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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.

Quick answer

Start with a few iconic places rather than trying to see everything. Choose attractions by city, travel time, and interest type, then check booking rules before adding them to your itinerary.
Great Wall (Mutianyu)
1

Great Wall (Mutianyu)

Beijing

Most visitor-friendly Great Wall section.

Best for: First trip / History / Scenic views

1 dayReservation required
Forbidden City
2

Forbidden City

Beijing

China’s top imperial palace complex.

Best for: History / Culture / First trip

4 hoursReservation required
Terracotta Army
3

Terracotta Army

Xi'an

2,000-year-old army guarding the tomb of China's first emperor

Best for: History / Ancient China / First trip

3 hoursReservation required
Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie)
4

Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie)

Zhangjiajie

the sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar

Best for: Nature / Photography / Hiking

3 hoursNature lover’s pick
Li River Cruise
5

Li River Cruise

Guilin

Scenic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.

Best for: Nature / Relaxed travel / Scenery

Half dayBook ahead
Chengdu Panda Base
6

Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu

best place to see giant pandas

Best for: Families / Animals / Easy visit

3 hoursFamily-friendly
The Bund
7

The Bund

Shanghai

the most classic view

Best for: City views / Night views / First trip

1 hoursCity classic
Victoria Peak
8

Victoria Peak

Hong Kong

the best panoramic skyline view of Hong Kong

Best for: City views / Photography / Skyline

2 hoursCity classic
West Lake
9

West Lake

Hangzhou

Famous lake with temples and gardens.

Best for: Relaxed travel / Scenery / Families

1 dayFamily-friendly
Mogao Caves
10

Mogao Caves

Dunhuang

UNESCO Buddhist cave art site on the Silk Road (must-book tickets).

Best for: History / Buddhist art / Culture

3.5 hoursReservation required
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
11

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park

Jiuzhaigou

UNESCO nature reserve famous for turquoise lakes and waterfalls

Best for: Nature / Lakes / Photography

1 dayReservation required

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