Lonely PlanetNov 2, 2026
8 Top Things to Do in China
Experience a fascinating mix of ancient heritage and modern life with these excellent things to do in China.
25 things in this story
- Jiuzhaigou National ParkSightoffers unbeatable natural views
- Elsewhere
- Forbidden CitySightBeijing, Chinaserved as seat of Ming- and Qing-dynasty emperors for over 500 years
- Great WallViewpointBeijing, ChinaMutianyu section accessible by foot and cable car
- Summer PalaceParkBeijing, Chinamasterpiece of Chinese landscape design
- The BundNeighborhoodShanghai, Chinashowcases contrast between historic and modern Shanghai
- Muslim QuarterNeighborhoodXi'an, Chinaknown for its vibrant street food and traditional market
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingZooChengdu, Chinabest place to catch a glimpse of the bears
- Temple of HeavenSightBeijing, Chinawhere emperors prayed for a good harvest
- Former Legation QuarterNeighborhoodBeijing, Chinaoffers a window into the past
- Former French ConcessionNeighborhoodShanghai, Chinadotted with European- and old Shanghainese-style buildings
- museum commemorating the first meeting of the Chinese Communist PartyMuseumShanghai, Chinamarked the party's birth in 1921
- Giant BuddhaSightLe Shan, China233ft-tall carved out of a cliff
- Army of Terracotta WarriorsSightXi'an, Chinaone of the world’s most spectacular archeological marvels
- ancient city wallsSightXi'an, Chinanearly 9-mile-long
- Big Goose PagodaSightXi'an, Chinaseven-story
- Bell and Drum TowersSightXi'an, Chinaamong Xi’an’s other extraordinary historic landmarks
- Jingshan ParkSightBeijing, China
- Drum and Bell TowersSightBeijing, China
- Yuz MuseumMuseumShanghai, China
- Long MuseumMuseumShanghai, China
- Tank ShanghaiMuseumShanghai, China
- Centre Pompidou at the West Bund MuseumMuseumShanghai, China
- Jing'an TempleSightShanghai, China
- Yuyuan GardensSightShanghai, China
- Zhujiajiao Ancient TownSightShanghai, China