Fancy exploring China for the very first time, or discovering new cities and activities? You’re in the right place! Trip.com shares its top tips, favourite spots and must-see places to visit for an unforgettable trip that’s out of the ordinary.
Whether you’re passionate about imperial history, curious about urban modernity, in search of culinary discoveries, or simply seeking authenticity in remote villages, China has a surprise waiting around every corner!
Best Activities & Must-Sees in China
- 🏛️ Palace Museum (Forbidden City) – Beijing 🏮 From £6.39 – Skip-the-queue ticket, open from 8:30 am
- 🏯 Great Wall – Badaling (Beijing) 🏔️ From £3.73 – Instant access, open from 7:30
- 🌇 The Bund – Shanghai 📸 Free entry – Exceptional night-time view, optional river cruise
- 🏺 Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang – Xi’an 🗿 From £12.77 – Skip-the-queue ticket, open from 8:30 am
- 🎢 Hong Kong Disneyland 🎠 From From £58.91 – Instant access, same-day bookings available
What to Do in China Based on Your Stay
As you can probably imagine, China is one of the largest countries in the world. Distances are vast and its cities and activities are incredibly varied. Naturally, you wouldn’t plan the same itinerary for 10 days, 2 weeks or 3 weeks.
Before booking your tickets, take the time to decide how long you’ll stay and which activities and provinces you’d like to explore (cities, nature, temples, skiing, solo travel, etc.).
To help guide you as best as possible, here is a table of itinerary ideas according to your travel preferences and how you’re travelling (as a couple, solo, as a family…).
Duration / Profile | Couple | Family | Friends | Solo |
4–5 days | Beijing + Great Wall + Temple of Heaven | Shanghai + Shanghai Disneyland + water town | Guilin + Yangshuo: karst landscapes + evenings by the river | Guangzhou + nature getaway in Guangdong |
1 week | Northern China: Beijing + Xi'an | South China: Guangzhou + Guilin | Yunnan: Kunming + Dali or Lijiang | City and nature mix: Shanghai + Suzhou + Guilin |
2 weeks | Classic itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai | North + South: Beijing, Great Wall, Guilin, Guangzhou | Yunnan + Guangxi: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Guilin | Grand solo tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin |
3 weeks | Complete China: Imperial North + Tropical South + Authentic Yunnan | Family trip: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Guangzhou, Shanghai | Railway road trip: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi'an, Yunnan | Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests: North/South + Yunnan |
💡 Ready to visit China in the best possible way?
924 booked
Must-Visit Destinations in China
Even though China is a vast country, you can truly get to know it through a handful of its major cities and iconic provinces, each with its own culture, history, architecture, cuisine and experiences.
Here’s Trip.com’s selection of unmissable key destinations for a trip to China!
Beijing & the Great Wall: China's Historic Core
Beijing is often the first stop on a journey to China, and for good reason: this is where the country's historical heart beats. Among the city's historic sites, don't miss:
- The Forbidden City (Palace Museum),
- Tian’anmen Square,
- The traditional hutongs,
- The Summer Palace,
- And of course, the Great Wall.
Also note that Beijing is the perfect starting point for a day trip to the Great Wall of China for the day, particularly to the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections (more enjoyable and less busy than Badaling). Allow a good half-day or a full day depending on the stretch, your walking ability and travel time, especially if you’re wondering how long it takes to visit the Great Wall.
📌 Trip.com tip: For a hassle-free stay, book your hotel in Beijing near the metro so you can easily reach the top sights and day trips.
Shanghai: The City of Tomorrow
Next stop: Shanghai, China’s economic capital and most modern showcase, with Pudong’s skyscrapers, gigantic shopping centres and luxury boutiques.
Among the unmissable things to do in Shanghai:
- The Bund (Waitan),
- The skyline lit up in the evening,
- Lujiazui (Pudong): the futuristic district,
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden),
- Strolls along the Huangpu River.
For souvenir lovers and shopping enthusiasts, Shanghai is also an excellent place to go shopping in China. You’ll find international brands as well as local designers and more popular markets.
📌 Trip.com tip: Shanghai deserves at least two to three days in your itinerary.
Canton / Guangzhou: The Laid-Back Soul of South China
Third must-see during your stay: Canton (Guangzhou)! It’s one of the main gateways to southern China, particularly renowned for its Cantonese cuisine, dim sum, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
When it comes to activities and places to visit, here are our essentials for making the most of the city:
- Canton Tower & Observation Deck
- Chen Family Ancestral Temple
- Shamian Island
- Night Cruise on the Pearl River
It's an ideal destination for foodies, but also for those looking to discover a gentler side of China, with a more subtropical climate and a more laid-back atmosphere than in the north.
Guilin & Yangshuo: Painting-Perfect Karst Scenery
Guilin, in the Guangxi region, is famous for its karst mountains and landscapes often featured on Chinese postcards and banknotes. It’s a must-see if you’re looking for places to visit in China that blend nature, cruises (on the Li River), bike rides and stunning viewpoints.
If you carry on to Yangshuo, which is smaller and friendlier, you can enjoy a village atmosphere, cafés, markets, open-air sound-and-light shows, as well as a wealth of outdoor activities.
📌 Tips: It’s a perfect stop for couples, friends, or solo travellers who want to balance sightseeing with moments of relaxation in a spectacular setting.
Yunnan: Mountain Villages & Cultural Tapestry
To round off our selection, how could we not introduce Yunnan province! It’s the most authentic and diverse region in the country. What’s on the agenda? You’ll meet ethnic minorities, discover the sublime mountains in the area on nature excursions, terraced rice fields and charming ancient towns.
