10 Best Places to Visit for a Second Trip to China: Beyond the Classics

Written by Maren Hamilton | Updated August 09,2025

On your first trip to China, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll go to the most popular places to visit in the country: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an… And they’re totally worth it. But where do you go on your next trip? Well, once you’ve seen the major highlights, it’s time to take a step off the beaten path and experience something deeper. Of course, it’s hard to know where’s worth visiting before you haven’t gone – which is why we’ve prepared this guide to the 10 best places you should consider for your second trip to China.

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• Why Take a Second Trip to China?
• Top 10 Destinations for a Second Trip to China
• 1. Zhangjiajie: For Adventure Seekers
• 2. Huangshan: For Nature-Lovers and Artists
• 3. Guilin: For Peace and Relaxation
• 4. Chengdu: For Countryside Day Trips
• 5. Yunnan: For Cultural Explorers
• 6. China Silk Road: For History Nerds
• 7. Tibet: For Those Interested in Buddhism
• 8. Guizhou: For an Authentic Experience
• 9. Yangtze Cruise: For Drifting Lazily Through Breathtaking Scenery
• 10. Pingyao: For a Trip Back in Time
• Things to Know When Planning Your Second Trip to China
• Suggested Itineraries for a Second Trip to China
• Plan your second trip to China with us!

Why Take a Second Trip to China?

While common tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are obviously great destinations for a first trip in China, they offer only a glimpse of everything China has to offer. If you really want to understand the country’s incredible diversity, both cultural and natural, you need to dive a little deeper – and the best part is, not only will you find yourself faced with fewer crowds, you’ll make deeper connections as well.

Top 10 Destinations for a Second Trip to China

If you’re planning your second trip to China and are ready to dig a little deeper into what the country has to offer, here are our top recommendations for places to visit.

1. Zhangjiajie: For Adventure Seekers

Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan, is the perfect place to visit in China if you want to see impossibly beautiful nature. Known for the Avatar Mountains (also known as Yuanjiajie) and Tianmen Mountain, this city offers unbeatable opportunities for adventure. Whether you want to hike, zip-line, or go skywalking, there’s always something new to experience. Even if you aren’t looking for a workout, it’s worth visiting just to take pictures of the stunning views.

For an extra special experience, get to know the local Tujia ethnic minority group and learn about their traditional art and culture.

Suggested Tours:

• 3-Day Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour from Shanghai
• 4-Day Classic Zhangjiajie Tour Package
• 6 Days Zhangjiajie Tour to Furong & Fenghuang Ancient Towns
• 6-Day Best Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang-Changsha Experience Tour

2. Huangshan: For Nature-Lovers and Artists

Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is another classic hiking spot that makes for a great second trip to China. The mountain offers views of granite peaks pushing through the clouds, a scene that harks back to the imagery of traditional Chinese ink paintings – unsurprising, given that it’s also the inspiration behind a lot of Chinese art, both visual and literary.

While beautiful in every season, it’s best to avoid Huangshan’s summer crowds. Be sure to bring your camera or a sketchbook with you, and try to visit after a rainy or snowy day if you want to see the iconic “Sea of Clouds”.

Suggested Tours:

• One-Day Huangshan Village Tour with Cultural Experience
• 6-Day China Tour of Beijing and Huangshan by High-speed Train

3. Guilin: For Peace and Relaxation

It’s said that Guilin has the best landscape in the world – why not find out for yourself? This is one of the best places to visit in China if you want a slower, more relaxing experience. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Li River cruise, which offers an unparalleled experience of the karst landscape that the region is known for.

Yangshuo, a nearby county, is also worth visiting –  be sure to check out the fascinating blend between traditional and global country in West Street, also known as “foreigner’s street”!

Suggested Tours:

• 3-Day Guilin Essence Tours to Yangshuo
• 5-Day Guilin Food and Sightseeing Tour

4. Chengdu: For Countryside Day Trips

Most people know Chengdu for its giant pandas and spicy food, but that’s not what makes this city a perfect stop for a second trip to China. While the city is definitely one of the best places to visit in China, it’s the day trips that really make it a worth your time.

