Meet Our Guest Contributor
Tamra Bow is an accomplished television reporter with 13 years of experience. Combining her love of travel with her role as a reporter on Channel 7 Sunrise, she is also a successful blogger, content creator, and proud owner of Global & Beyond Travel.
China is honestly the biggest culture shock. And in the very best way imaginable.
Most people heading to the land of the dragon think of big cities choked with smog, and a frantic, fast-paced lifestyle.
But I’m here to tell you, there is so much more to China than just the big city lights. Don’t get me wrong, Shanghai and Beijing are beautiful and need to be seen.
But I promise you that you will find your favourite parts outside of the city lights.
Until I visited the Hunan Province, I never imagined China could be so beautiful.
From landscapes that will steal your breath to futuristic cities that will blow your mind, China is the kind of travel experience that will stick with you for life.
If you’re wondering whether China is the right destination for your next trip, this guide answers all the key questions to help you decide.
Culture and History
With a heritage dating back over 5,000 years—possibly even longer—China is a place you'll fall in love with if you're a history buff or have any interest in the tales of an ancient dynasty.
From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, right down to the Terracotta Army still standing as monuments to its dynasties, China is quite possibly one of the most fascinating countries you’ll ever visit.
Amazing Places to Visit in China
China is an honest-to-God treasure trove of goodies.
And there are tonnes of places that truly deserve a spot at the top of your China list. But for me, one particular province well and truly stands out from the pack.
The Hunan Province! Just… wow!
Located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in South Central China, to get here, we flew into Changsha and spent a few nights exploring the city before catching the bullet train to Zhangjiajie.
Home to the Zhangjiajie National Forest, this is where the true magic begins.
A place that’s soaring peaks were the inspiration for the blockbuster film 'Avatar'.
This is where you can hike, explore, see the most amazing rock formations (think Avatar Mountain), cruise down Baofeng Lake, walk across glass bridges and skywalks that hang high above the ground, take the world’s tallest outdoor elevator and zipline across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Exhausted just hearing about the endless possibilities? Don’t worry, we’ll thoroughly unpack it below.
You can quite honestly get lost in Zhangjiajie National Forest for days on end and still have places left to explore.
I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days exploring this stunning location. That way you can tick off most of the major highlights and a few other spots along the way.
Must-See Spots in Zhangjiajie National Forest
Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in China's Hunan Province.
A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, it’s often referred to as a living Chinese landscape painting. I’m here to tell you, this is no joke.
And once you’re done exploring here, there’s plenty more to see and do in the Hunan Province.
A leisurely 3-hour bullet train ride from Changsha, this is one area you are going to want to witness with your own eyes.
Let’s get stuck into must-see spots in Zhangjiajie.
Best Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
Glass Bridge Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
One of the longest and highest glass bridges in the world, this one is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
In fact, it brought some people to their knees.
Suspended 300 metres above a deep valley, you pop on cute little soft booties (so you don’t scratch the glass surface) and shuffle your way 430 metres across, peeking down at the stupendously beautiful view of the Grand Canyon below.
Up here, you will have uninterrupted views of the National Park. You’ll also be able to watch the outdoor glass elevator zipping up and down the mountain, daredevils bungee jumping from the bridge below and others ziplining across.
If you’re unafraid of heights or think you just might be able to bear a little shuffle onto the bridge, I would highly recommend it. If not for any other reason than you will earn bragging rights that you’ve been on one of the world’s highest glass bridges!
Bailong Glass Elevator
While you’re still feeling brave, let’s turn our attention to the Bailong Glass Elevator.
Embedded in the mountain, this is the longest, highest and fastest outdoor elevator in the world. And this was honestly one of my favourite parts of the National Park.
A towering height of 326 metres, the elevator whizzes up the mountain at a strapping pace, reaching the peak in 2 minutes flat, giving you the best bird’s eye view of the forest as you go.
Baofeng Lake
Located in the mountains, this is a man-made alpine lake in Zhangjiajie that is some of the best eye candy I’ve ever seen in China.
This is where you hop on board a traditional boat and cruise along the most picturesque waterway.
As you drift through steep cliffs and past stunning waterfalls, you’ll come across Chinese boathouses scattered across the lake.
Local performers seemingly appear on the deck of these boats, singing local folk songs across the water.
It’s a truly magical experience, one that will quite literally give you goosebumps.
The guided boat trip takes around 20 minutes and is a must-visit attraction on your Zhangjiajie journey.
Hallelujah Mountain
This one is non-negotiable. If you’ve made it all the way out to Zhangjiajie National Park, then this is one spot that needs to be seen.
Also known as the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
And if I’m completely honest, nothing can prepare you for the first time you lay eyes on it.
Aptly named after its starring role in the movie “Avatar”, it is just one of the park's 3,000 vertical quartz-sandstone pillars, stretching 1,080 metres into the air.
During spring and summer, you’ll have a heightened possibility of seeing the sea of clouds wrapped around the towering rock formations before and after the rain.
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
This is where you strap yourself in and zipline across the Grand Canyon. Unless of course you’re afraid of heights. Then you might want to skip this one and head back down the biggest outdoor glass elevator.
