The Middle Kingdom, Red Dragon, Sleeping Giant—visiting China will blow your socks off, whatever you choose to call this incredible country. If you’re coming to China, prepare for a lifetime experience! And if China wasn’t already on your list, I hope that changes soon (after reading this blog). With so many places to visit in China, it has something for everyone and is one of the world’s most interesting and rewarding travel destinations.
China is our second home, and we lived there for five years. We have been lucky enough to visit some of the most beautiful places in China. So if you’re coming to China and looking for some ideas of where to go, have a look at our growing list of spectacular places to visit in China (and one less spectacular place).
February 20026 Update
Canada and the UK are joining a growing number of countries that can travel to China visa-free. More below
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Reasons to Visit China
Few places on earth can quite intrigue and captivate minds like China. China is mysterious, exotic and perhaps even scary in most people’s minds. Visitors to China have nothing to fear, though. Our personal experience so far has been positive; the people are friendly, and the most difficult part of visiting China is probably deciding where to go.
Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move mountains. Let her sleep. For when she wakes, she will shake the world
Napoleon Bonaparte
China has definitely awoken from its slumber in the last decade. Racing towards the future at a seemingly unstoppable speed, there is no better time to visit China than now. With the longest high-speed rail network in the world (now exceeding 50,000 km), the recent eradication of extreme poverty, and rising living standards, travelling in China should be a very enjoyable and interesting experience.
China will reward travellers looking for culture, history, food, adventure, vibrant cities, ancient villages, stunning nature and diversity in leaps and bounds. The immense diversity in all the things mentioned above is why we want to see more of China.
Culture and history are perhaps the most alluring prospects for visitors. With 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (both cultural and natural), discovering China is not only incredibly beautiful and interesting, but you’re sure to learn something along the way.
Also read: My top ten books to read before travelling to China
Visa-Free Travel to China in 2026 – Easier Access Than Ever
Visa-free entry has made China more accessible in 2026 than at any point in recent years—perfect timing for spontaneous wanderers like us.
As of February 2026, ordinary passport holders from around 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, family/friends visits, exchanges, or transit. This unilateral policy (extended for most countries) runs through December 31, 2026 (with potential further extensions).
The list includes most of Europe (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greece, Portugal, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, plus recent additions like Canada and the United Kingdom (effective February 17, 2026). Things do change, so always double-check, and even then, call or email your local consulate to make sure.
Is it Safe to Travel to China?
We have felt safe everywhere we have gone in China. In the five years that we lived here, we have not fallen victim to any crime or heard of anyone who has.
People everywhere, from the big cities to rural villages, have been welcoming and willing to help, even with the language barrier.
The most probable issue visitors might encounter in China is being overcharged by a taxi driver (always use the meter) or when shopping (always bargain). All things considered, China is a safe country to visit. However, use common sense and don’t do what you wouldn’t do at home.
What’s New / Trending in China 2026
China in 2026 is quietly shifting toward the kind of travel we’ve always loved: slower, deeper, and more connected to real places and people.
While the crowds still flock to the big icons, a growing number of travellers are chasing regenerative and slow experiences. They want to linger longer in one spot, support local communities, and leave lighter footprints.
Think multi-day stays in Yunnan tea villages, walking among ancient camellia groves and Naxi families; quiet overnights in Fujian’s Hakka tulou clusters, where life still revolves around shared courtyards and home-cooked meals; or unhurried explorations along lesser-visited stretches of the Silk Road, tasting Uyghur flatbreads and listening to stories in small oasis towns.
These trends suit us perfectly. We’re still ordinary travellers chasing real slow experiences, and in 2026, the quieter corners of China are calling louder than ever.
Places to Visit in China
Here is our growing list of places to visit in China. Seeing China is not something that is done in one single trip or even a single lifetime. We still haven’t been nearly everywhere we want to see in China, so we will keep updating this list as we explore China.
We have the far western provinces of Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang on our radar this sauna season summer, which will hopefully have many places to add to our list of places to visit in China.
SHANGHAI
Best for: Big city vibes, skyline, food, shopping, French & British heritage
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay here: Park Hotel or MaxX on the Bund
We lived in Shanghai for a year, and man, what a city! China’s most populous city (24 million and growing) is a city of the future. But it’s not all glass towers and skyscrapers; Shanghai is classic, sexy and RICH.
Shanghai’s ability to balance her futuristic skyline, European influences and Chinese roots is why we love her so much. Add great parks, urban spaces, creative art scene, vibrant nightlife and excellent food from all across China, and you’ll get to understand why it is such a popular place to visit (and live) in China.
Must-do things in Shanghai:
- Stroll along the Bund and goggle at that skyline.
- Be transported to Europe in the leafy avenues of the French Concession.
- Get a bird’s eye view from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower.
- Visit the Yuyuan bazaar and garden for a glimpse of old Shanghai.
- Stay in an Art Deco heritage hotel.
- Stroll, shop and, eat on Nanjing Lu.
- Enjoy the ex-pat delights and hipster vibes of Julu Lu.
XI’AN
Best for: History, culture, museums, food
Suggested Time: 3-4 days
Stay Here: HeSu Hidden Art Hotel
One of China’s ancient capitals, Xi’an today is one of the most popular places to visit in China for one reason: the terracotta army. This ancient burial tomb contains thousands of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his afterlife.
In Xi’an, you get to understand how old Chinese civilization really is. Xi’an is also the start of the fabled Silk Route. Ages of trade between East and West have made Xi’an an incredibly multicultural city by Chinese standards. Xi’an certainly has a Central Asian feel to it.
