Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
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Emperor Qin's Mausoleum
While the terra cotta warriors have been mostly excavated, their entombed emperor has been resting undisturbed in his mausoleum of underground caverns for over two millennia. Emperor Qin Shi Huang, born in 259 B.C., was China’s first emperor. He conquered six warring kingdoms, joined them and created the first unified nation of China – something no one had managed before. When he died, Qin was buried with the usual artifacts and even live people such as concubines, armies and servants, which was a custom at the time and supposed to be useful in the afterlife. Additionally, and maybe most famously, he was also buried with their clay replicas.
The mausoleum is part of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park, which includes a garden, the museum with the terracotta warriors and horses, and Quin’s tomb itself, which can so far only be imagined. Geological surveys prove that the opulent mausoleum is bigger than the Great Pyramid, consisting of a whole underground city resembling the city plan of the ancient capital Xianyang and including a massive palace, pavilions and offices. According to ancient writings, there are believed to be additional pits with the models of concubines, ceilings mimicking the sky and stars and imitations of the region’s rivers made of mercury. The unexcavated mausoleum is located to the west of his famous terracotta soldiers and it is not known, when and if China will allow an excavation. Doing so would not only endanger the treasures hidden and expose them to the elements, making them lose their color like the terracotta warriors, but soil samples have also indicated dangerously high levels of mercury.
Practical Info
Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum is located about 35 kilometers east of Xian in the suburbs of Lintong County, easily accessible by public bus from Xian. Take either the Tourist Line 5, which departs from the east square of the Xian Railway Station, or bus number 307 from the south gate to the correct stop named Bing Ma Yong. Ticket sales are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer months and until 4:30 p.m. from November until March. The last entrance is at 6:35 p.m. in the summer and 6:05 p.m. in winter.
Address: Xian, China
From $ 70
Great Wall at Gubeikou
In China's Yan Mountains stretches the Great Wall at Gubeikou, one of the most historically significant and difficult-to-reach sections of the Great Wall of China. This part of the wall once played a key role in protecting China from Mongol invasion and today stands as an untouched architectural feat—the last reconstruction work took place in 1567 and no renovations have been done since then.
Two hours from Beijing, the Great Wall at Gubeikou offers the opportunity for a relatively easy hike with picturesque views of the masonry stretching out to the east and west. Along the length of the wall are 143 ancient watch towers and three citadels, along with a number of other military constructions. While it's possible to explore this section on a long day trip from Beijing or as part of a single-day hike between Gubeikou and Jinshanling, it's more commonly visited as part of a multi-day guided hike of the wilder parts of the Great Wall.
Practical Info
Gubeikou is located in Miyun County, just over 60 miles (100 km) from central Beijing between the Shanhaiguan and Juyongguan passes. It can be reached by taking a bus from Sihui station to Chengde City or Luanping County and alighting at Gubeikou Tunnel. Many people visit this section as part of a longer hiking tour of the Great Wall.
Did You Know?
This section was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–570) but was restructured centuries later when another line of brick wall was laid beside the original, thus forming the double-lined wall seen today.
Address: Gubeikou, Miyun County, China, China
From $ 39
Great Wall at Mutianyu
The Great Wall at Mutianyu was fully restored in the 1980s as an alternative to the increasingly popular Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is farther away from Beijing (about an hour and a half by car) than more popular sections, but it's also significantly less busy and features some fun, modern amusements, such as a cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. The long, flat segment—the longest fully restored section open to travelers—winds along heavily forested hilltops with 23 ancient watchtowers dotting the landscape.
The Basics
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a good option for visitors with a full day to devote to the wall, as well as families looking for not-too-strenuous hiking away from the crowds. Travelers can choose to climb to the top via restored steps equipped with handrails, or opt for a leisurely cable car ride to the highest restored section. From the top of the cable car, visitors can explore the area before hopping back on for a return trip, taking one of the trails leading back down, or continuing east along the wall to the toboggan ride for a slide back to the bottom. The site is often visited with a guide who can help navigate the steeper portions of the wall and offer historical insight, and a trip can be combined with visits to other Beijing attractions, such as the Ming Tombs, the Olympic facilities, or the China Aviation Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This portion of the Great Wall is ideal for families with kids.
- Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb up to the wall.
- Mutianyu tours from Beijing can last between five and 14 hours.
- There's little shade on the wall, so be sure to wear sun protection and keep hydrated.
How to Get There
Mutianyu is situated 40 miles (65 km) north of Beijing. Due to a lack of convenient public transportation from the city to Mutianyu Great Wall, it's much easier to visit as part of a guided private tour or small-group tour. Those who wish to visit independently must first get to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Bus 867 to Mutianyu or Bus 916 to Huairou (then take a local minibus to the wall).
When to Get There
The area is open to tourists from 7:30am to 5:30pm daily. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and sparser crowds on the wall than summer, when the Mutianyu section of the wall can get quite hot and crowded. National holidays, particularly National Day in early October and Labor Day in early May, can be especially crowded.
Hiking the Great Wall of China
Adventurous travelers looking for a more in-depth Great Wall experience can opt to hike between Mutianyu and Jiankou. The most popular route starts at the Jiankou section with an hourlong climb up to the wall, followed by about four hours of leisurely walking from the rugged, wild portion of the wall to the well-restored section at Mutianyu. Hike independently or as part of a guided hiking tour.
Address: Mu Tian Yu Lu, Huai Rou Qu, beijing, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am–5:30pm
Admission: 40–45 RMB
From $ 6
Great Wall at Badaling
When the Great Wall of China opened to tourists in the late 1950s, the 2.3-mile (3.7-km) segment at Badaling was the first to welcome visitors, and today, some 10 million people visit annually. Situated on the eastern part of the wall just north of Beijing, Badaling is by far the most popular, the most easily accessible and the best restored section.
Built in 1502 during the Ming Dynasty, the wall at Badaling runs around Jundu mountain, reaching an altitude of over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) that provides stunning views. While other portions of the wall require rather arduous climbing, the Great Wall at Badaling has been outfitted with a cable car to ferry passengers to the top of the highest tower. Another of the site's most appealing features is its proximity to Beijing; visitors with limited time in the Chinese capital can combine a visit with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs or squeeze the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square into a single day.
Insider's Tip: Since this is the most popular section of the wall, expect heavy crowds on weekends and national holidays.
Practical Info
The Great Wall at Badaling is part of the eastern section of the Great Wall of China, about 43 miles (70 km) north of Beijing. The stairs here are equipped with hand rails and aren't nearly as steep as those found at other parts of the wall. The site is open from 6:30am to 7pm in summer and from 7am to 6pm in winter. Admission costs CNY 45, with additional charges for the pulley train and cable car. Access to the on-site Great Wall Museum and Great Wall Circle Vision Theater is included in the entrance fee.
Address: Badaling, Beijing 102112, China
Hours: 6:30am–7pm in summer; 7am–6pm in winter
Admission: CNY 45
From $ 16
Great Wall at Juyongguan
While the Juyongguan segment of the Great Wall of China is the closest to Beijing, it's not the most visited; after all, the steps here are still steep and often uneven. Those who make the tough climb up are rewarded with stellar views of the wall winding along the hilltops and—perhaps more importantly—sparser crowds.
The Juyongguan Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, also features some interesting architectural elements (beyond the wall itself). Most notable is the Cloud Platform (Yun Tai), a squat white marble tower built in 1342 as a base for three stupas (and later a temple) that were subsequently destroyed. Visitors can still see carvings and inscriptions inside the platform's tunnel.
The Basics
Like the more popular Badaling, some parts of Juyongguan Pass have been restored to their original condition. From the main entrance, stairs lead to both the eastern and western sides of the wall. The stairs to the east are less steep than those to the west, making them a better choice for kids or those with physical limitations.
