China

China is a country that cannot simply be described in just a few words! With so much history and culture found everywhere, this destination is known for its ancient landmarks, bustling food markets and tranquil natural landscapes, sure to make any traveler fall in love with this nation! This destination has also been nicknamed the “Dragon Nation” of Asia, as this mythical creature plays a significant role in Chinese culture, as dragons are said to represent strength, power and prosperity. Likewise, you’ll also notice that many historical pagodas and temples located here are decorated with beautiful wall paintings and sketches of dragon images, as these creatures are also believed to provide protection against danger and evil harms.

In terms of history, China is one of the world’s oldest nations, where its historical roots can be traced back to 1600 B.C. (which is around 3000 years ago). Ancient China was ruled by many powerful and strong dynasties throughout this time period, with the Qing dynasty being the last one to ever rule over this nation. Later down the road, China finally gained its independence in 1912 and became known as the “Republic of China.” One of the most significant historical events that took place during these significant years was definitely the birth of oracle bones, where bones from the shoulder part of an ox/turtle shells were carved with various symbols and letters during the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE).

Later down the road, it was discovered that these letters/symbols were actually questions written by the prophets of the dynasty asking about the possible war attacks and weather predictions that would take place in the future. After writing the questions, these oracle bones were then thrown into a fire pit and burnt until they cracked. Following this, these mystical bones were then cooled and the cracks that appeared in them were later studied for possible answers regarding the questions they asked! The letters/symbols that were engraved into these oracle bones were believed to be the first Chinese words ever written and helped to trace the exact time period of the written form of the Chinese language!

Being the third largest country in the world (in terms of land size), China is divided into 34 provincial-level administrative areas: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions, where many provinces located here differ from one another in terms of their history, geography, natural landscapes, culture, and cuisines! Likewise, to get the best travel experience in China, some cities that you should definitely add to your bucket list include Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Xi’an, Tibet, Chengdu, and Hangzhou! which are known for their wide array of historical landmarks, lively marketplaces, and outstanding cuisines! If you’re someone who wants to gain a variety of travel experiences, then China is one such nation that is able to fulfill all your travel dreams, as it is home to an abundant number of historic, cultural, and adventurous attractions. Likewise, this magnificent nation is also home to 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where destinations such as the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Dazu Rock Carvings, Forbidden City, and Jiuzhai National Park certainly take the top spots!

Why visit China from Nepal?

There are a multitude of reasons why you should visit the beautiful nation of China from Nepal, but to make things easier, we have listed the top 5 reasons that will surely convince you to visit this remarkable country in the near future!

• A nearby destination: Due to China being in close proximity to Nepal, Nepali tourists are easily able to travel to this nation within a short period of time in comparison to other international destinations, leading to less travel time and transit hours. Additionally, cities such as Lhasa, Chengdu, Kunming, and Gyirong are relatively close to Nepal, where huge numbers of tourists visit these cities in large numbers every year due to their serene natural attractions, bustling bazaars, and delicious food cuisines!
• Rich cultures and traditions: With plenty of historical monasteries, century-old temples, and ancient museums, China is an unmissable destination for history lovers and culture enthusiasts! Additionally, this country is home to 56 ethnic groups, leading to the birth of many cultures, cuisines, traditions, and customs, making China a truly diverse destination! Where destinations such as Guizhou, Hangzhou, Kashgar, Nanjing, Beijing, and Xian are the most sought-after places where you’re able to get a variety of unique and special experiences. So, tourists are into learning about topics such as these; traveling to China will prove to be a rewarding experience!
• High Hospitality: Being one of Asia’s top destinations in terms of hospitality, China is a nation that warmly welcomes tourists from all parts of the world. So, if you’re someone who prioritizes these things, then China can be an ideal destination for you! Additionally, hospitality is also said to be a big part of Chinese culture; that can be seen majorly while dining with guests, as it is made sure that guests are always well-fed while eating. Likewise, services provided by many restaurants and hotels to tourists are always up to standards, certainly helping boost the hospitality factor in this nation.
• Top-notch food cuisines: Chinese cuisine is bold, delicious, and packed with flavor! As this top-rated cuisine combines a number of fragrant spices, rich sauces, and aromatic oils, it features some of the most delectable food items that you keep reaching for even when you're full! A handful of the dishes that you have to try while traveling in this stunning country include Peking roasted duck, dim sum (soft meat dumplings), kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, zhajiangmian (noodles served with black bean sauce), and jiang bing (stuffed Chinese crepes).

Now, let’s learn about some of the most exquisite cities that provide a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage, lively markets and historical sites! 

