China Things to Do

China, a country roughly the size of the United States with the biggest population on earth, is a cultural treasure trove. Thousands of years of history and a variety of religious influences have left behind some of the most beautiful temples, monasteries and shrines in the world. You’ll find temples in every Chinese city, big or small, but these stand out above the rest.

The province of Sichuan has some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in China, and Jiuzhaigou National Park is one of the area’s most spectacular natural wonders. Technicolor lakes, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife and towering mountains located throughout the Y-shaped valleys earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992, and the honor is well-deserved.

On the surface, Macau seems like an adult’s playground filled with casinos, racy stage productions and sophisticated Portuguese wine bars. But just like Vegas, its counterpart in the West, Macau has a lot more to offer than adult entertainment. Next time you’re in Macau with kids, consider these family friendly attractions and activities.

Chengdu, China‘s fifth largest city by population, sits along the edge of the Red Basin in the province of Sichuan. While the city of 13 million people can feel crowded and chaotic, especially given its ranking as third in cars per capita, Chengdu offers a view into a typical Chinese mega-city making the rapid switch from traditional to modern while providing a jumping off point for travelers planning to explore the rest of Sichuan Province or Tibet.

Guilin and nearby Yangshuo are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Blessed with some of the most dramatic natural scenery on earth, this area in Guangxi Province offers adventures on land and on the water. With its mild winter climate, Guilin is pleasant throughout the year, and you won’t have to compete with high-season crowds during the colder months.

In an effort to secure a place for Hangzhou on the international tourist map, the Hangzhou Tourism Commission is looking to offer one social media savvy traveler a dream job exploring the city and sharing those explorations via social media. The lucky winner will receive a free 15-day tour of the city as well as a hefty paycheck for their social media efforts throughout the rest of the year.

Of inestimable cultural and historic value, the famous Silk Road once connected ancient China to the outside world, and in some instances it still functions as a commercial trade route today. Along its path, you’ll discover numerous sites of particular interest. The following are just a few.

With more than 23 million people, Shanghai is China’s largest city. While it’s possible to get to and from the city’s best sights by taxi or by taking the Metro, riding a bike allows you to explore all of Shanghai’s neighborhoods, whether it be the colonial buildings of the French Concession or the modern skyscrapers of the Bund, at your own pace. If your Mandarin skills are limited, biking around the city saves you the trouble of having to communicate with taxi drivers or deal with the sometimes crowded Metro.

In a country as big as China long distance transportation isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. When flying becomes too expensive, riding China’s extensive rail network is the next best thing. Not only will you save money when traveling long distances by train instead of by plane, you’ll get to see the Chinese countryside many tourists never get a glimpse of.

Sanya, located on the southernmost tip of China’s Hainan Island, is often billed as the Hawaii of China. While a development boom is well underway, bringing brand name beach resorts to the area, the beaches of Sanya have retained an undeveloped feel. Also, since most Chinese tourists prefer to swim only in the evenings or on cloudy days to avoid sun exposure, you could very well have a pool or stretch of white sand all to yourself on a sunny afternoon.