China is not just a country, but an entire world contained within one territory. Its vast expanses hold bustling megacities, ancient temples, flooded rice terraces, and rugged mountain ranges. To avoid getting lost in this diversity, we have divided the key attractions into four macro-regions, each with its own unique character.
1. Eastern China
This region is the economic heart of the country, where ultramodernity meets exquisite cultural tradition. Here you will find the main financial centers and the most romantic landscapes.
Shanghai: The "Paris of the East" and a port in the ocean of the future.
Shanghai is a visual manifesto of Chinese ambitions. A walk along the Waitan (The Bund) is a journey through time: on one side of the Huangpu River are colonial buildings from the 1920s, on the other are the futuristic skyscrapers of the Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Be sure to visit the Yu Garden (Yuyuan) – a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden architecture, hidden in the heart of the old city.
Hangzhou: "Heaven on Earth."
As the Chinese proverb goes: "In heaven there is paradise, and on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." West Lake (Xihu) is the soul of this city. Its beauty has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Rent a bicycle or a boat to explore the lake, pagodas, and tea plantations where the famous Longjing tea ("Dragon Well") is grown.
Suzhou: The "Venice of China."
Known for its canals, bridges, and classical gardens, Suzhou offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of megacities. The UNESCO-listed Suzhou Gardens (such as the Humble Administrator`s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden) are masterpieces of minimalism and symbolism, where every stone and stream has deep meaning. Don`t miss a trip on the ancient canal on a traditional boat.
Natural Attractions of Eastern China:
Yellow Mountains (Huangshan): Peaks drowning in clouds. These granite peaks, covered with bizarrely twisted pine trees, are the prototype of the classic Chinese landscape. The ascent by cable car opens up views that seem surreal, especially at sunrise when the "sea of clouds" forms.
2. Northern China
This is the land of emperors, where the Chinese statehood originated. The region is steeped in history and possesses a monumental, majestic spirit.
Beijing: The majestic capital of the Celestial Empire.
Beijing is a must-see. The Forbidden City (Gugong) is the world`s largest palace complex, from which 24 emperors ruled China for 500 years. To the north of the city stretches the Great Wall of China (the Mutianyu or Juyongguan sections are less crowded than Badaling), astounding in its scale and engineering. Don`t forget about the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) – a masterpiece of religious architecture, and a walk through the hutongs – the ancient alleys that preserve the spirit of old Beijing.
Xi`an: The starting point of the Silk Road.
If Beijing is the head of the empire, then Xi`an is its heart. The ancient capital is famous, first and foremost, for the Terracotta Army – thousands of unique clay statues of warriors and horses guarding the rest of the first emperor Qin Shi Huang. This is one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries in the world. Be sure to walk along the well-preserved city wall and visit the Muslim Quarter with its lively night market.
Natural Attractions of Northern China:
Shili-Pu-Bu National Park (Arid Corridors): Although part of Tibet, access is often organized from Beijing. This is a harsh but incredibly picturesque canyon with a winding river and bizarrely shaped rocks.
3. Western China
This is the least populated and wildest region of China, a manifesto of the power of nature. The Great Silk Road passed through here, and the cultures of the Tibetans and Uyghurs have created a unique fusion.
Chengdu: The capital of Sichuan cuisine and home to pandas.
Relaxed Chengdu serves as the ideal gateway to the western regions. The main goal for many tourists is the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can see these adorable animals up close. In the evening, immerse yourself in the culture of tea houses and try the famous spicy Sichuan cuisine.
Lhasa (Tibet): The "Roof of the World" and spiritual capital.
Located at an altitude of 3,650 meters, Lhasa is a sacred city for Tibetan Buddhists. The Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, hovers over the city like a giant fortress-monastery. The Jokhang Temple is the heart of Lhasa, where thousands of pilgrims perform the kora (ritual circumambulation).
Xining (and Qinghai Lake): The gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. From here begins one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world – the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Qinghai Lake is the largest salt lake in China; in summer its shores turn into a yellow sea of blooming rapeseed.
Urumqi and Kashgar (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region): The soul of the Silk Road. Kashgar, especially its Sunday market, is a place where time has stood still. There is a strong influence of Central Asian culture here. Urumqi is the remote capital of the region, from where you can travel to the Flaming Mountains of Turpan.
Natural Attractions of Western China:
Jiuzhaigou National Park ("Valley of Nine Villages"): A magical valley with cascades of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and pristine forests. In autumn, when the leaves turn yellow and red, the landscape becomes absolutely surreal.
Mount Everest (Jomolungma): The northern slope of the world`s highest mountain is on the Tibetan side. A journey to the base camp (Rongbuk Monastery) is a challenge and a reward at the same time, offering a view of the planet`s summit.
Mogao Caves (Dunhuang): The "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas" are a treasury of Buddhist art in the far west of China. Hundreds of caves decorated with frescoes and sculptures tell the story of the Silk Road.
4. South-Central Regions
This region is the embodiment of that pastoral beauty seen on traditional Chinese scrolls. The humid climate has created unique natural landscapes, and the influence of neighboring countries has added color.
Guilin and Yangshuo: Poetry in karst.
Guilin is famous for its karst hills that seem to grow out of the ground, taking on bizarre shapes. But the real gem is the Li River. A river cruise from Guilin to the town of Yangshuo is a journey through a picturesque postcard. Yangshuo has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for cycling trips and bamboo rafting on the river.
Guangzhou: The capital of Guangdong province and the world`s factory.
One of China`s main trading cities with an ancient history. Here you can see unique architecture, such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Zhenhai Tower. Guangzhou is also the gastronomic capital of southern China, famous for its dim sum style.
Hong Kong (Xiānggǎng) and Macau (Àomén): Special Administrative Regions.
Hong Kong is a dizzying mix of skyscrapers, green mountains, and colonial history. Take the Peak Tram, ride the Star Ferry, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of street markets. Macau, a former Portuguese colony, strikes with the contrast between its UNESCO-listed historic center and luxurious casinos.
Natural Attractions of Central and Southern China:
Longji Rice Terraces ("Dragon`s Backbone"): Near Guilin are these impressive terraces encircling the mountains. In spring they are filled with water reflecting the sky, and in autumn they glow with ripe rice.
Wulingyuan National Park (Zhangjiajie): These mountains, resembling floating pillars, inspired the creators of the movie "Avatar." Funiculars and glass bridges allow you to appreciate the scale and beauty of this place.
Given the enormous size of China, the key to a successful trip is not to try to cover everything. Instead, choose one or two regions to explore without unnecessary rush.
High-speed trains (GAO TIE) are the traveler`s best friend. They are comfortable, punctual, and connect all major cities. It is better to book tickets in advance. Outside tourist centers, English is not widely spoken. Install translator apps and a taxi app (Didi) on your phone. Save the names of attractions and hotels in Chinese – this will make your life much easier.
