The rise of tourism in China post-communism

For the last half of the twentieth century, the existence of a strong Communist regime meant China was largely a closed entity - both culturally and geographically - to the rest of the world. In recent years, however, the harsher aspects of Maoist ideology have taken a backseat to the growing appetite for capitalism in China. The ensuing economic boom has triggered fast and exciting economic development across the country, and China is once again gaining the kind of status it had with travel enthusiasts before the birth of the Communist regime in 1949.



For many urban tourists, China's cities remain the hottest destinations in the country. The capital Beijing is overflowing with historic sites and cultural hotspots. Must-see landmarks in Beijing include the famous Tiananmen Square, where you'll find the Museum of Chinese History and the Forbidden City, the Bird's Nest National Stadium, whose iconic design endures as a symbol of the 2008 Olympic Games, and the beautiful Lama Temple in Dongcheng district. In Shanghai, China's most populous city, the dramatic skyline of Pudong acts as a constant reminder of China's rapid economic growth. You'll also find plenty of exciting attractions in the city, like the busy central area of Nanjing Road and The Bund, the historic colonial riverside district.

However, there's much more to be experienced in China than urban cosmopolitanism. The Great Wall of China, for instance, is one of the world's most famous structures and is almost 9000km in length. This enormous attraction is made up of several parts, including the iconic wall, trenches and natural geographic barriers such as hills. Because of its age - some of the oldest sections date back to the 5th century BC - not all parts of the Great Wall are open to visitors. However walking the Great Wall is a dream for many travellers and today it is China's most popular tourist attraction.



If you're on a backpacking holiday, rest assured that there's plenty of adventure to be had in China that's away from the designated tourist trail. In Tibet, you'll find a region that's technically under Chinese governance but has a distinct culture all of its own. Situated on the world's highest plateau, the landscape in Tibet is spectacular and popular sights include the sacred Mount Kailash and Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, which encompasses the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. And in the regional capital Lhasa, you'll get to experience the distinct ways in which traditional Himalayan culture has fused with Han Chinese influences.



The ongoing development of tourism in China means that travellers will be able to find accommodation to suit a range of budgets, from luxurious Shanghai hotels to backpackers hostels in Lhasa. Moreover, with such a vast expanse to explore, travellers on their first visit to China will soon realise that they'll need to return in the future to really gain insight into the country's multitude of cultures, traditions and modern developments. As a result, the future of tourism in China looks set to flourish for many years to come.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.