China

Are you ready to embark on a whirlwind journey through one of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world? Pack your bags and join me on a 10-day adventure to explore the best of China! From the ancient wonders of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to modern Shanghai, this trip promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Here’s the list of everything you’ll find in this article:

As always, I will start with some general information about the country and then get straight into the itinerary (with a map!).

A. Information of Interest

Location

The People’s Republic of China, simply called China for short, is located in East Asia, bordering the Pacific Ocean.

With a land border of 22,800 km (ca. 14,167 miles), China borders 14 different countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. Together with Russia, China has the largest number of borders in the world.

The distances between north and south and between east and west exceed 5,000 kilometres (ca. 3,107 miles).

Area

It has a coastline of about 32,000 km, including the islands.

The country is so large that it has 5 time zones, although the entire country has used the Beijing time zone (UTC +8) since 1949. They keep it all year round without daylight saving time.

Its capital is Beijing.

Mount Everest (8848 metres), the highest mountain in the world, is located on the border between China and Nepal.

Population

Demonym

Chinese.

Language

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables that I attach to my posts: Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

Currency

However, if you travel to Hong Kong, be aware that they use the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Although it has been part of China since 1997, it has a high level of autonomy, acting more like a small, almost independent state, except in defence and foreign relations.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that allows you to see the currency used by entering the name of the country you are interested in. Additionally, this article provides all the essential information you need to know about money and travelling.

Plugs and Voltage

When to Go to China and for How Long

The Republic of China is a huge country, resulting in varied climates across different regions. In general:

Obviously, it depends on the places you want to visit and what you are looking for from your trip. However, generally speaking, the best time to see the most popular destinations is from March to May and from September to October.

If you want to pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, see my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

As we all know, China is a large country. If you don’t have the luxury of being able to travel for a month or longer, you need to be selective about the places you visit.

You can see the main attractions that the country has to offer in 15 days but at an intense pace. If you want to take it more slowly, you can do it in 20 days.

However, because I only have a few holidays, to maximise the time, we will complete this itinerary in just 10 days (excluding round trips). Quite a challenge!

In my posts, How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City, I explain the number of days needed to visit each country and the most touristic cities.

Flag

Zeng Liansong designed the current flag of the People’s Republic of China, which has been in use since 1949.

The red background represents the Revolution and the Chinese communist system. Historically, red also represents good fortune and abundance in Chinese culture.

The yellow colour was chosen because it is the predominant skin colour of the country’s citizens.

Short History

China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations, boasting a long and intricate history. Below, I will summarise the most crucial facts: 

a) 2100 BC – 221 BC: Ancient China

• China’s history begins with ancient civilisations along the Yellow River around 2100 BC. Early dynasties such as the Xia, Shang, and Zhou laid the foundations of Chinese culture, government, and philosophy, including Confucianism and Taoism.

• Notable among them is the philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC), who laid the foundations of Chinese culture with his system of thought and ethics, which has endured for 2,500 years.

b) 221 BC – 1912 AD: Imperial China

• The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) was a game-changer. The first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, unified China for the first time. But he didn’t stop there; he standardised writing, weights and measures and began construction of the Great Wall. 

• The subsequent Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) brought about a flourishing period of trade along the Silk Road and remarkable advancements in science, technology, and literature.

• During the Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 AD), China was divided into numerous short-reigning dynasties. In 208, following the Battle of Red Cliffs, the empire was divided into three.

• After centuries of fragmentation, the Sui Dynasty (581-618) reunited China, leading to a cultural and economic renaissance.

• The Tang Dynasty (618-907) was interrupted (690-705) by Empress Wu‘s accession to the throne (Zhou Dynasty). Wu became the only woman to rule China in its entire history.

• The Song Dynasty (960-1279) brought technological innovation and economic growth but eventually fell to the powerful Mongols.

• The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), established by Kublai Khan, left a distinctive mark before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), famous for its maritime explorations and the rebuilding of the Great Wall, took power.

• The last imperial dynasty, the Qing (1644-1912), expanded China’s history but faced internal conflicts and external pressures, which led to its decline.

c) 1912 – Present: Modern China

• In 1912, the Republic of China was founded, ending imperial rule.

• However, after years of civil war and Japanese invasion, the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, established the People’s Republic of China in 1949. 

• Since then, China has transformed dramatically, becoming a world power, combining ancient traditions with rapid modernisation.

Interesting Facts about China

• Tea, the second most popular drink, second only to water, originated in China around 2737 BC. Today, the Asian giant is the largest producer of tea in the world, with 38% of total production.

• China owns the adorable panda bears, originally from Sichuan. It also owns the bears loaned to international zoos and their babies.

• The People’s Republic of China has the second-highest number of World Heritage Sites, only surpassed by Italy.

• Almost all public toilets are holes in the ground and typically do not provide toilet paper, so remember to bring tissues with you. Additionally, many of them do not even have a door. ?

• China is the largest energy consumer in the world, with 70% of its energy produced from highly polluting mineral coal.

• Spitting in public is normal and well-regarded because it means that you are taking something dirty out of your body. Watch where you step!

• China is the largest producer of rice in the world.

• A law was introduced in 1979 to control the high population, prohibiting couples from having more than one child. It was amended in 2015, and now families are allowed to have a maximum of three children.

B. How to Get Around China

Between Cities

I made the mistake of taking several internal flights, and the experience was not good at all. There, flights are cancelled based on demand, and they don’t even let you know! Arriving at the airport and discovering that your flight is not showing on the screens because it was cancelled days ago, but they didn’t bother to tell you, is not a pleasant experience.

Sometimes, depending on the destination, there may be no other option but to take a plane. However, whenever possible, it is better to choose the train due to its reliability.

The bus is another cheap option for getting around, but it takes a lot of time, and it is similar to the train in price.

Short Journeys

If you plan to buy a SIM for your trip, you can use the Chinese version of Uber, called DiDi, as it requires a Chinese phone number.

Another very cheap way to get around is by bike. They are easy to find, but I would recommend using them in small cities.

Car Rentals

I do not recommend renting a car in China for two main reasons:

1. You cannot rent a car in China with a foreign driving licence or an international driving licence. You have to apply for a temporary Chinese licence.
2. The language. If you do not speak Chinese, communication won’t be easy because it is difficult to find someone who speaks English. And, I would not sign anything using an online translator.

However, if you prefer to rent a car, I recommend reading my post Car Rentals (Complete Guide), where I provide all the necessary information and tips to avoid any surprises when renting a vehicle.

C. China Express: 10-Day Itinerary

Below is the itinerary for a 10-day trip to China. Each day is colour-coded and numbered to indicate the order of the sites to visit.

These 10 days do not include round-trip travel to China, in my case, from the United Kingdom.

1. China Express — Day 1: Shanghai

We arrived at Shanghai airport (Pudong) and took the Maglev to get to the city centre. This is the only magnetic levitation train that makes commercial journeys and the fastest in the world (it reaches a speed of 431 km/h).

Shanghai is the largest commercial centre in China and one of the world’s biggest ports and metropolises. With a population of more than 29 million people, it’s truly a bustling city!

Nanjing Road

After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we took a stroll down the famous Nanjing Road, which is located next to our accommodation.

It is the main shopping street in Shanghai and China, with more than 600 commercial establishments, making it one of the busiest shopping streets in the world.

Nowadays, Nanjing Road is made up of two sections: Nanjing Road West and Nanjing Road East, the latter being primarily pedestrianised.

The street is always crowded, and at night, its colourful neon lights make for an impressive sight.

The Bund

The Bund is a 1.5 km long walk along the Huangpu River and one of the most spectacular places in the city. From here, you can see the city’s most emblematic buildings.

From its viewing points, you can see and distinguish the silhouettes of the tallest and most modern skyscrapers in Shanghai. It is an essential place to visit, from where you can take the most characteristic photo of Shanghai. The nighttime views of the illuminated city are stunning.

