Map Of China Printable Travel Guide
Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to China and looking for a comprehensive travel guide, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that China has to offer.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the most iconic landmark in China. The wall stretches for over 13,000 miles and took over 2,000 years to build. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting China.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s considered one of the most important historical sites in China.
The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are a collection of terracotta sculptures that depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The sculptures were buried with the emperor to protect him in the afterlife and were discovered in 1974.
Hidden Gems
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a small town in Guangxi Province that’s known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a bamboo raft ride on the Li River, go rock climbing, or explore the town’s many caves and waterfalls.
Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang is a water town located near Shanghai. It’s known for its picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture. Visitors can take a boat ride through the town’s waterways or explore the many temples and gardens.
Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a city located in the Gobi Desert. It’s known for its stunning sand dunes, ancient Buddhist caves, and the Mogao Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food Scene
China has a rich and diverse culinary scene. Some of the must-try dishes include Peking duck, dumplings, hot pot, and Sichuan cuisine. Street food is also a popular option, with vendors selling everything from steamed buns to fried rice.
Budget-Friendly Tips
China is a relatively affordable destination, but there are still ways to save money. Some budget-friendly tips include staying in hostels or guesthouses, eating street food, taking public transportation, and visiting free attractions.
Outdoor Adventures
China is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. Visitors can go hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, explore the karst formations in Guilin, or go skiing in the mountains near Beijing.
Historical Landmarks
China has a rich history that’s reflected in its many historical landmarks. In addition to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors, visitors can also explore the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Family-Friendly Activities
China is a great destination for families. Some family-friendly activities include visiting amusement parks like Disneyland Shanghai and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, exploring the pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, or taking a bike ride around the ancient city walls of Xi’an.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those looking for something a bit more unique, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had in China. Visitors can explore the abandoned city of Fengdu, hike through the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye, or visit the ghost city of Houtouwan.
Natural Wonders
China is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Visitors can see the colorful lakes of Jiuzhaigou Valley, the towering peaks of Mount Everest, or the stunning waterfalls of Huangguoshu.
Vibrant Nightlife
China has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and karaoke lounges to choose from. Some of the best nightlife spots include Shanghai’s historic Bund district, Beijing’s Sanlitun neighborhood, and Guangzhou’s trendy Tianhe district.
Local Markets
China is known for its bustling markets, where visitors can find everything from souvenirs to street food. Some of the best markets include the Yuyuan Bazaar in Shanghai, the Silk Market in Beijing, and the Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing.
Beaches and Mountains
China has a diverse landscape that includes both beaches and mountains. Visitors can relax on the beaches of Sanya or Qingdao, or explore the mountains near Chengdu or Lijiang.
Cultural Immersion
China has a rich and vibrant culture that visitors can immerse themselves in. Some cultural experiences include learning tai chi in a park, attending a traditional Chinese opera, or participating in a tea ceremony.
Art and Music Scene
China has a thriving art and music scene. Visitors can explore the contemporary art galleries in Beijing’s 798 Art District, attend a classical music performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, or check out the indie music scene in Chengdu.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore China’s many historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Some popular walking tours include the Hutong Walking Tour in Beijing, the Old Town Walking Tour in Lijiang, and the French Concession Walking Tour in Shanghai.
Architectural Marvels
China is home to some of the most impressive architectural marvels in the world. Visitors can see the futuristic skyscrapers of Shanghai’s Pudong district, the ancient architecture of the Forbidden City, or the modernist design of the Guangzhou Opera House.
Historical Sites
China’s history is reflected in its many historical sites. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls of Xi’an, the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang, or the historic city of Pingyao.
Biking Routes
Biking is a great way to explore China’s many scenic routes. Some popular biking routes include the Yulong River Bike Trail in Yangshuo, the Ancient City Wall Bike Tour in Xi’an, and the Qinghai Lake Bike Tour in Qinghai Province.
Wellness Retreats
China is also a great destination for wellness retreats. Visitors can practice tai chi or yoga in a scenic location, try acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine, or relax in a hot spring.
Adventure Sports
For those looking for a bit of adventure, China offers plenty of options. Visitors can go bungee jumping in Macau, rock climbing in Yangshuo, or whitewater rafting on the Yangtze River.
Conclusion
China is a vast and diverse country with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, you’ll find plenty to explore in this fascinating destination. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in China.