Must-do things in Xi’an:
- See the Terracotta army.
- Visit the superb Shaanxi Museum.
- Be amazed by another terracotta-filled burial chamber: the tomb of Emperor Jingdi of the Han dynasty.
- Look up at the Big Goose Pagoda.
- Hunt for the best lamb skewer or China burger in the Muslim Quarter.
- Visit the Xi’an mosque.
- Ride a bike all around the Xi’an city wall.
BEIJING
Best for: History, culture, Great Wall, food
Suggested Time: 3-4 days
Stay here: Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel
Beijing is the historical, cultural and political heart of China, and Beijing IS China in many ways. Anything that happens here will ripple out to every corner of the Middle Kingdom.
Beijing is the most visited place in China and is often combined with Xi’an and Shanghai by first-time visitors to China who want to experience the best of China in a short time.
Of course, no visit to Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall, which is easiest to reach from Beijing. Besides a walk on the Great Wall, look at our authentic Beijing experiences for an unforgettable trip to China’s capital.
Must-do things in Beijing:
- Enter the forbidden-no-more Forbidden City.
- Stand in the centre of the Middle Kingdom: Tiananmen Square.
- Visit the Temple of Heaven.
- Take a bike ride through the narrow alleys of a Hutong.
- Eat Peking duck.
- Take a day trip to the Great Wall.
- Dance with the locals in Beihai Park.
- Explore the uber-cool 798 Art Zone
- Visit the Summer Palace.
- See a Kung Fu show in the Red Theater.
HONG KONG
Best for: Dimsum! shopping, skyline, nostalgic British vibes
Suggested Time: 2-3 days
Stay Here: Butterfly on Wellington
We’ve visited Hong Kong at least 15 times and still look forward to every visit.
Hong Kong is and isn’t China in many ways. You will go through immigration when entering Hong Kong from China and vice versa. China and Hong Kong also use different currencies. Like it or not, but Hong Kong IS a part of China, and that’s not going to change…
Personal views aside, Hong Kong is one of the best places to visit in China for various reasons. The tradition of Dim Sum (South Chinese brunch with various bite-sized dishes) alone is enough reason to visit Hong Kong.
Hong Kong also boasts one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Add to that the fact that everyone speaks English and most people don’t need a visa to visit, and you’ll get an idea why it is such a popular destination.
The best way to see Hong Kong during a layover is to jump on the Big Bus for a hop-on-hop-off tour of the city.
Must-do things in Hong Kong:
- Dimsum: our favourite is Dim Sum Square in Central.
- Take the tram up to Victoria Peak for the best view.
- Ride the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Central.
- Squeeze into the tiny Lan Fong Yuen in Soho for the best milk tea and toast.
- Shop for fake Rolex watches on Temple Street.
- Visit Stanley for the market and a pub lunch.
Read our Hong Kong travel Guide to find out more.
MACAU
Best for: gambling, food, Portuguese heritage
Suggested Time: 1-2 days
Stay Here: The Venetian
Macau, the Las Vegas of the East, is another city we can’t get enough of. We lived in Zhuhai, right on the China-Macau border, for four years and have stopped counting how many times we’ve been to Macau.
The unique architecture and cobblestoned sidewalks look like they have teleported straight to China from Lisbon. In Macau, a tiny former Portuguese colony, all the street signs and announcements are in both Portuguese and Mandarin.
World-famous as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau actually rakes in more money than Vegas could ever dream of. Macau is much smaller than Hong Kong (in size) but much larger than Vegas (in terms of money).
Of course, the food in Macau is a wonderful mix of Portugal, its former colonies and China, and the egg tarts are on par with the best of the mothership.
Our one-day Macau itinerary shows you the best of the city in just one day. Don’t go before reading, ok?
Must-do things in Macau:
- Go casino hopping from one extravagant casino to the next.
- Admire the futuristic architecture of the Morpheus Hotel.
- See the fountain show and ride the gondola at Wynn Palace.
- Eat Macanese street food in Senado and Taipa Village.
- See the ruins of St Pauls.
- Gorge on egg tarts and bifana (Portuguese pork buns).
- Head to Fernandos on Hac Sa beach for the best Portuguese food this side of Lisbon.
- See the spectacular House of Dancing Water show.
CHENGDU
Best for: pandas, spicy food, culture, tea
Suggested Time: 4 days
Stay Here: Sfeel Designer Hotel
Sichuan’s capital city really surprised us. We came in search of cute pandas and fiery hotpot but found so much more. Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China, and we definitely see ourselves returning there again.
Just like Hangzhou, Chengdu has a very relaxed atmosphere. The best thing to do is go with the mellow flow, slow down, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Chengdu is also known as the Backdoor into Tibet, and not only is it the perfect starting point for adventures into Tibet, but you’ll also spot many Tibetans in the city.
Must-do things in Chengdu:
- Go see the pandas.
- Eat, eat eat!
- See a Sichuan opera and be amazed by a face-changing performance.
- Drink tea, get a massage and an ear cleaning at Hemming Teahouse.
- Find Zen at Wuhou Temple.
- Admire the Anshun Bridge at night.
- Visit the stunning Old Tea House in Pengzhen.
BUDDHA OF LESHAN (DA FO)
Best for: Photography, culture
Suggested Time: Day trip from Chengdu (book here)
The seated Buddha of Leshan (also called Da Fo) is gigantic—71 meters tall, to be precise. Entirely carved from the side of a red sandstone cliff, it dates from the Tang dynasty.
