Map of China with it's mini flag pinned on it

China

Discovering China: Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels

China, a land where ancient history meets the cutting-edge of modern life, is one of the world’s most captivating destinations. With over 5,000 years of history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and futuristic cities, China offers a cultural experience that blends tradition with progress. Whether you want to walk the Great Wall, savor dim sum, or explore high-tech megacities, China has you covered.

Let’s take a friendly, witty, and informative trip through this vast and diverse country. Ready? Let’s go!

How to Reach China

Aerial view of Shanghai showing major city buildings

Flying into China is the most convenient way to reach this vast nation. Major international airports include Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). If you’re coming from Europe, the U.S., or other parts of Asia, you’ll find plenty of direct flights on airlines like Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern Airlines.

From neighboring Asian countries, flights are shorter, and regional carriers like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air offer frequent routes. Once you’re in China, the country’s extensive domestic flight network and high-speed trains make getting around a breeze.

Pro tip: China is big—like, really big—so plan your flights and internal travel well in advance to save time.

Currency

The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), often referred to as RMB (Renminbi). You’ll quickly get used to handling these red, green, and purple banknotes featuring Mao Zedong’s face. Most places accept credit cards in larger cities, but cash (or mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay) is still king in many areas. Pro tip: get some yuan in advance or exchange money at the airport—ATMs are easy to find, but make sure your card works internationally.

Popular Destinations of China

Now, let’s get to the juicy part: Where should you go in China?

The country is so diverse that narrowing down your stops might feel like deciding which dish to pick from a dim sum menu (hint: just say yes to everything). Here are a few unmissable destinations to add to your itinerary:

Beijing

The great wall of China

Let’s start with the grand capital, Beijing, where ancient history is on every corner. Begin your visit at the Forbidden City, an enormous palace complex that housed emperors for over 500 years. A short drive away is the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Climbing its steep, snaking paths might leave you breathless—both from the views and the workout!

Other top spots in Beijing include Tiananmen Square, the serene Temple of Heaven, and the vibrant Hutong neighborhoods, where you can get lost in winding alleyways filled with traditional architecture, local eateries, and shops.

Shanghai

If Beijing is the heart of China’s history, Shanghai is its futuristic face. This sprawling metropolis is a city of contrasts, where colonial architecture in the Bund stands across the river from the ultra-modern skyline of Pudong. Head up the Shanghai Tower—the world’s second-tallest building—for jaw-dropping views, or explore the charming French Concession district for a more laid-back experience.

Don’t forget to stroll through Yu Garden, an exquisite traditional Chinese garden in the heart of the city, and stop by Nanjing Road for some world-class shopping.

Xi'an

If you’re a history buff, Xi’an is your dream destination. This city was the starting point of the Silk Road and is home to the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, buried for over 2,000 years, guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It’s a truly mesmerizing sight!

Xi’an’s City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient fortifications in the world, is perfect for a scenic bike ride, and the Muslim Quarter offers fantastic street food (more on that later!).

Guilin and Yangshuo

If you’ve ever seen those dreamy, misty Chinese landscapes in paintings, chances are they were inspired by the karst mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo. These otherworldly limestone peaks rise dramatically from the ground, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for bamboo rafting on the Li River. This area is ideal for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

Chengdu

Four Pandas eating bamboo shoots

Want to meet some of the world’s cutest creatures? Head to Chengdu, the land of giant pandas! The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a chance to see these cuddly ambassadors of China up close, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of baby pandas rolling around.

Chengdu is also the gateway to Sichuan cuisine—get ready to test your spice tolerance! Hotpot, anyone?

The Yangtze River

For a unique experience, take a Yangtze River cruise. As China’s longest river, it cuts through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. You’ll sail past the Three Gorges, a stunning series of canyons, and catch glimpses of rural life along the riverbanks. Plus, the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower station, is a marvel of modern engineering.

Best Time to Visit

China’s sheer size means that the climate varies greatly depending on the region, so your best time to visit depends on where you’re headed.

  • Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to visit most of China, with mild weather and blooming flowers, especially in places like Beijing and Shanghai.
  • Autumn (September to November): Another fantastic season to explore, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. The fall colors are especially beautiful in the mountains.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers can be hot and humid, but it’s a great time to visit the northern parts of China or higher elevations like Tibet. Plus, you can enjoy the beaches in places like Hainan Island.
  • Winter (December to February): If you’re visiting Harbin, the Harbin Ice Festival is a must-see! Otherwise, prepare for cold weather, especially in northern China. Southern China remains milder.

Food

Chinese food is one of the greatest gifts to humanity. But in China, you’ll realize it’s much more diverse than your local takeout. Each region has its own specialties, and trust me, you’ll want to sample everything.

  • Peking Duck (Beijing): Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—Beijing’s roast duck is legendary.
  • Xiaolongbao (Shanghai): These delicate soup dumplings are a must-try in Shanghai, where you’ll slurp up the savory broth inside.
  • Hotpot (Chengdu): Sichuan hotpot is not for the faint of heart. It’s fiery, spicy, and completely addictive.
  • Dim Sum (Cantonese cuisine): In southern China, especially Guangzhou, savor a traditional dim sum feast with dumplings, buns, and all sorts of bite-sized delights.
  • Street food (Xi’an): Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter offers street food that combines Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors, with delights like lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and roujiamo (a Chinese-style sandwich).

Vegetarians, you’re in luck! China also has an impressive range of veggie-friendly dishes, thanks to its long-standing Buddhist traditions.

Assorted Chinese dishes are placed on a large table

Culture

China’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from millennia of history, philosophy, art, and tradition. You’ll notice an intriguing blend of ancient customs and modern ways, whether you’re watching a traditional Peking Opera or marveling at a futuristic skyscraper in Shanghai.

Key aspects of Chinese culture include:

  • Confucianism: This philosophy, based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizes respect for elders, family loyalty, and education.
  • Tea culture: Tea is more than a beverage in China—it’s an art form. Enjoy a tea ceremony and learn about different types of Chinese tea like green tea, oolong, and pu-erh.
  • Festivals: Major Chinese festivals include the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. These are celebrated with traditional foods, performances, and fireworks.
  • Traditional medicine: Ancient Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture and herbal remedies are still widely used today, and you can even try them yourself at many clinics.

Final Thoughts

China is a country that offers the perfect balance of past and present, urban and rural, familiar and exotic. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene landscapes of Guilin, every corner of China has a story to tell—and the only way to truly understand it is to experience it yourself.

So pack your bags, bring an appetite, and get ready to explore the wonders of China—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for its culture, cuisine, and, of course, its pandas!