Top 10 Chinese Tourist Cities in Foreigners' Eyes
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Transtlate Ranking as the world's fourth largest destination for inbound tourism, China is a hot destination for people all over the world who want to experience its vast and varied territories, long history, multi-ethnic culture and world renowned food. The ten destinations listed below reflect all of these excellent characteristics and why so many foreigners' eyes are drawn towards China.
Luoyang- 洛阳
Ranking as the world's fourth largest destination for inbound tourism, China is a hot destination for people all over the world who want to experience its vast and varied territories, long history, multi-ethnic culture and world renowned food. The ten destinations listed below reflect all of these excellent characteristics and why so many foreigners' eyes are drawn towards China.
Luoyang, located along the southern banks of the middle reaches of the Yellow River, is one of the seven ancient capitals of China over a stretch of about 1,600 years.
Luoyang, located along the southern banks of the middle reaches of the Yellow River, is one of the seven ancient capitals of China over a stretch of about 1,600 years. Considered a microcosm of ancient Chinese history, Luoyang is one of the cradles of the Chinese civilization.
Luoyang is home to many historically interesting points due to its long history. For example, the Longmen Caves, about eight miles south of Luoyang on the Yi River, were a work in progress over the span of seven dynasties. During that period, more than 1,300 caves were created to host 40 small pagodas and 100,000 Buddha statues that range in size from just a mere inch to a towering 57 feet.
If you're interested in Kungfu, you can visit the Shaolin Temple. Located about twenty kilometers west of Luoyang with a history of 1,900 years, this temple was the first Buddhist monastery ever built in China and it is still inhabited by monks.
In addition to many places of interest, Luoyang takes pride in its peonies. Every April, the city's Peony Show attracts numerous visitors from home and abroad. Luoyang is also famous for its three-colored glazed pottery, bronze ware, and palace lanterns.
Weihai-威海
Weihai is a coastal city with beautiful scenery and mild climate, holding extraordinary allure for millions of visitors.
Located in eastern Shandong Province, Weihai is a coastal city with beautiful scenery and mild climate, holding extraordinary allure for millions of visitors. Because it lies in the transition zone between a humid subtropical and humid continental climate, Weihai has mild weather with an average temperature between 16-26 degrees Centigrade. Weihai is a commercial port and major fishing center with some light industries. Weihai won the honor of "Top 50 Cities in Aggregate Economic Strength" as well as UN Habitat Prize in 2003.
Weihai has abundant tourism resources, featuring gentle slopes, broad valleys, appealing seashores, historical cultural relics, gardens and distinct local customs.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, Weihai has various festivals that showcase traditional local culture such as the Rongcheng International Fisherman Festival that displays fishing culture.
Located in eastern Shandong Province, Weihai is a coastal city with beautiful scenery and mild climate, holding extraordinary allure for millions of visitors. Because it lies in the transition zone between a humid subtropical and humid continental climate, Weihai has mild weather with an average temperature between 16-26 degrees Centigrade. Weihai is a commercial port and major fishing center with some light industries. Weihai won the honor of "Top 50 Cities in Aggregate Economic Strength" as well as UN Habitat Prize in 2003.
Weihai has abundant tourism resources, featuring gentle slopes, broad valleys, appealing seashores, historical cultural relics, gardens and distinct local customs.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, Weihai has various festivals that showcase traditional local culture such as the Rongcheng International Fisherman Festival that displays fishing culture.
Zhuhai-珠海
Zhuhai has been awarded various titles, such as 'Top Tourist City of China,' 'State Environmental Protection Model City,' and 'State-level Ecology Demonstration Zone,' all of which testify to its unique beauty.
Zhuhai is located in the southwestern part of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province, with Hong Kong to the east, Macau to the south, Xinhui and Taishan to the west and Zhongshan to the north.
Zhuhai has been awarded various titles, such as 'Top Tourist City of China,' 'State Environmental Protection Model City,' and 'State-level Ecology Demonstration Zone,' all of which testify to its unique beauty.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the city enjoys adequate sunshine and rainfall. The annual average temperature is a comfortable 72.
