China Travel-Top 20 Must-Visit Chinese Cities in 2024

Top 1. Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis known for its stunning skyline, vibrant culture, and historical sites. The Bund offers a beautiful view of the Huangpu River and colonial architecture, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll. Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden, provides a tranquil escape with its intricate rockeries, pavilions, and koi ponds. Nanjing Road is a shopper’s paradise, featuring a wide array of international brands and local boutiques. Don’t miss the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, offering panoramic views of the city. The French Concession area is also worth exploring for its tree-lined streets, cafes, and unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture.

Top 2. Chongqing

Chongqing is famous for its spicy hot pot, hilly terrain, and dramatic scenery. The city is a gateway to the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges, offering picturesque river cruises. The unique Hongya Cave, a stilt house complex, provides a glimpse into traditional architecture and offers various dining and shopping options. The Jiefangbei shopping district is bustling with modern malls and local street vendors. Ciqikou Ancient Town, with its narrow streets and preserved buildings, offers a step back in time. For nature lovers, Wulong Karst National Geology Park features stunning limestone formations and natural bridges.

Top 3. Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is renowned for its breathtaking sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a must-visit, with its towering quartz-sandstone peaks and lush forests. The world’s longest and highest glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon offers thrilling views for the adventurous. Tianmen Mountain is famous for its “Heaven’s Gate,” a natural arch formed in the mountain, and the cliff-hanging walkway with glass floors. The Baofeng Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, provides a serene boat ride experience.

Top 4. Shenzhen

Shenzhen, a modern city bordering Hong Kong, is known for its rapid development and impressive skyscrapers. Explore the Window of the World theme park, which features miniature replicas of famous global landmarks. The OCT Loft Creative Culture Park is a hub for art galleries, trendy cafes, and cultural events. Huaqiangbei, a famous electronics market, is a haven for tech enthusiasts. Visit the Dafen Oil Painting Village to see local artists at work and purchase beautiful artworks. The Lianhuashan Park offers a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the city from the top.

Top 5. Dalian

Dalian is a coastal city with beautiful beaches, Russian architecture, and the scenic Binhai Road. Xinghai Square, the largest square in Asia, hosts various cultural events and festivals. Zhongshan Square, with its historical buildings, is a great place to experience the city’s colonial past. The Dalian Discoveryland Theme Park offers fun for families with its thrilling rides and shows. Golden Pebble Beach is famous for its unique rock formations and clear waters. The Dalian Forest Zoo provides a natural habitat for a variety of animals and a chance to see pandas.

Top 6. Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, offers a rich culinary scene with Cantonese cuisine, the iconic Canton Tower, and the historic Shamian Island. The Canton Tower provides stunning views of the city, especially at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall showcases exquisite traditional architecture and folk art. Shamian Island, with its colonial-era buildings, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The Baiyun Mountain provides hiking trails and beautiful views of Guangzhou. Don’t miss the vibrant Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street for shopping and local snacks.

Top 7. Beijing

Beijing, China’s capital, is steeped in history with iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. The Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design. The Summer Palace, with its beautiful gardens and lakes, was a royal retreat during the Qing Dynasty. Experience the local culture in the traditional hutongs, narrow alleys lined with courtyard houses. The National Museum of China offers extensive exhibits on Chinese history and culture. Don’t forget to visit the Olympic Park and see the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Top 8. Harbin

Harbin is famous for its Ice and Snow Festival, featuring intricate ice sculptures and winter activities. The city has a Russian influence seen in the architecture, such as the beautiful Saint Sophia Cathedral. Central Street, a pedestrian zone, is lined with European-style buildings and offers a variety of shops and cafes. The Sun Island Scenic Area is a popular spot for ice and snow activities during the winter. In the summer, it becomes a lush park with beautiful gardens. The Harbin Polarland is an exciting place to see polar animals and marine shows.

Top 9. Wuhan

Wuhan, a city on the Yangtze River, features the Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, and a vibrant street food culture. The Yellow Crane Tower, a historic structure, offers panoramic views of the city and the river. East Lake is the largest urban lake in China, providing opportunities for boating, cycling, and relaxing in nature. The Hubei Provincial Museum showcases ancient artifacts, including the famous chime bells. Walk along the Yangtze River Bridge for beautiful views and a sense of the city’s scale. Don’t miss Hubu Alley, famous for its local snacks and street food.

Top 10. Xiamen

Xiamen, a coastal city, is known for its picturesque Gulangyu Island with colonial architecture and peaceful beaches. The island is car-free, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Nanputuo Temple, a Buddhist temple complex, offers beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Hulishan Fortress, built in the late 19th century, houses a large collection of cannons and provides stunning coastal views. The Xiamen University campus is also worth visiting for its beautiful scenery and historical buildings. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant Zhongshan Road for shopping and local delicacies.

