Where To Go On Holiday In China
The famous Silk Road offers a great route to start exploring this expansive and diverse country. The ancient city of Xi’an, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, is a fantastic place to start the journey. Here you can see the world-renowned Terracotta Army, the beautiful Bell Tower, walk or cycle the city wall (the world’s largest which was re-constructed during the Ming Dynasty), and take in more stunning temples than you can wave a stick at.
Journeying along the Silk Road a stop at the densely populated city of Lanzhou offers a chance to learn all about the history of the Silk Road in the Gansu Provincial Museum and enjoy delicious street food at the Hezheng Lu Night Market. Nearby are the Binglingsi Grottoes where caverns and caves are filled with sculptures and carvings and the Yellow River meets the Liujiaxia Reservoir. Also worth a stop is Dunhuang, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Caves containing fine examples of Buddhist art.
Venturing further along the Road lays the beautiful city of Urumqi, where you can enjoy the city skyline from Hongshan Park and the Shuimugou Hot Springs, and Turpan, home to the imposing Flaming Mountain and the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang. The final port of call along the Silk Road is the city of Kashi (also known as Kashgar) resting in the foothills of the Pamir Mountains.
As an alternative, why not consider a stay in one of China’s bustling, lively cities? With Shanghai and Beijing being the obvious choices you won’t be short on ways to fill your time and get under the skin of the country. Other lesser known cities such Shenzhen and Nanjing should also get a look-in, as well as Li Jiang whose old city is UNESCO listed.
Alluring Hong Kong is also worth consideration with its floating villages in Aberdeen, hiking opportunities in the mountainous parks of the New Territories, luxury shopping, and fantastic skyline.
Of course for many no trip to China would be complete without a visit to the iconic Great Wall of China, stretching from Shanhaiguan to Lop Nur (or Lop Lake). Particular points of interest for holiday makers include the Juyongguan pass, also known as the Badaling, and Jinshanling. For the extremely energetic why not consider taking part in the Great Wall of China marathon?!
For an altogether more unique holiday, look no further than the tranquil surroundings of Tibet in the southwest of the country. Here you can take in the extreme beauty of Mount Everest and enjoy a stay in the serene capital of Lhasa, once home to the Dalai Lama who resided jointly between the breathtaking Potala Palace and Norbulingka palace and park.