If you want to see some spectacular architecture in Zhuhai, New Yuanmingyuan Garden is a must-see scenic spot. Built based on the original Yuanmingyuan Garden in Beijing, the New Yuanmingyuan Garden in Zhuhai is an imitation and contains eighteen of the original forty sights found in Beijing. Chinese-style palaces, buildings and pavilions demonstrate the imperial architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the layout of classical gardens in southern China, while the Western style architecture in the west section of the garden draws from classic European styles. It is a good place for any architectural enthusiasts.
There are a lot of fun places in Zhuhai. Avid motor-racing fans already know Zhuhai as the host of the only international circuit in China. High speeds on the streets are met with aerospace advances as Zhuhai plays host to the biannual International Aerospace Expo, the grandest expo of its kind in China.
Zhuhai is located in the southwestern part of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province, with Hong Kong to the east, Macau to the south, Xinhui and Taishan to the west and Zhongshan to the north.
Zhuhai has been awarded various titles, such as 'Top Tourist City of China,' 'State Environmental Protection Model City,' and 'State-level Ecology Demonstration Zone,' all of which testify to its unique beauty.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the city enjoys adequate sunshine and rainfall. The annual average temperature is a comfortable 72.
If you want to see some spectacular architecture in Zhuhai, New Yuanmingyuan Garden is a must-see scenic spot. Built based on the original Yuanmingyuan Garden in Beijing, the New Yuanmingyuan Garden in Zhuhai is an imitation and contains eighteen of the original forty sights found in Beijing. Chinese-style palaces, buildings and pavilions demonstrate the imperial architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the layout of classical gardens in southern China, while the Western style architecture in the west section of the garden draws from classic European styles. It is a good place for any architectural enthusiasts.
There are a lot of fun places in Zhuhai. Avid motor-racing fans already know Zhuhai as the host of the only international circuit in China. High speeds on the streets are met with aerospace advances as Zhuhai plays host to the biannual International Aerospace Expo, the grandest expo of its kind in China.
Xi'an-西安
Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, is one of the oldest cities in China. Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the world because it has been the capital of many dynasties in Chinese history.
Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, is one of the oldest cities in China. Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the world because it has been the capital of many dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties.
Currently, Xi'an is not only famous for its long history, but also for its high-tech industries. It is the production base of China's aviation industry.
For its long history, Xi'an has a laudatory title of "natural History Museum". Xi'an has 314 historical and cultural relics, among which, 84 relics are of national and provincial-level. The most famous of all is the Terracotta Army, which is renowned as the "The Eighth Wonder of the World". The Xi'an City Wall is the oldest and most well-preserved example of city wall structures in the world. The Xi'an Beilin Museum, part of the first set of the nationally important historical sites to be given special protection by the State Council, hosts over 3,000 steles and stone sculptures.
Xi'an is also the ideal place to have fun. Tang Paradise, the largest theme park in northwest China, claims to be China's first large-scale royal garden that fully displays the styles and features during the Tang Dynasty. Additionally, Xi’an is home to many bars and clubs for your entertainment.
Xi'an's food is another highlight. The city has various kinds of delicacies, such as Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, Dumpling Feast and other Hui ethnic group dishes. Among them, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup is the most famous and offers delectable scents and a satisfying meal.
Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, is one of the oldest cities in China. Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the world because it has been the capital of many dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties.
Currently, Xi'an is not only famous for its long history, but also for its high-tech industries. It is the production base of China's aviation industry.
For its long history, Xi'an has a laudatory title of "natural History Museum". Xi'an has 314 historical and cultural relics, among which, 84 relics are of national and provincial-level. The most famous of all is the Terracotta Army, which is renowned as the "The Eighth Wonder of the World". The Xi'an City Wall is the oldest and most well-preserved example of city wall structures in the world. The Xi'an Beilin Museum, part of the first set of the nationally important historical sites to be given special protection by the State Council, hosts over 3,000 steles and stone sculptures.
Xi'an is also the ideal place to have fun. Tang Paradise, the largest theme park in northwest China, claims to be China's first large-scale royal garden that fully displays the styles and features during the Tang Dynasty. Additionally, Xi’an is home to many bars and clubs for your entertainment.
