Lonely PlanetAug 25, 2026
13 Best Places to Visit in China
Where antiquity sits alongside innovation, highlights include ancient sites, frenetic cities and natural serenity for a restorative and exciting trip.
20 things in this story
- The BundNeighborhoodShanghai's waterfront promenade with 1920s architecture.
- French ConcessionAttractionArea in Shanghai known for elegant art deco buildings.
- M50 art districtNeighborhoodArea in Shanghai known for its art galleries.
- Elsewhere
- Forbidden CitySightBeijing, ChinaBuilt between 1406 and 1420, off-limits for 500 years.
- Great WallViewpointBeijing, ChinaNation's most iconic landmark, 21,196km fortification built over 2000 years.
- Tiananmen SquareSightBeijing, ChinaSecurity is tightly controlled; expect multiple passport checkpoints.
- Summer PalaceParkBeijing, ChinaIt is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces in Beijing.
- Mogao GrottoesMuseumDunhuang, ChinaHolds China's finest Buddhist art, with 492 caves.
- Terracotta WarriorsMuseumXi'an, ChinaLife-sized statues built 2200 years ago to protect an emperor's tomb.
- Tiger Leaping GorgeTrailLijiang, ChinaA 25km hiking trail through a UNESCO World Heritage-listed gorge.
- BadalingSightBeijing, ChinaSection of the Great Wall accessible by train from Beijing.
- Giant Panda Breeding Research BaseSightChengdu, ChinaGuaranteed sightings of pandas in Chengdu.
- Li RiverSightGuilin, ChinaScenic river with karst limestone peaks and rice paddies.
- XingpingFerry terminalYangshuo, ChinaVillage near Yangshuo offering views of the Li River.
- Pearl RiverSightGuangzhou, China"Pearl River" is often also used as a catch-all for the watersheds of the Pearl tributaries within Guangdong,…
- Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing pointSightLongji, ChinaA 30-minute walk above Ping'an with views of rice terraces.
- Tomb of Qin Shi HuangMuseumXi'an, ChinaIncludes the superb Bronze Chariots Museum.
- Muslim QuarterNeighborhoodXi'an, ChinaAtmospheric area in Xi'an, the beginning of the Silk Road.
- South Gate of Xi'an City WallSightXi'an, ChinaBeautifully illuminated gate recommended for an evening stroll.
- Tianmen MountainSightZhangjiajie, ChinaMountain in Zhangjiajie with a natural hole through the mountainside.
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