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Exploring China’s Top Tourist Destinations: A Guide for Foreigners
Updated: September 10, 2025
New to China or planning a repeat trip? Use this clear, no-nonsense guide to pick where to go, how to move around, and what to know before you book.
Before You Go: Essentials
- Visa & entry: China now offers visa-free entry for more nationalities, along with transit-visa exemptions in key airports. Confirm your eligibility before you fly.
- Payments: Foreigners can link international bank cards to WeChat Pay or Alipay, making cashless travel simple.
- Getting around: China’s high-speed rail network is extensive and connects most major cities efficiently.
- Reservations: Popular sites like the Forbidden City often require booking days in advance.
Quick Picks by Interest
| If you want… | Go to… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial history | Beijing | Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs |
| Skyline & food | Shanghai | Bund, French Concession, dining |
| Ancient China | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, city wall |
| Karst scenery | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River, countryside biking |
| Avatar-style pillars | Zhangjiajie | Sandstone peaks, glass bridge |
| Classic mountains | Huangshan | Sea of clouds, sunrise |
| Pandas & spicy food | Chengdu | Panda Base, hotpot |
| Alpine lakes | Jiuzhaigou | Turquoise pools, valleys |
| Gardens & canals | Hangzhou & Suzhou | West Lake, gardens |
| Culture & mild climate | Yunnan | Old towns, diverse cuisines |
| Tibetan culture | Lhasa | Potala Palace, monasteries |
| Beach holiday | Sanya | Resorts, tropical bays |
Top Destinations, How to Do Them Right
Beijing
Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu is less crowded), Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace.
Shanghai
See the Bund at night, stroll Yu Garden, explore the French Concession, and take a river cruise.
Xi’an
Visit the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city wall, and try snacks in the Muslim Quarter.
Guilin & Yangshuo
Take a Li River cruise then explore the countryside by bike or scooter.
Zhangjiajie
Spend two days exploring the national park’s peaks and one day at the glass bridge.
Huangshan
Stay overnight on the mountain to see the sunrise, and visit nearby ancient villages.
Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou
See pandas in the morning, enjoy hotpot in the evening, and explore Jiuzhaigou’s valleys if time allows.
Hangzhou & Suzhou
Walk or cycle around West Lake, then explore Suzhou’s classical gardens.
Yunnan
Stroll through Lijiang Old Town, visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and relax in Dali by Erhai Lake.
Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Foreigners need permits and must travel with an agency.
Sanya
Pick a bay for your style—Yalong for upscale, Dadonghai for lively—and try snorkeling or island hopping.
Money, Transit, and Connectivity
- Use WeChat Pay and Alipay for nearly everything.
- High-speed trains are faster than flights on many routes.
- Subways in major cities have English signs.
- Buy a SIM card or eSIM for reliable mobile data.
Timing Your Trip
Spring and autumn offer the best weather. Avoid Golden Week in October and Chinese New Year for less crowding.
Smart Booking Tips
- Book Forbidden City tickets in advance.
- Reserve train tickets early for weekends and holidays.
- Stay in central areas in historic towns for easy access.
Sample 10-Day First-Timer Route
- Days 1–3: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs)
- Days 4–5: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, city wall)
- Days 6–10: Shanghai (Bund, Suzhou or Hangzhou day trip)
Note: Rules and opening times change often. Always check official updates before you travel.
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