clouds.
- Tunxi Old Street , strolling past Ming and Qing era houses, shops, and teahouses.
- Hongcun village , an ancient village with gorgeous Ming and Qing architecture set in a picturesque landscape.
- Xidi and Hongcun villages , two ancient villages granted UNESCO status for their magnificent traditional architecture.
- Huangshan Hot Springs , soaking sore muscles after long hikes in the warm mineral waters.
- Shexian County , visiting the centuries-old Huangshan stone town and nearby villages.
Huangshan deserves 3 days to properly hike the mountains and take in the scenery.
10. Zhangjiajie
The stunning karst spire mountains of Zhangjiajie National Park inspired the natural settings for Avatar. Top sights include:
- The spire-like quartzite rock formations , particularly the 3,540 foot tall Avatar Hallelujah Mountain .
- Tianzi Mountain , taking the world’s highest cable car up this 3,200 foot tall mountain for phenomenal views.
- Glass Bridge , walking this vertigo-inducing transparent bridge suspended 3,870 feet above the valley floor.
- Golden Whip Stream , hiking along this gorgeous canyon with emerald pools, waterfalls, cliffs and caves.
- Bailong Elevator , riding this glass elevator along a cliff face for panoramic mountain vistas.
- Yuanjiajie scenic area, with iconic spire mountains like the Southern Sky Pillar.
Zhangjiajie’s towering avatar mountains warrant 2-3 days for photography, awe-inspiring hikes and panoramic views.
11. Hong Kong
While technically a special administrative region, Hong Kong combines Chinese heritage with 150 years of British colonial influence. Must see attractions include:
- Victoria Peak , riding the tram up Hong Kong Island’s tallest mountain for sublime skyline views.
- Star Ferry , crossing Victoria Harbour on an iconic green and white ferry for harbor views on the cheap.
- Central’s Mid-Levels Escalators , the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system traversing steep hills.
- Lantau Island , taking the cable car to visit the Tian Tan Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
- Hong Kong Disneyland , visiting Mickey and friends at Hong Kong’s own Disneyland.
- Lan Kwai Fong , experiencing Hong Kong’s bustling nightlife district.
- Temple Street Night Market , bargaining for deals on clothes, souvenirs and gadgets.
Hong Kong’s sights and shopping deserve 3 days minimum.
12. Yangshuo
Although small, the quaint village of Yangshuo rewards visitors with splendid karst mountain scenery. Attractions include:
- Floating down the Li River on a bamboo raft, passing iconic peaks like Yellow Cloth Shoal.
- Biking or walking through Moon Hill Park around the massive moon-shaped hole eroded through the limestone.
- Hiking through terraced rice fields to the summit of Folded Brocade Hill for panoramic views.
- Watching Impression Liu Sanjie , a music and light spectacular staged on the Li River.
- Exploring the country roads and villages around Yangshuo by bicycle or motorbike.
- Trying your hand at rock climbing on the limestone sport climbing routes just outside town.
Yangshuo’s laidback atmosphere and scenery deserve 2-3 days in the countryside.
13. Jiuzhaigou
In northern Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou National Park stuns visitors with its multicolored lakes, waterfalls, forests and snowy peaks. Top sights include:
- The blue, green and golden hues of Jiuzhaigou ‘s crystal clear lakes.
- Nuorilang Waterfall , one of Jiuzhaigou’s widest waterfalls thundering into a turquoise pool.
- Shuzheng Lakes and Waterfalls , over a dozen tranquil lakes linked by cascading waterfalls.
- Walking along wooden boardwalks through vibrant forests and meadows.
- Riding over blue lakes and snowy mountains on the park shuttle bus.
- Tibetan villages where you can sample yak butter tea and handicrafts.
- Photographing the snowcapped Minya Konka or Ganzigou mountains from overlooks.
Jiuzhaigou warrants 2-3 days to fully experience the park’s pristine beauty and tranquility.
The former Portuguese colony of Macau blends southern European influences with Chinese heritage. Top sights include:
- The UNESCO listed Historic Center with Portuguese shops, homes and forts like the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
- Walking along the Senado Square town plaza flanked by pastel buildings.
- Admiring Macau’s modern skyline from the 338m high Macau Tower .
- Sampling fusion cuisine like Portuguese chicken and African chicken at restaurants.
- Playing casino games or enjoying shows at hotels like the opulent Venetian Macao.
- Riding the gondola lift up to the A-Ma Temple .
- Shopping for almond cookies and other sweets at Koi Kei Bakery.
Macau’s unique fusion of East and West deserves 1-2 days of exploration.
In Yunnan’s Cang Mountain range, the ancient town of Dali charms visitors with its pagodas, historic gates, temples, and stone paved streets. Top attractions include:
- Walking the historic Foreigners’ Street lined with traditional Bai minority shops and homes.
- Climbing the city walls and nine dragon spires of Chongshen Pagoda for panoramic views.
- Browsing for handicrafts at the Dali Old Town street market.
- Escape the old town’s crowds by biking around Erhai Lake and local villages.
- Exploring the sandstone grottoes and carved niches at Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple .
- Learning about Bai culture at the Dali Museum housed in an ancient aristocratic mansion.
Dali’s ancient ambiance deserves 2 days minimum.
Start Planning Your Trip!
China offers diverse destinations from modern megacities to ancient capitals, natural splendors and ethnic minority villages. Each city provides a window into a different regional culture. Use this list of the 15 best cities to visit in China to start planning an itinerary that covers the country’s highlights based on your interests. With China’s efficient high-speed rail system, you can easily get around between cities and regions. Immerse yourself in China’s history, culinary adventures and stunning landscapes on a trip you’ll never forget!
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12 of the best places to visit in China
From the forbidden city in beijing to jade dragon snow mountain in yunnan, these are the best places to visit in china.
I t’s easy to underestimate the size and diversity of China. You could experience the dry heat of the Gobi desert, the humidity of the rainforest in Xishuangbanna, the cool breeze coming off Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s snow-capped peaks and the subtropical beaches in Hainan in one day if you had a plane that could zip you around the country quickly enough. Most first-time visitors make Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an their priorities, but if you’re travelling on an extended trip, or if it’s your second or third visit, there are plenty of other must-visit attractions to keep you coming back. Here are 12 of the best places to visit in China.
Main photo: Zhengyang Gate in Beijing (Getty Images)
1. The Great Wall of China
At 13,171 miles long, and built in sections over more than 2,000 years, this ancient fortification is an essential stop. Most tours depart from Beijing , with a travel time of between one and three hours’ drive depending on which section of the Great Wall you visit. Mutianyu is the best restored but Badaling remains popular because it was the first section to open to the public. For the more intrepid, Jinshanling to Simatai is a popular hiking route, taking about three hours.
• When is the best time to visit the Great Wall of China?
The Chinese capital is a sprawling city where there’s a landmark, monument or Unesco world heritage site everywhere you turn. You could spend a week here and not even scratch the surface. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace will be among your highlights — but If you’re staying for longer, it’s worth booking a hutong tour to explore the traditional courtyard residences that once dominated the city, while a Peking duck from Da Dong is a bucket-list culinary experience.
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3. Shanghai
China’s largest city by population size, Shanghai is also the country’s economic powerhouse. There’s a European influence here as the French and British occupied parts of the city during the 19th century, leaving their imprint on the architecture. On the Bund, for example, the clocktower was modelled on Big Ben, while the leafy French Concession is dotted with grand mansions. The city comes alive at night — skyscrapers in Pudong, the city’s financial district, are lit up like Christmas trees while restaurants and bars are open until the early hours. Make sure you eat your fill of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
4. Xi’an, Shaanxi
The Terracotta Army guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang (Emperor Qin) is the main draw for visitors to Xi’an, but this one-time capital of China is a treasure trove of heritage attractions. Nearby and less well-known is Han Yang Ling, the mausoleum of Emperor Jing, which is filled with 2ft-high doll-like terracotta warriors. Meanwhile, Xi’an city wall is a tremendously well-preserved example of medieval fortification. And, as the city was the starting point of the Silk Road, Islamic influences can be seen in its Muslim quarter.
5. Chengdu, Sichuan
Home of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Chengdu has become a popular stop on many China tours . Foodies will relish their visit — it’s one of the original Unesco cities of gastronomy, so you’ll find the best of Sichuan cuisine here. Highlights include spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, and the myriad street food choices you’ll find outside the city’s many temples. It’s also the departure point for tours to Jiuzhai Valley National Park, Huanglong National Park and the autonomous regions around Sichuan.
6. Chongqing
One of four municipalities managed by the central government (along with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin), Chongqing’s special status has allowed it to flourish, a process evidenced by the towering — and architecturally interesting — skyscrapers that dominate its riverfront. The antithesis of all this modernity is Ciqikou Old Town, where you can get a taste of what the city looked like before the development. And before you float down the Yangtze on a river cruise, head to Dazu — unknown compared to the Longmen Grottoes, this Unesco world heritage site is home to over 10,000 rock carvings featuring Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian themes.
7. Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Just southwest of Shanghai, Hangzhou is postcard-pretty, with a reputation built by poets and writers inspired by its beauty. West Lake, filled in the summer with water lilies and lined by willows, is its key attraction; head out of the city and you’ll find fields of tea bushes waiting to be plucked and made into longjing (dragon well) tea. Buy this and silk as your souvenirs.
8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
Perhaps better known as the Avatar mountains, Zhangjiajie’s pillar-like rock formations, covered in dense forest and swirling in mist, inspired the Hallelujah Mountains of Pandora in the 2009 film. But long before that it was depicted in Chinese watercolours, and has become popular again in recent years thanks to the opening of a glass-bottomed bridge enabling visitors to cross a canyon that stretches a knee-trembling 300m (984ft) below.
9. Li River, Guangxi
The Li River, winding its way through a verdant karst landscape, is instantly recognisable, not least because it’s depicted on every 20 yuan note. Visits here usually include a cruise, sailing from Guilin to Yangshuo, as well as a photo stop to capture a local fisherman — and it’s always one of a certain age — hauling in the day’s catch with the help of cormorant.
10. Yinchuan, Ningxia
Remote, arid and virtually unheard of in the west until just over a decade ago, Yinchuan isn’t the most obvious tourist destination. But it’s here you’ll find China’s burgeoning wine region, producing Bordeaux-style reds that are beating the competition in blind tastings at the likes of the Decanter World Wine Awards. Yinchuan is also a gateway to the undulating dunes of the Tengger Desert and Sanguankou, a section of the Great Wall of China built during the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644).
11. Sanya, Hainan
Often dubbed the Hawaii of China, the island province of Hainan benefits from a sub-tropical climate that, coupled with long stretches of golden sandy beaches, has made it a popular resort destination. Sanya is by far the most popular destination, with options for diving off its coast. Inland there are forested trails for hiking, and hot springs to unwind in.
12. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan
Soaring 5,596m (18,360ft) above sea-level at its highest point, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a breathtaking glacial beauty. It’s home to China’s highest ski resort in winter, and tours here generally include a stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River thunders down a steep valley, and stays in Lijiang Ancient Town, with its carved wood and tiled roof old houses; just be prepared for altitude sickness.
• Best things to do in China • Best Silk Road tours: China and the Stans of Central Asia
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Top tips for a successful business trip to China
Julian Munsey
If you’ve ever been on a business trip to China, or plan on taking one, there are things you should know before you leave. Chinese culture can be very different from what you may be used to, so to get the most from your business trip to China, you’ll want to understand as many of those differences as possible and to take them into account when dealing with your Eastern counterparts.
In China, 13 is considered a lucky number, so here are 13 of our top tips for a successful trip to China for the business traveller .
Socialising comes before business.
Western idioms like ‘let’s cut to the chase’ or ‘dive right in there’ should be left at home. In China, respect and trust comes before any business dealings, so you may find yourself at a dinner party, the driving range, or some other form of – often cultural – entertainment even several times before getting down to actual business dealing. The bigger the potential deal, the more of this to expect.
This may be frustrating to you, especially if you have a lot riding on the deal, or are excited to start the ball rolling. Take encouragement from it though, as this relationship development is a sign that your potential partner in the deal is taking you seriously, developing the groundwork for something longer-term. This is a good thing.
The Chinese word for it is Guanxi , and it is worth a little research before you leave for your trip.
Bring gifts
It is a custom to bring a gift to business associates, especially those of similar or higher rank to you. The value of what you bring is not as important as the sense of personal or cultural identity it carries.
Alcohol and tobacco are popular gifts, but ironically so are health supplements, tea, nuts, fruits and other food. The best gifts are clearly tied to your home country. If you’re coming from Scotland, bring some smoked salmon, scotch whiskey, or Scottish-themed biscuits. English tea in decorative tins – red phone booths, black taxis, Big Ben, etc. – are also good choices.
Bring something special for your primary contact, but also bring some spares. You never know when you’ll make a potentially-fruitful contact and you’ll want to start things off right.
Bring plenty of business cards too. Hand each one out with both hands, and read any that are given to you. They are important symbols to most Asian business people.
Learn a few Chinese phrases
Chinese can be difficult, especially the tonal system, but just as you understand basic English even through a thick accent, your Chinese counterpart will likely understand you, and will appreciate that you took the time to learn something of the local language.
Don’t expect anyone to speak English. Some business people do speak English, especially at high levels, but this is often not the case. You may be dealing with a translator. If so, speak directly to the businessperson you wish to address, and smile politely while the translation is being delivered, and while your counterpart replies.
Nods and smiles go a long way. Don’t show frustration or annoyance, as this will kill trust, and the deal with it.
Respect goes a long way – so does disrespect
This is true in most situations, but Chinese culture can seem very complex to outsiders, and making the right move in a seemingly-unimportant thing may be key. Chinese people tend to take etiquette very seriously – their own, and that of other cultures – and it will be assumed that you are at least somewhat aware of what to do. Here are a few basics.
Some are similar to good manners in Western culture. Never interrupt; it is considered very rude. Don’t make a scene; this includes raising your voice or getting angry in public, pointing, or bragging and cockiness.
Some are less intuitive. Refuse offers of food or drink a few times, even if you are hungry or thirsty. This shows a respect for the belongings of your host. When you do finally accept, and are satisfied, leave a little of the food and drink unfinished. In Chinese culture, this is a signal that your host has been generous, giving you more than you needed. Clearing your plate or emptying your glass is a signal that you would like more.
Finally, don’t be late for meetings. Ever. Arrive in the area early if possible, find the place you need to go, and then wait until the proper time before entering. Ten or fifteen minutes prior to a meeting is appropriate. Don’t be too early, and don’t ever be late.
Tactics can be… crafty
Be aware of differences in business ethics. Craftiness is highly valued, as is profit and a personal reputation for successful deals. Sometimes – not always – this can mean negotiation tactics that would be seen as deceitful or unethical by most in the West.
This is not always the case of course – on either side of the Pacific – but it is something to be aware of when making deals: assumptions and hand-shake deals can turn around and bite you. Smiles can hide an ‘unfair’ advantage.
You will need at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport, and two blank pages. If you have less time than this before you must renew, or fewer blank pages, you can apply for a new one prior to your trip.
You will need one of two types of visa to enter the country, unless you are a citizen of Brunei, Japan or Singapore. For most business trips to China, you will need an M visa. These can be obtained from the Chinese embassy or consulate, or by using an expediter.
You will need an invitation letter from an authorised Chinese business, or a letter of introduction from your own business may suffice.
Overstaying your visa in China may result in hotels and other services refusing to serve you, or in fines, deportation, and a status of persona non grata for future trips. In other words, they’ll stop serving you and you won’t be allowed back in.
Police will also stop foreigners to check official papers, so always carry your passport with visa, and any other travel credentials you may have.
The wild, wild west of data
Many people use a disposable phone and a dedicated laptop for business trips to China. This is to ensure that no sensitive company data is transported into the country, and that no spyware or malware is transported out of it and into your company’s system.
The Chinese government regulates the Internet, blocking many sites and attempting to control what it’s citizens can access online, so don’t be surprised when you can’t access your usual streaming sites or even some seemingly-mundane information. Bring necessary data with you.
Pollution in most Chinese cities is very high. You will want to bring a pollution mask – much like a surgeon’s mask – and wear it when outdoors. It looks very strange to Westerners, but is perfectly normal in most Asian countries.
Things to bring
Bring an adapter for power outlets. China uses a 220-volt system at 50Hz AC. A universal adapter is an excellent investment for a frequent traveller, and they are inexpensivea.
Bring earplugs. Something subtler than noise-cancelling headphones is best, but bring the headphones too if you are sensitive to traffic, construction, and other such noises – there are a lot of them.
Bring something for upset stomach and/or diarrhoea. Food in China can be very different from what other countries call ‘Chinese food,’ and some of it will be very strange to you. Foods that you are not used to, even high-quality ones, can throw off your system, and you don’t want to be hunting around a Chinese shop for the right medication while in distress. Bring your own; even if you don’t use it, it will give peace of mind.
Look six ways before crossing the street
Traffic is heavy in China, and it moves at high speeds. When crossing the street, even on green walk lights at a crosswalk, don’t assume that drivers can see you or will stop. Treat it like a challenge to keep yourself out of trouble; cross only when clearly safe, cross quickly, and use pedestrian overpasses or underpasses when possible.
If you are used to vehicles using the left-hand side of the road you must be extra-careful; Chinese drivers use the right side.
Didi Chuxing – The Chinese Uber
Now available in English, this Uber-like service is reliable and more trustworthy than the unlicensed cabs (some of which are quite official-looking) that frequent the airport and other high-traffic areas. Because your destination is entered into the app, you can take a look and verify that your booked trip will take you to the right place.
Make sure you have your hotel’s phone number and address, in both English and Chinese, with you at all times. A hotel business card will have all of this information. It’s a good idea to have your Chinese business contacts’ information as well.
Expect flight delays
Chinese airports and airlines are notorious for late flights. They are extremely busy, often disorganised, and this results in frequent delays.
Not to worry; you’re prepared.
Don’t book any meetings or time-sensitive activities just after a scheduled flight. Remember, tardiness is highly disrespectful in Chinese culture, and even if the airline is at fault, a late arrival can still taint an otherwise positive interaction.
And for your own peace of mind, bring along an interesting book to read or game on your phone to play while waiting. It will reduce your stress and make the time pass by more quickly.
You don’t need to be worried about your business trip to China; you just need to be prepared.
Pack right, prepare yourself with a few phrases and some cultural knowledge. Plan for delays and get to locations early.
Set your mind for a slower start to the business relationship – get to know each other first.
Be mindful of cultural practices and differences, and smooth over any faux pas (yours and theirs) with a genuine smile.
Business trips to China can be the key to lucrative and mutually-beneficial relationships for years or decades to come, so a good start is well worth a little extra effort. Good luck to you, and good profits.
Need help organising your business travel trip to China? Get in touch with our travel experts
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The ultimate guide to things to do in China
Oct 29, 2021 • 11 min read
Despite racing modernization, hints of the old China remain © Nattapon / Getty Images
One of the world’s most vast and ancient civilizations, China is not just one region, cuisine or culture. It's a giant and complex patchwork of cultural groups, histories, cuisines and languages. As you might expect, there's a lot to see.
China’s big-hitting sights are no secret, and Chinese domestic tourists do a fine job of filling them up, particularly during national holidays such as the Spring Festival. But there are still untouched corners. While every traveler may want to tick "walked on the Great Wall" off their bucket list, this is a country where you can literally spend a lifetime and still never see it all.
One of the joys of China is its diversity, and most visitors find a friendly and warm welcome almost anywhere they go. Exploring is made abundantly easier by China’s vast high-speed rail network – the world’s biggest. By all means, put the big hitters on your list – ascending the Great Wall is, indeed, spectacular – but try to explore China’s lesser-visited corners, too.
Rather than a list of famous tourist sites, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in China as themes so you can explore China according to your own travel style and interests. Yilu shunfeng! (Have a great trip!)
Tick off China’s ‘Golden Triangle’
China’s most famous (and therefore most over-touristed) sights are situated in a triangle of three mighty cities: Beijing , Xi’an and Shanghai . The three are connected by high-speed trains making it easy to whip between the big sights. Most first-time visitors aim for China’s three best-known icons: the Great Wall near Beijing, the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an and the historical Bund and skyscrapers of Shanghai.
You can get a little off-the-beaten-path by avoiding the most popular sections of the Great Wall, especially Badaling (opt for Mutianyu or an unrestored section like Jiankou ), and by visiting during the shoulder- or off-season. Winter is a great time to climb the Great Wall under a dusting of snow and you’ll face fewer crowds as you line up to see the surreal faces of the Terracotta Warriors or snap a photo of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.
Feast on China's fabulous food
In Mandarin, a common greeting is “ ni chifan le ma? ” – meaning “have you eaten?” – which says a lot about China’s dedication to food. One of the greatest joys of traveling here is discovering the vast world of cuisine that lies beyond what you may have experienced in a Chinese restaurant abroad. There are eight major cuisines in China, and these are further divided up into countless local and regional styles of cooking, so you'll find something new to taste in every corner of the country.
