Welcome Newcomers to China
China is one of the oldest and most extensive civilizations in the world, characterized by its rich diversity of regions, cuisines, and cultures. As a vast and intricate nation, it encompasses a wide range of cultural groups, historical backgrounds, culinary traditions, and languages. To help you gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating country during your stay, we have categorized the most popular activities in China by theme.
Explore Famous Imperial Sites
The majesty of Imperial China is vividly present in Beijing and several other former capital cities. We recommend starting your journey with a visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing, which served as the imperial palace during the Ming Dynasty (1406-1420). Nearby, you can find the Temple of Heaven, where emperors conducted rituals and sought divine guidance, as well as the lush surroundings of the Summer Palace, a vast complex that provided the royal court a retreat during the hot summer months.
In addition to Beijing, China boasts three other major historical capitals: Nanjing, Luoyang, and Xi’an. Each of these cities is home to numerous imperial monuments and tombs. In Nanjing, the Xiaoling Mausoleum from the Ming Dynasty is one of the largest imperial tombs in China, while the Presidential Palace once served as the residence for royal princes before becoming the home of China’s first republican president, Sun Yat-sen.
Savor Delicious Chinese Cuisine
One of the most delightful aspects of visiting China is the chance to explore its vast and varied culinary landscape—far beyond the typical dishes found in Chinese restaurants abroad. There are eight major regional cuisines, each with its own local styles, ensuring that you’ll discover something new and exciting to taste in every corner of the nation.
In southern China, rice and stir-fry dishes are staples due to the rice cultivation, while in the wheat-producing north, dumplings, buns, and noodles dominate the culinary scene. We highly recommend trying xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and the crispy Beijing roast duck. If you’re in Guangdong province, you’ll find the finest dim sum, while the far northwest region of Gansu offers halal cuisine influenced by Central Asian flavors. For an intense flavor experience, consider visiting the Sichuan or Hunan provinces.
Wander Through the Gardens of Suzhou
Suzhou is renowned for its 69 classical Chinese gardens, which have earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation. The gardens vary in size, from the vast Humble Administrator’s Garden to the more intimate Garden of the Master of the Nets. Originally designed as private retreats for scholars, officials, and artists, these gardens are filled with carefully arranged elements—including winding paths, round moon gates, ponds, and bonsai trees—creating tranquil spaces perfect for reflection and creativity.
Discover the Silk Road
A significant portion of the historical trade routes of the Silk Road runs through northwestern China, culminating in Xi’an, which was historically considered the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The towns along this route are rich in cultural heritage, particularly from Hui Muslim and ethnically Kazakh, Uyghur, and Uzbek communities. While Muslim culture is prominent, travelers can also discover traces of the Buddhist culture that spread eastward from India through trade.
Some of the most remarkable Buddhist sites in China are located along the Hexi Corridor in Gansu province, including the famous Mogao Grottoes, recognized as some of the world’s most significant repositories of Buddhist art. Today’s travelers can enjoy convenient and eco-friendly transportation along the Chinese Silk Road, thanks to a high-speed rail line that spans the entire route.
Get Up Close with Adorable Pandas
In 2021, China consolidated its 67 panda reserves into a single Giant Panda National Park, which serves as a sanctuary for the 1,631 wild pandas residing in the country. The status of the giant panda has recently changed from endangered to threatened. For those eager to observe these charming animals in their natural habitat, the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Chengdu is the prime location, home to more than 200 giant pandas and a sizable population of the smaller, red pandas.
Experience the “China Golden Triangle” Trip
China’s most prominent cities—Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai—are conveniently connected by high-speed rail, making it easy to travel between them. Most first-time visitors focus on three of the country’s most famous icons: the Great Wall near Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and the historic Bund along with the skyscrapers in Shanghai.
For a more authentic experience, consider visiting less touristy sections of the Great Wall, such as Mutianyu or the unrestored Jiankou. Winter offers a particularly enchanting time to hike the Great Wall, with a blanket of snow creating a stunning backdrop. It’s also a quieter season for exploring the Terracotta Warriors and capturing photos of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.
