Beijing: We had one wonderful week to spend in the city of Beijing and saw all of the iconic sights. From the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, to visiting countless temples and taking a day trip to the Great Wall, there is a lot to enjoy from a visit to Beijing. 

The Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China…one of the world’s most iconic sights and one of the top ten things to do on many traveler’s bucket lists. We couldn’t visit China without seeing this amazing place. It was so amazing that we actually visited the Great Wall twice. Our first visit was to the restored section at Mutianyu. Several days later we hiked the unrestored section between Jiankou to Mutianyu - a great experience for those seeking an adventure.

Shanghai: We loved our experience in Shanghai, an ultramodern city with countless skyscrapers, vibrant shopping streets, a Starbucks on every corner, and the impressive Oriental Pearl Tower at the heart of the city.

Zhangjiajie and Tianmen Mountain: Zhangjiajie is a place that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a science-fiction movie, with towering pinnacles that soar through the clouds. Here you can also take one of the world’s longest cable car rides to the peak of Tianmen Mountain, a vertical cliff face where you can walk alongside narrow plank paths hanging off the edge, and climb the 999 steps to Heaven’s Door.

Yangshuo: Yangshuo appears out of the pages of a traditional Chinese ink painting. With limestone mountains reaching for the clouds, fishing boats and bamboo rafts drifting along the Li River, and endless outdoor activity, this is a beautiful part of China not to be missed.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong is an amazing city and it remains one of our favorites. It is hard to beat this skyline…a forest of skyscrapers with a backdrop of mountains. The view of the city from Victoria Peak is hard to beat. And, Hong Kong has a vibrant nightlife with street food, light shows, and sky bars. With multiple days here you can venture out to Macau, Disneyland, and escape the city on Hong Kong’s beautiful hiking trails.

Xi’an and the Terracotta Army: Once one of China’s ancient capitals home to emperors, monks, merchants, and warriors, Xi’an today is brimming with history behind its metropolis front. Admire the thousands of life sized statues that make up the Terracotta Army, cycle on top of ancient city walls, and taste exotic foods at the Muslim Quarter.

Chengdu: Chengdu may not be as popular with tourists as some of China's more famous destinations, but it's definitely not to be missed. This laid-back city offers a delightful culinary scene with mouthwatering cuisine and a vibrant teahouse culture. Its ancient streets, adorned with traditional red lanterns, and traditional Sichuan opera both evoke a sense of timeless charm. Most notably, one of Chengdu's biggest draws is its status as the best place to encounter China's beloved giant pandas.

Tibet: Tibet is deeply rooted in the people's strong devotion to Buddhism. Witnessing their way of life, visiting ancient monasteries, and marveling at majestic palaces offer unique experiences that are unmatched elsewhere. Additionally, you can embark on an adventure to the Himalayas and trek the world's tallest peaks. (Note that traveling to Tibet requires arranging for a private guide and obtaining a group visa.)

Huangshan: Huangshan is a destination perfect for hikers and adventure lovers. Renowned as China's most stunning mountain range, it boasts rugged peaks that pierce through blankets of clouds, creating a surreal landscape. Ancient villages lining the valley floor offer a glimpse into China’s cultural heritage.

Yunnan: Yunnan, another of China’s beautiful regions, offers its serene Erhai Lake, the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the jaw-dropping Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges on the planet.