Typically, rice and stir-fried dishes are more common in southern China, where rice is cultivated, while buns, dumplings and noodles are the staples in the wheat-growing north. Don’t miss xiaolongbao , or soup dumplings – a favorite breakfast food in Shanghai – and crispy Beijing roast duck. For delicate dim sum, go to Guangdong province. Try the halal, Central Asian-influenced cooking in far northwest Gansu , or head to Sichuan or Hunan provinces for super spicy foods.
Learn about China’s many minority cultures
The people of China represent a diverse group of communities, cultures and languages. Though the dominant majority (90%) are Mandarin-speaking Han Chinese, across the country there are 55 recognized minority groups. The Miao and Dai of the southwest, the Hui of northwestern Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia, and the Tibetans are among the most well-known, but there are dozens more groups, languages and identities that are not officially recognized.
While tourism has undoubtedly helped these groups maintain their cultural identities, it has often commodified them, too. To avoid cultural exploitation, seek out homestays or cultural immersion programs that are run by members of the community. The Linden Center in Xizhou, Yunnan , i s an excellent place to start – set in a restored heritage building, it's part boutique hotel, part cultural center, part spiritual retreat and part classroom, offering the chance for deep immersion into three local communities, with profits directly benefiting those groups.
See the Imperial sights
The splendor of Imperial China is proudly on display in Beijing and a string of other former capital cities. The best place to start is in Beijing's Forbidden City , China’s imperial palace since the Ming dynasty (between 1406 and 1420). This Unesco World Heritage Site comprises a series of stunning halls and nested courtyards that get smaller as you progress toward the inner sanctum, which only members of the emperor’s inner circle were permitted to enter.
Further afield in Beijing are the Temple of Heaven , where the emperor performed rites and sought divine guidance, and the lakes and breezeways of the Summer Palace , a sprawling complex that provided the court with respite during Beijing’s hottest months.
There are three other major historical capitals of China: Nanjing , Luoyang and Xi'an, all of which have numerous imperial sights and tombs. In Nanjing, the Ming-dynasty Xiaoling Mausoleum is one of the biggest imperial tombs in China, and the Presidential Palace was home to royal princes before it housed China's first republican president, Sun Yat-sen.
Travel the Silk Road
Long sections of the historical trade routes that make up the Silk Road run through northwestern China, ending at Xi’an, which was considered the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The townships along the route are rich in cultural heritage, especially of Hui Muslim groups and ethnically Kazakh, Uyghur and Uzbek communities. Although Muslim culture dominates today, part of the delight of traveling China’s section of the Silk Road is discovering traces of the Buddhist culture that traders transport east to China from India.
Some of the most splendid Buddhist sites in China are dotted along the Hexi Corridor in Gansu province, including the celebrated Mogao Grottoes , which are considered one of the most important treasure troves of Buddhist art in the world. Gone are the days of dusty camel rides or even bumpy buses – a high-speed train line now runs the entire length of the Chinese Silk Road, meaning you can travel in speedy, environmentally friendly comfort.
Contemplate life in Suzhou’s gardens
The city of Suzhou is renowned for its 69 classical Chinese gardens, which together form a remarkable Unesco World Heritage Site. The gardens range in size from the huge Humble Administrator's Garden – the biggest and most crowded garden – to the petite and perfectly formed Garden of the Master of the Nets .
The gardens were designed as private getaways for officials, academics and artists. Every detail within, from the winding stone pathways and round moon gates to ponds and bonsai trees, was painstakingly planned to create a suitable atmosphere for pondering and creative pursuits.
Hit the town in Hong Kong & Macau
Though they are very different on almost every level, Hong Kong and Macau are often paired as travel destinations thanks to their geographical proximity and easy transport links between the two city-states via fast ferries or the world’s longest sea bridge. Hong Kong is in many ways the perfect city: bursting at the seams with swanky banquet restaurants and tiny hole-in-the-wall food joints, great nightlife and sparkling skyline views (best appreciated from the top of Victoria Peak ).
You can tour the filming locations for popular movies such as Enter the Dragon and Transformers , or plan your trip in March to coincide with Art Basel Hong Kong , the city's biggest art bash. When things get that little bit too bustling, head to one of the laid-back islands, hike the trail known as the Dragon’s Back or kayak around Hong Kong Global Geopark .
The old-world fishing villages that once made Macau a quiet cousin to Hong Kong are giving way to an encroaching blaze of casinos built on reclaimed land. But Macau still has a wealth of heritage architecture and its own brand of fusion cuisine built on Macanese specialties and dishes influenced by its former colonizers, the Portuguese. If you only do one thing in Macau, make it a visit to Lord Stow's Bakery for the local custard tarts.
Glimpse an adorable panda
It’s tough to escape the national animal in China. Images of real and cuddly cartoon pandas appear on adverts, school signboards, metro trains and products all over the country. You'll even find Panda Brew beer in Beijing. In 2021, China's 67 panda reserves were integrated into one Giant Panda National Park, providing shelter for the 1631 wild pandas living within China's borders. Conservation efforts are paying off – China recently moved the giant panda off the endangered species list to less severe threatened status.
As pandas are notoriously shy animals (and not prone to getting loved-up, hence the extensive worldwide breeding program), travelers wanting to set eyes on a panda usually head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Chengdu – home to more than 200 giant pandas and a sizeable population of the smaller, fox-like red pandas. While the animals live in enclosures and the infrastructure is admittedly zoo-like, the Center exists purely for conservation and breeding, so pandas here receive excellent care.
Hike rice terraces & misty peaks
China’s mystical mountain landscapes have been celebrated and commemorated in art for thousands of years. Iconic images of craggily, karst peaks shrouded in mist were the subject of landscape paintings dating back to the 6th century. In fact, there is mountainous terrain all over China, but splendid views of cloud-capped peaks are best found at Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or one of the sacred Daoist peaks, such as Hua Shan or Tai Shan .
The ethereal, column-like mountains of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province were the inspiration for the film Avatar , and a great destination for easy hikes. And there's serious hiking at Tiger Leaping Gorge , and in the Himalayan borderlands of Yunnan and Sichuan.
One of the most popular images of China is of the sunset reflecting in the staggered waters of a rice terrace. Longsheng county in Guangxi province is a sprawl of rice terraces, the most well-known being the Longji (Dragon’s Back) terraces near Zhuang village. Hiking paths lead between terraced fields and the villages of several minority communities. From here, it’s easy to reach Guilin for a trip down the Li River, whose bizarrely shaped karst peaks have become one of the country’s most iconic images.
Get wintery in Dongbei
China shows a different side in winter, and the country has developed its cold-weather offerings, particularly infrastructure for skiing and snowboarding in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The best slopes and facilities can be found at Yabuli in Heilongjiang province and Changbaishan in Jilin province.
For something less active but still full of wintery wonder, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is held every year in the city of Harbin beside the iced-over Songhua River. It’s the world’s biggest ice sculpture festival, with dozens of ice-formed buildings and giant sculptures made of ice and snow, many shaped like well-known world landmarks.
Experience traditional arts & architecture
China has a rich musical and architectural heritage that spans centuries and hundreds of cultural traditions. Admiring dynastic architecture through the ages is a highlight of any trip to China, whether getting a close-up view of a Tang-dynasty pagoda in Xi'an or standing in the imposing open space of Tian’anmen Square .
Dramatic modern architecture has sprung up across the country, from the oddly-shaped CCTV Headquarters (aka the "pants building") in Beijing to the incredible Baoxi ‘bamboo town’ in Zhejiang province, where every building is eco-friendly and made from sustainable bamboo.
In arts and music, too, China has flourished through the ages. There are plenty of places around the country to experience traditional Chinese opera – one good spot is Suzhou’s Shantang Kunqu Opera House , which has intimate opera performances each evening accompanied by a traditional tea service.
One of the most charming experiences in China is getting up early in the morning to visit local parks, where people practice sword-play, fan-dancing, taichi, singing, square dancing, water calligraphy and other folk artforms.
See beautiful art in China’s museums
China is brimming with excellent museums cataloging everything from ancient ritual objects to stimulating and surprising modern art. Each province in China has its own provincial museum with locally found objects, but for a broad overview of national arts and artifacts, head to the excellent Shanghai Museum or the National Museum of China in Beijing.
China's thriving contemporary art scene is best explored at Shenzhen’s Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition and Hua Art Museum , the 798 Art District in Beijing and a whole collection of museums and galleries in Shanghai’s revitalized West Bund district, including Tank Shanghai , ShanghART and the Yuz Museum .
There are also plenty of more specialized museums such as the Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu, dedicated to a mysterious ancient civilization. More quirkily themed museums include the Shanghai Museum of Glass , the China Watermelon Museum and the Gaoligong Museum of Handcraft Paper in Yunnan province.
You may also like: 5 epic train journeys to take in China These top hikes in China are sure to take your breath away Incredible places in China to challenge your preconception
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THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CHINA
By Author Katie
Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023
After living in China for two years, we decided it was about time we sat down and shared the best places to visit in China. But China is massive so it is only right that we call on our fellow travel bloggers, China expats and travellers to share the what, where, and how of their China travel destinations.
So here it is, the ultimate guide to the BEST places to visit in China.
If you are planning a trip to China, make sure you head over to our YouTube channel to watch our China travel vlogs or head over to Katie’s channel to see her weekly vlogs living in Tianjin, China.
Where to visit in China
Of course, we had to start this guide to the best places to visit in China with Tianjin (after living here for two years). This is a growing city, 30 minutes outside of Beijing and accessible by speed train.
Tianjin embraces the new with an ever-changing skyline and a collection of 5-star hotels whilst still staying true to what makes this city unique. It is a city of contrasts. One minute, you may be walking down a street of European architecture and modern buildings then you’ll take a turn and find yourself walking along bustling local markets.
Food in Tianjin
When we moved here, we were told that Tianjin is the city where you can find all types of Chinese food and we discovered how true this statement was. China is known for it’s incredible food and in most cases, you would have to visit each of the provinces to try the local dishes. But Tianjin is a place with so much local migration from other areas of China, that some of the best food can be found here.
Tianjin is also home to restaurants that specialise in Korean and Japanese food as well as a range of European restaurants too.
Things to do in Tianjin
Tianjin may not have the postcard landmarks of neighbouring Beijing but it still has some interesting sights to offer. Tianjin is a getaway to the Great Wall; a journey from the city centre will take around two hours.
Plus, within the city you can take a boat along the Heihe river, see the city from above on the Tianjin Eye, sample some street food at the Ancient Culture Street, find yourself in Little Italy at the Italian Quarter and explore the cultural side of Tianjin at the Drum Tower and nearby temples.
Tianjin isn’t overcrowded with tourists and expats, giving you a true insight into modern city life here in China which is why, you should visit our home city, Tianjin.
Getting Around Tianjin
Fly – Tianjin Binhai International Airport is just 30 minutes outside of the city centre and offers a direct metro (line 2) into the city. A taxi or Didi (China’s version of Uber) will cost around 40 – 60 RMB into the city centre.
Train – A speed train is available from Beijing, costing 55 RMB and taking 30 minutes. You can also get a speed train from Shanghai, Xi’an and Chengdu.
Drive – Tianjin is a two-hour drive from Beijing and most drivers will charge between 500 – 650 RMB for this journey. Email us at [email protected] for driver details – we have a few recommendations of trustworthy, affordable and friendly local drivers.
Where to stay in Tianjin
- Jinjiang Inn, Tianjin Train Station offers clean, fairly spacious rooms for just 170 RMB, plus it is a great location near the train station and a short walk from the Italian Town and food street.
- The Tianjin Cloud Bay Hostel offers male and female dorm rooms from 56 RMB and can be found nearer the port area.
- Hotel Nikko is a popular hotel with spacious rooms from 430 RMB.
- Chain hotel Holiday Inn offers comfortable, western rooms for 269 MB.
- Shangri-la has an impressive interior with river view rooms costing 1000 RMB – they also offer a fantastic Sunday Brunch!
- You may also wish to splurge for a room at the Four Seasons hotel , also costing 1000 RMB a night.
Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province. It is not such a popular destination for people travelling to China and is definitely worth a visit before it suffers from overtourism . Most visitors arriving in Kunming tend to leave straight away to Lijiang or Shangri-la. Big mistake – there are ancients temples, scenic lakes, vibrant local market, sumptuous local cuisine, and the one and only stone forest. Whatís more, the air quality is one of the best in China, though it can get dusty at times.
Things to do in Kunming
Stone Forest
Also known as Shilin, here you will come across karst stone landscape, which consists of limestone formation caused by erosion million years ago.
Getting there: from Kunming Eastern Bus station, there are frequent buses to the Stone Forest from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The bus journey is about 2 hours, and the bus fare is 35 RMB per person.
Visit the local market
The largest local market in Kunming, Zhuanxin wet market is located at Xinwen Road and it opens daily from 8 am to 7 pm every day. This is a great place for people watching. You will really get to see the locals, especially on what they eat. The market is clean and well organised, and thereís a huge selection of good cheap food.
Believe it or not, I found dozens of different Sichuan peppers here!
Best Areas to Stay in Kunming
The best place to stay in Kunming is the area surrounding Green Lake (Cui Hu), also known as the jade of Kunming. Green Lake is located in the central of the city and is well connected to many local attractions. The beautiful Yunnan University is right at the opposite of Green Lake Park.
As well, Green Lake Park is the perfect place to spend 2-3 hours and feel the local vibe. You will see many locals showcasing their talents, especially in dancing, singing transitional songs, acting and performing the Chinese opera. There are also some local restaurants and cosy tea house in the centre of the park.
I stayed at Kunming Upland Youth Hostel, which is just two minutes walk from the park. I was reserved about hostels in China but Upland exceeded my expectation. It is well equipped with everything a traveller needs, including English-speaking staff, cosy cafe, nice and clean rooms.
Food in Kunming
In Kunming, there is an enormous choice of edible mushrooms. According to a reliable source, there are more than 800 species. Most species are not available elsewhere, and they do not even have English names! Freak not – most of the local restaurants offer mushroom dishes. I had the mushroom hot pot at a restaurant called Jingchuan Yejunwang and cannot recommend it highly enough!
Tel: 0871-67152168 / 0871-67168577
To make the most of your time in Kunming, follow my one day Kunming itinerary
Author bio: Ming Lee is the blogger behind Flyerism , where she shares smart travel hacks and cheap flight deals.
Getting Around Kunming
Fly – Kunming Changsui International Airport is accessible with direct flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. You can also fly domestically from Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Lhasa, Shanghai and Xi’an.
Train – Like most major cities in China, Kunming has four railway stations. Direct trains are available from Shanghai, Nanning, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Dali, Lijian and Yuxi as well as some smaller neighbouring towns.
Bus – You can also catch a long-distance bus along the highways from Beijing, Lanzhou, Shanghai and Fuzhou.
Where to stay in Kunming
- For a cheap, friendly hostel; check out the Kunming Cloudland International Youth Hostel with budget doubles starting at 112 RMB.
- For a quieter, mid-range hotel, look at Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime.
- Swallow Nest Guesthouse is a charming guesthouse that offers character. This is a perfect midrange hotel for romantic travellers.
- For those looking for 5-star luxury, check out the Sofitel Kunming which includes a spa, fitness center, swimming pool and excellent location. Plus, the rooms offer stunning views!
Next on our guide to the best places to visit in China is Shenzhen. Shenzhen is interesting because it is an entire city that didn’t exist a mere 40 years ago! In 1979, Shenzhen was designated a Special Economic Zone, so immigrants came from all over the country. As a result, Shenzhen is a fantastic melting pot of different Chinese cultures. Because of this, there are a ton of cool things to do around Shenzhen.
Things to do in Shenzhen
There are so many things to do in Shenzhen, but here are a few that you just can’t miss! Visit OCT-Loft, which was originally an old industrial area with abandoned factory buildings, but is now the trendiest part of Shenzhen.
It houses contemporary art galleries, bohemian coffee shops, fashion boutiques, tasty restaurants and so much more!
Next, visit Splendid China Folk Village. This theme park is laid out like a miniature China. It is the world’s largest and most comprehensive miniature park, reproducing nearly 100 famous tourist attractions in China and 25 full-scale ethnic villages. The park’s theme reflects the history, culture, art, ancient architecture, customs and habits of various nationalities.
Weather in Shenzhen
If the weather is nice, you have to take a stroll around Shekou, the area of Shenzhen right by the coast! It offers gorgeous views of the ocean and of Hong Kong across the water and is a great place to take a bike ride or just lounge in the shade.
If the weather isn’t so great, head over to Queen’s Spa. This is the mother of all spas. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and measuring a massive 480,000 square feet, Queen’s Spa is an absolute unit. There are 7 floors of entertainment, and the amenities range from restaurants to pools, to massage chairs and more.
Getting Around Shenzhen
To get around, use the Shenzhen Metro! It is quite fast, although the lines are not quite efficiently laid out, and it gets unbearably crowded during rush hour. Otherwise, I recommend downloading the taxi-hailing service app, DiDi, or hailing a cab, or using a bike-sharing app on WeChat.
Food in Shenzhen
If you’re getting hungry, try a local delicacy called Coconut Chicken Hot Pot. Hot pot is a popular Chinese dish where raw meat and vegetables are served with a boiling pot of soup, and everyone cooks their food in the soup before eating. Coconut Chicken Hot Pot is this same concept but the soup is made with coconut water instead of regular water (due to Shenzhen’s subtropical climate there are plenty of coconuts). It’s a surprisingly delicious combination.
For a quick snack, stop by Akimbo. Every single part of this coffee shop is photogenic but also unique. You can choose to sit on a set of steps under a neon sign, or at the white tiled counters, or at the cute marble tables, or on the picturesque balcony. The decor is insanely cool, there are neon signs everywhere, and even the plates are decorated with cute illustrations. The food is also unusual – this mousse cake that I ordered looks exactly like a glossy strawberry!
Claire from Adventure Eat Work
Where to stay in Shenzhen
- Shenzhen LOFT Youth Hostel is a highly rated hostel situated in an artistic, hippy area of the bustling city. Dorm beds start at 95 RMB whilst private rooms start at 265 RMB.
- Royce Hotel is a 5-star hotel at affordable prices. Rooms start at 610 RMB and you expect clean and modern rooms.
- Hotel Kapok Shenzhen Luohu is a classic hotel that offers luxury starting at 821 RMB a night.
- The Langham Hotel offers top-end luxury for under 1000 RMB. This hotel offers western standards and is a popular choice for travellers to Shenzhen who don’t mind spending a bit of extra money.
Getting to Shenzhen
Train – The most popular journey to Shenzhen is via train. In mainland China, you can catch a train from many major cities in the country and Guangzhou is a short journey away. You can also catch a 1 hour, 40-minute train from Hong Kong – travel to Hung Hom MTR station on Kowloon side and take the East Rail Line to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations. This is the Hong Kong/Chinese border but you will need a Chinese via to enter Shenzhen.
Ferry – You can also catch a one hour ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.
Fly – Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is an expanding airport with over 100 airlines operating domestic and international flights from around 80 different cities. From the airport, you can catch an airport shuttle bus to the city centre or take the metro.
- Complete guide to Shenzhen
- 24 hours in Shenzhen
- Shenzhen from Hong Kong
Harbin is located in the Heilongjiang province in northern China. It’s famous for making the most of its extremely cold winters by hosting the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival every year. The festival is the biggest of its kind in the world and a spectacle of all things snow and ice. The main attractions are the replica structures of iconic buildings made out of huge chunks of ice taken from Harbin’s Songhua River and impressive, giant snow sculptures.
If you love Winter destinations, Harbin will be your best place to visit in China.
When to visit Harbin
The best and most popular time to visit Harbin is in winter, during the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival. If you visit during this time be prepared for some very icy temperatures.
Things to do in Harbin
Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the most popular things to do in the city at any time of year. In winter it hosts part of the Ice & Snow Festival , but in summer it’s also a stunning area to explore. You can even visit the Ice Sculpture Garden on a hot summer’s day, the largest indoor Ice and Snow Art Hall in the world. It gives you a taste of what to expect during the Ice & Snow Festival in Winter as it contains sculptures that have featured in past festivals.
As you wander around the city, you’ll notice a Russian influence, most notably at Saint Sophia’s Cathedral . It’s a stunning landmark that may leave you feeling as though you’ve momentarily step foot into Russia.
The scenic pedestrianized Central Street (Zhongyang Daije) is the heart of the city, lined with shopping malls, department stores, cafes and restaurants. Many of the buildings feature European architectural styles and during the Russia era it was the main trading street. Around Central Street, you’ll find heaps of places selling delicious meat skewers and the hugely popular snack of candied fruit.
We saw these everywhere in Harbin and of course, gave them a try. They are traditionally made with Chinese hawthorn, but we tried the ones made with strawberries and pineapple. The fruits are coated in hardened sugar syrup and if you have a sweet tooth they are the perfect snack. Hopefully they still count as one of your five a day too!
Getting to Harbin
Harbin can be reached by plane or train from major cities in China like Beijing or Shanghai.
Fly – If arriving by plane, just bear in mind the airport is about 45-60 minutes outside the city. Taxis and shuttle buses are readily available from the airport, with a taxi journey into the city costing around 130-150 CNY.
Getting around Harbin
Once in the city, it’s easy to navigate with an extensive network of buses, including two tourist routes, a limited but useful metro line and plenty of inexpensive taxi’s. In the warmer months, you can take a ferry to Sun Island across the Songhua River and in winter, when the river is completely frozen over, you can walk across it!
Don’t worry though, if you don’t fancy the walk a cable car is also available to get you there.
Where to stay in Harbin
Earl Hotel – This was our hotel pick; the rooms are spacious and modern and the hotel isn’t far from the city centre. Plus, prices are affordable, starting at 184 RMB a night.
Wanda Realm Resort – For those looking for a resort experience, this hotel is for you. Rooms here are stunning and themed rooms are available for families. Rooms start at 431 RMB a night, including breakfast.
Shangri-La – For those looking for a piece of luxury, Shangri-La is said to be the best hotel in town. Rooms are available from as little as 580 RMB a night with lake view rooms costing a little more.
Sarah from Hotels and Hand Luggage
Every country has its centre, its geographical, political and cultural “core”. Some countries, especially the large ones have two or more such “core”. China has a few, and Guangzhou is one of them. It is the centre of the southern part of the country, called by locals “Nanfang” (The South). And Guangzhou is the well known Canton, one of the largest cities in the world.
Guangzhou is one of the Pearl River Delta cities- the largest city cluster in the world, established on a complex maze of river canals and islands. It has more than 2000 years of history and you can see a lot of traces from the time.
THINGS TO DO IN GUANGZHOU
In general, Guangzhou has 7 important landmarks, which are mandatory for every traveller to visit.
Hike Yuexiu Park, where you can see the famous Zhenhai Tower and the symbol of Guangzhou- the Five Rams statue. Visit Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, which is the best witness of the famous Chinese leader from the beginning of the 20 th century. Walk around the old streets of Liwan and Xiguan Antique City. Be impressed in the fine art masterpieces of Chen Clan Academy.
Touch a part of Europe in Shamian Island, with its western classical mansions. Then make a cruise on Pearl River, watching the best cityscape views of Guangzhou. And finally- ascend to the panoramic terraces of the city’s newest landmark- Canton Tower, from where you can enjoy breathtaking images of Guangzhou, from bird’s point of view.
Food in Guangzhou
And Guangzhou has much more to reveal, but apart of its multiple interesting sites, just the city’s life itself is rich of many things that you can try. Cantonese food is famous not only in China but in the whole world. And there are three main places, where you can try it, and not only to eat but also to shop and enjoy the nightlife.
Best places to eat in Guangzhou
The first place is Shangxia Jiu pedestrian street (in English it means “Up Down 9”, whatever it may means). It is the oldest area of this kind, presenting Cantonese architecture and a lot of local traditional food, such as dim-sum, chang fen, fried noodles, white chicken, etc.
The second place is Beijing Road. It is a more modern pedestrian street with more malls, shops and restaurants. You can see many city activities there.
And the third place is Tianhe Square, which is the skyscraper centre of the city, with one of the largest malls in the world. Inside you can find not only a variety of world-famous cuisines but also every kind of things for shopping.
Where to stay in Guangzhou?
Being such a large center, Guangzhou has really a lot of options for accommodation, from luxury splurge, to budget. But I would recommend you choose from Booking or Agoda a hotel, which is near a metro station. Thus you could much easily move around the city.
Normally, you can plan something like 60 to 100 USD per day (including the accommodation). But if you are a budget traveler, even 30-35 USD could be enough. Having in mind all these details, you could spend a really great time in this unique city.
Krasen from Journey beyond Horizon
Best hotels in Guangzhou
- 433 Life is a modern and chic hotel in the Liwan District, who rooms starting at 453 RMB a night.
- Dongshan Gaga Hotel is a popular hostel in a vibrant area, with dorm beds starting at 78 RMB and private rooms starting at 208 RMB.
- Overlooking the Pearl River, on Shamian Island, the White Swan Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway. Room prices start at 1056 RMB.
- Sofitel Guangzhou is the choice for you if you are looking for luxury and calm away from the bustling city. Rooms start at 960 RMB and rooms with stunning city views are also available.
Getting to Guangzhou
Fly – Guangzhou Airport is a popular entry point into the city – it is also one of the few airports that offer the 144-hour visa-free entry. It is China’s largest transport hub and serves millions of visitors every year. Once at the airport, you can take an airport express bus to various spots in the city or jump in a taxi for the 25-minute journey into the city centre. There is not currently a train that connects the airport to the city centre.
Train – Similarily to all major cities in China, there are 4 different railway stations in Guangzhou. From Guangzhou Train Station, you can catch a speed train to Shenzhen (30-minute journey), whilst the North Railway Station offers high-speed trains to Eastern cities such as Hangzhou and Wuhan as well as Xi’an. The South Railway Station offers high-speed trains to Shanghai, Beijing, Guilin, Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Wuhan.
Suzhou is one of the most beautiful places to visit in China so it is a must visit! Suzhou is known as the ‘Venice of the East’. The city has many canals with gorgeous old buildings running alongside them. When I visited, we enjoyed a beautiful late night boat ride. While it might not have been in a gondola, it was still special! The city is very popular with domestic tourists and it’s not hard to see why. After living in China for a year, Suzhou is one of the most beautiful places I have visited here.
Things to do in Suzhou
Suzhou’s most famous attractions are its water towns. I would recommend visiting Tongli Water Town. We wandered the streets before having a well-deserved cup of coffee at a riverside café.
Suzhou is also famous for its Chinese gardens. I recommend visiting the Lingering garden or Humble Administrator’s Garden. Admittedly, most Chinese gardens look the same to me! Therefore, I advise visiting just one garden while in Suzhou. Tiger hill is also a popular attraction in Suzhou being home to the ‘leaning pagoda of China’.
Local delicacies you must try:
- Squirrel shaped Mandarin fish – the most famous dish to try in Suzhou. This fish is shaped to look like a squirrel and soaked in sweet and sour sauce.
- Shengjian Mantou – these are one of my favourite foods I’ve eaten in China. They are steamed buns containing meat, fried in oil and garlic. So yummy… however, watch out for the squirt of oil when you bite into them!
- Meat mooncakes – this pastry dish is slightly sweet and contain meat in the centre. They are a great little snack you can buy at a local shop or bakery.
Where to eat in Suzhou?
- Deyuelou Restaurant: Go here for local delicacies
Address: 43, Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Pingjiang District
Chinese: 平江区观前街太监弄43号
Estimated cost: 100 RMB per person
- YangYang Dumplings – Go here for dumplings and local delicacies
Address: 420 Shiquan Jie
Chinese: 十全街420号
Estimated Cost: 50 RMB per person
- Haidilao HotPot – Go here for Sichuan hotpot (a swirling vat of oil where you cook your meat and vegetables yourself…. don’t forget to try brain and intestines)
Address: 7th Floor, Xinsutiandi Shopping Center, 219, Guangji South Road, Jinchang District
Chinese金阊区广济南路219号新苏天地购物中心7楼
Hannah from Hannah’s Happy Adventure
Getting Around Suzhou
Taxi: a cheap option with the metre starting at around 6 RMB per journey.
DiDi: Chinese Uber – switch your app store to China, and download the English version. A hassle-free way to order taxis starting at 7 RMB per journey
Metro: journeys start at 2 RMB per person, a good option if you’re travelling solo. please note, Suzhou’s metro is not as extensive as other Chinese cities. However, still worth mentioning!
- An Instagram Guide to Suzhou
- Day trip to Suzhou
Where to stay in Suzhou?
- Budget: Mingtown Suzhou International Youth Hostel
- Mid-range: Garden Hotel
- Luxury: Renaissance Hotel
Considered the Vegas of the East, Macau is more than flashy casinos and kitsch buildings. There is a rich history with loads of cultural exploration to be had. The food is also great as its a perfect blend of East meets West combining Chinese influence with Portuguese flavours. With over 30mil visitors a year, it has overtaken Vegas in terms of gambling revenue.
Before it became a gambling hotspot Macau was a trading post which started to develop after Portuguese settlements in 1863. Portugal gained full control in 1887, declaring independence from China, but was finally handed back to China in 1999. It is known as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. So just like Hong Kong, Macau enjoys some autonomy within the PRC, for example, a separate legal, administrative and judicial system, with its own passport, currency and visa system.
Things to do in Macau
Macau is divided into two main parts: Peninsular Macau on the mainland; and the island of Taipa and Coloane, also know as the Cotai Strip, which is actually man-made by landfill.
Macau Peninsula has the Historic Centre of Macau and is UNESCO listed with 22 gorgeous buildings to explore like Casa Garden, Church of St Dominic, Mandarin’s House and Lou Kau Mansion.
The quaint Street of Happiness is a fun road filled with boutique stores, and the Macau Design Center is the place where digital nomads gather to work, chat and explore the ongoing exhibitions. The infamous Hotel Lisboa is also here and you should definitely give it a visit. Not only is it famed for its architecture, but it also houses the only 3-Michelin star restaurants, Robuchon au Dome (French) and The Eight (Chinese).
Cultural sites are various from Na Cha Temple sitting right next to the iconic Ruins of the Church of St Paul, to the 1488-built Taoist A Ma Temple. Stop at A Lorcha (The Sailboat) restaurant close-by to experience Portuguese and Macanese delights.
Moving over to the Cotai Strip, you’ll witness modern Macau with all its flashy and over the top excesses. Beyond gambling, it’s also the place to go for amazing food. Indulge in an egg tart, as this is where the delicious treat was invented. Lord Stow’s Bakery is the original and my personal preference. Move onto Tai Lei Loi to taste South China’s most famous pork-chop bun. Don’t leave without tasting almond cookies, minchi for breakfast, bacalhau and serradura. Antonio’s is one of my top picks for Portugal dining in Macao.
Some of the top casinos to visit are Studio City for its eight-shaped ferris wheel, have a gondola ride at the Venetian, the Dancing Fountain show at the Wynn and the must-see Cirque de Soleil-esque House of Dancing Water Show at the City of Dreams. Explore Taipa Village on foot for a gentle stroll away from the raucous casinos.
Cal from Once Upon a Lifetime
Getting to Macau
Getting to Macau is fairly easy and although you can fly in, the most popular alternative is to visit via a one hour ferry from Hong Kong. The two main operators are TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet. They start at 7am and there are ferries leaving either every 15mins or 30mins. Visit out of typhoon season in Winter for drier and cooler weather.
Where to stay in Macau
- We loved The Venetian in Macau , a themed hotel that resembles that of Las Vegas. Book directly on their website to get some great offers.
- There are some fantastic, 5-star hotels along the Cotai Strip, including The Parisian (1170 RMB), City of Dreams (990 RMB), Studio City Hote l (1024 RMB) and Grand Coloane Resort (640 RMB).
- Hotel Lisboa is a great alternative for those looking for affordable luxury at 686 RMB.
- MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE
- Getting from Hong Kong to Macau via Ferry
- The Eight Restaurant Review
Alright, let’s talk real straight for a hot minute: when someone says “insanely beautiful tropical beaches”, China probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind, right?? But China’s southern island, Hainan, is rife with them!
The island is home to miles and miles of sandy shoreline, surf spots , jungle-covered mountains, tropical farmland, towns, and cities — and the fruit, did we mention the fresh fruit?!
Needless to say, Hainan Island is a far cry from the rest of the Chinese mainland — and I don’t just mean in terms of scenery and weather (which, by the way, is warm and sunny virtually year-round).
Culturally and linguistically, Hainan is very much a place apart as well. It’s one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in all of China, with substantial populations of Li, Miao, and Zhuang minorities (as well as the majority population of Han, of course); and as such, the island plays host to dozens of festivals in celebration of its multiethnic culture.
Hainan Outdoor Adventures
Hainan is overflowing with outdoor adventure potential; and yet, still fairly few foreign tourists make it here. To be fair, the world-class waves of Hainan’s east coast have been drawing crowds for the O’Neill’s Surfing Open and the International Surfing Association competitions for years now; and adventurous travellers have long known that Hainan is by far the best place for kitesurfing in China . But for now, Hainan is still slipping blissfully under many foreign tourists’ radars. My advice? Go now, before it all changes.
Hainan Itinerary
Fly into Haikou airport, spend a day exploring the city, then take the bullet train to Wenchang. Eat the famous Wenchang ji (Wenchang chicken — Hainan style!) and visit the quieter parts of town. Hop back on that train and head for Qionghai; skip the gaudy KTV bars and instead take a taxi to Bo’ao and relax on what might be one of the nicest beaches in all of China. Try your hand at kitesurfing, if it’s windy!
Don’t leave town without eating dinner at the local La Mian muslim restaurant, and finish off with a qingbuliang (a Hainan dessert consisting of ice cold coconut milk ‘soup’ with sweetcorn, red beans, watermelon, taro, and tapioca. I know it sounds weird as hell but I’m telling you that lil’ bowl of goodness will change your life ).
While you’re near the centre of the island, head west for the mountainous middle of Hainan and block off a day to hike the incredible peaks of WuZhiShan (Five Finger Mountain).
Once you’re well and truly knackered from your hike, hop back on the train and hit Sanya. Don’t be put off by the seemingly omnipresent construction and swerving motorbikes; dive into the city’s backstreets and seek out the hole-in-the-wall restaurants with fresh seafood and handmade noodles.
Grab a drink and settle in for a live music show at Nan Lou . Escape to the sister village of Houhai for some r&r and chilled out beach days.
Grace from Extreme Nomads
Getting to Hainan
There are 2 ways to get to Hainan.
Fly – The easiest and quickest route, is to fly into Haikou City, the capital of Hainan Island. You could also into Sanya City but the flights are often more expensive and limited.
Train -There is a train to Hainan Island, which takes you to the railway ferry and across Qiangzhou Straits. This is a more scenic route and one to choose if you are travelling at your own leisure.
Helpful posts
- 3 days in Hainan Island
- 11 Reasons to visit Hainan Island
Where to stay in Hainan
- The SANYA Edition is an expansive, impressive, modern and sleek hotel with rooms available for all types of travellers, starting at 1614 RMB.
- Mangrove Tree Resort World Sanya Bay Kapok Tower is the perfect, affordable hotel with kids play areas, water slides and
- Banyan Tree Sanya is a romantic haven and costs 2082 RMB per night for a villa with private pool.
Chengdu is the perfect destination to start exploring China and we loved spending time in this great city as a family of 5 on our 3 month trip in Asia.
Initially, what drew us to Chengdu was the promise of seeing the amazing Giant Panda up close but it became so much more than that as we connected with locals at the community playground, discovered amazing food and even spent a lunchtime with local monks in a monastery.
We flew into Chengdu from Melbourne, Australia via Kuala Lumpur. We had to organise an E- visa beforehand which was a pretty easy process. We had booked a guest house in the centre of the city and it confirmed our decision that guesthouses are not just for young backpackers, they can be amazing places for families too. We loved the communal eating areas, being able to book affordable tours and the fun activities they hosted.
Things to do in Chengdu
Outside the guesthouse, we loved visiting the Panda Research Centre (10kms from Chengdu centre) which we organised through our guesthouse. We were transported there and back in a minivan and could explore the park at our leisure. It was easy to spend a whole day here wandering around the gardens and seeing pandas across all ages and learning about how China is conserving this precious animal. Tickets to the park were around $10 AUD each.
Booked through our guesthouse was another family favourite which was a street food tour with our fabulous guide named Winter. We walked through local markets tasting and sampling new foods and learning all about traditional Sichuan food. Our favourite foods to try was all the pickled vegetables and fresh fruit, and of course some pork belly! This tour cost $10 AUD each person.
For lunch, we had a special experience of joining the monks at a local monastery which was amazing for our whole family. We especially liked that the monks would sneak a sweet biscuit to the kids with big smiles even though there was a big language barrier for us.
Chengdu has a great mix of historic China with another area that is modernised with big buildings, shopping centres and great public transport that is easy to navigate.
Bron from Smiths Holiday Road
Where to stay in Chengdu?
As with many major cities in China, you can find elite chain hotels such as the Hyatt, Shangri-La, Hilton and Mercure for cheaper prices than the west but also cheaper than many other cities in Asia.
- For a 5-star luxury, western hotel, the Dorsett Chengdu is stunning but you can also get rooms for as cheap as 320 RMB.
- Flip Flip Hostel is a popular, highly-rated hostel in Chengdu and the perfect choice for young and/or solo travellers. Dorm beds cost 100 RMB whilst private rooms start at 400 RMB.
- For something a little bit different, check out Buddhazen Hotel . Rooms start at 340 RMB and the interior is traditional and gorgeous.
Getting to Chengdu
Fly – Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the fourth-largest airport in China, with direct flights from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Nanjing, Hangzhou and other major cities in China. There are also international flights available from Bangkok and Hong Kong.
This airport also allows 144-hour visa-free transit entry, meaning, you can visit Chengdu as part of a stopover and explore the city for up to 5 days.
Train – Speed trains to Chengdu Railway, North Railway, South Railway and East Railway stations, are available from Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi’an. Browse the C-Trip app to book tickets and find the best times and seats.
Getting around – Once in Chengdu, you can use Metro Line 1, 2 and 4 to get around the city; Line 1 connects with the North Railway Station and Line 4 connects to the Dufu Thatched Cottage and Kuanzhai Alley.
Taxis are also available, with the first 3 kilometres costing 9 CNY or use the Didi app to avoid the language barrier.
Hong Kong is an amazing area of China that has so much to see and do. The history and culture of the area, plus the modern twist, make it a great place to spend at least 2 days in Hong Kong during your trip to China. Even though there is so much to do, there were three things I would recommend as must-sees while you are there and a few things you need to know about Hong Kong before you visit.
Things to do in Hong Kong
Tian Big Buddha
The Tian Big Buddha is an important place to visit for a few reasons. The history of the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is not that impressive, because it’s actually pretty new. Built in 1993, the statue was built as a sort of present for the transition of Hong Kong from UK rule to Chinese rule.
The Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island, and you can visit it by train or by cable car. The cable car route is an amazing adventure in itself but is closed during any bad weather, so plan accordingly.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is another amazing location in Hong Kong, and is one of the best views of the city. You can hike up to the peak or take the Peak Tram. Although the tram seems a little dangerous, it’s actually incredibly safe and an iconic thing you must do while in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak (like many other tourist attractions in Hong Kong) has a mall at the top, so take in some shopping or lunch while at the top. However, during our trip, it was completely foggy at the top so there was no view to be seen.
Street Markets
Although not an obvious attraction, the street markets in Hong Kong are one of the most cultural attractions in the city. The markets include blocks and blocks of vendor stalls, including (mostly fake) designer bags, phones, and clothing of all kinds. There is also plenty of authentic food within these markets, which makes it a perfect outing. Our family of 10 (ranging from ages 8 to 65) spent hours just walking through these markets, and we were all able to get dinner at different places. It was delicious and a fun family experience. My favourite was the Temple Street Night Market. While you are there, go to the centre and find the one sit-down restaurant. The noodles are as authentic as it gets, and the view offers some amazing people-watching. Some other recommendations include eating some hot pot, going to the beach, visiting the Hong Kong waterfront, and just walking around the city. Hong Kong is such an amazing place to visit while in China, and a destination you should definitely not overlook next time you are there.
Jaclyn from Your Travel Spark
Getting to Hong Kong
Fly – Hong Kong Airport serves international flights from all over the world, including direct flights from London and other European cities. Cheaper alternatives are available if you don’t mind flying via the UAE or smaller Asian countries. Once landed, you can catch the Airport Express Train for KH$100, which takes 24 minutes to Hong Kong Island. There are taxis available, which will cost around HK$300 and take around 40 minutes.
Train – You can catch a ‘through train’ from Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing or the Metro from Shenzhen.
Places to visit in China from Hong Kong
- Macau – Known as the Vegas of Asia, Macau is just a short 1 our ferry away from Hong Kong. You could visit just for the day or spend a few nights on the Macau strip.
- Guangzhou – Experience a modern Chinese city by visiting Guangzhou. Admire the skyscrapers and stroll through the fancy malls before heading to local restaurant for delicious food. This city is 2 hours by train from Hong Kong.
- Zhuhai – Experience daily life in China in this normal city on the coastline of China. Visit the gorgeous islands that are favourite getaway destinations for Hong Kongers.
- Shenzhen – Shenzhen is less than an hour away from Hong Kong and can be visited via MTR. This is a city full of cheap shopping and business.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is much more expensive than mainland China, so finding quality but cheap accommodation can be a challenge. For Hong Kong, make sure you compare prices across comparison websites and the hotel websites, often you can find deals for hotels; especially in the past year, with tourism being heavily affected by the protests
- Yessin @ YMT – This hostel is in a great location and offers fantastic services. Private rooms start at 240 RMB whilst dorm beds start at 92 RMB.
- The Salvation Army Booth Lodge offers a good size room for just HK$400 a night.
- The IBIS is our favourite because it is in an excellent location and rooms offer fantastic views across the harbour but room prices start at HK$650 – considerably less than the big chain hotels with similar views.
