Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 356 listings.
The Avenue of Stars, located on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, is Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hong Kong film industry has enjoyed a long history as the third largest in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood, and as the second largest exporter of movies, many of Hong Kong’s locales and celebrities have become familiar to foreign audiences who’ve never stepped foot in the city.
Along the quarter-mile (440 meter) stretch, you’ll notice a large replica of the statue presented to winners of the Hong Kong Film Awards as well as a bronze statue of Hong Kong’s most famous celebrity, Bruce Lee. Star-shaped plaques inlaid into the promenade contain names and sometimes autographs and handprints of other industry celebrities.
Even if you’re not familiar with the Hong Kong film industry, a visit to the Avenue of Stars will reward you with unobstructed panoramic views of the Hong Kong Island skyline in front of Victoria Peak. It’s also a perfect spot to view the nightly Symphony of Lights performance across the harbor.
Beijing National Stadium
Niaochao, more commonly referred to as the Beijing National Stadium or the Bird’s Nest, was designed and constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and has since become a major landmark in China’s capital. Chinese artist Ai Weiwei consulted on the Swiss-designed project, and the result cost $423 million to complete.
Since the Olympics ended, the stadium has served as a tourist attraction and a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions, including the Supercoppa Italiana and the China Cup. The stadium is set to host the 2015 World Championships in Athletics as well.
Niaochao is most impressive from the outside, where it’s bird’s nest shape is apparent. Situated on the Beijing Olympic Green, Niaochao is free to enjoy from the outside, but you’ll have to pay a fee if you want to enter the stadium. The Water Cube, the second prominent structure from the 2008 Olympics, sits adjacent to Niaochao and is also worth a visit.
Since the Olympics ended, the stadium has served as a tourist attraction and a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions, including the Supercoppa Italiana and the China Cup. The stadium is set to host the 2015 World Championships in Athletics as well.
Niaochao is most impressive from the outside, where it’s bird’s nest shape is apparent. Situated on the Beijing Olympic Green, Niaochao is free to enjoy from the outside, but you’ll have to pay a fee if you want to enter the stadium. The Water Cube, the second prominent structure from the 2008 Olympics, sits adjacent to Niaochao and is also worth a visit.
Address: Bird's Nest, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Mar - Oct: 9am - 6pm, Nov - Feb 9am - 5:30pm.
Admission: Tours: Adult: CNY 50, Senior: CNY 25. Event Prices Vary
From $ 16
Great Hall of the People
Sitting to the west of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Great Hall of the People is where the National People’s Congress is held, along with other administrative, social, and ceremonial events. Built in just 10 months and completed in September 1959, the Great Hall is a grand and modern structure with a flat green and yellow roof. It’s divided into three wings, with the central one raised higher than the outer two.
The East Gate is the only visitors' entrance to the hall. Through this bronze door with the emblem of the PRC above it, an expansive lobby reveals itself and leads into the Central Hall. The Great Auditorium is also in this section, which seats almost 10,000 people with audio equipment for simultaneous interpretations of various languages. Elsewhere, the Banquet Hall is situated in the northern section, and the offices of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress are to the south.
Practical Info
To reach the Great Hall of the People, alight at Tiananmen West station and you'll find it on the western edge of Tiananmen Square. Alternatively, alight at Qianmen Station and head north. No bags are allowed inside the building but a bag storage point is located outside the East Gate.
Address: Renda Huitang W Rd, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 29
Cangshan Mountain
Famous for its colorful azalea flowers, Cangshan Mountain rises over the city of Dali and the shores of Lake Erhai beyond. Visitors can either hike or take a cable car up the mountain, where a paved road leads down past various points of interest. From Zhonghe Temple at the top of the cable car, various hiking trails branch out into the surrounding forests toward smaller temples, pools, waterfalls and scenic areas.
Cangshan Mountain is also a famous producer of a variety of marble called Cangshan Stone, recognizable by the unique patterns in the smooth rock. Local artists carve the marble into animals, people or natural scenes — popular souvenirs available on the mountain or in shops in Dali Old Town.