Other than the Buddha itself, there are also temples, pagodas and pavilions to look at. For the best view of the giant, take a boat cruise on the river running in front of it.
The sheer size of the Buddha and the overall beauty of the whole area make it a very worthwhile day trip from Chengdu.
HANGZHOU
Best for: Scenic outdoors, gardens, culture, tea
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Ji Hotel (West Lake Nanshan Road)
Hangzhou is an excellent destination for those looking to see the beauty of China. The serene West Lake must be one of the most beautiful places in the country. With ancient temples, pagodas, pavilions, arched stone bridges, bamboo forests and tea plantations, Hangzhou definitely has that classic Chinese look, more so than cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Hangzhou is often visited as a day trip from Shanghai, but it deserves at least three full days. Look here at all the things to do in Hangzhou.
Must-do things in Hangzhou:
- Walk or bike along the causeways and bridges of West Lake.
- Take a sampan cruise through the Xixi wetlands.
- Cross the Grand Canal.
- Eat beggar’s chicken.
- Drink China’s best green tea at the Lonjing tea plantation.
- See the fantastic Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Impression
- See the fat Buddha carved into a mountain that flew to China from India.
- Visit the beautiful Lingyin Temple.
SUZHOU
Best for: Classic Chinese gardens, culture, food
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Alley Sunshine
Suzhou is another beautiful city that is often only visited as a day trip from Shanghai. To truly enjoy all the things to do in Suzhou, we recommend three days.
Suzhou is China’s garden city, with over 60 classic Chinese gardens. The most famous, The Humble Administrator’s Garden, is perhaps the most beautiful garden in all of China and often the only reason why people come to Suzhou. But don’t stop there. Also, make sure you have time to immerse yourself in all the other cultural things to do while you’re here.
Suzhou is the best place to eat hairy crab, a prized delicacy in China.
Must-do things in Suzhou:
- Visit at least one of Suzhou’s famous gardens.
- Admire the modern architecture and ancient art at the Suzhou Museum.
- Attend a Kunqu opera.
- Slurp up delicious Su-style noodles.
- Visit the No 1. Silk Factory.
- Eat hairy crab from Yangcheng Lake.
- See the lanterns and canals of Shantang Street.
WATER TOWNS
Best for: Photography, relaxing
Suggested Time: Day trip from Suzhou or Shanghai
There are several water towns scattered throughout the Yangtze Delta, which are often visited on a day trip from either Shanghai or Suzhou. It’s easy to see why this region is called the Venice of the East when you’re floating on a canal through town, passing small arched bridges, ancient ancestral halls and households where people still go about their daily lives.
We went to Tongli Water town on a day trip from Suzhou, and we loved it. If you’re looking for a small, functioning water town, you’ll love Tongli too.
HUANGSHAN / YELLOW MOUNTAIN
Best for: Hiking, nature, photography, hot springs
Suggested Time: 1-4 days
Stay Here: Shunli Chengzhang
China’s most famous mountain is not actually yellow. The mountain is named after Emperor Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, who is believed to have ascended to heaven from this mountain.
Adventurous visitors can choose to go on a gruelling 3-day hike to the summit of the Yellow Mountain. Doing this, you’ll have to walk up around 60,000 steps carved into the mountain! For the less adventurous, a cable car will whisk you off to the summit.
Regardless of how you reach the summit (and weather permitting), you’ll be rewarded with some of the best natural scenery in China. We were really unlucky and, unfortunately, saw only shapes and outlines of the famed Huangshan pines blanketed in a thick blanket of fog. Read our guide to Huangshan to find out how to visit the Yellow Mountains independently.
After returning from the summit, treat your body, mind and soul to a good old soak in the Huangshan hot springs at the base of the mountain.
HONGCUN VILLAGE
Best for: Culture, photography, rural views, architecture
Suggested Time: Half-day trip from Huangshan
Anhui province, specifically the area around Huangshan, has some of the best-preserved ancient villages in China. If you’re looking to get a glimpse into rural life in China, then Anhui province is hard to beat.
Dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the 900-year-old Hongcun is laid out in the shape of an ox. Hongcun is extremely photogenic, especially the reflections around the Moon Pond in the centre of the village.
While you’re in the area, also stop at the massive and dense Mukheng bamboo forest. You might remember the Chinese blockbuster Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The famous fighting scene in the bamboo forest was shot here, and another scene was taken in Hongcun village itself.
YANGSHUO
Best for: Adventure activities, incredible landscapes, photography, relaxing
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Sudder Street Guesthouse
One of China’s most iconic sights is in southern China’s Guangxi province. If you have seen pictures of dreamy karst mountains popping up from a sleepy river with fishermen fishing with birds in the foreground, it is Yangshuo.
Yangshou is a great place to be as active or lazy as you want. From rock climbing to whitewater rafting to lazy bamboo rafting, taking a cooking class, or simply relaxing, Yangshuo has a bit of everything for everyone.
Give yourself at least 2 days in Yangshuo to really enjoy the beauty of this special part of China. In fact, prepare yourself to change your plans and stay longer…Yangshou is that kind of place.
Must-do things in Yangshuo:
- Take a relaxing bamboo raft on the Li River.
- Photograph the cormorant fishermen in Xingping.
- Dinner, drinks, and nightlife on West Street.
- Get the adrenaline on: rock climbing or white water rafting.
