China

1. Beijing: The Imperial Capital

· The Great Wall: An absolute must-do. Sections like Mutianyu (less crowded, restored, with a toboggan ride down) and Jinshanling (for hikers) offer amazing experiences without the extreme crowds of Badaling.

· The Forbidden City: The world’s largest imperial palace complex, home to emperors for nearly 500 years. Its scale and artistry are awe-inspiring.

· Temple of Heaven: Where emperors prayed for good harvests. Visit in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing traditional music.

· Summer Palace: A vast, beautiful imperial garden centered on Kunming Lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll or boat ride.

2. Xi’an: Where History Begins

· The Terracotta Army: One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with a unique face, stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor.

· Ancient City Wall: The most complete city wall in China. Rent a bike and cycle its entire 14-km circumference for fantastic views of the old city.

· Muslim Quarter: A vibrant market street full of incredible food stalls, offering a unique blend of Chinese and Muslim culture.

3. Shanghai: The Megacity of the Future

· The Bund: A iconic waterfront promenade showcasing colonial-era architecture on one side and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. Stunning both day and night.

· Pudong: Home to the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Go up for breathtaking views of the sprawling metropolis.

· Yuyuan Garden: A classical Chinese garden and bazaar in the old city, offering a peaceful escape from the urban buzz.

· Tianzifang & Xintiandi: Charming areas of narrow lanes with boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and bars, perfect for exploring.

4. Guilin & Yangshuo: Picture-Perfect China

· Li River Cruise: The iconic image of China—jagged karst mountains piercing the mist along a serene river. The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is unforgettable.

· Yangshuo Countryside: Rent a bicycle or an e-bike and explore the rural landscapes, rice paddies, and small villages. See the cormorant fishermen and the spectacular “Impression Sanjie Liu” light show directed by Zhang Yimou.

5. Chengdu & Sichuan Province: For Food and Pandas

· Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: The best place in the world to see these adorable creatures up close (visit early in the morning when they are most active).

· Sichuan Cuisine: Prepare your taste buds for the bold, spicy, and numbing flavors of Sichuan food. Try hotpot, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles.

· Leshan Giant Buddha: A 71-meter tall statue carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. It is the largest stone Buddha in the world.