From the Great Wall and terracotta warriors to ancient gardens and thriving cities, China is an unforgettable place! With so many great deals on tours and travel packages, it’s also a highly affordable destination. We’ve narrowed down the top five cities that should definitely be on your bucket list. They’re also a great starting place for many tours of this amazing country.

Beijing

Bustling, busy, and extraordinarily beautiful, Beijing is a city of consistent metamorphosis. Home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, abundant with history, and a Mecca for China’s creative communities, this place will have you mesmerized from the moment you arrive. Find dozens of tours from Beijing that range from day trips to 11-day adventures!

Forbidden City

An imperial palace from 1420 to 1912, this massive cluster of traditional architecture has been the base of China’s political history for hundreds of years. Now housing the Palace Museum, this fantastical piece of frozen history is full of art, and artifacts, and remains the most visited museum in the world.

Great Wall

The famous Great Wall of China is considered to be one of the great wonders of the world. A feat of engineering and defensive architecture, this mesmerizing piece of the ancient world is an absolute must see. Not all sections of the wall are accessible, and some are more difficult to experience than others, but there are plenty of places to hike, trek and explore, guaranteeing a magical adventure.

Badaling is considered the best and most popular part of the wall, and is easily accessible on a Beijing sightseeing tour. However, there are plenty of other pieces of the wall that are well worth a visit. Jinshanling showcases the architectural genius of the wall, with watchtowers that reflect musical notes on a stave, and Mutianyu is infamous for its
amazing natural scenery.

Shanghai

China’s largest city has a lot to offer. Filled with history, art, and all kinds of modern wonders, there’s plenty to see and do. You can visit one of the many museums or art galleries, or soak up the history in many traditional temples, or shop to your heart’s content at Nanjing Road, a brilliant shopping district of vendors and commercial stores. Get an introduce to the city with a variety of Shanghai sightseeing tours.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Just like a little piece of Venice in China, Zhujiajiao Water Town is a small town covered in a maze of shallow canals. Perfect for seeing ancient China, you can explore the time-honored buildings, and capture some beautiful photography. This amazing place is ideal for a day trip from central Shanghai.You don’t need a ticket to walk around, but it is considered an official tourist area, and some attractions are ticketed.

The Bund

A beautiful promenade along the west bank of the Huangpujiang River, The Bund — or Waitan as it is known — is a bustling tourist attraction lined with boutique stores, restaurants and incredible architecture. Perfect for an evening stroll or a nightly cruise on Huangpu River when the city lights shine bright, you’ll also discover a variety of city sculptures and monuments, such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Xi’an

A city of living history, this understated capital in central northwest China has been a beckoning light for tourists and historians since ancient times. It was also the starting point of the Silk Road trading route which traveled all the way to Great Britain. Filled with relics and heritage, Xi’an is educational and enthralling for anyone who is interested in the magical story of China.

Terracotta Warriors Museum

This massive collection of funerary ornaments is a representation of the army that was commanded by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China who reigned from 246–206 BC. This amazing archaeological collection includes approximately 8,000 different life-size statues, and has been named the eighth wonder of the world. By far the most popular attraction in Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors tours are easily available.

Guilin

Located in the South of China, this natural gem has a very ethereal atmosphere, and a landscape reminiscent of a fantasyland. The town itself is quite small, but we can guarantee you’ll be swept away by the surrounding natural beauty. Visit Solitary Beauty Peak, Reed Caves and Seven Star Park to immerse yourself in the magic of this stunning place.

Li River

The view as you float along this beautiful body of water is not to be missed. You can journey all the way down to Yangshuo on a 5 hour Li River cruise and visit this lovely village on a peaceful day trip. See everything Guilin has to offer beyond the city on the banks of the Li, including humble villages and rice paddies, incredible scenery and roaming wildlife.

Hong Kong

A brilliant mix of history, heritage, and contemporary city life, Hong Kong is a wonderful place to visit. Hailed as one of the must visit destinations in China, this is bound to be one of your most favorite places to explore.

The Peak

The Peak is an absolute must-see. The pinnacle of both the city and societies living quarters, The Peak boasts spectacular views of Hong Kong on a viewing deck and historical tram from the top of Victoria Peak. Any Hong Kong sightseeing tour is bound to feature this fantastic attraction as an introduction to the city, complete with tickets to the Sky Terrace, from which you can get the best view of the city.

Tai O

If you’re looking for a traditional activity that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can always go and visit the Big Buddha, hire a ‘junk’ boat and cruise the harbor, taste delicious dim sum, or visit a fishing village like Tai O. Hong Kong is full of night stalls and themed markets, including Temple St Night Market, and the Ladies Market, named for its array of ladies clothing and accessories.

If you’re all about embracing the modernity, see the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show or  have a blast at China’s Disneyland, a magical place for everyone!

Planning on taking a extended trip to China? Hop aboard a variety of China tour packages to easily see the entire country and all these amazing cities in one go!