China vacations

Ancient history meets modern energy in the busy streets of the Chinese capital. Explore pagoda-like temples, glittering skyscrapers and narrow alleys full of dumpling restaurants and teahouses.

A hodgepodge of modern architecture, subtropical rainforests and lush mountains put this small but mighty Chinese city high on many travelers’ wishlists.

Futuristic towers overlook Old City temples where food vendors sell delicious soup dumplings. Welcome to Shanghai, China’s thriving megacity of fascinating contrasts.

A visit to the Great Wall is one of the top things to do in China. Construction began over 2,500 years ago to repel invaders. You can access popular portions of the wall from Beijing, but prepare for crowds. If you want a rustic experience, consider a tour of the more remote Jiankou section, which is also near Beijing but requires a steep, 45-minute hike.

China’s dynastic rulers left their mark on the country with grand monuments and palaces that still humble visitors. Visit the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, a magnificent palace complex nearly 600 years old. Head just outside the city to see the Summer Palace, a stunning imperial garden. And witness a life-size army of terracotta warriors and horses outside Xi’an.

Journey in the footsteps of history on the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that carried goods between China and the West. The route begins in Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China, and stretches through the northwest into Central Asia. Don’t miss highlights like the multicolored rock formations of Zhangye National Geopark and the singing sand dunes of Dunhuang, which hum in the wind.

You may have come here for history, food and high-tech cities, but the beaches in China are also enchanting. Take a two-hour train ride from Beijing to Beidaihe, a seaside resort lined with villas. Check out Putuoshan Island near Shanghai for picturesque beaches, pine forests and Buddhist monuments. And explore China’s surf scene on the tropical island of Hainan, where big swells abound.

As the third-largest country in the world, China boasts amazing biodiversity. Cruise down the Yangtze or Li rivers, both bordered by staggering mountain peaks. Marvel at the jagged karst mountains of Yangshuo, or visit the rippling rice terraces of Yuanyang. Serious adventurers should consider heading north to see towering sand dunes in the Gobi Desert.

Don’t miss iconic dishes like dim sum, dumplings and Peking duck in their homeland. The best restaurants in China put a modern spin on traditional flavors — you can find creative outposts with Michelin stars in Beijing and Shanghai. Sample the local delicacy, ‘huo guo’ (a spicy hotpot), in foodie-favorite Chongqing. In Xi’an, the culinary scene is influenced by the region’s Muslim heritage.

The museums in China are worth your time. Recent additions include a futuristic science fiction museum in Chengdu, a sound art museum in Beijing and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, home to a 78-foot-tall solar telescope. To explore China’s history and artistic legacy, head to the massive National Museum of China in Beijing, where you’ll find a vast collection of ancient artifacts.

This is an enormous country with lots of climates, so the best time to visit China depends on your travel goals. Spring and fall are usually safe bets, as extreme weather is generally contained to summer and winter. Major holidays, like Chinese New Year, draw big crowds and higher prices.

For a cheap vacation to China, explore lesser-known but still exciting cities where your money goes further. You can enjoy an inexpensive meal here for about 24 Chinese yuan (¥). A local beer costs around ¥7, and a short taxi ride starts at under ¥13.