Written by Catherine |
China with its profound ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, has become one of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations. From historical sites and natural wonders to cultural attractions and modern urban landmarks, China offers an extraordinary range of must-visit landmarks.
In this article, we will explore the top 12 most famous tourist landmarks in China, including the majestic Great Wall, the picturesque Li River, the sacred Potala Palace and the breathtaking skyline of The Bund, etc. Follow us to discover the useful travel information about these attractions and feel the diverse charms of China. If this is yourĀ first trip to China,Ā they are also highly-recommended.
Content Preview
- 1. The Great Wall of China
- 2. The Terracotta Army in Xian
- 3. The Forbidden City in Beijing
- 4. The Li River in Guilin
- 5. The Potala Palace in Lhasa
- 6. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie
- 7. The Summer Palace in Beijing
- 8. The Majestic Yellow Mountains in Huangshan
- 9. The Bund in Shanghai
- 10. West Lake in Hangzhou
- 11. The Yangtze River
- 12. Xiāan City Wall
- A Snapshot of China’s Key Landmarks
- How to Plan Your China Tour with These Top Landmarks
- Plan a China Tour with China Xian Tour
1. The Great Wall of China
Stretching an incredible 21,000km across China’s mountainous terrain from Shanhaiguan toĀ Jiayuguan, the Great Wall remains the country’s most recognizable symbol.Ā Its construction lasted for more than 2,000 years and spanned multiple dynasties. The purpose to built the Great WallĀ was to defend against enemies.
Now, most existing sections were completed in the Ming Dynasty. For oversea visitors, Beijing would be their ideal starting point ofĀ a China Great Wall tour, where a number of well-preserved sections each offer unique experiences. Below are the popular sections.
Popular Sections |
Badaling |
Mutianyu |
Jinshanling
Ā |
Opening Hours |
Apr. 1Ā ā Oct. 31: Ā 06:30 ā 16:30;
Nov. 1Ā ā Mar. 31: 07:30 ā 16:00 |
Mar 16Ā ā Nov 15: Weekdays: 07:30Ā ā 18:00, Weekends: 07:30Ā ā 18:30;
Nov 16Ā ā Mar 15: 08:00Ā ā 17:00 |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: 05:00 ā 18:00;
Nov. 1Ā ā Ā Mar 31: 06:00 ā 17:30 |
Ticket |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: CNY 40;
Nov. 1 ā Mar. 31: CNY 35 |
CNY 40 all year round |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: CNY 65;
Nov. 1Ā ā Ā Mar 31: CNY 55 Ā |
Highlights |
The most famous
The best-equipped TheĀ famous stone tablet that reads āHe who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true manā stands here Night light showĀ from May to October 7th |
The most beautiful and best-preserved section
Fewer tourists 90% vegetation coverage rate Asiaās longest metal slide Night tour during July and August |
The best-preservedĀ Ā primitiveĀ appearance
Best photography spot for sunrises and sunsets Least crowdedĀ and most tranquil Allow for a second entryĀ on the same day if purchasing a ticket on site |
Traffic Convenience |
High, direct high-speed trainĀ and direct bus |
Moderate: direct shuttle bus |
Low: self-driving or chartering a bus |
Best For |
Families and tourists with limited time |
Photographers, families, elders and tourists seekingĀ Ā a Ā quiet and in-depth tour |
Photography enthusiasts, history enthusiasts and hiking explorers |
- Good to Know:
- All the sections require aĀ real-name reservation and ticket purchasing 1 – 7 days in advance.
- There is no need to collect Just show your original passport for verificationwhen entering.
- All the above sections are equipped with cable cars. Families and elders can also enjoy the trip easily.
- The best time to visit the Great Wall is spring and autumn.
- Though the undeveloped wild Great Wall sections preserve primitive landscapes, theylack of maintenance and are Besides, it is strictly prohibited to climb. So do not adventure.