Explore Diverse Minority Cultures
China is home to a variety of communities, cultures, and languages. While 90% of the population speaks Mandarin Chinese, there are 55 officially recognized minority groups across the country. Additionally, there are many other groups, languages, and identities that are not formally recognized, including the Miao and Dai of the southwest, the Hui of northwestern Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia, as well as the Tibetans, who are among the most well-known.
Consider participating in homestays or cultural immersion programs led by local community members. One excellent option is the Linden Center in Xizhou, Yunnan, set in a beautifully restored heritage building. It combines boutique hotel accommodation with cultural centers, spiritual retreats, and classrooms, offering an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in three local communities, with profits benefiting these groups directly.
Hike Through Breathtaking Rice Terraces and Mountains
China’s scenic mountain landscapes have been celebrated in art for millennia. The iconic image of rugged, karst peaks shrouded in mist has inspired landscape paintings since the 6th century. Much of China features mountainous terrains, but the most impressive views of cloud-capped summits can be found at places like Yellow Mountain and the sacred Daoist peaks, such as Hua Shan and Tai Shan.
The ethereal, pillar-like mountains of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province served as inspiration for the film Avatar and provide numerous accessible hiking trails. For those seeking more challenging treks, Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Himalayan borderlands of Yunnan and Sichuan offer incredible hiking opportunities.
One of China’s most famous images is that of the sunset reflecting in the tiered waters of rice terraces. Longsheng County in Guangxi province is renowned for its extensive rice terrace system, particularly the Longji terraces near Zhuang village. Hiking trails connect these fields to various minority villages, making it easy to reach Guilin, where a cruise down the Li River reveals stunning karst peaks that have become iconic symbols of China.
Gain Insight at China’s Museums
China is home to a vast array of world-class museums showcasing artifacts from ancient rituals to contemporary art. Each province has its own provincial museum featuring locally discovered items. For a comprehensive overview of national arts and artifacts, we recommend visiting the excellent Shanghai Museum or the National Museum of China in Beijing.
Additionally, there are numerous museums with specialized focuses, such as the Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu, dedicated to an enigmatic ancient civilization. Other unique museums include the Shanghai Museum of Glass, the China Watermelon Museum, and the Gaoligong Museum of Handcraft Paper in Yunnan province.
Immerse Yourself in Traditional Arts
Through the ages, China has made significant contributions to the arts and music. Across the country, various venues host traditional Chinese performances, with one notable location being the Shantang Kunqu Opera House in Suzhou, where you can enjoy intimate opera shows accompanied by a traditional tea service. One of the most rewarding experiences in China is waking up early to visit local parks, where you can witness people engaging in activities such as swordplay, fan-dancing, tai chi, singing, square dancing, water calligraphy, and various folk art forms.
Visit Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong is a prime destination for both business and leisure, offering a wide range of dining options—from upscale banquet restaurants to local eateries—alongside a bustling nightlife and stunning skyline views. We suggest visiting one of the surrounding islands, hiking the Dragon’s Back trail, or kayaking around the Hong Kong Global Geopark.
While old fishing villages in Macau have given way to numerous casinos built on reclaimed land, the region still boasts rich heritage architecture and unique fusion cuisine, drawing from local specialties and Portuguese influences. If you can only squeeze in one activity in Macau, don’t miss the chance to try the famous custard tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery.
Enjoy Winter Activities in Northern China
China transforms during the winter, with a developed infrastructure for skiing and snowboarding, particularly in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The finest slopes and facilities can be found at Yabuli in Heilongjiang province and Changbaishan in Jilin province.
For a more leisurely experience, the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, held along the frozen Songhua River, offers a spectacular winter wonderland. As the largest festival of its kind worldwide, it features countless ice structures and monumental sculptures inspired by famous landmarks from around the globe.
We are thrilled to welcome you to China! Best of luck, and please let us know if there’s anything we can do to assist you during your journey through this vast and beautiful country. Let’s embark on an adventure and experience the vibrant colors of life!
