Having spent the last five years exploring China’s diverse landscapes and cities, I’m often asked where people should visit when planning their first trip. The question always makes me pause – how do you condense such a massive country with thousands of years of history into a simple answer? So I reached out to Li Wei, a local tour guide I met during my first visit to Beijing.
“China is like many countries wrapped into one,” Li explains. “In a single trip, you can walk along ancient walls, eat completely different cuisines in each region, and see landscapes that range from desert to tropical islands. The hard part isn’t finding places to visit – it’s choosing where to start.”
While you could spend a lifetime discovering all of China’s hidden corners, the good news is that even a shorter visit can give you a meaningful taste of what makes this country special. To help you plan your journey, here are 19 places that offer a perfect introduction to China’s rich tapestry of experiences.
The Great Wall of China, Beijing
Just 45 miles north of Beijing stands one of humanity’s most impressive feats of engineering – the Great Wall of China. While sections of this ancient fortification stretch across 13,000 miles of Chinese terrain, the most popular portion sits right here in Beijing’s backyard. Dating back over 2,500 years, the wall served as both a military defense system and a way to regulate trade along the Silk Road. These days, you’ll find locals and tourists alike hiking along the winding stone pathways, taking in views that stretch for miles across the rugged mountains. The Mutianyu section tends to be less crowded than others, making it perfect for those iconic photos without the tourist crowds. And if you’re not up for the climb? A cable car whisks you right to the top, where watchtowers offer the perfect spot to imagine what life was like for the guards who once kept watch here.
The Bund, Shanghai
On the eastern bank of the Huangpu River sits The Bund, Shanghai’s most famous waterfront district. Unlike the futuristic Pudong skyline across the water, The Bund feels like a slice of old Europe transported to China. A parade of grand colonial-era buildings lines the waterfront promenade, telling stories of Shanghai’s days as an international trading port in the early 1900s. Where British bankers and French merchants once conducted business, you’ll now find luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques. Take an evening stroll along the mile-long walkway, and you’ll join countless locals and visitors watching boats drift by on the river while the neon lights of modern Shanghai twinkle in the distance.
Forbidden City, Beijing
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of Chinese emperors, the Forbidden City in Beijing is a must-visit. Located in the heart of China’s capital, this massive palace complex served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With nearly 1,000 buildings spread across 180 acres, the complex features classic Chinese architecture, intricate courtyards, and centuries of fascinating history behind its towering red walls.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an
If you’re curious about China’s ancient wonders, you can’t miss the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Located in Shaanxi Province, this massive underground army features over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, each with unique facial features, standing guard at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb since 210 BCE. The warriors, along with their horses and chariots, were accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974 and now offer visitors an up-close look at one of the world’s most significant archaeological finds.
Li River, Guilin
Winding through the mountains of southern China, the Li River flows like a jade-green ribbon between Guilin and Yangshuo. This 83-kilometer stretch has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Local fishermen still practice their traditional cormorant fishing methods here, casting long nets between limestone peaks that rise from the water like giant teeth. The river scene is so iconic, you’ll find it printed on the 20 Yuan banknote. But what makes this place truly special is how the morning mist settles between the mountains, creating an ethereal atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re floating through a classical Chinese painting. Whether you’re taking a bamboo raft downstream or hiking along the riverbank, you’ll spot water buffalo lounging in the shallows and farmers tending their fields in the distance.
West Lake, Hangzhou
I always recommend that travelers in China make time for West Lake in Hangzhou. Located in the heart of the city, this peaceful lake has been inspiring Chinese poets and artists for over a thousand years with its pagodas, ancient bridges, and willow-lined shores. The lake is divided into five distinct sections, each offering different views of the surrounding mountains and ten famous scenic spots that locals call the “Ten Scenes of West Lake.”
Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
Have you ever watched a light show dance across an entire city skyline? That’s what awaits at Victoria Harbour, where Hong Kong’s famous buildings put on a dazzling display every night at 8 PM. This natural harbor, nestled between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, is where old meets new in the most remarkable way. Take a ride on the Star Ferry across the harbor – a trip that’s been running since 1888 – and watch as traditional red-sailed junks float past gleaming skyscrapers. The harbor is also home to the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, where you can snap photos with Bruce Lee’s statue while taking in the magnificent city views.
Yellow Mountain, Huangshan
Located in eastern China’s Anhui Province, Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) rises dramatically from the surrounding countryside. The mountain has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries, and it’s easy to see why – peculiar-shaped granite peaks pierce through a constant sea of clouds, while twisted pine trees cling to impossible cliff edges. Unlike China’s busy cities, Yellow Mountain moves at its own unhurried pace. Just watch the morning mist swirl around the peaks, or follow the ancient stone steps that wind their way up the mountainside, and you’ll understand what draws people here. Thanks to its unique geography and high elevation, the mountain creates its own weather patterns, meaning you might experience all four seasons in a single day, while the famous hot springs at the base offer a perfect way to soothe tired legs after exploring.
Giant Pandas, Chengdu
Get up close with China’s most beloved creatures at the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu. This 165-acre sanctuary lets you watch these playful black and white bears munching on bamboo, rolling around, and climbing trees in a natural setting. Visit early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active, and don’t miss the nursery where you might spot baby pandas learning to walk. The base also features red pandas and a museum where you can learn about conservation efforts. For the best experience, book a volunteer program that lets you help prepare food and clean enclosures alongside the panda keepers.
