Exploring China: A Blend of Tradition, Modernity, and Natural Wonders

China, with its vast landscapes and rich history, can offer an incredible travel experience. For a first discovery of the country, you can spend around 10 days in three different cities. Each of them can present you with a different facet of China, starting with the imperial splendor of Beijing, then moving to the modern energy of Shanghai, and concluding your trip with the serene landscapes of Yangshuo, southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, for a mix of tradition, modernity and nature.

Days 1 to 4: Beijing—the cultural and historical heart of China
Day 1: Start the journey with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architecture dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in a big park where locals often come to exercise and play games. Its serene atmosphere will offer you a relaxing start. Then, you can head to hutongs, the narrow alleyways that reflect the city’s traditional way of life. The most famous is Nanluoguxiang, but it’s often packed with people, so feel free to roam around and get lost in the surrounding alleys, or continue to the nearby Drum Tower.

Day 2: Begin your day with a walk around Tian’anmen Square. From there you will see the Great Hall of the People, which hosts China’s most important political meetings. Then, you can head to the iconic Palace Museum (also known as the Forbidden City), an impressive complex of palaces and courtyards that once housed China’s royal family of the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Don’t forget to walk from Donghuamen (East Prosperity Gate) or Xihuamen (West Prosperity Gate) to Wumen (Meridian Gate), the southern entrance of the Palace Museum, so you exit from the north gate and continue your day with a visit of Jingshan Park. Once an imperial garden, this public park is particularly mesmerizing at sunrise or sunset as it offers a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and even Beijing’s downtown area. It also has an interesting history, as its central hill was built using the earth excavated from the Forbidden City’s moat.

Day 3: It’s time to discover China’s most famous landmark—the Great Wall! A visit to Beijing wouldn’t be full without it. The Mutianyu section is highly recommended for its restored pathways and fewer crowds. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Great Wall going through verdant hills as you hike or take a cable car to reach the top. In the afternoon, you can visit Beihai Park, a tranquil escape in the heart of the city that hides a beautiful temple and a lake, or the National Art Museum of China for a glimpse to Chinese art. In the evening, experience modern Beijing in Sanlitun, a vibrant district with stylish bars, international restaurants, and high-end shopping malls.

Day 4: Wrap up your stay in the capital city with a visit to the 798 Art District, a hub of contemporary Chinese art housed in repurposed industrial buildings. It would be a great choice to stroll through galleries, admire traditional and modern art pieces from local and international artists, enjoy coffee in one of the many trendy coffee shops, and shop some souvenirs.

Days 5 to 7: Shanghai—China’s biggest business and trend hub
Day 5: Start your exploration at The Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront promenade, where you will witness colonial-era buildings on one side and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other. And then, you can head to Pudong to visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Its observation deck offers panoramic views of the city. In the evening, it would be great to explore Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, and sample local delicacies at street food stalls.

Day 6: You can begin your day with a visit of the Shanghai Museum, known for its impressive collection of ancient Chinese art. Nearby, the famous Yuyuan Garden offers a beautiful traditional architecture with classic Chinese style gardens. In the evening, you can spend your evening at Xintiandi, a chic pedestrian area where traditional shikumen (a style combining Western and Chinese elements) residences have been transformed into trendy boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

Day 7: Discover the charm of Shanghai’s former French Concession, a trendy historical district with European-style houses and tree-lined streets that offer a very special atmosphere. You can stop in one of the many coffee shops to enjoy this unique atmosphere that is Shanghai’s signature. You can end your day with a Huangpu River cruise, watching the city light up as night falls.

Days 8 to 10: Yangshuo—a natural masterpiece of Karst landscapes
Day 8: Fly to Guilin and transfer directly to Yangshuo, a scenic town surrounded by towering karst mountains and winding rivers, and take the rest of the day to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Wander along West Street, a charming blend of traditional and modern China, with cafés, boutique shops, and street food stalls. In the evening, you can watch the mesmerizing show Impression Liu Sanjie, an open-air performance on the Lijiang River choreographed by famous film director Zhang Yimou with stunning light and music effects.

Day 9: If you manage, wake up early and head to one of the viewing platforms of Xianggong Hill to witness the sunrise. It offers a breathtaking show of nature that varies every single day. Continue your day with a bamboo raft ride on the Lijiang River, a must-do experience in Yangshuo! As you glide through impressive karst peaks and lush bamboo groves, you’ll feel as if you were watching a real-life traditional Chinese painting. Another must-do activity is taking a photo of the place that is featured on the 20-yuan RMB banknote, near Xingping Village, a small fishing village along the Lijiang River.

Day 10: If time is enough, take a two-hour drive to the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone, which offer stunning views and insight into the local Zhuang and Yao cultures. Alternatively, you can explore nearby caves, such as the Reed Flute Cave in the northwest suburb of Guilin, renowned for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites.

At the end of your stay, you’ll be able to have a better idea of what China can offer. And if you have more time to spend in the country, there is a lot more to discover such as Xi’an, one of the ancient capital cities of China, or Yunnan, one the most beautiful provinces in the country, just to name a few.

Cecile Zehnacker

French freelance writer and photographer who has lived in China for more than 10 years