Ultimate Guide

Thrill to a culture-stuffed vacation in an insanely diverse country that’s developing at breakneck speed. China is a place where sprawling suburbs extend ever outward and cutting-edge skyscrapers are continually popping up. Despite the souped-up pace of modernity, ancient traditions and buildings are ever-present and perfect for exploring.Perform Tai Chi in a centuries-old temple, camp out on the Great Wall, prop up the bars of Beijing's hutong alleys and hike through misty, green-covered hilltops. To make the most of what the country has to offer requires careful vacation planning and preparation. This ultimate China travel guide will equip you with essential tips to tour China and enjoy a carefree time while exploring the world's most populous country.

One of the most popular attractions in the country, this series of defense fortifications known as the Great Wall of China is an iconic landmark that snakes its way along the northern borders of China. At more than 1,500-years-old and 21,196-kilometers-long, it is not just listed as a UNESCO Heritage site but also renowned as one of the seven wonders of the modern world! If you want to make the most of your visit during your trip to China, here’s a quick and handy guide every traveler should read before visiting the Great Wall of China.

Li River, the majestic waterway that connects Guilin with Yangshuo, carves its path through a breathtaking landscape. Ancient limestone karsts warped by time jut up around ancient villages where fishermen wait for a catch and water buffalo graze. Travelers who go on a Li River cruise often describe it as the highlight of their entire China tour.Most visitors spend one night in Guilin, take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo and return to Guilin by car. The water journey from Guilin City or nearby Zhujiang Wharf to Yangshuo town takes between four and five hours, covering a distance of around 83 kilometers. For a more immersive experience, explore the Li River’s unforgettable landscape via a combination of bike, boat, and foot and spend anything from three days to two weeks in this enchanting land.

The mighty Yangtze River is one of the twin Mother Rivers of China. Alongside the Yellow River in the north, the Yangtze River nourishes the vast lands of China, helping its people and wildlife to thrive. Known as China’s granary, the Yangtze River basin is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Asia and is a must-see on any China tour.While the river can be accessed at various points along its 6,300-kilometer-length, a Yangtze River cruise gives you the time you need to enjoy the exquisite scenery from the ship’s deck and on dry land, with lots of opportunities to disembark and explore on foot.

Tracing the steps of an ancient pilgrimage route, the Silk Road in China is an enticing adventure for culture aficionados, history buffs and nature lovers alike. Explore delicate architecture, mystical wonders of art, and surreal and vast landscapes located along this heritage trail on your trip to China.In this ultimate guide to traveling the Silk Route in China, we list the most popular places you should see on your trip, from Xian in the east to Kashgar in the far west. These places are reminiscent of ancient cultures, showcase a trading spirit and put on show the magnificent landscapes the merchants shipped their goods through. Get ready to experience changes in cuisine, culture, and religion as you travel from one direction the other. Religion in Xian is mainly centered around Chinese folk religion and Taoism, but further west, the Islamic influence grows bigger, with food and culture being similar to the Middle East. Recommended trip duration: Because of the length of the Silk Road and its countless sites, we recommend at least three weeks to complete the entire road without rushing too much. Best time to visit: The weather in this region is marked by extremes in winter and summer. We recommend spring (April to June) as most suitable for proper exploring under moderate conditions.