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Home China Travel Guide Top 12 Places to Visit in China for First-Time Visitors (with Popular Itineraries)

Top 12 Places to Visit in China for First-Time Visitors (with Popular Itineraries)

Can’t decide which places to go for your first trip to China? Then you’re at the right place. With 20 years of experience on planning China tours for worldwide visitors, we know most first-time visitors may want to craft an itinerary that covers the country’s most glorious aspects and iconic features.

And we have handpicked the 12 first-timer-friendly places for different travel styles. Read on to see why they are ideal choices for your first China trip, and tips to make the most of your time in each city.

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Quick Comparison Table

If you are in a hurry, get a quick overview of these 12 places and their highlights in the following table:

Destination
Features
Top Attractions
Suggested Duration
Beijing
Imperial culture, rich world cultural heritage sites
Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs
3-4 days
Xi’an
Capital for 13 ancient dynasties, rich history
Terracotta Army, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
2-3 days
Shanghai
Skyscrapers, colonial buildings, traditional gardens and towns coexist
The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Zhujiajiao
2-3 days
Chengdu
Leisure lifestyle, giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Street, People’s Park
2-4 days
Chongqing
8D magic mountain city, unique night views
Hongya Cave, Wulong Karst landscape, Ciqikou Ancient Town
2-3 days
Guilin & Yangshuo
Karst mountain & river scenery
Li River, Yulong River, Longji Rice Terraces
3-4 days
Zhangjiajie
Quartz sandstone peak forest
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge
3-4 days
Hong Kong
Chinese and Western cultures, shopping paradise
Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland
2-3 days
Yunnan
House the most ethnic minorities in China
Stone Forest, Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dali Ancient City
7-8 days
Hangzhou
Ancient capitals, water town and natural scenery
West Lake, Lingyin Temple
2-3 days
Huangshan
China’s most famous mountain, Hui-style villages
Bright Summit, West Sea Grand Canyon, Hongcun Village
2-3 days
Yangtze River Cruise
Canyon scenery, historic sites
Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges
4-5 days

To sum up:

  • Top classic cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu
  • Best places for natural wonders: Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Huangshan, Yangtze River, Hangzhou
  • If you have only one week in China, visit Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu/Shanghai.
  • With 2 weeks, consider adding Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chongqing, Huangshan or Yangtze
  • Visit Yunnan if you want an in-depth and quiet experience for ethnic culture and otherworldly landscapes and adventures.
  • Arrange Hong Kong as the last stop of your China tour if you want to use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, and experience world-class skyline.

1. Beijing: Gateway City, Imperial Culture, Rich UNESCO Heritage

  • Best time to visit: September to November, April to early June
  • How many days needed: 3-4 days
  • Top attractions: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Hutongs
  • Where to stay: Near Wangfujing or Qianmen
  • What to eat: Mongolian hot pot, Peking Duck
  • Connectivity: 4-5 hours high-speed train to Xi’an (direct flight ~2 hrs), 4.5-6 hours high-speed train to Shanghai (direct flight ~2 hrs)
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall
Escape the crowds to Mutianyu Great Wall

As China’s capital, Beijing is a major gateway city to China, with frequent international flights. It boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China (8 sites), including the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Expect to see both ancient civilization and contemporary China in this city as it is also a metropolis with futuristic architecture, and world-class venues.

The efficient subway system and wide range of international hotels make it one of the easiest cities to explore in China. After your Beijing tour, you can easily extend your journey to other travel destinations, such as Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou, by either high-speed train or flights.

Unique Things to Do in Beijing Beyond the Classic Attractions:

Besides visiting the top attractions in Beijing, here are more fun things to do to enrich your experience:

  1. Get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park.
  2. Visit the Temple of Heaven in the early morning to see locals get in their exercises.
  3. Visit Jinshanling or Simatai Great Wall sections instead of Badaling or Mutianyu if you want a peaceful and unique experience.
  4. Try the Mongolian hotpot and Peking duck.
  5. Explore hutongs on a rickshaw and join in some craft classes.
  6. Visit Yonghe Lama Temple, one of the most impressive Buddhist sites outside Tibet.
Beijing Essence Tour
4 DAYS
Beijing Essence Tour
📅 4 Days + 3 Nights 🚣 Boat · 🥾 Hiking · 🚡 Cable Car · 🛺 Rickshaw 📍 Beijing

Discover Beijing's imperial heritage visiting Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall on a comprehensive private tour.

