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.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in China.
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1
The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
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.
Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat · Take cable car up and toboggan down for a fun experience · Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip · Bring water and snacks as options are limited on the wall
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2
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
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.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance - ID required · Enter through Meridian Gate, exit through Gate of Divine Prowess · Download audio guide app or hire a guide for context · Visit on weekdays to avoid massive weekend crowds
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3
Terracotta Army
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.
Tip: Visit Pit 1 first as it's the most impressive · Hire a guide to understand historical significance · Photography allowed but no flash · Visit museum first thing in morning before tour groups arrive
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4
Li River Cruise
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.
Tip: Book luxury boat for best viewing decks and lunch · Sit on right side going downstream for best photo ops · Visit during April-October for best weather · One-way cruise allows you to explore Yangshuo afterward
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5
Temple of Heaven
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.
Tip: Visit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi · Echo Wall creates interesting acoustic effects · Buy through-ticket to access all buildings · Beautiful during spring cherry blossoms
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6
The Bund
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.
Tip: Visit at night for spectacular light show · Take Bund Sightseeing Tunnel for novelty (though overpriced) · Early morning best for photos without crowds · Explore side streets for Art Deco architecture
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7
Summer Palace
Beijing's largest imperial garden spans 2.9 square kilometers, dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Built in 1750 and rebuilt in 1886, it served as a summer retreat for emperors. Features include the Long Corridor with 14,000 paintings, Marble Boat, and traditional Chinese garden design.
Tip: Rent a boat on Kunming Lake in summer · Walk the entire 728-meter Long Corridor · Less crowded than Forbidden City · Beautiful autumn foliage in October-November
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8
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
This exquisite classical Chinese garden in Shanghai's old city dates to 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. Spanning 2 hectares, it features rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and the famous Exquisite Jade Rock. The surrounding bazaar offers traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Tip: Visit early morning before tour groups arrive · Try xiaolongbao at nearby Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant · Combine with City God Temple visit · Avoid weekends and holidays - extremely crowded
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9
Potala Palace
The iconic 13-story palace complex towers over Lhasa at 3,700m altitude, serving as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959. This UNESCO World Heritage site features over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues, representing the apex of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
Tip: Book tickets online several days in advance · Acclimatize to altitude before visiting · Bring passport - required for entry · No photography inside - respect the rules
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10
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Chengdu's premier panda conservation center is home to over 80 giant pandas and red pandas in a naturalistic bamboo forest setting. Morning feeding time (8:30-10:00 AM) offers the best viewing when pandas are most active. The facility focuses on breeding, research, and education.
Tip: Arrive right at opening (7:30 AM) for active pandas · Visit during spring to see newborn cubs · Take shuttle bus to avoid long walks · Panda volunteer program available with advance booking
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
The Great Wall of China
World's most iconic historical fortification stretching 21,196km, best visited at Mutianyu (family-friendly) or Jinshanling (photography)
Tiananmen Square
World's largest public square at the symbolic center of modern China; Mao's portrait, mausoleum, and Monument to People's Heroes
The Bund Shanghai
1.5km waterfront promenade of Art Deco and colonial buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline; best at sunset and night
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
World's second tallest building at 632m with 360-degree city views from floor 118 at 561m elevation
Museums
National Museum of China (Beijing)
Free world-class museum with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization in 48 galleries on Tiananmen Square
Palace Museum/Forbidden City (Beijing)
1.8 million imperial artifacts in 980 buildings; largest palace complex in the world
Shaanxi History Museum (Xi'an)
Free provincial museum with unrivaled Tang Dynasty collection including gold treasures and tomb murals
Shanghai Museum
Free museum with outstanding bronze, ceramics, jade, and Chinese painting collections in People's Square
Nature
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Avatar-inspiring sandstone pillar formations in subtropical forest; glass bridge and Bailong elevator
Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan)
UNESCO World Heritage colorful mineral pools, tiered waterfalls, and Tibetan villages
Huangshan Yellow Mountains (Anhui)
Iconic granite peaks, twisted pines, and sea of clouds; one of China's most photographed landscapes
Guilin-Yangshuo Li River
Dramatic karst limestone scenery along the Li River; cruise or cycle through the 20-yuan-note landscape
Cultural
Terracotta Army (Xi'an)
8,000+ life-sized clay warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb; UNESCO World Heritage site
Mogao Caves (Dunhuang)
492 caves with 45,000 sqm of Buddhist murals spanning 1,000 years; world's finest Buddhist art collection
Lijiang Old Town (Yunnan)
UNESCO World Heritage Naxi ethnic old town with 800-year-old cobblestone streets and canal system
Chengdu Panda Research Base
World's premier giant panda conservation and research center with 50+ pandas; best at 8-10 AM
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 8:30AM-5:30PM; major sites close Monday; Great Wall and outdoor sites open year-round; peak summer hours may extend to 6PM
- Fees
- National museums free (online reservation required); historical sites $5-20; UNESCO sites $10-20; Forbidden City $9; Terracotta Army $18
- Best Times
- April-May and September-October nationally; arrive at opening time for popular sites like Forbidden City and Terracotta Army; weekdays less crowded
- Booking
- Forbidden City requires advance online ticket booking (booking.dpm.org.cn) - day tickets often unavailable; Terracotta Army, Mogao Caves, and popular sites recommend advance booking especially May-October
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in China?
April-May and September-October offer ideal weather nationwide, smaller crowds than peak summer, and spectacular scenery. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year at all costs.
Are guided tours available for China's attractions?
Available at all major sites; licensed guides $50-150/half day at top attractions; audio guides available at most UNESCO sites in English $5-10; Walking tours from hostels often free or $15-25
Can I take photos at attractions in China?
Allowed at most outdoor sites; forbidden inside Mogao Caves, some Palace Museum inner halls, and certain government buildings; tripods require special permits at many sites; drone photography strictly prohibited without permits
How much time do I need for China's main attractions?
Beijing requires minimum 4-5 days for major sights; Xi'an 2-3 days; Shanghai 3-4 days; Guilin/Yangshuo 2-3 days; Chengdu 2-3 days. For broader China coverage allow 2-3 weeks.