China is a country that never ceases to wow its visitors. With its fascinating landscapes of pure natural beauty, and majestic historical architecture that showcases its long and rich history, China is the perfect choice for any tourist who seeks a different kind of experience.

Being the third largest country in the world, there is simply no shortage of things to see and do in China, whether you are interested in the colourful ethnic folklore, brilliant architecture, yummy delicacies or breathtaking natural sites. There is certainly something for every preference and taste, guaranteed to amaze you and leave you with an unforgettable impression. Here are my recommendations of five popular and amazing tourist attractions in China you can seriously consider visiting.

The Great Wall of China

This iconic man-made wonder, that was originally built to keep out hostile forces from the north, has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of China. Snaking its way endlessly through unforgiving terrain, the world’s longest wall of defense is made up of many linked walls built throughout different dynasties. Voted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, you have not really visited China until you have seen and experienced the Great Wall.

The Terracotta Warriors

After being accidentally discovered by a farmer and subsequently unearthed by archaeologists in the 1970s near Xi’an, this stunning collection of thousands of life-sized pottery figurines has never failed to generate interest among tourists. Resting nearby the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, this underground army consists of armour-clad warriors with unique facial and hair features, chariots and horses. The sheer wondrous appeal of the site has earned it the unofficial moniker of "8th wonder of the world".

Guilin and the Li River

Guilin is home to some of the most magical landscapes in China and is renowned for its breathtaking limestone formations, hills shrouded by mists and of course, the beautiful Li River. Resembling scenes of a Chinese painting, the Li River snakes its way like a blue ribbon through mountains with diverse landforms such as strangely-shaped peaks and waterfalls unfolding on both sides. A leisurely cruise along the river from Guilin to Yangshuo would be a picture-perfect experience that would forever be etched in your memory.

Giant Pandas

The endangered giant panda is not only known and cherished as China’s National Treasures, it is also the symbol that represents world-wide environmental conservation efforts. If you want to witness these cuddly bears in their natural environment, you would be recommended to visit Sichuan Province and in particular, the Wolong Nature Reserve which is just a 3-hour trip from the capital Chengdu. Here, you can learn more about these endangered creatures and even interact with them.

Yu Yuan Gardens

The Yu Yuan Gardens can be found in southwestern Shanghai and are well-known for being one of the most exquisite examples of architecture and landscaping in the Ming Dynasty. Here, you will see an amazing combination of sculptures, flora and classic architecture such as the Yu Ling Long (a jade sculpture) and the Grand Rockery as well as quaint pavilions and the iconic zigzag bridge.