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Intrepid Travel: What Are the Top Destinations in China?

"Our small group style of travel means you’ll stay under the radar, and travel, eat and sleep the local way. You’ll have the unsurpassed knowledge of a local leader, taking you out of the guidebooks and into a world you’re waiting to discover. The best small group adventures strike the perfect balance between included activities and 'you time'. Our trips cater to a range of styles and budgets, s... "

A longer tour to China is truly rewarding with major cities, world wonders, terracotta warriors, record-breaking infrastructure, colourful tribes and amazing rice terraces.

Below are our most visited cities, destinations and national parks in China.

Capital of China and one of the largest, busiest and most incredible cities in the world and home of the Chinese Government. Visit the Tiananmen Square with Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and - of course - the Great Wall of China nearby. If you have the time, try the Opera or Peking Duck!

Xian is the 1st capital of China mostly known for the archeological finds of the Terracotta Army, a real size stone army where real people and horses are said to have posed to be carved in stone. The stone wall around the city centre also makes Xian quite unique.

The Great Wall of China needs no introduction. It served to protect mainland China from Mongolian invaders and took decades to build. Now it is the only structure that can be seen from the moon.

Shanghai, the economic heart of China, has played a major role in China´s past and will do so in the future as well. You can find anything here, from local dance, traditional tea houses, nice food to luxury cars and watches. The Bund and the ´bottle opener´ are must do´s.

Chengdu is capital of Sichuan province where very spicy food is common. Tourists stay in Chengdu, a so-called garden city, mainly to see the world-famous Giant Panda center and as an easy starting point to Leshan (Giant Buddha) and Mount Emei.

Yangshuo is a very interesting city of 1 million on the Li River, south of Guilin. There are lots of outdoor touristy activities as well as the West Street. Noticeable are the bubble mountains that surround the city.

Guilin´s rural landscape is the reason to visit the area. "Bubbled" mountains cover the place and you really feel like being surrounded. Take a ride on the Li River to Yangshuo or visit the magnificent rice fields just North of the city - as many Chinese on vacation do.

Chongqing is one of the largest cities that most people never heard of. 30 million people call this pleasant city in the mountains along the Yangtze river home.

(Click on the city for more details.)