From Pagodas to Pandas: Is China Worth Visiting?

Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 06:49 am

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re looking for a new and exciting place to visit, you might want to consider China as your next destination. Is China worth visiting, you ask? Well, let me tell you why China travel could be a better option compared to say Europe as your next travel destination.

Europe is a popular travel destination for many people, but China is quickly becoming a more attractive option. China has a rich history and culture, and it is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. In addition, traveling to China is much more affordable than in Europe, and it is easier to get around. If you are looking for a new and exciting travel destination, China is definitely worth considering.

Here are some of the reasons why China can be a better alternative to Europe for your next travel destination.

Rich History and Culture

China is one of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the world. It has a history of more than 3,600 years and a culture that is diverse and unique, yet harmoniously blended. China has contributed to many fields of human knowledge, such as philosophy, literature, art, science, and technology.

China’s history can be divided into several periods, such as the ancient times, the imperial era, the republican period, and the modern era. Each period has its own characteristics and achievements, as well as challenges and conflicts. Some of the most notable dynasties in China’s history are the Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing.

China’s culture is also rich and varied, reflecting its geographic diversity and ethnic diversity. China has 56 ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, traditions, and festivals. Some of the most famous aspects of Chinese culture are its religions (such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism), its arts (such as calligraphy, painting, poetry, and music), its festivals (such as Spring Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival), its food (such as dumplings, noodles), and its symbols (such as dragon, panda).

Amazing Natural Wonders

China is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. It is a huge country with diverse landscapes and cultures, and there are so many places that will take your breath away. Here are some of the top places to visit in China that you need to see for yourself:

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: This park is famous for its towering sandstone pillars that look like they are floating in the air. Some of them are over 200 meters high and have trees growing on top of them. The park is also home to many rare animals and plants, such as the golden snub-nosed monkey and the Chinese giant salamander. The park was the inspiration for the movie Avatar, and you can see why when you walk on the glass bridge that spans across two cliffs.
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: This valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nature reserve that features stunning lakes, waterfalls, forests, and mountains. The lakes have different colors depending on the minerals, algae, and depth of water, and they reflect the surrounding scenery like mirrors. The waterfalls are also spectacular, especially the Pearl Shoal Waterfall which cascades down a slope covered with calcified rocks.
• Huangshan Mountain: This mountain is one of the most famous and beautiful mountains in China, and it has been a source of inspiration for many poets and painters throughout history. The mountain has a unique shape with granite peaks, pine trees, clouds, and hot springs. The sunrise and sunset views are especially breathtaking, as the clouds create different patterns and colors in the sky and the peaks.
• Zhangye Danxia Landform: This landform is a geological wonder that consists of colorful rock formations that look like layers of cake or rainbow mountains. The colors are caused by different minerals and weathering over millions of years, and they change depending on the angle of sunlight and moisture. The landform covers an area of about 500 square kilometers and has various shapes and patterns.
• Reed Flute Cave: This cave is a natural limestone cave that has been decorated with colorful artificial lights. The cave has many stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, and rock formations that resemble different objects and animals, such as lions, dragons, mushrooms, and pagodas. The cave also has a large lake inside that reflects the lights and creates a magical atmosphere.

These are just some of the amazing natural wonders of China that I have placed on my list of spectacular places. There are many more places that I haven’t mentioned, such as the Yellow River Hukou Waterfall, the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, the Yunnan Stone Forest, and the Detian Waterfall. If you love nature and adventure, you should definitely visit China and explore its beauty for yourself.

Affordability

China is much more affordable than Europe. The cost of food, accommodation, and transportation is much lower in China. This makes it a great option for budget travelers.

You can stay in a decent hotel for less than $20 a night, eat delicious street food for less than $5 a meal, and take the subway or bus for less than $1 a ride. In Europe, you would have to pay much more for these things, especially in popular tourist destinations like Paris, London or Rome.

China has a rich and diverse culture and history that you can explore for free or for a low fee. You can visit amazing landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and many more without breaking the bank. You can also learn about the different ethnic groups, religions, and traditions that make up China’s society. You can experience festivals, ceremonies, music, and art that are unique and fascinating. In Europe, you might have to pay a lot of money to enter museums, churches, castles, and other attractions that showcase the culture and history of the continent.

China has a variety of natural landscapes and scenery that you can enjoy without spending too much. You can hike in the mountains, relax by the lakes, wander in the forests, marvel at the deserts, and admire the rivers. You can also see some of the most stunning wildlife and plants in the world. You can witness pandas, tigers, monkeys, peacocks, and many more animals in their natural habitats. You can also see flowers, trees, herbs, and spices that are rare and exotic. In Europe, you might have to pay for expensive tours or guides to see some of the natural wonders of the continent.

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Ease of Travel

China is a very easy country to travel around. The public transportation system is extensive and efficient. There are also many English-speaking people in China, which makes it easy to get around and communicate.

As a huge country with a population of over 1.4 billion people, you can imagine how challenging it is to move around in its cities and between them. However, China has invested a lot in developing its transport infrastructure over the past decade, and the results are amazing.

According to Statista, China has over 169,000 kilometers of highways, 40,000 kilometers of high-speed railroads, 248 civil airports, and thousands of berths in its coastal and inland river ports. These numbers are mind-blowing, especially when you compare them with other countries.

But what does it mean for travelers like us? Well, it means that you can get anywhere you want in China with ease and comfort. You can hop on a bullet train that can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour and travel to Shanghai from Beijing in less than five hours. You can take a subway that runs smoothly and frequently in most major cities and avoid traffic jams and pollution. You can catch a bus or a trolleybus that is cheap and convenient and cover almost every corner of the urban areas. You can even take a ferry or a boat and enjoy the scenic views of the rivers and lakes.

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It is truly amazing how well-organized and user-friendly the public transportation system in China is. The stations and terminals are clean and modern, the signs and announcements are clear and bilingual, the tickets are easy to buy and use, and the staff is helpful and polite. It wouldn’t be any trouble finding your way around or getting on board.

Of course, there are some drawbacks and challenges as well. Sometimes, the public transportation system can be overcrowded and noisy, especially during peak hours or holidays. Sometimes, there can be delays or disruptions due to weather or technical issues. Sometimes, there can be security or safety concerns due to accidents and similar matters. But these are not unique to China, and they are not enough to overshadow the benefits and advantages of its public transportation system.

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Wrap Up

So there you have it. Some good reasons that might convince you why China is worth visiting and could be a better option compared to Europe as your next travel destination. Of course, this is not to say that Europe is not worth visiting. Europe has its own charms and attractions that are worth exploring. But if you’re looking for something new and different, something that will challenge you and enrich you, something that will surprise you and delight you, then you should visit China sometime in the future. You won’t regret it!

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