Exploring China: Top Travel Destinations for Expats

China is a vast and diverse country, offering a wealth of travel opportunities for those willing to explore beyond the urban centers of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From ancient historical sites to breathtaking natural landscapes, the country has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re an expat looking to make the most of your time in China or a long-term resident seeking new adventures, this guide highlights some of the top travel destinations you shouldn’t miss.

The Forbidden City No visit to Beijing is complete without a tour of the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace that served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years. As one of the most significant historical sites in China, it offers a deep dive into the country’s imperial past. Be sure to allocate at least half a day to explore its vast courtyards, halls, and museums.

The Great Wall A short drive from Beijing, the Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. While there are several sections of the wall you can visit, the Mutianyu section is highly recommended for its well-preserved condition and stunning mountain views. For a more rugged experience, consider hiking the Jinshanling or Simatai sections.

Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are essential for understanding Beijing’s cultural and religious history. The Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, while the Summer Palace offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful gardens, lakes, and historic structures.

The Bund Shanghai’s iconic waterfront, the Bund, is a perfect blend of old and new. On one side, you’ll find colonial-era buildings that harken back to Shanghai’s past as a global trading hub. On the other, the futuristic skyline of Pudong, dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, symbolizes China’s rapid modernization. A stroll along the Bund, especially at night, offers one of the best views in the city.

Yu Garden and Old Town Escape the city’s hustle and bustle by visiting Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The surrounding Old Town is a maze of narrow lanes filled with traditional architecture, shops, and food stalls, offering a taste of Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage.

French Concession The leafy streets of the French Concession are lined with charming cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. This area, once a foreign enclave, is now one of Shanghai’s most vibrant districts, blending European architecture with a distinctly Chinese atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to explore on foot, taking in the unique blend of cultures.

Terracotta Army The discovery of the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Located just outside Xi’an, this site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The museum is well-organized, offering detailed exhibits that explain the historical significance of the warriors and the unification of China.

Xi’an City Wall Xi’an’s ancient city wall is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. A walk or bike ride along the top of the wall offers stunning views of the city and a unique perspective on its layout. The wall encircles the old city, which is filled with historic sites, markets, and local eateries.

Muslim Quarter The Muslim Quarter in Xi’an is a vibrant neighborhood known for its bustling street food scene and rich cultural heritage. As a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter blends Chinese and Middle Eastern influences. Be sure to try local specialties like yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton stew) and roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers).

Li River Cruise The Li River, flowing between Guilin and Yangshuo, is famous for its stunning karst mountain scenery, which has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. A river cruise is the best way to experience these landscapes, with towering limestone peaks, lush greenery, and traditional fishing villages lining the banks. The cruise typically ends in Yangshuo, a laid-back town that serves as a base for further exploration.

Yangshuo Countryside Yangshuo is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. The countryside is dotted with picturesque villages, rice paddies, and dramatic karst formations. Renting a bike and exploring the area at your own pace is a popular way to experience the natural beauty of Yangshuo.

Reed Flute Cave Located just outside Guilin, Reed Flute Cave is a spectacular natural limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, all beautifully illuminated by colored lights. The cave has been a popular tourist attraction for over 1,200 years and is a must-see for visitors to the region.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Chengdu is synonymous with giant pandas, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place to see these beloved creatures up close. The research base is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of giant pandas and other endangered species. Visitors can observe pandas in a naturalistic setting, learn about conservation efforts, and even participate in volunteer programs.

Jinli Ancient Street Jinli Ancient Street is a bustling pedestrian street in Chengdu that offers a taste of traditional Sichuan culture. The street is lined with shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. It’s also home to several tea houses where you can experience traditional Sichuan tea culture.

Sichuan Cuisine Chengdu is the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine, famous for its bold, spicy flavors and liberal use of Sichuan peppercorns. Must-try dishes include hotpot (火锅, huǒguō), mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐, mápó dòufu), and kung pao chicken (宫保鸡丁, gōngbǎo jīdīng). The city is filled with restaurants and street food stalls where you can sample these iconic dishes.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in China. Highlights include the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor elevator, and the Tianmen Mountain, known for its glass skywalk and the Tianmen Cave.

Glass Bridge The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which spans the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, is not for the faint-hearted. This transparent bridge offers breathtaking views of the canyon below and is one of the longest and highest glass bridges in the world. Walking across it is a thrilling experience and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Tianzi Mountain Tianzi Mountain offers some of the best panoramic views in Zhangjiajie, with its unique rock formations rising above the clouds. A cable car ride to the top provides stunning vistas, and the area is ideal for hiking and photography. The mountain’s dramatic peaks and deep valleys create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

Lijiang Old Town Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and canals. The town is a living museum of Naxi culture, with traditional wooden houses, lively markets, and ancient temples. The town’s main square, Sifang Street, is a hub of activity, where you can enjoy local music, dance, and cuisine.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Located between Lijiang and Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. It’s a popular destination for hikers, offering trails that wind through dramatic landscapes, with views of the Jinsha River far below and the snow-capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain above.

Shangri-La Shangri-La, formerly known as Zhongdian, is a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and offers a taste of Tibetan culture without leaving China. The town is home to the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. The surrounding area is a stunning landscape of alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and snow-capped mountains, perfect for trekking and exploring.

West Lake West Lake in Hangzhou is one of China’s most famous and beautiful tourist destinations, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth.” The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and islands, each with its own unique charm. A boat ride on the lake, especially at sunrise or sunset, offers a tranquil escape from the city and is the best way to appreciate its scenic beauty.

Lingyin Temple Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in China. Nestled among wooded hills, the temple complex includes grand halls, ancient statues, and sacred grottoes. It’s a place of pilgrimage and offers a serene environment for reflection and prayer.

Longjing Tea Plantations Hangzhou is the birthplace of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, one of China’s most famous green teas. The tea plantations around Longjing Village are a popular destination for tea lovers, offering tours and tastings. Visiting the plantations during the spring harvest season provides a chance to see tea production up close and enjoy the lush, green scenery.

Classical Gardens Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens, nine of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Lingering Garden, are masterpieces of landscape design, featuring pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and ancient trees. They offer a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into traditional Chinese aesthetics.

Grand Canal The Grand Canal, the world’s longest man-made waterway, runs through Suzhou and is a significant part of the city’s history. A boat ride along the canal offers views of historic bridges, ancient city gates, and waterside homes, providing a unique perspective on the city’s cultural heritage.

Pingjiang Road Pingjiang Road is a historic street along the canal, lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and shops. Walking along this cobblestone street feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore local arts and crafts, enjoy a cup of tea, or sample Suzhou’s famous snacks.

Lhasa Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is a city of deep spiritual significance and home to some of the most important sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, dominates the skyline with its impressive architecture and sacred relics. The Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet, is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from across the region.

Mount Everest Base Camp For the adventurous, a trip to Mount Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located on the Tibetan side of the world’s highest mountain, the base camp offers stunning views of Everest’s north face. The journey to the base camp takes you through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on earth, passing through high-altitude deserts, deep valleys, and traditional Tibetan villages.

Yamdrok Lake Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, is known for its stunning turquoise waters and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The lake is a place of pilgrimage and holds deep spiritual significance for Tibetans. It’s a peaceful and serene destination, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

China’s vast and diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for exploration, from its bustling metropolises to its remote wilderness areas. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there’s something in China for every traveler. As an expat, taking the time to explore these destinations will deepen your understanding of the country and enrich your experience living here. If you need assistance with travel-related legal matters, such as visa regulations or travel insurance, our law firm is here to help.