592 Best Sights in China

Only one hour by car from downtown Beijing and located not far from the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall at Badaling is where visiting dignitaries go for a quick photo op. Postcard views abound here, with large sections of the restored Ming Dynasty brick wall rising majestically to either side of the fort while, in the distance, portions of early-16th-century Great Wall disintegrate into more romantic but inaccessible ruins.

The downside is that Badaling suffers from its popularity, with tour groups flocking here en masse. This has led to its reputation as "one to be avoided" by those allergic to shoulder-bumping and being gouged by hawkers. Nevertheless, with popularity comes tourist-friendly facilities, and those with disabilities find access to the wall here to be far better than at other sections. Either take the cable car to the top or walk up the gently sloping steps, relying on handrails if necessary. On a clear day, you can see for miles across leafy, undulating terrain from atop the battlements. The admission price also includes access to the China Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall Circle Vision Theater.

A car for four people from central Beijing to Badaling should run no more than Y600 for five hours, and you can sometimes make arrangements to include a stop at the Thirteen Ming Tombs. By public transportation, trains leave Beijing North Station for Badaling Station (Y6) almost every hour from 6:12 am and take 1 hour 20 minutes. From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the entrance to Badaling Great Wall. Or, take Line 2 on the subway to Jishuitan and walk to Deshengmen bus terminus. From there, take Bus 880 to Badaling (Y12). Be warned: private taxis hang around the station and drivers will try to convince you that it’s easier to go with them. It isn’t. Stick to your guns and get on that bus.

Most tours to Badaling will take you to the Thirteen Ming Tombs, as well. If you don't want a stop at the tombs—or at a tourist-trapping jade factory or herbal medicine center along the way—be sure to confirm the itinerary before booking.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is perhaps the least tamed of the restored Great Wall sections near Beijing, as well as the least visited. Besides being the starting point for a fantastic four-hour hike toward Simatai, it also stands as one of the few sections of the Great Wall on which overnight camping trips are available. A starry night here is gorgeous and unforgettable—go with a tour group such as Cycle China or Beijing Hikers. However, some have argued that unregulated tourism such as this goes against the efforts of others to preserve the wall, so tread carefully and leave nothing behind in order to reduce your impact. If you must take a souvenir, pack a piece of charcoal and paper to make rubbings of the bricks that still bare the stamp of the date they were made.

The trip by car to Jinhshanling from central Beijing should cost around Y700 and take about two hours. By public transportation, take a train from Beijing North Train Station to Luanping and a local bus or taxi from there. Trains leave almost every hour until 8 pm.

Juyongguan is a quick, easygoing alternative for those not willing to blow a whole day traveling to Mutianyu or Jinshanling, or brave the more testing, unrestored sites such as Jiankou. It's the part of the wall that runs closest to Beijing and once guarded a crucial pass to the city, repelling hordes of Mongol and, latterly, Japanese invaders. The section also lies not far from Badaling, essentially acting as an overflow for its oversubscribed neighbor. It certainly loses nothing in the comparison, boasting similarly impressive views but with far less abrasive crowds. However, Juyongguan has been heavily restored and does feel a little sterile and commercial as a result.

The main attraction here is the Cloud Platform (or "Crossing Street Tower"), which was built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty. In appearance, it now resembles a rather squat Arc de Triomphe. The three white Tibetan stupas that originally sat atop it were destroyed during the early Ming period, only to be replaced with a Buddhist Tai'an temple, which was later toppled by fire in 1702. Today, carvings on the inner portal depicting the Four Heavenly Kings (Buddhist gods who defend the four compass points) and some elegant script work make for fascinating viewing on the way up the pass.

The trip by car from central Beijing to Juyongguan should cost around Y450 for the round trip and takes about an hour. By public transportation, take Line 13 on the subway to Longze. Exit the station and walk to the bus stop across the street to take Bus 58 (Y12) to Shahe; take bus 68 at the same stop to Juyongguan Gongjiaochang and walk to the wall from there. The trip takes about 2½ hours.

Only slightly farther from downtown Beijing than Badaling, the Great Wall at Mutianyu is more spectacular and, despite the occasional annoyances of souvenir stands, significantly less crowded. This long section of wall, first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (6th century) and restored and rebuilt throughout history, can offer a less busy Great Wall experience, with unforgettable views of towers winding across mountains and woodlands. On a clear day, you'll swear you can see the deserts of Mongolia in the distance.

