China is an enormous East Asian country spanning around 3.7 million square miles or nearly as much land mass as Europe. It also borders 15 countries and has the equivalent of five time zones.
As a result, planning a trip to China can be overwhelming. You want to get the most out of your travels, but there are so many fantastic tourist destinations to visit! While you won’t be able to see them all in one trip, here are some of the most exciting ones to add to your must-visit list:
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Jinshanling in China’s Hebei Province. It was built across many northern borders to protect against nomadic groups. Many sections of it have been in place since the 7th century BC. Aside from being an incredible attraction, the Great Wall of China is also home to the Great Wall Marathon. If you love getting involved in fitness events, you may like to schedule your trip to align with this event.
The Forbidden City
If you’ll spend time in Beijing, China, add the Forbidden City to your travel itinerary. Also known as the Palace Museum, it’s a city within a city that was built in 1406 during the Ming Dynasty.
The Forbidden City spans 250 acres with nearly 10,000 rooms. While it used to be home to dozens of emperors who isolated themselves from commoners, it’s now a famous museum. You can visit the Forbidden City to see unique treasures from the Imperial family.
Tiananmen Square
After a rewarding trip to the Forbidden City, allow time in your schedule to visit Tiananmen Square. This city square is one of the many incredible reasons to visit Beijing.
Tiananmen Square was built during the Ming Dynasty and borders the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People. You can also view the Tiananmen Gate at the northern end, where Chairman Mao stood on October 1, 1949, to declare the People’s Republic of China.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
No trip to China is complete without seeing a giant panda. After all, they’re China’s national heirloom. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is undoubtedly one of the best places to see them on your travels.
This non-profit breeding and research institute is located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, and has dozens of giant pandas in its care. You can see them up close in their natural habitat, playing, relaxing, and eating. If you sign up for a volunteering program, you may even be able to hold baby pandas.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The nature lovers in your travel group will surely be thrilled by the prospect of visiting one of China’s most famous national parks. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the tallest outdoor lift in the world, The Bailong Elevator.
You can easily spend an entire day exploring this 153-mile park, being in awe of the caves, forests, canyons, and rock formations. You might even spot a few unique animals like the stump-tailed macaque, pangolin, and mandarin duck.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing tourist attractions in China. However, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, the attractions above are worth putting at the top of your must-visit list.
Photo by William Olivieri on Unsplash
