Welcome to Journeeo
A list of the most well-known and popular destinations that should not be missed during your trip. The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Mausoleum, as well as the stunning scenery in Yangshuo and Guilin and the awe-inspiring depth of history in Beijing, all testify to a big country with a diverse cultural legacy!
China, with a thousand-year history, offers an incredible variety and wealth of cultural, historical, and natural treasures. China has something for everyone, from seasoned globe travelers to those looking for an up-close look at a country that is vastly different from their own. The following ten sights in China should be at the top of your must-see list.
1. Great Wall of China
Overview
China’s Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, stretches more than 13,000 kilometers across northern China. The Wall, which was originally built for defense, is now a marvel of engineering and an enduring heritage of ancient Chinese civilization.
Highlights
Wide stretch approachable from Beijing and partially renovated; the busiest but most accessible (Badaling)
Great Wall: Much less experience, so even decided to go with Mutianyu for the gorgeous view.
Jiankou: This area is unrestored and fairly natural, with steep well-trodden paths leading to some of the best-preserved parts as they were originally erected.
Best time to visit
The Great Wall’s spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons are both spectacular, and the temperatures are ideal for traveling.
2. The Forbidden City
Overview
The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, housed 24 monarchs from the Ming and Qing dynasties. One of the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden constructions in the world.
Highlights
Major celebrations were held in the Forbidden City’s biggest hall, the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The Palace Museum houses a large collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts.
Imperial Gardens are manicured gardens within the royal complex.
Best time to visit
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, and if you go in the spring or autumn, make sure you have nice weather.
3. The Terracotta Army
Overview
The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974, consisted of thousands of life-size figurines depicting the forces of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first Emperor. This archeological wonder is easily accessible from Xi’an and should not be missed!
Highlights
Pit 1 is the largest pit, loaded with almost 6,000 soldiers from the critical armed force.
Pit 2 and Pit 3 are the two smaller pits that house chariots, cavalry, and senior officials.
Visitors can view other artifacts and learn about history at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is between spring and October. Arrive early to avoid the worst of the crowds, and consider hiring a guide for extra information.
4. The Li River in Yangshuo
Overview
The Li River, which runs from Guilin to Yangshuo, is one of China’s most gorgeous landscapes, with amazing karst formations. These cunning, exact limestone pinnacles are reflected in the quiet water amid lush green coastlines, creating a stunningly attractive sight that has captivated poets and painters alike for generations.
Highlights
A boat excursion from Guilin to Yangshou offers spectacular landscapes.
Yangshuo is the ideal tiny town to visit; the atmosphere is simply too pleasant, outdoorsy, and laid-back.
Moon Hill is a popular hiking spot that overlooks the nearby rural region.
Best time to visit
Come during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) seasons, when temperatures are agreeable and the sceneries are at their best.
5. The Potala Palace
Overview
Potala Palace is one of Tibet’s most famous pilgrimage sites, serving as an emblem of Tibetan Buddhism with its distinct cultural and artifacts. It is a one-of-a-kind and exquisite architectural feature located atop Marpo Ri Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
The Red Palace is a smaller section of the palace devoted for monks’ religious learning and devotion.
The Dalai Lama used to live at the White Palace, which now houses government offices.
The Chapel of the Dalai Lamas houses various tombs adorned with valuable stones.
Best time to visit
The Potala Palace is popular all year, but the weather is most good between May and October.
6. The Bund, Shanghai
Overview
The Bund is Shanghai’s famed shoreline, with colonial-era structures and a stunning vista of Pudong’s modern cityscape. It represents Shanghai’s mix of old and current traits.
Highlights
Important building from the early twentieth century: Customs House and Peace Hotel
Pudong Skyline: See notable buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower.
Ride a ship on the Huangpu River: This is a lovely experience, especially at night when you can see both the Bund and across to Pudong, which becomes quite upottestadt.
Best time to visit
Come in the evening to see the skyline lit up. The most suitable weather months are spring and fall.
7. Zhangjiajie Mountain Forest Park
Overview
Hunan Province’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to towering sandstone pillars, inspired “Avatar”‘s iconic floating Hallelujah Mountains. The park is a UNESCO Global Geopark and features some of China’s most unusual scenery.
Highlights
Xiangzhi Road: A broad route flowing between the pillars that provides panoramic views of Tianzi Mountain.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain – Visit the mountain that served as inspiration for the movie.
Glass Bridge – Walk across one of the world’s highest and longest glass bridges, located in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Best time to visit
The best times to travel are in the spring and fall, when the weather is clear and pleasant, allowing for better visibility and providing an ideal environment for hiking.
8. The Summer Palace
Overview
The Summer Palace is located in Beijing and is made up of gardens, palaces, and lakes. The property was an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage property.
Highlights
Longevity Hill: Offers a complete view of the royal grounds and is far away from Kunming Lake.
Kunming Lake: Take a boat and row around the lake to enjoy the views.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a famous bridge that connects Kunming Lake’s eastern coast to Nanhu Island.
Best time to visit
Come in the spring or fall to witness the well-established gardens in their full floral and autumn grandeur. Visits in the early morning or late afternoon provide a more peaceful experience.
9. Jiuzhaigou Valley
Overview
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province features multicolored lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. This location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the distinction of being designated as a Biosphere Reserve.
Highlights
Five Flower Lake has bright hues and crystal pure waters.
Huanglong landscape area: Nuorilang Waterfall is one of China’s greatest waterfalls, fed by runoff from Huanglong Lake.
Mirror lake: provides spectacular reflections of its surroundings.
Best time to visit
Jiuzhaigou Valley has two primary visiting seasons: fall (September to November), when the foliage is at its peak color, and spring (April – June), when everything turns a lush green.
10. The Temple of Heaven
Overview
The Temple of Heaven is a massive ancient architectural complex built on an imperial scale that is appropriate for both values one and two. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a location where rulers could offer sacrifices to Heaven during the winter solstice to ensure good harvests.
Highlights
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a majestic building with distinctive architecture steeped in history.
Round (known) stove: used for sacrifices and represents the connection between heaven and earth.
Wall of Echoes: A circular wall with an infinitely reverberating sound.
Best time to visit
Go in the morning and watch old locals quietly practicing Tai Chi; it’s also a completely tranquil getaway. If you want the greatest weather, consider going in the spring or fall.
Conclusion
China is a unique location with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. These ten travel wonders illustrate China’s immense expanse, from its ancient archeological riches (the Terracotta Army) and natural wonderland to when nature let her hair down with Zangjiajie’s spectacular white sandstone pinnacles or Jiuzhaigou, best seen in autumnal colors. China’s numerous tourism attractions, from lively cities to quiet gardens, provide fantastic opportunities for all types of visitors.
When’s the ideal time to visit China?
When to Visit China: A Regional Guide Most Nepalese attractions are best visited during the two main tourist seasons: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the cities are less congested.
What should I pack to go to China?
Choose your destination, the time of year in the regions you want to visit, and how the weather varies. Walking shoes (there will be enough of them), travel clothes, documents, an adapter, and any medications should be brought with you. Because English is not widely spoken in some locations, having a phrasebook or translation app comes in handy.
What are some must-see attractions in China?
Some must-see attractions in China include the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Li River and Yangshuo, the Potala Palace, the Bund in Shanghai, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Summer Palace, Jiuzhaigou Valley, and the Temple of Heaven.