China is BIG. You could fit more than 70 Englands into it. Hence, there are a LOT of things to see, and far more than you could squeeze into a gap year. But you can always go back…
The main sites are relatively easy to get to but it's worth making the effort to see some of the more remote areas if possible. Be prepared to be wowed, frustrated and bemused in equal measures!
Top tip - China crosses 50 degrees of latitude, which translates to massive climate variation. Where you plan to sightsee should affect what you pack!
1. Things to see in China - The Great Wall of China, from Shanhaiguan to the Jiayuguan Pass Almost everyone's heard of The Wall, and the sight of it lives up to its reputation. You couldn't walk all 4,000 miles of it in your gap year even if you wanted to - parts of it have been demolished. Certain sections have been restored though, and you can walk it at places like Mutianyu, Simatai and Jinshanling, which are all reachable from Beijing (lots of hostels run tours). The number of souvenir shops spoil Badaling a bit. If you'd like a bit of clambering with your hike, head for Huanghua, where the wall has been left to crumble.
2. Things to see in China - Forbidden City, Beijing
So-called because it was emperors only between 1420 and 1911, the Forbidden City is a mix of residences, official buildings, gardens and gates. Oh, and some fairly spectacular architecture, colour and sculpting.
The Halls of Supreme Harmony and of Middle Harmony rank among the highlights but you could easily spend a day oohing and aahing at the rest of the complex.
3. Things to see in China - Li River, Guilin to Yangshuo, Guangxi
Definitely a contender for the most relaxing part of your gap year in China - although the type of boat you take will determine how comfortable it is! Huge rock formations with names like Moon Rock and Five Tigers Catch a Goat Peak (!) line the banks of the Li, as do green hills, water buffalos and local fishermen. Start in Guilin and make the six-hour journey towards Yangshuo.
4. Things to see in China - Mount Everest, Tibet Chomolungma, Sagarmatha or Mount Everest - whatever name you give it, you can't get round the fact that it's bloody massive. Base camp is at 5,150 metres, enough to bring on altitude sickness if you don't take it slowly. Unfortunately, humans have left their mark on the camp in the form of litter, but that doesn't take away from the sight of Everest towering above you. For a more scenic viewing platform, stop off at the Rongbuk Monastery, around five miles before base camp on the way up.
5. Things to see in China - Hong Kong Hong Kong is China's answer to New York. Sort of, anyway. It's more modern than most of the country, and pricier. It's also something of a respite if you've spent the last three months in the wilderness! Hong Kong's answer to NY's Staten Island ferry is the Star Ferry, which goes from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island for a nominal fee. Take it at sunset and watch the island begin to light up. Another highlight is the view from Victoria Peak, known as The Peak, over the harbour.
6. Things to see in China - Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Shaanxi A much larger (life size, in fact) version of the toy soldiers you might have played with years ago, this army is worth a look just to see the intricate details of the figures. More than a thousand figures have been uncovered since 1974 - all of them with different hairstyles, uniforms, weapons etc. They guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, an emperor who came to the throne in 246 BC. The tomb isn't as exciting as the army - excavation work has started but hasn't been finished yet. Buses leave for the site from Xi'an, and take around an hour to get there.
7. Things to see in China - Jokhang Temple, Lhasa, Tibet Buddhist, atheist, Christian - whatever your religious beliefs, it's hard not to be impressed by the holiest temple in Tibet. It's hardly a disgrace on the outside but a lot of people are more taken with the atmosphere inside - a result of the monk's frantic activity, the haunting chanting and the ever-present clouds of incense. An added bonus of visiting the Jokhang is the huge Potala Palace, once a winter palace, less than a mile away and a stunning sight.
8. Things to see in China - The Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling, Sichuan
The Yangzi River traverses all three of the gorges, which tower majestically above everyone and everything. You can see all of them by taking a two-day cruise on a ferry from Chongqing to Yichang. Your cabin might not be the most luxurious you've ever had but what passes by your window will take your breath away.
9. Things to see in China - Meili Xue Shan reserve, Yunnan Meili Xue Shan is a paradise for hikers, with trails (some of them steep!) between hot springs, the Mingyong Glacier and picture-postcard villages.
10. Things to see in China - Yabuli Ski Resort, Dongbei Add a bit of quirkiness to your gap year in China - if nothing else, it'll be worth the look on people's faces when you say you went to China and went…skiing?! Another reason to go is the prices, which are comparatively low. Just check that your travel insurance covers you to ski, and if it doesn't, ask about policies that do.
One more thing to see on a gap year in China, for good measure
West Lake, or Xi Hu, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang
A beautiful lake, surrounded by pavilions and pagodas. Best before the peak tourist hours of the day.
Take an awe inspiring journey through China from Beijing to Shanghai, see some of its most famous sites including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River and the Three Gorges; not only that but volunteer with local Chinese Children and spend time with magnificent Giant Pandas!
Get your TEFL certificate and work as a professional, paid English teacher in China. You’ll be introduced to the culture, be taught basic Mandarin and have time to travel in the school holidays.
Assist in a giant panda sanctuary and help to save this incredible species from extinction. You will be involved in feeding and observing the pandas, as well as the opportunity to help with important research projects.
Master the basics of Kung Fu and its distinctive styles and techniques. After a few weeks of training, you should be able to break a brick in half with your bare hands!
The Olympics was a fantastic showcase for China. Now people from all over the world are heading East to discover the delights of this incredibly diverse country. Our four-week programme gives you the perfect opportunity to experience real life China in amongst the amazing peaked scenery of Guilin county. You will spend time learning the language and getting to know the Chinese culture as well as spending time helping to develop the community.
Ever wanted to travel to China but do more than scratch the surface as a tourist? This rewarding programme is a great way for you to discover China, its culture, customs and people. You will be teaching in schools in the stunning province of Guangxi. As a volunteer your time will be spent mainly teaching conversational English.
Take some time out and discover your spiritual side on the Tai Chi Experience. You’ll become an expert in two different forms of this refined art and have plenty of opportunity to explore the incredible Fujian province and the many wonders of China!
This epic tour combines staggering architecture with nomadic cultures, breathtaking landscapes with the lure of long-distance rail travel. Joining together the three ancient capitals of Moscow, Ulaanbaatar and Beijing, with spectacular scenery and warm welcomes in between, this classic rail journey offers something for all travellers.
Covering Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, this really is the ultimate wildlife experience! Lend a hand with vital conservation work across the globe and get up close to a variety of animals! Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA
