Top 25 Things to Do (Attractions) for China Vacation 2025

Are you planning a trip to China in 2025 or for the approaching year 2025? Are you being puzzled by having no idea what to do for your China tour? Well, things are changing every day. But some classic experiences are always there, and never change, such as the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc.

Discover the essence of China with our curated list of the top 25 recommended things to do in 2025, based on the glowing reviews and invaluable feedback from our discerning travelers. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, cultural experiences to natural treasures, embark on a journey that promises to captivate your senses and create unforgettable memories. Explore iconic landmarks, savor authentic cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of China's history and heritage. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, these handpicked experiences offer something for every traveler's taste and preference. Join us as we unveil the must-see destinations and must-do activities that define the essence of China in 2025.

1. Hike the Great Wall of China from Beijing

Type: World Heritage Sites, Hiking Trails, Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (Particularly for April, May, September and October)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Hutong

The Great Wall is the most famous attraction in China and the symbol of China on the international stage. Your China tour is not completed without a hike on the Great Wall. Hiking the Great Wall costs only about a half-day or a full day. If you are a fan of the Walls, you can have an in-depth Great Wall Exploration to see both the restored and wild walls.

As you may know that the Great Wall stretches from far western China to the east. The part in Beijing, Tianjing and Hebei Province is the most highlighting part, including some of the most famous sections - Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, etc.

Mutianyu, less crowded and preserved well, is the most popular among foreign tourists, and can be visited in a half day. There are cable cars, ropeways, and toboggan slides, suitable for travelers of different ages going up and down. Jinshanling, with wild walls and towers, offers a broad vision for sunrise and sunset appreciation. If you want to encounter the dazzling Great Wall at night, Simatai would be your option. You can also enjoy a unique sense of peace and grandeur at the tranquil Huanghuacheng Great Wall, or head to Badaling Great Wall which is quite accessible but more crowded.

2. Explore Ancient Imperial History and Culture at Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Type: World Heritage Sites, National First-class Museums, Historical Sites, Architectural Buildings
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Tiananmen Square, Hutong, Mutianyu Great Wall

China has an imperial history of over 2000 years during which Beijing was the capital city for three major dynasties – Yuan (1271~1368), Ming (1368~1644), and Qing (1644~1912). Having preserved many palaces, temples, and other sites of ancient imperial dynasties, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing are the two best places to explore the history and culture of ancient China Imperial History.

Forbidden City is a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. It is also the most important museum in China where thousands of national treasures are preserved. Passing through various doorways in this magnificent structure, you will see beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases, and splendid colorful paintings. Visiting Jingshan Park after your trip to the Forbidden City, you will catch a breathtaking view of the Forbidden City showcasing its symmetrical architecture.

Temple of Heaven is one of the most brilliant ancient architectures in China. UNESCO listed the Temple of Heaven in the World Heritage Sites List with a description as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world’s great civilizations...”. It used to serve as the holy place for emperors to pay homage to Heaven and to pray for a year of rich harvest.

3. Go to Witness the Underground Wonder of Terracotta Warriors in Xian

Type: World Heritage Sites, Historical Sites, Specialty Museums
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Ancient City Wall

Visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xian is one of the Must-to-do in China. You will definitely be shocked by this eighth wonder of the world, also one of the greatest archeological finds in 20th century in the world. More than 8,000 life-sized soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were made under the command of Qin Shi Huang, (259~210 BC), the first imperial Emperor of China, to protect him in his afterlife. These figures which were beautifully sculptured and paint, and had buried underground for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Terracotta Warriors Site is selected by Trip Advisor as the top 25 museums in the world, the only Asian museum on the list, also is listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

To visit the Terracotta Warriors, one can take a flight or bullet train from Bejing, Xian, Chengdu and other cities to Xian city first, then drive about 40km from the city to get to the site. Usually it takes about a half day to explore the Terracotta Warriors and nearby sites.

