Discover the best places to visit in China as India-China relations warm up and direct flights resume
China Travel Guide, The dragon has awakened, and it’s calling your name! With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India strengthening bilateral relations and the imminent resumption of direct flights between India and China, 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to explore the Middle Kingdom. China attracted 32 million international tourists in 2024, and destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie are predicted to be favored by overseas tourists in 2025.
Whether you’re a history buff fascinated by ancient civilizations, an adventure seeker craving dramatic landscapes, or a culture enthusiast eager to experience authentic Chinese traditions, China offers experiences that will redefine your understanding of travel. From the mystical pillars that inspired Avatar to the world’s most extensive archaeological wonder, here are five destinations that should top your China travel bucket list.
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Avatar World
Why Visit: Step into the fantastical world that inspired James Cameron’s Avatar
Imagine walking through towering sandstone pillars that seem to float in mid-air, shrouded in mystical mist and connected by death-defying glass bridges. China’s first national park is best known for its pillar-like formations which inspired the scenery in the film “Avatar” (2009).
What Makes It Special:
- Glass Bridge Thrills: Experience the world’s highest and longest pedestrian glass bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground
- Bailong Elevator Adventure: Ride the world’s tallest outdoor lift (326m) that whisks you to the top in under two minutes
- UNESCO Heritage Status: Explore a Global Geopark with trails suitable for all fitness levels
- Unique Geology: Unlike karst terrain, these sandstone quartz pillars are the result of many years of physical erosion caused by expanding ice and plant growth
Best Viewpoints:
- Yuanjiajie (Avatar filming location)
- Tianzi Mountain (Emperor’s Mountain)
- Yellow Stone Village (Huangshizhai)
Travel Tip: Visit early morning for the best photography opportunities when mist creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Getting There: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) and take a bus or taxi to the park, 30 km away.
2. The Great Wall of China – The Ultimate Bucket List Experience
Why Visit: Walk on humanity’s greatest architectural achievement spanning over 21,000 kilometers
You can’t visit China without seeing its Great Wall, an awe-inspiring, 21,196 km-long fortification built over two millennia. This isn’t just a wall; it’s a testament to human determination, engineering brilliance, and historical significance that spans dynasties.
Historical Marvel:
- Ming Dynasty Legacy: The most extensive and best-preserved section dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and runs for 8,850 km
- Evolution Through Time: From rammed earth and wood to brick, granite, and marble blocks as building techniques advanced
- Strategic Importance: Built by Chinese leaders over millennia to protect the land from northern, nomadic invaders
Best Sections to Visit:
- Badaling: Most accessible, fully restored, perfect for first-time visitors
- Mutianyu: Less crowded, stunning mountain views
- Jinshanling: Ideal for photography and hiking enthusiasts
Insider Secret: Visit during weekdays and early morning to avoid crowds and capture Instagram-worthy shots without photobombers.
Getting There: The closest section to Beijing is Badaling, located about 75 km northwest of the city.
3. Shanghai Museum – A Cultural Treasure Trove
Why Visit: Immerse yourself in 5,000 years of Chinese civilization under one roof
The Shanghai Museum is one of the country’s top art museums, with a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jade, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures and foreign art.
Must-See Highlights:
- Rare Artifacts: One of three extant specimens of a “transparent” bronze mirror from the Han dynasty
- Interactive Experience: 20 galleries and interactive spaces designed to enrich your understanding
- Calligraphy Gallery: Most exhibits are from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties
Pro Tip: Pick up an audio guide available in eight languages on the first floor for an immersive experience.
Perfect For: Culture enthusiasts, art lovers, and families with older children interested in history.
Getting There: Take a flight to Shanghai from any major Chinese city.
4. Longji Rice Terraces – Nature’s Masterpiece
Why Visit: Witness agricultural artistry that took 650 years to perfect
Picture golden waves of rice terraces cascading down mountainsides like nature’s own amphitheater. The Longji Rice Terraces got their name because they resemble a loong dragon’s scales, while the summit looks like the dragon’s backbone.
Engineering Marvel:
- Ancient Origins: Built about 650 years ago, rising to 1,000 m as an amazing feat of farm engineering
- Two Main Areas: Ping’an terraces (most established) and Jinkeng terraces with viewpoints around Dazhai and Tiantouzhai
- Village Life: Small villages dotting the hills offer authentic cultural experiences
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April-May): Flooded terraces create mirror-like reflections
- Summer (June-August): Lush green rice plants
- Autumn (September-October): Golden harvest season – most photogenic
Accommodation Tip: Stay overnight at a village to wake up to spectacular sunrises and soak in magnificent sunsets.
Getting There: Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) then take a bus or taxi for the 103 km journey (2-3 hours by road).
5. Xi’an Terracotta Army – The 8th Wonder of the World
Why Visit: Face-to-face with history’s most incredible archaeological discovery
One of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who unified the Great Wall. This isn’t just a museum visit; it’s a journey back 2,000 years to witness the ambition and artistry of China’s first emperor.
Mind-Blowing Statistics:
- Massive Scale: An estimated 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses
- Discovery Story: Discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi’an city
- Military Precision: Grouped into specific military formation with vanguard bowmen, crossbowmen, archers, infantrymen, charioteers, and armoured rear guard
Fascinating Details:
- Each warrior has unique facial features and expressions
- Once brightly painted with mineral colours, facing east, poised for battle
- Located about three-quarters of a mile from the emperor’s tomb
Photography Note: Flash photography isn’t allowed, but the site is well-lit for stunning photos.
Getting There: Fly to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), then take a tourist bus or subway to the Terracotta Warriors, 40 km away.
China Travel Guide: Essential Information for Your Adventure
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
Indian citizens need a visa to enter China, which they can apply for at https://www.visaforchina.cn/. You’ll need a valid passport, completed application form, recent photographs, proof of accommodation and round-trip flight tickets. Processing takes 4-6 days, so apply at least a month before travel.
Flight Updates
Great news for Indian travelers! An official announcement about India-China flight resumption is expected around the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin (August 31–September 1, 2025), coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
Priority Routes: Delhi–Beijing and Delhi–Shanghai will likely restart first, followed by connections to Guangzhou, Chengdu and other commercial hubs.
Budget Planning Tips
- Accommodation: $30-150 per night depending on location and luxury level
- Food: Street food $2-5, restaurant meals $8-25 per person
- Transportation: High-speed trains, metros, and domestic flights are affordable and efficient
- Attractions: Most sites charge $5-15 entry fees
Cultural Etiquette
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases like “Ni hao” (Hello) and “Xie xie” (Thank you)
- Always carry cash – many places don’t accept international cards
- Download translation apps like Google Translate with camera feature
- Respect photography rules at historical sites
The Perfect Guide to Visiting China
With post-pandemic recovery reaching 70% of pre-pandemic levels and growing, plus experience-focused travel trends gaining momentum, China is positioned to welcome international visitors like never before. The resumption of direct flights will make travel more convenient and affordable, while both countries agreeing to reopen border trade through three passes and ease visa processes signals a new era of cultural exchange.
Final Thoughts
China isn’t just a destination; it’s a civilization waiting to be discovered. From the mystical floating mountains of Zhangjiajie to the silent army guarding an emperor’s tomb, every site tells a story that spans millennia. As India-China relations warm and travel becomes easier, 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to experience a country that seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with futuristic innovation.
Pack your sense of adventure, bring your camera, and prepare for a journey that will challenge your perceptions and create memories to last a lifetime. The Middle Kingdom awaits, and trust us – it’s going to be extraordinary.
Ready to start planning? Begin with visa applications, book accommodations in advance, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime to these incredible Chinese destinations.
