The ultimate China bucket list: 8 experiences you can’t miss

China is massive, and you could spend months exploring it without seeing everything. So if you're heading there for the first time, where do you even start?

From ancient wonders and epic landscapes to giant pandas, spicy hotpot and cities that look like they belong in a sci-fi film, China is packed with experiences worth travelling for.

Here are 8 that deserve a spot on your China bucket list.

1. Walk the Great Wall of China

No China bucket list would be complete without it.

Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved stretches, and take the cable car up through the trees before walking along the ancient stone yourself. With watchtowers stretching into the distance, it's one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype.

And yes, you'll want the photo.

2. Climb the Stairway to Heaven

Ready to earn your views?

Tianmen Mountain's famous Stairway to Heaven has 999 steps carved into the cliffside, leading up towards Heaven's Gate. It's a serious climb, but once you're at the top, you'll be glad you made the effort.

Just don't look too closely at how many steps you've got left.

3. Get lost among Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars look almost unreal, rising out of the landscape like something from another planet. It's easy to see why the scenery inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.

Spend the day exploring the national forest park and you'll quickly understand why this is one of China's most spectacular landscapes.

4. Meet giant pandas in Chengdu

Forget seeing pandas behind glass at a zoo. In Chengdu, you can visit a dedicated panda research and conservation base and see these famously chilled-out animals at their most active.

Time your visit right and you'll see them eating, climbing and generally doing their thing - while you try not to completely lose it over how cute they are.

5. Eat your way through a Chinese night market

Some of the best food experiences happen when you have absolutely no idea what you're about to order.

In Xi'an, head to the Muslim Quarter and dive into a buzzing night market filled with street food, smoke and spice. Try something new, grab a few things to share and see where the evening takes you.

It's messy, busy and delicious. Basically, exactly what a good travel experience should be.

6. Take on a proper Sichuan hotpot

If you like your food with a bit of heat, Chengdu and Chongqing are calling.

Sit down to a bubbling hotpot and load it up with everything from meat and vegetables to noodles and whatever else catches your eye. Sichuan peppercorns bring that famous numbing sensation, so don't be surprised if your mouth starts doing things you weren't expecting.

Our advice? Start cautiously. Or don't. We won't judge.

7. See the Terracotta Army

Thousands of life-sized clay warriors. Over 2,000 years old. And every single one with a different face.

Standing in front of Xi'an's Terracotta Army is one of those moments that makes you properly stop and think about just how much history you're looking at. With a local guide to bring the story to life, you can take in the sheer scale of one of China's most incredible ancient sites.

8. See China from a high-speed train

Okay, technically you're sitting down for this one. But hear us out.

China's high-speed trains make travelling between cities part of the experience. You'll cover huge distances while watching the landscape change outside the window - from sprawling cities to countryside and dramatic scenery.

It's fast, comfortable and a pretty impressive way to see just how vast China really is.

Ready to tick off your China bucket list?

The best part about China? You don't have to choose just one.

Our China Highlights trip packs experiences like Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xi'an and the Great Wall into 12 days, while China Explorer takes the adventure further from Hong Kong to Beijing, with Yangshuo, Chongqing and Shanghai added to the mix.

Eight bucket-list experiences. One seriously big adventure. Time to start packing.