People’s Republic of China is the most populated country in the whole world with at least 1,367,485,388 residents as of 2015. It is also the fourth biggest country on the planet with an area of 9.5 million square kilometers. With so many people living in the country and so much space to fill it with, there are many enjoyable things to do in China – one of which is going from one city to the other – exploring their unique culture and heritage. You just might need this China travel guide in case you forget something on the way…
1. Shanghai
They call Shanghai the National Central City and it is the most populated city in the whole world with 22 million people roaming around the streets. Being the central city, it is one of the financial hubs of the country and its success can be seen in their historical and modern tourist attractions.
When in Shanghai, you have to pass by the Shanghai Museum where you will see legendary relics about the country. Don’t forget to go to Shanghai Disneyland and see their Enchanted Storybook Castle. If you want something modern with a cultural twist, the People’s Square is the place to be since everything visually breathtaking is located there.
2. Beijing
The 2008 summer Olympics was held here which means that Beijing is a world-class city. It is full of business buildings and centers, some of which are worth visiting. When in Beijing, check out these structures: China World Trade Center Tower III, Beijing Yintai Centre, Beijing TV Centre, Fortune Plaza and CCTV Headquarters. These are modern buildings but Beijing has historical landmarks as well like Tiananmen, Temple of Heaven (UNESCO World Heritage Site), National Centre for the Performing Arts and Beijing National Stadium.
3. Guangzhou
Do you want to see a suit made of jade? Go to Nanyue King Museum in Guangzhou. It is one of the things to do in China. The Mausoleum of the 72 Martyrs is also a meaningful place to visit. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, the Hoi Tong Monastery and the Zhenhai Tower will satisfy your need to see Guangzhou architectural monuments. Other places to visit while in the city are the Guangzhou Opera House, City God Temple and Temple of the Five Immortals.
4. Tianjin
Travelers never get tired of visiting Tianjin City. It is the biggest sea-side city in China’s northern region and the 3rd most populated city in the country. It has around 15 million residents.
The places to visit in Tianjin are the Tianjin City Center, the Ancient Culture Street and the Tianjin Italian Town. Another place to see in Tianjin is the Tianjin Museum. You must also try to ride the Tianjin Eye. It is a 120-meter Ferris wheel and it takes 30 minutes for it to complete its cycle.
5. Chengdu
Have you watched Kung Fu Panda? Well, in real life, you might be able to see Po at the Chengdu Panda Base. It would be best if you can pre-arrange a tour inside the base. The Ancient Fortress Wall of Chengdu is another landmark of the city. It was built during the Qing Dynasty and has 8,122 crenels. The Jinli Street and Chunxi Road are typical Chengdu lifestyle. It is a must to try street food in Chengdu – that would be fun! You also have to visit the Wuhou Temple, the Sichuan Museum and the Sanxingdui Museum.
6. Shijiazhuang
When in Shijiazhuang, you have to go to Baodu Village. You will find the entrance to this village and the mountain very symbolic. They call it Nantianmen and one of the worthy things to do in China is to visit this mountain village.
Mount Cangyan is another famous landmark in Shijiazhuang. It has a lot of scenic and man-made structures from the ancient days. If you watched the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, you will see one of the locations in Mount Cangyan which was featured in the film. The Pagoda of Bailin Temple, the Bailin Monastery, the Anji Bridge and the Longxing Temple are some of the most important monuments in Shijiazhuang.
7. Shenzhen
Your tour to China is not complete if you don’t pass by Shenzhen. For Asian travelers, this is the shopping district of China. Tourists spend a night in Shenzhen as they fill the day with streets and places to visit. Actually, Shenzhen is part of a Special Economic Zone or SEZ.
The best parks to visit in Shenzhen are the China Folk Culture Village, Window of the World and Happy Valley. If you want to see skyscrapers, go to East Pacific Center Towers, Shun Hing Square and Ping An Finance Center.
8. Wuhan
What is Chicago to the USA? The answer to that is similar to the importance of Wuhan to China. It is the most populated city in Central China and the biggest river of China – the legendary Yangtze River – touches the city. Wuhan Yangtze Great Bridge will give you the best view of the Yangtze River.
If you want see more structures in Wuhan, the Yellow Crane Tower must be a priority. Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan is also a tourist attraction worth visiting.
9. Suzhou
One of the most memorable things to do in China is to spend a day or two in Suzhou. It’s not that crowded compared to other cities in the country but it is full of attractions and points of interests.
Travelers always love to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Suzhou has one in Dongbei Street called the Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Another one of the historical blocks in China is the Shantang Street. Jinji Lake is a natural lake with two artificial islands thriving on it. Tiger Hill Pagoda is another tourist spot which they call the Leaning Tower of China.
10. Harbin
During winter time, Harbin is called Ice City – it is host to Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival every year. United Nations once called it City of Music and the newest clothes and designs from Paris first sets foot in Harbin, even before Shanghai. Harbin Music Park is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Creative Cities Network. Don’t forget to visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin. It was built in 1907. You also have to go and check out Hongbo Plaza.
11. Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou is among of the Eight Great Ancient Capitals of China. It means that it is a fast-growing metropolis which has been around for a very long time. Its famous attractions include Erqi Memorial Tower and Zhengzhou Exhibition Center. The Yellow River passes by Zhengzhou and it is the third longest river in Asia. You may also want to see the Zhengzhou Confucius Temple which is 1900 years old and the Henan Museum which features dinosaur and early human bones. The Shaolin Monastery is home to Pagoda Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Hangzhou
One of the things to do in China is to visit Hangzhou City. The most popular tourist spot in the area is West Lake. It is a World Heritage Site as recognized by UNESCO in 2011. You will find man-made islands, pagodas, gardens and places of worship in the area like the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, the Su Causeway and the Huxin Pavilion.
If you want to see a magnanimous pagoda, go to Liuhe Pagoda. They also call it Six Harmonies Pagoda and it is on the base of Yuelun Hill.
13. Qingdao
The name Qingdao means greenish-blue Island – the city was once termed as the most livable city in China and it was in the top ten list of Chinese Cities Brand Value Report. It means that Qingdao is performing really well as a city as to sustainability.
Now what are the notable features in Qingdao? It was once colonized by Germany so some of its structures have a German inclination to it. St. Michael’s Cathedral is a popular tourist spot. The Qingdao Skyline, the Qingdao Harbour and the May 4th Square are the best places to be at when in the city.
14. Xi’an
They call this city Chang’an or Sian. Xi’an is in central China and it is a city which best explains Chinese architecture. The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they refer to it as “funerary art”. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an was built in 652 AD by the Tang Dynasty and is another World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You also have to visit the Drum Tower of Xi’an and Bell Tower of Xi’an, both from the Ming Dynasty. If you want another UNESCO World Heritage Site, go to Fortifications of Xi’an or the Xi’an City Wall.
15. Nanjing
There are so many beautiful things to see in Nanjing and one of those is the Xuanwu Lake and Park. Visitors say that to fully explore this park, it will take you 5 hours as it has a lot of structures and monuments within.
You must also see the City Wall of Nanjing, the Jiming Temple and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Another popular scenic attraction in Nanjing is the Purple Mountain. It is called as such because during the wee hours in the morning and when the sun escapes in the early evening, the peak of this mountain mysteriously becomes purple.
