China is a country rich in thousands of years of culture, futuristic cities, unique cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It’s no wonder that tourist attractions in China are always on the bucket list of travelers from around the world, including Indonesia.
In this article, you’ll discover recommendations for famous tourist attractions in China, from Chongqing to Beijing. So, make sure you read until the end!
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Here are several iconic tourist attractions in China that are worth visiting.
Hongya Cave is a tourist attraction in China and one of the most popular spots in Chongqing. Located along the Jialing River, this destination perfectly blends traditional architecture with a vibrant modern atmosphere.
Here, you can enjoy stunning views, especially at night. As dusk falls, glowing lanterns and warm yellow lights illuminate the entire area, transforming Hongya Cave into a spectacular nighttime scene.
When visiting Chongqing, don’t miss the iconic Liziba Station. This railway station passes directly through an apartment building, with the tracks and station located on the sixth to eighth floors.
To capture the best wide-angle view of the train crossing the building, head to the Liziba Viewing Platform. If you want to experience it firsthand, hop on Chongqing Subway Line 2 to witness the train passing through the building.
This tourist attraction in China, a favorite among many travelers, is another must-visit destination. Wulong Karst is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery.
It features the renowned Three Natural Bridges, the massive Houping Tiankeng sinkhole, and Furong Cave. In 2007, Wulong Karst was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
A trip to China wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest wonders. Stretching approximately 21,196 kilometers, this massive wall has a long history as a defensive fortress.
Built more than 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty, the Great Wall of China continued to expand under subsequent dynasties. For the Chinese people, the wall holds deep historical significance as a symbol of resilience and strength in defending their territory from invaders.
Another famous tourist attraction in China is The Forbidden City. This site is an imperial palace complex located in the heart of Beijing.
Built in the early 15th century, it served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With more than 980 buildings and 8,700 rooms, The Forbidden City is one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site you should visit.
The Terracotta Warriors, locally known as Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army, are a world-famous archaeological site located in Xi’an. Discovered in 1974, the site consists of thousands of life-sized warrior statues created to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
For those who didn't know, Emperor Qin Shi Huang is renowned for unifying China in the 3rd century BC. Each statue intricately depicts soldiers, horses, and chariots with remarkable detail.
Potala Palace is a historic palace located in Lhasa, Tibet. This tourist attraction in China is known as the residence of the 5th Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan spirituality and culture.
Perched on a hilltop, it offers extraordinary panoramic views of Lhasa and its surroundings. The architectural beauty and grandeur of Potala Palace have earned it recognition as a World Heritage Site.
Yuanmingyuan Park consists of three expansive gardens in western Beijing. Nicknamed the “Garden of Gardens,” it was once an imperial palace complex built during the Qing Dynasty.
Inside, you’ll find lakes, mazes, Western-style buildings, and even castle-like structures. Due to its vast size, you’ll need extra time to explore its many areas fully.
If you’re visiting Beijing, make sure to stop by Universal Studios Beijing. This world-class theme park features seven themed zones with more than 30 thrilling rides and iconic landmarks.
It is also the first Universal Studios Park to feature a Kung Fu Panda theme, complete with authentic Chinese elements.
Next, you can visit the former residence of Prince Gong Yi Xin from the Qing Dynasty at Prince Gong’s Mansion. Located near the popular Shichahai area, it allows you to explore nearby alleys and narrow lanes.
This tourist attraction in China features the character “福,” meaning fortune, carved in stone by Emperor Kangxi. Known as the “Number One Fortune in the World,” this character is now kept in a small cave within the mansion’s courtyard.
Do you love art? If so, visiting the EPSON teamLab Beijing is a must. This tourist attraction was created by the art collective teamLab, whose works transcend physical boundaries.
Here, you’ll experience a new perspective on contours, space, and your surrounding environment through unique digital art. Don’t forget to capture plenty of photos at the many Instagram-worthy spots!
The Temple of Heaven was once a sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties worshiped the gods and prayed for good harvests. Today, it has transformed into a public park.
Around the main temple complex, you’ll find lush gardens and shaded pathways. Here, you can see locals exercising, sipping tea, or simply chatting.
This always-bustling Disneyland theme park invites you into the magical worlds of Mickey Mouse, Frozen, Toy Story, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Not only that, but you can also enjoy unique musical performances and parades featuring beloved Disney characters.
Make sure you set aside plenty of time to explore each ride and show. At the end of the day, you will experience the spectacular fireworks display that will leave everyone in awe.
Nanjing Road is far from an ordinary street. This highly popular tourist attraction in China welcomes both local and international visitors from morning until night.
The colorful street lights and vibrant shop signs give this street its unique appeal. Plus, there are countless Instagrammable photo spots you won’t want to miss.
The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a waterfront tourist attraction stretching along the Huangpu River. This place feels welcoming thanks to its architecture that blends historic and modern buildings, creating a distinctive charm.
At any time of day, whether it's morning, afternoon, or evening, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline. While you’re here, take a moment to sit, relax, and watch the boats cruising along the river during your city exploration.
Want to experience Shanghai differently and more memorably? You can try enjoying a cruise along the Huangpu River.
During the journey, you’ll see a fascinating mix of traditional buildings, towering skyscrapers, and dazzling city lights in Shanghai. It’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
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While exploring tourist attractions in China, especially in Beijing, you’ll almost certainly find a traditional snack in tourist areas and street markets. That snack is tanghulu, also known as candied hawthorn.
Tanghulu consists of bright red hawthorn fruits skewered like satay, then coated in hardened sugar syrup. This creates a delightful combination of tangy fruitiness from the fruits and crunchy sweetness from the hardened sugar syrup.
In China, tanghulu is often sold by street vendors with distinctive carts. Its vibrant red color symbolizes luck and happiness. That’s why this snack is closely associated with celebrations and festive moments.
To ensure your trip to China goes smoothly, consider the following tips.
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Those are some of the most famous tourist attractions in China. From Chongqing to Beijing. In addition to planning which destinations to visit, you should also prepare extra protection for your trip.
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