6 Most Famous Historic Cities in China: Trace the Country’s Ancient History

Written by Veronica | Updated October 16,2025

Learning about its history is the best way to get to know a place. China is known for its 5,000 years of history. It can help you understand different aspects of its culture today before you travel to China. However, spanning across thousands of years, its history can be difficult to approach. This article will help you with a list of the top 6 most famous historic cities in China.

Some of these cities were once historical capital cities of China, others were cultural or economic centers. Their significance carried on into the modern day. They shaped the country’s landscape which you’ll experience through its food, arts, customs, and more. Learn about the history and culture behind these historic cities in China.

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• Ancient Capitals of China: Quick Glance
• 1. Beijing: The Imperial Capital
• 2. Xi’an: Discover the Ancient Terracotta Army
• 3. Luoyang: The Cradle of Chinese Civilization
• 4. Nanjing: A Historic Capital
• 5. Hangzhou: The Land of Silk and Tea
• 6. Kaifeng: The Glorious Song Dynasty Capital
• FAQs about Historic Cities in China
• Experience the Ancient History of China with China Xian Tour
• Learn More about Other Top Destinations in China

Ancient Capitals of China: Quick Glance

1. Beijing: The Imperial Capital

• History: over 3,000 years
• Location: Northern China

Beijing, the present-day capital of China, has over 3000 years of history. It was the former imperial capital of Yuan, Ming, and Qing and several other dynasties for over 800 years. It has been the political, economic, and cultural center of China. On a Beijing tour, you’ll see some of the most famous historical landmarks of China.

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 cuisines like the Peking Duck. Afterwards, feel the city’s cultural charm by watching a Peking Opera. Beijing is the main gateway city and the most popular travel destination of China.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Beijing City

The Great Wall of China 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.

The Forbidden City 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 China’s imperial past. Today, it is also known as the Palace Museum with the most comprehensive collection of artifacts from ancient China.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Beijing

1. Explore and taste authentic Beijing foodin hutongs.
2. Feel the strong artistic atmosphere in art districts like 798.

Watch the making process of cloisonne and try to inlay wires or apply the enamel by yourself in Enamel Factory Cloisonne Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Base.

✔ Recommended Tours:

• 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour
• 12 Days Ancient Capital and Yangtze Tour

2. Xi’an: Discover the Ancient Terracotta Army

• History: over 3,000 years
• Location: Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China

Xi’an is one of the best historic cities in China. It was the first imperial capital of China in Qin and Western Han Dynasty, as well as the later Tang Dynasty. It is regarded as one of the Four Great Ancient Capital Cities with Rome, Athens, and Cairo. Xi’an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Xian City

Xi’an is most famous for the Terracotta Army, a discovery that shocked the whole world. This archaeological wonder comprises thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s 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 emperor’s tomb in the afterlife.

The Ancient City Wall in Xi’an 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 Tower and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Xian

1. Take part in a shadow puppetry class to make the character you like and learn how to control it with the thin sticks from a master.
2. Wander along the food streets like Muslim Quarter to fill your stomach with the delicious food.

Try the traditional Chinese clothes and ancient make-up styles with friends or family to travel back to Tang Dynasty.

✔ Recommended Tour: 4 Days Xian Classic Tour with Mt. Huashan

3. Luoyang: The Cradle of Chinese Civilization

• History: over 4,000 years
• Location: Henan Province, central China

Luoyang is another one of the most historic cities in China that is sometimes overlooked by visitors. It is often known as the cradle of Chinese civilization because it was once the ancient capital of 13 different dynasties in Chinese history and an important hub along the ancient Silk Road.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Luoyang City

The most worth seeing sight in Luoyang is the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of ancient Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. The largest sculpture stands at 17 meters (56 feet) tall. The construction of these statues lasted for over 1,000 years. They stand as a testament to the flourishing of Buddhism in Chinese history.

Another structure that makes Luoyang a significant historical city in China is the White Horse Temple. It is the first Buddhist temple in China, dating all the way back to Eastern Han Dynasty, 68 AD. Legend has it that two white horses arrived at this location carrying Buddhist scriptures. The temple was later constructed. You can now see traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture here.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Luoyang

1. Enjoy a night tour to Longmen Grottoes, the Buddha seems to be more serene and mysterious under lights.
2. Watch the immersive shows to see how the history and culture of the city is reproduced vividly by the modern digital technology.

If you go there in April, do not miss the peony flower fair held in Wangcheng Park or China National Garden, which is a grand event famous all over China.

