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China, a land rich in history and culture, is full of many cities that serve as living testament to its ancient past and heritage. From the majestic imperial capitals to the charming ancient towns, each city tells a unique story, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into China's past. Let's embark on a journey through some of China's most historical and cultural cities.
Beijing: the imperial home
Beijing is the capital of China and a city steeped in imperial grandeur. As the political and cultural centre for centuries, Beijing is adorned with historical landmarks, including the iconic Forbidden City. This sprawling palace complex served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties over 470 years ago. It is also a world heritage site, displaying exquisite architecture and charming stories.
Nearby, The Great Wall of China snakes across the rugged landscape, perhaps the most well-known example of ancient China’s engineering prowess. Visitors can walk along the fortified ramparts and marvel at the enormous scale of the Great Wall.
Must visit places in Beijing
Explore The Forbidden City's majestic halls, pavilions, and gardens, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of China's imperial past.
No visit to Beijing is complete without a trip to The Great Wall, one of the most awe-inspiring architectural wonders in the world. Hike along its ancient ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and a sacred site where emperors once performed rituals.
The vast Summer Palace has ornate gardens, temples, and pavilions, and is considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Take a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake for panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
Must try food in Beijing
Peking duck is Beijing's signature dish; the duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, usually served with pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce.
Lamb hot pot is also a local favourite – this traditional delicacy from Beijing and northern China is particularly popular during winter as it offers a delicious and warming meal.
For a more rustic taste of Beijing, head to areas like Qianmen, Dashilar, and Nanluoguxiang for a vibrant street food experience. You can try various Beijing snacks such as chao gan (pork liver stew) and fried dough rings.
How to get to Beijing
Xi'an: gateway to ancient civilisation
Our next destination takes us to Xi'an, a city famed for its role as the starting point of the legendary Silk Road and home to the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974, this vast underground army of clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was crafted over two thousand years ago to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife. Today, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Must visit places in Xi'an
Arguably Xi'an's most famous attraction, the Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
Xi'an also has well-preserved ancient city walls, which encircle the city centre and provide an incredible backdrop for leisurely walks or bike rides along the ramparts.
Standing as a symbol of Xi'an since the Tang Dynasty over 1,300 years ago, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offers stunning panoramic views of the city and sacred murals of ancient monks' travels.
Must-try food in Xi'an
Xi'an is known for its rich history and vibrant food scene. The city offers a wide variety of traditional dishes that reflect its unique cultural heritage.
Roujiamo, a crowd favourite and often referred to as the "Chinese hamburger," consists of braised meat stuffed inside a crispy bread coating.
How to get to Xi'an
Luoyang: unveiling China's ancient capital
Nestled in the heart of Henan province lies Luoyang, a city with a storied past that stretches back over several thousand years. As one of China's ancient capitals, Luoyang boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and heritage, making it a captivating destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the past.
Luoyang has served as the capital of multiple dynasties, including the Eastern Zhou, Eastern Han, and Northern Wei, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological wonders and cultural relics.
Must visit places in Luoyang
Longmen Grottoes, a world heritage site, are renowned for their magnificent collection of Buddhist rock carvings. These intricate sculptures and cave temples span over 1,400 years of Buddhist artistry.
For martial arts enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to the legendary Shaolin Temple is a must. Situated at the foot of Songshan Mountain, this iconic monastery is revered as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Must try food in Luoyang
The Luoyang Water Banquet is a traditional feast consisting of a series of dishes, with a total of 24 courses. The banquet primarily features affordable ingredients such as lotus root, Chinese yam, radish, and cabbage. It is renowned for its exquisite presentation and diverse flavours.
Peonies are a symbol of Luoyang, and the peony cake is a special pastry made to resemble the flower.
How to get to Luoyang
Nanjing: the historical capital of dynasties
Nanjing is a city rich in historical and cultural significance. Dating back over 2,500 years, it has served as the capital for twelve different dynasties throughout China's history.
On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen proclaimed the establishment of the Republic of China in Nanjing and assumed the position of provisional president, making Nanjing the capital of the Republic of China. It wasn't until November 1937 that the Nationalist government relocated the capital to Chongqing.
Nanjing still retains many historical relics to this day. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the resting place of the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, is a world heritage site. Visitors can also explore the Presidential Palace, an important historical site that was once the residence of the President of the Republic of China. For those interested in China's wartime history, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall offers a sombre and significant look at the events of 1937.
Must visit places in Nanjing
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site is the final resting place of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, and his wife.
Nanjing's City Wall is one of the longest and best-preserved ancient walls in the world. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and provides visitors with panoramic views of the city from its ramparts.
The Presidential Palace is a historical site that once served as the office and residence of the President of the Republic of China. Today, it is a museum that showcases China's modern history.
Must-try foods in Nanjing
This iconic Nanjing dish is a savoury soup made with duck blood cubes, vermicelli noodles, tofu, and various seasonings.
Nanjing's salted duck is a local specialty known for its tender, flavourful meat.
How to get to Nanjing