{"id":18422,"date":"2026-05-06T10:39:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/?p=18422"},"modified":"2026-05-06T10:39:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:39:59","slug":"sites-to-see-in-china-best-places-to-visit-for-first-timers-from-shanghai-style-to-natural-wonders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/sites-to-see-in-china-best-places-to-visit-for-first-timers-from-shanghai-style-to-natural-wonders\/","title":{"rendered":"Sites to See in China: Best Places to Visit for First-Timers, from Shanghai Style to Natural Wonders"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"font-style: italic;\">China rewards high-end travellers who want more than a list of famous historical sites. This destination guide is designed to help you explore with confidence, pairing Beijing\u2019s imperial artistry with a private Great Wall sunrise and on to cinematic natural wonders like Zhangjiajie. You\u2019ll discover how timing, VIP tickets, and expert local support can create calm inside vast places\u2014whether you\u2019re walking through ancient buildings, boarding a high-speed train between major cities, or slipping into an after-hours palace visit. I\u2019ll also share practical care (weather, etiquette, payments) so your journey feels seamless, personal, and beautifully unhurried.<\/div>\n<h2>Sites to see in China: a luxury first-route itinerary for first-time travellers<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011516\/9215_geralt-businessman-g6cc68b8b2_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Places to visit in China a luxury first route itinerary\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011516\/9215_geralt-businessman-g6cc68b8b2_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Places to visit in China a luxury first route itinerary\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Luxury first-route itinerary: sites to see in China<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>For first-time high-end travellers, a well-paced\u00a0<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><em>itinerary for places to visit in China<\/em> <\/span>works best when it flows gently from heritage to modern design, then into restorative nature. This approach prioritises calm logistics and meaningful access, so you\u2019re not just collecting stops\u2014you\u2019re experiencing the best places to visit with time to notice craftsmanship, service, and atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>Begin with the imperial icons of the capital, continue to Shanghai for polished contemporary style (with a crafted pause in eastern China), then transition into a dramatic chapter of landscape such as Zhangjiajie. Add tailored extensions like Chengdu or Dunhuang when time allows, rather than trying to do every headline highlight in one rush\u2014especially if you\u2019re prioritising comfort across multiple major cities and varied regions.<\/p>\n<h3>Best time to visit: smart seasons and ways to avoid peak season pressure<\/h3>\n<p>The best time to visit is usually spring (April\u2013May) or autumn (September\u2013October), when the air feels crisp, the light is flattering, and walking-heavy days are genuinely comfortable. These shoulder months also soften the intensity of peak season, particularly when you schedule the most popular sights for the first thing in the morning or secure premium entry windows when available.<\/p>\n<p>A specialist planner can also build a rhythm that suits you: early starts for quiet light, then longer lunches, galleries, or spa time when crowds swell. It\u2019s a simple design choice, but it transforms the trip\u2014less endurance, more ease, and a sense of trust in every transition between these Chinese cities.<\/p>\n<h3>A seamless toolkit for luxury travel in China: tickets, pacing, and comfort<\/h3>\n<p>To keep the experience seamless, plan the practical details with the same care as the headline moments. In China, a little preparation is what gives you freedom on the day\u2014confidence to explore without friction, and space for local discovery that feels natural rather than staged.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Book tickets and private guides well ahead, especially for limited-entry museums and premium viewpoints.<\/li>\n<li>Use luxury transfers: private cars for short hops, and efficient, fast rail when it reduces hassle and time.<\/li>\n<li>Carry some cash for small purchases, but expect mobile payments in many places; your guide can help you navigate what\u2019s accepted.<\/li>\n<li>Pack comfortable shoes, dress modestly for a temple, and stay hydrated on long walking days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019d like visual inspiration while you imagine your own route, browse our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/china-tours\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trip gallery<\/a> and begin to design what \u201cluxury\u201d means for you\u2014quiet, access, artistry, or all three.