4. Enjoy the Surreal Avatar World Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Park

Type: World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Nature
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (April to May, August to October)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Impressed by the surreal scenery in the renowned movie "Avatar"? Then pay a visit to Zhangjiajie National Park to relish the real Avatar world. You really can’t miss it in 2025 as this park was the most popular and magnificent attractions in the past two or three years. The Park has become one of the most fascinating national parks in the world, beloved by tourists for its magnificent natural wonders of more than more than 3,100 tremendous tall pillars of quartzite sandstone reaching to the clouds to the idyllic streams flowing beneath to the lush wild forests.

The main attractions within Zhangjiajie National Park include Yellow Stone Village (Huangshi Village), Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Tianzishan, and Yangjiajie. Huangshi Village offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while roaming in Golden Whip Stream which winds through the mountains, tourists can observe the unique rock formations at a close distance and may even encounter some wild animals.

If you have more days, you can also extend your trip to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which is reputed as one of the most beautiful towns in China and sits not far from Zhangjiajie (1 hour by train).

5. Take a Yangtze River Cruise of Luxury 5-star Ship to Enjoy the Majestic Sceneries of Yangtze River and Three Gorges Dam

Yangtze River Cruise, the most famous and popular river cruise experience in China, is the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation in China to enjoy the beautiful sceneries along the majestic Yangtze River, and discover culture and history of the central part of China.

The major cruise mainly locates between Chongqing and Yichang. If you cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (downstream), it will be a 4 days / 3 nights’ cruise. If you cruise from Yichang to Chongqing (upstream), it will be a 5 days / 4 nights’ cruise. On the cruise, you will pass through the fabulous Three Gorges, witness the world great project - Three Gorges Dam, and have some free time for shore excursions. While onboard the cruise, you will spend really leisure time on a luxury 5-star ship to release your body and mind - meeting people from different countries and regions, relaxing yourself on the ship, having fun with many interesting activities, tasting rich kinds of cuisines, and being good taken care of by the friendly crews and cruise managers, etc.

For visitors who are going to have a long vacation in China to destinations, like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Guilin, the Yangtze River Cruise provides an opportunity to release you from the tiring caused by the long journey.

6. Cruise Leisurely along the Li River to Yangshuo Town in Guilin

Type: Nature, Landmarks, River Cruise
Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer and Autumn (Especially April to October)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

You may have seen many photos of the stunning kart landscape of Guilin on the Internet or Magazines. Now it’s the time to set your feet on this land of Kast. The beautiful Li River and Yangshuo Town are waiting for you!

Imagine you are sailing a ship or a bamboo crafter along the picturesque Li River while dazzling green limestone karst mountains, fascinating farmlands, small villages, friendly buffalos, boats of fishingman overwhelming into your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting. This is the famous Li River Cruise, about 84km long, relaxing and scenic.

After about 4 hours’ cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town. Take a short break, immerse yourself into the stunning countryside views and relaxed atmosphere and be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green hills and near the mirror-like river, with farmers cultivating the soil with their water buffalos.

In the evening, go to have a leisure walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to experience how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

7. Visit the Giant Pandas at Their Leisure Home Town - Chengdu

Type: Nature & Wildlife Areas, Nature & Parks
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street, Wenshu Temple, Wuhou Temple

How could you make it to say NO to the invitation from the Giant Panda? Don’t you agree the Giant Panda is the most adorable creature in the world? You may also visit pandas in many counties, like US, Japan, UK, etc., but you will only see one or two pandas. While in Chengdu, you are lucky to see a lot of pandas in a green and large panda base, including beautiful adult pandas as well as the cutest panda babies, at a very close distance.

The exact place is Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is located outskirt of Chengdu city (about 12km to the city center with 30 minutes’ drive). There are about 120 Giant Pandas and 76 red pandas living in the base. You are suggested to visit the panda base in the early morning when the pandas are more energetic and active. You can observe pandas eating, sleeping, and playing, which is an unforgettable experience.

