China’s rich history and its historical sites play a pivotal role in the list of Top Ten Things to Do there. The Forbidden City, one time housing 9,000 servants and members of the royal family, is an undisputed hit while the Great Wall draws the crowds in their millions to see the largest defense system in the world.
One of the most significant archeological finds of the last century, the Terracotta Warriors – created to ‘protect’ the Emperor Quin Shi Huang in the next world – they never fail to impress. Yunnan Stone Forest is a wonder of Nature and a prime example of the phenomenon that is karsts. China’s national symbol, the Giant Panda, is ubiquitous throughout the land yet comparatively few remain and are kept at panda sanctuaries – a visit to one is time well spent.
The Forbidden City
Beijing
The Forbidden City was the centre of Imperial China during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1416 – 1911). In its heyday, as many as 9,000 people lived inside the Forbidden City. Today, the Forbidden City is the largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex in the world. Read More...
- Opening Hours: April 1st - October 31st 08:30 to 17:00 (last entry: 16:10), November 1st - March 31st 08:30 to 16:30 (last entry: 15:40)
- Address: 4 Jingshan Qianjie, Beijing 100009, China
- Tel: +86 10 8500 7421
- Price Range: April 1st - October 31st: 60 yuan, November 1st - March 31st: 40 yuan
Great Wall of China
Near Beijing
An undisputable symbol of ancient Chinese military power, the Great Wall is the largest military defense system in the world. It stretches across northern China, starting at the mouth of Yalu River in the east and ends at Jiayu Pass in the west, measuring 8,851.8 kilometres in all. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Each section of the wall has its own opening hours and admission fees. Most sections close earlier in winter/spring.
Former French president Jacques Chirac once said: "One can't claim to have visited China unless one has seen these Terracotta Warriors." Considered to be of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses were discovered during the 1970’s. Read More...
Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries
Near Chengdu
The giant panda is native to central-western and south-western China and is one of the most instantly recognizable creatures in the world. In China images of this black-and-white bear permeate almost every aspect of life and pandas oftentimes are used as goodwill ambassadors. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Bifengxia Panda Base 08:30 – 18:00 daily
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base 08:00 – 18:00 daily
The Bund
Shanghai
Stretching from Suzhou Creek to Jinling Lu along the western shore of the Huangpu River, The Bund is Shanghai’s most popular landmark. Providing a striking contrast to Pudong’s ultra-modern skyline, The Bund is characterised by a row of well-preserved colonial buildings which have been converted into F&B outlets and hotels. Read More...
- Location: Along the western shore of the Huangpu River between Suzhou Creek and Jinling Lu
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Near Chengdu
Huanglong is best known for its five main attractions – rainbow ponds, limestone sandbars, snow-capped peaks, undulating ravines and virgin forests. Also known as Golden Dragon Valley, Huanglong’s main draw are its tiers of multihued limestone ponds with the silhouette of the 5,588-metre Xuebao Peak in the backdrop. Read More...
- Opening Hours: 09:10 – 16:40
- How to get there: From Songpan, there is a bus that leaves at 06:00 and 07:00 for Huanglong National Park; the journey takes approximately one-and-a-half hours. From Jiuzhaigou, there is a bus that leaves at 07:00 and 07:30 for the park; the trip takes about three hours but the return trip is tricky.
The Temple of Heaven
Beijing
This expansive temple-and-park complex is an iconic site in southern Beijing and possibly the second most popular landmark in the city. Built in 1406 by Ming Emperor Yong Le, the Temple of Heaven’s layout and architecture are filled with ancient symbolisms, which interpret heaven as a blue, round dome and the earth as a flat, square base. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Gate 06:00 - 22:00; The Scenic Spots March 1 to June 30: 08:00 -17:30, July 1 to October 31: 08:00 - 18:00, November 1 to February 28：08:00 - 17:00
Lijiang Old Town
Yunnan
Lijiang has the best-preserved ancient town in China. The Old Town, with a history going back more than 800 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At one time a confluence for trade along the old Tea Horse Road, the town is full of shops with a superb collection of handicrafts and all the streets and lanes of the town are paved with red breccia. Read More...
Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha
Near Chengdu
Emei Shan – a cool mountainside sanctuary that presents a sharp contrast to Sichuan basin’s sweltering heat – is located 130 kilometres southwest of Chengdu. Leshan – home to the world’s tallest Buddha statue – is a tranquil riverside town not far from Emei Shan; the riverfront along Binhe Lu is especially beautiful at night. Read More...
Yunnan Stone Forest
Near Kunming
The Stone Forest is a creation of prehistory. Roughly 270 million years ago, the earth flexed its muscles, caused an ocean to drain and the limestone seabed to rise up. The wash of the receding waters, time, wind and acidic rains, all lent to the erosion of the limestone until only tall narrow karsts remained dotting the otherwise barren landscape. Read More...
