Planning your first trip to China but don’t know which cities to visit? I completely understand. There are so many best cities to visit in China especially if you are first-timers
China is HUGE, and there are so many amazing cities that planning your first trip can actually feel overwhelming. Beijing is famous for the Great Wall, Shanghai feels like a futuristic city, Chengdu is all about pandas and food, while Chongqing feels like something from a cyberpunk movie.
And honestly, every city feels completely different.
After traveling around China multiple times, we realized that there isn’t one city that can show you everything China has to offer.
So in this guide, I’m sharing the best cities to visit in China for first-timers, including what makes each city special, the must-visit places, and who I think each city is best for.
If you’re planning your first trip to China, this guide should help you decide which cities to put on your itinerary.
1. Shanghai – Best for Modern China
If this is your first time in China and you’re a little nervous about traveling around the country, Shanghai is a great place to start.
Shanghai is probably the city that best shows you modern China.
You have huge skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, futuristic architecture, amazing restaurants, and a very international atmosphere.
But what I love about Shanghai is that you don’t have to go far to find the older side of the city.
One minute you’re surrounded by skyscrapers…
Then you turn a corner and suddenly you’re walking through a traditional neighborhood.
Shanghai is also a great base for exploring other cities in the Yangtze River Delta, with destinations like Suzhou and Hangzhou easily reachable by high-speed train.
Must-visit places in Shanghai
1. The Bund
This is probably the most iconic view in Shanghai.
Walk along the Huangpu River and you’ll have the historic European-style buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.
Come at night because the skyline lights up and looks completely different.
2. Yu Garden
If you want to see the more traditional side of Shanghai, visit Yu Garden.
You’ll find classical Chinese architecture, ponds, gardens, bridges, and traditional buildings.
It feels completely different from the skyscrapers of Pudong.
3. Pudong
This is where you can see Shanghai’s famous futuristic skyline.
The area around Lujiazui is filled with some of the tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers in China.
Why visit Shanghai?
Perfect for: First-time visitors, shopping, city views, modern China, food
Recommended: 5-6 days
Visit China for shopping? Shanghai must be the right choice. Here are our shopping in Shanghai guide for you best shopping experience
2. Beijing – Best for History and Classic China
If Shanghai shows you modern China, Beijing shows you the historical side.
Beijing is China’s capital and one of the best cities to visit if you want to experience the history of the country.
This is where you’ll find imperial palaces, ancient temples, traditional hutongs, and, of course, the Great Wall.
For many first-time travelers, Beijing is the city that gives the strongest “I’m finally in China!” feeling.
There are also so many famous attractions here that you can easily spend several days exploring.
Must-visit places in Beijing
1. Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is one of the most important historical attractions in Beijing.
This enormous palace complex was home to China’s emperors for centuries and is located right in the center of Beijing.
The scale is honestly crazy.
You can spend hours walking through the different courtyards, gates, halls, and gardens.
2. Great Wall of China
Obviously, you cannot come to Beijing without considering the Great Wall.
There are several sections you can visit, but Mutianyu and Badaling are among the most popular choices for tourists.
Seeing the Great Wall in person is one of those travel experiences that photographs really cannot explain.
3. Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is another beautiful historical site in Beijing.
It was originally used by China’s emperors for ceremonies and prayers for good harvests.
The architecture is also very different from the Forbidden City, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Why visit Beijing?
Perfect for: History, culture, architecture, Great Wall
Recommended: 3–4 days
More things to do on our Beijing guide
3. Shenzhen – Best for Futuristic China
If you’re more interested in technology, modern architecture, shopping and futuristic experiences, Shenzhen is the city for you.
Shenzhen feels completely different from Beijing.
Instead of ancient palaces and temples, you’ll find huge shopping malls, modern skyscrapers, futuristic architecture, driverless taxis, and even drone food delivery.
We actually spent quite a lot of time exploring Shenzhen, and I think it’s one of the most interesting cities in China for experiencing how futuristic the country can be.
Shenzhen is also right next to Hong Kong, so it’s very easy to combine both cities in one trip.
Must-visit places in Shenzhen
1. Shenzhen Bay Cultural Park
This is one of my favorite places for architecture and photography.