8. Wander along the Bund to See the Towering Skyscrapers and Exotic Buildings

Type: Landmarks, Historic Walking Areas
Best Time to Visit: All Seasons
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Yu Garden, City God Temple

Stretching along the Huangpu River, the Bund is one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Strolling the waterfront promenade, you will soak in the unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. There is a collection of grand European-style buildings, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque designs, which witness the colonial era of Shanghai and showcase a harmonious fusion between East and West. Towering skyscrapers such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower draw the futuristic skyline of Pudong, creating a captivating sight. When night falls, the Bund will be illuminated with neon lights. It offers you a different experience from the daytime. If you would like to appreciate this Magical City from another angle, taking a cruise sailing on the Huangpu River is recommended.

9. Step into the Wonderland on the Earth of Jiuzhaigou

Type: World Heritage Sites, Natural Parks
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Autumn (Especially between July and October)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Mount Emei, Leshan Giant Buddha

Jiuzhaigou is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Traveling Jiuzhaigou is exploring two vast lands of attractions which are scattered in two national parks – Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong National Park.

No matter what season you go to Jiuzhaigou National Park, you can always enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. In spring, the clear water reflects the blue sky and the budding trees on the bank. Flowers start to bloom, dotting the meadows with colors like pink, yellow, and purple. In summer, it turns into a cool and pleasant paradise with lush forests. Nuiorilang waterfall is more vigorous, creating a symphony of sound. Autumn will put a multicolored robe on the valleys, while winter transforms it into a serene and white wonderland.

Known for its unique travertine landscapes, Huanglong National Park also shows distinct seasonal changes. The most beautiful scenery comes in autumn when the landscape is painted in hues of red, orange, and gold.

10. Ride a Bicycle around the Ancient City Wall

Type: Ancient Ruins, Sights & Landmarks
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (March to June, September to November)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Hourses

Xi’an Ancient City Wall is one of the best-preserved ancient walls in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it has a history of over 600 years. The entire wall was built with rammed earth inside and large bricks on the outside, which made it very solid. It was a significant military defense project during that period and now serves as a testament to the city’s long and storied past.

Xi’an Ancient City Wall has a perimeter of about 13.7 kilometers, with an average height of 12m and a width of 18m. Along the city wall, there are four huge gates, namely Changle Gate in the east, An Ding Gate in the west, Yong Ning Gate in the south, and An Yuan Gate in the north. Tourists can choose to walk or ride a bicycle along the wall to enjoy the panoramic view of Xi’an City.

11. Ascend Tianmen Mountain by the Longest Cableway in the World

Type: National Parks, Nature, Caves
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (March to June, September to November)
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjjiajie Grand Canyon

Tianmen Mountain is the second National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie, featuring a unique Karst landform and unparalleled natural landscape. It is a fantastic and thrilling experience to see the highest natural cave and try the longest cable car in the world on Tianmen Mountain.

Sitting in the 7455-meter cable car with a vertical height difference of 1279 meters for about 30 minutes, you can reach the top of Tianmen Mountain from the Zhangjiajie downtown area and catch an impressive panoramic view of Avenue toward Heaven with 99 Bends. Tianmen Cave is a gigantic natural cave high up the mountain with a height of 131.5 meters, a width of 57 meters, and a depth of over 60 meters, which is the world’s highest cave of its kind.

Exciting activities are not limited to cableway riding, there are also breathtaking glass skywalks stretching 60 meters in length and Guigu Cliffside Path spanning 1600 meters in length awaiting your challenge. While standing on the walkways, you can immerse yourself in the lofty and towering mountains.

