Top Tourist Destinations and Cities in China

Top 1: Beijing

Forbidden City

• Best time to visit: Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 2-7 days
• Tours: private Beijing tours

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital city of the People's Republic of China. It is located in the northern part of China and is one of the most populous cities in the world. Beijing has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years and has served as the political, cultural, and economic center of China for centuries.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Beijing is the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches for over 13,000 miles and is a symbol of China's ancient civilization. Another prominent landmark is the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex that was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and now serves as a museum.

Beijing is also known for its vibrant culture, with traditional architecture, temples, and hutongs (narrow alleys) that offer a glimpse into the city's past. Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, is a historic site where important events in China's modern history took place.

Beijing travel guide >>

Top 2: Shanghai

Shanghai Huangpu River

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 2-3 days
• Tours: private Shanghai tours

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis and a global financial center located on the eastern coast of China. It is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is known for its vibrant cityscape, modern skyscrapers, and rich cultural heritage.

Shanghai has a rich history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, and it has been an important trading and business hub for centuries. Today, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in China, with a unique blend of modernity and traditional Chinese culture.

The city is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center, which form the iconic Pudong skyline. The Bund, a historic waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings, is a must-visit for its stunning views of the Huangpu River and the city's skyline.

Shanghai is also a hub of arts, culture, and fashion in China, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and fashion districts showcasing the city's vibrant creative scene. Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, is a shopper's paradise with a mix of modern shopping malls, luxury boutiques, and traditional Chinese shops.

Cuisine is another highlight of Shanghai, with its unique local flavors, such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), and hairy crab, which are a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Shanghai travel guide >>

Top 3: Xi'an

Xian Bell Tower

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 2-3 days
• Tours: private Xian tours

Xi'an is an ancient city located in central China, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It is the capital of Shaanxi Province and is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and being the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected China with the West.

Xi'an is most famous for the Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting warriors, horses, and chariots, discovered in 1974 and considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The Terracotta Army is part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a must-visit destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

In addition to the Terracotta Army, Xi'an is also known for its well-preserved city walls, which are among the oldest and most complete city walls in China. The walls can be accessed and walked on, offering panoramic views of the city.

Xi'an is also home to numerous historic sites, including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist pagoda; the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in China; and the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts showcasing the region's rich history.

The city is also known for its vibrant street food culture, with local specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), biangbiang noodles (thick, hand-pulled noodles), and yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread) being must-try dishes.

Xi'an is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with modern development, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience into China's rich history and culture.

Xian travel guide >>

Top 4: Guilin

Li River

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 3-7 days
• Tours: private Guilin tours

Guilin is a city located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. It is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscapes, characterized by limestone peaks, tranquil rivers, and lush greenery, making it one of China's most picturesque destinations. The city has a history that dates back over 2,000 years and has been a source of inspiration for many poets, artists, and travelers throughout history.

Guilin is known for its iconic natural landmarks, including the Li River, which is famous for its stunning karst landscape and is often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings. Taking a cruise along the Li River is a popular activity for visitors to Guilin, offering spectacular views of the limestone peaks, rice paddies, and local fishermen with their cormorant birds.

Another must-visit attraction in Guilin is the Reed Flute Cave, a limestone cave with a fascinating array of stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful rock formations, lit up with colorful lights, creating a magical underground world. Elephant Trunk Hill, a unique rock formation resembling an elephant drinking water, is also a famous landmark in Guilin.

In addition to its natural beauty, Guilin has a rich cultural heritage with several ethnic minority groups, including Zhuang, Yao, and Dong, residing in the surrounding areas. Visitors can experience local customs, taste traditional cuisine, and appreciate the unique ethnic cultures through various cultural performances, handicrafts, and festivals.

Guilin Travel Guide >>

Top 5: Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 4-5 days
• Tours: private Zhangjiajie tours

Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking tourist destination located in the Hunan Province of southern China. It is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, characterized by towering sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the forested valleys, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Zhangjiajie gained international fame as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie "Avatar."

The main highlight of Zhangjiajie is the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park covers an area of over 26,000 acres and features over 3,000 sandstone pillars, along with lush vegetation, deep ravines, clear streams, and numerous caves. The park offers stunning viewpoints, walking trails, and thrilling experiences such as the Bailong Elevator, which is the world's tallest outdoor elevator, and the Glass Bridge, which is one of the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridges.

