Top Things to Do in China
20 must-see attractions and experiences
China's sheer scale and depth of history make it one of the world's most rewarding destinations, spanning 5,000 years of continuous civilization across landscapes that range from subtropical karst peaks to the vast Gobi Desert. The country's marquee attractions — the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors — are merely the starting point for a nation that holds thousands of UNESCO-worthy sites within its borders. Beyond the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an, China reveals itself in the mist-shrouded pillar formations of Zhangjiajie, the jewel-toned lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and the neon-lit waterfront of Shanghai's Bund. Ancient towns, sacred mountains, and geological wonders await travelers willing to venture beyond the standard itinerary. Modern China's high-speed rail network makes even remote destinations surprisingly accessible.
Don't Miss These
Our top picks for visitors to China
Great Wall of China
Notable AttractionsThe world's most iconic fortification winds over 21,000 kilometers across northern China's mountains and plains, built and rebuilt over two millennia to defend against northern invasions. Different sections offer vastly different experiences, from restored tourist-friendly stretches to crumbling wild wall segments.
Huairou District, China, 101406 · View on Map
The Palace Museum
Museums & GalleriesHoused within the Forbidden City complex, this is the world's largest collection of preserved ancient Chinese artifacts, spanning 1.8 million pieces across 980 surviving buildings. The museum's treasure halls display imperial jade, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings from every dynasty.
4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009 · View on Map
Summer Palace
Notable AttractionsThis vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palatial halls northwest of Beijing served as the imperial summer retreat. Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the grounds, with the Long Corridor — a 728-meter covered walkway decorated with over 14,000 paintings — connecting the main architectural features.
Haidian District, China, 100091 · View on Map
The Bund
Notable AttractionsShanghai's legendary waterfront promenade showcases 52 buildings in a remarkable parade of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and neoclassical architecture, facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. The contrast between colonial grandeur and 21st-century towers defines modern Shanghai.
Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu, Waitan, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200002 · View on Map
Tiananmen Square
Notable AttractionsThe world's largest public square covers 44 hectares in central Beijing, flanked by the National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao Zedong's mausoleum. The square has been the symbolic center of Chinese political life for over a century.
前门 Dongcheng, China, 100051 · View on Map
Yu Garden
Natural WondersThis beautiful Ming Dynasty garden in Shanghai's Old City packs rockeries, pavilions, dragon walls, and koi ponds into a compact but intricately designed space. Built in 1559, it represents the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden artistry.
四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000 · View on Map
Forbidden City
Notable AttractionsFor nearly 500 years, this 72-hectare palace complex at Beijing's center served as the exclusive domain of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its 980 buildings and 8,886 rooms constitute the world's largest surviving palatial structure.
4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009 · View on Map
Great Wall of Badaling
Notable AttractionsThe most visited and fully restored section of the Great Wall sits 70 kilometers northwest of Beijing, featuring wide walkways, guard towers, and complete visitor facilities. Its accessibility makes it the default Great Wall experience for most visitors.
Yanqing District, China, 102112 · View on Map
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Natural WondersTowering sandstone pillar formations rise hundreds of meters from lush subtropical forest floors, creating the otherworldly landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Glass-bottomed bridges and cable cars offer vertigo-inducing perspectives.
Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China, 427403 · View on Map
Jiuzhai Valley National Park
Natural WondersThis UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Sichuan contains a chain of multicolored lakes, layered waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks along three forested valleys. The lakes' extraordinary blue, green, and turquoise colors come from calcium carbonate deposits and hydrophytes.
Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623402 · View on Map
Natural Wonders
From Zhangjiajie's floating sandstone pillars to Jiuzhaigou's multicolored lakes, China's natural landscapes encompass some of the most visually extraordinary terrain on Earth.
Huanglongxi Ancient Town Tourism Area （Northeast Gate）
Natural WondersThis well-preserved Qing Dynasty trading town near Chengdu retains its original stone streets, wooden tea houses, and covered bridges spanning the Luyuan River. The town served as a key commercial hub on the ancient Southern Silk Road.
