China Travel Guide

China (中国; Zhōngguó), officially known as the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国 Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó) is a huge country in Eastern Asia (about the same size as the United States of America) with the world's largest population. With coasts on the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, in total it borders 14 nations. It borders Afghanistan, Pakistan (through the disputed territory of Kashmir), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam to the south; Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the west; Russia and Mongolia to the north and North Korea to the east. This number of neighbouring states is equalled only by China's vast neighbour to the north, Russia.

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Top 3 Most Beautiful Deserts in China

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Desert is an area which has almost no precipitation and very sparse vegetation. The ground area is covered with the endless sand dunes. The cruel environment also endows a unique landscape which is a desert landscape. The following are the list of 3 most beautiful deserts in China which is the must see attraction for the desert tour fans.

Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran Desert is located in the Autonomous region of western Inner Mongolia and covers an area of about 47 thousand square kilometers. It is third largest desert of China having altitude between 1200 to 1700m. Badain Jaran Desert is also a home to the tallest and stationary dunes. The relative height of these sand dunes is about 500 meters high. Hence, this desert is also known as the “Desert Everest”. You can also find many pyramid and moon shaped sand hills and sand dunes having relative height over 200 meters. Sound-sand, Queer dunes, temples and holy springs are some of the features of Badain Jaran Desert.

Normal deserts, all lack in water and often viewed as devoid and desolate of life. But, Bdain Jaran Desert is a dry desert having wonderful landscapes with numerous sand dunes and lakes.

Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran Desert

Taklimakan Desert (Xinjiang)

The Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang is the largest, highest and driest desert of china. It fills the Tarim basin between Tien Shan Mountains to the north and Kunlun Mountains in the south in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.  It is 2nd largest flow desert in the world which is just smaller than the Sahara desert of Africa.
This desert is extended from east to west for 1000 km and from north to south for about 400 km which covers total area of about 337,600 square km. It is about thousand meters above the sea level and among the all deserts of the world; it is the most attractive and the most mysterious one. There is typical continental climate having violent sandy wind, rare precipitation, and large difference in temperature in the middle of the desert. The sand dunes are about 100 to 300 in height. You can see vogue mirage in distinct places.

Taklimakan Desert

Taklimakan Desert

Gurbantunggut Desert

The Gurbantunggut Desert covers a large area in the centre of the Junggar basin and is 2nd largest desert in china. It is also the largest fixed and semi-fixed desert in China covering an area of about 50 thousand square meters. The climate is mild here in comparison to other deserts. The representative landscape is sand ridge and it covers half of the whole desert area. You can see different scenery in different season. In spring, you will see beautiful blooming flowers whereas in summer the green shrubs. Long cold seasons are accompanied with the stable snow covered and frequently rime phenomena.

Gurbantunggut Desert

Gurbantunggut Desert

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Top 3 Buildings in China

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Famous Buildings in China would like to introduce those Famous Architectures in China. Some of them are grand building complexes built hundreds of years ago, some of them are incredible skyscraper flourishing in recent years. All of them are sharing one thing in common, they are the crystallization of human wisdom.

Great Wall of China

Also known as the Defensive Wall, Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is an outstanding representative of various famous buildings in China.
Ranked in the top tourist destination in China, it is one of the spectacular defensive structures which were built in order to keep intruders from entering into the mainland. The construction of this Great Wall begun in the 5th century BC and it continued for many centuries and different dynasties. And finally this Wall stretches from Jiayuguan Pass to the west to the Shanhiaguan Pass in east having a total length of about 8852 kilometers transverse over nine provinces and municipalities.
It is also inscribed in the World Cultural Heritage Site by the organization UNESCO in the year 1987; the most famous sections within Beijing are Badaling, Simatai and Mutianyu.

Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

Xian City Wall

This is one of the largest defensive systems of ancient military which protected the city of Xian from invasion in ancient times. The first landmark that you will encounter in the city of Xian is the ancient City Wall which stretches all round the old city. This wall is therefore one of the oldest as well as well preserved Chinese City walls and attracts a great number of tourist from all over the world.

You can enter the inner city through the North Gate and the South Gate. The city is arranged neatly long the city wall. The structure is really impressive and just a glimpse of the several magnificent discoveries waiting for you to Xian.

