Top 10 must-visit cities in China
Introduction
China, renowned as one of the safest travel destinations globally, is a captivating country with a rich blend of attractions, from ancient marvels to modern metropolises and stunning natural landscapes. The national currency of China is known as Chinese Yuan where $1 US is equivalent to ¥7.24 CNY. The official language of China is Mandarin where more than 70% of the Chinese population speaks Mandarin. However, we can also hear Yue (Cantonese), Xiang (Hunanese), Min dialect, Gan dialect, Wu dialect and Kejia or Hakka dialect all around China. Boasting a deep cultural heritage, awe-inspiring scenery, and dynamic urban centers, China promises a diverse and unforgettable journey for travelers eager to discover its treasures. Here are the top 10 must-visit cities in China.
Beijing, the capital of China, is home to a wealth of iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. Among its highlights are the Great Wall of China and The Summer Palace, the emperors’ magnificent garden retreat. The Forbidden City, renowned as the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex in the world, and the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors performed rituals for abundant harvests, are must-see attractions. Other notable sites include Tiananmen Square, the Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall at Badaling, and the National Stadium. Visitors can also explore the Palace Museum, the contemporary 798 Art Zone, the National Museum of China, Yuanmingyuan Park, and the Ming Dynasty Tombs, which house the majestic mausoleums of 13 emperors. Popular destinations like Wangfujing Avenue, Prince Gong Mansion, the Beijing Temple of Confucius, Beijing Zoo, and the Capital Museum further enrich the experience of this vibrant city.
- Shanghai- The Largest City, Famed for its Riverside Cityscape
Shanghai, one of the world’s largest seaports and a leading commercial hub in China, is a city where history and modernity converge. Recognized as a prominent historic and cultural destination, Shanghai boasts over 70 historical sites and cultural relics that beautifully showcase the unique essence of its regional culture. This dynamic metropolis is known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning skyscrapers, and the iconic Bund district along the Huangpu River. A true paradise for food lovers, Shanghai is home to thousands of restaurants offering a wide variety of China's renowned regional cuisines alongside an array of international dishes. Shanghai's must-visit attractions include The Bund, Yu Garden, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Shanghai Disneyland Park. Other highlights are the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower, Tianzifang, and the Jade Buddha Temple. Visitors can also explore the Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition, and People’s Square. Additional noteworthy destinations include the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Jing’an Temple, and the China Art Museum.
- Xi’an- Home of the Terracotta Warriors
Renowned for the Terracotta Army, an ancient collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures, Xi’an is also recognized as a gateway to the historic Silk Road. Key attractions in the city include the Qin Terracotta Army and Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site, as well as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall. Visitors can also explore the Bell Tower of Xi’an, Shaanxi History Museum, Great Mosque of Xi’an, Tang Paradise, and the Huaqinggong Relic Site. Other notable landmarks include the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum, Banpo Neolithic Village, Daming Palace, Han Yang Ling, and Yongxingfang.
- Guilin- International Tourism City with Fascinating Natural Scenery
Guilin, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, is a globally renowned tourism destination famous for its unparalleled geological scenery, majestic mountains, clear rivers, unique caves, and stunning rock formations. Top attractions in Guilin include the Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the scenic Lijiang River. Other must-visit spots are the Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, Seven Star Park, Fubo Mountain, Yulong River, Solitary Beauty Peak, and Xingping Town. Additional highlights include Fubo Hill, Chuanshan Park, Daxu Ancient Town, Bajiaozhai Scenic Area, and the Yulonghe Scenic Area.
- Chengdu- Hometown of China Giant Panda
Famous as the hometown of China's giant pandas, Chengdu draws thousands of visitors each year. For those interested in Buddhist culture, the city offers iconic sites like the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei. Other notable attractions in Chengdu include Wenshu Yuan Monastery, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and Anshun Bridge. Visitors can also explore Du Fu Thatched Cottage, People’s Park, Qingcheng Mountain, and Happy Valley Chengdu. Additional highlights include the Jinsha Site Museum, Huanglongxi Ancient Town, Luodai Ancient Town, Tianfu Square, Chengdu Museum, Qingyang Palace, and the historic Kuan and Zhai Alleys.
- Suzhou- The King of Classical Gardens
Nestled between Shanghai, Wuxi City and the Yangtze River, Suzhou benefits from a prime location and exceptional connectivity via land, water, and air. Renowned for its timeless charm, Suzhou captivates visitors with its intricate network of canals, exquisite classical gardens, and its historic silk industry, earning it the title of the "Silk Capital." The city's ancient gardens, masterpieces of traditional South Chinese garden design, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its cultural and architectural legacy. Some of the essential places that can’t be missed are Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Suzhou Museum, Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Master of the Nets Garden, Jinghang Waterway, Pingjiang Road, Tiger Hill Pagoda, Shantang Street, Jinji Lake, Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Suzhou Silk Museum, Hanshan Temple, Canglang Pavilion, Wuzhen and the Pan Gate.
- Lhasa- The Sunshine City
Lhasa, meaning "The Land of Gods" in Tibetan, is the heart of Tibet's political, economic, cultural, and religious life. It has long been a popular travel destination due to its spiritual ambiance, combined with a sense of leisure and joy. Some of the top highlights in Lhasa include the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, Yangpachen, Ramoche Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Chakpori Hill, Nimu Tunba Scenic Spot, Kundeling Monastery, Yerpa, Nechung, the Lhasa Great Mosque, and the Lalu Wetlands National Nature Preserve.
- Guangzhou- Prosperous and Liberal City near Hong Kong
Guangzhou, a city rich in historical and cultural importance, stands as the largest industrial and commercial hub as well as the main import and export port in South China. Often referred to as "The City of Flowers" due to its year-round humid climate, which fosters flowers to bloom in all seasons, the city boasts over 150 historical sites and attractions. Notable destinations include the Canton Tower, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Huacheng Square, Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Paradise, Shamiandao Island, Onelink International Plaza, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Chimelong International Circus, Guangdong Museum, Yuexiu Park, South China Botanical Garden, and the renowned Shangxiajiu Street.
- Hangzhou- Beautiful City with West Lake
Hangzhou, one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, is often referred to as the "Holy and Beautiful Paradise on Earth." Must-visit spots in the city include Lingyin Temple-Feilaifeng, Xixi National Wetland Park, Hefang Street, West Lake, Hangzhou Paradise, Leifeng Pagoda, Hangzhou Botanical Garden, Feilai Peak, Qinghefang, Meijiawu, the Dreaming of Tiger Spring at Hupao Valley, Yue Fei Temple, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Qiantang River Bridge, Liuhe Pagoda, and the Zhejiang Art Museum.
- Sanya- Oriental Hawaii
Located at the southernmost tip of China’s Hainan Island, Sanya is a narrow city along a coastline that spans hundreds of kilometers. Its stunning coastal views have earned it the title of "Oriental Hawaii," making it the most popular seaside resort in China. Key attractions in Sanya include Luhuitou Park, Sanya Bay, Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area, Tianya Haijiao, Yalong Bay Tropic Paradise Forest Park, Yalong Wan, The Legend of Romance Scenic Area, Wuzhizhou, Haitang Bay, Yanoda Rain Forest Culture Tourist Zone, Zhujiang Nantian Resort, Guanyin of Nanshan, Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Rosewood Sanya, Dadonghai, Phoenix Island, Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park, and Nanshan Daxiaodongtian.
Conclusion
As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China is a stunning travel destination, offering everything from snow-covered mountains and peaceful rivers to lively cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and dynamic modern culture, China guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an adventurer, history enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something extraordinary for everyone to enjoy in China.
