Across social media, among travel influencers and netizens, more people are discovering the unique charms of Chinese culture while finally adding China to their Asia travel destination checklists. Travelling to China has got easier over the last few years — eg India has also commenced direct flights to china recently to make it easy to travel between the two countries, but China is a huge country, so it can be hard to know where to start!
In this guide, I’ll go over the top ten must-visit cities in China, perfect for first-time travellers.
But before you get there, make sure you are well-connected. Whether you’re planning a short holiday, a work trip, or even permanently relocating, being able to roam the internet while abroad is a necessity. An internet connection is necessary for many aspects of safe international travel, including mobile payments, translation apps, navigation services, and arranging travel.
But as many tourists soon find out, using mobile apps and the internet in China often requires extra preparation due to what’s colloquially known as “The Great Firewall”.
The Great Firewall is an umbrella term for the series of online regulations found in mainland China.
As a result, many of the world’s most popular websites and apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Google Maps, are blocked within the country, with many residents and visitors instead using the domestic equivalents. This is why, before you arrive, we highly recommend securing a reliable eSIM for China so you can stay connected wherever you come from.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs eliminate the need to purchase, swap, or store multiple physical SIM cards. All it takes is a simple activation process to explore China without worrying about coverage or high roaming fees.
With an eSIM, you can safely and conveniently navigate China’s local regulations and continue to use your tech while exploring.
IMPORTANT: Please note that these restrictions apply only to mainland China; Hong Kong and Macau are mostly unaffected and will require separate connectivity tools.
Top 10 Must-Visit Cities in China
There are many amazing locations to discover in a country as enormous as China, ranging from historical wonders to contemporary marvels. These ten cities are excellent choices for your first visit, offering a wide variety of sites and experiences that are sure to appeal to every kind of traveller.
Beijing — The Beating Heart of China
No trip to China is complete without visiting Beijing, the capital city, with its blend of ancient tradition and contemporary flair. Many of the most iconic landmarks associated with China are found here.
If you are interested in exploring imperial China and its history, Beijing brings the past to life and is an excellent place to start your trip. From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.
There is something for everyone in Beijing, so whether you prefer cultural experiences or exciting attractions, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Shanghai — The Height of Modern China
Another essential city is Shanghai. If you want to see the most modern and international side of China without losing the sense of culture, then Shanghai is a must-visit.
Shanghai’s distinctive colonial past, which transformed it from a tiny fishing village into a major international trading hub under foreign control in the 19th and 20th centuries, is what distinguishes it from other Chinese cities. As a result, Shanghai has always been a cultural melting pot, which is reflected in its dynamic environment and culture today.
Shanghai offers a blend of the old and new, from the world’s largest planetarium to exhilarating theme parks like Disneyland and LEGOLAND. You could spend days of your trip in Beijing and Shanghai alone because there is so much to do in both cities!
Chongqing — The China of Tomorrow
If you’re looking for a city completely different from the others in China — and even the rest of the world — Chongqing is the place to pick. This city feels unreal at times, thanks to its immense scale and neon-lit skyline.
Chongqing is a city built on hills, a “mountain city” full of vibrant street life and a touch of urban magic. Hop on Metro Line 2, which passes through a residential building, or visit Hongya Cave at night for a glimpse of Chongqing’s iconic cyberpunk-style, multi-layered skyline.
We suggest spending two to three days in the city itself, but if you like nature, you could also take a day trip to Wulong. The Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must-see!
Xi’an — The Glory of Historic China
For history buffs, make an effort to check out Xi’an. As the capital of 13 ancient dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is rich in tangible history.
The most iconic attractions here are the Terracotta Warriors, the Wild Goose Pagoda, Yongning Gate, and the Qujiang Pool. Many people take part in a traditional clothing experience called “Hanfu” to explore these historic sites as if stepping back in time to the Tang Dynasty’s capital.
Xi’an also has a thriving nightlife scene! Here you can see light shows, performances, or shopping streets, or climb the ancient city wall for a panoramic night view of the city.
Chengdu — Tastes of China
Chengdu is perfect if you’re searching for a city that combines stunning natural surroundings, a rich cultural legacy, and a slower pace of life. This city is growing in popularity lately, and foodies, rejoice — here you can enjoy all the flavours of Chinese cuisine.
The city is well-known for its fiery hotpot and a variety of regional street foods, including sticky rice cakes, meat skewers, spicy noodles, and tofu pudding. You can enjoy local leisure culture at People’s Park, such as watching locals play mahjong and sipping traditional tea.
