Top Places To Visit Near China: Exploring Asia’s Beauty

One of the world’s oldest and most influential civilisations, China is known for its architecture, art, philosophy, and innovations. You must explore the places to visit near China to experience the blend of culture and history outside its borders. While Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas, Bangkok is a buzzing metropolis with glittering street markets. Vientiane is a great destination with a serene location along the Mekong River. Tashkent is known for its vibrant bazaars, offering a phenomenal cultural experience. For a family-friendly vacation, Seoul is an ideal place with temples and palaces offering a wonderful experience.

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Top 10 Places To Visit Near China

If you’re looking for the best places to visit near China for a memorable trip, check out the following destinations:

1. Kyoto, Japan

Visit Kyoto in Japan, among best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons

The historic city of Kyoto in Japan is popular for its beautiful temples and shrines. It has exceptionally scenic gardens representing the rich cultural heritage of Japan. It is also a spiritual centre. Kyoto was the capital city of Japan from 1794 to 1868. You can visit and explore the stunning tea houses, which provide an exceptional experience to visitors. You must attend the tea ceremony showcasing the intricate rituals of the nation. The well-preserved geisha culture provides an insight into the traditions of Japan. The city is popular for its classic wooden houses, which you can spot easily during your trip.

Nearest Airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka
Top Attractions: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji

2. Seoul, South Korea

Visit Seoul in South Korea, among best places to visit near China with family and friends.

Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons

This is a dynamic city with a perfect mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. It has a rich history of 2000 years and is also popular as one of the most modern cities across the globe. The unique combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty can be explored with family and friends during the trip. The city has occupied a central place as the heart of the Korean civilization for centuries. It has several historical landmarks reflecting the long legacy of the nation. The Han River is central to the city and provides a great opportunity for biking, jogging, and picnicking.

Nearest Airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Top Attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong Shopping Street

3. Kathmandu, Nepal

Visit Kathmandu, among the best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is popular for its ancient culture and modern way of life. This vibrant city is located in the Kathmandu Valley, serving as the Gateway to the Himalayas. It is a great place to visit for adventure enthusiasts and pilgrims. This city is also the starting point for several trekking expeditions into the Himalayas. There are old temples you can visit and offer prayers. The modern cafes and bustling streets are equally attractive to the visitors. The serene courtyards provide a great opportunity to explore the local surroundings.

Nearest Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Top Attractions: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Visit Bangkok, among the best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Benh LIEU SONG / Wikimedia Commons

This is a fascinating city with dazzling street life and a rich history. There are modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and local delicacies to enjoy. Diverse experiences can be enjoyed by different kinds of travellers visiting Bangkok. The city is ever-evolving and has great nightlife. The city is full of energy and diversity, with several iconic landmarks. Do not miss the popular Thai massage in a luxurious spa during your visit. There are rooftop bars, nightclubs, and night markets to explore. This city of contrasts offers luxurious hotels and incredible warmth that make it an unforgettable destination.

Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Top Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Chatuchak Weekend Market

5. Hanoi, Vietnam

Visit Hanoi, one of the best places to visit near China, with family and friends.

Photo: MoriCher / Wikimedia Commons

The city of Hanoi is located in the northern part of the country. This city has seen several dynasties, invasions, and transformations and is still standing tall, representing its heritage and vibrancy. There are ancient temples, lively markets, and French colonial architecture to explore. The city has French colonial influence with elements of European style. There are temples and pagodas which you can explore with your family and friends. The city offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy. Do not miss pho, bun cha, and egg coffee during your visit. A Hanoi street food tour is a no-brainer for exploring the local culinary scene.

Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison

6. Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Visit Tashkent, one of the best places to visit near China, with your family this year.

Photo: Inga / Wikimedia Commons

Tashkent is a city with great ancient history and Soviet era architecture. It is situated in the heart of Central Asia and is widely known as the cultural and economic Centre. You can visit with your family and explore the ancient mosques and wide boulevards. There are modern skyscrapers and malls to shop in. The city is immersed in the Islamic heritage from the Timurid period. Some must-try dishes during your trip include Lagman, plov, Manti, and Uzbek bread. The tea culture includes serving the traditional green tea in small porcelain cups.

Nearest Airport: Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
Top Attractions: Registan Square, Khast Imam Complex, Bunyodkor Stadium

7. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Visit Mongolia, among the best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons

Ulaanbaatar is an interesting modern urban development showcasing the Mongolian culture. You can visit and explore the rugged mountains and vast steppes. The nomadic culture of Mongolia can be explored through the Buddhist monastic centre that shaped the Mongolian traditions. Do visit the Sukhbaatar Square and Zaisan Memorial for an insight into the culture of the city. The Black market of the city is also a busy place known for fresh produce and traditional Mongolian clothing. You can visit and buy handmade crafts as souvenirs. Traditional Mongolian hats, woollen garments, and cashmere can also be bought.

Nearest Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN)
Top Attractions: Gandan Monastery, National Museum of Mongolia, Terelj National Park

8. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Visit Almaty, one among the best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Stomac / Wikimedia Commons

Almaty is a charming metropolis that is popular as the cultural and economic hub of Kazakhstan. It is a great destination to visit for both urban explorers and outdoor lovers. The city is centrally located at the base of the mountains with a scenic backdrop of Alpine landscapes. It also represents a melting pot of cultures, food, and festivals. You must explore Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral to dive deep into the history of the city. The central mosque is also an iconic landmark and a place of worship for the Muslim community. The Almaty Museum has great artwork showcasing the cultural evolution of the city.

Nearest Airport: Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Top Attractions: Shymbulak Ski Resort, Medeu Ice Skating Rink, Big Almaty Lake

9. Vientiane, Laos

Visit Laos, one among the best places to visit near China with your family for a great time.

Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons

The city is popular as the largest city of Laos and is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. The city has a relaxed pace of life. The stunning French colonial architecture is worth exploring during the trip. The vibrant festivals are an important part of the life of locals. You can visit and attend the Lao New Year celebrations during mid-April. It is the perfect time for family gatherings, parades, and traditional dances. Do try their traditional cuisine, including Larb, sticky rice, Mok Pa, and Lao coffee. The nightlife is vibrant, with bars and restaurants to unwind and relax.

Nearest Airport: Wattay International Airport (VTE)
Top Attractions: Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, Mekong Riverside Park

10. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Explore Cambodia, one among the best places to visit near China with your family and friends.

Photo: Hanay / Wikimedia Commons

This is a dynamic Metropolis at the intersection of the beautiful Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers. You can observe a great mix of Khmer traditions with French colonial influence. Do visit the Royal Palace, which is an architectural gem with beautiful buildings. The National Museum of Cambodia is a great place for art enthusiasts to visit. The central market is a great place to purchase fresh produce and clothing. You can also find great pieces of jewellery and antiques. Khmer Cuisine is delicious, and you must try lok lak, Bai Sach Chrouk, and Amok.

Nearest Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
Top Attractions: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Independence Monument, Wat Phnom

Now that you have checked the best places to visit near China, you are all set to explore the unique geography, culture, and architecture. From the vibrant streets of Bangkok to trekking experiences in Nepal, these iconic locations offer heartfelt memories to every kind of traveller. The ancient palaces of South Korea and the family-oriented environment in Vietnam equally attract visitors from all across the globe. Do not miss these timeless destinations near China, and book yourself a trip with TripXL today!

Cover Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Explore The Top Places To Visit Near China: Explore The Mesmerising Asian Destinations