Bund Tunnel

We will cross to the other side of the river in the Bund Tunnel, an underwater tunnel that connects the Pudong shore with the Bund area.

It is a very peculiar attraction. During the 650-metre journey, the tunnel is filled with neon lights and laser beams accompanied by music. It is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

In front of the Bund is the Shanghai Television Tower, officially known as the Oriental Pearl. It is the city’s symbol and the most photographed building.

It offers 15 panoramic terraces that look out over the city from all angles. The large revolving restaurant in this tower offers the best panoramic views of Shanghai.

It has a terrace with a transparent floor, which is not suitable for people with vertigo (like me). The only drawback is the long line we had to wait to get in. But that’s normal. In such a big city full of tourists, wherever you go, you will have to wait in line.

Shanghai World Financial Centre

With a height of 492 metres and 101 floors plus three underground floors, it is the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai and one of the tallest in the world.

Huangpu River Cruise

To end the day, we will take a boat ride on the Huangpu River, one of the city’s icons—a great opportunity to, once again, enjoy the views of the Bund and its surroundings.

With a length of 114 kilometres, this river separates Shanghai into two parts, east and west. It flows into the city itself with the Yangtze, and both into the East China Sea.

There are numerous companies offering cruises lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours at reasonable prices.

2. China Express — Day 2: Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple

Initially built in 1882, this is the most important sacred site in Shanghai and is famous for its two beautiful Burmese Jade Buddhas (one seated and one reclining).

Jing’an Temple

Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this Buddhist temple is the oldest in the city. It is also known as the Temple of Peace and Tranquillity.

Located on West Nanjing Road and surrounded by skyscrapers, it has undergone several renovations and has witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties. 

Yu Garden

Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, is a classical Chinese garden in the city centre, in the area known as the Old Town of Shanghai.

Designed between 1559 and 1577 during the Ming Dynasty, it covers over two hectares and features pagodas, pavilions, and ponds.

Huxingting Tea House

Next to Yuyuan Garden, on the edge of a pond, is this beautiful Chinese-style building that houses the Huxinting Tea House.

This place is so elegant that even Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain enjoyed tea here during her visit to Shanghai.

In addition to tea, other Chinese specialities and refreshments can also be tried here.

Shanghai Old Street

Next, we will stroll along this famous street. Historically called ‘Fangbang Middle Road,’ it is lined with buildings that show the city’s architectural evolution from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the 20th century.

It is 825 metres long and has a wide range of entertainment, shopping and cultural exhibitions.

Xintiandi

3. China Express — Day 3: Shanghai / Hangzhou

We began our day early to maximise our final hours in Shanghai before travelling to Hangzhou.

People’s Square (Renmin Square)

Our first stop will be People’s Square (or Renmin Square), a vast garden area on the site of what was once the old Shanghai Hippodrome. Today, it is the city’s most important square and the geographical centre.

It is a vibrant place, full of people who meet there to dance and retirees playing Backgammon in a very charming atmosphere.

Here, you will find some of the most important museums, such as the Shanghai Museum.

Shanghai Museum

Next to People’s Square is the Shanghai Museum, which opened in 1996.

It is one of the most important museums in the country, with a collection of more than 120,000 pieces of treasures from ancient China spanning more than 8,000 years.

It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission is free.

We then went to the station to catch the high-speed train to Hangzhou, which is located approximately 180 km southwest of Shanghai.

HANGZHOU

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the seven ancient capitals of China. In the Middle Ages, it was known as the “Earthly Paradise” because it was one of the most beautiful cities in China.

Today, more than 9 million people live here, and it is famous for its history and beautiful natural landscapes.

The first stop will be the hotel, where we will drop off our bags before starting to explore Hangzhou. Due to the city’s size, we chose a centrally located hotel close to the famous West Lake, which will save us a lot of time on the move.

Hefang Street

This main artery, full of old buildings, tea houses, and craft shops offering typical local products, preserves the city’s historic charm. It is also the perfect place to have a bite to eat.

It was the cultural and commercial centre of Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty (1127-1279), but it has retained its charm.

