ASIA
China in all its grandeur
It is a country of striking contrasts, where millennia-old traditions and spectacular modernity coexist harmoniously. From ancient temples and majestic mountains to lush green rice terraces and futuristic metropolises, each region offers a unique atmosphere and incomparable cultural richness. Traveling to China means diving into a fascinating history, discovering a diverse culinary scene, and experiencing a profound change of scenery.
In this article, I share my travel experience in China, my discoveries, my absolute favorites, and practical tips to help you better prepare for your trip. Whether you want to explore the big cities, encounter local traditions, or get off the beaten path, China offers endless possibilities for curious travelers in search of authenticity.
đšđł China Travel Itinerary, between tradition and modernity
This itinerary allows you to explore China in all its diversity: sprawling metropolises, spectacular natural landscapes, and ancient traditions. It is designed for a 2 to 3-week trip, adaptable to your own pace.
Your itinerary in a nutshell
- Beijing (3 days): The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the truly authentic atmosphere of the Hutongs.
- Xi’an (2 days): The breathtaking Terracotta Army and a scenic bike ride atop the ancient city walls.
- Shanghai (2 days): The Bund for its futuristic skyline, alongside a peaceful, traditional escape at Yu Garden.
đïž Beijing â First steps into the heart of Chinese history
đ Duration: 4 to 5 days
My journey began in Beijing, the capital, a true dive into Chinese imperial history. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the sheer size of the city and the contrast between modern buildings and traditional neighborhoods.
I started by visiting the Forbidden City, a place as impressive for its size as for its symbolism. Wandering through its palaces gives a better understanding of the history of Chinese emperors and the organization of imperial society. Not far from there, the Temple of Heaven offers a calmer atmosphere, perfect for watching locals practice tai chi at sunrise.
A major highlight of the trip remains the discovery of the Great Wall of China, which I visited at the Mutianyu section, a more peaceful area surrounded by nature. Walking on this mythical wall is an experience that is hard to describe, as it is so filled with emotion.
To discover another side of Beijing, I explored the hutongs, those traditional alleyways where local life fully expresses itself. Between small stalls, hidden cafes, and scenes of daily life, this is where I truly felt the rhythm of the city.
đŻ Xi’an â At the origins of Imperial China
After Beijing, I took the high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient capital and the starting point of the Silk Road. This city really left a mark on me with its historical atmosphere and incredibly strong cultural identity.
The absolute must-see is, of course, the Terracotta Army, a site that is impressive in both its scale and its level of preservation. Seeing these thousands of statues perfectly aligned truly gives you a sense of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s immense power.
I also really enjoyed strolling along the city walls, which you can explore on foot or by bike, offering a beautiful view of Xi’an. In the evening, the Muslim Quarter is the perfect spot to taste the local street food: noodles, skewers, stuffed flatbreads⊠a true explosion of flavors.
đïž Guilin & Yangshuo â Nature and mountains
đ Duration : 3 to 4 days
After the hustle of the big cities, I was craving some nature. Next stop: Guilin, renowned for its iconic karst mountain landscapes. From there, I headed to Yangshuo, which quickly became a true highlight of the journey.
I went on a cruise down the Li River, gliding past spectacular rocky peaks and landscapes that felt almost unreal. Once in Yangshuo, I rented a bike to wander through the rice paddies and tiny neighboring villages, far away from the tourist crowds.
It was here that I really slowed my pace, taking the time to observe my surroundings, chat with the locals, and simply enjoy the tranquility. The sunrises and sunsets in this area are still some of the most breathtaking I witnessed in all of China.
đ Shanghai â Between future and traditions
đ Duration : 3 days
To wrap up this journey, I headed to Shanghai, a resolutely modern and dynamic city. The contrast with the previous stops is simply striking.
I started with a stroll along the Bund, which offers a spectacular view of Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers. I also explored more traditional neighborhoods, Chinese gardens, and trendy cafes that give the city its unique atmosphere.