6 of the Best Places to Visit in China

China is one of the biggest countries in the world, with a long history dating back to thousands of years before Christ. This once closed-off country is home to an amazing variety of destinations, from Himalayan peaks to the driest deserts of the region.

Here are some of the best places to visit during your holiday in China.

Beijing

The capital city of China, Beijing is indeed the cultural, political, commercial, and international hub of the country. The city is a seamless combination of thousands of years of Chinese history and international modernity, and is the best destination in the country for those who want to feel the vibrant throb of modern China. When in Beijing, do not miss out on the Forbidden City, the Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tomb, the Summer Palace, and the Yashow Market.

Guilin

Found by the banks of the scenic Li River, Guilin is home to some otherworldly sights that you would never forget. There are lush green hills, caves perfect for leisurely exploration, and unique rock formations shrouded by mist, like one would see in a Chinese ink painting. Discover the wonders of Guilin by visiting the Solitary Beauty Hill, Longsheng’s Longji Terraced Field, the Fengyu Cave, the Seven Star Park, the Reed Flute Cave, and Elephant Trunk Hill.

Xian

Also known as Changan, Xian is one of the most important destinations in the northwestern part of the country. Thirteen dynasties of the Chinese Empire declared Xian as their imperial capital; needless to say, this city remains to be an important historical hub in China. When visiting Xian, do not forget to include the Great Mosque of Xian, Huaqing Hot Spring, the Big Goose Pagoda, the Stone Forests, and the Terracotta Army in your itinerary.

Shanghai

Shanghai, located in the central eastern part of the country, is undeniably the largest metropolis in China. The city itself is bisected into Puxi and Pudong—with the former being the old and historic part of Shanghai, and the latter being the zone where new developments are established. If you find yourself visiting Shanghai, do not leave out the Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple, the Shanghai Bund, the Xin Tian Di, the Shanghai Yuyuan Garden, the Huangpu River, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in your holiday must-see attractions.

Sichuan

Sichuan, nestled in the valleys of northwestern China, is not only home of world-renowned fiery dishes, but also to a wide variety of unforgettable landscapes straight out of an ancient Chinese epic. Make sure to visit Jizhaigou, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Headquarters, Mount Emei, the Giant Buddha in Leshan, and Huanglong.

Lhasa

The capital of Tibet, Lhasa, is known among many adventurers, travelers, and romantics as the “roof of the world.” This exciting destination will never disappoint with its grand Buddhist temples, snowy mountains, and colorful local culture. You can reach Lhasa by train or by plane; and when in this breathtaking “Land of the Gods,” do not miss out on the Ganden Monastery, the Sera Monastery, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, the Shigatse, and the Nobulingka.