The futuristic buildings around the cultural park almost look like they came from another planet.
It’s especially beautiful around sunset.
2. OH Bay
OH Bay is a huge waterfront entertainment area with shopping, restaurants, public spaces, and the famous Ferris wheel.
You can walk around the waterfront for free and stay until evening when everything lights up.
3. Gangxia North Station
Yes, I’m recommending a Metro station as one of the places to visit.
But Shenzhen’s Metro stations can actually be attractions themselves.
Gangxia North is huge and incredibly futuristic, and it’s a great example of how even public transportation in Shenzhen can feel like a tourist attraction.
We also wrote a full guide to Shenzhen covering attractions, transportation, and practical tips for foreigners.
Why visit Shenzhen?
Perfect for: Technology, shopping, modern architecture, futuristic experiences
Recommended: 5-6 days
Shenzhen is huge and there are tons of things to do in Shenzhen from free to affordable attractions
4. Guangzhou – Best for Food
If you’re traveling mainly for food, don’t skip Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is the home of Cantonese cuisine, so this is one of the best cities in China to experience authentic dim sum, roast meats, seafood, and Cantonese-style food.
And honestly, one of my favorite things about Guangzhou is simply eating.
You can find everything from affordable local restaurants to high-end Cantonese restaurants.
Guangzhou is also a very practical city to add to a South China itinerary because it’s close to Shenzhen and connected to Hong Kong by high-speed rail.
Must-visit places in Guangzhou
1. Canton Tower
The Canton Tower is probably the most recognizable landmark in Guangzhou.
The tower looks especially impressive at night when it lights up.
You can also go up to the observation areas for a panoramic view of Guangzhou.
2. Shamian Island
For a completely different side of Guangzhou, visit Shamian Island.
The area is known for its historic European-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and quiet atmosphere.
It’s a great place to walk around and take photos.
3. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
This is one of the best places to see traditional Cantonese architecture.
The building is filled with detailed carvings, sculptures, and decorations.
Even if you’re not usually interested in museums, I think the architecture alone makes it worth visiting.
Why visit Guangzhou?
Perfect for: Food, Cantonese culture, shopping, South China
Recommended: 3-4 days
We have created a curated itineraries in Guangzhou from shopping to must visit places
5. Chengdu – Best for Pandas and Food
If there are two things Chengdu is famous for, they are giant pandas and Sichuan food.
And honestly, both are good enough reasons to visit.
Chengdu has a much more relaxed atmosphere compared with cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen.
People here seem to enjoy taking things slowly.
You can spend your morning seeing pandas, your afternoon drinking tea, and your evening eating spicy Sichuan hotpot.
Sounds like a pretty good day to me.
Must-visit places in Chengdu
1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This is obviously the number one place to visit if you come to Chengdu.
You can see giant pandas eating bamboo, sleeping, climbing, and basically doing what pandas do best.
Try to arrive early because the pandas are generally more active in the morning.
2. Chunxi Road & Taikoo Li
This is the modern and fashionable side of Chengdu.
There are shopping malls, restaurants, cafés, luxury brands, and plenty of interesting architecture.
It’s also a great area to experience Chengdu’s nightlife.
3. People’s Park
For something more local and relaxed, visit People’s Park.
You can sit in a traditional teahouse, watch locals play games, and experience Chengdu’s famous slow-paced lifestyle.
Why visit Chengdu?
Perfect for: Pandas, Sichuan food, tea culture, relaxed travel
Recommended: 4 days
Chengdu is not only pandas, there are many things to do on our Chengdu guide here
6. Chongqing – Best for a Cyberpunk City Experience
Chongqing might be the most unusual city on this list.
We call it the 8D City, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
The city is built across mountains and hills, with roads, buildings, bridges, and Metro lines running at completely different levels.
Sometimes you can enter a building on what feels like the ground floor…
Then walk outside and somehow you’re on the 20th floor.
It is seriously confusing.
But that’s exactly what makes Chongqing so fun.
At night, the city becomes even more impressive with thousands of lights covering the skyscrapers and hillsides.
Must-visit places in Chongqing
1. Hongya Cave
This is probably the most famous place in Chongqing.
The massive traditional-style building sits beside the river and lights up at night.
