12 Best Things to Do in China for First-Time Travelers

Top 12 Things to Do in China for an Unforgettable Trip

1. Hiking the Great Wall of China in Beijing

No China travel itinerary is complete without hiking the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China, the wall offers breathtaking panoramas and a journey deep into the country’s ancient history. For first-time visitors, Badaling Great Wall is the most popular section, featuring well-preserved watchtowers, panoramic mountain views, and relatively easy paths. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly experience, Mutianyu Great Wall boasts gentler terrain, restored sections, and convenient facilities. For adventurous hikers, Jinshanling Great Wall provides a quieter, less commercialized route where original stonework and dramatic ridgelines showcase the wall’s raw grandeur.

2. Exploring the Bund in Shanghai on foot

A walk along the Bund (Waitan) is one of the most enchanting things to do in Shanghai, offering the perfect blend of colonial-era architecture and futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. By day, the Bund reveals Shanghai’s fascinating past as a major trading hub, while by night it transforms into a dazzling riverside promenade. As the skyline lights up, reflections glitter across the Huangpu River, and the lively energy of street performers adds to the city’s vibrant night atmosphere. For travelers interested in Shanghai culture, history, and architecture, the Bund is an unmissable stop.

3. Admiring the Terracotta Army in Xi’an

Visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi’an is one of the most unforgettable experiences in China. Discovered in 1974, this extraordinary archaeological site features more than 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each meticulously crafted with unique details, from facial expressions to intricate battle armor. The scale and artistry of the site are astonishing, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status and making it one of the top attractions in Xi’an. Exploring the Terracotta Army is more than a sightseeing stop—it’s a journey into the heart of China’s imperial history.

4. Wandering Through the Forbidden City in Beijing

For those who want to immerse themselves in Chinese imperial history and architecture, exploring the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) is an absolute must. Once the residence and political center of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this vast palace complex served as the heart of China for nearly 500 years. Inside its walls, you’ll discover ceremonial halls, royal living quarters, and galleries filled with priceless artifacts that reflect the grandeur of the imperial era. As you stroll along the palace’s stone-paved avenues, you’ll be captivated by its red walls, golden rooftops, and intricate carvings.

5. Making a Pilgrimage to Potala Palace in Tibet

Standing majestically on Red Hill in Lhasa, the Potala Palace is the crown jewel of Tibetan architecture and a sacred symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Once the spiritual and political center of Tibet, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The palace houses thousands of priceless Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, murals, and sacred relics, offering visitors a profound glimpse into Tibet’s religious traditions and history.

From a distance, the palace’s towering white and red walls rise dramatically against the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, resembling a fortress in the sky. Inside, you’ll wander through an awe-inspiring labyrinth of chapels, golden stupas, meditation halls, and shrines. Each space carries an atmosphere of devotion, where countless pilgrims still bow in reverence, making it one of the most spiritually moving experiences in Tibet.

6. Cruising along the Li River in Guilin

If you love nature, photography, and breathtaking landscapes, then a Li River cruise in Guilin is one of the most unforgettable experiences in China. Stretching 83 kilometers from Guilin to Yangshuo, the river winds through dramatic karst mountains, bamboo groves, and sleepy riverside villages. As your boat glides over the emerald waters, the mist-shrouded peaks resemble scenes from a traditional Chinese ink painting, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in all of China. Each turn of the river unveils a new masterpiece—from jagged limestone cliffs to serene reflections of mountains in the water. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal, both celebrated in Chinese art and literature.

7. Join Giant Panda Volunteering in Chengdu

For animal lovers, few experiences in China are as unforgettable as volunteering with giant pandas in Chengdu. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and other panda conservation centers in Sichuan, visitors can get up close with China’s most iconic animal while supporting vital conservation efforts. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside staff to clean panda enclosures, prepare bamboo, and even help document panda behavior. Between tasks, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch pandas munching on bamboo, tumbling playfully, or lounging in the shade.

8. Venture into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan

For nature lovers and thrill seekers, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a destination you simply can’t miss. Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and breathtaking views, the park feels like stepping into another world. Start your adventure by hiking along scenic trails or crossing the spectacular Glass Bridge, where thrilling heights meet panoramic landscapes. Don’t miss the hike to the summit of Tianzi Mountain, one of the filming inspirations for Avatar, where you’ll feel completely immersed in nature’s grandeur.

9. Discover the Buddhist Culture of Mogao Caves in Gansu

Step into the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu, and uncover one of the world’s greatest treasures of Buddhist art. Known as the “Caves of a Thousand Buddhas”, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses over 45,000 square meters of murals and thousands of painted sculptures. The vibrant frescoes depict majestic Buddhas, intricate mandalas, and vivid scenes from Buddhist scriptures, offering a fascinating window into the spiritual life of the Silk Road. A highlight is the Library Cave, which once safeguarded tens of thousands of ancient manuscripts, reflecting the profound intellectual and cultural exchange along this legendary trade route.

10. Hiking Huangshan and Witnessing the Stunning Views

Known as the “Yellow Mountain”, Huangshan is a dream destination for hiking enthusiasts, combining breathtaking natural scenery with cultural symbolism. Famous for its oddly shaped granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and mystical seas of clouds, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired countless poets, painters, and photographers throughout Chinese history. As you hike, you’ll encounter bizarrely shaped rocks resembling animals and humans, marveling at nature’s artistry. Don’t miss the sea of clouds, best viewed at sunrise or sunset, when the mountains seem to float in a dreamlike ocean of mist. After a long trek, reward yourself with a dip in the mountain hot springs, soothing both body and mind amid serene surroundings.

11. Join in the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular winter events. Every year, the city transforms into a glowing kingdom of ice and snow, featuring massive ice castles, intricate snow sculptures, and colorful lantern displays. Beyond sightseeing, the festival is packed with activities. Thrill-seekers can skate, ski, or zoom down giant ice slides, while culture lovers can enjoy performances like ice ballets, ice lantern art exhibitions, and traditional folk shows.

12. Cycling Around West Lake in Hangzhou

Cycling around West Lake in Hangzhou is one of the most relaxing and culturally immersive activities you can enjoy in China. Known as the “paradise on earth”, West Lake offers stunning scenery with willow-lined paths, tranquil waters, and distant misty mountains. Riding along the Bai Causeway and Su Causeway, you’ll be surrounded by blooming lotus flowers in summer and fiery maple leaves in autumn, making every season a delight for visitors.

As you pedal along the lakeside, take time to stop at charming teahouses to savor a cup of Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, a Hangzhou specialty that embodies the essence of Jiangnan tea culture. Along your route, explore famous cultural landmarks such as Leifeng Pagoda, Jingci Temple, and Yue Fei Temple, each narrating a chapter of Hangzhou’s rich history.