top 5 china tourist attractions

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30 Top Attractions & Things to do in China

When most people go to China, they only want to see the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, walk along the Bund at Shanghai or take in the Terracotta Warriors at Xi’an. Maybe they’ll throw in a visit to Guangzhou or take a Yangtze River cruise. But there’s much more to China than just these famous sites.

There are plenty of amazing tourist attractions in China, from ancient cities to forests to temples to rice fields that look like they’ve been designed by artists to sacred mountains and stunning waterfalls. This desire to explore off the beaten path where Chinese tourists outnumber foreign tourists isn’t just confined to 20-something backpackers. Any traveler armed with a good phrase book, a pot of patience and a marvelous sense of humor should do just fine.

30. Xian City Wall

Hundreds of years ago, the Chinese built massive stone walls around their cities to defend them from invaders. Xi’an was no exception.

Constructed over 8 years in the 1370s, the Xian City Wall was a symbol of the city’s self-sustainability. That, in addition to Zhu Yuanzhang’s propensity for reclusiveness. Something he continued to display when he became the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

The Great Wall aside, the Xian City Wall is the best example in China. At almost 14km long, 12m high and 12m thick, the wall was a literal mountain and provided Xian City with envious protection.

Today, you can explore the top of the wall, which envelopes the Old Town, on foot or bike. This will take you to the wall’s renowned gates, some of which out-date the wall itself.

29. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

There is something otherworldly and utterly spiritual about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The quartz-sandstone has been weathered down by wind and rain over thousands of years. Where once a mountain range stood, today you’ll see only towering pillars draped in lush forests.

In the morning, the mist rises from the deep valley hundreds of meters below. The mix of sandstone and greenery creates a scenery that’s hard to reconcile with. It doesn’t seem earthly. No wonder it was a part of the inspiration for Avatar.

The park is best explored on tour, with lifts taking you to incredible viewpoints. But nothing tops the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the tallest in the world.

28. Three Pagodas, Dali

In southern China , the Three Pagodas are some of the region’s oldest surviving structures. They are a symbol of Dali, with the oldest of the trio constructed in the 800s.

Rising out of the land like old-growth forests, the Three Pagodas hold a noticeable presence wherever you go in Dali. The tallest, Qianxun Pagoda, stands at 70 meters and features 16 tiers. The other two are ten tiers rising to 42 meters.

Although you can’t go inside them, it’s a blessing to be able to explore so close to such ancient monuments. Behind them is the beautiful Chongsheng Temple, open to visitors.

27. Shilin Stone Forest

Its name may seem like an oxymoron, but the Shilin Stone Forest is exactly that. Exploring the 270 million year-old stone forest is an unforgettable experience. It’s almost supernatural and such a vast spread of karst formations that you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s manmade.

It was, however, created by a sequence of seismic events and ageless erosion of the limestone. Today, there are hundreds of enormous stalagmite pillars that form an endless maze to explore.

But it’s not just rock. You’ll discover waterfalls, lakes and even underground rivers that provide a gorgeous contrast to the epic, yet odd landscape.

26. Lijiang Old Town

In northwest China, Lijiang boasts 800 years of history. Once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, the old town of Lijiang takes you right back to its heyday, with the bonus of an epic mountain backdrop.

Like any good “old town”, Lijiang is flooded with romanticism, charm and rich culture. The layout of the historic streets remains as it did hundreds of years ago, while its unique heritage places it in contrast with other historic towns around China.

Under the rule of the Mu family, the town reflects the indigenous Naxi culture and architecture. You can see the best of these along narrow, cobbled streets, in addition to the beautiful stone bridges that cross Lijiang’s collection of elegant canals.

25. Wudang Mountain

Travelers who’ve seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon already know how scenic the Wudang Mountains, located in northwestern Hubei Province, are. Besides being scenic, the Wudang Mountains iare the birthplace of Tai Chi. Thus, they’re the most important Taoist mountains in China. Religion, timeless culture and eye-catching temples can be found there. That’s in addition to the amazing surrounding peaks.

Known as the “original cradle of Tai Chi”, Wudang Mountain is the natural representation of wisdom and the values behind Chinese “shadowboxing”. Human history here can be traced back to the 5th century BC. Today there are nine palaces, eight temples and a dozen pavilions.

They lie in a mixed state of preservation. For some, they stand eternal. For others, they mark an example of Wudang Mountain’s incredible timeline.

24. Zhouzhuang

Tell Venice there’s a new sheriff in town. Zhouzhuang is a historic river town along the southern section of the Yangtze River. The water flows by and under old-time townhouses and businesses as it has for over 1,000 years.

The gorgeous mix of colored and whitewashed buildings makes Zhouzhuang a photographer’s dream. In the early morning light tradition vessels float up and down the river and when the water settles, the mirror-like river reflects the splendor.

Located less than 32 km (20 miles) from Suzhou in east China , Zhouzhuang is famous for its twin bridges, Shide and Yongan that are symbols of the town. A boat ride is a good way to see the city.

23. Mount Tai

Mount Tai, in Shandong Province, is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. Climbing Taishan (“shan” is mountain in Mandarin) was one of the first things a new emperor did; it’s said that 72 emperors made the climb.

They left behind great temples, inscribed tablets and other cultural relics. Travelers with imperial leanings will want to climb the 6,000-step east route as that’s what the emperors did.

Before the modern era, the tallest peak, Jade Emperor, was the center of Fengshan rituals for almost 2,000 years. Relics and ancient masterpieces can now be found around the 1,500m mountain. Significantly, you’ll discover not just the influence of Chinese Fengshan sacrifices, but that of numerous countries and cultures, from the Khmer to the Turkish.

Aside from the culture, you can explore the mountain and several temples. Get up there early as the East Pavilion is a memorable spot to watch the sunrise.

22. Tiger Leaping Gorge

Straddling the border of Lijiang and Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest in the world. At its highest to lowest point, the gorge measures almost 3,800 meters.

On either side of the gorge are two intoxicating mountains: Jade Dragon Snow and Haba Snow. Along with the gorge, carved by the monstrous white waters of the Jinsha River, you’ll be able to experience a wide breadth of landscapes.

The best way to explore is on foot, so be prepared to break a sweat. The Upper, Middle and Lower Gorge provide a range of intermediate to advanced treks, some over multiple days.

The hikes are not to be taken lightly though. Even for those in good physical shape, it’s a workout and can certainly wreck the knees. Accommodation along the way is in guesthouses, so hikers won’t need a tent. All bringing you to insane viewpoints and even down to the very bottom.

21. Suzhou Gardens & Canals

Suzhou is a picturesque city located on the Grand Canal about 65 km (40 miles) from Shanghai. It is famous for its silks, the canals that run through the city, and for its classical gardens with their fish ponds and rockeries.

Suzhou encapsulates the difference this Chinese city evokes compared to giants such as Shanghai and Beijing. Whereas these cities are becoming vast, futuristic metropolises, Suzhou is sticking close to its heritage and culture.

The traditional gardens are at first eye-catching. But upon further inspection, they’re equally historic. Some even date back a thousand years to the Song Dynasty.

Suzhou has about 80 classical gardens; the Humble Administrator’s Garden is among the most famous. A canal boat ride is a good way to experience the exquisiteness of Suzhou.

20. Mogao Caves

A former pilgrimage site along the famous Silk Road, the Mogao Caves have been a part of regional culture for well over a thousand years. In the heart of the 4th century, the caves became a place of art and culture.

Something that would remain the case until the 1300s. You can still explore the incredible caves today and despite the time that has passed, the artworks and scripture remain intact.

Just outside of Dunhuang, the Mogao Caves are one of China’s most revered archaeological sites. Within, they showcase the breadth of travelers and cultural backgrounds that found their way here along the Silk Road.

It’s not just nearby art forms. You’ll see styles that can be traced through Central Asia, India and as far as Persia.

19. Longji Terraces

Constructed by hand over 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the Longji Terraces are a sight to behold. From any elevated viewpoint, you’ll need a moment to first gasp and take a breath before truly being able to take it all in.

In Longsheng, these rice terraces span like lush green footsteps up the mountainside. Each winding step curves around the ridgeline, forming an array of spectacular contour lines.

From December to March, during the growing season, the terraces are flooded with irrigated water. It’s a remarkable sight and one that is best appreciated on foot as you walk slowly around and up to even better views.

18. Summer Palace

Located in northwest Beijing, the opulent Summer Palace is one of the most captivating, man-made landmarks in the country. The ancient imperial playground is surrounded by thriving forests, creating a more rural feel than its location would suggest.

Back in the day, the high court would descend upon the aptly named Summer Palace to escape Beijing’s summer heat during the hottest months of the year. The encompassing nature along with the cooling and Kunming Lake made it the perfect place to get business done.

Fast forward to today, and it’s a beautiful public park. Some buildings have been transformed into museums and galleries, while the embellished grounds provide excellent views.

17. Yangtze River Cruise

Spanning 6,387 kilometers, the Yangtze River is the third longest on earth. It’s known as one of China’s mother rivers as it nurtures humans and nature alike throughout this enormous country.

Across such a lengthy body of water, there are bound to be some memorable landscapes. The best way to see more than just the odds and ends is to embark on a Yangtze River Cruise.

A cruise can help you discover the beauty of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. This is the most renowned section and marks an immense canyon that you’ll never want to leave.

To see the best of the river, cruise between Chongqing and Yichang, in either direction.

16. Hanging Monastery of Hengshan

In Shanxi Province, the Hanging Monastery of Hengshan is dedicated to a trio of religions. This makes it one of a kind here in China. You’ll find the monastery celebrates all of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

The Hanging Temple has a lengthy history, having been constructed towards the end of the 5th century. It remains well-preserved over the last 1500 years, in no small part due to its enshrining of three of China’s most popular religions.

But it’s the architecture of the monastery, which clings on tight to the cliff face that will have you in awe. Thanks to cantilevers, it protrudes from the wall, with its two sections connected by a bridge.

15. Reed Flute Cave

As you cruise along the Li River, one of China’s best attractions is the impressive Reed Flute Cave. So much so, that even if you forego the cruise, you should add a trip here to your itinerary.

The sprawling limestone cave is marked by the reef that is strewn across the entrance. Such was its majestic beauty that some believed it could be made into flutes.

But that is just the beginning. The interior of the cave is a subterranean wonderland. Stalactites dangle from the ceiling in wondrous numbers, while stalagmites curve their way up from the cave floor.

Lightning now illuminates the cave and showcases scripture that dates to the 8th century.

14. Yungang Grottoes

There are some incredible Buddhist excavations throughout China, but none are as old as the Yungang Grottoes. Along the enormous wall, you’ll be able to witness 50,000 stone statues that can be traced back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

Near Datong City in Shanxi Province, the creations are spread throughout 252 caves. Each feature is more intricately detailed than the last, while the will of the old Northern Wei Dynasty is reflected in the selected Buddhist scripture.

It would take some time to see all the caves in proper detail. So to help you out, focus on the remarkable Five Caves. This was created by Tan Yao. The unity of design and layout makes it a masterpiece of early Chinese art.

13. West Lake, Hangzhou

Gardens, temples, and charming bridges are found around the gleaming waters of West Lake in Hangzhou. It’s not a modern creation either, with West Lake inspiring residents and travelers since the 800s.

It was then, as an ancient capital of China, Hangzhou cemented itself in the nation’s timeline. Thousands of years of trade with neighboring communities and countries are shown in the artistry and romanticism that flows out of every inch of West Lake.

In the early hours, locals practise Tai Chi and the mist rises from the valley up to the Wulin Mountains. Trails take you around the lake where weeping willows create vast reflections on the water below.

Aside from walking, you can take a cruise to Little Paradise Island. Or head to the top of Leifeng Pagoda for all-encompassing views.

12. Jiuzhaigou

In Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is a veritable gem of a national park . One of the best public parks in China, Jiuzhaigou, is a stunning collection of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and emerald-hued lakes.

As you approach the mountains of southern China, there’s little warning of the fairyland that exists in Jiuzhaigou. Especially for the park’s 100+ lakes, each as crystal-clear and turquoise as the last. They’re fed by pristine snowmelt with their connecting streams, creating spectacular waterfalls.

The mountains, lakes and rivers combine for an idyllic network of valleys whose scenery is immensely vivid. Come in the summer for the best hiking and blooming flowers. Or wait for the snow and experience a winter wonderland.

11. Longmen Grottoes

South of Luoyang in Henan Province, the Longmen Grottoes is an ancient engineering masterpiece. Forget the four heads of Mount Rushmore, the Longmen Grottoes are home to an estimated 100,000 statues of Buddha and his followers.

These are all carved into the cliffs and caves of Longmenshan and Xiangshan peaks and set along the rolling Yihe River. Each creation varies significantly. Some are a cute 25 centimeter creation, others reach the lofty heights of 17 meters! They all vary in age. However, the bulk can be traced to periods between the 4th and 10th centuries.

Now a UNESCO site, you can explore the grottoes to learn about their creation and the various battles that have taken place here.

10. Pudong Skyline, Shanghai

You’ll have your work cut out seeing all that there is to do in Shanghai . But there’s one particular experience you’ll want to do twice, or even daily.

Modern Shanghai is almost futuristic. Its collection of skyscrapers is some of the biggest on earth and each is distinct from the last. It’s a wild thought that most of this has been constructed in only the last twenty years.

The best collection of towers is known as the Pudong Skyline. This district of skyscrapers is best seen from the Bund , where the skyline is on display like an architectural buffet. Highlights include the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai Tower and the striking Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

At night, the district combines to showcase an elaborate, electric rainbow of lights.

9. Hani Terraces

On the southern slopes of Ailao Mountain, the Hani Terraces are both head-turning and head-scratching. From above, the mix of colors and the lines that mark the banks look straight out of an abstract painting. Yet, the rice terraces are remarkably real.

These terraces have been used to grow rice crops for a millennium. Once just a rising mountain, over 2,500 meters above sea level, it’s been carved painstakingly by hand. This has created hundreds of distinct terraces, all in varying stages of production.

It’s a fascinating mix of nature and humanity, one that leads to a kaleidoscopic landscape that is mesmerizing to witness. The best time to visit is from December to March, when irrigation floods the terraces.

8. Leshan Giant Buddha

Rising 71 meters, Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest in the world. The jaw-dropping creation is carved into the side of a mountain. This was a feat that took 90 years to complete!

The carving of the rock was led by Hai Tong in the 8th century. He wanted to ensure the safety and happiness of his community. While the results are open to interpretation, what isn’t is the way you feel when you first take in the size and opulence of it.

Today, you can stand right at its feet, or cruise by on the Min River. This was a body of water that slowed down significantly with all the excess rock deposited into the banks.

7. Mount Huang

A part of the Huangshan mountain range, Mount Huang is found in the Anhui province in eastern China. The range translates to the yellow mountains and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its pristine beauty.

Your time here begins in Tangkouzhen, where you’ll take a shuttle to either the Western or Eastern steps. From there, you can embark on a range of hikes with changing difficulties. From the Eastern Steps, there is a cable car to the summit.

Whether you hike or ride the cable car, find a way to see the stunning Xihai Grand Canyon. This is a vast canyon mixed in with ethereal forests, hanging from the cliff’s edge. For amazing views, add a trip to either Lotus Peak or Shixin Peak. Stick around for sunset to discover why Huangshan is known as the Yellow Mountains.

6. Li River Cruise

Connecting Guilin to Yangshuo , the Li River snakes its way softly through majestic landscapes. Ancient limestone karsts soar up to the sky’s ceiling. Each of them is unique and as craggy and beautiful as the last.

With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, a cruise along the Li River is one of the best things to do in China. You can make your way to Guilin, jump on a 4 to 5 hour cruise and disembark at Yangshuo, where road transport is ready to take you back.

Along the way, you’ll see 80 kilometers worth of geography that has inspired authors and romantics alike. You’ll feel the same once you gaze upon Elephant Trunk Hill and Mount of Unique Beauty.

Cruises are available year-round. However, autumn marks the best time to explore.

5. Terracotta Army

There are no records of the creation of the Terracotta Army. It’s as if the 8,000 terracotta soldiers guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang were meant to go undiscovered.

But alas, they were found some 2,000 years later in 1974. It was then, locals sinking a well around 30 kilometers from Xi’an made an incredible discovery.

Fifty years later, the army has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in China. An overhand shades the army, ensuring the preservation of a remarkable feat of art and engineering. Among the soldiers are over 500 horses and 100 chariots, each featuring the same painstaking detail as the last.

The Terracotta Army lies within the emperor’s Masoleu Site Park, where you can embark on an insightful guided tour.

4. Victoria Harbour

The world’s third largest seaport, Victoria Harbour, is beyond a hub of activity. It encapsulates the organized chaos of Hong Kong , where much is occurring, but nothing misses a beat.

The natural harbor sprawls out into the distance. Tanker ships come and go with the speed of little fishing boats jetting out from tiny villages. As much as you want to sit still, you never can. That’s because there’s always a better view to be had.

Come nightfall, you’ll become captivated and inspired by the smorgasbord of lights taking up the skyline. Hong Kong never sleeps and its array of skyscrapers become as vibrant as the galaxies above.

For the best views, stay on the Kowloon side and look across the harbor. You’ll then be able to experience the Avenue of Stars.

3. Forbidden City

Surrounded by 3.5 kilometers of old fortress walls, China’s Forbidden City marks the country’s best collection of historic architecture. You can find the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing . It’s a place so rich in dynastic history, rituals and, importantly, size that it’s visited by over 16 million people every year.

For over six centuries, the Forbidden City was at the forefront of the national conscience. It grew to be 900 buildings large, filled with some of China’s most historic figures, plus an eccentric cast of advisors.

This all changed in 1911, upon the fall of the Qing dynasty. It has transformed into an enormous piece of living history. Come and discover impressive feats of architecture, while learning about the dynasties that ruled China with an iron fist.

2. Potala Palace

For centuries, the winter coming to Lhasa meant one important thing; it would once again be the abode of the Dalai Lama. This was a tradition that took place at the eye-catching Potala Palace until 1959.

That year, during a Chinese invasion, the Dalai Lama at the time fled to safe ground in India. It brought the end of an enduring tradition. However, it’s one you can get to know today with a visit to the palace.

Featuring 14 stories, the Potala Palace is renowned for its deep red central that shines like the sun surrounded by a whitewashed facade. Within lies hand-written Buddhist scripture and ancient gifts from emperors. Golden tombs, home to Dalai Lamas who passed away, are also located here.

1. Great Wall of China

Encompassing over 6,000 kilometers and almost four million bricks, the Great Wall of China is a true wonder. In fact, an ancient Chinese proverb goes that one cannot be a hero, unless he’s stepped onto the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China runs from east to west, passing through a genuinely inspiring and complex array of landscapes. For if one walked the length of it, they would know the country like few others.

However, there aren’t many of us with the time to do such a thing. Some of the best places to see the wall are in Ningxia and Gansu. Both places showcase some of its best preserved sections. Travelers wanting to stay close to Beijing can visit the popular Badaling Pass section.

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Reader interactions.

May 13, 2019 at 7:20 pm

China has some of the most awe inspiring sights on the planet. Apart from Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Army there are hundreds of other sites to visit and sights to see.Almost inexhaustible!

February 26, 2018 at 8:12 am

The Jiuzhaigou and the Reed Flute Cave looks so beautiful.

June 1, 2017 at 9:56 pm

I can’t wait to visit China soon. all these place looks beautiful .

February 25, 2017 at 4:53 am

wow every thing about china is fabulous

September 19, 2016 at 7:41 am

I suggest to add to this list: the rainbow mountains Absolutely marveillous

May 8, 2015 at 12:30 am

*added these to my list- Thank you for these great suggestions!

December 27, 2013 at 4:26 am

I’ve visited China, one time. But I also wanted to know of some more places. But, now I came to know. Superb pictures and information I loved it.

May 23, 2013 at 3:50 am

superb…..!!

October 30, 2012 at 8:26 am

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The ultimate guide to things to do in China

Oct 29, 2021 • 11 min read

Despite racing modernization, hints of the old China remain © Nattapon / Getty Images

One of the world’s most vast and ancient civilizations, China is not just one region, cuisine or culture. It's a giant and complex patchwork of cultural groups, histories, cuisines and languages. As you might expect, there's a lot to see.

China’s big-hitting sights are no secret, and Chinese domestic tourists do a fine job of filling them up, particularly during national holidays such as the Spring Festival. But there are still untouched corners. While every traveler may want to tick "walked on the Great Wall" off their bucket list, this is a country where you can literally spend a lifetime and still never see it all.

One of the joys of China is its diversity, and most visitors find a friendly and warm welcome almost anywhere they go. Exploring is made abundantly easier by China’s vast high-speed rail network – the world’s biggest. By all means, put the big hitters on your list – ascending the Great Wall is, indeed, spectacular – but try to explore China’s lesser-visited corners, too.

Rather than a list of famous tourist sites, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in China as themes so you can explore China according to your own travel style and interests. Yilu shunfeng! (Have a great trip!)

Tick off China’s ‘Golden Triangle’

China’s most famous (and therefore most over-touristed) sights are situated in a triangle of three mighty cities: Beijing , Xi’an and Shanghai . The three are connected by high-speed trains making it easy to whip between the big sights. Most first-time visitors aim for China’s three best-known icons: the Great Wall near Beijing, the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an and the historical Bund and skyscrapers of Shanghai.

You can get a little off-the-beaten-path by avoiding the most popular sections of the Great Wall, especially Badaling (opt for Mutianyu or an unrestored section like Jiankou ), and by visiting during the shoulder- or off-season. Winter is a great time to climb the Great Wall under a dusting of snow and you’ll face fewer crowds as you line up to see the surreal faces of the Terracotta Warriors or snap a photo of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.

Feast on China's fabulous food

In Mandarin, a common greeting is “ ni chifan le ma? ” – meaning “have you eaten?” – which says a lot about China’s dedication to food. One of the greatest joys of traveling here is discovering the vast world of cuisine that lies beyond what you may have experienced in a Chinese restaurant abroad. There are eight major cuisines in China, and these are further divided up into countless local and regional styles of cooking, so you'll find something new to taste in every corner of the country.

Typically, rice and stir-fried dishes are more common in southern China, where rice is cultivated, while buns, dumplings and noodles are the staples in the wheat-growing north. Don’t miss xiaolongbao , or soup dumplings – a favorite breakfast food in Shanghai – and crispy Beijing roast duck. For delicate dim sum, go to Guangdong province. Try the halal, Central Asian-influenced cooking in far northwest Gansu , or head to Sichuan or Hunan provinces for super spicy foods.

Learn about China’s many minority cultures

The people of China represent a diverse group of communities, cultures and languages. Though the dominant majority (90%) are Mandarin-speaking Han Chinese, across the country there are 55 recognized minority groups. The Miao and Dai of the southwest, the Hui of northwestern Gansu, Qinghai and Ningxia, and the Tibetans are among the most well-known, but there are dozens more groups, languages and identities that are not officially recognized.

While tourism has undoubtedly helped these groups maintain their cultural identities, it has often commodified them, too. To avoid cultural exploitation, seek out homestays or cultural immersion programs that are run by members of the community. The Linden Center in Xizhou, Yunnan , i s an excellent place to start – set in a restored heritage building, it's part boutique hotel, part cultural center, part spiritual retreat and part classroom, offering the chance for deep immersion into three local communities, with profits directly benefiting those groups.

See the Imperial sights

The splendor of Imperial China is proudly on display in Beijing and a string of other former capital cities. The best place to start is in Beijing's Forbidden City , China’s imperial palace since the Ming dynasty (between 1406 and 1420). This Unesco World Heritage Site comprises a series of stunning halls and nested courtyards that get smaller as you progress toward the inner sanctum, which only members of the emperor’s inner circle were permitted to enter.

Further afield in Beijing are the Temple of Heaven , where the emperor performed rites and sought divine guidance, and the lakes and breezeways of the Summer Palace , a sprawling complex that provided the court with respite during Beijing’s hottest months.

There are three other major historical capitals of China: Nanjing , Luoyang and Xi'an, all of which have numerous imperial sights and tombs. In Nanjing, the Ming-dynasty Xiaoling Mausoleum is one of the biggest imperial tombs in China, and the Presidential Palace was home to royal princes before it housed China's first republican president, Sun Yat-sen.

Travel the Silk Road

Long sections of the historical trade routes that make up the Silk Road run through northwestern China, ending at Xi’an, which was considered the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. The townships along the route are rich in cultural heritage, especially of Hui Muslim groups and ethnically Kazakh, Uyghur and Uzbek communities. Although Muslim culture dominates today, part of the delight of traveling China’s section of the Silk Road is discovering traces of the Buddhist culture that traders transport east to China from India.

Some of the most splendid Buddhist sites in China are dotted along the Hexi Corridor in Gansu province, including the celebrated Mogao Grottoes , which are considered one of the most important treasure troves of Buddhist art in the world. Gone are the days of dusty camel rides or even bumpy buses – a high-speed train line now runs the entire length of the Chinese Silk Road, meaning you can travel in speedy, environmentally friendly comfort.

Contemplate life in Suzhou’s gardens

The city of Suzhou is renowned for its 69 classical Chinese gardens, which together form a remarkable Unesco World Heritage Site. The gardens range in size from the huge Humble Administrator's Garden – the biggest and most crowded garden – to the petite and perfectly formed Garden of the Master of the Nets .

The gardens were designed as private getaways for officials, academics and artists. Every detail within, from the winding stone pathways and round moon gates to ponds and bonsai trees, was painstakingly planned to create a suitable atmosphere for pondering and creative pursuits.

Hit the town in Hong Kong & Macau

Though they are very different on almost every level, Hong Kong and Macau are often paired as travel destinations thanks to their geographical proximity and easy transport links between the two city-states via fast ferries or the world’s longest sea bridge. Hong Kong is in many ways the perfect city: bursting at the seams with swanky banquet restaurants and tiny hole-in-the-wall food joints, great nightlife and sparkling skyline views (best appreciated from the top of Victoria Peak ).

You can tour the filming locations for popular movies such as Enter the Dragon and Transformers , or plan your trip in March to coincide with Art Basel Hong Kong , the city's biggest art bash. When things get that little bit too bustling, head to one of the laid-back islands, hike the trail known as the Dragon’s Back or kayak around Hong Kong Global Geopark .

The old-world fishing villages that once made Macau a quiet cousin to Hong Kong are giving way to an encroaching blaze of casinos built on reclaimed land. But Macau still has a wealth of heritage architecture and its own brand of fusion cuisine built on Macanese specialties and dishes influenced by its former colonizers, the Portuguese. If you only do one thing in Macau, make it a visit to Lord Stow's Bakery for the local custard tarts.

Glimpse an adorable panda

It’s tough to escape the national animal in China. Images of real and cuddly cartoon pandas appear on adverts, school signboards, metro trains and products all over the country. You'll even find Panda Brew beer in Beijing. In 2021, China's 67 panda reserves were integrated into one Giant Panda National Park, providing shelter for the 1631 wild pandas living within China's borders. Conservation efforts are paying off – China recently moved the giant panda off the endangered species list to less severe threatened status.

As pandas are notoriously shy animals (and not prone to getting loved-up, hence the extensive worldwide breeding program), travelers wanting to set eyes on a panda usually head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Chengdu – home to more than 200 giant pandas and a sizeable population of the smaller, fox-like red pandas. While the animals live in enclosures and the infrastructure is admittedly zoo-like, the Center exists purely for conservation and breeding, so pandas here receive excellent care.

Hike rice terraces & misty peaks

China’s mystical mountain landscapes have been celebrated and commemorated in art for thousands of years. Iconic images of craggily, karst peaks shrouded in mist were the subject of landscape paintings dating back to the 6th century. In fact, there is mountainous terrain all over China, but splendid views of cloud-capped peaks are best found at Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or one of the sacred Daoist peaks, such as Hua Shan or Tai Shan .

The ethereal, column-like mountains of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province were the inspiration for the film Avatar , and a great destination for easy hikes. And there's serious hiking at Tiger Leaping Gorge , and in the Himalayan borderlands of Yunnan and Sichuan.

One of the most popular images of China is of the sunset reflecting in the staggered waters of a rice terrace. Longsheng county in Guangxi province is a sprawl of rice terraces, the most well-known being the Longji (Dragon’s Back) terraces near Zhuang village. Hiking paths lead between terraced fields and the villages of several minority communities. From here, it’s easy to reach Guilin for a trip down the Li River, whose bizarrely shaped karst peaks have become one of the country’s most iconic images.

Get wintery in Dongbei

China shows a different side in winter, and the country has developed its cold-weather offerings, particularly infrastructure for skiing and snowboarding in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The best slopes and facilities can be found at Yabuli in Heilongjiang province and Changbaishan in Jilin province.

For something less active but still full of wintery wonder, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is held every year in the city of Harbin beside the iced-over Songhua River. It’s the world’s biggest ice sculpture festival, with dozens of ice-formed buildings and giant sculptures made of ice and snow, many shaped like well-known world landmarks.

Experience traditional arts & architecture

China has a rich musical and architectural heritage that spans centuries and hundreds of cultural traditions. Admiring dynastic architecture through the ages is a highlight of any trip to China, whether getting a close-up view of a Tang-dynasty pagoda in Xi'an or standing in the imposing open space of Tian’anmen Square .

Dramatic modern architecture has sprung up across the country, from the oddly-shaped CCTV Headquarters (aka the "pants building") in Beijing to the incredible Baoxi ‘bamboo town’ in Zhejiang province, where every building is eco-friendly and made from sustainable bamboo.

In arts and music, too, China has flourished through the ages. There are plenty of places around the country to experience traditional Chinese opera – one good spot is Suzhou’s Shantang Kunqu Opera House , which has intimate opera performances each evening accompanied by a traditional tea service.

One of the most charming experiences in China is getting up early in the morning to visit local parks, where people practice sword-play, fan-dancing, taichi, singing, square dancing, water calligraphy and other folk artforms.

See beautiful art in China’s museums

China is brimming with excellent museums cataloging everything from ancient ritual objects to stimulating and surprising modern art. Each province in China has its own provincial museum with locally found objects, but for a broad overview of national arts and artifacts, head to the excellent Shanghai Museum or the National Museum of China in Beijing.

China's thriving contemporary art scene is best explored at Shenzhen’s Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition and Hua Art Museum , the 798 Art District in Beijing and a whole collection of museums and galleries in Shanghai’s revitalized West Bund district, including Tank Shanghai , ShanghART and the Yuz Museum .

There are also plenty of more specialized museums such as the Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu, dedicated to a mysterious ancient civilization. More quirkily themed museums include the Shanghai Museum of Glass , the China Watermelon Museum and the Gaoligong Museum of Handcraft Paper in Yunnan province.

You may also like: 5 epic train journeys to take in China These top hikes in China are sure to take your breath away Incredible places in China to challenge your preconception

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Top 10 China Tourist Attractions List

The five-thousand-year civilization has endowed China with heavy historical atmosphere. The vast territory of the nation is also abounds with different natural landscapes. There are lots of classic China tourist attractions worth taking in. Here is a list of the top 10 China tourist attractions, which can help you in planning your China holiday better.

Great Wall of China

Forbidden City , Beijing

Terracotta army , xi’an, shanghai disneyland park, the bund & oriental pearl tv tower , shanghai , li river , guilin, shaolin temple , luoyang, zhangjiajie national forest park, potala palace , lhasa, yangtze river, you may like.

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China’s Top Seven Tourist Attractions

The ancient and varied provinces of China are home to some incredible tourist attractions , and they are quickly becoming one of the most famous places to visit on the planet. You will never be short of incredible sights to see in China, whether you plan to spend time in one of the country's sprawling cities or venture into its serene rural hinterlands.

With so much to see and do, compiling a definitive top ten list of China's major tourist attractions is difficult. But, after much deliberation and consideration, we've come up with a list of China's must-see tourist attractions. Others are simple, while others are a little more unusual, but they all serve to highlight the magnificence of one of the world's most fascinating civilizations.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China , the world's longest wall and an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture, is one of the country's most recognizable landmarks . Its winding route takes in some spectacular scenery as it passes through rugged terrain and steep mountains. It is deserving of its status as one of China's "New Seven Wonders of the World" and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The wall stretches for 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) from China's western border to the east coast, but the most integrated and well-preserved parts are close to Beijing. When people talk about the Great Wall of China, they generally say something like this.

Hiking or walking along China's Great Wall is the best way to see the country's most popular landmark. Walk over centuries-old bricks and through the remains of a watchtower. Take your time to allow the past to come alive for you.

Guilin and Yangshuo's Li River — China's Most Popular Scenery

Artists have been drawn to the karst landscape along the Li River. The beauty of nature there has inspired generations of Chinese painters and writers, who have used their pens and brushes to capture the breathtaking scenery.

It is now a popular photography location. When Chinese tourists think of natural beauty, they think of the Li River and Yangshuo.

The most beautiful part of the Li River is the 83-kilometer stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo. The riverbank is lined with bamboo groves and is adorned with stunning hills, steep mountains, and farming villages.

The Li River was named one of the "World's Top Ten Watery Wonders" by National Geographic Magazine in the United States. Former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush (Senior), as well as Bill Gates, have also paid visits to the Li River.

You might try a SUP (stand-up paddleboard, also known as a mini raft) on the Yulong River, a bamboo raft, a bike tour through the countryside, or a thrilling drive in an all-terrain vehicle.

The Forbidden City & the Imperial Palace

The Forbidden City (Zjnchéng) - also known as the Imperial Palace - is China's largest and most important structure, located in the heart of Beijing and a must-see for anyone visiting the country. Most of the complex that can be seen today was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Yuan Dynasty, which lasted from 1271 to 1368. This sprawling complex, which included several magnificent palaces in one, was the home of 24 Ming and Qing Emperors, whose presence prohibited anyone other than the imperial family and their courtesans from entering.

This vast complex, which spans 720,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a large moat, consists of ceremonial and administrative areas, as well as the emperor's private residence. Highlights include the five white marble Golden River Bridges; the 35-meter-tall Hall of Supreme Harmony, which houses the imperial throne; and the magnificent emperor's banquet hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony); and the Palace Museum, which houses a wide collection of art and objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Cobbled Pedestrian Streets and Small Waterways in Lijiang's Old Town

Lijiang Old Town is known for its ancient cobblestone avenues, stone bridges, and flower-filled water-wheel-driven canals. Everywhere there are shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, snack stalls, hotels, and hostels.

Lijiang Old Town is known for its large waterwheels. They will be visible when you reach the old town. They rotate due to the river that runs through the old town. Next to them is Bar Street, which gets really busy at night.

You can also see Naxi art at the Naxi Hieroglyphs and Painting Exhibition Hall. The Naxi are the only people in the world who still write in hieroglyphs.

Erhai Lake in Dali — One of the Most Stunning Lakes in China

Dali's most beautiful spot is Erhai Lake. It's a lake on a hill. Erhai Lake is named after its shape, which is that of an ear. This plateau lake is like a deep blue jewel in the midst of lush greenery. The lake's water is calm and clear. The gentle breeze by the lake will make you feel at ease.

Every December, flocks of black-headed gulls from Siberia arrive at Erhai Lake to spend the winter.

The fastest way to get around the lake is by bike. It's a great pleasure to capture the elegance of a landscape bathed in sunlight and breezes. Around Erhai Lake, there are two bike routes: Haixi (on Erhai's west shore) and Haidong (on Erhai's east shore).

The Potala Palace in Tibet — Heart of the Roof of the World

Tibet's Potala Palace is a landmark. It was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. It's a veritable treasure trove of Tibetan history, faith, culture, and art materials and articles. The valuable paintings, murals, scriptures, Buddhist statues, antiques, and religious jewelry housed inside the palace are well-known.

You could see the architectural marvel that houses Tibet's regal heritage, hear stories from Dalai Lamas who lived in the palace, and view the palace from four different perspectives.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountains in Lijiang

Outside of the Andes, Jade Dragon (Yulong) Snow Mountain is the nearest snow-capped mountain range to the equator. In the hearts of the Naxi people, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is sacred.

The most stunning scenery of the mountain is made up of glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and colorful azaleas blooming at various elevations, not to mention its snowy summits.

The famous hiking destination of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. To get a closer look at the mountain's glory and experience its awesomeness, skip the cable cars and climb it step by step.

To get to a meadow at the southern foot of the mountain range, you'll have to cross a grassland and pass through a forest.

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Top 10 Must-See Tourist Attractions in China

Endowed with a long history, rich culture and a variety of climatic ecological environments, there are so many things China has to offer to your life-time travel experience. We have carefully selected the top 10 tourist attractions to meet different interests.

1. Great Wall of China

When you are planning a trip to China, the Great Wall is always on the top visiting list. Having been the earliest military defensive project, the Great Wall plays a very import role in China’s history. Based on the statistics from the Mapping Department, the total length of the Great Wall could be 12,000 miles.

Travel Tips: There are many sections of the Great Wall in Beijing. The Mutianyu section of the Wall is a well renovated part. However the Jinshanling section is an ideal place for a hiking tour.

• How was the Great Wall defended in ancient times?
• Classic two days Great Wall hiking tour in Beijing

2.Yellow Mountains

Only about 2.5 hours bullet train ride from Shanghai, the Yellow Mountains are one of the four most beautiful mountain areas in China. Endowed with the pine trees, seas of clouds and beautiful rocks, you will be amazed by visiting it in any season of the year. The other highlight of Huangshan city is the Hui architecture. The beautiful countryside with traditional Hui houses and people’s daily life are the best subjects for photographers.

Travel Tips: The best time to visit the Yellow Mountains is from March to May and September to October when the weather is quite comfortable. But please do avoid the public holiday when it’s extremely crowded.

• How to travel to the Yellow Mountains?
• The most recommended 3 days Yellow Mountain tour

The landscape in Guilin is the top of the world. Having been the mother river, Li River is the essential part of the picturesque landscape in Guilin. The best way to see the river is by taking a boat from Guilin to Yangshuo. With the 4 hour boat ride, you are going to see the solitary Karst peaks, crystal waters and vivid countryside life.

Travel Tips: The other option is taking a bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping Village. This part presents the highlights of the Li River. But the bamboo raft is quite a unique experience to explore the river.

• What to see along the Li River?
• The best Guilin tours

4.The Forbidden City

Besides the Great Wall, the other symbol of Beijing is the Forbidden City. Having a history of more than 600 years, there were 24 emperors who used to live here. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987. It’s the best well-designed wooden architecture combined with gates, halls, corridors, arches, pavilions and beautiful roofs.

Travel Tips: Due to the real name registration system, please take your passport with you when you are visiting the Forbidden City. You will need at least 2 hours for sightseeing in the palace, and a pair of comfortable shoes is highly recommended.

• How big is the Forbidden City?
• The highly recommended Beijing tours

5.West Lake

As the symbol of Hangzhou, and with free entrance, West Lake is the must see in this city. Surrounded by classic temples, pagodas and gardens, the four causeways have divided it into different parts. There are more than 100 attractions around the West Lake, including 20 museums. Walking or cycling around the lake is quite relaxing. The other option is taking a boat ride to explore the islands in the lake.

Travel Tips: There are two types of boat you can choose to get to the islands. You can charter a rowing boat which is more expensive than the big boat.

• What are the highlights of the Lake?
• 2-Day Hangzhou City and Tea Culture Tour

6.Yangtze River

Yangtze River is the longest river in both China and Asia and the third longest one in the world at 3,915 miles. It goes through 8 provinces from west to east and pours into the East China Sea. The Yangtze River Cruise line is between Chongqing and Yichang. The downstream cruise takes 4 days and 3 nights while the upstream cruise takes 5 days and 4 nights.

Travel Tips: The peak season is from April to October when cruise ships are available almost every single day. If you are travelling from November to March, please consult your travel advisor and see if a cruise ship is available on your travel date.

• Which are the main cities on the Yangtze River?
• Panda Country & Yangtze River Cruise Tour

7.Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is another must-see in China. Endowed with 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, it is regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World. Within a 2 hour visit, you will totally immerse yourself in the history of Emperor Qin’s Empire and be amazed by his ambitions, spending 39 years to build this marvelous mausoleum. Pit 1 and Pit 2 will be the highlights where you can find most of the soldiers in this mausoleum.

Travel Tips: It’s always crowded in the museum. We always suggest that you visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

• Top Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors
• 3-Day Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Tour

8.Mogao Grottoes

Mogao Grottoes is also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes. It’s the biggest and greatest variety of Buddhist arts in the world. Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes are the top four Buddhist grottoes in China. Located in Dunhuang City, and combined with the Gobi desert scenery, it has always been quite an attractive destination on the Silk Road trip.

Travel Tips: The Mogao Grottoes include 735 specific caves. The ticket office will assign several caves randomly for you to visit. It’s not possible to see a specific cave based on your request. There are only 6,000 tickets available every single day, please book it in advance.

• The Silk Road Adventure Tour

9.Jiuzhai Valley National Park

Located in the north of Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is only about 1 hour by airplane from Chengdu city. It is famous for its beautiful forests, crystal waters, colorful reflections and amazing waterfalls. The elevation varies from 6,600 to 14,800 feet (2,000 to 4,500 m), causing the rushing water to flow between the placid lakes. The diversity of organisms is another highlight. You even can meet the snub-nosed monkeys by accident. The three main valleys are Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley.

Travel Tips: The best travel time is from April 1st to November 15th. If you are a photographer, the best time would be from October 20th to November 10th when the leaves are turning to yellow.

• More facts about Jiuzhaigou
• Chengdu and Panda Tour

10. Pingyao Ancient Town

As one of the cultural heritage sites on the UNESCO list, Pingyao ancient town has a history of 2,700 years. It’s one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in China. The old city wall, security guard company and government office will help you to experience the ancient life in China.

Travel Tips: We recommend booking a hotel inside the ancient town. It’s a good way to discover the town on your own, especially in the evening when it is lit up with red lanterns. A good design courtyard hotel will help you immerse yourself in the Chinese architecture.

• 4-day Datong and Pingyao Tour

ChinaWhisper

5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in China

If you are a traveler and you haven’t visited China , then you are missing some astonishing picturesque destinations. From Shanghai, Beijing, to historic Xi’an, and Wuhu, the Country has many hidden gems. And the iconic great wall is enough to persuade you to visit China.

China’s economy has been rapidly expanding, and the infrastructure has also grown at an astounding rate. So, it is now easy to travel China for some serious city hopping.

If you have made up your mind to visit China , these top tourist towns and cities are well worth exploring. Let’s discover.

1. The Great Wall of China

They say that, if you haven’t climbed the Great Wall , then you haven’t caught a glimpse of China. They are right!

The iconic Great Wall represents the strong spirit of the Chinese people. It not only served as a military defense system but also conveys China’s profound literary culture.

It is a remarkable achievement of earliest defensive architecture. The steep mountains hold some magnificent scenery and the winding path over rugged Country. It truly deserves the rank among “the New Seven Wonders of the World.”

You can quickly reach from Beijing to Badaling Great Wall , thanks to the modern infrastructure. The Great Wall is shared into many sectors by the fortress. The fortress of Great wall has two gates:

居庸外镇 – Ju Yong Wai Zhen (eastern entrance) and 北门锁钥 – Bei Men Suo Yue (western entrance.) Both of them are famous for their historical inscriptions.

2. The Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Beijing

Forbidden City (紫禁城), officially called Gugong and 故宫 in Chinese is largest, most influential building situated at the heart of Beijing. It was the Palace for 24 Emperors of Qing and Ming Dynasties and the largest power center over 5 centuries. Local people were not allowed to even approaching the palace wall, but now it is open to the public as a Museum.

The Palace is so vast that you can spend all day wandering around and savoring the beauty of it. Visiting along the central axis is the best route, which saves your time. It will only take about 2 hours.

This route begins from Meridian Gate. After arriving the Meridian Gate, hop to the outer court, inner court, and imperial garden in turn, and at last, exit from the Gate of Divine Might.

The highlights of the Palace includes;

• White marble Golden River Bridges
• The exquisite emperor’s banquet hall
• The Hall of Supreme Harmony
• The Palace Museum, with its inspiring selection of artifacts from the emperor dynasties.
• Popular Tiananmen Square
• The Temple of Heaven

3. The Li River in Guilin

Guilin Li River

Li-River is China’s Most Celebrated Scenery located in Guilin, which is famous for its verdant mountains, unique rockeries, crystal water, and various caves and stones.

Li-River is a popular photography destination with fantastic landscapes. It is an ideal destination for a fun-filled Cruise and Cruise boat is the perfect choice for the people who want to cruise Li River with a more convenient facility. The journey is about 4.5 hours long where you will get free lunch, hot water service, places to store luggage, and clean toilets. You will observe the spectacular beauty of limestone formations along the route. It is a perfect place for the people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and get relaxed at nature’s lap.

The Li River name has listed among the “World’s Top Ten Watery Wonders” in America’s National Geographic Magazine.

4. Shilin Stone Forest

Shilin is a 270 million years old forest of stone in southwest China . The rocks stand with the earth like a stalagmite in a cave. The giant pillars create vast arrays of mazes in which you can easily be lost. Shillin is categorized into many smaller stone forests, features caves, ponds, waterfalls, a lake with an island, and even an underground river. UNESCO has inscribed the jaw-dropping stone topography of Shilin on the World Heritage List as part of the South China Karst which is one of the world’s most spectacular examples of humid tropical to subtropical karst landscapes.

5. Guizhou: Huangguoshu Waterfall

The majestic Huangguoshu called 贵州黄果树瀑布 in Chinese, which means “Yellow Fruit Tree” is the largest waterfall in Asia. It plunges 77.8 meters across a 101-meter-wide span and one of a handful of high waterfalls in the world. It can be seen from all angles, above, below, left,right, back, or front. The best time to visit the waterfall is June to August when the water reaches a splendid peak flow of 700 cubic meters per second. Beijing and Guangzhou are the major cities connected to Huangguoshu by direct flights. So you can easily visit the waterfall from these two cities.

These are just a few of the many top-rated tourist attractions in China. The list is huge. China has a varied geography with many natural wonders, and it is not possible to limit a list of China’s unmatched attractions to a mere 5. When you visit these beautiful places , it’s impossible to stop clicking. So keep your hands on your camera and capture some stunning shots.

Madiha Jamal is a Content Strategist at PennySaviour . She loves to hunt down information and provide them to user with a creative spin. Her writings keep you engaged till the last word. You will find information, twist, fun, and creativity in her articles. She is a travel enthusiast and a nature lover. Discovering the hidden gems in the nature’s Lap is her favorite hobby. You can visit to many parts of the world through her travel blogs.

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China Attractions: Top Tourist Attractions in China

China , a country steeped in history and blessed with diverse landscapes, is a treasure trove of extraordinary tourist attractions. Whether you seek ancient wonders  or natural marvels , this vast nation offers an abundance of sites that will leave you spellbound.

For first-time visitors, it's essential to explore the iconic attractions in China's top destinations  to gain an overall understanding of the country's ancient and modern facets. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in breathtaking natural landscapes, while culture enthusiasts can delve into the historical and cultural treasures for a more profound experience.

To ensure a well-planned and fulfilling China tour , peruse our latest China travel articles. They provide valuable insights and tips on how to make the most of your time in each destination . From must-see landmarks to off-the-beaten-path gems , our articles will help you navigate through the multitude of attractions, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

So, embark on a voyage of discovery, armed with knowledge and inspiration from our China travel articles. Let China's beauty and allure captivate you as you explore its enchanting attractions.

(A Tapestry of Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels)

Top 8 Attractions in China for First-timers

Explore China Attractions with An Interactive Map

China natural attractions - top natural landscapes.

• Yulong River (Yangshuo)

• Longji Rice Terraces (Guilin)

• West Lake (Hangzhou)

• Victoria Peak (Hong Kong)

How to Plan a Mount Kailash Trekking Tour?

• Wuyi Mountain (Fujian)

• Jiankou Great Wal (Beijing)

• Yamdork Lake (Tibet)

China Cultural Attractions - Top Cultural Treasures

China Attractions from A to Z

• Barkhor Street (Tibet)
• Chengdu Panda Base (Sichuan)
• Drepung Monastery (Tibet)
• Everest Base Camp (Tibet)
• Gulangyu (Xiamen)
• Jinshanling Great Wall (Beijing)
• Jokhang Temple (Tibet)
• Li River (Guilin)
• Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing)
• Namtso Lake (Tibet)
• Nanjing Tulou (Fujian)
• Potala Palace (Tibet)
• Sera Monastery (Tibet)
• Simatai Great Wall (Beijing)
• Suzhou Gardens (Suzhou)
• Tashilhunpo Monastery (Tibet)
• The Bund (Shanghai)
• Xiapu Mudflat (Fujian)
• Yellow Mountain (Huangshan)
• Yongding Tulou (Fujian)
• Yu Garden (Shanghai)

China Travel Articles on Attractions & Sightseeing

China Attractions FAQs - Plan Your China Attractions Worry-Free

The Great Wall of China is a vast and complex system of fortifications that stretches across several Chinese provinces. While some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, there are many other sections of the wall that are worth visiting and can be accessed from other cities. Here are the places to visit the Great Wall of China :

1. Great Wall of Beijing : The most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall , Jingshanling Great Wall , Simatai Great Wall , Jiankou Great Wall , and Badaling Great Wall.

2. Great Wall of Shanhaiguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning coastal views.

3. Great Wall of Jiayuguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Jiayuguan, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its western-style fortifications and desert landscapes.

4. Great Wall of Dunhuang: This section of the Great Wall is located in Dunhuang, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its colorful murals and stunning desert landscapes.

5. Great Wall of Henan Province: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Henan province, including the Yuntai Mountain section and the Yinxu section, which is known for its ancient ruins.

6. Great Wall of Inner Mongolia: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Inner Mongolia, including the Hulunbuir Grassland section and the Hohhot section, which is known for its unique architecture.

Xian has many must-see attractions, including the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum , the Ancient City Wall , the Shaanxi History Museum , the Big Wild Goose Pagoda , and the Muslim Quarter .

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum Layout

The T erracotta Warriors and Horses Museum , which houses the main pits containing the warriors, is divided into three sections: Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3 .

Pit 1: The largest and most impressive of the three pits, Pit 1, houses the main army formation, with over 6,000 figures (2,000 are currently on display). The pit covers an area of approximately 14,260 square meters, equivalent to the size of an airplane hangar.

Pit 2: This pit is notable for its complex layout and variety of military figures, including standing and kneeling archers, cavalry, charioteers, and infantry. Despite being smaller than Pit 1, Pit 2 offers a richer diversity of the army, providing further insights into ancient military strategy and the mysteries of the army array.

Pit 3: Known as the command center, Pit 3 is the smallest but considered the most important pit due to its perceived role as the army's "headquarters."

Our Recommended Visiting Route: Pit 1 – Pit 3 – Pit 2 - Exhibition Hall

Begin with Pit 1 as it's the largest and most stunning, offering a grand first impression. Spend ample time here observing the soldiers' intricate details and formations. Next, move on to Pit 3, where you will see the army's "headquarters." Then, proceed to Pit 2, where you will encounter a more diverse array of military figures. Finally, conclude your visit at the Exhibition Hall, where you can marvel at the history of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

Suggested Visiting Time: 2-3 hours

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A must-visit to see and learn about the conservation of giant pandas.

Jinli Ancient Street: A lively area offering traditional Chinese goods, food, and tea houses.

Wuhou Memorial Temple: A peaceful memorial dedicated to the emperor of the Shu Kingdom, Liu Bei.

Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alley): Ancient streets blending traditional architecture with modern amenities.

Du Fu Thatched Cottage: A tranquil park and museum dedicated to the beloved poet, Du Fu.

Sichuan Cuisine Museum: An interactive museum focused on Sichuan cuisine.

People's Park: A popular local spot for relaxation and cultural activities.

Chunxi Road: The city's main shopping district.

Wenshu Monastery: Chengdu's largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple.

Tianfu Square: The city's largest public square, marked by a large Mao Zedong statue.

The top attractions to visit in Guilin downtown are:

• Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
• Elephant Trunk Hill
• East West Alley
• Sun and Moon Pagodas
• Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Resort

Countryside Biking or Hiking : A journey through scenic rice paddies and traditional village, choosing the pace of either biking or hiking. Yulong River: Ideal for tranquil bamboo rafting with picturesque views. Moon Hill : A hikeable peak known for its moon-shaped arch and panoramic vistas. West Street : Yangshuo's vibrant heart with a mix of Chinese and Western cultures, offering shopping and dining. Rock Climbing : Yangshuo is considered one of the best rock climbing destinations in Asia, with numerous peaks suitable for all skill levels. Caving : Yangshuo is home to several impressive karst caves, spelunkers can explore a labyrinth of tunnels, passages, and underground rivers, etc. Impression Sanjie Liu : A nighttime riverside show highlighting local culture and music. Cormorant Fishing : Experience a timeless tradition as skilled handlers command cormorants to fish in the dimming evening light. Xingping Ancient Town : A historic town with charming streets and iconic river views. Fuli Town : A gem steeped in tradition, famous for its preserved architecture, artisanal fan-making, and vibrant local markets.

Natural Attractions:

Three Gorges:

Qutang Gorge: Known for its narrow width and towering cliffs.

Wu Gorge: Famous for its mysterious, misty landscapes and the Twelve Peaks.

Xiling Gorge: The longest of the Three Gorges, known for its rapids and serene landscapes.

Lesser Three Gorges: A tributary of the Yangtze, offering a more intimate experience of China's natural beauty.

Historical and Cultural Sites:

Shibaozhai Temple: An architectual marvel, this 12-story wooden pagoda is situated on a steep cliff.

Fengdu Ghost City: A complex of shrines and temples dedicated to the afterlife, based on Chinese mythology.

White Emperor City: Known for its historical significance and stunning views of the Qutang Gorge.

Modern Marvels:

Three Gorges Dam: The world's largest hydroelectric dam, it's an engineering marvel and also offers a viewpoint for tourists.

Ship Locks and Ship Lift: These are part of the Three Gorges Dam and offer a fascinating look at how ships navigate the change in water levels.

Yangtze River Bridge at Yichang: An important infrastructural development connecting the two sides of the river.

Local Villages:

Shennong Stream Villages: You can visit traditional villages where you may observe local customs and traditional ways of life.

Tribe of the Three Gorges: You can gain an intimate look at the local culture and traditions of the communities that have lived along the river for generations.

Shanghai, one of China 's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. The city is ever-evolving, with new attractions and experiences constantly emerging. Exploring Shanghai will give you a taste of China 's past, present, and future all in one dynamic city. Here are some of the must-see sights and the top attractions in Shanghai :

1). The Bund - Historic waterfront promenade with stunning skyline views.

2). Nanjing Road - Bustling shopping street with a mix of modern and traditional shops.

3). Yu Garden - Classic Chinese garden with beautiful architecture and landscapes.

4). Oriental Pearl Tower - Iconic tower offering panoramic views of the city.

5). Jin Mao Tower - Skyscraper with observation decks showcasing Shanghai's skyline.

6). Shanghai Museum - Extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

7). Tianzifang - Artsy district with shops, galleries, and cafes in restored Shikumen houses.

8). Shanghai World Financial Center - Distinct tower with an observation deck on the 100th floor.

9). Xintiandi - Trendy area featuring a blend of historic Shikumen houses and modern establishments.

10). Zhujiajiao Water Town - Picturesque water town outside Shanghai , known for its canals and bridges.

1. The Yellow Mountain (Huangshan Mountain) itself: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for "Fiver Wonders": oddly-shaped pines, bizarre rock formations, sea of clouds, winter snow and hot springs.

2. Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages : These are two exceptionally well-preserved ancient villages, also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for their historic architecture and beautiful settings.

3. Bishan Village :A rural utopia to experience rural China in its authentic setting, away from the hustle and bustle of touristy spots.

4. Tunxi Old Street: Located in Huangshan City, it's a hub for antiques, local snacks, tea, ink stones, and Hui-style architectures.

5. Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory : Discover how traditional Chinese ink sticks, used in calligraphy and painting, are made.

6. Bao Family Garden : Situated in Yi County, it's a fine example of traditional Chinese garden design.

7. Huizhou Ancient City: Gives visitors a glimpse into the region's storied past and its rich architectural and cultural heritage.

8. Tachuan Village : Known for its autumn scenery, it's a great spot to witness the seasonal beauty.

9. Chengkan :A picturesque ancient village , renowned for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture and unique layout based on feng shui principles.

Guangzhou offers a range of attractions to explore, including the Canton Tower, Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island, and the Pearl River Cruise. These are just a few highlights, and there are many more attractions in Guangzhou to explore based on your interests, such as museums, markets, and historical sites. Here are some popular ones:

1). Canton Tower: Enjoy stunning views of the city from this iconic tower, which features observation decks, restaurants, and thrilling experiences like the Sky Drop.

2). Yuexiu Park: Explore the largest park in downtown Guangzhou , home to historical sites like the Five Rams Sculpture, Zhenhai Tower, and the picturesque Ming Dynasty City Wall.

3). Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Admire the exquisite architecture and ornate decorations of this ancestral hall, which now serves as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, showcasing traditional crafts.

4). Shamian Island: Take a stroll through this charming island with its colonial-era buildings, tree-lined streets, and relaxing waterfront ambiance.

5). Guangzhou Opera House: Appreciate the modern architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid and attend a performance in this cultural landmark.

6). Pearl River Night Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Pearl River, witnessing the beautiful city skyline illuminated at night.

Recommended China Tours

China's Top 7 Tourist Landmarks You Should Know before Visiting the Country

Every country has its landmark tourist attractions, and China is no exception. You should at least consider visiting all of these seven tourist landmarks : the Great Wall on Mao Loyalty Ridge, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the best giant panda base, 20-Yuan Hill on the Li River, Mount Everest, and Dunhuang Mogao Caves.

The following list is the most famous Chinese landmarks, which are perfect places for your first-time China visit itinerary. If you are interested in them and plan to have a visit, you can consult us for details for free, and have us tailor-make a tour of China for you to include your favorite China highlights.

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• Dujiangyan Panda Base — the Best Place to See the Giant PandasWhen Will China Open Its Borders?
• The 20 Yuan Bank Note Site — a Li River LandmarkWhat Documents to Prepare before Boarding?
• The Forbidden City — the Largest Imperial Palace in the World
• The Mutianyu Great Wall — the Best Section to Visit
• The Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Mount Everest — the Roof of the World
• The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

1. Dujiangyan Panda Base — the Best Place to See the Giant Pandas

A landmark in wildlife preservation. China's giant panda has become one of must-see attractions of China, alongside the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Li River. The best places to see the giant pandas are at the Dujiangyan Panda Base in Chengdu, where volunteer programs allowing close contact with the giant pandas.

The giant panda is an endangered animal. Due to deforestation and hunting (especially before the 1950s), the number of giant pandas was rapidly reduced. At present, this cuddly and lovable animal lives nowhere else in the world except China outside captivity, with only a little more than 1,000 in the world.

Recommended Tours

• 3-Day Chengdu Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour
• 1-Day Pandas and Sanxingdui Museum Tour

2. The 20 Yuan Bank Note Site — a Li River Landmark

As the fifth series of Chinese bank notes was issued, the Li River scenery printed on the back of the 20-yuan bill became a landmark of China. This image was taken at a site near Xingping Dock in Yangshuo. It is a part of theLi River cruise route. Your cruise ship will slow down there, so that you can feast your eyes on the landmark.

Renowned for its karst landforms, limestone cones, cylinders, and hills, the Li River has inspired countless Chinese poets and artists, and has been repeatedly depicted on the country's newspapers and magazines.

Taking a cruise along the Li River and appreciating the graceful landscapes, cycling in the Yangshuo countryside with its idyllic scenery, and taking a bamboo raft to float on the green Yulong River (a branch of the Li River) will make your Guilin journey rejuvenating and memorable.

You could take a cruise to see the picturesque Li River, or go kayaking to enjoy the cool water and appreciate the karst scenery along the Li River.

• 4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery
• 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour — Best for Summer Vacations
• 6-Day Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng Tour

3. Mutianyu's "Mao Loyalty Ridge", the Best Place to See the Great Wall

The Great Wall, a star attraction in China, is a symbol of China, together with Tiananmen Square and the five stars or the Communist flag.

If you are planning to visit the Great Wall of China, the best section is at Mutianyu, a fully-restored with elegant scenery, less crowds, and good walking conditions. The most challenging section (very steep) is near the "Mao's Loyalty Ridge", taking about 30 minutes to climb the steps.

The landmark of Mutianyu's Great Wall section is the hill with a large stone inscription saying "忠于毛主席" (Be loyal to Chairman Mao), which was made in the Cultural Revolution period (1966-1976). Standing on the ridge, you can have a bird's eye view of the Great Wall in this area.

• 4-Day Essence of Beijing Tour with Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking
• 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour

4. The Forbidden City — the Largest Imperial Palace in the World

The Forbidden City (or the Palace Museum) is one of the must-visit attractions for travelers to China. It used to be an imperial palace in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It has housed 24 emperors. Today, the palace is a large museum, housing thousands of historical relics.

The layout of this palace is strictly according to Chinese fengshui theory. China's best-preserved imperial palace is the world's largest ancient palatial structure (720,000 square meters, and more than 9,000 halls), and the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.

You cloud visit the 12 selected places in the complex to discover the deep secrets of the royal families, while other group tours only visit six spots briefly. Listen to the interesting stories of eight famous figures in the Forbidden City.

• 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing Tour
• 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
• 2-Day Beijing Highlights from Shanghai

All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us .

5. The Terracotta Warriors Museum

Buried in 210 BC with the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, this breathtaking underground army of Xi'an is another star attraction in China. The Terracotta Warriors Museum , with three pits, covers an area of 22,780 square meters. Over 8,000 terracotta soldiers and horses, and more than 10,000 bronze weapons were unearthed in these three pits.

The Terracotta Warriors is First Emperor Qin's Buried Battalions, about one kilometer from his mausoleum. The life-sized terracotta army is exhibited in the museum built at the site of archeological excavation. An interesting fact is that all the terracotta soldiers were made to face east towards Emperor Qin's enemies.

In addition to visiting and learning about these terracotta warriors, you could make your own warriors at a cave dwelling where there are only a few craftsmen left who continue to work in a traditional way.

Click to see How to Visit the Terracotta Army — an Insider's Guide .

• 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour
• 1-Day Xi'an Highlights Tour

6. Mount Qomolangma, or Mount Everest

Mount Qomolangma is a holy mountain for local Tibetan people. Mount Qomolangma or Everest is also a representative landmark of the Himalayas, Tibet, even China. This pyramid-shaped world record holder straddles the border of China and Nepal, with the north col located in Tingri, and the south col located in Nepal.

In the Mount Qomolangma area, there are over 40 mountains more than 7,000 meters. The magnificent scenery from the highest point of land (about 8,844 meters high), and the sense of achievement has attracted hundreds of mountaineers to conquer the summit since the first success in reaching the peak in 1953.

The best time for Everest mountaineering is during the period from early September to late October, before the windy season (from November to February). Read more about Trekking to the Everest Base Camp

• 8-Day Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Bome Spring Tour
• 8-Day Lhasa-EBC-Lhasa Roof of the World Adventure
• 7-Day Tibet Tour including Trekking and Camping
• 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour
• 4-Day Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour

All our tours can be customized. Contact us to create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

7. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

"In the West there is the Louvre; in the East there are the Mogao Caves."

The Mogao Caves are famous for their exquisite murals and Buddhist statues . The Mogao Caves were included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list in 1987.

Artists from different periods of the Middle Ages left their work there. All kinds of works spanning over one thousand years complement each other.

Standing out in the desert, the Mogao Caves are like a glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road .

In addtion to visit these wonderful caves, you could get some hands-on archaeological experience. We can take you to the Dunhuang Research Academy. There, you can linger over copies of murals created by masters and can copy a sample mural on a mud slab with your own hands under the guidance of the teacher.

Recommended tours:

• 5-Day Dunhuang Desert Culture Journey
• 6-Day Silk Road Photography Tour (Dunhuang and Zhangye)
• 11-Day Along the Great Silk Road

Tour with China Highlights

There are some bestsellers including these landmarks:

• 8 Days Golden Triangle Tour — Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
• 11 Days China Classic Wonder Tour — Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
• Find more ideas on our China tours for 2024/2025 .

There are many options for return trips to China, you can get inspirations from these top places provided on this page, or tell your interests to our travel advisor, and they will help you tailor make a China trip!

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Shanghai, China's largest city, offers many exciting sightseeing opportunities for travelers. Despite having a population of more than 24 million, this always busy city offers a number of quieter historic districts and places to visit alongside its many newer tourist sites. One of the world's busiest container ports thanks to its position at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city also provides opportunities for exploration by water along the Chinese coast and its inland waterways.

Things to do here include visiting the city's world-class museums and art galleries, such as the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum; wandering through lovely gardens and parks; or getting in some shopping, especially in the "New World" pedestrian area with its luxury boutiques and galleries. Also fun is exploring the city's many fine old temples and traditional pagodas.

To help you plan your visit to China's most exciting city, be sure to read through our list of the top attractions and things to do in Shanghai.

See also: Where to Stay in Shanghai

1. Take a Stroll along Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund

2. visit shanghai's oldest green space: yu garden, 3. see the priceless statues of the jade buddha temple, 4. learn about chinese culture at the shanghai museum, 5. visit historic longhua temple and pagoda, 6. see the views from the oriental pearl tower, 7. shop 'til you drop on nanjing road, 8. gather at the people's square, 9. the french connection: tianzifang, 10. xujiahui cathedral and the sheshan basilica, 11. visit the shanghai science and technology museum, 12. the china art museum, 13. visit shanghai disney resort, 14. jin mao tower and skywalk, 15. shanghai natural history museum, where to stay in shanghai for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in shanghai, shanghai, china - climate chart.

Best known by its Anglo-Indian name of Bund (Wàitan), the Zhongshan Lu is a lovely broad promenade running along the west bank of the Huangpujiang River. It's particularly popular among tourists - the area has retained a European feel, as it was once the location of the city's International Settlement. This influence is particularly noticeable in the many old English and French buildings now serving as restaurants, boutique stores, galleries, and offices.

Always bustling, it's a splendid place for a stroll day or night as you take in the Bund's 52 unique buildings, constructed in a variety of styles including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance influences. The Bund is also home to what amounts to one of the world's most impressive collections of Art Deco architecture.

Moving from south to north, the dominant buildings are the former headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation with its splendid cupola, the harbor customs office with its bell tower, the old Peace Hotel, and the Bank of China.

Huangpu Park , located at the north end of The Bund, opened in 1886 and is famous as the country's oldest public park. It's a pleasant place to visit, and has an interesting museum dedicated to The Bund's history. The Bund is also a great place from which to embark upon a sightseeing tour aboard a boat around the port and the confluence of the Huangpujiang and Yangtze rivers.

Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu, Shanghai

To the northeast of the old town and laid out in 1559 is the splendid Yu Garden (Yù Yuán). Also known as the Garden of Happiness, this vast green space covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters and consists of an outer and an inner garden.

The oldest section is the Outer Garden , with further changes being made in the 18th century when Sansui Tang, the park's main hall, was added. This impressive building is notable for its lovely roof ornaments, figurative representations in bas-reliefs, and window openings, as well as its dragon-adorned walls.

The best-known building is the Hall of Spring , where the Company of the Little Swords (Xiaodao Hui) had its headquarters between 1853 and 1855 when it ruled Shanghai. Of great historical importance are the artificial rocks in this part of the garden, the only work of the master garden designer Zhang Nanyang that has been preserved.

The newer and much smaller Inner Garden is also worth seeing. Dating from 1709, it includes features typical of a classical Chinese writer's garden: attractive little pavilions, decorative stones, and miniature mountain ranges, dividing walls and small ponds, and even a richly decorated theatrical stage.

Address: 279 Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu, Shanghai

Located in the Anyuan Lu district of Shanghai, the beautiful Jade Buddha Temple houses two Shakyamuni statues, which the monk Huigen brought with him from Burma. The present building, erected in 1928 to replace the original temple built in 1882, is divided into three halls and two courtyards.

The most impressive structure is the splendid Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian), notable for its statues of the four heavenly kings and two Shakyamuni sculptures. Carved from white jade, one of these impressive statues stands nearly two meters high in the Wentang Main hall, where a collection of Buddhist manuscripts is also kept (the smaller statue is in the west courtyard).

Also of interest is the charming Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian) with its Buddhas of the Three Ages, along with 18 Luohan figures. Another of Shanghai's many important Buddhist sites is the stunning Jing'an Temple on Nanjing West Road.

Address: 170 Anyuan Road, Jing'an, Shanghai

Official site: www.yufotemple.com/en/

Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains China's most important museum of classical Chinese art. Set in a modern building that's something of a work of art itself - its unique round top and square base encompasses traditional Chinese concepts of the Earth - the museum's four floors include impressive displays of bronzes and ceramics from prehistoric cultures to the 19th century.

Other highlights of the collection include ink drawings, calligraphy and seals, as well as large collections of art from ethnic minorities. It's also home to large collections of jade, coins, furnishings from the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1912), and a well-stocked gift shop.

Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, Shanghai

Official site: www.shanghaimuseum.net/mu/frontend/pg/en/index

Located in a pleasant park in the southwest area of Shanghai, the splendid Longhua Temple remains one of the oldest religious sites in China. Built along with the nearby 40-meter-tall wood and brick pagoda around AD 242, this important place of worship was destroyed and rebuilt many times through the years, with the present structure dating back to the 10th century.

The site is still used for regular Buddhist ceremonies and consists of five large halls, including the Maitreya Hall (Mile Dian), with its large Buddha statue; the Heavenly King Hall (Tian Wang Dian), dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings; and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Daxiong Baodian), with its fine statues and a 16th-century bell.

Other highlights include the Bell Tower with an even older, two-meter-tall, five-ton bell from 1382, which is still used on special occasions; the Library with its old manuscripts and ceremonial instruments; and the impressive sight of some 500 gold-painted Luohan Buddhas.

Address: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui, Shanghai

A must-visit while in Shanghai is the 468-meter-tall Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower (Dongfang Míngzhuta). It's located in Pudong-Park on the east bank of the Huangpu River. In addition to its excellent views over the busy river and the new city, you'll be rewarded with superb views over the historic Bund promenade.

Built in 1991, the tower takes its name from its 11 linked spheres of various sizes, the highest of which - the Space Module - contains an observation level at the 350 meter mark with a glass-floored outside deck. All told, the tower boasts 15 viewing areas, including the Sightseeing Floor and Space City, as well as a revolving restaurant with great views.

Other highlights include a lower level shopping mall, the Space Hotel offering rooms with spectacular views, and a fun virtual reality rollercoaster ride. Even if you can't make it up the tower, you'll enjoy viewing it at night when the whole structure is lit up as part of a fascinating light show.

Address: 1 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai

Nanjing Road (Nánjing Lù) is Shanghai's principal shopping street. Constructed in the second half of the 19th century, it runs from the Zhongshan Lu for several miles towards the west. Along this largely pedestrian-friendly street, you'll find every conceivable type of consumer goods, from street vendors selling Chinese-themed souvenirs to expensive boutiques selling traditional arts and crafts. There are also a number of large shopping malls and department stores such as the iconic Yibai and Jiubai.

It's also a busy entertainment district, home to many restaurants and cinemas, as well as a hub for street performances. It's especially fun to visit during major holidays such as Chinese New Year when the street becomes a focal point for festivities and fireworks.

Another dedicated shopping area to explore is Xintiandi , an affluent pedestrian zone that retains some of the ambience of the old city.

Built on what was once the city's racecourse, the People's Square (Rénmín Guangchang) has been transformed over the years into Shanghai's premier public space. Home to the new Shanghai City Hall , the Shanghai Museum, and the state-of-the-art Grand Theatre , it's a perfect spot from which to begin touring the city.

You'll also want to spend time visiting the excellent Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center . Here, you'll find superb displays and models - even a 360-degree movie theater - showing both existing and planned-for buildings. Be sure to view this massive scale-model from the upper galleries for a fascinating bird's-eye perspective of this modern metropolis.

Address: Wusheng Road, Huangpu, Shanghai

In what was once Shanghai's French Concession, Tianzifang has been transformed into a fascinating arts and crafts destination. While much of the older homes and buildings have been replaced, the character of this old European district has been carefully preserved in its architecture and layout, with numerous small laneways and alleys just begging to be explored.

In addition to its many shopping opportunities - it consists of numerous small galleries and craft shops, rather than the bigger stores found elsewhere in the city - it's also a fun place to visit at night due to its many restaurants serving traditional fare, its numerous cafés and music joints, as well as artists' studios and workshops.

Fuxing Park is another notable tourist attraction with a distinct French flavor. The city's largest park when constructed in 1909, it remains a delightful place to wander due to its many fountains, gardens, and pavilions.

Address: 10 Taikang Road, Da Pu Qiao, Huangpu, Shanghai

Built in 1911 in Neo-Romanesque style, Xujiahui Cathedral - also known as St. Ignatius Cathedral - is another splendid reminder of Shanghai's rich multi-national heritage. In the southern city district of Xujiahui, it's the largest place of Roman Catholic worship in Shanghai, and in addition to its splendid park-like setting is worth visiting for its twin 50-meter-high bell-towers and restored interior with fine stained-glass windows.

Another important religious site is the Sheshan Basilica (the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan). This fine old Roman Catholic church stands on the western peak of the hill after which it's named. Like so many other religious sites, it was heavily damaged during the Chinese Cultural Revolution but in recent years has undergone extensive renovations and remains an important pilgrimage site. A highlight of a visit is following the 14 Stations of the Cross, which zigzag up the hill to the church, along with the many splendid views along the way.

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xu Jia Hui, Xuhui District, Shanghai

In keeping with its status as a world-class city, Shanghai is not without its fair share of top-notch museums. In addition to the splendid Shanghai Museum, the city is home to the huge Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, the largest of its kind in China and one of the city's top draws with more than two million visitors each year.

Opened in 2001, the museum offers numerous things to see and do, including interactive multimedia exhibits, permanent displays, and state-of-the-art science theaters. Highlights include a large collection of animals native to the region, scientific achievements, a fascinating exhibit on robotics, as well as exhibits focusing on space travel.

Other fun attractions for families include the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium . This worthwhile attraction is popular for its 120-meter underwater tunnel, which provides a close-up view of the region's diverse marine life. Also worth a visit is the Shanghai Zoo , famous for its large collection of native species, including giant pandas and South China tigers.

Address: 2000 Century Ave, Pudong, Shanghai

Official site: http://en.sstm.org.cn

Also often referred to as the China Art Palace, the China Art Museum (Zhonghuá Yìshù Gong) is the largest art gallery in Asia. It's also home to the country's most important collections of modern art, housed in the city's spectacular China Pavilion, the sole survivor of the city's Expo 2010 event (and looking a little like an upside-down pyramid).

Highlights of a visit include its fascinating collections of Chinese modern art, exhibits of prominent Chinese artists, as well as numerous works related to Shanghai's cultural development over the decades. Culture lovers should also invest a little time visiting the Oriental Art Center , one of the city's most important venues for performances of classical music, opera, and theatrical productions.

Also of note is the splendid Shanghai Grand Theatre , well regarded for its regular roster of concerts, operas, ballet performances, and traditional theater.

Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong, Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort, China's second Disney venture after Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, opened to great fanfare and huge crowds in 2016 and shows every sign of being a massive success.

In addition to its two themed hotels and the Disneytown entertainment and shopping district, this nearly 1,000-acre site in the city's Pudong district is home to the Shanghai Disneyland Park, the hub of all the action and the real reason some 10 million people visit the resort each year.

And it's every inch the kind of Disney experience fans and families alike can't seem to get enough of. The fun starts on Mickey Avenue, with its character meet and greets and merchandise-cum-souvenir shops, before guests head off to their favorite part of the park.

Highlights include Gardens of Imagination, with its pleasant Chinese gardens and Dumbo carousel, and Fantasyland, in many ways the parks "heart and soul." It's here you'll find the Enchanted Storybook Castle and hordes of mini wannabe princesses waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite Disney royalty. Also popular is Treasure Cove, home to a thrilling Pirates of the Caribbean -inspired ride.

Address: 310 Huangzhao Road, Pudong, Shanghai

Official site: www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/

In a country that seems to build super-tall skyscrapers at a rate of knots, the Jin Mao Tower (Jinmoh Dusa) certainly manages to stand out. Reaching 93-stories skyward (420.5 meters), this impressive tower stands as testament to the new found prosperity that is so evident in Shanghai - hence the building's name, which in Chinese translates to "Golden Prosperity Building."

One of the world's tallest freestanding structures, it has become a popular tourist attraction for its thrilling Skywalk, a massive enclosed observation deck located on the 88th floor that's capable of holding upwards of 1,000 people at a time. While the views over the city and the Bund are of course impressive, it's the building's unique and spectacular interior view down to the atrium of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai Hotel far below that draws the biggest "oohhs" and "aahhs."

While here, be sure to visit the large shopping center at the base of the tower. Also worth visiting are the other neighboring skyscrapers, including the 121-story Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, which together with the Jin Mao Tower make for the world's tallest trio of super-tall skyscrapers.

Address: 88 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai

Museum goers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum. This stunning world-class facility was established in 1956 and only recently opened up in its new state-of-the-art location in Jing'an Sculpture Park in 2015. This is one of the country's largest museums - it covers an impressive 40,000 square meters.

You'll be rewarded with a chance to peruse a vast collection of more than 240,000 artifacts, many of them unique to China and including everything from rare animal and plant specimens, some dating back as far as 140 million years (there is a rare dinosaur skeleton, which stands over four stories high). Also fun to see are the many large animatronic dinosaurs, which provide a pretty good idea of the sheer size, power, and appearance of these extinct beasts.

Location: Jing'an District, Shanghai

If you're visiting Shanghai for the first time and want to see the top tourist attractions, the best place to stay is in the city center, near the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, which intersects with Nanjing Road, the bustling shopping street. Another popular base is near the People's Square, with the Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, and the exhibition center. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a fantastic location right on the Bund, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund exudes grand elegance, with its chandeliers, lavish marble, and soaring columns.
• Also on the Bund, overlooking Nanjing Road and decked out in beautifully preserved Art Deco style, is the Fairmont Peace Hotel , with a pool and spa, plush rooms, and attentive staff.
• Near the Shanghai Museum, the art museum, and the Bund, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square delivers the same impeccable service found at other luxury Shanghai hotels for more affordable rates.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Fresh and modern with textural Chinese accents, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund , near Yu Garden, is a popular boutique option with large city-view rooms and a glass-encased pool overlooking the river.
• Also on the Bund and near Yu Garden, Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai sits on the banks of the Yangtze River, a few blocks from Nanjing Road, while the Marriott Hotel City Centre is a 12-minute walk from the People's Square, near great shopping.

Budget Hotels:

• Within walking distance of Nanjing Road and the Bund, Shanghai Fish Inn Bund offers clean, contemporary rooms and apartments, which are great value for groups, while the Jinjiang MetroPolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Peoples' Square is a little pricier but offers excellent value for money in a fantastic location right next to its namesake attraction.
• Across the Yangtze River from the Bund, about 12 minutes away by car, Jinjiang Inn (Shanghai Lujiazui) offers clean, basic rooms for budget prices.

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Historic Hangzhou : Just a two-hour train ride away from Shanghai is the historic city of Hangzhou . Famous for its many beautiful temples, including the 13th-century Yue Fei Temple, and the six-square-kilometer West Lake with its lovely waterside parks and pagodas, Hangzhou is also a great place to explore on foot, especially around the historic Qinghefang Ancient Street area, popular for its old cobbled streets, quaint squares, traditional restaurants, and shopping.

Taking Flight : Thanks to its being a major transportation hub - both nationally and internationally - Shanghai serves as a great jumping-off point to explore other parts of the country. An easy two-hour flight away, Beijing , the country's capital, is a must for visitors to China. Highlights include the magnificent Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, and more modern wonders, including the Beijing National Stadium, famous for its role in the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the Beijing Capital Museum.

Beijing also offers a variety of interesting day trip options , the most popular being a trip to Badaling Pass and the Great Wall of China.

A little further afield but still under three hours flying time, Chengdu is where you'll have the unique opportunity to spend time getting up close to the country's most iconic animals at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (be sure to opt for one of the special, immersive caretaking packages, which include feeding and cleaning up after these cuddly creatures).

China Vacation Ideas : Thanks to its immense size, China offers a wide variety of interesting landscapes to explore. One of the most popular is a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo . Starting in Guilin, you'll spend the best part of a day drifting along the Li River, enjoying the beautiful karst mountain scenery along the way, before disembarking in Yangshuo. Here, you can enjoy activities like exploring the riverside pathways by bike, or taking a ride on one of the traditional bamboo rafts available for hire.

Another great option for adventurous types is to take the (silk) road less traveled to Dunhuang and Jiayuguan . Located in the northwestern corner of the country, here you can enjoy such experiences as a spectacular sunset camel ride across the Gobi Desert, or exploring parts of the Great Wall of China not normally visited by tourists around the spectacular Jiayuguan Pass.

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Shanghai, known as the Paris of the East, is a gateway city to visit China. Sightseeing in Shanghai can be a daunting task. In a megacity Shanghai where there's something different to see around every corner, it can be hard to know where to start. If you are planning your visit, use our definitive guide to the top Shanghai attractions whenever you're entertaining out-of-town guests or simply want to play tourist and revisit iconic places. We've compiled the most popular sights and spots in Shanghai on tripadvisor with detailed info about their location, opening hours, tickets, and recommended visiting time, and the attractions include towering skyscrapers, great parks, museums, exotic streets, historical venues, etc. Landmarks like the Bund , Nanjing Road , Oriental Pearl TV Tower , Yu Garden & Bazaar are perennial favorites, but we’ve also highlighted a few of our favorite gems, such as Zhujiajiao Water Town , Shanghai Disneyland . Thirsty for more? Discover the 35 very best attractions in Shanghai to learn about its past and present, Start your Shanghai tour now!

Shanghai Attractions Map (Click to Enlarge)

Shanghai Attractions by Category - Table of Page Contents

Skyscrapers & observation decks & towers.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Shanghai World Financial Center
• Shanghai Tower
• Jinmao Tower

Exotic Buildings

• Wukang Road
• Heping Fandian
• Xujiahui Catholic Church

Shopping Areas

• Nanjing Road
• Shanghai Xintiandi

Traditional Chinese Gardens & Temples

• Yu Garden & Bazaar
• Jade Buddha Temple
• City God Temple
• Jing'an Temple
• Longhua Temple

Museums in Shanghai

• Shanghai Museum
• Urban Planning Exhibition Center
• Shanghai History Museum
• Shanghai Natural History Museum
• China Arts Museum
• Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
• Shanghai Maglev Museum

Entertainment Sites in Shanghai

• Shanghai Disney Resort
• Huangpu River Cruise
• Shanghai Circus World
• Shanghai Sightseeing Tunnel
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Shanghai Zoo

Ancient Water Towns in Shanghai

• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
• Fengjing Water Town
• Qibao Ancient Town

Artistic Zones

• Shanghai Tianzifang
• M50 Creative Park

Public Parks in Shanghai

• People's Square
• Century Park

No. 1: The Bund

The Bund, “a gallery of international architectures”, is the landmark of Shanghai. It is always the best place to view Shanghai. Take a stroll along the embankment of the Huangpu River, and you’ll get various architectural styles from Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque to Classicism and the Renaissance in your camera. The modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui across Huangpu River in Pudong New Area provide another backdrop. The night view here is more breathtaking, how about taking an evening cruise or a stroll by it?

Type: Historic Walking Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Sights & Landmarks

Opening Hours: All Day

Tickets: Free Entry

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 - 2 hours

Address: On the bank of Huangpu River, Shanghai, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区中山东一路(临黄浦江)

No. 2: Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Standing at the end of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower soars 468 meters, setting the character of the new urban area as well as its cityscape. An all-around panorama view of Shanghai from the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world can be amazing, walking on the glass bottom and feeling your adrenaline pumps is also cool. It is worthy to visit in the late afternoon that you could see the sunset and the city come alive with lights.

Type: Observation Decks & Towers, Modern Buildings & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 8:00-21:30

Tickets: CNY 35- CNY 458

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours

Address: No. 1, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China 上海市浦东新区世纪大道1号

No. 3: Yu Garden & Bazaar

Dating back to the 16th Century, Yuyuan Garden is the most revered green space in Shanghai. Known as the “Mountains and Forest within the City”, it is crowded to bursting point every day. And yet, it managed to maintain something of its air of serenity. Here, you’ll find ornate structures as well as intimate enclaves that are divided by “dragon walls”. Highlights include the Heralding Spring Hall, the Jade Magnificent Hall, and the Lotus Pool. Out of the Yuyuan Garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you could explore how elaborating and cute the traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works are, and also savor some local flavor snacks here…

Type: Gardens, Nature & Parks, Bazaar

Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30, No entry after 16:00, closed on Monday

Tickets: CNY 40 - Peak Season (Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov); CNY 30 - (Jul to Aug, Dec to Mar)

Address: No. 168 Fuyou Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区福佑路168号

No. 4: Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort is the first Disney resort in mainland China and the sixth one in the world. In Disneyland Park, you can lignite your dream by exploring Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, and Tomorrowland with different themes, characters, and activities. It is about 18 kilometers from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, about 27 kilometers from the Huangpu River area. Disney is a dreamland for both children and adults. With Disney Resort, your Shanghai tour will be more enjoyable.

Type: Theme Parks, Water & Amusement Parks

Opening Hours: 09:00~21:00

Tickets: CNY 261 - CNY 1250

Recommended Visiting Time: half day to one day

Address: No. 310 Huangzhao Road, Chuansha Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区川沙镇黄赵路310号

No. 5: Nanjing Road

Running west from the Bund, Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s foremost shopping street and is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. The Shanghai equivalent of New York’s Fifth Avenue, Nanjing Road boasts retailers from all over the world. In the daylight, you’ll admire the graceful architecture of the surrounding buildings. At night, you’ll marvel at the illuminated logos and brand names that line the avenue.

Type: Shopping, Street, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Address: Nanjing East Road & Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District & Jing’an district, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区&静安区,南京东路&南京西路

No. 6: Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center in the key CBD is a new and vital landmark in Shanghai. Being the fifth tallest building in the world with a total height of 492 meters, SWFC provides visitors the world's highest observatory at 474 meters high that is the best deck to appreciate the panorama of the whole old and new Shanghai, including the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Huangpu River, and so on.

Sky Walk Opening Hours: 11:00~21:00 (No entry after 20:00, except for major festivals)

Tickets: Free Entry (Sky Walk: CNY 135 per person, CNY 200 for two)

Address: 上海市浦东新区世纪大道88号

No. 7: Shanghai Tower

Just Completed in 2016, Shanghai Tower of 632 m high is at present the tallest skyscraper in China and proudly the second tallest one in the entire world, with the 828 m high Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai being the No. 1. Designed by Gensler from America with the fabulous stream-lined spiral facade, the world's highest observation, great functions to save more energy, top-class environment for offices and other functions, Shanghai Tower is so much attractive to visitors from the globe. Catch the chance to stimulate your body at the over 500 m high place. Let's Go!

Opening Hours: 8:30-22:00

Tickets: CNY 180

Address: No. 501, Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai China

No. 8: Jinmao Tower

The Jinmao Tower is situated in the heart of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Pudong New Area. This 88-story skyscraper, Jinmao Tower rises 420 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Observation Deck of Jinmao Tower is on Level 88, 340 meters above the ground. In bright and comfortable light, you could enjoy a bird’s eye view of Shanghai City. In addition, it offers a topside view of the hotel atrium lobby.

Opening Hours: Jan - 08:30-21:00 (no entry after 20:30); Feb to Dec - 09:00-20:30 (no entry after 20:00)

Sightseeing Tickets: CNY 85

Address: 88 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区陆家嘴世纪大道88号

No. 9: Huangpu River

The Huangpu River, known as the Mother River of Shanghai as well as the largest river in Shanghai, is a 113-kilometer long river flowing through Shanghai which is the last tributary of Yangtze River ends in the East China Sea. Puxi (West Bank) and Pudong (East Bank) are bounded by it, forming the world-famous Bund, Lujiazui financial zone, and other important landmarks. The western side of Puxi is home to “An Exhibition of International Buildings”. The eastern side of Pudong is a recent development of the last few decades and is the new business and financial district boasting many awesome glass and steel towers.

Type: River Cruise; Bodies of Water

Opening Hours: 11:00~21:30

Tickets: CNY 120 per person (without dining and snacks onboard)

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 - 3 hours

Address: Huangpu River, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区黄浦江

No. 10: Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum is not only the cultural landmark of Shanghai but the biggest museum in China with numerous fine Chinese artifacts. It contains over 120,000 items rated precious cultural relics. Unlike many museums in China, it arranges its exhibits by theme rather than by dynasty. The collection consists of 21 categories, having its highlights bronze wares from Shang and Zhou Dynasties, pottery and porcelain spanning 8,000 years, and a large variety of calligraphy works and paintings.

Type: Comprehensive Museum, historical & Cultural site

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, no entering after 16:00, closed on Monday (except national holidays)

Tickets: Free Ticket

Address: No. 201, Peoples Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China (上海市黄浦区人民大道201号)

No. 11: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Known as the “Venice in Shanghai”, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town has a history of 1,700 years and is a well-preserved waterside ancient town. In Zhjiajiao Water Town, You could take the traditional boat to cruise along the canals and see the old residences, shops and bridges that are filled with classic architectural tone in Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911).

Type: Water Town, Architectural Buildings, Historic Site

Address: Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai 上海市青浦区朱家角古镇旅游区

No. 12: Jade Buddha Temple

Quite different from many other temples hidden in mountains and forests, Jade Buddha Temple shows itself in the center of Shanghai city. It enjoys a high reputation both home and abroad for the extraordinary jade Buddha enshrined within it, hence the temple’s name. Among the clouds of incense smoke, it’s kind of unexpected to see so many pilgrims in such a modern city, no fewer than in Tibet.

Type: Buddhist Temples, Sacred & Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings

Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 (Except for Major Festivals, No entry after 16:00)

Tickets: CNY 20

Address: No. 170 Anyuan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 上海市普陀区 安远路170号

No. 13: Old Wukang Road

Shanghai Old Wukang Road area is located in Huangpu district (黄浦区) and Xuhui District (徐汇区). Since its opening up in 1849, groups of foreigners from many countries came to Shanghai and settled down. Travelers can appreciate the diverse types of old buildings in exotic styles and feel the rich culture mixed with local Shanghai features and Western styles, with leafy trees side by.

Type: Historic & Cultural Site, Walking Streets, Old Exotic Buildings

Address: 22 Jianguo Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区建国中路22号

No. 14: Tianzifang

Tianzifang at Taikang Road is one of the coolest places to wander in Shanghai. A lot of artistic and cultural studios of celebrities and young creatives set here in the typical Shikumen houses of both Shanghai and western styles make the mazy lanes full of artistic culture. Strolling along the old paths to see the daily life of the residents here to feel the old Shanghai flavor, watching people chatting and laughing in the restaurants and bars from many other countries, and finding various kinds of interesting items and Chinese crafts are especially funny!

Type: Historical & Cultural Lanes, Artistic Shops, International Restaurants

Address: No. 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China

No. 15: Shanghai Xintiandi

Located in the downtown area of Shanghai City, Shanghai Xintiandi is a historical site as well as a fashionable center full of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping malls. You could enjoy the antique and rebuilt Shikumen structure which is a witness of the communication between the building cultures of western countries and China. Despite in old appearance, the inside life is tailor-made for people in modern society, you can feast on the international art galleries, fashion shops, coffee houses, themed restaurants, and so forth.

Type: Neighborhoods, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Shopping & Entertainment

Address: Xintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200021, China 上海市黄浦区新天地

No. 16: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Are you curious about what turned Shanghai into today’s super city? Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a must-see to witness how Shanghai became a cosmopolitan city from a shabby fishing village. With the theme of “ City, man, environment, and development” it serves for exhibition, research, communication, consultation, education, and sightseeing. The 3rd Floor is perhaps the most impressive, which displays a scale model of Shanghai. A cup of coffee on the top will be a good ending to this time travel.

Type: Museum, Exhibition Hall, Points of Interest

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00; Tuesday to Sunday

Tickets: CNY 30

Address: No. 100, Peoples Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China.

No. 17: City God Temple

City God Temple of Shanghai, an important Taoist temple, also known as Chenghuang Temple or Cheng Huang Miao is located in the most prosperous and prestigious Yu Garden scenic area. It was built in the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403 - 1424). It has a history of nearly six hundred years and witnessed the rise and fall, the peace and war of Shanghai. The main building includes the front square, the main hall, the Yuan Chen hall, the God of wealth hall, the Ci Hang Hall, the city god hall, and the goddess hall. It was destroyed during the war and closed in 1966, and rebuilt and reopened in 1994.

Type: Temple, Park, Bazaar

Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30, No entry after 16:00, except for major holidays

Tickets: CNY 10

Address: 249 Fangbang Zhong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区方浜中路249号

No. 18: Shanghai Circus World

Referred as the No. 1 Circus World in China, Shanghai Circus World is a world-renowned comprehensive recreational venue with a uniquely designed building and acrobatic performance. It enjoys excellent hardware like complete facilities, advanced devices, and full-equipped functions as well as preeminent acrobats. Two great programs are performed in the Shanghai Circus World. One is ERA - Intersection of Time, from which the audiences could watch the most magical scenes and breathtaking acrobatics. The other is the Happy Circus, which is most loved by the kids and recommended as a family tour.

Type: Architectural Buildings, Theatre, Shows & Performance

Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:30

Tickets: 130 RMB ~ 880 RMB

Address: No. 2266, Gonghexin Road, Zhabei District, Shanghai 200073, China

No. 19: Shanghai Sightseeing Tunnel

The Bund sightseeing tunnel is located in the Pudong New Area between Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Nanjing East Road. It is a pioneering work in the history of tunnel construction. It is the first cross-river pedestrian tunnel in China, with a total length of 646.70 meters, with a total construction area of nearly 17500 square meters. With the ocean-themed lighting and shadow, it is like a dreamland. The entrance to the Bund sightseeing tunnel is located on the west side of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, on the south side of the International Conference Center, and the other entrance is located on the north side of Chen Yi square of Puxi.

Type: Sightseeing, Points of Interest & Entertainment

Opening Hours: 09:00-21:30

Tickets: CNY 50 - CNY 70

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour

Address: 2789 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区滨江大道2789号

No. 20: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Shanghai ocean aquarium is next to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can get to see all kinds of marine life from all over the world, as well as interesting animal shows. The four underwater tunnels are very popular, where allow you to step into them to watch sharks and turtles swimming overhead. Here, you can see the Australian archerfish, African multi finfish, Southeast Asian White ax shark, South American eel, Antarctic penguin, lovely seahorse, etc. It is the only aquarium in the world that has an independent Chinese exhibition area to display aquatic lives, such as Chinese sturgeon, rouge fish, Chinese alligator, giant salamander, etc.

Type: Features Animals, Aquariums

Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 (no entry after 17:30)

Tickets: CNY 155

Address: 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区陆家嘴环路1388号

No. 21: Fengjing Water Town

With a history of more than 1,500 years, Fengjing is the only township in Shanghai on the list of Historic Towns of China. This town is renowned for its cultural background, elegant waters, well-preserved ancient houses, and traditional lifestyle with a strong local flavor. It is also known as the birthplace of the famed Jinshan Peasant Painting, which has won popularity for its creative designs and bright colors that vividly depict town’s culture and customs.

Opening Hours: Aug to Apr: 08:00-16:30 (No entry after 16:00); May to Sep: 08:00-17:00 (No entry after 16:30)

Address: Lane 8588, Tingfeng highway, Fengjing town, Jinshan District, Shanghai 上海市金山区枫泾镇亭枫公路8588弄

No. 22: Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple is located in the prosperous Jing'an district, with convenient transportation. The architectural style of the temple is integrated with the Tibetan temple. The silver Buddha in the main hall weighs 15 tons. Guanyin hall is set in the East Chamber on the right side of the first floor. The Guanying Buddha inside is 6.2 meters high. On the left side of the west chamber is the hall of Sakyamuni, which houses the 3.87-meter-high Sakyamuni Jade Buddha. This jade Buddha is much larger than the Jade Buddha in Jade Buddha Temple. The roof of Jing'an Temple is covered with copper tiles, and the top of the pagoda behind the temple is painted in gold. Looking afar, the whole temple is shining under the sun.

Type: Historic Sites, Sacred & Religious Sites

Opening Hours: 07:30-17:00

Tickets: CNY 50

Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 上海市静安区南京西路1686号

No. 23: Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple is the oldest and largest ancient temple in Shanghai with a history of more than 1700 years. From south to north, along the central axis of Longhua temple is Maitreya hall, Tianwang Hall, Daxiong Hall, Sansheng hall, and Sutra library. The Daxiong hall is very solemn. In front of it, there are three golden statues of Buddhas, Tathagata, Manjusri, and Puxian. On the back, there are exquisite statues of Guanyin. On both sides of the hall, there are carved sixteen Arhats. There are bell and drum towers on the East and west sides of the temple.

Type: Sacred & Religious Sites

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30

Address: 2853 Longhua Road, Longhua Town, Xuhui District, Shanghai 上海市徐汇区龙华镇龙华路2853号

No. 24: Shanghai History Museum

Shanghai History Museum was founded in 1983, formerly known as the Shanghai Museum of historical relics. In 1991, Shanghai History Museum was changed to its current name. It reflects the historical development of Shanghai. It has collected a large number of cultural relics and documents representing the historical process of Shanghai. If you are interested in the history of Shanghai, there are more than 4 hundred relics to see. Shanghai History Museum was founded in 1983, formerly known as the Shanghai Museum of historical relics. In 1991, Shanghai History Museum was changed to its current name.

Type: History Museums

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (No entry after 16:00), Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 325 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区南京西路325号

No. 25: China Arts Museum

China Arts Museum used to be the National Pavilion of China in the Shanghai World Expo. The multimedia version of Qingming Riverside is the treasure of the China Arts Museum, there are many works of modern artists on display here. The exhibition hall of the art palace is mainly located on the 0-m, 5-m, 33-m, 41-m, and 49-m floors. You can take the elevator to go up and down the stairs. It is recommended to take the direct elevator to the 49-m floor to enjoy the multimedia "Qingming Riverside map". Then you can visit it from top to bottom. The other floors mainly display various works of modern Chinese artists, as well as temporary exhibitions of works of art at home and abroad.

Type: Specialty Museums

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (No entry after 17:00), Tuesday to Sunday

Recommended Visiting Time: 3 - 5 hours

Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区上南路205号

No. 26: Shanghai Natural History Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in China, located in Jing'an District. In the museum, the skeleton of a 26-meter long Zhongjiamamen River dinosaur is the most eye-catching. It is the largest dinosaur in Asia with the longest neck in the world. The new museum has five floors, two on the ground and three underground. It usually starts from the second floor above the ground and goes down in turn. The whole journey takes about half a day to a day. The last two underground floors are the most abundant exhibition areas. There are 10 permanent exhibitions in the museum, which are divided into three systems: natural evolution, living environment, and human civilization.

Type: Features Animals, Specialty Museums

Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Tuesday to Sunday

Address: 510 Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 上海市静安区北京西路510号

No. 27: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is the largest science education site in Shanghai. Through various modern equipment and rich interactive ways, you can have an all-around understanding of natural science with shocking audio-visual effects. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is rich in exhibits. There are hundreds of exquisite Wildlife Specimens and geological specimens, various robot performances with different functions, various models of electronic equipment and aerospace equipment, and a variety of scientific and technological inventions. The science and technology museum also has an IMAX three-dimensional giant screen, ball screen, four-dimensional and high-tech special cinema, etc.

Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday

Tickets: CNY 45

Address: 2000 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区世纪大道2000号

No. 28: People's Square

The People's Park is located in the center of Shanghai, on the east side of Nanjing Road pedestrian street, and it is very easy to reach by metro. It has always been known as the "lung" of the city. If you are a museum-goers, there are many museums nearby. In the park, you can see the very special matchmaking corner in China. The park can be roughly divided into three scenic spots: East, Center, and West. The central area is an open space with scenery building, teahouse, open-air theater; the scenic spots in the west area, including pavilions, corridors, gardens, rockeries, pools, etc. It is the main scenic spot of the park.

Type: Architectural Buildings, Parks

Address: 185 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区人民大道185号

No. 29: Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo is near Hongqiao Airport. There are more than 600 kinds of animals in the zoo, including a panda, elk, golden monkey, Siberian tiger, and other rare animals. There are amphibians and reptiles, herbivores, beasts of prey, birds of prey, and other animal exhibition areas, as well as a science and Education Museum, goldfish Gallery, butterfly museum, and other exhibition halls. There is also a reed-covered Swan Lake, inhabiting pelicans, swans, mandarin ducks, and other birds. It is also a good choice to stay in the zoo to rest on the lawn, bask in the sun, row boats and ride Ferris wheel.

Type: Features Animals, Zoos

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00

Tickets: CNY 40

Address: 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai 上海市长宁区虹桥路2381号

No. 30: Century Park

Century Park is located at the southeast end of Century Avenue in Pudong. It is a large natural ecological park in Shanghai. The park is divided into a rural area, lakeside area, forest and lawn area, bird protection area, exotic area, etc. It is a good place for relaxation and entertainment in the city. Jingtian Lake in the garden is a large artificial lake, which is approximately around and about 300 meters in diameter. Another Zhangjiabang river passes through the park, creating an ecological environment with vertical and horizontal waterways in the garden.

Type: Parks, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00

Address: 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区锦绣路1001号

No. 31: Heping Fandian

Peace Hotel Museum or Heping Fandian Museum is the first museum in China built in the form of a hotel. The museum displays a number of "antique" items engraved with the words "华懋饭店", such as copper ice pot, copper key plate, copper thermos, copper ashtray, and the silver spoon, as well as calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Due to its profound historical background, it has become the recording site of 33 films and TV plays. The South Building of Peace Hotel imitates the balanced apartment building of Renaissance, while the north building is the Gothic building of Chicago school.

Type: Points of Interest & Landmarks, Architectural Buildings

Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00

Address: 20 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 上海市黄浦区南京东路20号

No. 32: Shanghai Maglev Museum

The predecessor of the Shanghai Maglev Museum is the Shanghai Maglev Science and Technology Exhibition Hall, which is a professional exhibition hall to show the maglev technology and the development history of the Shanghai maglev train. It officially opened on August 16, 2007, with an area of 1250 square meters. It is divided into five parts: the birth of maglev, Shanghai maglev line, maglev exploration, maglev advantages, and maglev prospects. There are many interactive projects for tourists to participate in. Tourists can visit the maglev train for free with maglev train tickets of the day.

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Tickets: Free Entry with valid Maglev Train Ticket

Address: 2100 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区龙阳路2100号

No. 33: M50 Creative Park

M50 is the abbreviation of No. 50 Moganshan Road. It is located in the peninsula area on the South Bank of Suzhou River. It is a creative park reconstructed from the original textile factory. Compared with other creative parks, the biggest feature here is the graffiti and free gallery exhibition along the street. You can see the artworks of abstract, realistic, watercolor, oil painting, and so on. Over the past few years, M50 has attracted more than 130 artists from 17 countries and regions including UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Israel, Canada, Norway, and Hong Kong, etc. The presence of these artists and creative design institutions creates a strong cultural atmosphere along the Suzhou River.

Type: Civic Centers, Art Museums

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00

Address: 50 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 上海市普陀区莫干山路50号

No. 34: Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao ancient town was built in the Northern Song Dynasty. It is only 5 kilometers away from the downtown area of Shanghai. It can be reached directly by metro line 9. Qibao ancient town is the nearest ancient town to Shanghai, which retains the characteristics of a water town in the metropolis and shows a new and simple cultural atmosphere. Qibao means seven treasures. It is said that there are seven treasures in the ancient town, namely, the Golden Sutra, the sacred tree, the flying Buddha, the golden rooster, the jade chopsticks, and the Jade axe. The area of the ancient town is small, with only a few streets in total. The main scenic spots are Qibao old street, Qibao pawnshop, Zhou's Micro carving hall, cricket cottage, etc. It is also a food street with all kinds of local snacks.

Type: Ancient Town, Points of Interest & Landmarks

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 - 3 hours

Address: Intersection of Qingnian Road and Hengli Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 上海市闵行区青年路与横沥路路口

No. 35: Xujiahui Catholic Church

Xujiahui Catholic Church is adjacent to the prosperous Xujiahuidistrict. It is the largest Catholic Church in Shanghai. The red brick walls and two towering bell towers make this medieval Gothic building with hundreds of years of history particularly eye-catching. The simple exterior modeling and gorgeous interior decoration carry a strong religious atmosphere. You can also feel the rare tranquility in the city. Every night, the church is particularly charming under external lighting.

Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00 Monday to Saturday; 14:00-16:00 on Sunday

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 上海市徐汇区蒲西路158号

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai: March to May (in spring) & September to November (in autumn), because these periods offer beautiful nature scenery and comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Top Attractions to Visit in Shanghai: The Bund, Lujiazui Skyscrapers, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road, Shanghai Disney Resort…

Best known as an international popular tourist destination, Shanghai perfectly preserves mixed culture of the western and eastern. The duration and theme of your Shanghai tour can be flexibly arranged based on your time and interests. Usually, tourists spend 2 days on sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund , Yu Garden, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, Wukang Road, Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park or visit Zhujiajiao Water Town in the suburb. Don't miss the Shanghai Maglev Train, wonderful nightlife and Shanghai Cuisine.

✔ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour ✔ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour ✔ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Travel Shanghai with Hangzhou Suzhou, More Nearby Destinations

Convenient transportation makes it quite efficient and popular to make day trips from Shanghai to Hangzhou , Suzhou , and longer vacation in Huangshan Mountain , Nanjing, Mount Jiuhua and other places in surrounding areas. So you can visit West Lake and learn Chinese tea culture in Hangzhou, marvel at tasteful classical gardens and witness Chinese silk productive process. Splendid rocky mountains with exotic pine trees are highlights in Huangshan Mountain.

✔ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour ✔ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train ✔ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train

Travel Shanghai with Beijing, Xian & More China Destinations

Beijing Xian Shanghai are golden triangle cities often visited together for a week holiday. You can use 3 days to visit the Great Wall and major iconic spots like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, and leave 2 days for fulfilling your Terracotta Warriors tour in Xian. With more time, you can extend the trip from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Yunnan, Silk Road, Tibet and more phenomenal destinations to enrich your China discovery. (more top China tours from Shanghai >> )

✔ 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train ✔ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai) ✔ 7 Days Shanghai Suzhou Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

Recommended Shanghai Tour Packages

No matter how many days you plan to stay in Shanghai, there is always a tour suitable for you. Following are some best Shanghai tour packages covering most highlights in Shanghai. If you still have no idea where to start, you can design a tailor-made Shanghai trip with us.

2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai French Concession, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center

3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum,Shanghai World Financial Center, Jade Buddha Temple

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Tour

Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai Museum, West Lake, Tea Village, Lingyin Temple, Lingering Garden, Silk Factory, Tongli Water Town

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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