China, majestic and mysterious, today reveals the secrets it has long kept hidden behind the ramparts of its Great Wall. The opening to tourism at the end of the 1980s allowed the world to discover the many riches of this country. Whether they are architectural, culinary, artistic or natural, these marvels are a real pleasure for the eyes..
The Great Wall and other historical remains
The first image that comes to mind when we talk about China is of course the Great Wall. This masterpiece of more than 6,000 km takes on its full meaning in this vastness. The few steps you take there, the few steps you climb will make you feel like you are reliving the era of dynastic wars. From north to south, east to west, Chinese historic sites are exceptionally well preserved. Beijing, the capital, was once a flourishing imperial city where various dynasties have successively dominated China. Marked by these multiple footprints, the city preserves an impressive number of vestiges of its history. Many temples and palaces gravitate around the heart of this city, the Forbidden City. Xi'an, in the heart of loess country, is a true open-air museum, one of the most remarkable sites of which is that of the buried army of the Qin emperor. Several thousand life-size terracotta soldiers and horses were buried there until the discovery of this true marvel in 1974. Luoyang, in Henan, is full of exceptional sites. Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai, meeting points between China and the West, are witnesses to a culture shock that gives their urban landscapes contrasting faces. Tradition and modernity, old Chinese quarters, old quarters of foreign legations built after the opium wars and colossal buildings rub shoulders. These two prosperous economic cities are symbols of China's galloping modernization. In contrast to these modern cities, more traditional towns such as the walled city of Pingyao, or the former seaside resort of Lushan still exist. Finally, one cannot fail to visit the vestiges of China's contemporary communist history by going to Zunyi, Shaoshan or even Yan'an. Not forgetting the remains of the Silk Road, a veritable umbilical cord linking China to the West, with fabulous sites, notably in Gansu (Dunhuang)
The wealth of natural sites
China's richness is also the multitude of landscapes with striking contrasts that it offers to those who take the time to penetrate its heart. This vast country, with its many natural curiosities listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable mosaic of colours. Tibet, in the west, is a land of mysteries with infinite summits. From the salt lakes to the vast wilderness, the discovery of Shangri-La (the land of snow) is an experience that marks forever the travellers who dare to venture there. Qinghai or western Sichuan, historically Tibetan, offer breathtaking landscapes. Further north, between a landscape of steppes and sand dunes, the Gobi Desert, the birthplace of Genghis Khan, will amaze you with its landscapes with shades of gold and ochre. In the south, the mountainous province of Yunnan offers a multitude of breathtaking panoramas stretching over the green rice fields. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the rainforests of the South, the "Land of Eternal Spring" is one of the most pleasant provinces for individual tourism. As you will have understood, China is a land of such contrasts that it would be impossible to describe it in a few lines. You will also have to take your time to discover all the natural wonders that this country has to offer.
From the Taklamakan desert to the snowy mountains of Tibet, from the rice terraces of Longji to the great Buddha of Leshan, from the Three Gorges to the immense megalopolis of Chongqing, from the minority-populated mountains of Guizhou to those of Yunnan, from the small villages of Anhui to the Tulu of Fujian... these destinations are among the most beautiful in the world. In the heart of countries that are truly unknown to the general public and that carry a huge share of dreams, whether you are in love with mountains, greenery or desert. Mythical cities, on mythical roads (the friendship road between Nepal and Tibet or the Silk Road) await you in these destinations which are very much alive, very real and, above all, which are in the midst of change, like many cities of the Middle Kingdom
Colourful cuisine with exotic flavours
The Chinese are very proud of their cuisine, which, according to them, has no competition. The pronounced flavours of Pekingese lacquered duck are matched by the spices of Sichuan. The sweet sweetness of Cantonese cuisine is underlined by the musky tastes of Xinjiang dishes. The violence of baijiu, the Chinese rice alcohol, the essential drink of Chinese banquets, is tempered by the sweetness of the yellow wine of Shaoxing (huangjiu). Whether you're a fan of noodle bowls, eaten in haste in small street stalls, or the precious banquets of imperial cuisine, China offers a real festival for the taste buds!
From Beijing to Shanghai, mythical cities
Beijing is home to dozens of possibilities for travellers - wealthy or not. So, if you like luxury cars, an evening in front of Sanlitun Village will allow you to see an incessant ballet of these big cars, some of them tuned in a rather intriguing way. For lovers of traditional Chinese culture, a visit to the downtown hutongs will allow you to touch the soul of the capital and its inhabitants. For those contemplating architectural prowess, don't miss a trip - even a quick one - to Chaoyang's business centre, between the CCTV Tower or The Place mall. Also, history buffs will enjoy a short trip back in time between the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen or the old legation district. Yes, a trip to Beijing is all this and much more
For its part, Shanghai is also a city very much marked by history and politics. Thanks to a relatively well-preserved architectural heritage to this day, the history of Shanghai can be read on the walls of old mansions, in the corridors of an Art Deco hotel from the 1930s, in the heart of a park. The city's architecture has been very much marked by the foreign presence of Westerners and Japanese, and the districts of the old concessions are still clearly defined today. The city of Shanghai has been and remains a true "laboratory of change". The Chinese Communist Party took its first steps there in the early 1920s, and the first communist-organised workers' revolts took place in the city in the 1930s. The city became the scene of the first clashes between nationalists and communists a few years later. The instability in China left the way open for the Japanese, who attacked the city without warning in August 1937. All these historic events have of course left their mark on Shanghai. You can visit the homes of many political figures, such as Sun Yat-sen, Zhou Enlai or Song Qingling; discover the site where the first Communist Party congress was held; explore the museums tracing the history of the concessions, with photos and even period films to back it up.
Smart info
When? The high tourist season covers the periods from March to October and the low season from November to February
Getting there. Count on average between €650 and €900 for a return flight between Paris and Beijing.
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