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Ever since China became known to the world, it has been a popular destination for all types of tourists and travellers. Famous for its rich culture and traditions, there are plenty of things to do in China to make your trip everlasting. Due to the massive size, it is difficult to cover the entire country on a single trip. That is unless you plan for a month-long vacation. Since that is not a possibility, you should make the most of your trip by doing the best things to take back home the real essence of China.
Top 10 Things To Do In China
Here are the best things to do in China, the country of the Red Dragon, offering experiences with memories which will last a lifetime:
1. Turn Your Adventurous Mode On
Photo: Raffaele Nicolussi / Wikimedia Commons
If you are into adventurous stuff like hiking or trekking, you will surely have a great time in China. From scenic valleys to breathtaking trails, there are plenty of places in the country where you can seek a thrilling experience. For starters, you have Mount Huashan in Shaanxi Province which allows hikers to plank and walk in the sky. You can visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for a unique hiking experience. Other adventurous sites that you can visit include Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yellow Mountains and Minya Konka. All these places are not only stunning but also suitable for adventurers of all levels.
Location: Mount Huashan, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Minya Konka, Yellow Mountains
Timings: During the day
2. Marvel At The Terracotta Army
There’s a good chance that you have already seen the Terracotta Army in Hollywood movies like The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Nothing compares to the feeling when you see the giant army in real life. More than 2000 years old, the Terracotta Army was built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Despite being several centuries old, the army is still erect and one of the best things to see in China. To witness these life-sized statues, you will have to visit the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an.
Location: Lintong District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710612
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
3. Meet Giant Pandas
Since the Giant Panda is the national animal of China, they are protected by law. If you are looking for the best things to do in China, you must add Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to your list. This is the place where you get to meet these adorable bears and watch them in their natural habitat. The purpose of the centre is to protect pandas and help them reproduce. Here, you can spend your time watching them do silly things, eat and take naps. Visiting the pandas is not only a fun experience, but it also gives you the chance to learn about this endangered species.
Location: 1375 Xiongmao Blvd, Cheng Hua Qu, Cheng Du Shi, Si Chuan Sheng, China, 610016
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
4. Walk The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Zhangjiajie, the Glass Bridge is the longest and highest skywalk bridge in the world. In case you are scared of heights, it can be a challenging experience to walk the bridge. However, it offers a thrilling experience that you will likely remember for the rest of your life. Suspended over a deep canyon, the Glass Bridge allows you to see straight down to the ground below. What makes the bridge even more impressive is that it is surrounded by stunning cliffs and waterfalls. It can be said that walking the bridge feels both scary and amazing at the same time.
Location: China, Hunan, Zhangjiajie, 武陵源区 邮政编码: 427234
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM
5. Visit The Great Wall Of China
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Nobody plans a trip to China without including The Great Wall in their itinerary, one of the wonders of the world. After all, it is the most famous attraction in the country that was built several years ago to protect China from invaders. Stretching over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall is divided into many sections. For the best experience, you should visit the most famous sections like Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall. Since some parts of the wall are steep, you should wear comfortable shoes and carry water. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views and click pictures, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Location: Huairou District, China, 101406
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
6. Cruise Along The Li River
Photo: Flora-Victoria / Wikimedia Commons
After having an adventurous experience at the Glass Bridge, you can calm your mind at the Li River. The best thing about cruising the river is that you get to enjoy scenic views throughout the journey. Based on your preference, you can choose between a bamboo raft or a luxury boat to start your journey. Just so you know, the trip starts in Guilin and ends in Yangshuo. Along the way, you get to enjoy a lovely view of the karst mountains, villages and rice fields. Since the Li River cruise is about 84 km long, you will at least need 3 – 4 hours to complete the sail.
Location: Guilin and Yangshuo
Timings: Starts at 9:30 AM every day
7. Savour Authentic Chinese Food
You may have tried Chinese food before, but nothing beats the authentic flavours of China. If you call yourself a true foodie, you cannot go without savouring the best dishes in the country. The interesting thing about authentic Chinese cuisine is that each region has its unique flavours and dishes. Like in Beijing, you have the Peking Duck and Hotpot and Mapo Tofu in Sichuan. Other dishes that are a must-try in China include dumplings, spring rolls, skewers and noodles.
Location: Beijing, Sichuan, Shanghai, Hong Kong
Timings: Any time
8. Witness The Top Festivals And Celebrations
Photo: Philippe Murray-Pietsch / Unsplash
It is a great idea to plan your trip to China during the festival season. Known for its vibrant traditions, China celebrates a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. One of the best celebrations takes place during the Chinese New Year when people put up dragon dances, firecrackers and family feasts. Even the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. During this occasion, people enjoy mooncakes and release sky lanterns at night. Other celebrations that you may find interesting include the Dragon Boat Festival, Ice and Snow Festival and Luoyang Peony Festival. By attending these events, you can both learn about their culture and experience their heritage.
Location: All over the country
9. Shop Till You Drop
When you are in China, you must make time to explore the traditional markets as they have a lot to offer. If you are in Beijing and looking for silk products, you can visit the Silk Market. From traditional silk clothing to accessories, you will find all sorts of things in this market. However, if you are in the mood for luxury shopping, you should visit Nanjing Road. This is the best place to shop for both international brands and local items. Additionally, the Night Markets in Hong Kong is a great place to buy souvenirs, electronics and street food. Other key marketplaces that you shouldn’t miss include Yuyuan Bazaar and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street.
Location: Silk Market, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Yuyuan Bazaar, Night Markets, Nanjing Road
Timings: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
10. Explore The Temples And Monasteries
China is home to numerous temples and monasteries that are centuries old and offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history. Like other tourists, you should also start your journey at the Temple of Heaven and then move to Lama Temple. Since both the sites are located in Beijing, you don’t have to travel much. If you want to witness the birthplace of martial arts, you should visit Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou. Other religious sites that you must add to your list include the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanging Monastery and Labrang Monastery.
Location: Beijing, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Datong, Xiahe
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
The variety of things to do in China is enough to keep you occupied throughout your trip. Go wherever you like in the country and you will always find something exciting to do. With proper planning, you can explore the country in the best possible way and make the most of your trip. So, if you are ready for an exciting trip to China, you should plan it out with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Lian Rodriguez / Pexels
