China is one of the most diverse, culturally rich, and visually stunning countries on Earth. Whether you are drawn to ancient dynasties, dramatic mountain landscapes, futuristic skylines, or serene river towns, China delivers an experience unlike any other. With over 5,000 years of history and landscapes that range from frozen tundra to tropical coastlines, it is no surprise that China welcomes hundreds of millions of tourists every year.
In this guide, we have handpicked the 7 best places to visit in China — destinations that every serious traveller should add to their bucket list. Whether you are planning your first trip or your fifth, these iconic and awe-inspiring locations will leave you speechless.
1. The Great Wall of China — Badaling & Mutianyu, Beijing
No list of places to visit in China would be complete without the Great Wall. Stretching over 21,000 kilometres across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic man-made structures in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built over many centuries starting as early as the 7th century BC, the Great Wall served as a military defence system to protect Chinese states from invasions. Today, it stands as a symbol of China’s strength, ingenuity, and enduring spirit.
Best Sections to Visit
Badaling – The most visited and well-restored section. Ideal for first-time visitors and families.
Mutianyu – Less crowded than Badaling, surrounded by lush greenery, and offers a thrilling toboggan ride down.
Jiankou – The wild and unreconstructed section, perfect for adventurous hikers and photographers.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
How to Get There: From Beijing, take a bus or hire a private car to Badaling (75 km) or Mutianyu (73 km).
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend tourist rush. Arrive early in the morning for the best photos.
2. The Forbidden City — Beijing
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City — officially known as the Palace Museum — is the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex. Built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this magnificent imperial palace served as the home of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City spans 72 hectares and contains over 9,000 rooms, making it a truly overwhelming and humbling place to explore. Its red walls, golden rooftops, and intricately decorated halls represent the pinnacle of traditional Chinese imperial architecture.
Must-See Highlights
The Hall of Supreme Harmony – The grandest hall in the complex, used for major ceremonies.
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility – Once the residence of Ming Dynasty empresses.
The Imperial Garden – A peaceful retreat of ancient trees, rockeries, and pavilions.
Travel Tips
Tickets: Must be booked online in advance at the official website. Tickets sell out fast, especially in peak season.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Time Needed: Allow at least 3–4 hours to explore fully. A full-day visit is recommended.
3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — Hunan Province
If you have ever watched the movie Avatar and marvelled at the floating Hallelujah Mountains, you will be thrilled to know they were inspired by the real-life landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is one of China’s most dramatic and otherworldly natural wonders.
The park is famous for its thousands of towering sandstone pillar formations that rise dramatically from the valley floor, often shrouded in mist and cloud. It became China’s first national forest park in 1982 and is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain & Glass Skywalk – Walk on a transparent glass walkway along a sheer cliff face for a heart-pounding experience.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – One of the longest and highest glass-bottomed bridges in the world.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain – The peak that inspired James Cameron’s fictional world of Pandora.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: April–October. Spring and early autumn offer the best visibility and weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, or take a high-speed train from major cities.
Pro Tip: Stay at least 2–3 days to explore the full park. Book accommodation in Wulingyuan town for easy access.
4. Li River & Guilin — Guangxi Province
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is widely considered one of the most scenic river journeys in the world. Gliding along the Li River, you will be surrounded by dramatic karst limestone peaks rising from the mist, emerald green waters, and ancient fishing villages — a landscape so iconic it is printed on the Chinese 20 yuan banknote.
Guilin has been celebrated in Chinese art and literature for centuries. The city itself is charming, with attractive parks, peaceful lakes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Yangshuo, the endpoint of the river cruise, is a backpacker-friendly town surrounded by stunning countryside perfect for cycling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Top Experiences
Li River Cruise – A 4-hour boat journey from Guilin to Yangshuo through spectacular karst scenery.
Yangshuo Countryside Cycling – Explore rice paddies, bamboo forests, and local villages by bicycle.
Liu Sanjie Light Show – A breathtaking outdoor performance set against the Li River at night.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: April–October. April and May are especially beautiful with mist over the karst peaks.
