Places to see during your China visit

The cultural and historical significance of China’s tourist destinations dates back to the dawn of humankind, making for an unforgettable travel experience. Enigmatic locations have the power to whisk tourists back in history and give them a peek at some of the world’s oldest and most cherished relics and artefacts that are known to humankind. China’s massive landmass means there’s always something new to see, and you may get to this location by a variety of different routes, some of which include.

 

How to reach China? 

By air: Depending on your travel plans, you may enter China through one of the numerous main entry cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Kunming, owing to nonstop flights from India. You may then continue your trip across China by taking a domestic airline or a bullet train from these places.

By train: You might also take a train along the border of China to get to China. China is traversed by a significant number of trains coming from Kazakhstan in addition to the Trans-Siberian Express from Russia. The trip, which is made entirely by rail and does not stop, typically takes around one week.

By road: Many nations border China, making it feasible to get to the country by bus or rented car. There are several routes into the nation, including the Karakoram Highway from Pakistan, the less-used Tibet route from Nepal, two entry points from Vietnam, and routes via Laos and Myanmar.

Here is a list of the 14 China famous places to visit in case your next destination is China, and you are unsure where to begin your journey there.

 

14 China beautiful places for a memorable trip

Zhangjiajie

Source: Pinterest

Zhangjiajie is generally acknowledged as among the most breathtaking locations in all of China. In recent years, the western world has taken a greater interest in Zhangjiajie since it served as the primary source of inspiration for the Hollywood film Avatar. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China provided the inspiration for the towering, pillar-like mountains that appear in the epic film directed by James Cameron.

The Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, which has a see-through foundation, has significantly boosted the area’s renown and visibility. On top of it, there’s a cliff-hanging stairway and a 7-kilometre-long cable car journey to the mountain’s summit. 

The Zhangjiajie Hehua is the only international airport in the Zhangjiajie area. It is around 30 kilometres distant from the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and approximately 5 kilometres away from the business centre. If you take the train from Beijing, the trip to Zhangjiajie will take you anywhere between 23 and 26 hours. Nevertheless, travelling via train is one of the most cost-effective ways to go to Zhangjiajie. 

 

Jiuzhaigou

Source: Pinterest

This stunning nature reserve with rugged peaks, shimmering lakes, woods, and cascades offers the type of alpine vistas one would associate with Canada rather than China. Its exact name in Chinese is the Nine Villages Valley, although it is better recognised by its Chinese translation. There is no better Chinese beautiful place to visit.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan’s northernmost region, is home to the stunning Five-Coloured Lake, whose crystal-clear waters allow visitors to glimpse the bottom. Additionally, there is Long Lake, the region’s greatest, deepest, and widest lake, as well as the stunning Nuorilang Waterfall, Jiuzhaigou’s widest water feature.

The majority of visitors will start their journey to Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan. Other cities, including Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, are all highly popular choices for people to begin their travels in. Because there is no rail service to Jiuzhaigou, the only ways to get there are by vehicle or by plane.

 

Great Wall

Source: Pinterest

Since the Great Wall is visited by over 10 million visitors annually, there is a good potential that you may encounter massive gatherings at the Great Wall’s most well-known portions. Nevertheless, what kind of trip to China would you consider if you didn’t witness this spectacular structure? 

If you want to escape the busiest periods, you should head outside of Badaling and explore the less popular portions of the wall, like Mutianyu. The busy summertime of June through August is the worst for crowds, so try to avoid those months.

The stretch of the wall that is closest to Badaling Pass, which is located to the north-northwest of Beijing, is now the most popular tourist destination along the Great Wall. Other portions that have been repaired and are worth seeing include the one next to Gubeikou, which is about 130 kilometres away from Beijing, and the one in Mutianyu, which is about 70 kilometres northeast of Beijing.

A transfer service or a tourist bus are both options for getting to the Mutianyu portion of the Great Wall from Beijing. These services are often included in Great Wall sightseeing trips.

 

Yangtze River

Source: Pinterest

As China’s longest and third-largest river, the Yangtze flows 6,300 kilometres from Tibet’s Qinghai Plateau to Shanghai’s East China Sea. There are several cities and attractive locations to visit, including the Three Gorges and China’s biggest inland port, Chongqing.

The Three Gorges Dam, which also houses the world’s biggest hydroelectric power plant, may be found in the province of Hubei in China. You might also look at the stone sculptures at Beishan Frescoes, which date back a thousand years.

A cab ride or private transport will get you to the Yangtze river about one hour from the Yichang East Subway Station in the quickest and most convenient manner possible. You should make arrangements for a private conveyance in advance if you are leaving from the Yichang Sandouping Port since there is no guarantee that taxis will be accessible.

