Introduction: Discovering China’s Treasures

China’s immense landscape, stretching across more than 3.7 million square miles, offers an astonishing variety of destinations for travelers to explore. From the snow-capped peaks of Tibet to the tropical beaches of Hainan, from ancient walled cities to futuristic metropolises, China offers experiences that can satisfy virtually any travel desire. Having spent over a decade exploring this magnificent country—from teaching English in Beijing to backpacking through remote villages in Yunnan—I’ve witnessed firsthand how China’s rapid development exists in fascinating harmony with traditions dating back thousands of years. For a geographic overview of China’s diverse regions and climates, see this official resource from the CIA World Factbook.

This comprehensive guide to the best places to travel in China goes beyond the typical tourist trail. While the Great Wall and Forbidden City certainly deserve their fame, China’s true magic often lies in lesser-known destinations where authentic cultural experiences await. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for deeper exploration, this guide provides the essential information you need to discover the very best places to travel in China, along with practical advice to make your journey smooth and memorable. (best places to travel in china)

How to Use This Guide

China’s size and diversity mean no single itinerary works for everyone. This guide organizes China’s top destinations into categories to help you choose based on your interests: (best places to travel in china)

• Historical Wonders: For those fascinated by China’s 5,000 years of civilization
• Scenic Wonders: If stunning views are what matter most to you
• Contemporary Cities: For urban adventurers looking to experience modern Chinese culture.
• Cultural Encounters: Where traditions and distinctive lifestyles are most authentically preserved.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path: For adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences

For every destination, you’ll discover essential highlights, expert advice, useful details, and recommendations on the best time to visit. Utilize the in-depth planning section to craft your perfect China itinerary tailored to your schedule, budget, and preferences.

The Best Places to Travel in China

Major Cities

1. Beijing: China’s Imperial Heart

Why Visit: As China’s political and cultural center for centuries, Beijing offers an unparalleled journey through Chinese history while showcasing the nation’s modern ambitions.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) – the world’s largest palace complex, Learn more about the Forbidden City’s history and layout from UNESCO
• The Great Wall (Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections offer the best balance of authenticity and accessibility)
• Temple of Heaven – masterpiece of Ming architecture
• Summer Palace – imperial garden featuring Kunming Lake
• 798 Art Zone – contemporary art in decommissioned military factories
• Hutongs – historic alleyway neighborhoods

Why It’s Important: Beijing embodies the core of China’s history and modern identity. Walking through Tiananmen Square into the Forbidden City creates a powerful connection to imperial China, while the city’s modern architecture and vibrant art scene showcase its future.

Insider Tip: Visit Jingshan Park at sunset for panoramic views over the Forbidden City – a perspective few tourists experience.

Best Time to Visit: September-October or April-May for pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

Getting There/Around: Beijing Capital International Airport connects to major global cities. The efficient subway system makes navigation simple, complemented by inexpensive taxis. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Beijing houses China’s premier imperial structures including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and accessible Great Wall sections.It blends historical importance with developing art districts and well-preserved traditional neighborhoods.

2. Shanghai: China’s Futuristic Showpiece

Why Visit: Shanghai epitomizes China’s rapid modernization while preserving elements of its colonial past.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• The Bund – waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings
• The Pudong skyline, featuring the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
• Yu Garden – a traditional Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
• Former French Concession – tree-lined streets with European architecture
• Shanghai Museum – world-class collection of Chinese artifacts
• Tianzifang and Xintiandi – historic areas transformed into dining and shopping districts

Why It’s Important: Shanghai provides China’s most cosmopolitan experience, blending Eastern and Western influences, making it welcoming for first-time visitors while still offering a rich taste of authentic culture.

Insider Tip: Take the tourist tunnel under the Huangpu River for a kitschy but fun light show, then walk along the less-crowded North Bund for unique skyline photos.

Best Time to Visit: March-May or September-November to avoid humidity and rain.

Reaching and Getting Around: Shanghai is served by two major airports offering international flights. The metro system is comprehensive, supplemented by affordable taxis. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Shanghai is the commercial hub of China, where the iconic Pudong skyline stands in contrast to its historic waterfront districts. It features superior shopping, dining, and a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural influences.

