Written by Veronica |
China is a large country with a diverse range of cultures and landscapes. If youāre planning on visiting China for the first time, it might be difficult to choose your destinations. Here weāve put together a list of the 7 most famous cities in China to visit for your reference.
Some you might have heard of for their international fame, ancient history, and brilliant culture. Others might be less familiar to you but are certainly worth your attention. Go on a China city tourĀ to experience the rich culture and beautiful landscape of the country.
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- 1. Beijing (Peking): The Imperial Capital
- 2. Shanghai: The Modern Metropolis
- 3. Xiāan: Home of the Terracotta Army
- 4. Hong Kong: A Fusion of Cultures
- 5. Chengdu: Home of the Giant Pandas
- 6. Guilin: Stunning Karst Landform
- 7. Lhasa: The Roof of the World
- Best City Pairings for China Tours
- Practical Planning: Transportation and Seasonal Tips
- Other Famous Cities in China
- FAQs about Famous Cities in China
- Customize Your China Tour with Us
1. Beijing (Peking): The Imperial Capital
Location: Northern China
Beijing is the most famous city in China. It is the capital city with over 3000 years of history. It has been the political, economic, and cultural center of China for the past hundreds of years. It is the main gateway city and the most popular travel destination of ChinaĀ where youāll see some of the most famous historical landmarks of the country.
Aside from the many architectural marvels, you can experience the traditional Beijing lifestyle in hutong alleys. Walking past the local stalls and vendors, try the most authentic cooking and world-famous Beijing cuisinesĀ like the Peking Duck. Afterwards, feel the cityās cultural charm by watching a Peking Opera.
Top Beijing Attractions
The Great Wall of ChinaĀ is one of the most iconic structures in the world. You can visit different sections of it just outside the city. The walls were built upon the mountains originally (over 2,000 years ago) to defend the country from invasions. In total, it stretches on for 13,000 miles. It is now a popular sight-seeing and hiking destination.
The Forbidden CityĀ is the most magnificent of imperial architecture. The palace housed Chinese emperors and their courts during Ming and Qing Dynasties. Walk down the alleys and courtyards to be transported back in time to Chinaās imperial past. Today, it is also known as the Palace Museum with the most comprehensive collection of artifacts from ancient China.
ā Recommended Beijing Tours:
2. Shanghai: The Modern Metropolis
Location: Southeast China, on the east coast
Shanghai is the largest city in China with a population of 24.87 million (2023). It is the greatest example of Chinaās economic and cultural progress, as the largest commercial and financial center and an important international port city in the western Pacific. Shanghai is an essential stop on your China tour.
The most iconic image of this major city is the futuristic skyline in Pudong. You can board a Huangpu River CruiseĀ to see it up close. If youāre interested in arts and history, Shanghai has many museums and exhibitions showcasing all kinds of stuff from ancient historical artifacts to contemporary artworks.
During the day, make sure you try Shanghaiās famous street snacks and classic dishes like Pan Fried Pork Bun and Sweet and Sour Spareribs. At night, the nightlife in Shanghai is one of the best in the world, with clubs, bars, and live music of all types.
Top Shanghai Attractions
The BundĀ is an iconic walkway along the Huangpu River. Across the river, you can see the Oriental pearl tower, Jinmao tower, and other famous skyscrapers. To the west, there are many historical buildings of old Shanghai, a total of 33 in different styles. The area was once a financial and foreign trade center. It is the perfect spot for an evening walk to see the skyline and experience the historical charm of Shanghai.
Shanghai is more than a bustling metropolis. One of its most famous attractions, Yu Garden, shows a different side of the city. It isĀ a renowned classical garden built during Ming Dynasty more than 450 years ago. Admire classical Chinese architecture and walk about the serene garden.
ā Recommended Shanghai Tours:
Related reading: Beijing vs Shanghai: Which to Visit? (A Complete Comparison)
3. Xiāan: Home of the Terracotta Army
Location: Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China
Along with Beijing and Shanghai, another one of the most famous cities in China is the ancient capital Xiāan. It was the starting point of the Silk Road. It became known across the world for the uncovering of the Terracotta Army, regarded by many as the 8thĀ World Wonder.
