The Golden Week holiday, aka China’s National holiday, from October 1-7 this year (October 8 is a work day), is a good time to explore the short-distance travel areas China has to offer. Here are five places worth a three or four day trip to visit with friends and family:
Shanghai
Ages: All ages
Flight duration: 2 hours
Train duration: 6-8 hours (fast train), departs from Beijing South Station and arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao Station
Attractions: Shanghai’s latest addition, the World Disney Resort, has made the trip to the southern city all the more alluring. As China’s financial hub, Shanghai boasts animal attractions, history walks, amusement parks, and more. The Bund, the French Concession, and Hongkou District are must sees. Check here for a list of attractions you should visit.
Chengdu
Ages: all ages
Flight duration: 2.5 hours
Train duration: 16-24 hours (depends speed), departs from Beijing West Station.
Attractions: Pandas! China’s most beloved animal, the giant panda, can be admired by local and international tourists at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Pandas don’t have to do much, but they are nice to watch as they move from indoors and outdoors. The ultimate photo op is holding the cute baby pandas for a whooping RMB 1,000 for two minutes. The city’s other allures are the teahouse culture, spicy cuisine, and very buzzing nightlife. To get an authentic teahouse experience, head over to Heming Teahouse. Check here for a list of attractions you should visit.
Xi’an
Ages: All ages
Flight duration: 2 hours
Train duration: 6 hours (fast train), departs from Beijing South Station
Attractions: One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Home to an “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Terracota Army, visitors can see nearly 7,000 life-sized clay warriors, horses, and chariots buried with the first emperor of a unified China, Qin Shi Huang. Xian’s walls, the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, are great for soaking in the view of the city from a height of 12m. Check here for a list of attractions you should visit.
Guilin
Ages: Ages 10+
Flight duration: 3 hours
Train duration: 10 hours 30 minutes (high-speed), departs from Beijing West Station
Attractions: If you check at the back of the RMB 20 note, you will see the famous Yangshuo drawing that’s a 90-minute bus ride from Guilin. The natural landscapes are worth the trip to Guilin, especially attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven-Star Cave, and Reed Flute Cave. Longsheng Rice and Longji Rice Terraces are also worthwhile as the terraces are said to resemble a dragon’s backbone. Check here for a list of attractions you should visit.
Lijiang
Ages: Ages 8+
Flight duration: 3.5 hours
Train duration: No direct train, go to Kunming then take a long-distance bus that takes approximately 8 hours
Attractions: High up in the northwestern mountain region of Yunnan lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an 800-year-old history called the Old Town of Lijiang. The journey there isn’t easy, but it’s worth it as visitors get to experience the culture of the Naxi people who have a different language, music, and traditional dress. Lijiang’s old town has been well-maintained with a very detailed network of canals and waterways that are worth exploring. Check here for a list of attractions you should visit.
Photos: Wilson Hui (Flickr)
