Beijing
Beijing is one of China’s top destinations, offering countless attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Beijing has everything if you’re looking for history, culture, or a modern city experience.
From the iconic Forbidden City to the sprawling Summer Palace and the Great Wall of China, visitors have a wealth of choices for sightseeing. Read on for a closer look at some of Beijing’s must-see attractions:
Forbidden City
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City served as the home of China’s emperors for 500 years and is considered one of the largest palace complexes in the world. It consists of 980 buildings surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall with a 52-meter-wide moat. The complex was built in 1406 and completed in 1420 during Emperor Yongle’s reign.
The Forbidden City was divided into two parts: an inner court, where the emperor lived with his family, and an outer court, where he conducted state business and held ceremonies. It served as an imperial enclave for five centuries until 1924, when Puyi, the last emperor, was forced out due to a republican revolution.
Today you can explore the Forbidden City by visiting various sights such as:
- Main Halls (the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony)
- Imperial Gardens (the Garden of Perfection and Light)
- Courtyards (Hall of Union and Peace and Building for Kneeling Respect)
- Towers (Tower of Lineage Protection and Tower for Belated Greeting)
Each sight has its particular significance to China’s rule throughout history. During your visit, you can admire ancient artwork, architectural structures, sculptures, delicate frescoes, embroidered robes worn by emperors, and more.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, also known widely as the “10,000 Li Wall“, is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials spanning over 6,400 kilometers across northern China. It is one of the world’s most famous landmarks and a popular destination in Beijing. Emperor Qin Shi Huang built the wall during the Qin Dynasty to protect his kingdom from invasion by northern nomadic tribes. Stretching from east to west across northern China, the Great Wall was built on existing fortifications and was constructed more than two thousand years anew.
Visitors can explore different sections of the Great Wall, such as Badaling (the most popular one), Juyongguan Pass, or Mutianyu (a perfect destination for families with kids). Visitors should be prepared before climbing this marvel as it is a pretty long walk. The steepest part has 365 steps which can be quite challenging! Cable cars are also available at some sections, which provide a more leisurely ascent up or descent down the wall. Many people marvel at the magnificence and beauty of this engineering wonder when they visit this incredible monument to ancient China’s foresight and ingenuity.
Summer Palace
One of Beijing’s most beautiful and iconic attractions, the Summer Palace, is located in the city’s northwest suburbs. An immense royal park featuring a distinctive Chinese landscape and grand architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Palace was built-in 1750 as an imperial retreat. Each palace section hosts cultural and historical delight. The East Lake park grounds showcase pavilions, bridges, pagodas, and halls, while Kunming Lake is home to magnificent Riverview corridors. The Tower of Buddhist Incense can be found beneath a tall mountain range. At the same time, its winding Long Corridor presents hundreds of detailed mural paintings depicting scenes from Chinese literature and fables.
The incredible Temple of Buddhist Virtue can also be found amidst the lake’s green vistas, along with the more modest Hall for Dispelling Clouds which stands next to an aquarium containing goldfish believed to have been collected from various glasses of water around China over centuries ago. Be sure to bring your cameras as you wander this enchanting paradise – it offers some truly unforgettable sights!
Shanghai
Shanghai, located in the eastern region of China, is one of the most populated cities in the world, with a rich cultural history. It’s known for its iconic skyline, dazzling nightlife, and bustling shopping districts. From historical sites to modern buildings, Shanghai has something to offer everyone.
Let’s explore some of Shanghai’s most popular attractions:
The Bund
The Bund is a walkway along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. It stretches for 1.5 kilometers from its northern end at Yan’an Road to its southern end at Waibaidu Bridge, which marks the boundary between Huangpu District and Pudong District. It is widely considered to be the very symbol of Shanghai and one of the city’s most famous attractions.
The Bund was traditionally a center of culture and commerce in Shanghai, boasting numerous buildings featuring various architectural styles, including Baroque, Romanic Revival, and Classic Revival. In addition, the Bund houses a variety of historical sites, including several art galleries, walkways, old buildings, and monuments. Today it has become a must-see tourist destination in Shanghai’s bustling metropolis.
Along this busy promenade, dozens of restaurants offer traditional cuisines from all over China, such as Shanghainese seafood dishes, Hunan province noodles, or Cantonese dim sum. You will also see an array of shops selling souvenirs and local specialties like qipao dresses or red-bean desserts, among other things. From the shopping arcades along the Bund, you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the city skyline with iconic landmarks such as Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower adorning the skyline on both sides of the Huangpu River. As you stroll along The Bund, you’ll understand why it has been known by those who have lived in Shanghai for many years as “the museum without walls.”
Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden, located in the old city of Shanghai, is an exquisite 16th-century traditional Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. The garden is a popular tourist attraction in Shanghai and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2000.
A visit to this beautiful Chinese garden takes one back 360 years through its traditional architecture and landscape painting. Yuyuan Garden is an embodiment of nature in its best form with six main scenic areas, which include eight landscapes stretching across 5 acres (2 hectares) of land, which includes seven pavilions and 40 other attractions, including rockeries, winding corridors, water pools, etc.
