The 8 best circuits to do in China

You want to visit China during your holidays, but don't know where to start? So here are some ideas for you with the 8 best circuits to do in China!

Being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, China is a country full of mysteries and extraordinary places. Between Beijing, Shanghai, Huang Shan Mountain, Longsheng Rivers, Great Wall or the army of terracotta soldiers of Xi’an, it is not the places of interest that are missing!

With more than 1.384 billion inhabitants and 9,596,961,961 square kilometres, it is the largest country in Asia, but also the 4th largest country in the world, which sometimes makes its visit difficult to prepare. Many tourists don’t know where to start their journey, or how to organize to visit a maximum of points of interest over a limited period of time.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Asia, then Wanderlix has prepared a guide to help you, it takes the best circuits to do in China that will allow you to see the most important points of the country and interesting for you!

1. Circuit through the Golden Triangle

If your trip to China only lasts about ten days, so a circuit through the Golden Triangle of China is ideal to discover the three largest cities and their multiple places of interest not to be missed!

The Golden Triangle connects Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. If you think that three cities are not enough to see many wonders, get rid of!

Beijing

First of all, in Beijing, you can access a part of the Great Wall in only one 1:30 travel. In addition, you can enjoy your time in this city to visit the Prohibition , Temple of Heaven , the Ancient Palace of Summer, or taste the famous Laqué Duck of Beijing!

Xi’an

When you arrive at Xi’an, you will have the opportunity to walk along the old ramparts of the city, but also to visit the large pagoda of the Wild Oies a monument over 1000 years old. You will also be able to attend dinner-shows recreating scenes from the Tang Dynasty, and of course, don’t miss either army of soldiers and horses in terracotta who makes the city famous to tourists who make a trip to China!

Shanghai

Finally, in Shanghai, you will have the opportunity to visit Temple of the Jade Buddha where you can admire 3 imposing statues carved in the jade of Burma. But also Yuyuan Garden , probably the oldest in the city and whose typical Chinese style will leave you a pleasant souvenir of your trip to Asia. Also take a stroll in the Pudong district, the most lively district of Shanghai, as well as in Nanjing Street known for its many shops and multicolor neon.

2. Travel through China, back in time

China is one of the most vestiges of its past, but also one of the most modern in the world. It is almost unthinkable to separate the past and the present! This is why, if you want to visit China as much as possible during your trip to Asia and learn more about its culture, a circuit that brings you back time is for you!

In this type of circuit, which you can organize yourself or via an agency, it is advisable to start your trip to China in Shanghai by the visit of the Old Street — or Fangbin Street — as well as the Yuyuan Garden, the oldest in the city.

Then, although other regions are also worth it, the provinces of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang are two places to visit for a return in time! Between Lake West, the Caves of the Temple of Lingyin and the Museum of Traditional Costumes of the Province of Zhejiang, as well as the Tiger Hill and the historical gardens of Suzhou in the province of Jiangsu, no doubt possible, you will make a leap of centuries in time. And don’t forget to attend a traditional tea ceremony to prolong your experience!

Finally, finish your journey through Beijing and the modern quarters of Shanghai, two areas perfectly representing China today, with its vibrant streets, huge skyscrapers and technological advances!

3. Discovery of Tibet

Tibet is a region north of the Himalaya which is at an average altitude of 4900 metres. This region, although tirailed between the current Chinese government and the former Tibetan government, is a place that will give you the impression of having landed in another dimension.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Potala , known as the ex-seat of the Dalai Lamas, monastery of Sakya but also the old town of Lhasa. If you pass to the Rongbuk monastery, or if you have the chance to sleep one night, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Mont Everest from outside the monument! The landscapes of this region are simply breathtaking.

Note : Tibet being one Regulated region , you will have to go through an Asian travel agency to make a request for entry into the region. You also need to be accompanied by a guide , because no entry to Tibet is possible without a guide to your side permanently.

4. Cruise on Yangtze

If you want to enjoy your trip to China to make a cruise, think about the river Yangtze ! This is the longest river in Asia, with a little more 6 000 km , but above all one of the most beautiful. Indeed, because of the bright color of its water and the various landscapes that its crossing offers, the cruises on this river are very popular with tourists.

During your cruise, you will have the opportunity to navigate through 3 gorges , but also to visit its dam and some points of interest such as pagoda Shibao or the site Dazu , which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Discovery of China off the beaten paths

You want to get out of the beaten paths after visiting the Great Wall of China, Xi’an and Shanghai? So, why don't you go off the beaten track during your trip to Asia? Many monuments, but also cities and sometimes even entire provinces, are interesting and deserve to be visited at least once, even if they do not appear in the travel guides!

For example, Lijiang — a city in Yunnan province — is classified as UNESCO World Heritage and is rich in various activities, but also in culture and tradition, with its various ethnic minorities it houses. Kunming , it contains the Forest of Stones of Shilin, a true labyrinth of stones standing in the midst of vegetation, while Yuanyang houses rivers on terrace with a loss of view that give an impressive show.

6. Yunnan and Guilin, exceptional landscapes

If you are looking for a quiet trip to China to enjoy exceptional landscapes, then a circuit between Guilin and Yunnan is ideal for you!

Guilin is a city of Guangxi that was founded more than 2000 years ago. It is a popular tourist destination, but you can find many landscapes worthy of postcards, such as the Reed Flute Cave , a cave of more than 180 million years, hill of elephant trumpet , overlooking the Li River, or rice terraces of Ping’An .

With regard to Yunnan, it is a province located southwest of China and located mainly in a mountainous terrain. Its landscapes seem unreal, and Gorges du Saut du Tigre to the old town of Lijiang, of course by Yulong Xue Shan and Lake Erhai , you will be impressed by the wonders of the region and will not regret your trip to Asia!

7. Discovering ethnic groups

If you want to discover the various ethnic minorities of China and immerse yourself in a world of culture and traditions, then making a tour to discover ethnicities is what you should consider for your trip to China!

Among other things, you can meet the ethnic groups Dong , Miao and Zhuang . These peoples are known for their many songs, as well as for their festivals where you will have the opportunity to see the inhabitants in traditional outfits. Of course, the most interesting thing remains to see closely the different cultures and traditions of these peoples, and many circuits offer one night or two at home in order to exchange with families.

8. China by train

You want to make the largest cities in China and visit the most important points of the country during your trip to Asia, but have little time in front of you? So, enjoy Rapid trains through China!

Rapid trains connect Beijing to Shanghai and cross all 7 Chinese provinces and cities At present: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Anhui, Shandong, Jiangsu and finally Shanghai, over a distance of more than 7 530 km .

With speed reaching more than 400 km/h On average, this is the fastest solution to visit China’s points of interest in just a few days, and thus enjoy the best of your trip to China.