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
The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in China, China
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. Mount Kailash
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 195 reviews
Gangs Rin-po-che is the Tibetan name of Mt. Kailash which is considered as a sacred place in four regions: Bon Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash for the faith they believed that circumambulating Kailash by foot will bring good luck and clear the sins. The trek begins and ends at Darchen which is at 4,575m elevation.Mount Kailash trekking is one of the most challenging and sacred treks in the world. The trek is widely known as Mt. Kailash kora which is scared in four religions, Bon Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. What’s more, this holy mountain is also the headstream of four famous rivers in Asia: Indus River (also called Shiquan River in China), Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), Yarlungzangpo River (also called Brahmaputra River) and Ganges River. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash for the faith they believed that circumambulating this holy mountain by foot will bring good luck.
Reviewed By Antharyatri
Visited Mt. Kailash in July 2019 through Monterosa Treks. It was a wonderful trip. We were well taken care of by the staff. All of them were extremely helpful. Just to mention a few names Ranjan, Prakash. Food was very delicious, hot and always served with broad smiles in spite of the hard work that went behind getting the food ready in time for the guests. Big thank you to all team members of Monterosa Treks.
2. Mogao Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Located in the Gobi desert, the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas feature beautiful wall fresco paintings and more than 3,000 sculptures dating from the forth to the fourteenth century.
Reviewed By garyr0bertb - China, null
The Mogao Caves or grottos, Dunhuang are amazing and one of the best places I have been to in Asia. I visited Mogao on New Year’s Day 2021, minus 6 degrees centigrade but no snow. I had an English-speaking Chinese tour guide who was excellent – her English was very good; her knowledge of history, art and religion was extensive; and she was gracious in answering my questions. I’ve studied Chinese history at university but Western lecturers and textbooks are no match for a local person who is a part of the culture! I visited 12 caves as this is the low season. If you visit in other seasons, you will see 8 caves. I was mesmerized by the Buddhist sculptures and murals, especially as I could see an evolution of styles through the centuries. The 492 Mogao Caves have art works ranging from the 5th to the 17th Centuries CE with restorations occurring during the Qing Dynasty, even into the early 20th Century. I was amazed at the resilience of the art to earthquakes and humidity, but also perturbed by the looting and vandalism of European and American treasure hunters in the early 20th Century. I spent 5 hours at the caves. This included the tour, visiting the museum (which has special exhibitions), buying books at the giftshop (two in English), having a coffee at the café, and wandering around taking photographs. Some Important Tips: # In high season, there is a daily limit of visitors. # You cannot take photos inside the caves and in parts of the museum. This is important as the light from phones and cameras (even without flash) damages the murals. Be respectful, don’t complain. # You need to go to the Mogao Caves Exhibition Centre first to purchase a ticket (140RMB). This is 5 kms from the centre of Dunhuang town. (Taxi – 30RMB or bus). Here you can watch a film if you wish. Please ask about the frequency of shuttle buses, especially in low season. In 2021, you will need a clear Health Code on your mobile phone (same as per booking into your hotel). # The shuttle bus will take you to the Mogao site 20 kms away (part of the ticket price). # Follow the passengers to the entry gate and show your ticket. If you want an English tour guide, please let them know here. I am unsure which other languages are available. # You cannot choose the caves you wish to see but all groups will see the main ones. # Don’t forget the onsite museum, gift and bookshop and café. # Shuttle buses leave regularly to the Exhibition Centre. From here, hop on a town bus or grab one of the waiting taxis in the car park back to Dunhuang town. # Doing a little reading about Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism, and Chinese history beforehand might influence your experience.
3. 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.
4. Mount Qingcheng
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,118 reviews
A natural scenic area and a holy mountain of Taoism.
