More than 700 years have passed since the world learned about China through the traveller Marco Polo’s writings, and since then, this vast Asian nation has come to represent everything strange and enigmatic. This huge nation is nonetheless fascinating even after decades of economic expansion. Indeed, the fascination with a culture that is thousands of years old has only grown due to the contrast between China’s traditional practices and the emerging ultra-modern state.
Chinese people take great pride in their culture, as demonstrated by the preservation of significant historical sites like Beijing’s Summer Palace and Forbidden City, which both serve as reminders of the country’s emperors’ past. Of course, there is also the renowned Great Wall, which stretches 6,700 km from the Yellow Sea to Central Asia and is home to innumerable sites that are infused with the essence of ancient Eastern religions.
1. The Great Wall of China
The well-known Chinese proverb, “Nobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall,” amply illustrates the significance attached to this exceptional old structure. The beautiful Great Wall of China, sometimes referred to as the Long Wall or “Changcheng” in Chinese, runs over 6,000 km from Jiayuguan in the west to the castles of Shanhaiguan in the east. It travels through Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and Hebei, Tientsin, and Beijing, which are home to the best-preserved portions of the wall.
The wall is wide enough in certain places to allow five horses or ten men to pass, with an average height of six to eight metres and a maximum height of sixteen metres. It is adorned with a large number of battlements and watchtowers. The best-known portions of the wall were added when its various parts were connected around 210 BC, while some of its earliest fortifications date as far back as the 7th century BC.
2. The Forbidden City & the Imperial Palace, Beijing
The Imperial Palace, China’s biggest and most significant structure, is a must-see for tourists travelling through the nation. It is located right in the centre of Beijing. Commencing in the Yuan Dynasty between 1271 and 1368, the majority of the current complex was constructed between 1406 and 1420.
The enormous complex, which housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors, was a collection of truly magnificent buildings that prohibited anyone else from entering save the imperial family and their courtesans.
Encompassing around 720,000 square metres and safeguarded by a wall topped at 10 metres, complete with watchtowers and a broad moat, this enormous complex comprises sections designated for ceremonial and administrative functions, in addition to the emperor’s own home. Highlights include the magnificent emperor’s dinner hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony), the five white marble Golden River Bridges, and the 35-meter-tall Hall of Supreme Harmony, which houses the imperial throne. Seeing everything can take many hours.
3. The Terracotta Army, Xi’an
Farmers in the 1970s accidentally discovered the Terracotta Army, which would go on to become China’s most significant archaeological discovery, while excavating wells on the outskirts of Xi’an.
The find, which was made up of three sizable underground trenches and was intended to protect the grave of the First Emperor, had over 8,000 life-size warriors, about 520 horses, and over 100 chariots in addition to a considerable number of other non-military figures from approximately 280 BC. Many of the statues uncovered have been painstakingly reassembled and stand as a witness to the emphasis given upon the emperor and the afterlife, despite the fact that some were seriously damaged owing to the passage of time.
As a part of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park, this amazing discovery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. It provides the unique opportunity to observe this gathering of warriors and horses as though examining a centuries-old procession. There are guided tours offered in English.
4. The Summer Palace, Beijing
One of the most popular tourist destinations in China, the opulent Imperial Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is situated amidst over 700 acres of stunning parkland and can be easily reached from Beijing after a 15-kilometer trip. Although the palace was constructed in 1153, the Imperial Gardens were improved in the 14th century with the addition of a sizable lake.
Highlights are the exquisite Great Theatre, a private three-story building constructed in 1891 to satiate the imperial family’s passion of opera, and the spectacular Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), complete with its throne. It is worth going to see a performance or show at this ancient location, which is still utilised for musical events and performances of traditional Chinese plays. The Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Le Shou Tang Hall), with its exquisite gardens and courtyards, as well as miles of scenic walkways and walking trails, are additional highlights.
5. Cruising the Li River, Guilin
Located in the northeastern region of Guangxi, the town of Guilin is home to some of China’s most breathtaking landscapes. It is well-known for the Li River, which flows through the town and the karst mountains that surround it. Although this distinctive landscape has inspired poets, artists, and innumerable fairy tales and legends for hundreds of years, it is also a famous destination for travellers from all over the world who come to witness this natural wonder up close.
A trip down the Li River is the ideal way to experience the area. The most well-known section of the river is from Guilin to Yangshuo, where it meanders serenely through over 80 kilometres of breathtaking caverns and rock formations with lyrical names like Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and Mount of Unique Beauty.
FAQ’S:
Q1: What are the top tourist destinations in China?
China boasts numerous breathtaking destinations, but the top 7 are generally considered to be: The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City in Beijing, The Terracotta Army in Xi'an, The Bund in Shanghai, The Li River in Guilin, The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan), and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Q2: How do I get to these destinations?
Most of these destinations are easily accessible by air, train, or bus. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an have international airports with frequent flights from major cities worldwide. High-speed trains also connect many of these cities, offering a convenient and scenic mode of transportation.
