Making a short list of things
to do in China is nearly impossible. Even breaking it down
to merely list things to do in Hong Kong, Shanghai
or any number of Chinese cities is fairly insufficient. It
would take months, maybe even years, to fully explore the
vast Chinese countryside – even a short tour of the
major cities in China would require more time than most have
to spend on a single vacation. But one shouldn't focus on
what they're missing; it's what you do within your specified
time frame that means the most. Luckily, no matter what city
you land in, there will be plenty of things to keep even the
most picky traveler occupied.
Walk
along the Great Wall of China
Of course,
the most popular of the things to do in China is to visit
the Great Wall. The quintessential Chinese landmark, you can
climb the wall at a number of locations throughout the countryside,
both teeming with fellow tourists or in the remote passages,
where you can wander within the guard towers with significantly
less interruptions. Get lost on the streets of Frenchtown
One of the best things to do in Shanghai
is experience the city before like it was before being reborn
as a major metropolis. The colonial charm of the winding streets
of Frenchtown are a welcome contrast to many of the other
major sights and things to do in Shanghai.
White
sands of Yalong Bay
Found
to the very south of Hainan
Island, this is one of the premier beaches in all of China,
with plenty of sun-kissed white sand to entertain every
summer visitor, both local and foreign,
Take
a cruise on the Li River
The
Karst Mountains make this stretch of water the most beautiful
scenic area in China. The 50 mile long expanse from Guilin
to Yangshuo is the finest section of the Li River, blossoming
with rolling hills, limestone cliffs and mysterious caves
before landing in the miniature paradise of Yangshuo.
Gamble
in Macau
This
is not like Vegas.
Not really. Games of chance are serious business in Macau
– there are few slot machines and negligible partaking
of alcoholic beverages. So trying your luck takes on far
different dynamics than anywhere else in the world, which
makes it worth a trip for that alone.
Visit
Tiananmen Square
For
those who wish to visit historic landmarks, one of the most
necessary things to do in China is to visit this square.
Forever synonymous with protest and freedom, Tiananmen Square
is imbued with a certain quiet power that is essential to
any stop in Beijing.asp">Beijing.
Giant
Pandas
Whether
at the Wolong Natural preserve a couple hours outside of
Chengdu, or at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (the
largest panda reserve in China), seeing thee delightful
and gentle creatures up close is one of the most edifying
sights in all of China. Tourists can observe pandas in their
natural habitat and occasionally they are allowed to help
researchers feed and play with these endangered bears.
Potala
Palace
The
crown jewel of Lhasa, not to mention all of Tibet,
one look at the majestic buildings sitting beneath the Himalaya
mountains and you'll be hard pressed to find better things
to do in China than marvel its palatial beauty.
Roam
through Hong Kong
It's
tough to choose from the best things to do in Hong Kong.
So let your feet do the deciding. A short jaunt down any
street will bring a wealth of surprises – the area
is so busy, a superior way to find things to do in Hong
Kong is impossible to find.
Riuli
Riuli
is certainly not for everyone. It is off the radar a bit
for a reason – it's rough and tumble atmosphere is
not predicated on reputation alone, though it is definitely
romanticized a bit in legend and song. Occupying the border
between China and Myanmar, this is one of the most unique
and essential cities in the country, perfect for those looking
for things to do in China that are not glutted with tourists.
