The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in China

The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in China: A Traveler’s Guide

China is a vast and diverse country, offering everything from ancient history and cutting-edge cities to breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural traditions. For international travelers, planning a trip can be overwhelming simply because there is so much to see. This guide highlights the best places to visit and the top things to do, based on practical travel advice for English-speaking visitors.

Beijing: The Imperial Heart

Beijing is the must-start destination for most first-time visitors. Here, you can walk through the Forbidden City, the world’s largest ancient palace complex, and climb the Great Wall at restored sections like Mutianyu or Badaling. Beyond the major sights, explore the vast Temple of Heaven, where locals still practice tai chi in the morning. A rickshaw ride through the historic hutongs (narrow alleyways) gives you a glimpse of traditional Beijing life.

Top Things to Do:

• Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
• Walk or take a cable car on the Great Wall.
• Explore the Summer Palace’s lakes and gardens.
• Savor Peking duck at a local restaurant.

Shanghai: The Modern Metropolis

Shanghai is China’s most futuristic city, famous for its neon-lit skyline along the Bund and the soaring skyscrapers of Pudong. The city blends old and new beautifully: stroll through the French Concession for tree-lined streets and Art Deco architecture, then dive into the Yu Garden’s classical Ming dynasty design.

Top Things to Do:

• Take the elevator to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower.
• Walk the Bund at sunset for iconic skyline photos.
• Shop and people-watch on Nanjing Road.
• Explore the water towns near Shanghai, like Zhujiajiao.

Xi’an: The Ancient Capital

Xi’an is home to one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries—the Terracotta Warriors. This life-sized army of thousands guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The city itself is also famous for its well-preserved ancient city wall, which you can cycle along. Don’t miss the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant food street where you can sample local snacks like lamb skewers and pita bread soaked in mutton soup.

Top Things to Do:

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors museum (about an hour outside the city).
• Rent a bike and ride the entire 14-kilometer city wall.
• Explore the Great Mosque and the bustling Muslim Quarter food market.

Guilin and Yangshuo: Karst Landscapes

The region around Guilin and Yangshuo is celebrated for its dramatic limestone karst peaks rising from the Li River. A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of China’s most scenic journeys. In Yangshuo, you can cycle through rice paddies, go rock climbing on karst cliffs, or take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River.

Top Things to Do:

• Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo.
• Cycle through Yangshuo’s countryside.
• Watch the Impression Liu Sanjie light show set against karst mountains.
• Hike or take a cable car up Yao Mountain for panoramic views.

Tibet: The Roof of the World

Tibet (Xizang) offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience at high altitude. The capital, Lhasa, is dominated by the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. A key highlight is Barkhor Street (八廓街, known in English as Barkhor Street or Barkhor Market), the ancient, circular pilgrimage path around the Jokhang Temple. Here, you can walk alongside pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, browse shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, thangka paintings, and incense, and feel the pulse of Lhasa’s old town. This area is also a wonderful place for photography and cultural observation.

Top Things to Do:

• Tour the Potala Palace and its many chapels.
• Walk the Barkhor Kora (Barkhor Street) circuit around Jokhang Temple.
• Visit the Sera Monastery to watch monks debating.
• Acclimatize slowly to the high altitude (over 3,600 meters / 12,000 feet).

Chengdu: Panda Capital

Chengdu, in Sichuan province, is the best place in China to see giant pandas up close. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding houses dozens of pandas in a naturalistic setting. Beyond pandas, Chengdu is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its fiery Sichuan cuisine. Try hotpot, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles. You can also visit the Jinli Ancient Street for local snacks and souvenirs.

Top Things to Do:

• Watch pandas eat, play, and sleep at the Panda Base (go early in the morning).
• Take a Sichuan cooking class.
• Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha, a massive 71-meter stone statue carved into a cliff.

Yunnan: A Cultural and Natural Mosaic

Yunnan province is a favorite for its ethnic diversity, mild climate, and stunning scenery. Kunming is the gateway, but the real draws are Lijiang (a UNESCO World Heritage old town with canals and Naxi culture) and Shangri-La (Tibetan-influenced town surrounded by snowy mountains). Dali offers a laid-back vibe with ancient city walls and views of Erhai Lake.

Top Things to Do:

• Wander Lijiang’s ancient town and listen to Naxi music.
• Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges.
• Visit the Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La.
• Cycle around Erhai Lake in Dali.

Practical Travel Advice for International Travelers

• Visa: Most international visitors need a tourist visa (L visa). Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate well in advance.
• Language: English is not widely spoken outside major tourist spots. Download a translation app and have your hotel’s name written in Chinese characters.
• Money: China is a cashless society. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international credit card, or carry some Chinese yuan (RMB) for small vendors.
• Transport: High-speed trains connect most major cities (Beijing to Shanghai in about 4.5 hours). Domestic flights are efficient for longer distances. Download Didi (China’s Uber) for taxis.
• Internet: Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) are blocked. Install a reliable VPN on your phone and laptop before you travel.
• Altitude: If visiting Tibet, Lhasa, or Shangri-La, plan a gradual ascent and drink plenty of water. Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather across most of China. Summer is hot and rainy in the south, while winter can be very cold in the north and Tibet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to speak Chinese to travel in China? A: Not necessarily. In major cities and tourist areas, you can get by with English. However, learning a few basic phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “how much?” (duō shǎo qián) is very helpful.

Q: How many days do I need for a first trip to China? A: A minimum of 10–14 days is recommended for a classic loop visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Guilin. Add more days for Tibet, Yunnan, or Chengdu.

Q: Is it safe to walk around Barkhor Street in Lhasa? A: Yes, Barkhor Street is safe and very popular with tourists and pilgrims. It is a vibrant, busy area, but always keep an eye on your belongings, as with any crowded tourist destination.

Q: Can I use my credit card everywhere? A: No. Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are dominant. Cash is still accepted but less common. Major hotels and some high-end shops accept international credit cards, but many restaurants, taxis, and small shops do not.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to China? A: Comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle (tap water is not safe to drink, so buy bottled water), a power bank, a universal travel adapter (China uses Type A, I, and C plugs), and a light jacket or scarf for air-conditioned trains and museums.

Conclusion

China offers an unmatched travel experience, from the historic alleys of Beijing and the skyline of Shanghai to the spiritual atmosphere of Barkhor Street in Lhasa and the natural beauty of Guilin. With good planning and an open mind, you can explore ancient wonders, taste incredible food, and meet warm and welcoming people. Whether you prefer independent travel or joining a guided tour, the country’s diversity ensures you will find something unforgettable.