Planning your first-trip to China and no sure where to go? Look no further. Take in the timeless glory of the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army, venture into the Avatar Mountains, meet giant pandas up close, cruise picturesque Li River — experience them all with the 10 best places to visit in China.
Beijing – The Depth of a Millennium-Old Capital and Modern Vitality
Who shouldn’t miss it: History and culture enthusiasts, family travelers, first-time visitors to China
China’s capital and political-cultural hub, Beijing boasts unparalleled historical and cultural heritage. Whether it is your China family tours or honeymoon tour, experience the majesty of ancient royalty at the Forbidden City. Ascend the Great Wall—the world’s longest and most monumental wall—perched atop mountain peaks. Discover ancient imperial sacrificial rituals at the Temple of Heaven. Simultaneously, immerse yourself in Beijing’s modern energy at destinations like the 798 Art District and the 2008 Olympic Park.
Shanghai – Modern Metropolis with Proud Traditions
Who shouldn’t miss it: Modern city dwellers, families, shopping enthusiasts
One of the most international modern cities in China. In Shanghai Tours, you can admire the collection of international buildings along the Bund, climb the skyscrapers in Lujiazui (such as Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower), appreciate the charm of the traditional Chinese garden art at Yu Garden, and also explore the small alleys of the old town of Shanghai. Shanghai Disneyland is also a popular choice for families.
Xi’an – The Starting Point of the Ancient Silk Road
Who shouldn’t miss it: History enthusiasts, foodies
Discovering world-class archaeological finds – the Terracotta Army – to learn about the historical stories of China’s first emperor. You can also ride on the ancient city walls, stand in awe before the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and taste authentic Northwest cuisine in the Hui Street, such as meat sandwiches (Chinese hamburgers), mutton buns, cold noodles, and so on.
Zhangjiajie – The Mysterious Realm of the Floating Mountains in “Avatar”
Who shouldn’t miss it: Adventurers, hikers, and photography enthusiasts
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Geopark, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is renowned worldwide for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landscape. The inspiration for “Hallelujah Mountain” in the Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar” comes from the South Heavenly Pillar peak in Yuanjiajie. The Baofeng Lake cruise, the Heaven’s Door and skywalk of Tianmen Mountain, and the world’s longest and highest Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon are also worth experiencing on your Zhangjiajie tour.
Chengdu – The City of Food and Pandas, a Place of Leisure
Who shouldn’t miss it: Giant panda enthusiasts, food lovers, and leisure tourists
Chengdu is renowned for its slow-paced life and as the hometown of giant pandas. The best way to visit the adorable giant pandas, red pandas and other animals is to go to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base. Must-try dishes of Chengdu’s cuisine, include Sichuan hot pot, bo bo chicken, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, etc.. You can also learn about Chinese culture and history at Wuhou Shrine, Wenshuo Fang, and Kuangni Alley.
Guilin/Yangshuo – The Ink-like Landscape of Karst Scenery
Who shouldn’t miss it: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, couples
There is one thing you should know when looking for the best places to visit in China – “Guilin’s landscape is the best in the world, and Yangshuo can be regarded as the best of Guilin”. Take a cruise on the Li River or go rafting in the Yulong River to enjoy the essence of Guilin’s karst landform. Ride and hike in the rural scenery of Yangshuo together. Join the locals and international tourists to experience the lively atmosphere of West Street. Of course, don’t miss the delicious beer fish.
Huangshan – One of the Most Beautiful and Famous Mountains in China
Who shouldn’t miss it: nature lovers, photographers, hikers
There is a saying in China: “After visiting the Five Great Mountains, one should not miss Huangshan. After visiting Huangshan, one should not miss the Five Great Mountains.” Huangshan is renowned for its “Four Wonders” – strange pines, peculiar rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. Listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site, Huangshan was included in The New York Times’ “52 Places You Must Visit” in 2025. At the foot of Huangshan, Hongcun and Xidi ancient villages have a history of over a thousand years and still preserve intact and beautiful Huizhou-style houses.
Tibet – The Untouched Roof of the World
Who shouldn’t miss it: Cultural pilgrims, adventure travelers, photographers
Visit the Potala Palace where the Dalai Lama lives. Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture at Jokhang Temple. Witness monks debating at Sera Monastery. Discover traditional Tibetan cuisine along Barkhor Street. Stand in quiet reverence before sacred high-altitude lakes like Namtso and Yamdrok. After acclimatizing to Lhasa’s altitude, journey to Shigatse and Everest Base Camp with awe and respect.
Lijiang – A Millennium-Old Town Beneath Snow-Capped Peaks
Who shouldn’t miss it: Couples, Cultural Explorers, Photography Enthusiasts
In Yunnan, Southwest China, Lijiang Ancient Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), together with Shuhe Old Town and Baisha Village, draws visitors worldwide with its ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, authentic Naxi culture, and spellbinding landscapes.
Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, offering one of the best trails in China. Take the cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s, traversing alpine meadows and emerald-hued highland lakes.
Venture beyond Lijiang to Shangri-La and Lugu Lake for even more breathtaking, untouched landscapes.
Harbin – Home to the Harbin Ice Festival and China Snow Village
Who shouldn’t miss it: Families with kids, winter sports enthusiasts, Southeast Asian travelers
In Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, Harbin is renowned for its unique ice and snow scenery and European-style architecture. It the best place to visit in China during winter. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival ranks among the world’s top four winter festivals.
Ice and Snow World and Zhaolin Park offer the finest ice art experiences showcased in the ice lanterns and snow sculpture, while St. Sophia Cathedral and Central Street exude exotic charm. Yabuli ski resort is best of its kind China. Furthermore, A visit to China Snow Village reveals a fairy-tale wonderland.