- For a luxurious stay, check out The Royal Garden Hotel with rooms starting at HK$950.
- Hong Kong Travel Guide
- TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
- The Peak in Hong Kong & the View from Sky Terrace 428
Yangshuo is one of the most unique places in China to visit, located in Southern China. Firstly because it feels like you’re in Avatar with it’s huge limestone mountains which make up the landscape of this region, and secondly because the town of Yangshuo is full of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs for tourists. Yangshuo was the first place I visited in China and it really surprised me!
Things to do in Yangshuo
You can easily spend a few days in Yangshuo and activities I’d recommend are hiking up to the TV Tower in town, riding a bike to the nearby caves which have a mud bath inside them, doing a cooking class in town, going rock climbing and kayaking.
Cloud 9 Cooking School is a great place to learn how to cook some typical Chinese Dishes and it’s also a good place to eat Dinner although it is more on the pricey side with meals costing around £3.00-£3.50.
There’s not a shortage of restaurants in Yangshuo though and they offer a range of Chinese dishes and Western Food to suit all budgets.
Once you’ve finished with dinner you can head into one of the many bars and clubs along the main walking street. They’re not hard to find as you can hear them from a distance and see their flashing lights. Live music is popular in many of these bars too.
A budget tip when in Yangshuo, is to walk around the shops and try all of the free samples they have on offer. There are lots of sweet treats including Durian Cake on offer and not only are you sampling the local food, but you’re also saving money on buying snacks.
Ellie from The Wandering Quinn
Getting to Yangshuo
Train: The City of Guilin is the nearest major City; you can fly into Guilin or get the train from many cities around China and the south. From Guilin, you can. reach Yangshuo by an hour bus or taxi journey. Alternatively, you could get a cruise boat down the Li River.
It’s possible to travel from Hong Kong to Guilin, it takes a full day of travel including crossing the border into China but once in China there is a bullet train from Shenzhen to Guilin.
Getting around – It’s very easy to walk around the town of Yangshuo and for places further out you can hire a bike or join an organised tour, you’ll see many on offer once you’re there, meaning it’s a good place to visit as an independent tourist in China.
Where to stay in Yangshuo
If you’re backpacking China and staying in hostels you’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of hostels in Yangshuo starting from as little as £2.00 a night in a dorm room. Hostels that are highly rated are Yangshuo Wada Hostel and Yangshuo Sudder Street Guesthouse, both of which are in the town centre.
Obviously, we can’t have a guide to the best places to visit in China without including the capital. Beijing is often the destination you will fly in or out of and is full of history, culture and a modernising cityscape. When you think of the best sites in China and the important places of China, it is likely that many sites are in Beijing.
Things to do in Beijing
There are a lot of interesting things to do in Beijing but here are some of our favourites:
The Great Wall – You can’t visit Beijing without spending a day at the Great Wall. There are many different sections of the Great Wall to visit, so do your research and choose a section that is best for you.
Summer Palace – This palace is beautiful and the perfect way to spend a spring, summer or autumn day. Walk around the grounds and lakes of this imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty.
Forbidden City – This is the busiest attraction in Beijing but is worth the visit. It is the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings and was home to two generations of dynasties.
Hutongs – Head to the hutongs of Beijing for a fun and busy day out. These hutongs have been converted to boutique, independent bars and cafes but you can also find tasty street stalls too.
Getting to Beijing
Fly – Beijing is home to the biggest airport in the country and this is predominantly how international visitors travel to Beijing. The airport serves over 120 destinations and direct flights are available from major cities around the world.
From the airport, you can get to the city centre via train or taxi – taxis are cheap in China but traffic can be bad during Chinese holidays.
Train – You can catch a speed train from most major cities in China to Beijing, and if a speed train isn’t available from a destination, it is likely that you can get a normal train a certain distance then jump on a speed train.
- Beijing 161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hotel is a traditional courtyard with rooms starting at 469 RMB. The location is excellent – the Lama Temple and metro line are near but also, the nearby hutongs offer cute cafes and boutique bars.
- The Chinese Box Courtyard Hostel offers dorm beds for 150 RMB, which includes breakfast and the hostel offers free dinners, three times a week as well as tea ceremonies on the weekends.
- Novotel Beijing Xinqiao offers good western standards at a fair price; rooms start at 570 RMB per night.
- Courtyard 7 is the perfect mix of high quality, affordable prices and perfect location. This is our favourite place to stay in Beijing because it is an experience in itself.
Helpful posts:
- BEIJING TRAVEL GUIDE
- 10 THINGS TO DO IN BEIJING, CHINA
- TIPS FOR HIKING THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
XI’AN
The home of the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an, offers so much more than clay pots. We love Xi’an and everything it has to offer.
Things to do in Xi’an
- Muslim Quarter – Head to this bustling area of restaurants and street stalls selling weird and wonderful food. We loved the lamb kebab sticks and Biang Biang noodles.
- City Wall – The city wall surrounding Xi’an offers wonderful views and an insight into the history of this ancient capital. Take a walk around the temple or better still, rent a bike and cycle the route.
- Bell and Drum Tower – You can’t miss these towers in the centre of the city but they do look amazing at night when they are all lit up.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – This pagoda is amazing and also, given its slightly further away location, it is often a lot quieter than other areas of the city.
- GuanGren Temple – This Buddhist temple is absolutely stunning; full of colour and intricate detail.
Whilst spending time in the area, jump on a speed train over to Luoyang for an off-the-beaten-path destination and incredible Shaolin Temple.
Getting to Xi’an
Fly – Xi’an Xianyang Airport connects to most major cities in China as well as international destinations such as; Macau, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Japan.
Train – Being a few hours from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, Xi’an welcomes a lot of its visitors at the Railway Station. Speed trains are available to and from most major cities and, once at the train station, catch a taxi into the city centre for the easiest route to your hotel or hostel.
Where to stay in Xi’an
- Han Tang Inn Hostel – This hostel has got real character and is placed in the perfect position in the centre of the city. It is a short walk from the drum and bell tower as well as Muslim street. Private rooms start at 140 RMB and 36 RMB gets you a dorm bed.
- Ramada Drum Tower – If you want a little bit of luxury in a good location, this is the place to stay. Rooms start at 380 RMB and tours to the Terracotta Warriors can be arranged at reception.
Viewed as Heaven on Earth by Chinese people, Hangzhou is utterly a dreamy place to visit and live in. I recently made a side trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and honestly, that was one of the most mesmerizing destinations in China I had ever been to.
Not just about the stunning West Lake, I was so obsessed with the rich history and gourmets as well as the easeful lifestyle that natives uphold. The best way to discover the charm of Hangzhou is, of course, to walk and eat like a local.
- Things to do in Hangzhou
West Lake is no doubt the No. 1 stunner of Hangzhou City. There are a great number of free picturesque parks clustered around the huge lake, where you could easily immerse in the soothing and refreshing scenes and plants. The Su Causeway (Su Di) was my favourite part of the experience. Walking under the lush tree shades was definitely a great treat, especially on a summer day. Another surprise of my walking tour was the Lotus in the Breeze. Huge ponds of rosy lotus, all in blossom, were quite a spectacle that I literally had little chance to see in my country.
Lingyin Temple is another big draw located northwest of Hangzhou. Literally translated as Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, it is a true escape away from the city bustle. The temple allows you to easily get lost in time and place, with a special sense of calmness and quietness. I saw a lot of locals coming with incense sticks, and I guessed it must be a part of their monthly rituals praying for well-being.
If you are looking for something off-the-beaten-path, I would suggest you visit the world’s longest canal that flows through Hangzhou city. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a canal is now a laidback place for leisure free of crowds. It is a delight to wander through stylish inns, cafes and boutiques settled on the embankments, and more interestingly, you could encounter an array of funny museums about Chinese handicrafts like umbrellas, paper fans, and kites, silk and even scissors.
Personally speaking, Meijiawu Tea Village should not be skipped, either. It is a famous base for Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) which is regarded as the best-of-the-best among green tea in China. I was given a chance to be a tea farmer for a half day at a farmhouse, where I was able to see how tea was processed. It was a great learning experience deep into Chinese tea culture that I would highly recommend to any tea lover.
What to eat in Hangzhou
Just several days after returning home, Hangbang cuisine became something I missed most about Hangzhou. Hangzhou food is characterized by light, mild and sweet tastes, which could be probably the most agreeable cuisine of China to foreign tongues and stomachs. Stir-fried shrimps with Longjing tea, crab meat tofu and dongpo pork are the dishes one must have a try. Concerning the restaurants specializing in Hangzhou food, I had only been to Louwailou and Zhiweiguan. Both are famous sites where beforehand reservations could keep you free of waiting.
Getting around Hangzhou
For expats in Hangzhou, a taxi and walking might be the easiest and most ideal mode to explore the city. There are plenty of taxis in Hangzhou, and you can access one by the side of a street. However, the case is different at tourist sites. When I finished sightseeing in West Lake, I found it truly hard to find a taxi. I had to walk a bit far from the major avenue to try my luck. Meanwhile, I think you also should avoid hailing taxis around rush hours when traffic gets really crazy.
Many suggest a biking tour around West Lake like I just had planned, but finally, I gave up on that. As I saw, there were a few cyclists on the boulevard, where instead I noted many locals opted for a leisurely walk along the waterfront path. It was inspiring seeing their active lifestyles and following their pace to discover the city’s stunners. You could spend hours roaming and photographing around, with break stops on the well-located benches. Likewise, the Grand Canal is also a pleasantly walkable place where you could explore according to your pace.
Where to stay in Hangzhou
This was the second time I visited Hangzhou, and as I always did, I chose to stay in a lakeside hotel. Luxury brands like Hyatt Regency and Dahua Hotel by the eastern lake embankment offer brilliant views of the West Lake. For first-timers, places like Longxiang Bridge and Wushan Square are the best choices. You could not only find lakeside accommodations of various standards, but also a lot of affordable shopping and eating options.
- HANGZHOU TRAVEL GUIDE
- Why you must visit Hangzhou
Historic, glamorous, mysterious and exotic, we share everything you need to know before visiting in this Shanghai Travel Guide.
High-rise buildings stand aside rich cultural temples and gardens, creating an incredible hybrid that draws tourists in.
There are some gorgeous temples and buildings to visit as well as great shopping opportunities. Each neighbourhood shows a unique side to the economic capital, whilst there are some great day trips from Shanghai too.
Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund – Walk along the waterfront for gorgeous views of the Shanghai skyline; perfect if you are looking for an evening stroll. If you are looking for a romantic experience, why not take a cruise along the Huangpu River.
Yuyuan Garden – This Ming Dynasty garden is a beautiful place to visit in the bustling city. With colourful pagodas, decorative shop fronts and delicately engraved bridges, there is lots to appreciate here. Visit early or during the week to avoid the crowds.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower – Head up this famous landmark for views of the city. There are 15 different levels to visit as well as the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Arrive early or late to avoid queues.
Shanghai Tower – Head up to the highest building in China for a bird’s eye view of the city. It has the fastest elevator in the world so expect your ears to pop! This is a great alternative to the Pearl Tower because it is taller and often has a shorter queue.
Zhujiajiao – Visit the Watertown on the outskirts of the city for a unique look at old China. Stroll through the canals and bridges before eating at a local restaurant in the area.
Shanghai Museum – The Shanghai Museum is home to over 120,000 pieces of ancient relics including ceramics and sculptures.
Getting to Shanghai
Fly – Shanghai is China’s second-largest international air hub with flights inbound from around the world. Flights from the USA (West Coast) work out at 13/14 hours whilst flights from London take about 11 hours.
Domestic flights connect Shanghai to every major city in China. Be aware that there are two international airports; Pudong and Hongqiao, so check which airport your departure flight goes from.
Bus – The unpredictable traffic makes travelling by bus an unpopular choice. The Shanghai South long-distance bus station serves cities in the south of China but can be difficult to get to.
Train – The only international train arriving in Shanghai is the T99 from Hong Kong but there are some great options to travel by train from other parts of China. The city has three main stations; Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai South railway station. Speed trains are available to and from Beijing, Guangzhou (which is a short 2-hour train ride to Hong Kong), Nanjing, Hangzhou and Suzhou.
Where to stay in Shanghai
Budget: The Shanghai Fish Inn Bund is a favourite of mine, with private rooms starting at ¥145 and just a short walk from Time Square and the metro station.
Another popular spot for budget travellers is the Shanghai Chi Chen Hostel dorm beds starting at ¥72 and just a few metres from Xiaonanmen subway station.
Midrange: The Astor House Hotel is ideal for those interested in the history of the city; located a 2-minute stroll from Waibaidu Bridge and a short walk from The Bund Historical Museum and Huangpu Park. Rooms start at ¥490.
Luxury: Oozing luxury, the Grand Central Hotel is a stunning and vast hotel that is perfect for a night or two if you want to treat yourself. Rooms start at ¥850 and this is definitely a place I will be spending a night or so next time we visit Shanghai.
PLACES TO VISIT IN CHINA FAQ
Where should you go in China?
The best places to go in China include:
- Xi’an
- Ping’an
Which part of China is most beautiful?
Zhangjiajie is a beautiful place to visit in China; with gorgeous pillar karst that inspired the film Avatar. You can also enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Yellow Mountains or take a cruise down the Li River for beautiful karst landscapes.
What is the prettiest city in China?
The prettiest city in China is Yangshuo if you are looking for stunning karst surrounding a town whilst the town of Zhouzhuang is a gorgeous water village between Shanghai and Suzhou.
Is China safe to visit?
China is a very safe place to visit, with a very low crime rate. Learn about the local laws and cultures before visiting and make sure to download a VPN before arriving, so that you can access social media and blocked sites during your visit.
What is China famous for?
China is known for its Great Wall, Forbidden City, delicious food and thousands of years old architecture.
How much does a trip to China cost?
China is not as cheap as South East Asia but you can still visit on a budget. Plan to spend around $60 a day in the smaller cities and at least $80 a day in the bigger cities (including accommodation). We have a full cost of travel in China breakdown to help you plan your trip.
Is Japan more expensive than China?
Yes, because of accommodation and travel. As a smaller country, hotel prices are much higher than China’s, meaning it is a more expensive place to visit. Food is often at similar prices as is public transport but expect to pay more for long-distance trains, flights, alcohol and some attractions.
Is visiting China expensive?
No, travel in China can be affordable if you stick to public transport, local meals and local hotel chains.
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Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jan 24, 2024
Ever since the world first discovered China through the writings of adventurer Marco Polo more than 700 years ago, this large Asian country has come to be regarded as the embodiment of all that is mysterious and exotic. Even now, after decades of economic growth, this vast country has lost none of its fascination. Indeed, the contrast between China's ancient customs and the new ultra-modern state that is developing has only increased the fascination with a culture that dates back many millennia.
It's a culture that is much celebrated by the Chinese themselves, as evidenced by the preservation of such important historic sites as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, each recalling the days of China's emperors. And then, of course, there's the famous Great Wall, winding for 6,700 kilometers all the way from the Yellow Sea to Central Asia, while its countless shrines exude the spirit of age-old Eastern religions.
Thanks to its size, China as a tourist destination offers limitless scope for exploration. Whether you choose to travel aboard a luxury cruise ship through the picturesque Yangtze Gorges, visit a bustling city, or seek out the tranquillity of an ancient temple, this country is full of incredible experiences and sightseeing possibilities.
Discover fascinating, unusual, and adventurous things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in China.
1. The Great Wall of China
2. the forbidden city & the imperial palace, beijing, 3. the terracotta army, xi'an, 4. the summer palace, beijing, 5. cruising the li river, guilin, 6. chengdu research base of giant panda breeding, sichuan, 7. the yangtze river and the three gorges, 8. the classical gardens of suzhou, jiangsu, 9. the potala palace, tibet, 10. shanghai's promenade: the bund, 11. hangzhou's historic west lake, 12. the mausoleum of light: the northern imperial tomb, shenyang, 13. leshan giant buddha, sichuan, 14. the hong kong skyline, 15. zhangjiajie national forest park, hunan.
"Nobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall" goes the popular Chinese saying, one that clearly demonstrates the importance placed upon this unique ancient monument.
Known in Chinese as 'Changcheng', or the Long Wall, the magnificent Great Wall of China stretches more than 6,000 kilometers from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east all the way to Jiayuguan in the west. Along the way, it passes through Hebei, Tientsin, and Beijing , where the best-preserved sections of the wall can be visited, as well as Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu.
Averaging six to eight meters in height but rising as high as 16 meters and wide enough in places for five horses or 10 men to pass, the wall boasts numerous battlements and watchtowers. Some of the wall's oldest fortifications date back as far as the 7th century BC, with the best-known areas added around 210 BC when its various sections were joined together.
Today, the most visited section of the wall is near Badaling Pass northwest of Beijing, easily reached by public transport or organized tours. Other restored sections worth a visit include the section near Gubeikou , 130 kilometers from Beijing; and in Mutianyu , just 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing.
Location: Huairou District, China
China's largest and most important building, also known as the Imperial Palace, is situated in the very heart of Beijing and is a must-see when visiting the country. Started during the Yuan Dynasty between 1271and 1368, much of the complex seen today was built between 1406 and 1420.
Really many splendid palaces in one, this sprawling complex was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing Emperors whose presence forbade the entry of anyone other than the imperial family and their courtesans. Covering some 720,000 square meters and protected by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a wide moat, this massive complex consists of areas set aside for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as a private residence used by the emperor.
While it can take many hours to see everything, highlights include the five white marble Golden River Bridges; the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a 35-meter-tall building housing the imperial throne; and the exquisite emperor's banquet hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony).
The Palace Museum with its large collection of art and artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties is another must-see.
Spread across an area of more than 720,000 square meters, this impressive nearly 100-year-old museum contains historic buildings that themselves date back to the early 1400s . It takes a lot of time to explore, so be prepared to spend at least a day here. If you can, do a little advance research using the museum's official English-language website to pre-plan the exhibits you're most interested in visiting.
Highlights include fine examples of paintings and ceramics. The museum also houses the country's vast collection of important works of art made from jade and bronze. English language museum tours are available.
Other important attractions in the vicinity of the Imperial Palace include the famous Tiananmen Square , and the Temple of Heaven . One of the country's most important religious sites,this impressive temple dates back to the 15th century.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
It was while digging wells on the outskirts of Xi'an in the 1970s that farmers stumbled across what was to be China's most important archeological find: the Terracotta Army.
Distributed over three large underground pits and built to guard the First Emperor's tomb, the find included more than 8,000 life-size warriors, some 520 horses, and more than 100 chariots, along with numerous other non-military characters dating from around 280 BC. Although some were severely damaged due to the passing of time, many of the statues unearthed have been painstakingly re-assembled and stand as a testament to the importance bestowed upon the emperor and the afterlife.
This remarkable find is part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park and is one of China's most important tourist destinations. It offers the unforgettable experience of standing in front of this assembly of soldiers and horses as if inspecting a centuries-old parade. English-language guided tours are available.
Address: Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
An easy 15-kilometer commute from Beijing, the sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is set amid more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland and is one of China's most visited attractions. While the palace itself was built in 1153, its large lake was added in the 14th century to enhance the Imperial Gardens .
Highlights include the magnificent Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), with its throne; and the beautiful Great Theatre, a private three-story structure built in 1891 to satisfy the imperial family's love of opera. This historic venue is still used for performances of traditional Chinese plays and musical events and is worth a visit for a performance or show.
Other highlights include the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Le Shou Tang Hall) with its lovely gardens and courtyards, as well as many miles of picturesque pathways and walking trails.
If time allows, try to also take in the ruins of the Old Summer Palace in Yuanmingyuan Park. Said to have once been one of the country's most elaborate and architecturally attractive palaces, this once impressive structure was destroyed by colonial forces in the mid-1800s.
Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, China
The town of Guilin in the northeast corner of Guangxi boasts some of China's most beautiful countryside. It's famous for the Li River which meanders through the town and surrounding karst mountains.
While for hundreds of years this unique scenery has attracted poets and artists and has been the subject of countless fairy tales and legends, these days, it's popular with tourists from around the world wanting to see this natural splendor up close.
The best way to enjoy the area is to take a cruise along the Li River . The most popular stretch is from Guilin to Yangshuo, where the river winds peacefully through some 80 kilometers of remarkable rock formations and caves with romantic names such as the Mount of Unique Beauty , Elephant Trunk Hill, and Reed Flute Cave .
You can choose from a tourist cruise ship to small bamboo punts, and depending upon the type of boat used, trips can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days.
No visit to China would be complete without at least one panda experience. While the country's top zoos boast many fine specimens of these fascinating creatures, the best place to see them in a close approximation to their natural habitat is at the excellent Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu in the province of Sichuan.
Here, you'll have the chance to watch as many as 80 pandas go about their daily routines, from foraging to playing in the facility's large park-like setting. In addition to viewing these splendid animals up close, you'll learn a great deal about them from the many permanent exhibits and displays detailing ongoing conservation efforts to safeguard their future.
If possible, try to time your visit for the morning feeding sessions. Not only are the pandas at their most active, it's also when you'll get some memorable photos. Better still, sign up for one of the unique experiential volunteer programs that will have you involved in the feeding and care of these cuddly creatures - and possibly even holding a baby panda. English language tours are available.