Top 11. Suzhou

Suzhou is celebrated for its classical gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also known for its historic canals, reminiscent of Venice, earning it the nickname “Venice of the East.” The ancient Pingjiang Road is lined with traditional buildings, teahouses, and shops, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Suzhou is famous for its silk industry, and the Suzhou Silk Museum provides insight into this ancient craft. The Panmen Gate, part of the ancient city wall, offers historical and architectural significance.

Top 12. Qingdao

Qingdao, a coastal city, is famous for its Tsingtao Brewery and the Qingdao Beer Museum, where you can learn about beer production and sample fresh brews. The city’s beautiful beaches, such as Golden Sand Beach and Silver Sand Beach, are perfect for relaxation and water activities. The German colonial architecture in Badaguan Scenic Area adds a European charm to the city. May Fourth Square is a lively waterfront area with modern sculptures and beautiful sea views. The Laoshan Mountain, known for its Taoist temples and scenic hiking trails, is a must-visit.

Top 13. Lijiang

Lijiang is a charming old town with cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Black Dragon Pool Park offers stunning views and a picturesque setting with its clear waters and ancient structures. Mu’s Residence, once the home of the local ruler, is a grand complex of buildings and gardens. Explore the surrounding Naxi villages to experience local customs and crafts. Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter alternative to Lijiang Old Town, offers well-preserved architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Top 14. Nanjing

Nanjing, a city with a rich history, offers attractions like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, located on the Purple Mountain, which is a tribute to the founder of modern China. The Confucius Temple area is a vibrant district with traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall is a somber reminder of the city’s history during World War II. Stroll along the Qinhuai River and enjoy the lantern-lit boats and riverside shops. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the final resting place of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty.

Top 15. Dali

Dali, located near Erhai Lake, is known for its ancient city walls, the Three Pagodas, and the vibrant Bai culture. The old town of Dali is well-preserved with traditional Bai architecture and cobblestone streets. The Three Pagodas, part of the Chongsheng Temple complex, are iconic structures dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Erhai Lake offers stunning scenery and opportunities for boating and cycling along its shores. The Cangshan Mountain provides beautiful hiking trails with panoramic views of Dali and the surrounding area. The local Bai markets are a great place to experience traditional crafts and cuisine.

Top 16. Chengdu

Chengdu, the home of the giant panda, boasts delicious Sichuan cuisine and cultural attractions. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these adorable animals up close. The Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous statesman Zhuge Liang, offers beautiful gardens and historical insights. Jinli Ancient Street is a bustling area with traditional architecture, shops, and street food. The Leshan Giant Buddha, a short trip from Chengdu, is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. The Sichuan Opera, known for its face-changing performances, is a must-see cultural experience.

Top 17. Tianjin

Tianjin, a port city, features European-style architecture in the Five Great Avenues, showcasing buildings from various European countries. The ancient culture street, also known as Guwenhua Jie, is a lively area with traditional shops, temples, and teahouses. The Tianjin Eye, a giant Ferris wheel, offers panoramic views of the city and the Haihe River. Explore the Italian Style Town for its charming streets and Italian restaurants. The Porcelain House, a museum made entirely of ceramic pieces, is a unique attraction showcasing Chinese porcelain art.

Top 18. Changsha

Changsha is noted for its historic sites like Yuelu Academy, one of the oldest academies in China, and Orange Isle, a scenic area in the middle of the Xiang River with a giant statue of Mao Zedong’s head. The city has a lively food scene with spicy Hunan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and heat. The Hunan Provincial Museum houses the well-preserved Mawangdui Han tombs and numerous historical artifacts. Enjoy the views from the Yuelu Mountain, which also features historical temples and pavilions. The Juzizhou Island offers beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.

Top 19. Xi’an

Xi’an, an ancient capital, is famous for the Terracotta Army, thousands of life-sized sculptures of soldiers and horses buried with the first Emperor of China. The ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved in China, offers a great way to see the city by bike or on foot. The Muslim Quarter is a vibrant area with a variety of street food and shops. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty, is a significant historical site. The Shaanxi History Museum provides extensive exhibits on the region’s history, from prehistoric times to the present.

Top 20. Hangzhou

Hangzhou is renowned for its scenic West Lake, which is surrounded by historic temples, pagodas, and beautiful gardens. A boat ride on West Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in China, is a serene place to explore. The Longjing tea plantations produce the famous Dragon Well tea, and a visit to the tea fields provides insight into traditional tea culture. The Hefang Street is a historic pedestrian street known for its traditional shops, crafts, and local snacks. The Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient waterway system.