China is a vast and diverse country with rich history, incredible landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here are some must-do activities and places to visit in China:

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

• What to do: Walk or hike along the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Some sections, like Mutianyu and Jinshanling, are well-preserved and less crowded.
• Where: Near Beijing, northern China.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

• What to do: Wander through the Forbidden City, a former imperial palace with over 800 buildings, and learn about the history of Chinese emperors.
• Where: Beijing, northern China.

3. See the Terracotta Army

• What to do: Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
• Where: Xi’an, central China.

4. Walk around the Summer Palace

• What to do: Stroll through the beautiful gardens, temples, and lakes of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Where: Beijing, northern China.

5. Hike in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• What to do: Walk on the glass bridge, enjoy spectacular views, and take a cable car up to the towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
• Where: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province.

6. Explore the Li River and Karst Mountains

• What to do: Take a scenic boat ride on the Li River to see the dramatic limestone peaks that have made this area one of the most photographed in China.
• Where: Guilin and Yangshuo, southern China.

7. Visit the Giant Buddha in Leshan

• What to do: See the impressive 71-meter (233-foot) tall Buddha statue carved into the mountainside. It’s the largest stone Buddha in the world.
• Where: Leshan, Sichuan Province.

8. Tour the Potala Palace in Tibet

• What to do: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, located on a hill with stunning views of Lhasa.
• Where: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.

9. Visit the Temple of Heaven

• What to do: Explore the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, an ancient religious complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. It’s also great for seeing locals practice tai chi and other traditional activities.
• Where: Beijing, northern China.

10. Explore the Bund in Shanghai

• What to do: Walk along the historic waterfront in Shanghai to see colonial-era architecture and take in the modern skyline of the city across the river, including the famous Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Where: Shanghai, eastern China.

11. Discover the West Lake in Hangzhou

• What to do: Take a boat ride on the West Lake, visit beautiful temples, and stroll along scenic pathways. This area is known for its natural beauty and has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
• Where: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

12. Visit the Ancient City of Pingyao

• What to do: Step back in time by exploring Pingyao, a perfectly preserved ancient walled city with traditional architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
• Where: Pingyao, Shanxi Province.

13. Tour the Old City of Lijiang

• What to do: Explore the charming old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and vibrant Naxi culture.
• Where: Lijiang, Yunnan Province.

14. Visit Mount Emei

• What to do: Hike up to the summit of Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Visit ancient temples and see golden statues and beautiful landscapes along the way.
• Where: Emei, Sichuan Province.

15. Explore the Silk Road

• What to do: Follow the ancient Silk Road trade route that passed through Xi’an and beyond to Central Asia. Explore ancient towns like Dunhuang and Turpan.
• Where: Xi’an, Gansu, Xinjiang, and more.

16. Experience the Culture in Chengdu

• What to do: Visit Chengdu to experience Sichuan’s famous spicy food, and don’t miss seeing giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
• Where: Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

17. Relax in the Hot Springs of Beppu

• What to do: After exploring cities, relax in one of China’s many natural hot springs.
• Where: Beppu, Hainan Province.

18. Visit the Yungang Grottoes

• What to do: Marvel at the stunning ancient Buddhist cave temples, where you can see thousands of statues and carvings dating back over 1,500 years.
• Where: Datong, Shanxi Province.

19. Take a High-Speed Train Ride

• What to do: China boasts one of the world’s largest high-speed rail networks, and taking a ride between major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou is an experience in itself.
• Where: Major cities across China.

20. Visit Hong Kong

• What to do: Explore the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, with its famous skyline, vibrant street markets, and top-notch shopping, food, and culture.
• Where: Hong Kong.

China offers a wide range of experiences, from ancient history and culture to modern marvels and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring history, relaxing in nature, or experiencing vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone. Which part of China are you most drawn to?