China, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. For UAE residents planning a visit, there are several iconic destinations that should be on your list. Whether you’re fascinated by history, nature, or modern cities, China has something special to offer. Here’s a guide to the top 10 must-visit destinations in China, including tips on how to get there, what to expect, and how to make your trip even more memorable. Plus, we’ll discuss how you can easily apply for a China tourist visa and ensure a smooth journey.
1. The Great Wall of China (Beijing)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is a true marvel of human engineering. Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, this historic site is a symbol of China’s ancient power and resilience.
- What to Expect: You can visit sections like Badaling (tourist-friendly) or Mutianyu (less crowded, with stunning views).
- Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as some parts of the Wall have steep steps.
- How to Get There: Easily accessible from Beijing via public transport, private tours, or guided day trips.
2. The Forbidden City (Beijing)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: A palace complex at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City once served as the imperial palace of Chinese emperors for over 500 years. It’s a magnificent piece of China’s history and architecture.
- What to Expect: Explore grand halls, courtyards, and temples filled with art and historical artifacts.
- Travel Tip: Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the entire palace.
- How to Get There: The Forbidden City is located in Beijing, near Tiananmen Square.
3. Terracotta Army (Xi’an)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world. Thousands of life-sized soldiers were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
- What to Expect: You’ll be able to walk among the statues and see how they’ve been preserved.
- Travel Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the site covers a large area.
- How to Get There: Fly directly to Xi’an from major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. A guided tour is recommended to fully understand the significance of the site.
4. Li River & Karst Mountains (Guilin)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Li River is surrounded by towering karst mountains, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in China.
- What to Expect: A boat cruise along the river will give you unparalleled views of the dramatic landscape, dotted with traditional Chinese villages.
- Travel Tip: Take a river cruise at dawn for the best lighting and peaceful experience.
- How to Get There: Guilin is well-connected by train and flights from major Chinese cities.
5. Shanghai Skyline and The Bund (Shanghai)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: Shanghai is a modern metropolis known for its iconic skyline, blending futuristic skyscrapers with colonial architecture along the Huangpu River.
- What to Expect: A visit to The Bund offers a beautiful view of the city’s skyline, while the nearby Pudong district is home to the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
- Travel Tip: Visit the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
- How to Get There: Shanghai is well-connected by air, train, and even high-speed bullet trains from nearby cities.
6. The Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Potala Palace is the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was once the residence of the Dalai Lama.
- What to Expect: Explore the grand halls, sacred temples, and panoramic views of Lhasa.
- Travel Tip: Due to the high altitude, acclimatize for a few days before visiting.
- How to Get There: Flights to Lhasa are available from major Chinese cities. Once in Lhasa, taxis and local transport can take you to the palace.
7. Chengdu and the Giant Panda Research Center (Chengdu)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: Chengdu is the best place in the world to see the adorable giant pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit for animal lovers.
- What to Expect: Watch pandas play and eat bamboo, while learning about efforts to protect this endangered species.
- Travel Tip: Arrive early to see the pandas at their most active time (feeding).
- How to Get There: Chengdu is easily reachable by flights from major cities in China.
8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: The inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, Zhangjiajie’s dramatic rock formations and unique landscape are truly out of this world.
- What to Expect: Walk across the glass bridge, the world’s longest glass bridge, and hike the trails that wind through the stunning forest.
- Travel Tip: Be prepared for some steep climbs and vertigo-inducing heights.
- How to Get There: Zhangjiajie is accessible via a flight to the city’s airport, followed by a short drive to the park.
9. Suzhou Gardens (Suzhou)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: Suzhou, often called the Venice of the East, is known for its exquisite traditional Chinese gardens and canals.
- What to Expect: Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, bridges, and pavilions.
- Travel Tip: Take a boat ride on the canals for a unique view of the city.
- How to Get There: Suzhou is about 30 minutes by train from Shanghai, making it a great day trip.
10. Hong Kong Disneyland (Hong Kong)
- Why It’s a Must-Visit: A magical experience for families, Hong Kong Disneyland combines classic Disney fun with the vibrancy of Chinese culture.
- What to Expect: Enjoy themed attractions, parades, and meet your favorite Disney characters.
- Travel Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
- How to Get There: Hong Kong is easily accessible from Dubai with direct flights.
How to Obtain a China Tourist Visa for UAE Residents
For UAE residents planning to explore these incredible destinations in China, the first step is to secure a China tourist visa. The visitor visa to China is the most common type for tourists. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Application for China Visa: Start by filling out the visa application form online or at the embassy.
- Documents Needed: You’ll need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, and travel itinerary, including hotel bookings and flight details.
- Visa Processing Time: Typically, it takes about 4-5 business days for your China visa application to be processed, but it’s best to apply well in advance.
- Tips: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and double-check the visa requirements before submitting your application.
Conclusion
China offers an unforgettable travel experience for UAE residents, filled with fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Great Wall to modern Shanghai and the mystical landscapes of Zhangjiajie, there’s something for every kind of traveler. So, pack your bags, apply for your China tourist visa, and get ready for an adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime.