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What to see in China

Travelling to Beijing means travelling to a place of contrasts. The Chinese capital is one of the largest metropolises in the world with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. More than 21 million people live in small houses interspersed with tall skyscrapers. Do you want to lose yourself in its streets and among their people? These are some of the must-see sights.
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<h2>Travelling to Beijing: parks and squares</h2>
<h3>Tiananmen Square and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong</h3>
Tiananmen Square is very close to the Forbidden City where you can find some of the most iconic places in the city, such as the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. You're bound to find long queues to see the embalmed body and to get in you'll have to leave cameras and backpacks in storage.&nbsp;
<h3>Beihai Park</h3>
Beihai Park is as beautiful as it is huge. If you have time, go to the White Dagoba, which you can find on the island in the middle of the lake. It was built for the Dalai Lama's visit to the city in 1651. The park is also home to several Buddhist temples.
<h3>Jingshan Park or Emperor's Hill</h3>
Travelling to Beijing and losing yourself in its streets is a wonderful experience, but if you want to see it from a vantage point to get a panoramic view, go to Emperor's Hill. It was created using the earth that was excavated when the moat of the Forbidden City was built, and now offers incredible views of the city. The best, in fact.&nbsp;
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<h2>The Hutongs: an experience unique to Beijing</h2>
Most of these old and narrow alleys were demolished to build the stadiums that hosted the 2008 Olympic Games. However, some can still be visited. Do it on foot or hire a rickshaw. The most authentic ones are next to the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.&nbsp;
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<h2>The Forbidden City, a must if you decide to travel to Beijing</h2>
24 Chinese emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled the country from this fabulous complex, which includes not only the imperial palace, but also the buildings used to house the entire court.&nbsp;
The visit to the complex, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, lasts a minimum of two hours. You can see the emperor's private rooms and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, among other things.
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<h2>Summer Palace and Lake Kunming</h2>
During the summer, the emperors would leave the Forbidden City and spend the hottest months in the Summer Palace, at a location largely occupied by Lake Kunming. Its waters keep the complex cool; here you can see the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the 17-Arch Bridge, the Long Corridor and the Stone Boat. Reserve an entire morning or afternoon for this visit.
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<h2>Old Summer Palace</h2>
Only 5 kilometres northwest of the Summer Palace are the ruins of a former residence. Its gardens were built in the 17th century and you will see its clear European influence. The English invasion did considerable damage to the palace, but it's still well worth a visit.&nbsp;
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<h2>The Temple of Heaven</h2>
You can't travel to Beijing without visiting one of its most sacred places: The Temple of Heaven. It was built during the Ming Dynasty as an offering to the heavens, in gratitude for abundant harvests and also to ask for good harvests in the future. Chinese temple names are very descriptive. In the Temple of Heaven you will find the Hall of Abstinence and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Don't be surprised if you find people practising tai chi in its gardens.&nbsp;
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<h2>Travelling to Beijing and shopping in Wangfujing</h2>
Beijing is well known for its markets and shopping malls. If you're looking for deals and bargains, this is your city; and the most commercial area is Wangfujing, right in the centre. You'll find shopping malls, department stores and many souvenir shops here. Don't miss the nocturnal market to savour the strange cuisine based on spiders and snakes served on skewers.&nbsp;
And if you're going to Beijing to do some haggling, go to the Silk Market. Here you'll find more than 1,700 stalls offering crafts and silks. Watch out for fakes!
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<h2>Yonghe Temple or Lama Temple</h2>
If you've decided to travel to Beijing to see its finest temples, you mustn't miss Yonghe Temple. It's the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It dates from the seventeenth century and in its time served as a spiritual refuge for the lamas. You'll recognise it by its golden roofs and the carving, from a single piece of wood, of the Maitreya Buddha.
