Asia · 33 Places · Best April-May, September-October
China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art technology.
China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art technology.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 33 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The Mutianyu section offers one of the most scenic and well-preserved stretches of the Great Wall, less crowded than Badaling. Built in the mid-6th century and renovated in 1569, this section features 23 watchtowers along 2.5km of wall. Cable car and toboggan available for easy access.
The world's largest palace complex served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors during Ming and Qing dynasties (1420-1912). This UNESCO World Heritage site contains 980 buildings with 9,999 rooms, showcasing classical Chinese architecture and housing over 1.8 million artifacts.
Discovered in 1974, this archaeological marvel features over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210 BCE. Each figure has unique facial features and represents one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
Cruise through one of China's most stunning landscapes from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing dramatic karst peaks, bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. The 83km journey showcases scenery depicted on the 20 yuan note and in countless Chinese paintings.
This 15th-century imperial complex is where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual ceremonies praying for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, sits in a 267-hectare park where locals practice tai chi, dance, and traditional music.
Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade showcases 52 buildings of various architectural styles from the 1920s-1930s on one side, with futuristic Pudong skyline including Shanghai Tower across the Huangpu River. The mile-long walkway epitomizes Shanghai's blend of historical colonial grandeur and modern ambition.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Iconic luxury hotel combining 1920s charm with modern amenities in a prime location near Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Features Rolls-Royce fleet, Michelin-starred dining, and legendary service. Spacious rooms blend contemporary comfort with Chinese design elements.
Check rates on Booking.comBoutique art hotel showcasing Salvador Dalí collection and contemporary Chinese art throughout public spaces and rooms. Modern design, excellent restaurant, and convenient location near 798 Art District. Unique blend of luxury and affordability.
Check rates on Booking.comSocial hostel near Forbidden City with excellent rooftop bar, free walking tours, and helpful staff. Clean dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen, and lively atmosphere. Perfect for meeting fellow travelers in central location.
Check rates on Booking.comOccupying floors 60-93 of Shanghai Tower with breathtaking Bund and skyline views from China's tallest building. Ultra-modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple award-winning restaurants, and exclusive Sky Spa. Direct metro connection for convenience.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Michelin-starred restaurant in a restored 600-year-old temple courtyard near Forbidden City. Chef Ignace Lecleir creates innovative European cuisine using Chinese ingredients. Stunning setting with temple architecture and art gallery upstairs.
World-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) chain maintaining exceptional quality and consistency. Each dumpling has exactly 18 pleats. Multiple locations across China, always crowded but worth the wait for perfect dumplings.
Beijing's best craft brewery serving burgers, wings, and American comfort food alongside creative beers. Industrial-chic space with outdoor seating. Popular with expats and young Chinese. Multiple locations across Beijing.
Famous night market near Forbidden City with rows of vendors selling traditional and exotic street foods. Scorpions, starfish, and crickets alongside dumplings, kebabs, and sweets. Tourist prices but fun experience.
Shanghai's premier specialty coffee chain with multiple locations. Single-origin beans, expert baristas, and modern minimalist spaces. Popular with coffee aficionados and freelancers. Pastries and light food available.
The world's first multi-sensory restaurant with only 10 seats per night. 20-course tasting menu synchronized with lights, sounds, and projections. Three Michelin stars. Most exclusive dining experience in China, requires months advance booking.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10-15 hostel dorm | $35-60 3-star hotel or nice guesthouse | $120-300+ 5-star hotels |
| Food (per day) | $10-15 street food and cheap restaurants | $25-35 mix of local restaurants and some nicer meals | $60-120 fine dining and upscale restaurants |
| Transportation | $3-8 metro and local buses | $8-15 metro, occasional taxis, bike rental | $20-50 taxis, private drivers, premium trains |
| Activities | $5-10 free attractions, parks, one paid site | $15-25 entry fees to attractions, occasional tour | $30-80 VIP tours, exclusive experiences |
| Daily total | $30-50 (210-350 CNY) | $80-120 (560-840 CNY) | $200-500+ (1400-3500+ CNY) |
Keep copies of passport and visa separate from originals
Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist sites
Download VPN before arrival as many Western websites are blocked
Carry cash as many places don't accept foreign credit cards
Don't drink tap water - bottled water widely available
Register with your embassy or consulate online before arrival through programs like STEP (US citizens) for emergency notifications
Install WeChat Pay and Alipay before visiting as most street vendors and local restaurants only accept mobile payments - foreign cards work in some apps with setup
Carry your hotel address card in Chinese script - many taxi drivers and locals do not speak English, and showing the card guarantees you reach your destination
China is generally very safe for tourists with extremely low rates of violent crime against foreigners. The main risks are petty theft, sophisticated tourist scams, air pollution health concerns, and political sensitivities around certain speech and photography. Medical facilities are excellent in major cities. Emergency services: police at 110, medical at 120.
The best time to visit China is April-May, September-October. China's vast size (9.6 million km²) produces extraordinary climatic diversity: tropical Hainan Island has year-round warm weather while Harbin has Siberian winters; the Tibetan Plateau has alpine cond
US citizens must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Ten-year multiple entry visas available. Passport must have 6+ months validity. 240-hour transit visa-free available for eligible travelers. New online visa application system (COVA) launched September 2025. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) (CNY) (CNY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in China: Mandarin Chinese (official), Cantonese, Wu. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in China include The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section), Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Terracotta Army, Li River Cruise, and Temple of Heaven. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Each region has its own character — coastal, alpine, vineyard, capital. Pick a starting point.
Beijing, the capital of China, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient imperial history meets state-of-the-art modernity. Home to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers an unparalleled window into 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.
Guangdong is China's most populous province and its economic powerhouse, located in the far south along the South China Sea. It encompasses the vast Pearl River Delta megacity region, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan. The province is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, culture, and language, and has been the gateway between China and the world for centuries. From the UNESCO World Heritage Danxia Mountain to the gleaming skylines of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong offers a dizzying blend of ancient tradition and hyper-modern city life.
Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Sichuan is a vast southwestern province of China renowned for its fiery cuisine, spectacular natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes ranging from lush river valleys to towering Tibetan-fringe highlands.
Yunnan is China's most ethnically diverse province, home to 26 of China's 56 recognized ethnic groups. Stretching from subtropical jungles in the south to Tibetan plateau landscapes in the north, it offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Famous for Lijiang's ancient town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Xishuangbanna's tropical rainforests, Yunnan is a destination unlike anywhere else in China.
