Traveling through China shifts your perspective. Every city introduces you to a different side of the country. I found some destinations with deep history and a few with rich cultural heritage. China, as an advanced country, gives you a feeling of visiting the future in the present.
When people search for the top cities in China to visit, what do they actually require? A combination of sightseeing places with local culture and eating food in popular restaurants with convenient transportation in all cities.
This guide covers all the best places to visit in China, so when you are planning your trip, you won't forget any city that hides wonders for you. Shall we start?
Top Cities in China to Visit in 2026
I make a list of the 7 top cities of China you must visit that provide a valuable addition to your traveling experience.
1. Beijing
Beijing is always the first name that comes up when discussing the top cities in China to visit. It carries thousands of years of imperial history which makes you feel fully connected to modern urban life.
Worth Visiting Beijing City
Home to many famous landmarks in China
Perfect for first time travelers
Smooth transportation and great hospitality
Deep cultural experiences everywhere you go
Places to Visit in Beijing
The Forbidden City carries a rich history. It is an imperial palace with golden roofs.
One of the world's largest public squares is Tiananmen Square China. It takes your feet to step into modern Chinese history.
Hutongs are traditional alleyways with access to explore local life and architecture.
Summer Palace is an aesthetic retreat with gardens and lakes. People also love the ancient structures there.
Famous Restaurants
Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant
Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant
Jing Yaa Tang
People who love ancient architecture, Chinese traditions or historic palaces, Beijing delivers on every level. The city has so many places to explore and things to learn that many travelers choose private guides who make the Beijing visit more meaningful with the stories behind them.
2. Shanghai
The futuristic and energetic vibe makes Shanghai different from Beijing. Its skyline views attract tourists massively. Shanghai is one of the best cities to visit in China for those whose travel involves a mix of luxury modern attractions and efficient public transport.
What Makes Shanghai Special
Global city with a fast-moving lifestyle
Incredible nightlife and shopping
Excellent base for day trips to Suzhou or water towns
Combo of old neighborhoods and modern skyscrapers
Places to Enjoy in Shanghai
The Bund is a waterfront promenade. It has historic colonial buildings and city views.
Yu Garden has pavilions and ponds. It gives you a touch of classical Chinese garden.
Nanjing Road is a premier shopping street, always crowded with energy.
The world's tallest skyscrapers include Shanghai Tower with panoramic views.
Tree lined streets in the French Concession and historic architecture are perfect for a stroll.
Famous Restaurants
Din Tai Fung
Lost Heaven
braised chicken with mushrooms from Jesse Restaurant.
Shanghai is an ideal location to add to your next trip to Vhina for enjoying the blend of culture, business, food, and urban exploration.
3. Xi'an
If you want China's deep history, Xi'an is the city where everything starts. It's one of the oldest cities in the country and a major highlight for anyone searching for the best city of China to visit for history lovers.
Why Xi'an Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
Former starting point of the Silk Road
Rich dynasty history and archaeological significance
Unique Muslim Quarter food scene
Pick Places To Visit
Terracotta Warriors museum has thousands life sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Ancient City Wall is a fully intact city wall you can bike or walk along.
Bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter have traditional markets and architecture.
The iconic landmarks of Bell and Drum Towers in the city center attract the audience.
Where To Eat in Xian
De Fa Chang – Try the chicken baozi steamed buns.
Lao Sun Jia – Famous for spicy chicken noodles.
Muslim Quarter Food Stalls – Offer chicken kebabs and local fried chicken dishes.
The Terracotta Warriors is one monument, not the only famous thing in Xian. You quickly realize the city is much more when you arrive there. It's a journey through ancient Chinese civilization.
4. Chengdu
Want a refreshing contrast to China's bigger cities? Visit Chengdu, the slow paced, friendly and famous for one adorable reason: the giant pandas. If you're picking the best travel destination for family travel, Chengdu is easily one of the best.