- Fun Facts:
- The construction material of the Great Wall is sticky rice mortar, which is a mixture of cooked glutinous rice soup and lime with comparable viscosity and strength to modern cement.
- The Great Wall is actually a complete and complex military defense system with walls, watchtowers, beacon towers, etc, rather than a single “wall”.
- The Great Wall is not continuous, but consists of several separated sections.
Recommended Tours:
2. The Terracotta Army in Xian
On the outskirtsĀ of Xi’an lies one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries –Ā theĀ TerracottaāWarriors and Horse Museum.Ā This vast underground army, being crafted during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), features over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang. ThreeĀ massive pits are unearthed now, offeringĀ visitors a powerful glimpse into China’s first emperor’s formidable military might.
Pit 1:Ā largest, a massive infantry force in battle-ready formation.
Pit 2:Ā the most comprehensive range of troops, a moreĀ sophisticated arrangement, combining cavalry, chariots, and archers –Ā a complete ancient combat system.
Pit 3: smallest,Ā serves as the command center, offersĀ the world’s earliest surviving example of an ancient military headquarters
- Good to Know:
- In fact, the entrance ticket includes the Museum and Lishan Garden (the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huangand Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum). Free shuttle buses are available between the two areas.
- Recommended visiting route is Pit 1 – Pit 3 – Pit 2 – Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang – Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum
- It is highly recommended to rent a foreign-language audio guide (about CNY 40) or hire an official foreign-language tour guide (about CNY 500 ) to understand the history and culture behind them.
- Fun Facts:
- The terracotta warriors were originally colorful when unearthed, but after coming into contact with air, they quickly oxidized and fell off, becoming the color we see today.
- For the sake of protection, most terracotta figures are still buried underground. The three pits displayed now are only a very small part of the total of over 400 identified burial pits.
- Each figure has a unique facial expression, demeanor, clothing, and hairstyle.
Recommended Tours:
3. The Forbidden City in Beijing
- Location: 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- How to get to: Take metro line 1to Tiananmen WestĀ or Tiananmen East Station, or takeĀ bus line 1, 2, 52, 82, 101, 103, 109, 120, 124, 128Ā to the scenic area directly.
- Tickets: 1 to Oct. 31: CNY 60, Nov. 1 to Mar. 31: CNY40
- Opening hours: 1 to Oct. 31: 08:30-17:00; Nov. 1 to Mar. 31: 08:30-16:30, closed on Mondays
- Best time to visit: All Seasons
- Time needed: at least 3 hours
Travel Tips:
- Photography is allowed in most areas of the Forbidden City, but flash photography is generally prohibited in certain sections to protect the artifacts.
- Can you enter the Forbidden City from any gate? No, it can be entered through the Wu Gate only, while the exits are from Shenwu Gate and Donghua Gate.
TipsĀ to Visit the Forbidden City:
- There is no ticket window on site, so all tourists should book a ticket7 days in advance through the official Wechat mini-program or website of ę 宫åē©é¢.
- The Forbidden City can be entered through the Meridian Gate only,while the exits are the Gate of Divine Prowess and the East ProsperityĀ Gate.
- The multilingual audio guidecosts CNY 20 and the official foreign-language guide ranges from CNY 300 to 700.
- Tourists can store backpack and suitcase at the Meridian Gate for free. The staff will ask you from which door you are leaving and transport your luggage to that door.
- It is recommended to leave from the Gate of Divine Prowess and pay a visit to theJingshan ParkĀ on the opposite. Ascending to the Wangchun Pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
See more detailed information about how to visit the Forbidden City.
Recommended Tours:
4. The Li River in Guilin
- Location: Mopan Mountain, Lingchuan County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province
- How to get to: Take bus line 9 to Qifeng Road East Station, and then take a taxi to the scenic area.