Hu Qingyu — Museum of Traditional Medicine

On the same street as Hefang, there is the Museum of Traditional Medicine, the only national-level professional museum of Chinese medicine.

The ancient pharmacy was founded in 1874 by Hu Xueyan, a businessman of the Qing Dynasty.

West Lake (Xi Lake)

One of the city’s main tourist attractions is West Lake, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

This historic lake, covering more than 8 square kilometres, has served as an inspiration to Chinese artists for centuries.

It is one of the most calming places I have ever visited. A simple walk around it will envelop you in an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. It is the most photographed place in the city, and for good reason.

There is the possibility of renting bicycles and taking boat trips, day and night, on the lake.

After a stroll along the lake, it’s time to relax in one of the famous tea houses, try Dragon Well Tea (Longjing), one of the ten most famous teas in China, and have a snack.

✳️ Recommendations for the evening:

• Night show on the lake “Impression of West Lake”: This is a musical, light, dance and theatre show, with the participation of hundreds of actors. It is performed entirely on the lake; the stage is a few centimetres under the water, so the actors seem to walk on the surface.

• Musical fountain at West Lake: The musical fountain is 126 metres long and offers two 15-minute shows a day (free of charge). Water and coloured lights accompany the music in a highly recommended performance. The fountain is located opposite the Hyatt Hotel.

4. China Express — Day 4: Hangzhou / Chengdu

Once again, we have to get up early because we have another intense day ahead of us.

Leifeng Pagoda

The first stop will be Leifeng Pagoda, located on Sunset Hill, south of West Lake.

In 2011, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other elements of the West Lake landscape.

Just across West Lake lies the Tomb of General Yue Fei.

This temple, also called Yuewang Temple, was built in 1221 in honour of Yue Fei, a general of the Song Dynasty. The general was unjustly executed for treason and is considered a patriot. He is one of only two generals to have been revered in Chinese history.

Since 1961, it has been a protected national monument, and since 2011 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Feilai Feng (Flying Peak)

At the entrance to the Temple of the Hidden Soul is Feilai Feng, or Flying Peak, famous for its more than 300 stone carvings dating from the 10th to the 14th century.

? Tickets can be purchased at the same time as those for the Lingyin Temple.

Lingyin Temple

About 6 km northwest of the Tomb of General Yue Fei, we find the Lingyin Temple.

Founded in 326 AD, it has been rebuilt 16 times since then and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in southern China. It is a must-see.

The place is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. It’s not very convenient to get there on foot or by bike, so taking a car or bus is the best option.

✳️ Recommendation for food/drinks:

Six Harmonies Pagoda  (Liuhe)

Initially built in 970 during the Song Dynasty, the Six Harmonies Pagoda is one of the most famous in China. It is an octagonal building with 7 floors (although it appears to be 13 from the outside), and it is almost 60 metres high.

At dusk, we headed to the airport to fly to Chengdu.

CHENGDU

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. It has a population of 11 million and is famous for being the home of giant pandas, as well as for its relaxing landscapes and leisurely lifestyle.

5. China Express — Day 5: Chengdu

Leshan Giant Buddha

We left early to go to the Leshan Giant Buddha, about 160 km south of Chengdu.

The idea was to take the high-speed train, but due to a communication error? we ended up at the bus station, which we took as a “sign”. So, we took the bus (although it was more of a van) to get to our destination.

It is a massive stone Buddha statue carved into the rocky cliff of Mount Lingyun between 713 and 803 during the Tang Dynasty. At 71 metres tall, it is the largest Buddha in the world.

It was carved into a cliff in front of the confluence of the Min Jiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers to calm their waters, which caused numerous shipwrecks.

Since 1996, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to the giant Buddha, there is much to see in the park. The entire complex contains numerous temples and beautiful views. Highlights include the Golden Buddha, the Cave Buddha, the Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Reclining Buddha.

Lingyun Temple

Located on Lingyun Mountain, this is one of the main temples in the compound. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and has row upon row of Buddhas.

