Where to Travel

Anyone that studies in China should take a chance to explore more of the country. China is huge travellers have to make choices about what they want to see and where they want to go. China is big enough to include a fascinating history, vibrant nightlife and entertainment, pristine natural beauty as well as a growing spiritual side.


Ancient and Modern History

One of the biggest attractions China holds is its unique and fascinating history. For thousands of years, China was dominated by emperors and warring kingdoms, and this history has left an impression on the land and people. Visits to tombs, castles, ruins and monuments can be part of a trip to almost any part of the country.

Beijing’s Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are classic ways to learn about imperial power in ancient China. The Terracotta Army and imperial tomb in Xi’an are options for those interested in China’s imperial beginnings. Nanjing’s museums and monuments offer information about China’s early modern history.


Nightlife and Entertainment

Large Chinese cities have an active nightlife that rivals European, American and Japanese urban centers. Fine restaurants, nightclubs and bars are all available in China’s biggest metropolises. If shopping interests you, a range of options, from dirt cheap bargains to designer clothes and products are available.

Most travellers looking for good nightlife flock to Shanghai and Hong Kong. Now a thoroughly internationalized city, Shanghai has plenty of high quality restaurants, clubs and bars. Hong Kong hosts a number of English-language plays, movies and other performances.


Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Travellers interested in getting away from the cities will find plenty of amazing natural scenery to explore. China is also home to unique wildlife not seen in other parts of the world.
   
Jiuzhaigou Nature Preserve is a remote mountain area that preserves pristine waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Sichuan province is known for its pandas and Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Research Center is an easy way to see them. Southern China’s Guilin is the setting of an amazing rocky karst mountain landscape.

Religion and Spirituality

   
China has a long history of religion: Buddhist, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam are all very important to the country’s past and present. Despite common misconceptions, religion is alive and growing in China today.
   
Buddhist temples can be found in every part of the country; pilgrimage sites like Emei Mountain are centers of religious activity. Taoist mysticism has its roots in places like Tai Mountain in Shandong province. Travellers can see Confucius’ birthplace in Qufu. Western regions like Ningxia and Xinjiang are home to China’s Muslim minorities.