Discover China’s Most Iconic Tourist Attractions
From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, the misty temples of Chengdu, and the timeless charm of Xi’an, China offers a journey through living history and modern energy.
Beijing Tourist Attractions
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum): The largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. Twenty-four emperors governed China from here over 600 years. The red walls and yellow roofs hide the settings of famous period dramas. Walking past the Hall of Supreme Harmony and seeing the “Zhengda Guangming” plaque in the Palace of Heavenly Purity instantly takes you back to the peak of the feudal dynasties.
The Great Wall: The ultimate symbol of Chinese civilization. For the classic “not a true hero until you’ve climbed the Great Wall” experience, the Badaling Section is the most accessible. A cable car takes you straight to North Tower 8 to look down at the wall snaking like a dragon.
Top Beijing Tourist Attractions
Temple of Heaven
Badaling Great Wall
Forbidden City
Tiananmen Square
Summer Palace
Prince Gong’s Mansion
Shanghai Tourist Attractions
The Bund (Waitan): The essential starting point. Fifty-two buildings in Neoclassical and Art Deco styles line the Huangpu River. At night, the neon lights and the glow of the Oriental Pearl Tower create a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby.
Lujiazui Skyline: Take a ferry across to Pudong. The glass facades of the “Lujiazui Three” (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) reflect a sense of futurism. The “Top of Shanghai” Observation Deck on the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Top Shanghai Tourist Attractions
The Bund
Lujiazui & the Oriental Pearl Tower
Yuyuan Garden
Nanjing Road Shanghai
Shanghai Disneyland
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Chengdu Tourist Attractions
Wuhou Shrine (Wuhouci): This is a mandatory historical stop. It’s the only temple in the world dedicated to both a monarch and his minister (Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang). The red walls and bamboo shadows hold the soul of the Three Kingdoms era. Holographic 4D projections vividly bring their stories to life, making history instantly accessible.
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: This is a world-class sanctuary for pandas. The best time to visit is 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM when the pandas are most active. Visitors can closely watch cubs being fed and climbing trees. The on-site “Panda Post Office” offers custom postcard services—a memory that travels across oceans.
Top Chengdu Tourist Attractions
Chengdu Panda
Wuhou Shrine
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Mount Qingcheng
Mount Emei
Jiuzhaigou
Xi’an Tourist Attractions
Each corner of Xi’an carries echoes of a thousand years of civilization.
Terracotta Warriors — Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, these 8,000 life-sized soldiers guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Shaanxi History Museum — Free but ticketed. Don’t miss the Tang goldware and the agate beast-head cup.
Ancient City Wall — Cycle atop this 14 km Ming wall and enjoy the skyline where tiled roofs meet neon lights.
Top Xi’an Tourist Attractions
Xi’an’s Terracotta Army
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Huaqing Palace
Shaanxi History Museum
Daming Palace
Xi’an Forest of Steles Museum
Top Tourist Attractions in Urban China
Explore the most iconic and off-the-beaten-path attractions across China with Urban China Travelogue. From historic temples and ancient city walls to modern skylines and scenic natural wonders, our guides highlight must-visit landmarks, cultural experiences, and hidden gems in every city. Whether you’re discovering Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, or planning to explore new destinations, we provide insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
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Explore our curated China tourist attractions to find the best landmarks, cultural sites, and hidden gems in each city. Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply exploring from home, these guides bring the heart of China’s cities to life.