The Lying Buddha

Looking across the river, there is a giant reclining Buddha with his back to the three rivers.

Mahaoyan Tombs

Mahaoyan Tombs, dating back to the Han Dynasty, are nationally important cultural relics. It is a large tomb with three caves in the hall.

Haishi Cave

Wuyou Mountain

Located next to Lingyun Mountain on the bank of the Minjiang River, the mountain is home to Wuyou Temple, which was founded in the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Chunxi Road

Back in Chengdu, we went for a stroll and dinner on Chunxi Road. This bustling street, the city’s main shopping hub, is home to over 700 shops of all shapes and sizes, spread across more than 1 km. The variety of offerings is sure to excite any shopping enthusiast.

Conveniently, it is where our hotel is located.

6. China Express — Day 6: Chengdu / Xi’an

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

We woke up early once again to visit one of the main highlights of the trip: the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ?, located approximately 10 km northeast of the city centre.

It has a museum where you can learn more about them and a nursery where mothers take care of their babies. You can also see these wonderful animals eating and playing. So adorable!

The pandas are most active in the morning, so I recommend you to visit it early in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat. It opens daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the centre, you can also see other species, such as red pandas and black-necked cranes, among others.

In the afternoon, we will finish visiting other essential places in Chengdu:

Wenshu Yuan Monastery

Wenshu Yuan Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Its tranquil ambience is a soothing balm for the soul, making it a must-visit.

It was founded between 605 and 617 and rebuilt in 1706. The grounds include well-kept gardens, statues, and other cultural relics, several temples, a tea house, and a vegetarian restaurant.

It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission is free.

Tianfu Square

From the monastery, we took the metro to reach Tianfu Square.

Spanning ​​over 88,000 m², Tianfu Square is the busiest area of ​​the city’s business and commercial district, popular with locals and tourists alike.

Important government buildings and shopping malls, some of them underground.

Renmin Park (People’s Park)

We continue towards Renmin Park, also called People’s Park, which is located next to Tianfu Square. It is the largest green area in the city, with an extension of ​​11.5 ha.

Built in 1911, it has a picturesque bonsai garden, a playground, a tea house and a historical monument, all situated around a lake.

It is also a meeting place for local people, where they meet to dance, sing, or practise martial arts, among many other activities.

✳️ Recommendation to eat:

??Be cautious with the spiciness! I enjoy spicy food, so I requested it to be spicy, but the level of spiciness was extreme. It got to a point where I had to stop eating because I started to feel a burning sensation in my stomach. I have never eaten anything so spicy before.

From there, we headed to the airport to take a flight to Xi’an.

XI’AN

Xi’an is the ancient capital of China, founded by the Quin Dynasty 3,000 years ago. It is the only walled capital and the starting point of the famous “Silk Road.”

Formerly known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace), it now has a population of 8.4 million.

7. China Express — Day 7: Xi’an

Terracotta Warriors — Mausoleum of the Emperor Qin (Bingmayong)

Today, we are visiting the magnificent Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin in Xi’an, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, dating back more than 2,000 years.

This underground terracotta army was built in life-size by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC to be his guardian during his afterlife. It was discovered, by accident, by some farmers in 1974.

The enclosure is made up of 3 pavilions: 

• The 1st pit has more than 6,000 soldiers and knights.

• The 2nd pit contains 1,430 pieces, including chariots, horse riders with their mounts, archers, and soldiers.

• The 3rd pit is where the sculptures representing the army’s General Staff are located.

I recommend leaving the most spectacular ones for last and going from less to more (pit 2 — pit 3 — pit 1). Also, it is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as it is a trendy place.

1.5 km to the west is the actual tomb of Qin Shi Huang, which is included in the entrance fee and can be reached by the free museum bus. 

However, keep in mind that not everything is excavated yet, and some excavations are not open to the public.

Here is the link to the site map:

Back in Xi’an, we will visit:

Drum Tower

Constructed in 1380, it got its name from the large drum located in the centre, which was played at dusk. It is one of the most significant landmarks in Xi’an.

