China is one of the most densely populated countries, ranking as the third-largest in the world. Between dynastic history, futuristic skylines, sacred mountains, and flavours that linger long after your trip, China is a true sight to behold. 

From Beijing’s imperial halls to Harbin’s ice palaces, from Sichuan’s fiery kitchens to Suzhou’s poetic gardens, China unfolds like a kaleidoscope, different angles, different colours, yet always captivating.

If you’re planning your first or even second trip, here are the best places to visit in China.

Beijing – History, Halls, Heritage

Beijing is a city where imperial grandeur and modern ambition co-exist seamlessly. Red-walled palaces and ancient alleyways stand only a metro ride away from glass skyscrapers and buzzing shopping districts. Every corner tells a story, whether whispered by a Confucian scholar’s statue or shouted by the hawkers of a night market.

To Tick Off

The Forbidden City: Walk through the world’s largest palace complex, where emperors ruled for centuries. The dragon carvings, with their intricate details, make it a true representative of the legacies of ancient dynasties. 

The Great Wall: One of the new wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is a must-see. Choose Mutianyu for restored beauty or Jinshanling for wild, rugged solitude. The Great Wall of China reminds us of its 2,000-year-old history and impressive architecture. Enjoy the light and sound show offered by the authorities.

Stroll the Hutongs: These maze-like alleys offer courtyard homes, quirky cafés, and street life that is perfect for enjoying the urban life.

The Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace: The symmetry of the Temple of Heaven, the lakes, and pavilions at the Summer Palace makes you feel like you have been transported to the timeline where emperors once sought peace in these palaces.

Shanghai- Skylines, Speed, Style

Shanghai is China’s futuristic playground, a skyline that could rival any in the world, yet beneath the neon glow lies a city of French villas, buzzing wet markets, and quiet temples. 

To Tick Off

The Bund: Gaze at colonial buildings on one side and a sci-fi skyline on the other. At night, Pudong’s skyscrapers shimmer like jewels.

Yu Garden: A Ming dynasty masterpiece where pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds create an oasis in the city.

Shanghai Tower – From the 118th floor, this tower offers a majestic view of the city.

Xi’an- Silk Soldiers, Spirituality 

Once the capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, it’s a city of warriors, mosques, and ancient walls. By night, its Muslim Quarter glows with lanterns and sizzling grills, turning dinner into an adventure.

To Tick Off

The Terracotta Warriors: Thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with a unique face, stand silently guarding Emperor Qin’s tomb.

The City Wall: Rent a bike and circle the 14th-century fortifications for rooftop views of the old and new.

The Muslim Quarter: Dive into lanes of spice stalls, mosques, and sizzling lamb skewers. The Beiyuanmen market is lively, but side alleys reveal more local charm.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: This Tang-era landmark towers above peaceful gardens and Buddhist relics.

Chengdu- Panda, Parks, Pepper 

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is all about slowing down, unless you’re talking about its food, which comes with tongue-tingling spice. Locals spend hours in teahouses, play Mahjong in parks, and of course, celebrate their most beloved residents: giant pandas.

To Tick Off

Pandas at the Research Base: This is the best place to watch these gentle giants munch bamboo and tumble about. 

People’s Park: Sip tea while watching ear-cleaners at work, dancers rehearsing, or opera singers belting high notes.

Jinjiang Riverbanks: Visit ancient temples, lively markets, and quiet bridges at these riverbanks. 

Catch Sichuan Opera: Beyond masks and singing, the famous “face-changing” act will leave you wide-eyed.

Guilin & Yangshuo- Karsts, Kayaks, Caves 

If a traditional Chinese ink painting came alive, it would look like Guilin and Yangshuo. Towering karst peaks, mist-shrouded rivers, and emerald rice terraces create dreamlike landscapes. Add in bamboo rafts and cycling through sleepy villages. 

To Tick Off

Cruise the Li River: Drift past limestone peaks and fishermen with cormorants at sunset.

Climb Xianggong Hill or Moon Hill: Both offer sweeping panoramas of karst formations stretching endlessly.

Caves: Reed Flute Cave dazzles with crystals and coloured lights, while Silver Cave offers underground rivers.

Visit Longji Rice Terraces: Zigzagging layers of fields sculpted into hillsides are breathtaking, especially at sunrise. 

Zhangjiaji- Peaks, Pillars, Panorama

Zhangjiajie’s sandstone pillars inspired the floating mountains in Avatar, but no screen can capture their surreal beauty. Mist curls around jagged spires, glass bridges span dizzying gorges, and ancient villages cling to mountain edges.

