Where to Go

Essential Destinations

China is the size of a continent. Click any destination to see what to visit, what to eat, and how to get there.

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Click Any Destination for Full Details

Major Cities & Regions

Sample Itineraries

How Long Do You Have?

10 Days · First Timer

  • Beijing (3 days) — Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs
  • Xi'an (2 days) — Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter
  • Shanghai (3 days) — The Bund, French Concession, Suzhou day trip
  • Fly into Beijing, fly out of Shanghai

12 Days · History Deep Dive

  • Beijing (2 days) — Forbidden City, hutongs
  • Henan (3 days) — Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, Kaifeng night market
  • Xi'an (2 days) — Terracotta Army, city walls
  • Chengdu (3 days) — pandas, Sichuan hotpot, Leshan Buddha

3 Weeks · Deep Cut

  • Beijing (3 days) + Henan (3 days: Luoyang, Shaolin, Kaifeng)
  • Xi'an (2 days)
  • Yunnan: Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La (5 days)
  • Guilin & Yangshuo (3 days)
  • Shanghai (2 days) — fly out

Destination FAQ

Choosing Where to Go in China

What are the best places to visit in China for a first trip?

Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an are the easiest classic route. Chengdu adds pandas and Sichuan food, while Guilin and Yunnan are better for landscapes.

Should I choose Beijing or Shanghai?

Choose Beijing for imperial history, the Great Wall and traditional sights. Choose Shanghai for skyline views, easier logistics, shopping and a softer landing for first-time visitors.

Where should food lovers go in China?

Chengdu is the strongest single choice for food lovers because of Sichuan hotpot, mapo tofu and street snacks. Xi'an, Shanghai and Guangzhou are also excellent food stops.

Can you visit several Chinese cities by train?

Yes. China's high-speed rail network makes city-to-city travel straightforward. See the China transport guide for common route times and booking tips.