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Vast and varied, China is a nation that offers everything from dynamic metropolises rich in cultural encounters and shopping opportunities to quiet country towns surrounded by mountain landscape and rolling farming plains. A rich history can be found across the nation in ancient monuments such as temples and palaces.
Whether you’re seeking to capture the highlights or prefer to tread a less beaten path, these landmarks and attractions are ones you shouldn’t pass up crossing off your China list.
The majority of what remains of the Great Wall of China was built during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Made of brick, earth, wood and stone, it stretches east to west from Dandong to Lop Lake and is the longest wall in the world. It’s commonly accessed from Beijing.
Being one of the most popular attractions in the nation, you may prefer to tour the wall with a guide for the best opportunity to learn about its history and explore the site.
This well-preserved imperial palace dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasty eras. It is bordered by a 10-metre-high wall and has imposing watchtowers on every corner.
Within the walls are 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and over 8,000 rooms.
It’s located in the centre of Beijing, which is where organised day trips often begin from.
These life-size terracotta statues were only unearthed in 1974 but have quickly become an icon of the country.
Dating back more than 2,000 years, the terracotta statues are dressed in the armory of the Warring States period of 475–221 BC. Mystery still surrounds these statues and their purpose. The Army is best accessed from Xi’an.
Buddhism is the main religion in China and you’ll be hard-pressed to visit without setting eyes on at least one temple.
Some of the most highly lauded and tourist-friendly are Jade Buddha Temple, Temple of Heaven, Nanshan Temple, Lama Temple, Famen Temple and South Putuo Temple.
Various tours in major cities will help you navigate your way around the city’s most important temples and provide commentary on their significance.
If you don’t manage to tuck into a Chinese banquet (it can be difficult without a party of stomachs worthy of the feast!) then at least check out the street food.
The Chinese are renowned for their banquets. It’s a place of pride, abundance and tradition, so get a crew together and eat up!
The natural landscape of China alternates between grassy hills, mountain regions, lakes and coastal cities.
Cruise down the Li River in Guilin, scale the Yellow Mountains in Shanghai and visit West Lake in Hangzhou.
Like Central Park in New York City, the Summer Palace is a hidden gem in the heart of a busy metropolitan centre.
Located in Beijing, it’s the largest royal park in the country and features palaces, lakes and gardens. VIP tours of the palace are available to help you queue-jump, especially during peak tourist season.
If there’s one close encounter you should have when in China, it’s got to be with a giant panda.
You can gush over pandas in their natural habitat at the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary.
At the sanctuary you can also learn about breeding and rehabilitation efforts, visit the research facility and animal hospital, and gaze at the furry fellas as they play in their dedicated panda playground.
Shanghai’s the Bund is a waterfront street with a unique architectural landscape of baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, classic and renaissance buildings that merge into modern bridges and imposing skyscrapers.
The best way to see it? By foot or bike tour.
Travelling with kids? Disney fanatic? Then you’ll already have your eye on Disney’s flagship amusement park in China..
Located in Shanghai, this Disneyland is pure magic and features Disney-inspired rides, entertainment, restaurants and more. To avoid long queues, pre-purchase your ticket.
If you’re traveling to China on the cheap and don’t feel like shelling out loads of money on attractions or at popular tourist traps, consider these fun, free activities:
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