Best Places to Visit in China

Shanghai travel guide for first-time visitors: why this modern mega-city is an easy entry point to China, the Bund skyline, French Concession lanes, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road. Start here before diving into our detailed Shanghai articles.

Chongqing travel guide for first-time visitors: why China's mountain megacity is unlike anywhere else, Hongya Cave at night, the Liziba metro through a building, hotpot, and Yangtze River cruises. Start here before browsing our detailed Chongqing articles.

Beijing travel guide for first-time visitors: why China's capital is a must-see, landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, hutong neighborhoods, and Peking duck. Start here before exploring our detailed itinerary and food articles.

Chengdu travel guide for first-time visitors: why Sichuan's capital is the most relaxed big city in China, giant pandas, hotpot, and teahouse culture. Start here before browsing our detailed Chengdu articles.

Xi'an travel guide for first-time visitors: why this ancient capital is a must-see, the Terracotta Warriors, Ming-era city walls, and the Muslim Quarter food scene. Start here before exploring our deeper Xi'an guides.

Guilin travel guide for first-time visitors: why the karst landscapes are iconic, Li River cruises, Yangshuo countryside, and Longsheng rice terraces. Start here before exploring our detailed Guilin guides.

Hangzhou travel guide for first-time visitors: why this scenic city pairs so well with Shanghai, West Lake, Longjing tea plantations, and Lingyin Temple. Start here before reading our deeper Hangzhou articles.

Lijiang travel guide for first-time visitors: why this Yunnan town offers slow travel at altitude, the Naxi old town, Yulong Snow Mountain, and Shuhe village. Start here before exploring our detailed Lijiang articles.

Zhangjiajie travel guide for first-time visitors: the real Avatar Mountains, why Wulingyuan and Tianmen are two different parks, and how 3–4 days actually breaks down. Start here before the detailed articles.

Suzhou travel guide for first-time visitors: why this canal town is an easy escape from Shanghai, classical Chinese gardens, Pingjiang Road, and silk heritage. Start here before reading our deeper Suzhou guides.