<\/p>\n<h2>Imperial highlights: Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, a temple visit &amp; the Summer Palace<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011528\/1818_zibik-china-g9f3062f43_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Beijing imperial splendour Forbidden City and Summer Palace for forbidden city in beijing after hours visit tiananmen square temple summer palace\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011528\/1818_zibik-china-g9f3062f43_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Beijing imperial splendour Forbidden City and Summer Palace for forbidden city in beijing after hours visit tiananmen square temple summer palace\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Imperial splendour and serene gardens: palace courtyards, squares, and lakeside retreats<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>In the capital, you can feel the reach of each dynasty in the city plan, monumental gates, and the quiet geometry of courtyards. For luxury travellers, the goal isn\u2019t to race through famous historical sites; it\u2019s to create space for insight, detail, and stillness inside some of the world\u2019s most consequential ancient buildings.<\/p>\n<p>The anchor is the Forbidden City, where private guiding turns a vast complex into a story you can genuinely follow. Look for the ornate roofline creatures, the disciplined symmetry that signals authority, and the way proportion and colour were used to project power across a shifting dynasty narrative.<\/p>\n<h3>Forbidden City after-hours: quiet courtyards and a personal tea ceremony<\/h3>\n<p>An after-hours approach can feel like stepping behind the velvet rope of time. One traveller told me their most personal moment came not from a marquee hall, but from an intimate tea ceremony arranged within the palace precincts\u2014quiet cups, gentle explanation, and a sense of being welcomed into imperial culture rather than observing it from a distance. In that hush, the idea of dynasty becomes human: tastes, etiquette, and small gestures of care.<\/p>\n<p>Soft evening light is also a gift if you love photography. Without the constant flow of large groups, you can slow your pace, let scenes settle, and capture courtyards that feel lived-in rather than hurried.<\/p>\n<h3>Tiananmen Square orientation, a temple pause, and the lakeside calm of the Summer Palace<\/h3>\n<p>Pair the palace with Tiananmen Square for orientation and historical context. The key is timing: arrive early, allow for security checks, and let your guide set the pace so you don\u2019t feel rushed. With calm planning, even a monumental space can be experienced gently.<\/p>\n<p>To balance grandeur, weave in a temple visit where the atmosphere shifts from ceremony to contemplation. Dress modestly, keep voices low, and let your guide translate symbolism without lecturing\u2014what matters is the feeling of reverence in the air.<\/p>\n<p>Finish with the Summer Palace, a graceful counterpoint of lake and hillside. The long corridor\u2019s painted scenes, each pavilion framed by trees, and reflective water offer a soft thread into Qing dynasty aesthetics. If you can, take a quiet stroll by the pond edges as the day cools; it\u2019s the kind of calm detail that lingers.<\/p>\n<h2>Great Wall at sunrise: private Badaling access, watchtowers, and beyond<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011539\/7694_m15t3r_dr4g0n-china-g354f25479_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Great Wall sunrise privately from Badaling and beyond for great wall private guided tour sunrise Badaling China\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011539\/7694_m15t3r_dr4g0n-china-g354f25479_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Great Wall sunrise privately from Badaling and beyond for great wall private guided tour sunrise Badaling China\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunrise on ancient stone: a private, early Great Wall experience<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>The defining \u201cuncover the horizon\u201d moment for many is a privately timed sunrise visit\u2014designed not just because it\u2019s iconic, but because it can be profoundly personal when planned well. The Great Wall\u00a0isn\u2019t a single sight; it\u2019s a living line across ridges, and a private plan lets you choose a section that matches how you want to feel: adventurous, contemplative, or quietly majestic.<\/p>\n<p>One high-end traveller described their dawn arrival as \u201calmost unbelievable\u201d in its stillness. They reached the stone steps in the dark, felt the air sharpen as the sky paled, and then watched the sunrise spill across the watchtowers\u2014nearly alone. In that moment, the Wall became less a landmark and more an encounter with scale and endurance.