Journey to China’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations With Spot Us Travel!

Photo Credits: Manoj kumar kasirajan

China is the world’s most populous country and home to 56 diverse ethnic groups. Its 9.6 million square kilometers offer breathtaking landscapes, scrumptious food, and rich culture, making it a must-visit destination for every traveler. It has the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and much more. Be it to explore the ancient wonders, seek a gastronomic adventure, or witness the modern marvels, China welcomes you with open arms. In this comprehensive guide, discover the best China has to offer.

Beijing is known for its rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. One of the most iconic and prestigious sites to visit when exploring the city is The Forbidden City. Also known as the Imperial Palace Museum, it remains one of the most visited attractions in China and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Forbidden City was built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties by over a million laborers and took 14 years to complete. It served as the center of the Chinese civilization and was the official residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The complex consists of over 980 buildings, covering an area of approximately 72 hectares, and its construction required 250,000 tons of marble and 100,000 tons of bronze. The Forbidden City is a testament to the ingenuity of Chinese architecture and engineering and offers a glimpse into China’s imperial past.

When planning your visit, you should allocate at least half a day to explore the Forbidden City in its entirety. To get there, you can take the subway’s Line 1 to Tian’anmen East, and exit at one of the three gates leading to the Palace Museum. It’s best to avoid visiting during peak hours or weekends to avoid crowds and take advantage of the cooler temperature during early morning hours. Tickets are available online or at the entrance, and it’s advisable to have cash with you in case of technical issues at the virtual ticket counters.

Exploring the Forbidden City in Beijing can be overwhelming, but it pays off to have a sightseeing plan in place. Highlights of the Palace Museum include the imperial garden, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the Hall of Clocks. The Nine-Dragon Screen and the Painted Gallery that showcases historical events in China through vivid paintings are exceptional. There are also separate exhibitions on the Palace Museum’s history and religious structures, including the Taoist Temple of the Earth and the Buddhist Temple of the Sun. The Palace Museum also holds regular cultural performances, including traditional Chinese dance and song events.

The Great Wall of China, or Chang Cheng, stretches over 13,000 miles and is considered the longest wall in the world. The history of the wall spans over two centuries of different dynasties and emperors, each leaving their mark on the structure we see today.

The Great Wall is divided into several sections, each with its unique characteristics and natural beauty. The most popular sections to trek are Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai. But if you want to experience a more authentic and less touristy section, I recommend hiking Jiankou. Be warned, however, that this section is steep and does not have safety features, so it is not suitable for amateur hikers.

Badaling is the most accessible and famous section of the wall, attracting over 70,000 visitors daily. It is recommended for those looking for a gentle walk as it has the most extensive range of stone steps and guardrails. The downside of this section is its popularity. It gets crowded and can take away from the experience.

Jinshanling is located 80 miles northeast of Beijing and provides the perfect balance of unrestored and restored sections of the wall. Its natural scenery and rolling hills offer breathtaking views, making it a must-see for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. You can trek Jinshanling for four hours and see the wall in different stages of restoration.

Mutianyu is the second-most popular section, but its cable car makes it an excellent choice for families with young children or older travelers. It covers a distance of six miles and is the biggest fully restored section of the wall. It also has fewer crowds compared to Badaling, making it quite comfortable to navigate.

Simatai is known for its imposing steeper walls and many watchtowers. It is also the only section that allows a night trek. But, it’s not accessible by public transport and requires booking tour packages in advance. It’s worth it, though, especially for history enthusiasts, as the wall has remained unchanged since construction in the tenth century.

It’s best to trek the Great Wall during the spring and autumn seasons, as the temperature is more moderate than during the summer or winter. It can be physically challenging, even for experienced hikers, so take comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and enough water to last the duration of your trek. Also, note that the trek can take anywhere between two to five hours depending on the section you choose.

Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient, is undoubtedly China’s modern metropolis and one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. Its dazzling skyline, modern infrastructure, world-class shopping centers, and dynamic nightlife, make Shanghai one of the most attractive destinations to visit in the world. And, of course, no visit to Shanghai is complete without a visit to the iconic Bund district.

Discover the Bund District
The Bund is a picturesque waterfront area along the Huangpu River, famous for its iconic architecture that boasts a blend of western and Chinese styles. Wander along the Bund at your leisure and enjoy the stunning views of the towering skyscrapers across the river. Don’t forget to stop by Peace Hotel, one of Shanghai’s most famous buildings and admire its 1920s Art Deco architecture.

