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China stands as a colossus in East Asia, spanning diverse landscapes from the Himalayan plateau to tropical forests, from vast deserts to fertile plains carved by mighty rivers. This ancient land, birthplace of one of the world's earliest civilizations, has transformed into a global powerhouse while maintaining deep connections to its imperial past, Confucian philosophy, and rich artistic traditions that have influenced the world for millennia.
The traveler to China encounters a nation of startling contrasts: ultramodern cities with skyscrapers piercing the clouds alongside tranquil temples and gardens unchanged for centuries; bustling markets filled with exotic delicacies next to sophisticated restaurants serving refined cuisine; and technological innovation existing alongside traditional practices. With 56 recognized ethnic groups, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, and natural wonders ranging from the rainbow mountains of Zhangye to the ethereal landscapes of Jiuzhaigou, China offers endless discoveries for even the most seasoned explorer.
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Eastern China, Yangtze River Delta
- The Bund colonial waterfront
- Shanghai Tower observation deck
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Shanghai epitomizes China's rapid modernization while preserving glimpses of its colonial past. The futuristic Pudong skyline, dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, contrasts dramatically with the European-style buildings along the historic Bund waterfront. Beyond its architectural marvels, Shanghai captivates visitors with world-class shopping on Nanjing Road, the tranquility of Yu Garden's classical Chinese design, and a vibrant culinary scene ranging from street food in the Old City to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Hunan Province, Central China
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
- Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway
- Bailong Elevator (world's tallest outdoor lift)
The otherworldly landscape of Zhangjiajie, with its thousands of quartzite sandstone pillars rising dramatically from the misty forests, famously inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron's 'Avatar.' Visitors can experience the vertiginous thrill of the glass walkways along Tianmen Mountain, ascend the 326-meter Bailong Elevator carved into the mountainside, or hike through pristine forests teeming with unique flora and fauna. The ethereal beauty of this UNESCO Global Geopark, often shrouded in fog, creates a mystical atmosphere that feels more like a Chinese ink painting come to life than reality.
Sichuan Province, Southwestern China
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Jinli Ancient Street
- Sichuan cuisine
Chengdu combines a relaxed atmosphere with cultural richness and is most famous as the gateway to seeing China's beloved giant pandas. At the Chengdu Panda Research Base, visitors can observe these endangered creatures in a habitat resembling their natural environment. Beyond pandas, the city entices travelers with its fiery Sichuan cuisine centered around the numbing Sichuan peppercorn, atmospheric teahouses where locals gather for relaxation and gossip, and well-preserved historical sites like Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Temple. The city's laid-back lifestyle has earned it recognition as one of China's most livable cities.
Yunnan Province, Southwestern China
- UNESCO-listed ancient town
- Naxi ethnic culture
- Black Dragon Pool with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views
Lijiang's UNESCO-protected Old Town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and intricate waterways dating back over 800 years. Home to the Naxi ethnic minority, whose matriarchal culture and unique Dongba pictographic script fascinate visitors, Lijiang offers an authentic glimpse into China's cultural diversity. The town's ingenious water system channels mountain streams through every part of the settlement, creating a melodious soundtrack of flowing water. Beyond the Old Town, the dramatic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provides a stunning backdrop and opportunities for alpine adventures, while nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge offers one of China's most spectacular treks.
Zhejiang Province, Eastern China
- West Lake scenic area
- Longjing Tea Plantations
- Grand Canal heritage
Hangzhou, celebrated by Marco Polo as 'the finest and most splendid city in the world,' centers around the UNESCO-listed West Lake, whose willow-lined shores, pagodas, and misty waters have inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries. The city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural refinement, from sampling freshly picked Longjing tea at hillside plantations to exploring the historic Grand Canal. Tech enthusiasts recognize Hangzhou as the headquarters of e-commerce giant Alibaba, while fashion lovers flock to its silk museums and markets. The city's famous saying 'Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou' aptly captures its enduring appeal.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Respect 'face' (mianzi) in Chinese culture by avoiding public criticism or confrontation; instead, communicate issues privately and indirectly to preserve harmony.
