Introduction

China has 26 provinces with their own distinctive dialects and regional differences. A total of 23 sites in China were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Routes are usually planned to best practical point of CITS (see Addresses), which also provide tour guides. The CITS guides are very helpful. Even for individuals traveling in China is becoming easier. Information from the tourist offices (see addresses).

7-day: (a) (Beijing), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Guilin. (B) (Beijing), Shanghai, Hangzhou. (C) (Beijing) Chengde, Xian (Beijing).


Peking (Beijing) and the North East

Peking (Beijing) is designed to be symmetrical and consists of three interlocking set of rectangles.

The innermost rectangle is the Forbidden City, formerly the residence of the Ming and Qing emperors and now a park and museum. In the central square there are parking facilities and the residences of high government officials. In the outer suburbs are the rectangle, the markets and old residential quarters. One of the most impressive sights is the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City: An architectural masterpiece with sumptuous rooms, six main palaces, numerous outbuildings and gardens.

Mei Shan (Coal Hill) is a high altitude park with breathtaking views. Beihai Park is one of the most beautiful parks of Beijing. The Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Square) is the largest public square in the world, he is of museums, parks and surrounded the university.

The Temple of Heaven is an outstanding example of Chinese architecture of the 15th Century.

The famous Summer Palace, the summer residence of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, also known as Garden Museum, with its beautiful gardens just 20 km away from Beijing on Kunmingsee.

An impressive part of the Great Wall is also easily accessible from the capital: in the near Badaling, you can get an impression of this 5400 km long building made of granite and brick, the 2600 years old and is one of the seven wonders of the world.

In the Ming Tombs are 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was buried. Two graves have been uncovered, one of which is open to visitors.

Pingyao, or “Turtle Town” in Shanxi province southwest of Beijing is an ancient city with ramparts, whose historic buildings are remarkably well preserved.

The Cave of Peking Man at Zhoukoudian village at the foot of the mountain Longgu, 42 km southwest of Beijing, has remains of a prehistoric culture, the fire and stone tools already began 690,000 years BC.

Beidaihe, a small seaside town on the coast and 277 km from Beijing, with its beaches, temples and parks, is a popular holiday destination for Beijingers. Worth seeing are the Yansai Lake and the mighty Shan Hai Guan Gate at the beginning of the Great Wall.

Chengde is a mountain resort, which was popular among the Qing emperors. There are many temples and parks. Even the ruins of the summer palace of the Qing emperors are worth seeing. The former imperial garden of the palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape gardening art.

The eight outer temples located in the hills northeast of the palace are examples of the architectural styles of the different ethnic groups (Han, Mongolian and Tibetan). The over 22 m high Buddha statue in the temple of the Common Peace is the largest wood sculpture in the world.

Dalian is China’s third largest port city. The city was formerly occupied by the Soviet Union and therefore has an interesting cultural mix. Harbour cruises and excursions into the residential areas to the parklands, the Xinghai and Tiger Beach Park, and the south coast beaches are available.


Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province, has Russian character. This industry is concentrated in the Northeast. There are some parks and war memorials. The famous Ice Sculpture Festival is held every January.

Hohhot, meaning the green city in Mongolian, is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia and probably the most colorful city in China. There are organized rodeos under Mongolian oriental domes, also exploring the grassy plains with horsemanship demonstrations and to the villages, inhabited by these tribes.

Shenyang, once the imperial capital, is today a major industrial city. The ruins of the Imperial Palace and two interesting tombs are ideal for a tour.

The northern provinces

Lanzhou is an oasis on the ancient Silk Road. The picturesque town has largely preserved its charm. You can take boat trips on the Yellow River to the Buddhist caves Bilingisi.

Dunhuang is a 2000 year old town on the edge of the desert, once an important caravansary on the Silk Road. The oldest Buddhist shrines in China are located in the Magao caves. The antique hand-carved shrines are a national treasure and reflect thousand years of devotion to Buddha resist (4th-14th centuries).

