China Destinations: Cities & Places to Visit
The Great Wall stretching over distant hills. Pandas playing in Chengdu. Mountains rising above the Li River. Some places stay in your imagination long before you arrive.
Explore our China destinations and discover some of the best places to visit in China, whether you're dreaming of ancient history, unforgettable scenery, wonderful food, or a little of everything.
Explore Featured China Destinations
Wondering where to go in China first? These six destinations offer a wonderful introduction, with something different to discover in every place.
Beijing
Imperial history · The Great Wall · Hutong life
Walk through the grand courtyards of the Forbidden City, then look out across the mountains from the Great Wall. Beijing is one of the best places to visit in China for its extraordinary history, but don't miss the smaller pleasures: wandering old hutongs, exploring the Summer Palace, and sharing a Peking duck dinner.
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors · Ancient walls · Local flavours
Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, walk along the old city walls, and follow the traces of the Silk Road. Xi'an brings China's past remarkably close, while its lively streets and Shaanxi food make the present just as enjoyable.
Shanghai
The Bund · Skyline views · Old and new
Few cities in China blend such different worlds so effortlessly. Admire the sparkling towers across the Huangpu River, explore the traditional beauty of Yu Garden, then lose yourself in tree-lined streets, neighbourhood cafés, and the energy of a city that never seems to stand still.
Chengdu
Giant pandas · Sichuan food · Tea-house afternoons
Watching a giant panda enjoy its bamboo may be the highlight you remember most. But Chengdu has another gift: the invitation to slow down. Sip tea in a local park, discover bold Sichuan flavours, and enjoy an afternoon without rushing from one sight to the next.
Zhangjiajie
Sandstone peaks · Misty valleys · Mountain adventures
Thousands of towering stone pillars rise from forested valleys, sometimes disappearing into the clouds. Zhangjiajie is one of the most beautiful places in China for dramatic mountain scenery. From the viewpoints of its national forest park to Tianmen Mountain, the views are worth taking your time over.
Yunnan
Mountain towns · Peaceful lakes · Diverse cultures
Yunnan feels like several journeys in one. Spend a morning beside a highland lake, explore the lanes of an old town, and discover landscapes and local traditions that change as you travel. From Dali to Shangri-La and the tropical south, there's always another side to uncover.
Discover More Cities in China
Beyond the classic first stops, you'll find everything from dazzling mountain-city evenings to quiet waterways and elegant gardens. These are places to linger, explore, and enjoy at your own pace.
Chongqing
Hillside streets · Night views · Hot pot
In Chongqing, trains weave past tall buildings, bridges cross broad rivers, and the city glows after dark. Ride the Yangtze River Cableway, admire Hongyadong's evening lights, and discover why this is one of the most distinctive cities in China.
Explore Chongqing
Guilin & Yangshuo
Li River · Karst mountains · Countryside escapes
Cruise past emerald hills reflected in the Li River, then slow down among Yangshuo's fields and villages. Guilin and Yangshuo are among the most beautiful places in China for travellers who'd rather spend an afternoon admiring a view than watching the clock.
Explore Guilin & Yangshuo
Suzhou
Classical gardens · Stone bridges · Canal lanes
In Suzhou, every turn of a garden path reveals another carefully framed view. Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, then wander beside Pingjiang Road's old canals. It's a quieter, more intimate way to experience Chinese architecture and tradition.
Explore Suzhou
Hangzhou
West Lake · Tea hills · Gentle scenery
Take a boat across West Lake, stroll beneath the trees, or explore the Longjing tea-growing hills. Hangzhou is made for unhurried days, when the beauty of a place is as much about the atmosphere as the sights.
Explore Hangzhou
Wuzhen
Water-town canals · Historic houses · Evening lights
Wondering where to go in China for a traditional water-town experience? In Wuzhen, wooden houses line narrow canals and lantern-lit reflections transform the evening. Cross old stone bridges, explore the historic lanes, and let the town set the pace.
Explore WuzhenDiscover Yunnan, One Place at a Time
Some of the most beautiful places in China are found across Yunnan's changing landscapes. Choose the atmosphere that speaks to you, from lakeside towns and snow-capped mountains to tropical markets.
Kunming
Stone Forest · Dianchi Lake · Local flavours
Begin with Kunming's relaxed city life, then head out to the extraordinary limestone formations of the Stone Forest. With lakeside views, local markets, and easy connections across Yunnan, it's a welcoming place to start exploring.
Explore Kunming
Dali
Erhai Lake · Cangshan Mountains · Bai culture
Wake to mountain views across Erhai Lake, wander the lanes of Dali Old Town, and explore the traditional streets of Xizhou. Dali is a place to leave room in your plans for a beautiful morning that lasts a little longer.
Explore Dali
Lijiang
Old Town · Naxi heritage · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Follow cobbled lanes and flowing waterways through Lijiang Old Town, then look towards the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here, the charm of historic streets meets the drama of Yunnan's highland scenery.
Explore Lijiang
Shangri-La
Highland scenery · Tibetan culture · Songzanlin Monastery
Discover wide-open mountain landscapes and the impressive architecture of Songzanlin Monastery. Explore Dukezong Ancient Town and enjoy the calm of the highlands, allowing time to adjust to the region's altitude.
Explore Shangri-La
Xishuangbanna
Tropical greenery · Dai traditions · Night markets
Experience a warmer, greener side of Yunnan. Explore tropical plants and Dai cultural traditions by day, then follow the lights and tempting aromas of the lively Starlight Night Market after sunset.
Explore XishuangbannaSpecial Experiences Beyond the Cities
Some of the best places to visit in China offer more than famous landmarks. Cruise between towering cliffs, or meet one of the country's most beloved animals.
Yangtze River & Three Gorges
River cruising · Dramatic cliffs · Changing views
Watch steep mountains rise on either side as your cruise passes through the Three Gorges. A journey along the Yangtze offers time to enjoy the scenery, with opportunities for cultural stops depending on the route you choose.
Explore the Yangtze River & Three Gorges
Where to See Pandas in China
Giant pandas · Sichuan · Family-friendly discovery
Few moments are quite like seeing a giant panda in person. Around Chengdu and elsewhere in Sichuan, visitor-accessible conservation and breeding centres offer opportunities to observe these much-loved animals and learn about their protection.
Discover Where to See Pandas in ChinaStart Planning Your China Journey
Still deciding where to go in China? You don't need a complete itinerary to begin. Save the China destinations that spark your interest, whether it's the Great Wall, a mountain lake, a panda visit, or a peaceful old town.
Tell WOW CHINA who you're travelling with and what you'd love to experience. We can help you explore how your favourite places fit together and discuss guides, transport, accommodation, and other local arrangements at a pace that suits you.