- Take in the view from Laozhai mountain.
LIJIANG
Best for: Culture, minority groups, photography, tea
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Ancient Town Mengyi Inn
Ancient Lijiang is another beautiful Chinese town. Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is one of the best-preserved old towns in China, and it’s just gorgeous.
Little stone bridges cross small streams and canals running through town, old wooden architecture flanks the winding cobblestone streets, and the local Naxi minority group come out to dance in the town squares. Lijiang has a very mild climate and can be visited throughout the year. Read here about the best things to do in Lijiang.
Must-do things in Lijiang:
- Feed the fish and take in the view at the Black Dragon Pond.
- Try the prized Pu-er tea from Yunnan.
- Dance with the minority groups in the town square.
- Eat delicious Naxi food.
- Explore the winding alleys and wooden architecture of Lijiang.
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
Best for: Nature, hiking, outdoors
Suggested Time: 2-3 days
Stay Here: Tea Horse Guesthouse
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is more than just an incredibly catchy name. This stunning multi-day hike is perhaps the best in China. Easily reached from Lijiang, hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge must be on every itinerary to Yunnan province.
The gorge is one of the deepest on earth, and the scenery along the trail is breathtaking. The hike itself is pretty straightforward and can be enjoyed by almost anyone. We hiked the Tiger Leaping Gorge (for the second time)with Jin’s parents, who are in their early 70s, and we all had a great time.
Top Tip: Sleep at Tea Horse Guesthouse in the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The setting, food and hospitality are outstanding.
BLUE MOON VALLEY
Best for: Nature, photography
Suggested Time: Half-day trip from Lijiang
Just outside Lijiang, the aptly named Blue Moon Valley is one of the most surreal places to visit in China. Here, at the base of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you’ll find a series of ice-blue lakes backed by snow-capped mountains. You will be excused for thinking that you had teleported to Banff in Canada when you first arrive.
Top Tip: Read our guide on how to visit the Blue Moon Valley from Lijiang without taking a tour. Get there first thing in the morning before it gets crazy. The Blue Moon Valley is so beautiful that everyone in China wants to see it 😀
DALI
Best for: Culture, relaxing
Suggested Time: 2 days
Stay Here: Yunhu Inn
The old town of Dali is one of the most relaxing places in China. Sitting on Lake Erhai, chilled Dali is one of those places where you stay much longer than you had planned. The small old town is much more relaxed and perhaps authentic than Lijiang, further north in Yunnan.
The pleasant weather, lakeside setting, beautiful scenery and friendly locals are all good enough reasons to put Dali on your Yunnan itinerary.
Must-do things in Dali:
- Visit the Three Pagodas.
- Rent an E-scooter and ride along Lake Erhai.
- Spot the Lucky Cats on the roofs.
- Eat wild mushroom hotpot.
- Shop for amber.
- Relax!
Nanjing
Best for: Modern Chinese History, Food
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Holiday Inn Aqua City
The capital city of Jiangsu province is one of the most pleasant cities to visit in China. Surprisingly, most tourists speed right past it between Shanghai and Beijing. This has to stop!
Those who decide to come to Nanjing will find some of the best historical sights and food in China. While it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Shanghai, there are many things to do in Nanjing to justify a longer stay.
Nanjing was the Imperial capital of China for over a thousand years before the capital was moved to Beijing. During World War 11, Nanjing witnessed some of the worst atrocities of warfare, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands who had lost their lives in the Rape of Nanjing.
Nanjing rewards visitors with a lot of history, traditional neighbourhoods, excellent food, stunning parks, and leafy avenues to bike along.
Must-do things in Nanjing:
- Visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial to learn about the city’s fate during the 2nd World War.
- Take a cruise along the Qin Huai River.
- Eat fantastic Nanjing Cuisine.
- See the Ming Tomb and Spirit Way on Purple Mountain.
- Climb the 392 steps to the Sun Yat-sen memorial.
- Dream with your eyes open at the Usnisa Palace.
- Walk on the longest city wall in the world.
- Explore the alleys in Lao Men Dong.
HARBIN
Best for: Russian culture, snow sculptures, bragging rights
Suggested Time: 2-3 days
Stay Here: Ji Hotel (Harbin Central Street)
The best time to visit Harbin is during the freezing winter months—and by freezing, we’re talking about -30 to -40 °C! Harbin hosts the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, which usually starts at the beginning of January and lasts for a month. The actual sculptures will be around until they melt, though.
Situated on the border with Siberia, Harbin is also a great place to get a little taste of Russia right here in China. The onion-domed Saint Sophia Cathedral in the city centre and Volga Manor on the outskirts look strangely at home here.
Must-do things in Harbin:
- Slide down the ice slide at the Ice Festival.
- Walk across the frozen Songhua River.
- Tuck into cabbage rolls, pelmeni, borscht and other Russian food at Cafe Russia 1914.
- Be transported to Europe while walking down Zhongyang Street.
- See the Saint Sophia Cathedral.
- Get up close with Siberian tigers at the Tiger Park.
Xiamen
Best for: Seafood, Creative Vibes, Relaxation
Suggested Time: 2-3 days
Stay Here: Ji Hotel Zhongshan Road
Subtropical Xiamen, on the coast of Fujian province, is a lovely city to explore. Laid back and beautiful, Xiamen has a lot going for it. It’s one of the creative hubs in China and has a youthful vibe. If you’re looking for a relaxed city break, like street art or want to experience hip China outside the giant mega-cities, Xiamen is your place.