 

Chengdu

Source: Pinterest

The Dujiangyan Panda Base in Chengdu is a great place to get close and personal with giant pandas. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the Panda Keeper Initiative so that they may assist in the care of these incredible creatures while also gaining knowledge about the curriculum itself.

Chengdu is not only home to a wide variety of cute and cuddly animals but also a number of fascinating historical sites, like the Leshan Giant Buddha. Tea houses, restaurants, galleries, and alleyways are just some of the places that may be discovered in this town.

At the moment, passengers may board high-speed trains to arrive in Chengdu from surrounding provincial capitals like Xian, Chongqing, Guiyang, and Kunming, as well as from more distant cities such as Beijing. In addition, there is an abundance of high-speed interstate trains that visitors may utilise to go across Chengdu.

 

Yangshuo County

Source: Pinterest

Tourists seeking a breather from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities will find Yangshuo to be an ideal destination. Walking, biking and kayaking are all popular ways to get around Yangshuo County, which is situated along the banks of the Li River. From Guilin to Yangshuo, this stretch of river is regarded as the most beautiful.

A visit to Yangshuo County is recommended if you want to see pristine natural beauty, peaceful rural scenery, and a large expanse of verdant vegetation, all of which can be found here in plenty.

The distance from Beijing to Yangshuo is about 1,770 kilometres.  It takes a total of 12 hours and 18 minutes to get from Beijing to Yangshuo by train and cab, which is the most efficient route.

 

Yunnan

Source: Pinterest

Ancient cities, historical landmarks, picturesque mountain, and river landscapes, and cultural experiences abound in Yunnan Province’s almost German-sized territory. Explore the encircling magnificence of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, which date back one thousand years, or take a stroll through the natural wonder that is Kunming’s Stone Forest, which is on the list of World Heritage Sites. Or, if you want a more tranquil experience, you may take a stroll around the old town of Lijiang, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

It is essential that you be aware of the distance between Beijing and Yunnan if you plan on going by land. Your journey will cover a total distance of 2725 kilometres. The amount of time it takes to go from Beijing to Yunnan is very variable and dependent on the form of transportation that is used. When everything is taken into account, the whole trip should take between four and twelve hours.

 

Forbidden City, Beijing

Although it may be a stereotype and a major tourist attraction, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from visiting the world’s biggest palace edifice. Furthermore, if you’re in Beijing, you won’t have to go far to view it since it’s right in the middle of the city. There are just three remaining ancient palaces in China, making this one of the best-preserved buildings. It is also home to one of the biggest cultural institutions in the world.  If you can, try to schedule your trip so that it doesn’t fall on a weekend or a holiday. 

The Forbidden City is available to visitors from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the evening from the first of November through the last day of March. It opens at 8:30 in the morning and closes at 5:00 in the evening from April 1st through October 31st every year. Tickets may be purchased up to one hour before the venue’s official closing time. On Mondays, the location is inaccessible to visitors.

Tiananmen East, exit B, is the station on the metro line that is located closest to the Forbidden City. The perimeter of the Forbidden City is protected by very stringent security, and both the checkpoints and barriers are mobile. It is difficult to hail a taxi in the nearby neighbourhood, so using the train is your best bet for getting to and from the Forbidden City. 

 

Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an

Source: Pinterest

For obvious reasons, China’s Terracotta Army is among its most popular tourist destinations and is located 42 km east of Xi’an. It was among the most important archaeological finds in the 20th century. A space that is much bigger than an industrial building is home to an exhibition that features a number of life-size clay figurines of troops, horses, and carriages. Each statue has its own one-of-a-kind dress, hairdo, facial characteristics, emotions, movements, and posture, making it impossible for two sculptures to be identical to one another. Again, you should try to avoid doing this one on the weekend or on a holiday.

Again, you should try to avoid visiting on the weekend or on a holiday. The Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is located 66 kilometres away from the Terracotta Army, and it will take you around 55 minutes to get there.

 

Yu Garden, Shanghai

Source: Pinterest

Yu Garden in Shanghai’s Huangpu District is an example of traditional Chinese architecture and gardening, as well as fine artworks and engravings, and is believed to be over 400 years old. However, it is not only for those who are interested in flora and structures; but there are also a large number of restaurants and stores to explore, in addition to the world-famous Yuyuan Bazaar that is located directly next door. The springtime, when the trees are budding and the flowers are in full bloom, is the ideal time to pay a visit.

The distance between Shanghai and Yu Garden is roughly 3 kilometres. Yu Garden is located in the middle of the city, which makes using the subway an easy and quick option. If you take Line 10 and get out at the Yuyuan Station, you will see that your destination is right in front of you.

