Country Guide
China
Asia
China is a land of staggering contrasts, where ancient dynastic history collides with futuristic megacities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Travelers come here to experience the sheer scale of its imperial heritage, the complexity of its culinary traditions, and the quiet beauty of its rugged mountains. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn to avoid extreme temperatures and the massive crowds of national holidays. For a seamless trip, download a reliable VPN before you arrive and master the high-speed rail network, which is the most efficient way to navigate the country's vast distances.
Top Attractions in China
The most iconic places to see in China -- tap one to open its city guide.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of ChinaHiking the unrestored sections of this ancient fortification offers a humbling perspective on the sheer scale of human ambition.
Terracotta Army
Terracotta ArmyWitnessing thousands of unique, life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor is an unparalleled historical experience.
The Bund
The BundThis waterfront promenade provides the ultimate contrast between the city's colonial-era architecture and its futuristic, neon-lit skyline.
Forbidden City
Forbidden CityWalking through this massive palace complex allows you to step back in time and imagine life within the seat of imperial power.
Li River
Li RiverA boat cruise along this winding waterway reveals the iconic karst mountain peaks that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkThe towering sandstone pillars of this park are so surreal they served as the visual inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar.
Potala Palace
Potala PalacePerched high on a mountain, this historic winter palace of the Dalai Lama is a profound center of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant BuddhaCarved directly into a cliffside, this massive 71-meter-tall stone statue is a testament to ancient engineering and devotion.
West Lake
West LakeThis serene, UNESCO-listed lake is surrounded by traditional gardens and pagodas, offering a perfect escape from the urban hustle.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping GorgeThis is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, offering world-class trekking opportunities for adventurous travelers.
Summer Palace
Summer PalaceThis sprawling imperial garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring temples, pavilions, and a massive man-made lake.
Longji Rice Terraces
Longji Rice TerracesThese 'dragon's backbone' terraces offer incredible views of tiered mountainsides that change color dramatically with the seasons.
Tap an attraction to open its city guide, or search TripAdvisor if we don't have one yet.
Map
Cities to Visit in China
8 cities in China with a guide.
Beijing
Beijing is a sprawling metropolis where ancient imperial grandeur meets hyper-modern ambition. It is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, winding hutong alleyways, and world-class culinary scene. The ideal time to visit is during the crisp, golden autumn months of September and October.
Guilin (Lingui)
Guilin is a breathtaking gateway to China's karst landscape, famous for its dramatic limestone peaks and the winding Li River. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild and the mist adds a mystical quality to the emerald-green scenery.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is the quintessential Chinese garden city, renowned for the ethereal beauty of West Lake and its rich history as a former imperial capital. It is best visited in spring for the blooming cherry blossoms or autumn for the crisp, golden foliage surrounding the tea plantations.
Leshan (Wutongqiao)
Leshan is a historic riverside city in Sichuan famous for its colossal stone-carved Buddha and rich culinary traditions. The best time to visit is during the mild spring or autumn months to comfortably explore the outdoor cliff-side monuments and bustling night markets.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage destination in Yunnan province, famous for its labyrinthine Naxi architecture, ancient canals, and the towering presence of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is best visited in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the skies are clear for mountain views.
Shanghai
Shanghai's Pudong district dazzles with futuristic skyscrapers, world‑class museums, sprawling parks and the magical Shanghai Disney Resort; best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is mild
Xi'an
Xi'an is the ancient capital of China, serving as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and a profound window into the country's imperial past. The city is defined by its massive Ming-era fortifications, the legendary Terracotta Army, and a vibrant Muslim Quarter that blends Chinese and Central Asian cultures. It is best visited during the pleasant spring or autumn months when the weather is mild for exploring its extensive outdoor historical sites.
Zhangjiajie (Yongding)
Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking gateway to the surreal sandstone pillars of Wulingyuan, often cited as the inspiration for the floating mountains of Avatar. It is a destination defined by dramatic karst landscapes, deep canyons, and glass-bottomed thrills, best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to avoid heavy crowds and extreme humidity.