It looks almost like something from a Chinese fantasy movie.
2. Liziba Station
This is the famous Metro station where the train appears to pass directly through a residential building.
Yes, the train actually goes through the building.
It’s one of those places that looks fake until you see it yourself.
3. Jiefangbei
Jiefangbei is the heart of downtown Chongqing.
The area is surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and plenty of nightlife.
It’s also a great place to try Chongqing hotpot.
We have a dedicated Chongqing guide covering the city’s attractions and practical tips if you’re planning a longer visit.
Why visit Chongqing?
Perfect for: Night views, hotpot, photography, futuristic architecture
Recommended: 4-5 days
Cyberpunk city, 8D city, mountain city and many more nickname for this city tells you how unique this city are and here are everything you can do in Chongqing
7. Suzhou – Best for Traditional China
If you’re tired of huge cities and want to see a more peaceful side of China, Suzhou is a great choice.
Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens, canals, old streets, bridges, and traditional architecture.
It’s often called the “Venice of the East”, although I think it’s better to experience it without comparing it to another city.
What I love about Suzhou is that it feels completely different from Shanghai, even though the two cities are very close.
And thanks to China’s high-speed rail network, Suzhou is an easy trip from Shanghai.
Must-visit places in Suzhou
1. Humble Administrator’s Garden
This is probably the most famous garden in Suzhou.
You can walk through beautiful landscaped gardens, ponds, bridges, and traditional Chinese pavilions.
It’s a great place to experience classical Chinese garden design.
2. Pingjiang Road
Pingjiang Road is one of my favorite places to simply walk around.
You’ll find traditional buildings, small shops, cafés, restaurants, and canals running through the historic area.
It’s especially nice in the evening.
3. Shantang Street
Another beautiful historic street with canals, bridges, traditional architecture, and plenty of food.
Come after sunset when the lanterns and buildings light up.
Why visit Suzhou?
Perfect for: Gardens, traditional architecture, canals, slow travel
Recommended: 1–2 days
Want to visit Suzhou from Shenzhen? We actually have a full guide on visiting Suzhou from Shanghai, including transportation and what to do.
8. Hangzhou – Best for Nature and Relaxation
Last but definitely not least is Hangzhou.
If you want a city that feels more peaceful and surrounded by nature, Hangzhou is a great option.
The city is most famous for West Lake, but there is much more to explore.
Hangzhou is also famous for Longjing tea, traditional gardens, temples, and beautiful countryside.
And just like Suzhou, it’s very easy to combine with Shanghai.
The high-speed train makes the journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou very convenient, which is one reason Hangzhou works so well as a first China trip add-on.
Must-visit places in Hangzhou
1. West Lake
This is the place you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
The lake is surrounded by gardens, temples, bridges, walking paths, and beautiful scenery.
You can walk around the lake, rent a bike, take a boat, or simply sit down and enjoy the view.
2. Lingyin Temple
Lingyin Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Hangzhou.
The temple is surrounded by mountains and greenery, making it feel very peaceful compared with the busy city center.
3. Longjing Tea Village
Hangzhou is famous for Longjing tea, and visiting the tea fields gives you a completely different experience from the city.
You can walk through the tea plantations, enjoy the scenery, and try some freshly brewed Longjing tea.
We also visited Qingshan Lake, sometimes called “Matcha Lake,” but it is farther from central Hangzhou and works better if you have extra time.
Why visit Hangzhou?
Perfect for: Nature, tea, traditional China, relaxing
Recommended: 1–2 days
Hangzhou is perfect for day trip from Shanghai or if you want a full experience, staying here 1 or 2 night won’t be a bad idea. Here are best things you can do in Hangzhou
Explore Our E-Book
How to Choose the Best City in China for Your First Trip
Here is my simple way of choosing:
Want history? → Beijing
Want modern city life? → Shanghai
Want futuristic experiences? → Shenzhen
Want food? → Guangzhou or Chengdu
Want pandas? → Chengdu
Want crazy night views? → Chongqing
Want traditional Chinese gardens? → Suzhou
Want nature and tea? → Hangzhou
And if you have enough time, don’t choose just one.
China is such a huge and diverse country that visiting two or three cities will give you a much better idea of how different each part of the country can feel.
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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