7 Best Cities To Visit In China For First-Time Travellers

Top 7 Best Cities to Visit in China

Beijing – Best for a Complete Cultural Experience

As the vibrant capital of China, Beijing is a must-visit city that seamlessly blends imperial grandeur with contemporary energy. It's home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But Beijing offers more than just historical treasures. Wander through the city’s charming hutongs—narrow alleyways that preserve the rhythm of old Beijing life. Discover sleek, modern architecture like the CCTV Tower and Bird’s Nest Stadium, symbols of China’s global rise.

Food lovers will rejoice in trying Peking duck, Beijing’s signature dish, along with a wide variety of regional Chinese cuisines. Explore the local indie music scene, visit museums filled with Ming dynasty artifacts, sip tea at a traditional teahouse, or experience a spirited night out with locals drinking baijiu, the fiery national spirit.

Shanghai – Best for a Captivating Urban Escape

Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan metropolis—an electrifying blend of East and West, old and new. Whether you’re drawn to colonial architecture, fine dining, or futuristic skylines, this city offers a sensory-rich experience at every turn.

Stroll through the leafy French Concession, where European-style villas and tree-lined avenues evoke a bygone era. Walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront, to admire a stunning lineup of 1920s colonial buildings set against the ultramodern backdrop of Pudong’s skyline—home to Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, two of the tallest buildings in the world.

After dark, Shanghai comes alive with vibrant rooftop bars, gourmet fusion restaurants, and neon-lit views that feel straight out of a sci-fi film. It's a place where traditional Chinese culture meets global sophistication, making it the perfect urban escape for travelers seeking both heritage and high-energy modernity.

Chengdu – Best for Panda Lovers and Sichuan Culture

Famous as the home of the giant panda, Chengdu is a city that blends laid-back charm with rich cultural heritage and bold flavors. While its world-renowned Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the top attraction, offering close-up views of China’s beloved black-and-white ambassadors, Chengdu has much more to offer.

This Sichuan Province capital is known for its vibrant teahouse culture, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and relaxed pace of life. Wander into a traditional teahouse to sip green tea alongside locals playing mahjong, or dive into hot pot and mapo tofu at one of the many bustling eateries.

History lovers will appreciate Chengdu’s connection to the ancient Shu Kingdom, with heritage sites such as Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and a range of museums and pavilions preserving the city’s storied past. With its fiery food, lovable pandas, and welcoming atmosphere, Chengdu is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of inland China.

Guilin & Yangshuo – Best for Spectacular Karst Landscapes

Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Guilin and neighboring Yangshuo showcase some of the most iconic scenery in southern China. Towering karst limestone peaks, misty Li River vistas, and emerald rice paddies form a dreamlike landscape that feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.

Cruising down the Li River—whether by bamboo raft or sightseeing boat—offers stunning views of jagged peaks and rural life unfolding along the banks. Alternatively, hop on a bicycle and wind through peaceful countryside roads, where you’ll encounter water buffalo, small villages, and locals working the fields.

This region is perfect for outdoor lovers and photographers seeking a slower pace and postcard-worthy scenes. Whether you explore the caves, hike the hills, or simply take in the views, Guilin and Yangshuo offer a remarkable contrast to China’s urban energy.

Guangzhou – Best for Foodies and Dim Sum Lovers

As the beating heart of southern China, Guangzhou is a fast-paced megacity that blends ancient traditions with striking modernity. Towering skyscrapers define its skyline, yet tucked between the glass and steel are centuries-old treasures like the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and other revered Buddhist temples.

What truly makes Guangzhou stand out, however, is its world-famous Cantonese cuisine. Widely considered the birthplace of dim sum, the city is a culinary paradise where bamboo steamers overflow with delicate dumplings, savory buns, and handcrafted morsels of flavor. From bustling morning tea houses to upscale restaurants, food is central to life here.

In addition to its gastronomy, Guangzhou is a thriving hub of trade, innovation, and Lingnan culture, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences both old and new.

Xi’an – Best for Silk Road History and Ancient Wonders

As one of China’s oldest cities and a former imperial capital, Xi’an offers a rich journey into the country’s past. While it’s most famous for the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army—thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor—Xi’an’s historical significance goes much deeper.

This was the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, the legendary trade route that connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Remnants of this heritage are still alive in the city’s bustling Muslim Quarter, where you’ll find centuries-old mosques, vibrant street markets, and aromatic dishes like lamb skewers and roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers). Surrounded by well-preserved city walls, Xi’an invites travelers to step into a living museum of dynastic grandeur, cultural crossroads, and enduring tradition.

Zhangjiajie – Best for Sky-High Views and Natural Wonders

Nestled in northwest Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is famed for its surreal, pillar-like sandstone formations that seem to float in the mist. These otherworldly peaks were the real-life inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar (2009), making it one of China’s most visually striking destinations.

Located within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the landscape invites adventure. Brave the glass-bottom Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Bridge, suspended 300 meters (984 feet) above a lush gorge. For thrill-seekers, the bridge also doubles as a bungee jumping platform—one of the highest in the world.

From skywalks and cliffside elevators to serene forest trails and panoramic cable cars, Zhangjiajie offers breathtaking views at every elevation, making it a must-visit for lovers of nature and adrenaline alike.