Choose from 356 Fun Things to Do in China
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 356 listings.
Guangren Lama Temple
There is only one Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province: the Guangren Lama Temple. Nestled into the north-western corner of Xian’s city wall, this temple was built in 1705 as a temporary residence for the Grand Lamas for when they passed through this area on their way to Beijing to meet with the emperors. The architecture of the temple, a mix between Chinese and Tibetan, is a tribute to the long standing cultural relations between the Tibetans and the Han people. White stupas, Buddha statues, prayer wheels and hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind are combined with the typical East-Asian hip-and-gable roofs, elegant carvings and timber framework.
The temple isn’t massive and covers an area of only about 2.6 acres, but it has a lot to offer. The first thing visitors see is the big Mountain Gate, an arch decorated in colorful paintings. From there, they pass along a stone wall carved with Buddhas through the Zhao Bi, a pavilion with the imperial stele and two stone wells on each side of it. Additional treasures of the Guangren Lama Temple include the Lotus Throne inside Devajara Hall, which originated in the Tang Dynasty, rows of golden prayer wheels as well as hand engraved gold mantras, ancient inscribed tablets and several over one hundred year old cypresses, redbud and clove trees.
Practical Info
The Guangren Lama Temple can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get there, take bus number 509 or 712 to the Guang Ren Temple stop and you will find the temple right next to the city wall.
Address: No.152 North-west Road, Lianhu District, Xian 710003, China
From $ 62
Great Wall at Gubeikou
In China's Yan Mountains stretches the Great Wall at Gubeikou, one of the most historically significant and difficult-to-reach sections of the Great Wall of China. This part of the wall once played a key role in protecting China from Mongol invasion and today stands as an untouched architectural feat—the last reconstruction work took place in 1567 and no renovations have been done since then.
Two hours from Beijing, the Great Wall at Gubeikou offers the opportunity for a relatively easy hike with picturesque views of the masonry stretching out to the east and west. Along the length of the wall are 143 ancient watch towers and three citadels, along with a number of other military constructions. While it's possible to explore this section on a long day trip from Beijing or as part of a single-day hike between Gubeikou and Jinshanling, it's more commonly visited as part of a multi-day guided hike of the wilder parts of the Great Wall.
Practical Info
Gubeikou is located in Miyun County, just over 60 miles (100 km) from central Beijing between the Shanhaiguan and Juyongguan passes. It can be reached by taking a bus from Sihui station to Chengde City or Luanping County and alighting at Gubeikou Tunnel. Many people visit this section as part of a longer hiking tour of the Great Wall.
Did You Know?
This section was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–570) but was restructured centuries later when another line of brick wall was laid beside the original, thus forming the double-lined wall seen today.
Address: Gubeikou, Miyun County, China, China
From $ 39
Guangdong Museum of Art
The Guangdong Museum of Art is a huge art museum located in Yuexiu District in Guangzhou. It features no less than twelve indoor exhibition halls that cover an area of 8000 square meters, plus an outdoor Sculpture Garden of contemporary works covering a further 5000 square meters.
The majority of the art at the Guangdong Museum of Art comprises of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum hosts in the region of 60 exhibitions a year in addition to its permanent collection, which primarily features contemporary works by local artists, as well as Chinese artists working abroad. The museum focuses in particular on artists based in the Pearl River Delta, and art lovers can appreciate works by such Guangzhou residents as Xu Tan and Chen Shaoxiong on a visit here.
Insider’s Tip
Although admission into the Guangdong Museum of Art is free, as with most museums and galleries in China, you must produce valid photo ID to gain entrance.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach the Guangdong Museum of Art is by taxi, although bus numbers 89, 194, B21, and 131A stop at Xinghai Concert Hall, which is located on Yanyu Road. The museum is located to the east of the concert hall.
Address: 38 Yanyu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 20
Hangzhou Botanical Garden
At the northwest corner of West Lake and at the foot of Jade Spring Hill, Hangzhou Botanical Garden’s 568 acres (230 hectares) offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hangzhou. In addition to its extensive collection of flowers, plants, and trees, visitors can also enjoy a number of ponds, pavilions, and promenades.