2. Xi’an: Ancient Capital, Legendary Terracotta Army

  • Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Mt. Huashan, Muslim Quarter
  • Where to stay: Near Muslim Quarter or Bell and Drum Towers, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
  • What to eat: Roujiamo, Biangbiang noodles, Yangrou Paomo, Liangpi
  • Connectivity: ~3.5-4 hrs high-speed train to Chengdu (direct flight ~1.2 hrs); ~2.5 hrs flights to Beijing
Terracotta Army in Xian
Terracotta warriors in Terracotta Army Museum

If your reason for visiting China is to experience its profound history and culture, Xi’an is a can’t miss. Once the capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history, Xi’an serves as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

It is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. Along with many other historical landmarks, like the City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and plenty of museums, it offers you a vivid journey through the glorious Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. Except for the Terracotta Army, other historical landmarks are all centered around the city center, allowing an easy exploration.

After a 2-3 days exploration in the city center, you can also extend your trip to Mount Hua. About 1.5 hours drive from Xi’an, Huashan Mountain is considered one of the most dangerous mountains in the world.

Top Things to Do in Xi’an Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Enjoy a food adventure at the Muslim Quarter, only about 5 minutes’ walk from the Bell Tower.
  2. Cycle atop the City Wall or rent a wearable exoskeleton robot to explore the entire stretch with less effort.
  3. Try a calligraphy Class.
  4. Travel back to the Tang Dynasty at Datang Everbright City.
  5. Watch the Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show at Huaqing Palace (near Terracotta Army).
  6. Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet at Tang Dynasty Palace (Tangyuegong).
Xi'an Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan
4 DAYS
Xi'an Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan
📅 4 Days + 3 Nights 🚡 Cable Car 📍 Xian · Mt Huashan

Spend four days exploring Xi'an's greatest treasures — the Terracotta Warriors, ancient pagodas, and City Wall — plus a thrilling day on Mount Huashan's precipitous peaks.

3. Shanghai: Gateway City, Timeless Bund Landscapes, Global Metropolis

  • Best time to visit: September to November, March to May
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Xintiandi, Shanghai Museum
  • Where to stay: Near Nanjing Road, Xintiandi, The Bund area, People’s Square
  • What to eat: Xiaolongbao, Shengjian mantou, Shanghai red-braised pork
  • Connectivity: ~1 hour high-speed train to Hangzhou; ~4.5–6 hours high-speed train to Beijing (direct flight ~2 hrs); direct flight ~2.5 hours to Hong Kong
the-bund-in-shanghai
The neon night time view of the Bund in Shanghai

Just like Beijing, the extensive international flight connections to Shanghai make it one of China’s most important international gateways. The high level of internationalization makes it the easiest city in China for first-time visitors to adapt to.

Even if your goal in China isn’t to see yet another global metropolis, Shanghai will delight you with traditional Shikumen lanes, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, ancient temples, and the riverfront bund landscapes.

Itinerary ideas:

  • Take a short trip from Shanghai to Suzhou (0.5 hour by high-speed train) for classic gardens and water towns, or to Hangzhou (about 1 hour by high-speed train) for West Lake, tea culture and Jiangnan landscapes.
  • Besides the 240-hour visa-free transit, and 30-day visa-free policies to 79 countries, cruise ship visitors can also enjoy a visa-free stay in Shanghai and nearby Hangzhou and Suzhou for up to 15 days.

