For travelers who want to experience Asian culture, China is a country that appeals. The East Asian nation is the world’s second-most populous country (having recently been passed by India) and offers an abundance of things for holidaymakers to see and do.
Given China’s sheer size, though, it can be tough to know exactly where to go. Thankfully, there certainly isn’t a shortage of options, with this vast and diverse nation offering holidaymakers an extensive selection of delights to sample, from traditional offerings to modern-day favorites. Likewise, some people might want to discover China’s beaches, while others might be fascinated by the huge cities that are located all over the country.
Of course, people can get a taste of Chinese life through movies that are set in the country, like the 1987 classic The Last Emperor, or by playing the Wukong online game, a title with a strong Chinese theme that is based around the Monkey King from the 16th-century Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West,’ but experiencing this truly unique foreign territory in the flesh is an unbeatable experience. To make sure you experience China in the best way possible, though, let’s take a brief look at some of the best places to visit that you might not know about.
The most popular destinations
Due to China’s sheer size, there are plenty of locations that are worth visiting. People are obviously aware of Shanghai and other major cities like Beijing, with these two tourist hotspots showcasing city life in China. For instance, Shanghai is the largest and most prosperous city in the country, with a huge business district and massive skyscrapers that highlight the financial wealth of the nation. When you’re there, venturing up to The Bund will enable you to see the city in all its glory, while the beautiful Yuyuan Garden is worth exploring, shopping at Nanjing Road is a must, walking in Watertown is a delight, and you can even visit the Disneyland Park.
As for Beijing, its offering is fairly similar, although the city oozes more history thanks to a number of features that highlight China’s imperial past. The Great Wall of China is undoubtedly the city’s main tourist attraction, while some of the street food and delicious cuisine on offer are worth devouring. For example, you have to try Beijing roast duck while you’re there. The Summer Palace is also worth taking in a while, witnessing a flag-raising ceremony on Tian’anmen Square, and enjoying an evening show is another great thing to do.
A selection of appealing alternatives
If spending loads of time in humongous cities like Beijing and Shanghai doesn’t really tickle your fancy, then sampling life in some other popular tourist destinations just might. One of them is certainly Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. You can even get the train to Vietnam from there, too. Located in southwest China, the area is filled with colorful flowers and oozes natural beauty, while there are lush green parks to relax in and an all-round welcoming vibe in this attractive destination.
Macau is another favorite, with high-end resorts, entertainment, differing cuisine from other parts of the nation due to its Portuguese influence, temples and fortresses, and loads more.
Hangzhou, the capital of the Zhejiang Province, is another picturesque city filled with ancient buildings, museums, pagodas, temples, wonderful architecture, and a zoo.
Some hidden gems
Given China’s massive size, there is also a serious selection of hidden gems to explore. From the immaculate scenery on offer in Jiuzhaigou Valley to the opportunity to take in significant cultural landmarks like Dali. Also, consider visiting Wulingyuan, Lijiang, Suzhou, Leshan, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Xi’an.