Also, Chengdu is the best place to see pandas because it is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding! Try going early in the morning, when the park is quieter and the pandas are more active.
Hangzhou — Heaven on Earth
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting Hangzhou, often described as heaven on earth. This isn’t the kind of city that overwhelms you with noise or scale but wins you over quietly and then completely.
Landmarks like the Lingyin Temple, one of China’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, give the city a sense of calm and history that contrasts beautifully with its modernity.
Hangzhou is also the home of Longjing tea, one of China’s most famous green teas. Visiting the surrounding tea plantations, especially in the hills near West Lake, offers a slower, more immersive experience, far from the rush of the bigger cities.
What really sets Hangzhou apart, though, is its balance. The city manages to feel peaceful without being boring and modern without losing its identity.
Zhangjiajie — Natural Wonders of China
It’s always a good idea to search for some natural wonders when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Zhangjiajie is easily one of the best places to experience some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
The most famous location in Zhangjiajie is the National Forest Park’s “Avatar Mountains”, renowned for their mist and towering sandstone peaks. Another highlight is Tianmen Mountain, where you can take a ride on the longest cableway in the world, ascend 999 steps to the striking Tianmen Cave, and take in the stunning scenery as you go.
Pro tip: Be prepared for very long queues at these popular locations! The best time to visit Zhangjiajie is April to October, when traffic is ideally at its lowest.
Guilin — Wild Escape in China
If you want to immerse yourself even more in nature in China, you can go even further by visiting Guilin. This city is quieter, more scenic, and more immersive than places like Beijing or Shanghai, making it perfect for those who wish to balance city exploration with natural beauty.
Guilin is a paradise of meandering rivers and limestone mountains. One of the most picturesque routes in the nation is the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, which is frequently depicted in traditional Chinese paintings.
Guilin also has its own natural highlights within the city itself, like Reed Flute Cave, filled with colourful illuminated rock formations, and Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbolic natural arch that resembles an elephant drinking from the river. And just outside the city, Yangshuo offers a more laid-back, traveller-friendly vibe, where you can cycle through rice fields, bamboo raft down the river, or watch the mountains glow at sunset.
If you’re looking for the China you’ve probably seen on a postcard, you are looking for Guilin.
Lhasa — Spiritual Escape
For a truly unique experience in China, we recommend visiting Lhasa in Tibet. Lhasa, the capital of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, is known as the “Place of the Gods” and is a historic centre of Tibetan Buddhism.
Not only will you see the amazing beauty of the Roof of the World here, but you’ll also feel a deep sense of inner peace and solitude. The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple are two of Tibet’s most famous buildings and are worth a visit in their own right.
Immerse yourself in the busy streets of Barkhor Street, where you can see everyday life in Tibet. You might even see pilgrims bowing down in worship, hear the soft hum of prayer wheels spinning, and feel a sense of reverence that goes beyond words.
The best time to visit Tibet is from summer to autumn, when the weather is milder, and it’s easier to adjust to the high mountain altitude.
IMPORTANT: Foreign tourists are usually not allowed to visit Tibet in February and March, as this period coincides with sensitive political anniversaries. Be sure to look ahead at travel restrictions.
Hong Kong — East Meets West
Hong Kong offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, so if you’re starting to feel homesick, then this may be a great place to end your China holiday
What really makes Hong Kong impressive is its mix of influences. It seamlessly blends Chinese culture with international influences, shaped by its history as a global trading hub.
What stands out immediately is the city skyline around Victoria Harbour, one of the most recognisable in the world. From Victoria Peak, you get a full view of that contrast: skyscrapers on one side, open water on the other.
Within a short distance, you can get to places like Lantau Island, where things slow down completely. Here you’ll find hiking trails, beaches, and landmarks like the Tian Tan Buddha, offering a totally different experience from the urban core.
IMPORTANT: Visitors can travel to Hong Kong by high-speed train, flight, or bus, all of which require both separate Chinese exit and Hong Kong entry formalities.
Ready to Explore China? Here’s Your Next Step
From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, the ancient legacy of Xi’an, and the rich culinary culture of Chengdu, China offers an unforgettable first-time travel experience packed with contrast, colour, and discovery.
Each city brings something completely different to the table, which is exactly what makes planning your itinerary so exciting. Whether you’re drawn to history, food, nature, or modern city life, this list gives you a well-rounded starting point for your Asia travel planning.
So, if China is calling, now’s the time to answer. Plan smart, organise your visa, and get ready to experience one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating destinations.
