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Terraced fields in Longji

Things to do in China
Terraced fields in Longji
A land of contrasts, China is home to modern metropolises, soaring mountain ranges and some of the world’s most recognisable tourist sites.

There are countless activities and experiences available across the country, but for many a walk along the Great Wall is an undisputed highlight. Although justifiably popular, we can show you how to experience this and China’s other premier attractions away from the crowds. See the Terracotta Army at a quiet time, marvel at the verdant rice terraces and minority villages of Longji, or take a boat trip through the striking karst scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo.
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Audley Travel specialist Chris

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Ideas for experiencing China

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know China, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

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  • The Great Wall at Jinshanling
    The Great Wall, Beijing

    The Great Wall at Jinshanling

    Beijing

    The Great Wall at Jinshanling

    Stretching for over 6,000 km to the Gobi Desert in the far west, the Great Wall remains one of the world’s true must-see sights.

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  • Beijing City Tour
    Tiananmen Square, Beijing

    Beijing City Tour

    Beijing

    Beijing City Tour

    To really experience Beijing you need to get out onto the streets. The Forbidden City is one of the most fascinating places in Beijing and is well worth a visit.

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  • Panda Research Base
    Giant Pandas

    Panda Research Base

    Chengdu

    Panda Research Base

    The Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, situated in the north of Chengdu, provides an excellent opportunity to get as close as possible to China's "ambassador" animal.

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  • Terracotta Army Excursion
    The Terracotta Warriors, Xian

    Terracotta Army Excursion

    Xian

    Terracotta Army Excursion

    Leaving the city, visitors drive to the area where the army was first discovered in 1974. What was finally unearthed proved to be one of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological finds, and ranks with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as one of China’s most potent images.

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  • Visit the Forbidden City
    Forbidden City, Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Closed to the world for over 500 years, and home to emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a truly fascinating place.

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  • The Legend of Kung Fu Performance
    Young monks practising their moves, Shaolin

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    Beijing

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    This exciting piece of theatre comprises a number of spectacular and highly skilled Kung Fu demonstrations, following the story of a young Shaolin Monk as he trains in the discipline.

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  • Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion
    Tiger Leaping Gorge

    Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion

    Lijiang

    Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion

    Tiger Leaping Gorge measures 16 km and has an awesome depth of 3,900 metres, making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

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  • Culinary Tour of Shanghai
    Food vendor in Shanghai

    Culinary Tour of Shanghai

    Shanghai

    Culinary Tour of Shanghai

    Visit Zhonghua market in Shanghai and wander down some of the famous side streets sampling regional delicacies with a guide, who will be able to give you all sorts of recommendations.

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  • Songzanlin Monastery
    Songzanlin Monastery

    Songzanlin Monastery

    Shangri-La

    Songzanlin Monastery

    This 300-year-old monastery houses over 600 Tibetan monks and is one of the most prominent Tibetan monasteries in southwest China.

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  • Beijing's Hutongs
    Quiet Hutong, Beijing

    Beijing's Hutongs

    Beijing

    Beijing's Hutongs

    Take a tricycle tour of Beijing’s unique and famous Hutongs, a maze of old narrow backstreets found in the Changiao area of the Western District.

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  • Dali, the Three Pagodas & Erhai Lake
    The Three Pagodas, Dali

    Dali, the Three Pagodas & Erhai Lake

    Dali

    Dali, the Three Pagodas & Erhai Lake

    Explore what Dali and its surrounding area has to offer. First head to Erhai Lake where you board your boat and spend a couple of hours cruising on the beautiful freshwater lake.

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  • Dabao Temple Hike
    Interior of traditional Tibetan house

    Dabao Temple Hike

    Shangri-La

    Dabao Temple Hike

    The trek begins at Ruobola Hill, heading through the forests toward Dabao. During the journey the highest sections are around 3,500 metres above sea level.

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  • Morning Shanghai Bicycle Tour
    Fuxing park on Morning Shanghai bicycle tour, Shanghai

    Morning Shanghai Bicycle Tour

    Shanghai

    Morning Shanghai Bicycle Tour

    This guided cycling tour around Shanghai’s old town and French Concession backstreets shows you a salt-of-the-earth side of the city that few visitors experience. You’ll pass tiny street markets, and stop off at a public park and a Buddhist temple.

