What do you need to see while visiting China? This list should help you plan a trip of a lifetime!
Table of Contents
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The Great Wall of China stretches for over 13,000 miles, making it the longest man-made structure in the world. It was built over 2,000 years ago to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for hiking and photography.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and is now a museum. The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing and covers an area of over 180 acres. It is surrounded by a moat and has a high walls. There are 9,999 rooms in the Forbidden City, and it is said that if you spend one night in each room, it would take you almost 28 years to finish!
The Forbidden City is full of historic and cultural treasures. There are many palaces and temples to explore, as well as gardens and courtyards. You can also see ancient artifacts on display, such as ceramics, jade, and paintings. The Forbidden City is a great place to learn about Chinese history and culture.
The Terracotta Army, Xi’an
The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous attractions in China. It is a collection of life-size terracotta sculptures of soldiers and horses. The army was built to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, who was the first emperor of China. The army is over 2,000 years old and there are more than 8,000 soldiers in the army.
The Terracotta Army is located in Xi’an, which is a city in the northwest of China. Xi’an is also the capital of Shaanxi Province. The city is home to many historical sights, including the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the Great Mosque of Xi’an, and the Bell Tower of Xi’an.
The Summer Palace, Beijing
The Summer Palace is a large complex of gardens and buildings located in Beijing, China. It was originally built as a summer retreat for the imperial family. Today, it is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing.
The Summer Palace is famous for its beautiful gardens. The gardens are filled with flowers, trees, and ponds. There is also a man-made lake called Kunming Lake. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or enjoy the view from one of the many bridges.
The Summer Palace is also home to several historical buildings. These include the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, which was used by the emperor as a place to study; the Imperial Garden, which was used as a place for the emperor’s children to play; and the Hall of Joyful Laugher, where the emperor’s concubines would entertain him.
If you are interested in Chinese history or culture, or if you just want to see some beautiful gardens, the Summer Palace is definitely worth a visit.
The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. The river is the longest in Asia and the third longest in the world. It runs through several major cities in China, including Shanghai, Wuhan, and Nanjing. Visitors can take boat tours of the river to see the scenery and wildlife.
The river is also home to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. The dam helps to control flooding and provides electricity for millions of people. Visitors can tour the dam and learn about how it works.
The Yangtze River is a beautiful and iconic part of China that should not be missed on a visit to the country.
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The gardens date back to the 6th century and are famed for their beauty and symbolism.
There are a total of nine gardens in the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, each with its own unique style. The Garden of the Humble Administrator is the largest and most famous of the gardens. It is known for its beautiful pavilions, bridges, and lotus ponds.
The Lingering Garden is another popular garden in the Classical Gardens of Suzhou. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning scenery. The garden features many winding paths, bamboo groves, and delicate flowers.
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are one of the most beautiful places in China. They are a must-see for anyone visiting the country.
The Potala Palace, Tibet
The Potala Palace is a stunning piece of architecture located in Tibet. The palace was the former home of the Dalai Lama and is now a museum. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.
The palace is made up of two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama, and the Red Palace was used for religious ceremonies. Both parts of the palace are open to visitors.
The Potala Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. There are also several temples located nearby, making it a great place to visit if you’re interested in Tibetan culture and religion.
Shanghai’s Promenade: The Bund
The Bund is a world-famous promenade in Shanghai, China. It is located on the banks of the Huangpu River and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The Bund is also home to many historical buildings, including the Old Customs House and the Bank of China building. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Bund, or take a boat ride down the river to enjoy the views.
Hangzhou’s Historic West Lake
Hangzhou’s Historic West Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The lake is located in the city of Hangzhou, which is about an hour south of Shanghai. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a scenic walking path that goes all the way around it. There are also a number of temples and pagodas located around the lake.
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Hangzhou’s Historic West Lake is also an important cultural site. The lake is considered to be one of the birthplaces of the Chinese civilization. It was here that the first emperor of China, Huangdi, is said to have founded the country. Hangzhou was also the capital of China for several centuries. As such, it is home to a number of important historical sites.
If you are planning to visit China, then Hangzhou’s Historic West Lake should definitely be on your list of places to see.
The Mausoleum of Light: The Northern Imperial Tomb, Shenyang
Deep within the forests of Shenyang lies the mausoleum of one of China’s most well-known emperors, Zhu Yuanzhang. The Mausoleum of Light, also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb, is a must-see for any visitor to China.
The tomb is situated in a large park and surrounded by gardens and ponds. It is a peaceful and serene spot, despite its proximity to the busy city. The Mausoleum of Light is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture and engineering. It is said to be built in such a way that it resembles a giant dragon.
Visitors can explore the tomb complex and see the various rooms and chambers that make up the mausoleum. They can also learn about the life and reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, who was the first emperor of the Ming dynasty.
The Mausoleum of Light is an impressive sight and a fascinating place to visit. It is definitely worth a stop on any trip to China.
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan
If you’re looking to see some of China’s most impressive historical sites, the Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-see. This massive statue, carved out of a cliff face, dates back to the 8th century and is one of the largest Buddhas in the world. Seeing the Leshan Giant Buddha is an unforgettable experience and a great way to learn about Chinese history and culture.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. The park is home to a number of unique rock formations, including the iconic pillar-like rock formations that inspired the movie Avatar. The park also has a number of hiking trails, making it a great place to explore on foot.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in Hunan Province, in southern China. The park is about a four-hour drive from the city of Changsha. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between October and November when the leaves are changing color.