Discover China: Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations

China, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders, offers an array of captivating destinations for travelers. From the ancient marvels of the Great Wall to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, China promises an unforgettable journey through time and landscapes. Here are the top 10 tourist places in China, highlighting their specialties, best times to visit, and nearby dining and accommodation options.

1. The Great Wall of China

Specialty:

• One of the most iconic structures in the world, showcasing ancient Chinese engineering.
• Famous for its breathtaking views and historical significance.

Locality:

• Northern China, near Beijing

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Sections:

• Badaling
• Mutianyu
• Jinshanling

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu
• Xiaolumian Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall
• Commune by the Great Wall

2. The Forbidden City

Specialty:

• An immense palace complex that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
• Famous for its magnificent architecture and extensive history.

Locality:

• Central Beijing

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Attractions:

• Hall of Supreme Harmony
• Palace of Heavenly Purity
• Imperial Garden

Nearby Restaurants:

• TRB Hutong
• Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• The Peninsula Beijing
• Waldorf Astoria Beijing

3. The Terracotta Army

Specialty:

• A vast collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
• Famous for its archaeological significance and impressive scale.

Locality:

• Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Exhibits:

• Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3
• The Bronze Chariot and Horses

Nearby Restaurants:

• Defachang Restaurant
• Xi’an Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an
• The Westin Xi’an

4. The Li River and Yangshuo

Specialty:

• Known for its stunning karst mountain scenery and tranquil river cruises.
• Famous for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities.

Locality:

• Guilin, Guangxi Province

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Li River Cruise
• Yangshuo County
• Reed Flute Cave

Nearby Restaurants:

• McFound
• Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) Indian Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin
• Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

5. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Specialty:

• Famous for its towering sandstone pillars and lush forests, inspiration for the movie “Avatar.”
• Known for its unique and breathtaking natural formations.

Locality:

• Hunan Province

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Tianzi Mountain
• Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
• Glass Bridge

Nearby Restaurants:

• Wulingyuan Roast Duck Restaurant
• Zhangjiajie Hehua Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
• Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel

6. The Bund, Shanghai

Specialty:

• A famous waterfront area in central Shanghai, showcasing a mix of historical and modern architecture.
• Known for its stunning skyline views and vibrant nightlife.

Locality:

• Central Shanghai

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Attractions:

• Oriental Pearl Tower
• Shanghai Tower
• Nanjing Road

Nearby Restaurants:

• M on the Bund
• Hakkasan Shanghai

Nearby Hotels:

• Fairmont Peace Hotel
• The Peninsula Shanghai

7. Potala Palace

Specialty:

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas since the 7th century.
• Famous for its architectural grandeur and spiritual significance.

Locality:

• Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region

Best Time to Visit:

• May to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Red Palace
• White Palace
• Jokhang Temple

Nearby Restaurants:

• Tibetan Family Kitchen
• Dunya Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• St. Regis Lhasa Resort
• Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

8. West Lake

Specialty:

• A famous freshwater lake in Hangzhou, known for its beautiful scenery and historic temples.
• Known for its romantic landscapes and cultural heritage.

Locality:

• Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Attractions:

• Leifeng Pagoda
• Lingyin Temple
• Broken Bridge

Nearby Restaurants:

• Lou Wai Lou
• Jin Sha Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
• Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou

9. Jiuzhaigou Valley

Specialty:

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
• Famous for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Locality:

• Sichuan Province

Best Time to Visit:

• September to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Five Flower Lake
• Nuorilang Waterfall
• Long Lake

Nearby Restaurants:

• A Bu Lu Zi
• Tibetan Barley Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise
• Jiuzhaigou Sheraton Resort

10. Hong Kong

Specialty:

• A vibrant city known for its skyscraper-studded skyline, bustling harbor, and unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
• Famous for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Locality:

• Southeastern coast of China

Best Time to Visit:

• October to December

Must-See Attractions:

• Victoria Peak
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Nearby Restaurants:

• Tim Ho Wan
• Lung King Heen

Nearby Hotels:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
• Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Explore the diverse and captivating destinations of China, from ancient wonders like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army to the modern marvels of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Whether you’re seeking historical insights, natural beauty, or urban excitement, China offers an array of unforgettable experiences.