The Basics
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a popular attraction, receiving more than 2 million visitors annually. Highlights include the Bamboo Garden, with over 150 varieties of bamboo; the Linfeng Tanmei area with some 5,000 plum trees; and the Medicinal Garden, with more than 1,200 medicinal herbs and plants, some found only in the Hangzhou area. Fish Jumping at Jade Spring is another popular attraction.
There are also two museums on-site: the Plant Resources Museum and the Han Meilin Art Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Shaded strollers, umbrellas, and wheelchairs are available free of charge with a refundable deposit. They can be obtained from the Visitor Service Center at the South Gate.
- Public bike rentals are available at the Magnolia and Camellia Garden station and at the Bamboo Garden station.
- There are a number of restaurants and convenience shops throughout the garden grounds.
How to Get There
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is located at the northwest corner of Hangzhou’s West Lake area. Take bus nos. 15, 28, or 82 and exit at the Yu Quan stop, or take bus nos. 7 or 27 and exit at the Botanical Garden stop.
When to Get There
Hangzhou Botanical Garden is open year-round. Seasonal flowers and plants make it worthwhile visiting at different times of the year. Spring is a great time to see plum blossoms and rhododendron, while colorful tropical flowers and lotus bloom in summer. Fall is a great time to see osmanthus and maple leaves changing colors, while winter visitors come for the magnolia and camellia.
Research and Education at Hangzhou Botanical Garden
Opened in 1965, Hangzhou Botanical Garden also includes a research center focused on the cultivation and protection of different plant species. The research center attracts academic visitors and those who wish to learn more about agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and medicine. It offers courses on a variety of related subjects, including tea processing, flower arrangements, plant taxonomy, and landscape design. There are also numerous educational programs for children, including single-day and multi-day camps.
Address: No.1 Taoyuan Ling, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 152
Haitang Bay
A once remote area that’s now one of Hainan’s new hotspots, Haitang Bay stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers) along the island’s southeastern shores. In recent years, Haitang Bay has earned its place on the tourist map as the home of several luxury hotels, including The Westin, Shangri-La and Kempinski, with more in the works. While ongoing development will likely draw bigger crowds to the area, it remains one of the quieter beaches on the island, perfect for watching a sunrise.
Aside from wide open sandy beach and numerous resort options, the area also features the 300-shot Haitang International Shopping Center, one of the biggest duty free malls of its kind in the world.
Practical Info
While the beach at Haitang Bay is a beautiful setting for walking or lying in the sun, the current can be quite strong, so swimming is not recommended.
Address: Haitang Bay, Haitangwan Town 571200, China
From $ 101
Happy Valley Chengdu
While small compared to the Happy Valley parks in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, Happy Valley Chengdu features more than 40 rides and provides an action-packed day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Happy Valley Chengdu is made up of seven uniquely themed areas, including Sunshine Harbor, Happy Hour, Caribbean Cyclones, Charming Bashu, Flying Island, Magical Castle, and Leap Across the Mediterranean. Within these zones, you’ll find all the usual theme park fare, including roller coasters, water rides, bumper cars, and a ferris wheel, plus various concerts, extreme sports / street dance performances, and magic shows. There’s also a huge shopping mall located within the park, which features a range of food and retail options.
Happy Valley Chengdu has its own IMAX movie theater, plus the Sky Venture, a vertical wind tunnel originally designed for military purposes that simulates the feeling of skydiving.
Insider’s Tip
Entry into Happy Valley Chengdu can be booked as part of a day tour, which means a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, it’s possible to take a local bus or a taxi to the park, which is located on Huaxi Avenue beside the third ring road.
