Top China Destinations & Best Places to Visit [2026]

Planning a trip to China can feel a little overwhelming at first, not because it’s difficult, but because there’s simply so much to see. China is a country where history, culture, food, and modern innovation blend so effortlessly that every city feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top China destinations worth adding to your itinerary, along with insider tips and long-tail gems such as the best China destinations for first-time travellers.

1. Beijing: Capital of Culture and Imperial History

• Recommended travel duration: 3-5 days
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-November

/Beijing is one of those cities that pulls you in the moment you arrive. If you enjoy exploring old palaces, peaceful temples, and neighbourhoods that feel full of stories, you’ll love it here. The city is rich in culture, but it’s also very easy to get around, with great food, friendly locals, and plenty of places to wander without rushing. It’s a great starting point for anyone visiting China for the first time. Beijing perfectly mixes everyday life with incredible history.

Popular Attractions in Beijing

• Forbidden City: It’s a huge imperial palace filled with grand halls, red walls, golden roofs, and centuries of history. It’s one of the best places to understand China’s royal past.
• Great Wall: Visit the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections for scenic mountain views, quieter paths, and beautifully restored watchtowers. It’s a rewarding climb and perfect for photos.
• Temple of Heaven: A beautiful round temple set inside a massive park where locals gather for tai chi, dancing, and morning exercises.

Best Experiences in Beijing

• Peking duck tasting: Try the famous crispy duck at a well-known restaurant, carved right in front of you and served with thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet sauce.
• Tea houses: Spend some quiet time in a traditional teahouse, tasting different Chinese teas and enjoying the calming atmosphere in the hutongs.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Beijing and Beijing hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

2. Shanghai: Modern Marvels & Old Charm

• Recommended travel duration: 3-4 days
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-November

Shanghai is one of those cities that feels exciting from the moment you step in. It’s modern, stylish, and full of energy, yet it still keeps pockets of old-world charm that make exploring really fun. If you enjoy city skylines, good food, trendy cafés, and easy days wandering through historic streets, Shanghai is the place to be. What I love about Shanghai is how it mixes everything together so naturally.

Popular Attractions in Shanghai

• The Bund: The Bund is a beautiful waterfront stretch with classic European buildings on one side and Shanghai’s famous skyline on the other.
• Yu Garden: Yu Garden has traditional Chinese architecture, ponds, and pavilions, surrounded by lively old streets filled with snacks and souvenir shops.
• Lujiazui Skyline (Shanghai Tower/Oriental Pearl): Head up to one of the observation decks for a fantastic view of the futuristic skyline.

Best Experiences in Shanghai

• Huangpu River Cruise: Enjoy the best views of the Bund and Lujiazui while relaxing on a night cruise. The lights are amazing.
• French Concession café-hopping: Explore leafy streets lined with boutique cafés, bakeries, and stylish shops.
• Street food tasting: Try local favourites like shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), xiaolongbao, and scallion pancakes in markets.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Shanghai and Shanghai hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

3. Xi'an: Cradle of Chinese Civilisation

• Recommended travel duration: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-November

If you’re curious about ancient history, old city walls, and stories from the Silk Road, you’ll enjoy every moment here. The city is calm, tidy, and very walkable. What stands out most is how well Xi’an preserves its heritage. Xi’an blends everyday life with thousands of years of history. It’s simple, authentic, and filled with experiences that help you understand China’s roots.

Popular Attractions in Xi’an

• Terracotta Army: A must-see! One of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, featuring thousands of life-sized clay warriors that guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb.
• Ancient City Wall: You can walk or cycle on it. It gives you great views of both the old and modern parts of Xi’an.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: It’s a peaceful Buddhist landmark with beautiful squares and fountain shows nearby.

Best Experiences in Xi’an

• Muslim Quarter food walk: Try local snacks like biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burger), and grilled skewers in a lively street filled with shops and stalls.
• Tang Dynasty performances and night strolls: Enjoy evening light shows or cultural performances around the Tang Paradise and Datang Everbright City area.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Xi'an and Xi'an hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

4. Guilin: Karst Landscapes & Li River

• Recommended travel duration: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: April-October

Guilin is one of the most beautiful places in China, especially if you love nature. The moment you arrive, you’ll notice the unique karst mountains rising all around the city. They look like something out of a painting. It’s peaceful, slow-paced, and perfect if you want a break from busy city life. What makes Guilin so special is how calm everything feels, whether you’re walking by the rivers, exploring caves, or simply enjoying the scenery from your hotel balcony.

