China is enormous and incredibly diverse. This interactive map highlights the most popular and worthwhile destinations for first-time and repeat visitors.
Whether you're planning your first trip, traveling with family, or looking for specific experiences (history, nature, modern cities, etc.), this visual guide will help you decide where to go.
Hover or tap on the pins to see details
Beijing
Iconic sights: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
Best in Spring & Autumn
Xi'an
Must see: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall
Best in Spring & Autumn
Shanghai
Modern China: The Bund, skyscrapers, food heaven, fast trains, self-driving cars
Best in Spring & Autumn
Guilin & Yangshuo
Karst mountains & Li River
Best in Spring & Autumn
Chengdu
Home of Giant Pandas & Spicy Food
Best in Spring & Autumn
Guangzhou
Cantonese food capital
Best from October to early December
Hong Kong
Modern metropolis with beautiful harbor
Best from October to December
Chongqing
Futuristic mountain city, loved by young travelers
Best in Spring & Autumn
Zhangjiajie
Avatar floating mountains
Best time is April to June and September to October
Kunming and Yunnan Province
Spring City & gateway to Yunnan
Great weather year-round, for Shangri-La and higher areas best from May to October
Tibet
High altitude & spiritual center
Best time is from May to October (warmer, more accessible roads)
Xinjiang
Dramatic landscapes & diverse cultures
Best time is June to September
Yangtze River
Three Gorges Cruise
Main Gateway Cities (International Flights)
These cities have the best international flight connections and make excellent starting or ending points for your trip:
- Beijing — Major hub with excellent connections from Europe, North America, and Asia. Ideal starting point for history and classic sights.
- Shanghai — One of Asia's busiest airports with fantastic onward connections.
- Hong Kong — Very convenient entry point with many direct flights and generous visa-free policies for many nationalities.
- Guangzhou — Strong southern gateway with good links across Asia and beyond.
- Chengdu — Increasing international flights and a convenient base for western and southwestern China.
Pro Tip: Consider an “open-jaw” ticket — fly into one city and depart from another to avoid backtracking.
How to Plan Your Route
A common and efficient approach for first-time visitors is to focus on 2 to 4 main destinations rather than trying to see too much.
Typical first-trip routes include:
- Classic Golden Triangle: Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai (10–14 days)
- History & Nature: Beijing → Xi’an → Guilin/Yangshuo (14–18 days)
- Modern + Pandas: Shanghai → Chongqing → Chengdu (or reverse)
Our advice: Choose a logical flow that follows high-speed rail routes when possible. This saves time and reduces travel fatigue. Leave enough buffer days for jet lag, rest, and enjoying each place properly.
Use the map above to explore possibilities, then check our Sample Itineraries and Best by Season pages for more ideas.
Practical Information for Your Trip to China
Most Popular Excursions
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