Beijing - The Forbidden City 

Every traveler who has visited Beijing has surely fallen in love with it! Located in the northern region of China, this city has to be one of the nation’s most incredible destinations, as it offers tourists an ideal mix of history, adventure, and nature, making every moment spent here truly memorable! Home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Beijing is divided into 14 distinct districts and 2 counties, where some of the world’s most renowned places, such as the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, Qianqing Palace, the National Museum of China, and the Forbidden City, are located here, making it an unmissable stop for history lovers all around the world. Furthermore, due to the Palace Museum present here, which was strictly restricted to enter for the general public in the past, this city was also known as the “Forbidden City” of China.

Likewise, for some fun-filled and adventurous travel experiences, Beijing also offers many hiking and cycling tours for many tourists, where Baiwangshan Shan Forest, Beijing Badaling National Forest, Qianhai Lake, Beijing Central Axis, and Miyun Reservoir, certainly take the top spots! In a similar realm, this metropolitan city can also be a fantastic destination for food enthusiasts, as you’ll find a plethora of family-run restaurants and traditional chacantings (Chinese tea/snack shops) that serve the most delectable Chinese cuisines, sure to make even the pickiest eaters fall in love with this cuisine! A handful of Beijing’s most scrumptious food items include jiaozi (meat dumplings), jing jiang rousi (shredded pork cooked in a spicy sauce), zhajiang mian (black bean noodles), jianbing (stuffed crepe), and tanghulu (fruits dipped in melted sugar).

Shanghai - Paris of the East

Travel to one of China’s most magnificent cities, which is Shanghai! A big reason that makes Shanghai such an inviting destination for many tourists traveling to China is due to its abundant amount of picturesque streets that almost look movielike, especially captured by areas such as Nanjing, Bund, and Huaihai! As you take a walk through these street lines, you can see rows of towering skyscrapers, aesthetic coffee shops, historical temples, and decade-old breakfast stores that are surely a treat for the eyes but also make the perfect background for taking those Instagram-worthy shots! Additionally, due to France establishing a French concession in this city from 1849 to 1946, many buildings, markets, and streets located here resemble similar architectural patterns and designs to that of Paris, giving this city its name, “Paris of the East.”

What’s more is that this city offers many excellent tourist attractions like the Shanghai French Concession, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Natural History Museum, and City God Temple, perfect for tourists who are into history and culture! With this, this city also offers many natural attractions, such as People’s Park, Yu Garden, and Gongqing Forest Park, where you can instantly feel all your stress and anxiety melt away, as these areas are brimming with towering green trees and picturesque lakes! On top of this, the Pudong and Bund areas are also two unmissable spots that have been rising as major tourist attractions, as these areas are known for historical buildings, bustling atmospheres, and vibrant shopping areas.

Chengdu Attractions

Explore Chengdu, known for numerous historic attractions, as there are many ancient temples/pagodas located in this flourishing city! Being the fourth largest city in China in terms of land area, Chengdu is located in the southwestern region, where you can see its everlasting beauty reflected in its tranquil parks, bustling streets, and artistic museums that will definitely leave you stunned! Additionally, this city is also renowned for its huge number of pandas, with even a research center dedicated to protecting these endangered species from going extinct. One top location to see the beautiful animals in their natural habitat is Chengdu Panda Park! In terms of tourism, Chengdu also has a variety of attractions, where places like Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Anshun Bridge, Qingchengshan Mountain Peak, and Chengdu Museum are some of the unmissable spots in the city. Likewise, if you’re someone who loves trying new food cuisines, then Chengdu will definitely satisfy all your cravings, as it is home to a number of delectable food items where foods like dan dan noodles, Chengdu hotpot, kung pao chicken, and guokui (stuffed pancakes) are loved by both locals and tourists alike. 

Guilin - Forest of the Sweet Osmanthus

The city of Guilin in China is a perfect destination for travelers who are into nature! Due to the abundant number of osmanthus trees present in this city, it has also been nicknamed “Forest of the Sweet Osmanthus,” where these trees can be majorly found in this city’s Lingui and Xiufeng districts. Being a prefectural-level city, it is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where a huge number of tourists visit this picturesque city to see its renowned karst (limestone) mountains and caves! One can even go on adventurous hikes/treks to see these gorgeous karst limestone formations, where Yangshuo County is one of the city's top spots! Areas here such as Yulong River, Moon Hill, and Xiang Gong Mountains offer many scenic trails and pathways that offer plenty of breathtaking views of karst mountains and also make the perfect backdrop as well for taking those aesthetic photos and videos!

