The most beautiful city in China. beautiful places in china
China is an unusual state in which different cultures, cuisines, dialects and living conditions coexist. When traveling in China, it often feels like you are traveling to different countries.
The style and lifestyle in big cities is significantly different from life in the countryside, the western and eastern parts of the country seem to be completely different worlds, and the usual things in the north can shock the inhabitants of the south. One could spend a lifetime traveling through China and discovering more and more differences. Many people come from other countries to China and stay there for many years. Most expats narrow their search for residence to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. But there are other cities in China that are great for living.
If you are lucky enough to choose your own place of residence in China, you may encounter some difficulties in finding the perfect city for you. The portal saporedicina.com selected the 15 best cities to live in China, which are in no particular order.
1. Hangzhou
Province: Zhejiang
Population: 8.7 million
GDP per capita: 112,268 yuan ($17,067)
Interested in: history, culture and landscapes
The older generation of Chinese people say: "Heaven is Heaven, and Suzhou and Hangzhou are on earth." Hangzhou is known for its historical landmarks and beautiful scenery. This city has become one of the most prosperous due to its location at the southern mouth of the Grand Canal.
The most famous place in Hangzhou is Xihu Lake, which is included in the list along with the surrounding temples, bridges and gardens. Throughout Chinese history, Xihu has been a favorite haunt of poets and artists looking for inspiration. Marco Polo, having been there, called Xihu Lake the most beautiful place on Earth.
Modern, developing Hangzhou combines a mixture of old and new. Visiting the historical and cultural places of the city, you can enjoy the nightlife and shopping. Hangzhou also neighbors several cities on this list such as Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing.
2. Xiamen
Province: Fujian
Population: 3.5 million
GDP per capita 77.392 yuan ($11.765)
Interesting: leisure, climate, seafood
Xiamen is located in southeast China directly across from Taiwan. Most of the city is on an island. This is a great place to rent a bike, walk along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.
The city was one of the first four special economic zones (SEZs) open to foreign investment and trade with the start of economic reforms in the 1980s. Also, Xiamen and neighboring places in Fujian are the historical homeland of many Chinese immigrants. These two factors have led to Xiamen's abundance of cultural and educational spaces and its thriving economy.
Gulangyu Island is very popular with both day and weekend tourists. Walking around this island, you will enjoy the views of the European buildings of the Victorian style. Kinmen Island, which is under the jurisdiction of the Taiwanese administration, will be of great interest to outdoor enthusiasts, in addition, there are regular flights to Taiwan from it.
3. Kunming
Province: Yunnan
Population: 6.4 million
GDP per capita 46.814 yuan ($7.116)
Interesting: cultural and ethnic diversity, landscapes, proximity to Southeast Asia.
Kunming is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province. It is also known as the "City of Spring" due to its temperate climate. Kunming is one of the least polluted big cities in China. It houses many universities, museums and other important cultural, economic and educational institutions.
Yunnan Province is famous for its cultural and ethnic diversity and may seem like a completely different world compared to the big cities of the east coast of China.
Outside of Kunming, you can enjoy the view of Dian Lake, which is surrounded by temples and limestone hills. Also try to climb the mountains in the Stone Forest or go to Vietnam, Myanmar or Laos.
4. Qingdao
Province: Shandong
Population: 8.7 million
GDP per capita 96,524 yuan ($14,673)
Interesting: beaches, beer, seafood and the influence of European culture
Best known outside of China for its beer, Qingdao was under German control for a long time. Now the unique atmosphere of the city is created by German-style buildings and a huge number of Korean emigrants.
In 2011, Qingdao was named the best city to live in China.
Qingdao is a great place to enjoy beaches, fish and seafood. This city is the birthplace of the international beer festival of the same name and the Olympic Seafaring Center, famous for the picturesque expanses of the Laoshan mountain peak and the Golden Beach. It also has many other unique places of leisure and recreation.
5. Nanjing
Province: Jiangsu
Population: 8 million
GDP per capita 119.957 yuan ($18.241)
Interested in: history, culture and education
Combining many different unique features from around the world, Nanjing is a favorite destination for many expats and Chinese. The historical and cultural heritage, thriving economy and educational system give this city the status of one of the best cities to live in China. Thanks to the many universities located in Nanjing, the percentage of students among the population is the largest in the PRC.