Xi'an's food is another highlight. The city has various kinds of delicacies, such as Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup, Dumpling Feast and other Hui ethnic group dishes. Among them, Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup is the most famous and offers delectable scents and a satisfying meal.
Lhasa-拉萨
Lhasa is a city that rightly captures the imagination of the world, not just for its remoteness and exceedingly high altitude, but also for its impressive heritage that spans over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.
Lhasa is a city that rightly captures the imagination of the world, not just for its remoteness and exceedingly high altitude (3,650 meters), but also for its impressive heritage that spans over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.
Differing from elsewhere in Tibet, Lhasa is unique and has an allure of its own. In Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the "Land of the Gods." It is the heart of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of Tibet. Non-Chinese nationals are required to obtain a special permit before visiting Tibet.
Generally the best time to visit the city is between March and October. Since Lhasa is situated at such a high altitude, visitors need careful preparations before hitting the road. Taking the train, the highest railway system in the world, is a fabulous option which allows you to view amazing mountain views and adjust for altitude sickness.
Lhasa has plenty of attractions but here are some of the must-go highlights; the Potala Palace, Jokhong Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Temple and Norbulinka Palace. Lhasa's original look and old lifestyle are largely kept intact at Barhkor Street in Old Lhasa, where pilgrims walk around Jokhang Temple while turning prayer wheels in their hands. Here you can also enjoy bargaining with local Tibetan vendors for the handicrafts which are rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
Lhasa is a city that rightly captures the imagination of the world, not just for its remoteness and exceedingly high altitude (3,650 meters), but also for its impressive heritage that spans over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.
Differing from elsewhere in Tibet, Lhasa is unique and has an allure of its own. In Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the "Land of the Gods." It is the heart of Tibet's politics, economy and culture. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of Tibet. Non-Chinese nationals are required to obtain a special permit before visiting Tibet.
Generally the best time to visit the city is between March and October. Since Lhasa is situated at such a high altitude, visitors need careful preparations before hitting the road. Taking the train, the highest railway system in the world, is a fabulous option which allows you to view amazing mountain views and adjust for altitude sickness.
Lhasa has plenty of attractions but here are some of the must-go highlights; the Potala Palace, Jokhong Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Temple and Norbulinka Palace. Lhasa's original look and old lifestyle are largely kept intact at Barhkor Street in Old Lhasa, where pilgrims walk around Jokhang Temple while turning prayer wheels in their hands. Here you can also enjoy bargaining with local Tibetan vendors for the handicrafts which are rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
Hangzhou-杭州
Millions of tourists visit Hangzhou each year, mainly attracted by the famous West Lake (Xi Hu) area.
As the old Chinese saying goes: "Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Millions of tourists visit Hangzhou each year, mainly attracted by the famous West Lake (Xi Hu) area.
Founded 2,200 years ago, Hangzhou is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The city began to prosper and flourish in the Tang Dynasty, and had its political heyday in the Southern Song Dynasty when it was China's capital.
There are many famous historical and cultural sites around West Lake, including Solitary Hill, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Lin Yin Temple. Hangzhou is also well known for its silk and tea. Additionally a trip to the city can be easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.
As the old Chinese saying goes: "Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Millions of tourists visit Hangzhou each year, mainly attracted by the famous West Lake (Xi Hu) area.
Founded 2,200 years ago, Hangzhou is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The city began to prosper and flourish in the Tang Dynasty, and had its political heyday in the Southern Song Dynasty when it was China's capital.
There are many famous historical and cultural sites around West Lake, including Solitary Hill, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Lin Yin Temple. Hangzhou is also well known for its silk and tea. Additionally a trip to the city can be easily combined with a visit to a tea plantation in the hills near the West Lake.
Beijing-北京
Beijing is the capital and also the political, religious, cultural and educational center of China.
Beijing is the capital and also the political, religious, cultural and educational center of China. As a modern city with a long history, Beijing is an ideal city for people who want to know about the country's history, learn about traditional culture and discover the modern side of China.
The best time to travel to Beijing is between May and October as the weather is best.
