Discover
China’s most inspiring bucket list experiences - from ancient
wonders like the Great Wall and Terracotta Army to serene landscapes
in Guilin and Zhangjiajie. Explore the best things to do in China for
culture, nature, and adventure.
The Great Wall of China – Walk Through History
Stretching across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, the Great Wall embodies China’s ancient strength and determination. Whether walking restored sections like Mutianyu or wild stretches such as Jiankou, travellers encounter breathtaking vistas and centuries-old watchtowers overlooking remote countryside.
The Forbidden City – Imperial Grandeur in Beijing
Step through the vermilion gates into the former heart of China’s empire, where golden roofs, intricate carvings, and vast courtyards reveal five centuries of imperial life. This UNESCO masterpiece tells stories of emperors, concubines, and dynastic intrigue within its perfectly symmetrical design.
Terracotta Army – Silent Guardians of Xi’an
Buried for over two millennia, the Terracotta Army guards Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb in silent formation. Each of the 8,000 life-sized warriors is unique, representing ancient craftsmanship and the might of China’s first emperor. The sheer scale of the site is both eerie and unforgettable.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Avatar Mountains
These towering sandstone pillars rise dramatically from mist-shrouded valleys, inspiring the floating mountains in Avatar. Trails weave through ethereal forests and glass bridges hang over plunging gorges, offering views that blur the line between fantasy and reality.
Guilin & Yangshuo – Dreamlike Karst Landscapes
Cruise down the Li River past limestone peaks and mirrored waters that have inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries. From Guilin’s scenic bends to Yangshuo’s tranquil bamboo-rafting and cycling paths, every turn reveals postcard-perfect rural charm.
Shanghai Skyline & The Bund – East Meets West
Shanghai dazzles with its contrast of modern skyscrapers and colonial-era architecture. The Bund’s historic facades face the futuristic towers of Pudong, reflecting China’s evolution from ancient empire to global metropolis. Nightfall transforms it into a kaleidoscope of light and colour.
Chengdu Panda Base – China’s Beloved Icons
Dedicated to protecting China’s most famous resident, this research base lets visitors see pandas in naturalistic enclosures. Watch them tumble, nap, and feast on bamboo while learning about ongoing conservation efforts that ensure their survival.
Learn the Art of Chinese Calligraphy
Immerse yourself in one of China’s oldest art forms by joining a local calligraphy workshop. Guided by masters, you’ll learn to use brushes and ink to write characters symbolising balance and harmony - a deeply meditative experience blending culture, language, and artistry.
Attend the Lantern Festival
On the fifteenth day of Lunar New Year, cities glow with thousands of floating lanterns and dragon dances. From Xi’an’s ancient city walls to Pingxi’s sky lanterns, it’s a dazzling celebration of light, family, and renewal - one of China’s most photogenic events.
Ride the High-Speed Train Across China
Experience China’s technological prowess aboard its world-class bullet trains. Travelling from Beijing to Shanghai in under five hours, you’ll glide through farmland and cityscapes at 300km/h in total comfort - the most efficient and scenic way to see modern China.
Join a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Sip your way through the ancient rituals of Chinese tea culture, where each pour reflects centuries of philosophy and mindfulness. Taste delicate oolongs or robust pu’er in serene teahouses surrounded by bamboo and quiet conversation.
Take a Tai Chi Class at Dawn
Join locals in peaceful parks as they practice the slow, flowing movements of tai chi - an art that embodies balance and energy. Surrounded by morning mist and birdsong, it’s the perfect way to connect body and spirit in true Chinese fashion.
Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province – China’s Most Beautiful Countryside
Rolling hills covered in golden rapeseed flowers surround Wuyuan’s ancient villages and stone bridges. Wooden homes, clear rivers, and ancestral halls reveal traditional rural China at its most picturesque.
Kanas Lake, Xinjiang – Alpine Serenity
Set amid snow-capped peaks and forests, Kanas Lake’s turquoise waters reflect Mongolia’s vast frontier beauty. Kazakh herders, wooden cabins, and legends of lake monsters add intrigue to its isolation.
