Explore the most beautiful regions of China in 7 days

China is the world’s second-largest country and home to a plethora of different natural environments to explore. From some of the highest mountains the earth has to offer in Tibet, all the way to the harsh deserts of Xinjiang Province in the west, China’s landscapes are varied and breathtaking.

Everything about China’s most beautiful regions is done in superlatives. The Pacific coast of this giant country stretches for an incredible 9,000 miles. It boasts the second and sixth-longest rivers in the world, the Yangtze and the Yellow River. It is got subtropical forests in the south, along with towering mountain ranges. All this nature, combined with one of the world’s oldest cultures makes China a dream destination.

Northern China

The northern region used to the culture center of China. It is also the cradle of Chinese civilization. Here are three greatest ancient capital cities, Beijing, Xian and Luoyang. Dunhuang, the important destination of ancient Silk Road, has the most fabulous Buddhism arts. Pingyao is famous for its Shanxi Merchants’ culture. Datong is fascinating for its Buddhism sculpture art and gorgeous temples.

Southwestern China

The southwestern area is one of the most charming region in China. Here you can explore wild and unique ethnic culture in Lijiang, find the last horizon in Shangri-La, get close contact with the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, climb one of the top four Buddhism mountains, Mount Emei and visit Giant Buddha in Leshan, enjoy amazing waterscape of Jiuzhaigou, take a spiritual trip to Lhasa, etc.

Northwestern China

Spreading all the way from Xi’an and its Terracotta Warriors in the east to the western province of Xinjiang, Northwestern China is a truly vast area. This is a wild region, where the Silk Route passed through for hundreds of years. Only four percent of China’s population live here in the deserts, mountains, and wide-open plains.

To really feel the wilderness, a trip to Dunhuang would be a good idea. This oasis is situated on the very edge of the unforgiving Taklamakan Desert and is famed for its Buddhist cave art. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Crescent Lake and the enormous Singing Sand Dune. This place is all about desert scenery that is for sure.

See more: Top 10 attractions to visit in Xian, China

Southern Central China

The best highlight of the southern central China consists of three parts including the stunning natural landscape, fascinating Lingnan culture and vibrant representative cities of China' Speed.

Diverse landforms creates unique vision feast for eyes, dominating stone mountains of Avatar world Zhangjiajie, peaceful and charming karst landscape in Guilin. The Yangtze River shows her most beautiful face in this region. Don’t miss the Oriental Pearl - Hong Kong, Gambling Paradise - Macau, Shenzhen, Kung Fu and Cantonese Cuisine City – Foshan.

East China

Historically where Qing Dynasty China was forced to open ports like Qingdao, Shanghai, and Xiamen (aka Amoy) to the west, East China is now one of China’s most booming regions. Places like Suzhou are heavily visited for their classical gardens, for instance, and so is West Lake, in the center of Hangzhou.

But for wilder nature, head to Anji County in Zhejiang Province, home to a sprawling 235 square miles of bamboo forest. Lake Tai, one of China’s largest lakes, features over 90 islands and is linked to Beijing by the famous Grand Canal, the oldest canal in the world. Mount Wuyi is a scenic area in Fujian Province. It is an ancient volcanic landscape with masses of gorges and caves, and ample opportunities to see the improbable curves of the Nine Bend River from on high.

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Top attractions in Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan is a small city located in southern Taiwan and also the oldest city, is the old capital of Taiwan with a rich and long-standing culture, cool climate and excellent cuisine. Read this article to know about Tainan's best attractions for first timers.

Confucius Temple

Welcome to Taiwan’s oldest Confucian Shrine! Of all the Confucius temples around the island, this one is my favorite. The halls are set in front of a vast park filled with huge banyan trees where people chat, fly kites, paint or just walk around. There’s no better place to be on a sunny day when the temple’s pink walls contrast against a deep blue sky.

Great South Gate of Tainan

Remain of Tainan’s old defences. From the Confucius Temple, it’s only a short walk along Nanmen Rd. to get to the Great South Gate. The massive double gate was completed in 1835. Set in yet another pleasant park, the giant structure is a reminder of Tainan’s military past as well as one of the most photogenic attraction in town.

Koxinga’s Shrine

Extremely popular with Chinese tourists from the mainland, this memorial is dedicated to Koxinga – the Ming Dynasty general who kicked the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1662. You can see a statue of the man in the main hall as well as tablets commemorating his army along the side corridors. A small museum by the shrine has traditional Taiwanese puppets on display.

