China, commonly referred to as the Middle Kingdom, Red Dragon or Sleeping Giant is a land of stunning contrasts. Experience iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Beijing while strolling hutongs for traditional courtyard residences.
Xi’an may be famous for the Terracotta Army, but it also boasts ancient city walls and an active Muslim Quarter. Meanwhile, Shanghai will charm architecture enthusiasts with its mix of Canton buildings and Qing edifices.
Xi’an
Xi’an is one of China’s most impressive ancient cities, boasting centuries-old traditions on every street corner. Once serving as capital to thirteen dynasties over an impressive millennia period, there is much to see and admire here; one such site being the breathtaking Terracotta Army; an astounding archaeological find!
Xi’an, China is home to some of China’s finest museums. Notable attractions include the world-renowned Shaanxi History Museum located in Old City Xi’an; other first-rate attractions are Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Wall; for Muslims there’s Id Kah Mosque while market shops provide ample souvenir opportunities.
Shanghai is an energetic and vibrant city offering an exciting variety of culture and cuisines. The Huangpu River flows through its bustling metropolis where skyscrapers vie for attention alongside Art Deco buildings; for a more tranquil experience visit West Lake for boat rides that allow you to take in its picturesque scenery.
Spring and Fall are ideal for visiting Shanghai as their temperatures are usually mild. June through August can become very hot and humid if visiting during this time.
Shanghai
Shanghai stands out as an ideal city to visit in China due to its ability to merge European influences with Chinese roots in a seamless fashion. Renowned food scene, vibrant nightlife and shopping make Shanghai an irresistibly appealing city – whether on its renowned waterfront promenade of Bund waterfront promenade or from its tower, getting amazing bird’s-eye views or wandering through leafy French Concession streets or shopping on Nanjing Lu – which straddles both sides of the city offering designer fashion as well as cheap street food – make this city unlike any other!
Beijing is China’s ultimate megalopolis and political, cultural, scientific, educational and international exchange center. Boasting six UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as bustling lanes filled with noodle houses, temples and museums; Beijing offers something for every culture imaginable!
Attractions also include some of the finest traditional Chinese architecture in the country. Climbing the 88-story Jin Mao Tower (known as “the wedding cake”) for some breathtaking photos will certainly not disappoint! Make sure you visit an hour before sunset as that is when the city comes alive with stunning light displays – don’t miss checking out 94th, 97th, or 100th floors for panoramic views over each observation deck.
Kunming
Kunming, known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring,’ boasts a year-round subtropical climate that makes it a welcoming year-round destination. Visit the Old Street district, home to restaurants and residential buildings dating back to Qing Dynasty and Republican times; shop on Nanping Pedestrian Street; or learn about Yunnan culture at Kunming Museum if visiting during November to January; don’t miss Dianchi Lake where thousands of black-headed gulls converge; don’t miss Dianchi Lake where thousands of black-headed gulls gather.
An excursion to Yunnan’s Stone Forest UNESCO World Heritage Site provides an excellent way to experience local landscape and nature while taking in views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Naigu Stone Forest also warrants consideration as it has its own distinct character compared to more renowned attractions in Yunnan.
Visit Suzhou for an in-depth experience of China’s silk trade, where hand embroidery still plays an essential part of everyday life. Here, visitors can explore its rich history in museums and galleries before indulging in some traditional Suzhou noodles before browsing gorgeous silk stores – perhaps you could even try threading silk yourself for yourself and find an heirloom treasure to take home with you!
Guilin
Guilin is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Tourists flock to this township filled with towering mountains, stunning lakes and lush flowers – an idyllic location perfect for river cruises by boat and walks around lakes – while in summer visitors can also take pleasure in cooling breezes and breathtaking sights like Elephant Trunk Hill which looks like the trunk of an elephant stretching towards the river.
Reed Flute Cave, Xiping Ancient Town and Longji Rice Terraces are also attractions of this region. Additionally, Xingping is famous for its charming streets lined with Ming and Qing dynasty stone pathways and century-old wooden houses from those centuries spanning both periods. Additionally, there’s an old town full of stunning temples and pagodas which is also worth exploring!
Xiangping, located northeast of Guilin, is a cultural and historic town with over 800,000 people living here. There are plenty of historic buildings, temples and beautiful landscapes and lush greenery to visit here, with the beautiful Id Kah Mosque being an indicator of Muslim heritage in this region.
China offers visitors an unparalleled cultural and historical experience, and one of its greatest charms lies in discovering all that its diversity offers. Each city and town reveals something new to discover!
