We haven’t made it to the Far East yet having spent all of our time in the region in Southeast Asia. China is still very much on my list of places I want to visit. Perhaps next year will be the time we finally make it there. Here are just a few of the places and events I would like to witness. So, if you’re thinking of going on a holiday to China, keep reading.
Beijing
Obviously, the Great Wall is a sight on many bucket lists. Part of me would like to see it, but then I get a bit dissuaded when I see some of the extensive touristy activities that have developed there. At one time I had planned on doing the Great Wall Marathon. Yes, there is actually a marathon that tackles all those steps. I think I’ve moved on from that particular idea, though.
Despite the possibility of heavy crowds, etc., I think not going to the Great Wall is probably like going to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. It’s just one of those things you really need to do.
I would also like to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
A friend has also suggested dining in Wangfujing Street. Considering her other wonderful food suggestions, I’m definitely planning on following through on this.
Harbin
This city probably isn’t a huge item on the typical China tourism roster, but a friend and her son lived here for 6 months or so, and I was quite enthralled with some of her descriptions of the place. Most specifically, I would love to be there during the annual ice festival. The city is also filled with many quirky sights, and I’m a big fan of quirky places.
Shanghai
On the long list of things to see in Shanghai, I’d like to visit Yu Garden. This garden was finished in the 16th century by a government official of the Ming Dynasty. Just that history alone is enough to make me to want to visit.
Guangxi
This region has absolutely amazing scenery. It is well known for its rivers, caves, and karst formations. Just seeing one photo of the rugged, verdant, extreme peaks in the region was enough to catch my interest firmly. One of the main sights here is known as Elephant Trunk Hill. It is the symbol of the city Guilin. The space beneath the elephant’s “trunk” is known as Water-Moon Cave because one can see the reflection of the moon in the water at night.
That’s something I would love to see!
Gansu
In this province are located the Mogao Caves, which form a system of 492 temples. There are multiple huge buddhas carved into the hillsides. This area served as an important religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road.
These carvings and other important historical areas are almost 2000 years old. Manuscripts have been found there dating back to the year 1000.
I can only imagine what it would be like to walk in and among these ancient grottoes.
Which regions on your wish list for visiting China?
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