China Attractions

Explore the Best Sights in China

Ready to discover China’s most iconic attractions, but unsure where to start?
Don’t worry—planning your dream China adventure is easier than you think! From awe-inspiring historical landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders, China is filled with incredible sights waiting to be explored.

  • With the help of our expert multilingual travel guides—locals who are passionate about sharing their homeland—we’ve curated a list of the must-see highlights across China. Our guides, who live and breathe their cities, will give you insider knowledge about the best places to visit, ensuring you have a truly enriching experience during your travels.

  • Want to uncover the rich history of the Great Wall or experience the mystery of the Forbidden City? Perhaps you’re eager to meet the famous pandas in Chengdu, marvel at the stunning rice terraces in Longji, or witness the wonders of the Terracotta Army in Xi’an? With so many incredible places to explore, creating your ultimate bucket list can be a fun challenge!

China is filled with iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Some of the top attractions include the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the Giant Panda Research Center in Chengdu, and the stunning Li River in Guilin. For nature lovers, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its towering sandstone pillars, is also a must-see.

The time needed at each attraction can vary. For historical sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, you’ll typically need around 3-4 hours to fully explore. If you’re visiting nature spots like the Li River or Zhangjiajie, you may want to dedicate a full day to enjoy the scenery and activities. We recommend checking the individual pages of each attraction for more detailed time suggestions based on your interests.

To avoid crowds at China’s most famous attractions, it’s best to visit early in the morning or during off-peak seasons (spring and autumn). Avoid national holidays like Chinese New Year (usually in January or February) and National Day (October 1st-7th), when tourist sites are more crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting lesser-known but equally beautiful attractions.

Yes, China’s attractions extend well beyond major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. If you’re looking for less touristy experiences, regions like Zhangjiajie, Yangshuo, and Songshan Mountain offer stunning natural landscapes and cultural sites. Many of these destinations can be easily accessed by high-speed trains or domestic flights.

Yes, we offer guided tours for many of China’s top attractions. Our local experts can provide in-depth knowledge and help you navigate sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army. Tours can be customized based on your interests and the amount of time you have available, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Must-See Attractions in China

Experience iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes

From awe-inspiring historical sites that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage to stunning landscapes that showcase nature’s wonders, these must-see attractions offer travelers a chance to experience the essence of China in all its glory. Whether you’re captivated by history, architecture, or natural beauty, China’s top sights are sure to leave you in awe.

Forbidden City

A stunning imperial palace with over 500 years of history, the Forbidden City offers a glimpse into China’s royal past and exquisite architecture.
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Great Wall

One of the world’s greatest wonders, the Great Wall stretches across the country and symbolizes China’s strength and history.
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Zhangjiajie

Famous for its unique pillar-like rock formations, Zhangjiajie inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, making it a must-see natural wonder.
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Panda Tours

Home to China’s beloved giant pandas, this research and conservation center offers an unforgettable opportunity to see these iconic creatures up close.
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Tibet Tours

A spiritual and cultural haven, Tibet is known for its stunning high-altitude landscapes, Buddhist temples, and ancient traditions.
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Li River

Renowned for its dramatic karst mountains and tranquil waters, the Li River in Guilin offers some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
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Seeking a personalized China adventure?

Choose a private or custom tour!

Travel Memories

Cherish every unforgettable moment

Every journey is worth preserving. Here, we capture the special moments and unique experiences from your travels.

Testimonials

Discover authentic reviews from our happy travelers.

Explore the experiences of our satisfied travelers. See how our expert-designed tours deliver unforgettable journeys, showcasing China’s rich culture, history, and hidden gems.

China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package
China Travel, China Customized Travel, China Travel Package

Winter Tour

We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!

Sofia

Nov 15, 2024

A Memorable Great Wall Experience!

We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
 

Alexandra

Nov 10, 2024

A Dream Family Vacation!

Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!

Oliver

Nov 2, 2024

Incredible Silk Road Adventure

We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!

Nadia

Oct 28, 2024

Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!

The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!

Liam K

Oct 17, 2024

A Magical Panda Tour!

Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.

Mariko

Oct 15, 2024

Tibet Tour

Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Samuel

Oct 10, 2024

Nature Tour of Guilin

Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.

Isabella

Oct 5, 2024
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