How to Choose Your Destinations in China
A practical guide to choosing where to go in China – from historic capitals and modern mega‑cities to natural wonders and minority regions.
1.1 How should I choose where to go in China?
China is huge. Different regions have very different history, culture, landscapes and local lifestyles.
If you only have limited time, it’s impossible to “see everything” – the key is to choose destinations that match your interests and travel style.
A simple way to think about China’s destinations is from four angles:
- The historic heart – where Chinese civilization took shape
- The modern pulse – where you feel today’s China and its rapid growth
- Natural wonders – mountains, rivers and landscapes you can’t see anywhere else
- Ethnic diversity – regions where minority cultures are still very much alive
Below are some classic choices in each category.
1. The historic heart – tracing the roots of Chinese civilization
China has over 5,000 years of recorded history. If you’re fascinated by ancient capitals, dynasties and old city walls, start from these cities.
Xi’an: Ancient capital of thirteen dynasties
Why go
Xi’an is one of China’s most important historical cities and was the capital for 13 different dynasties. It’s the best place to feel the depth and weight of Chinese history.
Highlights
- Terracotta Army
Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Thousands of life‑sized clay warriors, each with unique facial expressions, lined up in formation – it’s breathtaking in person. - Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Landmarks of Chinese Buddhism. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is closely connected to the monk Xuanzang and his translations of Buddhist scriptures. - Xi’an City Wall
One of the best-preserved and largest ancient city walls in China. Renting a bike and riding along the wall is a classic Xi’an experience. - Shaanxi History Museum
Packed with national‑level treasures; a great crash course in Chinese history.
Food to try
- Yangrou Paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton soup)
- Roujiamo (Chinese-style “burger”)
- Liangpi (cold skin noodles)
Luoyang: Cradle of early Chinese civilization
Why go
Luoyang is another ancient capital and an important cradle of Chinese civilization, especially famous for its Buddhist heritage.
Highlights
- Longmen Grottoes
Thousands of Buddha statues carved into cliffs along the river – a masterpiece of stone carving art. - White Horse Temple
Often regarded as the first official Buddhist temple in China, sometimes called the “cradle of Chinese Buddhism”. - Luoyang Museum
Good place to understand the local “Heluo” culture and see artifacts from surrounding regions.
Beijing: Imperial capital and living city
Why go
Beijing is both the modern capital of China and the imperial capital of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It combines political power, history and everyday local life.
Highlights
- The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The largest imperial palace complex in the world. Give yourself at least half a day. - The Great Wall
Pick sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling for better scenery and fewer crowds than Badaling. - Temple of Heaven
Where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The architecture reflects ancient Chinese ideas about the relationship between heaven and earth. - Hutongs (alleyways)
Walk or take a rickshaw through old neighborhoods to see traditional courtyard houses and local life.
2. The modern pulse – seeing today’s China
If you’re curious about skyscrapers, tech companies and China’s rapid economic growth, these cities are for you.
Shanghai: China’s most international city
Why go
Shanghai is China’s largest city and a global financial center. Nowhere else in China feels quite as international and cosmopolitan.
Highlights
- The Bund
Stand on the riverside and look at the historic European‑style buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers in Lujiazui on the other. - Lujiazui skyline
Go up the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower or Jin Mao Tower for a bird’s-eye view. - Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Busy shopping street – good for people‑watching and feeling the city’s energy. - Shanghai Museum / China Art Museum
Excellent museums if you like art and culture.
Food to try
- Local Shanghai cuisine
- Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
Shenzhen: Symbol of reform and innovation
Why go
Shenzhen transformed from a small fishing village into a tech hub in just a few decades. It’s one of the best places to see the story of China’s economic reform.
Highlights
- Qianhai & Nanshan
Home to many tech companies and fintech firms – you’ll feel the start‑up and innovation vibe. - Shenzhen Bay Park
A long coastal promenade with great views of the city and the sea – perfect for walking, running, or biking.
3. Natural wonders – China’s iconic landscapes
China’s geography is incredibly diverse, from karst peaks and rice terraces to high‑altitude lakes and grasslands.
Guilin & Yangshuo: Classic karst landscapes
Why go
There’s a famous saying: “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.” It’s not an exaggeration.
