Why Visit China?
China is a land of contrasts — from futuristic skyscrapers and bustling mega-cities to quiet villages, misty mountains, and ancient temples. With over 5,000 years of history, it offers an unmatched combination of culture, nature, and innovation.
Top Places to Visit in China
1. Beijing
- Walk the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
- Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
- Explore Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
2. Shanghai
- Stroll along The Bund for skyline views
- Shop and dine in Xintiandi and Nanjing Road
- Marvel at the Shanghai Tower and futuristic Pudong district
3. Xi’an
- Home to the Terracotta Army
- Ancient city wall and Muslim Quarter
- Start of the historic Silk Road
4. Guilin & Yangshuo
- Breathtaking karst mountains and Li River cruises
- Cycle through rice fields and small villages
- Bamboo rafting in Yulong River
5. Chengdu
- See giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base
- Try Sichuan hotpot and spicy street food
- Gateway to Tibet and Leshan Giant Buddha
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | Pleasant weather, blooming flowers |
| Autumn (September–October) | Clear skies, mild temps — ideal for sightseeing |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid in cities, better for mountain areas |
| Winter (December–February) | Snow in the north, fewer tourists, festive season |
How to Get Around
- High-Speed Rail (HSR): Fast and reliable for city-to-city travel
- Metro Systems: Widely available in major cities
- Taxis & Ride Apps: Use DiDi for safer, cheaper rides
- Domestic Flights: Good for long-distance travel across provinces
What to Eat in China
- Peking Duck – Crispy roast duck with pancakes (Beijing)
- Xiaolongbao – Soup dumplings (Shanghai)
- Hotpot – DIY cooking in spicy or savory broth (Chengdu)
- Lanzhou Noodles – Hand-pulled noodles with beef broth
- Mapo Tofu – Spicy tofu dish with Sichuan peppercorns
Travel Tips
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Language: Mandarin (download translation apps or phrase cards)
- Apps to Use: WeChat, DiDi, Baidu Maps (Google services may be restricted)
- Cashless Payments: Alipay & WeChat Pay are dominant — consider getting a tourist payment account or using UnionPay cards
- VPN: Needed for accessing sites like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram
Recommended Experiences
- Walk or hike the Great Wall beyond the tourist zones
- Cruise the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo
- Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (inspiration for Avatar)
- Witness Shaolin monks perform kung fu in Henan
- Take a bullet train across provinces at 300 km/h
Where to Stay
| City | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Peking Youth Hostel | Novotel Beijing Xinqiao | Rosewood Beijing |
| Shanghai | Campanile Hotel | Hotel Indigo on the Bund | The Peninsula Shanghai |
| Xi’an | Han Tang Inn | Eastern House Boutique | Sofitel Legend People’s Grand |
Packing Essentials
- Power adapter (Type A, C, or I depending on location)
- VPN subscription for internet freedom
- Basic Mandarin phrases or translator app
- Antibacterial wipes for travel
- Passport copies (for hotels and checkpoints)
Final Thoughts
China is one of the most diverse and historic countries on Earth — a place where tradition and technology collide. Whether you’re climbing ancient walls, eating hand-pulled noodles on a street corner, or zipping between provinces by high-speed train, every moment here is unforgettable.