Top 10 things to do in China

China is an extraordinary destination with a vast territory, that has not only been the oldest but also the most fascinating country of all times. A wide variety of popular attractions are available around the country that will always have things to do along with places to visit in China. Here is our list of top 10 things to do in the vibrant country.

Climb the Great Wall of China

It is believed that you haven’t really visited China unless you climb the Great Wall and for good reason. As one of the most iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall represents the beauty of ancient defensive architecture. It is the longest wall in the world and provides an array of stunning scenery throughout its path over the steep mountains. The wall spans an impressive 5,000 km from China’s western frontier to the east coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Terracotta Army

Located near the city of Xi’an, thousands of life-size clay warriors stand guarding the Emperor’s tomb. This site is one of the most important and famous archaeological finds in the world, which was only discovered in 1974 by some farmers drilling a well. The Terracotta Army laid underground for more than 2,000 years in battle formation, with quite some unusual and intriguing attributes like the fact that no two soldiers' faces are alike. In 1987, it became a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Visit the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is located at the heart of Beijing and is China’s largest collection of ancient buildings. It was once a palace city in which ordinary people were forbidden entry for 500 years. The city was home to two dynasties of imperial rule right until the last Qing emperor was overthrown by the Republic in 1911. The extravagant collection of ancient architecture contains over 8,000 rooms with charming golden roofs painted in red and yellow. Today it is referred to as the Palace Museum.

Witness the scenic Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains have been attracting travelers for years. The Yellow Mountain National Park is among the best national parks in the entire country, along with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Jiuzhaigou National Forest Park. Known for its beautiful scenery, the Yellow Mounatins offer breath-taking sunrises among oddly-shaped rocks, twisted pine trees, and hot springs. They are located in east China, very close to Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Stroll along the West Lake

Hangzhou is known as China’s paradise on Earth. West Lake is a stunning man-made lake surrounded by lush gardens in the western suburbs of Hangzhou. It was selected as one of the “12 superb sunset spots around the world” by CNN. A relaxing walk appreciating the breath-taking surroundings is a must during your visit to China. A great option is biking around the lake as well or taking a cruise.

Appreciate the architecture of The Bund

Home to one of the world’s most prominent business districts, the Bund is the most recognizable architectural symbol in Shanghai. The iconic landmark boasts the city’s best restaurants, shops, and hotels. The colonial European buildings and skyscrapers make for a truly unique and beautiful skyline.

Feed the Pandas at the Chengdu Panda Center

The Chengdu Panda Center is a very famous destination in China where you can see the giant pandas in their natural habitat. The lovable pandas are deeply loved by the Chinese. The base is very large and well-maintained. Home to about 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas, it is dedicated to getting them to breed. Try visiting them in the mornings. It will definitely be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Learn the culture at the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, contains a huge treasure house of materials and articles from Tibetan history, religion, culture, and art. It is a true symbol of Tibet. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is very interesting to explore. You’ll find various precious sculptures, murals, scriptures, Buddhist statues, antiques, and jewelry.

Click a photo at the Li River

Generations of Chinese painters and poets have been inspired by the sheer beauty of the nature surrounding the Li River. Located in Guilin, nowadays travelers come to this specific location for photography. The river landscape will take your breath away with its startling hills, steep cliffs, and farming villages.

Treak along the Tiger Leaping Gorge

For adventure-seeking travelers, a trek along the Tiger Leaping Gorge in southwest China is a must. Measuring 16 km in length, it is strikingly one of the deepest gorges on the planet. The trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is absolutely stunning.

By Amal Ahmed