But if you can muster the courage to take on the zipline, I assure you, it’s quite a sedate ride and it’s well worth the effort for an uninterrupted view of the forest.
The silence up there all alone is phenomenal. A must-do activity if ever I’ve been on one!
Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain is breathtakingly beautiful from down below. And equally as impressive from the top.
To get there, you soar up Tianmen Mountain on board China’s longest cable car, covering the 7-kilometre journey in 40 minutes.
Again, this is an unmissable opportunity to see some of the best views of the forest.
Once you arrive at the top, you can opt to walk the 999 steps down Tianmen Mountain. It’s extremely steep but well worth it (again) for the view.
99 Bending Road
Seeing this was enough for me. What a crazy road! 99 hairpin turns, it’s gorgeous from above.
You’ll have the best vantage point of this on your way to Tianmen Mountain.
The winding mountain road starts from the mountain base and ends at the Cave Square.
Considered one of the top ten most dangerous roads in the world, as the name suggests, it has 99 sharp turns along the 10-kilometre hair-raising stretch.
It’s spectacular to see!
Now that we’ve covered the best places to see in the Zhangjiajie National Forest, let’s get stuck into a few more top spots worth visiting in the Hunan Province.
The Hunan Province
The Hunan Province, located in south-central China, absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Not only is it home to the Zhangjiajie National Forest, but it also has an abundance of culture and sightseeing opportunities that are perfect for intrigued travellers (like me!).
Here we go!
Changsha
Welcome to the city that never sleeps!
This is where you can hop on board a boat and take a cruise up the Xiangjiang River at night.
As the sun sets, hundreds of bridges and skyscrapers on both sides of the riverbank light up in colourful neon.
There’s so much to love about Changsha. In fact, this is also where you can take in the Hunan Museum, wander through Yuelu Academy, one of the four great ancient academies in China and take a stroll down Taiping Street, sampling all the delicious local snacks along the way. (Promise yourself you’ll give stinky tofu a try!).
Here's some more Changsha favourites below:
Huangxing Walking Street
A neon-filled street bursting with colour, vibrancy and flavour.
I honestly had a sore neck after this one! The towering buildings peppered with neon are extraordinary.
The streets are teeming with street food carts, so many delicious things to try, little side streets filled with vendors.
And towards the end of the night, all vendors park their carts at the end of the walking street. So no excuse NOT to grab a plate of stinky tofu on your way home! (you know you want to).
Orange Isle
If China is on your radar. You may have already seen the enormous Young Mao Zedong statue.
Well, Orange Isle in Changsha is where you get to get up close and personal with this enormous 32 meter tall head of Mao.
Built in 2007, it took two years to complete and I don’t mind telling you it is more than impressive.
And in case you’re wondering who Mao is, he was a Chinese politician, revolutionary, and political theorist who founded the People’s Republic of China.
My top tip for Orange Isle? Take a tour at night. The famous Mao statue backlit by the neon high-rises of Changsha is an impressive sight to see.
Super Wenheyou
The next cab off the rank must be Super Wenheyou!
Giving off serious cyberpunk vibes, this unique retro style 1980s-Changsha-Street-Scene-themed restaurant is seven floors of eye-popping fun.
Nestled in Changsha itself, think neon lights, indoor cable car rides, steep staircases and lots of tiny nooks and crannies to eat in. Not to mention delicious food!
This is where I was first introduced to Youtiao, a type of Chinese fried dough stick and I’ve never looked back! By the time I’d left China, I’d pretty much eaten my entire body weight in this delicious snack.
But be warned! This restaurant is super popular with locals. When we left, there was a 2,000-table wait!
Another added bonus of a Wendy Wu Tour, we were booked well in advance and ate in a specially allocated room where we put on bibs and gloves and feasted on piles of delicious spicy crayfish.
The Hunan Museum
No trip to Changsha is complete without a visit to the Hunan Museum.
This is your golden opportunity to view the stunningly intact mummy of Lady Xin Zhui, also known as Lady Dai.
You won’t be allowed to take photos due to preservation rules, but you can take a sneak peek into her tomb which contains her well-preserved remains and 1,400 artifacts discovered in 1971.
There’s also lots more to explore at the museum. We spent hours here!
72 Qilou
If you’re staying in the Zhangjiajie village or even remotely nearby, set some time aside for a night visit to the 72 strange and spectacular buildings at 72 Qilou.
The tallest Tujia stilted building in the world, while the building itself is lit up at night is spectacular, it’s what happens here after the lights turn on that will truly blow your mind.
After dark, the stage comes alive with dancers, an angel floats above your head, blowing bubbles, and a real-life-sized Bumblebee Transformer dances to the beat of the music alongside the enormous partying crowd.
Is it sounding like something out of a fever dream? That truly is the best way to describe 72 Qilou.
Things to Know Before Visiting China
On my recent trip to China, I was lucky enough to travel with Wendy Wu Tours.
And I’m here to tell you, I’d have been completely lost trying to navigate China alone.
In fact, I would never recommend travelling here outside of a group trip.