<\/p>\n<h3>Badaling early access: calm timing and a smooth arrival plan<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Badaling<\/strong> is the best-known section, and it can absolutely work for luxury travellers\u2014if you design it around early access, private car drop-offs, and an expert-led route that avoids the densest bottlenecks. The aim is to keep it serene, even when the day grows busy elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>Your driver can wait close by, so you\u2019re never wondering where to go next. That small detail adds real comfort after a long walk, especially if the weather changes quickly.<\/p>\n<h3>What to wear, how to pace, and a photographer\u2019s view of the landscape<\/h3>\n<p>Think in layers and wear shoes you\u2019d happily walk in for hours. Bring water and small snacks, and pause often\u2014partly for rest, but also to let the landscape open up before you rather than rushing past it.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dress for the wind on higher ridges and consider gloves in cooler months.<\/li>\n<li>Move slowly on steep steps; some sections are uneven and slippery after rain.<\/li>\n<li>For photos, wait for side light and step away from the main flow to create depth with the Wall\u2019s curves and one prominent tower.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s also worth\u00a0<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">noting that this is a\u00a0UNESCO World Heritage Site, a designation<\/span>\u00a0that underscores why respectful pacing matters. Let your guide help you choose angles and quieter pockets so your memories feel earned, not crowded.<\/p>\n<h2>Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: natural wonders, VIP access, and a helicopter perspective<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011600\/7823_103924-china-gd0bdb1f14_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Zhangjiajie National Forest Park natural wonders by helicopter for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park VIP access helicopter ride China\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011600\/7823_103924-china-gd0bdb1f14_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Zhangjiajie National Forest Park natural wonders by helicopter for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park VIP access helicopter ride China\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aerial views over pillar peaks: VIP planning for a seamless park day<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019re drawn to natural wonders, a VIP day in Zhangjiajie feels like stepping into a painter\u2019s imagination. The region is all vertical drama: soaring pillars, deep greens, and a veil of mist that reshapes the scene every few minutes. It rewards slow looking\u2014yet smart logistics make it feel effortless rather than simply scenic.<\/p>\n<p>The signature experience here is a luxury helicopter flight paired with priority access to key viewpoints. One traveller told me the most unforgettable detail wasn\u2019t only the aerial photos, but the surprise of a mid-air gourmet local tasting\u2014small, carefully prepared bites that made the flight feel curated. From above, the landscape reads like a living map of ridges, valleys, and stone spires.<\/p>\n<h3>VIP viewpoints and park strategy: using the shuttle bus system well<\/h3>\n<p>On the ground, a guide helps you navigate the park\u2019s internal transport so you keep your energy for the views. The shuttle bus network is efficient, but queues can build up; priority timing and early starts reduce waiting and keep your day feeling calm.<\/p>\n<p>Plan your route like a story arc: begin with a wide panorama, move into closer platforms, then finish with a gentler walk when crowds grow. This is how you explore without feeling funnelled.<\/p>\n<h3>Comfort and safety in mountainous terrain: weather, mobility, and pace<\/h3>\n<p>This is mountainous terrain, and conditions can change quickly. Pack a light, waterproof layer, sunglasses to protect against glare on exposed platforms, and snacks if you\u2019re sensitive to long gaps between meals. If you have motion sensitivity, mention it\u2014your expert team can adjust flight timing and choose smoother routes based on wind and visibility.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, explore responsibly. Stay on paths, respect platform rules, and let local guides lead you to quieter corners where the place can speak in its own voice.<\/p>\n<h2>Shanghai style and crafted add-ons: Terracotta Army, Dunhuang\u2019s Mogao, Chengdu &amp; Sichuan<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011558\/4016_theccp-shanghai-g9400c8860_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Shanghai and crafted add ons Xi\u2019an Dunhuang Mogao Chengdu for Shanghai luxury itinerary Xi\u2019an terracotta army Dunhuang Mogao Chengdu Sichuan\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/852;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-cdn.