China is a destination with so much to offer that it’s hard to know where to begin. Imagine a landscape encompassing grassland, desert, mountains, lakes, and coastline; a capital city mixing modern architecture with historic compounds; and activities ranging from playing with pandas to hiking the Great Wall. With so many opportunities in this vast, unique country, it can be overwhelming – that’s where your West University Travel advisor comes in! Read ahead for some of our favorite suggestions based on our own personal travels to this amazing destination.

Start in Shanghai, the country’s biggest city and a global financial hub. In the heart of the People’s Square, you’ll feel the commanding presence of the state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum. Within this strikingly modern facade lies one of the finest collections of ancient Chinese art ever amassed, with a special emphasis on rich, rare, and high-quality bronzes and ceramics. Wander through the museum’s many galleries to discover a varied array of calligraphy, sculptures, furniture, paintings, and coins as well as foreign and minority art and artifacts. For your next stop, take the express elevator to the sightseeing deck on the 119th floor of the Shanghai Tower – the world’s second tallest building. After viewing this amazing city from above, head toward the Huangpu River waterfront. Walk along the Bund and take time to explore classic street markets and gardens. Don’t forget to visit Shanghai’s old Chinese quarter, especially the lovely Yu Yuan garden, a 16th century Ming Dynasty private garden and residence.

If you’re looking for shopping, dining, and entertainment, make sure to visit Shanghai’s Xintiandi – an urban tourist attraction imbued with historical and cultural legacies. Shanghai Xintiandi features a multitude of specialist restaurants and retail stores in restored “Shikumen” houses – a special old form of architecture only found in Shanghai. These Shikumen houses are interspersed amongst state-of-the-art modern buildings, creating that unique mix of old and new that is such a distinguishing element in China.

After a few days of exploring Shanghai, enjoy a change of pace away from the urban jungle as you’re transported into the picturesque postcard suburb of Zhujiajiao. Though located just 45 minutes west of central Shanghai, this ancient river town seems decades – if not worlds – apart from the modern megacity. Regal stone bridges arch over bubbling waterways flowing from the Dianshan Lake; willow trees shade the riverbanks, flanked on either side by thousands of carefully preserved buildings, homes and courtyards, all constructed during the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

Next up: Beijing. China’s capital city mixes modern architecture with historic sites like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Constructed over a 14-year period, the Forbidden City was China’s imperial epicenter, serving 24 emperors over two dynasties until it was seized by revolutionaries in 1911. Now the National Palace Museum, it houses the largest collection of Chinese artworks and artifacts in the world. Next, up take a stroll through Tiananmen Square – the largest public plaza on earth. Lying in the center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is thought of as the very heart of the city.

Of course, you can’t go to China without visiting the Great Wall. Originally built to guard strategic passes to the plains on which Beijing is located, the magnificent vistas and solitary setting here evoke the grandeur and dazzling achievement of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. The Great Wall rides some of the highest peaks of the Yan Mountains affording some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Pro tip: Rather than just looking at the Great Wall, why not have some fun? We can arrange for you to ride a cable car up and then take a toboggan sled down the Great Wall itself!

Other highlights in and around Beijing include the Temple of Heaven, the Panjiayuan Weekend Market, and the Lama Temple. We also highly recommend taking a tour to trace the history of old Beijing, as you ride through winding alleyways on the back of a pedicab. Let your advisor arrange a visit to one of the few remaining hutong neighborhoods for a rare glimpse into bygone Beijing.

If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime, China is one of our favorites. The few paragraphs above just brush the surface of all the amazing experiences possible. It’s one of the most varied and unique destinations in the world. For more information or to start planning your own once-in-a-lifetime trip, contact your West University Travel advisor today!

Pro-tip: Make the most of your time in Asia. Once in Shanghai, you can take a quick 2 ½ hour flight to Tokyo and explore the unique island nation of Japan. Click here for our recent destination article all about Japan!