Tour guides China

5 ideas for guided tours in China

• Where to see the Great Wall of China?

  

  The Great Wall of China stretches for thousands of kilometers, crossing mountains and valleys. Some sections have been restored and are easy to access, while others remain more rugged. Depending on where you go, the experience is completely different.

  – Badaling: the most visited section, easily accessible from Beijing. Its imposing watchtowers overlook open landscapes, and it’s often here that the sheer scale of the monument becomes clear.
  – Mutianyu: a little farther out and less crowded, it offers superb views of the hills. Steep steps lead to well-preserved towers, perfect for taking in the Wall winding into the distance.
  – Jinshanling: wilder and closer to its original form, with ancient stones and stretches that show signs of wear. Hikers love this long, varied section, which gives a strong sense of authenticity.
  – Huanghuacheng: here, the Wall descends toward a lake, creating a striking scene. Less touristy, this part combines walking with views of water and mountains, making for a quieter experience.

• Hua Mountain

  

  Among China’s sacred mountains, Mount Hua draws visitors as much for its sheer cliffs as for the atmosphere surrounding it. The climb demands stamina, but each turn of the trail reveals a stark landscape where clouds cling to the peaks.

  The most striking passage is the Plank Road, a narrow wooden walkway bolted to the cliffside. Walking across these suspended boards is dizzying, yet it offers breathtaking views over the valley. Higher up, the Heavenly Stairs rise steeply toward the ridges.

  At the summit, the Lotus Peak reveals a calmer scene, with polished rocks and clouds drifting slowly among the spires. The place invites contemplation, far from the tumult of the ascent.

• Blue Moon Valley

  

  In the Lijiang region, the Blue Moon Valley astonishes with landscapes that feel almost unreal. Clear waters flowing at the foot of snowcapped mountains sometimes take on a turquoise hue, contrasting with the surrounding vegetation and limestone cliffs.

  The visit often begins at the Crystal Cave, where stalactites and stalagmites sparkle under the light as if the rock had been hand-carved. Further on, the Stone Forest rises in mineral columns, giving the scenery a strange and fascinating appearance.

  Following the trails, the Mirror Lake captivates with its flawless reflections. Sky, mountains, and clouds settle on its still surface, creating the impression of a double landscape where it’s hard to tell where water ends and air begins.

  The walk finally leads to the Valley of Fairy Tears. Thin waterfalls stream down the cliffs and vanish into the greenery, offering an image both delicate and mysterious, as if suspended outside of time.

• Píngyáo

  

  In Shanxi Province, Píngyáo has preserved the look of an ancient city almost untouched. Its cobbled streets, lined with wooden houses, immerse visitors in an atmosphere suspended between past and present. Local markets bring life to the lanes and remind you that the town still thrives behind its walls.

  Among its treasures, the Zhenguo Temple impresses with finely decorated roofs and ancient statues. The site retains a strong spiritual dimension, shaped by centuries of religious practice. Every architectural detail reflects the craftsmanship of its era.

  Píngyáo’s walls offer another perspective on the city. From the ramparts, the view stretches over gray rooftops and inner courtyards, while inside lies the Rishengchang House. This former money exchange reminds visitors of the town’s role as a major financial center during the Qing dynasty.

  Not far away, the Shuanglin Cave completes the journey. Its carefully crafted Buddhist sculptures create an atmosphere filled with reverence. Between art, commerce, and spirituality, Píngyáo embodies a precious facet of traditional China.

• Guilin

  

  The landscapes of Guilin have fascinated for centuries, with karst mountains mirrored in still waters. A cruise along the Li River is the region’s iconic image: sugarloaf peaks line the current, and formations like Moon Hill or Sun Hill appear around the bends.

  Underground, the Reed Flute Cave reveals a mineral world shaped by time. Closer to the city, the Elephant Trunk Hill, its shape evoking a trunk dipping into the water, draws both travelers and locals. From its summit, the view stretches wide across Guilin and the surrounding area.

  Just a few kilometers away, the fishing village of Xingping keeps a peaceful air. Its traditional houses and narrow lanes contrast with the city’s bustle, offering a glimpse of daily life. The riverbanks complete this simple, endearing scene.

  For hikers, the Inverted Dragon Mountain shows another side of the region. Trails wind between terraced rice fields and green valleys, mixing effort with moments of contemplation before the karst peaks.