1. Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province, located on the southwestern border of China and bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, is celebrated as a southern gem with its rich biodiversity and multicultural heritage. Embarking on a China tour to Yunnan a vibrant journey through China’s southern gem. Renowned as the lush “Kingdom of Plants” and “Kingdom of Animals”, Yunnan provides a backdrop for exploring the cultural tapestry of ethnic minorities, charming landscapes like the Old Town of Lijiang, the picturesque scenics around Dali’s Mount Cangshan and Erhai Lake, the spring-like climate and cultural mosaic of Kunming, and the serene Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Shangri-La.
2. Beijing
The capital of China and its political and cultural center, Beijing enjoys a time-honored history. It is home to magnificent imperial landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, and the traditional Siheyuan residences, with over 7300 cultural relics and more than 200 tourist attractions.
Beijing today is a dazzling blend of ancient and modern, where narrow alleys, traditional tea houses, trendy bar streets, and bustling commercial districts merge. The infinite modern elements mix with the authentic flavor of old Beijing. Beijing tour allows you to not only feel the grandeur and solemnity of the ancient capital, but also the fashion and prosperity presented by the modern metropolis.
- Xi’an
Located in the northwest of China, Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is historically known as Chang’an. It is a famous historical and cultural city with a history of more than three thousand years and has been the capital for thirteen dynasties, making it one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization.
Here, you can walk on the ancient city walls of Xi’an, feeling the vicissitudes of the ancient capital and the vitality and innovation of the modern city; step into the Terracotta Army Museum to witness the shock and mystery of the “Eighth Wonder of the World”; climb the Great Wild Goose Pagoda to overlook the ancient capital and listen to the legendary story of the monk Xuanzang’s journey to the west to obtain sacred texts; and climb Mount Hua to appreciate the magnificence and peril of “the most precipitous mountain under heaven”
In 1981, UNESCO designated Xi’an as a ‘World Historical City’. Xi’an is also the starting point of the Silk Road, where historically 13 dynasties established their capitals. This city showcases an excellent image of China and is one of the best tourist destinations in the country.
4. Shanghai
Shanghai serves as a window to China for the world, with its architecture embodying the culture and charm of the city. Visitors can be seen everywhere in Shanghai, tasting “must-have” dishes, engaging with mobile payments, taking city walks, and sharing memes on social media. A significant characteristic of the rapid growth in Shanghai’s inbound tourism is the “host-guest sharing” concept. Innovative measures such as payment facilitation, no-appointment necessities, and the “Shanghai Pass” greatly ease the experience for foreign visitors.
Here, you can enjoy a welcoming Chinese journey. In addition to attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Huangpu River, and Nanjing Road Walking Street, tourists can also enjoy a variety of cultural and artistic performances in the city’s squares during holidays and participate in many sports and cultural activities.
5. Suzhou
In 1276 AD, Venetian traveler Marco Polo arrived in Suzhou and was astounded by the sight before him: a city of intertwined waterways, small bridges over flowing streams, and people dressed in silk and brocade, a picture of prosperity. This city, located downstream of the Yangtze River, was a “noble” city, as Polo wrote in his travels. Thinking of his homeland thousands of miles away, he affectionately called Suzhou the “Venice of the East.”
For thousands of years, the crisscrossing waterways have kept Suzhou prosperous, and its wealthy residents have built many elegant and beautiful gardens. It takes only over 20 minutes to travel from Suzhou to Shanghai by high-speed train, and the city remains one of the wealthiest in China. More than 100 classical gardens still exist within the city, nine of which have been designated as World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO.
In many places, it is hard to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. However, in Suzhou, there are over a hundred tranquil gardens of mountains and waters for people to enjoy and rest in. When you step through the garden gate and find yourself within the high walls, it feels as if you have entered an entirely new world. Here, you can find inner peace.