National Museum of Taiwanese Literature

Set in an attractive neoclassical building that used to be Tainan’s City Hall, this museum showcases exhibitions that detail the progression of Taiwanese literature since the Japanese occupation. For most, the building’s architecture is the main interest. It was built by the Japanese in 1916. Most displays have English descriptions. It’s just a short walk north of Confucius Temple.

Chihkan Towers

Due to its central location and its proximity to lots of good restaurants, this popular landmark seems to attract more tourists than any other attraction in town. Even if you don’t like crowds, you should still put Chihkan Towers on your travel itinerary.

When you enter the site, take a right to make your way to the pavilions. You’ll see a statue of a helpless Dutch bowing his head in front of a powerful Koxinga.

Climb up the two Fujianese-style pavilions to get good views over the city. The nine tablets lined up on the back of stone turtles at the base of the first pavilion date back as far as 1786. They were sent by the Chinese Emperor of that era.

Anping Fort

Also called Fort Zeelandia, this impressive bastion was originally built by the Dutch in 1653. All that remains from the original structure are a few crumbling walls that used to make up the foundation. The streets around the fort turn into a lively market on weekends and the entire area enjoys a carnival atmosphere as hundreds of Taiwanese tourists show up to buy snacks and play games.

Eternal Golden Castle

The fortress is set in the biggest and most beautiful park I’ve seen in Taiwan. Unsurprisingly, tons of Taiwanese flock here on weekends to stroll around the fortifications.

It used to be an important piece of Taiwan’s defense against the Japanese. Military buffs will enjoy the cannons on top of the citadel. Photographers will want to shoot the front gate early morning. I highly recommend to walk between this site and Anping Fort.

See more: Best places to travel in Asia in January

How to spend 24 hours in Manila, Philippines

As the capital center of the Philippines, Manila is a mix of urban development and historical nostalgia. It is one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the world, and there is always something new to do in its sprawling metropolis. 

From historical museums and Spanish colonial architecture to an exciting nightlife, Manila has everything that every traveler is looking for. If you only have 24 hours to explore Manila, what would you do? Below are some activities for you to make the most out of your short trip in Manila.

Experience Pinoy breakfast

The best way to truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture is to try their food. Skip your usual bacon and eggs in the morning and have some of our Filipino breakfast instead.

You should try “tapsilog,” which is a combination of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg), then partner this with Kapeng Barako, a strong variation of coffee from Batangas and Cavite. This meal is served almost everywhere, may it be in the hotel that you are staying in, restaurants, or at a nearby carinderia (small eatery).

Explore Intramuros

No first-time traveler would dare miss the remnants of the Spanish colonial era in Manila, which can be found in the walled city of the Philippine capital, Intramuros. This historic area is the heart of the old Manila that houses Fort Santiago, which was witness to numerous lives lost during the Spanish occupation.

The country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, spent his last days and wrote his famous literary work, Mi ultimo adios, in Fort Santiago. Within the area, there are old churches such as the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, colonial houses, and defense structures being preserved by the government today.

Take a ride in a Jeepney 

Photo JustinJamesWright

There are few things as iconically Filipino as the Jeepney. These brightly coloured and dramatically decorated jeeps are a popular form of public transportation in Manila. The Jeepney has face-to-face seating and an opening at the back to let passengers on and off. They grumble vibrantly from stop to stop along their pre-determined route, and you pay for whatever length of the route you take. It’s the cheapest way to get around Manila and certainly the most entertaining.

Chicken Adobo for lunch

Time to replenish your stomach after a morning of exploration in Manila! If you are looking for Filipino food to add to your historical tour, you can eat at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant right in front of San Agustin Church. It is the perfect place to go if you want to try Filipino dishes.

Visit the National Museum

Within walking distance from Intramuros is a chance to immerse yourself further in Filipino culture and history as you visit the National Museum. This museum, which houses the country’s famous works of art and preserves historical artifacts, has two great divisions including The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Be amazed by the innate talent and creativity of both young and old artists in the country at the National Museum of Fine Arts. But you will also appreciate the Philippines more as you navigate through the historical and contemporary galleries of the National Museum of Anthropology. You will spend a good two hours going through the halls of the buildings.

Take a sunset stroll on the bay walk

Photo Klook

Running alongside Manila Bay is the BayWalk. This paved walkway extends for several kilometres along the waterfront. It is a hub for locals to stroll and cycle, as well as food and trinket vendors to gather.

City nightlife

Manila is also known to have great nightlife. Filipinos know how to party, so before leaving Manila, make sure to grab a few drinks. Some recommended places for your dose of Manila nightlife are Palace Pool Club, Revel, and Valkyrie in Bonifacio Global City.

See more: Things to know before visiting Manila

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