16 Best Cities in China to Visit

China is full of impressive natural and man-made wonders waiting to be explored. China is home to sites that bear history, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Temple of Heaven.

With 5,000 years of culture and history, China’s civilization is one of the most remarkable ones in the world. It does not necessarily mean that stepping into China will bring you back to the past, as the country also made strides into the digital era with its modern innovations, including high-speed rail systems and skylines.

Tourism in China may have been low because of the pandemic. Still, as life goes back to the old normal (aka the life before COVID-19), more and more tourists worldwide are looking forward to experiencing China and seeing what this country in Asia has to offer.

Travelling in China is easy. You must book your ticket, pay for it, and then fly. But the challenge may be knowing which cities in China you should visit during your vacation; after all, China covers a whopping 9.597 million square kilometres making it the third largest country in the world by total land area.

To help you plan your trip to China itinerary, this article will help you determine which are the best cities in China you shouldn’t miss on your journey.

Best Cities in China to Include in Your Travel Itinerary

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, with a history stretching back three millennia. This city is China’s second-largest city after Shanghai. Beijing is perfect for tourists who want to experience China’s Imperial past, as the city features well-preserved buildings, courts, and parks. Beijing also offers numerous delectable Chinese cuisine options, including Beijing roast duck, jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), and jing jiang rousi (shredded pork in Beijing sauce).

Must visit in Beijing: Great Wall of China, Summer place, Temple of Heaven, The Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

Hong Kong

If you love shopping, then Hong Kong is your paradise. Hong Kong has a visa-free policy, making it one of the most accessible cities in China you can visit. Aside from shopping, Hong Kong is also a city of skyscrapers. You can go to the Hong Kong Tower to see a bird’s eye view of the whole city. This city is also family-friendly. Aside from theme parks such as Hong Kong Disneyland, family and friends looking for adventure can enjoy the numerous hiking trails in the city.

Must visit in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Disneyland, Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, Ocean Park, Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak

Shanghai

Shanghai is Oriental Paris—China's biggest and richest city. This economic and cultural center is the birthplace of everything considered modern in China. Shanghai boasts a blended culture of the East and the West, a beautiful amalgamation of contrasts. The city’s heart is the Bund, a famed waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings. Aside from sightseeing, Shanghai is also ideal for shopping and dining.

Must visit in Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple

Xi’an

Xi’an is the home of the Terracotta Warriors, which became an international symbol of China’s history. This city was formerly called Changan and has been the seat of the capital for 1200 years, covering 13 dynasties. Xi’an is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites you should not miss during your visit. Going to Xi’an is not only a walk past in time experience. The city also offers modern world-class attractions and delectable Chinese cuisines.

Must visit in Xi’an: Army of Terracotta Warriors, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shannxi History Museum, Great Mosque of Xi’an, Fortifications of Xi’an, Bell Tower of Xi’an

Lhasa

The city of Lhasa, meaning “Land/Place of the Gods,” is one of the best cities in China you should visit if you are interested in anything related to Buddhism. The city is the center of the Tibetan Buddhist world, world-famous for its sites of historical interest. The city also best showcases Tibetan culture and art. Visiting numerous palaces, monasteries, and temples is just one way to enjoy the city. You can also wander Lhasa's streets to get to know the locals and learn from their way of life.

Must visit in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Ramoche Temple, Bakuo Residential District

Guangzhou

China’s most important port is Guangzhou, and it is part of China’s nine “National Central Cities.” This buzzing metropolis is where you’ll find ancient temples and towering skyscrapers. This city is known as the “City of Flowers” because it is blessed with flowers all year round, thanks to its subtropical climate. Its blooms are celebrated each year with the Spring Festival Flower Fair. Guangzhou is also the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine and has more restaurants than any other Chinese city. The city is also home to one of the oldest mosques in the world.

Must visit in Guangzhou: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Chimelong Paradise, Huacheng Square, Shamiandao Island, The Western Han Nanyuewang Museum, Zaha Hadid’s Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Museum, Canton TV Tower

Guilin

If you want to escape the hectic city life, Guilin is the best city in China you should visit. This city is famous for its karst landscapes, lush countryside, and rural life. The city is blessed with superb natural scenery, such as tranquil lakes, clean winding rivers, verdant hills, and fantastic karst caves. Wildlife is also plentiful in Guilin. This city is perfect for nature lovers who would like to go on an exploration.

Must visit in Guilin: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, Seven Star Park, Lijiang, Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, Li River, Yangshuo, Rice Terraces

Hangzhou

Do you love tea over any other beverage? Hangzhou is one of China’s famous tea-growing centers. This city is the birthplace of Dragon Well (Longjing) tea and has been dubbed the “Capital of Tea in China.” Hangzhou is also famous for its silk. The West Lake represents Hangzhou’s beauty, highlighting South China’s natural scenery. Hangzhou may be known to offer traditional cultures. Still, it also has a highly developed transportation network as it is almost the only city in the country following the “pedestrian first” laws.