In Nanjing, there is a mausoleum built in honor of one of the most respected Chinese leaders of the 20th century, Sun Yat-sen. It is located on the picturesque Zijin Mountain. Xuanwu Lake, Hunan and Fujimiao street shops are also interesting tourist areas. Outside the city is the relatively unknown Qixi Buddhist Temple, which has a history of over 1,500 years. Walking around the temple grounds, one can enjoy the view of the many Buddha images carved into the rocks or hills.
For nightlife, the 1912 area is perfect for hundreds of different restaurants, clubs and bars. All these places are very popular with foreign residents of the city.
6. Shenzhen
Province: Guangdong
Population: 10.3 million
GDP per capita: 164,664 yuan ($25,039)
Interesting: business opportunities, climate, proximity to Hong Kong
Shenzhen has grown in 30 years from a small fishing village to the technological center of China. Over the past few decades, migrants from all over the country have flocked to Shenzhen to succeed and earn money. The city, which attracts a lot of foreign investment, has the atmosphere of an international metropolis. Shenzhen has an abundance of shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs. It is also a great place to build business relationships and networking.
Due to its location in the subtropical region, Shenzhen enjoys a mild climate and predominantly warm weather throughout the year. In addition to Hong Kong, there are other interesting cities near Shenzhen such as Macau, Guangzhou and Zhuhai.
7. Zhuhai
Province: Guangdong
Population: 1.5 million
GDP per capita: 129,926 yuan ($19,757)
Interesting: climate, location and greenery
In 2014, Zhuhai was named the best city to live in China by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Situated across from Shenzhen across the Pearl River Delta, Zhuhai is committed to tourism and environmental protection. Today, this city is often referred to as the "Chinese Riviera".
Despite its relatively small population, Zhuhai has gained a reputation for its high quality of life. The city is attracting more and more tourists from different parts of the globe, offering them high-quality hotels, delicious food at local restaurants and casinos in neighboring Macau.
8. Beijing
Population: 19.6 million
GDP per capita: 99.214 yuan ($15.086)
Interested in: politics, history and language
Despite its controversial image outside of China, Beijing attracts huge numbers of people. Both Chinese and foreigners continue to flock to the Chinese capital in search of new opportunities and unique experiences.
The giant metropolis of Beijing is the nation's political, cultural and educational capital. Beijing is home to many temples, palaces, gardens and tombs. Seven sites from the list are located here, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
In the world, Beijing is well known for the Peking Opera, Peking Duck and the thriving shopping areas of Wangfujing, Xidan and Zhongguancun.
For those who are interested in learning Chinese, Beijing is the best place. The phonetics and vocabulary of Putonghua (the official language in China) is based on the pronunciation norm of the Beijing dialect.
9. Tianjin
Central Government City of the People's Republic of China
Population: 12.9 million
GDP per capita: 106.795 yuan ($12.240)
Interesting: business opportunities, unusual atmosphere
Tianjin has long existed in the shadow of its nearest neighbor - Beijing. Now things are a little different. The atmosphere of Tianjin is completely different from Beijing. Despite the fact that the city is simply huge, many residents call it a big village.
In 2009, Tianjin was ranked 72nd city in the world and 1st in China in terms of economic prosperity.
Tianjin is the kind of city where a bicycle repairman can easily invite you to drink baijiu Chinese vodka on a plastic stool while playing Chinese chess.
Tianjin is the face of what China is trying to show the rest of the world. It is the first Chinese eco-city, which is a template for the future urbanization of all of China. Tianjin is a progressive center of foreign investment and technological innovation, home to more than half of the Fortune Global 500 companies and offices. This city is actually a testing ground for economic reforms and free market mechanisms.
10. Sanya
Province: Hainan
Population: 536 thousand
GDP per capita: 64,989 yuan ($9,882)
Interesting: surfing, sun, sand and fun
In the southernmost part of China, on the island of Hainan, is the city of Sanya - a paradise for beach lovers.
This tropical resort town is popular with Chinese, Russian and other foreign tourists. Sanya lives according to the "island laws", and is considered the best place for lovers of the sea, relaxation and tropical fruits.
