If you are a nature lover, you will love China. This country is a blend between modern and ancient, and an amazing destination for your next vacation. This guide offers the best places to visit China, together with travel tips, advice, and a packing list.

Stay until the end to know the best places to add to your China trip itinerary. Good luck!

Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash

The Majestic Landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo

Guilin is a small scenic city located in the southern part of China, boasting some of the most beautiful karst landscapes in the world, as well as idyllic countryside and rural life. These are the best places to visit in China during your days staying in Guilin:

• Visit the Li River and enjoy the verdant karst mountains, clear water, amazing caves, and remarkable rocks are the four features of the river. You can take a Li River Cruise boat or a motorized ‘bamboo’ raft, go on a light hike along the river, or explore an amazing limestone cave that has never been touched by ordinary tourists.
• Escape to the peaceful countryside in Yangshuo. It is a heaven for outdoor activities lovers. You can cycle in the countryside, enjoy a SUP Experience on the Yulong River, challenge yourself with Ferrata and Zip-Lining, or walk on the small paths among the Longji Rice Terraces.

The best time to have an unforgettable trip around these places is in Spring (March to May) and in Autumn (September to November).

Photo by Akash Rai on Unsplash

A Journey Through Beijing’s Historic Landmarks

This is the best place to visit in China for history and ancient lovers. Beijing has plenty of famous sites dating back more than 6,000 years. This is the Top 3 of the historic landmarks you must visit in Beijing:

• The Great Wall: This place stands as a testament to the country’s remarkable engineering prowess and historical achievements.
• The Forbidden City: A symbol of China’s imperial history. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Summer Palace: It was built to be a getaway for the royals. It is a harmonious blend of classical Chinese garden design and imperial architecture.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Tips for Avoiding Crowds and Maximizing Your Visit

• Visit Early or Late: To avoid the biggest crowds, visit popular sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Choose Weekdays: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, especially during the school term.
• Buy Tickets Online: Save time by purchasing tickets online in advance for major attractions like the Forbidden City.

Shanghai: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Shanghai is the best place to visit in China. It is China’s largest and most prosperous city. It is confident and lively. It’s worth a visit. These are the best places to visit in China in Shanghai:

• The Bund: It’s one of the top things to see in Shanghai. The Bund shows Shanghai’s classic skyline, with colonial buildings and skyscrapers along the Huangpu River.

Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

• Yunyuan Garden: This place is the most famous Ming Dynasty garden in Shanghai. It is a city highlight due to its beautiful scenery, including decorated bridges, colorful pagodas, and intimate enclaves separated by dragon decorations.
• Shanghai Tower: This is the highest building in China and the second-tallest building in the world. It’s an increasingly popular place to admire a bird’s-eye view of the entire city of Shanghai. Another draw is that it has the fastest elevator in the world, which will take you up to floor 119.
• Xintiandi: Experience Shanghai’s nightlife at Xintiandi, a stylish pedestrian area with chic restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s a great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks, followed by live music or dancing.

Jiuzhaigou Valley: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a true gem that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve boasts a stunning array of natural wonders, such as:

• Nuorilang Waterfalls: This is a breathtaking sight to behold. This multi-tiered waterfall is 300 meters wide and cascades down in a series of turquoise pools creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s power and beauty.
• Shuzheng Lakes: The green, blue, and turquoise lakes of Shuzheng Valley are a highlight. Surrounded by forests and mountains, they are a peaceful and beautiful sight.
• Zaru Valley: This place offers a tranquil escape. The Rexia Village is in a less well-known area of the park. Visitors can learn about Tibetan culture and see how the local people live.

The best time to visit Jiuzhaigou Valley is in the fall, from September to October. During this period, the park is adorned with golden foliage, creating a stunning contrast with the vibrant lakes and waterfalls.

The entrance fee for Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is approximately 300 CNY (around USD 45), with options for two-day tickets if you plan to explore the park extensively.

Photo by Terry Zhong on Unsplash

Off the Beaten Path: Explore China’s Hidden Gems

• Chengdu: A marvelous cultural and architectural site. This place is known for its mountain resort and ancient palace. The resort is surrounded by temples and has a mix of Chinese architectural styles. This shows the different parts of Chinese culture and lets visitors think about the past.

Photo by Chris Wong on Unsplash

• Xunliao Bay, Guangdong: This hidden coastal gem offers a serene and unspoiled beach experience. Known for its clear waters and fine sand, it’s a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility away from bustling city life.
• The Ghost City of Fengdu, Chongqing: It’s a complex of temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife. Fengdu is on the Yangtze River. It has a mix of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs. It is a unique place to visit.

