China offers a diverse range of attractions, including the world's highest mountains in Tibet, vast lowlands and plains, picturesque beaches and resorts, the renowned Shaolin Monastery, ginseng farms in Qinghai Province, archaeological sites in the Gobi and Takla Makan deserts, mountaineering bases on the eastern slopes of the Himalayas and Karakoram, and various tours and excursions to these captivating places.
China vacations encompass visits to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Xi'an, Luoyang, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Quanming, and Tibet, each offering its unique charm and attractions.
China takes great pride in preserving its cultural heritage, with more than 240 monuments of world significance under state protection. Additionally, 24 cities with rich historical and revolutionary traditions have been designated as protected areas. The Great Wall of China stands as the iconic symbol of the nation, stretching over six thousand kilometers from its northernmost point in Shanghaiiguan to its southern point in Jiayuguan. The nearest resort to Jiayuguan is Beidaihe.
Travel reviews about excursions to China highlight numerous captivating destinations. Prices for tours within China can vary depending on the city, route, and destination, primarily influenced by the distance of travel. For instance, renting a car with a guide-translator in major cities for a basic set of routes (5-6 sights) starts from $150 USD. Group sightseeing tours in Beijing typically start from $25 USD per person, while a visit to the Winter Imperial Palace in Beijing costs around $50 USD per person for a group excursion. Exploring the tombs of the Ming dynasty emperors, located about 50 kilometers from Beijing, usually ranges from $70 to $100 USD, including departure from the city. Similar tours often incorporate visits to the Great Wall of China.
If you're planning to travel extensively within China, especially by air, it's advisable to consider pre-packaged tours to specific cities. China is vast, and it's impossible to cover everything in one trip, so focus on excursions around the city you initially arrive in. Excursion costs in this range from $25 to $150 USD. However, it's important to note that excursion trips to places like Lhasa require separate permits and are considered full-fledged tours, which can cost around $1000 USD or even higher.
Suzhou, often regarded as the heart of China, boasts attractions such as the Imperial Palace, which served as the residence of emperors from two dynasties - the Ming and Qing. The city is also home to numerous parks and temples, making it particularly interesting for visitors.
If you're interested in exploring further, there are excursions available to the summer residence of the Qing emperors, Bi Shu Shang-Zhuang, near Cheng-De.
In the ancient city of Xi'an, you can visit a unique museum showcasing terracotta figures of warriors and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. Nearby Zhoukoudian offers access to unique archaeological sites with fossilized remains of the earliest forms of humans. Separate sightseeing tours are available for both of these remarkable locations.
Hainan Island offers more than just a great resort experience. It boasts grandiose landscape parks, thermal springs in Guantan and Xinglong within the Thermal Spring Valley, the ancient Ma An volcano, ethnic minority villages of Li and Miao, Asia's largest oceanarium with exotic marine life, a tropical plant garden in Xinglong, and kilometers of beautiful beaches. There's a wide range of excursions available on the island, typically costing between $25 to $100 USD per trip to various points of interest.
Tibet remains a distinctive land with thousands of monasteries and ancient cultural heritage. Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, houses dozens of Buddhist monasteries and temples, with the famous Yokhan Temple being one of them. The Potala Palace, once the residence of the Dalai Lama, is a must-visit. Pilgrims often come to explore the Kailash mountain range and visit the Panchen Lama's residence in Shigatse, as well as walk along the ancient Silk Road via the Karakoram Highway in the north.
In Hong Kong, you can explore attractions like Victoria Park on the mountainside, Meng Mo Temple, and even the Central Market. There are numerous other attractions to discover in the city; you can check out the city page for more details.