To Tick Off

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Take trails through valleys of towering quartz-sandstone peaks. Yuanjiajie is the most iconic section.

Walk the Glass Bridge: Suspended over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, it’s both terrifying and exhilarating.

Ride the Bailong Elevator: This glass elevator whisks you up 300 meters in under two minutes for sky-high views.

Visit Tianmen Mountain: Hike to the Heaven’s Gate arch and walk along a cliff-hugging glass skywalk.

Hangzhou-Lakes, Lotus, Legends

One of the most beautiful cities, with an expanse of water ringed by willow trees, pagodas, and tea fields, Hangzhou looks like a heaven. 

To Tick Off:

Cruise West Lake: See iconic sights like Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda mirrored in the water.

Visit Lingyin Temple: One of China’s most prominent Buddhist temples, with halls echoing in chants and incense.

Walk Su Causeway: Magnificent at dawn, with reflections of willows and lotus blooms.

Explore Longjing Tea Plantations: Sip green tea where it has been grown for centuries, surrounded by terraced hills.

Huangshan- Mountains, Mist, Myths 

Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is the stuff of legends: jagged granite peaks, twisted pine trees, and seas of clouds. Artists and poets have drawn inspiration here for centuries, and once you stand above the mists, you’ll see why.

To Tick Off

Hike the Peaks: Climb Bright Summit and Lotus Peak for sunrise views above cloud oceans.

Soak in Hot Springs: After trekking, relax in natural mountain hot springs.

Visit Hongcun & Xidi Villages: UNESCO-listed villages with whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs, frozen in time.

Sea of Clouds: Weather permitting, it’s one of the most surreal sights in China, where just clouds surround you. 

Hong Kong- Harbours, Heights, Hustle

Hong Kong dazzles with neon streets, Victoria Harbour skylines, island hikes, and temples tucked into urban corners. A global hub with a Cantonese heart, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

To Tick Off

Ride the Star Ferry: Cross the harbour as skyscrapers light up in a nightly symphony.

Victoria Peak: Gaze at one of the world’s most iconic skylines from above.

Temple Street Night Market: From fortune tellers to sizzling claypots, it’s Hong Kong in a nutshell.

Lantau Island: Visit the Big Buddha, hike through forest trails, and discover calm beaches.

Harbin- Ice, Icons, Influence

Known for its Russian architecture and the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin transforms into a snowscape each year, with glowing ice castles and frosty adventures.

To Tick Off

Ice and Snow Festival: Wander massive ice palaces lit up in neon at night, a spectacle unlike anywhere else.

Zhongyang Street: Admire Russian-inspired architecture and quirky shops.

Visit Saint Sophia Cathedral: This onion-domed Orthodox church is a photogenic relic of Harbin’s Russian past.

Watch Winter Swimming: Brave souls dive into the frozen Songhua River; it’s as chilling as it sounds.

Suzhou- Gardens, Grace, Gala

Often called the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is famed for its classical gardens, silk heritage, and winding canals. Just a short train ride from Shanghai, it feels worlds away with willow-lined waters and ancient bridges.

To Tick Off

Classical Gardens: The Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden are UNESCO-listed masterpieces of landscape design.

The Silk Museum: Learn about Suzhou’s centuries-old silk industry and shop for exquisite fabrics.

Pingjiang Road: A historic street lined with tea houses, boutiques, and street snacks, it is full of life and a feeling of community.

Food and Flavours of China

Chinese cuisine is as vast and diverse as its landscapes, with each region offering a different palette of tastes and traditions. In Beijing, crispy Peking duck and steaming dumplings reflect imperial indulgence. In Sichuan, fiery hotpot, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles bring a numbing spice that defines the region’s bold personality. Guilin serves silky rice noodles and beer fish, while bamboo rice carries the smoky essence of the mountains.

Cantonese kitchens delight with dim sum baskets, claypot rice, and fresh seafood, while Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter fills the air with the scent of lamb skewers and spiced flatbreads. Whether it’s sipping fragrant green tea in Hangzhou, sampling Russian-influenced breads in Harbin, or tasting handmade noodles in Suzhou, every corner of China tells its story through food. Together, these flavours create a journey as memorable as the sights themselves.

Final Thoughts

China is a country of emperors, a country of dynasties, revolutionaries, a country of poets, monks, and scholars; a country where you feel like you’ve been transported into a different world altogether. From delicate tea brews or spicy broths to adventurous food stands or a comforting bowl of noodles, China has something for everyone. Your journey through China will never be just one trip; it will be the beginning of many.