As the first capital of China, of Qin Dynasty, Xiāan is a great place to learn about Chinese history. Many historical structures have been preserved across the city. Thereāre a wide range of cultural activities such as Shadow Puppet show, Chinese calligraphy, and Qinqiang Opera. The local food of XiāanĀ is also famous across the whole country. Find the most authentic flavors in the Muslim Quarter.
Top Xiāan Attractions
The Terracotta Army is an archaeological wonder that comprises thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with Chinaās first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each soldier is unique with distinct facial features. It is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the time. The army was created to guard the emperorās tomb in the afterlife.
The Ancient City WallĀ in Xiāan the largest-scaled, best-preserved, and most complete ancient city wall in China. You can rent a bike to cycle along the massive fortifications and experience its historical significance. Other landmarks include the iconic Bell Tower and Drum TowerĀ and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
āĀ Recommended Xiāan Tours:
4. Hong Kong: A Fusion of Cultures
Location: SouthernĀ coast of China
Hong Kong is also one of the most famous cities in China as an international metropolis. Itās been popular amongst travelers not just for its convenient transportation, but for its unique cultural landscape as well. On a Hong Kong tour, youāll discover the most pleasant fusion of Eastern andĀ Western cultures, of modern-day advancements and traditions.
In the bustling streets of CentralĀ and Kowloon, youāll find towering skyscrapers, world-class malls, and a wide range of global cuisines. At the same time, thereāre street food stalls selling delicious local snacksĀ around street corners. Vibrant Hong Kong marketsĀ pop up across the city with traditional handicrafts, vintage goods, and clothes.
At night, head to the stunning Victoria Harbour to see the city light up above the shimmering water. Youāre also in the right place for the best night life in Asia. Lan Kwai FongĀ is the place to go. Aside from all of those, Hong Kong has charming countryside, islands, historic temples, and plenty of coastlines and beaches.
Top Things to Do in Hong Kong
Victoria PeakĀ stands as the highest point of Hong Kong. Itās where youāll enjoy the best view of the island and the surrounding sea. You can ride the famous Victoria Peak Tram, an iconic service that has been in operation since 1888, take a hike, and enjoy the sunset at one of the restaurants or cafes.
Hong Kong, before it became a financial hub, used to rely on its fishing industry. These fishing villages still exist alongside the skyscrapers of the city. The most notable ones are Tai O Fishing VillageĀ and Aberdeen Fishing Village. Take some time to experience the cityās past and traditions.
āĀ Recommended Hong Kong Tours:
5. Chengdu: Home of the Giant Pandas
Location: Sichuan province,Ā Southwest China
With rich natural resources, Chengdu has the reputation of being the āLand of Abundance.ā It is a historical city with a history of more than 3,000 years. Today, it is a famous city in China for being the home of the giant pandas. Donāt forget to try Sichuan cuisine when you travel to China, which is known for its unique spices.
Top Chengdu Attractions
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingĀ is dedicated to the conservation of these endangered animals. You can see giant pandas in their natural habitat, learn more about them and the efforts made to preserve their habitats. You may even volunteer for the research center on your Chengdu panda tour.
Leshan Giant BuddhaĀ is the tallest stone carved seated Buddha in the world at 71 meters (233 feet). Seated amongst the mountains, this giant statue is a breathtaking sight to see.
āĀ Recommended Chengdu Tours:
6. Guilin: Stunning Karst Landform
Location: Guangxi, SouthĀ China
Perhaps the most famous city in China for its breathtaking natural landscapes, Guilin is a hilly and mountainous region with typical karst landform. Limestones form a unique landscape where thousands of pinnacles stand towering on the sides of a river winding its way across the city. Thereās a saying in China that goes āthe mountains and rivers in Guilin are the best in the world.ā
Top Guilin Attractions
Li RiverĀ is the largest and most beautiful karst landscape tourism spot in the world. See the stunning landscape at the main scenic spots, including one river (Li River), two caves (Reed Flute CaveĀ and Seven-Star Park), and three mountains (Solitary Beauty Peak, Fubo Hill and Piled Silk Hill).
