18 Best Places to Visit in China: Beyond the Great Wall

Visiting China is a dream trip for many tourists. With over 5,000 years of history, there are many destinations to choose from. Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai must be included on your first-time China travel list. Besides, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Chongqing, and Guilin are also good choices.

Here, we've put together a list of the 18 best places to visit in China. From the top must-see spots to natural wonders and places that offer authentic cultural and historical experiences, we'll help you narrow down your destinations list. Among the best places to visit in China, you'll find something for every kind of traveler. Keep reading to discover what the country has to offer.

Must-Visit Tourist Destinations: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong

The top destinations in China are all large cities with centuries of wonders to discover. In each place, you can immerse yourself in a world of culture, unique cuisine, and ancient history.

Beijing
China's capital is a living museum of Chinese history. You can visit many of China's most legendary sites like The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. Stroll through the old hutong neighborhoods for a glimpse of authentic local life. The 798 Art District reveals the thriving contemporary art scene, or take in a traditional Peking Opera Performance. Enjoy the vibrant food scene, and don't miss out on the iconic Peking duck.

The Great Wall in Beijing, China.

Xi'an
Xi'an was the starting point of the Silk Road and one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. Its most famous attraction is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, which mesmerizes visitors with thousands of uniquely detailed, life-sized statues. See panoramic views of the city from atop the ancient city walls and explore the markets of the Muslim Quarter, where you can try street food like the famous roujiamo.

Xi’an Terracotta Warriors, an afterlife guard in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang.

Shanghai
Shanghai is China's largest metropolis and a city that fuses tradition and innovation. Along the Bund's waterfront, you can see both colonial-era buildings and the stunning futuristic skyline of Pudong. Yu Gardens is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the downtown where you can stroll through peaceful pavilions. The historic French Concession's tree-lined streets are home to cafes and boutique shops. Take an evening cruise of the Huangpu River to see the glittering nightscape.

The great night view on the Huangpu River cruise.

8 Days Classic Golden Triangle China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai

Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai

Chengdu
Chengdu is a laid-back city in the western Sichuan Province. You can visit the famous pandas and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the animals up close. Jinli Ancient Street hosts traditional architecture, teahouses, and restaurants serving traditional food like mapo tofu and hotpot. Visit the Taoist retreat in the Qingcheng Mountains to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Hua Hua Panda is considered one of China's "celebrity pandas".

Hong Kong
Hong Kong has long been a dynamic mix of East and West. Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for breathtaking views, or stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for a close-up of the glittering cityscape. The lively districts of Mong Kok and Central blend traditional markets with towering skyscrapers. Take the scenic Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Lantau Island and hike to the Tian Tan Buddha. Try all the famous Cantonese food like dim sum, egg tarts, and roast goose.

The panorama view of Hong Kong city on Victoria Peak.

Second-Classic but Very Popular: Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Guilin

Other destinations are not as well known by international travelers but are still popular for unique experiences traveling in China.

Chongqing
Chongqing is a stunning mountainous megacity. Its unique landscape weaves skyscrapers through rolling hills and steep cliffs. The Ciqikou Ancient Town's cobbled streets are lined with teahouses and artisan shops. At night, the city comes alive with neon lights reflecting off the river while locals and visitors alike gather for spicy hotpot. Chongqing is also the gateway to Yangtze River cruises.

The beautiful neon lights in Hongya Cave.

Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the most important in China. It's the main waterway in the country, and almost one-third of the population lives along its basin. The classic Yangtze River cruise travels from Chongqing to Yichang, visiting incredible sites like the Three Gorges Dam and ancient Fengdu Ghost City. Other routes travel between Chongqing and Shanghai or Chongqing and Nanjing, another ancient capital.

Taking the Yangtze River cruise to cross through the Three Gorges.

Guilin
Guilin's ethereal landscape of limestone karst mountains and winding rivers has inspired poets and painters for centuries. It's an area with many postcard scenes of China, towering peaks, bamboo forests, and traditional fishing villages. The Longji Rice Terraces line the mountains in layers of green and gold, and you can explore the stunning stalactites of Reed Flute Cave. Guilin is a perfect place to connect with nature and local culture.

The stunning landscape of the Longi Rice Terrace.

13 Days China Highlights Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangtze Cruise Cruise - Shanghai

Authentic Cultural and Ethnic Experiences: Yunnan, Guizhou, Xinjiang, Tibet

You can experience culture everywhere in China, but some destinations are particularly prized for their authentic cultural and ethnic experiences.

Yunnan
Yunnan, in the southwest of China, has a unique blend of stunning landscapes and ethnic cultures. Travel into the past, walking through Lijiang's ancient town's cobbled streets, flowing canals, and wooden buildings. Take the cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to one of the highest observation platforms in the world at 4,680 meters. Kunming is home to the mystical stone forest, and you can visit Tibetan-inspired monasteries in Shangri-La.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers a breathtaking sight against the clear blue sky.

