China is a gigantic tourist attraction due of its size and variety. The most populous country in the world and home to the most megacities, this Asian superpower offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology.
Each city in China is unique thanks to the country’s 53 recognised ethnic groups and more than 292 recognised languages.
Top 10 Places to Visit in China
First-time visitors to China typically focus on the country’s major urban centres. More seasoned tourists to the Middle Kingdom will venture out in other directions, where the language barrier may make travel a little more challenging but is still manageable. The only challenge is figuring out how to visit all the top attractions in China in a single holiday.
1. Kunming
The cultural, commercial, and transportation hub of southwestern China is located in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. It has train connections to all major Chinese cities and to Hanoi, Vietnam (the latter of which was created in 1901).
Kunming has served as a stop for caravans travelling to Southeast Asia, Tibet, and India since the 3rd century BC. Due to its year-round pleasant weather, Kunming is a popular tourist destination year-round.
The summers can get hot and humid, while the winters are pleasant and dry. More than four hundred different kinds of flowers flourish in these soil and climate conditions. The city’s emblematic flower is the camellia.
The city is particularly well-known for its beautiful parks, such as the meandering walks and water features of Cuihu (Green Lake) Park. Daguan Park has a funfair and food booths, so it may be a good stop for families with kids.
Kunming is a great place to start exploring the region’s diverse ethnic communities, in addition to its own attractions. The Dai, Bai, and Naxi are the most widely recognised ethnic groups.
Being the “first wonder of the world” since the Ming Dynasty, the Yunnan Stone Forest is another popular destination for a day excursion. The stone forest, located 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Kunming, is home to some very incredible rock formations.
2. Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest, most scenic, most magnificent river canyons, and it cuts dramatically through the harsh mountains of Yunnan Province. Situated to the north of Lijiang, the gorge traces the course of the Jinsha River past scenic farmland, sleepy towns, and towering mountains covered with snow.
The gorge is approximately 16 kilometres long, and it winds between the 5,000-plus-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,000-plus-meter Haba Snow Mountain. The combination of the towering mountains and Tiger Leaping Gorge creates some of the most stunning landscapes in all of China.
Hiking down the gorge’s skinny path is becoming increasingly popular due to the area’s stunning natural features, such as its thundering rapids, glittering waterfalls, and craggy cliffs. You can also stay in remote villages and guesthouses to immerse yourself in Naxi history and culture.
3. Leshan
Leshan is near the confluence of the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi rivers in Sichuan Province, southwest China. The city is famous for its vicinity to the beautiful scenery and historical sites of the Mount Emei Scenic Area, and for housing the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world.
Although it is sometimes neglected, Leshan has a bustling food scene with several excellent restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Tourists can visit the former house of renowned author Guo Moruo or wander around the Oriental Buddha Park, which is home to hundreds of exquisite statues and carvings.
Yet the Leshan Big Buddha, at an incredible 71 metres tall, is the major attraction. The impressive sandstone sculpture dates back to the Tang Dynasty and was carved out of a cliff above the confluence of the Min and Dadu rivers. Mount Emei, Leshan’s other major attraction, is located nearby and features a rich variety of flora and fauna, as well as 76 Buddhist monasteries.
4. Lijiang
Lijiang, in the remote northwest of Yunnan Province, is an idyllic city that looks and feels like it hasn’t changed much over the years. The city, which was formerly the capital of a minor kingdom, is now a famous tourist destination thanks to its well-preserved ancient district.
The beautiful canals, ancient stone bridges, and meandering cobblestone streets of Lijiang’s Old Town make up the city’s historic core. The huge Mu Palace complex is the crown jewel of its many stunning timber buildings, which display excellent traditional architecture. You can find some great eateries and cosy teahouses tucked away in its winding streets.
Lijiang is the major hub of the Naxi people, and their culture and heritage are on full display throughout the city. There are a number of interesting and instructive museums in the area, and you can also see a performance of traditional music at the cultural hall.
5. Dali
Dali has long been a favourite holiday spot because of its picturesque location on the beaches of the glistening Erhai Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. The little city in Yunnan Province is well-known for its beautiful surroundings, significant cultural history, and charming old town.
Dali has been the capital of various kingdoms over the centuries, therefore the city is filled with significant cultural and historical sites. The historic city walls, Three Pagodas, and Chongsheng Temple are just a few of the many impressive structures that have stood in the old town since the Ming Dynasty.
There are a number of excellent museums in the area, and the lake and adjacent mountains provide enough opportunities for outdoor activity. The Cangshan Mountains are a famous destination for mountaineering, horseback riding, and rock climbing, while the remote and beautiful villages, towns, and temples that dot the banks of Erhai Lake are a draw for visitors.
6. Jiuzhaigou
Outdoorsy types that appreciate unspoiled natural beauty will find a lot to love in Jiuzhaigou Valley. Many Tibetan villages can be found within this national park in Sichuan Province, giving visitors a glimpse into Tibetan culture without having to go to the Himalayas. There are nine Tibetan settlements in this area, hence the name.
