Top 10 Best Cities to Visit in China (2025 Travel Guide)
Got no idea where to go in China? For the first timers, we would recommend the following top ten tourist cities, also the best places to visit in China, for your consideration. These cities includes the capital city - Beijin, with the Great Wall of China, the ancient city - Xian, home to Terracotta Army, the dynamic metropolis - Shanghai, the fairy land - Guilin, Heavenly State - Chengdu, the holy city - Tibet, the garden city – Hangzhou. All of the top 10 best cities to visit in China have their own unique feature, reflecting the different aspects of China.
How to Choose Which Cities to Visit on Your China Trip
When planning your China tour, choose the best cities that meet your interest, travel style and wishes, so that you can have everything on your China travel bucket list.
Of course, when it comes to decide the best cities to visit in China, you should also consider when you will visit in China. Autumn is the best time for fall foliage in Jiuzhaigou and Kanas, while winter is perfect for Harbin ice tours or Sanya vacations.
>> Explore best China City Tours curated by destination experts
Best Cities for History, Nature, Culture, Food - A Quick Look
| Category | Cities | Highlights | Best for |
| Historical & Cultural Cities | Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, Datong, Dunhuang, Pingyao, Kaifeng, Nanjing | The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Shaolin Temple, Mogao Caves, Pingyao Ancient Town, Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, Nanjing City Wall | History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, culture explorers |
| Natural Cities | Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Guilin, Kanas, Daocheng Yading | Karst landscapes, Avatar mountains, crystal lakes, snow-capped peaks, grasslands, glaciers, sacred mountains | Nature photographers, hikers, outdoor adventurers |
| Modern Metropolis | Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Chongqing, Tianjin, Guangzhou | Skyscrapers, West Lake, coastal charm, Yangtze River night cruise, colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife | City lovers, shoppers, nightlife seekers |
| Gastronomic Cities | Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Wuhan, Shunde | Sichuan hotpot, Cantonese dim sum, Xi’an street food, Beijing roast duck, Hubei reganmian (hot dry noodles), Hunan spicy cuisine, Shunde Cantonese dishes | Foodies, culinary travelers, street food explorers |
| Ethnic Culture Cities | Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, Lhasa, Kashgar, Kaili, Xishuangbanna, Tongren | Tibetan monasteries, ancient towns, Uyghur bazaars, Dong and Miao villages, tropical Dai culture, Thangka art | Cultural travelers, festival-goers, heritage seekers |
1. Beijing: It Boasts Some of the World's Most Remarkable Historical Sites
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of the nation’s politics, economy, culture, education, international trade and communication, and also one of the six ancient cities in China. Combining the ancient history with its modern fashion, Beijing is a city of contrasts than any other city in China.
It is an epitome of the fast changing China. You can experience the real Beijing by visiting the Temple of Heaven Park, seeing the landmarks of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, climbing the magnificent Great wall, eating the unadulterated dumplings, noodles and Peking duck. The Beijing tours will give you a chance to know China's incredible people and culture.
2. Shanghai: Where the Urban Energy Blends Proud Traditions
Known as an estuarine city of Yangtze River, Shanghai is the economic, international commercial, cultural, scientific and technological center of Eastern China, and devoted to be the shipping and finance center of the world by the year 2020. As an emerging tourist city with profound cultural background and dozens of historical interests, Shanghai has successfully held the World Expo in 2010.
On your Shanghai tours, French Concession, Shanghai Museum and the Bund are the sights that should not be missed by any visitors. Just like Pecking Duck in Beijing, Tangbao (a steamed dumpling filled with minced meat and gravy) is an unadulterated snack in Shanghai worth a try.
>> Related reading: Top Cities in China for Urban Walks
3. Xi’an: One of the Most Famous Historical Cities in the World
Known as Chang’an in ancient times, Xi’an is one of the cradles of the ancient Chinese civilization alongside the Yellow River. The city was the ancient Chinese capitals of 11 major dynasties, developing its history from Zhou dynasty in the 11th century BC.
In the past time, Xi’an was a flourishing city of emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and soldiers. The Terracotta Warriors, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter and the City Walls are the recommended attractions worth visiting on your Xian tours.
