Top 10 Destinations for Student Travel in China
Due to its rich culture and long history, China has become a more and more popular destination for foreign students in recent years. More and more students come to China to have a cultural feast, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or experience a unique Chinese trip. Here, China Travel lists the hottest student attractions for your trip to China.
1. Beijing
Beijing, the capital, has more than 3,000 years of history. Although Beijing is a prosperous metropolis, it is a great city to explore ancient Chinese culture. The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Tian'anmen Square, a symbol of new China, was the front gate of the imperial palace.
Besides, you can visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Built in the Yuan Dynasty, the Beijing Imperial Academy (Guozijian in Chinese) was the highest-level national education institution in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Student travelers can go to Beijing Imperial Academy to have a glance at the ancient education environment. Quadrangle and hutongs stand for old Beijing's local life. If you want to see some artwork in Beijing, 798 Art Zone with all kinds of art studios is in the right place.
2. Xi'an
Together with Beijing, Luoyang, and Nanjing, Xi'an is one of 4 famous ancient capitals in China. Which attractions are suitable for student travel in Xi'an? Terra-Cotta Warriors in the Qin Dynasty is the No.1 historical attraction in Xi'an as the Qin Dynasty was the first dynasty of united China.
Emperor Qingshihuang's Mausoleum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and the Forest of Steles are popular attractions in Xi'an. You can also join cycling along with Xi'an ancient City Wall and have all kinds of tasty Northwest-style snacks in the Muslim Quarter.
3. Shanghai
Shanghai, the second most famous city after Beijing on the mainland, is a city not only for modern skyscrapers but also for some old Chinese elements such as nongtang. Shanghai Xintiandi is full of Western and Chinese buildings which give you a feeling of old Shanghai in the 1920s or 1930s.To take a cruise along the Huangpu River or visit the Bund in the evening is a good choice to enjoy the night in Shanghai.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the landmark of Shanghai City, and you can have a high view of skyscrapers from the tower. Shanghai History Museum, the French Concession in Shanghai, and Tianzifang are worth visiting during your trip to China.
4. Guilin
A lot of Chinese paintings about Guilin represent a symbol of Chinese waters and hills. Chinese painters love to visit Guilin because of its picturesque karst landscapes. The beautiful scenery in Guilin consists of pure waters and karst hills. To take a cruise along the Li River or Yulong River (Meet Dragon River) to enjoy the marvelous landscape is one thing not to miss in Guilin.
A large number of travelers from home and abroad head to Yangshuo County which has the best karst scenery in Guilin. Vivid West Street in Yangshuo is the right place to stay and eat in the county. Longsheng Terraced Rice Field in Guilin is loved by photographers, and you can climb on the top of the fields to view magnificent terraced fields.
5. Chengdu
In Southwest China, Chengdu is one of the most leisurely cities in China. It is so leisurely that hundreds of travelers from other cities don't want to leave after they travel to Chengdu. As the hometown of China's Giant Pandas, how could you escape from seeing cute Giant Pandas in Chengdu? Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center is the place to see them.
Chengdu was also known as the center of the Ba Kingdom in ancient times. There are a lot of historical sites such as Kuan Alley Zhai Alley and Wuhou Temple. To try authentic Sichuan Opera and Sichuan cuisine is an amusing thing to do. Influenced by Taoism, Qingyang Temple and Qingcheng City are popular Taoism attractions. Besides, Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong in Songpan are amazing destinations in Sichuan Province.
6. Hangzhou and Suzhou
Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou areas are known as Jiangnan which is famous for their water towns. China has a proverb about Suzhou and Hangzhou's scenery: there is a paradise in the sky, and there is Suzhou and Hangzhou in China. West Lake and Leifeng Tower in Hangzhou are widely known by Chinese people.
To ride a bike along West Lake and come to visit Wuzhen Ancient Town is a recommended thing to do in Zhejiang Province. Suzhou's private gardens, small bridges, and rivers make up a picture of Jiangnan. You can visit Humble Administrator's Garden, and Lingering Garden, or take a small boat along the ancient canal in Suzhou.
7. Huangshan
Hongcun village and the Yellow Mountain are the most attractive scenic areas in Anhui Province. Located in Yi County in Anhui Province, Hongcun Village is likened to a village in a picture. The best times to visit the village are in March, April, and November. Abundant rape flowers open in March and April to compose a yellow flower sea. Combined with the old buildings in the village, it was a paradise during the period. Tree leaves turn red in November, so you can see wonderful autumn scenery there.
The Yellow Mountain is one of the top 5 mountains in China. Four extremely beautiful sceneries in Yellow Mountain include special pines, strange stones, a cloudy sea, and a hot spring. It is a great pleasure to have a cup of Yunwu tea (Cloud Fog tea) which grows in the cloudy and foggy area on the mountain.
8. Luoyang
Located in Henan Province, Luoyang is one of four famous ancient capitals. April and May are the best times to see all kinds of peonies which stand for wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.
Situated at Hao Mountain in Zhengzhou City, Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Shaolin Wushu. You can try to experience the unique and magical wushu in Shaolin Temple. And Shaolin Forest of Pagoda has the largest number of ancient tomb pagodas from the Tang Dynasty.
The Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang is one of four famous grottoes in China. Here, you can view China's stone carving arts from ancient times. Firstly built in the North Wei Dynasty, it reflects imperial stone carvings in the North Wei and Tang Dynasties.
9. Hong Kong
If you have a chance to Hong Kong, you really should write down it on your travel list to China. Hong Kong is a modern metropolis deeply influenced by both Chinese and British culture. If you want to do some shopping on a budget, Hong Kong is a good place to shop. As a tax-free harbor, there are a lot of free tax goods and discount shopping activities. Tsim Sha Tsui, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei are popular shopping destinations in Hong Kong.
You can also visit Taiping Peak, and Repulse Bay to have a look at Hong Kong's special coastal scenery. The night of Hong Kong along Victoria Harbor is the top 1-night scenery in China. Hong Kong Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland are popular destinations among students.
10. Tibet
The plateau scenery, snow mountains, and unique Tibetan culture are the most attractive elements in Tibet. Being the most sacred pilgrimage, Potala Palace in Lhasa is hundreds of Buddhists' destination to worship.
You will be touched by the wonderful scenery and pure Buddhist belief. Some of them kowtow to Lhasa step by step because of their religious beliefs. Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Norbulingka will bring you to an original Tibetan local life.
Customize Your China Trip
If you want to visit these attractions above or any other places that you are interested in, China Travel can tailor-make a tour based on your needs and requirements, which can save you time, money, and trouble. Please feel free to tell us your tour ideas!