China City Breaks

Gargantuan, extraneous, epic… China is a country like no-where else on earth. The sheer scale of the place gives rise to an incredible diversity; from the sweeping plains of Mongolia and soaring mountainous heights of Tibet to the chaos of Shanghai and the refreshing sea air of Qingdao, China offers a wealth of exotic holiday experiences unparalleled by anywhere else in the world. Those seeking a cultural city break could not ask for a better holiday destination; China boasts the world’s oldest unbroken civilisation, with a history stretching back over five millennia. While world-renowned tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and Tiananmen Square attract visitors from around the globe, the best insight into contemporary Chinese culture can be found be taking a city break in one of the amazing, chaotic, captivating metropolises here.

 

An intriguing combination of the ancient and modern, China’s capital Beijing is an eclectic mix of tiny, labyrinth alleyways, blank soviet-style architecture, ancient temples, looming skyscrapers, screaming traffic and graceful bicycles. A huge spectrum of accommodation types catering for every type of budget in Beijing; from luxury 4 and 5 star hotels to budget backpacker hostels and family run guesthouses. The exchange rate between the UK and China means prices here are phenomenally cheap; a room can be booked for anywhere as little as £3 a night, so this is definitely a viable destination for a cheap city break. There are a huge array of historical monuments to see, museums to visit, tours to take and experiences to be had in Beijing, plus the authentic Chinese cuisine there is out of this world.

 

Being so huge means China boasts a huge range of cities to visit, each with their own distinct character and flavour. For sheer chaotic, rambunctious personality, Shanghai is an absolute must. Known as China’s city of sin and decadence, Shanghai is a sprawling, evocative, exhilarating place, with European-style cityscapes, leafy tree-lined boulevards and a futuristic skyline tempered by the twisting alleyways of the Old Shanghai, with its small temples down quiet lanes, classical Chinese gardens and street-side markets. For a combination of a relaxing break and a full-throttle activity break, where you can decide the pace you go at, Shanghai is a great place to visit. Other notable Chinese city break destinations include Macau, Hangzhou and Qingdao.