China is vast and has a populace of great size. It also has a history and culture that goes back thousands of years. As such, it’s a great place to visit and these are seven of the best cities in China, to take a trip to if you decide to make China your next travel destination.
Guilin
A trip through Guilin offers an inspiring adventure through otherworldly scenery that you would have to see for yourself to truly believe. Take a relaxing river boat down the Li River and thrill to amazing karst structures towering overhead on both banks. These sights seem mysterious when coming out of the shrouding mists. If your travels take your deeper into Yangshuo, you will get a chance to visit the caves and grottos situated beneath the lush vegetation. Guilin is a spectacular and beautiful city and no visit is complete without a trip to the Sun Moon Pagoda where you will enjoy some breathtaking views. If this tickles your fancy then read this article on visas and other arrangements required before a visit.
Guangzhou
This 2,000 year old city is situated on the banks and islands of the Pearl River and was an important point on the Maritime Silk Road that sent Chinese goods to the west. As such, you will find historically important landmarks and a wide range of architectural features to visit. This sprawling concrete jungle can seem daunting, but nestled in its streets are some of the oldest and most amazing temples in the region. You can’t miss Liurong Temple or the Huaisheng Mosque which was originally built in 627ACE. Taking a boat tour of the city will introduce you to a spectacular skyline and don’t miss out on the greatest selection of restaurants you can hope to find.
Lhasa
The capital of Tibet is an enchanting city that sits high in the mountains of the Himalayas against an almost year round blue sky. The primary attraction is Potala Palace, the residence of the Dalai Llama and an amazing complex of structures that deserves a visit. You can visit Tibet’s most ancient and prized possession at Jokhang Palace –– this delightful statue of Buddha that dates back more a 1000 years. Tibet is a city unlike those in the rest of China and a great place to see the culture of Tibet.
Xi’an
There is a lengthy list of reasons a culture enthusiast or history buff will value a trip to the ancient city of Xi’an. There are historical sites all around the city and it will be hard to see them all. But, if there is one sight that deserves your attendance it is the Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses a true marvel to behold. The ancient city walls are also an amazing site of architectural genius that allowed the Ming Dynasty to make Xi’an their seat of power. Chinese royalty ruled from here for over a thousand years and 73 generations of emperor. There is no better place to see the effects that history and modernization has had on the soul of China then in the city of Xi’an.
Shanghai
The largest city in China is fast paced city that never seems to wind down and always provides a wealth of attractions. The towering skyscrapers built along the banks of the Huangpu River are an amazing sight to behold and looks especially terrific against the various art deco building dotting the river banks. Most tourists will head on over to the Bund which features some classic colonial style buildings from days gone by. This place has been affectionately known as the “museum of buildings” and a relic of imperial powers that exerted force on China long ago. Due to the rapid economic rise the city has taken on some super modern features, but don’t forget to take a trip to Old Town for a view of the city as it was before all this and a chance to visit the beautiful Yuyuan Gardens.
Hong Kong
Towering Skyscrapers stand over Victoria Bay and these are set in a beautiful backdrop of lush rolling hills and mountains behind. The best views of all this can come from a boat tour of the harbor. In the evening the lights of the city reflecting off the water is something beautiful and nostalgic. But, you can climb to nearby Victoria Peak for a view over the entire city and its features. Hong Kong has also been a cultural mishmash for hundreds of years and there are foods, clothes, shopping and activities to suit every taste.
Beijing
No trip to China would be complete without a journey to the capital city and home to over 20,000,000 residents. Beijing is a bustling metropolis that grows larger and larger each day and boasts thousands of different attractions for all types of visitors. One of the first and foremost attractions is Tiananmen Square and the buildings of the Forbidden City featuring classic Chinese architecture and styles. There is no better place to learn about the way of life in ancient China than to visit the many other museums that are dotted around the city. You can round off your appreciation for the era with a trip to the many archaeological sites, monasteries, temples and palaces dotted all over the city. As you go you will also be able to see many marvels of modern Chinese and international architecture that has found a cultural home in China’s Capital. If you get hungry, some of the best food in Beijing and the world can be found on the streets of this fine city. Finally, use your visit to Beijing to take some trips to the Great Wall of China. The way this massive work of engineering and determination snakes its path over the countryside is truly a marvel of engineering and ingenuity.