17 Best Places To Visit In China - Top China Tourist Attractions

China is a vast country with many attractive attractions and famous cities. The best places to visit in China will fascinate any tourist in this fascinating Eastern country.

In China, autumn begins in September and lasts until October. This is regarded as the most beautiful time of year to visit this beautiful country since many festivals were taking place then, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival.

China is the second largest place in the world, with many other famous places such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, etc. Moreover, it is a popular tourist destination for people worldwide because of its diverse nature, culture, and cuisine. 

Beijing

This city includes 14 urban, near-urban, and two rural districts. It is located in North China and borders Hebei and Tianjin provinces. More than just a beautiful place in China, Beijing has the most modern transportation system, with highways and railways that are meticulously planned.

Despite being a bustling and modern city, Beijing retains its ancient traditional beauty, complete with a proud culture and historical works.

Beijing urban buildings - a symbol of prosperity. Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash 

Visitors feel like they are travelling back in time upon seeing the majestic palaces and unique ancient temples. All are typical relics of dynasties thousands of years old.

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a must when travelling to the country. This is the world's most well-known strategic military defence structure. Coming here, you will be able to learn about the history of this construction, which was built in the 7th century.

The Forbidden City is one of Beijing's most unique attractions; it exudes majesty and solemnity and is associated with the palace's history. Every year, millions of visitors come to learn about the ancient Chinese golden age at this palace. 

It housed important Chinese art treasures and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is the world's largest ancient wooden complex.

Shanghai

Shanghai is China's most populous city, and because it is located in the East of the country, it benefits from many natural resources. Everything creates a favourable environment for Shanghai's economic and tourism development.

Known as the vast capital of China, Shanghai is regarded as the mainland's cultural centre. Culture is a blend of Western modernity and Chinese tradition, resulting in cultural beauty you rarely find in any other place.

September to early November is the best time to visit and travel to Shanghai. The weather is quite cool and fresh at this time of year, allowing visitors to see the city in a brilliant light.

Shanghai's nightlife is as vibrant and colourful as the modern city itself. Photo by Zhou Xian on Unsplash

With its location on the calm Huangpu River and its modern beauty interwoven with ancient, this city has some of the best China tourist attractions and entertainment activities.

Once a port for the West to do trading in China, the Bund has become an attractive destination. It is the meeting point of classical and modern, separated by the Huangpu River, so visit both during the day and at night to explore its unique beauty.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, a large city in Southern China, is a commercial centre and a fashion paradise. This popular China tourist place attracts millions of visitors each year.

Travelling to Guangzhou promises to immerse the visitors in the bustling, vibrant life and allow everyone to explore the colourful streets day and night. If you are an active person who enjoys discovering new and modern beauty, This is the place for you.

Canton Tower at sunset is stunning and modern. Photo by Quingbao Meng on Unsplash

You should go to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Park. This is where people can remember the heroes who gave their lives to protect and develop China into what it is today. You will learn about Chinese history and take souvenir photos to reminisce about your time here.

You should also take advantage of Lotus Mountain. It’s a 108 metres high landmark located in Panyu, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Guangzhou's centre. This place has become a popular destination for many foreign tourists due to its unspoiled natural landscape. 

Chengdu

Chengdu, China's capital city, is known not only for being one of the most beautiful places in China and the giant panda breeding site of the country but also for being an important trade hub.

 Anshun Covered Bridges. Photo by Zain Lee on Unsplash

Visitors will be overwhelmed by the history of more than 4,000 years of development of the Jinsha culture. From March to April, Chengdu attracts the most visitors as this is the most beautiful season in Chengdu.

Finding Buddhist temples in China is simple, but finding a genuine Taoist temple is like finding a gem. One of the most well-known Chengdu tourist attractions is Qingyang Palace, a Taoist temple you should visit.

If you have any chance, you should visit Qīngchéng Shān Mount. In 2008, UNESCO designated Qīngchéng Shān Mount as a world heritage site.

The mountain has two parts: the anterior, where you can find many historical and cultural sites and Taoist temples. The posterior part is known for its beautiful scenery and fresh air.