Address: 1375 Xiongmao Ave, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Chengdu & Easy Day Trips
Known in China as Chang Jiang ("Long River"), the mighty Yangtze River extends more than 6,000 kilometers, making it the longest and most important river in China. It also has the distinction of being the third longest in the world after the Amazon and the Nile.
Flowing from Tibet in the west to Shanghai in the east through eight provinces, the Yangtze has, for more than 2,000 years, been China's major transportation route as some 2,700 kilometers are navigable. Its vast catchment area, with its 700 tributaries, covers about one-fifth of the total area of the country and encompasses a quarter of the country's agricultural land.
While its immense length ensures the river can be visited at numerous points in China, by far the most popular for tourists is the beautiful Three Gorges. Named Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, they cover a 200-kilometer stretch between the towns of Fengjie and Yichang. In places a mix of raging torrents and dangerous shallows, here the river winds its way through the gorges and their rugged cliffs and high mountain peaks in a stretch of scenery as dramatic as the Grand Canyon.
Numerous sightseeing options are available, from luxurious riverboat cruises focusing on the region's many historical attractions and places of scenic beauty to challenging adventure tours along the most dramatic sections of the river.
Considered one of the world's most important historic gardens and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou should rank highly on your China travel itinerary. Located in the historic city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, these magnificent gardens were established in the 11th century, at a time when the city was experiencing unprecedented growth, and were among some 270 or more gardens planted here.
Of the surviving restored gardens, the most famous is the delightful Garden of Lingering . This seven-acre garden was laid out in 1800 on the site of a park originally created during the Ming Dynasty. One of the most famous garden complexes in China, it boasts a pool, several attractive buildings, a man-made hill, a grove of peach trees, and a lovely covered pathway on the walls of which hang more than three hundred stone tablets engraved with old Chinese characters.
Also worth visiting is the Garden of the Cang Lang Ting Pavilion . This two-acre garden offers many unique features, including a double arcade connecting the inner and outer sections.
Address: 178 Dongbei St, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Another of China's most recognizable historic structures is the magnificent Potala Palace in the town of Lhasa, Tibet. Constructed as a fortress and residence for the Dalai Lama, it was for centuries a center of political and religious power and contains many of the religion's most important treasures.
The first of the two Potala Palaces, the Red Palace , was built in the 17th century and contains the complex's most important shrines. These are found in the Enthronement Hall, the walls of which are covered with murals depicting scenes from the lives of the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan kings. Other highlights of the Red Palace are its many vast halls devoted to the religion's teachings and the elaborate tombs, known as "stupas," of a number of Dalai Lamas.
The equally impressive White Palace was completed in 1648 and includes the sleeping quarters, studies, and reception rooms, most untouched since 1959 when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet. While in Lhasa, be sure to visit the superb Jewel Gardens . Part of the Dalai Lama's summer residence, these 90-acre gardens were first started in the 1840s and encompass everything from grand palaces and pavilions to pleasant lakes.
Address: 35 Central Beijing Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China
A remarkable act of smart city planning and preservation can be seen in Shanghai's splendid riverside promenade, the Zhongshan Lu, perhaps better known as the Bund (Wàitan). As you stroll this wide pedestrian zone along the Huangpu Jiang River, you'll almost forget you're bang-smack in the middle of China's largest city (Shanghai's population exceeds 24 million people).
Famous for its European feel, a fact owed to the district's past as the location of the city's International Settlement, the Bund is popular for its 52 preserved English- and French-influenced buildings, many now restaurants, cafés, stores, and art galleries. Representing a variety of influences from Gothic to Renaissance styles including a number of Art Deco buildings, the architecture includes highlights such as the old harbor customs office, with its bell tower, and the majestic Peace Hotel.
For the best views of the Bund, visit the 468-meter Oriental Pearl Tower on the opposite bank of the Huangpu Jiang River. If time allows, be sure to also visit the Yu Garden. Known affectionately as the "Garden of Happiness," this must-see garden can trace its roots back to 1559 when it was laid out. Many of the original structures survive to this day.
Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Wai Tan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
- Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Shanghai & Easy Day Trips
Few cities in China can boast quite the same concentration of splendid historic sites and ancient temples as the city of Hangzhou (Hangchow). Capital of Zhejiang province and located at the southernmost end of China's famous Grand Canal , much of this rich collection is gathered around lovely West Lake, a six-kilometer-square stretch of water in the heart of the old city which is surrounded by numerous hills, pagodas, and temples.
Divided into five distinct sections by man-made causeways dating back as far as the 11th century, it's a marvelous area to explore on foot as you cross from one stretch of water to the next, only to be met with another cluster of fine old buildings. It's particularly pleasant in spring when its many peach trees are blossoming.
Part of the fun is lingering on the lake's many fine old bridges, one of the best being the Broken Bridge (Duanqiao) linking the Baidi Causeway with the shore, and exploring Little Paradise Island with its four mini-lakes linked by the zigzagging Bridge of the Nine Arches .
Be sure to hop aboard one of the many tour boats and small pleasure craft available to whisk you around the lake. And if time permits, stick around for the fun musical fountain show held each evening.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hangzhou
In China's mountainous northeastern region is the old city of Shenyang. This important center for trade and culture is home to the Mausoleum of Light (Zhaoling), also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb.
One of northeastern China's most important historic sites, it's included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site's list of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is noted for its unique architectural style: a combination of traditionally arranged Chinese burial sites and castle-like buildings of the early Qing period.
Buried here in a vast site covering more than 180,000 square meters that took eight years to complete is Emperor Huang Taiji, who reigned from 1626-35. The site is notable for its 'Path of Souls', a laneway lined with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor's favorite horses.
Another important site is the imposing Imperial Palace dating from the early Qing era, the second largest completely preserved palace complex in China after the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The complex served as a residence for the first Qing Emperors and includes several splendid courtyards around which are grouped numerous buildings, including the Hall of Exalted Government (Chongzheng Dian) housing the imperial throne.
Location: Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
" The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain. " So goes the famous Chinese saying, one that's attributed to the spectacular 71-meter-tall Leshan Giant Buddha. And it certainly makes sense as you stand at its feet as the colossal statue towers high above you.
Started in AD 713 by a Buddhist monk and completed 90 years later, this important religious icon is carved entirely from a stone cliff face and is the largest Buddha sculpture in the world. Representing the Buddha Maitreya, the statue is even more dramatic given its location overlooking the river that it was designed to appease which had often proven treacherous for shipping.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant Buddha continues to draw huge numbers of pilgrims from across the globe and is widely regarded as one of China's must-visit attractions. Easily accessible from the city of Chengdu , the Leshan Giant Buddha can be reached by a fun ferry trip from the public docks in Leshan. The scenic park in which the Buddha is set is also worth exploring, so be sure to allocate sufficient time to your itinerary.
Address: 2345 Lingyun Rd, Shizhong District, Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan, China
Widely considered one of the world's most dramatic city skylines - as much a result of its having one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers as it is the presence of the tall hills that frame them - Hong Kong has for decades been the bustling capital of finance and commerce in this part of the Pacific. And it's a cityscape that can be enjoyed from a number of different vantages.
One of the best views is from Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, where the skyscrapers frame the city's huge harbor, a special treat after nightfall. Equally stunning is the view from Victoria Harbour itself. Here, you can also take one of Hong Kong's famous ferries. Operated by the Star Ferry company, you can hop aboard and head to various points to wander and explore, such as Kowloon. Or you can simply stay on board and enjoy the views.
If possible, try to time your trip to coincide with the nightly laser extravaganza, a stunning 360-degree laser-light show that uses the harbor's skyscrapers as a magical backdrop. For the best views, try to catch the show from the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.
Traveling with family? If so, you'll want to include Hong Kong Disneyland on your travel itinerary. China's first Disney theme park opened in 2005 and while visitors will notice many of the same rides as in the brand's other properties, careful attention was paid to China's cultural heritage. A highlight for fans of Disney's animated movies is the new in 2023 World of Frozen , while 2024 will see the opening of Stark Expo , an area dedicated to the characters of the Marvel universe.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong
When you first set eyes on Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province, it's certainly not difficult to see how filmmaker James Cameron was able to draw inspiration from it.
Cameron's box office hit Avatar , could well have been set in this area of stunning natural beauty, its many unique pillar-like rock formations looking like some incredible alien landscape right out of a sci-fi movie. One of the tallest pillars, standing at an impressive 1,080 meters, has been renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain."
This is one of the lesser-known places to visit in China, but it's well worth the effort to get here. In addition to its many natural wonders, which can best be explored as part of an organized tour, the park boasts a number of new man-made attractions. The first to be built was the Bailong Elevator, aka the "Hundred Dragons Sky Lift." Elevating groups of up to 50 people 326 meters skyward in under two minutes, it's an impressive structure and one that offers dramatic views all the way.
Also notable is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Opened in 2016, it's heralded as the world's highest and tallest pedestrian bridge. Standing 300 meters above the ground and extending 430 meters along a spectacular cliff face, it's an attraction that's definitely not recommended for the faint of heart but one of the best things to do if you are looking to add a little adventure to your day.
Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
More on China
40 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in China
China , a land of unrivaled beauty, unfolds like a masterpiece across its expansive canvas of 9.6 million square kilometers. From the misty Jiangnan region in the east to the snow-capped mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the west, China offers a wide variety of natural wonders , including rivers , lakes, grasslands, deserts, and forests.
CNN , renowned for its discerning eye, has meticulously curated a selection of China's top 40 most beautiful places. Building upon this illustrious list, our esteemed team of travel experts at Asia Odyssey Travel now presents to the world these 40 most beautiful places in China , inviting travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating tapestry of China. Prepare to be captivated as you witness the harmonious convergence of nature's wonders, unveiling a panorama so breathtaking, it will leave an indelible mark upon your soul. Get inspired now by AOT's list of China's 40 most beautiful places!
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1. Great Wall, Beijing - A Must-Do for Any Traveler in China
The Great Wall (长城) , one of the world's most iconic landmarks, is a must-visit attraction when in Beijing . Spanning over 21,000 kilometers, this ancient wonder offers a glimpse into China's rich history and architectural marvels. Located about 60-130 kilometers (1-2 hours’ drive) from Beijing , the Great Wall provides an unforgettable experience for travelers. There are several sections in Beijing, including Mutianyu , Badaling, Jinshanling , Jiankou , Simatai , and Huanghuacheng Great Wall. The best section for you depends on your interests, fitness level, and travel style.
- For families and first-time visitors: Mutianyu and Badaling offer easy access and stunning views.
- For adventurous hikers: Jiankou and Gubeikou provide a challenging and authentic experience.
- For history buffs: Jinshanling and Gubeikou offer well-preserved sections with rich historical significance.
Hike along its winding paths, marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You can learn about the wall's construction and appreciate its magnificence up close.
Practical Tips: Choose a section of the Great Wall that suits your fitness level and interests.The most popular sections are Mutianyu and Badaling, but there are many less crowded options available.Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall
4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
2. Forbidden City, Beijing - Step into China's Imperial Past
The Forbidden City (故宫) , located in the heart of Beijing , is a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the grandeur and history of imperial China. With its impressive architecture and cultural significance, it is a must-visit attraction for travelers. The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for over 500 years that served as the residence of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site .
Situated in downtown Beijing , the Forbidden City is easily accessible for visitors. Once inside, you can explore the vast complex and marvel at its stunning palaces, ceremonial halls, and beautiful gardens . Take your time to admire the intricate details of the buildings and learn about the lives of emperors and their courtiers.
There are several top things to do in the Forbidden City. Walk along the central axis and explore the imperial chambers, visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Don't miss the opportunity to see the treasures housed in the Palace Museum, which displays a remarkable collection of imperial artifacts.
Practical Tips: Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the Forbidden City thoroughly.Audio guides are available for rent to enhance your understanding of the historical significance of each site.
2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall
3. Terracotta Warriors, Xian - Awe-inspiring Archaeological Marvel with the Past
The Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑) in Xian , Shaanxi, are a remarkable archaeological site that attracts visitors from around the world. Discovered in 1974, this ancient army of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was created to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The site showcases the incredible craftsmanship and historical significance of the Qin Dynasty.
Situated approximately 40 kilometers from Xian , the Terracotta Warriors are easily accessible for tourists. Once there, you can explore the three excavation pits, each revealing different aspects of the army's formation and weaponry. Witness the sheer magnitude of the army and marvel at the intricate details of each individual statue.
Practical Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.Allow ample time to explore the vast excavation site and admire the Terracotta Warriors from various angles.Audio guides are available to provide context and insights into the historical significance of the Terracotta Army.
3 Days Xi'an Essence Tour: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Tang Dynasty Everbright City
3 Days Xian Family Tour with Chinese Calligraphy & Hanfu Experience
4. The Bund, Shanghai - A Stroll Through Shanghai's Architectural Grandeur
The Bund (外滩) , located in the metropolis Shanghai , is an iconic waterfront area that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. With its stunning skyline views and architectural marvels, it is a must-visit destination in Shanghai. The Bund stretches along the Huangpu River and showcases a collection of colonial-era buildings that once housed banks and trading houses.
Situated in the heart of Shanghai, the Bund is easily accessible for visitors. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and admire the architectural beauty of the buildings , such as the neoclassical Bund Customs House and the Art Deco Peace Hotel. Marvel at the contrast between the historical structures and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong across the river.
There are several top things to do in the Bund area. Take a Huangpu River Cruise to fully appreciate the panoramic views of the skyline. Explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, an underground tunnel that connects the Bund to Pudong, offering a unique visual experience. Visit the Shanghai Museum of Art or indulge in some retail therapy at Nanjing Road, a bustling shopping street nearby.
Practical Tips: Visit during the day to appreciate the architectural details and the bustling river activity.Take a leisurely boat ride on the Huangpu River for a unique perspective of the cityscape.Capture panoramic views of the Bund from the rooftop bar of the Peninsula Hotel.
Classic Shanghai Day Tour - A Glimpse of China's Magic City
3 Days Best Shanghai Tour: Encounter Old and New Shanghai
5. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan - Unveiling the Enchantment of "Fairyland on Earth"
Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟) , located in Sichuan province , is a mesmerizing destination that captivates travelers with its stunning natural beauty. With its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, Jiuzhaigou Valley is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Situated around 330 kilometers from Chengdu , Jiuzhaigou Valley is easily accessible by flight (1 hour), bus or private transfer. The journey for private car takes approximately 8-10 hours, but the scenic landscapes along the way make it worthwhile. When the high-speed train opens, you'll be able to travel directly from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou.
The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou Valley is during the autumn months of September to November when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Spring , from April to June, is also a great time to visit when the valley comes alive with blooming flowers.
Once in Jiuzhaigou Valley, there are several top things to do. Explore the three main valleys of Rize, Zechawa, and Shuzheng, each offering their own unique attractions. Marvel at the magnificent Nuorilang and Pearl Shoals waterfalls, take leisurely walks around the picturesque lakes, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the ancient forests. And also, combine with Huanglong Valley for your Jiuzhaigou trip .
Practical Tips: Visit during the autumn foliage season to witness the vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.Allow sufficient time to explore the valley's many scenic spots, including Wuhua Lake, Ruoergai Grassland, and Shuzheng Falls.Consider staying overnight in the valley to fully experience its tranquility and beauty.
5 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley & Panda Tour from Chengdu by Flight
7 Days Sichuan Highlights Tour of Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Leshan and Emei
6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan - Soaring through Nature's Wonderland
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Hunan Province , Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This captivating site, renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, mystical rock formations, and diverse ecosystems, promises an unforgettable journey into China's natural wonders. Zhangjiajie National Park is located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, approximately 40 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City .
Once in the park, there are several top things to do. Take a ride on the famous Bailong Elevator, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Explore the enchanting Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, home to the famous Hallelujah Mountain seen in the movie "Avatar." Hike through Tianzi Mountain: Witness the stunning rock formations, panoramic views, and unique flora and fauna of this iconic mountain. Hike along the Golden Whip Stream, a picturesque trail that winds through lush forests and alongside crystal-clear streams.
Other Recommended Top Things to Do in Zhangjiajie:
- Walk the Glass Bridgeover Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Challenge your fear of heights on the world's highest glass bridge and enjoy unparalleled panoramas.
- Explore the Yellow Dragon Cave: Discover a wonderland of colorful geological formations, shimmering pools, and intricate rock formations.
- Relax by Baofeng Lake: Take a boat ride on the serene lake, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and escape the crowds.
Practical Tips: Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.Allow at least 2-5 days to explore the park's diverse landscapes and attractions.Consider staying in a hotel within the park to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
3 Days In-depth Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour in Wulingyuan
4 Days Zhangjiajie Best Natural Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain
7. Kanas Lake, Xinjiang - Jewel of Xinjiang
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯) , located in the north Xinjiang, is a hidden gem that beckons travelers with its serene beauty. Known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounding snow-capped mountains, and lush forests, Kanas Lake is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Kanas Lake is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, approximately 500 kilometers from Urumqi .
The best time to visit Kanas Lake is during the autumn months of September and October when the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Spring and early summer are also ideal for pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.
Once at Kanas Lake, there are several top things to do. Take a boat ride on the lake to fully appreciate its beauty, hike along the surrounding trails for panoramic views, and visit the Tuwa ethnic village to experience the local culture.
8. Yangshuo, Guangxi - Ultimate Beauty of Karst Countryside Views
Yangshuo (阳朔) , located in the Guangxi region of China , is a captivating destination that draws travelers with its stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture. Surrounded by towering limestone karsts and the picturesque Li River , Yangshuo offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Situated approximately 65 kilometers from Guilin , Yangshuo is easily accessible by Li River cruise (4 hours) or bus, making it a popular side trip for visitors exploring Guilin.
There are several top attractions and activities to experience in Yangshuo. Taking a leisurely boat ride along the Li River is a must-do, offering breathtaking views of the karst peaks and lush countryside. Exploring the famous West Street is another highlight, with its lively atmosphere, local handicrafts, and delicious street food. Cycling or bamboo rafting along the Yulong River provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquil rural scenery.
3 Days Guilin Yangshuo Highlights Tour with Li River Cruise & Yulong River
4 Days Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terraces Classic Tour
9. Yellow Mountain, Huangshan - Ascending into Beauty
Yellow Mountain (黄山) , or Huangshan Mountain, is a majestic destination that attracts travelers with its breathtaking beauty and iconic granite peaks. Known for its ethereal sea of clouds, ancient pine trees, and stunning sunrises, Yellow Mountain is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Situated in the Anhui province , Yellow Mountain is approximately 60 kilometers away from the city of Huangshan .
The best time to visit Yellow Mountain is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. In Summer, enjoy warm weather and clear skies, offering ideal conditions for experiencing the "Sea of Clouds". Winter also are the time to view the snow. Learn more about Best Time to Visit Yellow Mountain >>
Top Things to Do for Visiting Yellow Mountain:
- Hike the "Beginning-to-Wonder" Trail: Embark on this classic trail offering stunning views of the "Sea of Clouds" and iconic peaks like the "Lion Peak" and "Flying Over Rock."
- Climb the "Heavenly Capital Peak": Challenge yourself to reach the highest peak in Yellow Mountain and witness the breathtaking panoramic vistas.
- Visit the "Xihai Grand Canyon": Explore this scenic gorge adorned with waterfalls, natural pools, and unique rock formations.
- Relax at the "Jade Screen Hot Springs": Immerse yourself in the therapeutic hot springs and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
- Discover the "Fairyland": Explore this hidden gem known for its mystical atmosphere, serene ponds, and ancient temples.
Practical advice for visiting Yellow Mountain includes wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking, bringing layers as temperatures can vary, carrying enough water and snacks for the trek, and being prepared for the crowds during peak seasons. It is also important to follow the designated paths, respect the environment, and take necessary precautions for mountain safety.
4 Day Huangshan Heritage Tour: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Villages
3 Days Huangshan Essence Tour: Yellow Mountain & Hongcun Village, Tunxi Old Street
10. Potala Palace, Tibet - Majestic Symbol of Tibetan Culture
Dominating the Lhasa skyline, the Potala Palace (布达拉宫) stands as a majestic symbol of Tibetan culture and history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the residence of the Dalai Lamas, offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Tibet , inviting visitors on a journey through time and tradition. Situated in the capital city of Lhasa , the Potala Palace is conveniently located within the city center, allowing for easy access by foot or taxi.
Admire the imposing red and white facade, explore the intricate carvings and murals, and marvel at the vast collection of statues, frescoes, and religious artifacts housed within. Wander through peaceful courtyards and prayer halls, witness monks chanting and offering prayers, and find solace in the tranquil atmosphere. Ascend to the rooftop and witness panoramic vistas of Lhasa and the surrounding valley, capturing the grandeur of the palace against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Practical Tips:
- Altitude: Lhasa's high altitude (3,650 meters) can cause . Acclimatize gradually and carry necessary medication.
- Respectful dress code: Dress modestly when visiting the palace, covering shoulders and knees.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in certain areas, but consult the guidelines before taking pictures.
8 Days Tibet Discovery Tour from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp
9 Days Panorama Tibet Tour from Lhasa to EBC with Namtso Lake
11. Mount Everest, Tibet - The Highest Point on Earth
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Mount Everest (珠峰), known as Chomolungma (珠穆朗玛) in Tibetan, beckons adventure seekers with its breathtaking beauty and imposing presence. Standing as the Earth's highest point , this snow-capped peak inspires awe and challenges climbers from around the world.
For those seeking the ultimate adventure, the trek to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable experience. Starting from Lhasa, the journey takes you through stunning landscapes, culminating at the foot of the world's highest mountain. Witness the raw power and grandeur of the Himalayas as you trek through valleys adorned with prayer flags and gaze upon turquoise lakes reflecting the snow-capped peaks.
The north face of Mount Everest is accessible from Lhasa , offering a challenging yet rewarding trek of approximately 620 kilometers (385 miles). This popular route provides a unique perspective of the mountain and allows you to experience the rich Tibetan culture along the way.
Along the trek, you'll have the opportunity to visit Rongbuk Monastery , an ancient Tibetan haven nestled amidst the Himalayas. Explore the vibrant murals and soak in the serene atmosphere of this sacred place. This cultural immersion adds another dimension to your adventure, offering a deeper understanding of the people who call this region home.
12. Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin - A Stairway to Heaven
Nestled in the breathtaking region of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田) are a natural wonder that enthralls visitors with their stunning beauty and cultural significance. Also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces , these iconic terraces are a testament to human ingenuity and harmonious coexistence with nature.
Located approximately 80 kilometers from Guilin , the Longji Rice Terraces can be reached by a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside. The journey itself is an enchanting experience, with verdant mountains, cascading waterfalls, and traditional villages dotting the landscape. It is a good idea to spend 1 or 2 days there.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery, with the spring season showcasing vibrant green rice paddies and the autumn season revealing golden hues.
Once at the Longji Rice Terraces, there are several top things to do. Embark on a memorable hike through the terraced fields, marveling at the intricate irrigation system that has been in place for centuries. Visit the ethnic minority villages of Zhuang and Yao, where you can immerse yourself in their vibrant cultures, sample traditional cuisine, and witness age-old customs.
5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Longji Tour with Hiking in Longji Rice Terraces
13. Hongcun Ancient Village, Huangshan - UNESCO World Heritage in Huangshan
Journey into the picturesque Hongcun Ancient Village (宏村), nestled amidst the majestic scenery of the Huangshan Mountains. Hongcun Ancient Village offers a captivating glimpse into the past, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese architecture and rural life . This UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, enchanting canals, and a tranquil atmosphere, guarantees an unforgettable journey through time. Located approximately 70 kilometers from Huangshan City , it serves as an idyllic escape.
Stroll along the ancient alleyways and marvel at the unique architecture characterized by white-washed walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden structures. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Moon Pond , a serene reflection pool surrounded by traditional buildings. Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and observe the village's daily life unfold before your eyes.
14. Victoria Peak, Hong Kong - Capture Stunning Panoramic View of HK
Ascend to the top of Victoria Peak (维多利亚山), the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, for panoramic views of the city skyline and the surrounding Victoria Harbour . Enjoy the breathtaking vistas, capture stunning photos, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic landmark.
Spectacular Views: The primary allure of Victoria Peak lies in its unparalleled views of Hong Kong's sprawling cityscape. Witnessing the mesmerizing skyline, sparkling harbor, and surrounding mountains from the peak's vantage point is an absolute feast for the eyes.
Iconic Peak Tram: Embark on a memorable journey to the summit of Victoria Peak by riding the historic Peak Tram. This charming funicular railway, which has been in operation since 1888, offers a scenic and nostalgic experience as it ascends steep slopes, providing stunning views along the way.
Sky Terrace 428: Take in the breathtaking vistas from the Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong . Located atop the Peak Tower, this observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view and is a prime spot for capturing stunning photographs.
One Day Hong Kong Tour: Classic Exploration to Meet Different Hong Kong Island
2 Days in Hong Kong: Classic Tour of Hong Kong Island & Lantau Island
15. Mount Kailash, Tibet - Discover Majestic Beauty of Sacred Mountain
Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐), also known as Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan, holds great significance for various religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. Mount Kailash is located in the far west of Tibet , approximately 1,600 kilometers from Lhasa , the capital city. The journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes around 2-3 days by road, passing through spectacular landscapes and remote Tibetan villages.
Top Things to Do at Mount Kailash:
(1) Kora Trek: Undertake the sacred Kora trek , which involves walking around Mount Kailash. This spiritual journey typically takes three days and offers breathtaking views of the mountain, pristine lakes, and high-altitude landscapes. It is a deeply transformative experience for many pilgrims and travelers alike.
(2) Visit Lake Mansarovar: Located near Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, it is believed to cleanse one's sins and offer spiritual rejuvenation. Take the opportunity to visit and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this holy lake.
(3) Explore the Surrounding Monasteries: Discover the ancient monasteries and hermitages that surround Mount Kailash. Chiu Monastery, Dirapuk Monastery, and Zuthulphuk Monastery are among the notable sites where you can witness the rich spiritual traditions of Tibet.
16 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour with Lhasa Shigatse & EBC
13 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Gyirong with EBC & Mount Kailash Trek
16. Xiapu Mudflat, Fujian A Photographer's Paradise in Fujian
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Fujian Province , China, lies the captivating Xiapu Mudflat (霞浦滩涂). This breathtaking natural landscape, encompassing 40 square kilometers and boasting over 400 kilometers of coastline, has earned its reputation as one of the most stunning mudflats in the country, and a true photographer's paradise.
The most magical moments at Xiapu Mudflat occur during sunrise and sunset . As the sun peeks over the horizon, bathing the landscape in a warm glow, the mudflats come alive with a vibrant palette of colors. The reflections of the sky on the water create a mesmerizing mirrored effect, while the silhouettes of the fishing boats add a touch of human presence to the scene.
The best time to visit Xiapu Mudflat is between April and October , when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, you can experience the full range of the tides and witness the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. To capture the most dramatic images, be sure to plan your trip around the lunar calendar, as the tides are highest during the full and new moon phases.
4 Days Xiapu Mudflat Photo Tour for China’s Most Beautiful Mudflat
7 Days Fujian Tour to Xiamen, Hakka Tulou & Xiapu Mudflat with Photography Experience
17. Three Gorges, Yangtze River - Take 5-star Cruise along the Longest River in China
The Yangtze River (长江), the longest river in Asia, carves a dramatic path through the heart of China, showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. One of its most awe-inspiring sections is undoubtedly the Three Gorges : Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.
The most immersive way to experience the wonders of the Three Gorges is undoubtedly on a 5-star Yangtze River cruise . Various cruise options are available, ranging from luxurious ships with all the amenities to smaller, more intimate boats. You can choose from the 4-day downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang or 5-day upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing. As you sail along the river, you can enjoy breathtaking views from the deck, participate in onboard activities, and stop at various points of interest along the way. Your cruise will likely include excursions to historical sites, visits to local villages, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
18. Daocheng Yading, Sichuan "Last Shangri-La"
Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁), often referred to as the 'Last Shangri-La' or the 'Fairyland on Earth,' is located in the southwest of Sichuan Province . This pristine natural paradise offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant Tibetan culture, and unparalleled tranquility. Daocheng Yading is a treasure trove of natural wonders, encompassing snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, lush valleys, and vibrant meadows. As you explore this captivating landscape, you'll be in awe of the towering peaks, including the iconic Chenrezig Mountain, resembling a reclining Buddha, and the majestic Xiannairi Mountain, with its awe-inspiring pyramid-like shape.
The best time to visit Daocheng Yading is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. However, be aware that the region experiences high altitude, so it's important to acclimatize properly before embarking on strenuous activities.
To get to Daocheng Yading, you can fly to Chengdu , the capital of Sichuan Province, and then take a bus or private car to the region. Alternatively, you can take a direct flight to Daocheng Yading Airport , located near the town. You are recommended to go with Asia Odyssey Travel with private service to explore Daocheng Yading.
19. Mount Siguniang, Sichuan - "Oriental Alps" of Sichuan
Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Qionglai Mountains in Sichuan Province , lies Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山), also known as the 'Four Girls Mountain.' This breathtaking natural wonder, with its towering summits, pristine valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. The four peaks - Yaomei, Erfeng, Sanfeng, and Dafeng - resemble four graceful women, standing tall against the backdrop of the azure sky, creating a truly captivating spectacle. While it is difficult to climb the Four Girls Mountains, it is recommended to hike through its three valleys - Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley - to enjoy the mountain views. Chengdu serves as the gateway to Mount Siguniang, with just a 4-5 hour drive to reach the mountain area.
3 Days Amazing Mount Siguniang Hiking Tour from Chengdu
5 Days Best Chengdu & Mount Siguniang Leisure Hiking Tour
20. West Lake, Hangzhou - A Journey Through Hangzhou's Heart and Soul
West Lake (西湖), nestled in the heart of Hangzhou , Zhejiang , is an iconic natural landmark that has captivated hearts and inspired artists for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a picturesque lake, but a symbol of cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty.
West Lake is not just a visual feast; it's a playground for relaxation and recreation. Cruise across the lake on a traditional boat, enjoying the gentle breeze and the tranquil scenery. Hike the scenic trails surrounding the lake, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the breathtaking views.
1 Day Paradise Hangzhou Cultural Tour from Shanghai by High Speed Train
5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour: Experience Heavenly Charm by Bullet Train
21. Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Jiangsu
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou (苏州园林) are a testament to the deep reverence for nature and the seamless integration of it into living spaces by the Chinese people. These gardens were not merely decorative spaces; they were intended to be microcosms of the natural world, offering havens for contemplation, relaxation, and artistic expression.
Step into a world of serenity and refinement at the Classical Gardens of Suzhou , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Net Master's Garden, Canglang Pavilion, Lion Grove Garden, Garden of Cultivation , and others in Suzhou . Stroll through these meticulously designed gardens, adorned with pavilions, bridges, ponds, and rock formations, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of traditional Chinese landscaping.
Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by High Speed Train
22. Fujian Tulou - Earthen Wonders in Fujian Province
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Fujian Province , lies a unique and captivating collection of earthen structures known as the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼). These remarkable buildings, constructed between the 12th and 20th centuries, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Hakka people who built them. Recognized for their exceptional cultural and historical significance, the Fujian Tulou were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. These breathtaking structures are not simply houses; they are living museums, offering a glimpse into the lives and customs of the Hakka people, who migrated to the region centuries ago in search of refuge from conflict and persecution.
The Fujian Tulou are mainly located in Yongding and Nanjing counties . To reach the Fujian Tulou, you can fly into Xiamen, the nearest major city, and then take a bus or train to the Tulou-rich areas such as Yongding or Nanjing counties. Learn about How to Get to Fujian Tulou from Xiamen >>
1 Day Nanjing Tulou Tour: From Xiamen to the Hometown of Mulan - Fujian Tulou
23. Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, Dunhuang - A Desert Dream
Nestled in the heart of the Gobi Desert, just outside the ancient Silk Road oasis town of Dunhuang , lies a breathtaking natural wonder known as Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake (鸣沙山和月牙泉). This captivating landscape, a mesmerizing blend of towering sand dunes and a serene crescent-shaped lake, is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Top Things to Do at Echoing Sand Mountain and In Dunhuang:
- Camel Rides:Embark on a thrilling camel ride across the sand dunes, experiencing the traditional mode of transportation used by Silk Road traders for centuries.
- Sandboarding:Feel the adrenaline rush as you sandboard down the steep slopes of the dunes.
- Mogao Caves:Visit the nearby Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the ancient Buddhist art and sculptures.
- Dunhuang Night Market:Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Dunhuang Night Market, indulging in local delicacies and browsing through an array of souvenirs.
24. Kaiping Diaolou, Guangdong - A Fusion of Styles
Nestled amidst the verdant countryside of Guangdong Province in China lies a unique architectural marvel: the Kaiping Diaolou (开平碉楼). These multi-storied fortified towers, standing as proud sentinels against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush rice paddies, offer a glimpse into the fascinating history and cultural heritage of the region. You can transfer to Kaiping Diaolou from Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong.
Top Things to Do at Kaiping Diaolou:
- Explore the various diaolou clusters, each with its own unique architectural features.
- Visit the Zili Village, home to the largest and most concentrated collection of diaolou.
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of the diaolou at the Kaiping Museum.
3 Days Guangzhou Kaiping Diaolou & Foshan Tour with Lingnan Culture
6 Days Guangdong Tour to Guangzhou, Foshan, Kaiping Diaolou & Shenzhen
25. Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guizhou - Unveiling the Majestic Power of Nature
Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布), nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Guizhou province, stands as a testament to nature's awe-inspiring grandeur. With its cascading waters plunging over 77 meters and spanning a width of 101 meters, Huangguoshu is not only one of the largest waterfalls in Asia but also a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Distance from Guiyang: Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, is the nearest major city to Huangguoshu Waterfall, located approximately 128 kilometers away.
Top Things to Do at Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Witness the awe-inspiring power of the main waterfall from the Rain Shower Pavilion.
- Capture panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape from the Flower Shower Platform.
- Embark on a hike through the lush forests of the park, exploring hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
- Take a boat ride on the Baishui River, enjoying the tranquil waters and serene surroundings.
- Visit the Huangguoshu Waterfalls Museum to delve into the history and cultural significance of the waterfall.
26. Yalong Bay, Sanya - Paradise Found in Hainan
Nestled on the southernmost tip of China's Hainan Island lies a haven of pristine beauty and luxurious comfort: Yalong Bay (亚龙湾). This horseshoe-shaped bay, often referred to as the "Hawaii of the East", boasts breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, and world-class resorts, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of paradise.
Yalong Bay boasts a stunning 7.5-kilometer stretch of pristine beach , known for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're seeking sunbathing bliss, indulging in water sports like snorkeling and diving, or simply strolling along the shore, Yalong Bay offers the perfect setting for beachside relaxation.
27. China Snow Town, Heilongjiang - A Winter Wonderland for Snow Fun
Deep in the heart of Heilongjiang Province, lies a winter wonderland known as China Snow Town (中国雪乡, also known as Shuangfeng Forest Farm or Xuexiang). This charming village, nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and pristine forests, transforms into a magical landscape during the winter months, attracting visitors from all over the world with its breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences.
From December to March , China Snow Town is blanketed in a thick layer of snow, turning houses, trees, and even the landscape into whimsical sculptures. The air is crisp and invigorating, the silence broken only by the crackling of snow underfoot and the occasional burst of laughter from children playing in the streets.
To get to China Snow Town, you can fly into Harbin Taiping International Airport and then take a train or bus to Mudanjiang City. From Mudanjiang, you can take a taxi or shuttle to the village. You are recommended to take private service with Asia Odyssey Travel.
28. Shennongjia, Hubei - Explore Wild Heart of China
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Hubei Province, lies Shennongjia (神农架). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a land of breathtaking beauty and captivating mystery. Renowned for its pristine forests, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Shennongjia offers an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in nature's splendor.
Shennongjia is home to some of the largest and most well-preserved primary forests in central China . These ancient woodlands, shrouded in mist and teeming with life, offer a glimpse into a world untouched by time. Hike through towering redwoods, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and breathe in the fresh, clean air that fills your lungs and invigorates your soul. To get to Shennongjia, you can fly into Wudangshan Airport or Yichang Sanxia Airport , which are located nearby. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination within Shennongjia.
29. Fenghuang Ancient Town - Enchanting Town in Hunan
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of Hunan Province, lies the captivating town of Fenghuang (凤凰古城), also known as Phoenix Ancient Town. This enchanting destination, with its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a glimpse into the heart of traditional China. Fenghuang boasts a history spanning over 1,300 years, reflected in its well-preserved ancient buildings and narrow, winding streets. Stroll along the Tuojiang River, admiring the colorful wooden houses adorned with intricate carvings and red lanterns, and feel transported back in time.
To get to Fenghuang, you can fly into Changsha Huanghua International Airport or Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and then take a train or bus to the town.
5 Days Panorama Zhangjiajie Tour with Fenghuang Ancient Town
30. Singing Sand Bay, Inner Mongolia - A Symphony of Sand and Sound
Deep in the heart of Inner Mongolia, nestled within the vast Gobi Desert, lies a natural phenomenon unlike any other: Singing Sand Bay (响沙湾). This mesmerizing landscape, where sand dunes rise like towering waves and the very earth sings underfoot, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and a touch of sonic wonder.
To get to Singing Sand Bay, you can fly into Baotou Airport, which has connections to major cities in China. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from nearby cities like Ordos or Hohhot.
31. Wuyuan, Jiangxi A Canvas of Scenic Splendor
Situated within the heart of Jiangxi Province, lies the captivating landscape of Wuyuan (婺源), a region renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and historical charm. This hidden gem, often referred to as the "Most Beautiful Countryside in China," promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture amidst breathtaking natural landscapes.
Wuyuan's beauty is a result of its diverse landscapes, encompassing rolling hills, lush valleys, and captivating rivers. Wander through the picturesque villages, adorned with traditional Hui-style architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricate carvings. Immerse yourself in the vibrant green rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors.
32. Changbai Mountain & Heaven Lake - The Roof of Northeast China
Towering over the Jilin Province in Northeast China lies the majestic Changbai Mountain (长白山), a mesmerizing volcanic landscape cloaked in mystery and awe. This sacred peak, shared by both China and North Korea, offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveler.
The undisputed highlight of Changbai Mountain is the breathtaking Heaven Lake (天池), a crater lake nestled at the peak's summit. This stunning glacial lake, considered the deepest in China and the highest volcanic lake in the world, is a sight to behold. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a picture-perfect panorama.
To reach Changbai Mountain, you can fly into Changbaishan Airport, located nearby. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from major cities in Jilin Province like Changchun and Jilin City.
33. Qinghai Lake - Embrace the Azure Jewel in Qinghai
In the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, nestled amidst towering mountains and vast grasslands, lies Qinghai Lake (青海湖), China's largest and highest inland lake. This majestic body of water, often referred to as "the blue sea" , is a mesmerizing spectacle of natural beauty and a haven for wildlife and cultural heritage.
To reach Qinghai Lake, you can fly into Xining Caojiabao International Airport, which provides connections to major cities in China. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from major cities like Lanzhou and Chengdu.
13 Days Shanghai & Xining Tibet Train Tour with Qinghai Lake
8 Days Tibet Train Tour from Beijing | Beijing Xining Lhasa
34. Xian Ancient City Wall - A Walk through Time in Xian
Standing tall amidst the modern cityscape of Xian , the Xian Ancient City Wall (西安古城墙) whispers tales of a bygone era. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most complete and best-preserved ancient city walls in China , offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty.
35. Hukou Waterfall, Shanxi - Witness the Power of Nature
Hukou Waterfall (壶口瀑布), nestled amidst the majestic Yellow River Valley in Shanxi Province, China, is a spectacle that leaves every visitor awestruck. This powerful cascade, known as the "Flask Mouth Waterfall" due to its unique shape, is a testament to the raw beauty and untamed energy of nature. To reach Hukou Waterfall, you can fly into Taiyuan Wusu International Airport or Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, which are located nearby. From there, you can take a train or bus to Hukou Town.
36. Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi A Gallery of Divine Sculptures
Nestled amidst the sun-baked cliffs of the Wuzhou Mountain, just outside Datong City in China's Shanxi Province, lies a treasure trove of ancient art and history - the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟). This UNESCO World Heritage Site, carved into the sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago, houses over 250 caves filled with a dazzling array of Buddhist sculptures, murals, and inscriptions.
Stepping into the Yungang Grottoes is like stepping back in time. The cool air of the caves, the soft glow of the lanterns, and the sheer scale of the sculptures create an atmosphere of awe and reverence. Each cave tells a story, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, Buddhist deities and bodhisattvas, and intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs.
37. Nalati Grassland, Xinjiang Vastness of the Heavenly Mountains
Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, lies a breathtaking haven - the Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原). This subalpine meadow, known as the "Pearl of the Northern Xinjiang" and one of the four largest grasslands in the world, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, nomadic culture, and vibrant festivals, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler seeking an escape to a truly idyllic setting.
To reach Nalati Grassland, you can fly into Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then take a taxi or bus to the site. Alternatively, you can take a train from nearby cities like Yining or Kuitun.
38. Dali Three Pagodas, Yunnan The Symbol of Dali
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Dali, Yunnan Province, China, stands a trio of architectural wonders known as the Three Pagodas. Rising majestically from the heart of the Chongsheng Temple grounds, these ancient structures have been captivating visitors for centuries, serving as silent witnesses to the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
39. Pudacuo National Park, Yunnan - Unveil Shangri-La’s Hidden Gem
Nestled amidst the majestic mountains and valleys of Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, lies Pudacuo National Park, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This expansive park, encompassing 1,300 square kilometers of breathtaking natural beauty, offers a unique blend of pristine lakes, lush forests, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast.