Warm weather all year round, clean air and water, upscale hotels, mountains, tropical forests in the interior of the island - all this awaits you in Sanya. This heaven on earth will help you take a break from life in a big city and enjoy nature.
11. Haikou
Province: Hainan
Population: 2 million
GDP per capita: 41.955 yuan ($6.380)
Interesting: for those who want to visit the beaches often without leaving the city life
Haikou is the capital of Hainan Province, located in the northern part of the island. This is a kind of portal between the island and the mainland and the most developed city on the island of Hainan.
Haikou is notable for its clean environment. Here you can visit the clean beaches, walk in the mountains or the rainforest, explore the rural part of the city.
Many rent bicycles here and go to explore the island. Thanks to high-speed trains, the other side of the island can be reached in a couple of hours.
12. Chengdu
Province: Sichuan
Population: 14 million
GDP per capita 71,589 yuan ($10,886)
Interesting: culture, food and pandas
Chengdu is one of the most important financial, commercial, cultural and transportation centers in western China. For those who want to explore western China but still live the city life, Chengdu is the perfect choice.
Fans of spicy food will enjoy traditional hot pepper dishes such as mapo tofu, gongbao chicken, and will also appreciate the Sichuan samovar, in which vegetables and meat are boiled right on your table.
This city is full of tea shops, cultural places and mahjong players on every corner.
Chengdu and its surroundings are ideal for exploring Buddhist and Taoist temples and the cultures of these religions. One of the most stunning places in all of China is Jiuzhaigou, a nature reserve and national park located in northern Sichuan. And if you really love pandas, you can visit many panda breeding centers.
13. Suzhou
Province: Jiangsu
Population: 5.3 million
GDP per capita: 132.908 ($20.210)
Interesting: history, culture, economic prosperity, classic gardens and canals
Since the start of economic reforms in the late 1970s, Suzhou has become one of the fastest growing cities in China. Over the past 35 years, the growth rate has averaged 14% per year. It is one of the most developed and prosperous cities in China, and a huge number of people regard it as an attractive place to live.
Suzhou is often referred to as the "Venice of China" or "Venice of the East" as it is home to many canals, classical gardens and stone bridges. Suzhou Classical Gardens are on the list
In Suzhou, you will find a mixture of old and new. Modern buildings in this city compete with neighboring middle-class dwellings. You can enjoy simple street food and eat at one of the expensive Western restaurants the next day.
Suzhou is located on the Shanghai-Nanjing railway and is close to the rich cultural and historical heritage of these territories. Many people living in Suzhou travel to nearby cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing for the weekend.
14. Guilin
Province: Guanxi
Population: 4.7 million
GDP per capita 31,774 yuan ($4,831)
Interested in hiking and outdoor activities
The stunning beauty of Guilin's landscapes and its status as a popular tourist area make many tourists flock here. Guilin is a city for those who never get tired of exploring new areas and unexplored surroundings.
Guilin's best-known features are its topography, which consists of beautiful and sometimes spire-shaped hills, mountains, and underground caves. The list of places of interest around Guilin is long and includes the nearby village of Yangshuo, Ludiyan Cave, Mount Yaoshan, its environs, and the Longsheng Rice Terraces.
While living in Guilin, you can cycle through the countryside, go hiking, or go boating on the Li River. You should definitely visit Xijie Street in Yanshuo with cafes and bars.
15. Shanghai
Central Government City of the People's Republic of China
Population: 24.2 million
GDP per capita 97,555 yuan ($14,834)
Interested in: business opportunities, nightlife, fashion and shopping
A list of the best Chinese cities to live in would not be complete without Shanghai, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world. Blending modern and traditional, Chinese and Western, this stunning dynamic metropolis attracts people from all over the world.
The most famous Shanghai sites include the Shanghai French Concession, the Bund, Nanjing Shopping Street, Chenghuangmiao Taoist Temple and Yu Yuan Garden.
This metropolis has an endless number of restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs and shopping centers. In many ways, Shanghai is the face of China's economic boom. A great many expats and natives continue to claim that Shanghai is the best Chinese city to live in.
If you think that we have missed any worthy city, write about it in the comments!