Thanks to its close proximity to Beijing, the Great Wall at Juyongguan can be visited on a half-day tour or be combined with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, or a Peking duck dinner back in Beijing. Travelers wanting a more in-depth Great Wall experience can spend a day hopping from Juyongguan to Badaling and Mutianyu to get an overview of the different segments and their characteristics.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall is a must for time-pressed visitors and those looking to escape the crowds.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb up steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Depending on how much of the wall you’re planning to hike, it’s a good idea to bring along bottled water and snacks.
How to Get There
This portion of the wall is located 37 miles (59 kilometers) northwest of Beijing. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Those who wish to travel by public transportation can take Bus No. 345 from Beijing to Shahe and transfer to Bus No. 68 to Juyong Pass.
When to Get There
Aside from Chinese national holidays, when the wall gets packed with domestic tourists, spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit this section of the Great Wall. The steps tend to get icy in winter.
Old and New Walls
If you have time, pay a visit to the nearby Water Pass section of the Great Wall, near Badaling. The unrestored and far less crowded segment offers a view of the wild Great Wall—an interesting contrast to the renovated Juyongguan section.
Address: Juyongguan, Changping, Beijing, China
From $ 53
Guangren Lama Temple
There is only one Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province: the Guangren Lama Temple. Nestled into the north-western corner of Xian’s city wall, this temple was built in 1705 as a temporary residence for the Grand Lamas for when they passed through this area on their way to Beijing to meet with the emperors. The architecture of the temple, a mix between Chinese and Tibetan, is a tribute to the long standing cultural relations between the Tibetans and the Han people. White stupas, Buddha statues, prayer wheels and hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind are combined with the typical East-Asian hip-and-gable roofs, elegant carvings and timber framework.
The temple isn’t massive and covers an area of only about 2.6 acres, but it has a lot to offer. The first thing visitors see is the big Mountain Gate, an arch decorated in colorful paintings. From there, they pass along a stone wall carved with Buddhas through the Zhao Bi, a pavilion with the imperial stele and two stone wells on each side of it. Additional treasures of the Guangren Lama Temple include the Lotus Throne inside Devajara Hall, which originated in the Tang Dynasty, rows of golden prayer wheels as well as hand engraved gold mantras, ancient inscribed tablets and several over one hundred year old cypresses, redbud and clove trees.
Practical Info
The Guangren Lama Temple can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get there, take bus number 509 or 712 to the Guang Ren Temple stop and you will find the temple right next to the city wall.
Address: No.152 North-west Road, Lianhu District, Xian 710003, China
From $ 62
Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a Great Wall tour. Winding along the mountain ridges north of the capital city, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the world's most iconic wonders, largest historical sites, and greatest feats of engineering, showcasing the genius of the Ming Dynasty.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
For adventurous travelers, the allure of the "Wild Wall" is hard to resist. In the vicinity of Beijing, hikers can traverse an historic segment of the wall between Jinshanling and Simatai in a single day. Other remote sections, like Huanghuacheng, Jiankou and Gubeikou, appeal to hikers and photographers seeking fresh air, stellar views, and photo ops free of other tourists. Multi-day guided hikes offer the opportunity to see more of the wall for a deeper experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Great Wall of China
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
- Summers tend to be hot and wet, while winters can get icy; dress accordingly.
- While the Badaling section has some wheelchair accessibility, flatter, less-visited areas such as Shanhaiguan on the east coast and Jiayuguan in the western desert are best for wheelchair users.
- The Mutianyu section is recommended for seniors and kids, as the wall's watchtowers can be accessed from a cable car.
- Upgrade to a private tour for a more intimate experience, or book a tour with a local guide to get an insider's perspective.
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
No matter where you visit along the wall, crowds will be thicker on holidays, particularly at the portions closer to Beijing. The peak season runs roughly from April through November. Tours in the early morning are generally less crowded, and as bonus, these options offer the chance to see the sunrise.
Address: China
From $ 65
Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai
To experience both original and restored portions of the Great Wall of China without straying far from Beijing, many visitors choose the stretch between Jinshanling and Simatai, a trek seemingly made for hikers and adventurers. The 4-hour hike ranks among the wall’s most popular and rewards intrepid travelers with some of the most photogenic views.