In addition to the world-famous Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, Beijing hosts many more scenic spots that are worth seeing during your visit. The Forbidden City, called the Palace Museum, is a must-see for any tourist and is one of the most comprehensive Chinese museums, offering a visual feast of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese art, specializing in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Summer Palace provides a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures. Fragrant Hills Park comprises of a natural pine-cypress forest, hills with maple trees, smoke trees and persimmon trees, offering spectacular natural beauty.
For people who want to experience the rapid growth of modern China, Beijing's Central Business District (CBD), and Beijing's Financial Street will give you a full experience. The Beijing CBD has attracted 117 Fortune 500 businesses in the financial, media, information technology, consulting and service industries, which has become the landmark of Beijing's economic prowess.
If you want to experience the traditional culture of Beijing, it is suggested that you visit an old alley (Hutong) in downtown Beijing, which is one of the most distinctive features of Beijing.
Beijing is also world-famous for its food. The capital's cuisine plays host to a long list of local favorites including filled sausage, fried liver, mungbean milk, rolling donkey, pancake and quickly-boiled tripe. Of all the dishes found in Beijing, Peking roast duck is the most well-known. Now considered to be one of China's National Foods, Peking roast duck is prized for its eloquent taste and presentation. Renowned restaurants to taste Peking Roast duck are Quanjude, Bianyifang, Changan Yihao, Beijing Xiaowangfu and Dadong Tuanjiehu Kaoyadian.
Beijing's Sanlitun Bar Street is a great place to enjoy a dynamic nightlife in the city, which is an extremely popular hangout site for the city expatriates and white collars of all ages.
Beijing is the capital and also the political, religious, cultural and educational center of China. As a modern city with a long history, Beijing is an ideal city for people who want to know about the country's history, learn about traditional culture and discover the modern side of China.
The best time to travel to Beijing is between May and October as the weather is best.
In addition to the world-famous Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, Beijing hosts many more scenic spots that are worth seeing during your visit. The Forbidden City, called the Palace Museum, is a must-see for any tourist and is one of the most comprehensive Chinese museums, offering a visual feast of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese art, specializing in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Summer Palace provides a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures. Fragrant Hills Park comprises of a natural pine-cypress forest, hills with maple trees, smoke trees and persimmon trees, offering spectacular natural beauty.
For people who want to experience the rapid growth of modern China, Beijing's Central Business District (CBD), and Beijing's Financial Street will give you a full experience. The Beijing CBD has attracted 117 Fortune 500 businesses in the financial, media, information technology, consulting and service industries, which has become the landmark of Beijing's economic prowess.
If you want to experience the traditional culture of Beijing, it is suggested that you visit an old alley (Hutong) in downtown Beijing, which is one of the most distinctive features of Beijing.
Beijing is also world-famous for its food. The capital's cuisine plays host to a long list of local favorites including filled sausage, fried liver, mungbean milk, rolling donkey, pancake and quickly-boiled tripe. Of all the dishes found in Beijing, Peking roast duck is the most well-known. Now considered to be one of China's National Foods, Peking roast duck is prized for its eloquent taste and presentation. Renowned restaurants to taste Peking Roast duck are Quanjude, Bianyifang, Changan Yihao, Beijing Xiaowangfu and Dadong Tuanjiehu Kaoyadian.
Beijing's Sanlitun Bar Street is a great place to enjoy a dynamic nightlife in the city, which is an extremely popular hangout site for the city expatriates and white collars of all ages.
Lijiang-丽江
The Old Town of Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in northern Yunnan Province.
Lijiang lies 2,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by jagged snow-tipped peaks. The wooden houses, tea houses and stone walkways of the old town looks as if they hadn't changed since the town was the capital of the ancient Naxi Kingdom. Ethnic Naxis still make up 70 percent of the population and the Naxi language is widely spoken. The ancient Naxi system of picture writing still puzzles and fascinates scholars. In ancient times the city flourished as a tea-trading center and merchants came from far and wide with horse and mule-trains loaded with teas.
