5 of most interesting cities in China that simply wow tourists

China has been on the list of the fastest growing and developing countries for more than a decade. Tourists come here to see how representatives of the ancient culture are renovating their cities and surrounding themselves with the latest technologies. OBOZREVATEL has selected 5 of most beautiful cities in China that everyone should see.

Guangzhou

One of the oldest cities in the world began its history more than 2 million years ago. Back then, the first settlement appeared on the territory of the modern metropolis, which developed rapidly and grew into the craft and trade center of China.

Today, you can see ancient temples that are centuries old and stunning skyscrapers with incredible illumination. Guangzhou also hosts dozens of international festivals and the country's largest concerts.

Lhasa

The capital of Tibet is considered the spiritual center of the world. Pilgrims come here to perform the mysterious rituals and meditate in the incredibly famous place of power. It is not surprising that Lhasa is home to two of the largest Buddhist shrines, the Drak Yerpa and Jokhang temples. Their layouts are designed so that most rooms turn into caves in the rocks, where monks can be alone with themselves.

The city is also famous for its unique architecture, which is very different from traditional Chinese architecture. Perhaps the fact is that Tibet has always lived a separate life and has not succumbed to modern global trends.

Xi'an

This city is known for the tomb of the once ruling Qin Dynasty. Together with the emperor, 8,000 statues of terracotta warriors with horses were buried in a special crypt. However, legend has it that the remains of hundreds of the monarch's servants with their families and 50 innocent women lie nearby. Historians have not yet confirmed this fact, but the vast territory of the mausoleum has been only partially explored.

Another famous attraction of the city is the ancient mosque, built in compliance with Chinese architectural traditions. Of course, there are very few Muslims among the local population. However, many Arab traders came to Xi'an in the 8th century. The local authorities built a shrine for them. This is how China proved once again that it respects and values the traditions of all peoples and religions.

Guilin

This city is considered the first tourist center in China. And for good reason. Amazing mountain ranges, lakes with clear water, and endless rice fields make the area simply incredible. Climbers come here to conquer the local peaks. There are also many interesting caves that glow in different colors in the dark due to the unique fauna inside.

Guilin is also famous for its many parks filled with oriental flowers and trees, waterfalls and ponds. Near the city there is an ancient settlement that has survived to this day without a single change.

Chengdu

This large Chinese metropolis surprises tourists with a combination of ancient traditions and the latest technologies. There are robotic cleaners next to the thousand-year-old temples, and the streets are equipped with surveillance and public protection systems.

But that's not what made Chengdu famous around the world. The city is home to the world's largest research zoo, where giant pandas live. There are hundreds of these cute fluffy animals, which tourists adore so much.