There’s more to China than the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing. A land of contrasts, it’s a place where soaring modern skylines meet ancient towns, and breathtaking natural wonders await around every corner.
If you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Dragon, follow the itinerary of GMA Integrated News journalist Lyn Ching-Pascual, who takes travelers from the vibrant streets of Guangzhou to the mystical mountains and ancient towns of Zhangjiajie.
Before you pack your bags, here are some quick reminders:
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Visa: Philippine passport holders need a visa. Apply online via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Manila.
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Flights: Major cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Jinjiang are accessible via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
Guangzhou: A Feast for the Senses
China’s third-largest city is alive with bustling streets, rich Cantonese cuisine, and iconic landmarks. Start with the Canton Tower, soaring 604 meters high. Its unique twisted design offers panoramic city views and thrilling attractions like the Bubble Tram and Sky Drop.
Nearby, the Five-Ram Sculpture at Yuexiu Park honors the legendary five rams who, according to folklore, brought rice cultivation to the people and ended famine forever. History and culture meet in one stunning cityscape.
Furong Ancient Town & Grand Waterfalls
For a taste of history and nature, Furong Ancient Town in Hunan Province is unforgettable. This thousand-year-old village clings to mountain cliffs, preserved beautifully with winding alleys and wooden houses.
Don’t miss the Furong Grand Waterfalls, part of the Shaanxi UNESCO Global Geopark. Inside nearby rock caves, sculptures and relics honor the Tuja ancestors, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region’s ethnic minority.
Fenghuang Ancient City: Step Back in Time
Also in Hunan Province lies Fenghuang Ancient City, or Phoenix City, a 400-year-old village celebrated for its Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and stilted wooden houses.
The Tuojiang River winds through the town — a serene boat ride offers the perfect perspective of this historic gem.
Tianmen Mountain: Adventure in the Clouds
Next, head to Zhangjiajie, home to Tianmen Mountain, famous for steep cliffs and jaw-dropping vistas. Its most iconic feature, Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate, is a massive natural arch carved into the rock.
Adventurers will love glass skywalks clinging to cliffs, the world’s longest cable car ride, and the winding 99-bend road. It’s a perfect mix of thrills and natural beauty, making it one of China’s must-visit scenic spots.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Nature Like No Other
No China trip is complete without Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Its towering pillar-like formations inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in “Avatar”.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, the park is a wonderland of dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and otherworldly landscapes. For thrill-seekers, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, one of the longest and tallest glass bridges in the world, offers a heart-stopping view of the canyon below.
From the bustling streets of Guangzhou to the mystical peaks of Zhangjiajie, China offers travelers a journey of contrasts — a mix of history, adventure, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Whether you’re wandering ancient towns, cruising rivers, or standing atop cliffside glass bridges, one thing is certain: China is a destination that will leave you breathless, inspired, and longing for more.
