Best Things To Do In China

China offers an extraordinary mix of ancient history, natural landscapes, and modern cities. The best things to do in China include walking the Great Wall, exploring Beijing’s Forbidden City, seeing the Terracotta Warriors, visiting pandas in Chengdu, and cruising the Yangtze River—all experiences that are easier to navigate on a guided tour.

To narrow down the very best things to do in China for first-time visitors, explore our comprehensive guide to learn which experiences and attractions are worthy of your bucket list.

Why China belongs on every bucket list

Few destinations match China’s scale and diversity. Ancient palaces, dramatic landscapes, and fast-paced cities sit side by side, offering a journey that feels both historic and modern at once. Its landscapes range from the winding Li River and mist-shrouded karst peaks of Guilin to the dramatic cliffs of Zhangjiajie and the vast deserts of the northwest.

China’s cities pulse with energy and diversity. Beijing’s historic alleyways and monumental squares sit alongside modern skyscrapers, while Shanghai combines colonial charm with a futuristic skyline. In rural towns and scenic regions, daily life still carries echoes of centuries-old traditions, from local markets and tea ceremonies to regional cuisine and craftsmanship.

Experiencing China is about more than ticking off sights; it’s a journey through a country of contrasts, where every step reveals layers of history, culture, and natural splendour. Guided tours make this journey seamless, opening doors to experiences that might otherwise be difficult to navigate.

Walk the Great Wall of China

Walking the Great Wall is one of the top things to do in China for first-time visitors. Few experiences capture the country’s history and scale like this monumental structure. Stretching more than 20,000 kilometres (12,400 miles) across mountains, plains, and deserts, the Wall was built over centuries as a defensive barrier to protect China’s northern borders. It stands today as one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, a testament to human ingenuity, endurance, and the vision of countless generations.

From a hilltop, the Wall snakes over ridges and plunges into valleys, with each watchtower standing sentinel over the surrounding countryside. The experience is both physical and reflective, every step connects travellers to the builders who quarried stones locally and constructed this extraordinary feat across rugged terrain.

Different sections of the Wall offer distinct experiences:

• Mutianyu is beautifully restored, offering dramatic views, fewer crowds, and options for cable cars or toboggan descents.
• Badaling is easier to access, ideal for first-time visitors seeking classic scenery and iconic photo opportunities.
• Juyongguan Pass, where many of our tours go, provides a historic gateway with well-preserved watchtowers and impressive mountain scenery, giving travellers a sense of the Wall’s strategic importance.
• Simatai and Jinshanling combine restored and wild sections, providing rugged paths, steep climbs, and striking panoramas for those seeking adventure. Each section showcases unique stonework and architectural details that reflect the region and the period in which it was built.

Explore the imperial heart of Beijing

Beijing is the political and cultural capital of China, a city where ancient tradition and modern life exist side by side. From grand imperial complexes to tree-lined alleyways and bustling markets, it is a city that reveals the country’s history and energy at every turn. For travellers, visiting Beijing is one of the things to do in China that captures both the city’s historical significance and contemporary vibrancy. 

Our Imperial China tour is the perfect blend of ancient and modern sightseeing, with visits to traditional workshops for jade, silk, and tea. A cruise on West Lake is also a highlight.
 

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, has been the site of major historical events and remains a powerful symbol of modern China. Just north lies the Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex that served as the seat of imperial power for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering nearly 180 acres with over 980 buildings, it houses vast courtyards, grand halls, and ornate decorations that showcase centuries of imperial life.

Walking through the Forbidden City, travellers encounter painted beams, intricate carvings, and golden rooftops that reflect the importance of hierarchy and symbolism in imperial China. The Hall of Supreme Harmony alone could accommodate thousands of people, while each courtyard tells a story of politics, ceremony, and daily life behind the palace walls. 

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace served as an imperial retreat, combining lakes, gardens, and pavilions in a harmonious landscape. Visitors can stroll along the elegant Long Corridor, cross bridges over Kunming Lake, and explore temples and pagodas that blend architecture with natural scenery. This peaceful UNESCO site is one of the many things to see and do in China.

Beijing’s hutongs and the Temple of Heaven

Beyond imperial grandeur, Beijing’s hutongs, narrow alleys lined with grey-brick homes and communal courtyards, reveal the rhythm of traditional city life. Walking or cycling through these historic neighbourhoods, travellers can experience local food, handicrafts, and the daily routines that have endured for centuries.

The Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is where emperors conducted ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests. Its circular halls, vast courtyards, and symbolic layout demonstrate the harmony between architecture, astronomy, and ritual in ancient China. Visiting the Temple of Heaven gives travellers insight into the spiritual traditions and ceremonial practices that shaped the empire.

Stand before the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road, is a city steeped in history and culture. Among its many highlights, the Terracotta Warriors are a breathtaking spectacle and one of the most iconic things to see in China. This extraordinary archaeological discovery features thousands of life-sized soldiers, each uniquely detailed and arranged in precise formations: an experience that brings China’s ancient history vividly to life.

Xi’an itself complements the Terracotta Warriors with other historic and cultural experiences. The city walls, ancient pagodas, and vibrant markets give travellers a sense of local life and history beyond the archaeological site. Spend two days in Xi’an on our China Uncovered & Yangtze River Cruise tour as well as Xi’an’s famous snack street, Yongxingfang, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

Experience the energy of Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s dynamic megacity, where futuristic skyscrapers rise alongside colonial-era architecture, offering a fascinating blend of old and new. It is a city that embodies the pace, ambition, and creativity of modern China, making it one of the things to see and do in China for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.

The Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront, showcases European-style buildings from the early 20th century, standing in dramatic contrast to the modern skyline across the Huangpu River. Across the river in Pudong, iconic towers such as the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower dominate the skyline. The futuristic observation decks offer panoramic views stretching across the city, while innovative architecture and cutting-edge design highlight China’s rapid transformation into a global economic powerhouse.

Shanghai’s French Concession offers a more intimate experience. Tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and quaint cafés evoke a European charm, allowing travellers to explore the city’s cultural diversity and historical layers. Meanwhile, neighbourhoods like Nanjing Road offer bustling shopping, street performances, and culinary discoveries that capture the modern urban spirit.

From the serene Yu Garden, with its classical landscaping and intricate pavilions, to the lively riverside nightlife, Shanghai is a city of contrasts. Experiencing both its history and contemporary energy makes the city a must-do in China, reflecting the country’s impressive ability to merge tradition and innovation.

Meet the giant pandas in Chengdu

If you're wondering what to do in Chengdu, seeing giant pandas should top the list. The capital of Sichuan province is famed for its relaxed pace, rich history, and its adorable pandas. A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding offers a rare chance to observe these iconic animals up close in a conservation-focused setting. 

The centre is home to dozens of pandas living in enclosures designed to reflect their natural habitat. Watching a panda munch bamboo or roll in the grass is a highlight, and a visit to Chengdu is a must-do in China. 

Beyond pandas, Chengdu is celebrated for its culinary heritage. Sichuan cuisine is renowned for bold flavours, especially the signature mala, a spicy and numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.

For culture enthusiasts, Chengdu’s Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street reveal the city’s layered past. Together, these experiences make Chengdu one of the best sites to see in China. Experience China’s highlights, from giant pandas to Sichuan hot pot, on our China Uncovered with Yangtze River & Chengdu tour.

Cruise the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges

A Yangtze River cruise offers a slower, more immersive way to experience China’s landscapes, gliding past dramatic gorges, historic towns, and one of the world’s most important waterways.

The Three Gorges, Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, are the highlights of any Yangtze cruise. Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic, features towering cliffs and steep peaks. Wu Gorge is celebrated for its serene valleys, deep forests, and cascading waterfalls, while Xiling Gorge combines rugged scenery with the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.

Along the way, guided commentary helps travellers understand the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of each stop, making this cruise another must-do in China—not to mention the unparalleled landscapes you’ll see. 

Sail the Li River in Guilin and Yangshuo

Renowned for its ethereal karst landscapes, winding waterways, and ancient villages, the Li River is yet another iconic experience. The journey between Guilin and Yangshuo has inspired artists and poets for centuries, offering travellers a serene contrast to the energy of China’s cities.

Villages dot the riverbanks, where wooden stilt houses, terraced fields, and bamboo groves create postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.

A Li River cruise offers travellers a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and experience rural China. Yangshuo, the river’s end point, is equally captivating, with its market town, cycling routes through rice paddies, and activities like rock climbing. The combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and leisure makes this journey a must-do in China.

Marvel at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province is one of the most visually striking things to do in China. Its towering sandstone pillars, shrouded in mist, rise like natural skyscrapers, creating a surreal landscape often compared to the floating mountains seen in the film Avatar. 

Thousands of quartz-sandstone pillars are interspersed with deep ravines, forests, and crystal clear streams. From elevated boardwalks or the famous Bailong Elevator, travellers can take in the scale of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie offer panoramic views and dramatic rock formations shaped by nature.

Beyond the scenery, Zhangjiajie offers a sense of adventure for nature lovers and photographers, making the park a must-do in China. 

Explore the classical Gardens of Suzhou

Suzhou, often called the “Venice of the East,” is renowned for its elegant canals, traditional architecture, and classical gardens, making it one of the most charming things to see and do in China. Many of the gardens are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and are a serene contrast to the hustle of nearby Shanghai. 

The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of the Nets Garden showcase Suzhou’s horticultural mastery, with winding paths, pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and carefully arranged rockeries reflecting traditional Chinese garden design. 

Beyond gardens, Suzhou’s canals and traditional streets reveal a slower side of China. Wooden bridges arch over waterways lined with tea houses and boutique shops, while artisans continue centuries-old crafts like silk weaving and embroidery. 

The combination of garden artistry, canal-side charm, and heritage, makes Suzhou one of the best sites to see in China. Visit the gardens as part of our China Uncovered tour. 

Ride China’s high-speed bullet train

Riding China’s high-speed bullet train is a modern travel experience and one of the most exciting things to do in China. Covering vast distances at speeds of up to 350 km/h (about 220 mph), these trains connect major cities efficiently, letting travellers explore China comfortably while enjoying scenic views.

The network, the largest in the world, showcases the country’s technological advancement as trains glide past mountains, rivers, and cityscapes. Spacious seating, smooth rides, and modern amenities make it a stress-free alternative to long domestic flights.

For first-time visitors, the bullet train transforms itineraries. Journeys such as Beijing to Xi’an or Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou, allow travellers to experience the must see sights in China in comfort and style. Onboard services include dining, restrooms, and ample luggage storage, making it suitable for all ages. 

Taste your way through China

Food is a central part of China’s culture, making culinary exploration one of the most memorable things to see and do in China. From street markets to posh teahouses, every region offers interesting flavours, cooking techniques, and ingredients that reflect both its history and local traditions.

Northern China is known for its hearty noodles, dumplings, and Peking duck, a dish celebrated for its crispy skin and succulent meat. In Sichuan province, spicy and numbing flavours define the cuisine, with dishes such as hotpot and mapo tofu creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Coastal cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou showcase fresh seafood, delicate dim sum, and sweet, subtle flavours. 

Tips for planning your China tour

Planning a trip to China can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes a rewarding experience. Considering the country’s size, diverse regions, and cultural complexity, preparation ensures a smooth journey.

Plan your itinerary around key experiences

Focus on what matters most—walking the Great Wall, visiting the Terracotta Warriors, or sailing the Li River. Prioritising these destinations allows you to make the most of your time and ensures you cover the best sites to see in China without feeling rushed.

Travel with expert guidance

Joining a guided tour with a dedicated tour leader simplifies logistics—transport, tickets, and accommodations. For first-time travellers it also offers insider knowledge and cultural context.

Timing and seasons

China’s climate varies widely. Spring (April–May) and autumn/fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer can be hot and humid, especially in the south, while winter is cold, but quieter for city sightseeing. 

Transportation tips

China’s high-speed rail and domestic flights connect major cities efficiently. Combining bullet trains and flights lets travellers see multiple regions comfortably. 

Health, safety, and comfort

Carry water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Familiarise yourself with local customs and tipping practices. Travel insurance is recommended for unforeseen circumstances. 

Final thoughts on the best things to do in China

China is a vast and diverse country and focusing on its iconic experiences ensures a journey that is both memorable and revealing of the country’s scale and complexity.

Prioritising highlights such as walking the Great Wall, cruising the Yangtze, and riding the high-speed bullet train lets travellers experience the best sites to see in China with ease. Guided tours make these experiences even more rewarding, providing context, logistics, and expert insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still planning your time in China? Here are answers to some of the most common questions travellers have before setting off. 

What are the must-see sights in China?

The must-see sights in China include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, the Bund in Shanghai, the pandas in Chengdu, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and the Yangtze and Li rivers. Each offers a unique glimpse into China’s history, culture, and landscapes. 

How many days do you need to see China properly?

A first-time visit to China typically requires 10–14 days to cover major highlights. Guided tours allow travellers to experience multiple regions efficiently, including Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, and scenic river or nature excursions.

Is China easy to travel for first-time visitors?

Yes—with planning or a guided tour, travelling in China is straightforward. Major cities are well-connected, and tours handle tickets, transportation, and cultural context, easing navigation of language and local customs.

What is the best time of year to visit China?

 The best time to visit China is Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, particularly in the south,  while winter is colder but quieter for sightseeing.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Most travellers require a visa before arrival. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your local Chinese consulate, official sources, or additionally our Visa & Passport Information page before booking.

What is the best way to get around China?

China’s high-speed rail network efficiently covers long distances. Domestic flights, buses, and taxis complement shorter journeys. Guided tours can organise all transport, letting travellers focus on the experience.

 

Ready to experience the best things to do in China? From classic escorted tours (like our Imperial China tour) to immersive multi-week journeys, Inspiring Vacations makes exploring China seamless, enriching, and completely stress-free.