Old, Ancient Dynasty Meets a Newer, Modern Metropolis. Immerse Yourself in the Food, Culture and Landscapes of China!
As the 2nd largest country in the world, China is extremely diverse. It hones the point where the old ancient dynasty meets the newer modern metropolis. It combines the urbanscapes with the rural countryside of the country.
Due to the large span of the country, it is necessary to take the time to immerse in the food, culture, and people. This itinerary is specially designed for first-time visitors who would like to undertake the biggest and must-not-miss destinations. It will crave you wanting more and we encourage it!
1. Forbidden City
This majestic complex of palaces was home to the great emperors of the land for almost 500 years. It dates back to the year 1420 and was home to 24 Chinese Ming and Qing emperors. When you walk through the courtyard, you can almost imagine what life would have been like in ancient times for an emperor.
A trip here is a must as the name suggests, this place was forbidden for regular folks to access. The size of the place is impressive, so brace yourself for a full day of adventure.
2. Great Wall of China
This is an obvious must-see when in China. But be aware of the crowds as they too would like to see the majestic structure of the ancient Chinese dynasty. To experience the wall without the throngs of the crowds, it is best to head to quieter sections of Huanghuacheng or Jiangkou.
The Great Wall is built over large rolling hills so be sure to bring comfortable footwear as the trek will get quite steep in some areas. Also, be sure to dress in layers as the area can be quite cool but the hike could generate quite a bit of sweat. A ‘By Jean Michel’ silk scarf could be a nice addition to keep you warm from the breeze but cool from the blazing sun.
3. Terracotta Army
This ancient stone army is one of the most notable symbols of China. This army has made several appearances in many movies, such as ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’. Dating back to 210-209 BC, the ancient army was erected during the reign of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang. This army is made up of more than 8000 soldiers, 520 horses, and 130 chariots.
What’s interesting is that all of the terracotta soldiers have different faces. Each of these soldiers was placed secretly beneath the Earth to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. The whole thing took over 40 years to create and the workforce of over 700,000 slaves.
4. Chengdu Giant Panda Reserve
This well-run breeding base is really the place you need to be to see these adorable creatures. This is not a zoo but a conservation base and you can witness the feeding and resting place of the once-endangered species. The conservation base spans about 7000 square meters.
Despite the crowds, this is one of the nicest walks to be on. You’ll be surrounded by endless greenery, passing by towering trees. You can also see Red Pandas in the conservation and get opportunities to learn more about the research base’s programs. To get all the action, be sure to arrive before the early afternoon as that’s when they’ll start falling asleep!
5. River Cruise along the Li River
The scenic landscapes of the Yangshuo area are astronomical and will provide an immense aura of peace and serenity. The winding river comes with a jawdropping backdrop of marvellous limestone karst mountains with riverside villages.
If you want to experience true relaxation, be sure to arrive early enough to catch the morning sunrise or late enough to see the warm sunset. Soak in the magical dusk and dawn moments, you truly will not regret it.
6. Zhangjiajie Forest
This isn’t a ‘By Jean Michel’ itinerary without another nature destination. The infamous Zhangjiajie forest made its name globally as the inspiration for the flying mountains in the movie, ‘Avatar’. However, prior to that, the forest drew in a lot of crowds who visit to admire the remarkable quartz-sandstone mountains.
The mountains create pillar-like structures, reaching far up to the clouds. It forms a magnificent fence around the nearby river bed. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly a remarkable natural landscape that everyone should get the chance of witnessing. There’s also a great opportunity to hike through the forest for those who crave nature and long for good exercise. Click here for details on the hikes.
(photos #2-6 courtesy of Unsplash.com)
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