What to See in China

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

With around fifty sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage, China ranks among the top nations in the world for the number of inscriptions. These include both historical sites and monuments (particularly religious ones) as well as natural wonders. Most of these are concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country.

By Region

Each region of China offers a unique wealth of sites and places to discover:

• What to See in Northern China: Nature takes center stage with Inner Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, along with several national parks (Wudalianchi, Songhuahu...). Cities like Shenyang, with its imperial palaces, and Harbin, famous for its Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, are also worth visiting.

• What to See in Central China: Highlights include the Great Wall, cities like Beijing, Nanjing, Chengde, Pingyao, Shanghai, Xi'an (home to the Terracotta Army), the Buddhist caves of Longmen, Xumishan, and Yungang, Mount Wutai (a sacred site), the Hanging Monastery of Xuankongsi, and the Song and Tai Mountains for hiking.

• What to See in Southern China: This region is packed with attractions, including the cities of Hong Kong and Macau, Lijiang and Fenghuang with their ancient centers, Kaiping and its fortified towers, Hangzhou, Dali, and Guilin. Religious sites like the Dazu and Leshan grottoes are also notable. For nature lovers, there are the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the South China Karst regions, the Emei, Sanqing, and Wuyi Mountains, Lushan and Siguniangshan National Parks, and Hainan Island for its beaches.

• What to See in Western China: Along the Silk Road, you’ll find cities like Kashgar, Turpan, and Urumqi, as well as remote Buddhist sites such as Bingling, Mount Maiji, the Mogao Caves, and the Labrang Monastery. The region’s rugged and wild landscapes include the Taklamakan Desert, Karakul Lake, the Karakoram Highway, and Tianshan Tianchi National Park.

• What to See in Tibet: The city of Lhasa and its iconic Potala Palace, numerous Buddhist monasteries (Rongbuk, Drepung, Samyé...), and incredible trekking opportunities, especially along the Kathmandu-Lhasa route, where vast wilderness awaits.