Gran ruta por China

About the destination: Situated in northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the most populous country in the world. With a population of over 21million people, it is the nation's second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city of impressive new urban and commercial developments that looks towards the future but it is intrinsically linked to its imperial past. Beijing is renowned for its lavish palaces, ancient temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and important government and cultural institutions have long made the city a center of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, one of the city’s must-sees. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is known as the Palace museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other Beijing’s main attractions are The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighborhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, called Hutongs. Beijing is a good base to visit some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. Some great world famous cultural and heritage sites, a thriving nightlife, great sporting facilities given as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, great food such as Peking Duck, and good entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, make Beijing a fascinating city offering a lot to visitors.

About the destination: Xi’an is a historic city in Shaanxi Province in China. Xi’an lies in the central part of Guanzhong Plain between the Wei River to the north and the Qinling Mountain to the south. It is a harmonious town, where tradition and modernity stand side by side. Xi’an has immense historical significance and it houses some of the famous China attractions and some of the most important archaeological sites in China. The city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here, with so much history within the ground the city lies upon, it is no wonder that there are so many historical ruins, museums and cultural relics to be found here. The most important sites to visit in Xi’an are the City Wall of Xi'an, the world's largest city wall, the Grand Mosque and the historic Qin Terra Cotta Warriors. But the city is filled with historical relics with 72 tombs of Emperors and palaces, temples and multiple other reminders of the past. Other notable sites in and around Xi'an include the Large and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, which were built in the Tang Dynasty. Xi'an is also home to one of China's best museums, the Shaanxi History Museum, which contains an outstanding collection of artifacts from the various early dynasties that ruled China.

About the destination: Chengdu is the provincial capital and largest city of Sichuan Province in southwest China. Chengdu is located on the edge of the fertile plains of the Red Basin in China's Sichuan Province. Due to its agricultural wealth, Chengdu is sometimes called the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River bisects the city. The most important attractions in Chengdu are the West Pearl Tower, the Kuanzhaixiangzi area, Tianfu Square, Sichuan Opera, the Wenshu Temple and the Chengdu Panda Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Chengdu has the reputation as a very laid-back city that emphasizes culture and relaxation and as a result of this and much green space is ranked one of the most livable mega-cities in China. It is credited with a good nightlife scene and contains many new western style buildings in the large city center.

About the destination: Chongqing is set to become the most economically important city in West China and is the biggest inland city of the country. Chongqing is a richly historical city, with a plethora of natural and man-made landscapes. As a fantastically scenic 'mountain city', it has enjoyed a surge in tourism. Chongqing Dock is an ideal starting place for the Yangtze River Cruise, a memorable sightseeing experience taking in some of China’s most beautiful rivers and mountains. For instance, in Chongqing the Three Gorges region is a scenic area along the Yangtze River in China with a total length of approximately 200 km. Although it is primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is historically and culturally an important region in China, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.

About the destination: Zhangjiajie is located in central China, northwest Hunan Province, over 1,000 kilometers from both Shanghai and Beijing. Zhangjiajie is famous for its precarious peaks, limpid streams, dense forests, and large karst caves. Zhangjiajie was thrust into foreigner travelers' eyes after the movie Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar were inspired by Heavenly Pillar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China's first national forest park.

About the destination: Perched dramatically on a cliff above the meandering You River in western Hunan, Furong — often called Furong Ancient Town or Hibiscus Town — blends cinematic charm with centuries-old traditions. Stone alleyways wind between stilted wooden houses, lanterns glow at dusk, and the constant murmur of the majestic Furong Waterfall provides a striking backdrop. The town gained fame after the 1980s film “Hibiscus Town,” and it has preserved much of the sleepy, riverfront atmosphere that captivated audiences. A stroll through Furong’s old streets reveals Miao and Tujia minority culture at every turn. Local women in embroidered garments sell handwoven textiles and silver jewelry, while wooden homes display intricate carvings under their overhanging eaves. Small museums and traditional residences, such as the Wang Family Courtyard, offer a glimpse into the area’s feudal past and the daily life of wealthy landowning families, contrasting with the simpler riverside dwellings nearby. The highlight for most visitors is the waterfall itself, which dramatically drops from the edge of town into the river below. Walkways and viewing platforms allow you to admire it from multiple angles, including from behind the curtain of water — especially atmospheric in the evening when the falls are illuminated. Boat rides along the You River provide another perspective, as you glide beneath wooden stilt houses that seem to hover over the water and look back at the town clinging to the cliff. Furong is easily combined with other Hunan attractions such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Fenghuang Ancient Town, making it a convenient stop on a wider regional itinerary. Plan to stay at least one night to experience the town after the day-trippers have left, when the streets quieten, the lanterns reflect on the river, and the sound of the falls becomes the town’s gentle soundtrack.

About the destination: Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Hunan Province, Fenghuang, also known as Phoenix Ancient Town, offers a glimpse into China's rich history and enchanting natural beauty. This well-preserved ancient town, with its distinctive wooden stilt houses and winding cobblestone streets, feels like a step back in time. The Tuojiang River flows gracefully through the town, providing a serene backdrop to the traditional life that continues to thrive here. As you wander through the alleys, you'll encounter vibrant local markets, historic temples, and time-worn bridges, each narrating stories from centuries past. Fenghuang is renowned for its harmonious blend of Han, Miao, and Tujia cultures. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local traditions by sampling ethnic cuisines, watching traditional performances, and exploring the intricacies of local crafts. The Miao people, in particular, are known for their exquisite silver jewelry and vibrant festivals. A visit to the Miao villages surrounding Fenghuang offers an authentic experience of their unique customs and way of life. One of the highlights of Fenghuang is the night scene. As dusk falls, the town transforms into a magical wonderland. The stilt houses along the river are illuminated with lanterns, casting a warm glow on the water's surface. The gentle hum of traditional music fills the air, inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely boat ride or simply stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The night market comes alive with vendors selling local delicacies, souvenirs, and handmade crafts, making it the perfect time to indulge in the town's vibrant culture. A visit to Fenghuang is not complete without exploring its historical landmarks. The Southern Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty to protect against Miao rebellions, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Former Residence of Shen Congwen, one of China's most celebrated writers, provides insight into the literary history of the region. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, Fenghuang promises an unforgettable journey through one of China's most captivating ancient towns.

About the destination: Shanghai is modern city located just south of the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River and split in two by the Huangpu River. It is one of China's largest metropolis and it is considered the most cosmopolitan, sophisticated and progressive city in mainland China. Shanghai is a good place to visit if you want to catch a glimpse of the future of China. A whole new city of skyscrapers has been built in its Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has become one of the city’s landmarks and is one of the tallest structures in Asia and the Shanghai World Financial Center, the third largest building in Asia and the world. At the west side of the Yangzi River is Puxi area, the older central part of the city. Puxi has very rich history and is here where you will encounter many of the city’s old buildings and attractions, such as the French Concession, the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden, the Jiu Qu Bridge, the Huxin Pavilion and the Temple. Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan hub of finance and culture. Shanghai has a special oriental charm and a fresh western style that appeal to everyone. And it is also a good base to explore the more rural and classical sights of nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.