China is a vast country with cities that have such a rich heritage that tourists are often spoilt for choice. But worry no more – here are the top 5 cities that you need to visit the next time you tour this beautiful Asian country:
1. Beijing
Beijing is the ancient and modern capital of China. The city was founded in 700 BC and served as the capital of Kublai Khan in the 13th century. From the forbidden city to the great wall of China, Beijing is full of breathtaking historical sites that will leave any visitor spellbound. The amazing thing about this destination is that even though it is an ancient city, it is by no means stuck in the past. For instance, you will find the most futuristic architecture in the city with designs like the bird’s nest stadium, the ultra modern Olympic village, the amazing shopping malls and lots of skyscrapers.
2. Shanghai
With an urban population of 9.5 million, Shanghai is the largest city in China. It is located at a vantage point next to where Yangtze river pours into the sea. Shanghai is bustling with life and activity and can be compared to New York or Paris as far as heightened activity is concerned. The main attractions in Shanghai include Yuyuan garden, Huangpu river cruises and the Jade Budha temple. Unlike Beijing, the attraction in this city is not in the sites but rather in the feel of a fast paced industrial town.
3. Hong Kong
Famed all over Asia as one of the “four tigers of Asia”, Hong Kong is a dynamic metropolis and it also happens to be the third most important financial cities in the world after London and New York. Hong Kong is a haven for trade and is a perfect destination for shoppers. Your kids will love visiting the Hong Kong Disneyland and there are lots of hotels serving fast foods and snacks as well. The 24-hour economy makes the city even more spectacular at night as the lights from the skyscrapers turn the sky into a breathtaking glow and that might explain why the city is also referred to as the pearl of oriental country.
4. Xian
If you are a lover of history, Xian is a city you will love to visit. It is reputed to be China’s second most famous ancient city after Beijing. It was China’s first capital under the Qin dynasty in 221 BC. There are lots of relics and historical sites you will enjoy visiting in Xian. Some of these are the Xian city wall, the Terracota army (one of the wonders of the world), and the silk road. These and more relics make Xian one of the top tourist destinations in China.
5. Tibet
Tibet, a religious city that lies to the southwest of China is the home of Buddhism. Located at 13,000 ft, this is not a destination for the faint-hearted and it is often considered a pilgrimage. Tibet is a revered site and it is home to the famous Jokhang temple which receives a steady flow of pilgrims all year round from all parts of the world.
As you can tell from the list, China has a lot to offer. Whether you want to shop, do some site seeing, have some fun, take a spiritual journey or even have a trip that has a little bit of everything, this Asian country will not disappoint.