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  • The Dragon's Backbone Walk
    Dragon's Backbone Rice terraces, Longji

    The Dragon's Backbone Walk

    Longji

    The Dragon's Backbone Walk

    For those who enjoy a little more exercise, the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces at Longji offer a fantastic opportunity to get out into the countryside and visit some wonderful, traditional villages.

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  • Mogao Caves
    Camel Owners, Dunhuang

    Mogao Caves

    Dunhuang

    Mogao Caves

    The caves here are among the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. There are 45,000 square feet of murals to savour, though the most rewarding visits take in around seven or eight of the best caves.

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  • Shanghai Highlights
    Yuyuan garden, Shanghai

    Shanghai Highlights

    Shanghai

    Shanghai Highlights

    Shanghai has very few Buddhist temples, so the Jade Buddha Temple is well known and well used. The Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar are located at the south-eastern end of the old city, its bustling maze of narrow lanes lined with traditional houses.

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  • Shanghai Acrobatics
    Shanghai Acrobatic Show

    Shanghai Acrobatics

    Shanghai

    Shanghai Acrobatics

    Gifted Chinese acrobats perform the contortions and feats of balance that have made them famous throughout the world.

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  • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
    Limestone karst scenery, Guilin region

    Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

    Yangshuo

    Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

    Guests are driven to the Yulong River to board a bamboo raft. This is extremely relaxing and offers superb views and photographic opportunities.

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  • Chengdu Lost Plate Food Tour
    Mapo Tofu on Food Tour, Chengdu

    Chengdu Lost Plate Food Tour

    Chengdu

    Chengdu Lost Plate Food Tour

    Chengdu’s food scene brings together a lively mélange of Sichuan dishes, from Sichuan stuffed pancakes to traditional hot pots. Sample it all on a tuk-tuk food tour, dining at secret places around the city, led by a local bilingual guide.

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  • Summer Palace
    The Summer Palace, Beijing

    Summer Palace

    Beijing

    Summer Palace

    Located in the Haidian district in the north of Beijing, the Palace is a classical imperial garden embracing beautiful landscaped hills and lakes.

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  • Temple of Heaven
    Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

    Temple of Heaven

    Beijing

    Temple of Heaven

    For a different insight into Chinese religion and history, a popular place to visit is the Temple of Heaven.

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  • Suzhou Excursion
    Suzhou, China

    Suzhou Excursion

    Shanghai

    Suzhou Excursion

    Suzhou is a city with over 2,500 years of history. Following completion of the Grand Canal in the Sui Dynasty, the town grew and prospered from the trade that passed through its gates.

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  • Guided Countryside Bike Ride
    Yangshuo

    Guided Countryside Bike Ride

    Yangshuo

    Guided Countryside Bike Ride

    Experience the sublime local scenery on a leisurely bike ride to the Yulong River area. The villages here are still relatively untouched by tourism, and visitors are often greeted by friendly villagers working in the paddy fields.

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  • Daju to Qiaotou Trek — 2 Days
    Tiger Leaping Gorge

    Daju to Qiaotou Trek — 2 Days

    Tiger Leaping Gorge

    Daju to Qiaotou Trek — 2 Days

    The walk begins gently as you make your way to the ferry that takes you across the river. The high path then leads you into the gorge and on to the village of Walnut Grove.

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  • Li River Cruise
    Yangshuo, China.

    Li River Cruise

    Guilin

    Li River Cruise

    Spend the morning on a leisurely cruise along the Li River, starting at Guilin and ending at the small town of Yangshuo. En route, the cruise passes through extraordinary scenery, with karst limestone pinnacles thrusting up from the bamboo-covered plains.

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  • Sanctuary Cruises
    Suite on Sanctuary Cruises Yangtze Explorer

    Sanctuary Cruises

    The Yangtze River

    Sanctuary Cruises

    Cruising on the Yangtze River is a truly unique experience, with Sanctuary Cruises being the latest addition for the discerning traveller.

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  • Victoria Cruises
    Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River

    Victoria Cruises

    The Yangtze River

    Victoria Cruises

    There are a number of companies operating cruises on the Yangtze River, and Victoria Cruises is one of the best.

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