Destinations
Best Cities to Visit in China
From 3,000-year-old capitals to neon-lit skylines. The top destinations worth your time — and how to do each one right.
Beijing
Ancient Capital Meets Modern Power
Must-See Attractions
- Great Wall (Mutianyu section)
- Forbidden City
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Hutong walking tour
- 798 Art District
Local Food
Peking duck, zhajiang noodles, hot pot lamb, jianbing breakfast crepes
Getting Around
Subway is excellent — 24 lines covering the entire city. Get a Yikatong card at any station. Didi (Chinese Uber) is affordable for longer trips.
Local Tip
Book Forbidden City tickets 7 days in advance online. The Mutianyu Great Wall section is less crowded than Badaling.
Shanghai
China's Futuristic Megacity
Must-See Attractions
- The Bund at night
- French Concession walk
- Yu Garden
- Shanghai Tower observation deck
- Nanjing Road
- Tianzifang art district
Local Food
Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), shengjianbao, hairy crab (autumn), Shanghainese braised pork
Getting Around
Metro is world-class — 19 lines, English signs everywhere. Maglev train from Pudong airport hits 430 km/h. Didi everywhere.
Local Tip
The Bund is best viewed from the Pudong side at sunset. Get a transportation card for metro, buses, and even some taxis.
Xi'an
Gateway to the Ancient Silk Road
Must-See Attractions
- Terracotta Warriors Museum
- Ancient City Wall (bike it!)
- Muslim Quarter night market
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Shaanxi History Museum
Local Food
Yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burger), cold noodles
Getting Around
Metro has 8 lines covering main sites. Bus to Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an railway station (No. 306).
Local Tip
Go to the Terracotta Warriors at opening time (8:30am) to beat the crowds. Bike the city wall at sunset — it's 14km around.
Chengdu
Pandas, Spice, and Teahouse Culture
Must-See Attractions
- Giant Panda Breeding Base (arrive by 8am!)
- Jinli Ancient Street
- Wuhou Shrine
- People's Park teahouse
- Leshan Giant Buddha (day trip)
Local Food
Sichuan hotpot, mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, kung pao chicken, fuqi feipian
Getting Around
Metro has 12+ lines. High-speed train to Leshan takes 1 hour. Didi is very cheap here.
Local Tip
Pandas are most active in the morning — go when the base opens. People's Park has a matchmaking corner that's fascinating to watch.
Guilin & Yangshuo
China's Most Iconic Landscape
Must-See Attractions
- Li River cruise to Yangshuo
- Yangshuo countryside cycling
- Longji Rice Terraces
- Reed Flute Cave
- Xianggong Mountain sunrise
Local Food
Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, Yangshuo stuffed snails, bamboo rice
Getting Around
High-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo takes 30 min. Buses to Longji Terraces from Guilin bus station. Rent bikes/scooters in Yangshuo.
Local Tip
Take the 4-hour Li River cruise for the full experience. Rent an electric scooter in Yangshuo — the countryside roads are stunning.
Zhangjiajie
The Floating Mountains of Avatar
Must-See Attractions
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate)
- Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
- Bailong Elevator
Local Food
Tujia smoked meat, sour fish soup, fern root noodles, sticky rice cakes
Getting Around
Flight or high-speed train to Zhangjiajie city, then bus/taxi to Wulingyuan (40 min). Free shuttle buses inside the park.
Local Tip
Buy the 4-day park pass — you'll need at least 2-3 days. Stay in Wulingyuan town near the park entrance. Book glass bridge tickets ahead.