Things to do in China

There are few places in China that capture the vision, culture, and intelligence of imperial China more than the Forbidden City. With every stone, architectural design, and decorative design rich in symbolism and pragmatism, you can spend literally days wandering through this palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City was a home to emperors, courtiers, soldiers, slaves, and concubines for over five centuries, where intrigue, feuding, and mystery were part of everyday life. History is preserved beautifully in the Beijing Palace Museum, where a collection of over one million pieces of precious relics is housed. Wander solo or gain insights from knowledgeable local guides as part of a single or multi day tour.

A historical monument that spans almost 21.2 million meters, it’s not so easy to nominate , and while that makes choosing where to visit a little challenging, it does mean you have plenty of options for scaling this fascinating China travel highlight. The Great Wall is actually a collection of walls to fortify the historical northern borders of China that represent one of the country’s most significant architectural feats and demonstrations of human strength. Regardless of where you scale the wall, whether it’s at Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or one of the other sites, be prepared to be amazed at its magnitude and the window it offers into the minds who envisaged its creation.

Including Xi’an on your itinerary? Then consider your trip incomplete unless you visit the world’s most famous soldiers – the Terracotta Army. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors (as they are often called) by a humble local farmer belies the grandeur behind their creation. Commissioned by Emperor Qin over 2,200 years ago as his protection in the afterlife, you cannot but be amazed at the size, intricacy, and preservation of this remarkable find. A definite inclusion on any Xi’an day or China tour including Xi’an.

Still standing proud in excellent condition thanks to diligent restoration efforts, Xi’an City Wall is considered one of the finest examples of the advanced defense system which developed in China and the world at the time of its construction over 1,400 years ago. Like all monuments in China, Xi’an’s City Wall is layered with symbolism and grounded in practicality. Throughout history, the wall served many purposes and still retains great appeal for locals and visitors alike, not least because of the unique city views and step back in time it offers. A definite ‘must-see’ for your time in Xi’an.

Looking for a real experience of rural China? Make a journey along the Li River and a visit to Yangshuo part of your China travel adventures. A cruise along the Li River is the ideal opportunity to relax and absorb the scenery en route to Yangshuo. You’ll understand why ancient Chinese poets, scholars, and leaders have taken their inspiration from the river’s landscape. In Yangshuo, find a ‘town’ that’s grown up in recent years, while still retaining much of its idyllic rural charm. The perfect place to cycle and hike, and mix with locals.

For an authentic Chinese martial arts experience, Shaolin Temple has it all. As Buddhist temple set in the forest of the picturesque Song Mountain, the temple conjures up every image of idyllic mountain-top retreat for meditative evolution you can think of. Shaolin is actually a cluster of buildings with multiple intricately decorated halls that were established in the 5th century when the first Indian master introduced Zen Buddhism to China. Just as amazing is the extensive pagoda forest with its tombs commemorating monks revered over different dynasties. No visit to the temple would be complete without enjoying a thrilling kung fu performance, which legend has originated in the temple as exercise for monks.

As perhaps the most accessible of all the places where Chengdu pandas can be seen up close, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is located just 10 kilometers from the Chengdu city center. Established to help preserve a dwindling giant panda population the research base is home to giant pandas of all ages and sizes, including adults, teens, and cubs of course. Allow half a day to visit all enclosures and if you’re planning a more relaxed itinerary, consider visiting the Dujiangyan Base, where you can soak up a full panda volunteer experience.

Explore Zhangjiajie and be captivated by the breathtaking sandstone landforms that inspired poets and philosophers long before Avatar became a film that unveiled this gorgeous secret to the world. The city of Zhangjiajie is located in Hunan in China’s southern central region. Its remoteness has preserved both the idyllic landscape and minority peoples who have been its inhabitants for millennia – the Tujia, Miao, and Bai. Rich in diversity – thanks in part to the subtropical and temperate conditions, Zhangjiajie and the now-famous Wulingyuan Scenic Area, are places that regularly make it to the bucket list of China tour travelers. If you are looking for a natural China beyond big cities and bright lights, Zhangjiajie is worthy of any China bucket list.

The Bund must surely be one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks making it hard to imagine a visit to the ‘pearl of the orient’ without a wander along this iconic boulevard. Located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai on the bank of the Huangpu River, The Bund is perhaps the most impressive promenade in Shanghai. Apart from providing a present-day glimpse into Shanghai’s glamorous early 20th century commercial past (the Bund is a legacy of stunning 1920’s architecture and design), it offers the perfect view of a more contemporary skyline punctuated by high rise buildings like the Oriental Pearl Television Tower and the Jin Mao Tower across the river in Pudong. Explore by day or night and enjoy the vibe created by the fabulous boutiques, restaurants, bars, and people who carry forward the energy of Shanghai’s past to today.

