10 Things to Do in Shanghai: Our Best Picks

From impressive landscapes ranging from lush forests and temple-topped mountains to urban cities and picturesque fishing villages, it is no secret that China is blessed with diversity, natural wonders, and a long, rich history. It is no wonder that there is a myriad of things to see and do for visitors on any China tour. Whether you wish to admire the murals at the Mogao Caves, climb atop the Xian City Wall and take in the scenery or revel in peacefulness at the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, there is no shortage of seriously awesome attractions in China. To make the most out of your stay in this lovely country, we’ve handpicked these 20 best things to do in China.

Surrounded by the majestic Karst Mountains, Guilin is one of the most enchanting cities to visit while on a China tour. The lush greenery and the river flowing through the landscape create a modern pristine oasis. Whether you ride on a picturesque river cruise or sample delicious local cuisine, a visit to Guilin is one of the most breath-taking things to do in China. Read on to discover why these fascinating things to do and see in Guilin will be towards the top of any China visit list!

With its snow-capped peaks, elegant temples and remote monasteries, there is no place on earth quite like Tibet. To visit Tibet is on the bucket list of many travel-lovers — and for good reason. Historically, Tibet has a tumultuous past fighting for independence from China and although this might have kept tourists at bay, as a travel destination Tibet has since gone from a niche destination for mountain climbers to a popular backpacking spot. Nestled in the Himalaya mountains, Tibet offers both epic landscapes and rich culture. It is considered the center of Buddhism and many people come in search of enlightenment or to learn more about the ancient practice. Whether you want to visit Tibet as part of your trip to China or you only want to go to Tibet, whether you want to get active and adventurous or wish to enjoy ancient attractions with a professional guide, in this article we’ve got you covered with our top 5 destinations to visit in Tibet and our recommended tours.

As an important site along ancient trading routes and capital to several bygone dynasties, Xian is adorned with impressive cultural wonders, long-ago architecture, and a host of world-famous attractions, making this city a must-visit on any tour in China. Walk atop the ancient city wall, a remnant of the cities prosperous trading days, gape in awe at the thousands of life-size soldiers made of clay known as the famous Terracotta Army, or discover the stunning landscapes of Mount Huashan on a spectacular hiking route. These are just a few of the fantastic things to do in Xian. Read on for more ideas— in this article we list our 8 top Xian attractions that will help you make the most of your trip to Xian.

When most people imagine traveling to China, bustling metropolises and rural farming are the typical images that come to mind. However, savvy travelers know that China has much more to offer than skyscrapers and agriculture. It may come as a surprise to many, but there are tons of adventurous things to do in China. From camping on the Great Wall to jaw-dropping plank walks on the sides of a mountain, a trip to China can be a challenging and adventurous experience for spirited travellers. Read on to discover our picks of the 8 best adventures in China.

Looking for a unique way to tour China? Try a river cruise. The country has a plethora of rivers — including two of the longest rivers in the world — that flow through incredibly scenic landscapes. One of the most memorable things you can do in China is embark on a leisurely cruise on one of these fine rivers. If you’re short on time, you can even find a China river cruise that’s under an hour. Other than the breathtaking vistas, cruises also allow visitors a glimpse into the everyday lifestyle of the riverside settlements. Here is an overview of some of the most beautiful rivers in China and the very best cruises you could take.

Forget what you know about western-style Chinese food and iconic takeaway boxes. True Chinese cuisine is as diverse and varied as the country itself and is a reflection of its many thousands of years of history and culture. For curious travelers, a trip to China would not be complete without tasting the diverse flavors of its world-famous cuisine. Traditional Chinese food is a delicate— almost artistic— balance of sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter. Each of your senses will come alive with every dish you sample. From the famous Peking duck to dumplings, noodles, and lesser-known Tibetan delicacies, in this article, we look at the 12 best foods from China’s most beloved cities: get ready to taste the 12 best foods in China!

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.

From the golden-hued trees across Beijing to the runway events that take Shanghai by storm, there are plenty of amazing reasons to tour China in November. While the temperatures start to fall slightly, the majority of China remains balmy and dry, ideal for outdoor hiking and adventuring, especially in the Yellow Mountains. November is considered firmly in the low season, so taking your holidays in China this month is a largely affordable and less crowded option without sacrificing the warmer, drier weather.

Given China’s enormous size and scale, you can spend many days discovering its culture, history and cities. One week in China is sufficient to explore 2 to 3 big-ticket destinations like Beijing and Shanghai and also visit impressive sites like Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens and the charming 1000-year-old lake town of Tongli. Alternatively, you can go on a thrilling cycling adventure to top-rated destinations such as Chengdu (known for its adorable pandas) and Mount Emei, a renowned Buddhist site. See Beijing’s Forbidden City, admire the elegant 14th-century brick-and-stone Linggu Temple in Nanjing, and stroll through the Old City and Ming-era Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai during a delightful one-week trip in China. Eager to know how you can spend a week in this remarkable continent-sized country? Find out below.

A fascinating country at any time of year, China and its world-famous sights like the Great Wall near Beijing or Xian’s Terracotta Army, features prominently on many people’s travel wish lists. The most popular times to visit the country are spring and autumn but planning a trip during the winter months opens up several intriguing possibilities without the crowds. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, here are our top 7 destinations for winter in China.

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.