China: it’s the world’s second largest country, and the world’s most populous, as well. China is an ancient place, based on one of the earliest civilizations, which has flourished for thousands of years. The first imperial dynasty, the Xia, emerged around 2070 BCE. Because China is so vast – and ancient - it’s hard to know WHAT to see when you visit! And how do you decide what to see?

One of the things anyone planning a trip to China must do is prioritize what you want to see (because there are thousands of things to choose from!). You can take Great Wall of China holiday tours, which focus on specific travel angles. If you’re headed to China, here are 7 things NOT to miss:

Forbidden Palace, Beijing. © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC-BY-SA-3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), adapted by Wandering Educators

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China meanders across 13,170 miles of China. It won’t be hard to visit it – but definitely look for best places to access this UNESCO World Heritage site. Most people visit at the Badaling or Juyongguan sections; travelers in the know visit at Mutianyu, where it’s much less crowded (and with far fewer hawkers).

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Andrew Mandemaker

Terracotta Warriors

Located in Xian, the Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by a farmer! Now, you can visit the Terracotta Army – over 7,000 statues of soldiers, horses, and weapons over 16,000 sq metres. It’s incredible!

Photo Adrian Landsberg. Click the link above to see more photos of the terracotta army by him!

Chengdu’s Giant Pandas

China’s giant pandas are endangered – and you can visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see them (and babies if you’re lucky!), learn about their habits and habitat, and support giant panda conservation.

Baby Pandas, Chengdu. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Joshua Doubek

Pandas, Chengdu. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Colegota

Forbidden City in Beijing

The Forbidden City was the home of emperors for more than 500 years, before the fall of the Quing Dynasty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located in the heart of Beijing. Before you go, head to the official website and take a virtual palace tour, to get yourself acquainted.

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Allentchang

The Yangtze River

The third longest river in the world, the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, flowing from glaciers to the East China Sea at Shanghai. Of particular interest to travelers is a cruise on the Yangtze, allowing you to float along and see iconic sights from ancient paintings. Be sure to visit the Three Gorges, which are extraordinary natural rock sculptures along the way.

Dusk on the Yangtze. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Andrew Hitchcock

The Bund, Shanghai

This is the heart of Shanghai, located on the riverfront, and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. Why? You can see many different types of architecture (it's called the ‘museum of buildings’), stroll along amongst tourists, and see the Pudong area across the river – selfie time!

View from the Bund, Shanghai. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Pyzhou

Yungang Grottoes

Located in Datong, North China, the Yungang Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its early Chinese Buddhist cave art. Here, you’ll visit 5 main caves, each containing enormous statues of Buddha. In total, there are 51,000 statues of Buddha!

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Zhangzhugang

Of course, there are many, many more amazing things to see in China. Which are your favorites?