Highlights
- Li River cruise
The limestone peaks and river scenery look like a Chinese ink painting. - Yangshuo
- Yulong River for bamboo rafting
- West Street for cafés, bars and backpacker vibes
- Evening shows like Impression Liu Sanjie (large outdoor performance)
- Longji Rice Terraces
Spectacular rice terraces that change with the seasons – green in summer, golden in autumn.
Zhangjiajie: Real‑life “Avatar” mountains
Why go
The unique sandstone pillars here inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
Highlights
- Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Includes Yuanjiajie, Tianzishan, and Jinbian Stream – countless stone pillars rising into the clouds. - Tianmen Mountain
Famous for its cableway (one of the longest in the world), glass skywalk and natural “Heaven’s Gate” rock arch. - Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
A record‑breaking glass bridge over a deep canyon – not for those afraid of heights.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain): China’s most famous mountain
Why go
Known for its “four wonders” – odd-shaped pines, strange rocks, seas of clouds and hot springs.
Highlights
- Guest-Greeting Pine
The iconic pine tree that appears in countless paintings and photos. - West Sea Grand Canyon
More dramatic cliffs and trails; can be challenging but rewarding. - Sunrise and sea of clouds
Stay overnight on the mountain if you want to catch sunrise and cloud seas.
Qinghai Lake: A high‑altitude “sea” on the plateau
Why go
Qinghai Lake is China’s largest inland saltwater lake, surrounded by grasslands and mountains.
Highlights
- Cycling or driving around the lake
Wide open views, wildflowers in summer, and endless sky. - Erlangjian Scenic Area
Easy access to the lakeshore and viewpoints. - Bird Island (seasonal)
In the right season you can see large flocks of migrating birds.
4. Ethnic diversity – experiencing different cultures
China officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups. In some regions, minority languages, clothing, festivals and customs are still very visible in daily life.
Yunnan: “South of the Clouds”
Why go
Yunnan has some of China’s greatest ethnic diversity and very relaxed travel vibes.
Highlights
- Lijiang
Old town with traditional Naxi architecture and a slow‑paced atmosphere. - Dali
Bai minority culture, Erhai Lake, and views of the Cangshan mountains. - Shangri‑La
Tibetan culture, snow‑capped peaks like Meili Snow Mountain, and Pudacuo National Park. - Xishuangbanna
Dai minority culture, tropical rainforest, and the famous Water Splashing Festival.
Guizhou: Hidden villages and waterfalls
Why go
Less commercial than many other provinces, with more “untouched” villages and landscapes.
Highlights
- Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
Said to be the largest Miao village in the world – terrace-like wooden houses on the hillside. - Zhaoxing Dong Village
One of the largest Dong minority villages, known for its drum towers and covered bridges. - Huangguoshu Waterfall
One of the biggest waterfalls in Asia.
Xinjiang: Jewel of the Silk Road
Why go
Xinjiang offers dramatic landscapes and very distinct food, music and customs.
Highlights
- Urumqi
A good starting point to learn about Xinjiang and visit nearby lakes and mountains. - Kashgar
Old town, bazaars and Uyghur culture – feels very different from eastern China. - Ili (Yili)
Lavender fields, grasslands and flower‑covered hills. - Turpan
Flaming Mountains, grape valleys and the ancient Karez irrigation system.
Sichuan: More than pandas and spicy food
Why go
Sichuan is famous for hotpot and giant pandas, but it’s also home to rich Tibetan and Qiang cultures in its western and northern regions.
Highlights
- Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
- Daocheng Yading for dramatic alpine scenery
- Monasteries and traditional Kham Tibetan culture
- Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
- Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong for colorful lakes and valleys
- Taoping Qiang Village and other Qiang settlements
- Ruo’ergai Grassland for wide open steppe landscapes
- Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture
- Around Xichang and nearby mountains
- Yi minority culture and festivals like the Torch Festival
How to use this guide in practice
- If you love history and museums
Focus on Xi’an, Luoyang and Beijing. - If you’re curious about modern China and its cities
Add Shanghai and Shenzhen to your route. - If you want iconic landscapes and nature
Consider Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, or Qinghai Lake. - If you want to experience different cultures
Look at Yunnan, Guizhou, Xinjiang, and western Sichuan.
You don’t need to visit everywhere on your first trip.
Pick 2–3 regions that match your interests, pace yourself, and leave room to come back and explore more of China next time.