- Best time to visit:April – June and September – November
Nature lovers will find their paradise along the Li River, where Guilin’s iconic karst landscapes come to life. The stretch from Guilin to YangshuoĀ reveals the river’s most breathtaking sceneryātowering limestone peaks reflected in crystal-clear waters, like a flowing Chinese ink-wash painting.
The cruise and the bamboo raft are the most popular and classic ways to explore Li River’s wonders. The cruise sails from Guilin to Yangshuo, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the tranquil and leisurely beauty while passing all the legendary landmarks. Be ready for taking photos of the Yellow Cloth Shoal – vistas have been immortalized on China’s 20 yuan banknote.
The bamboo raft down the Yulong River would offer you a special experience with rolling mountains and idyllic landscapes around you.
Travel Tips:
Li River Cruise: suitable for families, elders and those who pursue comfort and have ample time. Its expenseĀ isĀ CNY 215 + for aĀ three-star boat and CNY 360Ā +Ā for a four-star boat. Please note that the three-star boats depart from Mopanshan Wharf and the four-star boats depart from Zhujiang Wharf.
Bamboo raft:Ā suitable for the youth and photographers with an expense of CNY 140Ā for Xingping-JiumaĀ lineĀ and CNY 225 – 255Ā for Yangdi-XingpingĀ line
Recommended Tours:
- 3 Days Guilin Tour with Li River Cruise & Longji Terrace
- 5 Days Guilin, Yangshuo and Terrace Field Photography Tour
5. The Potala Palace in Lhasa
- Location: 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region
- How to get to: tourists can get there by bus lines 1, 7, 9, 10, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 35.
- Tickets: May to Oct.: CNY 200, Nov. to Apr.: CNYĀ 100
- Opening hours:May to Oct.: 09:00 – 15:40, Nov. to Apr.: 09:30 – 15:20, closed on Mondays
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Time needed:about 3 – 4Ā hours
Perched on a hill in Lhasa, Tibet, theĀ Potala PalaceĀ stands as the summit of Tibetan architectural arts and also offers a spiritual journey into Tibetan Buddhism. It is the world’s highest and largest palace-style architectural complex.
The whole complex mainly consists of the Red Palace and White Palace. The Red Palace towers in the center and today, you can find sacred stupas of Dalai Lamas, the religious leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, worshipped here. And the White Palace used to be the residence and working place of Dalai Lamas.
While visiting, people can also observe various religious instruments, including golden statues, exquisite murals and Thangka paintings, and admire the panoramic views of the city.
Travel Tips: Ā
- All foreign tourists should be accompanied by a tour guide during their tour in Xizang. Independent travelling is not accepted. So choose a reliable local travel agency.
- Tibet Travel Permitis a necessary document for foreigners to enter Xizang. Usually, the travel agency will help you apply for it.
- Visitors should be properly dressed to enter this religious site. Please respect local religious customs and traditions while visiting and note that taking pictures is forbidden in the hall.
Recommended Tours:
6. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie
- Location: 279, Jinbian Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
- How to get to: Several shuttle buses are available from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station and Railway Station to the park.
- Tickets: entrance ticket:CNY 165, entrance ticket + eco-friendly car: CNY 236, valid for 4 days
- Opening hours: to Nov.: 07:00-19:00, Dec. to Feb.: 08:00-17:00
- Best time to visit:March to May and September to November
- Time needed: 2-Ā 4 days
Nature lovers, hikers and photographers flock toĀ Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkĀ for good reason. Picture this: thousands of towering sandstone pillars, their jagged peaks blanketed in emerald foliage and often hidden in swirling mist. This magical landscape actually inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is exactly the shooting place.
The lush primeval secondary forests on the peak forests dress in different colors in four seasons and are home to macaques and many rare birds. At the mountain foot are the meandering valleys and the emerald green streams. A three-dimensional scenery picture unfolds before our eyes.
Travel Tips:
- The must-visit attractions include Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, Huangshi Village and Yuanjiajie.