12. Hike the Most Beautiful Mountain in China - Yellow Mountain

Type: World Heritage Sites, Nature, Hiking Trails
Best Time to Visit: March to November
Recommended Nearby Attractions: Hongcun Ancient Village, Xidi Ancient Village

“Trips to China's Wuyue Mountains (five greatest mountains) render trips to other mountains unnecessary and a trip to Huangshan renders the trips to Wuyue unnecessary", this is how a famous Chinese old saying goes. It is agreed by majority of travelers that Huangshan (the Yellow Mountain) is the most beautiful mountain in China. Quite different from the usual type of green and tall mountains or snow mountains you can see in Europe and America, Huangshan’s beauty is the way of Chinese traditional style, like a Chinese painting - Odd-shaped Pines, Spectacular Rocky Peaks, Sea of Clouds, Hot Spring and Winter Snow, which are the so-called Five Wonders of Yellow Mountain. Having such many incredible landscapes, Huangshan was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. So why not to put Huangshan on your list for 2025?

Huangshan is located in the south of Anhui Province, only about 3 hours’ bullet train ride from Shanghai, and 7~8 hours from Beijing by bullet train. There is also an airport near Huangshan, operating flights to Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.

One has hike on the stone paths from a peak to another because there is no vehicle road up to the mountain. As rewards for your hard hiking, incredible landscapes of peaks and pines can be enjoyed along the roads. For regular tourists who want a leisure way to explore Huangshan, they can take cable car up to the mountain for sightseeing, then take cable car down the mountain. Two days are needed.

Hongcun and Xidi, regarded as two of most beautiful ancient villages in China, are recommended to be added into your trip if you can spare out an extra day. There are only about 1 hour’s driving from Huangshan.

13. Have Fun on Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Type: Festivals
Best Time to Visit: Late December to Early January
Recommended Attractions: Harbin Ice and Snow World, Sun Island, Zhaolin Park

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is the biggest winter event in China. It is held annually in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. During Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, you can not only admire various ice sculpture, snow sculpture, ice lantern, wonderful performance, but also watch or take part in different kinds of ice or snow sports. The 41st Harbin Harbin Ice and Snow Festival will be held during late December of 2025, and last to later February of 2025. It’s better to plan your trip in advance.

There are three major sites for travelers to have fun during the festival. They are International Ice Sculpture at Ice and Snow World, International Snow Sculpture Art Fair on Sun Island, Ice Lantern Garden Party at Zhaolin Park. Among three sites, the International Ice Sculpture at Ice and Snow World is the biggest highlight. You can admire gorgeous ice and snow structures, savor the exquisite arts, enjoy the ice and snow performance and join interesting ice and snow activities.

You can take flights to Harbin from Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Kunming, Chengdu, etc. Beijing also operates 6 high speed bullet trains to Harbin each day. During Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, the average temperature of Harbin is -18℃ and it may fall to below -30℃ at night, so wear more clothes and warm shoes to keep you from being freeze. Done coat, thick jacket, mouth-muffle and gloves will also be helpful.

14. Follow the Ancient Footprints along the Silk Road

Type: Historical Sites
Best Time to Visit: Mid April to Mid October
Recommended Attractions:Mogao Caves, Zhangye Danxia Geo Park, Jiaohe Ancient City, Kashgar Old Town

As an ancient trade route, the Silk Road stretches over 6440 kilometers from China to the Mediterranean, passing through six provinces in China. Silk Road adventure can be diverse as tourists can discover cultural treasures, natural wonders, and centuries-old history along the route.

Xinjiang and Gansu have long worked as a strategic thoroughfare on the ancient Silk Road. During your journey along the Silk Road, do not miss spectacular Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountain, “Oriental Louvre” Mogao Grottoes which house the finest Buddha art in China, Turpan’s Jiaohe Ancient City which is well-preserved city ruins and has been inscribed as World Cultural Heritage sites of the Silk Road network.

15. Feel the Futuristic Magic in 8D City Chongqing

Type: Landmarks
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Recommended Attractions: Hongya Cave, Liziba, Ciqikou Town

Chongqing, a mountain city with undulating terrain and staggered buildings, is known as the "8D city" mainly due to its unique geographical environment and complex urban layout. Chongqing's rail transit system is unique in China, with multiple modes of transportation such as light rail and subway intertwined, forming a three-dimensional transportation network. One highlight is Liziba Light Rail which passes through residential buildings and has attracted countless tourists.

