China
An epic land spanning extensive mountain ranges, river valleys, forests and historic landscapes, China offers a multitude of mesmerising experiences that will remain in the hearts of her guests long after they leave. From the bustling cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong to the atmospheric mountains of Tibet, a trip through China’s diverse terrain will undoubtedly rank as one of the best adventures you will ever experience.
With a population of over 1 billion – a staggering 22% of the World’s total – there is no place like it on Earth. Its people are some of the most welcoming people you’ll meet and you will certainly not be short of offers or suggestions for things to do and see. Whether you plan to stay in one place, city-hop, immerse yourself in the life of a local family, or perhaps backpack along the east coast, China’s varying climate and diverse terrain makes it the perfect base for adventure activities. Try anything from hiking, trekking and white-water rafting to wildlife conservation.
As one of the world’s oldest civilisations, China is host to a hundreds of ancient landmarks which give a unique insight into the country’s remarkable creation. Historic events that have shaped it into the formidable super power that it is today have been frozen in time at legendary tourist spots such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army at Xian. When faced with a place of such magnitude, it’s often hard to know where to start when planning a trip to China – to help you out, Life’s Great Adventures has suggested just some of the best towns, cities and sights for you to visit for a true flavour of oriental Asia…
Beijing
As the nation’s capital, Beijing is not only popular with international tourists and backpackers but also with around 140 million Chinese visitors a year. The city’s long history means that there is an unrivalled wealth of monuments, mausoleums and palaces to discover whilst you meander among the city’s hutong’s and siheyuan’s (courtyards). These remnants of Beijing’s past still exist alongside its new modern and exciting present, with the bright lights and buzz of its districts proving a strong draw for those wanting a varied and intriguing experience. With its location in the North East of China, Beijing serves as the ideal starting point for touring the rest of the country or exploring the nearby villages at the base of the Great Wall. If you are feeling adventurous, why not commit yourself to something many of us can only imagine and walk in the footsteps of those who built the Great Wall over a thousand years ago. Book a hike over the most visited part of the Wall, north of Beijing in Badaling.
A trip to Beijing isn’t complete without a visit to the Forbidden City – once home of the Ming Dynasty’s imperial palace. Another ‘must see’ is Tiananmen Square, which earned its place in Chinese history after a series of bloody pro-democracy demonstrations left a stain on the pride of China’s government.
Xi’an
Once the capital of China throughout the rule of numerous dynasties, Xi’an is now perhaps most famous for the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, which has saluted silently under its land since 210 BC. These mysterious figures were built by China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who created over 8000 soldiers, chariots, and horses destined to stand behind him and help him rule another empire in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army was uncovered by farmers in 1974 just outside Xi’an, in Shaanxi province, and it is thought that there may still be hundreds of the warriors as yet undiscovered in the pits beneath the suburbs. Surrounded by rivers, streams and the Qinling Mountains to the south, Xi’an is also an ideal base for exploring the rich fertile landscape of this region, with its wealth of sub-tropical vegetation and wildlife.
Shanghai
Increasingly hailed as the ‘new Hong Kong’, Shanghai has rapidly developed into a vibrant and exciting showpiece for modern China. Famous for its bright lights and impressive skyline, Shanghai is home to numerous landmarks such as the City of God temple, the Oriental Pearl Tower and the tallest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai World Trade Centre. The Oriental Pearl Tower starred in various films such as Godzilla: Final Wars, Mission Impossible III and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and provides a staggering view of the city from its 15 observatory levels. If you’re looking for great shopping, multicultural cuisine and a ‘features list’ unrivalled in China, then Shanghai is one city not to be missed.
Chengdu
A world away from the dizzy heights of Shanghai’s skyscrapers lies Chengdu, capital of the “Heavenly State” (Tian Fu Zhi Guo). This vast wilderness in the centre of China’s Sichuan Province is home to a multitude of natural wonders and wildlife, none more captivating than its Giant Pandas. Because of this, it is no surprise that a highlight of a trip to Chengdu is Panda City – a national centre for research into the protection of the Panda Bear. Aside from its natural beauty, Chengdu also has a rich history stretching back over 2,300 years and is littered with hundreds of beautiful palaces, temples and tombs for you to explore. With terrain ranging from hills and mountains to plains, rivers and valleys, it’s impossible not to take advantage of some of the exhilarating adventure activities and tours that are available in this area.
Hong Kong
As one of the most diverse and exciting city’s in the world, it’s not difficult to see why millions of tourists and visitors flock to Hong Kong every year. Situated on the mouth of the Pearl River, facing the South China Sea, Hong Kong is comprised of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories which consist of 262 outlying islands. Prepare to be dazzled at the bright lights, sights and sounds when you visit Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan centre and delighted by the stunning natural landscape which makes up over 70% of its land mass. For nature lovers, nothing can beat exploring Hong Kong’s bamboo forests, mountains and country parks, or if you are in need of relaxation after an exhausting day in the city, its world-renowned wetlands and beaches are close by too.
Tibet
A mystical land that few people will ever have the privilege of experiencing. Tibet is one of the holiest places in Asia and rightful home of the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Hidden away behind the majestic Himalayan Mountain Range, Tibet lies on the highest plateau on earth – no wonder it is often referred to as the ‘roof of the world’. Meeting the Tibetan people, learning about their culture and taking in the breathtaking scenery is an experience you will never forget. As one of the harshest environments on earth due to the high altitude, freezing conditions and thin air, a trip to Tibet will also leave you with a great sense of achievement, knowing that you survived it! When in Tibet, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the highest peak on the planet lies on its border with Nepal – the mighty Mount Everest has beaten some of the most experienced mountaineers and climbers in the world, so a mere glimpse of its base is a rare honour to behold.
Chinese Food
Loved the world over, Chinese food never tastes as good as it does in its home land. Forget about Chinese curry and chips, beef chow mein or prawn crackers; authentic Chinese cuisine is a tantalising mix of hot and cold, fresh and spicy – served in bite sized chunks giving you the perfect excuse to sample a wide variety of oriental flavours.
With all of these delights, it’s no great surprise that China is fast becoming the no 1 destination for travellers and tourists. It’s a country that everyone is talking about, so why not find out what all the fuss is about?
More great pictures from China…
An epic land spanning extensive mountain ranges, river valleys, forests and historic landscapes, China offers a multitude of mesmerising experiences that will remain in the hearts of her guests long after they leave. From the bustling cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong to the atmospheric mountains of Tibet, a trip through China’s diverse terrain will undoubtedly rank as one of the best adventures you will ever experience.
A world away from the dizzy heights of Shanghai’s skyscrapers lies Chengdu, capital of the “Heavenly State” (Tian Fu Zhi Guo). This vast wilderness in the centre of China’s Sichuan Province is home to a multitude of natural wonders and wildlife, none more captivating than its Giant Pandas. Because of this, it is no surprise that a highlight of a trip to Chengdu is Panda City – a national centre for research into the protection of the Panda Bear. Aside from its natural beauty, Chengdu also has a rich history stretching back over 2,300 years and is littered with hundreds of beautiful palaces, temples and tombs for you to explore. With terrain ranging from hills and mountains to plains, rivers and valleys, it’s impossible not to take advantage of some of the exhilarating adventure activities and tours that are available in this area.