Top Things to Do in Shanghai Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Take a luxury Huangpu River Cruise or regular ferry to admire stunning views of both The Bund and Pudong.
  2. Night walking along the Bund.
  3. Watch an amazing acrobatics show.
  4. Walk through the Former French Concession and Xintiandi.
Best Shanghai Tour with Zhujiajiao Water Town
3 DAYS
Best Shanghai Tour with Zhujiajiao Water Town
📅 3 Days + 2 Nights 📍 Shanghai · Zhujiajiao

Discover Shanghai city of its fascinating ancient relics and its awe-inspiring skyscrapers existing only in the giant metropolis in this 3-day private Shanghai tour. The local expert tour guide tog...

4. Chengdu: Home to Pandas, Sichuan’s Gastronomy, Leisure Capital

  • Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
  • How many days needed: 2-4 days
  • Top attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, People’s Park, Wide and Narrow Alleys
  • Where to stay: Chunxi Road, Wide and Narrow Alleys, Jinli Ancient Street
  • What to eat: Sichuan hot pot, Mapo Tofu, Sichuan boiled dumplings
  • Connectivity: ~1 hour high-speed train to Chongqing (direct flight ~1 hr); ~4.5 hours high-speed train to Xi’an (direct flight ~1.2 hrs); direct flight ~2.5 hours to Beijing
giant pandas in chengdu
Encounter Huahua giant panda in Chengdu

Those panda fans and families with kids will never want to miss Chengdu on their first trip to China. More than close encounters with pandas, the city also offers chances to volunteer at a semi-wild panda base.

You might not be familiar with Chengdu, but you definitely know its signature dishes, such as hotpot, Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu. The city was listed as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2010.

Chengdu is also not short of cultural delights, such as Sanxingdui Museum, Jinsha Site Museum, Wuhou Shrine, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and Mountain Qingcheng.

Top Things to Do in Chengdu Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Chengdu is known for its relaxed lifestyle. Instead of rushing between attractions, it is highly recommended to slow down and enjoy local experiences, such as:
  2. Enjoy local tea culture in a traditional tea house at People’s Park.
  3. Stroll through Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Ancient Street to savor local food and neighborhood charm.
  4. Be fascinated by the face-changing and fire-spitting techniques of a Sichuan opera performance.
  5. Join a panda volunteer program in Dujiangyan, Wolong, or Yaan Bifengxia Panda bases. Work alongside panda keepers and have a more intimate interaction with pandas.
Chengdu City Tour with Pandas & Local Experiences
3 DAYS
Chengdu City Tour with Pandas & Local Experiences
📅 3 Days + 2 Nights 🚄 High Speed Train 📍 Chengdu

Get up close with adorable giant pandas at the breeding center, savor fiery Sichuan cuisine, and explore Chengdu's laid-back teahouse culture and ancient streets.

5. Chongqing: Mountain City, Yangtze Cruise Hub, Dazzling Urban Nightscapes

  • Best time to visit: March to May, September to mid-November
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Wulong Karst, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yangtze River Cable Car
  • Where to stay: near Jiefangbei, around Nanping Pedestrian Street
  • What to eat: Chongqing hot pot, spicy noodles, boiled fish, shao pi, fish-flavored pork slices, hot and sour noodles
  • Connectivity: Embarkation port for Yangtze River Three Gorges cruises; ~1.5 hour high-speed train to Chengdu (direct flight ~1 hr); ~5-6 hours high-speed train to Xi’an, ~2.5 hours direct flight to Beijing
Yangtze River Cruise and Hongya Cave
Yangtze River Cruise and Hongya Cave

Chongqing has gained enormous popularity on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for its extraordinary urban landscapes. It is widely called an “8D Magic Mountain City”. The Cyberpunk-style skylines and photogenic Hongya Cave night view are viral on social media.

Here, buildings are built along steep hillsides, the light rail passes through buildings, Yangtze River Cableway are used as a public transportation method.

The UNESCO-listed Wulong Karst and Dazu Rock Carvings offer spectacular natural and cultural experiences. Chaotianmen Pier is a main departure point for a Yangtze River cruise, where most visitors start or end their leisure cruise journey.