Whether you want to take a short trip to see the famous Leshan Giant Buddha and explore the sacred Mount Emei or take a longer trip to experience the crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains of Jiuzhaigou National Park, there’s something waiting for you in Chengdu.

Related reading: 18 Fascinating Facts about Chengdu

Suggested Tours:

• 4-Day Chengdu Panda Volunteer Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha
• 8-Day Chengdu Guizhou Tour with Emei and Fanjing Mountains

5. Yunnan: For Cultural Explorers

If you want to learn more about China’s ethnic diversity on your second trip to China, Yunnan is the place to be. Home to 25 of China’s 56 ethnic groups, there are endless unique crafts, architecture, and cuisines to explore.

The province also hosts Shangri-La and multiple ancient towns, as well as incredible natural wonders, the most famous of which is Tiger Leaping Gorge, meaning there are plenty of adventures to be had. Just be sure to bring clothing that you can layer to adjust to the temperature differences at different altitudes.

Suggested Tours:

• 4-Day Dali Essence Tour
• 6-Day Yunnan Kunming Dali Lijiang Tour
• 9-Day Yunnan Family Tour

6. China Silk Road: For History Nerds

The Silk Road is one of the best places to visit in China if you want to see a lot of China and get a truly historical experience at the same time. With the Chinese portion of the route stretching from Xi’an to Xinjiang, it offers countless wonders along its path.

From the Terracotta Warriors to Buddhist, Islamic, and Zoroastrian architecture and art and spectacular natural views including deserts, oases, mountains, and lakes, the Silk Road is a rich route that everyone should travel at least once.

Suggested Tours:

• 8-Day Panda and Silk Road Tour
• 8-Day Xinjiang Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Dunhuang
• 15-Day In-depth Silk Road Tour from Xian to Xinjiang

7. Tibet: For Those Interested in Buddhism

While it takes time to adjust to the altitude and you’ll need a special permit to visit, Tibet is an amazing choice for your second trip to China. While there’s Mount Everest for the particularly daring, of course, Tibet’s real charm lies in its unique and deeply spiritual culture.  Whether you’ve always been interested in Buddhism and want to see the local temples or just find yourself drawn to the region’s unique customs and traditions, this is the perfect place to visit in China.

Suggested Tours:

• 8-Day Private Tibet Tour to Everest Base Camp
• 15-Day Tibet Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
• 16-Day Tibet and Nepal Adventure from Chengdu

8. Guizhou: For an Authentic Experience

Guizhou offers many of the same things that other locations on this list do. It has beautiful nature, with karst landscapes and Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest in all of nature. It’s also home to many unique ethnic groups with their own festivals and customs to learn about.

So what makes Guizhou worth visiting on your second trip to China, then? Well, it offers all this without being as busy or commercialised as other destinations – the definition of a hidden gem. While that means English is a bit harder to come by, just be sure to bring a guide or translation app with you. The language barrier is just a small inconvenience compared to the amazing experience you’ll have.

Suggested Tours:

• 4-Day Guizhou Highlights Tour
• 7-Day Guizhou Tour to Guiyang, Kaili, Libo
• 9-Day Guizhou and Guilin In-depth Tour with Ethnic Villages

9. Yangtze Cruise: For Drifting Lazily Through Breathtaking Scenery

If you want to see a lot of the Chinese countryside without having to plan all of the transport yourself, a Yangtze River Cruise is the best way to spend your second trip to China. Taking you through breathtaking scenery like the Three Gorges and offering excursions to a variety of unique cultural and historical sites, it’s a unique way to get to know a different side of the country.

There are cruises for every kind of traveller, from budget to luxury, but a tip before you book: check out what onboard activities are offered! They’re a great way to deepen your understanding of Chinese culture as you drift from stop to stop.

Suggested Tours:

• 4-Day Chongqing Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
• 7-Day Yangtze River Cruise and Zhangjiajie Tour
• 14-Day Scenic China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

10. Pingyao: For a Trip Back in Time

If you’re looking for a place to visit in China that feels like going back in time, look no further than Pingyao. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient towns in all of China, offering a glimpse of what life was like during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Since most people’s first trips to China are in big cities, Pingyao offers something completely unique for a second trip to China – it doesn’t even have any skyscrapers in the old town!

