You hear about China multiple times daily on the news, but have you thought about visiting there? While there are definitely some things you need to know before going there, China is a place that should be on all travelers’ bucket lists. Here are some reasons to add it to yours!
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Ancient Historical Sites
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilization dating back over 5,000 years. As a result, there are many world famous ancient historical sites that you probably have always wanted to see. The first one you might think of is the Great Wall of China. It was built to dispel invaders and stretches thousands of miles across the northern part of the country.
Another ancient site is the Forbidden City in Beijing. This was the political center in China from 1420-1924 and was home of 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Also in Beijing is the Temple of Heaven. Constructed in the 15th century, this religious complex hosted annual ceremonies where the Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests and harmony between heaven and earth.
The Terracotta Army is on display at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. Thousands of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots are on display. They originally were constructed to guard over China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
Dynamic Cities
Despite being ancient, China wows with its futuristic architecture, innovation, and status as an economic powerhouse. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing are a must on your itinerary. You will see a blend of historical sites, cutting-edge architecture, and innovation as you explore these cities. .
Rich Culture
As one of the world’s oldest countries, China has a rich and influential culture shaped by history, philosophy, and tradition. Much of the culture you experience in China today is rooted in the teachings of Confucius. He taught respect for elders, family loyalty, value in education, and moral leadership. These are all in evidence in the Chinese social structure, government, and individuals’ lives.
Visitors can interact with this rich culture by attending festivals, watching calligraphy demonstrations, and participating in tea ceremonies. You can watch locals practice Tai Chi in the park in Beijing or take in a performance of Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple. And you can wander through a traditional Chinese canal city in Zhouzhuang Water Town.
Landscapes & Wildlife
When you think about China, you probably envision huge, crowded cities. But China also has vast landscapes. Guilin has striking steep limestone karsts jutting up from flat plains. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. And China is home to many rare animal species. Most notably the giant panda which can be seen in conservation centers near Chengdu.
Incredible Cuisine
No matter where you go in China, you will find great food. Chinese cuisine varies by region and balances five flavors including sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy. Here’s a list of the foods you should try on your trip:
- Peking Duck – crispy skin duck served with thin pancakes
- Xiao Long Bao – soup-filled pork dumplings
- Hot Pot – self-cook meat and vegetables in a boiling broth
- Chuanr – meat skewers
- Dim sum – steamed dumplings, rice noodle rolls, and buns
Efficient Travel Infrastructure
Now that I’ve convinced you that you must absolutely visit China, you may wonder how difficult it will be to get around the country. The good news is that it is pretty easy. China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network that connects major destinations. You can also get between most cities with a domestic flight. The signs in the airport will be in English, but announcements will not be. To get to remote areas, it’s probably best to hire a car and driver.
Most cities have a metro system with English signage, so it’s pretty easy to get around to see the sites. You can also take affordable taxis or use the local rideshare app, DiDi. This blog has more details about getting around China.
What about visiting China compels you most?
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