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/24011558\/4016_theccp-shanghai-g9400c8860_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Shanghai and crafted add ons Xi\u2019an Dunhuang Mogao Chengdu for Shanghai luxury itinerary Xi\u2019an terracotta army Dunhuang Mogao Chengdu Sichuan\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" \/><\/noscript><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Modern glamour and deep history: city style, desert art, and cultural extensions<\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n<p>A crafted pairing gives your journey a satisfying contrast: shimmering modernity, then deep time. Shanghai is a polished counterpoint to the capital\u2014more fluid, more design-forward, and surprisingly walkable in the right neighbourhoods. Come for skyline views from a signature skyscraper, stay for the details: artful cocktails, tailored shopping, and a sense of urban life that feels effortless.<\/p>\n<p>To add a breath of classical elegance in eastern China, take a high-speed day trip to Hangzhou. West Lake\u2019s soft light and lakeside paths feel like an ink painting you can step into\u2014an ideal reset between bigger sightseeing days in Shanghai and beyond.<\/p>\n<h3>Terracotta Army and the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang: an archaeological masterpiece<\/h3>\n<p>In Xi\u2019an, the focus is on the archaeological wonder of the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The terracotta army\u2019s ranks are famously immense, but what lingers are the close details: a carved chariot fitting, a unique face, the sense of life-sized presence in the stillness of the halls. With a private guide, you\u2019ll move beyond the headline and see how the site reflects belief, governance, and the psychology of power across successive dynasty eras.<\/p>\n<p>If you enjoy context, ask your guide to connect this legacy to later cultural flourishing, including the nearby\u00a0<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">Tang dynasty imprint<\/span>. It\u2019s a richer way to understand how ideals changed\u2014and how art kept pace with ambition.<\/p>\n<h3>Dunhuang and Mogao: collections of Buddhist art along the ancient Silk Road<\/h3>\n<p>For a once-in-a-generation cultural pilgrimage, design time for Dunhuang on the edge of the Gobi Desert, along the ancient Silk Road. The Mogao complex\u00a0<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">houses\u00a0492 caves adorned with<\/span>\u00a0frescoes and sculpture\u2014remarkable collections of Buddhist art that record devotion, trade, and imagination across centuries. When access is possible, hearing a monk or scholar-led perspective can bring quiet depth, turning a visit into an encounter with meaning rather than a museum run.<\/p>\n<p>Within Mogao, the story of the Library Cave and its discoveries adds another layer, as does learning how fragile pigments and plaster are protected today. You\u2019ll see serene buddhas painted in shifting styles, and you\u2019ll also witness preservation as a living act of care.<\/p>\n<p>For warmth and joy, add Chengdu in Sichuan. Meeting the giant panda is as soothing as you\u2019d hope, and a side trip to Leshan offers a calm riverside encounter with a monumental Buddha sculpture. If you love cuisine, this is a place to design a dining plan that respects tradition while suiting high-end palates\u2014balanced heat, seasonal produce, and quietly confident service.<\/p>\n<p>To round out options without overfilling your calendar: consider Yunnan for rice terraces near Kunming; choose one province such as Shandong for a Confucian temple experience and ancient art; add Guangzhou for refined Cantonese dining and contemporary galleries; or retreat into a karst gorge and river valley shaped by rock formations over millions of years. For long distances, select domestic flights only where they truly save time; otherwise, rail and private transfers often feel more seamless.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re considering western scenery, an extension to Jiuzhaigou Valley can be magical for colour and calm\u2014best enjoyed slowly, with expert guidance to find quieter viewpoints.<\/p>\n<h2>F.A.Qs: China luxury travel practicalities for first-time visitors<\/h2>\n<h4>What is the 9-6-6 rule in China?<\/h4>\n<p>The 9-6-6 rule refers to a work culture in some industries: 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. As a traveller, it\u2019s not something you\u2019ll \u201csee\u201d as a rule, but it can explain why service teams may work long hours. In luxury planning, we design a pace that feels humane\u2014early starts only when they genuinely improve your experience, with rest built in.