Sichuan’s Natural Wonders: From Panda Reserves to Scenic Mountains

Sichuan Province is beautiful. It has lush landscapes, stunning mountains, and giant pandas. These are some of the best places to visit in China on your travel to Sichuan for an unforgettable adventure:

• Sichuan Giant Panda Nature Reserves: This place is home to more than 30% of the world’s highly endangered Giant Pandas and is among the most important sites for captive breeding.
• Mount Emei: It is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains and is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and ancient temples.
• Huanglong Scenic Valley: Huanglong means “yellow dragon”. It has snowy mountains, a big June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are most beautiful. If you are planning outdoor activities, avoid the rainy season (July to August).
• Local guides can help you understand the language, find hidden places, and show you around.
• You must try Sichuan Local Cuisine. This province is renowned for its spicy cuisine, including dishes like hot pot, mapo tofu, and kung pao chicken.

Photo by ?? ? on Unsplash

Xi’an: The Heart of Ancient China

Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, is a treasure trove of history and culture. This city offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the heart of China. For a deep experience, here are some of the best places to visit in China on your travel to Xi’an:

• The Terracotta Army: This 16,300-square-meter excavation reveals more than 7,000 terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations. It was a funerary project of China’s first imperial King, Qin Shi Huang, whose purpose was to protect his afterlife.

Photo by Aaron Greenwood on Unsplash

• Xian Ancient City Wall: It is in the center of Xian and has survived for over 600 years. The Xian Ancient City Wall is the most famous one. It is 13.74 km long, 12m high, and 18m wide. Cycling on the city wall is popular.
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Located on the grounds of the Jianfu Temple, this great pagoda has always been the symbol of Xian, and is considered one of the most famous in China due to its antiquity and historical relevance in connection with Buddha.
• Attend a Tang Dynasty Show: Enjoy a traditional music and dance show from the Tang Dynasty. These shows feature costumes, dancers, and live music from the golden age of Chinese culture.

Guangzhou: The Gateway to the Pearl River

Guangzhou, reputed as the "City of the Five Rams” and “City of Flowers”, has a history of over 2200 years with many historical sites and cultural attractions to see and explore. Here are some of the best places to visit in China on your travel to Guangzhou:

• Canton Tower: This is the landmark of Guangzhou City standing by the Pearl River in Zhujiang New Town. At 600 meters high, Canton Tower is the tallest sightseeing tower in China and the third tallest in the world.

Photo by 早秋 王 on Unsplash

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A must-see attraction, with a history of more than 100 years and still in its original shape. The buildings are famous for their exquisite and mythical decorations, such as the brick carvings of historic figures. The temple also functions as a museum under the auspices of the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, exhibiting a variety of folk arts and crafts.
• Eijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Streets: This shopping is renowned for its diverse street food. From savory dim sum to sweet desserts, you’ll find an array of local snacks and dishes to try. Popular treats include shahe fen (rice noodles), yum cha (Cantonese tea and dim sum), and nian gao (glutinous rice cakes).

The Beauty of Tibet: The Roof of the World

Tibet, named “The Roof of the World,” offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual richness. Here are some of the best places to visit in China on your travel to Tibet:

• The Potala Palace: It is a large and impressive building complex. The Potala Palace was a royal palace of King Songtsan Gampo. This place is also called "the populace of art” for the innumerable treasures and artworks.
• Jokhang Temple: Also called "The Spiritual Center of Tibet”. It is the supreme temple of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the most sacred and important temple by Tibetans. Jokhang Temple is a must for the Lhasa tour.
• Namtso: Also called "Heavenly Lake”. Namtso is considered one of the most beautiful places in Tibet, and the second-largest saltwater lake in China.

Photo by Daniele Salutari on Unsplash

You Might Also Like: Mount Everest Day: 7 Thought-Provoking Questions

How to prepare for a journey to Tibet

Traveling to Tibet requires some preparation due to its remote location, high altitude, and unique cultural context. Here’s a guide to help you get ready:

• Obtain the Necessary Permits: All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, which can only be arranged through a registered tour operator. Additional permits may be required for certain regions.
• Altitude Acclimatization: Tibet’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness. It’s crucial to acclimatize properly by spending a few days in Lhasa before exploring higher areas.
• Pack Wisely: The weather in Tibet can be unpredictable, with temperature variations even within a day. Pack layers, including warm clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes.

When and How to Experience the Best of China

• Best time: The best time to visit China is in Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October).
• Transportation: The best way to navigate China via public transportation is by high-speed trains between major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. For long-distance visits like Tibet or Yunnan, the best way is by National Flights.
• Visa Requirements: Check the latest visa rules and apply in advance.
• Currency: Carry some cash in yuan, especially for small purchases. Hotels and major stores accept credit cards.

Stay Connected in China with Yoho Mobile

Stay connected at any time and place. Don’t miss out on the chance to share these amazing must-do attractions with your friends and family. Yoho Mobile offers the best data packages at the most affordable prices. Get an eSIM to get around the country with no Internet preoccupation!