Things to See and Do in China

Vast and diverse, China is one of the world’s oldest and largest civilisations. The country offers so much that it would take a lifetime to explore it all. From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to unique experiences like street food and wildlife encounters, there are endless things to do in China.

China’s rich history, overflowing population and varied geography all make for one marvelous country that begs to be explored. If you are a traveller pressed for time, you can take your pick of the usual fare - Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and the like. A brief visit to the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the usual night markets will give you a good feel and flavour of the country, but the country’s true beauty lies much deeper. If you’re planning on taking a trip to China, take our advice and make the trip a long one! Here’s our pick of the places you should visit in China. Here’s how you can enhance and customize your trip to China.

 

What are the Best Things to See and Do in China?

• The Usual Fare

• Nature and Wildlife

• Food

• Adventure

• The Unexpected

 

The Usual Fare

China’s capital is shrouded behind a thick haze of pollution, but it is also home to several awe-inspiring markers of China’s history. Look past the haze and you will find stunning sites that look like something out of a fairytale. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, three places that will take your breath away. Stunning landscaped gardens and other-worldly architecture that are dripping in the China’s culture and history. No other landmark in the country can encapsulate China’s rich Imperial culture. The Best part, once you’re in Beijing, the landmarks are all very easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Add a little more flavour to your itinerary and check out Beijing’s Lama Temple

One of the must visits is obviously the Great Wall. One of the original Seven Wonders of The World. The feeling of wonder at first seeing and exploring this behemoth is undeniable and it should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Whether you have kids in tow or whether it is for the kid in you, you might also want to spend a day at Disneyland.

 

Nature and Wildlife

Sichuan, in China, is home to the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda breeding. The Giant Pandas are endemic to the country and are one of the world’s most beloved animals. These adorable giants are a welcome break from exploring relics and staid old architecture. Whatever the duration of your holiday, you should definitely eke out time to go visit Chengdu.

 

Food

China is a dream come true for any true blue foodie who isn’t averse to trying new stuff. On the top of the list here, would be Beijing’s peking duck. Next on the list is Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). A delectable ball of flavour and textures that will leave you longing for seconds.

While in China, grab the chance to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant, without breaking the bank! Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum. An experience of a lifetime you won’t forget in a hurry.

In the bustling streets of China, vendors selling street food abound. From eating Chongqing’s hot pot, Jianbing (Chinese crepes) or Chinese Sesame Balls to drinking Tsingtao in Qingdao, China’s Street food is legendary and a compulsory experience for the hardcore foodie.

 

Adventure

Lhasa, once home to the Dalai Lama, sits at an astonishing 3,750 metres above sea level. It is difficult to reach owing to tricky passes and hard to access roadways. But once you get there, the majestic Potala Palace makes the adventure worthwhile.

Looking for something a little more thrilling? Take a walk along Huashan’s Plank of Death. A.K.A. the world’s most dangerous hike. If walking along a precarious plank suspended against a sheer cliff isn’t your cup of tea, a mere visit to the mountain itself is worth your time.

 

The Unexpected

China doesn’t exactly come to mind when you think of sandy white beaches and sparkling waters. But journey down to the southernmost islands of the country and you will discover a stunning tropical paradise. The island of Hainan is awash with resorts, spas, restaurants, and amusement parks. The island is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Another unexpected gem in China’s crown is Jiuzhaigou. A surreal, stunning valley, located high up in the tablelands of Sichuan. The valley is home to wild pandas, lakes of crystal clear blue waters and gorgeous cascading waterfalls. All of this surrounded by lush green forests.

 

Recommended Itinerary for China

Here is a 7-day itinerary to China, ideal for first-time visitors:

Day 1-3: Beijing

Start your journey in Beijing, known for its rich history and some of the best places to see in China.

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Rest after your flight or take a walk through traditional hutongs to experience local life and try some street food.

Day 2: Visit the magnificent Forbidden City, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and one of the most iconic things to see in China. In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace with its lakes and gardens.

In the evening, head to Wangfujing Street for shopping and local snacks.

Day 3: Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. After your visit, take a high-speed train to Xi'an.

Day 4-5: Xi'an

Discover the ancient glory of Xi'an.

Day 4: Visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most remarkable historical sites in the country. Then explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

In the evening, visit the Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets and street food.

