Best things to do in China

Exceptionally well preserved and rich in detail, Mutianyu Great Wall offers visitors an iconic view of China's symbolic World Heritage Site and one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. This segment of the wall was originally built in the 6th century CE during the Northern Qi dynasty and has remained unchanged since 1569. The section boasts many watchtowers and is surrounded by a dense forest, which makes for sweeping scenery. Access the wall by climbing the approximately 4,000 steps, riding the chairlift, or taking the gondola lift.

Stroll along The Bund (Wai Tan) to become one with Shanghai's bustling crowds and take in views of the city's glittering skyline. The buildings lining this waterfront walk represent a broad variety of architectural styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, and Beaux-Arts. Take photos at the flood-control wall affectionately called the Lovers Wall and in front of the famous skyscrapers, including the Pearl Tower, whose pillars and spheres pierce the sky.

Trek Jinshanling Great Wall, a well-restored section of the wall renowned for picturesque views. Situated 130 km (80 mi) from Beijing, this area of the legendary wall doesn't typically get as crowded as some of the others. View an array of interesting features preserved on the massive structure, such as barrier walls and watchtowers, each one with a description in English about its history. Hike along this remote zone of the Great Wall, take some great shots, and enjoy the lush, mountainous scenery and peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

The assembly of lakes, palaces, gardens, and pavilions that make up Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) dates back to the 12-century Jin dynasty. This World Heritage Site served as a residence for members of the Qing dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries. The complex contains an exemplary collection of landscaped royal gardens, temples, bridges, and palaces. Look out for the 96 m (315 ft) stone boat constructed entirely from marble, and for the elaborately painted and decorated corridor connecting the Hall of Joy and Longevity to the Shizhang Pavilion.

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses boasts a collection of over 8,000 carved soldiers and horses. The figures in this World Heritage Site were buried in the 3rd century BCE with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. The thousands of life-size soldiers stand at attention as an imperial army would in real life. Look for remains of the paint that originally lacquered each statue.

Within a palace that served as the seat of power for the Ming and Qing dynasties, The Palace Museum houses a massive collection of artifacts that include ceramics, porcelain pieces, paintings, bronzeware, steles, sculptures, and much more. Built in the early 15th century, the palace holds the honor of being a World Heritage Site and contains an unparalleled number of preserved ancient wooden structures. Bring your ID or passport to purchase entry tickets.

Enjoy a world of Disney characters and Disney-inspired rides and attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland, an Asian branch of the popular American brand. Opened in 2005, the park caters to tourists, with the Disney cast speaking English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Explore seven themed sections, from a world of fantasy to Main Street, USA. Along the way you'll encounter attractions like Tarzan's treehouse, a Cinderella carousel, and Sleeping Beauty's castle--plus live Disney characters and plenty of dining options. Although an American company, this location has a uniquely Chinese flair, with important components of Chinese culture, such as feng shui, incorporated into its design.

As the highest point on the island, Victoria Peak (The Peak) gives you a view of the Hong Kong skyline that's hard to beat. Visit the free observation deck to see the panorama of soaring skyscrapers, green hills, and busy Victoria Harbor. Grab an audio guide to listen to the history of this cosmopolitan city and the buildings in front of you. Several different lookout spots offer similar views, including a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) walk. For the full experience, take the peak tram to reach the top. As you ascend, the city unfolds in front of you. For a budget-friendly alternative to the tram, ride a public bus to the summit.

Originally built under the Ming dynasty to protect Beijing against invasion and attack, The Great Wall at Badaling was the first part of the Great Wall of China to open for tourists. Visitors can walk a 3.7 km (2.3 mi) stretch that is accessible by both cable car and stairs. Notice the width of the wall here--at 6 m (20 ft) across, it would have accommodated five horses or ten soldiers to march side by side. Watch out for steep and uneven steps, and grab the handrail for stability.

Listed as a World Heritage Site, Mt. Huangshan enables visitors to immerse themselves in natural scenery amid oddly shaped granite peaks. With the highest peak standing at 1,834 m (6,115 ft), the inspirational mountain offers opportunity for recreation, relaxation, science, art, and photography. Explore the pine forests, which shelter abundant resources and a great variety of animal and plant life. Go hiking, where you will have the chance to see hot springs and and the popular veil of clouds. The mountain contains many easily accessible hotels, restaurants, and other necessary facilities at its summit.

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu) both shapes the beauty of Shanghai's cityscape and offers visitors impressive views from its observation areas. Completed in 1994, the 468 m (1,535 feet) high tower features 11 connected spheres and contains a variety of attractions and activities inside its enormous columns and orbs, including a Municipal History Museum, observation decks, and an elegant 25-room hotel. Travel between levels in massive double-decker elevators, and visit the rotating restaurant in the second highest sphere.