<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nXi'an, one of China's oldest cities, was the starting point of the Silk Road and home to several Chinese dynasties. It is famous for its rich history and for hosting one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Terracotta Warriors<\/strong>This army of more than 8,000 terracotta soldiers was buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Each figure is unique and represents the soldiers, horses and chariots of the time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xi'an City Walls<\/strong>The city walls, built during the Ming dynasty, are one of the best preserved ancient city walls in the world. You can walk or cycle along its perimeter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Muslim Quarter<\/strong>A vibrant, lively neighbourhood with street markets and the Grand Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in China.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Transport<\/strong>Xi'an has an efficient metro system for getting around the city.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Climate<\/strong>Spring and autumn are the best times to visit because of the moderate temperatures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Chengdu<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The Capital of Flavour and Pandas<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous for its spicy cuisine and for being home to the giant panda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre<\/strong>Here you can see giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wide and Narrow Street (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)<\/strong>A historic area with traditional alleys, shops, and restaurants where you can try the famous Sichuan spicy food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wuhou Temple<\/strong>A historical temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, an outstanding military strategist of the Shu Han dynasty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Gastronomy<\/strong>Don't miss the Sichuan hotpot and the spicy tofu dishes (mapo tofu).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accommodation<\/strong>There are many boutique hotel options that offer an authentic Chengdu experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Guilin and Yangshuo<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Dream Landscapes<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGuilin and Yangshuo are famous for their impressive karst landscapes, with rugged mountains and meandering rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Li River<\/strong>A cruise on the Li River offers spectacular views of the karst formations. It is a must-do experience in this region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Elephant Trunk Hill<\/strong>An iconic limestone peak with a shape reminiscent of an elephant drinking water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Longji Terrace Rice Fields<\/strong>These terraces in the mountains offer breathtaking landscapes and are perfect for hiking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Excursions<\/strong>Book a boat tour on the Li River for the best views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Activities<\/strong>Rent a bike in Yangshuo to explore the rural landscapes at your own pace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4. Zhangjiajie<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Mountains that Inspired Avatar<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nZhangjiajie is known for its incredible rock formations that inspired the floating mountains in the movie \"Avatar\".<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park<\/strong>Explore the sandstone peaks that rise dramatically above the jungle. The Bailong Lift, the highest open-air lift in the world, offers breathtaking views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zhangjiajie Crystal Bridge<\/strong>A glass bridge spanning the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, offering a thrilling experience and spectacular views.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tianmen Mountain<\/strong>Known for its impressive \"Gateway to Heaven\", a huge opening in the mountain, and the walk along the glass walkway at the edge of the cliff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Climate<\/strong>The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the weather is more pleasant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clothing<\/strong>Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for hiking and exploring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Lhasa<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The Heart of Tibet<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLhasa, the capital of Tibet, is a spiritually and culturally rich place, surrounded by impressive mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Potala Palace<\/strong>A former residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibet. This impressive palace has more than 1,000 rooms and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jokhang Temple<\/strong>Tibet's holiest temple, which attracts pilgrims from all over the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sera Monastery<\/strong>Known for its philosophical debates among the monks, which take place in the courtyard of the monastery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Altitude<\/strong>Lhasa is at a high altitude, so take a few days to acclimatise before strenuous activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Permits<\/strong>Foreign travellers need a special permit to visit Tibet, which is usually arranged through a travel agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>6. Luoyang<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>History and Buddhism<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLuoyang is one of the oldest cities in China and is famous for its Buddhist temples and historical sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What to see<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Longmen Grottoes<\/strong>An impressive collection of more than 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs along the Yi River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Temple of the White Horse<\/strong>Considered the first Buddhist temple in China, founded in the 1st century.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Luoyang Museum<\/strong>The museum exhibits artefacts from the city's rich history, including ceramics, bronze and jades.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Practical Advice