The Basics
From Jinshanling, a six-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of largely unrestored wall leads to Simatai, where it's possible to take another steep, two-hour hike to and from a hilltop watchtower (there's also a cable car that heads most of the way up) or to continue on toward the Great Wall at Gubeikou. Visitors can choose between a small-group or private tour. Non-morning people can opt for a sunset visit to either the Simatai Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall, minus the hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This Great Wall section is a must for hikers, adventure travelers, and those who want to see old and new portions of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Most guided hikes between Jinshanling and the Simatai section include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing and lunch.
- Guided Great Wall hiking tours on this portion of the wall can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces and steep gradients, and bring plenty of bottled water.
How to Get There
This Great Wall hike starts at the Jinshanling section, 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. While most visitors arrive via guided tour, it’s possible to get to the starting point independently by catching the tourist bus from Wangjing West Station. The journey takes about two hours.
When to Get There
April, May, September, and October are ideal months for hiking thanks to moderate temperatures and the best scenery. The mountains around the wall are blanketed in apricot blossoms in April.
Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon
Travelers looking for a true physical test can take part in the Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon, hosted each April. This race, which also includes a half marathon and a 10K race, is one of five marathons held on the Great Wall.
Address: China
From $ 25
Chang'an Street
Chang’an Street is a major thoroughfare to the north of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. It stretches from West Chang'an Street to East Chang'an Street (although some refer to it as the entire route from the Shijingshan district through to Tongzhou district).
This huge, wide street is possibly the most famous in China, with many of Beijing’s most significant historical attractions located along it. The Great Hall of the People and Zhongnanhai, as well as central government buildings, are located around Chang’an Street, while the National Museum of China, National Center for the Performing Arts, and the Beijing Concert Hall are also close by.
Practical Info
Chang’an Street is centrally located and easily accessible, with subway and railway stations nearby. Line 1 of the Beijing Subway runs right beneath Chang’an Street, and there are also bus routes serving the roads that surround it.
Address: Chang’an Street, Beijing, China
From $ 16
Chengdu Culture Park
The Chengdu Culture Park, a downtown green space, specializes in displaying Chinese culture. Located next to Qingyang Palace, there are a variety of special events that take place at the park; it’s also a popular place to watch the Sichuan Opera, a theater form unique to China. Some of the special events include the Lantern Festival carnival, a flower festival, art displays and photography displays. Also in the area is the old Taoist Qingyang Temple, which dates from the Tang period (618-907), while the present buildings are from the Qing period (1644-1911). Also of interest is the Pavilion of the Eight Trigrams, featuring eight stone pillars carved with dragon patterns.
A gathering place for the community, the garden features lush foliage, bonsai displays and historical monuments and sculptures. It’s an area frequented by card players and Mahjong players enjoying the day and a bit of fellowship.
Practical Info
Chengdu Culture Park is located at 23 Qingtai Road in the Qingyang District, about a two-block (15-minute) walk west of Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao holds court. Entry to the park is free.
Address: 23 Qingtai Road, Chengdu, China
From $ 20
Chen Clan Academy
The Chen Clan Academy, also called the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, is to Guangzhou what the Forbidden City is to Beijing. The complex consists of 19 traditional southern Chinese buildings that were erected by the Chen Family in the late 1800s as a place for the members of all 72 Chen clans in the province to stay as they studied for their provincial exams.
In 1905, the traditional examination system was dissolved and the area became an industry college for the clan. In 1957, the complex was designated as a Guangzhou City preserve, and in 1959 the local government began using the Academy to house local folk arts.
Serving as the Guangzhou Museum of Folk Art, the Chen Clan Academy is the largest and best-preserved clan complex in Guangdong Province and houses an exquisite collection of Cantonese folk art. The structures themselves are works of art, with carvings on nearly every column, ceiling beam and wall. The halls and courtyards of the complex display wood, stone and brick carvings, engraving art, pottery and paintings.
