Are you looking for the best places to travel in China?
From towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of Shanghai, to the terracotta warriors of Xi’an, there is an abundance of incredible cities to explore in this vast country.
In this article we’ll tour some of best places to visit in China – from cultural attractions such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City, to breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
So get ready for an incredible journey through the best of China’s cities! Let’s start with…
Shanghai
Known as “The Pearl of China”, Shanghai is the largest city in the country and a must-see for any traveler looking to explore the best of what China has to offer.
While it may be best known for its futuristic skyline, Shanghai also offers plenty of cultural attractions such as The Bund, Yuyuan Garden and Old City God Temple.
If you’re looking for nightlife and entertainment, be sure to check out Nanjing Road – one of the busiest shopping streets in Asia.
Shanghai is a great place to spend the day or night exploring. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or visiting some of the city’s best attractions, there’s something for everyone in Shanghai.
Popular activities include taking a stroll along the Bund to admire the iconic skyline, catching a show at one of the many theatres, and exploring the historic Yuyuan Garden.
With its unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modernity, Shanghai is sure to captivate travelers of all types.
Xi’an
An ancient city with more than 3,000 years of history, Xi’an is home to some incredible historic sites that can’t be found anywhere else in China.
The best-known of these is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Qin Dynasty in 210 BC.
Other attractions include the city’s mosque and stunning Muslim quarter, as well as Big Wild Goose Pagoda – an impressive 7th century architectural wonder.
Xi’an is a great destination for those looking to explore more of China’s cultural past. Popular activities include visiting the City Wall and exploring the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste delicious local snacks and find unique souvenirs.
Other fun things to do in Xi’an include taking a bike ride along the ancient city wall, or watching a traditional performance at the Tang Dynasty music and dance show.
For an even more immersive experience, visitors can explore the Shaanxi History Museum or stay in one of the city’s luxurious boutique hotels.
Chengdu
Located in the Sichuan province, Chengdu is best known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
As one of China’s top tourist destinations, it also has plenty of cultural attractions worth visiting – including Wuhou Temple, Du Fu Thatched Cottage (a museum dedicated to one of China’s best known poets) and People’s Park.
Of course, no visit to Chengdu is complete without trying some of the city’s best dishes – such as hot pots and spicy Sichuan noodles.
Guilin
The stunning landscapes of Guilin are a must-see for any traveler to China, with the city’s rolling hills, karst mountains and picturesque rivers making it one of the best places in all of China for outdoor exploration.
Popular attractions include Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, as well as nearby Yangshuo – an idyllic village where you can take part in activities such as rock climbing or bamboo rafting.
Beijing
No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the country’s capital, Beijing.
As one of the oldest cities in the world, there is an abundance of cultural attractions and historical sights here – from Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City to Temple of Heaven and Ming Tombs.
It’s also home to some incredible natural wonders such as Great Wall of China, Fragrant Hills Park, and Mutianyu Great Wall.
Hong Kong
A bustling metropolis located on the coast of southern China, Hong Kong offers a unique mix of cultures that sets it apart from anywhere else in the country.
From its famous skyline dotted with skyscrapers to its expansive harbour and vibrant nightlife, there’s something here to appeal to every type of traveler.
Be sure to visit the Tian Tan Buddha statue at Lantau Island, explore the city’s best shopping districts such as Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, and enjoy a meal in one of Hong Kong’s iconic street markets.
Zhangjiajie
Best known for its incredible landscape of quartz sandstone pillars, which have featured in movies like Avatar.
Zhangjiajie is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, with plenty of activities to explore the stunning scenery.
Popular attractions include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, both of which offer breathtaking views of the unique landscape.
Other popular activities include cable car rides, glass bridge walks and exploring sandstone canyon trails.
There’s also plenty of cultural activities, such as local markets and craft workshops, to experience while in
Huangshan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Anhui Province, featuring spectacular mountain terrain and picturesque sunsets.
Huangshan is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in China, with its stunning views and unique cultural activities. From hiking up Huangshan’s iconic peaks – all over 1,000 meters high – to visiting ancient villages perched on the sides of the mountain, there’s plenty to explore here.
Other popular activities include admiring the best of Huangshan’s natural beauty, such as hot springs and waterfalls, or taking part in traditional Chinese activities like tea tasting and tai chi.
You can also wander through the city’s ancient temples, visit one of its many traditional markets, or take a cable car ride for some of the best views in all of China.
Hangzhou
The former capital of China is home to West Lake, the best-known body of water in the country.
Yunnan: A popular destination for travelers due to its diverse landscape and cultural attractions, including Stone Forest and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Hangzhou is also home to a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the Lingyin Temple, one of the best-known Buddhist temples in China.
There are also plenty of scenic spots around West Lake to explore – like Solitary Hill and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon – as well as vibrant nightlife venues and traditional tea
Tibet
The best place in China for spiritual exploration and trekking through some of the world’s highest mountains.
Tibet is best known for its spiritual culture and stunning mountains – a must-see destination for travelers looking to explore the best of Chinese culture.
The best things to do in Tibet include trekking through the Himalayas, visiting ancient monasteries and palaces, exploring the vast Tibetan Plateau, and enjoying stunning views of Mount Everest.
For a truly unique experience, take part in a yak safari or go horseback riding. You can also explore local markets, try traditional Tibetan food, or tour the awe-inspiring Potala Palace.
No visit to Tibet would be complete without taking part in some of its best spiritual activities, from visiting temples and monasteries to joining a Buddhist retreat.
Thoughts and conclusion
With so many incredible places to visit in China, it can be hard to decide which cities to add to your itinerary.
These are just some of the best places to travel in China – so make sure you plan your trip carefully if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience.
And don’t forget to bring your camera – we guarantee you won’t want to miss out on capturing these incredible sights.