Xian City Wall

Xian City Wall


Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace museum also known as the Forbidden City is a very magnificent building complex which is located in the heart of Beijing. It was build during the period of Yongle from the Ming dynasty. It is the largest as well as well preserved wooden building complex of the World. They were laid out very much precisely in accordance with the feudal code of architectural hierarchy which designated the specific features reflecting the status of emperor and paramount authority.

Forbidden City is the best example of traditional Chinese palatial architecture. It was listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of the preserved and ancient wooden structure in the world and became World heritage Site in the year 1987.

Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace

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Top 3 Waterfalls in China

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Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall is located on the River Baishui in Anshuan in the Guizhou province and it is the largest waterfall of China. It has width of about 80 meters and dropping 74 meter and having a impressive view it is also called as the first waterfall in China.

Huanggusho waterfall rushes to the pond of Xinju and forms foams up by hundred meters and the roars can be heard even at a distance of kilometers away. Having typical karst topography, the areas around this waterfall have fascinating water eroded caves.

There is a 134 meters long curtain cave behind the waterfall. You will love to see the rushing waterfall from back side and touching in the shortest distance.

De Tian Waterfall

De Tian waterfall is situated at about 150 km from Nanning City, located in Daxin Coutny. It has width of more than 200 meters and drop of about 70 meters. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and 2nd largest transnational waterfall in world.

Its water of De Tian Waterfall rush down to three tiered cliffs with great force. This fall is awe-inspiring and you can hear its thunders miles away before it comes into view. Due to the change in season, the natural scenery around waterfall changes throughout the year.

De Tian Waterfall

De Tian Waterfall



Hukou Waterfall

Hukou Waterfall is located at the intersection of Shaanxi and Shanxi Province and second largest waterfall of China after the Huangguoshu Waterfall. It is very famous waterfall and has been renowned for its turbulent and impetuous water and loud voice The width of the water fall is about 30 meters which changes with the season and becomes up to 50 meter during flood time.

When the water in the middle reaches the Yellow River flows through the Jinxia Grand Canyon , 300 meter wide surface is narrowed suddenly to 50 meters and drop down turbulently to the lower section which is 9 meters below and forms Hukou waterfall.

 

Hukou Waterfall

Hukou Waterfall

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Top 3 Hiking Routes in China

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Trekking Li River

Guilin is the most favorable destination for any china tour and it is boosted with the magnificent beauty of nature and precious cultural relics. Li River is also honored to be one of the most beautiful galleries of the world and its journey from Guilin to yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to the city of Guilin. You can go for tracking from Yangdi to Xingping when the River Li passes through endless procession of bamboo groves, distinct peaks and wonderful landscape. This is the highlight of the trekking and you can experience the unique lifestyle of rural people. You will be surprised through the pinnacled peaks pop ups. You can enjoy water buffalos patrolling on the field, ducks paddling in water, peasant reaping paddles in front of the village houses, fisherman catching the fish through cormorants and returning them to the boat and kids going home singing songs. All of this will create a beautiful and idyllic scene in your mind.

Trekking Li River

Trekking Li River

 Trekking Tiger Leaping Valley

Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is at the junction of Qinghai-Tibetan and Yunnan Guizhou Plateau and one of the most popular tourist attractions.  It is about 17 kilometers ling and divided into three main segments with an aggregate fall of about 200 meters. You can trek through three basic routes to the Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will witness incredibly loud, churning and foaming river with gaint boulders throughout your path. One road hugs the river and second is by the footpath running high above this river. You can go through the latter for better vistas and adventure. This path is only recommended for the experience and fit mountain trekkers as it might be hazardous due to its narrow and precipitous paths.

Trekking Tiger Leaping Valley

Trekking Tiger Leaping Valley

Trekking Hanas 

You can taste the fragrance of the Xinxiang in fall by trekking through Hanas. You can get the view of pine trees covering hillside, snow capped mountains, blue sky and fluffy white cloud. Xinjiang Province would be first choice for you here. If you are looking for unspoiled spot then you must trech through Hanas Lake or Kansi Lake which refers to “rich, beautiful and mysterious in Mongolian. This lake is about 1400 meters above the sea level and has deep forests as well as mountains of Altai which covers an area of about 45 square kilometers which is almost 10 times than Boghda or Tianchi Mountain. It is a ice erosion or moraine lake which is shaped like a new moon or the long hyacinth bean. You can see the reflections of the snow and tree covered mountain clearly on the lake water. The color of lake varies from green, white and blue depending upon the weather and season.