Popular Attractions in Guilin

• Li River: Li River is a scenic and one of the most famous rivers in China, known for misty mountains and postcard-worthy views.
• Longji Rice Terraces: Terraced fields carved into the mountains, offering great views and a look into local village life.
• Reed Flute Cave: A natural limestone cave filled with impressive rock formations that are beautifully illuminated.

Best Experiences in Guilin

• Bamboo rafting on the Li River: Try this quiet and gentle rafting experience that lets you enjoy the mountains up close.
• Sunset views at Xiangshan (Elephant Trunk Hill): It’s where you can admire the city and river from above.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Guilin and Guilin hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

5. Chengdu: Pandas and Spicy Delights

• Recommended travel duration: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: March-June, September-November

Chengdu is where you instantly feel relaxed. The pace is slow, the food is amazing, and people genuinely love enjoying life. If you’re visiting China for culture and food, Chengdu should definitely be on your list. It’s most famous as the home of the giant pandas, but the city also has beautiful parks, old streets, and countless places to try authentic Sichuan dishes. Even if you’re not usually a spicy-food person, it’s fun to taste the different flavours here.

Popular Attractions in Chengdu

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: The best place to see adorable giant pandas up close. Visit in the morning when they’re most active.
• Jinli Ancient Street: A lively street filled with traditional architecture, street snacks, and handmade crafts.
• Wuhou Shrine: Wuhou Shrine is a peaceful temple complex dedicated to Zhuge Liang, offering a look into Sichuan’s history and culture.

Best Experiences in Chengdu

• Authentic Sichuan hotpot: Try the famous spicy broth, or go for a half-spicy option if you want something milder.
• Tea house culture: Spend time in a local teahouse, sip a warm cup of tea, and watch everyday life unfold around you.
• Strolling through People’s Park: Enjoy a slow walk with lakeside views, bird song, and even the chance to see locals practising calligraphy on the ground.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Chengdu and Chengdu hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

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6. Chongqing: Mountain City & Riverside Views

• Recommended travel duration: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-November

Chongqing surprises you at every turn. Built among steep hills and along the Yangtze River, it feels dramatic and lively, with winding streets, cable cars, and amazing viewpoints everywhere. Chongqing is famous for its spicy food, especially hotpot, and the combination of mountains, rivers, and city lights gives it a unique charm you won’t find anywhere else in China. You can wander through busy street markets, hop on a cable car over the river, or take a boat cruise to see the city lights reflecting on the water.

Popular Attractions in Chongqing

• Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town: A historic riverside town with narrow streets, tea houses, and traditional shops selling crafts and snacks.
• Hongya Cave: A riverside complex of buildings on stilts, packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, especially beautiful at night.
• Three Gorges Museum: Learn about the history of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam, and Chongqing’s rich cultural heritage.

Best Experiences in Chongqing

• Chongqing hotpot tasting: You can cook fresh ingredients in a bubbling, spicy broth.
• Yangtze River night cruise: See the illuminated skyline and bridges while enjoying a relaxing evening on the water.
• Riding the cable cars: Take a ride over the river or up the hills for dramatic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Chongqing and Chongqing hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

7. Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains

• Recommended travel duration: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: April-October

Zhangjiajie feels almost otherworldly. Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, it looks like a landscape straight out of a fantasy film. The scenery is dramatic, with misty peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. If you love adventure, breathtaking views, and walking among unique rock formations, Zhangjiajie is a must-visit destination in China.

Popular Attractions in Zhangjiajie

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The most famous part of the area, home to thousands of sandstone pillars rising from the mist, inspiring the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
• Tianzi Mountain: Known as the “Monarch of the Peak Forest,” it offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Best Experiences in Zhangjiajie

• Glass Skywalk at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Walk across the transparent bridge for heart-stopping views of the canyon below.
• Hiking and photography: Spend a day exploring forest paths and capturing the iconic pillar landscapes at sunrise or sunset.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Zhangjiajie and Zhangjiajie hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

8. Hangzhou: Lakeside Calm and Tea Culture

• Recommended travel duration: 1-2 days
• Best time to visit: March-May, September-November

Hangzhou instantly feels peaceful, thanks to its famous West Lake and scenic surroundings. It’s one of China’s most romantic and picturesque destinations, where traditional gardens, temples, and pagodas sit alongside calm waters. If you enjoy walking, cycling, or simply sitting by a lake with a cup of tea, Hangzhou offers a gentle escape from busy city life.

