Popular Things to Do in China

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast, ancient wall, feeling the weight of history beneath your feet, while the wind whispers tales of warriors and emperors. You’ve just arrived in China, a country where modern skyscrapers touch the sky, yet ancient traditions still flourish. But your journey starts in an unexpected place, not with the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, but deep in a bustling market in Beijing, where the scent of street food and the vibrant energy of the locals immediately pull you in.

The first taste of China’s rich culture you encounter is the Beijing Night Market. Here, amidst the chaotic symphony of vendors calling out their prices and the sizzle of food being cooked right before your eyes, you can sample everything from spicy lamb skewers to the notorious stinky tofu. The market is a sensory overload, a perfect introduction to China’s love for food, and a window into the everyday lives of its people.

As you wander through the narrow alleys, you realize that China’s allure lies in its contrasts. Just hours ago, you were hiking along the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic structures in the world. The vastness of the wall, stretching over 13,000 miles, is staggering. It’s a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity, but also a reminder of the turbulent history that shaped this nation. The section you chose to explore, Mutianyu, is less crowded than others, allowing you to truly appreciate the wall’s grandeur. From the top, the views are breathtaking, with the wall snaking across lush mountains, disappearing into the horizon.

Next, your journey takes you to the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. Walking through the towering gates, you’re transported back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when emperors ruled with absolute power. The palace complex is massive, with over 9,000 rooms filled with intricate art, grand halls, and hidden courtyards. Each corner tells a story, and as you explore, you can almost hear the footsteps of the imperial family echoing through time. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor would preside over state affairs, is particularly awe-inspiring with its golden roof and ornate carvings.

But China is not just about ancient history; it’s a country that has embraced the future with open arms. You find yourself in Shanghai, a city that never sleeps, where the skyline is dominated by futuristic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The contrast between old and new is most evident when you visit the Yu Garden, a serene oasis of traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping, nestled amidst the urban jungle. As you stroll through the garden, the tranquility is a stark contrast to the bustling city just outside its walls.

Then, there’s Xi’an, where the Terracotta Army awaits. This vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, each with unique features, was buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. The sheer scale of the army, with over 8,000 soldiers, chariots, and horses, is overwhelming. It’s a humbling reminder of the emperor’s power and the lengths he went to ensure his legacy would endure for eternity.

China’s natural beauty is just as impressive as its man-made wonders. You head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Hiking through the park, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, where the mist-shrouded peaks rise dramatically from the valley floor. The Glass Bridge, the longest and highest in the world, offers a thrilling way to experience the park’s beauty from above, as you walk on transparent panels suspended hundreds of feet in the air.

As your journey through China comes to an end, you realize that this vast country is a place of endless exploration, where every city, every town, and every landscape has a story to tell. Whether you’re marveling at the engineering feat of the Great Wall, losing yourself in the ancient palaces of the Forbidden City, or standing in awe of nature’s power in Zhangjiajie, China is a country that leaves a lasting impression on your soul. The real charm of China lies in its ability to surprise and captivate, offering experiences that are as diverse as its landscapes.

From the modern metropolis of Shanghai to the ancient wonders of Xi’an, China is a destination that promises adventure, discovery, and a deep connection to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Your journey may end here, but the memories you’ve made and the stories you’ve uncovered will stay with you long after you’ve left its shores.