Top Things to Do in Chongqing Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Enjoy an authentic Chongqing hot pot.
  2. See the light rail go through the apartment block at Liziba Station.
  3. Savor authentic Chongqing food at Bayi Food Street.
  4. Hop on the Yangtze River Cableway to fly over the river.
  5. Enjoy a day trip to Wulong Karst or Dazu Rock Carvings.
  6. Enjoy dazzling night views from Nanbin Road, a Yangtze cable car, or Qiansimen Bridge.
  7. Enjoy a spectacular drone light show at Chaotianmen or Nanbin Road on Saturday at 8:30 PM.
Chongqing Highlights and Nature Tour
5 DAYS
Chongqing Highlights and Nature Tour
📅 5 Days + 4 Nights 🏇 Horseback Riding · 🚉 Train · 🚡 Cable Car 📍 Chongqing

Visit Wulong's Fairy Mountain alpine meadows and the karst wonder of Three Natural Bridges, then return to explore Chongqing's urban landmarks and vibrant nightlife.

6. Guilin: Top Natural Destination in China, Karst Paradise, Idyllic Countryside Scenery

  • Best time to visit: April to October
  • How many days needed: 3-4 days
  • Top attractions: Li River Cruise, Yulong River, Longji Rice Terraces
  • Where to stay: Yangshuo West Street, Guilin city centre, Longsheng (convenient to Longji Rice Terraces)
  • What to eat: Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo beer fish, bamboo shoot dishes, taro chicken
  • Connectivity: Direct flight ~3 hours to Beijing; ~3.5 hours high-speed train to Hong Kong, 2-3 hours high-speed rail to Guangzhou, ~3 hours high-speed train to Shenzhen
Li River cruise Guilin karst landscape
The beautiful karst landscape from Li River cruise

Guilin is one of the most iconic natural destinations in China. It will best match your imagination of traditional Chinese landscapes, featuring towering karst mountains, misty rivers, and serene rural life.

As charming as the karst landscapes are the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces. The traditional lifestyle in local Zhuang and Yao villages and stunning terraces are among the most attractive experiences for our guests.

Good to know: More than the common visa-free policies, travelers from ASEAN member states can stay up to 6 days in Guilin without a visa.

Top Things to Do in Guilin Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Take a leisurely Li River cruise.
  2. Ride a bamboo raft on the Yulong River.
  3. Cycle through the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo.
  4. Seek local food and souvenirs at West Street.
  5. Join a cooking class.
  6. Discover unique underground karst caves.
  7. Watch Impression Liu Sanjie – a large-scale outdoor performance staged on the Li River.
  8. Enjoy beautiful sunrise over Li River and karst peaks from Xianggong Mountain.
  9. Hike around Longji Rice Terrace and experience life of Zhuang and Yao ethnic communities.

See more Guilin itinerary ideas for different durations.

Guilin & Yangshuo Tour
3 DAYS
Guilin & Yangshuo Tour
📅 3 Days + 2 Nights 🚢 Cruise 📍 Guilin · Yangshuo

Cruise the stunning Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, explore the 1,400-year-old West Street, and marvel at Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.

7. Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains, Spectacular Quartz Sandstone Pillars

  • Best time to visit: March to April, September, or mid-October to mid-November
  • How many days needed: 3-4 days
  • Top attractions: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge
  • Where to stay: Wulingyuan Scenic Area, downtown Zhangjiajie
  • What to eat: Zhangjiajie mixed pot, Tujia preserved pork, sour fried fish, stewed chicken and duck with umbilicaria esculenta
  • Connectivity: Direct flight ~2 hours to Shanghai; 2-3 hours high-speed train to Changsha
Tall sandstone pillars rise from a misty forest, with green trees clinging to the rugged cliffs.
Sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

A classic natural destination in China, Zhangjiajie is especially popular in recent years because of the movie Avatar. Its unique quartz sandstone peak forests are said to be the inspiration for the floating mountains of Pandora, especially the famous Hallelujah Mountain.

