China is one of the world's oldest civilisations — a vast country of staggering contrasts from the Great Wall to the karst peaks of Guilin.
Top China Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate china highlights experience
Forbidden City, Beijing
The world's largest palace complex
The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex — a 72-hectare walled city of 980 buildings that served as the imperial palace of China for nearly 500 years, now the Palace Museum housing over a million artefacts.
Highlights
- 980 buildings across 72 hectares
- The Hall of Supreme Harmony
- The Imperial Garden
- Over 1 million artefacts
- View from Jingshan Hill
Things to Do
- Enter through the Meridian Gate
- Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony
- Explore the Imperial Garden
- Climb Jingshan Hill for the best view
- Visit the Clock Exhibition Hall
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–May and September–October
Recommended Duration
Half day to full day
Typical Cost
CNY 60 (approx £6.50)
Travel Tips
- ·Book tickets online in advance — daily visitor numbers are capped
- ·Arrive early to beat the crowds
- ·Allow at least 3–4 hours
- ·Audio guide available in English
- ·Combine with Tiananmen Square just outside
Nearby Attractions
Li River & Guilin Karsts
The most beautiful river scenery in China
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the most beautiful journeys in the world — a 4-hour boat trip through dramatic limestone karst peaks. The scenery is so iconic it appears on the Chinese 20 yuan banknote.
Highlights
- Dramatic limestone karst peaks
- The scenery on the 20 yuan note
- Cormorant fishing on bamboo rafts
- Yangshuo town at the end of the cruise
- Cycling through karst countryside
Things to Do
- Take the Li River cruise to Yangshuo
- Cycle through the karst countryside
- Watch the cormorant fishing show
- Explore Yangshuo's West Street
- Hike to Moon Hill viewpoint
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–October
Recommended Duration
4-hour cruise + time in Yangshuo
Typical Cost
Cruise from CNY 210 (approx £23)
Travel Tips
- ·Book cruise tickets in advance during peak season
- ·The cruise is best in the morning light
- ·Yangshuo is worth spending a night or two
- ·Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo
- ·Fly to Guilin from Beijing or Shanghai (2 hours)
Nearby Attractions
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