Tourists looking to relax and decompress during their vacation time can also explore areas such as the Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Liu San Jie Tea Farm here, as they provide the perfect break from city life due to the numerous natural attractions present here. In Elephant Trunk Hill, you are able to explore the scenic Water Moon Cave, visit the historic Puxian Pagoda, or even climb all the way to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill to get a panoramic view of the serene Li River and nearby lush green mountains. Likewise, Reed Flute Cave is another major attraction that looks like a straight-up movie set from Jurassic Park! Due to the large amount of stalactites and stalagmites (unique minerals and rock formations) present everywhere in this ancient cave! Likewise, this city is also home to a few of China’s most prized dishes, like guilin rice noodles, dongshun chao niurou (stir-fried beef with veggies), baiguo dun laoya (slow-cooked duck stew), and lipu yutou kourou (crispy pork served with rice).

Xi'an Attractions

Located in the Shaanxi province, Xi’an is one of China’s most ancient cities! Being a capital city, this destination is also one of the nation’s most prized destinations, as it is home to numerous historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and traditional restaurants. A few of the most popular destinations include the Muslim Quarter, Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Museum, Beiyuanmen Night Market, and Xian Shulin Market, where you can see this city’s rich history and flourishing cultural heritage reflected in every nook and corner. In the past, this city also played a crucial role in boosting the economy of China tremendously, as it helped to transport many traditional Chinese products, such as silk, metallic tools, tea, and porcelain products to many Western nations. 

For an interesting and fun-filled travel day in Xi’an, tour the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Museum, which will surely leave you mesmerized! This historic destination is also the burial ground of Qin Shi Huang, who is said to be the first emperor of China and holds immense cultural significance in China. In 1974, a group of locals, while digging up a well near the area, accidentally discovered an underground treasure, where they found around 2000 terracotta warrior statues and horse sculptures buried underneath the ground! Later, after proper excavations and research, it was found out that these ancient statues were estimated to be around 2000 years old!

Furthermore, a museum was only opened on this site as well. Another popular destination loved by tourists here includes the Muslim Quarter, which is a bustling street-market where you can find the most mouthwatering Muslim and Chinese cuisines along with traditional souvenir items! Similarly, other excellent sightseeing destinations that you can add to your travel bucket list while touring this city include the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Xian Bell Tower, the Xian Museum and Huaqing Palace.

Tibet - Roof of the World 

Tibet has remained a top tourist destination for many travelers from all around the world! And why wouldn’t it? With numerous holy temples/monasteries, picture-perfect lakes, and rich cultural heritage, this region located in the southwest part of China has remained in the hearts of many travelers. Tibet is widely known to many Nepalese, as it is home to one of the most sacred hindu pilgrimage, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Furthermore, it has also been nicknamed “the roof of the world” due to it being located at a higher elevation, i.e., 4500 meters from sea level. Likewise, the capital of this picturesque region, Lhasa, is best for mountain viewing and nature exploration, as this destination has an abundant amount of serene natural landscapes, with a few of the most popular ones being Mount Kailash, Namtso Lake, and Lake Manasarovar.

Lhasa, the capital of this region, is an unmissable destination! The word “Lhasa” in the Tibetan language means the “place of gods,” which is actually a pretty fitting name for this thriving city, as it is home to many religious destinations. Likewise, due to the majority of people following Tibetan Buddhism as their main religion here, you’ll find plenty of historical monasteries located here that truly have played a vital role in preserving this city’s vibrant culture and rich history. A few monasteries that you can add to your travel bucket list while traveling to Tibet are Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Ganden Monastery. Similarly, the Potala Palace and Jokhang Palace are two other excellent destinations visited by a massive number of tourists due to their breathtaking architecture, serene atmosphere, and historical significance. In terms of food culture, Tibet boasts a range of delectable food options where balep (crispy fried flatbread), po cha (butter tea), thentuk (noodles served in a meaty broth), and tingmo (steamed bread) are some of the renowned food items loved by both tourists and locals. 

Best time to visit China

Due to China’s massive size and numerous diverse regions, the best time to visit China depends upon your own preferences for weather and travel activities, but the most ideal time is during the spring season that begins in March and lasts till May. During this 3-month period, the weather slowly starts to warm up after the harsh, cold winter, offering travelers plenty of warm, sunshine-filled days! Additionally, the average temperature during this season is usually 10 to 23 °C, where cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, Guilin, Yunnan, and Suzhou are the most popular destinations to explore in the country. 

To get the best travel experience during spring, you can engage in a number of activities like visiting historic temples/pagodas, attending spring festivals, exploring lively markets, going on scenic car drives, touring beaches, or simply dining at traditional canguans (Chinese restaurants). Furthermore, this nation also celebrates several festivals during this vibrant season, such as Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Lantern Festival, and the Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Festival), offering you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this country.