ā Recommended Guilin Tours:
7. Lhasa: The Roof of the World
Location: Tibet, Southwest China
In the heart of Tibet, Lhasa, is known as the Roof of the World. This famous city in China is best known for its rich Buddhist heritage and being home to the worldās highest peak, Mount Everest. You will also experience local Tibetan culture, festivals, and cuisines.
Top Lhasa Attractions
Potala PalaceĀ is the highest ancient palace in the world. It is a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. It houses a wealth of Tibetan Buddhist treasures: Tibetan sculptures, Buddha statues and murals, religious antiques, etc.
Barkhor StreetĀ outside Jokhang TempleĀ is where youāll find authentic Tibetan architecture and busy local markets. Itās the most vibrant cultural street in Tibet.
ā Recommended Tibet Tours:
Related reading: China Replica Cities
Best City Pairings for China Tours
The Golden Triangle: Beijing + Xi’an + Shanghai
This is a classic travel route in China which is favored by the most foreigners. Why is it so popular? Because tourists can feel the most core essence of Chinese culture, history and modernity effectively in this one tour. So it is strongly recommended for first-timers. Usually, tourists prefer to follow the order of Beijing-Xian-Shanghai, which can avoid detours. In Beijing, the grandeur of Forbidden City and the Great Wall will amaze you. While Xian offers a deep dive into the past through the Terracotta Army. Shanghai blends futuristic skyline in Lujiazui and historic the Bund.
Recommended tour: 8 Days Beijing ā Xian ā Shanghai Highlights Tour
Chengdu + Chongqing +Guiyang/Kunming
During this tour, tourists can cover the highlights of southwest China. Usually, this trip starts from Chengdu. The charm of this city lies in its leisurely life pace and the lovely cute panda. Then head to the mountain city Chongqing to experience the 8D magical transportation system and bustling market atmosphere. Finally, explore the natural beauty and minority folk-custom in Guiyang or Kunming. The diverse experiences make it suitable for almost all tourists. And each city is not far from each other. Even the longest distance between Chongqing to Kunming takes only 4.5 hours by high-speed train.
Poetic Route of Jiangnan Water Towns: Shanghai + Suzhou + Hangzhou
Perfectly combining the poetic classic gardens and the vitality of modern cities, this route allows you to have immersive essence tour of southern China. The highlight of this route is the strong contrast among the cities, which make you feel like transcending time and space. From the ancient garden art in Suzhou, the West Lake culture with a long history in Hangzhou to the futuristic urban landscapes in Shanghai, you can feel the changes of Chinese civilization from ancient times to the present. Another advantage is the well-developed high-speed train system. The travel time among the cities is as short as 0.5 – 1.5 hours. It is very suitable for first-timers and history and culture lovers.
Recommended tour:Ā 6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town
Natural Scenery: Zhangjiajie + Guilin
When you ask a Chinese which are the best cities for a nature tour, you will get the answers: Zhangjiajie and Guilin. And why they are recommended to be included in one tour? Because we want you to enjoy a completely different but memorable experience in this tour. In brief, Zhangjiajie is like a maze made of giant stone peaks on an alien planet. While Guilin is a beautiful Chinese ink painting. Do you want to be a person in a painting? Then take a boat on Li River to find the real landscape on the 20-yuan RMB note. There is no reason not to choose it for nature lovers and photographers. Besides, the bullet train between the two cities takes only about 4 – 5 hours.
Recommended tour: 7 Days Zhangjiajie and Guilin Tour by High-speed Train
Greater Bay Area: Guangzhou + Shenzhen + Hong Kong/Macao
Thanks to the operation of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, tourists are able to travel between the four cities in one hour. And after the tour, you will find this itinerary is a miniature China. Guangzhou is a thousand-year-old commercial capital, so you will find historic buildings in this city. While Shenzhen is the city of technology which is full of vitality and futuristic. Both the past and present of China unfold before you in this tour. Hong Kong and Macao show a perfect combination of Chinese and Western cultures. You can not enjoy such an abundant experience from other tours.