Must visit in Hangzhou: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Xi Lake, Xixi National Wetland Park, Former Residence of Hu Xueyan, Hefang Street

Kunming

Kunming offers tourists its natural scenery and colourful ethnic culture; it is also the gateway to China’s Yunnan province, home to 26 ethnic minorities, mouthwatering delicacies, stunning sceneries, and incredible histories. The city is known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” as it experiences a spring-like season every month. The city is perfect if you want to escape the hot summer and frozen winter.

Must visit in Kunming: Kunming Dragon Gate, Green Lake (Cui Hu), Yuantong Temple, Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming West Hill, Dian Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Nanping Business Street

Suzhou

The city of Suzhou in China is known for its classic Chinese gardens, silk, embroidery, food, and water towns. Suzhou is able to retain parts of the old-world charm for tourists and locals to step back in time and experience what China is in ancient times. 42% of the city is covered by water, and the city tour is often done by boat, making you feel like you’re in Venice, Italy. Aside from its eclectic mix of aquatic channels and river systems, Suzhou is also known for its classical gardens, tree-shaded paths, and stone-paved streets that have preserved their original styles dating back from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Must visit in Suzhou: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Lion Grove Garden, Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Tiger Hill, Lingering Garden

Harbin

Do you share the same sentiment as Elsa from Frozen because the “cold never bothered you anyway”? If so, then “The Ice City of China,” Harbin, is the best city in this country you should undoubtedly visit on your next adventure. Harbin is a famous winter destination loved by locals and tourists for its frozen winters, ski resorts, and fantastic architecture. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, held from late December to February, is worth experiencing as you witness the whole city transform into a sparking world of ice and snow. Aside from skiing and skating, winter swimming is another activity in Harbin.

Must visit in Harbin: Harbin Ice & Snow World, Sun Island, Zhaolin Park, Harbin Stalin Park, Saint Sophia’s Church, Yabuli Ski Resort, China Snow Town, Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, Heilongjiang Provincial Museum, Harbin Polarland, Siberian Tiger Park

Nanjing

If you want to see how contemporary Chinese culture gracefully weaves in what remains of past empires and ancient traditions, go to Nanjing. This city in China is one of the country's most important cities, offering the comfort of a sophisticated metropolis and untouched Eastern culture. As an upscale city, it features remarkable nightlife happenings, exquisite dining options, and luxury and boutique hotels. Urban gardens and the hipster scene are also emerging trends in the city. Nanjing is also known for its love affair with ducks. Here, no part of the duck goes to waste as all parts are used to serve diners delicious and authentic duck delicacies.

Must visit in Nanjing: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, City Wall of Nanjing, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Nanjing Museum, Presidential Palace, Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre

Kashgar

Kashgar is China’s best Silk Road city. In the past, the city was the central trading point where the Eastern and Western Silk Roads met. To reach this city in China in the country’s most western part, you must cross a vast desert to get there. Kashgar’s Old Town is known for its Uyghur architecture, vibrant bazaars, and various cuisines for those who want to go on a gastronomic adventure in Kashgar.

Must visit in Kashgar: Id Kah Mosque, Shipton’s Arch, Kasgar Museum, Kashgar Old City, Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, Kashgar Grand Bazaar, Gaotai Ancient Homes

Dali

Are you looking forward to seeing natural sceneries that are out of the ordinary? If so, let the city of Dali in China surprise and mesmerize you with its crystal and sparkling plateau lake, high and snow-capped Cangshan Mountains, enchanting blossoms, and clear blue skies with white clouds. This city in China is also a perfect destination if you are after a chill vacation.

Must visit in Dali: Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient City, Erhai, Diancang Shan, Shaxizhen, Chongseng Temple, Shaxi Ancient Town

Chengde

Before Disneyland came into the scene, Chengde was the home of China’s first amusement park. Instead of Space Mountain, Chengde offers attractions, including carved-out hunting grounds, preserved palaces, pavilions, and pagodas constructed for over 89 years starting in 1703. If you don’t have the time and energy to go to Lhasa, Chengde is the best place to visit, as it is also known for reflecting Tibetan culture, history, and architecture.

Must visit in Chengde: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Puning Temple, Qingchuifeng National Forest Park, Jinshanling

Chengdu

Are you fond of Giant Pandas? If so, Chengdu is the best city in China for you to visit. In Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wolong Shenshuping Giant Panda Base, Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base, and Bifent Giant Panda Reserve, you can witness firsthand how giant pandas live. You can see them play, eat, sleep, and move around here. Chengdu is also a place for foodies who love to try authentic Sichuan cuisine, which is famous for its numbness and spiciness.

Must visit in Chengdu: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Jinsha Site Museum Tourist Center, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Qingcheng Shan, People’s Park

China is huge and simply impossible to explore in just one trip. So make sure to visit this country not just once but as often as you can until you completely satisfy your curiosity and excitement for what China offers.

China is not only a country you can visit to relax and enjoy. It is also an ideal place to make business partnerships. Suppose you have a business partner based in China, and you live in Canada. In that case, chances are you need a reliable remittance partner that will help you send money to China quickly, conveniently, and safely. RemitBee is the best remittance service provider in Canada. We provide the best exchange rates and only request low transfer charges. You can even send money with us for free when you remit over 500 CAD. Sign up now and start sending money to China from Canada.