Chinese New Year began on February 10th 2024.
China is incredible and unforgettable, so ancient and so modern, a country of contrast and of such harmony. Here are my top ten places you should visit there.

1. The Great Wall of China

2. Beijing

3. Shanghai – a city from the future. Shanghai is the most populous city in China and the world, with a population of about 25 million people! It is hard to believe that this large metropolis, only a century ago, was a small fishing village. Now it is the largest cargo port in the world, and it also posses the largest underground network in the world consisting of 11 lines and built in less than 25 years. Besides skyscrapers with amazing panoramic views there are also ancient temples as Temple of Jade Buddha, and lovely Yo Joy Gardens. Be sure to walk around the city by night when it is lit with bright colors.

4. Hong Kong – in Chinese the name means “fragrant port”, but its nickname The Asian tiger suits it better. It is a unique mix between East and West, between tradition and modernism. Hong Kong boasts the largest number of skyscrapers in the world, with over 8000 building with over 14 floors, or twice as many skyscrapers as New York! But while walking around the city you don’t feel claustrophobia pressed on all sides by high-rise building, instead you feel harmony, as the whole city is created in compliance with feng shui. The best view of the city can be seen from Victoria Peek, getting there by the steepest and oldest railway in the world. A ride of Star Ferry boats is also a must, they connect Hong Kong Island and mainland Kowloon since 1888. Don’t miss a walk on the Alley of fame, where Jackie Chen’s and other famous stars handprints stay.

5. Terracotta Army – the 8^th Wonder of the World. These 2 meters stone 8000 warriors used to guard the world’s largest ancient imperial tomb. The faces of warriors are truly unique, no two are alike, they are made in detail to the smallest part – they have their nails, even lines of fate on the palms. Only their swords are missing, apparently stolen thousands of years ago. But even without them, they are so impressive carrying ancient legends in their eyes.

6. Xi’an – the Chinese have the saying the “You can feel China’s 50-years changes in Shenzhen, 500 years in Beijing, and 5000 years in Xi’an”. The best place to trace this rich history is in the Xi’an museum, and the park in front of it, where the Little Wild Goose Pagoda is located. Not far away is also the Great Wild Good Pagoda that was build in 7 century and is still preserved to the current day. While in the city don’t miss to visit the Park of Love, filled with legends and romance, and also the square with the statue of the first Chinese emperor. Check out the musical fountain located in the square of the Pagoda.

7. Suzhou – Marco Polo gave its current nickname Eastern Venice due to its beauty, over 6000 bridges and rich possessions from the silk trade. Currently, the first thing that arises in the mind of every Chinese at the mention of Suzhou are its gardens. All Chinese gardens consist of three main elements – plants, water and stones. In the garden of the clerk prevailed water, and in the Fisherman’s gardens – the stones. Both parks bring tranquillity and inside harmony. It’s worth visiting also the silk museum, seeing where and how the best quality silk is made.

8. Hangzhou – Marco Polo once called it “the city of paradise” and up to this day it seems so true. It is located in eastern China, where the Qiantang River flows into the East Chinese Sea. Its name literally means “River Shipping Prefecture”, and from here starts the Grand Canal, which connects southern China with northern China by sea, this Canal dates back to the 5^th century BC. There are lots of ancient buildings and gardens here, one of which is Linin Monastery. At its entrance there were large hieroglyphics with the phrase “Paradise is not far away” and indeed it is true amidst all the harmony and greenery of this place build and preserved since 328.

9. Luoyang is considered as a small Chinese city with only 2 million inhabitants! It is also considered as the cradle of Chinese civilization. It is one of the four ancient Chinese capitals (together with Beijing, Nanjing, and Xi’an). Its name derives from the words “lu” – river and “yang” north. The main landmark here are Luoyang Rocks or the Dragon Caves. 16 000 Buddhas reliefs were carved in the rocks, all of them in different shape and size. The smallest are about 25 mm, and the largest figure reaches 17 meters in height.

10. Shaolin Monastery – There is a popular saying in Chinese folklore that “all martial arts under heaven originated from Shaolin.” It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Chinas. Its name means “shao” small and “lin” monastery. The monk who founded the monastery felt that only from meditation his body and legs were grasped and thus created kung fun, which then became a martial art for self-defense. Now here visitors can see amazing kung fu performances, and had a walk in the nearby forest of pagodas. In a walking distance there is also a panoramic lift that takes visitors high to the amazing Sunshan mountains.