China. The name only makes you want to get packing. It’s modern, dazzling and the world’s oldest continuous civilization. China’s landscapes span the range from alpha to omega, from the sublime sapphire lakes to the impassive deserts. Take your pick… there is something for everyone, young and old!
16.QINGHAI LAKE
Situated in the northeast between grassland and snow mountains. The 4,317 square Lake is China’s largest saltwater lake and is famous for its serenity and lush grasslands that is surrounding the occasionally frosty shores. The lake offers year-around pleasure such as cycling, boat rides and bird watching. Twenty-three rivers and streams empty into Qinghai Lake, most of them seasonal. The lake has a number of attractions that draw travellers in this region in. Ornithologists, campers, hikers, botanists, swimmers, sailors, fishermen, loners and nomads all find areas of interest around the lake. At winter the frozen lake looks like a big mirror.
17.MING TOMBS
The tombs is located at the foot of Tianshou Mountain in Beijing Changping District, close to Baling Great Wall. It is a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty whose combined reign stretches from 1368 – 1644. According to the Chinese feng-shui traditions, the tombs are surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river flows near them. The site offers insight into imperial Ming Dynasty life, including stone thrones, huge human and animal sculptures, and other evidence of Chinese culture and traditions. The tomb area has been listed by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage. Only certain parts of the massive complex are open at any given time.
18.HARBIN ICE FESTIVAL
Firstly established in 1985, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the Four Great International Ice and Snow Festivals in the World. Winter holiday lovers from all around the world visit this carnival to see the large number of artistic sculptures made by snow and ice on exhibit in deferent venues. Many interesting activities and events will be organized, such as Ice Sculpture Competition (The impressive structures of snow and ice is lit by brightly coloured lights), Ice Hockey, Skiing, Skating, Winer Photography, etc. Each Harbin Ice and Snow Festival has a spectacular theme -the coming festival of 2019 is "Pearl on the Crown of Ice & Snow". The festival is from December to February. Temperatures range from -10C to -25C during the festival, so pack warm!
19. CAUCASIAN MUMMIES IN URUMQI
Dating back from 1800 BCE to the first centuries BCE, the series of mummies was discovered in the Tarim Basin in present-day Xinjiang. The mummies were created by the province’s heat and dry rather than religious ritual. The near 4,000-year-old Loulan Beauty is distinctly Caucasian in her features, which is at odds with modern China’s assertions that Xinjiang has always been a part of China. The mummies reside in the Xinjiang Museum in provincial capital, with exhibits on the province’s melting pot of ethnicities as well as its vital role in the ancient Silk Road.
20.HEILONGJIANG: SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL, HARBIN
Saint Sophia Cathedral was built in 1907 after the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1903. The church is located on the corner of Toulong Street and Zhaolin Street. It stands at 53.3 meters tall, occupies an area of 721 square meters, and is the perfect example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. The main structure is laid out like a cross with the main hall topped with a huge green-tipped dome. Under the bright sun, the church and the square area it stands on look quite like Red Square in Moscow. The church was used as a warehouse by the Communist Party for about two decades and in 1997 it was turned into is a state-run museum showcasing the city's architecture, art and heritage.
BASIC TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS
While many familiar drugs are available in China, navigating the language and communicating the need may not be something you have the time or energy for in an emergency. It's best to pack a few precautionary items with you, especially for minor illnesses and complaints.
- Bandaids
- Antibacterial ointment
- Headache medicine
- Something for an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Hand cleaner - wipes and sanitizers
- Insect repellent
- Allergy medication
- Cold medicine
- Sunscreen
China is a year-round travel destination. Regardless of when you go, there is always a place that is worth visiting. Weather-wise,the best times to visit China are spring (April - May) and autumn (September- October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather.