Visit the Shanghai Tower
No trip to Shanghai is complete without a visit to the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper, and the second tallest building in the world after the Dubai Burj Khalifa. With 128 floors, the Shanghai Tower offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city. Get a bird’s eye view of Pudong’s financial district and the Huangpu River while enjoying an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Oriental Pearl Tower
One of the most famous landmarks on the Shanghai skyline is the Oriental Pearl Tower. Located in Pudong’s Lujiazui financial district, the Oriental Pearl Tower offers a magnificent 360-degree view of Shanghai City up to a height of 468 meters. It is a perfect spot to see the city from a bird’s eye view, particularly during the night, when the skyline sparkles like a diamond.

Shop and Dine at Superbrand Mall
Complete your tour of the Bund district by heading over to the Superbrand Mall, which offers all kinds of fun and excitement ranging from high-end shopping, excellent restaurants, and entertaining activities. It’s the perfect place to experience the unique fusion of modernity and tradition in Shanghai.

If you’re planning a trip to China, then one destination that should be at the top of your list is Xian’s Terracotta Warriors. This 2,200-year-old archaeological wonder is one of the most significant discoveries of the 20th century and is considered one of China’s greatest treasures. The site attracts millions of visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why.

The Discovery of the Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors were discovered by accident in 1974 by local farmers who were digging a well. They stumbled across a life-size terracotta figure and eventually uncovered a vast army of over 8,000 figures, horses, and chariots. The site was believed to be Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, the first emperor of a united China, who ordered the construction of the army. Visitors can still see the excavation site today, with new discoveries continually being made.

The Significance of the Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are an excellent representation of the power and influence of the Han dynasty. The soldiers were constructed as a defense for Qin Shi Huang’s afterlife and symbolically represent his physical and military might. The warriors were built using different weapons and details, indicating their function and rank within the army. Today, the Terracotta Warriors continue to be a source of inspiration for artists and historians alike.

Top Tips for Visiting the Terracotta Warriors
To make the most of your visit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid peak visiting times to avoid the crowds. The site opens at 8 am, and it’s recommended you arrive early to beat the crowds. Secondly, bring comfortable shoes as the site is expansive and requires a lot of walking. Lastly, don’t skip the museum and informational displays. They offer an in-depth understanding of the history behind the Terracotta Warriors.

Other Things to Do in Xian
Xian has plenty of other attractions to offer visitors! The city has a rich history and is home to several ancient sites, including the city walls, bell tower, and drum tower. Visitors can check out the Muslim Quarter, which offers a unique insight into Chinese Muslim culture and the city’s famous food scene. The Shaanxi History Museum is also a must-visit, with over 370,000 artifacts representing China’s diverse culture and history.

Located in the heart of China, Hangzhou is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, known for its breathtaking nature, traditional architecture, and rich culture. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Hangzhou is by taking a trip to the green tea mountains that surround the city. Here, you can find peace, serenity, and relaxation while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

The green tea mountains of Hangzhou are home to some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the world. The lush green mountains and valleys are filled with fragrant tea plantations, sparkling streams, and picturesque villages. There are many hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery, as well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with the tea farmers who maintain these ancient traditions.

One of the most popular destinations in the green tea mountains of Hangzhou is Longjing Village. Here, you can find some of the best green tea in the world, as well as ancient temples and traditional architecture. The village is also famous for its Black Dragon Pool, which is believed to be the source of the purest water in the area. The pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular spot for meditation and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, then you can take a bamboo rafting trip down the Mudu River. The river runs through the middle of the green tea mountains and offers some of the most amazing views of the surrounding landscape. The trip is a great way to explore the area, and you can even stop at one of the many tea farms along the way to learn more about the traditional practices that have been handed down for generations.

For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the green tea mountains of Hangzhou offer the perfect retreat. There are many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in the area that offer comfortable accommodations, as well as access to some of the most beautiful views in the world. Many of these accommodations also offer meditation and yoga classes, as well as spa services that are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating the mind and body.

China is an enormous country full of wonders, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and endless possibilities. While it is easy to get carried away with the vast array of things to do and trying to pack in as much as possible, take a moment, and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals, sampling local cuisine and learning about China’s incredible history. China is a destination without limits, and it is worth returning to explore more and more of its intriguing corners, from the high-tech cities to the untouched rural landscapes. Come explore China with open arms!