Table of Contents
Explore ten rewarding destinations for a first trip to China, grouped by the kind of experience you want, with practical Mandarin for your journey.
China is enormous, so planning a first visit can feel overwhelming. Instead of racing between cities, choose three or four places that match what you enjoy most: imperial history, modern city life, mountains and rivers, food, or gardens. These ten destinations make an excellent starting point.
For History Lovers: Beijing and Xi’an
1. The Great Wall (长城)
The Great Wall is a network of fortifications built and rebuilt over many centuries, not one continuous wall. Most first-time visitors travel from Beijing to a restored section. Mutianyu is a popular option for its mountain scenery and cable-car access, while Badaling is another well-known choice.
2. The Forbidden City (故宫)
At the heart of Beijing, this vast palace complex was the centre of imperial power for almost five hundred years. Give yourself at least half a day and check the official reservation requirements before travelling, since entry arrangements and daily limits can change.
3. The Terracotta Army (兵马俑), Xi’an
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers were buried near the tomb of China’s first emperor. Farmers encountered the site in 1974 while digging a well. Xi’an deserves more than a quick stop: its city walls, Muslim Quarter and distinctive food make it rewarding for a two or three-day stay.
The terracotta warriors were originally painted in bright colours. Much of the pigment deteriorated after excavation exposed it to air, so archaeologists now work slowly to protect new discoveries.
For Modern City Life: Shanghai
4. Shanghai (上海)
Shanghai offers one of China’s sharpest visual contrasts. Early twentieth-century buildings line the Bund while glass towers rise across the Huangpu River in Pudong. Walk the former French Concession for a quieter view of the city, then use the extensive metro to explore farther afield.
Shanghai also works well as a transport hub. Hangzhou and Suzhou are close enough for easy side trips, which makes the city a practical anchor for a first itinerary.
For Dramatic Landscapes
The Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo offers some of China’s most recognisable scenery.
5. Zhangjiajie (张家界)
Tall sandstone pillars rise from the forest in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, often partly hidden by mist. The landscape is dramatic in almost any weather, but the park is large and involves stairs, shuttle buses and cableways. Comfortable shoes and a flexible plan help.
6. Guilin and Yangshuo (桂林、阳朔)
Limestone hills along the Li River create some of China’s most photographed views. Travellers often take a river cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo, then cycle or walk through the countryside around Yangshuo. The scenery shown on the back of the 20-yuan note is near Xingping.
7. Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟)
This mountain valley in northern Sichuan is known for turquoise lakes, waterfalls and layered forest. Its colours and accessibility vary by season. Check current transport, weather and reservation information before building it into your route.
For Pandas and Food: Chengdu
Visit a panda base early, when the animals are usually at their most active.
8. Chengdu (成都)
Chengdu is the usual base for seeing giant pandas, but the city offers much more. Try Sichuan hotpot, spend an afternoon in a teahouse and notice the unhurried rhythm of local life. Panda bases are generally best visited in the morning, before the day becomes warmer and busier.
Chengdu is an especially good choice if food and daily culture matter more to you than ticking off monuments. Leave space in your schedule for neighbourhood walks and a slow meal.
For Gardens and Water Towns
9. Hangzhou (杭州)
West Lake has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Walk or cycle beside the water early in the morning, when local residents are exercising and the shoreline feels calm. Temples, tea villages and wooded paths make Hangzhou a relaxing contrast to Shanghai.
10. Suzhou (苏州)
Suzhou is famous for classical gardens designed around water, stone, plants and carefully framed views. Canals still run through parts of the old city. Its fast rail links with Shanghai make it suitable for a day trip, although staying overnight gives you a quieter experience.
How to Build a First China Itinerary
High-speed trains make it practical to connect several major destinations.
A classic route uses Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai as its spine, then adds one destination focused on nature or food, such as Chengdu, Guilin or Zhangjiajie. For a shorter trip, resist the urge to include all ten places. Travel days take energy even when train journeys are fast.
Popular sites can be extremely busy during national holidays, particularly around the first week of October and Chinese New Year. Arriving early, choosing weekdays and avoiding the busiest holiday periods can transform the experience. Famous places are also important to domestic travellers, so crowds often reflect genuine local cultural value.
Before each journey, check current official guidance for tickets and real-name reservations. Carry your passport, because attractions and trains may use it to verify your booking.
Useful Chinese Words and Phrases
- 景点tourist attraction
- 门票entrance ticket
- 预约to reserve; make an appointment
- 故宫the Forbidden City
- 长城the Great Wall
- 兵马俑the Terracotta Army
这里怎么走？ (Zhèlǐ zěnme zǒu?): How do I get there?
需要提前预约吗？ (Xūyào tíqián yùyuē ma?): Do I need to book in advance?
A Short Conversation at the Ticket Office
A: 你好，我要两张门票。
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ yào liǎng zhāng ménpiào.
Hello, I would like two tickets.
B: 您预约了吗？
Nín yùyuē le ma?
Have you made a reservation?
A: 还没有。可以现在预约吗？
Hái méiyǒu. Kěyǐ xiànzài yùyuē ma?
Not yet. Can I book now?
B: 可以，用手机预约就行。
Kěyǐ, yòng shǒujī yùyuē jiù xíng.
Yes. You can make the reservation on your phone.
A Common Misunderstanding
Travel photographs can make famous sites look silent and empty. In reality, the Great Wall, Forbidden City and major national parks can be busy. That does not mean they are overrated. It means you need to plan the timing as carefully as the destination.
Choose a quieter Great Wall section, start early and allow breathing room in your itinerary. A slower trip with three memorable places is usually more rewarding than a rushed trip through ten.
Final Takeaway
The best first China itinerary is not the longest one. Match a few destinations to your interests, connect them sensibly by train and leave time for a teahouse, local meal or neighbourhood walk. A handful of Mandarin phrases for tickets, directions and reservations will make the journey easier and more personal.