Top 7 Holiday Spots in China to Visit
Appropriately coined as the ‘travel experiences of a lifetime’, China is a vast country with diversity like no other. Whatever your interests may be, you can find them there, from ancient cultural sites to modern architectural wonders to breathtaking natural sights. Here are the top 7 holiday spots in China to visit (if you are planning your next trip):
1. Beijing — The Great Wall of China
One of the wonders of the world and a prominent site to visit is the Great Wall of China. A relic of China’s imperial past, this ancient fort stretched thousands of miles across northern China and offers visitors insight into the nation’s rich history. Explore further afield: The most popular sections of the Great Wall, like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, have stunning views (particularly at sunrise or sunset), but they tend to be very crowded. Walking along the wall is a memory one can never forget, and winter visits provide a beautiful snow-covered place.
2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
Zhangjiajie, known for its lofty sandstone pillars, inspired the floating moun¬tain ranges in the film Avatar. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike, this UNESCO-listed destination is a must-experience. One of the great stunners is the Glass Bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where visitors can walk across a transparent bridge high above the valley floor. Another amazing sight in this region is Tianmen Mountain with the world-famous Heaven’s Gate.
3. Guilin and Yangshuo, Guangxi
Famed for its karst mountains and meandering rivers, Guilin is one of the most beautiful places in China. A cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo provides enchanting views of misty peaks, idyllic villages and bamboo groves. Nearby, the smaller town of Yangshuo is known for its cycling routes through rice fields, nightlife and the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie light show, staged on water against a backdrop of karst mountains.
4. Beijing: The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
No visit to China would be complete without a stop at the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace where Chinese emperors lived for nearly five centuries. This architectural marvel of imposing corridors, impressive courtyards, and grand halls provides visitors with deep insight into China’s royal past Adjacent is Tiananmen Square, among the world’s largest public squares, where you can also see Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum and, opposite, the National Museum of China.
5. The Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the brightest lights on the modern skyline. The Bund, a riverside promenade, boasts breathtaking views of crumbling European-style buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other. A trip to the Oriental Pearl Tower gives panoramic sights of the city. And make sure to visit the bustling Nanjing Road, famed for its upscale shopping and mouthwatering street food.
6. The Great Wall & Chengdu & The Giant Panda Research Base
Avian or terrestrial, if you love wildlife, Chengdu is high up your list. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding gives visitors a chance to see the cute animals up close in a naturalistic habitat. In addition to pandas, Chengdu is well known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine. Don’t miss hotpot, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. Also all the history Beijing has with stuff like Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Shrine.
7. Lijiang and Shangri-La, Yunnan
Lijiang, a UNESCO-listed ancient town, is a lovely destination with well-preserved traditional architecture and winding canals. The town is a cultural centre for the Naxi ethnic group, and at the Dongba Culture Museum (68-88元) you can learn more about their heritage. A few hours down the road is Shangri-La, a Tibetan-themed town surrounded by stunning landscapes, including Songzanlin Monastery and Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons.
Final thought:-
From historical sites to nature, adventure to culinary excursions, China has it all. From trekking the Great Wall, to gazing at magnificent peaks in Zhangjiajie, to immersing yourself in bustling Shanghai city life, these top 7 holiday spots in China to visit will certainly be etched in your memory. So, get your suitcase and prepare yourself for a trip across one of the most exciting countries of the planet!
Q- Where to vacation in China?
Ans- China is huge, and it’s full of vastly different vibes depending on what part of the country you’re in — mountains, megacities, beaches, ancient villages — you name it. Here’s a breakdown by interest to help you narrow it down:
🌆 Urban Adventures
Beijing: The capital. Go to **Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace. Blend of an imperial past + urban present.
Shanghai: The country’s most futuristic city Explore the **Bund, Yu Garden and Lujiazui skyscrapers. Night cruises on the Huangpu River = chef’s kiss.
Chengdu: Chill, spicy food, and just — **giant pandas. Also a portal to western China.
🏞️ Nature + Scenic spots
— Zhangjiajie (Hunan): Mountains and glass bridges, Avatar-style.
Some ideas: — Jiuzhaigou (Sichuan): Stunningly beautiful emerald lakes and waterfalls and Tibetan culture.
Guilin & Yangshuo** (Guangxi-China): Karst mountains, river boats, biking through villages.
-Tibet: For high-altitude religious pilgrims—Lhasa, the Potala Palace, monasteries and Himalayan views.
🏖️ Relaxing at the Beach & Island
– Hainan island (Sanya): China’s Hawaii. The land of white sand, resorts, surfing, and coconuts.
Xiamen & Gulangyu Island**: A coastal city with colonial influences, seafood, and a more relaxed pace.
🏯 Culture & History
Xi’an: Ancient capital and site of the **Terracotta Army.
Pingyao**: A Ming and Qing dynasty ancient walled city that is mostly intact.
Suzhou & Hangzhou**: Suzhou’s got classical gardens and canals; Hangzhou has West Lake and tea plantations.
🎒 Off-the-Beaten-Path
– Yunnan Province: Wider diversity of ethnic mixing, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, rice terraces, dramatic mountain scenery.
Xinjiang**: Silk Road history, desert against snowcapped peaks and lively Uyghur culture.
Inner Mongolia**: Yurts, grasslands and horseback riding.
Looking for something more chill, cultural, nature-oriented or adventurous? If you let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, I can craft a mini itinerary.