Recommendations and Booking Guide for Must-Visit Historical Sites in China

I. Core Historical Sites Recommendations

1. The Forbidden City (Zijin Cheng), Beijing
2. Introduction: The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complex in the world, with a history of 600 years and housing over 1.8 million cultural relics.
3. Must-see Highlights: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Qianqing Palace, Treasure Gallery, Clocks and Watches Gallery.
4. Is booking required?: Mandatory online reservation in advance (no tickets sold at the site). You can book through the official website or WeChat official account of the Palace Museum (passport information required).

5. Tips: Divided into morning and afternoon sessions; it is recommended to choose the morning session to avoid crowds; closed on Mondays.

6. The Great Wall (Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, etc.)

7. Introduction: A World Heritage Site and a representative of ancient Chinese military defense engineering.
   • Badaling: The most classic section, convenient transportation, suitable for first-time experiences.
   • Mutianyu: Fewer people, beautiful scenery, perfect for photography.
   • Simatai: Preserves its original appearance, combined with the Ancient Northern Water Town tour.

8. Is booking required?: Badaling requires reservation through the "Changcheng Inside and Outside Tourism" WeChat official account or website; Mutianyu can purchase tickets on-site but during peak season, advance booking is recommended.

9. Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an)

10. Introduction: The eighth wonder of the world, the burial pit of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, showcasing thousands of terracotta warriors representing the military art of the Qin Dynasty.
11. Is booking required?: Reservation needed through the official website of the Terracotta Army Museum or third-party platforms like Trip.com (ticket exchange with passport required at the entrance).

12. Tips: Suggested to combine with Lishan Garden (Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum) included in the ticket price; avoid holiday morning rush hours.

13. Mogao Caves (Dunhuang, Gansu)

14. Introduction: A treasure house of world Buddhist art, preserving 45,000 square meters of murals and over 2,000 colored sculptures.
15. Is booking required?: Must reserve 30 days in advance (official website or “Mogao Caves Reservation” WeChat Mini Program), regular tickets during peak season include access to 8 caves + digital theater.

16. Tips: Special caves require separate tickets purchased on-site; no photography allowed inside the caves.

17. Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet)

18. Introduction: A sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism, the highest-altitude palace complex in the world.
19. Is booking required?: Need to make reservations one day in advance through the “Potala Palace Ticket Booking System” WeChat Mini Program (passport number required), and exchange the reservation voucher for a ticket on-site the next day.

20. Tips: Visits are limited to one hour, requiring climbing over 300 steps; be cautious of altitude sickness.

21. Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang)

22. Introduction: One of the four major grottoes in China, representing the pinnacle of Buddhist stone carving art from the Northern Wei to Tang Dynasties.
23. Is booking required?: Reservations can be made through the official website or the “Longmen Grottoes” WeChat official account, supporting foreign passports.
24. Tips: The night tour project is more stunning under lights, but requires separate tickets.

II. Other High-value Sites Recommendations

• Classical Gardens of Suzhou (such as Zhuozheng Garden, Liuyuan): Reservation required, showcasing the essence of Jiangnan garden art.
• Chengde Mountain Resort: The summer palace of the Qing Dynasty, blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles.
• Pingyao Ancient City: A well-preserved city from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with must-see sights including the city wall, draft banks, and county office.
• Yinxu (Anyang): The capital site of the late Shang Dynasty, where oracle bones were discovered.

III. General Booking Guidelines

1. Booking Channels:
2. Official Platforms: Each scenic spot’s official website/WeChat official account (Chinese interface may be required or translation tools used).
3. Third-party Platforms: Trip.com, Klook, Ctrip (support English interface and foreign card payments).
4. Precautions:
5. Popular attractions (such as the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors) should be booked 3-7 days in advance.
6. Foreign tourists need to accurately fill in passport information and carry the original when entering.
7. Time-slot reserved attractions (such as Mogao Caves) require strict adherence to entry times.
8. Ticket Cost Reference:
9. Forbidden City: Off-season 40 RMB, Peak season 60 RMB; Treasure Gallery/Clocks and Watches Gallery each 10 RMB.
10. Terracotta Warriors: Peak season 150 RMB, Off-season 120 RMB.
11. Potala Palace: Peak season 200 RMB, Off-season 100 RMB (including guide fees).

IV. Pitfall Avoidance Suggestions

• Avoid public holidays in China (such as National Day, Spring Festival), as crowded conditions can affect your experience.
• Hire official guides or rent audio guides (some sites offer English services).
• Beware of "illegal guides" and counterfeit tickets near tourist attractions.