Few countries can boast a history as rich and ancient as China, and few can match its gigantic cities in modern development. This nation is a behemoth in every sense – so how do you begin to unpack it as a tourist destination?
You could spend years exploring all the nooks and crannies of this vast and varied land, but there are two iconic sights that simply cannot be missed. First, the Great Wall of China, which can’t even be missed from space, apparently. A walk along these famed ramparts is a must, as is a visit to the eery Army of Terracotta Warriors – the stone-faced battalion of sculptures, which depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. These two attractions alone are unlike anything else on Earth, and draw countless visitors every single year.
China’s cities are just as domineering. There are up to eight cities here with a larger population than London. The largest of which, Shanghai, is the third most populous city on the planet. The capital, Beijing, also makes the top ten. Both cities blend rich and awe-inspiring backstories with cutting-edge skyscrapers and ultra modern public transport services. Neither is to be missed.
Then there’s the food. A cuisine that has been exported the world over, often catering to its customers at the expense of authenticity. Real Chinese food can only really be experienced in China itself. From bustling street markets to high-end restaurants and low-key eateries, your tastebuds will be in for a treat. Don’t miss out on the Peking duck and Pingyao beef while you’re here.
So how do you begin to tackle such a giant destination? Well, that’s where Culture Trip steps in. Our small-group adventures are designed to give you an authentic, immersive experience wherever you go, and our Local Insiders are the perfect guides to help you do just that. Our Icons of China Rail Trip offers the complete Chinese experience, combining the country’s most famous sights and vigorous cities in just 10 days, thanks to the country’s incredible train network – there are bullet trains here as well, you know.
We’ll take you for sunset and sunrise hikes on the Great Wall, as well as having a rooftop barbecue with views of the wall from our hotel. You’ll get a guided deep dive into Beijing and its most historic sights, as well as trying tai-chi in Temple of Heaven park. You’ll zip over to Pingyao to explore its gorgeous old town, and then across to Xi’an, home of the Terracotta Warriors. Having cycled the city walls, dined on street food and had a good stare-off with the warriors, it’s on to our final destination, Shanghai. It’ll be a culinary discovery as we hit the dizzying heights of an iconic skyscraper, go on a breakfast street food tour and take an optional cooking class. We’ll day-trip to the nearby watertown of Zhujiajiao, before returning to Shanghai for a sunset cruise on the Huangpu River.
