China’s mention was found in the writings of Marco Polo and since then this country has become a place which is perfect amalgamation of exoticism and mysteriousness. The most fascinating thing of this country is that it has retained the traditional customs and cultures and traditions and embraced modernity as well. The balance between the contrasts has made this country all the more beautiful, attracting large numbers of travelers and tourists from foreign lands. The Chinese are proud of their rich historical and cultural heritage and take every step possible for proper preservation of the same. China is a country, which is large in area and provides limitless opportunities for all kinds of travelers and tourists.
Visiting China with valid Chinese travel visa
China has opened its doors to international travelers and tourists. However, there is need of having valid China travel visa for exploring the country. US travelers visiting China need to apply for the visa according to the purpose of their visit. The kind and validity of the visa vary from one another as per need. It is important to read through guidelines and visa information thoroughly before applying for the Chinese travel visa so that the process is smooth. Minor errors in the visa application form might lead to cancellation of the form completely.
9 tourist attractions in China which are worth visiting
China has innumerable tourist destinations to be explored. Some of the most important ones are as follows:
1. The Terracotta Army–The Terracotta Army is one of the most interesting archeological findings of China. This was found in 1970s in outskirts of Xi’an. The structure was built for guarding the First Emperor’s Tomb. It consists of about 520 horses, more than 8,000 warrior structures, which are life-size and almost 100 chariots. Along with this, there are innumerable non-military characters. Time has taken its toll on many of the structures but they have been restored and re-assembled now. This structure is an integral part of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Park. Visiting this tourist destination is an experience for lifetime for sure.
2. The Great Wall of China–No traveler or tourist visiting China can miss visiting The Great Wall of China. This structure is one of the most important monuments of China. The Great Wall of China is known as the Long Wall or Changcheng in Chinese. Extending for more than 6,000 kilometers, this structure runs from fortresses of Shanhaiguan to Jiayuguan and passes through Tientsin, Hebel, and Beijing etc. The average height of the wall is about 6-8 meters, but in some places it rises to almost 16 meters. The wall has innumerable watch towers and battlements. Badaling Pass is the most frequented section of the Wall and can be accessed via public transportation.
3. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding–China visit without panda experience seems incomplete. Majority of zoos in China have pandas in them, but one of the best places to see them in their natural habitat is at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Located in Sichuan, this area lets one watch pandas carrying out their daily routine in the facility’s natural settings. Lot of information can be obtained regarding the pandas from the place along with being evidence to excellent conservation efforts of this species.
4. The Imperial Palace and The Forbidden City, Beijing –One of the most important and largest building in China is the Forbidden City, which is also known as Imperial Palace to many. The structure was started from 1271-1368 during the Yuan Dynasty. However, the parts seen today were constructed during 1406-1420. The palace was home to 24 Qing and Ming Emperors. Only courtesans and members of the imperial family were allowed to enter the palace. Spread over an expansive area of about 720,000 square meters with 10 meter high walls and watch towers and a moat, the complex is now used for administrative and ceremonial purposes. Some of the main attractions inside the Imperial Palace include The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Golden River Bridges, and The Hall of Preserving Harmony and so on.
5. The Summer Palace–The Summer Palace is among the most visited tourist destinations in China. Located at a distance of just 15 kilometers from Beijing, the palace is set amidst sprawling 700 acres of land. The main palace was constructed in the year 1153, but the large lake came as an addition in the 14th century only. Some of the other highlights of the Palace include the beautiful and grand Great Theater and Renshou Dian, which is the Hall of Well-Being and Longevity with the throne. The gardens, courtyards, walking trails and pathways need special mention in this regard as well.
6. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou –Designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou is an important historic garden. This is a must-visit place while visiting China. Established in the 11th century, the garden is situated in Suzhou in Jiangsu province. Immense growth was taking place in the city during that time and around 270 gardens were planted there. The Garden of Lingering needs special mention in this regard along with Garden of the Cang Lang Ting Pavilion.
7. Cruising the Li River – If you want to explore the countryside of China with crystal clear rivers and rising mountains, you have to visit the town of Guilin, which is located at the northeast corner of Guangxi. The place is so beautiful and picturesque that it has become a center of attraction not only for general travelers and tourists, but also for painters and poets. Taking a boat trip in the Li River is the best way to explore the beautiful terrain and landscape. The river meanders through dense reed-beds, bamboo forests, rock formations with caves and so on. The trips are for few hours to many days – you can choose as per your convenience.
8. Shanghai’s Promenade: The Bund – Shanghai’s splendid looking riverside promenade is better known as the Bund. There is extremely wide pedestrian zone all along the Huangpu Jiang River. The place is so beautiful that it is difficult to think that it is in the middle of the largest city in China. The Bund has European essence with French and English influence buildings. There are many Art Deco buildings in the place with Renaissance and Gothic style buildings. The 468-meter high Oriental Pearl Tower is located right in the opposite of the Huangpu Jiang River bank and full view of The Bund can be obtained from there.
9. The Potala Palace, Tibet –The magnificent and grand Potala Palace located in Lhasa, Tibet is a prominent historical structure in China. The structure was built as a residence and fortress for the Dalai Lama. It was considered as a center for religious and political power and has many valuable treasures in it. The Red Palace and the White Palace need special mention. Exploring the palaces will give fair idea about the Tibetan kings and Dalai Lamas.