You can’t go to NYU Shanghai without hitting up some of China’s most popular tourist spots, either during a holiday break or long weekend trip. While these destinations are often subject to huge crowds, they’re famous for a reason right? How many of China’s highlights have you visited so far, and what regional delicacies have you eaten?

Beijing 北京

China’s capital: Tiananmen Square, Peking duck, and oh yeah, The Great Wall! Explore the grandeur of The Forbidden City and Summer Palace and stuff yourself with street food like lamb skewers and hawthorn fruit spears. Go practice that weird 儿 accent they teach us in Chinese class, since everyone makes fun of you when you do it in Shanghai.

Xi’an 西安

The former capital of China, known as Chang’an (长安) is also rich with the nation’s history. Besides visiting the Eighth Wonder of the World, The Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, bike around the City Wall of Xi’an, go the Grand Mosque, then eat your way through the neighboring Muslim Quarter. Be sure to try Biang biang mian, the region’s most well known dish, and possibly most complicated Chinese character. The Chinese character for biang is made up of fifty-seven strokes!

Chengdu成都

(Image courtesy of lark-trip.com)

As it is the capital of Sichuan Province, you’ll definitely find some of the country’s most fiery cuisine, including hotpot, mapo doufu, and gongbao chicken. Check out The Giant Panda Research Base to see those fluffy, adorable little creatures. For the hefty price of 2000RMB, you can even hold a baby panda and get pictures.

Huangshan 黄山

(Image courtesy of wikipedia.org)

Done in as little as a weekend trip, there’s no excuse to miss Huangshan, since it’s just a six-hour bus ride away from Shanghai. Take in the beautiful views during sunrise and sunset and embrace your active side for a full day of hiking.

Guilin 桂林

Renowned for its blue skies and lush greenery, Guilin is the ultimate escape from the drab gray concrete and steel of city life. Take a Li River cruise and end up in Yangshuo for postcard-perfect landscapes and mountains. Other than the outdoors, visit the Reed Flute Cave to see the impressive limestone formations lit up by neon lights. Sample the Stuffed Li River Snails if you’re feeling adventurous, or play it safe with fresh seafood like Yangshuo pijiu yu.

This article was written by Tatiana Bautista. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Tatiana Bautista, Wikipedia.org, lark-trip.com