Address: 16 Huaxi Avenue, Chengdu 610036, China
Hours: Open daily 9am-9:30pm
Admission: CNY190
From $ 90
Great Wall at Mutianyu
The Great Wall at Mutianyu was fully restored in the 1980s as an alternative to the increasingly popular Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is farther away from Beijing (about an hour and a half by car) than more popular sections, but it's also significantly less busy and features some fun, modern amusements, such as a cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. The long, flat segment—the longest fully restored section open to travelers—winds along heavily forested hilltops with 23 ancient watchtowers dotting the landscape.
The Basics
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a good option for visitors with a full day to devote to the wall, as well as families looking for not-too-strenuous hiking away from the crowds. Travelers can choose to climb to the top via restored steps equipped with handrails, or opt for a leisurely cable car ride to the highest restored section. From the top of the cable car, visitors can explore the area before hopping back on for a return trip, taking one of the trails leading back down, or continuing east along the wall to the toboggan ride for a slide back to the bottom. The site is often visited with a guide who can help navigate the steeper portions of the wall and offer historical insight, and a trip can be combined with visits to other Beijing attractions, such as the Ming Tombs, the Olympic facilities, or the China Aviation Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This portion of the Great Wall is ideal for families with kids.
- Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb up to the wall.
- Mutianyu tours from Beijing can last between five and 14 hours.
- There's little shade on the wall, so be sure to wear sun protection and keep hydrated.
How to Get There
Mutianyu is situated 40 miles (65 km) north of Beijing. Due to a lack of convenient public transportation from the city to Mutianyu Great Wall, it's much easier to visit as part of a guided private tour or small-group tour. Those who wish to visit independently must first get to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Bus 867 to Mutianyu or Bus 916 to Huairou (then take a local minibus to the wall).
When to Get There
The area is open to tourists from 7:30am to 5:30pm daily. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and sparser crowds on the wall than summer, when the Mutianyu section of the wall can get quite hot and crowded. National holidays, particularly National Day in early October and Labor Day in early May, can be especially crowded.
Hiking the Great Wall of China
Adventurous travelers looking for a more in-depth Great Wall experience can opt to hike between Mutianyu and Jiankou. The most popular route starts at the Jiankou section with an hourlong climb up to the wall, followed by about four hours of leisurely walking from the rugged, wild portion of the wall to the well-restored section at Mutianyu. Hike independently or as part of a guided hiking tour.
Address: Mu Tian Yu Lu, Huai Rou Qu, beijing, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am–5:30pm
Admission: 40–45 RMB
From $ 6
Great Wall at Juyongguan
While the Juyongguan segment of the Great Wall of China is the closest to Beijing, it's not the most visited; after all, the steps here are still steep and often uneven. Those who make the tough climb up are rewarded with stellar views of the wall winding along the hilltops and—perhaps more importantly—sparser crowds.
The Juyongguan Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, also features some interesting architectural elements (beyond the wall itself). Most notable is the Cloud Platform (Yun Tai), a squat white marble tower built in 1342 as a base for three stupas (and later a temple) that were subsequently destroyed. Visitors can still see carvings and inscriptions inside the platform's tunnel.
The Basics
Like the more popular Badaling, some parts of Juyongguan Pass have been restored to their original condition. From the main entrance, stairs lead to both the eastern and western sides of the wall. The stairs to the east are less steep than those to the west, making them a better choice for kids or those with physical limitations.
Thanks to its close proximity to Beijing, the Great Wall at Juyongguan can be visited on a half-day tour or be combined with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, or a Peking duck dinner back in Beijing. Travelers wanting a more in-depth Great Wall experience can spend a day hopping from Juyongguan to Badaling and Mutianyu to get an overview of the different segments and their characteristics.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall is a must for time-pressed visitors and those looking to escape the crowds.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb up steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Depending on how much of the wall you’re planning to hike, it’s a good idea to bring along bottled water and snacks.
How to Get There
This portion of the wall is located 37 miles (59 kilometers) northwest of Beijing. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Those who wish to travel by public transportation can take Bus No. 345 from Beijing to Shahe and transfer to Bus No. 68 to Juyong Pass.
When to Get There
Aside from Chinese national holidays, when the wall gets packed with domestic tourists, spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit this section of the Great Wall. The steps tend to get icy in winter.