Practical Info
There are no restaurants or cafes on the mountain, so be sure to bring lunch or some snacks with you when you visit.
Address: Dali, Yunnan 671000, China
Hours: 8:30am-6pm
Admission: 40 RMB
From $ 129
Beijing Capital Museum
The Beijing Capital Museum, opened in 1981 and moved to its current location in 2006, houses a sizable collection of imperial Chinese art and artifacts, as well as Buddhist relics from several Asian countries. Five aboveground and two basement floors house more than 200,000 specimens, including over 5,000 pieces in the main exhibition hall alone. You’ll find bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, old coins, jade sculptures, Buddhist statues and textiles, with the oldest pieces dating back to the New Stone Age.
Be sure to visit the second floor History and Culture of Beijing gallery that traces the history of the city from its first primitive residents to a modern capital. Learn more about the culture in Old Beijing in the fifth floor Folk Customs of Old Beijing exhibit. The jade exhibit, also on the fifth floor, contains nearly 200 intricately carved jade pieces with magnifying glasses to allow you to see the detail.
Be sure to visit the second floor History and Culture of Beijing gallery that traces the history of the city from its first primitive residents to a modern capital. Learn more about the culture in Old Beijing in the fifth floor Folk Customs of Old Beijing exhibit. The jade exhibit, also on the fifth floor, contains nearly 200 intricately carved jade pieces with magnifying glasses to allow you to see the detail.
Address: No. 16 Fuxingmen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Open: Tue-Sun: 9am - 5pm (No entry after 4pm); Closed Mondays (Except certain holidays).
Admission: Free tickets with Online reservation.
From $ 37
Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
The Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal is the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world, once covering 1,115 miles (1,794 kilometers) from Beijing to Hangzhou. Dating from the fifth century BC, this engineering marvel is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some sections are still in use today.
The Basics
With traditional buildings and historic sites still lining the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, it’s best appreciated from water level. Travel through hundreds of years of history and gain a better understanding of how the canal transformed trade and commerce in China during a guided canal cruise, or get a closer look at historical buildings during a walking tour alongside the canal.
Visitors in Hangzhou can take a boat from Wulinmen Pier. Visitors in Suzhou or Shanghai can join an organized day tour, covering portions of the canal in Suzhou, along with other attractions, such as a classical garden and an ancient city gate, or activities, such as a rickshaw ride or a visit to a silk mill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The canal is open to the public, but canal cruises charge a fee.
- Different cruises travel along many sections of the canal. Be sure you’re clear on your departure and drop-off points, if not traveling as part of a guided tour.
- Full-day tours from Shanghai can last more than 10 hours.
How to Get There
Hangzhou and Suzhou feature two popular sections of the canal for visitors. In Hangzhou, cruises depart from Wulinmen Pier. The best way to get to Wulinmen Wharf is by taxi. In Suzhou, the cruise from Xinshiqiao Dock to Shantang Street is popular. Xinshiqiao Dock is about 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Suzhou Railway Station, and the easiest way to get there is by taxi.
When to Get There
Most cruises are offered year-round. Daytime cruises allow you to better see the details of the buildings alongside the canal, while nighttime cruises offer more atmosphere, as many sights will be illuminated. Visit during spring or fall for the most pleasant weather.
History of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal
The Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal’s oldest sections date back to the fifth century BC, but it wasn’t until the Sui dynasty in the seventh century that the different sections were first connected. There was an organized approach to connect the five major rivers: the Hai River, Huai River, Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Qiantang River. Once completed, the Grand Canal greatly developed China’s economy and enhanced communication throughout the country.
Address: China
From $ 40
Beijing Aquarium (Beijing Haiyangguan)
Situated within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium (Beijing Haiyangguan) is the largest inland aquarium in China and home to an impressive range of aquatic animals. The complex houses an Amazon rainforest pavilion where you can see live piranha and 100 other species of fish, a coral reef, a shark aquarium and a few marine mammal areas complete with sea lion and dolphin shows daily.
