The Top 22 places to Visit in China

China, the world’s most populous country, embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation that spans millennia. With its vast landscapes, ranging from bustling modern metropolises to serene rural villages, China holds a unique blend of tradition and progress. As an economic powerhouse, it has rapidly evolved into a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and trade. Its ancient heritage, evident in the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and myriad other historical treasures, juxtaposes with its cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, space exploration, and renewable energy. China’s intricate society reflects a mosaic of customs, languages, and culinary delights, fostering a deep sense of unity amid diversity. Embracing both its deep-rooted legacy and forward-looking ambitions, China continues to captivate the world’s attention, influencing global dynamics and shaping the course of the 21st century.

The Great Wall of China

Constructed from as early as the 7th Century BC the Great Wall of China runs for nearly 9000 km. koala79/shutterstock

The Great Wall of China, an iconic testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, stands as one of the most awe-inspiring architectural marvels in history. Spanning over 13,000 miles across various terrains, including mountains, deserts, and grasslands, this ancient fortification was constructed over centuries to protect China from invasions. While some sections of the wall have succumbed to the passage of time, several segments remain remarkably preserved and accessible for visitors to experience this monumental wonder. Among the best places to witness the grandeur of the Great Wall are Badaling, the most visited section known for its accessibility and impressive restoration; Mutianyu, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and cable car rides offering panoramic views; and Jinshanling, admired for its stunning landscapes and a less crowded atmosphere, providing a more authentic and adventurous trek along the wall. Each of these sections offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to marvel at the sheer scale and historical significance of this extraordinary human achievement.

Shanghai

The futuristic finance center of Pudong with the rocket shaped Oriental Pearl Tower. chuyu/shutterstock

Shanghai, a dazzling cosmopolitan metropolis on China’s eastern coast, stands as a testament to the country’s rapid modernization and economic prowess. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Shanghai began as a fishing and textiles town, evolving into a vital trading port by the 19th century, attracting international attention due to its strategic location and economic significance. The city underwent significant transformation following the Opium Wars, becoming a thriving hub for international trade, finance, and culture. The 20th century saw Shanghai as a center for innovation, entertainment, and technological advancement until political changes shifted its trajectory. After economic reforms in the late 20th century, Shanghai experienced an unprecedented boom, emerging as a global financial powerhouse and a symbol of China’s economic resurgence. Today, Shanghai’s skyline boasts futuristic skyscrapers alongside remnants of its colonial past, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that captivates millions of visitors drawn to its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and dynamic energy.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

Tiger Leaping Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder in southwestern China, is a majestic canyon carved by the roaring waters of the Jinsha River, a tributary of the mighty Yangtze. Renowned for its sheer cliffs towering over 3,900 meters high and its narrowest point, where legend has it that a tiger leaped across the gorge to escape a hunter, this awe-inspiring landscape attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike to witness its dramatic beauty.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, stands as an embodiment of the nation’s rich history, cultural heritage, and contemporary dynamism. With a legacy spanning over three millennia, Beijing serves as a captivating intersection between tradition and modernity. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the imposing Forbidden City, the majestic Temple of Heaven, and the historic Tiananmen Square, resonate with centuries of imperial grandeur and political significance. Alongside these historical treasures, Beijing boasts a skyline adorned with futuristic architecture, vibrant markets, bustling streets, and a burgeoning art scene. As the political and cultural heart of China, Beijing invites visitors to immerse themselves in its ancient alleys, sample its diverse culinary offerings, and experience a city that seamlessly weaves together a storied past with the pulse of a thriving contemporary metropolis.

Chengdu Panda Center, Sichuan

Panda at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It is believed that fewer than 2000 Giant Pandas remain in the wild. apiguide/shutterstock

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a renowned conservation and research center dedicated to the preservation of giant pandas. Visitors can witness these adorable creatures in a natural habitat, learn about their behavior, and contribute to their conservation efforts.

Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan

The Leshan Buddha, carved from the 7th century AD. It is the largest Buddha statue in the world.

The Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an awe-inspiring 71-meter-tall stone sculpture carved into a cliff face near Leshan City in Sichuan Province. Visitors can marvel at this colossal masterpiece, constructed between the 8th and 9th centuries, which exudes a serene presence overlooking the confluence of three rivers. To visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, travelers can reach the site via bus or boat from Leshan City.

Mount Emei Shan, Sichuan

The golden summit at Emei Shan, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. It is regarded as an important place of enlightenment. teo-boon-keng-alvin/shutterstock

Mount Emei Shan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan Province, is revered as one of the country’s sacred Buddhist mountains, adorned with lush forests, diverse wildlife, and ancient temples. Visitors can ascend the mountain via cable car or hike along its trails to explore its religious sites, including monasteries and the Golden Summit, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

The time it takes to walk Mount Emei Shan varies depending on the chosen trail and starting point. The ascent to the Golden Summit, for instance, typically takes around 5 to 7 hours on foot, while exploring different sections and attractions across the mountain may require several days for a comprehensive visit. Travelers can access Mount Emei Shan from the nearby city of Chengdu.

Shangri-la, Yunnan

Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri La county. Originally named Zhongdian, the name of the county was changed in 2001 to promote tourism to the region. muellek-josef/shutterstock

Shangri-La, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Yunnan Province, captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty, high-altitude terrain, and rich Tibetan cultural heritage. Renowned for its stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains, serene monasteries like Songzanlin, and the tranquil waters of Napahai Lake, Shangri-La offers a serene escape into a mystical world brimming with natural wonders and cultural authenticity.