Chongqing not only owns futuristic magic like metropolis Shanghai and Hong Kong, but also preserves old-world charm. Visitors can catch the epitome of past Chongqing in Ciqikou Ancient Town and find traditional stilted houses and customs in Hongya Cave. When Hongya Cave is clad with neon lights, visitors may feel like step into cyberpunk space.

16. Soothe Your Soul on Sacred Potala Palace

Type: World Heritage Sites, Religious Sites
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Recommended Attractions: Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Barkhor Street

When mentioning the symbol of Tibet, what would you think of? Potala Palace will be the first answer for most people. There is no doubt it serves as the religious, political, and cultural center of Tibet.

Leaning the Red Hill, Potala Palace stands 117 meters high with 13 stories and 1267 rooms. Cleverly using the mountain landscape, it is perfectly integrated with the natural environment and enhances the stability of buildings. Potala Palace combines Tibetan, Han, Indian, and Nepalese elements, forming a unique artistic style. It is indeed a museum of arts filled with precious cultural and artistic treasures. There are more than 70,000 arts and more than 60,000 Buddhist scriptures, covering Buddhist pagodas, Buddha statues, thangka, etc. in the palace.

As the former residence of Dalai Lamas, it stands as an outstanding example of theocratic architecture. Even today, the Potala Palace maintains its holiness, and devout pilgrims attend the Kora around it. Located at Lhasa, the southwest part of China, Potala Palace can be reaced by trains and flights.

Potala Pacece is set at an altitude of about 3700 meters, you'd better take precautions to avoid altitude sickness and bring sunglasses and sunblocking cream to protect from strong ultraviolet rays.

17. Stroll at Lijiang Old Town with Profound Naxi Ethnic Culture

Type: World Heritage Sites, Ancient Towns
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Attractions: Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Lijiang Old Town is one of the four well-preserved ancient towns in China with a history of more than 800 years and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Known for its charming ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi culture, and peaceful environment, Lijiang Old Town is a good choice for travelers to escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The town is dominated by traditional Naxi-style buildings which are mostly made of soil and wood, or soil and stone. Walking through the narrow lanes with wooden houses and flowing canals, visitors can immerse themselves in the perfect blend of nature and man-made beauty. Do not miss the top site Mu’s Palace which is a large-scale palace group consisting of multiple courtyards, halls, and pavilions. Visitors can find a variety of traditional handicrafts and unique ethnic items on Sifang Street. Located at the highest point of Lijiang Old Town, Wangu Tower provides a unique perspective to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole town and surrounding landscape. The iconic Black Dragon Pool, with the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, presents a mirror-like surface and offers a picturesque setting for photographs.

18. Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of West Lake Scenery

Type: World Heritage Sites, Landmarks, Nature, Walking Areas
Best Time to Visit: All Year Around
Recommended Attractions: Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantation

West Lake in Hangzhou is a paragon of romance. The history of the West Lake is almost written in poetry and painting. Faced with the beauty of the West Lake, Chinese literati can’t help expressing their affection by painting and writing poems. As a result, the royal painting institute in the Southern Song Dynasty had landscape paintings with themes of Ten Scenes of West Lake. Travel around or on the lake, you can admire the picturesque sceneries highlighted in Ten Scenes of West Lake, such as Dawn at the Su Causeway in Spring, Lingering Snow over the Broken Bridge in Winter, Orioles Singing in the Willows, Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset, etc.

Sightseeing ways for West Lake can be diverse. Boats, bikes, or sightseeing buses are all accessible to tourists. If tourists have enough time and energy, walking is also a flexible way to meet the beauty of pagodas, temples, pavilions, and causeways around West Lake.

19. Embark on a Truly Epic Train Journey Across Over China

China now holds the crown of high-speed train capital of the world. China high-speed trains can take travellers to almost all of the country’s provinces. At present, a number of popular destinations and transportation hubs, including Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, etc., are connected by bullet trains with very short travel times. It is a comfortable and time-efficient way for traveler to uncover profound culture, long-lasting history, wonderful nature, mouth-watering cuisine and other highlights in China.

