Recently updated on July 7th, 2025 at 09:49 am
2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog. Considered an intrepid and outgoing zodiac sign, the Dog means this is the year for new adventures and life-enhancing travel. Look to China’s beautiful Yangtze River, the buzzing city of Shanghai and the ancient treasures of the Xi’an tombs. These are some of the best reasons to visit China in 2018.
Experience the old-meets-new contrasts of Shanghai
With futuristic skyscrapers neighbouring famous pagodas, Shanghai is a place of dazzling contrasts that begs to be explored. Scale the impressive, 88-storey Jin Mao Tower, which offers knee-trembling views over the city, and stroll along the Bund waterfront, lined with former colonial buildings and modern architectural masterpieces. Afterwards, go back in time to ancient China around the winding streets and markets of Old Shanghai.
Experience this on: Classic China Summer
Witness the Terracotta Warriors
In the historic city of Xi’an a thousand-strong army of ceramic warriors stand proudly guarding the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huang. Created to accompany him to the afterlife, the vast collection of detailed, life-size warriors is one of the world’s most incredible archaeological sites, and was only recently discovered in the 20th century.
Experience this on: Classic China Summer
Sample deliciously diverse cuisine
Being such a vast country, Chinese cuisine wildly differs from region to region. Visit China to experience its sensational culinary diversity, from mouth-numbing spicy Sichuanese mapo dofu (silken tofu spiked with chili), to Cantonese dim sum (perfectly packaged dumpling parcels). While in China, make sure you visit a traditional tea house, get to know the art of making dim sum and learn about Sichuan cooking practices to bring some tips home with you back to your kitchen! You can have these culinary experiences on our Classic China with Yangtze Cruise and Chengdu trip.
Get a bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong from the top of Victoria Peak
Hong Kong is the world’s most visited city for a reason; it’s a vibrant metropolis studded with vertiginous skyscrapers, framed by a carpet of lush forest where rare birds fly. The best place to capture the city’s iconic skyline is from up high. Travel to the top of Victoria Peak Mountain via the historic funicular railway to drink in 360° views across Hong Kong harbour.
Experience this on: Hong Kong and Macau Experience
Cruise along the mighty River Yangtze
Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze is China’s main artery, snaking its way from west to east to the ocean mouth at Shanghai. Taking a cruise along the river is one of the best ways to witness China’s wonderful biodiversity, stunning green landscapes and local villages. On our Classic China with Yangtze Cruise and Chengdu trip you’ll travel along the waters to the beautiful Shibaozhai temple and jaw-dropping Three Gorges region.
Walk across the logic-defying Great Wall of China
We all know you can see it from space, but have you seen the Great Wall of China up close? Created over centuries by successive dynasties, this astonishing architectural feat stretches across the Chinese northern border. Tread the footsteps of ancient soldiers by scaling the Great Wall and looking down over the stunning countryside from your amazing vantage point.
Experience this on: Classic China Summer
Image Credits: Main image © iStock/swissmediavision. Shanghai © iStock/Yongyuan-Dai. Dim sum © iStock/ErmakovaElena. Tram © iStock/danielvfung. Terracotta army © iStock/BarZuidema. Yangtze © iStock/zyxeos30.