If you have time, you should also visit Zhangjiajie, a beautiful and well-known Chinese province that promises to provide you with many new experiences. All it takes is a 2-hour drive from Chengdu.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen, also known as the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ), is a large modern urban-industrial centre in Guangdong province, China. In 2008, Shenzhen was awarded the title of Unesco Creative City, worthy of becoming one of the places to explore and the best place to visit in Asia.

The dynamic city of Shenzhen Bay, Futian District Shenzhen China. Photo by Vincent Lin on Unsplash

When the sun goes down, Shenzhen transforms into a popular tourist destination and a wonderful China place to visit. It's when the entire city is decked out in a sparkling, fanciful shirt of bright lights from skyscrapers, commercial centres, and bustling streets.

You should visit Window of the World, an amazing theme park. Each famous work of wonder will be arranged in its region, such as Asia, Europe, Africa, science and entertainment, and so on.

Unlike the Window of the World park, visitors coming to Jinxiu China Park can travel throughout China by admiring typical miniature architectural models in this densely populated country.

These include the Great Wall of China, the Ancient Palace, and the Shaolin Temple, among others. Although much smaller in scale than the original, each work is elaborately, meticulously, and delicately constructed.

Guilin

Guilin has long been referred to as one of the best cities to visit in China. The landscapes of this land awe travellers with their ancient beauty that coexists with unmistakable modernity.

When it comes to Guilin, it is impossible to overlook the Lijiang River, which winds smoothly like a green silk range. Witnessing the beauty of the river with the green scenery of the mountains and the water in the mountain silhouette is an eye-opening experience.

The majestic natural scenery of mountains and water natural scenery is one of Guilin’s most beautiful features. Photo by vigor poodo on Unsplash

Because Nanning and Guilin are both in Guangxi Province, you should also visit this beautiful destination (only a 3-hour train ride away from Guilin). Nanning, with its beautiful scenery and mild weather, should be a popular tourist destination, especially since it is so close to Guilin.

Some of the unmissable places in this city include the glorious world of Nanning, the outstanding architecture of the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, and so on.

Harbin

 Harbin is nicknamed "the Land of Ice", due to temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Photo by Erica Li on Unsplash 

Harbin, founded in 1898, is a large city in northern China with a population of approximately 10 million people. It is considered the capital of Heilongjiang province. Harbin is currently China's eighth most populous city.

Located 50 kilometres east (31 miles) of Harbin, Erlong Mountain is a charming destination on the lakeside surrounded by surrounding mountains.

Skiing, rock climbing, mini bungee jumping, wheelchair riding, biking, and parachuting are among the many recreational activities available. Every year, some one million visitors visit this tourist destination in China.

The Songhua River, which runs through Harbin, is a popular tourist destination. When winter arrives and the water freezes, the Songhua River becomes a popular destination for locals and tourists.

In the summer, the Songhua River's banks are a great place to cool off and take in the scenery. Every year, ice from the Songhua River is used to create sculptures at the Harbin Ice World.

Xi'an

Xi'an is not only the capital of Shaanxi province but also one of China's most ancient cities. It is the cradle of the Yellow River basin civilisation, with a history of more than 3,100 years, and is also associated with famous historical figures.

One of the most impressive attractions in Xi'an is the mausoleum of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This location is 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of Xi'an's city centre.

 Xi’an is where you can find the world-famous Terracotta Army. Photo by Aaron Greenwood on Unsplash 

This Xi'an tourist attraction is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in China. Visitors will be able to admire the famous terracotta army as well as many realistically moulded terracotta works such as horses, weapons, soldiers, and so on, all on an extremely grandiose scale.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is widely regarded as the greatest work of ancient Chinese architecture. The stupa was constructed 1,300 years ago, during a period when Buddhism was flourishing in China.

If you are visiting Xi'an for the first time, you must not miss the Muslim quarter in China. You will enjoy traditional special cuisine, cultural exchanges, and special teas here. If you want to try new Chinese cuisine, this neighbourhood is known for its unique food street.

Nanjing

Nanjing, located on the banks of the Yangtze River, is historically significant in China. Nanjing, along with Xi’an, Luoyang, and Beijing, is one of China's four great capitals.