If you plan to delve into time-honored China, Beijing Xian high speed rail well links the capital of China – Beijing with the ancient capital – Xian. Shanghai Hangzhou high speed rail promises an easy and smooth transfer beteween modern Shanghai and poetic Hangzhou, helping travlers to savor the charming landscape of Jiangnan. Even along the Silk Road, there is Lanzhou Xinjiang high speed train, passing Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and more famous tourist cities.

20. Visit Fujian Tuolou Famous for Gigantic and Unique Hakka Dwellings

Type: World Heritage Sites, Cultural Sites, Architecture
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Recommended Attractions: Wuyishan, Xiapu

Earthen buildings for visual surprise can be found in Fujian Tulou! In 2008, Tujian Tulou was announced as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its unique architectural style, incredible designs, and philosophy of “harmony between nature and man”. The history of Fujian Tulou can be traced back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, and it matured in the Qing Dynasty. Fujian Tulous is built according to local conditions, usually against emerald mountains and by clear streams. Using earth and wood as the main material, the Hakka people built a large-scale earthen building for residence and military defense. Most of them are circular or square with fire and earthquake protection, which facilitates family unity and against enemies.

Fujian Tulou is mainly distributed in Yongding District, Nanjing, and Hua’an counties. Nanjing Tulou and Yongding Tulou are the most visited Tulou clusters. Head to Nanjing Tulou, visitors can see the interesting scene of “four dishes and one soup”, with 3 round earthen buildings, 1 oval building, and 1 square building elaborately arranged between the rice terraces. While Yongding Tulou is said to boast the most ancient, the largest, the highest, and the best-preserved ones.

21. Trace Poetic Beauty in Jiangnan Water Town

Type: Water Towns, Historic Sites
Best Time to Visit: All Seasons, Especially Spring and Autumn
Recommended Attractions: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Wuzhen Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town

Jiangnan water towns are mostly located in south of the Yangtze River, renowned for its pretty whitewashed houses, arched stone bridges and bustling canal-side streets.

Many ancient towns and historical sites in Jiangnan region have been listed as world cultural heritage or national key cultural relics protection units, such as Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, Tongli and other ancient towns in Suzhou, as well as Wuzhen and Xitang in Jiaxing. The above Jiangnan water towns all have unique charm and rich historical culture, making them excellent places to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns.

Conveniently located at one of the best gateway city Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town is easily accessible. Not far away from Shanghai, Wuzhen Water Town sits at Zhejiang capital Hangzhou. Zhouzhuang Water Town is the best-known water town in Jiangsu Province with a history of about 900 years.

22. Appreciate Brilliant Skills and Arts of Classical Gardens in Suzhou

Type:World Heritage Sites, Gardens
Best Time to Visit: March to November
Recommended Attractions: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill, Master of the Nets Garden, Lion Grove Garden

The ancient Chinese people were maybe the best architecture engineers who created some of the most brilliant architectures, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc. Well, these architectures are more related to the emperors’ palaces, towers, and temples. Well in Suzhou, you can see the masterpiece of civilian’s architectures – Suzhou Classical Gardens.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou was listed in the World Cultural Heritage Sites by the UNESCO who declares that the gardens “represent the development of Chinese landscape garden design over more than two thousand years," and they are the "most refined form" of garden art. Most of these gardens were constructed by scholars, and succeed in recreating natural landscape in miniature – to create all classic landscapes in the garden, including mountains, rivers, lakes, rocks, flowers, trees, etc. Only having the landscapes is not enough, the gardens have to be poetic, romantic, historical and cultural. So different halls, pavilions, pagodas were built in the garden with paintings, poems and couplets. In the classical gardens of Suzhou, even the flowers, grasses, bricks and stones are telling the happiness, pity and sorrow in the long history.

