From the Great Wall and ancient capitals to dramatic mountains, giant pandas, and sweeping grasslands, discover where to go on your first trip to China.
Last reviewed: November 10, 2026
China is one of the world's most captivating travel destinations, but choosing where to go can be surprisingly challenging. Should you start in Beijing or Shanghai? Is Zhangjiajie worth the detour? Where is the best place to see giant pandas? And if you only have ten days, which destinations can you comfortably combine without spending your entire holiday on trains or planes?
The answer depends on your personal interests, travel season, and available time. China offers an extraordinary spectrum of experiences: imperial palaces, ancient stone ramparts, bullet trains, futuristic skylines, world-class gastronomy, classical gardens, misty sandstone pillars, and nomadic grassland plains.
For a first visit, we recommend selecting destinations that provide a meaningful, contrasting introduction to the country while keeping travel logistics smooth. Here are ten of the finest places to consider, complete with practical transit guidance and insider planning advice.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Places to Visit in China?
For most first-time international visitors, the classic trio of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai offers the ultimate introductory journey, capturing imperial grandeur, ancient Silk Road civilization, and dynamic modern life. Travelers with 12 to 14 days can enrich their itinerary by adding Chengdu (giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine), Guilin and Yangshuo (limestone karst river landscapes), or Zhangjiajie (avatar sandstone mountain pillars).
At a Glance: 10 Best Places to Visit in China
| Destination | Best for | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Great Wall, Forbidden City, and imperial history | 3–4 days |
| Xi'an | Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and Silk Road culture | 2–3 days |
| Shanghai | Futuristic skyline, colonial Bund architecture, and dining | 2–3 days |
| Chengdu | Giant panda conservation, teahouses, and Sichuan cuisine | 2–3 days |
| Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River cruises, karst limestone peaks, and rural cycling | 3–4 days |
| Zhangjiajie | Dramatic sandstone pillars, glass bridges, and mountain hiking | 3–4 days |
| Hangzhou | West Lake scenery, Longjing green tea plantations, and pagodas | 1–2 days |
| Suzhou | Classical UNESCO gardens, historic canals, and silk heritage | 1–2 days |
| Chongqing | Multi-level "mountain city" terrain, night skylines, and hot pot | 2–3 days |
| Inner Mongolia | Endless grasslands, nomadic heritage, and horseback riding | 4–6 days |
1. Beijing — Imperial Splendor and the Great Wall
As China's capital for more than eight centuries, Beijing is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. The city is a majestic showcase of imperial architecture, ancient ceremonial complexes, and lively residential alleyways (*hutongs*).
Top experiences in Beijing:
- Hike the Great Wall: Mutianyu offers magnificent restored watchtowers and lush mountain scenery with convenient cable cars and a toboggan ride; Jinshanling provides a rugged, dramatic experience for avid photographers.
- Explore the Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Walk the central ceremonial axis of the world's largest palatial complex, home to 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors.
- Visit the Temple of Heaven: Admire the circular wooden Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and watch local seniors practicing tai chi in the surrounding cypress park.
- Wander the historic Hutongs: Take a walking tour through Shichahai or Dongcheng to discover courtyard life, hidden cafes, and traditional teahouses.
- Savor authentic Peking Duck: Experience a ceremonial banquet featuring crisp-roasted duck carved tableside and wrapped in delicate thin pancakes.
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 days.
Best for: First-time travelers, history lovers, families, and cultural explorers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Never attempt to squeeze the Forbidden City and the Great Wall into a single day. The Great Wall lies 1.5 to 2.5 hours north of central Beijing; dedicate a full, unhurried day to your excursion.
2. Xi'an — The Terracotta Army and the Ancient Silk Road
Xi'an served as the capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties over eleven centuries. As the eastern departure point of the historic Silk Road caravan routes, it boasts a deeply layered heritage blending ancient Chinese civilization with Central Asian cultural influences.
Top experiences in Xi'an:
- Stand before the Terracotta Army: Discover the life-sized clay army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang across three immense archaeological excavation pits.
- Cycle the Ancient City Wall: Rent a bicycle to ride the entire 14-kilometer perimeter of China's most complete surviving medieval city wall.
