Chinese Getaway: Best Places to Visit in China

 

Conquering the land of East Asia, China’s influence and power prevailed through a significant economic gain. Moreover, with its rich history and well-preserved culture, a lot managed to maneuver its way inside the country. However, this is not the only thing you should look out for in China. With its beautiful landscapes, it might make it a little hard for you to go back.

 

If you are looking for an exciting getaway, China has all it takes to bring it to you. History, culture, architecture, and food–this country will always leave you gaping in awe. Travelers will have the superb opportunity to set off for enigmatic locations and get glimpses of the oldest riches of humanity. In China, you can awe at magnificent historical exhibition halls, charming natural panoramas, and stunning monasteries.

 

Thus, if you are further interested in China escapades, then witness the list you should visit in China down below!

 

Best Places to Visit in China

1. The Great Wall of China

Adventure, history, and landscapes. It is hard to acknowledge China without the name, “Great Wall” at the beginning of it. More so, this place expands in a way that appears impressive yet majestic at the same time. This place is inch included as one of the most infamous tourist spots all over the world. From the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, the magnificent Great Wall of China, also known as "Changcheng" or the "Long Wall," spans more than 6,000 kilometers. It passes through the provinces of Hebei, Tientsin, and Beijing, where the best-preserved sections of the wall can be seen, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu. As this wall has been used for defense, most of the infrastructure is composed of multiple battlements and watchtowers—averaging six to eight meters in height but reaching as high as 16 meters, and broad enough in certain spots for five horses or ten soldiers to pass. This beautiful place is surely one for the books.

 

2. The Forbidden City

Resting entirely in the heart of China’s metropolis, Beijing, The Forbidden City is surely not that “forbidden” that you might hear of. After all, this city has taken a rise in popularity as it exhibits China’s most preserved and most important building—the Imperial Palace. Most tourists take their first stop here, as it is very accessible to the public. This palace was dated since the Yuan Dynasty, however, it developed from 1406 to 1420. This enormous structure, which is defended by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a large moat and covers an area of over 720,000 square meters, includes portions designated for ceremonial and administrative uses as well as an emperor's private home. This sprawling structure, which was many magnificent palaces in one, was home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors, whose presence prohibited anybody other than the imperial family and their courtesans from entering.

 

3. The Terracotta Army

On the outskirts of Xi’an, archeologists may have found one of the best discoveries in history, the Terracotta Army. If you have not yet heard about this enormous feat, then you must have been missing out as the story behind this goes beyond your perception of belief and loyalty. This mausoleum appears to have been lost in its pace—despite being gigantic and has only been discovered in 1974. The discovery featured more than 8,000 life-size warriors, 520 horses, and more than 100 chariots, as well as a vast number of other non-military figures, all of which were created to defend the tomb of the First Emperor. Many of the sculptures that were uncovered have been meticulously reassembled and serve as a witness to the emphasis placed on the emperor and the afterlife, even though others have been seriously damaged by the passage of time. Overall, this spot completely highlights the essence of China’s culture, and its great service and loyalty.

 

4. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Time for some wildlife fun and visit the Giant Panda Base in Sichuan. Unlike the common panda videos seen in front of the screen, it is high time to take it to the next level and witness the cuteness in person. Without at least one encounter with a panda, a trip to China would be incomplete. Along with getting a close-up look at these magnificent animals, you'll learn a lot about them through the numerous permanent exhibits and displays that describe ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival. If at all feasible, plan your trip to coincide with the pandas' busy eating times in the morning. Better still, register for one of the fascinating experience volunteer programs that will engage you in feeding and caring for these adorable animals. You could even get to touch a baby panda. I mean, how many wins in one day can you get?

5. Yangtze River and the Three Gorges

Known as one of China’s most important rivers, the Yangtze river covers most of the West of Tibet, heading East to Shanghai. With a collaboration between the two cities, this river is considered the third-longest river in the entire world. How cool can that be? Moreover, this is not only the reason as to why you should visit this place, as its stunning landscapes will leave you amazed in pictures, yet gaping in awe if personal. There are several locations along the river where tourists may board opulent riverboat rides around the Three Gorges and amidst stunning high mountain peaks. The Yangtze River flows through eight provinces on its more than 2,000-year journey from Tibet in the west to Shanghai in the east. Even though the river may be viewed in many locations throughout China due to its enormous length, the stunning Three Gorges—Qutang, Wu, and Xiling—a 200-kilometer section between the cities of Fengjie and Yichang—are by far the most well-known for tourists. Here, in a stretch of landscape as stunning as the Grand Canyon, the river makes its way through the gorges with its rocky cliffs and high mountain peaks, at times crossing furious torrents and perilous shallows.