A huge and varied country, China is an eclectic blend of old and new. No matter what you’re looking for — historical sites, natural wonders, big cities — you’ll find it in China.
Here are 15 of the most visited cities in China and what sets them apart.
The 15 Most Popular Cities
1. Beijing – The Heart of China
Beijing, the capital of China, is ground zero for the country’s most iconic historic sites. Its centuries-old architecture, rich culture, and burgeoning innovation make it a city that effortless marries past and present.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
The Great Wall - A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history and hiking enthusiasts.
The Forbidden City - It’s a huge imperial palace of traditional Chinese architecture with a rich history.
Temple of Heaven - A historic compound in a quiet park where early emperors prayed for bountiful harvests.
Best Travel Time:
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
2. Shanghai – The Modern Marvel
Shanghai is the biggest city in China and famous for its sprawling skyscrapers, energetic waterfront, and contemporary arts.
It’s an international financial center where centuries-old Chinese traditions mesh with Western modernization.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
The Bund - A harbor filled with historic colonial buildings and an amazing vantage point to see the Shanghai skyline.
Oriental Pearl Tower - An iconic TV and observation tower with sweeping views of the city and surrounding area.
Yu Garden - Named after the collection of letters written in the 18th century, this garden showcases several pavilions, lakes, and rockeries.
Best Travel Time:
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather.
3. Xi’an – The Ancient Capital
An ancient capital of China and a former capital of numerous Chinese dynasties, Xi’an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and is the eastern end of the Silk Road.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Terracotta Warriors and Horses - Terracotta army buried with China’s first emperor.
Ancient City Wall - A well-preserved wall that you can cycle on, with views of the sprawling city.
Muslim Quarter - It is a busy outdoor market lined with food stalls selling local delicacies, such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
Best Travel Time:
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for mild weather.
4. Chengdu – The Panda Capital
Chengdu is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, abundant culture, and for being the official home to only panda bears in China.
The city has one of the most celebrated culinary scenes in the country, focused on the tongue-numbing Sichuan cuisine.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - The pandas here are the main reason to come.
Jinli Ancient Street - This is a typical touristy street of historic buildings, food stands, and that touristy stuff.
Wuhou Shrine - A temple honoring the Three Kingdoms-era general and strategist, Zhuge Liang.
Best Travel Time:
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal.
5. Guangzhou – The Trade and Food Hub
Guangzhou is a port city and commercial hub in the northwest of Hong Kong. With a distinct Cantonese culture, as well as cuisine and architecture, this is where history meets modernity.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Canton Tower - It’s one of the tallest buildings in the world and the view of the city is amazing.
Shamian Island - A quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets and colonial-style architecture.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall - A beautiful representation of traditional Lingnan culture and architecture.
Best Travel Time:
Oct-Dec for mild weather and fewer typhoons.
6. Shenzhen – The Tech and Innovation Hub
Shenzhen is a boomtown of factories and high-tech firms. Known as China’s Silicon Valley, it’s an awesome place to visit if you’re an entrepreneur or tech enthusiast.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Window of the World - Miniature versions of the world in a theme park.
OCT Loft Creative Culture Park - This is the art district, where you’ll find galleries, bars, and live arts performances.
Dameisha Beach - This is a famed beach on the teardrop’s coast, perfect for sun and swimming.
Best Travel Time:
Between October and December for cooler weather and outdoor activities.
7. Hangzhou – The City of Beauty and Tranquility
Home to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hangzhou is known for its lush landscape. It’s a quiet break with beautiful scenery and historical between buildings.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
West Lake - A beautiful lake encircled by temples, parks, and pagodas.
Lingyin Temple - Located in China, this is one the biggest and wealthiest Buddhist temples there.
Longjing Tea Fields - Visit the rolling tea plantations and discover how the renowned green tea makes its way to market.
Best Travel Time:
Spring and fall for mild temperatures and colorful scenery.
8. Lijiang – The Ancient Town in the Mountains
Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town known for its old town, traditional Naxi culture, and impressive natural surroundings (like the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain).
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Lijiang Old Town - A wonderfully intact ancient city with narrow streets and stunning buildings.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Boasting alpine meadows and glaciers amongst its peaks, it’s a truly stunning mountain range.
Black Dragon Pool - An idyllic park boasting a pond, ancient structures, and a backdrop of a snow-covered peak.
Best Travel Time:
April to October for ideal trekking and sightseeing conditions.
9. Hong Kong – A Fusion of Cultures
Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Hong Kong blends British colonial history with Chinese traditions. It's a vibrant, multicultural city known for shopping, dining, and striking skylines.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Victoria Peak - Whether it be by day or by night, with its sweeping views of the city and harbor, you can’t miss it.
Tian Tan Buddha - Huge statue on Lantau Island where visitors can find a bit of inner peace.
Hong Kong Disneyland - This theme park mixes Western and Chinese culture and is great fun for the whole family.
Best Travel Time:
October to December for comfortable, cooler weather.
10. Guilin – Scenic Beauty in the Karst Mountains
Guilin is famous for its incredible karst topography, scenic rivers, and impressive stone formations. One of the most picturesque places in all of China, it’s a favorite of nature enthusiasts.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Li River Cruise - A cruise down the Li River amid beautiful limestone peaks and calm water.