Prepared Maria Aleshkina
Suopo is located in Sichuan province, in the central part of the country, 1700 km southwest of the capital of China, Beijing. The population of this small town is 3,500 people, but it is a truly curious city, the main attraction of Suopo are watchtowers from 12 to 60 meters high, built mainly of brick, but there are also wooden ones. Suopo is a little Chinese Florence. towers were the masterpiece of the ancient Tibetans Jiarong with a long and splendid history.The oldest towers were built during the Tang Dynasty, and the last ones during the Qing Dynasty.At its peak, there were more than 3,000 towers in the area where the city is located, of which only 166 have survived today, most of them towering in Suopo and the Tibetan villageZhonglu.
2. Heshun
Heshun City is a small town in the western province of Yunnan, which is considered one of the most charming in China. And uhThis is not surprising, since the city of Heshun is located among the hills covered with dense forest, and its name means peace and harmony.The city of Heshun is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, and its stone-tiled houses look more like museums than houses.Narrow lanes are located between closely standing houses in which it is so easy to get lost.
3. Guilin Valley
If you want to experience Dong culture, then Guilin Valley is a good place to do so.There are eight villages in the valley, located about five hours from Guilin.The villages are famous for their folk culture - the villagers hold a cultural exhibition twice a day, and their covered wooden bridge is one of the most famous in China.The villages are surrounded by rice fields.
Zhouzhuang is a popular tourist destination, eIt is one of the most famous water towns in China, marked by a deep cultural past. Attraction Zhouzhuang are well-preserved ancient houses among the river channels. It is called the "Venice of the East". M Shide and Yongan are the most famous and are considered the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Built during the Wanli era (1573-1619) of the Ming Dynasty, they are located in the northeast of the city. In 1984, the Armand Hammer Gallery in New York exhibited 38 paintings by the famous artist Chen Yifei - "Memory of the Hometown", which depict the bridges of Zhouzhuang. One of the paintings was selected for a United Nations postage stamp in 1985.
Even if you have visited almost all the old cities of China, you will still be amazed by the ancient city of Fenghuang, in Hunan province. This Qing Dynasty city, home to the Miao group of peoples, famous for their embroidery and silverware, is exceptionally picturesque. In this city, you will understand what China was like before its economic breakthrough. A serene river runs through the city, which makes the water transport especially developed here, mainly consisting of small wooden boats. The cobbled streets are narrow and worn. Some of the waterfront houses are built on stilts. Fenghuang Ancient City seems simple yet elegant.
6.
Lijiang Old Town is one of the most famous ancient cities in China. It vividly displays the charmdays gone by and China's past.The waterways passing through this city only add to the atmosphere. But you should hurrybefore it's too late, as urbanization sweeps across China by leaps and bounds and already the first signs have affected Lijiang.Due to construction in New Lijiang, the water table is dropping, which is affecting the canals.
Xijiang is a village in eastern Guizhou known as the largest Miao village in China. It is called "Thousand Family Villages" and has just over a thousand dwellings, in which more than 5,000 people live, of which 99.5% are Miao. These flamboyant people are known for their singing and dancing, intricate embroidery and houses built on wooden stilts. The village is located in a deep valley in the protected Leibangshan National Park, surrounded by rice fields and wooded hills.
If you are staying in Shanghai, you just need to visit the water town of Tongli.Most tourists go to Suzhou, but experienced travelers go on a tour of Tongli.This sleepy city has so many beautiful gardens and temples that you won't be able to see them all in one day, so plan to stay longer.Cruise through the canals where even the water moves slowly in a flat-bottomed wooden boat, what better way to understand life in China.
9. Hemu
A trip to Hemu village will take you to Xinjiang province in western China to Kanas Lake Scenic Area.National Geographic considers Hemu to be one of the most beautiful villages in China.This is a small village located in the middle of the forest where people live in small log cabins. Khemuand its surroundings are considered so picturesque that many travel companies book trips for photographers.There is an observation deck on a nearby hill from where you can take great pictures.