In Xiamen, you can explore beautiful gardens, visit ornate temples or spend time on the beach. The seafood is excellent, and the city has a fantastic street food scene.
Best things to do in Xiamen
- Visit the elaborate Nanputo temple
- Take the ferry to the colonial island of Gulangyu
- Soak in the Riyuegu hot springs surrounded by lush gardens
- Bask in everything hip and cool at Shapowei Art Zone
- Cheers with a nice craft beer at FatFat Beer Horse
- Overdose on everything to do with cats on Ding’aozai Cat Street
- Shop and eat street food on Zhongshan Road
- Get a taste of Taiwan at Taiwan Snack Food Street
Gulangyu Island
Best for: Colonial-era architecture, beaches
Suggested Time: 1 day
Stay Here: Yuezhiyun
Just off the coast of Xiamen is one of the most unique places to visit in China. The stunning Gulangyu Island is a former treaty port and is home to the best colonial architecture in mainland China outside Shanghai.
The small, pedestrian-only island is crammed with mansions, consulates, churches, social clubs and the like from thirteen countries, including England, Denmark, France and Portugal.
Besides the faded opulence of the colonial era, the island has a few fantastic sandy beaches with great views towards Xiamen just across the water. Don’t miss Sunlight Rock for a panoramic view over the colonial island backed by the skyscrapers of Xiamen.
While most people visit Gulangyu on a day trip from Xiamen, we recommend staying a night or two in one of the heritage hotels on the island.
Wuyishan
Best for: hiking, nature, tea
Suggested Time: 3 days
Stay Here: Ancient Street No3 Tea Hotel
One of our favourite places in China, the Wuyi Mountains, is drop-dead gorgeous! Well off the beaten path to most foreigners, Wuyishan rewards those who come with the best tea in China, excellent hiking and natural scenery.
Wuyishan is a natural wonderland of dome-shaped mountains, caves, forests, crystal-clear rivers and tea fields. Between all of these, you’ll find Taoist, Buddhist and Confucianist temples. You can spend days hiking and exploring Wuyishan National Park and all its wonders.
Tea lovers should definitely visit Wuyishan. These are the Tea Mountains of China and the ancient tea capital of China. Between the mountains, you’ll find hundreds of tea gardens where some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive teas grow.
Things to do in Wuyishan
- Climb Tianyou Peak for the best view of the area
- Take a bamboo raft down the Nine Bend Stream
- Walk through the narrow Thread of Sky cave
- See the incredible Dahongpao Impression show
- Go hiking between the tea gardens
- Eat Dahongpao icecream
- Try Wuyi rock tea, Oolong, Dahongpao and other famous Fujian tea at one of the tea houses in town
- Discover temples hidden between the tea plantations and mountains
- Walk along the Rock Tea Trail
Hakka Tulou
Best for: Rural villages, architecture
Suggested Time: 2 days
Stay Here: Tianluokeng No1 Guesthouse
Those searching for beautiful villages and a slice of rural China should put Fujian province on top of their to-do list. Between the rolling hills, banana plantations and tea fields, thousands of mud castles known as tulou are scattered, and village hopping between them for a day is just grand.
These doughnut-shaped clan houses are UNESCO-recognized and offer visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of the Hakka people who still live there.
It’s possible to visit the Hakka tulou on a day trip from Xiamen, but this will be an exhausting and long day. Much better is to sleep over in a guesthouse inside one of the villages and get a driver for the day to take you on a sightseeing trip of the Hakka villages.
Of all the villages, priorotise Tianluokeng, Yongding, Yunshuiyao Village and Yuchang.
Turpan
Best for: Ruins, mummies, desert
Suggested time: 2 days
Stay Here: Metropolo Jinjiang
Turpan is HOT. It sits in the Turpan Depression, the second lowest point on earth, and as a result, it is a furnace in summer. But don’t let that put you off. Turpan is a fascinating Silk Road city to explore, with interesting sights to keep you occupied for a few days.
Besides ancient sights, Turpan also grows the sweetest seedless grapes and melons, and the Xinjiang lamb was the best we’ve had in all of China.
Things to do in Turpan
- Admire the mud brick Emin Minaret
- See the Tianshan big rhinoceros dinosaur fossils, Tang dynasty art and mummies in the Turpan Museum
- Break a sweat at Flaming Mountain – the hottest place in China
- See the surreal desert landscape of Tuyugou Great Canyon
- Wander around the beautiful Tuyoq village
- Explore the Jiaohe ruins – the largest, oldest and best-preserved earthen city in the world
- Meet the quirky grandpas at the Internet Celebrity Antique Shop
Kashgar
Best for: Silk Road culture
Suggested time: 3 days
Stay Here: Orange Hotel Kashgar Ancient City
Few places can conjure up the exotic quite like Kashgar. Located in far western China, Kashgar is the country’s most famous Silk Road city, and it’s well worth the trek to get there.
Kashgar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its location at the crossroads of cultures makes it feel like you’ve left China for Central Asia.
The Uyghur city, with its exciting markets, mosques, shrines, teahouses, ethnic diversity and great food, is a bucket-list destination that many can only dream of.
Top Attractions in Kashgar
- Top Attractions in Kashgar
- Abakh Khoja Tomb (Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine)
- Kashgar Bazaar & Livestock Market
- The alleys of Kashgar Old City
- Id Kah Mosque
- Century-Old Teahouse
- People’s Park & Statue of Mao
- The rooftop cafe at Kashgar Coffee
China-Pakistan Friendship Highway / Karakoram Highway
The Eight Wonder of the World – that’s what some people call this (literally) breathtaking road running between Kashgar in China and Islamabad in Pakistan.
