The impressive length of the territories and the long history of the Middle Kingdom make it possible to offer a huge variety of attractions. The China Highlights team has prepared for you the Top 10 most popular sights of China - a list of places that must be visited during your trip.
1. Great Wall of China
As many travelers say: "You have not been to China if you have not visited the Great Wall of China."
The most recognizable symbol of China, the Great Wall of China is considered the largest defensive structure in the world. Its winding path runs across rough terrain among stunning landscapes of steep mountain slopes. It is not for nothing that the Great Wall of China was included in the lists of New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The length of this greatest monument of history and architecture from the western border of China to the east coast is more than 8,000 km. However, most of the well-preserved sections of the wall are located near Beijing. It is this part of the wall that is usually meant when speaking of the Great Wall of China.
2. Terracotta Army in Xi'an
The Terracotta Army has been underground for over 2,000 years. However, in 1974, local farmers, digging a well, made one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. In 1987, the Terracotta Army was officially recognized by the World Cultural Heritage.
This is a monument of great importance: hundreds of life-size statues of soldiers represent the army, which in the Period of the Fighting Kingdoms (475-221 BC) defeated all the other Chinese armies. This victory played a decisive role in the formation of a unified Chinese state.
The question arises: why was this famous cultural object built? You will receive the answer to it, having met face to face with soldiers of the past.
3. Forbidden City in Beijing
The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world. Once the entrance to the territory for ordinary people was strictly forbidden (hence the name - "Forbidden City"). Now everyone can admire this vivid example of ancient Chinese architecture - more than 8000 rooms with golden roofs are elegantly decorated and painted in red and yellow.
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties until 1911 and served as the residence for 24 emperors for 560 years. The object of the World Cultural Heritage, known among residents of China as the "Palace-Museum", it represents a real treasure of Chinese cultural and historical relics.
4. The Bund in Shanghai
It was the most prosperous district of Shanghai in the late 18th — early 19th century. When in 1846 the first British company opened its office here, the Vaytan Embankment became the epitome of elegance.
Today the Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. The European colonial style of the embankment architecture and the impressive skyscrapers of the business district on the other side of the Huangpu River allow Shanghai to compete with New York or London. Learn about the best nightclubs in Shanghai.
5. Li River in Guilin
The karst landscape along the river Lee has captured the hearts of many. Generations of Chinese artists and poets found inspiration here, admiring the picturesque nature, capturing breathtaking landscapes. Today it is one of the most popular places among photo lovers.
The Li River and the town of Yangshuo are the first things that come to every Chinese man when he thinks about the charm and beauty of nature.
The most amazing landscapes of the Li River can be seen between the cities of Guilin and Yansho, on a stretch of 83 km. The bizarre hills, cliffs, peasant villages and bamboo groves captivate with their beauty.
6. Big Panda Center in Chengdu
Big pandas are dearly loved not only by the people of China, but also by many foreigners - children and adults. You can see a big panda in many zoos of China and the world, however, if you are curious to watch a panda in the region of its natural habitat - come to Sichuan province!
In the city of Chengdu, there are three places where you can see a big panda close by: these are the Big Panda Breeding Research Center, Big Panda Kennel Bifengxia and Dujiangyan Panda Valley.
The Great Panda Research Center in the northern part of the city is the most famous tourist destination. Bifeng's nursery is 2 hours drive from Chengdu, there are more pandas here and you can look at them in their natural habitat. And even closer you will be able to see the panda by taking part in the volunteer program in Bifeng or in the Panda Valley Dujiangyan, an hour’s drive from Chengdu.
7. Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)
In eastern China, not far from the cities of Shanghai and Hangzhou, the picturesque area of the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) attracts tourists with its magic: incredible sunrises, fabulous sea of clouds, bizarre shapes of rocks and trees and hot springs.
Huangshan - the most famous mountain range in China, is also considered one of the three best and most visited Chinese national parks. The other two, Zhangjiajie and Jiuzhaigou, are difficult to access and therefore less popular. Learn about the list of the TOP 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in China.
Zhangjiajie National Park is famous for the grotesque stone pillars that inspired the creators of the Avatar film; Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province of Western China is famous for its colorful lakes and picturesque autumn foliage. If you are looking for unforgettable, breathtaking landscapes, consider visiting these national forest parks!
8. Potala Palace in Lhasa
Potala Palace - the undisputed symbol of Tibet. In 1994, it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. In this huge building, every architectural element and subject inside speaks about the history and culture of Tibet. The palace is famous for its sculptures, wall paintings and sacred writings. Here you can see the chapels and mausoleums of the Dalai Lamas, who at various times headed the religious authority in Tibet. We have prepared Tips for you to travel around Tibet.
9. Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak is undoubtedly the best place to see Hong Kong from a bird's eye view. While in Hong Kong, be sure to go up to the observation deck of Victoria Peak and enjoy the view of Victoria Harbor - admire one of the leading financial centers of Asia and the world during daylight hours and in the evening when the lights of the night city are lit ...
To climb Victoria Peak, you can use a special tram, which was first launched in 1888.
10. West Lake in Hangzhou (Xihu Lake)
Hangzhou is known in China as "heaven on earth" - the nature of these places is so strikingly beautiful. West Lake (Lake Xihu) was created as part of a traditional Chinese garden, for recreation and seeking harmony between the surrounding nature and oneself.
The western lake is a place of peace, only the silhouettes of buildings away in the northeast remind of the city bustle, and from 3 other sides only mountains and nature surround the lake ...
The charm of landscapes, neat paths framed by trees, green islets and hills. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake, pagodas and arched bridges in the Chinese style.
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