Fanjingshan, Guizhou – Sacred Cloud Mountain
A UNESCO-listed site of spiritual calm, Fanjingshan rises above the clouds with surreal rock formations and temples perched on peaks. Pilgrims and hikers alike find peace amid its misty trails and golden summit views.
Shaxi Ancient Town, Yunnan – Old Tea-Horse Trail Stop
Once a key caravan stop between Tibet and Burma, Shaxi retains cobbled lanes, wooden inns, and a slow, timeless rhythm. It’s a perfect glimpse into pre-tourism China surrounded by pastoral valleys.
Tongli Water Town – The Venice of the East
Crisscrossed by canals and stone bridges, Tongli’s tranquil beauty rivals nearby Suzhou but with fewer crowds. Teahouses line the waterways, and traditional gardens echo China’s poetic past.
Lugu Lake – The Land of the Mosuo People
Nestled between Sichuan and Yunnan, Lugu Lake shimmers with blue-green waters and mountain reflections. Home to the matriarchal Mosuo culture, it offers a rare insight into a society led by women.
Sleep in a Cave Hotel in Shaanxi
Stay in a yaodong - a traditional cave dwelling carved into loess cliffs, still used by locals for their natural insulation. It’s a fascinating blend of history, sustainability, and comfort unique to northern China.
Visit the Ghost City of Fengdu
A surreal blend of mythology and macabre, Fengdu Ghost City showcases temples, sculptures, and gates depicting the Chinese afterlife. It’s both eerie and enlightening, revealing moral tales from ancient folklore.
Attend the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin
Each winter, Harbin transforms into a glittering frozen wonderland of massive ice castles, sculptures, and light displays. Artists from around the world craft entire cities from ice blocks on the Songhua River.
Eat Scorpions on Beijing’s Wangfujing Street
A daring snack or just for photos - deep-fried scorpions on skewers are the star of this bustling night market. Alongside dumplings and candied fruit, it’s a window into China’s fearless street-food scene.
Beijing
• Explore the Summer Palace’s lakes and pavilions.
Insider Tip: Go early morning before crowds arrive.
• Walk through the historic hutongs.
Best Way: Hire a local guide with a rickshaw.
• See the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed.
Good to Know: Best visited at sunrise when locals practice tai chi.
Shanghai
• Visit Yu Garden for classical landscaping perfection.
Insider Tip: Early mornings are serene before tour groups.
• Experience Nanjing Road’s shopping and lights.
Best Way: Walk from People’s Square to The Bund.
• Discover the French Concession’s leafy charm.
Good to Know: Great for coffee shops and boutique shopping.
Chengdu
• Try authentic Sichuan hotpot.
Insider Tip: Order medium spice unless you’re brave.
• Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Best Way: Combine with a day trip by train or tour.
• Relax in People’s Park with a cup of jasmine tea.
Good to Know: Locals welcome visitors to join mahjong games.
• Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan for jaw-dropping river views.
Tip: Bring good boots and stay overnight in guesthouses along the trail.
• Cycle around West Lake in Hangzhou at sunrise.
Good to Know: Bike rentals are available across the city.
• Camp under the stars in Inner Mongolia’s grasslands.
Tip: Visit in July–September for mild nights and local Naadam festivals.
• Trek in the Tibetan Plateau near Shangri-La.
Good to Know: Acclimatise properly; altitude sickness is common.
• Take a dumpling-making class in Xi’an and learn regional folding styles.
Tip: Book through community-run cooking schools for authenticity.
• Witness a Peking Opera performance in Beijing.
Good to Know: Subtitled screens help non-Chinese speakers follow.
• Browse local night markets in Chengdu for spicy street eats.
Tip: Try dan dan noodles and grilled skewers.
• Visit Jingdezhen to see porcelain-making in action.
Good to Know: This ancient craft city is known as China’s “Porcelain Capital.”