If you go, try to book a traditional hotel for at least one of the nights you’re there – you won’t regret it.

Suggested Tours:

• 2-Day Classic Pingyao Ancient City Tour
• 4-Day Datong and Pingyao Tour
• 10-Day Historic China Tour of Xi’an-Pingyao-Datong-Beijing

Things to Know When Planning Your Second Trip to China

When to Plan Your Second China Tour?

Strategic timing can significantly enhance experiences of your second trip to China. The best time to visit may vary based on different regions. Generally, April to May in spring and September to October in autumn are ideal for most areas when most destinations are blessed with mild weather, less rain, and specific seasonal scenery. They are a great time for either cultural exploration, outdoor activities, or sightseeing.

While some certain places may have specific optimal seasons. For example, the prime season of Tibet usually falls between May to October when the weather is stable and oxygen levels are higher. December to February in winter is the best time to experience the spectacular ice and snow wonders of Harbin and Jilin. October to April in the next year is the great time to enjoy the warm beaches of Hainan and Xiamen.

It is crucial for you to consider China’s public holidays to avoid large crowds. Chinese New Year (usually in late January or early February), National Day (October 1–7), Labor’s Day, and Summer Holidays (July–August) are the busiest times in China, bringing packed crowds and higher prices. While November to March or weekdays are the off-peak times for most attractions.

How Many Days are Needed for Your Second Trip to China?

We suggest spending 7-10 days for an in-depth exploration of one region. For example, experience the diverse ethnic cultures and landscapes of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La in Yunnan, or immerse in the spiritual culture and alpine scenery in Tibet.

10-14 days is the ideal duration for in-depth China tours across provinces, such as the ancient capitals cultural route to Xi’an, Luoyang, and Nanjing, or a Silk Road adventure from Xi’an to Xinjiang.

Suggested Itineraries for a Second Trip to China

7-Day Yangtze River Cruise + Zhangjiajie Adventure

• Day 1: Chongqing arrival, board your Yangtze River cruise
• Day 2-4: Scenic and leisure cruise trip from Chongqing to Yichang, with onshore excursions
• Day 5-7: Explore the best highlights of Zhangjiajie: National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Avatar Mountains, Tianmen Mountain.

Suggested tour: 7 Days Yangtze River Cruise and Zhangjiajie Tour

10-day Chengdu + Mt. Emei + Yunnan

• Day 1: Chengdu arrival
• Day 2-3: Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei Adventure
• Day 4: Chengdu highlights exploration: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding + Wenshu Temple + Renmin Park + Jinli Street
• Day 5-10: Experience Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Kunming: Rich in both ethnic cultures and natural landscapes.

Suggested tour: 10 Days Best Chengdu, Emei and Yunnan Tour

14-Day Silk Road Cultural Discovery

• Day 1-3: Xian arrival and highlights exploration: Terracotta Army + Ancient City Wall + Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Muslim Quarter + Xian Museum
• Day 4-6: Xian to Lanzhou, Binglingsi Grottoes, Labrang Monastery in Xiahe
• Day 7-8: Zhangye exploration with Rainbow Mountains, Matisi Grottoes, and Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
• Day 9-11: Jiayuguan and Dunhuang adventure with wild desert scenery, grand Great Wall pass and Mogao Caves.
• Day 12-14: Xinjiang exploration from Turpan to Urumqi.

Suggested tour: 14 Days Essential Silk Road Group Tour from Xian to Urumqi

Plan your second trip to China with us!

Want to get the most out of your next trip? Well now that you have a better idea of what place you’d like to visit in China, why not let China Xi’an Tour take care of the rest? We offer preset tours across China that meet all kinds of travellers’ needs, from food tours to history tours and more. Whether you want to see the iconic sites or take a step off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered –  we even offer fully customizable tours so you can get exactly what you’re looking for out of the experience.

So what are you waiting for? Your next trip to China is waiting – start planning it with us today!