Several must-visit places in China for inquisitive African travelers

In the last few years, South Africa has seen a huge influx of Chinese tourists eager to discover what the country has to offer. Not so much the other way round, which is a great shame, as China is full of beautiful landscapes, modern cities, historical sites, and cultural enigma. If you do get the chance to visit China though, here are several places you simply should not miss.

Beijing

Palace Museum in Beijing [File Photo: baidu.com]

Beijing has been the capital of China since the Ming Dynasty more than five centuries ago. The main attraction must be the Palace Museum, better known as the Forbidden City, the seat of every Chinese emperor since the 1600’s. The city itself is a hotchpotch of historical sites and traditional architecture. Not too far away, just outside the bounds of the city is the staggering Great Wall, the only man-made structure that can be seen from space. With almost 2,000 years of history, and 9 thousand kilometers long, it is a symbol of human perseverance.

Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort [File Photo: 163.com]

In recent years, Shanghai has surpassed Hong Kong as the most modern and most developed city in the country. The Shanghai skyline is a sight you will never forget. The city is filled to the brim with high-end shopping districts, luxury accommodation, and a vast selection of the world’s best cuisines. Shanghai Disney Land is the biggest Disney resort in Asia, and is a must for families with children.

Tibet

Mount Chomolungma in the Himalayas [File Photo: tuchong.com]

The Tibetan Plateau is a destination you will never forget. Vast areas of grassland, herds of horses running across the landscape, the songs and dances of the native tribes, are all a part of the beauty of Tibet. If you are a trained mountaineer you can challenge yourself to tackle the world’s tallest peak: Mount Chomolungma in the Himalayas, known as Everest in the West. However, the altitude of the plateau is very high, and unless they take it slowly, visitors can often experience altitude sickness.

Xi'an

The terracotta warriors in Xi'an [File Photo: ctrip.com]

Apart from Beijing, one of China's most important historical cities is Xi'an. It was the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties and is home to the tombs of many emperors including the infamous Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unite the whole of China. The terracotta warriors in his tomb are arguably one of the most significant archaeological finds in the world.