China is packed with ancient history, fascinating culture, dramatic landscapes and fast-paced modern cities. Some of the best activities and things to do in China include:
- Walking along the Great Wall of China
- Visiting the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve
- Discover Tiananmen Square
- Exploring the city of Shanghai
There’s plenty of variety too. You can hike historic landmarks, cycle through ancient cities, discover imperial palaces and see a completely different side of China in its modern cities.
Incredible Activities in China You Need to Experience
1. Hike the Great Wall of China
Take on a hike along the less-visited sections of the Great Wall, between Gubeikou and Jinshanling. This 15-kilometre hike is challenging, but the mountain views and chance to experience quieter stretches of the Wall make the effort worthwhile.
It’s an active way to experience one of China’s most famous landmarks and appreciate the sheer scale of this remarkable structure.
2. See the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
One of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an is an extraordinary collection of life-sized figures created for Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Thousands of warriors, horses and chariots were buried as part of the emperor’s vast mausoleum complex, with individual details giving many of the figures their own distinctive appearance. Seeing them together gives you a sense of the scale and ambition behind one of China’s best-known archaeological sites.
3. Cycle Xi’an’s Ancient City Walls
Xi’an’s City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, and cycling the 14-kilometre circuit is a great way to experience it.
From the elevated route, you can look across Xi’an and see historic architecture sitting alongside the modern city. It’s also a chance to get active while experiencing another side of the city’s long history.
4. Volunteer at the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve
Located near Chengdu, the Dujiangyan Panda Reserve offers the chance to learn about giant panda conservation and see one of China’s most recognisable animals up close.
Find out more about panda behaviour, their habitat and the conservation work being carried out to protect the species. It’s an experience that gives you a different perspective on China’s wildlife
5. Explore the Forbidden City in Beijing
The Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex in Beijing, was the imperial residence of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Walk through its vast collection of courtyards, halls and palaces and get a closer look at the architecture and history of imperial China. Its scale alone makes it one of Beijing’s most impressive historic landmarks.
6. Take in Tiananmen Square
Nearby, Tiananmen Square has played an important role in China’s modern history. Surrounded by some of Beijing’s most significant buildings and monuments, its enormous scale makes it a striking contrast to the enclosed courtyards of the Forbidden City nearby.
7. Walk Through Beijing’s Hutongs
Away from Beijing’s monumental landmarks, the city’s hutongs offer a closer look at another side of the capital.
These narrow lanes run between traditional courtyard residences and have been part of Beijing life for centuries. Walk or cycle through them to see neighbourhood life alongside cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
More things to Do in Beijing
- Summer Palace: Leave the busiest parts of Beijing behind at this vast imperial garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its lake, landscaped gardens, temples and pavilions.
- Peking Duck Dinner: Make time for one of Beijing’s best-known dishes and experience another side of the city through its food.
- Temple of Heaven: Visit this historic complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once performed ceremonies connected with the annual harvest. Today, its surrounding park is also part of everyday Beijing life.
8. Cruise the Huangpu River in Shanghai
See Shanghai from the water on a cruise along the Huangpu River.
The route gives you views of the skyscrapers of Pudong on one side and the historic architecture of the Bund on the other. Head out after dark and you’ll see the city illuminated, including landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower.
9. Discover Shanghai’s French Concession
Tree-lined streets and historic architecture give Shanghai’s former French Concession a very different feel from the high-rise skyline of Pudong.
Spend some time walking through its streets, where historic buildings sit alongside shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s another example of just how varied Shanghai can be from one neighbourhood to the next.
10. Visit the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai
Step away from Shanghai’s skyscrapers at Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Its pavilions, ponds, rockeries and traditional landscaping create a striking contrast with the modern city around it. Nearby, Yuyuan Bazaar is another place to experience local food, shops and traditional crafts.
More things to Do in Shanghai
- Shanghai Museum: See collections of Chinese art and cultural objects, including ceramics, bronzes, paintings and calligraphy..
- Nanjing Road: Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, lined with major stores, restaurants and local businesses.
- Fengjin Water Village: Head beyond central Shanghai to see canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture in one of the region’s historic water towns.
Ready for a China Adventure Holiday?
Want to experience some of the best activities and things to do in China for yourself? A China adventure holiday brings together historic landmarks, active experiences, local culture and some of the country’s best-known sights.
Hike along the Great Wall, see the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, spend time in Beijing and experience the energy of Shanghai, with the practical details taken care of along the way.