10. Chiayu
If you don't have time to travel to Tibet, you can still get a feel for this culture by visiting an ancient Tibetan village in Zhejiang province. This city is also called"Tibetan fairyland", Jiayu is considered one of the most beautiful cities in China.Built on a wooded hillside, this assessment is hard to argue with, especially in the spring when the pear trees are in bloom.The houses have a unique shape, with crowns on several floors, tothe cornices are red and the outer walls are white.
China is the first country in terms of population and the third in terms of land area. No wonder this country is so heterogeneous. Everything is different in the north and south, west and east: dialects of speech, culture, cuisine, and even the appearance of the inhabitants. To understand China and its culture, it is not enough to visit one city. After all, historically, China, as a united and free country, has existed not so long ago. China had extensive contacts with nomadic peoples, Europeans and other peoples of Asia. All this is reflected in the modern appearance of cities. People visit China, usually for business purposes or for tourism. Be that as it may, there are 10 cities that you need to visit in order to understand China and feel its spirit.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. This is the first city to visit in China. For tourists, this is a great way to get acquainted with the symbols of China: the Great Wall of China and the Imperial Palace. For businessmen, there are many tempting offers here: clothing and technology markets at very low prices. Many merchants speak Russian and help with sending goods home. Here you can get business contacts, because there are many foreigners from Europe and America in Beijing. Also, the Chinese in the capital are not bad at English.
tianjin
Tianjin can rightly be called the industrial heart of China. This is one of the most polluted cities on the planet. He gained such popularity due to the high concentration of industrial plants, nuclear power plants and all kinds of factories in this city. This city is not suitable for tourism. Although, there are several parks, a huge Ferris wheel, zoos and amusement parks. This city is valuable for business trips. Here, from March to November, various exhibitions are held: machinery, vehicles, technical equipment and many others. Such exhibitions will help to establish business contacts and get acquainted with the technical innovations of China.
chongqing
This incredible city in the mountains is teeming with Russian-speaking students. The fact is that there are several universities that work on exchange with higher educational institutions from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Also, this city is the third largest and area in China. It is little known, as it is located in the center of the country, in a mountainous area. There is beautiful nature and relatively clean air. There are also branded shops and shops of Chinese fakes at cheap prices.
Chengdu
This city is located near Chongqing. Both cities are part of the mountainous province of Sichuan. Chengdu should be visited by those who love mountain tourism, kayaking and just active recreation. Back in Chengdu, one of the best zoos in China. It is home to a huge number of pandas, which you can see and photograph.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the eastern capital of China. This is a huge port city, which is known throughout the world. Shanghai has a lot of foreign companies as well as tourists. Walking through the European quarter it is hard to believe that you are in China. Here the population is fluent in English, which greatly simplifies communication.
hangzhou
There is a proverb in China: “A happy person should be born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, and eat in Guangzhou.” This proverb conveys a brief message that Hangzhou is the most picturesque city in China. The main attraction of the city is Xihu Lake. There are many legends and myths about this huge lake. Due to the fact that Hangzhou is surrounded by mountains on three sides, it has a mild climate and clean air. Hangzhou is the capital of Chinese green tea, tourists can visit tea plantations and attend a real tea ceremony. This city can be easily reached from Shanghai, just an hour by high-speed train.
Guangzhou
This is the southern business center of China. In Guangzhou, as well as in Tianjin, annual exhibitions of all kinds of Chinese goods are held. There are cheap markets like in Beijing. Guangzhou is also a hot subtropical city. There is beautiful nature, palm trees and banana trees grow here. Guangzhou has a developed network of clubs, bars and restaurants. The Chinese claim that Guangzhou has the most delicious cuisine.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is considered a Special Administrative Region of China. For a long time it was a colony of Great Britain, which was reflected in its culture. Hong Kong is located on several islands, ferries run between them. Also. Hong Kong has an extensive metro network. Prices in this city are much higher than in China itself. But there are not only real branded goods brought from the USA and Europe. In Hong Kong, you can visit Disneyland, a huge Buddha statue and many unusual museums. Hong Kong is also famous for its own "Avenue of Stars", where there is a statue of Bruce Lee.
Liuzhou
Want to see China from the inside? Then you need to go to such a provincial town as Liuzhou. This is not such a noisy metropolis as Shanghai or Hong Kong. But here you can feel the real atmosphere of China. No need to be scared, the city is not cut off from civilization. There are many shops, public transport, squares and parks. Liuzhou is distinguished by the cleanliness of the streets, the absence of large crowds and chic nature.
