Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in China
Explore the Best China Tours, Travel Packages & Cultural Experiences
China is a dream destination for travelers, offering a fascinating blend of ancient wonders, modern cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. Whether you're planning a luxury travel China experience, seeking affordable China vacations, or looking for family-friendly tours in China, this guide covers the top tourist destinations in China that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
From the Great Wall of China to the mystical landscapes of Zhangjiajie, let’s explore China's must-visit sites and find the perfect China travel packages for your next adventure.
1. The Great Wall of China – A Must-See UNESCO Site
No China travel guide is complete without mentioning the Great Wall. As one of the world’s greatest architectural feats, it spans over 13,000 miles and offers breathtaking views. Popular sections include:
Badaling – The most accessible and tourist-friendly.
Mutianyu – Less crowded with a scenic cable car ride.
Jinshanling & Simatai – Ideal for adventure travelers seeking a rugged hike.
2. The Forbidden City – Beijing’s Imperial Palace
Located in the heart of Beijing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest palace complex in the world, housing over 9,000 rooms of ancient treasures.
Why Visit?
✔️ Explore the lavish halls of China’s emperors.
✔️ Combine with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven.
✔️ Ideal for China cultural tours and historical sites in China itineraries.
3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Avatar’s Floating Mountains
Home to the dramatic sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar’s floating mountains, Zhangjiajie is perfect for China photography tours and China hiking tours.
Top Experiences:
✔️ Walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s longest.
✔️ Take the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, one of the world’s longest cableways.
✔️ Hike to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain for surreal views.
For eco-tourism in China, this is one of the best destinations, offering untouched natural beauty.
4. The Terracotta Army – Xi’an’s Ancient Warriors
One of China’s most famous archaeological discoveries, the Terracotta Army features thousands of life-sized warriors buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
5. The Li River & Guilin – China’s Most Scenic River Cruise
China river cruises along the Li River are among the most beautiful in the world, offering postcard-worthy views of Guilin’s karst mountains.
Best Activities:
✔️ Take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
✔️ Ride a bamboo raft for an immersive experience.
✔️ Explore Reed Flute Cave with its illuminated stalactites.
This destination is ideal for China photography tours and China travel deals focused on nature.
6. Chengdu Panda Base – Meet the Giant Pandas
For wildlife lovers, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit. Perfect for family-friendly tours in China, this center offers up-close encounters with China’s beloved national animal.
What to Expect?
✔️ Watch pandas in their natural habitat.
✔️ Learn about conservation efforts.
✔️ Explore Chengdu’s spicy Sichuan cuisine for a culinary adventure.
7. The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) – A Natural Wonderland
Known for its misty peaks, twisted pine trees, and dramatic rock formations, Huangshan is one of China’s most famous mountain ranges.
Best China Tours for Huangshan:
China hiking tours for sunrise trekking.
China wellness retreats with hot spring visits.
Luxury travel China experiences with mountaintop stays.
8. West Lake – Hangzhou’s Tranquil Beauty
A symbol of classical Chinese beauty, West Lake in Hangzhou is famous for its tranquil waters, pagodas, and tea plantations.
Why Visit?
✔️ Enjoy a West Lake boat ride.
✔️ Visit Leifeng Pagoda for panoramic views.
✔️ Experience a China culinary tour with Longjing tea tasting.
9. The Potala Palace – Tibet’s Spiritual Landmark
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is an awe-inspiring Buddhist site with golden rooftops, intricate murals, and breathtaking views.
10. Dunhuang & The Silk Road – The Gateway to Ancient Trade
Dunhuang is home to the Mogao Caves, which house thousands of Buddhist statues and paintings. It’s a must-visit for history lovers exploring China UNESCO sites.
Top Experiences:
✔️ Explore the Crescent Lake oasis.
✔️ Ride camels through the singing sand dunes.
✔️ Visit the ancient Buddhist murals of the Mogao Caves.
If you’re planning a trip to China, why not get in contact with us today for a free consultation! We can discuss your possible China travel itinerary, personalised to you, or recommend some of our wonderful group tours!