In 1905, the traditional examination system was dissolved and the area became an industry college for the clan. In 1957, the complex was designated as a Guangzhou City preserve, and in 1959 the local government began using the Academy to house local folk arts.
Serving as the Guangzhou Museum of Folk Art, the Chen Clan Academy is the largest and best-preserved clan complex in Guangdong Province and houses an exquisite collection of Cantonese folk art. The structures themselves are works of art, with carvings on nearly every column, ceiling beam and wall. The halls and courtyards of the complex display wood, stone and brick carvings, engraving art, pottery and paintings.
Address: Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5:30pm
Admission: CNY 10
From $ 30
Big Buddha
Lantau Island’s Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is a huge bronze seated Buddha at 112 feet (34 meters) tall. The statue is a popular pilgrimage site for travelers from Asia and around the globe who climb the 268 steps leading to its base for panoramic views of the South China Sea.
The Basics
Big Buddha is a popular day trip destination from Hong Kong, and most Lantau Island tours include a visit to the iconic statue. Explore the adjacent Po Lin Monastery and its Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, ride the skyrail cable car from Ngong Ping Village for picturesque views of the giant statue, and perhaps visit nearby attractions such as Tai O fishing village, famous for its stilted houses. For a personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Big Buddha is a must-see for first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Day trips to Lantau Island from Hong Kong typically last about eight hours.
- Big Buddha and the cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island, roughly one hour by road from Hong Kong. To get to the statue via public transportation, take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) from Hong Kong to Tung Chung MTR Station. From there, hop on a bus or the scenic cable car railway to Ngong Ping Village.
When to Get There
The statue is open daily and is busiest on Saturdays and Sundays, when many locals and mainland tourists come to visit. Arrive early to avoid crowds and check the weather in advance, as views from the statue’s base are best on a clear day.
Design of the Big Buddha Statue
It took 12 years to plan and build the Big Buddha statue, partly due to the 32 symbolic markers (laksanas) that were incorporated into the piece from Buddhist scriptures (sutras). Each element is symbolic—from the pearls on Buddha’s head that represent his wisdom to the wheel of law etched on each palm, referencing the Buddha’s eternal truth that spreads out in all 10 directions of the universe.
Address: Lantau Island, China
From $ 19
Guangdong Museum of Art
The Guangdong Museum of Art is a huge art museum located in Yuexiu District in Guangzhou. It features no less than twelve indoor exhibition halls that cover an area of 8000 square meters, plus an outdoor Sculpture Garden of contemporary works covering a further 5000 square meters.
The majority of the art at the Guangdong Museum of Art comprises of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum hosts in the region of 60 exhibitions a year in addition to its permanent collection, which primarily features contemporary works by local artists, as well as Chinese artists working abroad. The museum focuses in particular on artists based in the Pearl River Delta, and art lovers can appreciate works by such Guangzhou residents as Xu Tan and Chen Shaoxiong on a visit here.
Insider’s Tip
Although admission into the Guangdong Museum of Art is free, as with most museums and galleries in China, you must produce valid photo ID to gain entrance.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach the Guangdong Museum of Art is by taxi, although bus numbers 89, 194, B21, and 131A stop at Xinghai Concert Hall, which is located on Yanyu Road. The museum is located to the east of the concert hall.
Address: 38 Yanyu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 20
Chaoyang Park
Built in 1984 on the site of a former imperial palace, Beijing’s Chaoyang Park is the largest park in the city and a great place to spend a morning or afternoon relaxing or people watching. The 714-acre (289-hectare) space includes 20 designated scenic spots as well as the venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics beach volleyball competition.
The park is divided into several themed areas. You’ll find a collection of European-style fountains and sculptures in Art Square, aquatic plants and trees in Ecological Valley and wild ducks on Binshui Island on Lotus Lake. The beach volleyball venue was converted into a bathing beach after the Olympics, complete with white sand imported from Hainan.
Besides the usual park activities, you can rent bicycles and a variety of boats for exploring the 168-acre (68-hectare) lake situated within the park. You’ll also find facilities for basketball and a few amusement park rides geared toward kids.