Another attraction at the Yuyuan Garden is Shanghai Old Street, which runs along one side of the garden area. This bustling street earns much footfall from tourists from all over who come to enjoy local snacks such as noodles, dumplings, and sweets, along with souvenirs like lucky charms and small pouches filled with different tastes of tea leaves, etc., to take back home as memories from this beautiful piece of art.
Shanghai Tower
Standing at 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest of Shanghai’s three massive skyscrapers and one of the tallest buildings in the world. Located in Pudong’s Lujiazui district, it’s an architectural wonder that often serves as a symbol for modern Shanghai.
It was designed for both business and pleasure, featuring an observation deck with 360-degree views on floors 118 and 119, allowing visitors to take in breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai from its uppermost lookout point.
The ground floors are open to visitors who can shop in specialty retail outlets, visit entertainment venues hosting performances and exhibitions and even enjoy a virtual reality simulator ride. In addition, high-end restaurants and smaller eateries serve delicious Chinese dishes, while bars offer refreshing drinks with unbeatable skyline views. The building is also home to many corporate offices accommodating companies such as HUAWEI Technologies Co., with others joining soon.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of the most popular cities to visit in China. It has a rich cultural heritage and lively modern attractions. The city has a multitude of temples, museums, and other historical sites that are worth seeing. Additionally, there are plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the city, making it a great holiday destination for any traveler.
Let’s take a closer look at what Guangzhou has to offer:
Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park is the largest park in Guangzhou and one of the most important tourist attractions, sprawling over 176 acres. It stands on the site of China’s oldest city wall, with a collection of ruins, monuments, and ponds scattered around the park.
The three artificial lakes, which align along their length, contain islands and their dam structures form two bridges – Wanlong Bridge and Yulong Bridge. The buildings in the park are a collection of gardens from different dynasties blended to form an enchanting sight.
Of particular note is Zhenhai Tower – a five-story octagonal tower near Yuexiu hill. It offers stunning panoramas of Guangzhou city with expansive parks stretching below it. There are many other features, too, such as pavilions, memorials, pagodas, and sculptures that add to this scenic spot’s poise and peace, making it one of the most-visited locations in Guangzhou City.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Located in the northeastern part of Guangzhou, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple) is a renowned Buddhist temple named after its six banyan trees standing in front of the hall. It was first built in 537 during Liang Dynasty and rebuilt over time. Today it mainly consists of an entrance gate, a great hall, a pagoda, and other halls scattered inside and outside.
The attraction starts from an imposing entrance gate surrounded by two enormous stone lions. One is craning its neck, while another greets visitors with an open mouth. Entering the courtyard from here, you will come to Great Hall, which used to be where monks delivered Buddhist lectures. On either side are four gilded pillars with full-length carvings ranging from poet Li Biao’s myth about the Six Banyans to Tang Sanzang’s stories about Journey To The West.
Further southeast, Chinatown’s highest pagoda – Flower Pagoda– stands at 47 meters (154 feet) tall, with nine parts constructed around brick walls and a door on each side which opens inwardly propped up by three adjustable beams made from gums and wedges buried below it. Going upstairs through some stairs are lovely corridors like Longevity Corridor (Shouwang Guan). This narrow way was built in 1663, right above the Hall Of Disciples (Fengxian Dian). It housed 242 statues depicting different models or disciples, such as monks’ laughing faces or monks asleep, etc., which were all done outstandingly and attractive by skillful craftsmen.
Canton Tower
Canton Tower is an observation tower located in Guangzhou, China. This TV tower is known as one of the most iconic symbols in the city and has a distinct design with a lattice structure. It stands 604 meters tall at its highest point, making it one of the tallest structures in China.
In addition to its unique structure, Canton Tower also offers plenty of activities for people to enjoy while there, including 360-degree viewing of the city from panoramic windows on its top floor. Aside from that, it is home to the world’s longest enclosed slide, which stretches 460 meters down through six feet; a three-dimensional caves simulator; and an array of dining and entertainment options ranging from fine dining restaurants to relaxed bars and karaoke. Canton Tower also features five observation decks for visitors to explore during their visit and take some stunning photos with breathtaking sights overlooking Guangzhou City.
Xi’an
Xi’an is a city in China with a rich history and culture. It is home to some of the world’s most famous ancient landmarks, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Bell Tower. It is also known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and excellent shopping opportunities.
Discover all the fantastic things to do in Xi’an and start planning your next trip!
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is located in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The figures were created to accompany the emperor in his afterlife and to guard his tomb. The discovery in 1974 was one of the most important archeological finds of the 20th century.
The terracotta figures vary in height (from 1.83 meters to 0.65 meters), although most are over 2 meters tall and weigh up to a tonne each. They were made out of wet clay and fired into a ceramic body at high temperatures, making them durable and resistant to erosion from the environment or weathering from time.
The figures have been grouped into three major categories – infantrymen, archers, and chariots – according to their function in battle formation, with cavalry units portrayed as part of an additional fourth category that has yet to be excavated from the tomb complex. Each soldier has distinctive facial features and inscriptions on their headgear or armor that distinguish them from others in their unit. It is estimated that over 8,000 soldiers are present at this site today – an incredible sight representing ancient Chinese cultural heritage for all visitors!
