Planning a trip to China but not sure where to go? You’re not alone. With thousands of years of history, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and cities that span from ultra-modern to timelessly ancient, choosing your destinations can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Great Wall, cruising past karst mountains that look like something from a fantasy movie, or sampling street food that’ll change your life, this guide will help you decide which China travel places deserve a spot on your itinerary.
We’ll compare eight of the best places to travel in China — Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, and Guangxi — across five key factors: natural beauty, cultural attractions, weather, cost, and ease of travel.
Let’s find your perfect China adventure.
Best Places to Travel in China for Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventures
The Rankings:
- Zhangjiajie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Guangxi (Guilin & Yangshuo) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Yunnan ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chengdu ⭐⭐⭐
- Chongqing ⭐⭐
- Xi’an ⭐⭐
- Beijing ⭐⭐
- Shanghai ⭐
Why Nature Lovers Choose These China Travel Places:
Zhangjiajie is home to the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar. Hiking through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park feels like stepping onto another planet — misty peaks, glass skywalks, and the world’s longest and highest glass bridge make this one of the best places to travel in China for adventure seekers.
Guangxi Province (particularly Guilin and Yangshuo) offers China’s most iconic scenery: emerald rivers winding through dramatic karst mountains. Picture bamboo rafting down the Li River with limestone peaks rising from the mist — it’s the landscape you’ve seen on Chinese scroll paintings come to life.
Yunnan Province is incredibly diverse, featuring snow-capped mountains, ancient rice terraces, pristine alpine lakes, and charming old towns like Lijiang and Dali. Among China travel places, Yunnan stands out for travelers who want variety in their natural experiences.
Meanwhile, Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai are primarily urban experiences, though Beijing does offer access to the Great Wall and imperial gardens.
Best Places to Travel in China for History & Culture
The Rankings:
- Xi’an ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Beijing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chengdu ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shanghai ⭐⭐⭐
- Yunnan ⭐⭐⭐
- Guangxi ⭐⭐
- Chongqing ⭐⭐
- Zhangjiajie ⭐
Where History Comes Alive:
Xi’an was China’s capital for over 1,000 years and served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. The star attraction? The Terracotta Warriors — one of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries, featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor. Walk the ancient city walls, explore the Muslim Quarter, and feel the weight of 3,000 years of history. For history enthusiasts, Xi’an ranks among the best places to travel in China.
Beijing, China’s current capital, is where you’ll find the Forbidden City (the world’s largest palace complex), the Temple of Heaven, and of course, the Great Wall of China. If you want to understand modern and imperial China, Beijing is an essential addition to your list of China travel places.
Chengdu offers a different flavor: laid-back Sichuan culture, traditional teahouses, and the adorable Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. It’s where ancient meets easygoing.
Shanghai tells the story of China’s rapid modernization — colonial architecture in the French Concession, Art Deco buildings on the Bund, and futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong.
Best Weather & When to Visit These China Travel Places
The Rankings (by year-round comfort):
- Yunnan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chengdu ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Shanghai ⭐⭐⭐
- Guangxi ⭐⭐⭐
- Beijing ⭐⭐
- Xi’an ⭐⭐
- Chongqing ⭐⭐
- Zhangjiajie ⭐⭐
What to Expect When Visiting the Best Places to Travel in China:
Yunnan is nicknamed “the Land of Eternal Spring” for good reason — mild, pleasant weather year-round makes it ideal for visiting anytime. Pack layers, as temperatures vary by elevation.
Chengdu is comfortable most of the year but expect rain in summer months.
Beijing and Xi’an have four distinct seasons: frigid winters (bring a heavy coat), hot summers (hydrate!), and absolutely gorgeous spring and fall. Best time to visit: April-May and September-October.
Shanghai has milder winters than northern cities but can be hot and humid in summer.
Chongqing and Zhangjiajie are notoriously humid and foggy — the mist creates magical landscapes but can feel sticky. The fog is actually part of the charm in Zhangjiajie’s floating peaks.
Most Budget-Friendly China Travel Places
The Rankings (cheapest to most expensive):
- Guangxi 💵
- Yunnan 💵
- Zhangjiajie 💵💵
- Xi’an 💵💵
- Chengdu 💵💵
- Chongqing 💵💵
- Beijing 💵💵💵
- Shanghai 💵💵💵💵
Travel Budgets That Work:
Guangxi and Yunnan offer incredible bang for your buck — affordable guesthouses, delicious street food for just a few dollars, and many natural attractions are free or low-cost. These are excellent best places to travel in China if you’re watching your budget.