The 39-yard-long (36-meter) touch pool contains a variety of urchins and starfish, and 32 other tanks throughout the aquarium house sharks, sea turtles, jelly fish and other colorful sea creatures.
You can purchase tickets for the Beijing Aquarium at the zoo’s ticket counter. If you don’t mind missing the dolphin show, use that time to explore the museum when some 3,000 other visitors are crowded into the stadium.
The 39-yard-long (36-meter) touch pool contains a variety of urchins and starfish, and 32 other tanks throughout the aquarium house sharks, sea turtles, jelly fish and other colorful sea creatures.
You can purchase tickets for the Beijing Aquarium at the zoo’s ticket counter. If you don’t mind missing the dolphin show, use that time to explore the museum when some 3,000 other visitors are crowded into the stadium.
Address: Beijing Aquarium, Haidian, Beijing, China
Hours: Open: Apr-Oct 9am - 5:30pm (last ticket at 5pm), Nov-Mar 10am - 4:30pm (last ticket at 4pm) .
Admission: Adult: CNT 130, Childen (1.2 meters/3.9 ft): Free. Aquarium Admission for Zoo and Panda Hall.
From $ 68
Avenue of Stars
Please note: Avenue of the Stars is currently closed for renovations. The reopening is scheduled for 2018. The statues are temporarily relocated to the Garden of Stars in the Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden.
Along the quarter-mile (440 meter) stretch, you’ll notice a large replica of the statue presented to winners of the Hong Kong Film Awards as well as a bronze statue of Hong Kong’s most famous celebrity, Bruce Lee. Star-shaped plaques inlaid into the promenade contain names and sometimes autographs and handprints of other industry celebrities.
Even if you’re not familiar with the Hong Kong film industry, a visit to the Avenue of Stars will reward you with unobstructed panoramic views of the Hong Kong Island skyline in front of Victoria Peak. It’s also a perfect spot to view the nightly Symphony of Lights performance across the harbor.
Address: Hong Kong, China
Hours: Closed until 2018.
From $ 57
Badaguan Scenic Area
Stroll through Badaguan Scenic Area, and you might forget you're in China. This breathtaking neighborhood on the Qingdao coast has a colonial past, and is now home to the architectural styles of more than 20 countries, including Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Denmark. The stunning effect of European mansions and villas peeking out from the neighborhood's verdant, waterfront land puts Badaguan at the top of the list for photographers, nature-lovers, and first-time visitors to Qingdao.
Tour the former German protectorate (1897-1914) on a day trip away from the city's busy Central Business District to experience the tranquility of Badaguan. Gardens and courtyards boast varied greenery and flowering plants, so there's always something blooming no matter the season. Don't miss No. 2 Bathing Beach, the stretch of sand that fronts the neighborhood, which was once a favored swimming spot of Chairman Mao.
Practical Info
Badaguan Scenic Area is accessible by public bus, alighting at Wushengguan Road Station. The neighborhood itself is free to explore, but you’ll have to pay a small fee to enter the Hua Shi Villa.
Did you know? The name ‘Badaguan’ translates to ‘eight passes,’ named after the eight avenues that originally passed through the neighborhood (now there are 10).
Address: Badaguan Scenic Area, Qingdao, Shangdong Province, China
From $ 91
Beijing Zoo
Some 500 different species of animals and more than 14,500 furry friends call the 220-acre Beijing Zoo home. This popular destination, which attracts roughly six million conservationists and nature-lovers alike is one of China’s oldest zoos and houses the largest collection of animals in the country.
Visitors can explore the expansive grounds and get up close to some of the nation’s rarest mammals, like the golden snub-nosed monkey or Siberian tigers. The zoo’s giant panda exhibit is without a doubt its most popular and the nearby aquarium draws travelers eager to check out wild life under the sea, too.
Practical Info
The Beijing Zoo is located in the Xicheng District and is accessible via a number of public bus lines. The zoo is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. between April and October, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. between November and March.
Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily April-Oct 7:30am-6pm & Nov-March 10am-5pm
Admission: 10-20 yuan (price varies per season)
From $ 30
Beijing Bullet Train
China is home to the world’s largest network of high-speed rails, which connects Beijing with other notable destinations in the country. Quiet, fast, and efficient, bullet trains reach a top speed of 220 miles (354 kilometers) per hour. The longest route covers more than 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) from Beijing south to Guangzhou.
The Basics
Riding the high-speed railway from Beijing allows you to see Chinese countryside rarely glimpsed by visitors who opt to fly. What was once a minimum 9-hour trip between Beijing and Shanghai now takes just over five hours on the bullet train. The 5.5-hour train ride to Xian from Beijing is more economical than flying and just as fast once you factor in check-in and security lines. Many multi-day tours from Beijing to destinations such as Shandong, Shanghai, Pingyao, and Datong include at least one journey by bullet train.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bullet train is a must for those who like to see some scenery while they travel.
- Confirm which station your train is departing from, as Beijing has more than one railway station.
- Choose business-class, first-class, or second-class seats.
- Most bullet trains offer electrical sockets and Wi-Fi.
- Most high-speed trains in China and the train stations where they stop are wheelchair accessible, including elevators to platform level.
How to Get There
Beijing bullet trains typically depart from Beijing South Railway Station. The easiest way to get there is to take Line 4 of the subway. There’s also an airport shuttle that connects Beijing Capital International Airport to the train station.
When to Get There
Bullet trains depart Beijing several times throughout the day to cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Kunming, and Chengdu. It’s a good idea to book ahead of time, particularly on weekends and Chinese national holidays, to ensure you get the departure you want.
Rail Line by the Numbers
China’s high-speed train network connects more than 200 cities in 32 of China’s 34 provinces. Tracks cover some 15,500 miles (25,000 kilometers), accounting for two-thirds of the world’s high-speed train tracks. The network is expected to reach 23,600 miles (38,000 kilometers) by 2025, linking all Chinese cities with a population over 500,000, including Hong Kong.
Address: Beijinh Railway, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Admission: Prices vary per train
From $ 474
Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
Beijing has modernized so rapidly that it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like in decades past. One neighborhood, however, has managed to hold on to its old-style hutong architecture: the Back Lakes (Hou Hai or Houhai). Named after the three Shichahai lakes in the area, the Back Lakes neighborhood is one of the last remaining places in Beijing where you can see traditional courtyard-style houses.
While wandering the hutongs allows visitors to see Beijing as it once was, the streets surrounding the lakes, particularly Hou Hai (the largest of the three) show you a modern, hip and multicultural side of Beijing. The banks are lined with shop, stalls, restaurants, bars and hookah dens catering to tourists, locals and the city’s sizable expatriate population alike, making it a fun and bustling place to browse for souvenirs. The breeze from the lake offers a respite from the heat, and boating activities are also available on the lake itself.
The best way to enjoy the Back Lakes area is to take a pedicab tour of the old hutong neighborhoods in the afternoon. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the lake before settling in to a table at a restaurant or bar balcony for dinner and drinks as you watch the world go by.
While wandering the hutongs allows visitors to see Beijing as it once was, the streets surrounding the lakes, particularly Hou Hai (the largest of the three) show you a modern, hip and multicultural side of Beijing. The banks are lined with shop, stalls, restaurants, bars and hookah dens catering to tourists, locals and the city’s sizable expatriate population alike, making it a fun and bustling place to browse for souvenirs. The breeze from the lake offers a respite from the heat, and boating activities are also available on the lake itself.
The best way to enjoy the Back Lakes area is to take a pedicab tour of the old hutong neighborhoods in the afternoon. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the lake before settling in to a table at a restaurant or bar balcony for dinner and drinks as you watch the world go by.
Practical Info
Houhai is located in the Xicheng District of central Beijing. The nearest subway station is Beihai North on Line 6, and there are a number of bus routes also serving the area.