The park is divided into several themed areas. You’ll find a collection of European-style fountains and sculptures in Art Square, aquatic plants and trees in Ecological Valley and wild ducks on Binshui Island on Lotus Lake. The beach volleyball venue was converted into a bathing beach after the Olympics, complete with white sand imported from Hainan.
Besides the usual park activities, you can rent bicycles and a variety of boats for exploring the 168-acre (68-hectare) lake situated within the park. You’ll also find facilities for basketball and a few amusement park rides geared toward kids.
Address: Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Hours: Open: Mar 15 - Nov 14: 6am - 10pm; Nov 15 - Mar 14: 6am - 9pm.
Admission: CNY 5, CNY 8 (Monthly), CNY 80 (Yearly)
From $ 65
Guangzhou Museum
Travelers to Guangzhou looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and people of this southern China city will find what they are looking for at the Guangzhou Museum. This popular landmark is jam-packed with ceramics, bronze work, woodcarvings and precious stones that showcase the best of the Chinese province.
Touring the museum's well-kept halls is an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon or an unbearably hot day. Audio guides are available for those who want to learn even more about ancient cultures and traditions, and two souvenir shops sell authentic trinkets. The museum's proximity to the main library, parks and IFC make it a convenient stop on any city tour.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 215 Wendming Road in Guangzhou. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am until 5pm. Visitors can access the museum using the 3 and 5 lines of the metro or the 40, 44, 183, 293, 886 and 886A buses. Admission is free but only 5,000 tickets are issued each day.
Address: 215 Wendming Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–5pm
From $ 73
Great Wall at Huangyaguan
Huangyaguan translates to "Yellow Cliff Pass," an apt description for this off-the-beaten-path, yet fully restored, portion of the Great Wall of China. Its distance from Beijing—about a three-hour drive to the east—means its often quieter than other sections while still providing spectacular views. The entire section is built into a mountain ridge, and travelers will find an array of watch towers, emplacements, barracks and other military defense features while hiking along the wall.
Most tours visiting Huangyaguan depart from Beijing or Tianjin and last anywhere between seven and 10 hours. Travelers can walk or hike along the wall with a guide to the giant statue of General Qi Jiguan, passing sights such as the Heavenly Ladder and the Widow Tower along the way. Some tours hike the full distance between the two entrances (about 1.5 miles), while those that are light on hiking often also include a trip to the nearby Eastern Qing Tombs.
Insider's Tip: If you're lucky enough to visit at sunset, you'll see that the cliffs to the east of Huangyaguan almost seem to glow.
Practical Info
While the hike between the two entrances can take one to two hours, it's best to leave yourself an additional hour or so to explore various points of interest within the pass. Visitors should be aware that there are a large number of steep steps to climb when exploring this section of the Great Wall.
Did You Know? Runners converge on the Great Wall at Huangyaguan each May to run the Great Wall Marathon.
Address: Jinwei Hwy, Jixian, Tianjin, China, China
From $ 98
Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Uncrowded and off the beaten path, the segment of the Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng is popular among hikers who want to experience the wilder side of the wall without investing the time required by some of the longer and more strenuous Great Wall walks. It is also the only waterside portion of the wall open to visitors, with the Xishuiyu Reservoir seen on either side of the wall.
While some parts of Huanghuacheng have been restored to what they may have looked like when built during the early Ming Dynasty, much of this portion of the wall remains in ruins. The reward for making the steep and uneven climb are the amazing views over the surrounding countryside and reservoir.
Since Huanghuacheng isn't quite as easily accessible from Beijing as other parts of the wall, visitors can book private transportation to and from the city with time included to hike independently. Guided hikes are also a popular option for the assistance provided in some of the steeper areas. Travelers can also opt to combine a visit to Huanghuacheng with stops at other parts of the wall, or, for a truly unique experience, cruise to the wall in a 1930s-style sidecar from the city.
Practical Info
This portion of the wall is located 43 miles (70 km) outside of Beijing.
