Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in China

China is a vast and endlessly fascinating country, offering a blend of ancient history, modern innovation, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best places to visit and top things to do, helping you craft a memorable journey across the Middle Kingdom.

Iconic Cities and Must-See Highlights

Beijing: The Heart of Imperial China

No trip to China is complete without visiting its capital. Beijing is a city where ancient dynasties meet a fast-paced, modern metropolis.

• The Great Wall: The most iconic symbol of China. The most popular restored sections are Badaling and Mutianyu, with Mutianyu being less crowded and offering stunning scenery. For a more adventurous hike, consider the wild sections like Jiankou.
• The Forbidden City: The world’s largest palace complex, home to 24 emperors. Plan at least half a day to explore its vast halls, gardens, and museums.
• Temple of Heaven: A masterpiece of architecture and landscape design where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. The surrounding park is a great place to see locals practicing tai chi and playing cards.
• Hutong Alleyways: Explore the narrow, historic lanes of old Beijing on a rickshaw ride or a walking tour. This is the best way to see traditional courtyard homes and local life.

Xi’an: Where History Comes Alive

Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is famous for its historical treasures, especially the Terracotta Warriors.

• Terracotta Warriors: Discover the life-sized army of 8,000 soldiers, horses, and chariots built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true wonder of the world.
• Ancient City Wall: Rent a bicycle and ride along the best-preserved city wall in China. It offers a unique perspective of the old city.
• Muslim Quarter: A vibrant neighborhood filled with food stalls, mosques, and bazaars. Sample the famous Xi’an street food, like yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread) and biangbiang noodles.

Shanghai: The Futuristic Metropolis

Shanghai is China’s global financial hub, known for its dazzling skyline, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene.

• The Bund: Stroll along the historic waterfront promenade for incredible views of the colonial-era buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline (including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower) on the other.
• Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden with rockeries, pavilions, and ponds. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
• French Concession: Wander through tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and chic boutiques. This area is perfect for café hopping and exploring Shanghai’s more relaxed side.
• Huangpu River Cruise: A nighttime cruise is a magical way to see the city’s lights and the harmony of old and new.

Chengdu: Home of the Giant Pandas

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a laid-back city famous for its spicy cuisine and, most importantly, its pandas.

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: The best place in the world to see pandas up close. You can watch them playing, eating bamboo, and sleeping. Visit in the morning when they are most active.
• Jinli Ancient Street: A beautifully restored pedestrian street with traditional architecture, shops selling local crafts, and street food.
• Sichuan Opera: Don't miss the face-changing performance (bian lian), a unique and dramatic art form.
• Sichuan Hotpot: Experience the fiery, numbing sensation of authentic Sichuan hotpot. Be prepared for a lot of chili and Sichuan peppercorns.

Natural Wonders and Scenic Landscapes

Guilin and Yangshuo: Karst Mountain Paradise

The Li River region is one of China’s most breathtaking landscapes, characterized by limestone karst peaks, rice paddies, and winding rivers.

• Li River Cruise: The most popular way to see the scenery is by taking a boat from Guilin to Yangshuo. The views are straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.
• Yangshuo Countryside: Rent a bicycle or an e-bike and explore the stunning countryside. Pass through villages, rice fields, and along the Yulong River.
• Xianggong Mountain: Hike up for a panoramic view of the Li River and the karst peaks, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• Elephant Trunk Hill: A classic symbol of Guilin, this rock formation looks like an elephant drinking from the river.

Zhangjiajie: The Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The towering, pillar-like quartzite formations are unlike anything else in the world.

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The main attraction. Ride the Bailong Elevator (a glass elevator built into a cliff) for stunning views and hike the trails among the pillars.
• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: Home to the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain,” the most famous pillar formation in the park.
• Tianmen Mountain: A huge natural arch cut into the top of a mountain. Reach it by the world’s longest cable car ride and walk the glass skywalk.
• Glass Bridge: The world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, offering a thrilling walk with a vertiginous view of the canyon below.

