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As the fourth largest country in the world, there are plenty of places to visit in China. From mountains and lakes to forests and diverse landscapes, there’s so much to see in the country. Visiting popular cities of China offers a ride deep into the rich historical and cultural experience. It doesn’t matter where you are in China, the land is dominated by ancient landmarks, monasteries, and ruins. If you enjoy travelling and exploring new places around the world, China needs to be on your itinerary. With proper planning and execution, your trip to China will be an outstanding one.
Top 10 Places To Visit In China
As one of the most diverse countries in the world, China has something in store for people with diverse tastes. Here is the list of the best places to visit in China:
1. Beijing
Photo: Nakaharu Line / Unsplash
Your trip to China is incomplete without visiting Beijing, the capital of the country. With a population of over 21 million, this ancient city offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and modern life. It is also home to iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven. Additionally, the city offers modern attractions like the 798 Art District. Head to the National Centre For Performing Arts to witness the local artisans performing local forms of arts. If you are in the mood to dive into Chinese history, cuisine, and culture, make sure to add Beijing to your places for China trip.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
Top Tourist Attractions: Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
2. Chengdu
Photo: Ramaz Bluashvili / Pexels
Chengdu, also known as the “home of the giant panda,” is one of the must-visit tourist places in China. The first stop of your visit should be the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre to observe pandas in their natural habitat. To get a feel of ancient China, you should head to Jinli Old Street, where you will find several local snacks and artisan shops. For wildlife enthusiasts, you have the Dujiangyan Panda Valley, a sanctuary dedicated to panda conservation. Another attraction that is not to be missed is the Leshan Giant Buddha, which amazes visitors with its giant size and spiritual significance.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
Top Tourist Attractions: Jinli Old Street, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
3. Shanghai
Photo: Aditya Agarwal / Pexels
When sorting your China tourist places list, Shanghai needs to be on the top. This bustling metropolis is the country’s financial hub and is famous for its stunning skyline. You should start your trip from the Shanghai Tower, which allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. For the cravings for the history buff in you, head to the Former French Concession to explore the colonial architecture. Other must-visit attractions in Shanghai include the Yuyuan Garden and The Bund. While Yuyuan Garden is famous for classical Chinese landscaping, The Bund offers panoramic views of the modern skyline.
Best Time To Visit: September to early November
Top Tourist Attractions: Former French Concession, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, and Shanghai Tower
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 3 days
4. Lhasa
If you are eager to dive into Tibetan culture, Lhasa is the place to be. This holy city is the gateway to Mount Everest, which offers unforgettable views and trekking opportunities for adventure seekers. For those interested in Buddhism, you can get a closer look at the lifestyle of monks at Sera Monastery. Lhasa also has Yamdrok Lake, which is a perfect site for nature lovers. Another major attraction is the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that symbolises Tibetan history and religion.
Best Time To Visit: October and November
Top Tourist Attractions: Mount Everest, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, and Yamdrok Lake
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
5. Guilin
Photo: Blue Earth Photo / Pexels
Located in the southern region, Guilin is one of the most beautiful places to visit in China. Here you get the chance to experience the local culture, especially at Yangshuo. Located close to the county, you can visit the Li River, which offers stunning views of the hills and fishing villages. For a great night-time experience, you must visit the Two Rivers and Four Lakes which showcases illuminated bridges, pagodas, and waterways. Another interesting place is the Longji Terraced Fields which offers a glimpse into traditional farming.
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Yangshuo, the two rivers and the four lakes, Li River, and Longji Terraced Fields
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
6. Xi’an
When talking about tourist attractions in China, Xi’an cannot be skipped. Tourists usually start their exploration from The Ancient City Wall, which is one of the most well-preserved city walls in the world. This place not only allows you to delve into China’s past but also enjoy stunning views of the city. Another incredible site is the Terracotta Army, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers. The story suggests that the terracotta army was built to protect the first emperor in his afterlife. If time permits, you must visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Buddhist heritage.
Best Time To Visit: March to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Ancient City Wall, The Terracotta Army, Great Mosque, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Hong Kong
As one of the modern cities in China, Hong Kong offers a wide range of attractions. For a fun-filled day, you have Hong Kong Disneyland, which is a perfect spot for families. From thrilling rides to colourful parades, you have plenty of things to keep yourself entertained. However, if you are in the mood for a scenic experience, you should take a ferry ride to Victoria Harbor. From the harbour, you can head to Victoria Peak, which is the highest point on the island. For those who are intrigued by the local culture, you can spend a few hours at the Stanley Market.
Best Time To Visit: March to April and October to November
Top Tourist Attractions: Disneyland, Victoria Harbor, Victoria Peak and Stanley Market
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
8. Dunhuang
Of all the China tourist places on the list, Dunhuang is probably the most unique. Located in Gansu Province, Dunhuang allows you to enjoy a mesmerising view of the Echoing Sands Dune and the Crescent Spring. Here you can enjoy camel rides and take a step back in time. The city is also famous for its Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features intricate murals and statues from the past. For history nerds, they can have a good time at the Dunhuang Museum which houses several ancient artefacts, manuscripts, and relics.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Crescent Spring, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang Museum, and Echoing Sand Dune
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
9. Hangzhou
Visiting Hangzhou is like stepping into a natural paradise. This city is famous for West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site which is surrounded by lush greenery, temples, pagodas, and bridges. Located near the West Lake is the Lingyin Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire country. Tourists also prefer the Wuzhen Water Town, which is a short distance away from the city and offers a lovely view of traditional canals, stone bridges, and wooden buildings. If you are a tea lover, you shouldn’t miss the National Tea Museum, which showcases China’s long tea tradition.
Best Time To Visit: September to early November
Top Tourist Attractions: Wuzhen Water Town, National Tea Museum, West Lake, and Lingyin Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
10. Suzhou
Suzhou, also known as the “Venice of the East,” is popular among tourists for its canal network. Once you reach the city, you have the chance to explore the Suzhou Museum, which is home to several ancient artefacts. For those who have a soft spot for natural beauty, you should visit the Tiger Hill and Master of the Nets Garden. Both these places offer lush surroundings and traditional Chinese architecture that you haven’t seen before. Located a short distance away from Suzhou is Tongli Ancient Town, which is a perfect place to learn about China’s cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit: April to May in spring and September to October in autumn
Top Tourist Attractions: Suzhou Museum, Tiger Hill, Master of the Nets Garden, and Tongli Ancient Town
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Taking a trip to China is like every traveller’s dream come true. From the vast landscapes to the vibrant cities, there are plenty of places to visit in China. Each place is unique and offers an unforgettable experience. The secret to enjoying your trip to China is to have a well-organised itinerary. To make things smooth and convenient, you should let TripXL handle the planning.
