Top Cities in China for foreign tourists I

There are many foreign to China every year. Which cities are the most worthwhile to start your China tours

Beijing

Beijing, Jing for short, is the nation's political, economic, cultural and educational center as well as China's most important center for international trade and communications. Together with Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and Hangzhou, Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China. It has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore Beijing's ancient past and enjoy its exciting modern development.Although now Beijing is a modern and fashionable city complete with full 21st century vitality, you can experience authentic Beijing life and become acquainted with “old Beijing” by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs, Beijing's hutongs and siheyuans and enjoy the Peking Opera.

With the biggest central square in the world - Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City that is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, a superbly preserved section of the Great Wall, as well as the largest sacrificial complex in the world - the Temple of Heaven, Beijing attracts both domestic and foreign visitors who all come to wonder at its century-old history and unique cultural relics.

Beijing tour should not be miss.

Xian

As for Xian tours, here will only introduce the world-famous terra-cotta army.The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life.A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC). The State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.

Shanghai

Shanghai tour should start with the Bund.The Bund is a symbol of Shanghai. The best attraction of the Bund lies in its blocks of antique and graceful buildings. They were not designed by the same architect nor built at the same times, yet they harmonize in architectural tone and the outlines were treated so co-coordinately that no matter you walk in front of them or look at them in a distance, they all present you an air dignity, elegance, magnificence and strength. The majority of the buildings belong to the style of “restoration to the ancients” and eclecticism, except the Sassoon House (now Peace Hotel) and the BroadwayMansions (now Shanghai Mansions), which belong to the early modernist school. When you take a walk along the embankment, you will see pointed Gothic roofs, arches of ancient Greece, Baroque columns, Spanish balconies, displaying before you the rich flavor of foreign lands, so unique and attractive. When night falls and lights are on, the buildings are immersed in a sea of brilliance, each glittering like a crystal palace. Watching form the other side of the river, you will see a dazzling picture like a scene in a magnificent epic. The Bund is worthy of its name as “a gallery of international architectures”.