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Have you decided to travel to Guilin, to see its jagged mountain ranges and learn more about Chinese culture? These are some of the most interesting things to see and do in an area renowned for its mysterious caves, looming rockfaces, clean rivers, crystal-clear lakes and green hills. Discover Guilin with Exoticca and don't miss out on the more urban attractions of towns such as Yangshuo and Longsheng, or the experience of cycling through the countryside or sailing down the Li river.
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<h2>Travel to Guilin and take a cruise on the Li river</h2>
You can sail the Li river on a tourist boat or rent a bamboo raft. Rafting is also possible, although this depends on the weather. What will you find on your river trip? An overwhelming landscape and the possibility of getting up-close to small villages that are rarely visited. The river is 83 km long and is the area's main attraction .&nbsp;
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<h2>Getting to know rural Yangshuo by bicycle</h2>
The scene is so picturesque, it's like something out of a movie. Imagine yourself cycling across a vast paddy field to reach fruit orchards, up the gentle green hills of Guilin to a quiet farming village. Doesn't that sound utterly idyllic? Well, this is one of such possible activities if you decide to travel to Guilin
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<h2>Yangshuo: a compulsory port of call if travelling to Guilin</h2>
Yangshuo is Guilin's best known place. There are many things to see here, and outdoor activities include visiting the rice terraces, exploring the nearby villages, and strolling along the banks of the Li river. In the latter case, there's a walking route about which lasts about an hour.
The rice terraces cut across the green landscape with white lines that seem to be painted on, resulting in an utterly peculiar landscape.&nbsp;
As for the inhabitants of the area, there are different ethnic groups, each with their own folklore, and you can learn about their songs and typical dances.
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<h2>Reed Flute Cave</h2>
The Reed Flute Cave is an underground cavern where you will see stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes. The visit lasts just over an hour and a half. Wear a lightweight jacket to protect you from the cold inside and get ready for the show.&nbsp;
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<h2>Travel to Guilin, land of rivers and lakes</h2>
The landscape of this area would not be possible without the role played by its system of lakes and rivers, many of which are navigable. At night, the landscape is even more attractive, as the rivers and lakes are lit up with coloured lights. You can sail or walk the along the banks. In either case the experience will be magical.&nbsp;
<h3>Bamboo rafts</h3>
If you choose to navigate the Yulong river, you can only do so on bamboo rafts, the traditional mode of transport. Each raft has a bamboo chair built into the centre of it. Our advice? Sit down and enjoy the scenery.&nbsp;
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<h2>A little bit of urban tourism in Guilin</h2>
Yangshuo's West Street is well known to those who decide to travel to Guilin. It's here that you'll find the greatest accumulation of tourism. The reason is that caf&eacute;s and restaurants abound here. It is also in this street that you can buy the best souvenirs on your journey. If you fancy market-style shopping, don't miss West Street.
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<h2>Light show</h2>
As you may have noticed, the Li river is the nerve centre of life in Guilin and Yangshuo. So much so that there's a folklore and light show in which its waters are illuminated to the rhythm of the most enchanting popular songs. The show is called Impression Liu Sanjie or impression of the third sister Liu. And, if you are interested in Chinese customs and ancient culture, we recommend that you go.
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<h2>Chinese gastronomy and culture in Guilin</h2>
Rice noodles are the one traditional dish par excellence that you mustn't miss if you decide to travel to Guilin. They're eaten at all times there, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner. You'll find them on every corner of the city and they are very affordable.&nbsp;
If, in addition to visiting the area, you want to learn some of the many Chinese artistic disciplines, you can sign up for a calligraphy, tai chi or cooking class. You won't become an expert with just one class, but the experience is well worthwhile. You can also make oil tea, learn to embroider in the traditional way or do your bit to help and, indeed, work in the fields. All these possibilities will bring you a little closer to the local culture and enrich your trip.

