With the largest population in the world, coming in at a little bit over 1.4 billion people, The Peoples Republic of China has become the fastest growing economy in the world. Chinese cities is rich in historical, modern and traditional culture that dates back to almost 5000 years ago! It’s no wonder why International talents are attracted to this country, it’s the holy grail of rich treasures. That is to say, both in history and people. Working in China as a foreigner you have the opportunity to visit as much of the 3.7 million square meters that China covers in the East Asia. Some of the 10 best places to visit while working in China are listed below.
The Great Wall of China
This 21196.18-kilometer wall is located in Beijing, the capital of China. The Great Wall is a staple when it comes to visiting China. The wall passes through 15 Provinces in China, it was built in the 7th Century BC to help protect China from its enemies. I know you have heard of The Great Wall of China either through the internet or word of mouth. After all it is one of the 7 great wonders in the world. Every year millions of tourists visit The Great Wall. In addition, The Great Wall has rich history and cultural aspects. When climbing the wall, you definitely need to be dressed for the walk and climb. If you make it to the top watch towers, you are able to really see the beauty of China. The most popular area to visit on the wall in the Badaling.
Fun fact about the great wall:
- The Great Wall is the greatest man-made structure in the world!
- 6 different Dynasties built the wall, the wall is over 2300 years old!
The Forbidden City
This palace is located near the center of Beijing (close toTianmen Square). The palace is the world’s largest complex which was built during the 15th Century (during the Ming Dynasty). This palace served as the imperial residence of emperors and their families up until 1911. Punyi was thee last emperor to live in the palace after his abdication. The City is surrounded by an 8-meter wall and several gates. It has 90 palaces, 1000 rooms and 8 700 rooms. in addition, there are restaurants and souvenir shops inside for visitors.
Fun facts about the Forbidden City:
- For close to 5 centuries, 24 Emperors have lived in the palace.
- The name Forbidden City came about because it was prohibited to enter unless invited or requested by the Emperor.
The Terracotta Army
Located in Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is considered one of the greatest architectural places. There are more than 6000 life sized clay sculptures of the Qin Shi Huangdi (name of the first Emperor of China) soldiers and horses in the tomb of the First Emperor of China. They were buried for more than 2000 years. This tomb was discovered accidentally by peasants digging for water. If you intend of visiting the tomb, it will take you half a day to go through the whole tomb.
Fun facts about the Terracotta Army:
- They were built to protect the emperor in his after life.
- Each sculpture has a different facial expression.
The Summer Palace
Also located in Beijing, the Summer Palace is among the top 10 best places to visit while working in China. This palace is located 15 km away from the center of Beijing. It is located near the Kunming Lake and the Longevity Hill. The Summer palace was used as an escape by the Chinese imperial rulers from the Forbidden City. If you love gardens and nature, you will love the Summer palace! It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and traditional Chinese architecture.
Fun fact about the Summer Palace:
- In 1900 the palace was invaded and suffered significant damage, by 1902 most of the damages were repaired.
Tianmen Square
Located in the city center of Beijing, the Tianmen Square is the largest city center in the world. This area is surrounded by government and soviet styled buildings. As a foreigner working in China, you will also see other Chinese who are visiting the city for the first time. Located at the entrance of the Tianmen gate, there are 4 lion marble sculptures.
Fun facts about the Tianmen Square:
- Every dusk and dawn there is a flag raising and lowering ceremony.
- The northeastern marble lion has a bullet hole in its stomach from the 1989 massacre.
Xiamen
If you know the movie “Mulan”, you will be excited to know that the movie was shot here! If you thought the beauty in the movie was breath taking, imagine experiencing, seeing it and being part of it. Located in the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is known as the ‘Garden of the Sea’. The Climate in this area is very friendly and warm and has beautiful scenery.
Fun facts about Xiamen:
- “The city is on the sea, and the city is in the sea” is a phrase that refers to Xiamen.
- Mulan was based on the Hakka culture and her house was situated in Fujian Tulou.
One-hour Bullet Train in Shanghai
The fastest train in the world is found in Shanghai. That statement alone should make you want to book a ticket headed to Shanghai. This high-speed rail train (Shanghai Maglev) makes travel convenient with a top speed of 430 kilometers per hour. To travel from Shanghai to Suzhou or Hangzhou with maximum comfort and luxury takes 1 hour.
Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Although giant pandas are located in zoos all over China, people go to Chengdu to see them in their natural habitat. They are even able to hug them. People are also free to volunteer to take care of the bears. Who wouldn’t want to see these cute and cuddly animals?
Tibet
As a foreigner working in China, this should be one of your dream destinations. The beauty that surrounds you when you are in Tibet is breathtaking. That is why it is a popular place for tourists to visit. It is considered a sacred place for Buddhists. If you need to feel connected to mother nature the vast grasslands will help with that. However, if you are interested in culture, the traditional lifestyle and rich culture of the Tibetan will take your breath away. In addition, if you love the color blue, you will be impressed by the clear skies and clear blue waters. If thats not enough to impress you, then take in the and fresh air!
Fun facts about Tibet:
- Tibet is really high up (altitude wise)!
- 47% of the world population depends on the flow of fresh water from Tibet.
The Yellow Mountains
Last, but definitely not least, are the magical Yellow Mountains located in Huangshan. These mountains have hot springs, they are beautifully surrounded by mountains, clouds and stunning fauna and flora. The villages and countryside that surround these mountains is breath taking as well.
Fun facts about the Yellow Mountains:
- They are called “The most beautiful mountains in China”
- The mountains aren’t called Yellow mountains because of their color. In fact, the name comes from an Emperor who went there and gained supernatural powers.
More best places to visit while working in China
- Hong Kong
- Sanya
- Guilin
- Yunnan
This article tried to help you decide which are the best places to visit while working in China. These places are can also be enjoyed by family too. Further information about China and places to visit are listed here.
NB: You might want to do thorough research on logistics, health regulations in light of the Pandemic. As a result your travel itinerary may also be altered. Happy traveling and unwinding! You deserve it.