 

The Bund, Shanghai

Source: Pinterest

To get an idea of how far Shanghai has evolved in the last two decades, all you need to do is look at a photograph of the city from that era and contrast it with how it seems now. One of the most striking differences may be seen in the Bund, which is a riverfront walkway that runs along the Huangpu River. Here, historical buildings of a variety of artistic features can be seen side by side.

Explore the Bund by foot or take a ride across the Huangpu River to get a closer look at these structures. There is an incredible 360-degree view of the Bund and surrounding area from the viewing areas of China’s Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

The Bund is located around 4 kilometres away from Shanghai Station. Taking a cab to travel from Shanghai Station to the Bund is the quickest and most convenient method to get there since it only takes six minutes.

 

Lijiang

Source: Pinterest

Lijiang is a city in China known for its breathtaking natural landscape, which includes snow-capped cliffs and gorgeous lakes. Travellers and those who like active outdoor pursuits prefer this area since it offers a wide variety of hiking trails and other types of activities. Lijiang is on the list of World Heritage Sites maintained by UNESCO. This region is well-known for its old buildings and canals, some of which date back more than 800 years. Additionally, the Naxi people make their primary home in the area around Lijiang. The Naxi people are said to have originated in Tibet; yet, they have been residing in Lijiang for more than a thousand years. When tourists arrive, they are likely to observe locals dressed in traditional garb.

The bus is now the most time and cost-effective means to get to and from the city. Lijiang, which is situated at the point where the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan meet Tibet, has developed a highway network that extends in all directions and is considered to be rather comprehensive. The city and nearby destinations in Yunnan Province, like Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La, are all easily accessible to tourists owing to convenient transport options. In addition, there are buses that go on a daily basis between both the city and Panzhihua, which is located in the province of Sichuan.

 

Luoyang

Source: Pinterest

Luoyang served as the capital of China for a total of 13 different dynasties throughout its time as the epicentre of Chinese civilisation. Sadly, not much of this city’s great history can be seen in the modern-day, but it does have one significant attraction that brings people from all over the world.

Luoyang is situated in close proximity to the world-famous Longmen Grottoes, which are home to some of the most extensive and spectacular treasures of Chinese art. The grottoes are home to more than 2300 caverns and niches that have been cut into the riverbank cliffs. Inside these caves and niches are 110,000 Buddhist stone sculptures.

The Old Town is the most appropriate location inside the city limits to see the historic buildings that have been preserved. You may enter the city by the Lijing Gate, and then take a walk through the winding alleyways to get a feel for the native way of life.

It is suggested to take the bullet train from Xi’an to Luoyang on the trip. Every day, there are around fifty high-speed trains travelling between Xi’an and Luoyang. The trip to Luoyang takes around an hour and a half and costs between 174 and 550 yuan.

 

Hangzhou

Source: Pinterest

One of the most visited tourist destinations in China is Hangzhou, which can be reached by rail from Shanghai in only one hour. The stunning West Lake that has evolved into a representation of the city itself, is the feature that stands out the most.

Since the 9th century, the lake’s breathtaking vistas of the surrounding verdant hills, pagodas, and temples have served as a source of creativity for painters and writers. During the summer, the lake is covered with lotus blossoms, providing a scene that is enchanting to both the inhabitants and the tourists.

Because of the near proximity of Shanghai and Hangzhou, there is no direct flight between the two cities. It is ideal to go by high-speed train. Between Shanghai and Hangzhou, there is an abundance of high-speed bullet trains. The trip will take around half an hour.

 

FAQs

How is the tourist industry in China doing?

The tourism industry in China has grown to become one of the biggest in the world. Euromonitor International predicts that China will overtake the United States as the most popular tourist destination in the world by the year 2030. This will be made possible by the continued expansion of the Asian economy and increases in per capita income in neighbouring Asian nations.

Is it a costly experience to go to China?

The cost of commuting in China is not exorbitant in comparison to that in other parts of the globe. Anything from dining to tickets for trains or aeroplanes is far less expensive than in the majority of western nations; nonetheless, the cost is really climbing more and higher each year.

How risky is it to go to China?

If you are well prepared for your trip and are aware of your surroundings at all times, China is a rather risk-free destination. People from all over the globe come to China on vacation, and the country poses no threat to tourists who make an effort to learn about and respect the local culture and legal system.

What's the visa-free period in China?

For stays of 15 to 90 days, respectively, the People's Republic of China does not need a visa from citizens of certain countries who have regular passports in order to enter the country's heartland for sightseeing.