Things to do in China
Our top activities in china
Walk in the footsteps of greatness
Besides its undeniable standing as an incredible triumph of engineering, to actually consider the enormity and significance of China’s Great Wall – a series of fortifications constructed from brick, stone, wood and packed earth that snakes its way across 8,850km of northern China’s mountainside – is to contemplate over 2,000 years of cultural isolation and political endurance.
You can visit for a day - there are cable cars and a toboggan run for those traveling with kids or who fancy more of an amble than a hike, or indulge in a lengthy itinerary that combines nights in village homestays and guesthouses with daily hikes of up to seven hours. Either way, to witness firsthand this stunning feat of human achievement against a lush landscape of chestnut trees and blooms is to fulfill the trip of a lifetime.
You can visit for a day - there are cable cars and a toboggan run for those traveling with kids or who fancy more of an amble than a hike, or indulge in a lengthy itinerary that combines nights in village homestays and guesthouses with daily hikes of up to seven hours. Either way, to witness firsthand this stunning feat of human achievement against a lush landscape of chestnut trees and blooms is to fulfill the trip of a lifetime.
See the sights
Try not to overload your itinerary; approached wisely, China is as uplifting as it is intriguing. There is something for everyone in China.
If crumbling dynasties are your thing, start with the historic buildings of Beijing, a city with over 3,000 years of history and a cityscape that changes every day – the Forbidden City, China’s whopping great palace complex is the country’s largest collection of ancient buildings; you’ll need a full day to explore it. More landscape less history? Why not cruise the Yangtze River past the Three Gorges, the world’s largest dam (and, incidentally, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station too, but an awful lot prettier than that sounds…). If you want to channel your Zen while drinking chai, head out to China’s ancient villages where picture-perfect pastoral scenes, feng shui, and tradition abound.
Snap real Chinese life through a lens
Whether you’re a keen professional photographer or a budding amateur, anyone with an interest in snapping people and culture should take their camera to China. Discovering the country through pictures is an unforgettable way to learn more about its natural wonders as well as the ethnic minorities that live among them.
Eating & drinking
Chinese street food is a hallmark of the country’s culture. Snack stalls and night markets grace every city.
From the weird – donkey meat sandwich, anyone? To the wonderful – biting into a ‘yu ci’, a crispy ball of salt and savoury rice is like sinking your teeth into a pillow of pure joy, street food is an essential part of anyone’s China experience. Beijing’s Donghuamen Night Market, though not what we would term authentic, is a bustling taste explosion of everything from chicken hearts and grasshoppers to snakeskin on a stick.
From the weird – donkey meat sandwich, anyone? To the wonderful – biting into a ‘yu ci’, a crispy ball of salt and savoury rice is like sinking your teeth into a pillow of pure joy, street food is an essential part of anyone’s China experience. Beijing’s Donghuamen Night Market, though not what we would term authentic, is a bustling taste explosion of everything from chicken hearts and grasshoppers to snakeskin on a stick.
Photo credits: [Lion statue: Yan-long]
[rice paddies: nick mote]
[market: vincentraal]
[street food: Daniel]
China highlights tour, tailor made
Walk along the Great Wall and relax in the stunning LiRiver
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A wonderful experience of real China
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China vacation and Yangtze river cruise
A comprehensive China itinerary covering its length and breadth
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Small group tour of Yunnan, China
China's most diverse & fascinating region - Yunnan Province
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Great Wall of China walking vacation
Trek along various contrasting sections of the wall
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US $1799
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China 8 day tour
Discover the Great Wall, Terracotta Army and Shanghai.
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£1315
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