China is the most populous country in the world as it is home to almost one-fifth of the world population at 1.3 billion people. The Chinese cultural values include harmony, benevolence, righteousness, honesty, and loyalty. There is so much to explore, from incredible architecture to ancient traditions. Below are 25 things to do in China!

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Fun Facts:

• The highest mountain on the border with China is Mount Everest.
• The longest river in China is the Yangtze River.
• Beijing is its capital
• Shanghai is the largest city
• Chinese is the official language
• China is a one-party communist state

Things to do:

1- The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive handmade structures ever built. The wall spans over 20,000 km and will leave you in awe. Did you know? If you were to walk the entire path, it would take you 18 months. Of course, you will find shorter routes and trails perfect for a one-time visit. The most famous hiking section is about 1 to 3 hours from Beijing. Views throughout the entire hike are stunning and this is for sure worthy of a bucket list item.

2- Walk of Faith at the Tianmen Mountain

The glass walkway called the Walk of Faith sits at 1,430 meters above sea level and is 61 meters long at the top of Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain.

3- Forbidden City

Visit the forbidden city or Tiananmen Square. Tiananmen Square can hold up to a million people at once, where they have a daily flag-raising ceremony every morning. The square is a national symbol dedicated to the martyrs who revolted against the country’s oppressors.

4- Heaven’s Gate

Did you know? There are 999 steps that lead to Heaven’s Gate, which is an arch that is 130 meters tall at Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain.

5- Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is in Xi’an, a fascinating city in China. This site seriously lets history come to life as archeologists have restored infamous statues. China’s first emperor created The Terracotta Army to serve as his guardian in his afterlife. The archeological site was discovered 50 years ago.

6- Visit Shanghai at the Bund

Most of Shanghai has modern skyscrapers; however, you need to see the Bund because this area is contrived of European Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque-styled buildings. If you love architecture, then be sure to visit the Bund!

7- Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie National Park is the inspiration for Avatar. The scenic peaks are beautiful and mesmerizing. 

8- Observe Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The Giant Panda is super cute and is native to southwest china specifically. There is a breeding center in Chengdu, where you can see pandas being cared for before being released into the wild. The breeding center is necessary for survival because the sleepy creatures who consume bamboo are increasingly in danger.

9- Kung Fu Performance at the Shaolin Temple

Shaolin temple is the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu and the Zen Buddhism movement. The temple lies at the foot of the Song Shan Mountain range.

10- Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan

Leshan Giant Buddha is the tallest stone Buddha in the world. It was built to calm waters that were common in the area and is about 71 meters high on the Leshan River. You can visit the statue on a boat or foot.

11- Silk Route

The Silk Route is an international trade route transporting luxury goods like silver and silk. It was the only route where the transportation of valuable goods was allowed until the middle of the 15th century.

12- Lhasa

Lhasa is a spiritual city and the capital of Tibet. You will find three great monasteries.

13- Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a stunning snowcapped mountain surrounded by two lakes.

14- Ice Sculptures at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Witness structures made with snow and ice at the largest ice sculpture festival in the world. The city transformed into a winter wonderland.

15- Yangtze River Cruise

The Yangtze is the longest river in China, passing three major cities like Shanghai. Cruises range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the itinerary and how long you would like to go.

16- Li River

Taking a bamboo raft down the Li River should be on your China bucket list! The beautiful river is surrounded by incredible rock formations and rice paddies.

17- Yellow Mountain (Huangshan)

The Yellow Mountain is one of China’s most beautiful destinations. The nearby village, known as Hongcun, will take you a step back in time. On the mountain, you will find twisted pine trees and stone spires.

18- Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing is home to lakes, mountains, and palaces. It was an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty. The Palace’s intricate detail alone makes it worth a visit.

19- West Lake, Hangzhou

This freshwater lake has temples and gardens to explore near it, as well as natural and artificial islands within it. The islands formed five separate lakes.

20- Buddhist Art in the Magao Caves in Gansu

The Magao Caves are home to artwork that dates back more than 1,000 years. There are 750+ caves to explore, where you will see statues to intricate murals all celebrating the Buddhist religion.

21- Admire the Lights and Limestone at the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, Guangxi

The cave has rock formations, including both stalactites and stalagmites. Multi-colored lighting artificially illuminates the caves.

22- Visit the Xian City Wall

The Xian City Wall is well-preserved and was built under the rule of a Chinese Emperors’ military defense system.

23- Gardens of Suzhou

Gardens to visit in Suzhou are Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Canglang Pavilion, Lingering Garden, and Master of the Nets Garden. Each classical garden has a ton of florals and is unique.

24- Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is a lake surrounded by mountains and has waterfalls. The crystal-clear water allows you to see all of the fish very clearly and leaves that have fallen to the bottom of the lake.

25- Waterfall in Guizhou

Asia’s highest waterfall is in Guizhou. The waterfall stands 74 meters high. Huangguoshou Falls is a site you do not want to miss!

We listed 25 things to do in China! Have you ever been to China? Please comment down below about your experience.

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