1. The Forbidden City, Beijing
Located in the very heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is more than just a tourist spot; it's a journey back in time. For 500 years across two of China's most powerful dynasties, the Ming and the Qing, this sprawling complex served as the imperial palace. It was home to 24 emperors, a place where the fate of a nation was decided within its crimson walls. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's largest imperial palace and stands as one of the most magnificent and well-preserved wooden structures globally. Despite its name, its gates are now open, inviting you to walk the same courtyards as emperors and witness a cornerstone of Chinese history and culture.
2. The Five Great Mountains (Wu Yue)
For many, the initial spark of interest in China comes from the iconic imagery of its landscapes, particularly the mist-shrouded peaks of its sacred mountains. The Five Great Mountains, or Wǔ Yuè, are the embodiment of this vision. Each mountain corresponds to a cardinal direction:
Mount Tai (Dàishān) in the East
Mount Hua (Huàshān) in the West
Mount Heng (Héngshān) in the South (Hunan)
Mount Heng (Héngshān) in the North (Shanxi)
Mount Song (Sōngshān) in the Center
For centuries, these mountains have been sites of imperial pilgrimage and sacrifice, holding deep spiritual and cultural significance. To hike their ancient paths is to connect with a tradition thousands of years old, making it a profound experience for any traveler seeking more than just a photo opportunity.
3. The Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan Province
Prepare to be humbled. The Leshan Giant Buddha is an awe-inspiring feat of human devotion and engineering. Carved directly out of a cliff face on Lingyun Mountain during the Tang Dynasty, this colossal 233-foot-tall (71-meter) statue has watched over the confluence of the Dadu, Minjiang, and Qingyi rivers for over a millennium. As one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, its sheer size is difficult to comprehend until you're standing at its feet. It's no wonder this is one of Sichuan Province’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors who come to marvel at its serene grandeur.
4. Beijing's Legendary Night Markets
Food is a gateway to culture, and for years, the Donghuamen Night Market was a world-famous, must-visit destination for adventurous eaters. It was legendary for its staggering array of food stalls, serving everything from familiar dumplings to exotic delicacies like scorpions and centipedes on a stick.
Important Update: Please note that the iconic Donghuamen Night Market was permanently closed in 2016. However, the spirit of Beijing's vibrant street food scene lives on! Digital nomads can still get their culinary fix at several excellent alternatives:
Wangfujing Night Market: Though tourist-focused, it offers a similar range of exotic and standard street food.
Shichahai Food Street: A more scenic option around the beautiful Houhai Lake.
Guijie (Ghost Street) Night Market: Famous for its red lanterns and countless restaurants, especially those serving spicy crayfish, that stay open late into the night.
5. The Bund, Shanghai
If Beijing is China's historical heart, Shanghai is its futuristic, cosmopolitan pulse. And there's no better place to feel it than The Bund. This famous waterfront strip along the Huangpu River offers the quintessential view of Shanghai's iconic Pudong district skyline, with its sci-fi-esque skyscrapers. What makes The Bund truly unique is the architecture on your side of the river—a collection of grand, Western-style buildings from the colonial era, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It's a stunning juxtaposition of East and West, old and new. A short walk from other key attractions like Yuyuan Garden and the bustling Nanjing Road shopping street, The Bund is the perfect starting point for exploring this dynamic city.
