Written by Ivy Dong |
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, weāll explore the top 12 most famous tourist landmarks in China, including the majestic Great Wall, the picturesque Li River, the sacred Potala Palace, the breathtaking skyline of the Bund, and more. Come along with us to discover everything you need to know about these attractions and to learn about the diverse charms of China before planning your first trip to China.
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- 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 to Jiayuguan, the Great Wall remains the country’s most iconic symbol. Its construction lasted for more than 2,000 years and spanned multiple dynasties. The original purpose of the Great WallĀ was to defend against enemies.
Most existing sections were completed in the Ming Dynasty. For most overseas visitors, Beijing would be the ideal starting point of a China Great Wall tour, where a number of well-preserved sections each offer unique experiences. Below are the most popular sections for travellers:
Popular Sections |
Badaling |
Mutianyu |
Jinshanling
Ā |
Opening Hours |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: Ā 06:30 ā 16:30;
Nov. 1 ā Mar. 31: 07:30 ā 16:00 |
Mar. 16 ā Nov. 15: Weekdays: 07:30 ā 18:00, Weekends: 07:30 ā 18:30;
Nov. 16 ā Mar. 15: 08:00 ā 17:00 |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: 05:00 ā 18:00;
Nov. 1 Ā ā Ā Mar. 31: 06:00 ā 17:30 |
Ticket |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: 40 CNY
Nov. 1 ā Mar. 31: 35 CNY |
40 CNY all year round |
Apr. 1 ā Oct. 31: 65 CNY
Nov. 1 Ā ā Ā Mar. 31: 55 CNY Ā |
Highlights |
The most famous
The best-equippedĀ facilities The famous stone tablet that reads āHe who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true manā stands here Night light show from May to October 7th |
The most beautiful and best-preserved section
Fewer tourists Asiaās longest metal slide Night tour during July and August |
Well-preserved Ā original appearance
Best photography spot for sunrises and sunsets Least crowded and most tranquil Allows for a second entry on the same day if purchasing a ticket on-site |
Traffic Convenience |
High; direct high-speed train 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 seeking Ā a Ā quiet and in-depth tour |
Photography enthusiasts, history enthusiasts, and hiking explorers |
- Good to Know:
- All sections require a real-name reservation for visitors to purchase tickets 1 – 7 days in advance.
- There is no need to print or show tickets. Just present your original passport for verification when entering.
- All the above sections are equipped with cable cars, so families and elders can also enjoy the trip easily.
- The best times to visit the Great Wall are spring and autumn.
- Though the undeveloped wild Great Wall sections offer gorgeous wild landscapes, they lack maintenance and are dangerous ā not to mention that theyāre strictly prohibited to hike. So leave them off your to-do list.
- Fun Facts:
- The Great Wall was made with 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, and more, not just a single, plain “wall”.
- The Great Wall is not continuous, but rather consists of several separated sections.
Recommended Tours:
2. The Terracotta Army in Xian
- Location: Lintong District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province
- How to Get There: Take metro line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then transfer to bus line 602 or 613 to arrive directly at the scenic area.
- Tickets: 120 CNY
- Opening Hours: 16 – Nov. 15: 08:30-18:30; Nov. 16 – Mar. 15: 08:30-18:00
- Best Time to Visit: All seasons
- Recommended Visit Length: 2 – 3 hours for the museum and pits, plus an additional hour if including Lishan Garden
On the outskirts of Xi’an lies one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries ā the TerracottaāWarriors and Horse Museum. This vast underground army, crafted during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), features over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang. So far three massive pits have been unearthed, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into the formidable military might of China’s first emperor.
Pit 1:Ā The largest pit, containing a massive infantry force in battle-ready formation.
Pit 2:Ā Hosts the most comprehensive range of troops, organized in a more sophisticated arrangement and combining cavalry, chariots, and archers ā a complete ancient combat system.
Pit 3: The smallest pit, serving as the command center and offering the world’s earliest surviving example of an ancient military headquarters.
- Good to Know:
- The entrance ticket also includes the Museum and Lishan Garden (the Mausoleum of Qin Shi HuangĀ and Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum), and free shuttle buses are available between the two areas.
- The recommended visiting route is Pit 1 – Pit 3 – Pit 2 – Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang – Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum
- We strongly recommend renting a foreign-language audio guide (about 40 CNY) or hiring an official foreign-language tour guide (about CNY 500 ) to understand the history and culture behind the tomb.
- Fun Facts:
- The terracotta warriors were originally painted, but after being unearthed and coming into contact with the air, the colours quickly oxidized and disintegrated, leaving behind 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 small fraction of the more than 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 There: Take metro line 1 to Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East Station, or take bus lines 1, 2, 52, 82, 101, 103, 109, 120, 124, or 128 directly to the scenic area.