3. Hong Kong: East-West Fusion

Why Visit: Though technically a Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong’s unique blend of Chinese tradition and British colonial influence creates a fascinating cultural hybrid.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Victoria Peak – spectacular harbor views
• Star Ferry – crossing Victoria Harbor
• Temple Street Night Market – vibrant street shopping
• Lantau Island – home to the Big Buddha and traditional fishing villages
• Hong Kong Park and Chi Lin Nunnery – urban oases
• Dim sum restaurants and street food stalls

Why It’s Essential: Hong Kong provides a gentler introduction to Chinese culture with fewer language barriers while offering world-class urban experiences alongside surprising natural beauty. (best places to travel in china)

Insider Tip: Explore the lesser-known islands like Lamma or Cheung Chau for a relaxing day away from the urban intensity.

Ideal Time to Visit: From October to December, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal.

Getting There/Around: Hong Kong International Airport is a major global hub. The Octopus Card provides access to the efficient MTR system and other public transportation.

GEO Summary: Hong Kong features a striking mix of mountainous landscapes and harbors alongside densely populated urban areas. Its distinct political status results in a unique fusion of Chinese and Western influences, which can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and culture. (best places to travel in china)

Historical Wonders

4. Xi’an: Ancient Capital of Warriors

Why Visit: As China’s ancient capital for 13 dynasties, Xi’an represents the cradle of Chinese civilization and terminus of the Silk Road.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Terracotta Warriors – over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers and horses,Explore the archaeological details of the Terracotta Army at UNESCO’s official site
• Ancient City Wall – the most complete city wall in China, perfect for cycling
• Muslim Quarter – vibrant food streets and historic mosque
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark
• Shaanxi History Museum – exquisite collection of ancient artifacts
• Huaqing Hot Springs – imperial bathing complex with Tang dynasty history

Why It’s Important: Xi’an provides the most direct connection to ancient Chinese civilization, with the Terracotta Warriors standing as one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds in human history.

Pro Tip: Check out the Hanyang Tomb (Mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi) for a quieter yet just as captivating archaeological site featuring underground viewing galleries.

Ideal Visiting Period: March to May or September to October for pleasant weather.

Getting There/Around: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport connects to major Chinese cities. The metro, buses, and taxis offer extensive coverage throughout the city. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Xi’an is home to China’s most important archaeological sites, such as the Terracotta Army, and provides rich cultural experiences with its well-preserved Muslim Quarter and ancient city walls.

5. Pingyao: Ming Dynasty Time Capsule

Reasons to Visit: This exceptionally well-preserved ancient walled city provides the most genuine experience of traditional Chinese urban life.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Complete Ming Dynasty city walls
• Rishengchang Exchange Shop – China’s first bank
• Mingqing Street – historic main thoroughfare
• Shuanglin Temple – exquisite painted sculptures
• Traditional courtyard houses – many converted to hotels
• Ancient government offices and prison complex

Why It’s Essential: Pingyao’s intact urban fabric and absence of modern buildings within the old town create an immersive historical experience unmatched elsewhere in China.

Insider Tip: Spend the night at a classic courtyard hotel (siheyuan) – the ambiance becomes enchanting once the day-trippers depart, especially with the soft glow of traditional red lanterns lighting up the streets. (best places to travel in china)

Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October to avoid extreme temperatures.

Getting There/Around: High-speed trains connect Pingyao to Beijing and Xi’an. The historic city is walkable and most enjoyable when explored on foot. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Pingyao is recognized as China‘s most well-preserved ancient walled city, featuring intact Ming-Qing architecture. Its UNESCO status protects hundreds of historic structures including China’s first banking establishments.

6. Dunhuang: Silk Road Oasis

Why Visit: This ancient Silk Road oasis town features remarkable Buddhist cave art and spectacular desert landscapes.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Mogao Caves – 492 caves containing the world’s largest collection of Buddhist art, The Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive historical background available here
• Mingsha Sand Dunes – massive singing sand dunes
• Crescent Moon Lake – a desert oasis encircled by dunes.
• Yumen Pass – ancient Great Wall fortress
• Dunhuang Museum – Silk Road artifacts
• Western Thousand Buddha Caves – less visited but impressive cave temples

Why It’s Important: Dunhuang stands as a cultural junction where the East and West converged along the ancient Silk Road, preserved through remarkable artistic accomplishments.