- Explore the Muslim Quarter: Wander through pedestrian market streets to sample handmade hand-ripped *biangbiang* noodles, spiced lamb skewers, and *roujiamo* (braised pork in toasted flatbread).
- Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: A 7th-century Tang Dynasty brick pagoda built to store Buddhist sutras brought back from India by monk Xuanzang.
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 days.
Best for: Ancient history, archaeology, culinary discovery, and Silk Road heritage.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Xi'an connects seamlessly between Beijing and Shanghai via high-speed rail (approx. 4.5 hours from Beijing). Book morning tickets to arrive in time for an evening food walk.
3. Shanghai — Modern Skylines and Cosmopolitan Chic
Shanghai presents the modern, dynamic face of 21st-century China. Situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this global financial metropolis effortlessly balances colonial-era European grandeur along the waterfront with futuristic skyscrapers and leafy residential quarters.
Top experiences in Shanghai:
- Walk the historic Bund: Stroll along the Huangpu River promenade to view 1920s neoclassical banking edifices facing the futuristic Pudong skyline.
- Explore the Former French Concession: Walk along plane-tree-shaded avenues lined with Art Deco villas, independent boutiques, and quiet cafes.
- Wander Yu Garden & the Old City: Discover Ming-dynasty classical rockeries, ponds, and bustling snack stalls serving hot steamed *xiaolongbao* (soup dumplings).
- Ascend the Shanghai Tower: Take the world's fastest elevator to the observation deck of China's tallest building for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 days.
Best for: Modern urban culture, architecture lovers, fine dining, and shopping.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Shanghai serves as an ideal arrival or departure hub with two international airports and rapid high-speed rail connections to nearby water towns, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.
4. Chengdu — Giant Pandas and Sichuan Gastronomy
The capital of Sichuan province is world-famous for two things: giant pandas and fiery Sichuan cuisine. Beyond its celebrity animals, Chengdu possesses a distinctive leisure lifestyle centered around park teahouses and leisurely conversations.
Top experiences in Chengdu:
- Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Observe giant pandas and red pandas roaming in natural bamboo enclosures. (Visit early in the morning when the animals are most active during outdoor feeding).
- Experience Sichuan Hot Pot: Gather around a bubbling cauldron seasoned with red chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns (*huājiāo*).
- Relax in People's Park: Sit at a traditional outdoor bamboo table, sip jasmine green tea, and witness local life and traditional ear-cleaning artisans.
- Explore Jinli Ancient Street & Kuanzhai Alley: Stroll through restored Qing Dynasty architectural quarters filled with folk crafts and regional snacks.
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 days.
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families with children, and adventurous food lovers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Chengdu is connected to Xi'an by high-speed bullet train in just 3.5 to 4 hours through the scenic Qinling mountain tunnels, making them an ideal travel pairing.
5. Guilin and Yangshuo — Karst Mountains and Scenic Rivers
Renowned for the poetic adage "Guilin's landscape is the finest under heaven," this region of Guangxi features thousands of dramatic limestone karst peaks rising abruptly from emerald rivers and rice paddies.
Top experiences in Guilin and Yangshuo:
- Cruise the Li River: Take a 4-hour scenic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, admiring the mist-draped peaks featured on the back of China's 20-yuan banknote.
- Drift down the Yulong River: Glide along quiet waters on a traditional hand-punted bamboo raft past rural farming villages.
- Cycle the Yangshuo countryside: Rent a bicycle or electric scooter to explore rural paths along the Moon Hill and Ten-Mile Gallery.
- Watch Impression Sanjie Liu: Attend an outdoor theatrical spectacle staged on the natural waters of the Li River, directed by Zhang Yimou.
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 days (1 night in Guilin, 2 to 3 nights in Yangshuo).
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Treat Guilin as a transit arrival point; base yourself in Yangshuo or surrounding rural boutique lodges to truly experience the tranquil river scenery.
6. Zhangjiajie — Sandstone Pinnacles and Alpine Thrills
Located in northwestern Hunan province, Zhangjiajie is celebrated for its surreal forest of over 3,000 towering quartz-sandstone pillars. This otherworldly landscape served as the visual inspiration for the floating peaks in James Cameron's Avatar.