- Tickets: 1 to Oct. 31: 60 CNY; Nov. 1 to Mar. 31: 40 CNY
- 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
- Recommended Visit Length: At least 3 hours
Centered along Beijingās historic axis, the Forbidden City remains Chinaās most magnificent imperial complex, housing 24 Ming and Qing emperors from 1368 until 1911. Its iconic crimson walls, golden roofs, and exquisite glazed tiles showcase ancient Chinaās architectural brilliance.
While exploring all 980 buildings could fill a day, time-pressed visitors can follow the central axis to see key halls and the Imperial Garden in about two hours, capturing the palaceās essence through its most impressive structures.
If visiting for half a day, visitors can explore more of the complexās hidden gems beyond just the main halls: the exquisite Treasure Gallery, remarkable Clock Exhibition, and the influential Hall of Mental Cultivation being just some examples.
Tips to Visit the Forbidden City:
- There is no ticket window on site, so all tourists should book a ticket 7 days in advance through the official Wechat mini-program or website of ę 宫åē©é¢.
- The Forbidden City can only be entered through the Meridian Gate, while visitors can exit from either Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Prosperity Gate.
- The multilingual audio guide costs 20 CNY and official foreign-language guides range from 300 to 700 CNY.
- Tourists can store backpacks and suitcases at the Meridian Gate for free. The staff will ask you from which door you plan to leave and transport your luggage accordingly.
- We recommend leaving from the Gate of Divine Prowess so you can pay a visit to nearby Jingshan Park. 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 There: 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 as they drift along the Li River, where Guilin’s iconic karst landscapes come to life. The section from Guilin to YangshuoĀ reveals the river’s most breathtaking scenery: towering limestone peaks reflected in crystal-clear waters, like a flowing Chinese ink-wash painting.
Cruises and bamboo raft experiences 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 gliding through all the legendary landmarks. Be ready for taking photos of the Yellow Cloth Shoal, which has been immortalized on China’s 20 yuan banknote.
The bamboo raft down the Yulong River offers a special experience with rolling mountains and idyllic landscapes.
Travel Tips:
Li River Cruises: Suitable for families, elders and those who pursue comfort and have ample time. It costs 215+ CNY for a three-star boat and 360+ CNY 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 young people and photographers at a cost of 140 CNY for the Xingping-Jiuma line and 225 – 255 CNY for the Yangdi-Xingping 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 There: Tourists can get to the palace by bus lines 1, 7, 9, 10, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 35.
- Tickets: May to Oct.: 200 CNY; Nov. to Apr.: 100 CNY
- 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
- Recommended Visit Length: About 3 – 4 hours
Perched on a hill in Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala PalaceĀ represents the peak of Tibetan architecture while also offering a spiritual journey into Tibetan Buddhism. Itās the world’s highest and largest palace-style architectural complex.
The complex primarily consists of the Red Palace and White Palace. The Red Palace towers in the center, and today, sacred stupas of Dalai Lamas, the religious leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, are worshipped there. As for the White Palace, it used to be the residence and place of work for Dalai Lamas.
Visitors can also admire the panoramic views of the city and observe various religious instruments, including golden statues, exquisite murals and Thangka paintings.
Travel Tips:
- All foreign tourists must be accompanied by a tour guide during their tour in Xizang, as independent travelling is not accepted. Be sure to choose a reliable local travel agency.
- A Tibet Travel Permitis required for foreigners to enter Xizang. Usually, your travel agency will help you apply for it.
- Visitors should be properly dressed to enter this religious site. Be sure to respect local religious customs and traditions while visiting, and remember 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 There: Several shuttle buses are available from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station and Railway Station to the park.
- Tickets: Entrance ticket:165 CNY; entrance ticket + eco-friendly car: 236 CNY, both 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
- Recommended Visit Length: 2- 4 days
Nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike flock to Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkĀ for good reason. Picture this: thousands of towering sandstone pillars, their jagged peaks blanketed in emerald foliage when they arenāt disappearing into swirling mist. In fact, this magical landscape is the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar, which was filmed in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
The lush primevalĀ forests on the peak change color with every season and are home to macaques and many rare birds. At the base of the mountain are meandering valleys and the emerald green streams, coming together to create a rich natural tapestry.
Travel Tips:
- Must-visit attractions include Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, the Golden Whip Stream, Huangshi Village, and Yuanjiajie.
- Bailong Elevator, Tianzishan Cable Car, Yangjiajie Cable Car and Huangshizhai Cable Car all require additional tickets that cost 65 CNY, 72 CNY, 76 CNY, and 65 CNY respectively.
- You may come across monkeys during the tour ā please do not tease or feed them. Keep an eye on your snacks and small items to prevent them from being snatched by monkeys.
