Destination Spotlight: China
By Sarah V. Hines, on July 26, 2018
China is a country filled with exotic beauty, stimulating experiences, and rich history. Getting a tourist visa for China is relatively simple if you have help from people familiar with the process. While a favorite spot for business, it’s not often the first choice for a vacation. If you haven’t yet heard, however, there are plenty of reasons to consider China for your next holiday spot.
Vast History
China is one of the oldest continuous nations in the world. Many dynasties have ruled the county throughout its history, and each one has shaped the culture in one way or the other. From the Qin dynasty to the Yuan dynasty, your travel through China will introduce you to the birth of things such as glazed pottery, paper making, porcelain production, guns and canons and paper currency. Any history buff will find the inventions and cultural imprints that the Chinese nation has given us to be worthy of its own vacation to learn.
Breathtaking Landscapes
At 3.7 million square miles, China holds a fantastic array of landscapes. Nature sightseers will love places such as Lexiaguo--the “red land” known for the reddish hue of its soil that contrasts against the green grass and white flowers--and the Huanglong Travertine Pools-- bright blue hot springs that have formed along the slopes of the Huanglong Valley. No shortage of tours exists to see the natural wonders of China and the wildlife that is unique to the country. The difficulty will lie only in deciding which region of incredible beauty in which to spend your time.
Man-Made Marvels
Most people know about the Great Wall of China, parts of which are still being discovered today. When looking for ancient architecture beyond this marvel, however, it seems China is not a one-hit wonder by any means. The Forbidden City offers a personal journey back in time beginning with the Ming Dynasty from 1420 all the way through the Qing Dynasty’s end in 1912. Visitors looking for more natural beauty can climb the 999 steps of Tianmen Shan, passing through the “Gateway to Heaven,” a large opening where the sky seems to meet the ground. Adventure seekers may want to visit the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, a 40-room temple carved into the side of the Hengshan mountain. When it comes to the wonders of man-made architecture, the possibilities China has to offer seem endless.
Shopping Arcades and Marketplaces
From teas to jewelry to textiles, you can find everything in the marketplace in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Arcades and malls also dominate these cities, so there's never a shortage of places to spend time when you want to experience the thrill of the city.
While we think of China as one of the top industrial and economic powerhouses of the international community, vacation goers often overlook the beauty that the country has to offer for any possible vacation interest. Whether you see ancient sites, admiring landscapes fit for a fairytale or looking for vibrant cultures and customs, China has something to offer everybody.
Vast History
China is one of the oldest continuous nations in the world. Many dynasties have ruled the county throughout its history, and each one has shaped the culture in one way or the other. From the Qin dynasty to the Yuan dynasty, your travel through China will introduce you to the birth of things such as glazed pottery, paper making, porcelain production, guns and canons and paper currency. Any history buff will find the inventions and cultural imprints that the Chinese nation has given us to be worthy of its own vacation to learn.
Breathtaking Landscapes
At 3.7 million square miles, China holds a fantastic array of landscapes. Nature sightseers will love places such as Lexiaguo--the “red land” known for the reddish hue of its soil that contrasts against the green grass and white flowers--and the Huanglong Travertine Pools-- bright blue hot springs that have formed along the slopes of the Huanglong Valley. No shortage of tours exists to see the natural wonders of China and the wildlife that is unique to the country. The difficulty will lie only in deciding which region of incredible beauty in which to spend your time.
Man-Made Marvels
Most people know about the Great Wall of China, parts of which are still being discovered today. When looking for ancient architecture beyond this marvel, however, it seems China is not a one-hit wonder by any means. The Forbidden City offers a personal journey back in time beginning with the Ming Dynasty from 1420 all the way through the Qing Dynasty’s end in 1912. Visitors looking for more natural beauty can climb the 999 steps of Tianmen Shan, passing through the “Gateway to Heaven,” a large opening where the sky seems to meet the ground. Adventure seekers may want to visit the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, a 40-room temple carved into the side of the Hengshan mountain. When it comes to the wonders of man-made architecture, the possibilities China has to offer seem endless.
Shopping Arcades and Marketplaces
From teas to jewelry to textiles, you can find everything in the marketplace in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Arcades and malls also dominate these cities, so there's never a shortage of places to spend time when you want to experience the thrill of the city.
While we think of China as one of the top industrial and economic powerhouses of the international community, vacation goers often overlook the beauty that the country has to offer for any possible vacation interest. Whether you see ancient sites, admiring landscapes fit for a fairytale or looking for vibrant cultures and customs, China has something to offer everybody.
About the Author
Sarah V. Hines is a writer and former visa specialist. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her cat and her tablet. She is the author of the Siren Tragedies series. Her debut novel, Hubris: Book One of the Siren Tragedies, is available on Amazon Kindle.