China Unveiled: What to See, Do, and Know Before You Go
No place I’ve visited has struck me as fascinating and otherworldly as China. The stunning architecture felt in sync with nature, as traditional buildings and skyscrapers testifying high levels of advancement resided next to bright green trees and reflective rivers. The kindness and open-minded attitudes of the locals inspired me, as they spoke proudly of the cultural and geographical diversity they wanted tourists to discover. I marvelled at stunning views of beautiful and advanced historical sites and metropolises alike, which reflected creativity and cultural richness.
The aromas and diverse scents drifting through food courts overwhelmed my senses. However, these experiences and perceptions of China are rarely conveyed in news headlines, which, according to the BBC, is likely why foreigners are entering China at 30 percent of the 2019 levels. However, don’t let that be a deterrent. With its unparalleled efficiency, innovative infrastructure, fascinating historical sites, and warm-hearted people, China deserves a spot at the top of the travel bucket list.
Purpose – Why Visit China?
• Unmatched Travel Efficiency: China’s advancements in innovation became clear the moment I exited the plane at Beijing Daxing airport. As one of the world’s largest airports, Beijing Daxing is designed to hold over 100 million passengers a year and is remarkably environmentally friendly with multiple energy-saving features like 100 percent rainwater collection, a solar farm and clean energy vehicles.
China is the third biggest country in the world with 23 provinces, five autonomous regions and vast geographic diversity. Under ordinary circumstances, this would make travel feel daunting. However, due to the exceptionally advanced toll and train systems between cities, travellers can efficiently visit their desired destinations. After a simple and quick boarding process the high-speed rail raced along at around 180 km per hour covering the 1,155.1 km from Beijing to Wuhan. Likewise, in Shanghai, the quick and expansive metro line made the large city feel much more accessible.
• Safety: Although I was warned ahead of time of an extensive network of cops and security cameras, as a tourist, this felt much more comforting than unsettling. Streets were orderly, and issues like homelessness and drug-related crises, prevalent in many North American cities, were notably absent. This created a sense of calm and safety, allowing me to enjoy the sights without worry.
• Regional Diversity: China possesses some of the greatest landscapes in the world and incredible national parks. It expands 5,000 kilometers from east to west, one-third of which is mountains. China also is home to the third largest river, which is one of thousands throughout the country. Although China is known for its panda population, that does not even scratch the surface of the more than 3,800 species of animals and plants.
For those who are not outdoors lovers, there are plenty of historical sites. The first Chinese dynasty began in 221 B.C., and the 12 that followed contributed to China’s remarkable centuries-long advancement in the arts and technology. From the Great Wall to the Silk Road to paper and books from the first century, China possesses marvel after marvel. With over 56 official ethnic groups, each province has an immense variety of cuisine and history. Without a doubt, there is something for everyone.
Places – What To See?
Considering I only had a week in China, there were many destinations I unfortunately missed. However, these were the highlights:
Beijing: China is one of the oldest and most historically rich cities to visit. This is no more apparent than at the Forbidden City. I was taken aback by the extent of its size, which is three times larger than the Louvre in France. With its grandiose design and masterful architecture, it was clearly fit for the 24 emperors it served.
In contrast to the centre of the Forbidden City, the rear courtyard boasts a museum of unique trees and beautiful traditional architecture. Honourable mentions are obviously The Great Wall and The Temple of Heaven.
Wuhan: Wuhan is known for the famous historical site of the Yellow Crane Tower, which was constructed between 182 – 252 A.D. Over time the site has transformed from a military watchtower to a tourist site overlooking a highly developed city landscape. The architecture encompassed different styles of multiple Chinese dynasties, including a massive porcelain picture and poems. With a 360 view of the city, I could’ve stayed there all afternoon soaking in the tall buildings with their reflections in the water.
Shanghai: No spot is better in Shanghai to soak in the intercultural past and incomprehensible development than the Bund. Although Shanghai was never colonized, the Bund was a zone for foreign powers like the British with autonomy from the Chinese government. Built in the 19th century during the Opium Wars, the Bund was abound with trading houses which produced a variety of architectural styles from French classical, Chinese, gothic and modern. These classic structures house many shops and restaurants along Nanjing Road, which lead the way to the massive skyscrapers alight with projections on the other side of the river. The standout building is the Pearl Tower, the tallest TV and radio tower in China, which attracts tourists from all over the country to soak in its 360-degree views of the city. The Site of the First Congress of the Communist Party makes for a fascinating walk through the Chinese perspective on their history. Xintiandi shopping area located outside the museum was a pleasant surprise with trees canopying over the street alongside Old Shanghai-style buildings with a modern twist, creating the perfect shopping experience.
Preparation – What You Should Know
As this was my first time exploring China, here are my top three recommendations for first-time travellers to China.
Purchase an e-sim: One of my biggest mistakes was not purchasing an e-sim beforehand. The majority of shops and restaurants require payment with WeChat or AliPay. Both apps waive three percent of the international credit card transaction fees for transactions under 200 RMB, which makes them a more convenient option than cash in the cities. However, it did not occur to me that with each purchase I made, my credit card would want to send me a verification code. Due to my lack of an e-sim, I had no way to verify my card and pay. Luckily, I had generous friends who paid for me, but it would have been far more responsible for me to purchase an e-sim as a precaution. I also regretted my lack of an e-sim while shopping in Shanghai. Many of the store owners did not speak English, and Google Translate would’ve been very helpful.
For a step-by-step guide on how to pay using We Chat and AliPay, click the hyperlinks.
Research food beforehand: Chinese cuisine dates back thousands of years and has incredible range. However, there are eight main streams of cuisine that are widely recognized: Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Szechuan and Zhejiang. Each one has key differences. For example, Cantonese food is known for its seafood, while Szechuan is renowned for its fragrant and bold flavours. Unfortunately, I didn’t research ahead of time, leaving me overwhelmed by the variety in Shanghai’s food courts. Language barriers further complicated my experience, and I ended up sticking to familiar dishes like beef noodle soup and xiaolongbao. Both were delicious, but in retrospect, I wish I had been more informed.
Be prepared for language barriers: It’s important to note that English is not spoken widely in China. Out of respect for locals, it is always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases beforehand with apps like Duolingo. As mentioned, Google Translate will also be an asset to better communicate with hotel staff and shop owners alike.
China is a land of extraordinary contrasts—where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with impressive technological developments, and every region offers something unique to discover. From its awe-inspiring historical sites and breathtaking landscapes to its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine, it’s a destination that has something for every traveller. Experiencing the true essence of China away from news headlines creates memories that captivate and broaden visitors’ perspectives. This is the very purpose of travel, and China fulfils it perfectly.
For an insider’s look at our unforgettable journey through China, don’t miss the stories, photos, and videos on our Instagram and TikTok. Follow along for travel tips, hidden gems, and breathtaking moments you won’t want to miss!
All photos by Analise Saavedra, except for the Yellow Crane Tower image (Wuhan), courtesy of iStock.