Another popular attraction in Zhangjiajie is the Tianmen Mountain, which is known for its stunning natural arch called the Tianmen Cave, also known as the "Heaven's Gate." It is a natural wonder formed by erosion and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Zhangjiajie is also home to several minority ethnic groups, such as the Tujia and Miao, which adds to its cultural richness. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local customs, traditional crafts, and folk performances, providing a unique cultural experience.

With its unparalleled natural beauty, unique rock formations, and cultural richness, Zhangjiajie has become a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and fans of "Avatar." It offers a mesmerizing experience that feels like stepping into a surreal and mythical world.

Zhangjiajie travel guide >>

Top 6: Chengdu

Giant Panda

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 2-3 days
• Tours: private Chengdu tours

Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province in China, located in the southwestern part of the country. Chengdu is known for its rich cultural heritage, spicy cuisine, and adorable giant pandas. It is also one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication hubs in western China.

Tourism is a major industry in Chengdu, with many visitors coming to explore the city's ancient temples, vibrant markets, and beautiful parks. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Chengdu include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the Wenshu Monastery, the Jinsha Site Museum, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Additionally, Chengdu is known for its lively nightlife and bustling shopping districts, which attract both domestic and international tourists.

Chengdu Travel Guide >>

Top 7: Huangshan

Xidi Village

• Best time to visit:  Spring, Autumn and Winter
• Travel itinerary: 3-4 days
• Tours: private Huangshan tours

Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountain, is a mountain range located in Anhui Province, China. It is famous for its natural scenery, including unique rock formations, sunrises and sunsets, hot springs, and sea of clouds. Huangshan has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, with its picturesque landscapes inspiring Chinese art and literature.

Visitors can hike up the mountain to enjoy the stunning views, or take a cable car to reach the peak. Along the way, there are various scenic spots such as the Flowering Peak, the Bright Summit, and the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion. Other notable attractions in the area include the Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Huangshan is also famous for its tea production, with the region being home to several renowned tea plantations. Visitors can participate in tea tasting activities and learn about the tea-making process.Jiuzhaigou Valley - A scenic area with colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, known for its stunning natural beauty.

Huangshan travel guide >>

Top 8: Lijiang

Ancient Town of Lijiang

• Best time to visit:  Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 5-8 days
• Tours: private Yunnan tours

Lijiang is a popular tourist destination located in the Yunnan province of southwestern China. It is a historically and culturally rich city with a diverse ethnic population, including the Naxi people, who have lived in the region for centuries.

The old town of Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and ancient waterways. Visitors can explore the town's many shops, restaurants, and museums, or take a stroll through the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park.

Beyond the old town, Lijiang is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the snow-capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorge. Visitors can also experience the local culture by attending traditional music and dance performances or participating in activities like calligraphy and tea ceremonies.

Overall, Lijiang offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that make it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

Top 9: Hangzhou

West Lake

• Best time to visit:  Spring and Autumn
• Travel itinerary: 2-3 days
• Tours: private Hangzhou tours

Hangzhou is a beautiful city located in eastern China, known for its picturesque scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant economy. It is the capital of Zhejiang province and is located at the southern end of the Grand Canal, which links it to Beijing.

Hangzhou is most famous for West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered one of the most beautiful sights in China. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, temples, and pavilions, making it a popular spot for boating, hiking, and picnicking.

Apart from West Lake, Hangzhou has many other attractions, including the Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, and the Xixi National Wetland Park. The city is also known for its silk production, tea culture, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Hangzhou is easily accessible from Shanghai, with a high-speed train journey taking just over an hour. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, Hangzhou is an excellent destination for tourists seeking an authentic Chinese experience.

Hangzhou travel guide >>

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Top 10: Hong Kong

Victoria Harbor

Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, deep natural harbor, and unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy and has its own legal and economic systems. This dynamic city is a major global financial hub, attracting businesses and travelers from around the world.

Hong Kong Travel Guide >>

These are just a few of the many incredible destinations to visit in China. The country offers a diverse range of attractions, from ancient landmarks to modern cities, stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences. With its rich history and diverse culture, China has something to offer for every type of traveler.