Waterfalls abound, karst mountains are blanketed in snow, and the park’s 108 lakes range in hue from blue to green, and all have such clear water that visitors can see right to the bottoms. Giant pandas call this park home as well, though with so many visitors it’s a long shot you’ll really see one.
7. Hangzhou
The provincial capital of Zhejiang is Hangzhou. Hangzhou and its West Lake have been celebrated by various poets and artists for their beautiful landscapes. Marco Polo, writing in the 13th century, called it “the most beautiful and splendid city in the world.”
West Lake, Hangzhou’s most visited attraction, is a vast lake connected by causeways and surrounded by historic structures and gardens created for contemplation and enlightenment. Pagodas, temples, walkways, benches, tea fields, and even a museum can be found lining its borders and occasionally protruding into the lake.
Having tea when visiting West Lake is a must. One of the most well-known Chinese teas is made there, and it goes by the name “Dragon Well.” Xixi National Wetland Park has a traditional temple, many dwellings, and a decent representation of local animals and its habitat, while West Lake features likely the best of what Hangzhou has to offer in terms of Chinese architecture, gardening, and landscapes.
The Botanical Garden and the adjacent zoo offer traditional urban amusements in a uniquely Chinese setting.
8. Lhasa
Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and one of the world’s highest cities at an elevation of 3,500 metres (11,500 feet). Despite Lhasa’s incorporation into the rest of China, the city’s unique culture has survived. Songtsen Gampo, who unified Tibet in the seventh century, constructed a palace atop Mount Mapori.
Lhasa’s status as Tibet’s capital changed over time, but the city was always revered as a holy site. Lhasa’s location in a Himalayan valley has significant historical significance for the Tibetan people. The city is famous for the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. More than 360 years ago, it was built on Red Hill.
The Dalai Lama lived in the White Palace, while the religious activities took place at the Red Palace. Norbulingka, another Lhasa palace, was constructed in 1755. Before going into exile, this was the Dalai Lama’s summer residence.
The almost 90-acre gardens surrounding the castle are the main attraction. Jokhang Market and Chokpori, one of Tibet’s four sacred mountains, are two more popular destinations for tourists. Barkhor Street is the place to buy authentic trinkets and mementos.
In addition, armed soldiers continue to patrol the streets and keep watch from rooftops, making it evident that Lhasa is still very much an occupied city. Travelers from outside of China need a Tibet Entry Permit and the services of a tour guide for the duration of their trip. This is consistently enforced, but the specifics are subject to change.
9. Xi’an
Xi’an is the capital of the Shaanxi Province in northwest China and is about as old as Beijing. One of Xi’an’s main draws is its long and storied past. It marked the beginning of the once-crucial Silk Road, which facilitated trade between numerous nations throughout Eurasia.
One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, it served as the seat of the imperial family for no less than eleven dynasties before the unification of China between 1000 BC and 1000 AD. Xi’an is becoming a technological and cultural hub because to the presence of the Xi’an Aerospace Science and Technology Industrial Base.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, guardians of the tomb of China’s first emperor, are one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Several of the original buildings from the ancient Daming Palace are still standing on the site, while others are more modern reconstructions.
Xi’an also has impressive city walls dating back to the 14th century, stretching over 12 kilometres (or 8 miles). Not only are they historic landmarks, but getting around Xi’an often necessitates passing under, on, or over them.
The Ming Dynasty Bell and Drum Towers, constructed in the 14th century, the Islamic Great Mosque, and the Roman Catholic St. Francis Cathedral of Xi’an are also noteworthy buildings in the city. The Shaanxi Grand Opera House provides an authentic Eastern experience with its performances of Chinese opera.
10. Beijing
As China’s present capital, Beijing is also one of the country’s most visited cities. More than three thousand years of history have been preserved inside its confines. Beijing has served as the capital of China numerous times over the country’s long history, hence the name.
It was given its current name, Yanjing, when it was designated as the capital of the State of Yan. After its conquest by the Mongols in 1215, Beijing became the capital of a unified China under Kublai Khan from 1264 on.
The Yuan dynasty, created by the Mongols, collapsed in 1368, and the capital was relocated to Nanjing before being relocated and renamed in 1403. Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the Old and New Summer Palaces may all be found in Beijing.
All of these landmarks are excellent places to learn about Chinese history and culture, from traditional gardens to imperial palaces. If you’re looking for a spiritual experience or just want to see some important Confucian, Taoist, or Buddhist sites, there are a tonne of temples in and around the city.
Badaling, about an hour outside of Beijing, is a popular spot for tourists to see the Great Wall of China. Only three hills dot the otherwise level landscape, and the city’s famed concentric ring roads are really rectangular in shape, mirroring the Forbidden City’s layout.
The underground system in Beijing is one of the city’s many impressive public transit options. There are bike lanes, but some visitors may find the smog to be too much to bear. Wangfujing Commercial Street has been Beijing’s premier shopping district for almost a century. On the other hand, shoppers love the Yashow and Silk Street Markets as well.