We recommend adding Zhangjiajie to your first trip to China also because of its visitor-friendly facilities and services. Shuttle buses, Bailong Elevator, viewing platforms, cable cars and hiking routes of different difficulty levels allow visitors a convenient and flexible travel experience.

Top Things to Do in Zhangjiajie Beyond the Classic Attractions:

  1. Take the World’s Longest Escalator Through the Mountain
  2. Take the 7455-meter cable car from downtown area to the top of Tianmen Mountain.
  3. Challenge yourself over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and skywalks in Tianmen Mountain.
  4. Hike along the Tranquil Golden Whip Stream
  5. Catch a panoramic view of Zhangjiajie National Forest from Huangshizhai.
  6. Travel through Ten-Mile Natural Gallery on a sightseeing tram.
  7. Enrich your trip with a visit to Fenghuang Ancient Town or Furong Ancient Town after your Zhangjiajie trip.
  8. Try Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯), the world’s tallest outdoor lift, to ascend 326 meters to the top of Yuanjiajie in only 66 seconds.
Classic Zhangjiajie Tour Package
4 DAYS
Classic Zhangjiajie Tour Package
📅 4 Days + 3 Nights 🚡 Cable Car 📍 Zhangjiajie

Discover Zhangjiajie's breathtaking natural beauty including the National Forest Park, Glass Bridge, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Cave, and a cruise on Baofeng Lake.

8. Hong Kong: Dynamic Harbour, East-meets-West Culture

  • Best time to visit: late September to early November, March to early May
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tai’O Fishing Village
  • Where to stay: Central (Hong Kong Island), Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon), Hung Hom (Kowloon), Lantau Island
  • What to eat: Dim sum, char siu, wonton noodles, sweet and sour pork
  • Connectivity: Direct flights worldwide; ~ 1 hour high-speed rail to Guangzhou, ~ 3 hours high-speed train to Guilin, direct flight ~2.5 hours to Shanghai; direct flight ~3.5 hours to Beijing
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong is widely known as a world-class food destination and shopping paradise. It is where colonial-era architecture, global financial districts, European-style urban landscapes, traditional Chinese culture and temples, authentic Cantonese cuisine and old neighborhoods coexist.

English is one of the official languages in Hong Kong. As a Special Administrative Region of China, it offers one of the easiest entry experiences in Asia. Citizens from over 170 countries and regions can now stay in Hong Kong visa-free for 7-180 days.

Good to know: Hong Kong can serve as a third destination for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Ending your China trip in Hong Kong allows you to easily take advantage of this visa-free option.

Unique Things to Do in Hong Kong

  1. Visit an old temple, such as Man Mo Temple.
  2. Go to Tai O Fishing Village which features stilt houses, centuries-old temples, delectable seafood.
  3. Watch the Symphony of Lights.
  4. Ride the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak.
  5. Ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
  6. Explore Lamma Island.
  7. Ride the Old Tram.
  8. Shop at markets at Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po and Mongkok.
  9. Take a ride on the Star Ferry.
  10. Find good food of different styles.
Hong Kong Island & Lantau Island Tour
2 DAYS
Hong Kong Island & Lantau Island Tour
📅 2 Days + 1 Night 🚡 Cable Car · Peak Tram · Star Ferry 📍 Hong Kong

Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for skyline views, explore Stanley Market, then take Ngong Ping 360 cable car to see Tian Tan Giant Buddha on Lantau Island.

9. Yunnan: Ethnic Diversity, Plateau Wonderland, Snow Mountains & Lakes

  • Best time to visit: October to May the next year
  • How many days needed: 7-8 days
  • Top attractions: Dali Ancient City, Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Baisha Village, Erhai Lake
  • Where to stay: Dali Old Town, Lijiang Ancient Town, Kunming city center, Dukezong Ancient Town
  • What to eat: Cross-bridge rice noodles, Yunnan ham, wild mushroom hot pot, steamed pot chicken, Naxi grilled fish
  • Connectivity: Kunming hub; direct flight ~3.5 hours to Beijing, direct flight ~3 hours to Shanghai, 1-1.5 hours direct flight to Chengdu
Shaxi Ancient Town Dali Yunnan China old street
Shaxi Ancient Town in Dali Yunnan

Yunnan is not among the classic destinations for first-time visitors to China. But we recommend it for the diverse experiences it offers. It is home to 25 ethnic groups, diverse highland lakes, snow mountains, glaciers, tropical rainforests, karst landscapes, deep valleys, extensive terraced fields, and ancient ethnic towns.

Dali and Lijiang have long been classic stops on backpacking routes for European and American travelers. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is a paradise for hikers from around the world.

Whether you are keen on unique culture or thrilling outdoor adventures, Yunnan will not disappoint you.

Things to Do in Yunnan:

  1. Stroll around the well-preserved ancient towns in Dali or Lijiang.
  2. Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car.
  3. Enjoy authentic Yunnan food.
  4. Visit a Naxi Family in Lijiang.
  5. Have a trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
  6. Experience Tibetan-style culture & monastery in Shangri-La.
  7. Have a relaxing stay in Xishuangbanna.
Best Yunnan Tour to Dali Lijiang Shangri-La
7 DAYS
Best Yunnan Tour to Dali Lijiang Shangri-La
📅 7 Days + 6 Nights 🚣 Boat · 🚡 Cable Car 📍 Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La

Travel Yunnan's iconic route from Dali through Lijiang to Shangri-La, exploring Bai minority culture in Xizhou, Naxi traditions in Shuhe, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the Tibetan paradise of Shangri-La.

10. Hangzhou: A Scenic Escape Near Shanghai, West Lake, Jiangnan Charm & Time-honored Tea Culture

  • Best time to visit: March to May, September to February
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Village, Hefang Street
  • Where to stay: Near West Lake
  • What to eat: Dongpo Pork, West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing tea snacks
  • Connectivity: ~1-1.5 hours high-speed train to Shanghai; ~5-6 hours high-speed train to Beijing (direct flight ~2.5 hrs), ~1-1.5 hours high-speed train to Suzhou, ~1.5 hours high-speed train to Huangshan
Cherry blossoms line a lakeside with a traditional multi-tiered pagoda and distant mountains under a blue sky.
Spring blooms of Hangzhou West Lake

Italian traveler Marco Polo described Hangzhou as “the most beautiful city in the world” centuries ago. For many international visitors, Hangzhou offers the essence of poetic Chinese aesthetics thanks to the legendary West Lake, elegant mountain and water landscapes, historical landmarks, and tea culture.

Only a 1-hour high-speed train ride away from Shanghai, it offers a perfect day trip from Shanghai.

Things to Do in Hangzhou:

  1. Walking or cycling along Su Causeway to admire the West Lake.
  2. Visit a tea plantation to learn the process of making Longjing tea
  3. Visit time-honored Lingyin Temple.
  4. Enjoy Song Dynasty culture and local food at Hefang Street.
  5. Sail through the Xixi Wetland.
Hangzhou Essence Tour
2 DAYS
Hangzhou Essence Tour
📅 2 Days + 1 Night 🚣 Boat 📍 Hangzhou

A 2-day Hangzhou essence tour covering the poetic West Lake, Lingyin Temple, the China National Tea Museum at Meijiawu, Leifeng Pagoda, and the scenic Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi.

11. Huangshan: Iconic Mountain Landscape, Sea of Clouds, Timeless Huizhou Villages

  • Best time to visit: March to mid-November
  • How many days needed: 2-3 days
  • Top attractions: Bright Summit, West Sea Grand Canyon, Hongcun Ancient Village
  • Where to stay: Tunxi Old Street, Huangshan Mountain summit or Tangkou Town
  • What to eat: Braised Salted Mandarin Fish, Huangshan baked roll, Hui-style fried noodles
  • Connectivity: High-speed train ~2.5-3 hours to Shanghai; high-speed train ~1.5 hours to Hangzhou; direct flight ~2 hours to Beijing
Yellow Mountain
Yellow Mountain

Mount Huangshan is one of the most famous and beautiful mountains in China. But, as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, it offers much more than a mountain hike.