- A windbreaker and raincoat are always a good idea to bring 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.: 30 CNY; Nov. to Mar.: 20 CNY
- Opening Hours: to Oct.: 06:00-20:00, Nov. to Mar.: 06:30-19:00
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
- Recommended Visit Length: 3 – 6 hours
The Summer PalaceĀ is hailed by locals as the perfect destination to escape the bustling city life of Beijing. An imperial retreat built hundreds of years ago, the Summer Palace offers a harmonious blend of nature and architecture with magnificent palaces perfectly embedded in the gardens.
The scenic area mainly consists of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. After ascending the Longevity Hill, the entire garden comes into sight. There, you can tour around Kunming Lake either on foot or, as weād recommend, by boat. The water route offers a more leisurely experience and a more general view of the 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 necessary, considering the attractionās 3km2
- 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 There: There are tourist direct shuttle buses at Tunxi Bus Station, Huangshan North Railway Station, Xidi, and Hongcun Villages.
- Tickets: 21 – Dec. 19: 190 CNY; Dec. 20 – Jan. 20: 150 CNY, both are valid for 3 days
- Opening Hours: 5 to Nov. 30: 07:00 – 17:10 (Monday to Friday), 06:30 – 17:40 (weekends, public holidays); Dec. 1 to Mar. 4: 08:00 – 16:40
- Best Time to Visit: All seasons
- Recommended Visit Length: 1 – 2 days
As one of the most iconic natural wonders in China, Huangshan Mountain (also known as Yellow Mountain) is a famous natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known worldwide for its āFour Wondersā: unique pine trees, oddly-shaped rock formations, the sea of clouds, and mineral-rich hot springs.
In addition, watching the sunrise at Bright Summit is regarded as the ultimate experience during a 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 are open on a rotational basis, and in 2026, Celestial Capital Peak is open to the public.
- 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-slip hiking shoes, a windproof coat, a raincoat, and trekking poles
- 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 There: Take subway line 2 or line 10 to East Nanjing Road, then walk eastwards to the Bund.
- Tickets: Free
- Opening Hours: All day
- Recommended Visit Length: 1 ā 3hours
- Highlights: Skyscraper night scenery, various architecture styles, the Huangpu River
The Bund in ShanghaiĀ is an iconic waterfront promenade along the west bank of the Huangpu River which runs through the city and 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. The historical riverside on the west bank is lined with 52 historic buildings in diverse European styles, while the east bank hosts Lujiazuiās iconic city skyline.
The best time to visit is at night, when the facades of the historic buildings and skyscrapers are illuminated by bright lights. Taking a Huangpu River cruiseĀ in the evening is also a popular way to enjoy the beauty of the Bund at night.
Travel Tips:
- The classic route for a leisure stroll is to start from Waibaidu Bridge, walk southward, and end at Yan’an East Road.
- There are light shows from 18:00 to 22:00 from October to April and from 19:00 to 23:00 from May to September.
- Arrive around 17:30-18:00 to view the buildings in the sunsetās evening glow and enjoy 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 There: Take metro line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, then walk west to the core area of the lakeside.
- Tickets: Free
- Opening Hours: All day
- Best Time to Visit: All seasons
- Recommended Visit Length: 1 day
The West Lake presents one of the most poetic landscapes in China. This UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as āparadise on earth,ā harmoniously blends natural beauty with cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The West Lake offers spectacular scenery throughout the whole year. In spring, peach blossoms and willow trees will light up the Su Causeway. Summer brings fields of lotus blooming across Quyuan Garden. When autumn comes, the lake transforms into a mirror under the clear moonlight. And in winter, the landscape becomes a tranquil wonderland dusted with snow.
Visitors can freely stroll or cycle along the causeway or take a boat to savor the lakeās timeless beauty.
Travel tips:
- For more cultural experiences, you can explore the nearby Lingyin Temple, Silk Museum, and tea plantations.
- Major paid attractions: Leifeng Pagoda: 40 CNY; Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon: 55 – 70 CNY; Yuewang Temple: 25 CNY
- The sightseeing electric vehicle around the lake is charged per section, with a cost of 10 – 20 CNY, and the total cost for the entire journey is approximately 70 CNY.
- The expense of a boat tour varies from 150 – 180 CNY/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
- 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, and more.
- 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 ā Yichang (4 days), Chongqing ā Wuhan (6 days), Chongqing ā Shanghai(11 days)
- Cost of cruise: CNY 2,000 ā 7,000 based on the facilities, service, etc
The Yangtze River is Chinaās longest river, stretching over 6,300km. Itās also known as the nationās āMother Riverā, as it has nurtured Chinese civilizations for centuries. Extending through stunning landscapes like the legendary Three Gorges Dam, the worldās 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 and clear air. Additionally, 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 riverās full majesty.