40. Lugu Lake, Sichuan & Yunnan - Mystical Landscape & Mosuo Culture
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Yunnan-Sichuan border, lies Lugu Lake, a jewel-toned oasis reflecting the azure sky. This serene alpine lake, shared by the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan , enchants visitors with its spectacular scenery, unique Mosuo culture, and captivating legends, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
To reach Lugu Lake, you can fly into Lijiang Airport or Kunming Changshui International Airport, and then take a bus or taxi to the lake. Alternatively, you can take a train from major cities like Chengdu and Kunming.
How to Plan China Tours with Most Beautiful Places in China?
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4 Days @Beiing: Ideal to Cover Forbidden City, Great Wall and other Attractions in China, Beijing - 4 Days Beijing Group Tour >>
8 Days @ Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai: Let's spend more time and do it in one go with Top China Attractions - 8 Days Bejing Xian Shanghai Group Tour >>
9 Days For Culture Explorer: Let's visit traditional Suzhou Gardens and the Metroplis of Shanghai which are the Top Places located in same area of China - 9 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Huangshan Tour >>
10 For Nature Lovers and Panda Fans: Have fun at Panda Base and Explore Jiuzhaigou's Nature - 10 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour >>
11 Days @ Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an & Huangshan Mountain: A more inclusive itinerary, with added Top Places with Natural Beauty - 11 Days Shanghai Huangshan Xian Beijing >>
11 Days For Grand Natural Wonders: Mountains, Rivers, All the Gorgeous Landscapes in China - 11 Days Jiuzhaigou Yangtze Zhangjiajie Tour >>
3 Days Add-on with Li River: Li River, Yangshuo are not to be missed - 3 Days Guilin Yangshuo Ultimate Landscape Tour >>
14 Days @ Beijing, Xi'an, SHanghai, Guilin, Hong kong: Wonderful China Tour with Golden Triangle Cities & More - 14 Days China Group Tour >>
14 Days @ Tibet, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an & Mount Everest: How could you miss Tibet(Xizang) and Mount Everest when visiting China? - 14 Days China Group Tour >>
17 Days @ Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Shanghai & More: China Highlights Tour with Holy Tibet Discovery & Chengdu Pandas - 17 Days China Tour >>
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34 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China
C hina has been a destination that has been a country of intrigue for many travelers since it opened its borders to the world in the 70s. It’s a country with a unique culture, a place where modernity and ancient traditions seamlessly collide, and where nature really feels out of this world.
No seriously, they did base Avatar on Zhangjiajie.
These days, more and more tourists from around the world want to visit China to experience the thrill of this ancient country and to tap into its rich history, and perhaps catch a glimpse of its bright future.
While modernization has meant that many western amenities are now available, it’s not exactly designed for western visitors.
Those who visit without knowing the major tips for travelers to China will find their experience to be a long list of troubles and catastrophes. In many cities, the English level of the locals isn’t great, so there won’t be anyone to help you out on the ground.
To make sure you don’t face any unwanted obstacles and hurdles that might catch the unprepared unaware, we’ve prepared this China travel guide to things to know before you visit China.
After two and a half years living and working in China, plus being able to travel the country extensively, I’ve pretty much made every mistake so you don’t have to.
1. WeChat Pay or AliPay is preferred
2. china recognizes only one currency – its own, 3. exchange currency at atms in china.
- 4. Don't forget to tell your bank you're visiting China
5. Prepare for Language Barriers (Especially in Banks)
- 6. Don't tip in China
7. Use your haggling skills
8. visas for china, 9. booking hotels in china, 10. travel insurance for china, 11. drinking water in china, 13. pharmacies in china, 14. finding a doctor in china, 15. coping with air pollution in china, 16. bring toilet paper, 17. bring hand soap or hand sanitizer, 18. get to the airport early, 19. expect delays, 20. catching buses and trains in china, 21. bring your passport when making a booking, 22. make use of local booking sites, 23. driving in china, 24. catching taxis in china, 25. eating street food in china, 26. spitting in china, 27. personal space, 28. taking photos in china, 29. mailing things home from china, 30. beware of chinese knock-offs.
- 31. Don't be shy in restaurants
32. Get a local SIM card in China
33. get a vpn for china, 34. download wechat (weixin), best times to visit china, final thoughts, pin to share on pinterest, things to know before you visit china.
In this guide, I’ve compiled some top tips for going to China that I wish I’d had before I got there.
Hopefully, these will help you discover what a wonderfully challenging and beautiful country this is.
Although more and more businesses (particularly large hotel chains and upscale restaurants) now accept Visa and Mastercard, the most widely accepted card scheme is UnionPay.
However, no win 2024, for the most part, when you are traveling in China, most places do not accept cash in China, they preferred WeChat Pay or AliPay only.
The official currency of China is the yuan , otherwise known as RMB or colloquially as ‘quai’.
Notes are available for 1RMB, 10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB, and 100RMB. There are also 1RMB coins available, as well as smaller fractions of known as ‘Mao’ for the Chinese leader who adorns them.
Chinese businesses do not accept any other currency, including the US dollar or Hong Kong dollar.
While many Chinese banks do not accept foreign cards, larger chains such as HSBC can be used to withdraw local currency from foreign bank accounts. This usually offers a far better exchange rate than services such as Travelex.
International ATMs are available in all major cities but may be harder to find in less tourist friendly areas.
4. Don’t forget to tell your bank you’re visiting China
Before you go to China, make sure your bank knows you’re going to be using your credit or debit card over there. You don’t want your card being canceled mid-trip for unusual transactions.
If you need to do your banking face to face, you may need to bring a local to help translate.
Chinese people don’t often speak very good English, and their grammar is different to English, so simply using Google Translate or another translation app isn’t going to work for important things.
Very few bank employees will have sufficient English to help you, although in larger cities such as Beijing or Shanghai should have an English speaker on staff.
6. Don’t tip in China
The Chinese do not tip, and you aren’t expected to either.
Outside of chain stores and boutiques, it’s totally possible to practice your haggling skills. Never accept the marked price or first price offered.
With shrewd negotiation, it’s possible to get souvenirs and such for a fraction of the quoted price.
Tours in China – The folks at Get Your Guide are the world’s largest online platform for booking tours, tourist attractions and activities. To see a list of all their tours click here .
One of the most important things to know when traveling to China is that they do not offer visas on arrival. So before you travel to China you’ll need to arrange your visa well in advance!
When applying for a tourist visa, you’ll need to provide either a letter of invitation from a Chinese friend or relative, or provide a detailed itinerary of your intended trip. This includes return flights and confirmed reservations for your hotel bookings.
Visas can be applied for in person at the Chinese consulate or can be ordered via post.
Interested in teaching English to Chinese students? You can from the comfort of your home (or wherever you are)
If you want some flexibility with your itinerary, make use of sites that do not require an upfront payment to make bookings.
Booking.com has over 50,000 properties in China including hotels, apartments, and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms. And their book now, pay later at check-in system allows you to lock in that rate with some flexibility. Check current hotel prices.
Chinese sites such as C-Trip require no deposit to book accommodation, and you can cancel without penalty once your visa is approved.
While China is a very safe country with relatively low crime, it pays to be prepared. So one of my top China travel tips is don’t leave home without travel insurance!
If something unexpected does happen and you are not insured, you can be up for a lot of money AND inconvenience. For a small price to pay you get peace of mind – if you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
For Americans, consider a big brand like Alliance Travel Insurance who are a world leader in the industry and trusted by millions (y TravelBlog are ambassadors).
Read More – 15 tips for buying the best travel insurance policy
One of the t hings NOT to do in China is drink the water.
For the most part, tap water in China is not drinkable. Bottled water can be purchased very cheaply at most restaurants and stores.
Chinese pharmacies offer both western and eastern medicine at very reasonable prices. Prescription medication can usually be purchased without a prescription (within reason) by simply providing the pharmacist with your identification.
Chinese hospitals can be crowded and daunting, but most major cities also have specialized hospitals catering to foreigners living and working in the country.
Even in the crowded public hospitals, in the large cities like Shanghai or Beijing many doctors will speak English. You may struggle in other areas of China, especially rural areas. Be sure to have a translator app on your phone. Allianz Travel Insurance has a handy Allyz app that can offer great assistance in these circumstances.
Larger cities in China have serious problems with air pollution, particularly in Beijing . Many locals swear by masks on days with hazardous air pollution, but it is safer to avoid exertion on days with particularly bad pollution.
One of the unusual things to know before going to China is that most Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. In fact, prepare yourself for the squat toilet, which if you haven’t seen before, is one of the biggest culture shocks!
Hotels and nicer restaurants, or even McDonalds (though not KFC), will have proper toilets with toilet paper available, but it’s always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper or a box of tissues!
Like toilet paper, hand soap is not standard in many Chinese bathrooms. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you just to be sure.
It is advisable to get to the airport three hours early for international flights to China and two hours early for domestic. Chinese airports can often be chaotic and overcrowded, so you’ll be grateful for that extra time.
In my two and a half years in China, I can count on one hand the number of flights that left on time. Be prepared to wait in the airport (or even on the plane) when flying from a Chinese airport.
China is serviced by a fantastic network of buses and trains, including the high-speed G-Trains that can whisk you across the country in a matter of hours.
Rates are extremely affordable by western standards. Train stations are usually very modern and have high security.
You can buy train tickets from machines which will usually have the function to translate to English, but if not, you may need to use Google Translate (or another translator app if you don’t get a VPN ) to help you communicate with the ticket officer.
I have had a Chinese reader tell me that people with passports (i.e. foreigners) can not buy train ticket from machine. And in Beijing, to buy a subway ticket you may need a passport. Have that translator app ready and ask!
Read More – 2 Week Itinerary for China. Best places to visit in China
You’ll need your passport when making a booking, and you can only book one ticket per passport.
Chinese booking sites such as C-Trip and eLong often offer better rates than western booking sites. Be sure to check both when planning your trip.
To drive a car in China, you will need to obtain a Chinese driver’s license. International Driving Permits or other foreign driver’s licenses are not recognized in China. Only foreigners with a valid residence permit can apply for a Chinese driver’s license .
Since Chinese roads can be rather chaotic anyway, so you’re saved dealing wtih this kind of trauma!
Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. Most taxi drivers will not speak English, so it’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.
Chinese street food is delicious and it is everywhere! When choosing which vendor to purchase from, check to see where the locals are dining.
If you see a queue, it’s likely to be a safer bet.
The Chinese do not use handkerchiefs and tissues to clear their noses, and instead spit. While this can be a bit confronting when you first visit China, they’re similarly affronted when they see us blowing our noses and keeping it.
China is a crowded place, and the locals have become accustomed to a much smaller personal space than we are accustomed to in the west.
Don’t be surprised if you’re jostled or shoved when queuing – it’s just part of Chinese culture.
The Chinese love to take photographs, and don’t be surprised if a local tries to snap a sneaky photo of you or even comes up to ask for a picture with you.
Like in most other countries, it always pays to ask permission before photographing a person or a government building.
Likewise, if someone takes a photo of you without your permission, try not to get too upset about it, they are just not used to seeing foreigners.
If you don’t want your photo taken, simply say “Bu Yao Pāi Zhào” which means “don’t take photos.” Or simply saying “Bu Yao” would be enough to show what you mean.
With cheap prices and a huge variety of products, it can be easy to go over your luggage limit while shopping in China.
Thankfully, it is very affordable to post things home using China Post’s surface (sea) mail.
This can take one to two months but is a very affordable way to get your belongings home.
Shopping streets such as Nanjing Road in Shanghai are a great place to find a bargain, but be aware that knockoffs of prominent brands can be seized at the airport upon your return home.
31. Don’t be shy in restaurants
Chinese waiters and waitresses aren’t as proactive as you may be used to, so don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and call for the fuyian if you want service.
Also be aware that conventional western service is hard to come by. Don’t be surprised if your starter, main, and dessert all arrive at once while your friend still waits for their first dish.
If you want to always have access to the internet, be sure to get a local sim card.
China’s major carriers include China Telecom and China Unicom . SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or at most corner stores, and credit is quite affordable.
Most Chinese SIMs are locked to the province in which they are purchased, so you’ll pay roaming charges when texting, calling, or using data outside of this province.
Even then, the rate is far cheaper than international roaming.
You can also get really cheap eSims from Airalo. You can set it up so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a local sim card. See prices and availability here.
When you visit China keep in mind that its ‘Great Firewall’ blocks sites such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and most of the Google selection. That means no Gmail and no Google Maps.
If you want to access these while you’re visiting China, you’ll need to purchase a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Don’t worry, a VPN is totally legal and everyone does it.
When shopping for VPNs, check that they cover China – as many free options do not.
Get your vPN with NordVPN here . It’s what we use and is fantastic for China.
China’s premier messaging app is Weixin (WeChat in English) and everybody you meet – expats and locals alike – will have it. You even use it to pay for things, book a table in a restaurant and order food.
Without it, you simply cannot function in China. You can download the free app for free, but you need to have at least two friends already set up to be able to create an account. You can always ask your hotel accommodation to help you with this, if you don’t know anyone in China.
Once you’re all set up, it’s a great way to keep in touch with locals you meet along the way who may not have social media.
The best time to visit China is during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
These seasons offer comfortable weather and are considered tourism-friendly since they are not so overcrowded.
If you’re planning on visiting the countryside of China such as Yangshuo or the Karst Mountains, this time of year offers the perfect balance of mild temperatures and low rainfall.
Make sure you avoid Chinese New Year, which while is a huge cultural experience, it’s the busiest time of year and when the Chinese people from overseas return home to spend time with the family.
Most things are closed and the weather is cold since its always in January/February.
Chinese New Year may be a great time for locals but for tourists, it’s not the best time to visit China.
This is a massive country with a rich history, over thirty distinct cultural groups, and a huge variety of landscapes to explore – don’t limit yourself to the same few sites everybody else visits.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten track. While Beijing , Shanghai , and Xi’an are worthy of their international fame, there is so much more to China than these cities and their cultural sites.
I hope my local insights and traveling to China tips help you have a memorable time.
More China Travel Tips
Need more tips for visiting China? Check out these other guides…
- What to Do in Beijing
- Things to Do in Shanghai
- Cycling Through Yangshuo Countryside China
- Climbing the Great Wall of China
- Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China
- 2 Week China Itinerary – Unmissable Places to Visit in China
- Incredible Things to do in Hong Kong
If you have already visited, do you have any tips for travel in China or other things to know before visiting China? Please share in the comments below!
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I spent a night in one of the empty apartments in Malaysia's $100 billion ghost town, and I can see why very few people want to live there
- Forest City, a luxury estate in Malaysia, has thousands of empty apartments.
- I spent a night in one of these apartments and found they weren't as luxurious as they were branded to be.
- Dozens of vacant units in the estate are listed for rent on Airbnb.
Forest City is a luxury development in southern Malaysia. China's largest developer, Country Garden , spent $100 billion building the estate.
I first visited Forest City in May 2022, and it was a ghost town . I found towering apartment buildings spread across 4 square miles. A white-sand beach overlooked the Johor Strait, where I could see the silhouette of industrial plants in western Singapore. At night, the windows of hundreds of rows of apartments stayed dark. There were barely any cars on the road and only a handful of people at the beach.
Forest City predicts that some 700,000 people will live in the estate in the next six years. For now, it says there are only 9,000 residents .
In 2022, a security guard at a local condominium told me 20 people lived in the complex. This left me curious about what it would be like to spend a night in one of these apartments.
In March, eight years into Forest City's development, I returned to the estate.
I booked a homestay at a condominium unit for 70 Singapore dollars, or about $52, through a property manager. Dozens of similar units are listed on Airbnb for as little as $38 a night. The unit's owner, who's based in China, declined to comment on this story, citing privacy reasons.
Take a look inside one of the thousands of vacant apartments in Forest City.
Country Garden didn't respond to multiple requests for comment from Business Insider.
Forest City's apartment complexes are marketed as high-end.
I arrived in Forest City on a Friday afternoon. A row of businesses — from a furniture store to a hotpot restaurant — lined the road to the condominium where I stayed the night. One business owner, who declined to be named, said they opened their shop in October.
It was significantly busier than when I had first visited two years earlier. There was barely anyone around then, but now, a few dozen people were walking the streets and patronizing the shops.
I had high expectations for the condo, as Forest City had long branded its properties as upscale. In a July press release , Forest City said it offered "luxury high-rise waterfront apartments."
According to the press release, unit prices in Forest City start at 510,000 Malaysian ringgit, or about $108,000. It's expensive for Johor, the Malaysian state where Forest City is.
Muhammad Najib Razali, a professor of real estate at Malaysia Technology University, told me properties in Johor usually sold below 300,000 ringgit — the price considered affordable among the state's middle-income households.
Locals aren't the target market for these upscale condos. Some 98% of units sold in Forest City were purchased by foreign buyers, according to data cited in a 2017 paper by Ong Kian Ming, a Fulbright scholar who was Malaysia's Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry. In June 2017, Country Garden told Bloomberg it had sold 16,000 units.
The lobby didn't make a strong first impression.
The complex looked pristine from the outside, with each 39-story building covered in greenery. But when I entered the lobby, it was far less manicured.
The elevators were plastered with peeling wallpaper with Forest City's logo and a phrase in Chinese and English that read: "Going home is the beginning of a new life."
Most of the apartments on my floor looked empty.
My unit for the night was on the seventh floor. There were about 20 units on the floor. Each of the units had a window that faced the hallway. I peered into them and could see that most of the units were either sparsely furnished or outright unfurnished.
Two of the units were used by the condo's staff — I spotted several men in uniforms leaving and entering the room — with a few pairs of shoes left outside the door.
In 2022, a Forest City representative told me more than 20,000 residential units had been sold. Now, it appeared that many of these units were vacant.
A resident at another apartment complex in Forest City told me they were the only people living on their floor. They added that most other floors in the building also had only one resident.
Najib said one reason so many units were empty was because many people bought them as investment properties.
"Some buyers thought that Forest City, in terms of the rental market, would be much easier to see return," he said.
One local business owner, who declined to be named, told me she also worked as a property agent in Forest City and had 50 units available for rent.
According to units listed on the property site iProperty, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at the condo costs as little as 1,100 ringgit, or $235, a month to rent. In comparison, renting a similar unit at Danga Bay — Country Garden's first venture in Malaysia just 20 miles from Forest City — costs more than 2,300 ringgit a month.
The unit looked as if it hadn't been lived in. It had an aesthetic similar to an Ikea showroom.
The unit wasn't anything special. It had a simple three-person couch, a small wooden coffee table, and no TV.
The apartment measured 635 square feet and had a master bedroom, two smaller rooms, and one common bathroom. There was also a compact kitchen with two stoves near the entrance.
According to the property website EdgeProp, the average house in Johor is nearly double the size of this unit, at about 1,264 square feet.
Koh Sin Yee, an adjunct senior research fellow with Monash University Malaysia, told me locals in Johor often preferred to purchase landed properties rather than high-rise apartments. She said this deterred many locals — even those who could afford it — from buying a house and living in Forest City.
According to data referenced in Ong's 2017 paper, at the time, only 78 out of the 5,344 units sold in Forest City were sold to Malaysians.
The master bedroom was furnished only with a double bed.
Unlike the other two bedrooms, the master bedroom had natural light streaming in from a large window. One of the common rooms faced the hallway, and when the blinds were opened, I could see straight into the hallway. At night, it felt eerie, as I could hear every little noise from the outside, such as the rustling of leaves and insects chirping.
The common rooms were furnished with nothing but a single bed. I could feel the plastic still wrapped around the mattresses when I lay down.
While the rest of the unit looked new, the bathroom was worse for wear.
Dirt and dead moths had piled up in the shower.
Showering was uncomfortable. The drain was clogged up, so I ended up ankle-deep in water.
The best part of the unit was the balcony, which had views of the coastal villas and the Johor Strait.
On its website, Forest City marketed these villas as a "peaceful retreat or a luxurious vacation home." These villas are larger than the apartments, with a living area between 753 square feet and 1,862 square feet. A total of 482 villas are set to be completed by 2026.
The villas looked like modern townhouses. Each villa had a rooftop and garage. Forest City hasn't announced how much these villas will cost.
While the condo was massive, I spotted only a handful of residents using its facilities.
Outside, there was a swimming pool, several outdoor gyms, and a playground.
There was no one at the pool in the morning. The Jacuzzi was full of cloudy-looking water.
I spotted a total of three residents, one of whom was blasting a song in Chinese from her phone and exercising on one of the tai-chi spinners at the outdoor gym.
It looked like an average residential neighborhood in Singapore — with its endless blocks of public housing and the ubiquitous sight of plants and trees — but without the people.
There was one place that didn't feel dead: the row of shops just outside the condo.
I headed for a meal at one of several Chinese restaurants just outside the condo. During my first visit, most of these stores were vacant. But now, it was where I found the most signs of life.
The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was transported to China . Chinese pop music blared from the speakers as cigarette smoke wafted into the air.
Nearly everyone inside spoke only Chinese. Despite speaking Malay, the national language, I had to resort to pointing at items on the menu to order.