Address: Houhai, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 14
Daxu Old Town
Situated along the east banks of the Li River around 20 kilometers from Guilin City, Daxu Old Town dates back all the way to 200 AD. One of four ancient towns in Guangxi Province, Daxu features a 2.5-kilometer street paved in bluestone with well-preserved traditional houses and shops, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasties, lining each side.
As a visitor, Daxu Old Town lends itself perfectly to taking leisurely strolls amid heritage buildings, sampling the local food, and learning about the traditional culture and customs that have been kept alive for thousands of years.
Most of Daxu Old Town’s residents are from the older generation and live simple, peaceful lives, working traditional trades, such as bamboo-weaving and shoemaking. Longevity Bridge is a must-see while in the town; this stone arch bridge was constructed in the Ming Dynasty and is a scenic place to stop and enjoy the Li River and perhaps take pictures of Snail Hill.
Practical Info
Daxu Old Town is situated less than 20 kilometers southeast of Guilin and is easily reached by taxi from the city.
Address: Daxu Old Town, Guilin, Guangxi, China
From $ 42
Ding Ding Tram (Double Deckers)
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, but for an authentic, street-level tour of old Hong Kong Island, hop on the Ding Ding Tram. These double decker trams got their nickname from the dinging sound used to warn other traffic and pedestrians that the tram is approaching. The bell was replaced by a beeping sound in 2000, but the public vehemently opposed the change, and the “ding ding” sound was shortly reintroduced.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Trams have been ferrying passengers along the streets of Hong Kong since 1904, but the iconic double deckers didn’t show up on the scene until 1912. The modern line makes a loop from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, passing through some of the island’s oldest neighborhoods. Hong Kong maintains the largest fleet of double decker trams in the world, so you’ll only have to wait a minute or two, and you can pay the inexpensive fare with your octopus card.
Address: China
From $ 12
Canton Tower
As the tallest structure in China and the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the world, the Canton Tower dominates Guangzhou’s modern skyline. The twisted, tapering tower rising just over 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) is home to the world’s highest and largest outdoor observatory at 1,601 feet (488 meters) above the ground. Sixteen transparent cabins carry passengers around the slanting, elliptical rooftop, offering views that extend as far as Hong Kong and Macau.
Thrill seekers can plummet from a height of 1,600 feet (488 meters) down the side of the tower with the Mega Drop. For a milder thrill, take on the Spider Walk, the world’s longest sky stairs with 1,028 steps, some of which have transparent glass flooring with views of the ground far below.
For the tame of heart, the Canton Tower houses a rotating restaurant on the 106th floor as well as a 4D cinema, wine bar and science exhibition center highlighting the engineering technology behind the tower.
Thrill seekers can plummet from a height of 1,600 feet (488 meters) down the side of the tower with the Mega Drop. For a milder thrill, take on the Spider Walk, the world’s longest sky stairs with 1,028 steps, some of which have transparent glass flooring with views of the ground far below.
For the tame of heart, the Canton Tower houses a rotating restaurant on the 106th floor as well as a 4D cinema, wine bar and science exhibition center highlighting the engineering technology behind the tower.
Address: Yuejiang Road West / Yiyuan Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 9am - 10pm
Admission: 50 RMB - lower levels; 100 RMB - medium levels; 150 RMB - upper levels
From $ 30
Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera (Peking Opera) has been around since the late 18th century and was originally performed for the imperial family of the Qing Dynasty. It has enjoyed something of a revival since the Cultural Revolution, with visitors from around the globe coming to see the highly stylized costumes, dances, and singing.
The Basics
While Beijing Opera—much like Western opera—is a bit of an acquired taste, it’s well-worth experiencing during your time in the Chinese capital. Beijing hosts several theaters and performance troops, including the newbie-friendly Liyuan Theatre at the Beijing Qianmen Hotel and the more traditional Huguang Guild Hall.
The most popular way to enjoy a performance is in combination with a Peking duck dinner. In addition to dining on one of the city’s most famous dishes, you can also combine your night at the opera with a nighttime walking tour of Nanluoguxiang Alley and historic Shichahai, or a full-day visit to sites, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or Summer Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beijing Opera is a must-see for music lovers, couples, and first-time visitors.