Xi’an is surprisingly wallet-friendly for a major historical city. You can eat like royalty on a modest budget.
Shanghai and Beijing are China’s most expensive cities, with hotel and restaurant prices comparable to major U.S. cities — though even here, you can find budget options if you know where to look.
Pro tip: Accommodation and food in China are generally much cheaper than in the U.S., but entrance fees to major tourist sites can add up (Terracotta Warriors: ~$20, Forbidden City: ~$10, Zhangjiajie: ~$35).
Easiest China Travel Places to Navigate
The Rankings(by transportation & convenience):
- Shanghai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Beijing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chengdu ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Xi’an ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chongqing ⭐⭐⭐
- Guangxi ⭐⭐⭐
- Yunnan ⭐⭐
- Zhangjiajie ⭐⭐
Getting Around:
Shanghai and Beijing have world-class metro systems (with English signage), extensive high-speed rail connections, and major international airports. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi work seamlessly.
Chengdu and Xi’an also have excellent public transportation and are well-connected to other cities via high-speed rail.
Zhangjiajie and rural parts of Yunnan are more remote and require patience — longer travel times, fewer English speakers, and sometimes bumpy roads. But that’s part of the adventure, and the payoff is worth it.
Helpful tip: Download translation apps (Google Translate or Pleco) and offline maps before you go. WeChat and Alipay are essential for payments in China.
Quick Match: Which China Travel Places Are Right for You?
You Are… | Visit Here | Why |
A first-time visitor | Beijing or Shanghai | Easy logistics, iconic sights, best introduction to China |
A history buff | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, ancient Silk Road history, city walls |
A nature lover | Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, or Guangxi | Stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, unique landscapes |
A foodie | Chengdu or Xi’an | World-famous cuisine: Sichuan spice or Xi’an street food |
Traveling on a budget | Yunnan or Guangxi | Low costs, high value, authentic experiences |
Traveling with family/kids | Chengdu or Beijing | Safe, fun, panda encounters, Great Wall adventures |
Seeking off-the-beaten-path | Yunnan or Guangxi | Fewer tourists, ethnic minority cultures, authentic villages |
Sample Itineraries: Combining the Best Places to Travel in China
Classic First-Timer (10-12 days)
- Beijing (3-4 days): Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
- Xi’an (2-3 days): Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter
- Shanghai (2-3 days): The Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong skyline
Nature & Culture Combo (12-14 days)
This itinerary combines some of the best places to travel in China for both cultural immersion and natural beauty:
- Beijing (3 days)
- Xi’an (2 days)
- Zhangjiajie (3 days): Avatar mountains, glass bridge
- Guangxi/Guilin (3-4 days): Li River cruise, Yangshuo countryside
Adventure Seeker (14+ days)
For those wanting to explore diverse China travel places:
- Shanghai (2 days)
- Yunnan Province (5-6 days): Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
- Chengdu (2-3 days): Pandas, spicy hotpot, tea culture
- Zhangjiajie (3 days)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Places to Travel in China
Q:How many days do I need to see the best places to travel in China?
A:Minimum 7-10 days to see highlights; 2-3 weeks for a more comprehensive trip covering multiple China travel places.
Q:Which are the must-see China travel places for first-time visitors?
A: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai form the classic triangle that covers history, culture, and modern China.
Q:Is English widely spoken at these China travel places?
A: In major cities and tourist areas, some English is spoken. Your phone translator and a good guide make all the difference.
Q:What’s the best time to visit the best places to travel in China?
A: April-May and September-October offer the best weather across most regions.
Q:Can I visit multiple China travel places in one trip?
A: Absolutely! China’s high-speed rail network makes it easy to visit multiple destinations. A typical 2-week trip can cover 3-5 cities comfortably.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Perfect China Journey
China is vast, diverse, and endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re drawn to the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the ancient mysteries of Xi’an, the futuristic energy of Shanghai, or the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Guilin, each destination offers something completely unique.
When planning which China travel places to include in your itinerary, consider what experiences matter most to you. Are you seeking cultural immersion, natural wonders, culinary adventures, or a mix of everything?
Our recommendation? If time allows, combine a northern cultural city (Beijing or Xi’an) with a southern nature destination (Yunnan, Guangxi, or Zhangjiajie). This gives you the perfect balance of China’s incredible contrasts — ancient and modern, urban and natural, historic and breathtaking.
Ready to start planning? Our team specializes in customized China tours for American travelers, handling everything from visas to transportation to English-speaking guides. We make the best places to travel in China accessible, comfortable, and unforgettable.
