China is one of the many jewels in Asia’s crown. It attracts visitors from all over the world who want to witness the beauty and mystique of this beautiful country. There are plenty of historic sites to visit, along with breathtaking natural wonders to see. Once you’ve experienced China for the first time, you’ll want to keep returning to explore more of it!
Take a look below at the nine of the best tourist spots that you should visit in China.
1. Great Wall of China, Beijing
As one of the world’s most famous structures, it’s on most tourists’ to-do lists when visiting China. This 4,000 and 5,500 kilometer (2,500 and 3,400 mile) long wall was built over thousands of years and is now classed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
There’s no better way to experience the Great Wall than by walking along the centuries-old path. It snakes over the mountain peaks and takes you through China’s glorious landscape. While you can see the Great Wall at various locations, the most visited point is near Badaling Pass, which is about 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Beijing. The cost of admission varies depending on which access point you visit.
2. The Forbidden City, Beijing
It was once forbidden for ordinary people to enter, but the Forbidden City is now one of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions. It served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties for over 500 years, and much of the palace was built in the 1400s.
The massive complex has around 8,000 rooms, as well as multiple courtyards and gardens. It’s big enough to contain 50 Buckingham Palaces in its 2.23 million square meter (7.75 million square feet) area. So that’s plenty of room for the huge crowds of tourists to spread out!
3. Giant pandas, Chengdu
They’re cute, playful, and slightly clumsy. Is it any wonder pandas are one of China’s main tourist attractions? While there are plenty of animal sanctuaries across China, you’re best chance to see the giant pandas is at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu. You’ll get the chance to see 80 pandas eating, foraging, and playing across the park.
There are plenty of exhibitions and talks to help you understand more about these beautiful bears (the rarest member of the bear family). You’ll also find out about the conservation efforts that have helped move pandas from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’ on the species directory.
4. Old Town, Lijiang
While many people are familiar with views of China’s modern cities and their skyscrapers, the historic locations shouldn’t be forgotten. Lijiang Old Town is a lovely 1,000-year-old town that gives you a glimpse into China’s history.
You might be lucky enough to watch a performance of ancient Chinese music or see some of the locals wearing traditional dress. Nearly 350 bridges cross the waterways, and the town is an awesome sight too. The ancient water supply system and architecture have helped this town gain UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
5. Gardens and Canals, Suzhou
Often called the Venice of the East, the city of Suzhou is famous for its networks of canals. The first canal was built here in the 6th century. However, it’s the Grand Canal that stands out: it’s the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world. Construction began in 486 BC, but further sections were built for another 1,000 years.
The Grand Canal crosses the Yangtze River and Yellow River, two of the longest rivers in Asia. It’s partly thanks to the canal that so many cities in China were able to trade and grow. Alongside the canals, the beautiful gardens of Suzhou also attract flocks of tourists.
6. Mogao Caves, Dunhuang
Famous for their religious statues and paintings, the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang have been on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list since 1987. The caves are carved into the cliffs near the Dachuan River. The 492 caves house one of the world’s most important Buddhist art collections. There are approximately 45,000 square meters (147,640 square feet) of murals and over 2,000 painted sculptures.
During the Tang dynasty, between 618–907 BC, the caves were home to 18 monasteries, over 1,400 monks and nuns, as well as artists and calligraphers. If you want to visit the caves, you must buy a ticket for a guided tour. It’s not possible to view the caves independently.
7. Hanging Monastery, Hunyuan County
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The Hanging Monastery of Hengshan is a temple built into the side of a 75-meter (246-foot) high cliff. This 5th-century temple seems to defy gravity as it clings to the side of Hengshan mountain, held in place by hidden oak crossbeams that are slotted into holes within the cliff.
The nearest city is Datong, approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of the Hanging Monastery. It’s approximately five kilometers (3 miles) from the town of Hunyuan. While you are allowed to tour around the temple, the number of visitors is limited, so you may have a short wait before you can enter.
8. Terracotta Army, Xi’an
In 1974, local farmers unearthed an amazing sight: over 8,000 tiny terracotta soldiers. Alongside the miniature army were over 130 chariots and horses. The Terracotta Army was made in the late 200s BC as a form of funeral art in honor of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
The height of the soldiers varies depending on their rank, with the generals standing the tallest. Each of the soldiers has individual facial features and poses. You can see the tiny army at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, in central China.
9. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
If taking a walk through nature is your thing, then make sure to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan. China’s first national forest park has scenery that looks straight out of James Cameron’s Avatar. In fact, one rock structure has even been renamed ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain’!
The park features clear streams and amazing pillar-like rock structures. One of the best ways to enjoy the views is via the Bailong Elevator, which can take up to 50 people 326 meters (1,070 feet) upwards in two minutes. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge also gives amazing views of the park — if you’re brave enough to walk across the 300-meter (984-foot) high bridge.
Summary
China is rich in ancient buildings, cultural monuments, and natural beauty. There’s so much to see, from the massive Great Wall of China in Beijing to the tiny Terracotta Army in Xi’an. You can take a walk through the alien-looking forest of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or explore the depths of the mysterious Mogao Caves. So that’s plenty of room for huge crowds of tourists and nomads with jobs teaching English in China to spread out
The only question is, what are you going to visit first?