In the late Qing Dynasty, Xuanwu Park was built around Xuanwu Lake. This national forest park is now located in the Xuanwu district in the city's North, near Nanjing station. The park has many lovely branches that are the colour of blue water.

Jiming Temple - one of the typical symbols of Nanjing. Photo by Kenneth Yang on Unsplash

The lake is 444 hectares in size and is located within Xuanwu Park. This lake is one of the most beautiful China tourist attractions, and it is well worth an enjoyable visit for tourists.

China Gate is a well-known ancient city gate in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The most delicate and intricate structure in the World, built to the magnificent scale of a castle, and superb skill have earned it an important place in China's architectural and military history.

Dalian

Dalian is northern China's largest seaport. Dalian is a popular tourist destination due to its port system and numerous beaches.

The grandeur of the Dalian bridge, which runs parallel to the coastline of Xinghai Square. Photo by volc xia on Unsplash

Bangchui Island is only about 9 kilometres (5 miles) from the city centre, so don't miss out on this island with incredibly interesting experiences in this poetic setting.

When you visit this destination, you will be able to see firsthand the diversity of natural and man-made attractions such as hills, cliffs, and romantic beach resorts.

In addition to the bustling activities of a famous seaport, Dalian is also known for its beautiful scenery, amusement parks, and dining options. Xinghai Square, consisting of a two-part beach park, is always the China tourist attraction to go to in Dalian. 

Chongqing

Aside from well-known destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing have recently attracted the attention of travellers planning any China trip.

Chongqing is a large city in Southwest China and one of Pexcitingina's four centrally-run and major cities. Chongqing is a historically and culturally significant area and the economic hub of the upper Changjiang region.

It is now the most beautiful place in China for foreign visitors. The tourist attractions in Chongqing are a unique blend of nature and urban beauty; traditional and modern.

You should not miss seeing Chongqing Night from a flashy urban vantage point. Photo on Jerry Wang on Unsplash

Wulong Geopark should not be overlooked when planning a trip to Chongqing. This park, which was featured in the blockbuster Transformers 4, is appealing to international tourists. 

Dazu Stone Carving Statue was designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, with statues dating back to the 9th century that has survived the test of time.

Visitors will be able to admire thousands of works of art carved on Dazu stone, including ancient Chinese hieroglyphs, Buddhist epitaphs, statues of monks, zen masters, and soldiers of heaven.

Wuhan

Wuhan, located in the Jianghan Plain, is a city of alluring beauty that has been inhabited for thousands of years. This popular tourist destination in China is densely populated and has a developed economy with many large projects.

With a mild and pleasant climate, you can visit Wuhan at any time of the year. However, many tourists consider the autumn season, around October, to be the best time to visit Wuhan.

Yellow Crane Tower at Wuhan, China. Photo by Benjamin Chris on Unsplash

Hubei Provincial Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in China, especially in Hubei. Many ancient artefacts, such as weapons, musical instruments, and precious ceramics and bronzes, are displayed and preserved here. Many artefacts are, in fact, considered first-class Chinese relics.

Huangpi Mulan Culture Ecological Tourism Area is a well-known Wuhan tourist destination. This is a beautiful area with mountains, lakes, grasslands, and many blooming flowers for you to explore and enjoy. This is also the hometown of female general Mulan, who fought the enemy to save the country and changed old stereotypes about girls.

Guangdong

 Guangdong, China's economic powerhouse, also has many historic buildings. Photo by dashu83 - stock.adobe.com

Guangdong, located in Southern China, is the most populous province in the country, with bustling cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

You should go to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, which is one of the interesting China tourist places that everyone enjoys visiting. The building was constructed during the Qing Dynasty to serve as a resting place for Chén family members travelling to the capital for exams. At this historical and cultural relic, tourists will discover a diverse collection of wood carvings, stone carvings, pottery, and plaster.

Guangji Bridge, built during the Song Dynasty, is one of China's four oldest bridges. This is also a place where tourists should go. The bridge is supported by 24 round pillars and 18 boats. 

