Top 10 Best Places to Visit in China
Whether floating down the Li River in Guilin, gazing in awe at the Terracotta Army in Xi’an or wandering around Shanghai’s historic The Bund, China’s cool spots offer a variety of experiences to suit everyone.
For urban lovers, Shanghai’s The Bund offers an enchanting blend of historical architecture and a futuristic skyline. Meanwhile, nature lovers will be entranced by Jiuzhaigou Valley’s crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls.
1. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of the most famous China attractions and it’s a must-see on any trip to Beijing. This massive palace complex was the former residence of 24 Ming and Qing emperors and is filled with magnificent architecture, precious artifacts and centuries-old traditions.
It can take several hours to explore this enchanting site so be sure to allow enough time for your visit. Enter the compound through Tiananmen Square and make your way through awe-inspiring gates to discover temples, gardens and palaces.
Chengdu is a bustling metropolis that’s home to thousands of pandas and an acclaimed culinary scene. Here you can sample the region’s delicious food and relax in a teahouse or bar as you watch local Sichuan opera performances. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of Heaven is also worth visiting. This stunning complex features swaying palm trees and a 108m Kuan Yin statue representing peace, wisdom and mercy.
2. The Terracotta Army
When farmers were digging a well on the outskirts of Xi’an in 1974 they stumbled across what would prove to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times. The Terracotta Army is an incredible subterranean military of thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors, horses and chariots built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Each of the 8,000 warriors is unique and has been so painstakingly sculpted that hairlines can be detected. Archaeologists believe that the emperor wanted to ensure his power continued in the afterlife.
It takes 3-4 hours to visit the site and a day trip often combines a visit to the museum with a tour of the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. You can reach the museum via bus 914 or 915 from Xi’an train station. This is also a good option for those who want to avoid the traffic in Xi’an city centre.
3. Jiuzhaigou Valley
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extravaganza of natural beauty. Colorful lakes highlight with spectacular blues and greens surrounded by verdant forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Five Flower Lake is a particular highlight, with its crisscrossing design of fallen trees that make for an awe-inspiring reflection in the water.
Jiuzhaigou’s altitude varies between 3,000 and 3,600 meters, so visitors should expect possible altitude sickness. To avoid this, many choose to visit in the summer when the weather is hotter and drier.
Zhangjiajie’s surreal landscape has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful places in China. Whether you opt to hike to your heart’s content or take a hair-raising walk along a glass bridge, this otherworldly destination will leave you spellbound. Fall is also a great time to visit as the leaves turn orange, red, and yellow creating a spectacular sea of colors.
4. The Karst Mountains of Guilin
The ethereal limestone peaks of Guilin’s landscape seem to have leapt straight out of a Chinese ink painting. A cruise on the Li River is a perfect way to appreciate their beauty, with mountainous silhouettes reflected in the emerald water.
You’ll also see this scenery in the unique performance “Impressions Liu Sanjie” – an impressive outdoor theatre where twelve mountains and the Li River form the stage. The show is the largest of its kind and features up to 1,000 singers and dancers.
Other jaw-dropping attractions in China include the Potala Palace in Lhasa, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, whose rock formations inspired the scenery for the sci fi movie Avatar. But don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path: some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders can only be reached by hiking trails.
5. The Yangtze River
Few cities in China rival the poetic beauty of Suzhou. Known as the “Venice of the East,” the city is a watery wonderland with slow-flowing canals crisscrossing ancient Chinese temples, gardens and palaces. Take a boat ride around the glistening lake in the heart of the old town and gawk at the pavilions, gardens and temples that rise like lilypads out of the water.
Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly scenery is a visual symphony of towering quartzite sandstone pillars that were the inspiration for James Cameron’s Floating Mountains of Pandora in his sci-fi epic, Avatar. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on an organized tour or hike to your heart’s content. Visit Longxuishia gap, three natural bridges and Furong Cave on day one before spending the night at fairy mountain. The following day, hop on the high-speed train back to Chongqing.
6. Chengdu Panda Base
The giant panda is regarded as China’s national treasure and are treated like emperors at the Chengdu Panda Base. They live in large natural enclosures that replicate their habitat in the wild and visitors can view them at play, eat and rest.
It’s a catch 22 really; the Chinese want to see more people visit their precious animals but they also don’t want to invade any more into their natural habitat. The Chengdu research base of panda breeding has a compromise; it offers visitors the chance to watch the pandas but also participate in unique experiential volunteer programs.
Hangzhou may not be as glitzy as Shanghai or as buzzing as Beijing but it is the gateway to the most scenic areas of China. Wander the old shikumen houses and characteristic street art in Fenghuang village or stroll the banks of the river to admire ancient bridges that make the perfect semi-circle.
7. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic symbols of the country. Stretching across several provinces and municipalities, the best-preserved sections are near Beijing. Whether you’re strolling along the walls, capturing far-reaching panoramas on your camera, or simply admiring its massive scale, you’ll be in awe of this engineering marvel.
It’s a great place to visit in summer, when the emerald-green scenery offers a respite from the heat. During autumn, the landscape bursts into a riot of color. A visit to the Great Wall will help you better understand Chinese history. Its towering watchtowers and fortresses speak of past dynasties. And the time-worn bricks make for a walk that feels like a true connection to the country’s long and complicated past. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the essence of China.
8. The Forbidden City of Xi’an
No visit to China is complete without a stop in Beijing. This imperial city is home to some of the country’s grandest attractions that showcase its ancient dynasty lordliness, including the Forbidden City.
The palace complex is huge and sprawling, so a full tour of the palace will take most people several days. However, you can pick and choose different parts of the complex that you want to explore. For instance, you might prefer to spend time in the Literary Glory Hall where you can view calligraphy and paintings like Emperor Taizong Receiving a Tibetan Envoy from the Song Dynasty or Zhao Mengfu transcribing an eulogy into regular script.
Another highlight is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a glimmering walkway suspended between mountain cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a visual symphony of towering rock pillars and verdant vegetation that truly represents China’s epic natural beauty.
9. The Terracotta Army of Xi’an
The Terracotta Army is one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Millions visit each year to marvel at the life-sized terra-cotta warriors, horses and chariots commissioned by the emperor to protect him in the afterlife. No two figures are the same and the craftsmanship is unsurpassed.
Xi’an is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, with the back streets home to local Hui people (Muslims from northwestern China). Explore the Grand Mosque and sample lamian, a hand-pulled noodle dish served in beef-broth stew.
A visual symphony of towering sandstone pillars wreathed in mist, Zhangjiajie is one of China’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired the Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s sci-fi epic and is an unforgettable experience that embodies China’s majestic beauty. A trip to China isn’t complete without a trek through this otherworldly landscape.
10. The Jiuzhaigou Valley
The Middle Kingdom may be home to some of the world’s most impressive architectural marvels, but it also has plenty of jaw-dropping natural wonders to offer. From the mystical rock pillars of Zhangjiajie to the dazzling sapphire lakes of Tibet, China is a nature lover’s paradise.
One of the best places to visit in China for its stunning scenery is Jiuzhaigou Valley. The area is famous for its lakes and waterfalls, which are surrounded by ancient trees and flowers. It is especially beautiful in autumn, when the mountains and cliffs take on a vivid palette of colors. Water is the soul of Jiuzhaigou Valley, with narrow conic karst landforms forming incredible landscapes dotted with crystal clear lakes and waterfalls. The region is also home to a large number of bird species.
