A Journey Through Time: Historical Cities in China You Must Visit

China is not merely a destination; it is a time machine. The cities of the ancient dynasties, emperors, legendary warriors, and poets are the living pages of history that have to be explored. When you are planning your next adventure with a China holiday package, these are the historical cities that can take you on a trip through centuries of culture and heritage

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Beijing – Where Empires Once Ruled

Enter the Shanghai of Imperial China, the magnificent city of Beijing. Take a sightseeing of the Forbidden City, which was initially closed to the citizens and have a walk around Tiananmen Square, which is the largest public square in the world. And of course, the Great Wall, meandering forever through the mountains, with its mind-blowing vistas and a peep into ancient defensive genius. Beijing is not only a capital but an open-air book of history.

Xi’an – Warriors Frozen in Time

Xi’an is the land of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the world. The tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is the place where thousands of life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots are on guard. But Xi’an is not only about warriors - the ancient city walls, colorful Muslim Quarter, and ancient drum tower make this city an exciting mixture of cultures that flourished during the Silk Road period.

Luoyang – The Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Luoyang is where it all began. It is the capital of 13 dynasties and full of spiritual and cultural riches. The Longmen Grottoes are worth seeing--cliffs blanketed with thousands of elaborate Buddhist carvings. The White Horse Temple is the first Buddhist temple in China and gives a pleasant experience of the spiritual foundations of the country. Luoyang is where you can get the soul of China.

Nanjing – Legacy Along the Yangtze

As a city located along the great Yangtze River, Nanjing is a city of dynasties and revolutions. Explore the old city walls, have a look at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and pay homage to the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The history is in every nook and cranny here, imperial palaces, Confucian temples. It is a city that splendidly blends the splendor of the past and the strength of the present.

Hangzhou – Poetry by the Lake

Just think of walking upon West Lake, and of the willow-trees rippling and the old pagodas in the water. The former capital of the Southern Song dynasty, Hangzhou, has long been the source of inspiration of poets, painters, and philosophers. Hangzhou is a place where one can feel the presence of a living Chinese watercolor painting with its tea plantations, ancient temples, and picturesque landscapes of a postcard.

Chengdu – Pandas and Ancient Legends

Yes, Chengdu is panda city--but it is more than that. The city is historic, and it was the capital of the Shu Kingdom during the period of the Three Kingdoms. Visit the Wuhou Shrine, stroll through the Jinli Ancient Street, and experience the teahouse culture. Sprinkle in a touch of spicy Sichuan cuisine and dramatic opera culture, and you have a city that is old-world and modern at the same time.

Why These Cities Belong on Your Bucket List

These cities are not purely made up of monuments; they are also made up of stories. The emperors of Beijing, the warriors of Xi'an, the monks of Luoyang, the revolutionaries of Nanjing, the poets of Hangzhou, and the storytellers of Chengdu are part of a 5,000-year-long journey of civilisation.

A well-designed China holiday package can help to unite all these destinations in one memorable journey that lets you see the history of China and, at the same time, indulge in the comfort of the modern age.

Now grab your bags, charge your camera, and prepare, because there is no sightseeing in traveling through these historical cities; it is like you are entering into the very heartbeat of ancient China.