Top experiences in Zhangjiajie:
- Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Ride the cliffside Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie to see the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" and the natural Stone Bridge Under Heaven.
- Summit Tianzi Mountain: Take in sea-of-cloud views over sandstone forest formations from elevated wooden trails.
- Cross the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: Walk across the world's longest and highest glass-bottom pedestrian suspension bridge.
- Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cableway: Board the 7.5-kilometer cable car directly from downtown Zhangjiajie to walk the cliff-hanging glass skywalks and view Tianmen Cave ("Heaven's Gate").
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 days.
Best for: Mountain hikers, active travelers, and landscape photographers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Mountain weather shifts rapidly; low-hanging mist can obscure views or create magical floating-island effects. Build a flexible buffer day into your Zhangjiajie itinerary.
7. Hangzhou — West Lake and Classic Tea Culture
Described by Marco Polo as "the finest and most splendid city in the world," Hangzhou is the historic capital of Zhejiang province, celebrated for the poetic beauty of West Lake (*Xī Hú*) and green tea plantations.
Top experiences in Hangzhou:
- Stroll or cruise West Lake: Walk shaded willow-lined causeways, cross stone arch bridges, and take a wooden boat to Mid-Lake Pavilion.
- Explore Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Fields: Visit Meijiawu village to learn how tender spring tea leaves are pan-fired by hand, followed by a guided tea tasting.
- Visit Lingyin Temple: Discover one of China's most celebrated Buddhist monasteries, set within a lush forest featuring ancient stone grotto carvings.
Suggested stay: 1 to 2 days.
Best for: Tea connoisseurs, couples, and cultural travelers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: High-speed trains connect Shanghai to Hangzhou in just 45 to 60 minutes, making it an effortless extension to any East China itinerary.
8. Suzhou — Classical Gardens and Ancient Waterways
Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is situated in Jiangsu province, famous for classical scholars' gardens, arched stone bridges, and exquisite silk embroidery.
Top experiences in Suzhou:
- Tour Classical UNESCO Gardens: Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden (*Zhuōzhèng Yuán*) and the Master of the Nets Garden (*Wǎngshī Yuán*) to understand classical Chinese landscape architecture.
- Stroll Pingjiang Road: Walk along cobblestone canals lined with whitewashed houses, traditional tea houses, and Suzhou *pingtan* ballad performances.
- Discover Silk Heritage: Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum to see working historic looms and delicate mulberry silk production.
Suggested stay: 1 to 2 days.
Best for: Garden enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and cultural travelers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Located just 25 minutes from Shanghai by bullet train. Rather than rushing through multiple gardens in one day, choose two contrasting gardens to appreciate their contemplative design.
9. Chongqing — The Cyberpunk Mountain City
Sprawling dramatically over rugged mountains at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is an electrifying mega-city famous for vertical architecture, bridges, and spicy hot pot.
Top experiences in Chongqing:
- Marvel at 3D Urban Architecture: Watch the Line 2 monorail pass directly through a residential apartment building at Liziba Station, and experience streets built atop skyscraper roofs.
- Explore Hongyadong by Night: Admire a multi-tiered wooden stilt-house complex illuminated against river cliffs, resembling the bathhouse in Spirited Away.
- Savor Authentic Chongqing Hot Pot: Dine on tallow-based chili broths in hillside restaurants.
- Board a Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqing is the primary departure port for multi-day cruises through the scenic Three Gorges.
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 days.
Best for: Urban explorers, street photographers, and adventurous food lovers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: Chongqing's steep terrain involves hundreds of stone stairs and multi-level walkways. High-speed rail connects Chongqing to Chengdu in just 1 to 1.5 hours.
10. Inner Mongolia — Grasslands and Nomadic Horizons
If you wish to venture beyond urban centers, the vast autonomous region of Inner Mongolia offers endless green horizons, traditional Mongolian yurts, and nomadic hospitality.
Top experiences in Inner Mongolia:
- Roam the Hulunbuir Grasslands: Experience some of the world's most pristine pastures, watching horses and sheep graze under expansive blue skies.
