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Majestic ruins, modern skyscrapers and unique structures - this is just a sampling of what you will find on an Architecture Vacation. If historic sites are what you are seeking, pick a destination whose distant past can still be found in the landscape. Take a tour, or bring along a guide book to make the most of your journey. Find out when is the right time of day to go to avoid crowds or when the lighting is at its peak. For more modern buildings, head to a big city that's known for it's skyscrapers and other structures should as libraries, museums or sculptures. ...read more »

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Top Destinations for Architecture

Top architecture cities

  • 1b15303bb5a91ffb93390ebfcfd78733
    photo by Real Traveler Megan & David

    Beijing

    As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most important cities in the world. Home to the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and a large stretch of the Great Wall, Beijing offers a multitude of sites for tourists to explore. Visitors can even walk... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler Ivy

    Hong Kong

    As one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, Hong Kong is well known for its massive shopping areas and eventful streets. Mong Kok is one of the busiest districts, and is home to several streets, each specializing in a different good. Tra... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler sdabby

    Shanghai

    Shanghai is the largest city in China, as well as home to the worlds largest port. Tourists can see the glowing lights of the Pudong River District for miles, and Nanjing Road is one of the worlds busiest streets. Dont let the yachts and skyscrapers foo... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler Scott & Nancy

    Xi'an

    Considered to be one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi'an is known for it's important historical sites. Visitors are especially fascinated by the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, designated as a World Heri... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler Philuk

    Chengdu

    Come to chengdu and you'll experience some of the most historical sights and sounds in China. Filled with millions of residents and visitors, there is no shortage of things to do, from walking through ancient temples to hiking in the beautiful forests o... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler The Journeyers

    Datong

    Formally named Pingcheng, Datong is a historically important city, surrounded by mountains, rivers and other unique natural attractions. Travelers can visit the Yungang caves, or a section of the Great Wall of China that is located nearby. read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler Mark and Jan

    Kunming

    Kunming, the capital of the Yunnan province in China, borders the northern edge of Lake Dian.  Known for its dramatic and unique landscape, travelers to Kunming often visit the popular Yunnan Stone forest, a breathtaking site of stone formations and lab... read more »

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    photo by Real Traveler Kyle & Dan

    Guangzhou

    Located in southeast China, Guangzhou is a haven for tourists looking to hear folk music and watch fine handcrafting. From the ancient Buddhist temple Six Banyan Trees to the romantic Shamian Island and the classical Guangdong Provincial Museum, there a... read more »

  • Fa4595e4822cd57f41e727ea9f5f17e4
    photo by Real Traveler kwfletch

    Dali

    Dali is a magical land and one of the Yunnan province’s most popular tourist destinations. This city has beauty, historic appeal, and a unique blend of western and eastern culture. Travelers marvel at the landscape and enjoy visiting the Dali museum. Da... read more »

  • Ff55286ea0ea16d5d06a12c04cf6ef0c
    photo by Real Traveler Alex and Louise

    Guilin

    Guilin is home to many spectacular limestone rock formations and mountains, offering tourists who raft down the local rivers an entire day of camera-worthy sightseeing. There are also beautiful buildings and a buddhist temple to explore. read more »

Top Five Architecture Trip Blogs

  • Aaron&Katy

    Imperial Beijing | Apr 23 07'

    by Aaron&Katy a traveling as a couple from Boston, on vacation in Beijing

    We passed through Beijing three times during our travels through China and Mongolia. The city is loaded with some of China’s most famous tourist at... Continue reading »

  • Laus and James

    Sightseeing in Beijing | Jul 07 06'

    by Laus and James a female traveling as a couple, on vacation in Beijing

    "it was great and it definitely was a wall"

    We arrived in Beijing on Saturday morning to a foggy day in the big city.  We tried to get a cheap taxi to our hostel but succeeded in getting... Continue reading »

  • Kyle & Dan

    China, Leshan: Big Ole Buddha Near a Sacred Mountain | May 18 07'

    by Kyle & Dan a real traveler from London, on vacation in Leshan

    "It was a struggle to fit the entire statue in our small camera lens; one foot alone was over twenty times the size of a person"

    After a few days in the large city of Chengdu, we decided to venture out into surrounding areas to see a couple of special Chinese sights. The firs... Continue reading »

  • Kyle & Dan

    China, Hong Kong: Friends and Bright Lights | Apr 26 07'

    by Kyle & Dan a real traveler from London, on vacation in Hong Kong

    "The meal with Ben was the first time either of us had eaten beef tendon, which was surprisingly good"

    Hong Kong was a much anticipated trip for us; we were very excited about visiting the city that both of us have wanted to visit for a long time. To... Continue reading »

  • Marcfest

    Rooftop of the World | May 25 06'

    by Marcfest a male from Toronto, on vacation in China

    I knew something was different when 20 minutes into my flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, the carpet of thick cloud and smog covering Sichuan province w... Continue reading »

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