Where to Go in China: Top Destinations for Every Type of Traveller

Wondering where to go in China? With a country this massive and diverse, it’s no surprise that one traveller’s dream trip might look completely different from another’s.

Maybe you’re drawn to dazzling skylines, crave off-the-beaten-path culture, or simply want to eat your way through the country. Wherever your interests lie, this guide breaks down where to go in China based on your travel style, so you can explore a side of the country that truly speaks to you.

Also read: What Kind of Traveller Are You? 11 Travel Types and What They Reveal

For city lovers

Beijing

China’s capital is a masterclass in contrasts. Walk through the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, then hop on the subway to browse the hip boutiques and galleries of the 798 Art District. 

Climb the Great Wall by day, and sip cocktails with skyline views by night. Beijing is where dynasties meet modernity, and the mix is electrifying.

Shanghai

A glittering showcase of 21st-century China, Shanghai is where futuristic towers loom over elegant colonial streets. 

The Bund offers views of the iconic skyline, while districts like Xintiandi and Tianzifang are packed with indie shops, chic cafés and Art Deco charm. It’s slick, stylish, and constantly reinventing itself.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is fast-paced, creative and full of surprises. Wander the artsy OCT Loft district, shop and snack your way through Dongmen Market, or visit Window of the World, a surreal theme park featuring miniature replicas of global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Niagara Falls. 

You can also visit Shekou for a change of pace, where an old port area has been transformed into a laid-back waterfront district with a cosmopolitan feel. You’ll find harbourside promenades, international restaurants, craft beer bars and live music, perfect for unwinding after a day in the city.

For nature lovers

Zhangjiajie, Hunan

You’ve likely seen the photos of these misty sandstone pillars rising straight out of the forest, which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. 

This UNESCO-listed park is an otherworldly dream for hikers and photographers. Don’t miss the glass skywalks if you’ve got a capacity for heights.

Also read: Real-Life Filming Locations in China from Popular Movies and Dramas

Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan 

Fairytale mirror lakes in shades of turquoise, tiered waterfalls, and colourful forests await in this remote national park. Best visited in autumn for its fiery foliage, Jiuzhaigou is a pristine escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of the cities.

Yunnan Province

If you want variety, Yunnan delivers. Explore the karst cliffs of Shilin’s Stone Forest, wander ancient towns like Lijiang and Dali, or ascend into the Tibetan-influenced highlands of Shangri-La. 

With spring-like weather year-round and plenty of cultural diversity, it’s a favourite among slow travellers.

Also read: 10 Stunning Natural Wonders in Bali for Nature Lovers

For culture & history travellers

Xi’an

Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xi’an brims with imperial relics and trade route tales. 

The Terracotta Warriors are the headline act, but there’s also a vibrant Muslim Quarter, ancient city walls to cycle along, and a food scene steeped in centuries-old tradition.

Pingyao, Shanxi

Enclosed by massive Ming-era walls, Pingyao’s cobbled alleys, courtyard homes, and red lanterns make it one of China’s most atmospheric towns. It’s like stepping into a living museum, minus the crowds of more famous sites.

Dunhuang, Gansu

Located near the edge of the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang was a Silk Road oasis. Today, it’s best known for the Mogao Caves, a treasure trove of Buddhist art carved into the cliffs. You can also camel ride into the dunes or catch sunset at Crescent Lake.

For offbeat explorers

Datong, Shanxi

Often overlooked, Datong is full of wow moments, especially the massive Buddha carvings of the Yungang Grottoes. The Hanging Temple, clinging dramatically to a cliffside, defies gravity and is unlike anything else in China. There’s a gritty charm to the city that’s part of its appeal.

Harbin, Heilongjiang

In winter, Harbin becomes a frozen fantasy world thanks to its Ice and Snow Festival, featuring giant sculptures, glowing ice castles, and temperatures well below freezing. 

Outside of winter, the city still intrigues with its Russian architecture, Orthodox churches and hearty northeastern fare.

Gansu Province

This is one of China’s most underrated regions. From the technicolour cliffs of Zhangye Danxia to desert forts in Jiayuguan, Tibetan towns like Xiahe, and the noodle-slinging city of Lanzhou, Gansu is rich in cultural mashups and wide open landscapes.

For food lovers

Chengdu, Sichuan

Spicy, numbing and addictive, Sichuan food is a flavour bomb, and Chengdu is its fiery capital. Tuck into hotpot, slurp dan dan noodles, and sample street snacks at Jinli or Kuanzhai Alley. Between meals, visit panda sanctuaries and chill with locals in teahouses.

Nanjing, Jiangsu

Elegant and understated, Jiangsu cuisine is all about balance. Try the city’s signature salted duck, comforting soup dumplings, and duck blood vermicelli soup. Nanjing’s food is best enjoyed slowly, ideally with a river view and a cup of tea.

Shunde, Guangdong

A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Shunde is revered for its influence on Cantonese cuisine and known for being a hotspot for developing chefs. Dishes are delicate, ingredient-driven and often prepared with artistic flair.

Come hungry and curious to try dishes like double-skin milk pudding, steamed fish with ginger, and stir-fried milk. 

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Find your perfect match

China is anything but one-size-fits-all, and that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating. One moment you’re weaving through a futuristic city, the next you’re deep in ancient history or trekking across surreal, untamed landscapes. Whatever your travel style, 2025 is the perfect time to discover that China is a perfect fit for you.