The Potala Palace, Lhasa
Step into the historic world of Tibet at the Potala Palace, perched high on Marpo Ri hill in Lhasa. This massive 13-story palace complex, which served as the winter home of Dalai Lamas for centuries, rises an impressive 12,000 feet above sea level. Inside, you can explore over 1,000 rooms filled with traditional murals, Buddhist statues, and ancient artifacts. Make your way through the White Palace, where the living quarters once housed religious leaders, then venture into the Red Palace to discover meditation halls and sacred shrines. Don’t forget to climb to the roof for sweeping views of the Himalayan mountains and the city of Lhasa below.
Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
Located in the heart of Guilin, the Reed Flute Cave tells a story that’s 180 million years in the making. Much like other caves in China, it features limestone formations, but what sets it apart is its clever use of multicolored lights that bring its natural sculptures to life. The cave got its name from the reeds growing outside – locals once used them to make flutes. Inside, you’ll find chamber after chamber of oddly shaped rocks that, with a bit of imagination, look like everything from proud lions to delicate vegetables. The Chinese have been visiting this cave since the Tang Dynasty, leaving behind inscriptions that date back to 792 AD. As you walk along the 240-meter path, keep an eye out for “Crystal Palace,” the cave’s largest room where thousands of stalactites hang from the ceiling like natural chandeliers.
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
Many visitors flock to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing for its historical significance as an imperial complex, but the site offers much more than just ancient architecture. The temple grounds span an impressive 273 hectares of parkland where locals gather daily for tai chi, traditional music performances, and social activities. Dating back to the 15th century, this former place of worship was where emperors would pray for good harvests and divine guidance. Today, you can wander through the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, explore the Echo Wall, or join morning exercises with Beijing residents in the surrounding gardens. While the temple complex is busy year-round, visiting during early morning hours provides a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into local life.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
If science fiction landscapes and gravity-defying rock formations are your thing, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park needs to be on your radar. Located in China’s Hunan province, this park served as inspiration for the floating mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar – and it’s easy to see why. Towering sandstone pillars rise from misty valleys like nature’s own skyscrapers, some reaching heights of over 3,500 feet. The locals tell stories about these peaks being the remnants of giants who turned to stone, and when you’re standing among them, those tales don’t seem so far-fetched. Winding trails and glass elevators take you through this otherworldly terrain, where wispy clouds wrap around the pillars and monkeys swing through the trees below. Unlike China’s bustling cities, here you’ll find peace among the peaks, broken only by the occasional call of birds echoing through the canyons.
Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang
Many visitors journey to Luoyang to see the Longmen Grottoes, a series of Buddhist cave temples carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses over 100,000 statues and inscriptions that date back to the 5th century. While most people focus on the famous Buddha figures in Fengxian Temple, the area also offers peaceful riverside walks and a chance to explore the modern city of Luoyang itself. During spring, the nearby peony gardens burst into bloom, adding another layer of interest to your visit, but the grottoes remain a fascinating destination throughout the year.
Mount Emei, Sichuan
Ever hiked up 3,099 meters (10,167 feet) to see a golden Buddha smile at dawn? That’s what awaits at Mount Emei, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Rising through misty bamboo forests and ancient temples in Sichuan province, this mountain has been a spiritual pilgrimage site for over 1,800 years. You can take the cable car up if you’re not feeling ambitious, but the real magic happens when you trek past wild monkeys and join monks in their morning prayers. The cultural landscape earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and at the summit, the towering Golden Summit Temple offers views that stretch across the clouds to distant peaks. During winter, the mountain transforms into a wonderland where frost-covered trees create natural ice sculptures.
Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan
Many travelers head to the Old Town of Lijiang for its maze-like cobblestone streets and traditional Naxi architecture, but this UNESCO World Heritage site offers much more than just historical charm. The ancient water system still functions today, with canals and streams weaving through the town, while Snow Mountain looms in the background creating a picture-perfect setting. In the evenings, traditional Naxi music fills the air as locals perform in courtyards, and during the day, you can explore the many tea houses and craft shops that line the narrow alleyways. While summer brings the largest crowds to Lijiang, each season offers its own unique perspective on this well-preserved piece of Chinese history.
Summer Palace, Beijing
Located about 15 kilometers northwest of Beijing’s city center, the Summer Palace stands as China’s largest imperial garden. While other royal residences dot the country’s landscape, this one tells a special story of how Chinese emperors escaped the heat of summer. Originally built in 1750, it’s basically a massive park centered around Kunming Lake, where the Qing Dynasty rulers would kick back and relax. As you wander through its grounds, you’ll spot traditional pavilions, temples, and bridges blending perfectly with the natural surroundings of hills and water. The palace grounds show clear signs of European influence too – thanks to some Italian-style buildings added during the late 1800s – making it a fascinating mix of East meets West. Because most tourists head straight to the Forbidden City, you’ll find the Summer Palace offers a more laid-back way to experience Chinese imperial history.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan
For serious hikers looking for an unforgettable adventure in China, Tiger Leaping Gorge delivers a genuine test of endurance. This 16-kilometer trail cuts through one of the world’s deepest river canyons, where the mighty Yangtze River churns between towering peaks that rise more than 3,000 meters from the water’s edge. The two-day trek takes you along narrow mountain paths that weave through traditional Naxi villages and offer open views of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. While the hike can be challenging with its steep ascents and descents, the reward of watching the powerful river crash through the narrow gorge makes every step worth the effort.
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden stands as a peaceful escape in the heart of bustling Shanghai. This 5-acre traditional Chinese garden welcomes visitors with its classic pavilions, ponds filled with bright koi fish, and winding paths that lead through rock gardens and past 400-year-old ginkgo trees. The garden is divided into six main areas, each offering its own unique features – from the Great Rockery’s towering 12-meter boulder to the Jade Magnificence Hall where local artists often display their work.