It has 24 drums around it, representing the 24 solar systems used in ancient China to predict climate changes

? You can buy a combined ticket to see the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower.

Xi’an Museum

Located next to the Drum Tower, it opened in 2007 and has a total area of ​​160,000 m². Its architecture reflects the traditional Chinese concept of the universe, making it one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

The museum is a three-story building with a basement floor that displays relics depicting the history of Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. The first floor contains lifelike Buddhist statues and a virtual imaging system, while the second floor displays jade items, seals, paintings, and calligraphy.

? Admission is free, although there are often long queues, like everywhere in this country!

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Located south of the city walls, it has great religious and historical significance.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Fountain Square

Located just behind the Big Goose Pagoda, it is notable for being square instead of round. There is a highly recommended music and light show every day, every 20 minutes.

8. China Express — Day 8: Xi’an / Beijing

Xi’an Wall

We’ll start the day by walking along the Xi’an Wall. At almost 14 km long, it is one of the oldest in China and the only ancient wall that remains intact within a city.

It was built between 1374 and 1378, during the Ming Dynasty, to protect the city. It has a gate at each of the cardinal points and a 6-metre-deep moat.

You can rent bicycles by entering through the main gate (south). Don’t miss it at night because, with the lighting, it is even more spectacular. It is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower is located near the south gate of the city wall and dates back to 1300 when it was relocated to the city centre. It was built in 1384 and has an area of ​​1,377 m² and a height of 36 m. 

The original giant bell, “JingYun,” is currently on display in Dongting. The replica, measuring 2.45 metres in height and weighing 6.5 tonnes, is hanging in the northwest corner.

Xi’an Muslim Quarter

The central Muslim Quarter is located within the walls of Xi’an, north of the Drum Tower.

It is made up of many narrow streets that will make you think you are in a bazaar in Morocco or Istanbul. The most famous street is the pedestrian Beiyuanmen, which begins at the Beiyuan Gate.

Full of shops, food stalls and small mosques, it is in the afternoon or evening when it is most lively. Don’t miss it.

Great Mosque of Xi’an

The Great Mosque, with its 12,000 m², is one of the largest in China and is located in the Muslim quarter.

It was built in 742, during the Ming Dynasty, in the Chinese architectural style, which is very different from that of Arab or Middle Eastern countries.

Next, we will take the bullet train to Beijing.

BEIJING

It is the political, economic and cultural capital of the People’s Republic of China.

Beijing’s history dates back more than 3,000 years. It became the capital of China during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) under Kublai Khan. Later, the Ming and Qing dynasties developed it further and built the Forbidden City.

Today, more than 22 million people live there.

9. China Express — Day 9: Beijing

Great Wall of China

Today, we will start the day with a highlight: the Great Wall of China.

Construction of this ancient Chinese fortification began in the 7th century BC. However, the most famous sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Stretching over 21,000 kilometres, it served as a military defence, line of communication, and border control. The wall symbolises Chinese strength and ingenuity, evolving from earthen constructions to stone and brick ones. Despite its enormous scale, it was eventually breached by invaders such as the Mongols.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and it’s a global symbol of China’s historical resilience.

Several areas can be visited:

• Simataia: This is the most challenging area to walk. You must be physically well-prepared to walk along this part of the wall.
• Badaling y Juyongguan: These are the closest to Beijing, but they are usually very crowded, which can ruin the experience.
• Mutianyu: This is a quiet area with no crowds. You can go up by chairlift (cableway) or cable car. The section is much more authentic than Badaling, although it is located a bit further from Beijing.

⚠️ This was the section I chose, and it was a great choice. However, it is advisable to bring cash because the cable car does not accept cards. 

The views from up there are so stunning that all your problems fade away. It was a unique experience that simultaneously filled me with disbelief and amazement. Wow!

Ming Tombs

On our way back to Beijing, we stopped to visit the Ming Tombs (14th—17th centuries). They consist of 13 mausoleums of emperors of that dynasty.

This sprawling necropolis, spanning over 40 km², is a testament to the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.