Day 5: Ride a bike along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China.

Afterwards, travel to Shanghai.

Day 6-7: Shanghai

Experience China's dynamic modern face in Shanghai.

Day 6:  Walk along The Bund to enjoy the city skyline. Visit Yu Garden and explore the nearby bustling market for souvenirs and local experiences.

In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise.

Day 7: Visit the Shanghai Museum to gain deeper insight into Chinese art and history before heading to the airport for departure.

 

Visa Information for China

Before you start making the list of best places to see in China, it is important to apply for a tourist visa (L visa), as China does not offer a visa on arrival for Indian travellers.

Here are some key details to keep in mind:

• Duration & Validity: Duration up to 30 days per visit, and validity ranges from 3 to 12 months depending on entries.
• Requirements: Valid passport, return tickets, hotel bookings, and itinerary covering China’s must-visit places.
• Processing Time: Usually 4 to 7 working days. Apply in advance during peak season.
• Where to Apply: Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). Fill out the online application form and visit the centre with printed documents for submission and verification.

 

Getting Around in China

Getting around China’s top tourist attractions is easy and convenient with the country’s extensive and robust transportation network.

• Domestic flights: Time-saving and more comfortable than buses, domestic flights are ideal for long-distance travel.
• High-speed trains: The fastest and most comfortable way to travel between major cities, such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.
• Metro systems: Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have modern, easy-to-use metro networks, making them perfect for exploring China’s must-visit places.
• Buses: Buses cover routes that are not covered by metro, although they can be crowded during peak hours.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Services like DiDi are widely used for short distances.

 

Useful Information You Must Know

Before you start exploring things to do with China, here are a few practical tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free:

Tourist Destinations

• Visit top sites (like the Forbidden City) early in the morning or just before closing to avoid crowds. Also, avoid public holidays like the Chinese New Year.
• Book popular attractions, such as the Chengdu panda base or Beijing Opera, in advance during peak season (June-August). You can use WeChat to book tickets.
• Avoid China’s top tourist attractions on weekends as they get very crowded.

Food and Markets

• Bargaining is common in markets, so negotiating prices politely is part of the experience.
• Due to the diversity of the population, China has eight major cuisines, which include Lu, Sichuan, Cantonese, Chinese, Huaiyang, Zhejiang, Hunan, and Anhui. It is worth visiting each province just for the food.

What to Pack:

• Weather can vary greatly between cities and seasons, so pack clothing that’s easily layered if visiting several spots around the country.
• You will be doing a lot of walking in cities, markets, and historical sites, so pack some comfortable shoes.
• China uses Type A, C, and I plugs, so carry a universal adapter and power bank.
• Pack tissues and hand sanitiser
• Small backpack or day bag for carrying essentials when sightseeing.

China has a diverse range of experiences to offer. Take a page out of our guide and make the most of your trip. From iconic landmarks and cultural sites to local markets, food experiences, and scenic landscapes, every moment in China brings something new to discover.

To make your journey smooth and memorable, consider exploring the range of travel packages offered by Veena World. With well-planned itineraries, guided tours, and complete travel support, you can simply focus on enjoying all the fun things to do in China while we take care of everything.

 

FAQs

Q1. What are the top 5 things to do in China?

Some of the top things to do in China include visiting the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, seeing the Terracotta Army, enjoying a river cruise in Shanghai, and trying authentic Chinese cuisine.

 

Q2. Where should I go for the first time in China?

For first-time visitors, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are ideal as they offer a mix of history, culture, and modern experiences.

 

Q3. Which is nicer, Shanghai or Beijing?

It depends on your preference, as both cities are among the best places to see in China. Beijing is rich in history and landmarks, while Shanghai offers a modern vibe, shopping, and nightlife.

 

Q4. What is the food capital of China?

Guangzhou is considered the primary food capital of China, renowned as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. Beyond Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shunde, and Chongqing are also famous for their cuisine.

 

Q5. What to avoid when visiting China?

When visiting China, avoid:

• Drinking tap water.
• Using unlicensed taxis.
• Ignoring local customs while visiting cultural or religious sites.
• Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
• Touching, patting, or messing up someone's hair/head.

 

Written by: Caryn Putman

Caryn is a Social Media expert and history buff, desperate for any chance to travel. She loves animals more than most people and prefers sunny days at the beach to freezing mountaintops.