City: China
Top Things to do in China
Top Hotels in China
- 1. InterContinental Century City Hotel Chengdu
- 2. Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
- 3. Crowne Plaza Hangzhou HEDA, an IHG hotel
- 4. Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City-WestTower, an IHG hotel
- 5. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
- 6. Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City-EastTower, an IHG hotel
- 7. Wyndham Grand Shenzhen
- 8. Crowne Plaza Xi'an, an IHG hotel
- 9. Alva Hotel by Royal
- 10. The Arca
Countries
10 Architectural Buildings in China That You Shouldn't Miss
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a unitary sovereign state in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), it is the third- or fourth-largest country by total area, depending on the source consulted. China also has the most neighbor countries in the world. Governed by the Communist Party of China, it exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing), and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Restaurants in China
1. The Great Wall at Badaling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,049 reviews
The Great Wall of China is considered to be the only man-made project visible from the moon. Although it was once thought to have been built entirely during the Qin Dynasty between 221 and 238 BC, it is now believed to have been started earlier.Stretching more than 6,400 kilometers in length.
Reviewed By raniil - Santiago, Chile
The Great Wall is one of the seven wonders, so you have to visit it if you’re in Beijing. We booked a tour to get there because it’s outside the city. We went in winter so it was very cold. In spite of this, we really enjoyed the view. We were amazed by the construction.
2. Temple of Heaven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,200 reviews
Built in 1420 with a total area of 270 acres, this is the largest building for religious worship in China, which was originally used by the Ming and Qing emperors to pay homage to Heaven and to pray for a year of rich harvest.
Reviewed By abchester - Chester, United Kingdom
A fascinating place to visit and marvel at the woodwork and painting, all set in beautiful grounds with locals happily playing cards, exercising or knitting.
3. Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Si)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
A wooden Laughing Buddha greets you at the entrance of this 4th-century Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Guangzhou.
Reviewed By KimLeng - Totnes, United Kingdom
I still have dreams of walking this temple; a wonderful place in the middle of the city, you’d expect the city noise to drown out the peace but surprisingly, it’s very quiet within the grounds. My partner and I visited here not knowing what to expect, we just wanted to make offerings and pray which we were welcome to do. There are several different Buddha halls you can visit, with the large Buddha hall in the centre where you can katow or walk around. Many locals visit here to pay their respects, with ancient artefacts kept for hundreds of years. Here, it is said that Bodhidarma came to stay, he used the temple’s well to wash out his bowl which you can see and pay respects to. We had a very special time here where the nuns invited my fiancé and I to pray with them in the sleeping Buddha hall. The temple thrives with practicing monks and nuns so be on the look out for this. There is an outdoor market kitchen to the right of the temple which you can access from within the grounds in case you wanted to grab something to eat. There are also public toilets for you to use.
4. Jin Mao Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,214 reviews
Reviewed By JochenHertweck - Frankfurt, Germany
When it opened in 1998 Jin Mao Tower used to dominate the Pudong skyline together with the Oriental Pearl Tower. These days it is overshadowed by the significantly taller Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. However, this should not deter you from visiting it. This stunning architectural masterpiece remains my second favorite observation deck in the city behind the one located at the top of Shanghai Tower. Unlike the neighbouring SWFC you can enjoy 360 degree views from the top and unlike the Oriental Pearl Tower there are usually no long queues to get in. The admission price is also more reasonable than at the other observation decks and in addition you get a dizzying view down the world’s tallest lobby.
5. Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,605 reviews
Speed to the top of the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower for a spectacular view, or just gaze at this beautiful structure from afar, especially striking when lit up at night.
Reviewed By MinuHyd - Hyderabad, India
This is indeed one of the nicest place to visit in Shanghai.Though this is not the tallest building in Shanghai,its really worth it.Its an amazing looking building and the views are awesome.The biggest highlight is the glass bottom viewing point..As many other places ,wifi is available in this attraction as well.However we had trouble reading the otp since it was in native language. Note:-Please mind that this is one of the most crowded places in Shangahi.The queues can get really big,and you might end up being in the line for a long time -The washrooms are not very well maintained and better to stay away unless its an emergency.
6. Potala Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,496 reviews
The residence of the Dalai Lama is an immense religious structure and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture.
Reviewed By annerQ4387SP - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
This is something that can’t be missed. Even the locals take the climb slowly. For those that are not used to the altitude just take it easy and steady with lots of stops on the way up. The view from the top and the tour around the palace is well worth the effort and a must do.
7. Chi Lin Nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,344 reviews
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
The Chi Lin Nunnery is one of our special places in Hong Kong. Originally built in 1934, the monastery building and grounds you see today were opened to the public in 2000. This is a peaceful and tranquil place that is beautifully maintained. Chi Lin along with the adjacent Nan Lian Gardens are free to visit and open from 7am to 7pm daily. What you find here is a Buddhist monastic complex constructed of cedar wood and built in the style of the Tang Dynasty. There are a handful of halls, each fitted with beautiful shrines with gilded and colourful statue figures representing manifestations of Buddha. The main hall includes five large gilded figures (3 Buddha figures and 2 attending disciples) is particularly impressive. Note that they ask you to not take photos in this area of the monastery. There is information posted next to each hall with Chinese and English text, allowing you to read up and learn about the figures on display in each. You can take pictures in the open courtyard which are decorated with numerous manicured shrubs and flowering plants. This is a Lotus Pond Garden with four delightful pools, it is an attractive setting and easy place to relax and enjoy yourself. Overall, this is a place you can easily spend half an hour. Add an addition 30-45 minutes to browse the grounds and exhibition galleries of the Nan Lian Garden which is connected by bridge to the other side of the street running along side the Nunnery. Collectively, these two attractions represent one of the most beautiful locations to visit in Hong Kong, a place loved by residents and visitors alike.
8. Chongsheng Three Pagodas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By Travdon - Philadelphia, United States
The grounds of this complex are sprawling, and you could easily spend half a day exploring. The three pagodas are great to see, as they've been standing for over 1000 years. But after you pass those, there are myriad temple buildings to explore. There are some buildings stuffed with numerous gold-coated statues of various individuals - not really sure what it was or who they were, but they were interesting to see. The path continuously hikes upwards, and you have to navigate several sets of steps, but it's worth it. Some buildings you can walk up to the top and have great views of the lake and city. The entrance fee to the complex is 75 RMB/person, plus an additional 35 RMB if you want a shuttle to take you from the three pagodas to the main temple (not worth it, as the leisurely stroll is part of the fun).
9. Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
The monastery was built on the cliffs of Mt. Hengshan, one of the five most sacred mountains in China. The caves and halls are connected by winding corridors and bridges.
Reviewed By downtherethunder - Fara Novarese, Italy
Such a beautiful temple. The panorama from above is great too. Be sure to bring good shoes because in some parts the ground was a little slippery. Don't worry though, there's no chance of you falling down the temple! :) You also need to know that the entrance and the exit are in the same location, so you need to come back from where you got in. Make sure to follow the right paths for entry and exit or you might stumble across someone complaining when you climb down the stairs! :)
10. Hakka Houses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
We offer accommodation, travel guides and transportation from/to Tulou. Please call us, email us or check our website for more information.
Reviewed By JoeCool_KL - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Interesting to visit the Hakka houses which are communal living house with hundreds of smaller rooms and living spaces for families. Apparently during President Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the satellites picked up these rounded structures and spies were sent into Nanjing / Yongding China to investigate if these were nuclear facilities or missile launch buildings. Only then did they realize that these were villagers living in large rounded tulou !
