12 Best Destinations in China for First-Time Visitors (with Popular Itineraries)

Written by Veronica | Updated January 15,2026

China is such a big country, and there’re so many places worth visiting. If you’re planning your first trip to China, it’s likely that you might not know where to start. To help you make your plan, here are the top 10 best places to visit in China for first timers. You can choose where to go depending on your interest and goals for the trip. It may be Chinese culture, history, landscapes, food, or other things.

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• 1. Beijing: The Ancient Capital of China
• 2. Shanghai: The City of Modernity
• 3. Xi’an: Home of the Terracotta Army
• 4. Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth
• 5. Chengdu: Home of the Giant Pandas
• 6. Hong Kong: More Than an International Metropolis
• 7. Guilin: Stunning Karst Landscapes
• 8. The Silk Road: China’s Historic Trade Route
• 9. Huangshan: The Most Magnificent Mountain of China
• 10. The Yangtze River: The Longest River of China
• 11. Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains & Skywalk Adventures
• 12. Yunnan: Ethnic Culture, Ancient Towns & Snow Mountains
• FAQs about Traveling to China for the First Time
• Travel with China Xian Tour for a Memorable China Trip

1. Beijing: The Ancient Capital of China

Beijing is probably the most famous city of China. If you are interested in Chinese history, this is where you should start. You should visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties. You will see the most magnificent Chinese architecture and a massive collection of ancient treasures. It’ll transport you back to the imperial time, and you can get a glimpse of the royal life back then.

Another one of the most popular China holiday destinations is also in Beijing. You’ve probably already guessed it, the Great Wall. This ancient wonder is a symbol of China, and you can go hiking on the best sections of the Great Wall in Beijing. Besides these historic attractions, there’re many other things to do in Beijing. You can experience the traditional lifestyle and go see giant pandas at Beijing Zoo.

Recommended Beijing Tour: 2 Days Beijing Essence Tour

2. Shanghai: The City of Modernity

Shanghai should be among the top on your list when you travel to China. It has the world-famous skyline that you’ve definitely seen somewhere before. The towering skyscrapers are landmarks of the city, representative of China’s economic growth. Once you’re there, you’ll experience the unique modern lifestyle of Shanghai people. It is full of modernity, fun, and passion for life.

Traces of the old Shanghai also remain. The architecture of Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple is worth seeing. The streets are lined with shops selling traditional snacks. Another top thing to do in Shanghai is to take a day trip and see the ancient water towns nearby the city. You will discover the most authentic, hidden Jiangnan life in these old towns on the banks of the canal.

Recommended Shanghai Tour: 3 Days Classic Private Shanghai City Tour

3. Xi’an: Home of the Terracotta Army

Xi’an is definitely a best place to visit in China for first timers. You must have heard of the discovery that shocked the whole world, the Terracotta Army. It is unearthed in this city. It is a huge army of thousands of clay soldiers and horses built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Each soldier is unique in appearance, expression, and posture. Seeing this historic wonder is the top thing to do in Xi’an.

As the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, Xi’an has lots of historic and cultural heritage. You can visit Shaanxi History Museum to learn about local history. You’ll see the ancient city wall still standing in the city as modern life happens around it. And the Muslim Quarter has plenty of Xi’an local foods and snacks that you should try.

Recommended Xi’an Tour: 4 Days Xian Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan

4. Hangzhou: Heaven on Earth

Hangzhou is such a beautiful and poetic city that it is named the heaven on earth. Its most iconic site is the West Lake. Many painters and poets throughout history have traveled to Hangzhou and praised the sceneries of the lake in their artworks. And it’s surely worth visiting on your China tour as well. It presents different views at different time of the day or the year.

Hangzhou is also the cultural hub of the Jiangnan region. It has a rich tea and silk culture. It’s also nearby many water towns. So while you’re there, enjoy the cultural experience. Don’t forget to walk down the bustling ancient streets that are full of history and life.

Recommended Hangzhou Tour: 2 Days Hangzhou Essence Tour

5. Chengdu: Home of the Giant Pandas

The city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province is a popular family-friendly city in China because you will have a chance to see giant pandas! It is the home of these adorable animals. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a great place to see and learn about them.

You might not be familiar with Chengdu, but you definitely know its signature dish, hotpot. Arguable the most famous Chinese food these days, hotpot is more than just a dish, but an important regional symbol. The broth is made with local peppers, and you can cook all kinds of food in it. Challenge yourself and see if you can handle the spice.

Recommended Chengdu Tour: 4 Days Chengdu Panda Volunteer Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha

6. Hong Kong: More Than an International Metropolis

Hong Kong is another best city to visit in China for first timers. You’ve probably heard about its economic status in the world, but apart from the skyscrapers and modern life, there’s so much more to Hong Kong. The top things to do in Hong Kong include hiking Victoria Peak, experiencing the nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong, and touring Victoria Harbor.

You can uncover the hidden and authentic side of Hong Kong. There are still many ancient fishing villages around the city, where people live a simple life by the sea. You should also see the markets of Hong Kong. They are busy with locals trading all kinds of stuff. And lastly, make sure you taste the local foods and snacks. They are an important part of Hong Kong culture.

Recommended Hong Kong Tour: 2 Days Hong Kong Island & Lantau Island Tour

7. Guilin: Stunning Karst Landscapes

Guilin is a hidden treasure of China that many people don’t know about. The city is surrounded by karst hills and a winding river. There are many natural wonders within these mountains and Li River. You should explore the Reed Flute Cave, a stalactite cave with amazing rock formations. The landmark of Guilin is the Elephant Trunk Hill. It is an amazing karst formation in the shape of an elephant.