The lowest point on the wall is a strenuous one-hour climb above the parking lot. As an alternative, you can take a cable car on a breathtaking ride to the highest restored section, from which several hiking trails descend. Take a gorgeous 1½-hour walk east to reach another cable car that returns to the same parking lot. Mutianyu is also known for its toboggan run—the perfect way to end a long hike.

The trip by car from central Beijing to Mutianyu should cost around Y600 and it takes about an hour. By public transportation, take bus 936 from Dongzhimen to Huairou bus stop. From there take a minibus to Mutianyu (Y25–Y30) or hire a taxi to take you there and back (about Y100–Y150 round-trip).

For those taking a car, the road from Huairou, a suburb of Beijing, to Mutianyu follows a river upstream and is lined with restaurants selling fresh trout. In addition, Hongluo Temple is a short drive from the bottom of the mountain.

This remote section of the Great Wall is ideal if you're seeking adventure. It's been partially restored, but it's nowhere near as commercial as sections like Badaling and Mutianyu. Near the frontier garrison at Gubeikou, the wall traverses towering peaks and hangs precariously above cliffs. Be prepared for no-handrails hiking, tough climbs, and unparalleled vistas.

The first 10 of the watchtowers is currently accessible to visitors, and the hike to the top and back is just under two hours. Alternatively, a cable car takes you two-thirds of the way up; from there it's a steep 30-minute climb to the summit.

The trip by car from central Beijng to Simitai costs about Y800 and takes about two hours. By public transportation, take the 980 or 980快 (fast bus) from Dongzhimen bus stop to Miyun, getting off at Gulou. Cross the road to the opposite bus station and transfer to Bus 51 or 38 toward Simatai and get off at Gubeikou Water town (or Gubeikou Shuizhen). Follow directions to the ticket hall where you can pick up your prebooked online tickets for the wall.

It's necessary to reserve a ticket online using a Chinese mobile number, to which a ticket code will be sent (your hotel or a travel agency can help with these arrangements).

Housed in a Qing Dynasty–style building past the First Gate Under Heaven, the Great Wall Museum has a diverting collection of historic photographs and cases full of military artifacts, including the fierce-looking weaponry used by attackers and defenders. There are some English captions.

A trove of contemporary and classic collections, Guangdong Museum of Art regularly hosts the works of painters, sculptors, and other artists from around China and the world. There are more than 60 exhibitions a year, showcasing works from artists such as Henry Moore, one of the most celebrated English sculptors of the 20th century, and Chen Ping, who creates textured paintings inspired by politics and human suffering. The museum, which has a dozen exhibition halls and a sculpture garden, is located on Er Sha Island, next to the Xinghai Concert Hall.

This museum focuses on Guangxi's numerous ethnic minorities. In the back are magnificent full-size reconstructions of houses, pagodas, and drum towers set among attractive pools and bridges. A collection of more than 300 bronze drums made by local people is also on display.

This is the oldest and most charming Buddhist temple in Guangzhou. The gilded wooden laughing Buddha at the entrance heralds the temple's welcoming atmosphere. A huge bronze incense burner stands in the main courtyard. Beyond the main hall, noted for its ceiling of red-lacquer timber, is another courtyard with several treasures, among them a small brick pagoda said to contain the tonsure hair of Hui-neng (the sixth patriarch of Chan Buddhism), and a couple of iron pagodas that are the oldest of their kind in China. Above them spread the leafy branches of plum trees and a banyan tree called Buddha's Tree, so named because it is said Hui-neng became enlightened in its shade.

Guangzhou East Railway Station is a popular final destination, especially for travelers from Hong Kong who take the train to Guangzhou. The station is sleek, efficient and includes a wide range of eateries from fast food to sit down restaurants. A perfect place to stock up on snacks at the 7-Eleven and other convenience stores before you hop on the train. The station, with its vast entrance hall, is worth a peak, even if you don't have a train to catch.

One of the best ways to see Guangzhou is to take a nighttime Pearl River Delta cruise offered by the Zhujiang Yeyou Company. The 50- to 90-minute rides pass all of the city's major sites, including Shamian Island, Ersha Island, and the Canton Tower.

Well off the tourist circuit is this quite stunning temple, built in 1877 towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is the only Buddhist temple in the entire country that combines Gothic, Roman, Indian, Chinese, and Burmese styles (the main hall was designed to look similar to Ananda Temple in Bagan), and the result is quite striking. The temple was visited by Sun Yat-sen in 1912 and Indian Prime Minister Nehru in 1954. It suffered destruction during the Cultural Revolution and did not re-open until 1996, though many of its buildings remain damaged and unopened.

