What is your favorite place in China?

Question

Please tell me your favorite places to travel in China, and why you think should go there.

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

For sure it is Beijing.
Beijing is so rich in history, and many of the most interesting things in China are there....and some of them are also on the top list of the world. I was there 2 years ago, and I wish that I had stayed longer.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved Imperial Palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in flourishing period (many were desolated and now there are over 8,000 completed rooms saved) with just a single room short of the number that ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters (about 6.6 yards) deep and ten-meter (about 11 yards) high wall. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country as well as being the residence of emperors and empresses of the Yuan (1271 - 1368), Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. Thus, the place itself is not to be missed by any Beijing visitor. A self-guided audio tour tapes are available in several languages at the entrance.

The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only Beijing's symbol but also the whole of China. This immense courtyard is the site of various historical events. The square is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices namely, the Chinese Revolution History Museum, the Mao Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace Gate) Tower, and the Qianmen (Front Gate). The daily flag ceremonies at the square, performed during sunrise and sunset, are most exceptional and well-worth time to view and experience.

The Great Wall is one of the 'Eight Wonders of the World' and is enlisted in the World Heritage Directory. This immense wall was built to keep out invaders as well as to retain the inhabitants. It spans five provinces (6,700 kilometers, or 2,587 miles) from Shanhaiguan Passin the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west. Like a gigantic dragon, it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands and mountains and said to be the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. Just outside Beijing, it is possible to climb a section of the Great Wall and enjoy a splendid panoramic view that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Beijing has lots of beautiful temples that at one time served as the focus of religious life. The Temple of Heaven is the largest group of structures in the country dedicated to rituals that pay homage to the glory of heaven. This temple was built specifically for worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests during the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are two amazing acoustical spots in the temple. Originally built in the 1500's, there is a spot on top of the tri-leveled round altar where your words reverberate around you. The other one is at the Echo Wall that partially encloses a circular courtyard 65 meters (213 feet) in diameter. Words whispered at one end travel along the wall and can be heard clearly by someone listening at the other end. The entire complex is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural designs and arts.

There are many other fascinating temples in Beijing worth visiting such as, the White Cloud Taoist Temple, which is one of the oldest and still the most active of Taoist temples, and the Temple of Confucius, in honor of and sacrifice to Confucius. Visiting these temples can help you get a clearer concept of ancient Chinese's religious life.

Other famous Beijing attractions include the Ming Tombs , the burial site of 13 ancient Ming emperors; the Bell and Drum Towers built in the 1400's; Fragrant Hills Park; the Ancient Observatory that dates back to the days of Kublai Khan; the Silk Market; the Botanical Gardens; the Indian-designed Temple of Azure Clouds and many other wondrous places. Readers of the classic book 'The Dream of Red Mansions' will want to visit Prince Gong's Mansion of the 18th Century, which was purported to be the model mansion in the novel.

For a peaceful and interesting stroll, visit Beijing's many beautiful parks, such as Beihai Park, which was allegedly built by the Great Khan, centuries earlier than the Forbidden City. This park was enjoyed by various rulers of China for hundreds of years and features great pavilions, architecturally interesting walkways, the 27-meter-long (about 88 feet) Nine Dragon Screen (built to scare off evil spirits), a jar that was the last remnant of the Khan's court, the Five Dragon Pavilion dating back from the mid 1600's, and a large lake with an island in the middle. The Summer Palace is another one that is definitely a 'must see', a famous classic imperial garden with breathtaking beauty. It holds a special place in the history of Chinese gardens.

Answer 2

I live in Hubei just outside of Wuhan City. I have to say that I hate travelling to the tourist places in China. They are always crowded and people are constantly coming up either begging or trying to throw really bad merchandise in my face.The smoke, pushing and shoving are my least favorite things. If you don't speak the language you will very likely run into scammers and such. Well even if you do you'll run into them so be careful. I would suggest you check out a couple of classic places because it is really neat to say you have been there but I would look into going to a smaller town or village. Remember that China is still coming out of the old farming way of life and transitioning to a more modern society so traditional western politness is still coming along so have patience. Although I don't enjoy travelling within China I absolutly love living here. I am sure you will find something very positive about this country that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
Have fun and be safe.

Answer 3

It depends on what you are looking for, wow Beijing, oh the historical relevance, but believe me it can be actually quite boring. If its an array of culture you are looking for got to Chengdu, plus the food is great, but boy is it dirty. If it s money you are looking for, go to Shenzhen, but it is not really Chinese by my standards, nor is Hong Kong, although it is great it is about as far from Chinese as China can get. My advice, XI'an, it is so underrated, not only does it have even more history than Beijing, (it was the Capital of china first), it has the terracotta warriors, a great night market and those ancient buildings sans lights, wow!, Plus it is really cheap. I say real China is still in the smaller cities, I prefer to stay clear of those big western infested areas.

Answer 4

My favorite is Beijing, lots of tourist sites Temple of Heaven, Forbidden city and tours to the great wall. Large shopping district you can spend 7 days and still not see everything. You will not have a problem with language because many there are learning English.

Answer 5

Huangshan city in Anhui province. Take the bus from Hangzhou - maybe three hours - and stay in City (Express) Hotel. Not easy to find, but central to the old streets and restuarants. Enquire how much taxis or trishaws should cost - perhaps 6 yuan - and don't let the occasioal rogue take you for a tourist and try to rip you off.Then take bus( perhaps a one hour trip) to Huangshan mountains which will be familiar for their high pine-clad peaks from classical Chinese paintings. Try to arrange to stay over-night in one of the hotels so you can see the sun-rise. Should be reasonably fit to do as much walking (on well formed paths and steps) as possible. Spectacular.

Answer 6

I live in Shanghai & it is incredible in itself but I'd have to say Hangzhou for the history and scenary. I also recommend Huangshan if you are more of a nature lover (beautiful mountains). There is Sanya in Hainan for tropical resorts. China is huge and there are so many various things/places to see. Tibet and Xinjiang comes to mind but from my travels, I'd have to say Hangzhou.

Answer 7

yangshuo/guilin is by far my favorite place in china. so many fun outdoor things to do and you get to really see what the country side it like. yangshuo is a great place to stay as it's considered quite the backpacker's town so you'll get to meet other interesting travelers from all around the world.

Answer 8

It was Hangzhou, before I found out about Zhouzhuang and Tongli, beautiful river cities in the Yangtse delta, a couple of hours from Shanghai. Beautiful canals, old China at its best, you will not regret it.

Answer 9

Hangzhou because of it's beauty and the famous west lake, next would be Xaimen coastal city not far from Taiwan people are very friendly and a very nice place to visit.

Answer 10

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