It is a place with a lot of culture and history and, although I found it an interesting visit, I would not consider it essential.

Wangfujing Night Market

Back in Beijing, we visited the Wangfujing Night Market, which is located on one of the city’s main commercial arteries.

It is a vibrant place that stands out for its “peculiar” snacks, such as scorpions, cockroaches, spiders, etc. Dare you try them? These products are not common in their diet, but they have become a great tourist attraction.

10. China Express — Day 10: Beijing

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, also known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace Square, was constructed in 1949 along the south-north axis of the Forbidden City in the heart of the Chinese capital.

With its vast expanse of ​​440,000 m² (880 m × 500 m), Tiananmen Square stands as one of the largest and most important squares in the world, a testament to the grandeur of Chinese architecture and urban planning.

In the centre of the square is the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the communist leader and founder of the People’s Republic of China. Entry is free, but you will need a passport.

In the centre of the square, there is also a 38-metre-high obelisk, a monument to the People’s Heroes, which contains the names of the most prominent Chinese communist leaders.

Outside China, this square is best known for the 1989 Protests. The pro-democracy movement ended in June of that year with the death of hundreds of protesters (Tiananmen Massacre) and the declaration of martial law in Beijing.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing is the largest and best-preserved imperial city in China.

It served as the official residence for the emperors of China and their court from 1420, during the Ming Dynasty, to 1912, at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It was only accessible to the emperors, their court, and those who had permission from the emperor, hence its name, “Forbidden City.”

It”has been a World Heritage Site for UNESCO since 1987. 

It is the most popular destination for Chinese tourists in the city, so you can imagine how crowded it gets. Therefore, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.

• All the pavilions have traditional Chinese lions guarding the entrance.

• All the imperial doors are decorated with 81 studs (9×9).

• The corners of the roofs have guardians who must protect the building in case of fire.

Jingshan Park or Coal Hill

Jingshan Park, also known as Coal Hill or, more popularly, Feng Shui Hill, is located just in front of the northern exit of the Forbidden City. From its top, you can get the best panoramic view of the complex.

This artificial hill was exclusively for imperial use until it opened its doors to the public in 1928.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace and its imperial gardens are approximately 20 kilometres northwest of the Forbidden City and cover an area of around 300 hectares.

It was originally built by the Qianlong Emperor in 1790. In 1860, it was practically destroyed during the Opium War.

Today, it is an extensive garden on the shores of Kunming Lake (an artificial lake). Most of the palace’s buildings (residences, theatres, pagodas, gates, docks, etc.) are located between Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Temple of Heaven

In the afternoon, we visited the Temple of Heaven, or Tian Tan, a masterpiece of great architectural beauty. The emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for good harvests.

It was built between 1406 and 1420 and covers an area of ​​273 hectares. In addition to being the most famous temple in Beijing, it is one of the largest sacred sites in China.

It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

The most notable elements of the complex are:

Silk Market

We will end the day by visiting the Silk Market, about 8 km east of Tiananmen Square.

The truth is that it was disappointing. It is a five-story shopping centre with more than 1,700 small stalls selling all kinds of imitations, where you have to haggle a lot.

If you are looking for quality souvenirs, this is NOT the place.
I did not have the opportunity to go, but I was told that the Panjiayuan antique market, which is frequented mainly by locals, is much better.

And that’s it for China Express. There is undoubtedly much more to see in the country, but we gained a very clear idea of ​​it and made unforgettable memories.

Goodbye, China.

Other things to do in China

If you have extra time to explore this stunning country, I suggest including:

• The Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve is where the Tianzi Mountains are located. They are famous for being the setting for the film Avatar.

• Guilin and Yangshuo.Known for their mountainous landscapes, rice fields and small villages along the Li River.

• Hong Kong. I left the visit to Hong Kong for a separate trip.

I hope you enjoyed this express 10-day itinerary around China.

Additional Information

? If you prefer to see them separated by continents, check them in Portfolios.

Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:

• Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
• Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
• City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.

If you need any clarification, you can fill out the contact form. I will be happy to help you ?

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