Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in China

7. Potala Palace, Tibet

Potala Palace is the “Whitehouse" of Tibetan’s King. Dalai Lamas VI to XIV were living inside. It is on the red hill because it stands for the high status of Dalai Lamas. All ordinary people need to bow when they look up to the Potala Palace. Now it is a museum and World Heritage Site. Following the stairs to the top, you will discover stories of its former masters and precious treasures.

Tibet doesn't accept independent travelers from other countries. Traveling with a travel agency is required. Read more about China Travel Tips about Tibet Travel Permit. See our 4-Day Lhasa Highlights Private Tour (加链接）.

8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its precarious 243 peaks, more than3,000 pinnacles and spires and dense forests and meandering rivers and streams. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China's first national forest park. It really came into fame after the film Avatar in 2009.

Zhangjiajie China is huge and is serviced by several modes of transport to allow you to navigate it. The first is the buses, these run along routes on both the top and bottom sections of the park. It is free of charge. Or you can take a cable car, or a monorail and elevator to help you gain access to the top sections of the park those request extra cost. Concrete paths and steps have been built so you can try to hike as well. These tall sandstone peaks, some standing over 1000ft tall, are a result of erosion over thousands of years. You will be rewarded by its spectacular quartz-sandstone peaks and pillars, fantastic caves, mountains, lakes, limpid streams, forests, grand valleys, and mysterious minority cultures.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is vast and varied so there is no one easy answer for how long you would stay. We suggest allowing at least 3 days to visit Zhangjiajie. 4 must-sees in Yuajiajie, Tianmen Mountain, Gold Whip Stream and Yellow Stone Village.  See our 4-day Zhangjiajie Exploration Tour (加链接）.

9. Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Mogao Caves are considered one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world. The caves contain thousands of Buddhist murals and sculptures dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries, making them one of the most important examples of Buddhist art in China. You can explore over 500 of the Mogao Caves, which contain a wealth of Buddhist art and artifacts, including murals, sculptures, and ancient texts. Some of the most famous caves include Cave 96, Cave 148, and Cave 257. You can see our 5-Day Dunhuang In-depth Discovery(加链接）.

10. The Bund

The Bund, a 1.3-kilometre promenade along the Huangpu River, is the most recognizable symbol of old Shanghai. To the west of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Beaux Arts styles. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings". There are dozens of classical Renaissance buildings with different styles on the Bund including the well-known Bank of China, Heping(Peace) Hotel, Customs Building, HSBC Building, all of which reproduce the style of "Far East Wall Street" in the past. These buildings are not from the same designer, nor built in the same period, but have a unique harmonious beauty.

The best way to appreciate the buildings is to have a walk along the Bund. Roaming among the architectural complexes, you'll have a better understanding of the century-long charm of this city. Visit just before sunset to witness the sun go down and the incredible neon light displays playing across buildings over the river in Pudong. Furthermore, you can take a cruise on Pujiang River to admire the beautiful bustling city from another angle.

There is no doubt that the Bund is the fusion of Western and Chinese Culture, an epitome of Shanghai’s history, and a great place to explore Shanghai’s today and see the future of Shanghai. You've never been to Shanghai if you haven't seen the Bund. See our 4-Day Shanghai Tour(加链接）to visit the Bund.

11. West Lake, Hangzhou

As the symbol of Hangzhou, West Lake is regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in China. It is a piece of heaven. The numerous natural and artificial islands on West Lake feature pagodas, gardens, and temples, making it one of the most famous tourist places in China.

Spring seems to be quite a pleasant time to enjoy the beauty of hopping from one stretch of water to another with the fresh blossoming of peaches and then an evening to relax to the rhythm of the musical fountain show. The best way is to taking a boat on West Lake to get close to the lake and surrounding islands.