- Performances can be quite loud, so bring a pair of earplugs if you’re sensitive.
- Beijing Opera performances are almost always in Mandarin Chinese, but the elaborate makeup, costumes, and gestures help add context for English speakers.
- Guided tours to an opera performance often include hotel pickup and drop-off.
How to Get There
There are several theaters hosting traditional Peking opera performances throughout the city. The easiest and most convenient option is to book a guided tour with round-trip transportation included.
When to Get There
Chinese opera performances typically take place in the evening around 7pm and last about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the production. It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to find your seat.
It’s All in the Beard
Beijing Opera can be a bit mystifying for the first-timer, but there are many visual cues to help you understand what’s going on onstage. For example, the type of a performer’s beard can indicate the temperament of the character—ghosts and those with hot tempers often have red beards, while villains sport curly beards. Short beards demonstrate selfishness, while long and thick beards are a sign of wealth and power.
Address: Beijing, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 59
Great Mosque
Built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty, the Great Mosque in Xian is one of China’s oldest and largest mosques. As it stands today, most of the mosque structures date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and display an interesting mix of Islamic and Chinese architectural influences. The central minaret, for example, resembles a pagoda, and while the Great Mosque has the layout of a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple, it’s adorned with Arabic calligraphy and sits on an east-west axis in order to face Mecca.
While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall, they are free to explore the first four courtyards and their gardens, archways and monumental gates. Surrounding the Great Mosque, which can be a bit tricky to find, is a bustling Muslim Quarter filled with souvenir stores and food vendors selling kebabs and other Chinese Muslim specialties.
Practical Info
Access to the Great Mosque is often restricted on Fridays, so plan to visit another day.
Address: No. 30 Alley West Avenue, Xian, China
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., restricted access on Fridays
Admission: High Season: CNY 25: Low Season: CNY 15
From $ 9
Fuli Bridge
At over 500 years old, the Fuli Bridge is yet another ancient stone bridge which can be found in the countryside around Yangshuo. While the Yulong Bridge is the biggest single arch bridge in the province and the Xiangui Bridge is the oldest passage across the river, the Fuli Bridge is the tallest one. When seen from a distance away, the bridge with its high arched back and the reflection created in the water form a perfect circle, called a full moon by the locals. Single-arched stone bridges were a common type of bridge built in ancient China due to their strength and sturdiness, and like many of them, the Fuli Bridge has survived thanks to its high resistance to weathering..
But although it is located only a short distance from the very touristy and popular Yulong Bridge, the Fuli Bridge is a barely visited gem. Only very few travelers come here and those who do, usually have the stunning stone arch completely to themselves. Sometimes, children from the neighboring villages come here to swim in the shallow pools, squealing and jumping in over and over again in their clothes. Once in a while, a farmer crosses with a heavy load on his shoulders or a motorbike whizzes past, but otherwise, the stunning landscape around Fuli Bridge is completely tranquil. Only seldom do the bamboo rafts make it this far upriver and there are no coach tours to be seen and thus, it’s a great idea to imitate the locals and hop into the cool water for a peaceful swim in the dragon river.
Practical Info
Fuli Bridge can be found about 12 kilometers outside of Yangshuo along the Yulong River and there are a lot of options to get there. It’s easiest to simply rent a bicycle or scooter and head there via the village of Yantang. There is also the Yangshuo-Jinbao bus, which makes a stop at Jinlong Bridge. From there, you can walk the remaining kilometer northwards.
Address: Yangshuo, China
From $ 525
Bell Tower (Zhonglou)
The word “tower” doesn’t quite do justice to the enormous structure of the Xian Bell Tower (Zhonglou) rising on an imposing square base to a series of terraces and three graceful pagoda roofs. Originally built in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, it has become a symbol of Xian thanks to its stellar views and classic Chinese architecture.
The Basics
While the original bell no longer rings to announce the dawn, visitors can still see it within the imposing structure at the center of China’s ancient capital. The building's location makes it nearly impossible to miss. Most Xian tours stops at the Bell Tower, along with other notable Xian attractions, such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian City Wall, Muslim Quarter, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bell Tower is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Xian.
