A Guide to China’s Must-Visit Cities

Beijing is where the weight of Chinese history meets the energy of a modern superpower. As the capital for over 800 years, the city is a living chronicle of dynasties, revolutions, and reinvention. Walk through Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of emperors, with its vast courtyards, golden roofs, and intricate woodwork—each detail whispering tales of imperial power. Just a short drive away, the Great Wall snakes across the mountains in dramatic fashion, offering sweeping views and a humbling sense of scale.

Yet Beijing is far from frozen in time. The narrow alleyways of the old hutongs bustle with cafes, courtyard homes, and locals playing chess under willow trees. The city’s art scene thrives in the repurposed factories of the 798 Art District, and its cuisine—from sizzling Peking duck to street-side jianbing (savory crepes)—offers bold flavors at every turn. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of emperors or catching a performance at the avant-garde National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing offers travelers an intoxicating blend of past and present, tradition and transformation.

Shanghai is a city that doesn’t just reflect change—it embodies it. Rising from a humble fishing village to a glittering global hub in just a century, Shanghai is where East meets West with breathtaking flair. Along the historic Bund promenade, neoclassical buildings from the colonial era face off across the Huangpu River with the shimmering towers of Pudong’s financial district, including the rocket-shaped Oriental Pearl Tower and the towering Shanghai Tower. This skyline isn’t just impressive—it’s symbolic of Shanghai’s role as the pulse of modern China.

Yet beyond its soaring glass facades lies a city rich with texture and nuance. The French Concession, with its leafy boulevards, art deco villas, and cozy cafes, offers a gentler, romantic side of the metropolis. In contrast, Nanjing Road delivers a sensory overload of lights, luxury shops, and bustling crowds. And of course, the culinary scene is second to none—whether you’re nibbling on delicate xiaolongbao soup dumplings in a local eatery or indulging in cutting-edge fusion cuisine atop a rooftop bar. Shanghai is ideal for travelers who want to experience the future while still being able to touch the past—who crave excitement, diversity, and an urban experience like no other.

Few cities in the world wear their history as vividly as Xi’an. Once the ancient capital of over a dozen Chinese dynasties and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an is a city where legend feels tangible. Its greatest marvel lies beneath the earth: the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Yet Xi’an’s wonders don’t stop underground. The old city is encircled by some of the most complete and imposing ancient walls in all of China, which you can walk or bike atop for panoramic views of the old and new. Within the walls, the city teems with vibrant life—none more evident than in the Muslim Quarter, where Chinese and Central Asian influences blend in a whirlwind of spices, grilled skewers, and market stalls selling everything from dried fruits to hand-pulled noodles. The city’s mix of Han and Hui Muslim cultures, ancient relics, pagodas, and temples make it a fascinating tapestry of faiths, traditions, and stories. Xi’an appeals to travelers who seek depth, who want to stand at the crossroads of civilizations and feel the hum of history beneath their feet.

Chengdu invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor life—bite by spicy bite. Located in the heart of Sichuan province, Chengdu is famed not only for its giant pandas but also for its unhurried pace and its devotion to indulgence, relaxation, and community. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a rare and heartwarming chance to see these gentle creatures munching bamboo or tumbling playfully—an experience that alone is worth the journey. But Chengdu’s charm goes far beyond its beloved bears.

This is a city where teahouses are a cornerstone of life—places where locals gather for hours, sipping jasmine tea, playing mahjong, and chatting under the shade of old trees. Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and numbing flavors, is the city’s other claim to fame. Fiery hotpot, mapo tofu, and dan dan noodles will leave your taste buds tingling with pleasure. For the spiritually inclined, nearby Mount Qingcheng offers serene Taoist temples shrouded in misty forest, while the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha carved into a cliff face watches over the confluence of rivers. Chengdu is a place of comfort, warmth, and wonder—perfect for travelers who crave connection: to nature, to food, and to a deeper rhythm of daily life.

Guilin, nestled in the northeast of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscapes, serene rivers, and rich cultural heritage. Often hailed as “the best under heaven,” Guilin’s scenery has captivated poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.

The city’s iconic landmarks include Elephant Trunk Hill, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River; the Sun and Moon Pagodas, twin structures symbolizing harmony; and the Reed Flute Cave, adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by multicolored lights. Beyond the city, the Li River meanders through picturesque countryside to Yangshuo, offering unforgettable views of limestone peaks and traditional villages. 

Guilin’s allure lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its accessibility and hospitality. With a well-connected transportation network, including high-speed trains and an international airport, visitors can easily explore this enchanting region. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, Guilin promises an experience that lingers long after your journey ends.