Lijiang, Yunnan

Black dragon pool park in Lijiang, a city which was once an important stop along the ancient silk road. meiqianbao/shutterstock

Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yunnan Province, enchants travelers with its ancient cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and breathtaking mountainous scenery. Renowned for its well-preserved Old Town, characterized by intricate waterways, historic wooden buildings, and the captivating Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop, Lijiang offers a glimpse into China’s cultural past amidst a stunning natural setting.

Kunming Stone Forest, Yunnan

Limestone pinnacles in the stone forest. calvin-chan/shutterstock

The Stone Forest in Kunming, Yunnan Province, is an extraordinary geological wonder characterized by towering limestone formations resembling a forest of stone pillars. Visitors can explore this unique landscape featuring intricately shaped rock formations, pathways, and scenic viewpoints by taking a bus or taxi from Kunming city center to the Stone Forest scenic area, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Dali, Yunnan

Chongsheng monastery in Dali, the ancient capital of the Bai Nanzhao kingdom and the Kingdom of Dali. silver-john/shutterstock

Dali, situated in Yunnan Province, boasts a blend of ancient history, Bai ethnic culture, and stunning landscapes that include the serene Erhai Lake and the imposing Cangshan Mountain. This charming city, with its preserved Old Town characterized by traditional Bai architecture, offers visitors a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking both cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Ancient City of Jiaohe, Xinjiang

Ruins of the city of Jiaohe, an important city along the Silk Road. Constructed on a 1.6 km river island it was destroyed by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. louis-w/shutterstock

The ancient city of Jiaohe, located in Xinjiang, stands as a remarkable archaeological site showcasing the ruins of an ancient Silk Road settlement dating back over 2,000 years. Perched atop a plateau between two rivers, the city’s well-preserved adobe structures, streets, and Buddhist temples offer a glimpse into its historical significance as a bustling hub for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Yangshou, Guangxi

Yangshuo, located in the Guangxi region of China, is a picturesque town celebrated for its stunning karst landscape, winding rivers, and vibrant local culture. Travelers can access Yangshuo from the city of Guilin, 2 hours away.

Mogao Caves, Gansu

The Mogao caves, a complex of 492 temples near the city of Dunhuang. They were constructed over a period of 1000 years and hold some of the finest Buddhist art in the world. dfrauchiger/shutterstock

The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, near Dunhuang in Gansu Province, house a mesmerizing collection of ancient Buddhist art spanning over a millennium. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 700 caves adorned with exquisite murals, sculptures, and manuscripts, preserving a wealth of Buddhist artistry and history, making it a significant cultural treasure and pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts and historians worldwide.

Crescent Lake, Gansu

Crescent Lake, a small oasis located 6 km from the city of Dunhuang. yangchao/shutterstock

The Crescent Lake, situated near Dunhuang in Gansu Province, is a mesmerizing desert oasis known for its crescent-shaped body of water amid towering sand dunes. Visitors can access the Crescent Lake by traveling approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Dunhuang city, either by taxi, rental car, or joining guided tours that often include other attractions in the Dunhuang area.

Xi’an, Shaanxi

Xi’an, an ancient city in China’s Shaanxi Province, encapsulates over 3,000 years of history and is famed for being the starting point of the Silk Road. Its significance as the former capital of numerous dynasties is evident in the city’s blend of cultural relics, bustling markets, and vibrant neighborhoods. However, the most iconic attraction undoubtedly lies in the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site discovered in 1974. This extraordinary archaeological marvel, located near Xi’an, features thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots intricately crafted to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou Valley, located in the mountainous regions of Sichuan Province, is a breathtakingly beautiful nature reserve renowned for its crystalline lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and vibrant alpine scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its stunning landscape of colorful pools, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks, offering a serene escape into a natural wonderland cherished for its pristine beauty and ecological significance.

Huanglong, Sichuan

Huanglong, located in Sichuan Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its otherworldly terraced limestone pools, vividly colored by mineral deposits. This scenic area, often referred to as “Yellow Dragon” for its resemblance to a golden dragon winding through the landscape, presents visitors with an enchanting array of vibrant pools, cascading waterfalls, and unique geological formations amidst a backdrop of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.

Zhangjiajie National Park, Hunan

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province, is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring the landscapes of the movie “Avatar.” To get to Zhangjiajie, travelers can fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport or take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. From there, buses or taxis are available to reach the park’s entrance, where visitors can explore the awe-inspiring vistas, take cable cars, and hike through its picturesque trails.

The Hanging Monastery, Shanxi

The Hanging Monastery. Orginally built over 1500 years ago the monastery hangs from a cliff 50 meters above the ground. woraitp/shutterstock

The Hanging Monastery, situated in Shanxi Province, is a remarkable architectural marvel precariously built into the cliffs of Mount Heng. This ancient monastery, dating back over 1,500 years, appears to defy gravity as it stands suspended over 50 meters above the ground, showcasing a unique blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements in its design and religious artifacts.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a specially administered area in China. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. luciano-mortula/shutterstock

Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis situated on China’s southern coast, embodies a captivating fusion of Eastern and Western influences, boasting a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Renowned for its iconic skyline adorned with towering skyscrapers, the city is a global financial hub and cultural melting pot. Its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and a diverse culinary scene reflect the city’s dynamic energy and cosmopolitan flair. From the historic Victoria Harbour to the lively neighborhoods of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong offers a wealth of experiences, including world-class shopping, vibrant nightlife, serene hiking trails, and a rich cultural heritage seen in its temples, festivals, and traditions. Despite its small size, Hong Kong’s magnetic charm, efficient public transportation, and stunning scenery, including picturesque islands and lush green hills, make it a captivating destination for visitors from around the globe.

Huangshan Mountains, Anhui

Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains, located in Anhui Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and mystical seas of clouds. Travelers can reach the mountain area from Huangshan City, taking buses or cable cars to the mountain’s base.