Top 5 Places to Visit in China

The Great Wall in Beijing, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is the most often seen tourism site in China. It runs over 373 miles, containing about 827 city wall platforms, 71 passes and countless towers.

The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of the Emperor and his household, along with the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. It is located in the middle of Beijing, and now houses the Palace Museum.

The reason I list it as the No. 2 place to visit is because it's in the same city as No. 1 and tourists usually visit the two places together.

The Bund is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. If you have never been to the Bund, than you have never been to Shanghai. The Bund is within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. Building heights are restricted in this area.

Try to avoid weekend and daytime to visit the Bund due to the high population density. The best time to visit the Bund is early morning before 8 a.m. and late night after 10 p.m. when you can enjoy beautiful night scene beside the river.

The reason of its No. 3 place is that Beijing and Shanghai are usually the first city that foreign travellers arrive mainland China. You can plan your travel itinerary accordingly if they are not your final destination.

The reason why Hangzhou enjoys the great honor lies in the fact that it has West Lake. With an average depth of just 5 feet the lake is held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides. This water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features.

The best seasons to visit West lake are spring and summer when there are lotus blossoms all over the lake.

The reason of its No. 4 place is that Hangzhou is very close to Shanghai, only a couple of hours travel by train. It's a perfect next stop after you have enjoyed the beautiful scene on the Bund.

The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers near Xi'an. The figures vary in height (184-197cm / 6ft-6ft 5in), according to their role, the tallest being the Generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that the Terracotta Army were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.

Tips: You can buy some Terracotta Warriors Souvenirs there.

Here I only list places which are in/near big cities. These are the 'must-go' places if you go to China. There are many other scenes in China with natural beauty or culture heritage and worth to visit, such as Dian Chi Lake (Kunming), Mogao Grottos (the storehouse of Buddhist art), and Yellow Mountain etc.