Most visitors choose the comfortable boat trip on this river from the Zhujiang delta to the port of Yangshuo. This is just the extreme northern part of a landscape which extends for hundreds of square kilometres.

Shanghai&rsquo;s appeal stretches across generations, from the glamour and glitz of the 1920s, the city&rsquo;s &lsquo;Golden Age&rsquo;, typified in the Art Deco architecture of the Bund, to the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong, Shanghai&rsquo;s high-tech hub. As the nation&rsquo;s most developed and largest city, no tour of China is complete without a visit to Shanghai to contemplate its eclectic buildings, diverse neighbourhoods and &lsquo;anything is possible&rsquo; atmosphere.
Carved in two by the Huangpu River, Shanghai oozes cosmopolitan elegance. Most of the city&rsquo;s historic districts and top sights lie on the west bank of the river, in the areas known as Puxi. Here, you can shop till you drop in the leafy avenues of the French Concession, dubbed the &lsquo;Paris of the East&rsquo;, or soak up the charms of old Shanghai in Huangpu and the Old City, where traditional wooden architecture and teahouses promise to transport you back in time.
Aside from its financial centre and reputation as a shopping paradise, one thing that Shanhai stands out for is its amazing food scene. Chock-full of Michellin-star eats, scrumptious street food and quirky cafeterias, food is at the heart of Shanghainese culture, so come with an empty stomach and eat your way through delicious Chinese delicacies. A tantalising mix of east and west, a trip to Shanghai is bound to be an action-packed and eye-opening experience.&nbsp;
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<h2>What to see in Shanghai</h2>
As you&rsquo;d imagine for a city of its size, there are countless things to see in Shanghai. The Bund is surely one of the most popular parts of Shanghai. Here you can relive the city&rsquo;s Golden Age as you stroll past stately western-style architecture on the banks of the Huangpu River and enjoy excellent views of the skyscrapers of Pudong. From the Bund, you can see the Oriental Pearl Tower, an icon of the city&rsquo;s skyline and a quintessential stop on any tour of Shanghai. Cross the river and you can ascend to one of its fifteen observation decks or even eat in its rotating restaurant! 
During the summer downpours, one of the best things to do in Shanghai is to pay a visit to the vast Shanghai Museum, a fantastical modern building situated at the centre of People&rsquo;s Square. This museum, dubbed one of the world&rsquo;s finest, houses priceless ancient Chinese paintings, ceramics and sculptures and a tour of Shanghai Museum can easily fill much of a rainy day. If you&rsquo;d rather focus on the historical parts of the city during your stay in Shanghai, don&rsquo;t miss out on a visit to the Yuyuan Gardens, situated behind the beautiful City of God Temple in the Old City.
This traditional Chinese garden portrays the typical postcard aesthetic of the China of yesteryear, with various buildings and monuments to explore, as well as a bustling bazaar. A further relic of the city&rsquo;s past, Jade Buddha Temple, reveals the spiritual side of, Shanghai and is a peaceful haven amidst the urban sprawl. Built in 1882, this Buddhist temple is best-known for its beautiful reclining jade buddha statue although it is also home to three large golden buddha statues. A holiday to Shanghai is incomplete without paying homage to ancient Chinese tea culture at one of Shanghai&rsquo;s many teahouses, a number of which are concentrated around the Yuyuan Garden area.
Inside a traditional teahouse, you&rsquo;ll have the opportunity to sample fine Chinese tea in atmospheric surroundings. A unique thing to do in Shanghai that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world to ride on the Maglev Railway, the fastest commercial electric train in the world. A trip from Pudong Airport to Longyan Road gives you the chance to experience a top speed of 431 kilometres per hour! For young and young-at-heart visitors on a tour of Shanghai, a visit to Shanghai Disneyland is a must-do. Described as a Chinese interpretation of the much-loved theme park franchises, it boasts the largest fairytale castle out of all the Disney theme parks in the world.

Xi'an is the cradle of some of the most fascinating archaeological treasures such as the tomb of Emperor Qinshi Huangdi, protected by an impressive army of terracotta guards. Each one of the characters has different features. This is a unique work of art.

