Visit China: The Ultimate Travel Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Although this is often stated about a number of travel destinations, China truly does have it all. From its diverse landscape and divine cuisine to its old-world charm and fascinating culture, a tour to China has something to offer even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you plan to spend your time wandering the streets of Shanghai, marveling at the Great Wall, or tucking into street food in Beijing, you’re sure to have one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life. On the flip side, planning a trip to a country this large and diverse can be daunting. That’s where we come in. Read on for an overview of the best China itineraries to help you plan your trip based on how long you can go for.

January is the middle of the winter and low tourist season in China, so expect bitterly cold weather, especially in the north. Things get warmer as you head to the far south. Since this is not the peak tourist season, you’ll get good deals on hotels in most places. But shopping can get expensive around the Chinese New Year, so keep this in mind if you plan to travel to China in January. This is also the best month to see the ice festival in the northeast city of Harbin, admire the snow-covered landscape of Jiuzhaigou National Park in southwestern China, and soak in the warmth of the sun in Hainan Island in China’s southernmost tip.

September is a transition period between a hot, humid Chinese summer and a crisp, cool autumn. The weather in China in September is distinctly cooler than the peak summer months, and the crowds are smaller, making it the perfect month to explore this vast country. This is a good time to see big-ticket attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing and go on a grand cruise on the Yangtze River. If you spend your time touring in China in September, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous foliage in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and the changing colors around Kanas Lake, especially in the latter half of the month as the fall sets in.

Spending 10 days in China will allow you to see some of the most popular attractions of this vast country. You can easily cover up to five major destinations, including three sprawling metropolises: Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Add to this, unforgettable experiences such as a cruise along the Li River, a visit to the exotic Hainan Island, or a trip to Mount Emei to see the world’s biggest Buddha sculpture. Take a cable car to the Great Wall of China, do a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s charming alleys and streets, see Xi’an’s world-famous sights like the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and cruise along Shanghai’s Huangpu River during your 10-day trip to China.