Top Attractions
in China
A shortlist of China’s most iconic places for first-time visitors, from ancient history to natural scenery and city landmarks.
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Showing 19 of 19 attractions
Great Wall (Mutianyu)
Most visitor-friendly Great Wall section.
Best for: First trip / History / Scenic views
Forbidden City
China’s top imperial palace complex.
Best for: History / Culture / First trip
Terracotta Army
2,000-year-old army guarding the tomb of China's first emperor
Best for: History / Ancient China / First trip
Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie)
the sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar
Best for: Nature / Photography / Hiking
Li River Cruise
Scenic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.
Best for: Nature / Relaxed travel / Scenery
Chengdu Panda Base
best place to see giant pandas
Best for: Families / Animals / Easy visit
The Bund
the most classic view
Best for: City views / Night views / First trip
Victoria Peak
the best panoramic skyline view of Hong Kong
Best for: City views / Photography / Skyline
West Lake
Famous lake with temples and gardens.
Best for: Relaxed travel / Scenery / Families
Mogao Caves
UNESCO Buddhist cave art site on the Silk Road (must-book tickets).
Best for: History / Buddhist art / Culture
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
UNESCO nature reserve famous for turquoise lakes and waterfalls
Best for: Nature / Lakes / Photography
Erhai Lake
Allow two days and one night for a relaxed route along Erhai’s west and east shores.
Best for: Lake scenery / Cycling / Relaxed travel
Old Town of Lijiang
UNESCO-listed lanes, waterways, courtyards, viewpoints, and living Naxi cultural heritage.
Best for: Heritage / Naxi culture / First trip
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley
A full-day high-altitude excursion combining snow-mountain scenery, cableways, and vivid alpine water.
Best for: Mountain scenery / Photography / Full-day trip
Stone Forest
A full-day trip through dramatic limestone pinnacles and one of Yunnan’s most distinctive karst landscapes.
Best for: Karst scenery / Photography / First trip
Songzanlin Monastery
Shangri-La’s major Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its hillside complex, religious spaces, and highland views.
Best for: Tibetan culture / Architecture / First trip
Pudacuo National Park
A highland park of lakes, conifer forests, meadows, boardwalks, and seasonal scenery outside Shangri-La.
Best for: Lakes / Forests / Highland scenery
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Visit a dramatic Jinsha River gorge viewpoint or allow longer for a weather-dependent hiking route.
Best for: Hiking / Mountain scenery / Adventure
Three Pagodas
Dali’s landmark pagoda ensemble, set within temple grounds beneath Cangshan Mountain.
Best for: History / Architecture / Families