Reed Flute Cave - A stunning cave with vividly colorful stalactites and stalagmites.
Elephant Trunk Hill - A well-known landmark that looks like an elephant sipping water from the Li River.
Best Travel Time:
Anytime from April to October for hiking and fabulous views.
11. Qingdao – A Coastal Gem
Known for its German history and beer, Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong Province, makes for a great first stop in mainland China.
The old city is filled with charm and character, and the beaches are nice to visit in the summer.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Zhanqiao Pier - Iconic landmark pier overlooking the ocean and the city.
Badaguan Scenic Area - Famous for its colonial buildings and abundant gardens.
Mount Laoshan - A holy mountain that is also home to a pair of beautiful Taoist temples.
Best Travel Time:
May to October for sunny, beach-friendly weather.
12. Harbin – A Winter Wonderland
Harbin is best known for its spectacular winter festivals, especially the famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. The city has a unique Russian influence, making it a cultural blend of Eastern and Western traditions.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Harbin Ice Festival - A world-class festival with huge ice sculptures and vibrant lights.
St. Sophia Cathedral - A beautiful Russian Orthodox church.
Sun Island - A place to visit snow sculptures during the festival months, as well as for winter activities.
Best Travel Time:
December to February for winter festivals and snow-covered landscapes.
13. Lhasa – The Spiritual Heart of Tibet
Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and an incredibly spiritual place.
With its traditional Tibetan Buddhist traditions and gorgeous Himalayan views, this is the city to visit if you are looking for peace, culture, and incredible vistas.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Potala Palace - A UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the winter home of the Dalai Lama.
Jokhang Temple - The most sacred spot for Tibetan Buddhism, home to old treasures, traditions, and ceremonies.
Barkhor Street - A lively street near the Jokhang Temple with pilgrims and locals.
Best Travel Time:
May to October for the most favorable weather and clear views.
14. Zhangjiajie – The Avatar Mountains
Zhangjiajie is famous for its surreal sandstone peaks, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
The city is surrounded by the spectacular Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Home to the world’s longest glass bridge, and some dramatic rock formations.
Tianmen Mountain - Has a natural bridge called “Heaven’s Gate” as well as a cable car.
Baofeng Lake - A quiet lake ringed by mountains and forests that’s popular for scenic boat cruises.
Best Travel Time:
April to October for hiking and outdoor exploration.
15. Chongqing - The Mountain City
Reasons for Recommendation:
Known for spicy food and awe-inspiring landscapes with mountains.
A hilly city with cliffs as well as some unique views.
It’s a city with a very active nightlife and street food scene.
Scenic Spot Recommendations:
Yangtze River Cableway - This ride is an amazing funicular with great views of the city.
Hongya Cave - A traditional-style project that has shops, food, and nice views looking over the river.
Ciqikou Ancient Town - An old town that’s been saved to show what life in Chongqing used to be like.
Best Time to Visit:
March to May and September to November when temperatures are moderate, and you’ll enjoy clear skies.
China City Travel Suggestions
1. Plan Your Transportation Wisely
With over 90,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, domestic flights, and extensive metro systems in major cities, transportation in China is vast.
Pre-booking your train tickets will allow you to skip the lines, and metro apps will help you navigate cities in English, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
2. Pack According to the Weather
Weather in China is diverse depending on the specific area of the country. If you are visiting one of the northern cities like Harbin in winter, you’ll need to bring heavy winter gear.
Southern cities like Guangzhou may not require much, if any, winter clothing. Check the anticipated weather before you pack.
3. Travel Off-Peak
If you want to avoid crowds, you’ll want to visit China in the off-peak seasons, which for most cities is late autumn to early spring (October to April).
Big holidays like Chinese New Year (which usually falls in January or February) can result in overcrowding (and higher prices) so be prepared.
4. Use Local Apps for Convenience
You can get WeChat (to stay in touch and pay for stuff), Baidu Maps (for directions), and Didi (for taxis).
These are some of the best apps for getting around, paying for things, and meeting locals.
5. Respect Local Customs and Etiquette
Each city in China has its unique customs and traditions.
For instance, in cities like Xi’an, respecting local culture around religious sites is important, while in more modern cities like Shanghai, business etiquette may be more formal.
Always be mindful of local customs to avoid misunderstandings.
FAQ
1. What visas do I need for China?
Yes, most people require a visa to visit China. You’ll need to get a tourist visa (L Visa) from the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country. Don’t wait until the last minute to do so — processing can take several weeks.
2. What are Chinese dishes I should order to stay classic?
There’s so much variety in Chinese cooking and each region has its own specialty offerings. Be sure to try Peking Duck in Beijing, Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in Shanghai, Mapo Tofu in Chengdu, and Hot Pot in Chongqing.
3. Can I bring my phone to China?
You can get cell service in China but many Western apps are blocked (Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc). You’ll need a VPN to use those. The local Wechat, Baidu Maps, and Alipay are essential.
Conclusion
From the epic cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the ancient villages of Lijiang and the winding mountains of Zhangjiajie, China’s cities are as varied as the country itself.
No matter if you’re a history buff, a nature-lover, or a tech geek, there’s a city in China for you.
By following this list of the 15 most visited Chinese cities, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable experience of culture, nature, and excitement.