The Wanderlust guide to the best of China
From bustling cities to rural enclaves that haven’t changed in centuries, China has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to its best bits and hidden corners
China is big all over – 1.3 billion people, almost 10 million sq km. But don’t let its size daunt you. Rapidly-improving infrastructure has made China easier to travel now than ever before, and areas that were off-limits a few years ago are opening up to all.
In China’s eastern coastal region, thronging mega-cites such as Shanghai have hurtled head-first into the 21st century. But elsewhere you’ll still find people living traditional ways of life, as well as vast swathes of untouched landscapes.
Beautiful, diverse Yunnan is a travellers’ favourite. From its steaming jungles on the Laos border to its mountains and renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge near Tibet, this western province of China is packed with spectacular scenery.
Just north of Yunnan, Sichuan province is the place to go to see wild pandas and eat the best Chinese food. If you’d rather go tiger spotting, head to the nature reserves in the region formerly known as Manchuria, in China’s north-east.
If you’re after an epic journey, follow the old Silk Road in China’s north-west, beyond the Great Wall along the border with Mongolia. Here you’ll meet ethnic minorities – Turkic-speaking Uighurs, Hui Muslims and Mongols – and have the chance to stay in a yurt on the great steppe lands. Or follow the Yellow River to see magnificent historical buildings in China’s ancient dynastic capitals.
Looking for inspiration?
China has something for everyone, from bustling megalopolises to rural idylls and everything in-between. Paul Morrison sings the praises of Shanghai, where caged crickets chirp in the shadow of futuristic skyscrapers. Katherine Tanko reveals that it is still possible to escape the bustle and find peace amongst the rice paddies and karst rock peaks of southern China.
Dina Gardiner was so taken by the life of the nomads in remote Quinhai that she was tempted to buy a tent and join them. Amar Grover suggest seeking out one of the 80 different ethnic minorities living within China before it’s too late.
For the more active, William Gray recounts a long, slow bike ride through southern China, and Simon Lewis outlines eight different ways to hike the Great Wall for a unique take on this famous world wonder.
More information
Sky lights and street talk in Shanghai – Paul Morrison
Chinese whispers: rural life near Yangshou – Katherine Tanko
Nomads’ Land: Quinghai China – Dina Gardiner
Minority groups in China – Amar Grover
A slow bike through China – William Gray
8 ways to hike the Great Wall – Simon Lewis
