7 Must-Visit Cities in China ...

By Cris

Earlier this month I made a list of must visit cities in China. I did this because friends and family members have been bugging me for recommendations on the best Chinese cities to travel to. China is a big country covering 22 provinces, two special administrative regions, four direct-controlled municipalities and five autonomous regions. Let me just breathe after typing that. There are just so many places to go to that it can be overwhelming! So I'm sharing with you my list of must visit cities in China...

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1

Beijing

Beijing Most people go to Beijing, simply because it is one of the must visit cities in China. Why? Because it's home to the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Great Wall at Badaling (within Beijing) is the most visited part of this historical structure. People say you've never been to China unless you've climbed The Great Wall.

2

Shanghai

Shanghai Shanghai is a walkable, cosmopolitan city that has rapidly expanded its economic activity in the past decade. My favorite is the French concession area where villas and sycamore trees line the streets. Take time to visit the Shanghai Museum for your history fix. ShangART at 50 Moganshan is the place for contemporary art. Visit The Bund too! And whatever you do, don't leave Shanghai without tasting xialongbao (people call it soup dumpling). Once you taste it, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

3

Guangzhou

Guangzhou I live here. There are eight main sites to visit but my favorites are Baiyun Mountain, the Pearl River Tour at night, the Western style architecture of Shamian Island and the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the facade of which was modelled after the Basilica of St. Clotilde in Paris, France.

4

Hangzhou

Hangzhou This is my favorite Chinese city because it is the home of the West Lake that is just so magical when it rains. Painters should come to this place at least once in their lifetime. Hangzhou also has the National Silk Museum and the National Tea Museum. I went gaga when the tea lady showed me how the traditional tea ceremony is conducted. Any tea lover will consider this heaven.

5

Suzhou

Suzhou It's called the Venice of the East because of the exquisite waterways and captivating gardens. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The way these gardens are landscaped is just pure art and pure heart.

Famous Quotes

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

Peter Elbow
6

Guilin

Guilin is your postcard city for landscapes. It's just plain magnetic. The Li River cruise should never be missed because it defines beauty and tranquility. Guilin is a nature city that people who like the outdoors will surely love. Don’t forget to visit the Reed Flute Cave, the Longji Rice Terraces and the Solitary Beauty Hill.

7

Xi an

Xi’an is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. If only for the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (first emperor of the Qin Dynasty) and his Terracotta Army, travelers should visit Xi'an. Take one full day in the Terracotta Warriors Museum because there's so much to see. Imagine this: 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses and 10,000 bronze weapons are displayed and they are still unearthing more.

There are more cities to explore in China. Not many people here speak English though so I suggest learning basic Mandarin expressions and sentences before you fly out here to enjoy the Middle Kingdom. Have you visited China? What’s the most memorable part of your trip?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

you speak about SUZHOU with a picture of XI TANG

what a nice place i had the opportunity to visit this place

I loved Beijing and Xi'an! I'd recommend visiting the Mutianyu part of the Great Wall as you'll find less tourists and you get to ride down this awesome toboggan ride! Xi'ans Muslim Quarter was fantastic; so colourful and lively! I personally thought Suzhou was a little underwhelming but it's nice for a day trip. I'd love to go back to China one day!

I think Yunnan province is amazing especially Lijiang

Omg I visited them all yeeee

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