No travel to China would be complete without enjoying an authentic meal of Peking Duck, or Beijing Duck, as it’s now called. Created during the Ming dynasty about 600 years ago, Peking duck has once considered food fit only for emperors. After the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911, recipes for dishes like Peking Duck made their way beyond the walls of the Forbidden City and onto the streets of Beijing, so it became more readily available.

However, be aware, there is Peking Duck – and there is Peking Duck. In keeping with tradition, only the very best duck is selected and then roasted by fire. The tender, moist meat is covered by crispy, chewy skin, a feature which is achieved by air being blown into the duck to separate the skin from the fat. Peking Duck is always served in thin, well-cut slices and it is eaten with light pancakes made of millet, sliced cucumbers and shallots, and sauces, which complement the flavors of the duck.

Originating on the streets of Xi’an, rou jia mo is the Chinese version of a hamburger, but somehow just so much more tasty and moorish. Rou jia mo is a traditional dish from Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi located in China’s north. The mo or bun is the main form of starch eaten by Northerners, and it is eaten either baked or steamed. For the rou jia mo, the bun is baked in a wok or pan. The meat part of the rou jia mo is slow-cooked and beautifully spiced pork belly, crafted in a way only the Chinese can do. The ChinaTours.com team recommends making space for more than just one rou jia mo, because these stars of Shaanxi cuisine are utterly delicious.

Another of Xi’an’s best-loved dishes is Liangpi, or cold noodles. Note to your inner culinaire: Liangpi translates as ‘cold skin’. Ever practical, the local Xi’an people created this dish to meet their gastronomic needs on hot summer days. And we agree. This refreshingly delightful dish is made with flat, wide noodles made with wheat or rice flour. Liangpi are typically served cold, drizzled with a sauce of chili oil, pepper, vinegar, minced garlic, and then topped with bean sprouts and sliced cucumber.

Chinese soup dumplings are a staple of Shanghai street food and once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why they’ve been so popular with locals for over a hundred years. The Nanxiang xiaolongbao is most famous. These nutrient-rich broth-filled dumplings are in fact a bun that is filled both with soup (broth) and seasoned pork mince combined with shrimps, spring bamboo shoots, crab meat, crab roe, and crab oil, depending on the season.

Before launching into your first serving of xiaolongbao, be warned! There is a technique for eating them. Use chopsticks to pick up the dumpling, then dunk it in the accompanying soy and vinegar sauce. Next, place the dumpling in a soup spoon and poke a hole and drink the soup. Finally, place a piece of sliced ginger on top of the bun and eat it in a single mouthful. For those games enough to try the super-sized xiaolongbao, keep a straw handy because you’ll need it.

Xiaolongbao is recognizable for the distinctive high volume of folds – apparently, 18 is the magic number for a truly authentic xiaolongbao, however, we’re fairly certain you won’t find out because you’ll be too busy devouring these delicious dumplings.

Typically Sichuan (code for hot and spicy), mapo tofu has a story to it just as many other Chinese dishes do. Legend has it that Chen Mapo, owner of a Sichuan province restaurant in Chengdu, is the inspiration for this famous Chinese dish, which was so named because of the distinctive freckles or mazi on Chen Mapo’s face. Originating during the early Qing dynasty around the mid 1600’s, mapo tofu has a long history, yet it’s popularity continues today with locals and people all over China still enjoying this dish. And we can understand why. It’s hard to go past the fresh and tender tofu drizzled with a spicy chili sauce made of ground meat, wild peppers, and a broad bean paste. Each bite of tender tofu and savory minced meat combine to surprise and delight. Definitely add this one to your list of must-eats in China.

Kung pao chicken – also referred to as Sichuan chili chicken and spicy stir fried chicken with vegetables or peanuts – is a well-known and much loved dish from the Sichuan province. Although westernized versions of kung pao chicken are found in just about every Chinese take away, while traveling in China, you definitely want to try the real thing. Kung pao chicken is popular for its many flavors, which combine tangy, sweet, salty, and just a hint of heat.

Make a beeline for Sanlitun and Shichahai. Both are popular for the many bars and clubs that are frequented by locals and ex-pats alike. And for food, you cannot go past Guijie, a kilometer-long ‘food street’ with over 150 restaurants.

Find yourself in Hengshan Road, the largest area for bars and clubs, or Maoming Nan Lu and Julu Road. Looking for typical Shanghai-style cuisine? Make tracks for Huanghe Road where local Shanghainese enjoy relaxed dining. And if you’re after more of a street food experience while visiting the Pearl of the Orient, head to Wujiang Road.

Take a trip to the riverside bar street JiuYanQiao. With attractions like JiuYan Bridge (nine holes bridge) and the covered Anshun Bridge, it’s an idyllic environment to wander at night. Include Xiang Xiang Xiang too. Roughly translated as ‘the lane of yummy food’, it’s here you’ll discover a trove of hidden culinary gems – literally (well almost) every kind of food, including Sichuan, Thai, and Japanese foods, with many restaurants now internationally famous through online and television exposure.