Best places to visit in China: 7 must-see cities for first-timers

You just booked your flight to China — congratulations! But now, with 23 provinces and countless cities, where do you even start? I've been guiding first-time travelers for over a decade, and here's the honest truth: trying to see everything will burn you out. Instead, focus on these 7 cities that offer the perfect mix of culture, convenience, and must-see sights. I've personally taken dozens of groups through each one, so this isn't generic advice — it's battle-tested. Let's dive in.

1. Beijing: The Heart of Chinese History

Beijing is non-negotiable for any first-timer. It's home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven. But crowds are brutal — especially from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Great Wall – Which Section to Visit?

Skip Badaling (too touristy). Instead, take a 2-hour drive to Mutianyu. It's less crowded, has cable cars, and a thrilling toboggan ride down. Entry: ¥40 for the wall + ¥100 cable car round trip. Book tickets on Trip.com with your passport — no WeChat mini-program needed. Bring cash for the toboggan (¥80).

Forbidden City – Booking is Mandatory

You must reserve at least 7 days in advance. Use the official website or Trip.com. Adult ticket ¥60 (low season) / ¥80 (high). Your passport is required. Enter from the Meridian Gate (south). Allow 3–4 hours. Avoid Mondays (closed).

Payment: Most vendors inside accept Alipay/WeChat. International credit cards? Only at hotel front desks. Bring ¥200–300 cash for snacks and souvenirs.

Navigation: Google Maps is useless here. Download Amap Global (English-friendly) or use Apple Maps. For the Great Wall, show the driver: “Mutianyu Great Wall, Huairou District, Beijing” — in Chinese: “北京怀柔区慕田峪长城.”

2. Shanghai: Futuristic Skyline & Old World Charm

Shanghai contrasts old and new like nowhere else. Start with the Bund in the morning (less crowded), then cross to Pudong for the skyscrapers. I always tell my groups: avoid the Oriental Pearl Tower — long queues and outdated. Instead, go to Shanghai Tower (¥180) for the best panoramic view. The elevator ride is 55 seconds — dizzying but worth it.

Yuyuan Garden – A Tranquil Escape

Ticket ¥30. Arrive by 9 AM to avoid the crush. The nearby bazaar is fun but very commercial — haggle hard. For a real local lunch, walk 10 minutes to Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant on Yuyuan Road. Their xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are legendary. About ¥60 for a set. Cash only at this branch — surprising, right? But bring some.

Getting Around

Metro is your best friend. Buy a 3-day pass (¥45) at any station — cash or Alipay. For taxis, use Didi (like Uber). But never take a black car outside tourist spots — they'll charge 5x the price. I've seen it happen too many times.

3. Xi'an: Where History Comes Alive

The Terracotta Warriors are just the start. This city has the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Rent a bike (¥45) and cycle the entire 14 km — takes about 2 hours, but you'll see a side of Xi'an most tourists miss.

Terracotta Warriors – Pit 1 is the Main Event

Ticket ¥120. Take bus 306 from Xi'an Railway Station (¥7, 1 hour). Avoid the fake warriors sold outside — they're not authentic, just souvenirs. Inside Pit 1, stand at the back for the best photo perspective without the crowd. Pro tip: Go directly to Pit 1 first (most impressive), then Pit 3 (small but generals), finish at Pit 2. Skip the museum shop; overpriced.

Muslim Quarter – Night Food Heaven

By 6 PM, the street comes alive. Try lamb skewers (¥10 for 4), persimmon cakes (¥5), and pita bread soaked in lamb soup (¥25). Most stalls accept Alipay but carry ¥100 cash just in case. Warning: It gets insanely crowded on weekends — go on a weekday if you can.

4. Guilin: Picture-Perfect Karst Mountains

Guilin's landscape is what you imagine China looks like. But the city itself is just okay; the real magic is a 1-hour bus ride away in Yangshuo. I always skip Guilin's downtown and head straight to Yangshuo West Street — a backpacker hub with cheap eats and bike rentals.

Li River Cruise – Most Scenic Stretch

Book the 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (¥350). Departure at 9:30 AM from Zhujiang Pier. You'll need your passport. The scenery is stunning — think mountains rising from misty water. Bring snacks; lunch onboard is mediocre. Most cruises accept Alipay for souvenir photos (¥20 each).

5. Chengdu: Pandas, Spicy Food, and Slow Pace

Chengdu is famous for two things: giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine. To see the pandas, go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Ticket ¥55. Arrive by 8 AM when the pandas are most active — after 10 AM they sleep. The base is about 30 minutes from downtown by taxi (¥40). Bring your passport for ticket.

Sichuan Food – Not Just Spicy

Try the legendary hotpot at Huangcheng Laoma (皇城老妈). Address: 20 Zongfu Road. Google Maps may not find it; use Amap: “黄城老妈”. Expect to queue 1 hour on weekends. Once inside, order the “three-color broth” (mild, spicy, tomato). My must-order: sliced beef in chili oil — mouth-numbing but addictive. Cost per person: ¥120–180. They accept Alipay/WeChat but not Amex. Ask for the English menu (they have one).

6. Hangzhou: West Lake & Serene Gardens

West Lake is China's most iconic water scene. Walk the Su Causeway — it's 3 km but flat and scenic. Rent a boat for ¥150 per hour (2-person). Avoid the huge tourist boats; a small rowboat is more romantic. Best time: just before sunset (golden hour).

Longjing Tea Plantations

Take bus 27 to Longjing Village (¥2). Free to walk through the terraced tea fields. You'll be offered tea tasting — it's free, but they'll try to sell you overpriced tea. If you want to buy, a fair price is ¥200–500 per 500g for decent Longjing. Haggle. I once paid ¥300 and it was excellent.

7. Shenzhen: China's Silicon Valley

Skip Shenzhen if you only have 10 days. It's a modern city with skyscrapers and tech malls, but no ancient history. However, if you love electronics, Huaqiangbei market is a paradise. Go to Seg Electronics Market (building 1) for components, building 2 for phones. Bring cash; many small stalls only take WeChat. Warning: Counterfeit goods are everywhere — if the price seems too good to be true, it is.

Overall tip for all cities: download WeChat and Alipay before you leave, and link your international credit card. Most places don't take cash. Also, buy a VPN (like ExpressVPN) before your trip — Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp won't work without it.

Quick Comparison Table: Best Cities for First-Timers