China is the largest country in East Asia, slightly smaller than Europe, and to explore it entirely you would probably need to take a sabbatical year!
Here is a small selection of some unmissable places to see at least once in a lifetime. The list can only begin with a visit to the capital, Beijing. It is a vast, modern metropolis, yet still deeply connected to tradition, where neighborhoods are built according to the principles of Feng Shui and where traditional and ultra-modern buildings coexist in perfect harmony.
Another must-see destination is Shanghai, architecturally fascinating thanks to its futuristic and colorful constructions, such as the Tunnel of Light that connects Pudong to the Bund. The city also offers lively and characteristic bars, museums, and hundreds of interesting shops.
If you are a nature lover, you must visit the Detian Waterfalls on the border with Vietnam. They are a true wonder of nature, both for the power of their flow and the thunderous sound they create, but especially for the natural pools that form downstream, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. A breathtaking sight.
Also worth mentioning are the rainbow-colored mountains of Zhangye, which look like a real masterpiece of art, and the hot springs of Huanglong.
Don’t miss the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world, carved into the rock at the confluence of the Minjiang River. Standing 71 meters tall, with fingers 8.3 meters long and shoulders 24 meters wide, it could literally host a basketball court.
Besides visiting China’s famous metropolises, it is also worth exploring the smaller towns, where you can experience Chinese culture and tradition more deeply.
And if you truly want to live an unforgettable experience, you cannot miss a walk along the magnificent Great Wall of China, a breathtaking construction, the largest and longest in the world, and the undisputed symbol of the nation.
LANGUAGE: The official language is Mandarin Chinese.
RELIGION: The main religion is Buddhism, followed by Taoism, Islam, and Christianity. Throughout China, great respect is paid to the “cult of ancestors.”
TIME ZONE: 7 hours ahead of Italy, and 6 hours ahead during Italian daylight saving time.
CLIMATE: Due to its vast size, China offers a wide variety of climates and landscapes. Most of its territory has a temperate climate, ranging from subarctic temperatures in the north to tropical weather typical of Hong Kong, with a continental climate in the inland regions.
DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months and a visa, which must be requested at Chinese diplomatic offices in Italy.
VACCINATIONS: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.
CURRENCY: Yuan (CNY).
Curiosity
China has an extraordinary number of protected national parks, but one in particular became world-famous after the release of the film Avatar. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was used as a filming location, with very few artificial changes. The “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie were inspired by the park’s incredible “Heavenly Pillars.”
Our advices
WHAT TO READ: Chinese Days by Angela Terzani Staude — the diary of the author’s remarkable experience living in China for three years with her husband and son. She traveled across the entire country, from major cities to the most remote villages, meeting countless people and hearing the most fascinating stories. A book that will make you fall in love with China even before visiting it.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO: The Pipa is a traditional Chinese instrument similar in shape to a guitar. It has four strings and is played vertically. Traditionally it was performed only by women, although in recent years it has become popular among men as well.
WHAT TO WATCH: The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), based on the novel The Wan Family’s Lawsuit, is a gripping tale about a determined woman seeking justice for her husband. Traveling from the countryside to Beijing, she faces one of the most complex bureaucracies in the world.
WHAT TO EAT: Chinese cuisine is vast and varied, but here are some specialties not to be missed:
Hong Shao Rou, a slow-braised pork or beef dish cooked for hours in a sauce of sugar, vinegar, star anise, soy sauce, and ginger until the meat becomes incredibly tender. It is always served with rice and vegetables.
Zha Xie, or Hairy Crab, a traditional delicacy that takes patience to eat, but is absolutely worth it.
Yuxiangqiezi, a dish made of eggplant cooked with garlic, ginger, chili, and scallions, perfectly embodying the balance of Chinese flavors.
Xiaolongbao, a Shanghai specialty, dumplings filled with meat, herbs, mushrooms, or beans, and a gelatinous broth that turns liquid when steamed, releasing delicate and aromatic flavors. A true delicacy.
The current culinary trend is definitely Dim Sum, a succession of small plates or bamboo baskets meant to be shared and accompanied by unsweetened tea. It includes steamed or grilled dumplings, shrimp-filled translucent parcels, crispy rolls, meatballs, sweet steamed buns, rice pudding, Sichuan-style wontons, and sticky Beijing rice.