- Bailong Elevator, Tianzishan Cable Car, Yangjiajie Cable Car and Huangshizhai Cable Car all require an additional ticket with the cost of CNY 65, CNY 72, CNY 76 and CNY 65, respectively.
- You may encounter many monkeys during the tour, please do not tease and feed them. Keep an eye on the snacks and small items to prevent from being snatched by monkeys.
- The windbreaker and raincoat are always necessary considering the changeable weather and large temperature difference in the mountainous area.
Recommended Tours:
7. The Summer Palace in Beijing
- Location: 19, Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
- How to get to:Take Metro Line 4 and get off at either Xiyuan Station or North Palace Gate Station.
- Tickets: to Oct.: CNY 30, Nov. to Mar.: CNY 20
- Opening hours: to Oct.: 06:00-20:00, Nov. to Mar.: 06:30-19:00
- Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
- Time needed:3 – 6hours
TheĀ Summer PalaceĀ is hailed by locals as an ideal destination to escape the bustling city of Beijing. As the imperial resort built hundreds of years ago, the Summer Palace shows a harmonious blend of natural scenes and architecture with magnificent palaces perfectly embedded in the garden.
The scenic area mainly consists of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. After ascending the Longevity Hill, the entire garden will come into sight. You can tour around Kunming Lake either on foot or by boat. Taking a boat ride is more recommended. It offers a more leisurely experience and enables you to have a general view of pavilions and halls around the lake.
Travel Tips:
- No tickets are sold on site. You can book a ticket 7 days in advance on the official Wechat mini-program or website of é¢åå.
- A pair of comfortable sports shoes is very necessary, considering its large area of 3 sq km.
- Recommended visiting route:East Gate – Hall of Benevolence and Longevity – The Garden of Virtue and Harmony – Hall of Jade Ripples – Hall of Happiness and Longevity – Long Corridor Ā – Tower of Buddhist Incense – Marble Boat – take a boat or walk to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge – Exit through the newly-built Palace gate.
8. The Majestic Yellow Mountains in Huangshan
- Location: 11, Tangquan Road, Tangkou Town, Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
- How to get to: There are tourist direct shuttle buses at Tunxi Bus Station, Huangshan North Railway Station, Xidi and Hongcun Villages.
- Tickets: 21 – Dec. 19: CNY 190, Dec. 20 –Ā Jan. 20: CNY 150, valid for 3 days
- Opening hours: 5 to Nov.Ā 30: 07:00 –Ā 17:10 (Monday to Friday), 06:30 –Ā 17:40 (weekends, public holidays); Dec.Ā 1 to Mar.Ā 4: 08:00 –Ā 16:40
- Best time to visit:all seasons
- Time needed:1 – 2 days
As one of the most iconicĀ natural wonders in China, Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain) is a famous natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known worldwide for its āFour Wondersā: unique pine trees, bizarre rock formations, sea of clouds, and mineral-rich hot springs.
In addition, watching the sunrise at Bright Summit is regarded as the ultimate experience during the trip to Huangshan. Many tourists stay at the mountain top for one night just for the magnificent moment of the sun breaking through the sea of clouds.
Travel Tips
- Lotus Peak and Celestial Capital Peak will be open on a rotational basis. In 2026, Celestial CapitalPeak is openĀ to the public.
- The accommodation on the peak is always short of supply. So, if you plan to stay one night on the peak for the sunrise view, remember to reserve the hotel at least 1 month earlier.
- Packing list: anti-slippery hiking shoes, windproof coat, raincoat, alpenstock
- 3 Days Huangshan Private Tour with Local Village
- 2 Days Huangshan Private Tour: Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Village
- 4 Days Huangshan Tour with Hongcun & Xidi Villages
9. The Bund in Shanghai
- Location: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- How to get to:TakeĀ subwayĀ line 2 or line 10 to East Nanjing Road, then walk eastwards to the Bund.
- Tickets: free
- Opening hours: All day
- Time needed: 1 ā 3hours
- Highlights: Night scenery of the skyscrapers, architectures of various styles, Huangpu River
The Bund in ShanghaiĀ is an iconic waterfrontĀ promenadeĀ along the west bank of the Huangpu RiveĀ in the city, which is often regarded as the āParis of the East in miniatureā.
Its charm lies in the interesting contrast of history and future on both banks of Huangpu River. This historical riverside on the west bank is lined with 52 historic buildings in diverse European styles. While on the east bank is the iconic city skyline in Lujiazui.
The best time to visit it is at night, when the facades of the historic buildings and skyscrapers areĀ illuminated by bright lights. Taking aĀ Huangpu River cruiseĀ in the evening is also a popular way to enjoy the night beauty of the Bund.
Travel Tips:
- The classic route for a leisure stroll is to start from Waibaidu Bridge, walk southward and end at Yan’an East Road.
- The light show time is from 18:00 to 22:00 during October – April and from 19:00 to 23:00 during May – September.
- Arrive around 17:30-18:00 to view both golden architecture at sunset and splendid evening landscapes.
Recommended Shanghai ToursĀ including the Bund:
- 2 Days Best Shanghai Layover Tour
- 3 Days Classic Private Shanghai City Tour
- 4 Days Shanghai Private Tour with Zhujiajiao Watertown Tour
10. West Lake in Hangzhou
- Location: 5, Longjin Road, Xihu Street, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- How to get to:Take metro line 1 to LongxiangqiaoĀ Station, then walk westwards to core area of the lakeside.
- Tickets: free
- Opening hours: All day
- Best time to visit:all seasons
- Time needed:1 day
West Lake presents one of the most poetic landscapes in China. ThisĀ UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as āparadise on earth,ā harmoniously and perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage that spans centuries.
West Lake offers spectacular scenery throughout the whole year. In spring, peach blossoms and willow trees will light upĀ the Su Causeway. Summer brings fields of lotus blooming across Quyuan Garden. When autumn comes, the lake will transform into a mirror under the silky moonlight. In winter, the landscape becomes a tranquil wonderland dusted with snow.
Visitors can freely stroll or cycle along causeway or take a boat on the lake to savor the timeless beauty.
Travel tips:
- For more cultural experiences,you can explore further to the surrounding Lingyin Temple, Silk Museum, and tea plantations.
- Major paid attractions: Leifeng Pagoda: CNY 40; Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon: CNY 55 – 70; Yuewang Temple: CNY 25
- The sightseeing electric vehicle around the lake is charged per section, with a cost of CNY 10 – 20, and the total cost for the entire journey is approximately CNY 70.
- The expense of a boat tour varies from CNY 150 – 180/hour/boat.
Best Hangzhou Tours including the West Lake:
- Hangzhou Cultural Day Tour
- 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour
- 2 Days Hangzhou Tour: Tea Plantation, Bamboo Forestā¦
11. The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is China’s longest river, stretching over 6,300 km. It is also known as the nation’s “Mother River” as it has nurtured Chinese civilizations for centuries. While extending through gorges like the legendary Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest dam, this river also feeds fertile farmlands along the way.
The best cruise seasons are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). In these seasons, youāll travel with comfortable temperatures, clear air. And the views of misty cliffs and terraced hillsides will be splendid than ever. Days bring marvelous landscapes, while evenings offer relaxation on well-equipped ships. Most visitors choose classic Three Gorges cruises to experience the river’s full majesty.
How to visit
- Top highlights along the journey: The River passes 8 provinces and cities, including Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai. The highlights during the cruise include the Three Gorges, Hongya Cave, etc.
- Recommended cruise options: Victoria Series (most recommended for international travelers), The Yangtze River Miracle, Yangtze River No. 1/2/3, Century Legend, Gold Series
- Popular cruise routes: Chongqing – Yichang (4 days), Chongqing – Wuhan (6 days), Chongqing – Shanghai(11 days)
- Cost of cruise: CNY 2,000 – 7,000 based on the facilities, service, etc
Recommended Yangtze River Tour:
12. Xiāan City Wall
- Location: 3, South Street, Xincheng District, Xiāan City, Shaanxi Province
- How to get to: Usually, tourists take metro line 2Ā to Yongningmen Station and enter from the Yongning Gate.
