Sep
4
The top 5 destinations to visit while you’re in China
Posted by Travel Expert at 22:25 | Filed In Asia
Also the third largest country on this planet, the People’s Republic of China is also the largest country in the world in terms of population. Mystical and mythical, intriguing and exciting, China has since ancient times, been an extremely enticing country for everyone.
The top 5 destinations to visit while you’re in China are:
- Beijing – As the capital of China, Beijing is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, strewn all over the city. The Great Wall, the Former Imperial Palace, Forbidden City and the ruins of the Peking Man are some of the great architectural wonders, waiting to be experienced. Travelling through Beijing is quite a contrast, modern day sky scrapers pitted against the magnificent ancient wonders. Among the immense amount of ancient buildings that dot the landscape, to this day are quite a few Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples and Catholic churches, such as Yonghegong Lamasery and Big Bell Temple. Over 120 museums are worth visiting, but noteworthy amongst them are the China Art Museum and the Museum of Chinese History. And while we’re talking about history one can’t forget the historic Tian’anmen Square in the center of Beijing, which can hold upto 1 million people and is also the largest city square in the world. The night scene of Tian’anmen Square is definitely a MUST for any visitor to Beijing.
- Shanghai – A dazzling city swirling with a rapid cultural change, Shanghai is a fresh, new sophisticated city, ready to envelop you in its arms. Visit the Shanghai museum, the Bund and the Nanjing Road, Yu Garden and Yuyuan Market and watch an amazing acrobat show in the nite, in any of the various theaters. While you’re experiencing the Old Town of Shanghai which was laid out in 1559 AD by a powerful Ming official, loose yourself in the beautiful landscape of pagodas, pavilions, rockeries, fountains, ancient trees and precious flowers at Yu Garden or just shop for some beautiful trinkets and souvenirs of your trip at Yuyuan Market. The cosmopolitan nature of Shanghai will make sure you’re not left behind in your trip to this mystical country.
- Guilin – Welcome to the most scenic city in China – Guilin. The stunning landscape of this city creates a magic which makes sure that you forget everything else. Beautiful and yet strangely shaped hills or karsts, replete with bamboo and conifers together with wonderful caves make Guilin a MUST see attraction for everyone. Visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, which looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the Li river or Fubo Hill where you can see loads of Buddha statues thousands of years old or see a panoramic view of the entire city from the top of the Returned Pearl Cave.
- Xi’an – Also known as the eternal city. Xi’an has been the witness to China’s changing history. Also known as Chang’an in ancient times, Xi’an was also the cradle of ancient civilization along the banks of the Yellow River. In Xi’an’s 3,100 year old history, 13 dynasties have ruled over it. A mandatory visit to the Natural History Museum will acquaint you with the several wonders from this part of China. The infamous Museum of Terra Cotta Warirrors also known as the eight wonder of the world, is here and an imperative visit. While the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is also a world heritage site, the City Wall is the largest and the most intact Ming dynasty wall in the world. Nearby Xi’an also exists the ‘forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,’ since it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni – the founder of Buddhism. While its historical significance has been of paramount tourist interest, the natural wonders of Xi’an are nothing short of being a marvel in themselves. Worth a visit are: Mt.Huashan, Forest of Stone Steles and Banpo Village Remains.
- Yangshuo – Bored of the hustle bustle of city life? Or just in the dire need of a fresh breath of air and want to experience nature at its best? Head right to Yangshuo, a small county in southern China. This city of breath taking beauty and a history of over 1,400 years, makes sure that ancient traditions are still alive to this day. Diverse ethnic minority groups such as Hui, Zhuang, Yao enrich this land with their folk cultures and add exotic flavors to its fascination. Flowing through this scenic beauty is the ‘Little Li River’ or the Yulong River – a paradise for a cruise because of its green hills, silky water and ancient bridges. You can also visit Xanadu, a primitive minority village to experience folk culture and tranquil rurality first hand.
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