Old and New Walls
If you have time, pay a visit to the nearby Water Pass section of the Great Wall, near Badaling. The unrestored and far less crowded segment offers a view of the wild Great Wall—an interesting contrast to the renovated Juyongguan section.
Address: Juyongguan, Changping, Beijing, China
From $ 53
Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)
The Hanging Temple is built into the cliff-side of the mighty Hengshan (Mount Heng) near Datong city in Shanxi Province. Held up by oak stilts slotted into holes chiselled out from the rock, the rest of the structure that supports the temple is hidden inside the bedrock. Built in 491, the Hanging Temple has survived more than 1,500 years. The face of the building hangs from the middle of the cliff under the summit, which has protected it from the elements over all the years.
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is the only temple that incorporates all of China’s traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors to the temple come in their droves to marvel at this architectural feat for themselves, and to peer over the railings onto the rocks 50 meters below.
Practical Info
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm and there is a small entrance fee. This is one of the most popular day trips from Datong city so arranging a roundtrip by taxi or as part of a tour is easy enough.
Address: Country Rd 203, Hunyuan, Datong, Shanxi, China, China
From $ 40
Great Wall at Badaling
When the Great Wall of China opened to tourists in the late 1950s, the 2.3-mile (3.7-km) segment at Badaling was the first to welcome visitors, and today, some 10 million people visit annually. Situated on the eastern part of the wall just north of Beijing, Badaling is by far the most popular, the most easily accessible and the best restored section.
Built in 1502 during the Ming Dynasty, the wall at Badaling runs around Jundu mountain, reaching an altitude of over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) that provides stunning views. While other portions of the wall require rather arduous climbing, the Great Wall at Badaling has been outfitted with a cable car to ferry passengers to the top of the highest tower. Another of the site's most appealing features is its proximity to Beijing; visitors with limited time in the Chinese capital can combine a visit with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs or squeeze the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square into a single day.
Insider's Tip: Since this is the most popular section of the wall, expect heavy crowds on weekends and national holidays.
Practical Info
The Great Wall at Badaling is part of the eastern section of the Great Wall of China, about 43 miles (70 km) north of Beijing. The stairs here are equipped with hand rails and aren't nearly as steep as those found at other parts of the wall. The site is open from 6:30am to 7pm in summer and from 7am to 6pm in winter. Admission costs CNY 45, with additional charges for the pulley train and cable car. Access to the on-site Great Wall Museum and Great Wall Circle Vision Theater is included in the entrance fee.
Address: Badaling, Beijing 102112, China
Hours: 6:30am–7pm in summer; 7am–6pm in winter
Admission: CNY 45
From $ 16
Guangzhou Museum
Travelers to Guangzhou looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and people of this southern China city will find what they are looking for at the Guangzhou Museum. This popular landmark is jam-packed with ceramics, bronze work, woodcarvings and precious stones that showcase the best of the Chinese province.
Touring the museum's well-kept halls is an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon or an unbearably hot day. Audio guides are available for those who want to learn even more about ancient cultures and traditions, and two souvenir shops sell authentic trinkets. The museum's proximity to the main library, parks and IFC make it a convenient stop on any city tour.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 215 Wendming Road in Guangzhou. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am until 5pm. Visitors can access the museum using the 3 and 5 lines of the metro or the 40, 44, 183, 293, 886 and 886A buses. Admission is free but only 5,000 tickets are issued each day.
Address: 215 Wendming Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–5pm
From $ 73
Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a Great Wall tour. Winding along the mountain ridges north of the capital city, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the world's most iconic wonders, largest historical sites, and greatest feats of engineering, showcasing the genius of the Ming Dynasty.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
For adventurous travelers, the allure of the "Wild Wall" is hard to resist. In the vicinity of Beijing, hikers can traverse an historic segment of the wall between Jinshanling and Simatai in a single day. Other remote sections, like Huanghuacheng, Jiankou and Gubeikou, appeal to hikers and photographers seeking fresh air, stellar views, and photo ops free of other tourists. Multi-day guided hikes offer the opportunity to see more of the wall for a deeper experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Great Wall of China
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
- Summers tend to be hot and wet, while winters can get icy; dress accordingly.