There are many Classical Gardens in Suzhou. The most famous one include Humble Administrator’s Garden (Archetype of Imperial Gardens), Lingering Garden (Poetic and Picturesque Garden), Tiger Hill (The First Sight in Suzhou), Master of the Nets Garden (Perfect Garden in Pocket Size), Lion Grove Garden (Kingdom of Rockeries), etc. Got inspired by the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, I.M. Pei (贝聿铭), one of the world’s greatest architects, designed Suzhou Museum which is now a must-visit site in Suzhou.

23. Witness Buddhist Brillance in Longmen Grottos

Type: World Heritage Sites, Historical Sites, Buddhist Spots
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Recommended Alternative Attractions: Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes near Datong

Longmen Grottoes is known as the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art and the largest stone carving treasure. With a history of over 1500 years, it abounds approximately 2300 caves, 100000 statues, 2800 stelae, and 60 pagodas. In 2000, Longmen Grottoes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity” for its remarkable Buddha complexes and unparalleled artistic expression.

To immerse into captivating grottoes, visitors shall not miss West Hill Grottoes, which is the essence of Longmen Grottoes and houses 90% statues.

Among the three notable grottoes in China, Longmen Grottoes ranks first, drawing numerous travelers and Buddhist devotees. The remaining two grottoes are Yungang Grottoes near Datong, Shanxi Province, and Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. If you are keen to Buddhist Statues art, it is also worthy visiting Mogao Cave reputed as the Pearl on the Silk Road and Yungang Grottoes which showcases the masterpiece of early Chinese Buddhist cave art.

24. Reach the Highest Mountain in the World – Everest

Type: Mountains, Nature,Hiking Trails
Best Time to Visit: April to May; September to October
Recommended Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest has been summited more than 10,000 times. It is an amazing adventure to leave your footprints on the highest peak in the world!

Mount Everest has an elevation of 8848.86 m and renowned as the Third Pole. This extraordinary height makes it a mecca for mountaineers and adventurers in the world. It is undoubtedly a physical feat as Mount Everest poses threats like altitude sickness, adverse weather, strong winds, avalanches, etc, which is very challenging. The popular Everest trek is usually concluded in a multi-day tour lasting over 5 days.

The main body of Mount Everest shapes like a white giant pyramid, capped with a large glacier stretching more than 26 km. To admire the magnificence of Mount Everest, Rongphu Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp are the best places. Arrive at Rongphu Monastery, there is a chance to appreciate charming banner clounds, sunrise, or sunset. If you want to take a closer look at the grand scene of the highest peak, Mount Everest Base Camp can complete your dream.

25. Savor Hong Kong Skyline from Victoria Peak

Type: Landmarks
Best Time to Visit: Autumn and Winter (June to November)
Recommended Attractions: Wong Tai Sin Templem, Lantau Island

Hong Kong Skyline, one of the most famous skylines in the world, consists of high-rising buildings on Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, showing the bustling and modern nature of this metropolis. Hong Kong Skyline not only includes many iconic skyscrapers such as Two International Finance Centre, Bank of China Tower, and International Commerce Center, but also includes beautiful sea views of Victoria Harbour, making Hong Kong Skyline unique in the world.

Victoria Peak is regarded as the best place to enjoy the Hong Kong Skyline as it is the highest peak in Hong Kong and offers stunning panoramic views. When night falls, the view of the skyline is nothing short of magical spectacles. The skyscrapers are adorned with a myriad of illuminated windows and neon signs, and the Victoria Harbour below acts as a mirror, reflecting the lights in a shimmering dance.

Discover REAL China with China Discovery

During the past years, we have managed to organize thousands trips to different destinations in China for our clients. Our aim is to create ideal itineraries which are tailored to match your individual needs, interests, and budgets and make sure that you are taken care of every step along the way while you are in China. So please make your move and go to discover the REAL China with China Discovery now!

Useful Links

Top 10 China Tour Packages

Classic China Tour Packages

China Tours from Beijing

China Tours from Shanghai

China Tours from Hong Kong

Short China Trips in a Week