For some of the best high-altitude scenery and off-the-beaten-path experience in China, you cannot go wrong with the Kashgar to Taxkurgan road.
Along the way, your mouth will hang open when you see the surreal Bulongkol Lake and its white dunes, snow-capped mountains over 7000 meters high, grasslands and Alpine lakes. The road reaches its highest point at the Shubash Pass at 4081 metres above sea level.
Besides the breathtaking scenery, as you skirt Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, you’ll also meet Tajik and Kyrgyz people at the stops along the way.
It truly is an epic adventure that you’ll never forget.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
It’s hard to believe a place like this exists in China. The Rockies – yes. New Zealand – maybe. But in China?
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, with its Alpine Lake and snowy mountains surrounded by cool pine forests, wildflowers and waterfalls, is proof that China is one the most diverse countries to visit.
During your visit, you can take a lake cruise, hike along the many paths to waterfalls and the turquoise Flying Dragon Pond, or take a cable car to the top of Bogda Mountain for a panoramic view of the mountains and lake.
After a day in nature, spend a night at the hot spring hotel at the gate of the scenic area.
ZHUHAI
Our list of the most beautiful places to visit in China would not be complete without mentioning our beloved hometown, Zhuhai, now, would it?
We lived in Zhuhai for four years, and it is indeed a beautiful city. Sitting right on the land border with Macau and at the end of the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge, Zhuhai is an excellent introduction to China if arriving from Hong Kong or Macau.
The city is simply beautiful, with abundant greenery, parks, mountains, beaches, great Cantonese food and a few sights.
If you’re just here for a day, visit Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Zhuhai Opera House and have a nice street food dinner at Xiawon night market.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom boasts the world’s largest oceanarium. The Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium (22.7 million litres )has the largest aquarium window in the world, too, and the whale sharks, mantas, and big fish are utterly amazing. It is also a theme park with adrenaline-inducing rides, shows and events. Chimelong dreams of being the Orlando of China and is currently the 10th most visited theme park in the world.
WHERE NOT TO GO IN CHINA?
Mkay, so now that you have seen all the goodies, let’s tell you about our least favourite place in China.
Guangzhou
We’ve been to Guangzhou several times and still haven’t found any love. Guangzhou, also sometimes referred to as Canton, is China’s fifth-largest city, and for us, it personifies everything negative that you would usually associate with China.
It is incredibly loud and busy. We NEVER seem to get a seat on the Metro. On top of that, there is not much to see or do that warrants a visit to Guangzhou. The only saving grace for Guangzhou is its fantastic dim sum (that’s usually our reason for visiting).
If you’re ever in this part of the woods, go check out the Canton Tower, the colonial enclave on Shamian Island, or the colourful Huadiwan goldfish market. Fit in a dim sum meal…and then move on to somewhere nicer.
Okay…I might have been a little harsh on Guangzhou. During the Covid years when we couldn’t visit Hong Kong or Macau, Guangzhou became our weekend getaway. Guangzhou does have its charms, but still lacks major tourist attractions. I still think that for first-time visitors to China, Guangzhou holds little appeal.
One thing Guangzhou does well is food. It’s an incredible food city offering the best Cantonese cuisine in the world.
PLACES TO VISIT IN CHINA MAP
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CHINA
China is the fourth largest country on earth. It spans 5 000km from the tropics in the south all the way to Siberia in the north, and 5 500km from east to west.
Summers (we call it Sauna Season) are incredibly hot and humid, so be prepared to be drenched in sweat all day long. The best advice for summer is to pop into a convenience store now and then and enjoy their AC before buying the cheapest thing you can find. The south of China will also be in the middle of typhoon season, which might cause your flight to be cancelled for a few days or longer.
Spring and autumn are considered to be the best time to visit China in terms of weather. Temperatures should be mild, and the spring blossoms or autumn leaves are pretty.
Winter in northern China is extreme but, if you’re a polar bear, the northern cities do have their charm when covered under a blanket of snow. Visiting Harbin in the north for theIce Festival should definitely not be missed when travelling to China in winter.
In the south, winters are just wonderful and wearing just a sweater would be fine.
Our favourite time to travel in China is over Christmas. Christmas is not celebrated in China, which means that everyone will be at work or in school. If you want to avoid the crowds, come over at Christmas. Entrance fees are also discounted in the winter months.
WORST TIME TO TRAVEL IN CHINA
If you value your sanity and want an enjoyable trip, avoid the following dates. A billion other people will be on holiday too, which will be anything but enjoyable.
- Labor Day Holiday (May 1-3)
- Chinese National Day Holiday (October 1-7) This is the absolute worst time to travel in China. Avoid at all costs!
- Chinese New Year (late January or early to mid February). Almost everything shuts down for a few days. Getting a train/plane ticket is impossible.
HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO CHINA
Planning a trip to China could be a daunting task, but in reality, it’s quite easy. Follow our tips for planning your trip, and you’ll be off to a good start.
It’s a very rewarding experience to travel to China independently and without being herded around on a bus. That being said, taking a small-group day trip to the Great Wall, for example, is often the easiest and cheapest option for independent travellers.