The area had become an enclave of sorts: The other stores nearby were also Chinese restaurants or convenience stores that sold household goods from China. There, people told me they were from the mainland, too, and only spoke Chinese.
"A certain demographic of Chinese people may prefer this kind of lifestyle in Malaysia," Koh said, adding that Forest City offered a lower cost of living than major cities in China and was designed in a way that was familiar to where Chinese residents may have lived back home.
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25 Questions (and Answers!) About the Great North American Eclipse
The McDonald Observatory’s guide to one of nature’s most beautiful and astounding events: What you might see, how to view it safely, how astronomers will study it, how animals might react, and some of the mythology and superstitions about the Sun’s great disappearing act.
1. What’s happening?
The Moon will cross directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun from view along a narrow path across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Viewers across the rest of the United States will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering only part of the Sun’s disk.
2. When will it happen?
The eclipse takes place on April 8. It will get underway at 10:42 a.m. CDT, when the Moon’s shadow first touches Earth’s surface, creating a partial eclipse. The Big Show—totality—begins at about 11:39 a.m., over the south-central Pacific Ocean. The shadow will first touch North America an hour and a half later, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Moving at more than 1,600 miles (2,575 km) per hour, the path of totality will enter the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The lunar shadow will exit the United States and enter the Canadian province of New Brunswick near Houlton, Maine, at 2:35 p.m. (3:35 p.m. EDT).
3. How long will totality last?
The exact timing depends on your location. The maximum length is 4 minutes, 27 seconds near Torreon, Mexico. In the United States, several towns in southwestern Texas will see 4 minutes, 24 seconds of totality. The closer a location is to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer the eclipse will last.
4. What will it look like?
Eclipse veterans say there’s nothing quite like a total solar eclipse. In the last moments before the Sun disappears behind the Moon, bits of sunlight filter through the lunar mountains and canyons, forming bright points of light known as Baily’s beads. The last of the beads provides a brief blaze known as a diamond ring effect. When it fades away, the sky turns dark and the corona comes into view— million-degree plasma expelled from the Sun’s surface. It forms silvery filaments that radiate away from the Sun. Solar prominences, which are fountains of gas from the surface, form smaller, redder streamers on the rim of the Sun’s disk.
5. What safety precautions do I need to take?
It’s perfectly safe to look at the total phase of the eclipse with your eyes alone. In fact, experts say it’s the best way to enjoy the spectacle. The corona, which surrounds the intervening Moon with silvery tendrils of light, is only about as bright as a full Moon.
During the partial phases of the eclipse, however, including the final moments before and first moments after totality, your eyes need protection from the Sun’s blinding light. Even a 99-percent-eclipsed Sun is thousands of times brighter than a full Moon, so even a tiny sliver of direct sunlight can be dangerous!
To stay safe, use commercially available eclipse viewers, which can look like eyeglasses or can be embedded in a flat sheet that you hold in front of your face. Make sure your viewer meets the proper safety standards, and inspect it before you use it to make sure there are no scratches to let in unfiltered sunlight.
You also can view the eclipse through a piece of welder’s glass (No. 14 or darker), or stand under a leafy tree and look at the ground; the gaps between leaves act as lenses, projecting a view of the eclipse on the ground. With an especially leafy tree you can see hundreds of images of the eclipse at once. (You can also use a colander or similar piece of gear to create the same effect.)
One final mode of eclipse watching is with a pinhole camera. You can make one by poking a small hole in an index card, file folder, or piece of stiff cardboard. Let the Sun shine through the hole onto the ground or a piece of paper, but don’t look at the Sun through the hole! The hole projects an image of the eclipsed Sun, allowing you to follow the entire sequence, from the moment of first contact through the Moon’s disappearance hours later.
6. Where can I see the eclipse?
In the United States, the path of totality will extend from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Houlton, Maine. It will cross 15 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Tennessee, and Michigan (although it barely nicks the last two).
In Texas, the eclipse will darken the sky over Austin, Waco, and Dallas—the most populous city in the path, where totality (the period when the Sun is totally eclipsed) will last 3 minutes, 51 seconds.
Other large cities along the path include Little Rock; Indianapolis; Dayton, Toledo, and Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and Burlington, Vermont.
Outside the path of totality, American skywatchers will see a partial eclipse, in which the Sun covers only part of the Sun’s disk. The sky will grow dusky and the air will get cooler, but the partially eclipsed Sun is still too bright to look at without proper eye protection. The closer to the path of totality, the greater the extent of the eclipse. From Memphis and Nashville, for example, the Moon will cover more than 95 percent of the Sun’s disk. From Denver and Phoenix, it’s about 65 percent. And for the unlucky skywatchers in Seattle, far to the northwest of the eclipse centerline, it’s a meager 20 percent.
The total eclipse path also crosses Mexico, from the Pacific coast, at Mazatlán, to the Texas border. It also crosses a small portion of Canada, barely including Hamilton, Ontario. Eclipse Details for Locations Around the United States • aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Eclipse2024 • eclipse.aas.org • GreatAmericanEclipse.com
7. What causes solar eclipses?
These awe-inspiring spectacles are the result of a pleasant celestial coincidence: The Sun and Moon appear almost exactly the same size in Earth’s sky. The Sun is actually about 400 times wider than the Moon but it’s also about 400 times farther, so when the new Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun—an alignment known as syzygy—it can cover the Sun’s disk, blocking it from view.
8. Why don’t we see an eclipse at every new Moon?
The Moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted a bit with respect to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic. Because of that angle, the Moon passes north or south of the Sun most months, so there’s no eclipse. When the geometry is just right, however, the Moon casts its shadow on Earth’s surface, creating a solar eclipse. Not all eclipses are total. The Moon’s distance from Earth varies a bit, as does Earth’s distance from the Sun. If the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun when the Moon is at its farthest, we see an annular eclipse, in which a ring of sunlight encircles the Moon. Regardless of the distance, if the SunMoon-Earth alignment is off by a small amount, the Moon can cover only a portion of the Sun’s disk, creating a partial eclipse.
9. How often do solar eclipses happen?
Earth sees as least two solar eclipses per year, and, rarely, as many as five. Only three eclipses per two years are total. In addition, total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths. According to Belgian astronomer Jean Meuss, who specializes in calculating such things, any given place on Earth will see a total solar eclipse, on average, once every 375 years. That number is averaged over many centuries, so the exact gap varies. It might be centuries between succeeding eclipses, or it might be only a few years. A small region of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, close to the southeast of St. Louis, for example, saw the total eclipse of 2017 and will experience this year’s eclipse as well. Overall, though, you don’t want to wait for a total eclipse to come to you. If you have a chance to travel to an eclipse path, take it!
10. What is the limit for the length of totality?
Astronomers have calculated the length of totality for eclipses thousands of years into the future. Their calculations show that the greatest extent of totality will come during the eclipse of July 16, 2186, at 7 minutes, 29 seconds, in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of South America. The eclipse will occur when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, so it appears largest in the sky, and Earth is near its farthest point from the Sun, so the Sun appears smaller than average. That eclipse, by the way, belongs to the same Saros cycle as this year’s.
11. When will the next total eclipse be seen from the United States?
The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in the United States will take place on March 30, 2033, across Alaska. On August 22, 2044, a total eclipse will be visible across parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The next eclipse to cross the entire country will take place on August 12, 2045, streaking from northern California to southern Florida. Here are the other total solar eclipses visible from the contiguous U.S. this century:
March 30, 2052 Florida, Georgia, tip of South Carolina May 11, 2078 From Louisiana to North Carolina May 1, 2079 From Philadelphia up the Atlantic coast to Maine September 14, 2099 From North Dakota to the Virginia-North Carolina border
12. What is the origin of the word ‘eclipse?’
The word first appeared in English writings in the late 13th century. It traces its roots, however, to the Greek words “ecleipsis” or “ekleipein.” According to various sources, the meaning was “to leave out, fail to appear,” “a failing, forsaking,” or “abandon, cease, die.”
13. Do solar eclipses follow any kind of pattern?
The Moon goes through several cycles. The best known is its 29.5-day cycle of phases, from new through full and back again. Other cycles include its distance from Earth (which varies by about 30,000 miles (50,000 km) over 27.5 days) and its relationship to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic (27.2 days), among others. These three cycles overlap every 6,585.3 days, which is 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours.
This cycle of cycles is known as a Saros (a word created by Babylonians). The circumstances for each succeeding eclipse in a Saros are similar—the Moon is about the same distance from Earth, for example, and they occur at the same time of year. Each eclipse occurs one-third of the way around Earth from the previous one, however; the next eclipse in this Saros, for example, will be visible from parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Each Saros begins with a partial eclipse. A portion of the Moon just nips the northern edge of the Sun, for example, blocking only a fraction of the Sun’s light. With each succeeding eclipse in the cycle, the Moon covers a larger fraction of the solar disk, eventually creating dozens of total eclipses. The Moon then slides out of alignment again, this time in the opposite direction, creating more partial eclipses. The series ends with a grazing partial eclipse on the opposite hemisphere (the southern tip, for example).
Several Saros cycles churn along simultaneously (40 are active now), so Earth doesn’t have to wait 18 years between eclipses. They can occur at intervals of one, five, six, or seven months.
The April 8 eclipse is the 30th of Saros 139, a series of 71 events that began with a partial eclipse, in the far north, and will end with another partial eclipse, this time in the far southern hemisphere. The next eclipse in this Saros, also total, will take place on April 20, 2042.
First eclipse May 17, 1501
First total eclipse December 21, 1843
Final total eclipse March 26, 2601
Longest total eclipse July 16, 2186, 7 minutes, 29 seconds
Final partial eclipse July 3, 2763
All eclipses 71 (43 total, 16 partial, 12 hybrid)
Source: NASA Catalog of Solar Eclipses: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros139.html
14. What about eclipse seasons?
Eclipses occur in “seasons,” with two or three eclipses (lunar and solar) in a period of about five weeks. Individual eclipses are separated by two weeks: a lunar eclipse at full Moon, a solar eclipse at new Moon (the sequence can occur in either order). If the first eclipse in a season occurs during the first few days of the window, then the season will have three eclipses. When one eclipse in the season is poor, the other usually is much better.
That’s certainly the case with the season that includes the April 8 eclipse. It begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of March 24, in which the Moon will pass through Earth’s outer shadow. The eclipse will cover the Americas, although the shadow is so faint that most skywatchers won’t notice it.
This article was previously published in the March/April 2024 issue of StarDate magazine, a publication of The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory. Catch StarDate’s daily radio program on more than 300 stations nationwide or subscribe online at stardate.org .
15. How can astronomers forecast eclipses so accurately?
They’ve been recording eclipses and the motions of the Moon for millennia. And over the past half century they’ve been bouncing laser beams off of special reflectors carried to the Moon by Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. Those observations reveal the Moon’s position to within a fraction of an inch. Using a combination of the Earth-Moon distance, the Moon’s precise shape, Earth’s rotation and its distance from the Sun, and other factors, astronomers can predict the timing of an eclipse to within a fraction of a second many centuries into the future.
Edmond Halley made the first confirmed solar eclipse prediction, using the laws of gravity devised only a few decades earlier by Isaac Newton. Halley forecast that an eclipse would cross England on May 3, 1715. He missed the timing by just four minutes and the path by 20 miles, so the eclipse is known as Halley’s Eclipse.
16. What are the types of solar eclipses?
Total : the Moon completely covers the Sun.
Annular : the Moon is too far away to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around it.
Partial : the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s disk.
Hybrid : an eclipse that is annular at its beginning and end, but total at its peak.
17. What are Baily’s beads?
During the minute or two before or after totality, bits of the Sun shine through canyons and other features on the limb of the Moon, producing “beads” of sunlight. They were first recorded and explained by Edmond Halley, in 1715. During a presentation to the Royal Academy of Sciences more than a century later, however, astronomer Frances Baily first described them as “a string of beads,” so they’ve been known as Baily’s beads ever since. Please note that Baily’s beads are too bright to look at without eye protection!
18. Will Earth always see total solar eclipses?
No, it will not. The Moon is moving away from Earth at about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year. Based on that rate of recession, in about 600 million years the Moon would have moved so far from Earth that it would no longer appear large enough to cover the Sun. The speed at which the Moon separates from Earth changes over the eons, however, so scientists aren’t sure just when Earth will see its final total solar eclipse.
19. How will the eclipse affect solar power?
If your solar-powered house is in or near the path of totality, the lights truly will go out, as they do at night. For large power grids, the eclipse will temporarily reduce the total amount of electricity contributed by solar generation. During the October 14, 2023, annular eclipse, available solar power plummeted in California and Texas. At the same time, demand increased as individual Sun-powered homes and other buildings began drawing electricity from the power grid. Both networks were able to compensate with stations powered by natural gas and other sources.
The power drop during this year’s eclipse could be more dramatic because there will be less sunlight at the peak of the eclipse.
20. What are some of the myths and superstitions associated with solar eclipses?
Most ancient cultures created stories to explain the Sun’s mysterious and terrifying disappearances.
In China and elsewhere, it was thought the Sun was being devoured by a dragon. Other cultures blamed a hungry frog (Vietnam), a giant wolf loosed by the god Loki (Scandinavia), or the severed head of a monster (India). Still others saw an eclipse as a quarrel (or a reunion) between Sun and Moon. Some peoples shot flaming arrows into the sky to scare away the monster or to rekindle the solar fire. One especially intriguing story, from Transylvania, said that an eclipse occurred when the Sun covered her face in disgust at bad human behavior.
Eclipses have been seen as omens of evil deeds to come. In August 1133, King Henry I left England for Normandy one day before a lengthy solar eclipse, bringing prophesies of doom. The country later was plunged into civil war, and Henry died before he could return home, strengthening the impression that solar eclipses were bad mojo.
Ancient superstitions claimed that eclipses could cause plague and other maladies. Modern superstitions say that food prepared during an eclipse is poison and that an eclipse will damage the babies of pregnant women who look at it. None of that is true, of course. There’s nothing at all to fear from this beautiful natural event.
21. How do animals react to solar eclipses?
Scientists haven’t studied the topic very thoroughly, but they do have some general conclusions. Many daytime animals start their evening rituals, while many nighttime animals wake up when the eclipse is over, perhaps cursing their alarm clocks for letting them sleep so late!
During the 2017 total eclipse, scientists observed 17 species at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. About three-quarters of the species showed some response as the sky darkened. Some animals acted nervous, while others simply headed for bed. A species of gibbon had the most unusual reaction, moving excitedly and chattering in ways the zookeepers hadn’t seen before.
Other studies have reported that bats and owls sometimes come out during totality, hippos move toward their nighttime feeding grounds, and spiders tear down their webs, only to rebuild them when the Sun returns. Bees have been seen to return to their hives during totality and not budge until the next day, crickets begin their evening chorus, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes emerge, ready to dine on unsuspecting eclipse watchers.
A NASA project, Eclipse Soundscapes, is using volunteers around the country to learn more about how animals react to the changes. The project collected audio recordings and observations by participants during the annular eclipse last year, and will repeat the observations this year. Volunteers can sign up at eclipsesoundscapes.org
22. How will scientists study this year’s eclipse?
Astronomers don’t pay quite as much professional attention to solar eclipses as they did in decades and centuries past. However, they still schedule special observations to add to their knowledge of the Sun and especially the inner edge of the corona.
Sun-watching satellites create artificial eclipses by placing a small disk across the face of the Sun, blocking the Sun’s disk and revealing the corona, solar prominences, and big explosions of charged particles known as coronal mass ejections.
Because of the way light travels around the edges of an eclipsing disk, however, it’s difficult to observe the region just above the Sun’s visible surface, which is where much of the action takes place. The corona is heated to millions of degrees there, and the constant flow of particles known as the solar wind is accelerated to a million miles per hour or faster, so solar astronomers really want to see that region in detail. The eclipsing Moon doesn’t create the same effects around the limb of the Sun, so a solar eclipse still provides the best way to look close to the Sun’s surface.
For this year’s eclipse, some scientists will repeat a series of experiments they conducted in 2017 using a pair of highaltitude WB-57 aircraft to “tag team” through the lunar shadow, providing several extra minutes of observations.
Other scientists will use the eclipse to study Earth’s ionosphere, an electrically charged layer of the atmosphere that “bends” radio waves, allowing them to travel thousands of miles around the planet. Sunlight rips apart atoms and molecules during the day, intensifying the charge. At night, the atoms and molecules recombine, reducing the charge.
Physicists want to understand how the ionosphere reacts to the temporary loss of sunlight during an eclipse. They will do so with the help of thousands of volunteer ham radio operators, who will exchange messages with others around the planet. During last October’s annular eclipse, when the Moon covered most but not all of the Sun, the experiment showed a large and immediate change in the ionosphere as the sunlight dimmed.
NASA also will launch three small “sounding” rockets, which loft instruments into space for a few minutes, to probe the ionosphere shortly before, during, and shortly after the eclipse.
Another project will use radar to study changes in the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s atmosphere, while yet another will use a radio telescope to map sunspots and surrounding regions as the Moon passes across them.
One project will piece together images of the eclipse snapped through more than 40 identical telescopes spaced along the path of totality to create a one-hour movie of the eclipse. The telescopes will be equipped with instruments that see the three-dimensional structure of the corona, allowing solar scientists to plot how the corona changes.
23. What have astronomers learned from eclipses?
Solar eclipses have been powerful tools for studying the Sun, the layout of the solar system, and the physics of the universe.
Until the Space Age, astronomers could see the Sun’s corona only during eclipses, so they traveled around the world to catch these brief glimpses of it.
Eclipses also offered a chance to refine the scale of the solar system. Watching an eclipse from different spots on Earth and comparing the angles of the Moon and Sun helped reveal the relative sizes and distances of both bodies, which were important steps in understanding their true distances.
During an eclipse in 1868, two astronomers discovered a new element in the corona. It was named helium, after Helios, a Greek name for the Sun. The element wasn’t discovered on Earth until a quarter of a century later.
An eclipse in 1919 helped confirm General Relativity, which was Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity. The theory predicted that the gravity of a massive body should deflect the path of light rays flying near its surface. During the eclipse, astronomers found that the positions of background stars that appeared near the Sun were shifted by a tiny amount, which was in perfect agreement with Einstein’s equations.
Today, astronomers are using records of eclipses dating back thousands of years to measure changes in Earth’s rotation rate and the distance to the Moon.
24. How did astronomers study eclipses in the past?
With great effort! From the time they could accurately predict when and where solar eclipses would be visible, they organized expeditions that took them to every continent except Antarctica, on trips that lasted months and that sometimes were spoiled by clouds or problems both technical and human.
During the American Revolution, for example, a group of Harvard scientists led by Samuel Williams received safe passage from the British army to view an eclipse from Penobscot Bay, Maine, on October 21, 1780. Williams slightly miscalculated the eclipse path, though, so the group missed totality by a few miles. (The expedition did make some useful observations, however.)
In 1860, an expedition headed by Simon Newcomb, one of America’s top astronomers, journeyed up the Saskatchewan River, hundreds of miles from the nearest city, braving rapids, mosquitoes, and bad weather. After five grueling weeks, they had to stop short of their planned viewing site, although at a location still inside the eclipse path. Clouds covered the Sun until almost the end of totality, however, so the expedition came up empty.
King Mongkut of Siam invited a French expedition and hundreds of other dignitaries to view an eclipse from present-day Thailand in 1868. He built an observatory and a large compound to house his guests at a site Mongkut himself had selected as the best viewing spot. The eclipse came off perfectly, but many visitors contracted malaria. So did Mongkut, who died a few weeks later.
An expedition in 1914, to Russia, was plagued by both clouds and the start of World War I. The team abandoned its instruments at a Russian observatory and escaped through Scandinavia.
The eclipse of July 29, 1878, offered fewer impediments. In fact, it was a scientific and social extravaganza. The eclipse path stretched from Montana Territory to Texas. Teams of astronomers from the United States and Europe spread out along the path. Thomas Edison stationed his group in Wyoming, where he used a tasimeter, a device of his own creation, to try to measure the temperature of the corona. Samuel Pierpoint Langley, a future secretary of the Smithsonian, was atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. Maria Mitchell, perhaps America’s leading female scientist, decamped to Denver. And Asaph Hall, who had discovered the moons of Mars just the year before, journeyed to the flatlands of eastern Colorado.
Thousands of average Americans joined the festivities, paying outrageous prices for some of the best viewing spots. Some things, it seems, never change.
25. What about lunar eclipses?
While solar eclipses happen during new Moon, lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is full, so it aligns opposite the Sun in our sky. The Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. In a total eclipse, the entire lunar disk turns orange or red. In a partial eclipse, Earth’s inner shadow covers only a portion of the Moon. And during a penumbral eclipse, the Moon passes through the outer portion of Earth’s shadow, darkening the Moon so little that most people don’t even notice it.
Lunar eclipses happen as often as solar eclipses—at least twice per year. This is a poor year for lunar eclipses, however. There is a penumbral eclipse on the night of March 24, with the Moon slipping through Earth’s faint outer shadow, and a partial eclipse on the night of September 17, in which the Moon barely dips into the darker inner shadow. Both eclipses will be visible from most of the United States.
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