The most popular cities in China for tourists

This plan will take you through China’s vibrant cities, cultural treasures, and natural wonders, providing a well-rounded experience of the country.

Beijing: Ancient Meets Modern

Duration of visit: 4-5 days

Visit traditional Hutong neighborhoods to explore Beijing’s historic alleys, and try Peking Duck at a local restaurant.

Read more: Top places to visit in Beijing

Key Attractions:

• The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling sections): One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• Forbidden City: A vast imperial palace that served as the home of emperors.
• Tiananmen Square: The world’s largest public square.
• Temple of Heaven: Where emperors performed ceremonies for good harvests.
• Summer Palace: A picturesque imperial garden and palace.

Tips: Best visited in spring or autumn to avoid the heat and crowds.

Xi’an: The Ancient Capital

Duration: 2-3 days

Attend a Tang Dynasty cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

Key Attractions:

• Terracotta Army: A massive collection of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
• Ancient City Wall: The best-preserved city wall in China, where you can bike around its perimeter.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A symbol of Xi’an’s rich Buddhist culture.
• Muslim Quarter: A vibrant market area with delicious street food and a unique blend of Islamic and Chinese cultures.

Tips: Allocate time for both daytime exploration and night-time street market adventures.

Shanghai: The Modern Marvel

Duration: 3-4 days

Explore the French Concession for charming tree-lined streets and European-style architecture.

Read more: What to visit in Shanghai – must see

Key Attractions:

• The Bund: A riverside promenade showcasing colonial-era buildings with views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.
• Yu Garden: A classical Chinese garden with beautiful ponds, rockeries, and pavilions.
• Shanghai Tower: The tallest building in China, with a sky-high observation deck.
• Nanjing Road: One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, perfect for retail therapy.
• Jade Buddha Temple: A serene temple with two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma.

Tips: Visit the Bund in the evening to witness the city lights and skyline.

Chengdu: Land of Pandas and Spice

Duration: 2-3 days

Enjoy a Sichuan hot pot meal and attend a Sichuan Opera performance, famous for its “face-changing” act.

Key Attractions:

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A chance to see adorable pandas up close in their natural habitat.
• Wuhou Shrine: A historic temple complex dedicated to the Shu Kingdom and its famous strategist Zhuge Liang.
• Jinli Ancient Street: A lively pedestrian street offering local crafts and traditional snacks.
• Mount Qingcheng: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the cradles of Taoism, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.

Tips: Book a morning visit to the Panda Base to see the pandas at their most active.

Guilin: Scenic landscapes and nature

Duration: 2-3 days

Visit local villages in the Longsheng region to learn about the ethnic minority cultures.

Key Attractions:

• Li River Cruise: Sail down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, marveling at the unique karst mountains and lush landscapes.
• Reed Flute Cave: A natural limestone cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful lights.
• Elephant Trunk Hill: A natural rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river.
• Longji Rice Terraces: Spectacular tiered fields carved into the mountainside, offering great hiking opportunities and views.

Tips: Try to catch the sunrise or sunset over the rice terraces for incredible photo opportunities.

Hangzhou: Paradise on Earth

Duration: 1-2 days

Take a boat ride on West Lake, followed by a traditional tea ceremony at one of the tea houses.

Key Attractions:

• West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its serene beauty, gardens, and pagodas.
• Lingyin Temple: One of China’s most important Buddhist temples, nestled in a forest with beautiful rock carvings.
• Longjing Tea Plantations: Explore the home of China’s most famous green tea, Dragon Well (Longjing) tea.
• Leifeng Pagoda: An iconic tower with great views of West Lake and surrounding areas.

Tips: Hangzhou is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn months.

Hong Kong: The Gateway to China

Duration: 3-4 days

Attend the Symphony of Lights, a nightly multimedia show involving 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

Key Attractions:

• Victoria Peak: The highest point in Hong Kong, offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor.
• Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: A waterfront area that provides the best views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline.
• Ngong Ping 360 and Tian Tan Buddha: Take a cable car ride to Lantau Island and visit the iconic Big Buddha.
• Temple Street Night Market: A bustling market famous for street food, traditional Chinese wares, and fortune tellers.
• Repulse Bay: A serene beach perfect for relaxation.

Tips: Make use of Hong Kong’s excellent public transportation, including the iconic Star Ferry and the MTR.

Lhasa: The Roof of the World

Duration: 3-4 days

Attend a Buddhist prayer ceremony at one of Lhasa’s monasteries.

Key Attractions:

• Potala Palace: The majestic winter palace of the Dalai Lama, now a museum and UNESCO site.
• Jokhang Temple: Tibet’s most sacred temple, a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
• Barkhor Street: A lively marketplace surrounding Jokhang Temple, great for local handicrafts.
• Norbulingka: The summer palace of the Dalai Lama, with beautiful gardens.

Tips: Due to its high altitude, allow time to acclimatize and avoid strenuous activities initially.

Guangzhou: City of Trade and Cuisine

Duration: 2-3 days

Sample the city’s world-famous Cantonese cuisine, from dim sum to roast goose.

Key Attractions:

• Canton Tower: One of the tallest towers in the world, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Shamian Island: A charming colonial district with European-style architecture.
• Baiyun Mountain: A popular hiking spot with stunning views of Guangzhou.
• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A traditional Chinese academy showcasing intricate carvings and artwork.

Tips: Guangzhou is known for its diverse food scene, so try to explore as many local eateries as possible.

Kunming: The City of Eternal Spring

Duration: 2-3 days

Visit the local markets to experience the rich culture of the ethnic minorities in Yunnan province.

Key Attractions:

• Stone Forest: A unique landscape of limestone formations resembling a forest.
• Dianchi Lake: A large freshwater lake surrounded by hills, perfect for a peaceful stroll or boat ride.
• Green Lake Park: A popular spot for locals to relax, especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms bloom.
• Yuantong Temple: The largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Kunming.

Tips: Kunming is best visited in spring or autumn, thanks to its mild weather year-round.