China, Si Chuan Sheng, Cheng Du Shi, Shuang Liu Qu, 双黄路 邮政编码: 610220 · View on Map
The Mystic Grand Canyon of the Tianshan
Natural WondersDeep in Xinjiang's Tianshan Mountains, this red sandstone canyon winds for over five kilometers through towering walls that narrow to just a few meters wide. The play of light on the red rock creates an ever-changing spectacle throughout the day.
China, Xin Jiang Wei Wu Er Zi Zhi Qu, A Ke Su Di Qu, Ku Che Shi, 217国道1025号.8公里北侧 邮政编码: 842017 · View on Map
Notable Attractions
China's landmark attractions span the full arc of human civilization, from the Great Wall's ancient fortifications to Shanghai's glittering modern waterfront, with geological wonders and sacred sites throughout.
Huanglongdong Scenic Area
Notable AttractionsOne of China's most spectacular karst cave systems near Zhangjiajie has a vast underground river, towering stalagmites, and the 20-meter-high 'Defining Needle' formation estimated to be 200,000 years old. Boat rides through illuminated underground chambers add to the experience.
China, Hu Nan Sheng, Zhang Jia Jie Shi, Wu Ling Yuan Qu, 索溪峪镇河口村9J77+5XP 邮政编码: 427499 · View on Map
天涯海角
Notable AttractionsThese legendary granite boulders at Hainan Island's southern tip, inscribed with classical Chinese calligraphy, have symbolized the 'ends of the earth' in Chinese literature for centuries. The tropical beach setting adds to the romantic mystique.
China, 海南省三亚市天涯区天涯镇78RX+PCR 邮政编码: 572029 · View on Map
Water Curtain Cave
Notable AttractionsThis natural waterfall cave in Guizhou has a curtain of water cascading over the cave entrance, creating a passage behind the falls. Part of the Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area, the cave inspired the legendary home of the Monkey King in Journey to the West.
XMPC+42C, Zhenning Buyei and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun, Guizhou, China, 561022 · View on Map
Longqingxia Scenic Area
Notable AttractionsA serpentine reservoir canyon north of Beijing features towering cliff walls, boat cruises through narrow gorges, and a dramatic ice festival each winter with illuminated ice sculptures. In warmer months, bungee jumping and zip-lining add adventure elements.
China, 北京市延庆区旧县镇古城村G2W5+7FV 邮政编码: 102109 · View on Map
毕棚沟
Notable AttractionsThis pristine glacial valley in western Sichuan's Aba Prefecture features turquoise lakes, dense primeval forests, and views of 5,000-meter peaks. Far less visited than nearby Jiuzhaigou, it offers comparable scenery with a fraction of the crowds.
CX5P+7XG, Li County, Sichuan, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623199 · View on Map
Huangshizhai
Notable AttractionsThe highest natural viewing platform in Zhangjiajie offers panoramic vistas over hundreds of sandstone pillars from an elevation of 1,080 meters. The platform is accessible by cable car and rewards visitors with what many consider the park's single best viewpoint.
8CJJ+7QC, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China, 427403 · View on Map
镜海
Notable AttractionsMirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley is well-known for its well still surface that creates flawless reflections of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and ancient forests. On calm mornings, it becomes impossible to distinguish the reflection from reality.
Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, China, 623402 · View on Map
Guan'e Ditch
Notable AttractionsThis lesser-known scenic valley near Longnan in Gansu Province features waterfalls, karst pools, and lush vegetation along a winding mountain stream. The area is a rare humid microclimate in otherwise arid northwestern China.
296W+776, Guan'Ezangzu Town, Tanchang County, Longnan, Gansu, China, 748500 · View on Map
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer the most comfortable weather across most of China, with autumn foliage peaking in October.
Booking Advice
Major attractions like the Forbidden City and popular Great Wall sections require advance ticket booking online. National holiday weeks (early October, Chinese New Year) should be avoided entirely.
Save Money
China's high-speed rail is excellent value for intercity travel. Many temple and park entrances offer half-price tickets for students with valid ID.
Local Etiquette
Learn basic greetings in Mandarin — it is appreciated. Remove shoes when entering homes. Accept business cards and gifts with both hands. Tipping is not expected in most situations.
Book Your Experiences
Guided tours, tickets, and activities in China