On the mountain, you will immerse yourself in the poetic landscape of historic temples, cliff inscriptions, peculiar formations, sea of clouds, sunrise, and peculiar pine trees. You can flexibly combine multiple cable cars with easy walking routes to experience all these wonders.

At the foot of the mountain, you can unwind in the historic hot springs. Drive no more than 1 hour, you can reach the UNESCO-listed villages of Xidi and Hongcun to explore Hui-style architecture and peaceful rural landscapes.

Unique Experiences in Huangshan:

Besides the mountain hike and Hui-style villages, add the following cultural experience in your Huangshan itinerary:

  1. Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory to see the whole working process of ink sticks (one of Chinese scholars’ four jewels ).
  2. Head to Mukeng Bamboo Forest to admire large-scale bamboo forest and take part in local farm work.
  3. Visit China Huizhou Culture Museum for a better understanding of Huizhou culture.
Huangshan Private Tour with Local Village
3 DAYS
Huangshan Private Tour with Local Village
📅 3 Days + 2 Nights 🚡 Cable Car 📍 Huangshan

Hike majestic Yellow Mountain, explore Tunxi Ancient Street, and visit the UNESCO-listed Hongcun Village with its beautiful Hui-style architecture on a private 3-day tour.

12. Yangtze River Cruise: Dramatic Gorges, Riverside Cultural Heritage, Three Gorges Dam

  • Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
  • How many days needed: 4-5 days
  • Top attractions: Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Lesser Three Gorges, Baidicheng, Fengdu Ghost City, Shennv Stream
  • Where to stay: Onboard cruise ship
  • What to eat: Sichuan & Hubei local dishes, freshwater Yangtze fish
  • Connectivity: Cruise departs Chongqing, terminates in Yichang (or reverse); high-speed train ~2.5 hours Yichang → Wuhan; 2-2.5 hours high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing
Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise in China

The Yangtze River is often regarded as the mother river of Chinese civilization and the Three Gorges are just the most scenic and essential section of the river. For international travelers, the best way to explore this section is to take a Yangtze River Cruise trip between Chongqing and Yichang, so you can easily combine the cruise with a Chongqing trip.

Just like most international cruise ship travel, it is convenient and comfortable, providing international-level services. You just need to sit back on the deck to admire the dramatic gorge scenery.

A highlight of the cruise trip is the many shore excursions to brilliant cultural heritage, the vertical ship lift, and the grand Three Gorges Dam.

Things to Do during the Yangtze River Cruise:

  1. The downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang is more recommended. Departing from Chongqing Chaotianmen Port at around 8-9 pm, it allows travelers to enjoy Chongqing’s dazzling night skyline from the river.
  2. Join the shore excursions. Our top recommended ones are: Kui Gate from Baidicheng, the small boat trip to Goddess Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, The War Fire of Three Kingdoms Live Performance.
  3. Experience the Three Gorges ship lift and visit the Three Gorges Dam
  4. Experience onboard cultural activities, from traditional Chinese performances to practicing Tai Chi on the deck.
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
4 DAYS
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
📅 4 Days + 3 Nights 🚢 Cruise 📍 Chongqing · Yichang

Cruise the Yangtze River's classic Three Gorges route from Chongqing to Yichang, visit Shennv Stream by boat, explore Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain, and tour the massive Three Gorges Dam.

Travel with China Xian Tour for a Memorable China Trip

China is a vast treasured land for tourism. Every city or every town could give you a different experience and feelings. As a result, planning your first China tour is bound to be exciting but overwhelming. To make the most of this trip, China Xian Tour is always here waiting to provide help. We can provide customized itineraries that meet all your expectations, and our private guide will be there for you 24/7 to make sure everything is well arranged, so you can enjoy China exactly the way you want.

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    A TripAdvisor award-winning China travel agency organizing diverse private and mini-group China tours. We offer in-depth experience, free cancellation, flexible & safe trips.

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