TOP 5 CHINA TOURIST CITIES

At a time of economic recession, we fully appreciate that you are mindful of the costs associated with your vacation this year, and we are confident that you would not wish to waste your precious vacation time on a marginal destination. We at China Highlights have therefore selected for your consideration some of China's most popular destinations and China travel packages covering the places that represent the best value for the money.

TOP 1. BEIJING - Capital of China

Beijing, the host city of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and China's capital city, is a modern and sprawling city in north China. Having served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years, Beijing is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past, which are represented by the Great Wall of China, China's legendary line of defense; the Forbidden City, famous as one of the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace museums; the Summer Palace, a lovely imperial garden.

 

Beijing is brightened by its glorious past, but is by no means struck in the past. Standing side-by-side with old Beijing's crimson palace complexes are the city's modern buildings, the super-modern Olympic Village, with the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube; the dazzling shopping malls in Wangfujing Street and the colorful entertainment center of Houhai.

 

Despite all the changes in recent years, traditional lifestyle has been well-preserved in the oldest neighborhoods of the city - the Hutongs, which are mazes of narrow alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses. A tour by rickshaw through the Hutongs will give travelers a glimpse of "Old Beijing".

 

In a word, Beijing is a must-see place for any visitors to China. As the political, cultural, scientific and educational heart as well as a key transportation hub of today's China and China in the past, it offers a general idea of China's past, China today, and the direction in which China is heading in the 21st century.

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• Beijing Travel Guide
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TOP 2. SHANGHAI - China's Largest City

Shanghai, China's biggest and most prosperous city, oozes an atmosphere of vitality which can rival New York in the United States and Paris of France in terms of modernity. Shanghai is the second largest 'city proper' in the world after Mumbai. As one of the world’s leading economic and business cities, Shanghai's modernity is evidenced by the ambitious skyline in the Pudong Economic Zone and the gorgeous night scenes of the Huangpu River, when the spectacular lights of its immense towers dance in unison.

 

Shanghai's colonial legacy combined with things Chinese has created a unique culture, which is a fusion of the East and the West. The Bund, the waterfront of the city gives a vivid illustration of the combination of east and west cultures through its large collection of colonial architecture.

 

However, old Shanghai is not set to disappear overnight. Beneath Shanghai's impressive modern buildings and in the back alleys, scenes of the 1920s vision of the future have been kept.

 

Unlike Beijing, Shanghai does not brim with many great sights. Except for Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, the Grand Theater and the Huangpu River Cruise, there are no other sights with great appeal. However, the beauty of visiting Shanghai lies not in scurrying from sight to sight but in the feel of the city's modern atmosphere.

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TOP 3. XI'AN - A Window On China's Ancient Civilization

No visit to China will be complete without a few days' stay in Xi'an. As one of China's seven ancient national capitals, it served as the capital for 12 dynasties over 1,000 years. Thus Xi'an is blessed with a great number of precious relics and historical sites, with the highlights being the Entombed Warriors (the eighth Wonder of the World), two historical Buddhist Pagodas (Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda), the Great Mosque, the Ancient City Wall and Banpo site (a prehistoric civilization museum). Xi'an was also the starting point of the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that extended from Asia to Europe and played an important role in economic and cultural exchange between the East and the West in ancient times.

 

Xi'an is, for certain, one of the most popular tourist destinations among foreign travelers, which is included in the itineraries of almost all tour packages. At China Highlights, we feel that a tour to Xi'an is something that any tourist to China would not want to miss, as it serves as a window on China's ancient civilization.

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TOP 4. GUILIN-The Most Beautiful Place in China

Guilin, with its marvelous limestone scenery, is renowned as one of the most beautiful places on earth. During his visit, former US President Nixon was inspired by Guilin's picturesque natural scenery and remarked: "I have visited more than eighty countries and over a hundred cities. I have found that no city can surpass the beauty of Guilin.” The city, nestling among the tree-clad pinnacles, dotted with crystal lakes, on the banks of the Li River seems to belong to a landscape painting.

Guilin is in the center of the two tourist meccas in the region: Yangshuo and Longsheng, which are renowned for their beautiful scenery. Yangshuo in particular has become a paradise for backpackers, with its idyllic countryside, its easy-going atmosphere, and its cheap food and beer. Longsheng is famous throughout China, if not throughout the world, for the unparalleled scenic beauty of its terraced rice paddies, and for its genuine Zhuang and Yao ethnic cultures.

 

Guilin is a well-developed tourist city, with a plethora of retail shops that are tourist-friendly and a string of excellent hotels.

 

Guilin is due west from Hong Kong, from which it can be reached by air in an hour's time. A tour to Hong Kong can be easily combined with a visit to Guilin.

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TOP 5. HONG KONG- The Oriental London

Hong Kong is not like any other places on earth. As one of the most important economic and financial centers in East Asia, Hong Kong enjoys all the benefits of a dynamic and vibrant metropolis.

 

Hong Kong is a fusion of many cultures. Remnants of its colonial past, British culture and values share space with Chinese tradition.

 

Hong Kong is a world-renowned shopping paradise, known for its tourist-friendly atmosphere and numerous options. The huge shopping malls of Central, Admiralty and the street fashion factory in Causeway Bay are reasons for many travelers to make their Hong Kong trips.

 

Hong Kong has many accessible beaches and natural sights for outdoor lovers. Lantau Island for example, provides a relaxing atmosphere for a holiday break.

 

Words may fail to convey the essence of Hong Kong. If you want to appreciate this "Oriental London ", visit Hong Kong with your eyes and ears open, in order to see and hear the essence of it. Check Hong Kong Tours

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• Hong Kong Travel Guide
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Popular-destination Tour Packages

8 days Essence of China Tour  from $1442 USD

China is a time capsule: ancient cultures and modern miracles in eight short days. The mysteries of The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and the Entombed Warriors are there to be discovered alongside the amazing New China in Shanghai and Beijing.

 

China Relaxation Tour  from $1728 USD

Marvels new and ancient present themselves on every day as you visit places like The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and The Entombed Warriors. The beauty of the Yangtze River and then the huge Three Gorges Dam will astound, and finally Shanghai, the modern miracle.

 

 

Beijing - Xian Highlights Tour  from $715 USD

What are the two most recognized symbols? The Great Wall and The Entombed Warriors rate very highly. Travel before April 30th with your travel partner and we will offer you the best price to see these, and many more of China's Treasures, as you visit these two great cities.

 

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Map of Locations of China's Top Tourist Cities