7 Things You Must Do in China
Walk a portion of the Great Wall of China
With all its popularity, it might seem like making a stop at the Great Wall of China is a typical tourist attraction that should be avoided. And don’t get us wrong – it is a tourist attraction – but the Great Wall of China is also an immense part of the country’s history. You can learn so much about the wall and yourself as you take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Cruise down the Li River
Going on a boat ride or rafting down the Li River is something like a rite of passage during any vacation to China. National Geographic labeled it as one of “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” and rightly so because it is breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll be surrounded by views of the hillside, traditional villages, endless fields, and the Karst mountain range in the background.
Explore the palace and museum in the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is an ancient imperial palace that witnessed the rise and fall of the Ming and Qing dynasties. You’ll see the Hall of Supreme Harmony and be at a place where grand ceremonies were once held for the enthronement of emperors. You’ll also come across the inner court where the families of numerous emperors have lived over the years. It’s fascinating to be in a place with such a rich history and you will not want to miss it.
Visit the amazing statues at Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, or The Terracotta Army as they’re more popularly known, is one of those places that you have to visit when in China because there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. The nearly 9,000 sculptures depict the army of Qui Shi Huang and were buried with him upon his death to protect him in the afterlife. The standing soldiers, chariots, and horses are mesmerizing to say in the least.
Play with the pandas in Chengdu
Home to hundreds of playful and cuddly pandas, Chengdu has several reserves that allow you to see the pandas in their natural habitat. China’s most lovable national icon can be seen going about their day-to-day activities of napping, playing, and eating. It will make even the most conservative person shriek in glee watching these lovable animals.
Photograph panoramic city views from The Bund
A waterfront promenade in central Shanghai, The Bund is a common place for tourists and visitors to spend their evening. You can choose to hang out on either the Old Town side or the New Town side, both of which have a unique charm to them. Historic colonial architecture, award-winning restaurants, and world-class cafes and pubs can be seen lining the streets.
Buy souvenirs on Nanjing Road
No vacation is complete with buying yourself and your friends and family back home some souvenirs from your trip. The best place to do that is on China’s premier shopping street, Nanjing Road. Stretching over three miles, Nanjing Road has become somewhat of an attraction in its own right. The century-old shopping street is home to over 600 businesses from upscale stores like Omega and Tiffany’s to more local artisan craft shops that have traditional goods.