- While the Badaling section has some wheelchair accessibility, flatter, less-visited areas such as Shanhaiguan on the east coast and Jiayuguan in the western desert are best for wheelchair users.
- The Mutianyu section is recommended for seniors and kids, as the wall's watchtowers can be accessed from a cable car.
- Upgrade to a private tour for a more intimate experience, or book a tour with a local guide to get an insider's perspective.
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
No matter where you visit along the wall, crowds will be thicker on holidays, particularly at the portions closer to Beijing. The peak season runs roughly from April through November. Tours in the early morning are generally less crowded, and as bonus, these options offer the chance to see the sunrise.
Address: China
From $ 65
Great Wall at Huangyaguan
Huangyaguan translates to "Yellow Cliff Pass," an apt description for this off-the-beaten-path, yet fully restored, portion of the Great Wall of China. Its distance from Beijing—about a three-hour drive to the east—means its often quieter than other sections while still providing spectacular views. The entire section is built into a mountain ridge, and travelers will find an array of watch towers, emplacements, barracks and other military defense features while hiking along the wall.
Most tours visiting Huangyaguan depart from Beijing or Tianjin and last anywhere between seven and 10 hours. Travelers can walk or hike along the wall with a guide to the giant statue of General Qi Jiguan, passing sights such as the Heavenly Ladder and the Widow Tower along the way. Some tours hike the full distance between the two entrances (about 1.5 miles), while those that are light on hiking often also include a trip to the nearby Eastern Qing Tombs.
Insider's Tip: If you're lucky enough to visit at sunset, you'll see that the cliffs to the east of Huangyaguan almost seem to glow.
Practical Info
While the hike between the two entrances can take one to two hours, it's best to leave yourself an additional hour or so to explore various points of interest within the pass. Visitors should be aware that there are a large number of steep steps to climb when exploring this section of the Great Wall.
Did You Know? Runners converge on the Great Wall at Huangyaguan each May to run the Great Wall Marathon.
Address: Jinwei Hwy, Jixian, Tianjin, China, China
From $ 98
Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai
To experience both original and restored portions of the Great Wall of China without straying far from Beijing, many visitors choose the stretch between Jinshanling and Simatai, a trek seemingly made for hikers and adventurers. The 4-hour hike ranks among the wall’s most popular and rewards intrepid travelers with some of the most photogenic views.
The Basics
From Jinshanling, a six-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of largely unrestored wall leads to Simatai, where it's possible to take another steep, two-hour hike to and from a hilltop watchtower (there's also a cable car that heads most of the way up) or to continue on toward the Great Wall at Gubeikou. Visitors can choose between a small-group or private tour. Non-morning people can opt for a sunset visit to either the Simatai Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall, minus the hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This Great Wall section is a must for hikers, adventure travelers, and those who want to see old and new portions of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Most guided hikes between Jinshanling and the Simatai section include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing and lunch.
- Guided Great Wall hiking tours on this portion of the wall can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces and steep gradients, and bring plenty of bottled water.
How to Get There
This Great Wall hike starts at the Jinshanling section, 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. While most visitors arrive via guided tour, it’s possible to get to the starting point independently by catching the tourist bus from Wangjing West Station. The journey takes about two hours.
When to Get There
April, May, September, and October are ideal months for hiking thanks to moderate temperatures and the best scenery. The mountains around the wall are blanketed in apricot blossoms in April.
Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon
Travelers looking for a true physical test can take part in the Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon, hosted each April. This race, which also includes a half marathon and a 10K race, is one of five marathons held on the Great Wall.
Address: China
From $ 25
Great Mosque
Built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty, the Great Mosque in Xian is one of China’s oldest and largest mosques. As it stands today, most of the mosque structures date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and display an interesting mix of Islamic and Chinese architectural influences. The central minaret, for example, resembles a pagoda, and while the Great Mosque has the layout of a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple, it’s adorned with Arabic calligraphy and sits on an east-west axis in order to face Mecca.
