CHINA

HIGHLIGHT:

The Great Wall of China (Beijing, Hebei, etc.):
- Over 13,000 miles long, ancient defense system.
- Famous sections: Badaling (restored & tourist-friendly), Mutianyu (scenic and less crowded), Jinshanling (for hikers).
- Cable cars and toboggan rides available.
The Forbidden City (Beijing):
- Largest imperial palace in the world.
- Over 9000 rooms; home to Ming and Qing emperors.
- Now the Palace Museum, showcasing ancient artifacts.
Temple of Heaven (Beijing):
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ming dynasty temple where emperors prayed for good harvests.
- Beautiful architecture and serene gardens.
Terracotta Army (Xi’an):
- Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
- Each figure is unique, dating back over 2,000 years.
Summer Palace (Beijing):
- Imperial retreat with lakes, gardens, and pavilions.
- Highlights: Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, Marble Boat.
Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet):
- Spiritual and administrative center of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Former home of the Dalai Lama, rich in religious artifacts.
Leshan Giant Buddha (Sichuan):
- World’s largest stone Buddha (71 meters tall).
- Carved into a cliffside overlooking the confluence of rivers.

The Bund (Shanghai):
- Iconic riverside promenade with colonial architecture.
- Views of Pudong skyline and Huangpu River.
Oriental Pearl Tower (Shanghai):
- Futuristic TV tower with observation decks, glass floors, and a revolving restaurant.
Shanghai Disneyland:
- Disney’s largest theme park in Asia.
- Unique attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
Canton Tower (Guangzhou):
- One of the tallest towers in the world.
- Glass skywalks, bubble trams, and panoramic city views.
Hong Kong Skyline & Victoria Peak:
- Tram ride to the peak offers the best city views.
- Night view of the skyline is especially stunning.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan):
- Inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar.
- Glass Skywalk, Bailong Elevator (world’s tallest outdoor elevator), and cable car rides.
Guilin & Yangshuo (Guangxi):
- Famous for karst mountain landscapes and Li River cruises.
- Bamboo rafting, cycling, and caving in Yangshuo.
Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan):
- Multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and Tibetan villages.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature reserve.
Yellow Mountains (Huangshan, Anhui):
- Iconic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds.
- Popular with hikers and photographers.
Tibet Plateau & Mount Everest Base Camp (Tibet):
- Roof of the world, sacred lakes, and Tibetan monasteries.
- Adventurous journey and stunning landscapes.
Hainan Island:
- Tropical beach paradise with resorts, diving, and rainforests.
- Popular areas: Sanya, Wuzhishan, and Yalong Bay.

Traditional Tea Ceremony:
- Experience the art of tea in places like Hangzhou, Chengdu, or Sichuan tea houses.
Calligraphy & Painting Classes:
- Learn Chinese calligraphy or ink painting from masters.
Kung Fu Shows & Shaolin Temple Visit (Henan):
- Watch monks perform martial arts and learn about Buddhist traditions.
Peking Opera (Beijing):
- Stylized performance combining music, dance, and acrobatics.
Silk Road Tours (Xi’an to Dunhuang):
- Explore ancient trade routes, desert landscapes, and Buddhist grottoes like Mogao Caves.
Visit a Hutong (Beijing):
- Explore traditional alleys, try street food, and see local life.

Hiking the Great Wall (wild sections):
- Jiankou and Simatai offer rugged and scenic treks.
Rock Climbing in Yangshuo:
- Karst cliffs attract climbers of all levels.
Skiing in Harbin or Zhangjiakou (Winter Olympics site):
- Well-developed resorts and icy fun in winter months.
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River (Yangshuo):
- Peaceful, scenic floats with dramatic backdrops.
Sand Dune Adventures in Dunhuang:
- Camel rides, sandboarding, and desert camping.

Chinese New Year (January/February):
- Dragon dances, red lanterns, fireworks, and family reunions.
Mid-Autumn Festival:
- Mooncake tasting and lantern displays.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (January):
- Massive ice sculptures, snow castles, and light displays.
Dragon Boat Festival:
- Watch races and eat sticky rice dumplings (zongzi).
Lantern Festival (end of Chinese New Year):
- Illuminated lanterns, riddles, and traditional sweets.

Wangfujing Street (Beijing):
- Modern shopping with street snacks like scorpions on a stick!
Nanjing Road (Shanghai):
- Bustling shopping street, luxury brands to local boutiques.
Silk & Pearl Markets (Beijing):
- Bargain for silk, jade, and souvenirs.
Yuyuan Bazaar (Shanghai):
- Traditional shops, snacks, and garden views.

Hotpot in Chongqing or Chengdu:
- Spicy, numbing broth with meats and vegetables.
Dim Sum in Guangzhou/Hong Kong:
- Bite-sized delights with tea in traditional teahouses.
Peking Duck in Beijing:
- Roasted duck carved at the table, eaten with pancakes and sauces.
Street Food Tours:
- Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, Chengdu’s night markets, or Taiwan’s night markets (if visiting Greater China).
Cooking Classes:
- Learn to make dumplings, noodles, or Sichuan cuisine.