China is a land where ancient dynasties, dramatic landscapes, and ultra-modern innovation exist side by side. Spanning millions of square miles, it offers travels ranging from imperial palaces and mysterious subterranean armies to otherworldly mountain pillars and hyper-futuristic skylines.
If you are planning your dream journey or simply seeking armchair inspiration, here are 5 of the most famous and breathtaking places to visit in China.
1. The Great Wall of China (Beijing)
No landmark symbolizes China quite like the Great Wall. Extending over 13,000 miles (21,000 km) across northern ridges and deserts, this mammoth fortification system was built over two millennia to defend ancient imperial dynasties.
- The Experience: While section popular like Badaling can get crowded, sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling offer restored watchtowers set against pine-covered mountain slopes. Walking along its ancient stone path at sunrise, as the morning mist clears over the valleys, is one of the most remarkable travel moments in the world.
- Travel Tip: Take a cable car to the top at Mutianyu and ride the thrilling toboggan slide down for a fun descent.
2. The Forbidden City (Beijing)
Located right in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) served as the imperial home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing Dynasties for nearly 500 years.
The Experience: Enclosed by massive red walls and a deep moat, this 180-acre complex contains nearly 1,000 buildings decorated with golden roofs and imperial dragons. Walking through its massive courtyards gives visitors a deep sense of ancient Chinese hierarchy, cosmology, and architectural precision.
Travel Tip: Head directly behind the complex to Jingshan Park; climbing to the top pavilion offers an incredible panoramic view over the entire layout of golden roofs.
The Bund & Skyline (Shanghai)
To witness China’s leap into the future, head to Shanghai’s waterfront promenade, The Bund.
- The Experience: Standing on the western bank of the Huangpu River, you are surrounded by European-style colonial architecture built in the early 20th century. Looking directly across the water to the Pudong district reveals a skyline straight out of science fiction: the space-age Oriental Pearl Tower, the bottle-opener-shaped Financial Center, and the twisting 632-meter-tall Shanghai Tower.
- Travel Tip: Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River when all the skyscrapers light up in colorful LED light shows.