Is China worth traveling to?
People from the West might wonder whether it’s worth seeing China. Abounding majestic historical constructions such as the Great Wall, the Imperial Citadel, the Terracotta Army, etc., colorful culture, fascinating culture, the answer is yes, China is worth traveling to, especially if you’re interested in history, culture, food, nature, or rapid modernization.
Where is China?
China is located in East Asia, and it’s the third-largest country in the world by area (after Russia and Canada) and the most populous country. China borders a number of countries. Hence, after visiting China, you also can combine a trip to one of its neighbors, such a Vietnam travel trip.
East: Pacific Ocean (including the East China Sea and South China Sea)
North: Mongolia, Russia
West: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan
South: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam
Southeast: Close to Taiwan, the Philippines, and other parts of Southeast Asia
When is the best time to travel to China?
China is a large country, and the weather is distinctly divided into 4 seasons. The best time to travel to China is generally in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These months offer the most pleasant weather, fewer extremes, and beautiful scenery. Keep in mind that this is a super-populated country, and I highly suggest avoiding the public holiday when domestic travelers cause you to wait in a long queue for sightseeing.
Here are five recommended places to visit for first-time travelers to China, offering a mix of history, culture, nature, and modern life:
5 recommended places for first-time travelers to China
Beijing (Historical and Cultural Hub)
It’s the capital and a perfect introduction to China’s imperial past and political present.
Unmissable spots to see in Beijing are the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square.
Xi’an (Ancient Capital)
Xi’an is a lovely ancient capital city. It’s the starting point of the Silk Road and home to some of China’s oldest and most iconic relics.
Favourite places to explore in Xi’an include the Terracotta Army, the Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim Quarter.
Shanghai
Shanghai, a modern Metropolis, is an impressive city where traditional Chinese culture meets futuristic skyscrapers and international flair.
Highlighted places to check out in Shanghai are the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, French Concession. Additionally, from Shanghai, travelers can catch express trains to visit Hangzhou.
Zhangjiajie National Park
Zhangjiajie is one of China’s most stunning natural destinations and is worth visiting, especially if you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventure. It’s located in Hunan Province and became world-famous as the inspiration for the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in Avatar.
Hongkong
Traveling to Hong Kong is a fantastic experience, especially if you enjoy a fast-paced city with a mix of modern skyscrapers, vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery. It’s often described as “East meets West”, blending Chinese traditions with British colonial influences.
I’ve been to China twice, and indeed haven’t seen much of China. There are so many stunning places to travel to. The suggested 5 destinations are just based on my personal opinion. If you have any place of favour, leave it in comments. I might check it out on my next trip 🙂