After a hiatus of more than five years, India and China are set to resume direct flights—a move that not only reconnects two of the world’s biggest economies but also reopens the door for travellers eager to explore one of Asia’s most storied destinations. For those planning their first journey to Beijing, the Chinese capital offers a striking mix of ancient dynasties and futuristic skylines. And for travellers with more time, China’s vast landscape stretches far beyond its capital, promising a mosaic of history, culture, and natural wonders.

5 Must-See Experiences In Beijing For First-Time Visitors

1. The Great Wall of China

No first trip to China is complete without walking along the world’s most iconic fortification. Just outside Beijing, sections like Mutianyu and Jinshanling offer panoramic mountain views and fewer crowds than the busy Badaling stretch.

2. The Forbidden City

Step into the heart of imperial China at this UNESCO World Heritage site, once the seat of Ming and Qing emperors. The sprawling palace complex with its golden rooftops and intricate courtyards is a living museum of the country’s dynastic past.

3. Tiananmen Square

One of the world’s largest public squares, Tiananmen is both a political landmark and a place to witness the sheer scale of China’s national identity. Surrounded by monumental architecture, it’s best visited at dawn when the flag-raising ceremony takes place.

4. Summer Palace

A retreat from the bustle of the city, the Summer Palace offers willow-fringed lakes, ornate pavilions, and landscaped gardens. A boat ride across Kunming Lake is particularly magical in the late afternoon light.

5. Temple of Heaven

This 15th-century masterpiece of Ming architecture is where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Its circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its triple-gabled roof, is a striking symbol of China’s spiritual traditions.

Beyond Beijing: 5 Destinations To Discover In China

Shanghai: A dazzling fusion of old-world elegance and modern ambition, Shanghai’s historic Bund contrasts with Pudong’s futuristic skyline. The city is also a culinary haven, from Michelin-starred dining to street-side dumpling stalls.

Xi’an: Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an is most famous for the Terracotta Army. Its city walls and Muslim Quarter markets make it a must for history lovers.

Chengdu: Known worldwide for its panda sanctuaries, Chengdu is also the heart of Sichuan cuisine. Don’t leave without sampling a traditional hotpot.

Hangzhou: Beloved for the poetic beauty of West Lake, Hangzhou combines tranquil waters with tea plantations and ancient temples, making it a city of slow pleasures.

Guilin: Often described as China’s most beautiful landscape, Guilin’s karst mountains and the Li River create a painterly scene that has inspired generations of poets and artists.

Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which came into force last year, earlier applied only to those who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) said the latest order paved the way for undocumented Hindu Bangladeshis, who came until 2024, to remain in Assam. It demanded that Assam be completely excluded from its ambit. AASU said it strongly opposes the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025.

“Any conspiracy to settle illegal Hindu Bangladeshis in Assam until 2024 will never be accepted by the people of Assam or by AASU. This order is even more dangerous than the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA),” said AASU president Utpal Sharma and general secretary Samiran Phukan in a joint statement.

The statement said the government had violated the Assam Accord by passing the CAA, which granted citizenship to undocumented Hindu Bangladeshis.

The 1985 Assam Accord applied to undocumented immigrants irrespective of their religious affiliations. Indigenous groups in Assam argued the CAA could lead to an influx of immigrants from Bangladesh.

AASU has been seeking to exclude Assam from the ambit of the CAA. “…to suddenly pass this new order allowing illegal foreigners until 2024 is utterly unacceptable. This order is destructive to the indigenous population and completely communal,” the statement said.

AASU’s chief advisor, Samujjal Bhattacharyya, said their members were observing an 11-hour hunger strike at all district headquarters. “We decided to start a programme against the CAA last week, and now this new decision of the central government has been added. We are going to burn copies of the order across district headquarters.”

Bhattacharyya noted that Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are excluded from the CAA. He added that 98% of Meghalaya, 70% of Tripura, and eight districts of Assam are also excluded. “Why should the rest of Assam bear the burden of immigrants alone?” He asked if CAA is bad for Sixth Schedule (tribal) areas and the states with Inner Line Permit, how can it be good for the rest of the 25 districts of Assam? “This state is not a dumping ground. We demand exclusion of the entire Assam from CAA, respecting the Assam Accord,” Bhattacharyya said.

He said a candle march, sit-in, and letters to the central government are planned. “Apart from exclusion of Assam from CAA, we demand an error-free NRC [National Register of Citizens], a special drive to push back all illegal migrants, action against fundamentalists visiting Assam, and implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord as per the Biplab Sharma committee’s recommendation. We are fighting to protect the originality of Assam.”

Congress leader Debabrata Saikia said the fresh order is against the spirit of the Assam Accord. “Earlier, we opposed CAA, and now we oppose this exemption. It allows infiltrators to stay until 2024. If this continues, Assam will lose its identity.” He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of destroying India’s future for its communal politics.

Dharmananda Deb, a former member of a Foreigners Tribunal in Silchar, said under CAA, the cut-off date for applying for Indian citizenship is December 31, 2014. “The new notification does not alter that deadline. It only gives an additional safeguard for these minorities, allowing them to stay in India without fear of prosecution. This order does not grant citizenship. It only shields them from legal action.”

India, 4th September 2025: Leading global travel app Skyscanner recently released its latest Cultural Tourism report, highlighting a rising trend among Indians travelling in pursuit of authentic local heritage, traditions, and experiences. According to the findings, 82% of Indian travellers are very keen on visiting destinations primarily for their cultural offerings, with younger generations – Millennials (84%) and Gen Z (80%) leading this rising wave of cultural curiosity. This enthusiasm is evolving into a quest for depth as many travellers define cultural tourism not by the sights they see but by the knowledge they gain, with 39% considering a trip successful when they return home having learnt something new about the place or its people.

The report also reveals a striking shift: 76% of Indian travellers have altered their travel plans to attend a cultural event, underlining how traditions and festivals are no longer side activities but central to holiday decisions. This cultural curiosity isn’t limited by geography. 7 in 10 travellers say they are open to exploring cultural experiences domestically and internationally. At its core, Indians are seeking authentic, immersive adventures that allow them to participate, learn, and return home with stories that truly feel transformative.  

Festivals as the Biggest Magnets for Cultural Travel

Indian festivals are emerging as some of the biggest draws for travellers. As per the report:

• Over half of Indian travellers (55%) have attended local festivals, fairs, or cultural events.
• Durga Puja in Kolkata (53%), Lathmar Holi in Barsana (51%), and Onam in Kerala (35%) lead the list of occasions travellers are most eager to witness live this year. 
• Beyond festivals, 53% of travellers are drawn to historical cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, while 39% are inspired to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Taj Mahal in Agra and Hampi in Karnataka. In fact, Skyscanner data shows searches to Varanasi, one of India’s most storied cultural cities, has risen by 76% for travel in 2025 compared to the previous year!
• Celebrated for their festive traditions, architectural grandeur, and local heritage, Kerala (32%) and Rajasthan (30%) have also emerged as India’s culture capitals. 

Growing Interest in Underrated Destinations

Beyond these, travellers are curious to explore places that preserve traditions away from the crowds. A remarkable 93% are eager to seek out lesser-known destinations offering authentic cultural experiences, signalling a strong appetite for hidden gems where authentic traditions thrive away from crowded tourist trails. One way to explore these hidden treasures is by using ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature on Skyscanner, with filter options like ‘underrated destinations’ and ‘art and culture’ to make it easier than ever to find the perfect spot for a unique tradition-rich escape. 

“Indian travellers are moving beyond holidays taken only for leisure. The growing quest for depth has given rise to a new archetype – the culture curious traveller – one who seeks knowledge, connection and fulfilment,” said Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert. “For them, success is measured in stories carried home that deepen their sense of people and place. Interestingly, our report also highlights that 71% prefer to travel with family, followed by 62% with friends, and 56% with a partner or spouse. This shows travel today is shifting from sights seen, to connections deepened — and Skyscanner’s all-in-one app makes it easier and more affordable to plan those meaningful journeys.”

From Observing to Immersing

As this cultural wave builds, a few patterns are emerging, showcasing how Indians plan, and experience escapes rooted in tradition. The report shows that nearly 4 in 10 want to explore heritage villages or eco-cultural communities, while 38% are drawn to culinary trails revealing the historic roots of local cuisines. Reflecting on this trend towards hands-on, participatory experiences, Dr. Aditi Rawat, Associate Fellow, Pahle India Foundation, policy think tank advancing research-led ideas on India’s economic development and governance, said, “Cultural tourism is fast becoming a defining lens through which Indian travellers experience their country and the world. The trend is moving towards combining cultural discovery with comfort, luxury, and leisure – a blend that encourages longer stays and deeper engagement. Catalysed by rising accessibility, robust infrastructure, and digital connectivity, it is reshaping travel from passive sightseeing to immersive storytelling, where visitors engage with living heritage, local traditions, and cultural narratives that define each destination.”

Safety and Smart Planning Drive Choices 

In their sojourns, practical considerations remain front and centre amongst Indian travellers. When choosing a cultural trip:

• Safety (45%) tops the list of considerations when choosing a cultural trip, followed by authenticity (33%) and seasonality (31%).
• 41% travellers start preparing one to two months ahead. Their inspiration is shaped by a mix of influences: 45% turn to social media, 39% rely on friends and family, and 27% use apps like Skyscanner to discover the right destinations and deals.
• When it comes to finalising plans, value remains top of mind, with 60% saying the best time to book festival flights is their most helpful planning insight, while 58% depend on fare comparisons to make smarter choices.

To further assist Indians in charting their journeys, Neel Ghose added, “For travellers seeking inspiration, describing your ideal getaway on Skyscanner’s app-only AI feature, Savvy Search can help uncover temple cities, native lands, royal palaces, and more. The tool curates a list of destinations based on the prompts, directing you to Skyscanner’s flight search, letting you compare the best prices. And, when it comes to planning, for those looking to make the most of their holiday around a festival, a simple hack is to use the ‘Whole Month’ view to spot the cheapest days to fly around the date! Smart planning choices like these can help unlock cultural experiences without breaking the bank, letting you create memories and returning home with learnings that last a lifetime.”

A Broader Shift in Tourism

This growing interest is an indicator that culture-led exploration will also steer the future of the country’s tourism industry. Sharing insights on this rising phenomenon and its implications, Dr. Aditi Rawat, said, “This shift is being fulfilled by traditional towns and authentic locale-based experiences that connect travellers with communities and their way of life. Think the Northeast India, with its extraordinary cultural diversity and pristine landscapes, or Kerala, with its backwaters, classical art forms, and Ayurvedic traditions, both now firmly on the radar of discerning tourists. From tribal festivals in Arunachal Pradesh to tea and wellness in Assam, or narrative Kathakali performances in Thrissur, we are witnessing curated experiences true to each destination’s strengths. Coupled with leisure travel and government initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Adopt A Heritage, this cultural discovery is transforming tourism into a powerful custodian of India’s identity. It is revitalising economies, positioning diversity as a global asset, and turning sites and practices into hubs that attract global visitors, empower local communities, and shape the future of India’s tourism economy.”

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