Reviewed By jonascn - Singapore, Singapore
Mount Qingcheng is a short distance away from Dujianyan. There is an excitement in the desire to reach the highest peak when climbing the mountain. However the steps up the mountain is quite steep, especially the last 30 minutes and can be slippery during winter. There are porters to help you up the mountain at a cost (though one does sympathise the porters who are in their 50s too). There is also a photo taking service a the top of the mountain which a beautiful temple, especially during winter due to the thick clouds. The air is filled with the smoke from the joss sticks. There is a certain level of accomplishment amid the achy legs when you reach the top. Hence, this is well recommended for travellers looking for adventure. However, the main drawback of the area is the hidden costs you have to bear with to enjoy a complete experience. The site ticket is 80RMB. To proceed to the mountain, you have to 20 RMB for a 2 way mini bus journey to the river coast, after which you have to pay 10 RMB for a 2 way boat ride to an area closer to the mountain. There is also a 60RMB cable car to proceed to the base of the mountain before walking up. There is a need to factor in these costs when you are planning your trip. It is also difficult to avoid this payment as the journey without is much longer. Do also take note of the different operating hours during winter. It opens 8.30am to 5.30pm from May to October, and 9am to 5pm from November to April. Overall, if you can get over the hidden costs and the physical requirements, this is well worth the trip.
5. Putuo Mountain (Putuoshan)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 655 reviews
Located on an island in the East China Sea, this mountain is one of the four Buddhist shrines in the country, which features many temples and nunneries.
Reviewed By victorhP8547IR
Beautiful bouddhist temples, beautiful scenery, pleasant strolls along paths on the mountain and along the road boarding the sea. Fresh air and refreshing sights of mountains, islets and sea.Recommend to visit Foding peak, Huiji temple, Fayu temple, Puji temple and Nanhai Guyin. Difficult to avoid the crowd of tourists and the faithful during high seasons.
6. Jokhang Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,227 reviews
Included on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple is in the heart of Lhasa downtown. With an area of 25,100 square meters (about six acres), it is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. As the most sacred temple in Tibet, Jokhang Temple is situated in Lhasa city and attracts many pilgrims to worship and circumambulating around. The temple was founded during King Songtsen Gampo’ reign (617-650 AD). At that time, the King built the temple to welcome his two brides, Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal and Princess Wencheng from China in Tang Dynasty. Both princesses brought statues of Jowo Sakyamuni as their dowries, therefore, Songtsen decided to build a temple to house these important statues. Together with Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple was built as well to place the statue brought by Princess Wencheng. Later, the statue was moved to Jokhang Temple as well for better protection.
Reviewed By catpeople25 - Malta, null
This is one of the most revered temples by Tibetan people and one can see this both inside the magnificent temple and also outside as many Tibetan people walk around clockwise around the temple praying with their prayer wheels and some even crawl around on hands and knees all round the parameter. the outside along the square is full of interesting shops too and one can easily spend days here just people watching.
7. Lingyin Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,460 reviews
Built in 326 A.D. at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, this temple features a main hall extending 33.5 meters in height, a statue of Sakyamuni carved out of 24 pieces of camphor wood and a laughing Buddha covered in gold.
Reviewed By SueF_Trips - Tulsa, United States
Past the perfectly manicured tea groves of a picturesque country lane is the home of Hangzhou's amazing ancient Feilai Feng scenic area and Lingyin Buddhist Temple. Countless perfectly detailed reliefs, statues, and buddhas are carved eveywhere into the mountainside amongst tall beautiful trees, caves, pathways, and a quiet stream. Would have loved to spend many more hours exploring the site but moved along with my family to tour the Buddha statues and structures of the Lingyin Temple. The scenic area is one of the must peaceful settings I've ever experienced. Not far away though near the entrance you're back to civilization with many small shops, restaurants, not one, but two separate Starbucks, and most importantly...a Western styled ladies room!
8. Yuantong Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By DereckDC - Guiyang, China
I went the weekend of the tomb sweeping festival. Not too many people. The entrance fee is ¥6. I was there for maybe 45 minutes. You may take more time if you are able to read Chinese or if you have more than one person in your party. Decent place to take pictures (not of the inside of temples of course).
9. Lantau island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,596 reviews
Reviewed By wing88kiu
It's so close to the city and even where the HK airport is, you can find the most scenic hiking trails, fishing village, beautiful beaches and good variety of restaurants all in one. The island is big and better to plan out your day on what you want to do. One cannot see everything in one day and can spend different days on different things to do. it's more than just the shopping mall and Disneyland.
10. Wenshu Yuan Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,083 reviews
Reviewed By SILBERSTEINSKY
A nice temple with lovely park. Vital. Wonderful tea garden to relax and take some energy. Close to the city center
