Embark on an unforgettable journey across China
Experience the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of China. Read on to learn more about China’s varied climate, iconic landmarks and architectural marvels and to explore the memorable experiences that await you in Beijing, Shanghai and beyond. Discover the country’s best regional dishes, uncover why certain numbers are considered lucky in Chinese culture and delve into the fascinating history of the Terra Cotta Warriors.
China
China is a vast and diverse country located in East Asia, encompassing a wide range of landscapes and cultural treasures. China is the second-largest country in Asia, after Russia, and the second-most populated country in the world, after India. From the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai to serene countryside and ancient villages untouched by time, China offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
The country's climate varies significantly due to its immense size and geographical diversity. Northern China experiences cold, dry winters and hot summers, while southern China enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The central regions experience a temperate climate, with distinct seasonal changes. This climatic diversity contributes to the rich variety of flora and fauna found throughout the country.
Steeped in history, China is home to numerous iconic landmarks, architectural marvels and cultural treasures, including:
- The Great Wall of China, an ancient fortification stretching over 13,000 mi (20,921 km), built to protect against invasions
- The Forbidden City in Beijing, a sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years
- The Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang
- Vibrant Qingdao, renowned for its influential take on Chinese cuisine
- Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Dalai Lama
- The classical gardens of Suzhou, celebrated for their exquisite design and tranquil beauty
- Shanghai's modern skyline, featuring the soaring Oriental Pearl Tower and the historic Bund waterfront
China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore its timeless traditions and extraordinary landscapes.
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Cuisine—China’s best regional dishes
China’s remarkable range of cooking styles can be divided into eight major categories, each with its own distinctive flavor profile:
Chuan (Sichuan Cuisine)
Chuan is beloved throughout the country for its bold, spicy flavors and abundance of fresh herbs. Popular spicy and savory dishes include kung pao chicken, ma po tofu, Sichuan hot pot and dandan noodles.Jing (Beijing Cuisine)
The birthplace of royal dishes that later made their way outside the walls of the courts, Beijing boasts richly flavored dishes such as roast Peking duck, mu shu pork and boiled dumplings.Lu (Shandong Cuisine)
Given Shandong Province’s long coastline, freshwater fish and seafood feature prominently in Lu cuisine. Salt and vinegar are used frequently, and food is often prepared over high heat. Popular choices include stir fried pork kidneys and sweet-and-sour carp.Su (Jiangsu Cuisine)
Refined Su cuisine uses an incredible array of seafood, meat and plants to create beautiful, healthy dishes. Seasonings are used sparingly in order to highlight the ingredients’ natural flavors. Examples of Su dishes include Nanjing salted duck, sweet-and-sour Mandarin fish and watermelon chicken (a preparation that involves marinating chicken inside a hollowed-out watermelon).Hui (Anhui Cuisine)
Hui cuisine hails from a mountainous region known for its abundance of wild game. Mao tofu, Luzhou roast duck and stewed turtle with ham are among the most popular Hui-style dishes.Xiang Hunan (Mandarin Cuisine)
This distinctive style is marked by its profusion of spicy, salty and sour flavors. Favored menu items include steamed fish heads with spicy red peppers and “immortal chicken with five elements” (i.e., braised chicken stuffed with lychee (a tropical fruit native to China), longan (a musky fruit), jujube (a Chinese date), lotus seeds (from the aquatic lotus plant) and medlar (a tangy fruit)).Min (Fujian Cuisine)
This seafood-based cuisine, in which no meal is considered complete without soup, is noted for its carefully honed cutting methods. Menu staples include hot-and-sour squid and “Buddha jumps over the wall,” a hearty soup filled with seasonal meats, vegetables and seafood.Yue Guangzhou (Cantonese Cuisine)
This popular style features meat and fresh vegetables that have been lightly steamed or stir fried. It is a light and healthy cuisine boasting fresh, natural flavors in dishes like snake soup, braised shrimp with sea cucumber and boiled chicken. -
Culture—Lucky numbers in China
In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered lucky because of their pronunciations. For example, the Chinese believe the number eight is lucky because the Chinese pronunciation of the number “eight” and the pronunciation of the Chinese word for “prosperity” are similar; hence, the number eight has great value.
Even numbers, in general, are considered luckier than odd numbers in China, so gifts are always given in even numbers. The exception to this rule is the number four (or any other number containing it), as the word sounds like si (death) in China. Just as superstitious Westerners tend to avoid anything associated with the number 13, Chinese people will often avoid booking hotel rooms with the numbers 4 or 14. In many buildings in China, the fourth floor is skipped entirely in the numbering system.
The number two is auspicious because doubles are considered especially fortuitous in China. Symmetrical decorations are a frequent sight at festivities such as Chinese New Year celebrations. Three is also a lucky number, as its pronunciation is similar to the Chinese word for “life.” The Chinese word for “six” is pronounced in a way that sounds like the word for “flow.” Water is powerfully symbolic in Chinese culture, standing as a metaphor for the Tao, stillness and purity. The word for “nine” sounds like the word for “eternity” in Chinese and is thus a popular choice for weddings.
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History—The Terra Cotta Warriors
The Terra Cotta Warriors were discovered by accident in 1974 in Xian, China, when local farmers digging a well broke into a pit containing 6,000 life-size terra-cotta figures. Excavation in 1976 revealed two further pits, both filled with Terra Cotta Warriors, chariots and warhorses. Here are some more interesting details about these remarkable artifacts:
- On the eastern side of the tomb, a number of small pits have been found containing the bones of horses and smaller terra-cotta figures of grooms. Since then, discoveries of terra-cotta figures have continued at the site, with nearly 8,000 recovered to date.
- The Terra Cotta Warriors were built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who lived over 2,200 years ago.
- Qin Shi Huang is remembered for instigating the building of the Great Wall of China and his obsessive quest for the secret of immortality. It is this obsession that most likely inspired the army of Terra Cotta Warriors, built to silently guard his tomb for all eternity.
- The hands and the heads of the Terra Cotta Warriors were made separately; each head is reputed to be unique, with its own individual features and facial expression.
- There is still much more to be uncovered, including the emperor’s actual burial chamber.
China Highlights
A journey to China offers the chance to discover historic treasures, rich culture, vibrant cities and welcoming people. Here you can admire ancient and modern architecture side by side and gain new insights into this intriguing country. Some highlights of a journey through China may include:
- A traditional Peking duck dinner in Beijing
- Lively street markets offering delectable treats
- A scenic tram ride over Hong Kong
- The serene ritual of tea preparation
- Modern architecture like the imposing Shanghai Tower
- Xiamen’s Daping Fortress, built during the Ming Dynasty
- Awe-inspiring Tibet & the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
- Dongtau, a picturesque island gem along the East China Sea
Destination Insight Videos
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Chinese Porcelain (3:53)
Join Karine as she learns about the history of Chinese porcelain, an art form created during the Han Dynasty and shaped by artisans from the Song, Ming and other dynasties.
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Secrets of Chinese Tea (2:35)
Legend has it that tea was discovered 5,000 years ago. Learn about the beloved beverage’s place in Chinese culture, lore and medicine.
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Shanghai Acrobats (1:37)
Dexterity and strength, passion and focus. Join Karine backstage as she watches some of the world’s most courageous artists perfect their gravity-defying acrobatics.
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Chinese Medicine (3:06)
For millennia, the Chinese have balanced their energy with tai chi, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more. Join Karine and learn more about their approach to healthy living.
China Travel FAQ
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