Insider Tip: Book Mogao Cave tickets well in advance through the official website, and request the special caves not included in standard tours. (best places to travel in china)

Best Time to Visit: May-October, with September-October offering the mildest temperatures.

Dunhuang Airport offers connections to major cities across China. Local transportation includes taxis and tour services.

GEO Summary: Dunhuang is home to the famous Mogao Caves, known for their exceptional Buddhist art that spans over a thousand years. The surrounding desert landscape is marked by striking sand dunes and a natural oasis.

Natural Landscapes (best places to travel in china)

7. Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains

Reason to Visit: The surreal sandstone pillars of this landscape served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Wulingyuan Scenic Area – forest of stone pillars
• Tianmen Mountain, featuring the “Heaven’s Door” archway.
• Glass bridges and walkways – heart-stopping views
• Baofeng Lake – crystal-clear waters encircled by towering peaks
• Yellow Dragon Cave – massive karst cave system
• Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon – dramatic gorge with glass bridge

Why It’s Essential: Zhangjiajie offers perhaps the most unique landscape in China, with natural formations that seem to defy gravity and physics.

Insider Tip: Rather than rushing through the highlights, spend at least three days exploring different sections of the park. The Yangjiajie area is less crowded but equally spectacular.

Ideal Time to Visit: September to October for clear skies and pleasant temperatures, or April to May for vibrant greenery.

Zhangjiajie Airport offers connections to key cities across China. Within the park, an extensive system of buses, cable cars, and elevators makes exploration manageable.

GEO Summary: Zhangjiajie features extraordinary quartzite sandstone pillars rising from lush forests, creating landscapes made famous through films.Its striking geological features are accessible through contemporary infrastructure, such as glass bridges and scenic elevators.

8. Jiuzhaigou: Fairy Tale Pools

Why Visit: This mountain valley in Sichuan Province contains dozens of multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Five-Flower Lake – multi-colored waters with ancient tree trunks visible beneath
• Pearl Shoal Waterfall – wide curtain of cascading water
• Five-Color Pond – changing hues throughout the day
• Long Lake – highest and largest lake in the valley
• Tibetan villages – traditional culture and architecture
• Primeval forest – rich biodiversity including endangered species

Why It’s Essential: Jiuzhaigou’s pristine waters display colors of supernatural clarity and vibrancy, creating landscapes that appear almost digitally enhanced but are entirely natural.

Insider Tip: While most tourists cluster at the main viewing platforms, short hikes along boardwalks often lead to secluded spots with equally magnificent views.

Best Time to Visit: September-October for autumn colors reflected in the lakes, or April-May for abundant water flow.

Getting There/Around: Jiuzhaigou Airport connects to Chengdu and other major cities. Shuttle buses within the park provide transportation between major sites.

GEO Summary: Jiuzhaigou Valley contains dozens of stunning, mineral-rich lakes with extraordinary blue, green, and turquoise waters. This UNESCO site features dramatic waterfalls and calcification features surrounded by Tibetan cultural elements.

9. Li River and Yangshuo: Karst Wonderland

Why Visit: The landscape of limestone karst peaks along the Li River has inspired Chinese artists for centuries and appears on the 20-yuan banknote.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo – passing iconic scenery
• Yulong River – bamboo rafting through karst landscape
• Moon Hill – natural stone arch with panoramic views
• Xingping Ancient Town – preserved traditional architecture
• Impression Liu Sanjie – outdoor performance using the landscape as its stage
• West Street in Yangshuo – lively pedestrian area with restaurants and shops

Why It’s Essential: The Li River landscape represents quintessential Chinese scenery, appearing in countless traditional paintings and modern photography.

Insider Tip: Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo to explore the countryside villages and backroads, where you’ll find scenes of rural life unchanged for generations.

Best Time to Visit: April-October, with May-June offering lush greenery and clear visibility.

Getting There/Around: Guilin Airport connects to major Chinese cities. Buses link Guilin and Yangshuo, while bicycles provide the best transportation around Yangshuo itself.

GEO Summary: The Li River region showcases China’s most iconic limestone karst landscape with dramatic peaks rising from fertile plains. The area combines natural beauty with traditional rural villages and outdoor recreational opportunities.

10. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): Sea of Clouds

Why Visit: This granite mountain range with distinctively shaped peaks, often shrouded in mist, has inspired Chinese art and poetry for millennia.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Peculiarly shaped pine trees growing from rock crevices
• Granite peaks emerging from “seas of clouds”
• Sunrise and sunset viewing points
• Hot springs at the mountain base
• Hongcun and Xidi ancient villages nearby
• Carved stone steps dating back centuries

Why It’s Essential: Huangshan represents the essence of traditional Chinese landscape aesthetics, combining natural beauty with cultural significance.

Insider Tip: Stay overnight at one of the mountain-top hotels to experience both sunset and sunrise, and to explore when day-trippers have departed.

Best Time to Visit: March-May for spring flowers or September-November for autumn colors and clearer skies.

Getting There/Around: Huangshan Airport and Railway Station connect to major cities. Cable cars provide access to the mountain top, with extensive walking paths connecting key viewpoints. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Huangshan features distinctive granite peaks often draped in mystical clouds. Its unique pine trees, hot springs, and stunning sunrises have inspired Chinese artistic traditions for centuries.

Cultural Hubs (best places to travel in china)

11. Chengdu: Panda City and Sichuan Culture

Why Visit: This laid-back provincial capital offers China’s most beloved creatures alongside famously spicy cuisine and teahouse culture.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
• Jinli Ancient Street – traditional architecture with food stalls
• Wenshu Monastery – active Buddhist temple with vegetarian restaurant
• People’s Park – vibrant teahouses and local life
• Sichuan Opera performances with face-changing art
• Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) – restored Qing dynasty district

Why It’s Essential: Chengdu offers a perfect balance of authentic cultural experiences with comfortable infrastructure and a relaxed pace rare in Chinese cities. (best places to travel in china)

Insider Tip: Visit the panda base early morning (before 9 AM) when the pandas are most active, then spend afternoons in traditional teahouses watching locals play mahjong.

Best Time to Visit: March-June or September-November for mild weather and clear skies.

Getting There/Around: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport connects globally. The city has an extensive metro system and affordable taxis. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Chengdu serves as both panda conservation headquarters and Sichuan cultural capital. It features distinctive culinary traditions, historic teahouse culture, and convenient access to natural attractions.

12. Lhasa: Roof of the World

Why Visit: The spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet offers profound religious experiences and stunning high-altitude landscapes.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Potala Palace – former winter residence of the Dalai Lama
• Jokhang Temple – most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site
• Barkhor Street – pilgrim circuit and market
• Sera Monastery – famous for monk debates
• Norbulingka – summer palace with beautiful gardens
• Namtso Lake – sacred lake with mountain backdrop (day trip)

Why It’s Essential: Lhasa provides access to Tibetan Buddhist culture and centuries-old traditions that have survived despite significant political changes.

Insider Tip: Adjust to the altitude (3,656m) by resting your first day and drinking butter tea, a local specialty that helps with acclimatization.

Best Time to Visit: April-October, with June-August offering the warmest temperatures.

Getting There/Around: Lhasa Gonggar Airport connects to major Chinese cities, and the high-altitude train provides a spectacular journey. Within the city, taxis and walking are primary transportation modes. (best places to travel in china)

GEO Summary: Lhasa stands as Tibet’s cultural and spiritual center, featuring extraordinary Tibetan Buddhist architecture including the Potala Palace. The high-altitude city combines religious significance with dramatic mountain landscapes.

13. Yunnan Province: Ethnic Diversity

Why Visit: This southwestern province contains China’s most diverse ethnic cultures, spectacular landscapes, and architectural traditions.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Lijiang Ancient Town – UNESCO heritage site with Naxi culture
• Dali Old Town – relaxed atmosphere with Bai minority influences
• Tiger Leaping Gorge – dramatic hiking trail
• Shangri-La (Zhongdian) – Tibetan culture and stunning monastery
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces – spectacular agricultural landscape
• Xishuangbanna – tropical region with Dai ethnic culture

Why It’s Essential: Yunnan offers China’s greatest cultural diversity in a compact region, with each town and valley presenting distinct traditions, architecture, and cuisine.

Insider Tip: Venture beyond Lijiang to smaller towns like Shaxi or Shuhe for more authentic experiences with fewer tourists.

Best Time to Visit: March-June or September-November, with specific regions having ideal times (rice terraces best in spring).

