This packed itinerary checks off China's top cultural and natural highlights. Visit Beijing to see the Forbidden City and hike along the Great Wall, then take the bullet train to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Visit Guilin to see the world's tallest Buddha and enjoy Yangshuo's serene countryside. Tour Chengdu's panda research station before finishing your trip in metropolitan Shanghai.

This coming year especially, museums from all over the world are making sure they attract visitors with renovated space, female-focused art, amazing architecture, and modern topics like the history of make-up. So, in 2020, spend less time on the couch watching series and more time walking the galleries of these nine museums — you won’t regret it.

Things to do in Shanghai A video of all the very best things to do in Shanghai

This packed itinerary checks of China's top cultural and natural highlights. Visit Beijing to see the Forbidden City, historical Tiananmen Square, and the nearby Great Wall of China. Take the bullet train to Xi'an to see the Qin Terracotta Warriors, then head to Guilin for nature and local culture. End your trip in the metropolitan Shanghai and explore its busy Nanjing Road and The Bund waterfront, as well as peaceful Yuyuan gardens and artsy Tianzifang neighborhood.