The classic starting point for most first trips to China and home to many of China's most famous historical sites, including the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. It is also the gateway to the Great Wall.
Kids love riding rickshaws through the old hutongs, flying kites at the Temple of Heaven and tobogganing down sections of the Great Wall. Here are Beijing's Top 10 Attractions
What are the top destinations in China? Where to go? China is BIG, and there is so much to see and experience. As one of of the world's ancient civilizations the country is packed with fascinating historical and cultural sites. From picturesque ancient villages to mighty imperial palaces, mind-blowing landscapes and the vastness of the Great Wall...
There is history, traditions and natural beauty in spades... and in total contrast, our megacities are a dazzling array of jaw-dropping skylines and futuristic infrastructure.
So where should you start? Deciding where to go on your first trip can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to see everything at once. For a first trip to China, Beijing is a must... for a look into the future, head to Shanghai... those surreal mountainscapes? Guilin and Zhangjiajie are top picks... for nature lovers, the outdoors and the myriad of national parks are calling!
Traveling with kids? Soooo much to keep the little ones busy! Pedicab rides in the ancient alleyways... bamboo rafting... toboganning down the Great Wall... biking through the countryside among magnificent scenery... lively markets... kung fu shows... and yes, there's even Disneyland!
Our advice: Focus on 3-4 destinations and enjoy them properly. Most first-time travelers choose a mix of history, scenery, and modern China.
Here are our favorite destinations, updated with recent travel experiences:
Where To Go In China - Highlight Destinations
One of China's oldest capitals and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army.
Don't miss biking on the ancient city wall, exploring the lively Muslim Quarter, and the nearby Mount Hua. A perfect contrast to modern Shanghai.
Discover Xian - Terracotta Warriors & More
Shanghai is the nation's business and financial center where old meets new in spectacular fashion. One of the world's most vibrant cities.
From stunning skyline views, to ancient and quaint watertowns, gardens and bazaars, fast trains and rooftop bars... And for the little ones, Disneyland!
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
This is the China you see on postcards - dramatic limestone peaks, beautiful Li River cruises, bamboo rafting, and countryside cycling.
Guilin and Yangshuo Guide
Known for its dramatic nighttime skyline, steep hills, spicy hotpot, drone shows and futuristic atmosphere.
Very popular with teens and young adults. Excellent high-speed rail connections.
Gateway to Yangtze River Cruises. Explore Chongqing
A relaxed, friendly city famous for its Giant Panda Research Base, one of the best places in the world to see pandas.
Also known for spicy Sichuan food and as a convenient gateway to the Leshan Buddha, Jiuzhaigou, the "Yellowstone of China", and Tibet.
Discover all of Chengdu and surroundings
Zhangjiajie National Parkis famous for its otherworldly sandstone pillars, glass bridges, and dramatic scenery that inspired the movie Avatar.
It offers excellent hiking, cable cars, and unforgettable views. A top pick for families who love nature and photography.
Guide to Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains
Hong Kong offers a perfect blend of modern metropolis, harbor views, and easy visa-free access for many nationalities.
Kids will love the iconic Star Ferry, the Peak Tram, the ancient junks, visiting the fishing villages, and who knows, maybe even get a glimpse of the Pink dolphins! Here's more on Hong Kong
This bustling city is a mix of traditional Chinese structures and ultra-modern skyscrapers with an ever-changing skyline.
Famous for Cantonese cuisine and family-friendly attractions like Chimelong Safari Park and the bubble trams atop one of China's tallest towers. Read more...
Diverse landscapes and rich ethnic cultures, Kunming (the Spring City) and Shangri-La are highlights.
From stone forests, snow-caped mountains, deep ravines and rice terraces, Yunnan has been blessed with some of the country's most spectacular
scenery. Explore Yunnan
The Yangtze River offers charming mountain scenery at the Three Gorges and the largest hydroelectric project at the Three Gorges Dam where crossing the locks was a highlight. More on Yangtze River Cruises
A trip to Tibet is not for the faint of heart...
Is it OK to travel to Tibet with children? Here are some answers about altitude sickness, strong sun, food, Tibetan dogs, and alternative family-friendly choices to experience Tibetan Culture.
Read more...
How to Choose Your Destinations
Classic Golden Triangle Itinerary (10 - 14 days)
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Not sure where to start? A typical first-trip route, the Classic Golden Triangle includes Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. This is the most popular first-trip route in China for a very good reason. It perfectly balances China's ancient past and dynamic present in one logical journey.
Start in Beijing with the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and hutong neighborhoods. Then travel by high-speed train to Xi'an to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and walk the ancient city walls. End in Shanghai, where futuristic skyscrapers and the colonial Bund give you a taste of modern China.
This route is extremely well-connected by high-speed rail, relatively easy to navigate, and offers a fantastic introduction to China's rich history, culture, and rapid development.
Here's a sample 12-day Classic Golden Triangle Itinerary for first-timers. From this strong base, you can easily add, replace, or swap cities according to your interests and available time:
Customize Your Trip According to Your Interests
Best for Scenery and Outdoors
- Guilin & Yangshuo — World-famous karst mountains and Li River
- Zhangjiajie — Incredible sandstone pillars (Avatar mountains)
- Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La) — Diverse landscapes, mountains, and ethnic villages
- Jiuzhaigou — Stunning colorful lakes and forests (especially autumn)
- Yangtze River — Three Gorges cruise
Best for Historical Interest
- Beijing — Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
- Xi'an — Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
- Nanjing — Ancient capital with rich history (optional addition)
- Luoyang or Pingyao — For deeper ancient China experiences
Best for Modern China & City Vibes
- Shanghai — Futuristic skyline, The Bund, shopping, and vibrant nightlife
- Chongqing — Mountain city with dramatic night views, loved by younger travelers
- Shenzhen — China's tech capital (great for contrast with ancient China)
- Guangzhou — Dynamic, food-focused southern metropolis
- Hong Kong — Blend of East and West, modern architecture, and harbor views
Best for Families with Kids
- Beijing — Rickshaws through the hutongs, dragon boat rides, flying kites at squares, toboganning the Great Wall, theme parks
- Chengdu — Pandas
- Guilin and Yangshuo — Biking in the countryside, bamboo rafting, hiking
- Shanghai — Disneyland and theme parks
- Hong Kong — Disneyland, Ocean Park, Riding junks, Peak Tram, and Star Ferry
Best for Food Lovers
- Chengdu — Sichuan spicy
- Guangzhou — Cantonese, Dim Sum
- Xi'an — Street Food
- Shanghai — International
- Hong Kong — International and Cantonese
Best for Culture & Minority Groups
- Yunnan
- Xinjiang
- Tibet
- Guizhou
Best for Photography
- Guilin
- Zhangjiajie
- Jiuzhaigou (autumn)
- Beijing (autumn foliage)
- Xinjiang
- Kunming (spring)
Best Value / Less Crowded
- Yunnan
- Guilin (shoulder season)
- Chengdu and Sichuan Province
Our Recommendation: Start with the Golden Triangle and then add one or two cities based on what excites your family most. Trying to see too many places in one trip often leads to exhaustion.
Here's a popular 12-Day Golden Triangle Itinerary for First-Timers.
Use our Interactive China Travel Map and Best by Season pages for more ideas and possibilities and find the right mix for you.
Practical Information for Your Trip to China
Most Popular Excursions
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