Sanya
For beach lovers, you should visit the city of Sanya. It is located in the south of China, on the island of Hainan. There is a developed network of hotels of different levels and prices, white sand beaches, tourist bars and restaurants. Sanya can be a great alternative to visiting other beach resorts.
A visit to China is sure to be remembered for a lifetime. The Chinese are very friendly and hospitable, they adore people with a European appearance. Do not be surprised if ordinary passers-by take pictures of you or shout “Hello” on the streets. All this is a manifestation of their friendly attitude towards visitors, the desire to make new acquaintances.
If you are attracted by the unique atmosphere of big cities, then China is the right place to travel. Enjoy the incredible energy of the largest metropolitan areas in the fastest growing country in history!
You will be able to visit the most densely populated cities in China and get an unforgettable experience at the sight of the most famous skyscrapers not only in China and Asia, but also in the world!
Below is a list of the TOP 10 largest cities in mainland China according to the latest published data from the National Statistical Service of China ( National Bureau of Statistics of China). These are not only the most densely populated cities, but also important for the development of industry and the economy of the PRC (this list does not include the special administrative regions of Taiwan and Hong Kong).
1. Chongqing - 34 million inhabitants
View of Chongqing
- Population: 34 million inhabitants
- Location: Yangtze River, Southwest China
- Area: 82,300 km²
- Population: 14 million inhabitants
- Location: southwest China
- Area: 14,312 km²
- Population: 12 million inhabitants
- Location: Pearl River Delta, southeast China
- Area: 2,050 km²
- Population: 8.1 million inhabitants
- Location: northeast China
- Area: 12,942 km²
Shenyang is the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning. It is known for its status as a leading industrial and commercial center. This is another city that has grown incredibly fast over the past 5 years, making it to the top 10 largest cities in China.
Shenyang is also interesting from a historical point of view: in the Manchu period, it had the status of a capital for a short time, and then, in the 20th century, it was part of the Chinese territories occupied by Japanese troops. Shenyang has its own imperial palace, open to the public.
Tours to the largest cities of China
We provide a wide variety of individual tours to the largest cities in China.
Among the favorites of our customers, for example, the following:
- Tour Rest in Hainan and Classic China (Beijing - Xi'an - Sanya - Shanghai, 11 days)
- Avatar Tour (Beijing - Xi'an - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai, 10 days)
Find out more about tailor-made tours to China for every taste or write to our travel consultants and they will help you choose the route that is right for you!
China is one of the largest countries in the world. It will take a lot of time to carefully examine all its interesting places. Among the sights of China there are a lot of world-famous cultural, historical, natural and architectural sites. The country is so diverse that the southern regions are completely different from the northern ones. Just like the western parts are different from the eastern parts. In this article, we have tried to highlight the most interesting sights of China, which any tourist should visit when visiting this beautiful and diverse country.
1. Great Wall of China
Traveling in China, first of all, you need to visit the Great Wall of China. This is one of the greatest man-made structures of mankind, which can only be compared with the Great Pyramid of Giza. With an incredible length, it was located along the northern borders of the country and served to protect a vast border from sudden attacks by less civilized nomads from the north. Most of it was erected by ordinary people during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in the XII-XV centuries. Several sections of the wall are available for tourists, but the most popular and most visited is located just 70 kilometers north of Beijing. In this direction, there are enough sightseeing buses. In the middle of the last century, this site was specially restored for tourists. And in 1988, the entire Great Wall of China was included in the UNESCO heritage list.
2. Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of the most popular attractions in China. It is located almost in the very center, and in terms of area it occupies 72 hectares of land. It is very easy to compare it with the Vatican. The Forbidden City, from the very beginning of its construction in 1406, served as the residence of the ruling dynasties. First it was the Ming Dynasty, and later it was replaced by the Qing Dynasty. The rulers in a very short time erected protected buildings for themselves, completely separated from the general city. Strongly protected, they could rule the country for 500 years without fear for their safety. And only when the complex was included in the UNESCO heritage in 1987, access was opened for ordinary tourists from all over the world. 980 buildings built using wooden technology are simply impossible to inspect at a time. But the most interesting is always available.
3. Big Buddha in Hong Kong
This grandiose statue is located on Lantau Island and is different from others like it. The fact is that in the Chinese religion it is customary to install Buddha statues strictly looking towards the south. And the architectural creation at the Poulinsim Monastery looks to the north, as if blessing the city and its inhabitants. Located at a height of 482 meters, the statue rises an additional 34 meters, and has an approximate weight of about 250 tons. In order to get to it, you will first need to stand in line for the funicular, then climb 268 steps, and only then will you be able to touch the statue of the deity. The statue looks especially impressive on a cloudy day, when the Buddha breaks the clouds with his body and the sun's rays, suddenly appearing in the gap, cover the head of the statue with a halo of glow.
4. Temple of Heaven
If you are already in the capital of China, Beijing, then be sure to take the time to visit one of the best buildings from the Ming Dynasty. The dynasty built many interesting and noteworthy objects, but the Temple of Heaven is different from all. The fact is that every year the temple was simply obliged to visit the emperor personally. On the day of the winter solstice, he came to the building with one purpose - to ask the gods to send a decent harvest next season. If the harvest was meager, or it would not be enough for the whole country, then the gods would thus be angry with the heir, and thus show that it was time to change the ruler. The interior of this landmark of China is incredibly beautiful. Its unusual and bright mosaic will make you admire it for a single hour without taking your eyes off it.
5. Yonghegun
Yonghe Gong Temple is located in the northern part of the Forbidden City. It was built for a young future ruler named Yun. Literally, the name of the building can be translated as "the palace of harmony." Indeed, when Yun came to power, he tried to bring the country to prosperity and well-being, and not start wars with neighbors. The temple was originally different from all the others at that time. After all, it was the court temple of the emperor himself and performed the role of all the ceremonies that the ruling dynasty held in it.
Emperors no longer rule the country, and the temple and its monks still perform rituals and live in this ancient wooden monastery. For tourists, the entrance to the temple is allowed on any day during daylight hours. They can see almost all the buildings and take part in prayers.
6 Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is China's most interesting historical landmark. She was found not too long ago. The legend of the existence of the army has always been heard by the entire population of China, but even scientists did not really believe in it. And only by a lucky chance in 1974, when local villagers were trying to dig a well, they stumbled upon one of the cells in which the soldiers were imprisoned. These warriors, along with horses and carts, were created with one goal in mind: so that the emperor, who ruled China 2200 years ago, could feel safe in the afterlife.
The Terracotta Army is nothing more than an unusual tomb of Qin Shahuandi. Statues of warriors were not made in one place, but were brought here from all over China. Made of clay and subsequently fired, they have unique facial features and were decorated with paints already at the place of the future burial.
7. Gongwangfu
The next popular tourist destination in China is the Gongwangfu Park Complex. If you are interested in leisurely walks in the palace parks and are interested in the national traditions of the country, then this place is waiting for you at any convenient time. The last owner of the complex was the "Grand Duke Gong" Aisingero Isinyu. Being a wealthy aristocrat, he did not spare money for the construction of a garden that very harmoniously combines green trees and the smells of exotic flowers, unusual compositions of natural stone and the murmur of water in the purest ponds. In the evening, you can watch how traditional Chinese lanterns are lit, designed to attract wealth and prosperity to the house. You can also go into the palace itself, and make sure that its owner really lived in luxury and wealth. There is also a real working Chinese theater on the territory.
8 Beijing Zoo
The Beijing Zoo is a place where you can get acquainted with animals, birds and fish that live throughout China. The panda, the symbol of the entire Chinese people, attracts the most visitors. And not only foreign tourists, but also local animal lovers. But it is enough to take a few steps forward to see for yourself that the zoo is huge, and it presents a variety of animal species. Here in the cages you can see the Manchurian tiger, known for its wild character, the Mongolian wild horse, with the help of which the provinces of the country were conquered countless times. The zoo is home to a wide variety of birds: tropical, sea and land. For a European tourist, this is a real paradise.