Did You Know? The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng is nicknamed the Great Wall Under the Water, because three sections are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir.
Address: Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng, Beijing, China
From $ 48
Great Wall at Jiankou
Jiankou is the adventurer's Great Wall of China—an unrestored section with crumbling masonwork snaking along a wild mountain ridge 43 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the wall is dotted with interesting features, including the Nine-Eye Tower, which offers views of China's capital city on a clear day.
The Basics
Day-trippers, hikers, overnight campers, and photographers come to the Jiankou section to escape the crowds and enjoy the sublime scenery that stretches for nearly 10 miles (14.5 kilometers) along steep, jagged cliffs. At Beijing Knot, three segments of the Great Wall meet; it is from here that many visitors begin guided hikes between the Jiankou and Mutianyu Great Wall—the most popular Great Wall walk, lasting anywhere from three to six hours.
A tour guide can help navigate the trickier areas, including Eagle Flies Facing Upward, the watchtower-topped hill that’s so steep even an eagle would have to fly vertically to reach the top. The stairs leading up to the tower are very steep—so narrow in some areas that only one person can pass at a time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jiankou Great Wall is a must-visit for adventure travelers and photographers.
- Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to wear long pants for Great Wall hiking, as some of segment includes thick greenery.
- A small-group and private hiking tour to the wild Great Wall typically lasts upwards of eight hours.
- Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to reach this portion of the wall by public transportation, the journey takes nearly three hours and involves a bus transfer and a taxi ride. It’s much more convenient to visit on a guided tour.
When to Get There
For the best hiking weather, visit in spring or fall. Expect frequent rainfall between July and August. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays, when even the remote portions of the wall can get crowded.
Villages of the Jiankou Great Wall
Xizhazi Village and Wofo Mountain Villa serve as the terminal points for the Jiankou Great Wall hike. Both offer accommodations for those planning to stay the night, and both are a great place to treat yourself to some local food after a day of physical exertion.
Address: Huairou District, Beijing, China
From $ 30
Chaoyang Theatre
If you’re planning to see a Chinese acrobatics show while in China -- and you should, since the young acrobats here are wildly talented -- Beijing’s Chaoyang Theatre is one of the best places to do so. Young acrobats from across the country perform in the theater, spinning plates, balancing on precarious stacks of chairs, riding motorcycles upside down in a steel cage and performing other seemingly impossible feats of athleticism and strength.
More than 3 million foreign tourists have seen the performance over the course of its two-decade run in the Chaoyang Theatre. Performances last one hour and are typically held twice daily. Since the performances are largely visual, the language barrier isn’t an issue. Plan to take the metro to and from the show, as getting a taxi after a performance can be quite a feat.
More than 3 million foreign tourists have seen the performance over the course of its two-decade run in the Chaoyang Theatre. Performances last one hour and are typically held twice daily. Since the performances are largely visual, the language barrier isn’t an issue. Plan to take the metro to and from the show, as getting a taxi after a performance can be quite a feat.
Address: No. 36 E 3rd Ring Rd N, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily: 5:15pm - 7:15pm.
Admission: Prices range per seat: CNY 120-775
From $ 34
Erhai Lake
The name ‘Erhai’ translates to ‘ear-shaped sea’ — the name giving to the 97-square-mile (250-square-kilometer) lake sandwiched between the town of Dali and the Cangshan Mountains in China’s Yunnan Province. It’s one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in all of China and the seconds largest highland lake after Dianchi.
The local Bai people — one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic minority groups — have long used the waters of the lake for fishing using a rather unusual method. Fisherman train cormorants to catch fish (mostly carp) and return them to the fishing boat. Parks along the banks of the lake offer hiking and cycling opportunities, but most visitors choose to explore the lake by boat. These tours allow visitors to see cormorant fishing in action as well as visit some of the lake’s many islands and temples.
Practical Info
To get to Erhai Lake, catch the No. 2 bus from the North Gate of Dali’s old town.
Address: Dali, Yunnan, China
Hours: 8:30am to 6pm
From $ 132