Yunnan is ideal for couples, backpackers and families who want to discover a less urbanised China, with a gentler pace and plenty of traditional villages to explore.
Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially in peak season, and allow enough travel time between the different stops, as distances can be longer than they appear on the map!
📌 Tips: Consider spending a few days in Kunming, the famous ‘City of Eternal Spring’, as well as in Dali and Lijiang.
Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in China
As you’ve probably guessed, China is brimming with unique experiences and magical places. If you’re not sure what to plan or do during your stay, here are five must-dos that are well worth the trip.
Each of these places or experiences can fit into a 10-day, 2-week or 3-week itinerary, depending on your pace and interests.
The Forbidden City: Beijing's Imperial Heart
Set off to explore the beating heart of China: the iconic Forbidden City! It’s an unmissable stop for understanding the grandeur and heritage of the dynasties.
Allow several hours for the full visit, and you can even extend it by climbing up to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.
📌 Tips: To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and remember to book your tickets online in advance.
The Great Wall: China’s Iconic Monument
It’s impossible to visit China without seeing at least one stretch of the Great Wall, an icon of the nation and a true historical marvel. From Beijing, several sections await: Badaling (the most famous and busiest), Mutianyu (often more pleasant, with a cable car), and Jinshanling for hikers.
If you’re wondering how long to visit the Great Wall of China, allow at least half a day (including transport) for a nearby section, and up to a full day to enjoy the walk, the views, and a relaxed pace. Depending on the season, pack appropriate clothing and water, and book your tickets and transport in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
📌 Trip.com tip: Once again, remember to book your tickets in advance, especially in peak season or during major Chinese holidays, and aim to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The Bund: Shanghai's Past Meets Future
Less well known than the previous two sights, the Bund district is still a must-see in Shanghai!
The promenade is spectacular by day and by night, with an inimitable atmosphere typical of China’s economic capital. In the evening, Pudong’s lights reflect on the Huangpu River, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.
It’s also the departure point for numerous night-time river cruises, perfect for admiring the city from the water.
📌 Trip.com tip: consider booking a cruise or a guided tour to learn more about the history of this iconic neighbourhood.
Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang: Home of the Terracotta Army
Discover one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang!
Marvel at the thousands of terracotta soldiers lined up for over 2,000 years to watch over the memory of Emperor Qin. Each statue is unique, with distinct faces, poses and details.
The site features several pits to explore, as well as a museum showcasing artefacts and explanations about this extraordinary discovery.
📌 Tips: allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the visit, and consider taking an audio guide or joining an on-site guide to better understand the fascinating history of this place.
Hong Kong Disneyland: Eastern Enchantment
For this final activity, Trip.com invites you to unwind and, above all, feel like a kid again!
Experience a magical day at Hong Kong Disneyland, with its parades and rides, from the Marvel universe to Star Wars, not forgetting the unmissable childhood favourites.
Did you know? The park features unique attractions you won’t find at other Disneyland parks around the world, along with shows and parades specially designed for Asian audiences.
As with all parks, remember to book your tickets online well in advance to enjoy discounts and avoid the queues at the ticket desks!
Best time to visit China
As China is such a vast country, the climate varies greatly between the north (cold winters, hot summers) and the south (a milder, sometimes subtropical climate). So there isn’t a single best time to visit China, but several enticing windows depending on your priorities: major cities, mountains, beaches, skiing, etc.
Generally speaking, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are often considered the best seasons to visit China, with more pleasant temperatures and particularly beautiful scenery. Here’s a handy summary table to help you choose:
Blooming Season 🌸 | Weather overview 🌤️ | Notes 🗒️ | Recommended activities & festivals 🎟️ |
Spring (March–May) | Mild to pleasant, sometimes humid in the south | Ideal for big cities and lush green landscapes | Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Yunnan, cherry blossom, spring festivals |
Summer (June–August) | Hot to very hot, sometimes humid, thunderstorms | During Chinese holiday periods, attractions are often busier. | Cool mountains, cruises, theme parks, southern beaches |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Mild temperatures, often clear skies | Excellent visibility, autumn colours in some regions | Great Wall of China, historic cities, Yunnan, hiking, water towns |
Winter (Dec.–Feb.) | Cold in the north, milder in the south | Fewer crowds at some sites, possible pollution in the north | Skiing in the north, Beijing blanketed in snow, quieter southern cities, winter markets |
📌 Tips: To optimise your trip, try to avoid, if possible, the major Chinese holiday periods (Chinese New Year, “Golden Week” in early October), when transport and tourist sites are very busy. If you enjoy a festive atmosphere, it can still be an interesting experience, provided you organise well and book early.
China awaits you with millennia of history, fascinating cultural diversity and unforgettable experiences! Whether you’re drawn to the Great Wall, Shanghai’s modernity, the karst landscapes of Guilin or Cantonese cuisine, the Middle Kingdom will win you over at every stage of your journey.
Plan your stay now on Trip.com to enjoy the best deals on hotels, tickets and activities across China.
Have a wonderful trip to China! ✨
FAQ - Things to Do in China
How much time should I allow to visit China?
For a first trip, plan a minimum of 10 days to see the essentials (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai). For a more comprehensive exploration including southern China and Yunnan, allow 2 to 3 weeks.What is the best time of year to visit China?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the best conditions with pleasant temperatures and good visibility. Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week (early October) if you wish to escape the crowds.What are the must-visit cities in China?
Beijing for imperial history and the Great Wall, Shanghai for modernity, Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, and Guilin for natural scenery are the four essential destinations for a first-time visit.Is it easy to travel independently in China?
Yes, major cities are well-organised with efficient transport and hotels accustomed to international travellers. Download translation and navigation apps, and book your tickets in advance on Trip.com to make your trip smoother.