In Guilin, you will also discover one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, Longji Rice Terraces. The endless fields extend across the hills. It’s a sight worth seeing and photographing. When you’re in Guilin, don’t forget to try local dishes like Guilin rice noodles and field snails. They are specialties of Guilin thanks to the local environment and resources.

Recommended Guilin Tour: 5 Days Guilin, Yangshuo and Terrace Field Photography Tour

8. The Silk Road: China’s Historic Trade Route

If you have plenty of time and would like to go on a deep dive of regional history and culture on your China tour, a good idea is to trace the ancient Silk Road. Because of this historic trade route, its nearby cities and regions have thrived in terms of economy and culture. You can choose a route and visit the cities along the way. You will discover unique landscapes and rich local culture.

You might pass through Gansu Province, a western region with deserts and Danxia landforms. Qinghai has stunning alpine sceneries and Tibetan culture. In Xinjiang, you’ll experience the brilliant Uyghur culture among mountains, deserts, and grasslands.

Recommended Silk Road Tour: 10 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour from Xian to Kashgar

9. Huangshan: The Most Magnificent Mountain of China

Also called the Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is among the most famous mountains of China. It’s the best place to go if you love hiking and the outdoors. The sunrise and sunsets at the Yellow Mountain are wonderful. If you’re lucky, you might see the “sea of clouds.” Usually in the early morning, clouds rise over the mountain as if it’s submerged underwater. Amazing rocks and pine trees are also a highlight.

At the foot of the mountain, there’re many ancient Hui villages in Huangshan city like Hongcun Ancient Village and Xidi Ancient Village. They still preserve the most authentic Hui lifestyle with traditional architecture and industries.

Recommended Huangshan Tour: 3 Days Huangshan Private Tour with Local Village

10. The Yangtze River: The Longest River of China

The longest river in China has nourished many unique cultures along its shores. Over 6,000 kilometers from the snow mountains of Qinghai to the east coast, Yangtze River is a part of many beautiful landscapes. And you can take a Yangtze River Cruise to witness all of that. The best section to travel to is the Three Gorges section from Chongqing to Yichang.

You and stop along the way for cultural sites like Fengdu Ghost City to learn about ghost culture in Chinese mythology. Other things to do on Yangtze River include seeing the Three Gorges Dam, many amazing gorges, and cliffs. It’s a great trip to take for couples and families.

Recommended Tour: 12 Days Shanghai-Yangtze River-Xian-Beijing Tour

Related reading:

• The 40 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in China
• Top 10 Places for Your Second Trip to China

11. Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains & Skywalk Adventures

For those who want to explore more of China’s incredible landscapes, Zhangjiajie is definitely your dream land. It is one of China’s most surreal nature site, a forest of over 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars. And once you see them in real life for the first time, you may oddly find these uniquely shaped towering peaks kind of familiar. Indeed, one thing make them even more famous is that they have inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. So that this means you may have already met them long before you even notice. When traveling here, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park should certainly be your major focus. Here you can hike among the dramatic columns like you’re going into a hidden world. Another highlight is Tianmen Mountain, one of the world’s longest cableways is built here. If you are one of the adventure seekers, then try to walk on the glass skywalk along the cliffs.

Recommended tour: 3 Days Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour from Shanghai

12. Yunnan: Ethnic Culture, Ancient Towns & Snow Mountains

Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces. Here on this vast land, 25 officially recognized ethnic minority groups are having their live built up here generations after generations. Its landscapes and ancient towns, on the other hand, offer a chance to explore local culture, scenery, and mild adventure all at the same time. Lijiang Old Town, a famous destination that most people would visit, is known for how Naxi traditions have built such a beautiful life and harmoniously exist with the grand mountain. And Yunnan’s diversity can also be further sensed in Shangri-La, which is more known for Tibetan monasteries, and Dali, the city with Erhai Lake and Bai culture. As a result, traveling through Yunnan is like traveling through a colorful maze.

Recommended Tour: 11 Days In-depth Yunnan Tour of Kunming Jianshui Yuanyang Dali Lijiang Shangri-La

FAQs about Traveling to China for the First Time

1. What is the most visited destination in China?

Of course Beijing. It has long been known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Attractions like Forbidden City and Great Wall are also not new to people around the world

2. What are the must-see historical and cultural landmarks for first-time visitors?

• Beijing -Forbidden City. Temple of Heaven. Great Wall
• Xi’an -Terracotta Army. Ancient City Wall
• Shanghai -The Bund, Yuyuan Garden

3. Which regions are best known for breathtaking natural scenery, and what landscapes do they offer?

• Guilin & Yangshuo -Karst mountains. Rivers
• Zhangjiajie -Quartz-sandstone pillar peaks
• Yunnan -Snow mountains. Lakes. Rice terraces
• Huangshan -Granite peaks. Ancient villages

4. What destinations offer the best blend of relaxation and cultural immersion for families?

• Chengdu -Pandas. Slow-paced city life
• Hangzhou -West Lake. Tea culture
• Yunnan (Dali/Lijiang) -Nature. Mild weather. Family-friendly old towns
• Yangtze River Cruise -Relaxation with cultural stops

5. How can visitors efficiently travel between major tourist hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an?

Try to rely on China’s high-speed rail network, as these trains will take you to everywhere efficiently and

• Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5–6 hours
• Beijing → Xi’an: 4.5–6 hours
• Shanghai → Hangzhou: ~1 hour

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 helps. We can provide customized itineraries that fulfill 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.