Top Things to do in China

One of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, China’s army of terracotta warriors is found just outside the city of Xi’An, which lies at the eastern end of Asia’s Silk Road. This incredible collection of ceramic warriors has silently stood guard over the soul of Emperor Ch’in – China’s first unifier – for more than two million years. Many Chinese emperors believed their rule would continue after their death, and many archaeologists believe this is why ruler Qin Shi Huang built so many soldiers to guard his soul. 

As the attraction has gained in popularity, incredible facts were uncovered – like the fact that no two faces amongst the terracotta army are the same. The wrap around theatre provides an excellent way of showcasing the figures, and added extras such as bronze chariots and horses, as well as original weapons on display make this a truly extraordinary experience. 

China’s Forbidden City is located in the very heart of Beijing, surrounded by 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) of deep red citadel walls. Once the imperial palace complex that ruled China during the ancient Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is now one of China’s top tourist attractions. This royal residence gets its name from the fact that only imperial families and high ranking officials were allowed to enter, with commoners having to seek permission. 

The story of the Forbidden City is just as fascinating as the buildings themselves. This imperial complex was constructed in the 15th century, when Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty wanted to move the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing. It was such a big undertaking that as many as 230,000 craftsmen and millions of labourers participated in the palace’s construction. As the Forbidden City covers an astounding 178 acres, we recommend spending a whole day exploring its wonders. There’s an incredible 8,000 or so rooms scattered amongst different parts of the Forbidden City, so you’ll never find yourself stuck for places to explore. 

The wonderfully picturesque and historic city of Lijiang is nestled in China’s wild Yunnan province. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is characterised by narrow cobbled streets, arched gateways and countless two-storey wooden frame tile-roofed houses. Wandering through the quintessentially Chinese Old Town is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon, but Lijiang’s showstoppers are its awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Located a short 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of Lijiang city, the aptly named Tiger Leaping Gorge is carved out by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze. With turquoise waters, sheer cliff faces and lime-green rice terraces making up the landscape, there’s nowhere else on earth quite like it. Although Tiger Leaping Gorge could well have got its name from how dramatic the landscape looks, it actually gets its name from a local legend that tells the story of a tiger and a hunter. According to legend, the hunter chased the tiger through the gorge until it was left with no choice but to leap over the water to its escape. The deepest river canyon in China, this UNESCO natural preservation area is an ecological hotspot, with iconic views from the top of the rocks that are situated here. 

In the heart of China’s southwest, the sprawling metropolis of Chengdu is home to delicious cuisine, hidden temples and an impressive skyline. This unique city also sets itself apart from the rest of China, with plenty of green space and neighbouring national parks offering a powerful antidote to city living. A vibrant nightlife scene and an incredible gastronomic heritage mean Chengdu has something for everyone. In fact, the city was named as UNESCO’s first ever City of Gastronomy, and the Chinese hot pots on offer here are some of the best in the world. 

Understandably, China’s Great Wall often makes it to the top of the list on any China itinerary. An ancient collection of walls and fortifications built thousands of years ago, China’s Great Wall is an unforgettable sight. The Great Wall’s scale is jaw-dropping, with recent estimates putting the official length at some 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometres). The Wall is thought to date back to 2,000 years ago when China was first unified. It’s widely assumed that the wall is one continuous feat of engineering, but in fact the impressive structure is made up of chunks separated by natural defences such as vertiginous mountains. 

Constantly topping lists of the world’s best water bodies, China’s Li River is other-worldly. This ethereal river originates in the countryside northeast of tranquil Guilin, and winds its way down southeast China until it meets the Xi River in the town of Wulin. One of the most scenic landscapes across China, the Li River and its waterways can be explored by bike, boat or on foot. Most cruises start in the city of Guilin, the first Chinese city to develop tourism. Although rapid development means Guilin itself is slightly losing its charm, the province’s natural wonders still astonish all those who visit. As you cruise from Guilin down to the exquisite landscapes of Yangshuo, you’ll pass endless towering limestone peaks, deep gorges and quaint fishing villages. 

The Tibet Autonomous Region of China sits high atop the Tibetan Plateau and is a wonderful melange of spirituality, rich cultural heritage and untouched cities. The capital Lhasa, meaning “place of the gods,” is truly a one of a kind destination. At an elevation of 11,975 feet (3,650 metres), Lhasa is one of the world’s highest cities so it’s easy to see where it gets its moniker from. With more than 1,000 years of cultural and spiritual history, there are some awe-inspiring heritage monuments that shouldn’t be missed. 

An international metropolis found on China’s central coast, Shanghai is the country’s biggest city. A city filled to the brim with sights, Shanghai is packed full of Buddhist temples, stunning Chinese gardens and modern skyscrapers. While landmarks such as the Jade Buddha Temple should feature on any trip to Shanghai, travellers looking for a slice of modern China should head to the Bund.