When it comes to traveling to Asia, most tourists think about China right away.
No wonder: Chinese culture always fascinated our ancestors, and their traditions were somewhat of a marvel for the kings of the past. Just take a look at Charlottenburg castle in Berlin: rooms filled with china and embellished with Chinese ornaments were a must-have for wealthy people of that time.
Today, we know China way better than the kings of the past, but it doesn’t mean that Chinese culture fascinates us less. To put it simply – China has century-long traditions that are still alive today. And this is just one of the many reasons to visit this country:
When you think about visiting China for the first time, the immediate thing that comes to mind is Beijing. This city isn’t just a metropolis. Beijing is also a center of Chinese culture. There, you’ll be able to see all the staple Chinese cultural phenomena, like the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China (a must-see for all first-time travelers).
To immerse yourself in Chinese culture more, all first-time visitors should visit the town of Xi’an. Xi’an was the capital city of 13 dynasties, harboring the vast majority of famous Chinese cultural phenomena, including the Terracotta Army:
Best place to enjoy nighttime in China is, of course, Shanghai. Here you’ll be able to see a completely different China with its modern culture.
Shanghai at night is beautiful, with illuminated Oriental Pearl TV Tower and busy Nanjing Road. And, a stroll along Shanghai’s Promenade will let you enjoy a beautiful view of the city’s business center:
What about the prices?
Staying in Beijing and Shanghai can be a little bit pricy. The hotel offers start from $200 a week for two people. But you can always rent a private apartment with a kitchen, and save money on eating at the restaurants.
Tip! Chinese culture is so voluminous that it’s hard to grasp everything during a one-time visit. But you can get from your experience as much as possible by hiring a representative from a Chinese translation company. They often have people who are experts in Chinese history and culture and can translate into many languages.