Best Places to Visit in China–Part B

Chengdu
Historic site of many beautiful palaces, temples and tombs, Chengdu is a pleasant stop on any China tour. Many travelers are attracted here by Panda City, a national center for research related to the protection of the Panda Bear. If you are traveling by train, note that the train station in Chengdu is a notorious den for pickpockets, who are reputed to operate with police protection. (Always wear a money belt while traveling.)

The Three Gorges
Much of China’s history is linked with the Yangtze River and the role it has played in the development of the country. The area known at the Three Gorges is comprised of magnificent valleys cut in the areas’ imposing limestone cliffs. The striking views are disappearing as a result of the Three Gorges Dam Power Generation Project. The Three Gorges Dam is scheduled to be completed in 2009 and the Chinese government claims that the area will be better than ever when the project is done, due to access to new areas that could not be visited at the lower water level of the past. If you are interested in visiting the Three Gorges, you will need to take a river cruise to do so. Make the trip soon if you want to see this breathtaking landscape, as the waters are now rising rapidly. Many would claim that the best views in the area are already submerged.

Guilin
Guilin is one of the most beautiful and exotic areas of China. The Karst topography provides unusual and attractive landscapes. If you have time, take a Li River cruise.

Nanjing
Nanjing has many attractions of significance but most travelers stop here to see the spectacular, thousand year old Confucian Temple. In addition, be sure to see the Linggu Temple and The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The Ming is one of the largest imperial tombs in China.

Tibet
Since 1959, Tibet has been administered by China as the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, sits in a beautiful mountain valley and the city is topped by the world famous Potola Palace. Many important temples and monasteries are in or near Lhasa and the city is a beautiful place to visit. Be sure to inspect the wares at Barkor Street while on your way to the Jokhang Temple, regarded as the holiest of Tibetan temples.

Part A is HERE