- Tickets: CNY 54
- Opening hours:Yongning Gate: 08:00-22:00; Zhongshan Gate:08:00-21:00; Changle Gate, Anding Gate,Ā Anyuan Gate & Wenchang Gate: 08:00-18:00
- Best time to visit: March to June & SeptemberĀ to November
- Time needed:1 –Ā 3 hours
TheĀ Xi’an City WallĀ is the most completeĀ ancient city wallĀ that still survives in China, often called the āOpen-air Museum of Ming Dynasty Historyā. This 14th-century, 12-meter-tall fortification stretches 13.7 kilometers around the old city, with impressive watchtowers and gates. Renting a bicycle to circle the entire wall is the most authentic way to experience this ancient defensive system.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when you can walk or bike along the wide ramparts in comfortable temperatures while enjoying panoramic city views. The Yongning Gate is the main entrance and it is particularly lively in the evenings with cultural performances.
Travel Tips:
- With only afew shady spots, it is highly recommended toĀ take precautions against the sun and bringĀ drinking water if visiting during the day.
- If you have a tight schedule, just ascend from the Yongning Gate and walk eastward or westward for a distance of 1-2 watchtowers to explore the essence of the City Wall.
- Time and expense for cycling: About 1.5 ā 2 hours to cover the entire section; CNY 45 for a separate bicycle; CNY 90 for a tandem bicycle.
Recommended Xiāan Tour includes Xi’an City Wall:
- 3 Days Xian Private Trip: History Exploration & Tang Costume Experience
- 2 Days Xian Small Group Tour (with Hanyangling Museum)
A Snapshot of China’s Key Landmarks
To make sure you have a quick and rough understanding of these tourist landmarks, the table is listed below with the most important information.
Landmarks |
City/Region |
Best for |
Best Time to Visit |
Key Feature |
The Great Wall of China |
Famous sections are basically in Beijing |
History, hiking, photography |
Spring and Autumn |
A miracle of ancient military defense project |
The Terracotta Army |
Xian |
History, culture |
All Seasons |
The burial pits of Emperor Qinshihuang, the eighth wonder of the world |
The Forbidden City |
Beijing |
Architectural art, history |
All Seasons |
Imperial palace of both Ming and Qing Dynasties, one of the worldās largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complexes |
The Li River |
Guilin |
Cruise and bamboo rafting |
April to October |
Essence of Guilin scenery, karst landform famous for green mountains, splendid waters, strange caves and beautiful rocks |
The Potala Palace |
Lhasa |
Religious culture, architectural art |
May to October |
Holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, the worldās highest and most magnificent castle-style architectural complex |
The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park |
Zhangjiajie |
Geological wonder, hiking, photography |
March to May and September to November |
Numerous unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform |
The Summer Palace |
Beijing |
Imperial garden, lakeside stroll |
Spring and Autumn |
Best-preserved imperial garden integrating artificial architecture and natural beauty |
The Majestic Yellow Mountains |
Huangshan |
Mountain climbing, photography |
All Seasons |
Strange pines, odd rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, winter snow |
The Bund in Shanghai |
Shanghai |
Skyline,Ā nightscape |
All Seasons |
A cluster of architecture with various western styles, modern skyline on the opposite bank |
West Lake in Hangzhou |
Hangzhou |
Classic garden, cultural experience |
All Seasons |
The most poetic Jiangnan Garden with both natural and cultural landscapes |
The Yangtze River |
Across 11 provinces and cities |
Cruise, canyon scenery |
Varies according to sections |
The longest river in China, magnificent and perilous scenery of the Three Gorges |
Xiāan City Wall |
Xian |
Cycling, full city view |
MarchĀ to June & September to November |
Chinaās largest and best-preserved ancient city wall |
How to Plan Your China Tour with These Top Landmarks
Which landmarks should first-timers prioritize when visiting China?