Turpan and Urumqi, exotic small towns lie in the far northwest of the country on the edge of the great desert of Xinjiang (Takla-Makan). This largely Muslim cities are not only different from her Chinese city than most cities. Are also different style of dress of the inhabitants, their way of life and the free markets that operate outside the state planned economy. With the fascinating history you can become familiar in the museums in both cities.

Tibet (Xizang)

Tibet, known as the Roof of the World, is only open to visitors since 1980. The easiest way is to visit Tibet as a participant in an organized trip. Who still prefers individual travel or want more flexibility to participate at certain times in a FIT Program (Foreign Individual Tourists), a shorter and more relaxed program. More information on the website of Tibet Tourism Bureau / Shanghai Office

(Website: www.tibet-tour.com/tourindex/tourist/fit.htm).

Lhasa is located at an altitude of 3700 m. The name means city of the sun, although there six months a year is extremely cold. Prior to Lhasa in the 7th Century was the capital of Tibet, had the Shannan area had a history of 800 years. It was the seat of 32 Tibetan kings. The isolated location of Tibet, the extraordinary, from time immemorial, traditional lifestyle and religious practices are the main attractions of the country. The most famous landmark of Tibet, the Potala, the former palace of the Dalai Lama. The building of the 17th Century is now a unique museum in the world: in it there is an underground maze of dungeons and torture chambers, large jeweled Buddha, magnificent treasures and 10,000 chapels with wall decorations of skulls and bones. Other interesting buildings are the Drepung Monastery and the Jokhang temple with a golden Buddha. The altitude is very difficult for some travelers. Note: It is advisable to ask for permission before you photograph in Buddhist temples.

The central provinces

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and an important agricultural center. Local attractions include the shrines of the Tang Dynasty, ancient parks and bamboo forests, Buddhist temple and an ancient Buddhist monastery. Chengdu is the starting point for excursions to Mount Emei and the sacred mountains and Gongga Siguniang.

Wuhan is an industrial city on the Yangtze, but even here there are Buddhist temples, inviting parks and lakes.

Xi’an was once one of the largest cities in the world. It was the capital of 11 dynasties. Besides Beijing, she is the biggest tourist attraction in China. The most famous sight is the city of Qin Shi Huangdi-tomb with its terracotta army of over 6,000 life-size terracotta soldiers and their horses. They were buried with Emperor Qin, who unified China. There are also numerous tombs, bell towers, pagodas, pavilions and museums, including an archaeological museum with finds from the Neolithic Banpo town (now Xian) to be admired. Xian was once the starting point of the Silk Road.

Near the industrial city of Zhengzhou, the hub of the region are the cities of Luoyang and Kaifeng, former capital cities of ancient dynasties, and therefore historically interesting. In the vicinity of Luoyang, Longmen Caves are located (Dragon Caves). Here are over 1300 caves with over 2100 caves and niches, several pagodas, innumerable inscriptions, about 100,000 Buddhist statues and pictures and a Buddha shrine dating from the 5th Century.

The eastern provinces

Fuzhou in the southeast coast is a charming town on the banks of the River Min Its history can be traced back at least to the Tang Dynasty 2,000 years ago. Numerous parks, temples, and numerous hot springs enliven the cityscape.

Hangzhou, about 190 km south of Shanghai, is one of the seven ancient Chinese capitals. Marco Polo has been described as the most beautiful and greatest city in the world and one of the two largest ports in the world. Today, Hangzhou is a prosperous industrial and agricultural center, but still appreciated by visitors for its beauty. The silk factories, and the zoo are worth seeing. Probably the most interesting excursion is to the west of the lake area of ​​the city in which one converts between weeping willows and peach trees, beautifully curved bridges, rock gardens and colorful pagodas. Here we encounter the Pagoda of Six Harmonies and tombs and sacred hills, monasteries and temples, such as the Linying Temple.