Luxury Kingdom of Cathay

Luxury Red Dragon & Giant Pandas

Great Walls, Warriors & Yangtze

Great Wall, Warriors & Shanghai

Situated in the Hunan province of central China, Zhangjiajie is the site of the so-called &lsquo;Hallelujah Mountains&rsquo; of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a protected area of quartz sandstone columns, the inspiration for the land of Pandora in the blockbuster movie Avatar! In fact, these distinct geological formations are found nowhere else on the planet, making a trip to Zhangjiajie one of the most exciting parts of a tour of China.&nbsp;
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zhangjiajie is a natural paradise, nestled within one of the most remote parts of the country. Historically, this epic landscape has been home to the Tujia, Miao and Bai indigenous groups. The city of Zhangjiajie is relatively small but is increasingly becoming an important travel destination for those who want to visit the otherworldly scenery Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The prominence of these unique natural landscapes mean there&rsquo;s plenty of accommodation options both within the park and in the city itself, which is well-equipped with amenities for travellers who visit Zhangjiajie.&nbsp;
As you&rsquo;d expect from one of China&rsquo;s top attractions, Zhangjiajie is almost always buzzing with excited international and local visitors. The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is between April and November when the weather is warm and dry. On the other hand, if you visit during the autumn season you&rsquo;ll be treated to a multi-coloured array of foliage, making this already captivating sight even more appealing!
<h2 dir="ltr">Things to see in Zhangjiajie</h2>
Almost all who travel to Zhangjiajie come to experience the natural treasures of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a natural reserve encompassed within the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Established in 1982 and covering an area of 48 square kilometres, this protected area is home to 3000 quartzite sandstone pillars and gravity-defying peaks. It is said that this area inspired the scenery of the fictional planet of Pandora in James Cameron&rsquo;s Avatar movie.&nbsp;
A tranquil oasis where you can forget you&rsquo;re even on planet earth, within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park you&rsquo;ll also find epic canyons, glistening lakes, caves and tropical forests. Furthermore, you needn&rsquo;t spend all day on your feet as a number of scenic cable car systems link together different viewing platforms throughout this otherworldly paradise.&nbsp;
Some of the best things to see in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are the rock formations of Huangshi Village, best admired from a 1,200-metre high viewing deck, the tranquil Golden Whip Stream and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where you&rsquo;ll find the coveted &lsquo;Hallelujah Mountains&rsquo; from Avatar!
To reach the Yuanjiajie viewpoint you can take the Bailong Elevator, one of the most exciting things to do in Zhangjiajie. The world tallest outdoor elevator, this amazing feat of engineering transports up to 50 visitors at a time to the top of Yuanjiajie in just two minutes, in contrast to the two hours the walking route requires. Constructed in glass, you can soak up the scenery as you climb the mountain, plus the Bailong Elevator is tastefully encompassed into the natural landscape, so as not to spoil the views.
South of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is Tianmen Mountain, one of the best things to see in Zhangjiajie. Another epic natural wonder, the mountain is within the national park of the same name. Rising 1,519-metres above the untouched landscapes of central China, Tianmen Mountain is known for its 999 step staircase. Nicknamed the &lsquo;Stairway to Heaven&rsquo;, those who manage to climb to the top are met with the stunning Tianmen Cave, the world highest naturally formed rock arch. From here, you can soak up sweeping views across the beautiful landscape of Zhangjiajie. The more adventurous might like to walk on the Tianmen Glass Walkway or take a 40-minute ride on the scenic&nbsp;Tiamen Cablecar.
Finally, you cannot travel to Zhangjiajie without visiting the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the longest and highest glass bridge on earth. Spanning the width of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, this amazing structure offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes thanks to its glass floor. Not for the faint of heart, this incredible bridge gives visitors the chance to enjoy a birds-eye view of the verdant forest below.&nbsp;

Luxury Cathay & Hallelujah Mountains

OUR BEST TRIPS TO WEST LAKE