Among the charms of the old town are mini-canals that feed from the Jade Dragon River, which flows from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Traditionally the water in the upper part of the river was used for drinking, the middle part of the river for washing vegetables and the downstream for washing clothes.
Lijiang lies 2,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by jagged snow-tipped peaks. The wooden houses, tea houses and stone walkways of the old town looks as if they hadn't changed since the town was the capital of the ancient Naxi Kingdom. Ethnic Naxis still make up 70 percent of the population and the Naxi language is widely spoken. The ancient Naxi system of picture writing still puzzles and fascinates scholars. In ancient times the city flourished as a tea-trading center and merchants came from far and wide with horse and mule-trains loaded with teas.
Among the charms of the old town are mini-canals that feed from the Jade Dragon River, which flows from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Traditionally the water in the upper part of the river was used for drinking, the middle part of the river for washing vegetables and the downstream for washing clothes.
Kunming-昆明
Kunming is the political, economic, communications and cultural center of Yunnan Province and is also home to several universities, museums, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions.
Located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming has one of the mildest climates in China. The city is an important horticultural center in China, providing products such as grain, wheat, horsebeans, corn, potato and fruit such as peaches, apples, oranges, grapes and chestnuts. Kunming is world-famous for its flowers and more than 400 types of flowers are commonly grown here.
Kunming is home to many ethnic groups, including Yi, Hui, Bai, Miao, Zhuang and Manchu. Because of its multicultural heritage, many ethnical festivals are celebrated in Kunming, such as Torch Festival, a traditional and grandest festival of the Yi ethnic group.
Kunming has many state-level scenic spots, featuring picturesque and spectacular nature sceneries. For example, Shilin (Stone Forest), features natural karst stone formations that resemble a forest; some are elegant, some are rugged and each has distinguishing characteristics that make each seem very much like trees in a forest.
Kunming also has colorful nightlife and delicious food. Kunming Square is the best spot to enjoy a night in the town. Many cinemas, bars, clubs and restaurants call Kunming Square home. Kunming's cuisine is popular and tasty, especially the highly recommended 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles, a common Kunming dish.
Located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming has one of the mildest climates in China. The city is an important horticultural center in China, providing products such as grain, wheat, horsebeans, corn, potato and fruit such as peaches, apples, oranges, grapes and chestnuts. Kunming is world-famous for its flowers and more than 400 types of flowers are commonly grown here.
Kunming is home to many ethnic groups, including Yi, Hui, Bai, Miao, Zhuang and Manchu. Because of its multicultural heritage, many ethnical festivals are celebrated in Kunming, such as Torch Festival, a traditional and grandest festival of the Yi ethnic group.
Kunming has many state-level scenic spots, featuring picturesque and spectacular nature sceneries. For example, Shilin (Stone Forest), features natural karst stone formations that resemble a forest; some are elegant, some are rugged and each has distinguishing characteristics that make each seem very much like trees in a forest.
Kunming also has colorful nightlife and delicious food. Kunming Square is the best spot to enjoy a night in the town. Many cinemas, bars, clubs and restaurants call Kunming Square home. Kunming's cuisine is popular and tasty, especially the highly recommended 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles, a common Kunming dish.
Chengdu-成都
Xi'an may have the Terracotta Warriors, but Chengdu has the giant pandas. Each city has its own unique tourist draws and your trip to Chengdu would not be complete without a stop by its Panda Breeding Research Center. In the wild, pandas are reclusive and sightings are rare, but here at the center, you're guaranteed a look at them while they munch on a meal of bamboo. It is recommended that you visit the center in the morning during feeding time when the pandas are the most active.
Chengdu is also the capital of Sichuan Province, perhaps one of the best-known provinces of China, largely because of its popular, spicy regional cuisine.
The city dates back over 3,000 years ago and has matured into a mellow, charming urban center whose pace and energy is quite different from that found in Beijing and Shanghai. One of Chengdu's "firsts" is paper money: paper currency first became commonplace in 960 AD in the city.
Chengdu is a big city with its share of shopping malls, high-rises and traffic jams. Still, just one step around any corner here often opens up to a lush, serene park usually accented with the obligatory teahouse.
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