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower, also known as the Zhonglou, is one of the best-known landmarks of Xi’an. It stands more than 40 meters above a 25-meter-wide square base. The Tower was built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty and is located in the very heart of the city. Therefore, the Bell Tower is regarded as a symbol of the whole city.
The architectural structure of the Tower is quite simple. Railings and galleries connect four watchtowers at each corner. The walls are covered with glazed tile and two tiers of eaves, with upturned corners forming a pyramidal roof. Moreover, three beds are inside, covering an area of 2,856m2. On each side of each bed are four steles engraved with characters written by famous calligraphers from different dynasties during China’s history.
In addition to its historical significance, there is an exciting superstition concerning this incredible construction: It was believed that ringing its bell could ward off pestilence and disasters! As a result, foreign visitors may still ring it today when they visit this remarkable relic!
City Wall
The Xi’an City Wall is one of China’s oldest and best-preserved ancient city walls. Originally constructed during the 14th century in the Ming Dynasty, the wall was built to protect the ancient capital of Xi’an and its surrounding areas. The wall stretches 13.7 km in length and 12 m in height, making it one of the longest.
The sturdy brick walls are punctuated with gates, watchtowers, and parapets at regular intervals along its expanse. Apart from serving as a defensive military structure, it also provides an excellent vantage point for visitors to observe various parts of the city. Four main gateways on each side provide access to pedestrians:
- Anding Gate on the west,
- Changle Gate on the east,
- Yongning Gate on the south and
- Anyuan Gate on the north, respectively.
Each gate also houses museums that showcase collections related to local culture and history.
In addition to other attractions along City Walls, such as parks, plazas, and pavilions, visitors can rent an e-bike or a tour around City Walls for sightseeing purposes. At night, visiting Light Show on top of the City Walls is a must-experience while in Xi’an, which makes this famous attraction even more spectacular!
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most visited destinations in China. It’s a bustling, vibrant city with lights, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Tourists flock to its iconic attractions, such as the Peak Tower and the Star Ferry ride across Victoria harbor. The city also bursts with culture, from bustling temples to the modern skyline.
There is so much to explore in Hong Kong, so let’s take a closer look:
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions, offers spectacular views of the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Harbor. Located 1585 meters above sea level and flanked by forests, picnic areas, and luxury residences, Victoria Peak is easily accessible from central Kowloon and the southern end of Hong Kong Island.
The main tourist attraction on top of Victoria Peak is Sky Terrace 428. This viewing platform gives you an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Hong Kong skyline and the stunning harbor. Other attractions include the Madame Tussauds wax museum, a large shopping mall, and even a Madame Tussauds restaurant.
If you’re looking for something more exciting than just taking in views, there are plenty of other activities around Victoria Peak, such as:
- Cable car rides to some picturesque spots around The Peak.
- Zip lines across lush green lands filled with native fauna and flora.
- Walking up your way towards The Peak on foot with many hiking trails in between.
Additionally, visitors who plan to stay longer can join bird-watching activities or concerts at some nearby open spaces during special events such as the Chinese New Year celebration or Christmas season opening evening performances at night. In any case, Victoria Peak offers breathtaking views and plenty more attractions all year round for every type of visitor!
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is an iconic attraction located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China. Developed by The Walt Disney Company, the park officially opened its doors in September 2005 and became the second international Disney theme park after Tokyo Disney.
With seven themed areas, including Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland, Hong Kong Disneyland provides a magical experience for all ages. So whether you’re riding on classic attractions such as Space Mountain or meeting Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and his friends, there are plenty of things to enjoy while discovering the wonders of this fabulous park.
Hong Kong Disneyland also has unique shows featuring Disney characters from renowned films such as Frozen and The Lion King. Cultural shows like ‘Disney Paint the Night showcase impressive illuminated performances with laser lights and other digital effects combined with popular music from classic films like Cinderella. Snow White Grotto is another captivating feature that takes guests through an underground pathway passing larger-than-life rock formations inspired by Grimhilde’s castle. It ends in a thrilling moment when guests arrive at an animated fountain made of crystal glass depicting their beloved Snow White surrounded by Dwarfs!
With plenty to explore in this magical land of sunshine and fairytales, Hong Kong Disneyland is not just a visit – it’s an experience!
Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city. The Avenue of Stars, situated along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront, is a promenade dedicated to the movie stars and celebs who have helped shape Hong Kong’s movie industry. You will find plaques laid out for famous actors, like Andy Lau and Chow Yun-Fat; special exhibitions paying homage to illustrious directors such as John Woo; and even artistic works from Spielberg and Jet Li.
Although the Avenue of Star’s signature bronze statues has been taken down in line with Hong Kong authorities’ cleaning plan, visitors can still find plenty to admire with its beautiful view of Victoria harbor.
Apart from its famed celebrities, you can take snapshots of handprints of your favorite artists made in clay or stone tiles. A wide range of cultural performances also takes place at night-time, which turns this area into a bustling spot packed with revelers – perfect for adding more sparkle to your trip!