How to Get There: Fly into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or take a high-speed train.
Pro Tip: Book a bamboo raft or private boat instead of a large cruise ship for a more intimate experience.
5. Xi’an & The Terracotta Army — Shaanxi Province
Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in China and served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. As the capital of 13 dynasties over 3,000 years of history, Xi’an is a treasure trove of historical wonders. But its most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Terracotta Army — one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Discovered by local farmers in 1974, the Terracotta Army consists of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, with distinct facial features, hairstyles, and expressions, making this UNESCO World Heritage Site an absolute marvel of ancient craftsmanship.
Must-See Attractions in Xi’an
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor & Terracotta Army – The crown jewel of Xi’an tourism.
Xi’an Ancient City Wall – One of the best-preserved city walls in China. Rent a bike and cycle the full 14 km perimeter.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) – A vibrant neighbourhood filled with street food, souvenirs, and culture.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November.
How to Get There: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is well-connected to major Chinese and international cities.
Local Food to Try: Biang Biang noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese burger), and lamb skewers from the Muslim Quarter.
6. Shanghai — The City That Never Sleeps
Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. A city of stunning contrasts, Shanghai seamlessly blends its colonial-era European architecture along the Bund with the futuristic glass-and-steel towers of Pudong’s skyline. It is a city of fashion, finance, food, and culture — a place that never stops moving.
Shanghai is not just about skyscrapers and luxury shopping. The city also has a deeply rich cultural heritage, with beautiful French Concession architecture, traditional lane houses (Shikumen), world-class museums, and an explosive food and nightlife scene that rivals any city on Earth.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
The Bund – Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade with views of the city’s colonial-era buildings and Pudong’s futuristic skyline.
Shanghai Tower & Oriental Pearl Tower – For breathtaking panoramic views of one of the world’s most impressive cityscapes.
French Concession – Explore tree-lined streets, boutique cafes, art galleries, and heritage architecture.
Yu Garden & Old Town – A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, surrounded by traditional market streets.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November.
Getting Around: Shanghai has one of the world’s largest and most efficient metro systems. Use the metro to get everywhere cheaply.
Pro Tip: Walk the Bund at night for the most spectacular city views.
7. Chengdu & The Giant Pandas — Sichuan Province
No trip to China would be complete without visiting Chengdu — the laid-back capital of Sichuan Province and home to the world-famous giant panda. Chengdu is the best place in the world to see giant pandas in their near-natural habitat, and a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an experience you will treasure forever.
Beyond the pandas, Chengdu is a city of incredible food, vibrant tea culture, and ancient heritage. It is the home of fiery Sichuan cuisine — one of China’s most beloved culinary traditions — and a gateway to incredible natural wonders like Jiuzhaigou Valley and Mount Emei.
Top Things to Do in Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Watch giant pandas up close in a beautiful, naturalistic environment.
Jinli Ancient Street – A beautifully preserved pedestrian street with traditional Sichuan architecture and street food.
Sichuan Hot Pot – Experience China’s most famous hot pot tradition in its birthplace.
Day Trip to Leshan Giant Buddha – A 71-metre stone Buddha carved into a clifftop at the confluence of three rivers — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: March–June and September–November for mild weather.
Panda Tip: Arrive at the Panda Base early (7–8 AM) to see the pandas at their most active during feeding time.
How to Get There: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is a major hub in western China.
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Your China Adventure Today
China is a destination that defies easy description. It is ancient and modern, chaotic and peaceful, overwhelming and deeply inspiring — often all at the same time. From the majestic heights of the Great Wall to the neon-lit skyline of Shanghai, from the surreal karst peaks of Guilin to the adorable giant pandas of Chengdu, China offers travellers an unmatched breadth of experiences.
Whether you have two weeks or two months, China will reward you with memories that last a lifetime. Use this guide to shortlist your must-visit destinations, start planning your itinerary, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.
Have you visited any of these incredible places? Share your experience in the comments below — we would love to hear your China travel story!