China is a country of staggering scale and diversity — ancient wonders, futuristic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and a culinary tradition that spans 5,000 years. Here are the 10 best places to visit, with practical tips for planning your trip.
1. Beijing — The Imperial Capital
Beijing is where every China journey should begin. The Forbidden City (world's largest palace complex, 980 buildings), the Great Wall (Mutianyu section is the most scenic and least crowded), the Temple of Heaven, and the hutongs (ancient alleyways). Best time: Spring (Apr-May) and Autumn (Sep-Oct). Minimum time: 3-4 days. See Beijing tours →
2. Xi'an — Home of the Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an — China's ancient capital for 13 dynasties — is home to the Terracotta Warriors, 8,000 life-sized soldiers guarding Emperor Qin's tomb. Also: the Ancient City Wall (14km, rent a bike), the Muslim Quarter for street food, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov. Minimum time: 2-3 days. See Xi'an tours →
3. Shanghai — The Pearl of the Orient
Shanghai — China's most cosmopolitan city — is a dazzling blend of colonial-era Bund architecture and Pudong's hyper-modern skyline. Top experiences: The Bund at sunset, Yu Garden, the French Concession lanes, and Shanghai Tower's 118th-floor observation deck. Best time: Mar-May, Oct-Nov. Minimum time: 2-3 days. See Shanghai tours →
4. Guilin & Yangshuo — China's Most Beautiful Landscape
The Li River karst landscape — immortalized on the 20-yuan note — is China's most photographed scenery. Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, bike through rice paddies, hike Moon Hill, and watch the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. Best time: Apr-Oct. Minimum time: 2-3 days. See Guilin tours →
5. Chengdu — Panda Paradise
Chengdu — the capital of Sichuan — is famous for the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (see pandas up close!), Sichuan hotpot (way spicier than you think), the Leshan Giant Buddha (71m tall, carved into a cliff), and the teahouse culture. Best time: Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov. Minimum time: 2-3 days. See Chengdu tours →
6-10: Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Tibet, Yunnan, Silk Road
6. Zhangjiajie: The real-life Avatar mountains — quartzite sandstone pillars, glass bridges, and the world's highest outdoor elevator. 7. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): The most revered mountain in Chinese art — famous for its granite peaks, ancient pines, and sea of clouds. 8. Tibet: The Roof of the World — the Potala Palace, Mount Everest Base Camp, and a deeply spiritual Buddhist culture. 9. Yunnan: China's most diverse province — snow mountains, tropical rainforests, tea plantations, and 25 ethnic minorities. 10. The Silk Road: Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye, and the ancient cities of Turpan and Kashgar. Browse all China tours →