Trekking Hanas

Trekking Hanas

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Top 3 foodie town in china

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  1. Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Chengdu is crowned as the Asia’s first UNESCO city of Gastronomy in the year 2010 and it is best known for its spice dishes and fiery hot pot which are made by using Sichuan pepper and layered with sour, salty and sweet flavors. Some dishes that are not spicy like beer-braised duck are also very popular. You can also go to Chef Yu Bo which is a high end restaurant and cooks sophisticated Sichuan food and having inspiring presentation.

Hot pot is very much ubiquitous like the smell of chili. At the Zigong Delicious Hotpot, house specialty tiaoshui wa or the diving frog is cauldron of fiery chili to noodles, vegetables or meats can be added. You should spend time at Chengdu Spice Market for getting the real taste of huajiao and Sichuan’s signature peeper.

Chengdu hotpot

Chengdu hotpot

 

2.       Lanzhou, Gansu Province

Lanzhou is just like the synonymous in the finds of the food-lovers with hand pulled beef noodles and has one of the liveliest markets of street food night in China. To the west of the city centre, the Zhengning Lu bazaar has more than 100 street food stalls. You can also get a varied variety of hot and cold dishes with emphasis on the local Hui cuisine.

Some of the highlights includes sesame paste, sweet, grilled fish seasoned with the aromatic cumin, hot bowls of nai zhou and flaky pastry rou bing which is stuffed with meat.

You can also enjoy the noodles at Wumule Penhui, the winner of Lanzhou’s annual competition of pulled noodles in 2012. The halal restaurant’s spice noodle is also very much famous.

Lanzhou Noodles

Lanzhou Noodles

3.       Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

Guangzhou is known as the birth place of the Cantonese food and the best place for eating in China. It has over 12 million passionate food culture having high end restaurants. The local cuisine here is characterized by the fresh clean flavors, barbecued meats, sea foods and the tradition of yumcha, which is tea drinking by dumpling and small dishes.

Congee is the best way to start your day and Ru Xuan Sha Guo Zhou is the most popular vendor. You can enjoy the bowl of signature seafood congee any time of the day. You can also have various choices at the North Garden Restaurant. Enjoying Roast meat at Bing Sheng is also a good idea. Try steamed chicken and simple farmer style dishes at Ji Cun for something like home style.

Guangzhou street food

Guangzhou street food

 

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Top 3 Beautiful Places in China

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China has many cities offering stunning natural scenery and view which will make a feast for your eye as well as lead you to your dream land. Some of these beautiful places are as follows-

Guilin (Longsheng/ Yangshuo)

Guilin is situated in Southern China and it is just like the glittering pearl on green carpet. The scenery here is like the top landscape of the world. It is renowned for its exquisite mountains, Karst landscape, wired caves and the limpid Li River which runs to Yangshuo Country. All of this when mixed together forms a gaint elegant painting of China. You will also love the unique view of the beauty of graceful fields of rice in the Longsheng Country. Li River is one of the top attractions of Guilin and it is full of inner core of scenery and customs of the city. Longji Rice Terraces are one of the special site and attracts the most of the people due to its well toned figures, creative layout and extraordinary size.

Guilin

Guilin

Jiuzhaigou

It is situated in the eastern part of the Sichuan Province and known as one of the most famous fairy land like sport of world. Jiuzhaigou Valley is the legendary land and has been recognized by the UNESCO as a Word Natural Heritage in the year 1992. It is the best place for experiencing unique Tibetan culture as well as unspoiled local customs. Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area is reputed for icy waterfalls, bright green waters, pure white snow mountains and colorful forests. It is also the home for wide variety of creatures like white-lipped dear and wild pandas.

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou

Huangshan is situated on the mid-east part of china country and has abundant cultural and natural resources. Elegant water view sports, great Mountain View sites and primary national forest reserves are very much popular tourist sites of this city. In the year 1990, Yellow Mountain or Mt. Huangshan has been recognized by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage. It has imposing peaks, steep cliffs, grotesquely shaped rocks and fantastic caves which make it outstanding among other mountains.

Huangshan

Huangshan

 

 

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Top 3 water towns in China

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Zhouzhuang Water Town

It is situated at distance of 45 km to the southeast of Suzhou and considered as the No. 1 Water Town in China. It has history of over nine hundred years and renowned for its profound culture of Wu, unique architectural tradition and fold customs. It is having lakes on its four sides and its beauty is especially along the waterside lanes and around few stone bridges.

In the year 2003, it has been entitled as the Famous Historical and Cultural Town of China. It was also listed in the tentative list of the UNESCO world Heritage Site in the year 2004. You can visit Fuan Bridge, Former Residence of Wansan Shen, Shen’s Mansion and Hounded House.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang Water Town

 

Wuzhen Water Town

This town has a history of more than 1300 years and situated at the distance of 80 kilometers to the northeast of Hangzhou. It is one of the four grand ancient towns of Yangtze. It is still preserved from the time of Qing Dynasty layout and the water system. This whole town is build along rivers and the river courses crisscrossed in this town. This town is a elegant blend of culture and nature and enjoys the superb climate as well as geographical conditions. It is also the known as the place where people called the land of fish and rice. Places to visit are Old Streets of West Gate, Wenchang pagoda and Residence of Mao Dun.

Wuzhen Water Town

Wuzhen Water Town

Tongli Water Town 

Tangoli Water Town has a history of more than 1000 years. It is a typical water town of the Jiangsu Province. This city is separated by fifteen rivers into seven islets which are well connected by about 50 bridges. Tangoli was established in the Song Dynasty. Like the other water towns, it is build along the water.

Tangoli is well known for preserving its architectural styles of Ming and Qing Dynasty. Various old stone bridges having different shapes, bountiful rivers can be found all over the town. It has made this town a quiet, decent and picturesque water town it was also listed in the tentative list for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 2004. Tuisi Garden, Gengletang Garden, Huancui Resort and Woyun Temple are few attractions in Tongli water town.

 

Tongli Water Town

Tongli Water Town

 

 

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Top 5 shopping paradise in china

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the most popular and the best shopping place in China. It is the place from where you can purchase things ranging from clothes to watches and from cell phones to the jewelry and all kinds of luxurious or elaborate goods. You will not only enjoy buying the things but it will be a great experience and gratification. You can visit Sogo Causeway bay for clothes, shoes, luxuries, cosmetics, Time square, Hong Kong Land Central, IFC Mall, World Trade Centre, Chinese Arts and Crafts LTD for buying several products.

Hong Kong shopping

Hong Kong shopping


Shanghai

Since a long time ago, Shanghai has been the best place for shopping of mainland China and it has attracted many people from far. It is also known as the financial centre as well as the bustling metropolis of China. It offers many goods worldwide for meeting the need of different people ranging from local craft, small articles to the international brand clothing, luxuries and shoes. You can go to Huaihai Road, Xujiahui Shopping District, Yuyan Market, The new Shanghai Commercial Center to choose the best goods according to your need.

Shanghai Shopping

Shanghai Shopping

Beijing

Beijing is the place which is well combination of tradition and modern. You can find many things and fancy articles which will attract you from narrow valleys to the remote streets. Shopping here is just like the game of hide and seeks game. If you go to the commercial streets you fill find various silk products, fashion clothing and other souvenirs. Best place to shop here are Xiushi Street, Wangfujing Commercial Street, Oianmen Commercial Street, Xidan Commercial District, etc.

Beijing Shops

Beijing Shops

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is famous as the bursting large wholesale market of the southern China. But, with rapid development of its economy, it has now become a busy shopping area. Guangdong Teem Mall is one of the largest shopping mall and one of the earliest shopping mall in China. You can find many brand new good here which ranges from clothes to watches to cell phones to jewelry.

Shenzhen

The consumption market of Shenzhen is divided into eight business circles which aim at different customers. Nanshan, North Huagiang and Dongmen circles are the main three shopping areas which target all level of consumption. Mid-SHenhua, South Renmin and Huagiaocheng circles are also famous markets for nearby dwellings and business customers.

 

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Famous Water Towns in China

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Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang, the No.1 water town in China with a history of more than 900 years, is located in the north-east of the Suzhou city and the north-west of the Kun Mountain with 45 kilometers away from Suzhou city center and 100 kilometers away from Shanghai. Nearby airports including the Shanghai Hongqiao airport and Pudong airport and also Xiaoshan International airport, among which the Hongqiao airport is the nearest one with only 90 kilometers from Zhouzhuang. Vicissitudes of the long history and heavy Wu culture have left the delicately beautiful water country style and appearance, unique historic figures and cultural heritage, plain folk custom to Zhouzhuang so as to make it the treasure of the Eastern culture. As the representative of  the excellent traditional Chinese culture, Zhouzhuang has been the cradle of the Wu culture and the model of the water country in the Jiangnan area.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao water town, located in the middle southern part of the Qingpu area in Shanghai city and close to the Dianshan Lake scenic spot, is listed as one of the Four Shanghai Ancient Cultural Towns and enjoys the reputation of the “Shanghai Venice” and “ Hollywood in the Shanghai Suburbs” in 1991. Covering an area of 54.5 square kilometers with its east setting in the boundary of the Daying country and Huancheng line, west next to the Dianshan Lake and Daguan Garden, south neighbour the Shenxiang County and north connecting with the Dianhan Lake in Kunshan city of Jiangsu province, the Zhujiajiao is 6 kilometers away from the Qingpu county and 48 kilometers away from the Shanghai city center. It features long history and rich tourist resources which worthy a visit.

Toli Water Town

Tongli Water Town

Tongli water town, one of the six famous county in the Jiangna area, is located in the Wujiang district in Suzhou city, which is in the Taihu Lake band and east of the Ancient Canal. Built in the Song Dynasty, the Toling has a long history of more than 1000 years and it is really the ancient water town in China. With 18 kilometers away from Suzhou city and 80 kilometers away from Shanghai, the Tongli is one of the six famous water towns in Jiangna area covering an are of 33 hectares. Features elegant scenery and surrounded by waters in four sides, the Tongli water town is the earliest ancient town and the only culture relic protection site.

Xitang Water Town

Xitang Water Town

Xitang, also one of the 6 ancient town in Jiangnan area, is located in the boundary of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai province in Jiashan county. Being a national AAAA level scenic spot, the Xitang is an ancient town with a long history and covers and area of 83.61 square kilometers. It is one of the regional places of the Wu culture which is characterized by the fantastic scenery and rich tourism resources. There exists a plenty of ancient residences and courtyards in the Xitang water towns, which makes the scenery there much more classic and elegant, and you will never regret going there.

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Top 5 Ancient Mountains of China

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Wutai Mountain

Wutai Mountain has been formed about three billion years ago and it has been named like this as there are 5 peaks encircling one another. Having flat land wide tops, it is much like the five platforms. Wutai Mountain is known for its national scenic as well as Buddhism spot. It is the best place for tour having a popular summer resort, which is well renowned at home as well as abroad. It is one of the four well known Mountains for Buddhism. There are more than 100 temples constructed with the essence from various ancient buildings of the past of various dynasties. These are valuable historic heritage of China having high values.

 

Wutai Mountain

Wutai Mountain

Emei Mountain

It is located in the Sichuan Province which is at the southwest of Emei Country and is one of the Four Buddhist Shrines in China which is formed in the late phases of Tertiary. This mountain is known for its high rising peaks, stiff cliffs, gurgling springs, roaring waterfalls, fragrant flowers and towering ancient trees. It is also described as the beauty spot under heaven since ancient times. There are various historic sites and many precious cultural relics on the mountain. Inside the temple, you can find hundreds of iron and bronze statues.

 

Yellow Mountain

Yellow mountain or Mt Huangshan has been formed about billion year ago and covering an area of more than thousand square kilometers. It is well known for its unique shaped pines, sea of clouds, fantastic rock peaks and hot springs. The clouds drift in and out which change the scenery in no time. There are many peaks and they are named according to their shapes, religious or historic themes. Some of the major peaks attracting tourist are the Heavenly Capital Peak, Bright Summit and Lotus Flower Peak.

 

Yellow Mountain

Yellow Mountain

Tai Mountain

It lies in the central Shandong Province and covers an area of approximate 500 square meters. It is regarded as one of the five China’s sacred Mountains. More than 70 Chinese emperors from various dynasties have made pilgrimage to Tai Mountain for the ceremonial and sacrificial purposes. It is also endowed with various picnic spots.  There are a lot of peaks, caves, oddly shaped rocks, streams and valleys, pools, springs and waterfall. It is also encroached with variety of flora.

 

Tai Mountain

Tai Mountain

Lu Mountain

Lu Mountain is located at the northern part of the province of Jiangxi and has history of more than sixty lack years. The scenery of the Lu Mountain scenic area is breathtaking and full of sheer precipices and peaks, changeable fogs and clouds, flying waterfalls and silver springs. It has diverse flora having about three thousand species. There are lot of fauna also thriving in this mountain.

 

Lu Mountain

Lu Mountain