- Experience Mongolian Hospitality: Enjoy traditional roast mutton banquets, milk tea (*suutei tsai*), and soulful *morin khuur* (horsehead fiddle) folk songs.
- Horseback Riding across the Steppes: Ride alongside experienced local herdsmen across rolling plains.
Suggested stay: 4 to 6 days.
Best for: Families, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor travelers.
Be Frank Tours practical tip: High-speed trains link Beijing to Hohhot in just 2 to 2.5 hours for nearby central grasslands (Xilamuren or Gegentala). For wild, expansive pastures, fly directly to Hailar in northern Hulunbuir.
Five Geographically Sensible Itinerary Combinations
| Route | Destinations | Suggested time | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route A: Classic China | Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai | 9–10 days | First-time travelers seeking imperial history, Terracotta Army, and modern cities. |
| Route B: History & Pandas | Beijing → Xi'an → Chengdu | 9–11 days | Families with children, wildlife enthusiasts, and food lovers. |
| Route C: Cities & Karst Rivers | Shanghai → Hangzhou/Suzhou → Guilin/Yangshuo | 9–11 days | Couples, nature lovers, and travelers wanting serene rural contrast to urban life. |
| Route D: Food & Mega-Cities | Chengdu → Chongqing | 5–7 days | Culinary travelers and urban photographers seeking bold regional culture. |
| Route E: Heritage & Grasslands | Beijing → Inner Mongolia | 8–10 days | Summer family holidays combining imperial palaces with vast open steppes. |
Matching Destinations to Your Travel Style
- For ancient history & archaeology: Beijing and Xi'an.
- For dramatic nature & photography: Zhangjiajie, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Inner Mongolia.
- For food lovers: Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.
- For families with children: Beijing (Great Wall toboggan) and Chengdu (Giant Panda base).
- For romantic escapes & refined aesthetics: Hangzhou (West Lake) and Suzhou (classical gardens).
- For futuristic skylines & contemporary life: Shanghai and Chongqing.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Where to Go
- Mistake 1: Underestimating domestic distances. China is geographically comparable in size to the United States or continental Europe. Connecting distant cities by rail or air requires realistic transit planning.
- Mistake 2: Overpacking the schedule. Changing hotels every night creates travel fatigue. Allow at least 2 to 3 nights in each major base.
- Mistake 3: Ignoring seasonal climate differences. Visiting Beijing during the dry autumn is very different from experiencing the subtropical summer humidity of Chongqing or the winter freeze of Inner Mongolia.
- Mistake 4: Not checking high-speed rail routing. High-speed trains are frequently faster and more reliable door-to-door than regional flights for journeys under 4 to 5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one place to visit in China for the first time?
Beijing is the premier starting point for most international visitors, offering iconic landmarks including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and rich culinary traditions.
Should I visit Beijing or Shanghai first?
If you arrive on an open-jaw flight ticket, arriving in Beijing (the historic capital) and departing from Shanghai (the modern commercial metropolis) provides a deeply satisfying chronological progression through China's past, present, and future.
Is Zhangjiajie suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, especially for nature lovers and active hikers. However, because Zhangjiajie is a mountainous national park requiring extensive walking, cable cars, and park transfers, allow at least 3 to 4 days.
How do I travel between these destinations?
China's modern CRH high-speed train network efficiently connects Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. For longer routes (such as Xi'an to Guilin), domestic flights are recommended.
Design Your Bespoke China Journey with Be Frank Tours
Every traveler is unique. The ideal first trip to China isn't about checking off a generic tourist list — it's about crafting an itinerary that reflects your personal passions, travel rhythm, and curiosity.
At Be Frank Tours, we design personalized journeys across China featuring private chauffeured transfers, hand-picked boutique hotels, dedicated bilingual cultural guides, and seamless rail and attraction bookings.
Whether you dream of a sunrise walk along the Great Wall, tea tasting in the hills of Hangzhou, meeting giant pandas in Chengdu, or waking up to the limestone towers of Yangshuo, our destination specialists are here to design your journey with complete care.
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Travel times, train schedules, seasonal weather patterns, and attraction reservation policies are subject to change. Always verify current arrangements with official transport and tourism authorities prior to departure.