Top 10 City Guides in China (2026)
Explore megacities, ancient capitals, karst landscapes, and regional cuisines across China.
China moves at high-speed rail pace from imperial palaces to neon skylines. Regional cuisines, minority cultures, and landscapes from bamboo forests to desert Silk Road towns make return trips essential.
Browse by State / Region
Open a state to view covered cities and dive into categories and listings.
Best places to visit in China
Landmarks and regions many travellers build an itinerary around.
Great Wall sections near Beijing
Hebei / Beijing
Mutianyu or Jinshanling for balance of restoration and scenery—weekdays quieter than holidays.
Terracotta Army
Xi'an, Shaanxi
Thousands of life-sized warriors guarding Qin Shi Huang's tomb complex—allow a half day minimum.
Li River karst cruise
Guangxi
Limestone peaks reflected in calm water between Guilin and Yangshuo.
Shanghai Bund skyline
Shanghai
Colonial riverfront facades facing Pudong's towers—night ferries highlight the contrast.
Zhangjiajie sandstone pillars
Hunan
Avatar-famous peaks and glass bridges—expect domestic tourism peaks in summer.
Food & cuisine in China
Flavours and dishes worth seeking out on the road.
Chinese cuisine is defined by eight great traditions and countless street snacks — dumplings, noodles, and hotpot vary sharply by province.
Must-try dishes
- Peking duck — crisp skin carved tableside in Beijing-style restaurants
- Xiaolongbao — soup dumplings from Jiangnan traditions
- Sichuan hotpot — numbing peppercorn broth with shared dipping
- Dim sum — Cantonese small plates steamer baskets
- Lanzhou beef noodles — hand-pulled wheat noodles in clear spiced broth
Featured Cities in China
Start with popular city pages and explore curated categories.
Beijing
Capital city of courtyards and ring roads, mixing imperial landmarks with modern business districts.
Shanghai
Waterfront megacity defined by its skyline, shopping streets, and busy metro network.
Guangzhou
Pearl River metropolis with deep trading roots, dim sum culture, and major exhibitions.
Shenzhen
Fast-growing tech city built in a few decades, known for hardware, malls, and theme parks.
Hangzhou
West Lake city where e-commerce headquarters sit alongside gardens, pagodas, and teahouses.
Chongqing
Mountainous river city known for steep streets, spicy hotpot, and late-night skylines.
Visa & entry — China
General information only. Rules differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and change often.
- China usually requires a visa for tourism; limited visa-free transit exceptions exist.
- Apply through the Chinese embassy or visa center for your country of residence.
- Generally visa-free or exempt (short visits): Limited short transit or regional visa-free pilots — verify city and duration — typical stays are often capped (strictly per visa or permitted visa-free transit window).
- Other nationalities: Chinese visa generally required for most nationalities for tourism
Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or government website before traveling. See official source: fmprc.gov.cn
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about visiting China.
Do I need a visa for China?
Most foreign tourists need a visa or eligible transit waiver—policies evolve, so check official Chinese embassy guidance before booking.
What apps help inside China?
Many Western apps are blocked—prepare WeChat/Alipay, offline maps, and translation tools that work locally.
When is the best time to visit?
April–May and September–October often avoid summer heat and winter smog peaks in northern cities—regional weather still varies widely.
Is cash still used?
Mobile payments dominate; tourists should set up linked wallets where possible and carry some yuan for small vendors.
How crowded are major sites?
Golden Week holidays see extreme crowds—book trains and tickets early or travel just outside holiday windows.