Yunnan: A Land of Diversity

Yunnan province is one of China’s most diverse regions, with a mild climate, stunning landscapes, and a huge variety of ethnic minority cultures.

• Lijiang Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets, canals, and ancient Naxi architecture. It is charming but very touristy. Visit early or late in the day for a quieter experience.
• Shangri-La (Zhongdian): A high-altitude town that mirrors the mythical Shangri-La. Explore the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Little Potala Palace) and the pristine scenic area of Pudacuo National Park.
• Dali: A laid-back city on the shores of Erhai Lake, surrounded by the Cangshan Mountains. It is a favorite for cyclists and those seeking a slower pace.
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces: A breathtaking landscape of century-old rice terraces carved into the hillsides by the Hani people. The best views are at sunrise and sunset.

The Yangtze River: The Longest River in Asia

A Yangtze River cruise, particularly through the Three Gorges region, is a classic Chinese travel experience.

• Three Gorges: The scenic highlight, featuring towering cliffs, narrow gorges, and ancient temples. The cruise often passes through the massive Three Gorges Dam.
• Fengdu Ghost City: A famous complex of temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife and the underworld.
• Shennong Stream: A side trip by small boat through a beautiful, deeper gorge, offering a more intimate view of the river.

Practical Travel Advice for International Travelers

Getting Around

• High-Speed Trains: The backbone of modern Chinese travel. They are fast, punctual, clean, and connect most major cities. Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes.
• Domestic Flights: China’s domestic airline network is extensive. While the China Southwest Airlines fleet is a historic carrier now merged into Air China, today’s major carriers include Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines. For long distances (e.g., Beijing to Chengdu), a flight is often the best option.
• Subways: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have modern, cheap, and efficient subway systems with English signage.

When to Visit

• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): The best times for most of China. Weather is mild, and skies are relatively clear.
• Summer (June-August): Hot and humid in most cities. It is also the rainy season in the south. However, it is a good time to visit high-altitude areas like Yunnan or Tibet.
• Winter (November-March): Cold, especially in the north (Beijing can be freezing). However, it is the low season for tourism, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. Good for seeing the Great Wall without the hoards.

Visas and Essentials

• Visa: Most international travelers need a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China. Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy or visa application center well in advance.
• Internet: The Great Firewall of China blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. You will need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) installed on your phone and laptop before you arrive.
• Payments: Cash is accepted, but digital payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are now the standard. Many international travelers can now link their credit cards to these apps. Always carry some cash for small vendors and taxis.
• Language: English is not widely spoken outside of major tourist areas. A translation app on your phone is invaluable.

FAQs for Travelers to China

Q: Do I need to speak Chinese to travel in China? A: While not essential, it is very helpful. Major tourist attractions and hotels in big cities will have some English signage. For everything else, a translation app (like Google Translate, if you have a VPN, or Baidu Translate) is your best friend.

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in China? A: No. Always drink bottled or boiled water. All hotels provide bottled water.

Q: Can I use my credit card everywhere? A: No. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, high-end restaurants, and some larger stores. For everything else—street food, taxis, local shops—you need cash or a mobile payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Q: What about the air quality? A: Air quality varies dramatically by city and season. Northern cities like Beijing can have poor air in winter. Check air quality indices before you go and bring an N95 mask if you are sensitive.

Q: How can I book tours or trips? A: Many international travelers use online travel agencies and tour operators that cater specifically to English-speaking clients. Companies like China Dragon Tours offer a wide range of packages, from 1-day city trips to multi-week itineraries covering 100+ destinations, with topics like pandas, the Silk Road, and ethnic minority cultures. You can also book private, customized tours directly through their website.

Conclusion

China is a country of immense scale and incredible diversity. From the ancient walls of Beijing and the warriors of Xi'an to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai and the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie and Guilin, there is something to captivate every traveler. Planning ahead, embracing the local culture, and using reliable transportation and tour services will ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey. Whether you have a week or a month, the Middle Kingdom is waiting to be explored.