Travel : China - Best places to visit & other details of largest nation in Asia

 

China is located in East Asia, bordered by 14 countries including Mongolia to the north, Russia to the northeast, and India to the southwest. Here are some of the best places to visit in China:

1. **Beijing:** The capital city is rich in history and culture. Must-visit attractions include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.

2. **Shanghai:** China's largest city is known for its modern skyline, historical landmarks like the Bund and Yu Garden, vibrant shopping districts such as Nanjing Road, and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

3. **Xi'an:** Home to the famous Terracotta Army, Xi'an is one of China's oldest cities with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Explore the ancient city walls, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Muslim Quarter.

4. **Guilin and Yangshuo:** Famous for their picturesque karst landscape, Guilin and Yangshuo offer stunning scenery of limestone peaks, tranquil rivers, and traditional villages. Take a Li River cruise or go hiking and cycling in the countryside.

5. **Chengdu:** Known as the home of the Giant Panda, Chengdu is a vibrant city with a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, explore the historic Jinli Ancient Street, and enjoy spicy Sichuan cuisine.

6. **Lhasa, Tibet:** The spiritual heart of Tibet, Lhasa is home to iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and admire the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

7. **Hangzhou:** Famous for its scenic West Lake, Hangzhou is a charming city known for its natural beauty, historic temples, and tea plantations. Don't miss the Lingyin Temple and a leisurely boat cruise on West Lake.

8. **Zhangjiajie:** Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is known for its towering sandstone pillars and lush forests, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain.

9. **Suzhou:** Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens, ancient water towns like Zhouzhuang and Tongli, and traditional silk production.

10. **Lijiang and Shangri-La:** Located in Yunnan Province, Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town and Naxi minority culture, while Shangri-La offers stunning Himalayan scenery and Tibetan culture.

11.  *Great Wall of China* : 

The Great Wall of China stretches across northern China, primarily along the historical northern borders of the country. It spans approximately 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers) from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, passing through several provinces including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Gansu. The wall was built to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north and spans diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and grasslands.

The Great Wall of China stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, stretching over thousands of kilometers across rugged terrain. Built over centuries by various dynasties to defend against invasions from the north, it is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring architectural wonders in the world. The wall winds its way through mountains, deserts, and grasslands, with sections constructed of brick, stone, and earth. While some parts have been restored and are easily accessible to visitors, others remain in their original state, showcasing the passage of time and the resilience of this monumental structure. Walking along the Great Wall offers not only breathtaking views but also a profound sense of history, evoking the spirit of generations who labored to create and defend this marvel of human engineering.

These are just a few highlights of the many incredible destinations China has to offer, each with its own unique attractions and experiences.

Best seasons 

The best seasons to visit China depend on the region you plan to visit and your preferences:

1. **Spring (March to May):** Spring is a pleasant time to visit many parts of China, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time to explore cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an, as well as natural attractions like the Yellow Mountains and cherry blossom festivals in cities like Wuhan and Nanjing.

2. **Autumn (September to November):** Autumn offers comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it an excellent time to visit China's cultural and historical sites. The landscapes are also vibrant with fall foliage, particularly in places like Jiuzhaigou Valley and the Great Wall.

3. **Winter (December to February):** Winter can be cold in many parts of China, but it's a great time to visit destinations like Harbin for the famous Ice and Snow Festival, as well as to enjoy winter sports in places like Yabuli Ski Resort and Zhangjiakou.

4. **Summer (June to August):** Summer can be hot and humid in many parts of China, but it's a good time to explore regions like Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, where the weather is more comfortable. It's also festival season in many places, with events like the Dragon Boat Festival and traditional opera performances.

Cuisines

As for cuisine, China boasts a rich and diverse culinary tradition with a wide variety of regional dishes. Some popular Chinese cuisines include:

1. **Sichuan Cuisine:** Known for its bold and spicy flavors, Sichuan cuisine features dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and hot pot.

2. **Cantonese Cuisine:** Originating from the Guangdong province, Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and subtle flavors. Dim sum, roasted meats, and seafood dishes are staples of Cantonese cuisine.

3. **Shandong Cuisine:** Hailing from the Shandong province, this cuisine focuses on seafood, soups, and hearty dishes like braised pork belly and sweet and sour carp.

4. **Huaiyang Cuisine:** Originating from the Jiangsu province, Huaiyang cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and meticulous preparation techniques. Popular dishes include steamed dumplings, braised pork, and hairy crab.

5. **Hunan Cuisine:** Similar to Sichuan cuisine in its spiciness, Hunan cuisine features dishes like Chairman Mao's red-braised pork, stir-fried dishes with chili peppers, and smoked meats.

These are just a few examples of the diverse culinary landscape in China, where each region boasts its own unique flavors and specialties.

Connectivity 

China is home to several major airlines that operate both domestic and international flights, as well as numerous regional and budget airlines. Some of the prominent airlines in China include:

1. **Air China:** As the flag carrier of China, Air China operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, with Beijing Capital International Airport serving as its main hub.

2. **China Eastern Airlines:** One of the "Big Three" airlines in China, China Eastern Airlines operates domestic and international flights from its hubs in Shanghai and Kunming.

3. **China Southern Airlines:** Another of the "Big Three" airlines, China Southern Airlines operates a vast network of domestic and international flights from its hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing.

4. **Hainan Airlines:** Based in Haikou, Hainan Airlines is one of the largest and fastest-growing airlines in China, serving domestic and international destinations.

5. **Xiamen Airlines:** Based in Xiamen, Xiamen Airlines operates domestic and international flights, with a focus on routes to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Oceania.

6. **Shenzhen Airlines:** Headquartered in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Airlines operates domestic and international flights, primarily serving destinations in East Asia and Southeast Asia.

7. **Spring Airlines:** As one of China's largest low-cost carriers, Spring Airlines operates domestic and international flights from its base in Shanghai.

8. **China United Airlines:** Based in Beijing, China United Airlines is a low-cost carrier operating domestic flights within China.

These airlines provide extensive coverage within China as well as connections to destinations around the world, making travel within the country and beyond convenient and accessible.