When you’re visiting a country as exotic and as far away as China, there are some sights that you just have to see while you’re there. In the movies, we see scenery that makes us leap to our feet and shout ‘I want to go there!’ and events that tell us China is a country like no other. These are some of the things you should see and do when you visit, and if you can add to the experience by booking a luxury travel option, so much the better.
Visiting the Yunnan Province
The Yunnan Province is one of the most outstanding regions of China in terms of scenery and diversity. Situated on the south west border, Yunnan regals you with thick jungle in the far south and beautiful bodies of water, like the famous Mekong River; the sight of the sun shining down on gleaming rice fields in the south east; and, as you move further towards Tibet, the majesty of snow-capped mountains.
Other picturesque scenery includes the Stone Forest, a dramatic green space and set of karst formations on the outskirts of Kunming, divided into different areas. The stones are believed to be more than 270 million years old.
Shanghai
Located in central eastern China, Shanghai is one of the country’s must-see places. For the finest view of Shanghai, you should head into the Shanghai World Financial Center and make your way up to the Garden Observatory. Admittedly, the entry is a little steep, but the view from here on the 100th floor, 474 meters up, will make you glad you spent the extra.
Alternatively, you could do something that little bit different and go on an indoor roller coaster at the Pearl Tower. This tower is one of China’s most zany landmarks – the lift is on the outside of the building, for instance – and holds a variety of kitsch entertainments within which have made the attraction particularly popular. The roller coaster itself is 98 meters up, laying a claim to the world’s highest indoor ride, and you can even take photos on the ride as you’re going around, so it’s definitely an attraction for the Instagram lovers!
Beijing
Of course, it’s not a trip to China without a stop in Beijing and a visit to the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world. Visitors to the complex have the privilege of entering through the Meridian Gate: previously, only the emperor of China had the luxury of doing this, so things have come a long way! However, the heart of the Forbidden City is the set of the Three Great Halls, where ceremonial occasions were celebrated, ministers were received, speeches were rehearsed and a host of other activities. At the northern end of the palace is the Imperial Garden. This classical Chinese garden treats you to 7,000 square meters of landscaping, featuring rockeries, walkways and ancient cypresses, plus, on the way out of the gardens, two bronze elephants that signify the power of the emperor.
China is a long way away and the best way to experience it would be with some luxury travel. You get to see the world’s scenery at its very finest and experience comfort at its most lavish. It’s a break that leaves you feeling extremely refreshed.
Images by mwiththeat and nwhitford, used under Creative Commons licence 2.0
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