Here are a few reasons why and some of the most important things you need to know.
1. Visa Requirements
Most visitors will need a tourist visa to enter China. The process is straightforward, but you should apply at least a month in advance. Wendy Wu Tours will help you through the application. At the moment, travellers coming from Australia, New Zealand and some European countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days. Contact the Embassy of China in your home country for more information.
2. Language Barrier
Mandarin is widely spoken, and English signage exists in major cities. However, there is a very noticeable language barrier as most people speak little to no English. This means you will be solely reliant on translation apps. The best way to get around this is to take a group trip with an established tour company like Wendy Wu Tours.
3. Cultural Etiquette
When in China, you really do need to be aware of and respect local customs. Some of those include avoiding direct criticism and accepting items with both hands. It’s also best not to discuss politics or criticise the country, as people may feel offended. Avoid pointing at people, it can be considered hostile and rude. Also interesting to note, tipping is not customary in China. In fact, it can be considered rude or embarrassing in certain situations.
4. Technology Tips
A lot of popular apps and websites are blocked in China. Accessing the internet requires a VPN for blocked sites like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. Platforms like WeChat Pay are crucial for transactions. EFTPOS was also widely available in all the major cities and tourist hubs.
Best Time to Visit China
The most popular seasons to visit China would hands down have to be Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). This is when you will experience the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and crowded, and winter is snowy and beautiful, but it can get bitterly cold. Let’s be honest though, any time is a great time to visit!
Is China Good For Solo Travelers?
China is generally safe and affordable for solo travellers. The main challenges you will face while travelling alone include navigating language barriers and finding your way around rural areas. Having said that, efficient public transport and English-speaking tours certainly ease the experience. Hostels and travel apps are a great way to connect with other travellers in the area.
How Many Days Should You Spend in China?
How long is a piece of string? Honestly, no matter how long you’re lucky enough to spend in China, you’ll still come away wanting to see more.
But in all seriousness, here is a quick little rundown on the best way to spend your time here.
And because I highly recommend taking a tour, here are a few listed below.
Top China Tour Packages to Consider
China: The Big One: 28 days
A 28-day journey that takes you from the iconic Great Wall to Shanghai's dazzling skyline and onwards to Chengdu. If you’re after natural wonders, cultural treasures, expertly guided experiences, inclusive meals, and handpicked accommodations, this one’s for you! The tour takes in Beijing, the Forbidden City, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Xian, the Terracotta Warriors and so much more.
Wonders of China: 16 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour
If you’re a little short on time and looking for a 16-day adventure, the Wonders of China Tour is brilliant! From the historic Great Wall in Beijing to the modern skyline of Shanghai, you’ll visit ancient Xian, sail the Yangtze, marvel at Guilin's landscapes and plenty more.
Natural Treasures of China: 16 days
This is another fantastic 16-day tour you might like to explore! And it’s all about uncovering China's most incredible natural treasures. From the sapphire lakes of Nine Villages Valley to the beautiful valleys at Black Mountain and the mythical Zhangjiajie, this is where you get to experience the soaring peaks that were the inspiration for the blockbuster film 'Avatar'.
Is It Safe to Travel to China Right Now?
China is considered a safe destination for travellers, and I’m happy to note, it’s a country that has low crime rates in most areas. As of now, travel restrictions and health guidelines are minimal. But you should always check official advisories before planning your trip.
Can Australians Visit China?
Australians can visit China, and right now they can travel visa-free for anywhere up to 30 days. Direct flights connect major Australian cities to Beijing, Shanghai, and other hubs.
Which Tour Package Is Best for China?
When I first started looking into this beautiful country, I felt like a kid in a candy store.
I couldn’t decide where to go first, which places to see and in the end, my list was positively huge and still growing.
I was struggling to coordinate everything and quickly realised I needed help to make the most of my time.
That’s when I decided to hop on board with Wendy Wu Tours.
And I can tell you right now, once I booked that tour, there was an instant sense of relief.
Famous for their expertly curated itineraries, these tours are the best and easiest way to see all the major cultural landmarks as well as some hidden gems along the way.
China is also an extremely popular place and highly populated. On a Wendy Wu Tour, you are guaranteed access to places you may otherwise miss out on visiting.
Take Zhangjiajie for example! Around 40,000 people visit the National Forest each day during peak seasons. General admission ticket holders can spend hours waiting in line to see one spot. Wendy Wu Tours cut through the crowds for us, ensuring we got to see and do more in a short space of time.
Their tour operators are also extremely knowledgeable, taking you to all the best places to eat and drink, explaining cultural differences and filling in the blanks at some of the top sites.
Their packages include local guides, accommodation bookings, and meals, making them all-inclusive and ideal for hassle-free travel. It’s also an excellent way to see China as a solo traveller.
Wendy Wu Tours is hands down my first choice for a guided tour through China.
So, Is China Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! There is so much to love about China, I struggle to even know where to begin.
It’s honestly the perfect mix of rich culture, good food, friendly locals, not to mention modernity. It’s everything you could honestly ask for in an overseas trip.
What do you think? Is China on your travel bucket list?