9. Beijing Peace Park
The Peace Park located in Beijing will allow any tourist to make a high-speed trip to all the main attractions of the world. The fact is that small copies of the most interesting miniatures are collected in one place on the territory of the park. It will be especially interesting for those tourists who can see the religious building from their own country. On the territory of the park, the Egyptian pyramids from Giza, London's Big Ben are collected, for lovers of Paris, the Eiffel Tower rises. Those who have not yet had time to visit Rome will be able to see the Colosseum, and the Taj Mahal will give an idea of vibrant India. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is tilted exactly as many degrees as it leans towards the ground in reality. Any tourist who visits this landmark of China will leave with a great mood and wonderful photos.
10. Taoist Park Heavenly Grottoes
If you, as a curious tourist, have been brought to Hainan Island, then the first thing you need to do is visit the Taoist Heavenly Grottoes Park. Even if you are a follower of a completely different religion, it will not hurt you to enjoy the most beautiful views of the man-made park. According to Taoist philosophy, the grottoes that cover almost the entire island are nothing more than the entrance to the other world, and wandering through them, you can easily find yourself in a completely different place. But still, most tourists on the island are pilgrims who come from all over the world to receive enlightenment.
Also for lovers of mysteries in the park there is an interesting task - to drag the entrance to the Big Dangtyan Grotto. The entrance to the small one has long been known to everyone, and is marked with a special label. But the entrance to the large one was lost long ago, and has not been found to this day.
11 Hong Kong Ocean Park
If you get tired of endless trips to the sights of China, and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of celebration and entertainment for a while, be sure to check out the ocean park in Hong Kong. He rightfully occupies the championship of the best amusement park in the whole country, and boasts the most interesting programs. Divided into two parts, it harmoniously combines both of them. On the first tier there is a museum of extinct animals, which presents the skeletons of not only dinosaurs, but also sea monsters, as well as a thematic theater on this topic. At the second level, tourists will expect an incredible number of various attractions, interesting not only for adults, but also for children. In the park, you can easily lose track of time, and spend almost the whole day in it.
12. Zhangjiajie
Even if you are not a big fan of nature, this natural attraction in China will change your attitude to them radically. The fact is that Zhangjiajie National Park is on the list of the most visited and beautiful nature reserves in the world. The park looks decent at any time of the year, and it can be advised to visit it regardless of the circumstances. Even in winter, when the mountains and paths are covered with snow and ice, the park attracts the most desperate to capture the most interesting landscapes in the camera frame.
13. Jiuzhaigou
Another natural attraction, looking at which, right now you want to buy tickets to China and go see it with your own eyes. Do the photos lie, because in fact, there are no such beautiful landscapes on our planet. But they do happen, and this is the clearest proof. A very inaccessible mountainous region was opened to the whole world only in 1972, and ten years later, thanks to the efforts of the local authorities, the valley acquired the status of a national park. The name can be translated as a village of nine villages, 7 of which can be visited in person. The last two no longer exist. Since the inhabitants were forbidden to cultivate the land, they came up with another way of existence - to sell souvenirs of their own production to tourists.
14. Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, located on the mountain of the same name, is the highest mountain palace in all of China. Its walls rise at an altitude of 3767 meters above sea level. The first wooden building was erected here in the 7th century, since then the palace has constantly increased in size. But a century and a half later, lightning severely damaged the palace, and the war with its neighbors finished it off completely. It was forgotten for 900 years. And only in the 17th century it was decided to restore the palace, but from stone. It was on the order of the Dalai Lama that the palace received a second life, and after the completion of the work it served as one of the residences of future successors. In 1994, the palace was included in the UNESCO heritage list and became accessible to the public, making it one of the most visited attractions in China.
15. National Museum of China
According to official statistics, the National Museum in Beijing is the most visited museum in the world. Within its walls, the history of the entire state has been collected for 5000 years. Here you can see more than half a million different artifacts. The museum is especially proud of the most valuable find that local archaeologists managed to find - the "Yuanmou Man", whose age is about one million years. Also in the rooms of the museum are a variety of coins that were in use in the country in different periods of time and many other interesting exhibits. If you move according to a specially designed excursion program, you can trace how China has developed from ancient times to the present day. This is a very interesting place to visit in China.