Guizhou
Guizhou offers an off-the-beaten-path experience of lush mountains and rich ethnic traditions. The area is home to many Miao and Dong minority villages, where you can witness traditional stilted houses, intricate embroidery, and lively festivals. Visit Zhenyuan, a historic city along the Wuyang River, and see the otherworldly rock formations and panoramic views from the Fanjing Mountain sacred temple peaks.

Guizhou Xijiang Miao villages.

Xinjiang
Xinjiang is the rugged far western province with a long history of the Silk Road. The ancient city of Kashgar, with its labyrinthine Old Town and bustling Sunday Bazaar, offers a glimpse into Central Asian culture. Heavenly Lake is a breathtaking setting ringed by snow-capped mountains. Travel the Karakoram Highway through mountain scenery and diverse cultures of Uyghur, Kazakh, and Tajik communities.

The ancient city of Kashgar, Xinjiang.

Tibet
Known as the 'Roof of the World,' Tibet is the remote province home to Himalayan landscapes. Lhasa is the ancient capital of Tibet and the place to visit iconic sites like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Visit Everest Base Camp on an incredible journey across the region, and spend the night at the tent hotels in sight of the highest peak on Earth. Sacred sites like Yamdrok Lake and Mount Kailash attract pilgrims from around the region and visit historic monasteries to immerse yourself in Tibetan spiritual traditions.

The majestic Potala Palace in Tibet.

15 Days Best of China Tour with Chengdu and Tibet Discovery

Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai

Breathtaking Natural Wonders: Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Tiger Leaping Gorge

In a country as large as China, you can find unique natural wonders that are preserved for nature lovers to explore and enjoy.

Zhangjiajie
The surreal sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie might look familiar from the movie 'Avatar.' The National Forest Park's towering spires, draped in mist and lush vegetation, seem to float in the sky. One of the longest cableways in the world soars over the cliffs and valleys of Tianmen Mountain, leading to Heaven's Gate, a massive natural archway. Explore the park's labyrinthine trails and scenic overlooks that attract photographers from around the world.

The surreal sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou The park's crystal-clear lakes, tinged with shades of blue, green, and turquoise, reflect the surrounding forests and mountains like giant mirrors. Nuorilang Waterfall tumbles down moss-covered rocks while the primeval forest hums with wildlife. Tibetan villages add cultural charm, offering visitors the sight of prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the chance to enjoy yak-butter tea.

The crystal-clear lakes in Jiuzhaigou National Park.

Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge was formed as the Jinsha River carved its way through towering cliffs to create one of the world's deepest canyons. The peak of the mountain towers around 3,790 meters above the river below. The dramatic, jaw-dropping landscapes are a natural wonder and a unique sight for natural lovers. Hike the winding path along the mountain, or take in the humbling sight of towering cliffs from the base of the gorge.

Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan.

Historic and Cultural Treasures: Pingyao, Luoyang, Dunhuang

Some destinations in China have dedicated themselves to preserving their place as historic and cultural treasures.

Pingyao
Pingyao is a living reminder of China's imperial past and one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in the country. Wander the cobbled streets past traditional courtyard homes and red lanterns for a look at ancient life. From atop the imposing city walls, you can see sweeping views of the town's tiled rooftops. Temples, clan halls, and ancient watchtowers dot the city, where new discoveries await around every corner.

Wander the cobbled streets in Pingyao ancient town.

Luoyang
Luoyang is one of the oldest cities in China and is considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. At the UNESCO site of The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO site you can see thousands of Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs, showcasing the intricate artistry of the Northern Wei dynasty. The White Horse Temple, considered the birthplace of Buddhism in China, is a tranquil retreat from the bustling atmosphere.

Longmen Grottoes Old Town in Luoyang.

Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a fascinating ancient oasis along the historic Silk Road. Explore the Mogao Caves, a vast complex renowned for its trove of Buddhist art and ancient manuscripts. The murals and intricately carved statues reflect centuries of cultural interaction and exchange. At the nearby Mingsha Sand Dunes you can see dramatic desert landscape and take a ride on a camel.

Camels in Mingsha Sand Dunes.

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting China

- Travelers from 38 countries can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. For other travelers, tourist visas can be obtained through the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center. Processing time is usually 3-4 business days.
- The local current, Chinese yuan, is used for transactions, but mobile payments are most common. Alipay International can be set up before you leave and will be accepted almost everywhere.
- China's high-speed rail network is the most convenient way to travel between cities. Didi is a popular ride-hailing app with an English version available.
- Download a VPN before you travel to be able to access popular websites such as Google, WhatsApp, and Western social media.
- English is not always widely spoken, so have a good translation app on your phone.
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Avoid raw or undercooked street food.

10 Days China Tour to Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai

Conclusion

China has a wealth of treasures for tourists to explore. From the most popular sites like Beijing or Shanghai to the off-the-beaten-path natural and cultural wonders like Tiger Leaping Gorge and ancient capitals, there is something for everyone to enjoy during a China tour. Across the country, you will find breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and delicious local cuisines. Choose from our expertly planned China tour itineraries, or plan a customized travel plan to craft your dream trip to this ancient land. No matter where you go, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience.