China Attractions

Chosen by Alex Robinson, travel journalist and our China specialist · Updated November 2026

The Best Things to Do in China

China’s great sights span thousands of years and thousands of miles: the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the karst peaks of Guilin, giant pandas in Chengdu and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie. Below are the highlights we think are most worth the journey, followed by our guide to Hunan, one of China’s most rewarding and least-known provinces.

Any of these can be part of a tailor-made China holiday with private guides. To plan your route, see our guide to China’s regions, and for visas and payments, our China travel guide.

China’s Must-See Sights

1. The Great Wall

Walk a restored section such as Mutianyu, an easy drive from Beijing, with watchtowers stretching over forested hills. Go early in the morning or on a weekday to have the Wall almost to yourself.

2. The Forbidden City and Imperial Beijing

For nearly 500 years, the Forbidden City was the palace of China’s emperors. Combine it with the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and a bicycle ride through Beijing’s old hutong lanes.

3. The Terracotta Army, Xi’an

Thousands of life-size clay soldiers, each with its own face, were buried more than 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. In Xi’an itself, cycle on the city wall and explore the Muslim Quarter.

4. The Li River and Yangshuo

Cruise down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo through some of China’s most famous scenery, then cycle or walk among the karst peaks and rice fields. The Longji rice terraces are nearby.

5. Giant Pandas, Chengdu

The panda conservation and breeding centres around Chengdu are the best places to see giant pandas. Go early, when they are most active, and stay on to enjoy Sichuan’s teahouses and fiery food.

6. Yunnan’s Old Towns and Gorges

Wander the old towns of Lijiang and Dali, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and see the Tibetan culture of Shangri-La, all in one of China’s most varied provinces.

7. Shanghai and the Water Towns

Walk along the Bund, explore Yu Garden and the former French Concession, then take the fast train to the classical gardens of Suzhou or the West Lake at Hangzhou.

Zhangjiajie and Hunan

Hunan, in central China, is famous for the dramatic sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie and is the home province of Mao Zedong. It is far less visited by Western travellers than Beijing or Xi’an, and rewards those who make the trip.

8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Thousands of sandstone pillars rise from the forest in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking trails, cable cars and lifts take you among the peaks. Allow at least two days.

9. Tianmen Mountain

A long cable car climbs from Zhangjiajie city to Tianmen Mountain, with cliff-edge walkways, a temple and Tianmen Cave, a huge natural arch in the mountain.

10. The Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

The glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon stretches high above the gorge. It is not for the faint-hearted, but the views are extraordinary.

11. Tujia Culture in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is home to the Tujia people. At the Zhangjiajie Tujia Centre you can learn about their music, dance, crafts and wooden stilt houses.

12. Changsha

Hunan’s capital has one of China’s finest regional museums, the Hunan Museum, famous for the 2,000-year-old treasures of the Mawangdui tombs. Visit the ancient Yuelu Academy, the Buddhist Kaifu Temple and the giant statue of the young Mao on Orange Island, then see the city lights from the Xiangjiang River.

13. Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake

The Yueyang Tower, overlooking Dongting Lake, is one of the most celebrated historic towers in southern China, made famous by classical Chinese poetry.

14. Liuyang Fireworks

Liuyang, near Changsha, is known as a historic centre of China’s fireworks industry. Its firework shows are some of the most spectacular in the country.

China’s Top Attractions at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Which section of the Great Wall is best to visit?

Mutianyu is our favourite for most visitors: restored, beautiful and less crowded than Badaling. For a wilder walk, we can arrange less-restored sections with an experienced guide.

How long do I need for Zhangjiajie?

Two to three days. Allow at least one full day, ideally two, for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and another for Tianmen Mountain and the glass bridge.

Is Zhangjiajie the place that inspired Avatar?

Zhangjiajie’s floating-looking sandstone pillars are widely linked with the scenery of the film Avatar, and one peak was renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”. Either way, it’s one of the most extraordinary landscapes in China.

Is Hunan worth visiting?

Yes. As well as Zhangjiajie, it has the excellent Hunan Museum in Changsha, historic towers and temples, and some of China’s spiciest and most delicious food, with far fewer Western visitors than the classic route.

Can I see the Terracotta Army in a day?

You can see the main pits in half a day, but we recommend two nights in Xi’an so you also have time for the city wall, the Muslim Quarter and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Are the big sights very crowded?

They can be, especially at weekends and during Chinese holidays. We avoid Golden Week and Chinese New Year where possible, and time visits for early mornings or quieter days.

Plan Your China Holiday

Tell us which of these appeal and Alex will put them together into a route that works for you. Explore our China holidays, see where you could stay on our China hotels page, or request a video call with Alex.