Top 10 Cities to Visit in China

China is an amazing country and you won't know how many interesting things there are about it until you have gone there. With diverse cultures, delicious cuisines, and incredible landscapes, it's difficult to pick your destination in China. The best cities in China can be modern, historic, chaotic, and interesting. Enjoy different cities and experience varying Chinese customs and lifestyles. We have selected the top 10 cities in China for you to visit.

1. Beijing — Capital, Historic, and Modern

As the ancient capital of six dynasties (Yan, Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing), Beijing is a famous ancient city with a history of over 800 years. You can explore various traditional Chinese architectures in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. However, the most popular destination in Beijing is the Great Wall. Located in the north of Beijing, the Mutianyu, Jiankou, Jinshanling, and Simatai sections of the Great Wall can meet your different travel expectations. Beijing is also the capital of China with modern facilities and excellent transportation systems, which can offer you a pleasant travel experience.

Our most popular Beijing tour: 2-Day Beijing Boutique Tour

The Forbidden City

2. Xi'an — the Oldest City in China

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Xi'an was the terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of 13 dynasties (such as the Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties). If you are interested in China's history, you might like the many museums, historic sites, and theme parks based on history in Xi'an. You can't miss the Terracotta Army, which is already world-famous even if you don’t know anything about Chinese history. How should you arrange what order to visit attractions in Xi'an? Generally speaking, visiting Shaanxi History Museum before exploring the site of the Terracotta Army will help you learn more about it. Eating and shopping in the Muslim Quarter is also a popular activity for many travelers.

Join our classic One-Day Xi'an VIP Mini Tour to enjoy this ancient city.

The Bell Tower

3. Guilin — Amazing Landscapes that Look Like Chinese Paintings

Guilin is famous for its stunning karst mountains, rice terraces, picturesque landscape around the Li River, and harmonious countryside lifestyles. This small city is located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of South China. Spend 2–3 hours flying from Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, or other cities to arrive in this beautiful city. Without any air pollution or your busy lifestyle, you can experience the most authentic local culture and enjoy a feast for your eyes in Guilin. Spend a day in Yangshuo to visit the most representative karst landscapes. You won't regret it because it's said that "Yangshuo's landscapes are the best under heaven". Then hike the majestic rice terraces at Longsheng and encounter the Yao women who have the longest hair in the world. Beautiful views and the peaceful local lifestyle will drive all your stress away.

Join our well-designed One-Day Guilin Tour to witness the city's beauty.

The Longji Rice Terraces

4. Chengdu — Cute Pandas and Wonderful Natural Views

There are so many reasons to visit Chengdu: it is not only the home of cute pandas but is also a paradise of Chinese food and natural sceneries. You will get an opportunity to see cute pandas at China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, which is located in Wolong National Nature Reserve. Seeing the cuddly pandas eating bamboo or playing with each other will make you happy. Of course, you can't miss eating Chengdu's famous spicy hot pot and seeing the beautiful scenery at Jiuzhaigou.

The red pandas

5. Shanghai — Modern, Fashionable, and Varied

In Shanghai, China's biggest city, you can experience the modern, fashionable, and varied atmospheres there. Tall skyscrapers, busy local people, a high percentage of foreigners, and shining night views are the most representative features of Shanghai. Wander along the Bund to visit various architectural structures that were the best witnesses of Shanghai's colonial history. Take a cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy a luxurious night view of Shanghai. Go ahead to Zhujiajiao Water Town to listen to the old stories behind this modern city.

Join our One-Day Shanghai Tour to discover the highlights of Shanghai.

The water town

6. Suzhou — a Quaint and Elegant Southern City

Located to the northwest of Shanghai, Suzhou is a quaint city that has beautiful water towns and classic Chinese gardens. Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces were rich in ancient China as many wealthy merchants invested their money in their hometowns and into constructing personal gardens. A delicate design, advanced architectural skill, and a good blend with nature are important for a successful garden. The most famous gardens in Suzhou are the Master of the Nets Garden and the Humble Administrator's Garden.

7. Lijiang — Colorful Sights and a Comfortable Climate

Lijiang is a beautiful and small city located in the west of Yunnan Province. There are lots of sights to see in Lijiang: snowcapped mountains, clear lakes, ancient towns, and colorful minority cultures. Most travelers prefer to have accommodation in the Old Town of Lijiang, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lijiang has various landscapes that you should visit depending on the time you have available. The Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe Ancient Town, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are close to the city of Lijiang. Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La need about 3 days to explore.

Our popular Lijiang tour: Private Tour From Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha and Longquan Village

The Blue Moon Valley

8. Hangzhou — a Popular Holiday Spot

Hangzhou is one of the most popular travel cities in China. It has the dreamy West Lake, a good environment, and considerable services to offer. Even the ancient Chinese emperors and poets preferred to be in Hangzhou. There is a famous Chinese proverb: "There is paradise above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below".

9. Zhangjiajie — a Fabulous Stone Pillar Forest

Zhangjiajie became well-known and popular with visitors after the famous movie Avatar was aired. Just like the precarious peaks in the movie, those they were based on in Zhangjiajie are also unbelievable and the area seems just like a fairyland. As well as that, Zhangjiajie is also famous for its limpid streams, green and dense forests, and unique karst caves. Zhangjiajie is a small city in Hunan Province. You can get there easily from Changsha or Guilin.

Join our One-Day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour: Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie to explore Zhangjiajie.

The National Forest Park

10. Huangshan — a Famous Mountain Range and an Ancient Village

Huangshan is a popular tourist city in China with its famous Yellow Mountains and Hong Village. Located in Anhui Province, Huangshan is convenient to get to. In order to promote the development of tourism, Huangshan has its own airport. You can get there easily from major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.