Best Things to Do in China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and a true testament to ancient engineering. Stretching over 13,000 miles across diverse landscapes, it offers visitors a chance to step into history while enjoying breathtaking views. Popular sections like Badaling and Mutianyu near Beijing are easily accessible and well-preserved, offering cable car rides, stone steps, and towers with panoramic mountain scenery. For a quieter, more rugged experience, sections like Jinshanling or Simatai provide scenic hiking opportunities.

Why Visit:
It’s China’s most famous attraction, blending history, adventure, and unbeatable photo ops. A walk along the Great Wall is a bucket-list experience that connects you with the spirit of China’s rich past and epic landscapes.

Step into the heart of China's imperial legacy by visiting the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palace complex in the world. Built in the early 15th century, this massive complex served as the residence of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. Spanning over 180 acres, it features more than 900 buildings adorned with iconic red walls, golden roofs, and ornate carvings. As you walk through grand halls and serene courtyards, you'll find rare treasures, imperial artifacts, and traditional Chinese architecture at its finest. Now known as the Palace Museum, it provides a fascinating glimpse into royal life, political power, and artistic mastery.

Why Visit:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts, offering an immersive journey through China’s dynastic heritage.

Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Li River, where nature paints a masterpiece at every turn. The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo offers mesmerizing views of steep karst mountains, emerald-green waters, and quaint riverside villages. As bamboo rafts and traditional fishing boats glide by, you’ll pass scenic spots like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal. Mist-covered peaks and reflections in the calm river create a dreamlike atmosphere, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. This unforgettable voyage showcases the natural elegance that has inspired Chinese poets and artists for centuries.

Why Visit:
It’s a serene and iconic way to experience China's unmatched landscape, calming, photogenic, and rich with cultural charm.

Step into the ancient world of China’s first emperor by exploring the legendary Terracotta Army. Unearthed in 1974 near Xi’an, this vast underground army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The site features thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each uniquely crafted with distinct facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor. Spread across multiple excavation pits, the level of detail and scale is astonishing, offering a powerful glimpse into ancient Chinese beliefs, military practices, and artistic achievements. It's a moving reminder of the emperor’s ambition and the incredible craftsmanship of the time.

Why Visit:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see marvel of archaeology, showcasing China’s imperial legacy in extraordinary form.

Witness the incredible blend of tradition and innovation as you gaze upon Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Towering skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower rise above the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The futuristic architecture contrasts beautifully with the historic buildings of the Bund, creating a unique cityscape that tells Shanghai’s story of rapid growth and global influence. At night, the skyline becomes a dazzling display of lights, reflections, and movement along the Huangpu River, a favorite for photographers and urban explorers alike.

Why Visit:
Shanghai’s skyline is a symbol of modern China, offering unforgettable views, vibrant city life, and world-class observation decks.

Get up close with China’s most beloved national treasure at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Located in a lush, tranquil setting, the base is dedicated to the conservation and care of giant pandas. Visitors can observe these gentle creatures as they eat, play, and nap, while also learning about efforts to protect their dwindling population. Special nurseries offer the rare chance to see baby pandas being raised with care. The entire experience is educational, joyful, and perfect for wildlife lovers and families.

Why Visit:
It’s a rare and heartwarming encounter with endangered pandas, offering insights into conservation in a peaceful, natural environment.

Towering above the city of Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and spiritual significance. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, this majestic palace blends religious devotion with artistic splendor. Its white walls, crimson halls, and gleaming golden roofs contain sacred shrines, ancient scriptures, and centuries of Buddhist relics. Climbing the steps to the palace not only reveals stunning views of the Himalayan landscape but also immerses you in the profound cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. The serene atmosphere and historic richness make every moment inside the palace unforgettable.

Why Visit:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cultural icon, offering deep spiritual insight and awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas.

Step into a world of breathtaking natural beauty at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where nature defies gravity and imagination. Located in Hunan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 3,000 sandstone pillars that rise dramatically into the sky, some stretching more than 200 meters high. These towering spires, often shrouded in mist, inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Visitors can hike scenic trails, walk across dizzying glass skybridges, or ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, for jaw-dropping views. Every corner of this park is a visual spectacle of nature’s grandeur.

Why Visit:
It’s one of China’s most surreal landscapes, offering unforgettable adventure and panoramic beauty you won’t find anywhere else.

West Lake is a timeless gem nestled in the heart of Hangzhou, known for its tranquil waters, willow-lined walkways, and storybook scenery. Once admired by emperors and celebrated in countless poems and paintings, the lake offers a perfect mix of natural elegance and cultural heritage. Stroll along the Su Causeway, visit charming pagodas and temples, or take a leisurely boat ride across the misty surface. Spring brings blooming lotus flowers and reflections that seem to blur the line between heaven and earth, making it a photographer’s dream and a peaceful retreat for all.

Why Visit:
It’s a poetic and serene destination that beautifully blends nature, history, and traditional Chinese aesthetics.

Venture into the past by visiting China’s ancient water towns near Shanghai and Suzhou, where narrow canals and stone bridges wind through centuries-old neighborhoods. Towns like Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen, and Tongli charm visitors with their preserved architecture, tranquil waterways, and laid-back pace of life. Meander through cobbled alleys, watch locals selling handmade crafts, and enjoy delicacies like sticky rice dumplings or smoked tofu. A boat ride offers a slow, scenic perspective of daily life unfolding along the water’s edge, capturing the essence of traditional southern Chinese living.

Why Visit:
It’s a cultural escape into old-world China, offering authenticity, peaceful scenery, and heritage-rich exploration.