4. Hong Kong: Traditional, Vibrant, and Mouth-watering
Hong Kong is reputed as “the Pearl of the Orient”. This bright pearl is shining from day to day with its fantastic night view. Also, Hong Kong is called shopping paradise, owning to the numerous brands shops. It is also named the food paradise because of the countless snacks coming from every corner of the world.
Words fail to convey the essence of Hong Kong. Only visiting Hong Kong with your eyes and heart can you appreciate this "Oriental London ".
It is also a perfect destination for family travel as it boasts Disneyland Hong Kong and Ocean Park for the fun of children.
5. Lijiang: UNESCO-listed Old Towns & Unparalleled Landscapes
Three ancient districts of the city of Lijiang became a UNESCO World Heritage area in 1997. Lijiang is the home to 12 ethnic minorities, among which the Naxi ethnic group takes up more than half. The Naxi ethnic minority creates a unique culture called "Dong Ba Culture". A trip to Lijiang will give you a chance to know the mysterious Dong Ba culture including classical Naxi music as well as Naxi architecture.
The popular attractions in Lijiang include Lijiang Ancient Town (the only ancient city without a city wall among all famous historical ancient cities in China), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shuhe old town.
6. Guilin: The Other-worldly Nature & Pastoral Countryside
“East and West, Guilin's scenery is the best”. The beauty of this scenic city, highly praised for generations by poets and painters, lives up to its reputation. Sitting on the Li River surrounded by dramatic limestone hills known as karst formations, Guilin attracts tens of thousands tourists from home and aboard every year.
Top things to do here is to take a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. It is also a hub for you to continue your trip to Yangshuo and Longsheng to see the rice terraces.
7. Lhasa: Tibet's Holy City of Sunlight
Lhasa is certainly one of the most featured cities in the world. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. The city has been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China.
The splendid and magnificent Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of the mysterious power of politics and religion in this region. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by its unique scenery, long history, exotic culture, mystical religion and spectacular monuments. Generally, the period between April and October is the best time to visit.
8. Chengdu: the Most Famous Gastronomic City and Panda City
Chengdu is known as the "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo).The city was named by several Chinese media as the nation’s second-most livable city in 2006. Gingko trees and hibiscus flowers bestrew the bustling side streets, making the city a garden.
Chengdu is also famous for its brocades and embroideries. Shu embroideries, one of the four main embroideries in China, enjoy a high reputation for their bright colors and exquisite designs.
During your Chengdu tours, the Panda Breeding and Research Center, Leshan Giant Buddha, Jinli Old Street, and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area are the attractions recommended in your trip list as well as the famous Sichuan cuisine and opera.
>> Related reading: China’s Creative Cities listed by UNESCO
9. Hangzhou: A Heavenly-like City on Earth
With charming natural beauty and abundant cultural heritages, Hangzhou is known as 'Heaven on Earth' and the International Garden City. Among dozens of famous sights, West Lake is undoubtedly the most renowned symbol of Hangzhou. With its willow-lined banks, ancient pagodas and mist-covered hills, being here is like stepping into a classical Chinese watercolor painting. A number of national museums also provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products such as the National Silk Museum and the National Tea Museum.
Apart from the charming beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou’s famous dishes like Beggar's Chicken, West Lake Fish in Sweet Sour Source, Dongpo Pork and Fried Shrimps must be tried by everyone for the elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste.
10. Guangzhou: One of the Best Cities in China for Food and Shopping
Guangzhou, a flourishing metropolis full of energy, is the capital city of Guangdong Province. Known as Canton to many westerns, Guangzhou was the first city where most travelers prefer to stay when visiting Chinese Mainland. High rises and shopping plazas, clean and efficient metro system, well-kept gardens and parks manifest the high modernity of the city.
Behind the skyscraper, you will find some lovely old residences, temples and gardens hidden there in generations. For travelers, Guangzhou greets you with many famous sights such as Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Chen Family Temple, Xiguan Old Houses, and Pearl River night cruise. Semiannual Canton Fair offers great oppotunities for bunsiness people from all over the world.