The middle section is connected by unique boats that can be separated for use when necessary. Guangji Bridge appears to be a giant rising hill floating from a distance. This bridge is built very conveniently, both as a bridge and as a berth for boats crossing the river on both sides.

Huangshan

Huangshan is a prefecture-level city in Anhui province, China. UNESCO designated the Huangshan mountain range as a world natural heritage site in 1990. The city is a popular tourist destination in China, with hundreds of attractions open to the public.

The natural scenery in the mountains in the morning is one of the most beautiful things about Huangshan. Photo by MIGUEL BAIXAULI on Unsplash 

Visitors can reach the mountain's foot via rail and air from Shanghai, or via the airport in Hangzhou, Wuhu. You should now reach one of the peaks via a cable car that runs from the mountain's base. 

There are numerous motels and hotels in the surrounding area. Many tourists prefer climbing, spending the night at the summit, and descending the mountain the next day via a different route.

Furthermore, visitors should go to Qiandao Lake, also known as the place with thousands of islands. It got this name because there are 1,078 large islands and thousands of small islands scattered throughout the lake.

Suzhou

Suzhou, in particular, and the Jiangnan region, in general, are always dream destinations for many young people who enjoy travelling.

It is known as a paradise on earth with beautiful poetic scenery. There are numerous tourist attractions in Suzhou, including temples, old quarters, and natural landscapes that combine lakes and high mountains.

Ancient buildings in Suzhou China. Photo by 周 小苏 on Unsplash 

Suzhou Museum is an ideal China tourist spot for those who enjoy a nostalgic and historical atmosphere. It displays calligraphy, handicrafts, and paintings from all over China. With simple, modern, cubical architecture, this is a lovely place for a virtual experience of China's ancient art.

In addition, you can stroll through the parks and unique miniature gardens. Another popular choice is to enjoy nature in Suzhou by visiting the stone bridges crossing Old Town's streets.

Tianjin

Tianjin is a national central city and the largest open coastal city in Northern China. The ancient houses mixed with modern features, the rivers, lakes, and sea, and the extremely rich local dishes never lose their appeal to visitors.

Cityscape of Tianjin Eye and Tianjin Urban Skyline at sunset. Photo by Govan - stock.adobe.com

Tianjin Eye is built on Yongle Bridge and is one of Tianjin's symbols and the China place to visit, along with the Haihe River. This massive wheel stands 120 metres (~400 feet) tall and has 48 passenger compartments, each of which holds approximately eight people.

Each rotation takes 30 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from above.

Tianjin is also well-known throughout the world for its architectural replicas of European works. The Italian Style Town in Tianjin is similar to the Italian counterpart of Florentia.

You can admire the Fountain, the man-made Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, and other reconstructed landmarks while shopping for high-end items like Gucci and Prada on display in this area.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou, located in the Yangtze River Delta, is one of the seven ancient Chinese capitals of Zhejiang province. This China tourist attraction is located 180 kilometres (111 miles) northwest of Shanghai.

The months of March and April are the busiest for tourists in Hangzhou. The weather is not too hot at this time of year, and there is little rain. Between July and September, Hangzhou is engulfed in the pink colour of lotus flowers, and you can take some stunning photos of them.

One of the ancient tea ceremony houses in West Lake, Hangzhou. Photo by David Veksler on Unsplash. 

West Lake covers an area of approximately 6 km. Tourists love to come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery, particularly watching the sunset on the ancient bridges. 

There is also a show about the impressionistic depiction of West Lake - depicting the ancient Chinese people's stories. Longjing village, located southwest of the attraction, is also known as the birthplace of the famous Longjing tea. 

Hangzhou's Qinghefang Pedestrian Street is a shopper's and foodies' paradise. Walking down the street, you will undoubtedly be drawn to the numerous dishes on display. 

The 17 best places to visit in China listed above are just a few of the many must-see attractions. There are countless other wonderful stops to put on your China travel plans. We hope you will have your own discoveries and experiences while immersing yourself in the culture and nature here. 

If you want to explore more of Asia, there are many choices. Besides Hong Kong, you should also consider visiting the hidden gems in Taiwan. Alternatively, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, and its stunning destinations are another great choice you can’t go wrong with.

Vy Nguyen