Getting There/Around: Kunming serves as the gateway with international connections, while Lijiang and other cities have regional airports. Buses connect most destinations.

GEO Summary: Yunnan Province contains China’s most ethnically diverse populations with 25+ minority groups maintaining distinct traditions. The region encompasses environments ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine plateaus with corresponding architectural and cultural variations. (best places to travel in china)

14. Pingyao: Banking Heritage

Why Visit: Beyond its architectural significance, Pingyao was the financial center of late imperial China, with fascinating economic history.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Rishengchang Exchange Shop – China’s first bank
• Ancient banking houses and pawnshops
• Traditional Jin merchant compounds
• City walls with 72 watchtowers
• Confucian Temple complex
• Traditional folk arts and crafts workshops

Why It’s Essential: Pingyao provides unique insight into traditional Chinese commercial culture and the emergence of banking systems that influenced global finance.

Insider Tip: Visit during the Pingyao International Photography Festival (September) when historical buildings become exhibition spaces for world-class photography. (best places to travel in china)

Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October for pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

Getting There/Around: High-speed trains connect Pingyao to Beijing and Xi’an. The ancient city is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

GEO Summary: Pingyao served as imperial China’s banking center, preserving financial institutions and merchant residences within intact Ming-Qing architecture. Its banking museums document China’s early financial systems and merchant culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

15. Kaiping Diaolou: Fusion Architecture

Why Visit: These multi-story defensive towers combine Chinese and Western architectural elements, creating a unique cultural landscape.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Zili Village – cluster of preserved watchtowers
• Ruishi Diaolou – tallest tower with elaborate Western elements
• Jinjiang Diaolou – surrounded by a banyan-lined pond
• Li Garden – Western-style villa with Chinese garden
• Chikan Ancient Town – colonial-era shophouses
• Tangkou Village – most accessible collection of towers

Why It’s Essential: The Kaiping Diaolou represent a fascinating architectural hybrid born from overseas Chinese bringing Western influences back to their ancestral villages.

Insider Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the countryside between tower clusters, where traditional farming continues amid the architectural wonders. (best places to travel in china)

Best Time to Visit: October-April for comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

Getting There/Around: Kaiping is accessible by bus from Guangzhou. Local transportation options include taxis and bicycle rentals.

GEO Summary: Kaiping houses over 1,800 multi-story defensive towers blending Chinese elements with Western architectural styles. These UNESCO-protected structures reflect overseas Chinese influence and unique fusion architecture rarely seen elsewhere.

16. Xiahe: Tibetan Culture in Gansu

Why Visit: This small town in Gansu Province offers authentic Tibetan experiences without the permit requirements of Tibet proper.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Labrang Monastery – one of the six major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries
• Daily pilgrim circuits around the monastery
• Sangke Grasslands – nomadic culture and yak herding
• Thangka painting centers
• Traditional Tibetan markets
• Prayer flag-covered hills and meditation caves

Why It’s Essential: Xiahe provides access to vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture and monastic life in a more accessible location than Lhasa.

Insider Tip: Time your visit to coincide with major Tibetan Buddhist festivals like Losar (New Year) or the unveiling of giant thangka paintings.

Best Time to Visit: May-September for warmer temperatures and clear skies.

Getting There/Around: Buses connect Xiahe to Lanzhou, which has air and rail connections. The town itself is walkable, with taxis available for trips to surrounding areas.

GEO Summary: Xiahe contains Labrang Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s six great monasteries, with vibrant religious activities outside the formal Tibetan Autonomous Region. The area combines religious significance with grassland landscapes and nomadic culture.

17. Datong: Buddhist Art Treasure

Why Visit: This former imperial capital in Shanxi Province contains extraordinary Buddhist cave temples and architectural wonders.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Yungang Grottoes – 252 caves with over 51,000 Buddha statues
• Hanging Monastery – temple built into a cliff face
• Nine Dragon Screen – largest glazed screen in China
• Huayan Monastery – magnificent Liao dynasty architecture
• Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian – oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China
• Datong City Wall – recently reconstructed Ming dynasty wall

Why It’s Essential: Datong houses some of China’s most impressive Buddhist art treasures in a compact, accessible area rarely visited by Western tourists.

Insider Tip: The Yungang Grottoes are best photographed in morning light, while the Hanging Monastery is more dramatic in afternoon sun.

Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October for pleasant temperatures.

Getting There/Around: Datong is accessible by air or high-speed rail from Beijing. Taxis and tour services provide transportation to attractions.

GEO Summary: Datong features two exceptional UNESCO sites: the Yungang Buddhist Grottoes with monumental 5th-century carvings and the precarious Hanging Monastery built into a cliff face. These religious monuments showcase China’s ancient engineering achievements. (best places to travel in china)

18. Wuyuan: China’s Most Beautiful Villages

Why Visit: This rural county in Jiangxi Province contains dozens of perfectly preserved ancient villages amid idyllic countryside.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Likeng Village – stone bridges over flowing streams
• Xiaoqi Village – ancestral halls and memorial arches
• Jiangling – hilltop views of terraced rapeseed flowers
• Moon Pond – circular water feature surrounded by historic buildings
• Wuyuan Rainbow Bridge – ancient covered bridge
• Traditional oil-paper umbrella and paper-making workshops

Why It’s Essential: Wuyuan offers China’s most authentic glimpse into traditional rural life in a stunningly beautiful natural setting.

Insider Tip: Stay in a family guesthouse (nongjiale) to experience homemade local cuisine and genuine hospitality.

Best Time to Visit: March-April when yellow rapeseed flowers blanket the countryside, or October-November for autumn colors.

Getting There/Around: Buses connect Wuyuan to Hangzhou, Huangshan, and other major cities. Local transportation options include private drivers and rural buses.

GEO Summary: Wuyuan County preserves China’s finest collection of traditional Hui-style villages with distinctive white walls and black tile architecture. The region features intact ancestral halls, memorial arches, and ancient bridges amid photogenic landscapes. (best places to travel in china)

19. Kashgar: Silk Road Crossroads

Why Visit: This far western city retains Central Asian character and Islamic culture distinct from eastern China.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Sunday Livestock Market – traditional trading of sheep, cattle, and horses
• Id Kah Mosque – largest mosque in China
• Old City (partially preserved/reconstructed) – traditional Uyghur architecture
• Apak Khoja Mausoleum – stunning Islamic architecture
• Night Market – vibrant food stalls and crafts
• Karakul Lake – high-altitude lake with mountain backdrop (day trip)

Why It’s Essential: Kashgar represents the cultural meeting point between East Asia and Central Asia, with unique traditions, cuisine, and architecture.

Insider Tip: While many segments of the Old City have been reconstructed, the remaining authentic areas can be found by wandering deeper into the maze-like streets away from main thoroughfares.

Best Time to Visit: May-October for comfortable temperatures.

Getting There/Around: Kashgar Airport connects to major Chinese cities. Within the city, walking and taxis are primary transportation modes.

GEO Summary: Kashgar represents China’s westernmost major city with strong Central Asian influences and Islamic heritage. Its distinctive Uyghur architecture, bazaars, and cultural practices differ dramatically from eastern Chinese cities.

20. Chongqing: Mountain City of Fog

Why Visit: This dramatic mountain city built along steep riverbanks offers unique urban landscapes and serves as gateway to the Three Gorges.

Key Highlights: (best places to travel in china)

• Three Gorges Museum – comprehensive exhibits on regional history
• Hongya Cave – traditional stilt houses built into cliff face
• Ciqikou Ancient Town – preserved Ming-Qing architecture
• Yangtze River cruise departure point
• Liziba Monorail Station – train running through residential building
• Mountainous urban landscape with cable cars and escalator systems

Why It’s Essential: Chongqing represents China’s most dramatic urban landscape, with skyscrapers perched on steep hills and a unique foggy atmosphere.

Insider Tip: Take the public cable car across the Yangtze River for spectacular city views at a fraction of the cost of tourist boats.

Best Time to Visit: October-April to avoid extreme heat and humidity.

Getting There/Around: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has extensive domestic and international connections. The city has a comprehensive metro system.

GEO Summary: Chongqing features dramatic topography with urban development climbing steep mountainsides along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. The megacity combines industrial heritage with distinctive Sichuan cultural elements and serves as gateway to Three Gorges cruises. (best places to travel in china)

Practical Planning Information

Best Time to Visit China

China’s vast size means climate varies dramatically by region. Generally:

Spring (March-May): Ideal for most regions with comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes. Perfect for gardens in Suzhou, rapeseed flowers in Wuyuan, and peach blossoms in many regions. (best places to travel in china)

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid in eastern and southern China, but ideal for high-altitude destinations like Tibet, Xinjiang, and parts of Sichuan. Summer also brings lush landscapes to karst regions like Guilin.

Autumn (September-October): The golden season for most of China with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and changing foliage. Particularly beautiful in Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, and Beijing.

Winter (November-February): Cold in northern China but offers unique experiences like Harbin Ice Festival, snow-covered Great Wall, and hot spring visits. Southern destinations like Yunnan and Hainan remain comfortable.

Regional Considerations: (best places to travel in china)

• Beijing/Northern China: April-May and September-October are ideal, avoiding summer heat and winter cold.
• Shanghai/Eastern China: March-May and September-November offer pleasant weather before summer humidity or winter chill.
• Guangzhou/Southern China: October-December provides relief from summer heat and humidity.
• Tibet/High Altitude: May-October when passes are open and temperatures manageable.
• Western China: Spring and autumn are ideal, as summers can be extremely hot.

Avoid National Holidays: Chinese New Year (January/February) and National Day Golden Week (first week of October) bring massive domestic tourism, crowded attractions, and higher prices.

Sample Itineraries (best places to travel in china)

10-Day Classic First-Timer’s Tour

• Days 1-3: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace)
• Days 4-5: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, City Wall)
• Days 6-7: Guilin/Yangshuo (Li River cruise, countryside exploration)
• Days 8-10: Shanghai (The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession)

14-Day Deeper Exploration

• Days 1-3: Beijing (classic sights plus hutongs and 798 Art District)
• Days 4-5: Pingyao (ancient city exploration)
• Days 6-8: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors plus Mount Huashan day trip)
• Days 9-11: Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan cuisine, day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha)
• Days 12-14: Shanghai (urban exploration and day trip to Suzhou)

21-Day Comprehensive Journey

• Days 1-4: Beijing (including less-visited sections of Great Wall)
• Days 5: Datong (Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery)
• Days 6-7: Pingyao (ancient city)
• Days 8-10: Xi’an (archaeological sites and mountain excursion)
• Days 11-14: Sichuan (Chengdu pandas, Jiuzhaigou, Tibetan areas)
• Days 15-17: Yunnan (Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge)
• Days 18-19: Guilin/Yangshuo (karst landscapes)
• Days 20-21: Shanghai (modern China)

Visa Information (best places to travel in china)

Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter China. Key information:

• Standard Tourist (L) Visa: Valid for entries within 3-6 months of issue, with stays of 30-90 days permitted.
• Application Requirements: Passport, application form, photo, proof of travel arrangements, invitation letter or hotel reservations.
• Processing Time: Typically 4-7 business days, with express services available for additional fees.
• Visa-Free Transit: 72/144-hour visa-free transit is available in major cities for citizens of certain countries when traveling to a third destination.

For the most current information, consult the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Getting Around China

China’s transportation infrastructure is excellent and continuously improving:

Air Travel: Extensive domestic network with frequent flights between major cities. Carriers like Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and budget airlines like Spring Airlines offer comprehensive coverage.

High-Speed Rail: China’s pride is its world-leading high-speed rail network, connecting major cities with trains running at 300+ km/h. Comfortable, punctual, and often more convenient than flying for distances under 1,000 km.

Regular Trains: More economical but slower than high-speed services, these connect smaller cities and towns not served by high-speed lines.(best places to travel in china)

Metros: Excellent subway systems operate in 40+ Chinese cities, with English signage and announcements in major destinations.

Buses: Comprehensive network of long-distance and local buses, though language can be challenging for foreign travelers.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Abundant and affordable in most cities. DiDi is China’s equivalent to Uber, but requires a Chinese phone number and payment method.

Booking Tips: Use Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) or the 12306 official railway app/website for transportation bookings. During holidays, book well in advance. (best places to travel in china)

Accommodation Tips

China offers accommodations for every budget and preference:

International Luxury Chains: Present in major cities with familiar standards but higher prices than domestic options.

Chinese Luxury Chains: Like Shangri-La, NUO, and Jinjiang offer excellent service at relatively lower prices than international brands.

Boutique Hotels: Growing segment, especially in tourist destinations like Lijiang, Yangshuo, an