5 Reasons to Visit China
Ready for an epic journey through the heart of Asia? China is a massive, mind-blowing destination that seamlessly blends ancient dynasties with futuristic cities. Whether you want to step back in time on the Great Wall, hang out with adorable pandas, or stand among towering mountains that inspired the movie Avatar, this country delivers an adventure like nowhere else. Here are 5 reasons why China needs to be your next backpacking destination.
1. Walk the Great Wall of China in Beijing
No trip to China is complete without standing on the Great Wall, one of the world's most spectacular wonders. Unlike regular tourist crowds that only visit the restored, packed sections, our favorite way to experience it is exploring the more rugged and authentic parts of the wall. Feel the incredible history beneath your feet as you trek along the winding stone ridges surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Back in Beijing, you'll also get to explore the massive Forbidden City and wander through the ancient, narrow alleyways known as Hutongs to experience real, traditional Chinese life.
2. Meet Giant Pandas in Chengdu
If there's one thing that will completely melt your heart in China, it's visiting Chengdu, the ultimate hometown of the Giant Panda. You'll get to visit the world-famous panda research and breeding base to watch these beautiful, clumsy creatures munching on bamboo, tumbling around, and playing with each other. Chengdu is also legendary for its incredibly laid-back teahouse culture and its fiery, mouth-watering Sichuan cuisine. It’s the perfect city to slow down, enjoy the vibe, and snap a million photos of the world’s cutest animals.
3. Stand before the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Prepare to have your mind blown in the ancient city of Xi'an. Deep underground lies one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army. You'll get to stand before thousands of life-sized, uniquely detailed clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were built over 2,000 years ago to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. The sheer scale of the excavation pits and the fact that every single soldier has a completely different facial feature is absolutely unreal to witness in person.
4. Explore the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie
Get ready to step straight into a sci-fi movie! The towering quartzite sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are so surreal that they literally inspired the floating mountains in the movie *Avatar*. We'll explore the misty valleys, walk along cliffside paths, and ascend the Bailong Elevator—the world's tallest outdoor elevator built right into the side of a massive cliff! The dramatic, otherworldly views here will make you feel like you've completely left planet Earth.
5. Experience Solo Traveling with an Epic Group Vibe
China is an incredible country, but navigating the language barrier, high-speed trains, and local transport on your own can feel pretty overwhelming. That’s why joining a group tour is the absolute best way to do it! You'll instantly join a ready-made squad of like-minded backpackers to share all the "did we just see that?!" moments. With an expert group leader handling all the logistics, navigation, and best local food spots, you get 100% of the adventure with zero stress. The 13-day China Adventure tour on our site takes you through all these bucket-list icons on the trip of a lifetime!
Ready to see China for yourself? Let's go!
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