<\/p>\n<h4>What should I not miss in China?<\/h4>\n<p>For many high-end travellers, don\u2019t miss a quiet moment on the Great Wall at dawn, a curated visit to the Forbidden City, and time in a powerful landscape such as Zhangjiajie. Beyond the icons, the real magic is in crafted access: a private guide who shares insight, a well-timed entry that avoids crowds, and a local meal that becomes a memory rather than a quick stop.<\/p>\n<h4>What is the 3-hour rule in China travel planning?<\/h4>\n<p>The \u201cthree-hour rule\u201d is often used in itinerary design: if a journey segment is 3 hours or less, rail or driving can be more comfortable than flying once transfers and airport time are factored in. In China, a high-speed train is frequently the most seamless choice for those mid-range distances\u2014especially between major cities\u2014because it reduces waiting and keeps you closer to the heart of the experience.<\/p>\n<h4>Is $1000 USD a lot for travellers in China?<\/h4>\n<p>$1000 USD can go a long way for local meals, shopping, and standard hotels in many parts of China, but it\u2019s not \u201ca lot\u201d for luxury travel once you add private guides, premium rooms, VIP tickets, and private transport. The value is strongest when funds are spent on access and comfort: the right timing, the right driver, and the right support so your days feel calm and beautifully designed.<\/p>\n<h2>After China: what quietly stays with you\u2014luxury travel reflections and a personal journey<\/h2>\n<p>Long after you\u2019ve unpacked, a personal journey often returns in small, precise images rather than grand summaries. You might remember dawn light on cold stone, the hush of a courtyard where footsteps softened, or the lift in your chest as a vast landscape opened below you. These are the moments that slip past the camera and settle somewhere deeper.<\/p>\n<p>China has a way of changing your sense of time. A single carved beam can carry the patience of a millennium; a painted corridor can hold the quiet ambition of a dynasty. When you travel with expert support, that scale feels less daunting\u2014because confidence and care are always underneath the adventure, holding you steady while curiosity stays bright.<\/p>\n<p>What remains, in the end, is a calm respect for craft and continuity: the dignity of places shaped over centuries, and the way they invite you to slow down and notice. And perhaps, one day, you\u2019ll find yourself wondering what other layers are still waiting\u2014not to be ticked off, but to be discovered in their own time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;18422&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;4\\\/5 - (1 vote)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sites to See in China: Best Places to Visit for First-Timers, from Shanghai Style to Natural Wonders&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;113.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 113.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            4\/5 - (1 vote)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>China rewards high-end travellers who want more than a list of famous historical sites. This destination guide is designed to help you explore with confidence, pairing Beijing\u2019s imperial artistry with a private&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":18423,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"faq_json_schema":["[\r\n  {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is the 9-6-6 rule in China?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"The 9-6-6 rule refers to a work culture in some industries: 9am to 9pm, six days a week. As a traveller, it\u2019s not something you\u2019ll \u201csee\u201d as a rule, but it can explain why service teams may work long hours. 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The value is strongest when funds are spent on access and comfort: the right timing, the right driver, and the right support so your days feel calm and beautifully designed.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n]"],"footnotes":""},"categories":[307,127],"tags":[270],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v23.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Sites to See in China: Best Places to Visit for First-Timers, from Shanghai Style to Natural Wonders | Travel Journal by Designer Journeys<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/sites-to-see-in-china-best-places-to-visit-for-first-timers-from-shanghai-style-to-natural-wonders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sites to See in China: Best Places to Visit for First-Timers, from Shanghai Style to Natural Wonders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"China rewards high-end travellers who want more than a list of famous historical sites. 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