Updated July 15, 2020
Nothing could be more fascinating than wandering in a beautiful country like China. Most of the foreigners (Lao Wais) hardly know anything about the Chinese language, culture and the local ways of living. In all certainty, as a foreigner, you are less likely to have any friends accompanying you during the China trip (a quick list of China’s Emergency Helpline Numbers). Moreover, China is too big, literally! There are so many places to see and the top things to do! Where will you be heading to? What are China’s top travel attractions and must visit cities?
Well, I feel fortunate that I had several opportunities to visit a good number of Chinese cities. Let me share my favorite top 5 China travel attractions and nearby scenic spots.
Top 5 China Travel Attractions
#1 The Great Wall
Sure enough, if you are travelling to China, you have to see the Great Wall! No excuses!! Beijing is indeed a great choice to visit the great wall. However, in Beijing, expect to witness a huge crowd. Further, the Great Wall is not just in Beijing. It stretches for thousands of kilometers. You can see the Great Wall in so many cities. For example, even if you are travelling to Gansu, you can have a trip to the Great Wall. If you explore the Great Wall in Gansu, in all likelihood, you won’t be seeing a huge crowd.
What are the best cities for seeing the Great Wall?
- Beijing (name of the famous Great Wall sections: Mutianyu, Jinshanling and Jiankou)
- Jiayuguan (Gansu – this is where the Great Wall starts and stretches eastwards)
- Zhangye (Gansu)
- Yinchuan (Ningxia)
#2 Xi’an Terracotta Warriors
China’s history is about 5,000 years old. Lots have happened in China since the time immemorial. Not to mention, Xi’an (formerly known as Chang’an and current capital of Shaanxi province) was the capital of several Chinese dynasties, spanning nearly 1,100 years. Xi’an is particularly famous for the Terracotta Warriors, armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
About 2,200 years ago, Qin Shi Huang unified China after conquering six powerful Warring States (Zhan Guo) and became the first emperor. :)).
Qin Shi Huang was concerned about the death and constructed a largest ever built necropolis for himself, where he could live in the afterlife (the Terracotta Army were supposed to stay with him in the afterlife).
As of 2020, the excavation of the necropolis is far from complete. In fact, the current Terracotta Warriors have been excavated only from the three pits.
A trip to China without visiting Xi’an is simply not complete. Moreover, if you are in Xi’an, look for the following top travel attractions:
- Terracotta Warriors/Army (Bing Ma Yong)
- Muslim Street (Hui min Jie – great food over here)
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Da yan ta)
- Xi’an City Wall (Cheng qiang)
- Drum Tower (Gu lou)
- Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Qin Shi Huang Ling)
#3 Dunhuang
Gansu is a great place to explore Chinese civilization. Dunhuang city lies on the ancient Silk Road (Si lu), and contains great cultural sites. The Mogao Grottoes/Caves are a must visit if you are in Dunhuang.
Dunhuang’s Singing Sand Dune (Mingsha Hill) are also worth exploring. Don’t forget to eat Lanzhou noodles – they are everywhere in Gansu. Further, the blue sty in the northern China is so lovely. Longer days!
#4 Xining
Such a beautiful city! Xining, the capital city of Qinghai province, is nothing less than a hidden gem. You have to visit this city. I loved Xining. Actually, I live in the eastern part of China (it’s highly developed) and Xining was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of a typical city life. I loved coming out of my hotel in the nighttime and walking alone in the city. Sweet memories. Lots of awesome travel attractions nearby to explore. In fact, Xining is a gateway to Tibet.
Travel attractions near Xining?
- Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery)
- Xiahe – a monastic town
- Qinghai Lake
- Chaka Salt Lake
#5 Hangzhou
Another great Chinese city. In traditional Chinese culture, Hangzhou and Suzhou are collectively referred as the heaven on earth. You should explore areas around the West Lake (Xi Hu).
The Wuzhen Water Town, located in Jiaxing city, is just the next train stop from the Hangzhou East Railway Station. With some more time in hand, you should stop by the cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing. You’ll love China!
I will discuss more about travelling to China in the coming blog-posts.
Have to been to China? How was it?