While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the main prayer hall, they are free to explore the first four courtyards and their gardens, archways and monumental gates. Surrounding the Great Mosque, which can be a bit tricky to find, is a bustling Muslim Quarter filled with souvenir stores and food vendors selling kebabs and other Chinese Muslim specialties.
Practical Info
Access to the Great Mosque is often restricted on Fridays, so plan to visit another day.
Address: No. 30 Alley West Avenue, Xian, China
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., restricted access on Fridays
Admission: High Season: CNY 25: Low Season: CNY 15
From $ 9
Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Uncrowded and off the beaten path, the segment of the Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng is popular among hikers who want to experience the wilder side of the wall without investing the time required by some of the longer and more strenuous Great Wall walks. It is also the only waterside portion of the wall open to visitors, with the Xishuiyu Reservoir seen on either side of the wall.
While some parts of Huanghuacheng have been restored to what they may have looked like when built during the early Ming Dynasty, much of this portion of the wall remains in ruins. The reward for making the steep and uneven climb are the amazing views over the surrounding countryside and reservoir.
Since Huanghuacheng isn't quite as easily accessible from Beijing as other parts of the wall, visitors can book private transportation to and from the city with time included to hike independently. Guided hikes are also a popular option for the assistance provided in some of the steeper areas. Travelers can also opt to combine a visit to Huanghuacheng with stops at other parts of the wall, or, for a truly unique experience, cruise to the wall in a 1930s-style sidecar from the city.
Practical Info
This portion of the wall is located 43 miles (70 km) outside of Beijing.
Did You Know? The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng is nicknamed the Great Wall Under the Water, because three sections are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir.
Address: Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng, Beijing, China
From $ 48
Happy Valley Racecourse
The British handed over sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, but cultural vestiges remain. One of the most prevalent is horse racing, and the best place to see it in Hong Kong is at the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island. The sport has a history in the city dating back to 1841, a pastime of the city’s rich and elite. Today, it’s become somewhat of a local passion.
Racing season lasts from September through July, with races typically taking place on Wednesday nights. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, and you’ll find thousands of spectators betting on the horses at the track, while thousands more place bets at Jockey Club offices around the city.
Before the races, head up to the second floor of the facility to learn about the history of the sport at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum. Exhibits trace the migration routes and origins of the racing horses used, display a skeleton of one of Hong Kong’s most winning horses and hosts rotating themes exhibits throughout the year.
Racing season lasts from September through July, with races typically taking place on Wednesday nights. Horse racing is the only legal form of gambling in Hong Kong, and you’ll find thousands of spectators betting on the horses at the track, while thousands more place bets at Jockey Club offices around the city.
Before the races, head up to the second floor of the facility to learn about the history of the sport at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum. Exhibits trace the migration routes and origins of the racing horses used, display a skeleton of one of Hong Kong’s most winning horses and hosts rotating themes exhibits throughout the year.
Address: China
From $ 12
Great Wall at Jiankou
Jiankou is the adventurer's Great Wall of China—an unrestored section with crumbling masonwork snaking along a wild mountain ridge 43 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the wall is dotted with interesting features, including the Nine-Eye Tower, which offers views of China's capital city on a clear day.
The Basics
Day-trippers, hikers, overnight campers, and photographers come to the Jiankou section to escape the crowds and enjoy the sublime scenery that stretches for nearly 10 miles (14.5 kilometers) along steep, jagged cliffs. At Beijing Knot, three segments of the Great Wall meet; it is from here that many visitors begin guided hikes between the Jiankou and Mutianyu Great Wall—the most popular Great Wall walk, lasting anywhere from three to six hours.
A tour guide can help navigate the trickier areas, including Eagle Flies Facing Upward, the watchtower-topped hill that’s so steep even an eagle would have to fly vertically to reach the top. The stairs leading up to the tower are very steep—so narrow in some areas that only one person can pass at a time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jiankou Great Wall is a must-visit for adventure travelers and photographers.
- Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to wear long pants for Great Wall hiking, as some of segment includes thick greenery.
- A small-group and private hiking tour to the wild Great Wall typically lasts upwards of eight hours.
- Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to reach this portion of the wall by public transportation, the journey takes nearly three hours and involves a bus transfer and a taxi ride. It’s much more convenient to visit on a guided tour.
When to Get There
For the best hiking weather, visit in spring or fall. Expect frequent rainfall between July and August. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays, when even the remote portions of the wall can get crowded.
Villages of the Jiankou Great Wall
Xizhazi Village and Wofo Mountain Villa serve as the terminal points for the Jiankou Great Wall hike. Both offer accommodations for those planning to stay the night, and both are a great place to treat yourself to some local food after a day of physical exertion.
Address: Huairou District, Beijing, China
From $ 30
Historic Centre of Macau
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, the Historic Centre of Macau comprises a zone of culturally significant buildings scattered in the southwestern corner of the Macau peninsula. Easily enjoyed as a half-day or full-day walking tour, the Historic Centre of Macau primarily focuses on the fusion of Portuguese colonialism with traditional Chinese cultural heritage. As an important Far East trading port, Macau has one of the longest-standing histories of European influence found anywhere on the Asian continent. For over 400 years two distinctly different cultures coexisted on a tiny strip of land. During this time both the Chinese as well as Portuguese residents crafted temples, forts, public squares and traditional works of architecture that create what is now the best example of European influence found anywhere on the Asian continent.
Popular stops in the Historic Centre include the 15th century A-Ma Temple, where devotees of this Goddess of seafaring come to burn incense and pray for safe passage. You may also want to climb atop the old walls of Monte Fort where cannons which once defended against invading Dutch sailors now point towards glitzy casinos. Down on the street level the classic, pastel façades of Portuguese buildings give areas such as Senado Square and the Church of St. Dominic a fairytale appearance. Other stops like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral show that history isn’t always kind, in that even the grandest of buildings are still susceptible to fire and disaster.
The Macau Historic Centre is easily Macau’s most popular visitor destination (that isn’t a gaming venue), and a stroll through the area is literally a walk through history that is unlike any other in the world.
Popular stops in the Historic Centre include the 15th century A-Ma Temple, where devotees of this Goddess of seafaring come to burn incense and pray for safe passage. You may also want to climb atop the old walls of Monte Fort where cannons which once defended against invading Dutch sailors now point towards glitzy casinos. Down on the street level the classic, pastel façades of Portuguese buildings give areas such as Senado Square and the Church of St. Dominic a fairytale appearance. Other stops like the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral show that history isn’t always kind, in that even the grandest of buildings are still susceptible to fire and disaster.
The Macau Historic Centre is easily Macau’s most popular visitor destination (that isn’t a gaming venue), and a stroll through the area is literally a walk through history that is unlike any other in the world.
Address: Macau, China
From $ 72
Gyantse
Once a hub for trade with India and later a battlefield under British attack, Gyantse is a city steeped in history with a culture and people still deeply rooted in tradition. Travelers who venture to this destination, which is located along the Nyang-chu River, will find sprawling fields in quiet residential neighborhoods, while Buddhist temples and lively local markets exist closer to the center of town.
Gyantse’s size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and several sites are certainly worth making a visit. Pelkor Choede, known as the center of Gyantse, is a yellow hat monastery that, despite a lack of upkeep, showcases local religion and tradition through interior paintings and traditional architecture. Travelers learn about the city’s past at Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fort that’s also home to an Anti-British Imperialists museum. And the eight-story Gyantse Kumbum showcases ornate artwork and highly detailed Buddhist images that are sure to impress most any traveler.
Practical Info
Public buses run routes between Gyantse, Xigatse and Lhasa, but most travelers still elect to arrive via organized tour from the capital.
Address: Gyantse, Tibet, China
From $ 1,880