- When receiving business cards or gifts, use both hands as a sign of respect, and take a moment to examine a business card before putting it away carefully, never in a back pocket.
- Remove shoes before entering someone's home, and bring a small gift (fruit, pastries, or imported items) when invited to a Chinese household, though avoid clocks or white flowers which are associated with funerals.
- Learn basic chopstick etiquette: never stick them vertically in rice (resembles funeral incense), tap them on bowls (signifies begging), or use them to point; instead, rest them on the chopstick rest or horizontally across your bowl when not in use.
- Understand that personal space concepts differ in China, with queuing sometimes being more of a suggestion than a rule, especially in busy areas; be prepared for crowds and what might feel like pushing in popular tourist spots and public transportation.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience the breathtaking 'Impression Sanjie Liu' show in Yangshuo, directed by Zhang Yimou, where hundreds of local performers use the Li River and karst mountains as a natural stage, illuminated by sophisticated lighting.
- Explore Shanghai's historic French Concession area at night, with its tree-lined avenues housing hidden speakeasies like Speak Low (ranked among Asia's 50 Best Bars) and jazz clubs like JZ Club featuring both international and Chinese musicians.
- Attend a traditional Sichuan opera performance at Chengdu's Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, featuring the famous 'face-changing' art (bianlian) where performers instantaneously change colorful masks, along with fire-breathing and shadow puppetry.
- Stroll along Beijing's Houhai Lake at night, where traditional hutong alleyways have transformed into a vibrant entertainment district with lakeside bars, live music venues, and illuminated willow trees reflecting on the water.
- Visit the Bund in Shanghai after dark to witness the spectacular light show of the Pudong skyline, then take a nighttime cruise along the Huangpu River for panoramic views of both the historic Bund and futuristic Pudong sides of the city.
Customer Feedback
Sophie Dubois
Hiking the unrestored 'Wild Wall' section at Jiankou was the highlight of my China trip. Unlike the crowded Badaling section, here we had the ancient fortification almost entirely to ourselves. Our guide, Mr. Wang, shared fascinating historical insights while we navigated crumbling watchtowers with breathtaking views of the wall snaking across mountain ridges. The moderate difficulty made it challenging but accessible—just wear proper hiking shoes!
Journeyed from France
Miguel Hernandez
The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an exceeded expectations—the scale is impossible to grasp from photos. However, be prepared for overwhelming crowds that somewhat diminish the experience. I recommend hiring a private guide (we used China Highlights) who can explain the archaeological significance and help navigate the three pits efficiently. The nearby Huaqing Hot Springs made for a perfect relaxing afternoon afterward.
Journeyed from Mexico
Amrita Patel
Cruising the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo was like floating through a traditional Chinese painting—karst mountains shrouded in mist, water buffalo grazing along emerald banks, and fishermen with cormorants on bamboo rafts. Though the main cruise boats can be crowded, we arranged a private bamboo raft experience through our hotel for the afternoon, which allowed us to explore quiet tributaries and small villages untouched by mass tourism.
Journeyed from India
Lars Johansson
The Shanghai skyline and Bund are architectural marvels worth seeing, but the extreme crowds during our October visit (coinciding with National Day holiday) made parts of the experience stressful. The Shanghai Museum offered a peaceful respite with its world-class collection of ancient bronzes and ceramics. Pro tip: use the Metro rather than taxis to avoid the notorious traffic jams.
Journeyed from Sweden
Olivia Chen
Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan province is nature at its most surreal—lakes in impossible shades of turquoise and blue, multi-tiered waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains reflected in crystal-clear waters. Since the 2017 earthquake, visitor numbers are strictly controlled, making for a more peaceful experience than many Chinese attractions. We spent three days exploring different sections, with Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall being absolute highlights. The Tibetan villages around the park offer authentic cultural experiences too.
Journeyed from Australia