The three most popular destinations that most first-timers will prefer are Beijing, Shanghai and Xian. Then on the basis of this, include another iconic natural destinationĀ to enrich your travel experience, such as Zhangjiajie, Mt. Huangshan or a Yangtze River Cruise. This itinerary will need about 11 days and has covered highlights of historical, cultural, modern and nature attractions.
Which landmarks and destinations are recommended for history and culture buffs?
For most tourists, Beijing and XianĀ are undoubtedly the first choices. Beijing used to be the capital of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and boasts and shows the most complete andĀ top-notch royal culture and architecture. Xiāan was the capital of the most prosperous dynasties, Han and Tang, etc. A Xian tourĀ will take you back to the most creative and open golden age of China.
If you want more unique experiences, take Lhasa into account, the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. The city provides a completely different perspective from the Han culture of the Central Plains and shows the diverse charm of Chinese culture.
How to Plan a Tour for Nature Lovers?
To enjoy the natural beauty of China, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Hangzhou and Guilin will not disappoint you and each of them feasts your eyes with a completely different natural scenery.
Quartz sandstone peak forest landforms and minority folk customs are highlights of Zhangjiajie; Mt. Huanhshan is renowned for unique pine trees, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs; West Lake features poetic lakescapes; and Guilin is characterized by karst landform and serene and picturesque Li River.
For the itinerary, you can visit Mt. Huangshan for one or two days, then take the train to Hangzhou to tour West Lake. Without direct trains between Hangzhou and Zhangjiajie, it is recommended to transfer at Changsha, a hot tourist city in China, where you can also spend one or two days exploring. Then stay at ZhangjiajieĀ for about 3 days. Finally, take a high-speed train to Guilin to tour Li River.
If you are short of time, choose two of them for a natural exploration, such as Zhangjiajie + Guilin and Zhangjiajie + Mt. Huangshan.
Focus on Beijing if you have limited time
Beijing is home to the most top tourist landmarks listed above, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. And most attractions can be reached by subway or train directly. So it is more recommended for tourists with limited time. Usually, a 3-day tour is enough to have a quick visit to the major scenic areas in Beijing. The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Beijing Arrival – Temple of HeavenĀ – Hutong Alley
Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall – Water CubeĀ andĀ Bird NestĀ – Summer Palace
Day 3: Tiananmen SquareĀ and theĀ Forbidden CityĀ – Departure
Make Full Use of China‘s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Since the 240 hours are counted from 00:00 on the day following entry, your duration of stay is actually more than 10 days and it would be better if you could arrive in the morning.
To save time, choosing the port of entry is also important. Beijing is best for a North China tour, Shanghai and Nanjing are best for an East China tour, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are best for a South China tour, and Chengdu and Chongqing are best for a Southwest China tour.
Besides, the policy allows tourists to travel across different provinces, which means you can cover as much as nearby tourist cities during your stay. So it is highly recommended to plan the itinerary in advance. >> See moreĀ visa-free policies to travel to China
Plan a China Tour with China Xian Tour
The top 12 tourist attractions and landmarks in China not only introduces the countryās splendid history and culture behind ancient wonders, but also leads visitors to feel the uncanny workmanship of the nature. Exploring these sites will leave you with unforgettable memories in the tours to China and a deeper understanding of Chinaās rich heritage.
And China Xian TourĀ can plan a trip to cover all the scenic spots you prefer. Also, we can book the tickets and hotels in advance and assign a professional guide and a driver for you so that you can enjoy a smooth and immersive tour in China. So contact us right now!
See more China’s top attractions at Top 15 Things to Do in ChinaĀ and 10 Most Famous Ancient Towns in China