Decide where to go: Be realistic about what you can see within your timeframe. Don’t try to see too much. With only one week, stick with the Beijing-Xian-Shanghai combo, but even that will be pushing it. Stick with one area and focus on having the best possible holiday in THAT area, rather than trying to see too much and spending most of your time at the train station or airport.
Book your flights & accommodation: Your Chinese visa application form will have a space for your flight details and address in China. We use Trip.com ourselves for flights and accommodation in China. It has the most accommodation options in China.
If you’re visiting friends and relatives in China, it is best to apply as a tourist. Book accommodation with free cancellation and don’t mention visiting friends on the application form. Simply cancel your accommodation after the visa has been issued, and go and stay with your family or friends. Otherwise, the people inviting you to China will need to submit a mountain of paperwork at their local immigration office, which is just a pain.
Apply for a Chinese visa: Most of us need a tourist visa to visit China. Apply well in advance, as it can take up to two months to issue tourist visas. Contact a visa-handling service for the most up-to-date information, as the consulates often do not deal directly with the public applying for tourist visas.
Many nationalities won’t need visas for Hong Kong and Macau. You will need a double-entry visa if visiting these two places from China. It’s, therefore, better to visit Hong Kong and Macau either before or after mainland China. This will save you from the additional cost and headaches associated with double-entry visas. Getting a multiple-entry visa is almost impossible for first-time visitors to China.
Go and enjoy China: With visa in hand, you’re ready for China. Having decided which places to visit in China we suggest you go ahead and book your Chinese train tickets. Download a VPN if you can’t live without Facebook or Instagram for a while, and you’ll be ready to go.
Oh, and toss out your pre-conceptions you might have of China. She is nothing like what the media wants you to believe.
MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN CHINA
Congratulations on making it to the end of our list of best places to visit in China. As we said earlier, there are still so many places that we want to see, so this list will keep on growing over time. As you can see on our map of the best places to visit in China, the western half of China is still completely blank. That will hopefully change within the next few months 🙂
If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
My travels in China have been fairly limited – mostly in and around Guangdong province – but I have to disagree with your characterization of Guangzhou. I have quite enjoyed my time spent there, particularly when compared to the other large cities in the area. It felt like a more authentic experience of China than, say, Shenzhen, Macau, or Hong Kong. There are plenty of historical and cultural sites worth visiting aside from Shamian Island, such as: Dafo Temple (大佛寺), Huaisheng Mosque (怀圣寺), the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (六榕寺), Guangxiao Temple (光孝寺), the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠), Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼), the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (西汉南越王博物馆). There are also some well preserved traditional neighborhoods like Huangpu Village (黄埔村) and Xiaozhou Village (小洲村).
Though Chaozhou is still my favorite spot in Guangdong province — a beautiful city.
Hi Daniel,
Yes, we hear you. Guangzhou does have its charms and is perhaps the most representative city of southern China and the Pearl River Delta. The place grows on you.
However, for first time visitors or people who will only visit China once, we still think that there are much better cities to visit.
I love your blog! Such great information!
Can you suggest a tour company to arrange a land only 14 day trip for 4 senior travelers with a food focus?
Hi Carol,
Sorry, but I can’t help here. We always go on DIY food tours. Jin has countless pins on her Google Maps and they all restaurants or food stands. I suggest you Google tours (especially for seniors) and see what you find. Another option is going independently and get a private tour guide / translator in each city to take you around. Good luck and enjoy the food.
Thank you for this wonderful list! I’ll be going to a China for 7 weeks this summer and this is giving me a wonderful starting point!
Glad you found it helpful. Enjoy China – it’s an incredible place.
Hi De Wet & Jin,
My wife & I are from Southern California & we’re planning a trip to China this coming August for about 2 months. I used to live in Macau for a year back in the late 70′ so we’ll set aside a week there for sure. Anyway, we’re more of a city life couple & we’re planning to visit the following cities, most likely in the following order: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau & Hong Kong. Would like to know what you think of the order & which city or cities that you think only a few days is good enough. Thank you very much & have a great day.
John
Hi John (and wife),
This sounds like an amazing trip, and best, you’re allowing yourself enough time. Except for Chongqing, we’ve been to all the places you mention but we’ve heard only good thing about Chongqing (especially the hotpot).
You don’t say how you’re planning to travel around China, but with two months you can do it all by train if you want. We think taking a flight or two might be more convenient. If you’re set on doing it by train, it would make more sense to start in Shanghai and do: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, Macau & Hong Kong.
For us, Shenzhen is the odd one out here. We think its more convenient to reach Macau from Guangzhou by train than ferry from Shenzhen. Get a train from Guangzhou to Zhuhai which is right at the Gongbei land border to Macau. Unless you have a specific reason to visit Shenzhen, maybe consider leaving it out or going somewhere else instead. We found Shenzhen to be quite soulless. Maybe consider visiting Hangzhou (1 hour from Shanghai instead of Shenzhen) which is one of our favourite cities.
If you’re planning on taking flights, we think Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing by train, then fly to Shanghai, fly to Guangzhou, then train to Zhuhai to cross the land border to Macau, ferry/bridge to Hong Kong.
As for timing, we suggest at least 4 days in each city. We found 3 days perfect for Shanghai and Guangzhou, but could easily spend a week or more in any of the other cities on your itinerary.
Best of luck with your planning, and let us know if you have any further questions.