Popular Attractions in Hangzhou

• West Lake: The city’s iconic lake with islands, bridges, and scenic pathways, perfect for walking or boat rides.
• Lingyin Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple surrounded by lush hills, famous for its ancient carvings and serene atmosphere.
• Leifeng Pagoda: A historic pagoda offering great views of West Lake and the surrounding city.

Best Experiences in Hangzhou

• Tea tasting at Longjing tea plantations: Learn about China’s most famous green tea and enjoy fresh tea in a tranquil setting.
• Cycling around West Lake: Rent a bike and explore the scenic paths, bridges, and gardens at your own pace.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Hangzhou and Hangzhou hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

9. Xinjiang: Vast Landscapes & Cultural Treasures

• Recommended travel duration: 7-15 days
• Best time to visit: May-October

Xinjiang is a region of immense natural beauty and rich cultural diversity. It feels completely different from other parts of China, with wide-open deserts, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant ethnic cultures, especially of the Uyghur people. If you love adventure, scenic landscapes, and exploring unique traditions, Xinjiang is an unforgettable destination. The region is perfect for travellers who want a mix of nature, history, and local culture.

Popular Attractions in Xinjiang

• Heavenly Lake (Tianchi): A stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking, boating, and photography.
• Turpan Ancient City (Gaochang): Ruins of an important Silk Road settlement, offering a glimpse into Xinjiang’s historical trade routes.
• Kashgar Old Town: A vibrant area full of markets, traditional houses, and the famous Sunday livestock market.

Best Experiences in Xinjiang

• Exploring local bazaars: Try hand-made breads, dried fruits, and spicy lamb skewers while browsing colourful markets.
• Hiking in the Tianshan Mountains: Enjoy breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air on well-marked trails.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Xinjiang and Xinjiang hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

10. Tibet: Roof of the World

• Recommended travel duration: 4-7 days
• Best time to visit: April-October

Known as the “Roof of the World,” Tibet is full of vast landscapes, towering mountains, and deep spiritual traditions. If you love adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Tibet offers an experience unlike anywhere else in China. What makes Tibet so special is the combination of dramatic landscapes and spirituality. You can explore ancient monasteries, take in snowy peaks, and feel the serenity of high-altitude lakes. Every journey here is memorable.

Popular Attractions in Tibet

• Potala Palace (Lhasa): The historic winter palace of the Dalai Lama, an iconic symbol of Tibetan architecture and culture.
• Jokhang Temple (Lhasa): The spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, bustling with pilgrims and rich traditions.
• Namtso Lake: A high-altitude, crystal-clear lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands.

Best Experiences in Tibet

• Trekking and sightseeing in the Himalayas: Explore mountain trails with breathtaking views and fresh alpine air.
• Pilgrimage and monastery visits: Experience local spirituality by observing rituals, prayer flags, and monks at work.
• Exploring Tibetan markets: Try traditional foods like tsampa, butter tea, and yak meat dishes while interacting with locals.

Pro Tip: When planning your visit, consider booking your flights to Tibet and Tibet hotels early to snag the best deals, perfect for every budget and style.

Travel Tips: Explore China Smoothly

• Transportation within China: High-speed trains connect major cities quickly. Domestic flights are convenient for long distances. In cities, metro, buses, taxis, and bike-sharing are easy to use.
• Visa Requirements for Singaporeans: Singaporeans can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required.
• Currency and Payment Methods: The currency is Chinese yuan (RMB). Cash is accepted, but WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, even in small shops.
• Connectivity & eSIM: Local eSIM or roaming ensures smooth internet access. A VPN is recommended for apps and websites blocked in China.

Ready to Explore China?

Start planning your journey today, and discover the top destinations in China, scenic landscapes, and cultural treasures that make China a travel experience you’ll never forget. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

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FAQs About Top China Destinations

Do Singaporeans need a visa for China?

Singaporeans can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required.

What are the most popular cities for first-time visitors to China?

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin are the most popular choices for first-time travellers.

Is it easy to travel around China?

Yes. China has a reliable high-speed rail network, affordable domestic flights, and convenient city transport like metros and taxis.

Is it safe to travel to China from Singapore?

Yes. China is generally safe for travellers. Usual precautions like keeping valuables secure and following local rules are recommended.

What should I pack for a trip to China?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a universal adapter, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and any personal essentials.