China's Top Travel Destinations

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Finding China's top travel destinations in such a huge country can be a difficult task, so hopefully this guide will make things easier.

General information
It's virtually impossible to see all of China's major attractions in just a few weeks, so visitors who schedule a first trip to the country sometimes return to see everything they missed during their initial visit. The best way to see as much of China in as little time as possible is aboard the country's long distance rail system, which passes through Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and most other major Chinese destinations. Another option for visitors who can stay in China for a limited time is to research the country and see which region most appeals to them.

The Yellow River runs through the North China Plain, the most densely populated part of the country and considered the heartland of China's rich culture and history. This is perhaps the best place to start for those visiting China for the first time.

Beijing
China's huge capital city is the first glimpse most foreign visitors receive of the country. At least four days are recommended ...
... to take in all of Beijing's many attractions, but visitors can spend at least a week in the city and still not be able to see everything. The Tiananmen Square area alone includes the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Museum of Chinese History, the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People's Martyrs, the Qianmen Gate, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, and the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City, where China's imperial court lived during the Qing and Ming dynasties, is also near the beautiful and significant Lama Temple, while a popular park encloses Beijing's official symbol, the Temple of Heaven. Beijing is a city in Asia under constant construction, and its newer landmarks such as the Bird's Nest 2008 Olympic stadium and the CCTV Building, stand alongside medieval remains such as the Drum and Bell Towers and the Ming Dynasty City Wall Site Park.

The Great Wall of China
No trip to China would be complete without seeing its most famous landmark, the Great Wall, just 60 minutes by train or 90 minutes by bus outside of Beijing. Badaling is the most well known section of the wall, but also the most crowded. The Simatai, Jinshanling, and Huanghuacheng sections may be further away, but are less crowded and provide better views.

Shanghai
It's hard to believe the huge and famous city of Shanghai was a small fishing village before the British colonised it during the mid 19th century. After Shanghai became a special economic zone, it was China's most prosperous and cosmopolitan city until the arrival of the Communists in 1947. Today, Shanghai has once again become an economic boomtown, and one of its most popular attractions strolling along its stately Bund street, where Old Shanghai lies on one side and new construction on the other side.

Other popular Shanghai attractions include its art museum, impressive shopping, and Nanshi. Nanshi is Shanghai's old town and one of its most beautiful attractions is its Yuyuan Garden, walled and filled with rock formations, beautiful pavilions, lotus ponds which were man made during the Ming dynasty, and towers. A walk across the Bridge of Nine Turnings will take visitors to the intimate tea house of Huxingtang.

Xi'an
Located in the heart of China, Xi'an may not be as well known as Beijing or Shanghai, but it is filled with just as much history. Although Xi'an is a day's journey from both Beijing and Shanghai by train, it's well worth the trip. Xi'an's reign as China's former capital lasted for 13 dynasties, 73 emperors, and 1,000 years. Xi'an is filled with fascinating museums as well as ancient temples and pagodas, but the area's most popular tourist attraction is located outside the city. The Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses was discovered in three vaults, had a museum built over it, and is advertised as the eighth wonder of the world. Xi'an is also home to the world's only remaining intact city wall.

Hangzhou
Another Chinese city rich in history is Hangzhou, which is also one of the most naturally beautiful cities in China thanks to its scenic West Lake. Hangzhou was the world's largest city before the 1276 Mongol invasion, when its population was estimated to be one million, and many of Hangzhou's pagodas and temples date back to that time.

Freelance writer Ashley Johnson has visited China several times and has found something new to enjoy during each visit. For more information visit; http://www.traveldojo.com