Shanghai
Shanghai, often dubbed the "Paris of the East", blends Eastern and Western cultures, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. Its origins trace back to the ten-mile Shanghai International Settlement, established by the British, Americans, and French along the Huangpu River. Today, this metropolis constantly evolves, with historical and cultural landmarks like the Bund and Xintiandi, in contrast with modern attractions in Pudong, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Disneyland Resort. Those seeking a glimpse into Shanghai's past can explore places like Tianzifang and 1933 Old Millfun, offering unique shops and galleries. West Nanjing Road Shopping Street is perfect for fashion enthusiasts, while foodies can indulge in Shanghai delicacies at Chenghuang (City God) Temple beside the Yu Garden complex. These are only a glimpse of Shanghai's dynamic charm that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a great international metropolis that beautifully melds the traditional and the modern. It's also a gourmand's paradise. The skyscrapers that tower in a veritable forest in Zhujiang New Town are representative of the new Guangzhou. While here you can also see a wide variety of different kinds of modern architecture. If you would like to experience the traditional Lingnan style, then you can visit old Xiguan. Lingnan, or south of the Nanling Mountains, refers to the areas of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and parts of Vietnam. At the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, you can see classic folk art such as carved wood, carved brick, engraved metal, pottery, and molded plaster. Don't miss out on the colonnaded buildings at Shangxiajiu. Lychee Bay and the Xiguan Mansion are also well worth visiting. Beijing Road’s modern array of shopping mixes with Yuexiu Park’s ancient legendary statues and historic monuments to display Guangzhou's vast thousand-year history. This place also has Chimelong Paradise, an amusement park loved by the little ones, and parks like the TIT Creative Industry Zone serve the tastes of creative individuals. Have a cup of morning tea, try out the traditional dim sum, or tuck into some classic Cantonese food. Eating your way through the city is a good way to spend your time.
Beijing
Beijing is China's capital city. It was first established around 3,000 years ago and has historically been the capital of the nation for more than 800 years. This place has a long and storied history and culture. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven all have an incomparable imperial style. Beijing is also an international city with a modern and fashionable elegance. The nightscape of places like Sanlitun and Shichahai is intoxicating. In all its neighborhoods, Beijing is packed with places that will evoke surprise and wonder. Beijing is a warm and welcoming city.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a modern metropolis. As China’s first Special Economic Zone, opening it up as a worldwide hub of market capitalism, and Hong Kong as its neighbor, the primary characteristics of the city are innovative vitality and diversity. Shenzhen lies between the ocean and the mountains. The landscape is both elegant and beautiful. Fresh air and pleasant climates like this are hard to encounter in other Tier 1 cities.Shenzhen is a comfortable place to live. This place has many theme parks, which are good places for family trips and outings with children. The numerous skyscrapers, grand architectural designs, and modern buildings combine to give the city a brilliant landscape and glorious nightscape. The many creative parks, art galleries, and characteristic small towns lend much color to Shenzhen. The coastal area also has many kinds of entertainment such as diving, biking, walking, and playing in the water at one of the swimming beaches. It is the busy city's leisure strip.
Hangzhou
Well-known for its extraordinary beauty and elegance, Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the most impressive tourist destinations in China. Historically important and naturally stunning, Hangzhou together with nearby Suzhou is celebrated in China as “Heaven on Earth”.Located in East China's Yangtze River Delta and the northern part of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is a major commercial and trade city with an estimated urban population of 12 million people. There are 10 urban districts with Gongshu District being the central heart of the city and enjoys convenient transportation. Xihu District is to the west of the city and where the famous West Lake is located. Historically, Hangzhou has for centuries been known for its fine silk and tea productions, but the city didn’t reach its political importance until the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD) when the Emperor relocated the capital to Hangzhou. The city’s wealth and commerce grew further in the Ming Dynasty after the construction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal in the world - linking Hangzhou to Beijing and other ocean trade routes. Today, Hangzhou continues to be an economic center of east-central China.From the beautiful West Lake to romantic bridges, and tranquil tea plantations to ancient shrines and temples, Hangzhou is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. There are so many awe-inspiring scenic spots in Hangzhou, that it will take a few days to just tick off the top destinations. For those unforgettable experiences, visitors can consider taking a sunset stroll or riding a bike around the West Lake, visiting a picturesque water town outside Hangzhou (e.g. Wuzhen and Xitang), learning about the tea culture, or seeing a Giant Panda in Hangzhou Zoo, etc.
Qingdao
The first impression visitors get of Qingdao is one of a beautiful city with red tiles, green trees, blue oceans, bluer sky and the Taoist holy site of Laoshan Mountain. Qin Shi Huang once visited here to view the sea, Xu Fu made the long journey from here to Dongpu and this is where the May Fourth Movement began. European countries have all left their own mark here, including an annual International Beer Fest, so there are many well-preserved old buildings combining German and Asian features. This is one of northern China's rare seaside resort towns that is also replete with a romantic artistic flavor. Qingdao's seafood and beer are enchanting to visitors. The Tsingtao Beer Museum and brewery is a huge attraction.