Best Places to visit in China
Culture and heritage that run back as far as the beginning of humanity, tourist places to visit in China are an overwhelming adventure. Mysterious destinations that take travelers back in time to provide them a glimpse of the world’s oldest and most revered treasures known to mankind.
There is a huge amount of intrigue, mystery, and fascination attached to places to see in China for centuries. Right from the medieval age, China has been a source of inspiration and admiration for many travelers that ventured out into the unknown in search of a magical land in the East. Although, that magical land may well be explored and mapped out for us in the 21st century, the intrigue relating to Tourist Places in China hasn’t vanished one bit.
Incredible China Tourist Places You Must Not Miss!
1. Forbidden City
Forbidden City
#1 of 10: Forbidden City
Just as you land in Beijing, the capital of China, the towering presence of an ancient palace complex will be noticeable to you sooner rather than later. Located in the heart of Beijing, Forbidden City is one of the most beautiful places to see in China. Travelers can explore the 180 acres complex that now houses some of the finest artifacts and collections with regards to Chinese history.
Interesting Fact: Commissioned in 1406 by the Yongle emperor of the Ming dynasty, it was first officially occupied by the court in 1420. It was so named because access to the area was barred to most of the subjects of the realm.
In terms of annual visitors, Forbidden City sits on top of the list of most revered tourist places to visit in China.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Beijing Airport, China.
2. Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army
#2 of 10: Terracotta Army
Wouldn’t it be fascinating to witness an 8000-strong army frozen in time for the past 2000 years? Yes! An entire army full of warriors, generals, and horsemen sculptured in memory of the lost soldiers that immortalized their sacrifices made for Qin Shi Huang- the first known emperor of China.
Interesting Fact: Though most of their hands are identical, and only eight molds were used to shape their heads, distinctive surface features were added with clay after assembly. As a result, each terra cotta soldier appears to be unique in its facial features, revealing a high level of craftsmanship and artistry.
This fascinating mausoleum was lost in time and was discovered only as recently as 1974 by Chinese farmers.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, China.
3. Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
#3 of 10: Temple of Heaven
One of the most sacred and revered religious tourist places in China, the Temple of Heaven is a beautiful temple constructed 600 years ago in Beijing. A place where the emperors of the centuries gone by would pray for good harvest was made a UNESCO world heritage site recently.
With heavy symbolism to Taoism, this temple is a local favorite and often provides a good chance for photography lovers to get in some stunning pictures. The Temple of Heaven is a complex of imperial religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Beijing Airport, China.
4. Great Wall Of China
Great Wall of China
#4 of 10: Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China is probably one of the most talked about 7 wonders of the world and with good reason! A 6000-km long wall built 2000 years ago is one impressive architectural feat that even in today’s time would near impossible to replicate.
Not only does the Great Wall of China attract international tourists fascinated by such a marvel, it also is a paradise for history and architecture lovers as they understand the complexity of the wall that was built and rebuilt over the years. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.
Interesting Fact: The Great Wall of China is the only monument in the world that is visible from outer space!
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Beijing Airport, China.
5. The Bund, Shanghai
The Bund, Shanghai#5 of 10: The Bund, Shanghai
The Bund Waterfront is one of the most symbolic tourist places to visit in China that has withstood the test of time and still increased its charm and beauty. The beautiful waterfront that runs across the Huangpu river has become the identity of modern Shanghai.
Tourists can visit The Bund to enjoy a serene view of the river and the city skyline from one of the most revered locations in hi-tech Shanghai. The Bund or Waitan is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in the eastern part of Huangpu District.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, China.
6. West Lake, Hangzhou
West Lake, Hangzhou
#6 of 10: West Lake, Hangzhou
A beautiful lake surrounded by temples, pagoda, gardens, and mountains awaits travelers in Hangzhou, China. The place is so revered by locals over the years that it was called ‘paradise on Earth’. What West Lake does it highlight the charm, mystique and untouched beauty of the vast and untouched Southern inland China.
One of the most beautiful places to visit in China, West Lake is associated with a legend that describes this lake as the only jewel to fall on our planet.
West Lake is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou, China. It is divided into five sections by three causeways. There are numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, and natural/artificial islands within the lake.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Hangzhou Airport, China.
7. Yangshuo County
Yangshuo Country
#7 of 10: Yangshuo County
If you’re looking for untouched natural beauty, serene rural landscape, and a generous spread of lush-green, then a trip to the Yangshuo County is a must. A place that initially became popular with international backpackers in the 1970s and 1980s,
Yangshuo has now grown and transformed into a thriving tourist destination that caters a huge variety of travelers. Yangshuo, a county and resort town in southern China’s Guangxi region, is known for its dramatic karst mountain landscape and outdoor recreation. The town is set amid pinnacles like Bilian Feng (Green Lotus Peak), which has a hiking trail to the top. Tour boats offer cruises on the Li River past picturesque countryside from the town of Guilin to the north.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Shenzhen Airport, China.
8. Lhasa, Tibet
Lhasa, Tibet
#8 of 10: Lhasa
Upon landing in Lhasa, prepare to be serenaded with breathtaking views that will be followed with gasps in awe and admiration of a city so beautiful and divine. A center of Tibetan Buddhism for more than 1000 years, Lhasa is a pristine paradise that will redefine spiritual enchantment for you.
Lhasa city is the capital city of Tibet. The city is located at an altitude of 11,9675 feet in Tibetan, Himalayas. It was known as the religious center until it was occupied by the communist and trended as the forbidden city.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, China.
9. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie Nationl Forest Park
#9 of 10: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
We’ve all seen the movie Avatar and been fascinated by the peculiar-shaped mountains sort of suspended in the air like a floating mystery. The inspiration for those mountains was derived from the pillar-like rocky-cliff structures within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is probably the most coveted part of the area. The park is comprised of dense forests, deep ravines, deep canyons, unusual peaks, caves, and pillar-like rock formations blanketed throughout the park. These pillar rock formations are what the park is renowned for around the world. It is one of few tourist places to visit in China that not only baffles travelers but also gives geologists a hard time trying to explain the reason for the peculiar pillar-like mountains.
HOW TO REACH! Just take your flight from anywhere to Zhangjiajie Airport, China.
10. Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha
#10 of 10: Leshan-Giant-Buddha
A humongous 230-feet tall Buddhist statue was established more than 2000 years ago in Leshan, Sichuan (southern province of China). The statue was a part of the first ever Buddhist temple built on Chinese territory.
The Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area (LGBSA) in China's Sichuan Province is a sacred site for the Maitreya faith, the main belief of the local people. It is a world heritage site (WHS) that was inscribed in 1996, together with the adjacent Mount Emei Scenic Area. The huge towering figure of Buddha carved in a sitting position is a breathtaking site for travelers who visit this place for the first time.
