Joanna James
China is a vast, complex and ancient country with many tales, magical natural wonders and modern luxuries. Given the length and breadth of the country, it can be hard to pick your destinations in China. In this article, we present some of the best places to explore in China.
The busy yet intriguing Beijing can open your eyes to China’s ancient and evolving soul. It is worthwhile to spend a few days in the city. Look for Beijing serviced apartments for comfortable stay. Check with DiscoverASR for accommodation close to key sites. Once you’re there, go for a walk in the Forbidden city and try Peking Duck at a snack bar. Walk around the parks and markets to experience local life as it is. Come night, dive into Beijing’s exhilarating nightlife.
Arguably the most popular destination in China with first time visitors, Xi'an is an important archeological site. This is where you’ll find the mysterious Terracotta Army with over 6000 life-sized warrior statues – each depicting a unique expression and posture. You can go for a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall to catch an expansive glimpse of the city. In the evening, go to Muslim Streets to grab something to eat and people watch.
Go to Chengdu to meet adorable giant pandas. The panda research base in Chengdu even run a volunteer programme. Sign up as a volunteer to get up close and personal with pandas and help them get on with their slow-paced lives. You get to see the munch on bamboo, help with cleaning up and get a souvenir certificate to remember your time with the pandas. Take plenty of photos, and plan to spend an hour or two with the giant pandas.
The limpid streams, thick forests, magical karst caves, perilous peaks and the liquid tune of ancient times make up the allure of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar drew inspiration from the peaks in Zhangjiajie. Ride a cable car to the top through an ocean of clouds. Take a walk along the steps to bask in the enchanting views. The fresh air will invigorate you and the sights and sounds will draw you into a magical world.
The idyllic country vistas, fresh air and the Li River flowing through karst landscapes combine to create a perfect family vacation spot. Go on a bamboo raft ride or take a sidecar tour across the countryside. If you love river safaris, take a Li River cruise. Go on an adventure looking for a wild limestone cave or a mesmerizing valley. Afterwards, head to a restaurant to eat an authentic Chinese meal amidst the immersive landscape.
Huangshan is sometimes called the ‘most beautiful mountain in China,’ and not without reason. The yellow hued mountains, scattered with oddly-formed rocks, hot springs and pine trees call for a lengthy exploration. An ocean of clouds envelops the mountain tops, as if hiding secret steps to heaven. Take your time to drink in the ethereal beauty.
Take advantage of the high-speed rail to go to Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. You can get to both Suzhou and Hangzhou within an hour from Shanghai if you use the bullet train. In Shanghai, you can savour history and afterwards get some coffee at the world’s largest Starbucks (which uses Augmented Reality). In Hangzhou, go on a tea trail to see farmers busy picking tender tea leaves, and watch the entire process of making tea. In Suzhou, enjoy traditional Chinese gardens and water towns.
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