The temple is less than 10 minutes' walk from the Todai Jie metro stop.

This nearly mile-long stretch, also known as Ghost Street, is lined with more than 100 restaurants, many open 24 hours a day and attracting the spill over from nightclubs. Although the restaurants here are generally just average, the lively atmosphere is enticing, with red lanterns often strung across the sidewalks (these are taken down from time to time on the whim of the local authorities). There are a wide number of cuisines on the menus here, though night owls tend to favor spicy dishes such as fiery Sichuan hotpot, crayfish in chili oil, and barbecued fish.

In the 14th and 15th centuries Gyantse rose to political power along with the rise of the Sakyapa monastic order. To get an idea of the amount of construction during this period, make the steep 20-minute climb to the top of this old fortress on the northern edge of town. The building isn't in great shape, but you'll be treated to staggering views of the town and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Signs reading "Jump Off Cliff" aren't making a suggestion, but pointing to the location where Tibetan warriors jumped to their deaths rather than surrender to British troops in 1904. The best way to see everything here is to wind around the fortress clockwise toward the top, using the long concrete staircase to descend. Be careful, as there's a slippery bit of concrete at the bottom of the stairs. The Anti-British Imperialist Museum, just inside the front gate, is worth a visit for a distorted yet amusing account of the British invasion, sprinkled with obvious propaganda.

Translated from Chinese, hác sá means “black sand.” Today, though, the beaches look a shade more golden, as the once-grayish sands have been mixed with yellow sand to prevent erosion. This quiet corner of Macau is a great place to hike, enjoy a picnic, or dabble in water sports. Cool off in the Olympic-size Hác Sá Park pool (open from May 1 until October 31; MOP$15 for adults; MOP$5 for kids under 12). Hike the easy Hác Sá family trail. Play a round of 18 at the Macau Golf and Country Club. Then finish with a bite to eat on the beach.

Hakka Folk Customs Museum and Enclosures is a large series of concentric circular homes built inside an exterior wall that basically turns the whole place into a large fort. Inside the enclosure are a large number of old Hakka residences, some of which are still filled with tools and furniture left over from the Qing Dynasty. While some restoration projects elsewhere might pretty things up to the point of making the site look unreal, the opposite is true here.

Legend has it that, when these huge doughnut-shape residential structures were first spotted by the American military, fear spread that they were silos for some massive unknown missile site. Many were created centuries ago by the Hakka, an offshoot of the Han Chinese who settled all over southeastern China. Peppering the countryside of Yong Ding, 225 km (140 miles) northwest of Xiamen, these beautiful examples of Hakka architecture are made of raw earth, sand, brown sugar and glutinous rice, reinforced with bamboo and wood. Joining a tour group or hiring a private car is your best option for getting to one.

Best known as a subject of one of the Tang Dynasty's most famous poems, which described the sound of its massive bell at midnight, this large, pristinely painted temple may leave those unfamiliar with the ancient poetry feeling a little underwhelmed. The place has the frenetic feel of a tourist attraction rather than the serenity of a temple. Literary pilgrims can line up to ring the temple bell themselves for an extra charge.

In the southeast part of the old town, the Victorian-influenced He Garden is notable for its melding of European and Chinese architecture and landscape design. Dating from the 1880s, it differs from a traditional Chinese garden partly because of the wooden pathway linking the buildings. Other East-meets-West aspects include Victorian-style fireplaces inside the residence.

The museum itself has seen better days, but this musty old building is chock-full of excellent contemporary and classical art from all over China. Not only will you find works from young up-and-coming artists, but there are also impressive multimedia displays and sculptures.

Filled with bamboo groves, Hebin Park sits on the banks of the Nanming River. In many ways it's the archetypical Chinese park, with senior citizens practicing tai chi in the pavilions, young couples strolling hand in hand, and the omnipresent sound of music and public announcements playing from loudspeakers. For children, there's a Ferris wheel and other rides.

The best of Hong Kong's antiques sellers can be found on Hollywood Road, named after the holly trees that once grew nearby. On nearby Upper Lascar Row, a flea market known as Cat Street sells curios, porcelain, and not-so-old trinkets masquerading as artifacts. They might not be authentic, but they do make for great souvenirs and affordable gifts.