Recommended tour: 8-Day Greater Bay Area Tour
Practical Planning: Transportation and Seasonal Tips
Best time to visit
Since the 7 cities are in the different directions in China and the climate varies greatly from each other, so the best travel time is slight different. Below is the recommended time for each city.
- Beijing: April – June, September – October
- Shanghai: April – June, September – November
- Xian: April – June, September – October
- Chengdu: March – June, September – November
- Guilin: May- June
- Hong Kong: October – April of the next year
- Lhasa: May – October
Transportation Connectivity
- Airplane: All the seven cities have an airport, so the flight is definitely the fastest way to travel between the cities.
- Train: The high-speed railway network is highly developed in China. Except Lhasa, tourists can take high-speed trains to all the other 6 cities. As for Lhasa, the direct normal trains depart from 6 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.
Best Gateway Cities for Arrival/Departure
Offering most international air routes, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are the arrival and departure places for the majority of international travelers. Chengdu, Shenzhen and Xian also have direct flights to some foreign capitals, so they are suitable to be alternative choices.
Related reading: Smallest Cities in China
Other Famous Cities in China
- Xiamen:This is a charming coastal city, and it’s famous for attractions like Gulangyu Island, colonial-age architecture, and relaxing seaside lifestyle. Many people also go for its subtropical climate and vibrant street food scene.
- Chongqing: A mountainous metropolis in southwest China, renowned for hotpot cuisine, dramatic nightscapes, and the Yangtze River cruise departing from here.
- Suzhou:Being called as the āVenice of the Eastā, this beautiful city is full of charm brought by classical Chinese gardens, silk culture, and historic water towns like Zhouzhuang.
- Hangzhou:It has attracted millions of tourists with West Lake, Longjing tea plantations, and its cultural legacy that has been praised by poets throughout history.
- Harbin: Called as a winter wonderland, best known for the vibrant Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival and Russian-style architecture.
- Quanzhou: Once the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, it offers a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Islamic influences with rich maritime heritage.
- Huangshan:Home to the Yellow Mountains, it’s the best place for you to admire the dramatic granite peaks, sea of clouds, and traditional Huizhou-style villages.
- Zhangjiajie:Known for its surreal karst pillar landscape, which has inspired the movie Avatar, it attracts millions of travelers every year. Don’t miss the must-visits like Glass Skywalk and Tianmen Mountain.
Related reading: Major China City Area Codes and Zip Codes
FAQs about Famous Cities in China
What is China’s most visited city?
According to the data of holidays, Beijing and Shanghai usually rank top in both the total number of tourists and its appeal to foreign tourists.
Which city in China is the most beautiful?
It is hard to say which city is the correct answer, since every one has his own feeling. In the above 7 cities, Guilin is suitable for nature lovers and Beijing is the best for history explorers.
What are China’s 10 largest cities?
Based on the economy, technology and culture, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Wuhan, Suzhou, Chongqing are the top 10 cities in China.
What are the 4 ancient capital cities of China?
Beijing, Xian, Luoyang and Nanjing are the 4 ancient capitals proposed by the academic community and widely recognized by the public.
What are the four special cities in China?
If “special” refers to uniqueness and irreplaceability, then Beijing, Xi ‘an, Lhasa and Guilin undoubtedly rank among the top. They are respectively marked with the core tags of royal history, ancient capital with a history of a thousand years, snow-capped sacred land and breathtaking mountains and waters.
Customize Your China Tour with China Xian Tour
Want to explore both iconic cities and hidden gems of China in an unforgettable journey? Contact China Xian Tour to start your personalized China tour and uncover this incredible country. We offer tailor-made China tour packages which can best suit your interests. From Great Wall hikes to panda volunteering, from Yangtze River cruises to Tibetan monastery visits, no matter what you want, our travel consultants are always ready to help you plan the perfect, hustle-free itinerary.