Hi De Wet & Jin, thank you for getting back to me so quickly so much appreciated. In regards to transportation & due to the long distance, we were planning to fly from Chongqing to Shanghai & also from Shanghai to Guangzhou & the rest by train. Now that you’ve mentioned & we’re flexible so I think we’ll take the routes you’ve suggested. Btw, my dad was born in Fujian years ago so instead of flying from Chongqing to Guangzhou, we may fly to Fujian instead then from there to Guangzhou by train. Have you been to Fujian & Xiamen? If so, what do you think & is it worth a visit? Also, since Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong & Macau are close together, perhaps we can stay in Macau & just take a few 1-day trips to those cities but imo, a 1-day trip will not be enough. There are just so many beautiful places in China that we want to visit so I want to make sure we have enough time at each place. We’re so looking forward to this trip so thanks again for your inputs & recommendations.
John, we love Xiamen and think it will be a great addition to your itinerary. It has great food, hot springs, subtropical climate and the stunning island of Gulangyu with its colonial architecture just off shore. In Fujian we visited Wuyi Shan which is famous for its oolong tea, and the Hakka villages closer to Xiamen. We think Fujian has a distinct feel and it felt very different (in the best way possible) from the rest of China. Here is our post on Xiamen and Fujian if you haven’t read it yet.
Doing day trips from Macau to mainland China is not a good idea in our opinion. First of all, you’ll need a multiple entry visa for China, which is notoriously hard to obtain if you don’t have any Chinese stamps in your passport already. You will also need to cross the border and complete passport formalities, which will take at least an hour each way, but it could be much longer.
It’s best the leave Macau and Hong Kong for the end / start of your trip to avoid these issues.
Ok, we’ll flight from Chongqing to Fuzhou then take the trains to Xiamen, Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong/Shenzhen in that order. Based on my search, American citizens don’t need visa to enter Macau & Hong Kong if staying less than 30 days & 90 days, respectively. However, if we want to do a 1-day trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, per your input, we’ll need to obtain a multiple entry visa for China, is that correct? If that’s the case then we’ll skip Shenzhen. John
John, if you really want to see Shenzhen, research “Shenzhen Visa Free from Hong Kong” or “Guangdong Port Visa”. This allows visa free entry to some places in Guangdong for 5 days.
However, this is not guaranteed and we know of friends of friends (South Africans) who were denied entry to Zhuhai when they tried to enter on a port visa.
Another option could be to do Guangzhou- Shenzhen-HK-Macau-HK. Travel between HK and Macau is easy either by ferry or taking a bus across the bridge and you won’t need any visas.
Hi De Wet & Jin, since you’ve mentioned Shenzhen is soulless, I think we’ll skip it. If we decide to visit it anyway then we can take the route you’ve suggested so a single entry visa will do for this trip as it’s much easier to obtain. My wife & I are frequent travelers & there are just so many beautiful places in China we want to visit so we’ll save them for future trips. It’s a pleasure chatting with you both over the past few days & thank you again for your inputs & recommendations. Take care & have a great day. John
Hi! Thanks for this amazing list. For 6-7 days, which would you prefer, Nanjing/Jiangsu, Anhui, or Yunnan province?
Hi KT,
This is a difficult and unfair question to answer. They are all stunning destinations.
If you’re more of a city person, I would combine Nanjing and Anhui, maybe doing Nanjing, Hangzhou (or Suzhou) and Mount Huangshan. Nanjing and Hangzhou are two of our favourite cities in China with a lot to see and do, and they have fantastic food too. Huangshan Mountain has beautiful scenery, hot springs and incredible villages in the countryside.
If you’re more into nature or minority cultures I’d go to Yunnan. With a week you could visit Dali, Lijiang and hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Good luck making a choice because we can’t. Doesn’t matter what you choose, we are sure you’ll love it 😊
Hi
Thank you for the amazing info. Found your blog while planning our trip (next month!!).
Struggling a little with the itinerary and would welcome your thoughts
Day 0 – travel to Beijing
5 nights in Beijing
Train to Xian – 3 nights in Xian
Fly to Guilin -4/5 nights in this area – TBC
travel to Chengdu (train/fly TBC) – 4/3 nights here
We have 8 nights to spend between leaving Xian and our flight from Chengdu to Hong Kong (2pm). I have seen so many great things to do in Guilin Yangshuo and Chengdu that I cannot decide how to divide the time.
Originally thinking
1 Guilin – Cave, Lonji River Terrace, (so poss 2 nights here??
3 Yangshuo – Li River, Cycling, bamboo raft (and some chill time on river / nice hotel- pool!)
4 Chengdu – Pandas, Tea house on your blog, Shadowless Church ?? Leishan ?? Depart TFU
Thinking now that may be better to do extra in Guilin area and 3 nights in Chengdu. We will be in Guilin – Yangshuo – Chengdu in first week of June.
Any insight / guidance re itinerary greatly appreciated 🙂
Hi Caroline,
That sounds like an amazing trip and, by the looks of it, you won’t be rushing. Great planning so far.
We recommend at least 3 full days in Chengdu. It’s one of our favourite cities. Leshan was amazing and that will pretty much take a day. I don’t know about the Shadowless Church – might be a new attraction.
We didn’t spend much time un Guilin, but the Longji terraces look amazing and is something that we will definitively want to visit. Two days minimum for Yangshuo. It’s a great place to be active or chill for a few days.
I’d say if you’re city people and love urban adventures and amazing food, prioritise Chengdu. If you’re looking for laid back vibes in amazing scenery, spend longer in Yangshuo. I think the way you split it 4 days Chengdu / 4 days Yangshuo-Guilin makes sense.
Have a great trip!