Recommended Yangtze River Tour:
12. Xiāan City Wall
- Location: 3, South Street, Xincheng District, Xiāan City, Shaanxi Province
- How to Get There: Usually, visitors take metro line 2 to Yongningmen Station and enter from the Yongning Gate.
- Tickets: 54 CNY
- Opening Hours: Yongning Gate: 08:00-22:00; Zhongshan Gate:08:00-21:00; Changle Gate, Anding Gate, Anyuan Gate & Wenchang Gate: 08:00-18:00
- Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to November
- Recommended Visit Length:1 – 3 hours
The Xi’an City WallĀ is the most complete 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 13.7km 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 is particularly lively in the evenings, with many cultural performances taking place there.
Travel Tips:
- With only a few shady spots, we strongly recommend taking precautions against the sun and bringing drinking water if visiting during the day.
- If you have a tight schedule, just go up 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 cost for cycling: About 1.5 ā 2 hours to cover the entire section; 45 CNY for a separate bicycle; 90 CNY 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 Chinaās Key Landmarks
Hereās a quick summary of everything you need to know to get a rough understanding of these tourist destinations:
Landmarks |
City/Region |
Best for |
Best Time to Visit |
Key Feature |
The Great Wall of China |
Most famous sections are in Beijing |
History, hiking, photography |
Spring and autumn |
A miracle of ancient military defense |
The Terracotta Army |
Xiāan |
History, culture |
All seasons |
The burial pits of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, 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 landforms, famous 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, oddly-shapedĀ rocks, the sea of clouds, hot springs, winter snow |
The Bund in Shanghai |
Shanghai |
Skyline, 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 |
Xiāan |
Cycling, full city view |
March 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 for first-timers are Beijing, Shanghai and Xiāan. Once youāve chosen one of those, we recommend including another iconic natural destination to enrich your travel experience, such as Zhangjiajie, Mt. Huangshan, or a Yangtze River Cruise. This itinerary will take around 11 days and will cover highlights of historical, cultural, modern and nature attractions.
Which landmarks and destinations are recommended for history and culture buffs?
For tourists interested in history and culture, Beijing and XiāanĀ are undoubtedly the top choices. Beijing used to be the capital of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and boasts and shows the most complete and top-notch royal culture and architecture. Xiāan, on the other hand, was the capital of the most prosperous dynasties, such as the Han and Tang. A Xiāan tourĀ will take you back to the most creative and open golden age of China.
If you want more unique experiences, though, take LhasaĀ into consideration. As 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?
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of China, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Hangzhou, and Guilin will not disappoint. Each of them offers new natural spectacles with a completely different scenery.
Quartz sandstone peak forest landforms and minority folk customs are highlights of Zhangjiajie; Mt. Huangshan is renowned for unique pine trees, oddly-shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs; the 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, we recommend going to Ā Changsha next, a hot tourist city in China, where you can also spend one or two days exploring. Then, stay at Zhangjiajie for about 3 days. Finally, take a high-speed train to Guilin to tour the Li River.
If you are short on time, choose two of them for a natural exploration, such as Zhangjiajie and Guilin or Zhangjiajie and Mt. Huangshan.
Focus on Beijing if you have limited time
Beijing is home to the greatest number of top tourist landmarks listed above, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Also, most attractions can be reached by subway or train directly. As such, itās a better option for tourists with limited time. Usually, a 3-day tour is enough to have a quick visit to the major scenic areas in Beijing. One possible itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Beijing Arrival –Ā Temple of HeavenĀ – Hutong Alley
Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall –Ā Water CubeĀ and Bird NestĀ –Ā Summer Palace
Day 3:Ā Tiananmen SquareĀ and the 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 maximum duration of stay is actually more than 10 days, and itās better if to arrive in the morning.
To save time, choosing the right 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.
Additionally, the policy allows tourists to travel across different provinces, which means you can cover many nearby tourist cities during your stay. As such, itās highly recommended to plan the itinerary in advance. >> See more 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 introduce the countryās splendid history and culture behind ancient wonders, it also lets visitors experience the awe-inspiring workmanship of nature. Exploring these sites will leave you with unforgettable memories of your tour of ChinaĀ and a deeper understanding of the countryās rich heritage.
If youāre not sure where to start, China Xian TourĀ can plan a trip that covers all the scenic spots you want to visit. We can even book tickets and hotels in advance and assign a professional guide and a driver to you so that you can enjoy a smooth and immersive tour in China. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect trip today!
See more Chinaās top attractions at Top 15 Things to Do in Chinaāand 10 Most Famous Ancient Towns in China
