The Best Cities to Visit in China: 6 Must-See Destinations

Why China rewards city-hoppers

China is vast, and its cities each tell a different story. Plan a route by high-speed rail, and you can swing from imperial dynasties to futuristic skylines in a single trip. Here are six cities worth the journey.

Beijing — the imperial capital

Beijing is the political and cultural heart of China, layered with dynastic history.

• Highlight: The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the world's largest palace complex with nearly 1,000 buildings. Book tickets online days ahead and pair it with a sunset walk up nearby Jingshan Park.

Shanghai — the dazzling metropolis

China's financial powerhouse mixes colonial-era architecture with a sci-fi skyline.

• Highlight: The Bund waterfront at night, looking across the Huangpu River to the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building.

Xi'an — where history begins

The ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.

• Highlight: The Terracotta Army, more than 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb, discovered by farmers in 1974.

Guilin — landscape from a scroll painting

Guilin's karst mountains and rivers inspired centuries of Chinese art.

• Highlight: A bamboo-raft or cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, drifting past the misty peaks printed on the 20-yuan banknote.

Chengdu — laid-back and delicious

The capital of Sichuan is famous for spicy hotpot, teahouses, and a relaxed pace.

• Highlight: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, best visited in the early morning when the pandas are most active.

Hangzhou — classical beauty

Marco Polo reportedly called it one of the finest cities in the world.

• Highlight: West Lake, a UNESCO site ringed by pagodas, willow-lined causeways, and tea plantations. Rent a boat or cycle the shoreline at dawn.

Practical tips

• Trains between these cities are fast, punctual, and cheap; book via the China Railway 12306 app.
• Carry your passport; it is needed for tickets and hotel check-in.
• Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is essential almost everywhere.

Stay connected in China

Many global apps are restricted in China, so reliable data is essential. A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation, and bookings the moment you land, with no roaming bills or hunting for a local SIM.