✔ Recommended Tour: 2 Days Luoyang Highlights Tour

4. Nanjing: A Historic Capital

• History: over 2,500 years
• Location: Jiangsu Province, Eastern China

Nanjing served as the capital of various dynasties and the Republic of China from 1927 to 1949. It is now the capital city of Jiangsu Province, as well as a significant cultural hub in Eastern China. With many historical landmarks, it is a popular destination of China tours, especially with other Eastern China cities like Shanghai and Suzhou.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Nanjing City

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the resting place of Emperor Hongwu, founder of the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the largest imperial tombs in China. It’s a grand architectural complex surrounded by beautiful gardens, walkways, and stone statues guarding the emperor’s tomb.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, who was an important figure in modern Chinese history. You can tour the historical establishment and learn about his role in ending the Qing Dynasty. There’re other sights to visit such as the Nanjing Confucius Temple and the Nanjing City Wall.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Nanjing

1. Visit the “Twelve Cities along the Yangtze River” immersive street. Here, the distinctive landscapes of several cities along the Yangtze River are reproduced.
2. Take a painted pleasure boat along Qinhua River at night to be amazed by the prosperity of the “Ten miles of the Qinhuai River”.
3. Experience the unique Republican-era charm in Yihe Road or Pioneer Bookstore (transformed from an air-raid shelter).

5. Hangzhou: The Land of Silk and Tea

• History: over 2,200 years
• Location: Zhejiang Province, Southeastern China

Hangzhou is a classic Jiangnan city south of the Yangtze River Delta. It’s another famous historic city in China. It was the capital of South Song Dynasty, has been praised by many poets for its natural beauty. It served as an imperial retreat for Beijing emperors. Hangzhou is also the start of the 1400-year-old Grand Canal.

On a Hangzhou tour, you’ll experience its rich culture in the ancient temples and pagodas, beautiful scenery, and local cuisine. It is famous for its silk products and for being home to the world-renowned Longjing tea. It’s the perfect place to learn about Chinese tea culture.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Hangzhou City

The famous landmark, the West Lake, has inspired poets and artists for centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by gardens, temples, and pagodas. You can take a boat ride on the lake or take a stroll around. There’re many nearby restaurants serving local cuisine.

Lingyin Temple is one of China’s oldest Buddhist temples. Its architecture is a wonderful sight to see, together with carving art, Buddhist statues, and murals. As one of the major temples of Zen Buddhism in China, Lingyin Temple holds various Buddhist events every year.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Hangzhou

1. West Lake is the soul of Hangzhou. Feel its charm through a boat tour or a cycling around the lake to discover the 10 famous scenic spots.
2. Watch the large-scale performance Songcheng Forever Love and experience the life of common people in Southern Song Dynasty in Songcheng Scenic Area.
3. Head to Meijiawu Village or Longjing Village where you can enjoy a Longjing tea picking experience and savor a cup of the most authentic Longjing tea.

✔ Recommended Tour: Hangzhou Cultural Day Tour

6. Kaifeng: The Glorious Song Dynasty Capital

History: about 2,700 years

Location: Henan Province, central China

Kaifeng may not be as well-known as other cities that have been mentioned, but it is undeniably a significant historical city in China. It served as the capital of eight different dynasties throughout history, and when it was the capital of Song Dynasty, it was the world’s biggest city at the time. Kaifeng is the birthplace of many Chinese traditions and arts, including Yu opera, China’s largest regional opera genre.

You may have heard of the famous Chinese painting, “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” which depicts the vibrant daily life in Kaifeng in Song Dynasty.

Historical and Cultural Sites in Kaifeng City

The most notable landmark of Kaifeng is the Iron Pagoda, one of the tallest and oldest glazed brick pagodas in China. It is an important Buddhist structure with many statues and scriptures.

Visiting Millennium City Park is one of the top things to do in Kaifeng. It is a large theme park on the history and culture of Song Dynasty. You’ll see magnificent royal buildings and gardens, watch performances and shows, and explore traditional handicrafts such as embroidery and tea ceremonies, as well as folklore like acrobatics.

Recommended Cultural Activities in Kaifeng

1. Enter the world depicted in the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” paintingin Millennium City Park.

Try the Kaifeng snacks in the Drum Tower Night Market or Xisi Night Market.

✔ Recommended Tour: 6 Days Henan Tour of Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Dengfeng, Luoyang

FAQs about Historic Cities in China

How many cities are officially recognized as “Ancient Capitals of China”?

There are 10 cities confirmed as ancient capitals. Besides the above 6 cities, there is also Anyang, Zhengzhou, Datong and Chengdu.

What are the 4 ancient capitals of China?

The four most widely spread ancient capitals are Beijing, Xian, Nanjing and Luoyang.

Which of the historic cities has the longest history, spanning over 4,000 years?

Luoyang is the only historic city with a history more than 4,000 years.

What is the recommended mode of transport for travelers planning a route that connects multiple ancient capitals (e.g., Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing)?

For tourists planning an ancient capital tour, the high-speed train can transport you to the destination in a fast and convenient way.

Experience the Ancient History of China with China Xian Tour

The ancient history is one of the main reasons makes China a world-famous country. And no one will not be attracted by the charm of several famous ancient capitals in China. Follow our guide to feel the long history through the historic scenic areas and characteristic handcraft experience classes. Our highlight is the tailored trip, which means we can plan an itinerary that suits all your needs. And help you solve all the problems you meet during the tour. So contact China Xian Tour now!

Learn More about Other Top Destinations in China

• 8 Most Famous Historic Sites in China
• 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in China
• Top 12 Destinations along China Silk Road
• 7 Most Famous Cities in China
• 50 Largest Cities in China by Population