Top Attractions
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is one of China’s most representative landmarks and the world’s longest man-made defensive structure, stretching over 20,000 kilometers like a colossal dragon lying across mountain ranges. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and later earning a spot as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”
Whether you are standing on the wall facing the winding mountain ridges or watching the wall disappear into the horizon, the awe is something that cannot be fully expressed in photographs. It is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of the wisdom and perseverance of the Chinese nation.
City to Visit: Beijing
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, stands as China’s most well preserved and largest imperial palace complex, ranking first among the world’s five great palaces. It was constructed from 1406 to 1420 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
With over 9,000 rooms spanning 720,000 square meters, it resembles a miniature city. It served not only as the royal residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it also represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture and artistry. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a photography aficionado, or simply wanting to experience the grandeur of ancient royalty, the Forbidden City promises to leave you awestruck.
City to Visit: Beijing
The Bund
Situated along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, the Bund is one of the most iconic urban landmarks of the city and is celebrated as an “Exhibition of International Architecture”. This waterfront area features over 20 classic buildings which are considered century-old architectural marvels. They showcase diverse styles from Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque to Classical Revival, forming an open-air museum of world architecture.
More than just Shanghai’s cultural emblem, the Bund symbolizes China’s modern financial and commercial heartland, witnessing the city’s evolution from a treaty port to an international metropolis. Today, it remains a must-visit hotspot for global travelers exploring Shanghai.
City to Visit: Shanghai
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and stands as one of China’s most astonishing archaeological discoveries. Located in Lintong District, Xi’ an, Shaanxi Province, this site forms part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. It was accidentally discovered in 1974 by local farmers while digging a well, it has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of China’s must-visit tourist destinations by global travellers.
The scale of the army is huge, with their total number reaching over 10,000 soldiers. These soldiers are meticulously arranged in historical military formations across underground pits, and each of them displays distinct facial features, expressions, and hairstyles, vividly bringing to life the Qin army from over 2000 years ago.
City to Visit: Xi’an
Li River
The Li River, a gem in Guangxi Province, flows 83 kilometres through Guilin and Yangshuo and showcases the largest and most beautiful karst landscape. The meandering river, beautiful green hills, tranquil farmlands, and rustic villages weave together into a breathtaking ink-wash masterpiece. This is the picturesque landscape shown on the 20 Chinese yuan note.
You can take a cruise down the river or sit on the bamboo raft to admire this gorgeous scenery. Beyond being a favorite among domestic travelers, Yangshuo has become a paradise for travellers globally. Travel magazines like National Geographic and Lonely Planet have repeatedly ranked it among the world’s must-visit destinations.
City to Visit: Yangshuo
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding stands as one of the world’s most renowned and largest panda protection and research institutions, affectionately dubbed “the Paradise of Giant Pandas”.
This sanctuary not only serves as a home for pandas but also provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to observe and study their living habits up close. The base resembles a vast bamboo forest park, featuring fresh air and lush greenery. Here you will be able to see the adorable giant pandas but also rare animal species like red pandas and black-necked cranes. By introducing China’s national treasure to the world, it has become a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring Chengdu.
City to Visit: Chengdu
Jiuzhaigou
Located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, known as the “King of Waterscapes” and a “Fairyland of Nature”. The crystal clear lakes shimmer with hues of blue, emerald green, gold, and purple that changes with the light.
Its magnificent waterfall clusters create breathtaking views that change with each season. Jiuzhaigou offers such captivating landscapes that it has become an must visit destination for international travellers.
City to Visit: Chengdu
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the world’s first forest park to be listed in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list and also one of the first “Global Geopark”. It is famous for its strange peaks, bizarre rock formations, sea of clouds, and canyons – often described as “Earth’s most breathtaking scars”. The scenic area boasts over 3,000 quartz sandstone peaks that rise majestically into the sky, forming a surreal stone forest.
The inspiration for the floating mountains featured in the movie “Avatar” was taken from the Hallelujah Mountains at Yuanjiajie. Visiting Zhangjiajie feels like stepping into a living fairyland, with mist shrouding the landscape, peaks floating mysteriously, and sound of birds echoing through the valleys – as if you’ve stepped into another world.
City to Visit: Zhangjiajie
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, Tibet, is the pinnacle of Tibetan architecture and the most representative landmark of Tibet. Perched against the mountainside, its white walls and red walls resembles a palace suspended in the sky, earning its title “Pearl on the Roof of the World”. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it has repeatedly been recognised as “one of the most worthwhile architectural wonder in the world”. It is also featured on the 50 Chinese yuan note.
More than just a symbol of Tibet, the palace serves as a sacred site in the hearts of pilgrims, drawing visitors and devotees from around the globe. Standing before its grand facade and gazing upward, one is struck by a profound sense of awe that blends solemnity with serene tranquility.
City to Visit: Lhasa
Mogao Caves
Nestled in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, the Mogao Caves are hailed as the “Pearl of Oriental Art” and stand as the world’s largest and most comprehensive repository of Buddhist art. Comprising 735 grottoes, these cultural treasures preserve over 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures, showcasing artistic masterpieces crafted through over a millennium.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this sacred cultural sanctuary remains an essential pilgrimage for many travelers. Stepping into the Mogao Caves feels like stepping back in time – the millennia-old colors and stories come alive with such vividness that it is unforgettable for visitors.
City to Visit: Dunhuang