What Makes Chengdu Special
Home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Known for Sichuan hotpot
Relaxed lifestyle
Tea houses everywhere
Get entry to Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and National Park
Best Places to Visit
Get the opportunity to watch adorable pandas in a natural habitat resembling environment at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You see the efforts to save these giant, cute animals from extinction.
The historic monument Wuhou Shrine of the Three Kingdoms hero Zhuge Liang.
Chengdu has an ancient water engineering marvel named the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which is still people using in many areas
Jinli Ancient Street is a lively area. People go there for souvenirs, snacks and cultural experiences.
Famous Restaurants
Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant
Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot
Yu's Family Kitchen
Chengdu is also a favorite among cultural travelers who enjoy deep, immersive local experiences.
5. Guilin
The natural scenery of Guilin makes it favorite place of tourists. You need a Guilin city tour if you're someone who loves mountains, rivers and peaceful countryside.
Why Visiting Guilin
Stunning limestone mountains
Relaxing river cruises
Close access to Yangshuo, one of China's most scenic towns
Top Things to See
Take a calm Li River boat ride and enjoy the tall limestone peaks.
Stop at Reed Flute Cave to watch its colorful rock formations.
Visit elephant drinking water shaped Elephant Trunk Hill.
Walk through Seven Star Park with its small caves and old cultural spots.
Try cycling or a short river trip in Yangshuo for peaceful village views.
Where to Eat
Guilin Rice Noodle Restaurants
West Street eateries
Li River View Restaurant
Every turn of the river feels like a painting. It's a city where many travelers choose guided tours simply because the viewpoints, river timings, and hidden spots are easier to discover with local help.
6. Suzhou
It is a short, easy trip during your Shanghai visit that is worth every minute. Suzhou is ideal for its classical gardens for travelers who appreciate elegance and artistic landscapes.
Why Visit Suzhou
UNESCO classical gardens
Traditional canals
Ancient silk culture
Top Things to See
Humble Administrator's Garden has ponds and pavilions.
Pingjiang Road historic canal street is ideal for walking and shopping.
Lingering Garden is another UNESCO garden with exquisite landscaping.
Suzhou Silk Museum makes you learn about the silk making heritage of the city.
The canal street of Shantang has tea houses and traditional architecture.
Famous Restaurants
Song He Lou Restaurant
Wumen Renjia
De Yue Lou
Suzhou is one of the top tourist cities in China for people who enjoy history and aesthetics with traditional charm.
7. Hangzhou
Travelers mostly try to find an area that offers a calm mix of natural beauty and rich culture. Such travelers pick Hangzhou to enjoy the real beauty.
Why Visit Hangzhou
Romantic scenery
Beautiful West Lake
Famous Dragon Well Tea plantations
Peaceful gardens
Hangzhou Tourist Places
West Lake
Tea Plantations in Longjing
Hefang Street
Xixi Wetlands
Famous Restaurants
Lou Wai Lou
Zhi Wei Guan
Green Tea Restaurant
Hangzhou offers a cleaner, quieter escape with a rich cultural experience.
Building Your Itinerary with These Top Cities
Here are popular combinations travelers often choose when they plan a multi city trip:
Popular Routes
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Beijing → Chengdu → Guilin
Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Beijing → Zhangjiajie → Shanghai
Each combination offers a balance of history and nature with modern life.
Professional tour companies specializing in private China travel arrange a tailored trip for you and your group. Catherine Lu Tours often builds custom itineraries covering all the cities mentioned above with transportation and local experiences. This makes traveling between destinations smoother and more convenient, specifically for first time visitors.
Conclusion
China shows blends of beauty in every city with each place offering new flavors, stories and landscapes. You can explore historic sites, modern skylines, tea villages, river trips, panda spots, and scenic lakes. This list of top cities gives a clear guide for planning a trip that feels complete.
Guided tours make traveling easier. Professional private tour services focus on these cities, letting you explore without stress and gain deeper local knowledge. Travelers move smoothly, enjoy every stop, and get the most out of the experience.