The 19-story Hong Kong Arts Centre houses a branch of the Hong Kong Art School, several contemporary art galleries, interactive workshops, multimedia installations, art studios, a cinema, and performing arts venues. There are also a handful of eateries. It has been a longtime champion of up-and-coming artists and diverse genres, and also operates the comic and animation hub Comix Home Base, on nearby Mallory Street. There are free guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 3 pm, lasting about 45 minutes.

Land is so scarce in Hong Kong that developers usually only build skyward, but the HKCEC juts into the harbor instead. Curved-glass walls and a swooping roof make it look like a tortoise lumbering into the sea or a gull taking flight, depending on who you ask. Of all the international trade fairs, regional conferences, and other events held here, by far the most famous was the 1997 Handover Ceremony. An obelisk commemorates it on the waterfront promenade, which also affords great views of Kowloon.

Outside the center stands the Golden Bauhinia. This gleaming sculpture of the bauhinia flower, Hong Kong's symbol, was a gift from China. The police hoist the flag daily at 8 am; on the first of every month, there is an enhanced flag-raising ceremony with musical accompaniment by police bands.

Though Hong Kong's home to Mickey Mouse is lower-key compared with other Magic Kingdoms, there are still plenty of diversions to occupy one's time. Younger kids will find plenty of amusement at Sleeping Beauty Castle and Toy Story Land, while older siblings and parents will probably gravitate to the more-thrilling Space Mountain. Inside the dedicated Marvel area, daredevils will also enjoy the multisensory, immersive Iron Man Experience and the Ant-Man theme attraction. Plus, The World of Frozen, based on the animated musical, opened in late 2023 to much acclaim. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets online, as there's usually a crush of humanity by the main gate.

Keen to stay overnight? There are three thematic on-site hotels, including the travel-theme Disney Explorers Lodge.

Housed in Central Ferry Pier No. 8, this family-friendly museum explores over 2,000 years of Hong Kong's maritime history. There are interactive exhibits and historic artefacts aplenty, including hoards of precious Chinese porcelain salvaged from Ming dynasty wrecks in the harbor. In the basement, an exhibition on the opium trade takes an uncompromising look at Britain's colonial takeover of Hong Kong. Don't miss the chance to have a drink and snack on the terrace of Cafe 8 above the museum. The views are world class, and your money supports a local charity that finds vocational opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.

For a comprehensive hit of history, this museum's popular Hong Kong Story should do the trick. The exhibit starts 400 million years ago in the Devonian period and makes its way all the way through to the 1997 Handover, with spectacular life-size dioramas that include village houses and a colonial-era shopping street. The ground-floor Folk Culture section offers an introduction to the history and customs of Hong Kong's main ethnic groups. Upstairs, gracious stone-walled galleries whirl you through the Opium Wars and the beginnings of colonial Hong Kong. Don't miss the chilling account of conditions during the Japanese occupation or the colorful look at Hong Kong life in the '60s.

Allow at least two hours to stroll through—more if you linger in every gallery and make use of the interactive elements. Pick your way through the gift shop's clutter to find local designer Alan Chan's T-shirts, shot glasses, and notebooks. His retro-kitsch aesthetic is based on 1940s cigarette-girl images. To get here from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR walk along Cameron Road, then left for a block along Chatham Road South. A signposted overpass takes you to the museum.

Housed in an Edwardian-style redbrick building at the top of Ladder Street, this quirky museum was formerly Hong Kong's Bacteriological Institute, set up after a plague outbreak in 1894 ravaged the surrounding Tai Ping Shan neighborhood. The most interesting exhibits are to do with the outbreak and its aftermath; in the rather chilling basement are a selection of primitive surgical tables and a former autopsy room.

The Lei Yue Mun Fort makes for an appropriate home for this museum that focuses on Hong Kong's military history and coastal defense. It's in the redoubt, a high area of land overlooking the narrowest point of the harbor; you take an elevator and cross an aerial walkway to reach it. As well as the fascinating displays indoors, there's a historical trail complete with tunnels, cannons, and observation posts. Free guided tours are available on Wednesday, weekends, and public holidays.

Soaring high over Victoria Harbour, this scenic Ferris wheel is just the ticket to keep little ones entertained before or after a trip on the Star Ferry, which docks a couple of hundred meters away. Ice-cream kiosks and an old-school carousel are further distractions, and the family-friendly Maritime Museum is close by at Pier 8.