China attractions

The extinct Tai Mo Shan volcano is the highest peak in Hong Kong, rising 3,140 feet (957 meters) above sea level. The surrounding 3,558 acres (1,440 hectares) of highland are home to the scenic Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, several panoramic lookouts, and a range of flora and fauna, including snakes, insects, and more than 100 species of bird.

Situated on a forested hillside in the old part of town, Luis de Camões Garden and Grotto is a welcome oasis of calm in one of the most densely populated places in the world. Dedicated to the Portuguese poet and naval veteran Luis de Camões, this is the largest park in the city of Macau.

Located in the north of Sai Kung peninsula, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a marine biodiversity park where eight species of mangrove, 120 species of coral fish, and over 60 species of hard coral live. One of the most accessible marine parks in the city, Hoi Ha Wan is a popular destination to experience nature in Hong Kong.

Beijing may not be known for environmental values, but Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park (Yeyahu) outside the city is flying the flag for natural restoration. Migrating birds and indigenous plants adorn the flat wetlands that fringe Wild Duck Lake, while a network of cycle paths make it a pleasant place to explore.

Nestled deep in the Hong Kong peninsula, Tai Po Kau’s unspoiled forest provides escape from the densely populated and often intense city center. Home to more than 100 species of tree, the reserve’s winding trails are popular with hikers and wildlife-watchers alike, all of whom are hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare birds, insects, and mammals.

One of the three ancient temples of Macau, Kun Iam Temple was founded during the 13th century, although the present structures were built in 1627. Dedicated to Kun Iam, the Chinese representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, this Buddhist temple is one of the largest and most important in Macau.

The Weijin Tombs are thought by many to be the world’s largest underground art museum. Here, several family burial tombs dating back thousands of years have been excavated, unearthing bodies, artifacts used daily in the home, and hundreds of murals drawn on bricks. The pictures on the murals provide insight into life in the Wei and Jin dynasties.

Located on the southeast coast of Hainan Island, Haitang Bay is one of the new hot spots on the Chinese resort island. Stretching for around 27 miles (43 kilometers), Haitang Bay is home to a wide range of high-end, luxury hotels and resorts. Enjoy wonderful views, a pretty beach, and the biggest duty-free shopping center in the world.

A huge Tibetan Buddhist temple complex, Dazhao Temple is one of Hohhot’s signature sights and draws pilgrims from across China. Worshippers bearing prayer wheels process past a blue-faced Medicine Buddha, a silver model of Sakyamuni (Buddha in human form), a stupa clad in prayer flags, a selection of deities, and an array of colorful murals.

The Kong Forest, or the Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin), is just north of Qufu. The thousands of gravestones and tombs here honor Confucius, his disciples, and his descendants—the Kongs. Their gravestones span the length of several dynasties. Confucius, the philosopher, educator, and politician, is revered by many as a profound thought leader bringing China into modern times.

The Tomb of Wang Jian was the last resting place of 10th-century Chinese leader Wang Jian. Carved murals of musicians and dancers surround the bed where his coffin once rested and a statue of the man himself awaits in an adjoining chamber. The attraction is also known as Yong Ling, Yongling Museum, or Yongling Mausoleum.

Head to the “Green Lung” of Nanning, Mt. Qingxiu, a popular summer resort for centuries, and explore the Longxiang Pagoda, man-made pools, Three Gods Temple, the botanical garden, and Nanning’s only 18-hole golf course. The mountain range itself has 18 peaks, with a pagoda sitting on top of one of them. This is a lovely spot to spend a few hours.

Carved into the side of a cliff, the Maijishan Grottoes contain thousands of Buddhist sculptures and frescoes crafted by pilgrims and traders as they made their way across the Silk Road. These grottoes are one of four cave complexes in China and have a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

At this large museum in Nanning, learn about the 12 nationalities in Guanxi and ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia and worldwide. Explore the different cultures by examining silver accessories, brocades, and costumes. Check out the ancient copper drums, Qing ceramics, examples of calligraphy, and much more. Some exhibits are indoors, some outdoors, and you can also learn from films.

A truly global outdoor gallery, the Changchun World Sculpture Park features hundreds of carvings from a myriad of countries and cultures, including Inuit, Māori, and Maya pieces, set amid parkland around a lake. Four separate museums feature East African Makonde wood carvings, works by Chinese sculptor Wei Xiaoming, and art from calligraphy to installations.

Tucked into the north range of the Qinling Mountains just outside Xian, Louguantai National Forest Park was where Laozi, father of Taoism, penned his foundational philosophy of theTao Te Ching. Travelers will find three Taoist temples within the park, as well as a bamboo forest and wild-animal-breeding center.

Goddess Peak (Shennu Feng) is where the goddess Yao Ji is believed to be immortalized in stone, watching over the Yangtze River below. This highest of the twelve peaks comprising the Wu Gorge is thought to resemble a woman standing on the river’s northern shore.

The nine-story Pavilion of Prince Teng was originally built in the Tang dynasty, so it’s seen its fair share of history. Set in Nanchang, the structure is famous for its height, large size, and architectural style, which is actually related to the Song Dynasty. Inside there are bronzes, musical instruments, and other extravagant gifts given to Prince Teng.

A tiny islet linked to mainland Qingdao by a road bridge, leafy Little Qingdao (Xiao Qingdao or Qin Island) is a popular spot for a stroll and offers great views back towards the city. Highlights include a German-built lighthouse from 1900, a World War II Japanese torpedo dump, and a statue of a lady with a zither (qin).

One of China’s oldest and most impressive temple complexes, Jinci Temple—just southwest of Taiyuan in the Shanxi province—was constructed some 1,500 years ago. Formerly used for ancestral worship, the sprawling temple complex contains nearly 100 buildings scattered across a verdant garden setting. It’s also celebrated for its wealth of ancient trees, including a 3,000-year-old cypress.

Offering fresh forest air and reflecting waters in summer, the Jingyue Lake reservoir turns into a Chinese winter wonderland once the waters freeze over, with ice skating, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, and more. The centerpiece of Jingyue Lake National Forest Park, it’s a great way to get out into nature from Changchun.

From May to June, Changchun’s Peony Garden comes alive with opulent blossoms in shades of pink, white, and fuchsia, and the sweet scent of peony fills the air. Paired with classical Chinese backdrops of bridges, streams, pavilions, and woodland, it’s a lovely but fleeting display of flowers that play an important role in Chinese culture.

Established in 2013, Art Basel Hong Kong is the premier art fair in Asia and follows Art Basel and Art Basel Miami Beach. With half of the participating galleries coming from the Asia Pacific region, Art Basel Hong Kong showcases some of the best and newest in modern and contemporary art from artists in Asia, as well as around the world.

A popular side trip on a Three Gorges cruise, the Shennong Stream (Shennong Xi) meets the Yangtze River between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge opposite the town of Badong. Trips typically wind through Mianzhu (Bamboo) Gorge, Yingwu (Parrot) Gorge, and Longchang (Thriving Dragon) Gorge, past a number of Tujia minority villages.