A short flight away from India’s northern and eastern states, the country of China lies just north of the Himalayas. China is the world’s third largest country and covers an area of about 5,500 km from east to west. With thousands of years of history and culture, China is a great destination to see one of the world’s best heritage sites and attractions. There’s more to see and experience in China than what we feel from a distance.
A land of snow, spring and sun
In China, temperatures differ strikingly from region to region. Some regions experience distinctive seasonal changes. Others experience spring all the year round. The north west inland has not summers and cold winters. The Heilongjiang Province in the north has long winters but no summers. Hainan Island in the south has long summers but no winters. The Qinghai Tibet Plateau in south west China records low temperatures through the year. Most deserts remain bone dry through the four seasons.The topography of China is among the most spectacular in the world.
5,000 years of history
China,like India, is an ancient civilization, rich in profound cultural accumulations over 5,000 years.Remains of remote antiquity, the Chinese Stone Age, the‘Yuanmou Man’ of 1.7 million years ago, the ‘Lantian Man’ of 800,000 years ago,and the ‘Peking Man’ of 7000,000 years ago, are still visible. Primitive society spawned the slave era in the 21st century BC. Then came the feudalera (770-476 BC) and period of Warring States (475-221 BC). Next, a succession of dynasties followed, among them Qin (221-206 BC), Han (206 BC-220 AD), Tang(618-907), Song (960-1279), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing(1644-1911).
Each dynasty introduces its unique brand of architecture and technology, art and handicrafts. Many of these ancient and medieval legacies live on, cast in bronze and porcelain and woven is silk. The sophistication of medieval gardens and homes, preserved to the last fine detail, still evoke a sense of wonder.The Great Wall, the only man made structure visible from the moon, stands testimony to the scale and brilliance of Chinese ingenuity.
The last and most important chapter in China’s history began as recently as October 1, 1949, with the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Since that historical date China has charted a course towards justice and social equality,agricultural and industrial growth, large-scale infrastructure development and global influence and fulfilment of 21st century expectations.
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The travel packages to China are not just about Beijing and Shanghai, but many more destinations in China make it a hotspot for leisure as well as business travel.Given below is list of amazing tourist destinations in China.
Beijing
Ancient and modern: two cities in one
Many centuries coexist in Beijing (“Jing“ for short), the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. Among the most populous cities in the world, Beijing embraces 17,000 sq km and is home to more than 12 million people. The city played host to the 29th Olympic games in 2008.
Many amazing tourist attractions in Beijing await your presence and some of them for instance are:
The Palace Museum
Located in the center of Beijing, the Palace Museum is also known as the Forbidden City, has witnessed the beginning of Ming dynasty to the end of Qing dynasty. With more than 9,000 halls and rooms, and houses a large number of valuable historical and cultural relics today the Palace Museum is the largest royal palace in the world. Construction began in 1406 and took many years to complete. Today it’s a listed UNESCO site with largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
Tiananmen Square
Named after Tiananmen Gate this square can be covered along with a visit to the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square is one of the largest city central square in the world and one of the major tourist attractions of Beijing. It’s a part of all the travel itineraries for Beijing.
Yonghegong Lama Temple
The Yonghegong Lama Temple located at the nothereast corner of the city, the largest lama temple in Beijing, was constructed in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty in Dongcheng District. Initially was the residence of prince Yongzheng but later Qing dynasty changed it to lamasery and so it became the most perfectly preserved lamasery in China.
Temple of Heaven
Locatedin southern Beijing, the Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of Mingand Qing dynasty held the Heaven Worship Ceremony. Later in 1918, it was turnedinto a park to show the ancient philosophy, history and religion to the public.It’s a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO.
The Great Wall at Badaling
The Ancient military defence project, The Great Wall is the proud symbol of China.It is conveniently located 75 km from the city of Beijing and a World Heritage site. The Badaling section is best preserved and the most popular one among stall sections. Other attractions here are Great Wall National Theater and Great Wall Museum.
The Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are located about 50 km from Beijing, at the foothills of Tianshou Mountain, where lie the mausoleums of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty.These are the most extensive burial complex of any Chinese dynasty and are one of the most preserved and UNESCO World Heritage site of Chinese art and architecture.
The Summer Palace
North west of Beijing, about 15 km from the city, the Summer Palace is best preserved imperial garden in the world. Also recognized as “the Museum of Royal Gardens”.It is the most well preserved royal park in China, influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests.
The city of Beijing offers some other great sightseeing options like Behai Park,the Ruins of Yuanmingyu an, Lu Xun Museum, China Millennium Monument, Olympic Green, National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing Zoo, etc.
Transportation in Beijing
Beijingh as several convenient transportation options: public buses and trolley buses,subways and taxis and even tricycles for tours to the narrow lanes of the city.
Guangzhou
The city of flowers
Guangzhou is a mix of the ancient and modern. It has a massive number of malls and retails stores. Grand shopping malls such as the Tee Mall Plaza, the China Plaza plus the trade fairs in the Guangzhou International Building provide easy access to top-notch products from all over the world. Visitors will enjoy strolling along the Shangziajiu Pedestrian Street and Beijing Road Business Street. The city is a true shoppers ‘paradise.
Tourist Attractions in Guangzhou
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Zone
The Baiyun Mountain sprawl over 20.98 sq km of exquisite landscape and has 30 peaks of which Moxingling (382m high) is the tallest in South China. A popular summer resort, the 1000-year Baiyun Mountain is made up of seven sightseeing zones.
Museum of the Tomb of Nanyue King of the Western Han Dynasty
To the west of the Yuexiu Park, on Xianggang Hill stands th 200 year old tomb of Wen Di, the second king of the State of Nanyue. In the early period of the Western Han dynasty, the kings of Nanyue ruled from Panyu (present day Guangzhou). The discovery of the tomb of Wen Di in 1983 led to the excavation of more than a thousand relics, among them the first gold seal of the emperor of the Western Han dynasty ever to surface in China.
Other important tourist spots in Guangzhou are The Whampoa Military Academy, Lotus Mountain Scenic Zone, Yuexiu Park, Guangxiao Temple, Guangzhou Xiangjiang Safari Park, etc.
Guilin
China’s most picturesque region and one of the world’s most famous travel destinations– Guilin has a magic of its own. The picture perfect city of Guilin with its crystal clear waters, wonderful caves, Li River and Karst mountains offers stunning landscape and breathtaking scenery everywhere you see. There is an ancient saying here – “ East or west, Guilin scenery is the best”
Sightseeing and attractions in Guilin:
Lijiang River
Li River or Lijiang river offers breathtaking views with combination of Karst peaks and blue sky. The most beautiful part is Li River cruises from Guilin to Yangshuo, which is also the center piece of any trip to Guangxi Province. Watch the beauty of Jingping Mountain, the Wangfu Mountain, Banbiandu and Guanyan.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Located at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, Elephant Trunk Hill is regarded as the symbol of Guilin. The hill creates the illusion of an elephant dipping its trunk into the river. Formed by pure limestone deposited at the bottom of the sea, Elephant Trunk Hill is the one of the most famous hills and attractions in Guilin city.
Reed Flute Cave
Markedon almost all travel itineraries, the Reed Flute Cave is a brilliant cave located five kilometers of the downtown of Guilin.Flute makers get the best flutes out of the reeds growing outside the cave. Inside this water-eroded cavestala ctites and stalagmites in the most striking colors take the shape of bamboo shoots, stone pillars, curtains and flowers.
Other important activities and attractions in Guilin are West Street in Yangshuo, Land of Peach Blossom, Longji Terraced Fields, Guilin Merryland, etc.
Hangzhou
The scenic city
One of the China’s most renowned tourist destinations also known as “Heaven on Earth” Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province. Being 180 km from the cityof Shanghai, the accessibility to Hangzhou is fantastic. Itis also one of the Four Garden Cities in China, along with Nanjing, Changchun and Kunming. West Lake here is a delight to visit, either by walk or by sightseeing tours.It isalso one of the main exhibition centers in China. Some of the main exhibitionsit hosts are the World Leisure Expo, the China International Animation Festivaland the China International Micro Film Festivals, etc.
Tourist Attractions in Hangzhou
West Lake
Divided in five distinct sections West Lake is man-made and created after the Chinese love for garden-style parks for recreation. The natural setting of surprisingly shaped peaks, serene forests, myriad of blossoms are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features.
Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
Located in the south central portion of West Lake, three stone pagodas in the shape of bottle gourds rise from the shimmering waves arranged in a triangle in the water. Built in 1621, the pagodars are 2 meters high with hollow interiors and when moonlight filters through these openings, the reflection on the water adds radiance and charm to one another.
Broken Bridge remaining snow
Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge is considered one of the most romantic 10 scenic sites of the West Lake. Viewed from a distance, the bridge looks as if one half of it has been ripped off but is not really broken, and is a traditional stonebridge where two lovers, Xu Xian and a beautiful maiden, met and fell madly inlove. The bridge offers a stunning view of the snow-coated West Lake in winter season in China.
Thereare many more beautiful attractions in Hangzhou waiting for you like SuCauseway in spring season which links Nanshan road with Beishan road, NineStreams and Misty tree at the foot of Jiguanlong Hill, Lingyin Temple alsocalled as Temple of the Soui’s Retreat which integrates history, culture,Buddhist art and customs with some great landscapes, etc.
Shanghai
The bustling metropolis at the Yangtze River Delta
Also called as Hu or Shen in short, the modern metropolis of China is a business hub and a major center of technology, fashion and tourism in China. A mixture of traditional and modern, the attractions of Shanghai lures millions of tourists from all over the world. To name a few, The Shanghai Museum, The Shanghai River Cruise, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Mansion, etc. Events like China International Art festival and Shanghai Tourism festival attracts art lovers as well as professionals too.
Tourist Attractions in Shanghai
The Bund
Also called Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu and as museum of International architecture, is one of the oldest landmarks and a famous waterfront in Shanghai. For many hundreds of years, it’s regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. In the evening, the building along the Bund illuminated with multi-coloured lights showcasing a stunning view.
People’s Square
In the heart of Shanghai, People’s Square is spectacular garden-type open space and the largest public square surrounded by administrative buildings of Shanghai. Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Theater are also in the vicinity of this tourist attraction.
Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower located in Pudong Park, Shanghai is 468 meters high tower, is China’s second tallest tower. It is because of its unique architectural design, the tower is city’s pride and symbol. It also offers sightseeing tours and dining opportunities to the tourists traveling to Shanghai. Because of its location – opposite to Bund, it is a center of tourist activities.
Other important and major tourist attractions in Shanghai are Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Global Financial Center, where Jinmao offer an amazing 360 degree bird’s eye view of Shanghai from its observatory on 88th floor, the Shanghai Global Financial Center is currently the tallest building in China (101 stories), with three storeys underground. Nanpu Bridge is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. The Ancient Town of Zhujiajiao also known as Venice of Shanghai has quaint old bridges that across bubbling streams. Dashijie – the Great World Amusement Center, is one of the Shanghai’s best tourist attractions offers both modern and traditional entertainment.
The two other major travel destinations in China are Shenzhen and Xi’an. Around 160 kms from Guangzhou and 35 km from Kowloon – Hong King, the city of Shenzhen is famous for best beaches in China, great architecture, shopping opportunities,bars and restaurants, etc. The city also offers some great theme parks for people interested in adventure and fun activities like Window of the World –offers miniatures of world-famous landmarks, Splendid China, Happy Valley, Sea World, etc. The city of Xian, also known as the city of Terracotta Warriors. Itis live example of the old China and is a part of most of the travel itineraries for China where people want to see and visit the ancient China.Attractions like Xian City Wall, Epang Palace, Great Mosque, Greater Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaquing Pool, Tang Paradise, etc. show that Xian is best-reserved historic city of China.
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