Nanjing, another former Chinese capital, is located in beautiful countryside on the banks of the Yangtze and at the foot of the Zijinshan (Purple Mountain). Among the biggest attractions is the grave of the Ming emperor. Here lies buried Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty and the only Ming emperor, who was buried outside Beijing. Remains of the wall from this period are still visible. The mausoleum of China’s first president, Dr Sun Yat-sen, is also here. The Yangtze River Bridge with its observation deck is worth seeing, as well as the Purple Mountain Observatory in the southern or the tombs of the Tang Dynasty, known as the Underground Palace.

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world. The city at the mouth of the Yangtze River is China’s leading industrial, commercial and shopping center. There is also an interesting old town, bustling port facilities, beautiful gardens and parks, museums, palaces, pagodas and temples to be admired. The small-Yu Yuan Garden is over 400 years old and has been with many lovely details, pavilions, rock gardens and lakes, according to the plans of ancient horticultural art created. In the garden is entered through the bazaar of the temple city of God. One of the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai is the Temple of the Jade Buddha, a replica of a palace from the Song Dynasty, with a 2 m high statue made of white jade adorned with precious stones. Other attractions include the Museum of art and history with exhibits from all dynasties, and the carpet factory, buy in to carpets and ship may be, the Jadewerkstatt and the Children’s Palace, which once belonged to a wealthy businessman and today the town’s children is available. River cruises on the Huangpu River are ideal to learn to Shanghai from the water.

Suzhou is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country, its founding 2500 years ago. Here visitors expect beautifully landscaped gardens and silk factories. Over 400 historical sites and facilities are protected, including base includes such well-sounding names like the gentle waves pavilion, the Humble Administrator Garden and the beautiful garden to relax. The Great Canal and Tiger Hill are also worth visiting.

Wuxi, not far from Suzhou, is an industrial city and at the same resort on the north shore of Tai Lake. Main attractions are the gardens, parks and sanatoriums on the lakeshore, as well as the Hui-Shan Tonfigurenfabrik. Wuxi is almost completely surrounded by the Yangtze River. A number of boat trips are offered.

Jinan is known as the City of sources. There are also Buddhist relics, parks and lakes. The square pagoda of the four gates, south east of Jinan, the oldest stone pagoda of China (6th century).

Qingdao is one of the most popular resorts on the coast and also home to the famous Tsingtao Brewery, the remains of German colonization. In the Qingdao Aquarium rare fish species can be seen.

The southern provinces

Changsha, located near Shaoshan is primarily a city of culture and education. In Shaoshan, there is interest from Mao’s youth.

Guangzhou (Canton) is a subtropical city on the south coast and an important trade center in the country. Points of interest include parks, museums and temples. Excursions to the nearby mountains are on offer. There are hot springs. The view is magnificent.

The magical landscape of Guilin is represented in numerous paintings and tapestries: steep rocky hill rising from the plain pompous. All around small rivers meander between the rice fields.

Kunming is a modern city with a few scattered temples and beautiful parks by the lake. The city has a pleasant climate all year round. Walks on a bit south of Lake Dian worthwhile. On its western side there is the holy mountain of Shan Xi. Further outside the city in the Petrified Forest is located in Shilin, a popular destination for locals. 80 km east of the Stone Forest is a karst cave group, the caves of aluminum. In the numerous caves stalagmites, stone flowers, stone curtains and other bizarre stalactites can be seen.

The 35,000 sq km tropical island of Hainan is located in the South China Sea and is touted as Hawaii tomorrow. In the capital, Haikou, there are countless high-rise buildings. Shopping Center in the International Finance feels like any other big city. Here noblest fashion and accessories are available. The historic China in Haikou can find only in the old town. At the southern tip of the island is an international airport. The island town in the south of Sanya is now a famous tourist destination. Here there are beautiful beaches, palm trees and crystal clear water.