- Choose between a single-admission ticket to the Bell Tower or a combo ticket that includes the Drum Tower as well.
- Give yourself about an hour to visit the tower and take in the great view.
- A visit to the Bell Tower involves climbing steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Bell Tower is about as central as you can get in Xian. The easiest way to get there is either to walk from other areas in the city center or ride the Metro (Line 2) to Bell Tower Station. Numerous public buses also stop at the tower.
When to Get There
The Bell Tower is open daily throughout the year, with extended hours during the warmer months (March to October). If possible, avoid visiting on weekends and Chinese national holidays.
Relocation of the Bell Tower
When the Bell Tower was first constructed, it stood next to a Drum Tower on the ancient city’s central axis. When the center changed after continued growth, it was relocated 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) east of its original site—a notable achievement in 1582. Everything you see today is original, except for the base.
Address: China
From $ 18
Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)
Part of the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty, this 10th-century park is one of China’s oldest, largest, and most important ancient imperial gardens. Situated in the center of Beijing, the 171-acre (69-hectare) garden features a temple, bell and drum towers, a white pagoda, pavilions, lakes, and the intricate Nine-Dragon Wall.
The Basics
Visiting Beihai Park is akin to taking a crash course in Imperial Chinese history and culture, and with its central location in the city’s Xicheng District, it’s easy to visit. Though the park is no longer part of the Imperial City, a boat ride here is often included in tours of the Palace Museum. Combine your visit to the park with a tour of the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, or Jingshan Park, or capture a memorable photo by donning a traditional Hanfu costume during a guided walk through the gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beihai Park is a must-visit for history buffs, gardeners, and families.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Nearly all of Beihai Park is wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the hill.
- Give yourself about two hours to tour the park’s gardens and attractions.
How to Get There
Beihai Park is located next to the Forbidden City and is easily accessible by public transportation. Take one of several public buses to Beihai or Beihai Beimen, or take subway Line 6 to Beihai Bei and leave through Exit B.
When to Get There
The park is open daily throughout the year, with slightly shorter hours during the winter (November to March). Plan to visit on a weekday morning, when the gardens and attractions are less crowded, and avoid visiting on Chinese national holidays.
The White Dagoba
One of the park’s many unique features is a Tibetan dagoba, or shrine, built in 1651 by the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty to demonstrate a desire for unification among China’s many ethnic groups. The shrine has since been twice destroyed and rebuilt. Perched atop the highest point in the park, it offers some of the best panoramic views of the surroundings.
Address: Northwest of the Forbidden City, Beijing, China
From $ 16
Dingling Underground Palace
The Dingling Underground Palace was the first of the 13 Ming royal tombs to be officially opened to the public. Located on the southern slopes of Tianshou Mountain in Changping County, Beijing, Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun and his two empresses, Xiaoduan and Xiaojing. The ancient palace is accessed via a 40-meter underground tunnel.
Zhu Yijun was the thirteenth emperor and occupier of the throne for 48 years, the longest of all the Ming Dynasty emperors. Built over six years between 1584 and 1590, the tomb is gigantic and extravagant, with five halls connected by giant marble archways, and floors paved with gilded bricks. The central hall is home to three imperial thrones, while the rear hall is the most important and where the three coffins of the emperor and his empresses can be found. These are surrounded by red-lacquer chests filled with precious items.
There is also a museum at the Dingling Underground Palace, where 3000 objects excavated from the site are displayed. These artifacts include royal robes, the emperor's crown and the empresses' tiaras, plus a number of other jewels and ceramic items.
Practical Info
To reach the Dingling Underground Palace from Beijing, take Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station and walk to Deshengmen Bus Station. Take the 872 bus from here to the Ming Tombs.
Address: Changchi Road, Beijing, Changping District 102213, China
Hours: 8:30am-6pm
Admission: April-October: CNY 65 / November-March: CNY 45
From $ 39