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... And to discover this incredible destination off the beaten track, there are many opportunities. In winter, the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, for example, is an event not to be missed if you are in the north of the country.
The vestiges of its history
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 here. In contrast to these modern cities, more traditional cities 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.
Unique destinations and breathtaking scenery
From the Taklamakan desert to the snowy mountains of Tibet, from the rice terraces of Longji to the great Buddha of Leishan, 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!
Harbin, unusual ice sculptures
In the north of China, in the province of Heilongjiang, Harbin seems, at first glance, rather gloomy, despite its interesting architecture combining different styles: Gothic, Byzantine or Russian. However, when winter arrives, the city is transformed into a veritable icy paradise during its Ice Sculpture and Snow Festival. This annual event has been held since 1963 and features outstanding works made of ice from the Songhua River. The result is up to the job. Enchanting moments in perspective!
Smart info
When? Northern China enjoys a continental climate (cold and dry in winter, hot and not very humid in summer) with temperatures that easily drop to -20°C in winter and rise - just as easily - to +40°C in summer. However, despite its temperatures well below zero, winter can be a good season to discover the region under beautiful blue skies. The Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival begins January 5 and ends February 28.
Getting there. Count on average between €650 and €900 for a return flight between Paris and Beijing. During the festival period, there are many daily flights between Beijing and Harbin (about 3 hours flight time). You can also get there by high-speed train.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Book your train tickets - Book
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. In order to best prepare for his trip.
NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE OF CHINA - More information on the site
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Get a quote from a local travel agency for a customized trip - Ask for it
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
