Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in China | Travel Diaries

Summary

Join us on a journey through China's top 10 must-visit destinations, showcasing ancient marvels and stunning landscapes. From the Great Wall's historical strength to the Forbidden City's imperial grandeur, and the Terracotta Army's unique artistry, each site tells a story of China's rich culture. Explore natural wonders like the Li River's serene beauty and Zhangjiajie's towering pillars, which inspired 'Avatar'. Visit the Potala Palace for Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual depth, stroll along the Bund's historic waterfront, and hike the mystical Yellow Mountains. Discover Jiuzhaigou's colorful lakes and West Lake's tranquil gardens, a testament to China's scenic splendor.

Takeaways

• 🏯 The Great Wall of China is an iconic symbol of the country's historical strength, stretching over 13,000 miles and built to protect against invasions.
• 🏰 The Forbidden City in Beijing served as the Imperial Palace for nearly 500 years and is a pinnacle of traditional Chinese palatial architecture.
• 🗿 The Terracotta Army in Xi'an is a collection of thousands of unique, life-sized clay soldiers created to accompany China's first emperor in the afterlife.
• 🏞️ The Li River in Guangxi province offers stunning scenery with limestone hills, bamboo groves, and traditional villages, best experienced via a river cruise.
• 🌲 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province is known for its towering sandstone pillars, dense forests, and features the world's longest and highest glass bridge.
• 🕌 The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, featuring over 1,000 rooms and significant for its stunning architecture and spiritual importance.
• 🏙️ The Bund in Shanghai showcases a mix of historic European-style buildings and modern skyscrapers, reflecting the city's rich history and dynamic growth.
• ⛰️ The Yellow Mountains in Anhui province are famous for their majestic peaks, hot springs, and breathtaking sunrises, often shrouded in mist for a mystical atmosphere.
• 🍃 Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan province is a nature reserve known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, home to nine Tibetan villages.
• 🌸 West Lake in Hangzhou is a classic example of traditional Chinese landscape design, surrounded by gardens, pagodas, and temples, offering a serene retreat.

Q & A

What is the Great Wall of China known for symbolizing?

The Great Wall of China is known for symbolizing the country's historical strength and resilience.

How long is the Great Wall of China and what was its primary purpose?

The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was built more than 2,000 years ago primarily to protect Chinese states from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north.

What materials were used in the construction of the Great Wall?

The Great Wall is made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials.

Which sections of the Great Wall are the most popular to visit and why?

The most popular sections to visit are Badaling and Mutianyu, which are close to Beijing. Badaling is the most visited and has been restored to show the Wall's original appearance, while Mutianyu is known for its picturesque scenery and fewer crowds.

What is the Forbidden City and where is it located?

The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing and was the Imperial Palace for Chinese Emperors for nearly 500 years, covering 180 acres.

How does the architecture of the Forbidden City reflect traditional Chinese principles?

The architecture and layout of the Forbidden City reflect traditional Chinese principles of balance and harmony with symmetrical design and the use of feng shui.

What is the significance of the Terracotta Army and where was it discovered?

The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses found in the Tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, near Xi'an in 1974. It was created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife.

What are the main features of the Li River cruise in Guilin?

A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo takes you through landscapes of limestone hills, lush bamboo groves, and traditional villages, known for its tranquil beauty with mist-covered hills.

What is unique about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park's landscape?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is known for its towering sandstone pillars, dense forests, and clear streams, which were formed over millions of years of erosion and inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

What is the Potala Palace and what does it represent?

The Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet, and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising.