China is home to breathtaking landmarks, making it a must-visit for travellers. With countless destinations to explore, narrowing down the list can be tricky. This ultimate guide highlights China’s most iconic tourist attractions, with all the crucial details about the nation’s must-visit landmarks. Explore the wonders of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and beyond to experience the heritage and culture of all these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, appreciated for their history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Famous tourist attractions in China
The Great Wall of China
The longest man-made structure in the world connects the Gobi desert to the Bohai Sea, passing through rugged mountains and lush grasslands across 15 Chinese provinces. Established as a defensive perimeter, the Great Wall of China has evolved into a symbol of the rich history and dynasties that have shaped the nation over the centuries.
The 21,196-kilometre-long Great Wall of China has various sections that allow visitors to experience this monument in person. Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai are some of the accessible parts of the wall. For more information, peruse our detailed guide to the Great Wall of China.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an
Famous as the Terracotta Army, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum is an exemplary representation of funerary art, showcasing the grandeur of Qin Shi Huang’s reign, who was famous as the first emperor of China.
Thousands of detailed life-size soldiers, horses and chariots stand guard at the emperor’s tomb. Only about 2,000 have been excavated, and an estimated 6,000 remain buried. What stands out is that each warrior has unique facial features, implying that no two figures are alike. The fascination lies in the mystery of the emperor’s tomb, which remains unopened.
Address: Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, 710612
Timings: From March 3 to November 30, open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. From December 1 to February 28, open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Entry: CNY 120 (approximately HKD 170)
Check out the official website for more information.
Forbidden City, Beijing
The largest palace in the world, the Forbidden City, was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. The palace’s unique name came from its massive size, exclusivity and significance as a divine space. It is spread across 180 acres and is divided into three parts: defence, Outer Court and Inner Court.
Most subjects were not permitted to enter, and trespassers were punished with immediate execution. Even the imperial family, government officials, and servers had limited access. The Emperor was the only one who could visit any part of the Forbidden City at will.
Address: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100009
Timings: From April 1 to October 31, open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. From November 1 to March 31, open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Entry fee: CNY 40 (approximately HKD 42)
Check out the official website for more information.
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The Bund, Shanghai
Nicknamed the ‘golden mile’ of Shanghai, the Bund is the waterfront area where history meets modernity. Running along the western banks of the Huangpu River, colonial buildings, skyscrapers, and ancient infrastructure meet together here. This tourist attraction in China represents the microcosm of the city.
Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
Summer Palace, Beijing
The Summer Palace is a well-preserved imperial garden of the Qing dynasty, representing the glory and beauty of the Chinese empire. The 257-year-old landmark is called the Imperial Garden Museum because it epitomises Chinese garden design.
The Summer Palace was the emperor’s royal retreat from the city’s heat and, eventually, the playground of Empress Dowager Cixi. It is divided into Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, with the former occupying a quarter and the latter three-quarters.
Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, China, 100091
Timings: From April 1 to October 31, open from 6 am to 8 pm. From November 1 to March 31, open from 6:30 am to 7 pm.
Entry fee: CNY 20 (approximately HKD 21)
Check out the official website for more information.
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Book your stay at Grand Hyatt Beijing via Agoda
Mogao Caves, Jiuquan
Also famous as the ‘Thousand Buddha Caves’ or ‘Mogao Grottoes’, this group of ancient caves is credited to different dynasties and houses the most precious collection of Buddhist art. Over 735 caves have exquisite murals occupying more than 45,000 square metres and about 2,415 sculptures.
Chinese dynasties and history can be traced through art, as the caves are strategically located along the Silk Route. Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes are considered some of the most iconic among the Mogao Caves.
Address: 2RR5+HMR, Dunhuang, Jiu Quan Shi, Gansu, China, 736206
Timings: From April 1 to November 30, open from 8 am to 6 pm. From December 1 to March 31, open from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry fee: CNY 140 (approximately HKD 149)
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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Have you ever dreamed of exploring the magical forests from the blockbuster Avatar? Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is where that dream comes true! The sandstone columns, complex chasms, natural stone bridges, and broad valleys make it a popular tourist attraction in China.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China’s first national park and part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It covers 260 square kilometres and features unique natural features. The park’s iconic landmarks include Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, the Ten-mile Gallery, Gold Whip Stream, and Yangjiajie.
Address: 8C8M+4WC, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China, 427403
Timings: From April 1 to November 30, open from 8 am to 6 pm. From December 1 to March 31, open from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry fee: CNY 140 (approximately HKD 149)
Check out the official website.
Best time to visit the tourist attractions in China
China experiences intense summers and winters, which means the best times to visit are the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn. From April to May, the temperature slowly rises, making it pleasant to enjoy the outdoors and see nature bloom. The time between September and October provides a delightful respite from the summer, with nature painted in hues of rust and gold.
(Feature image credit: Pixelflake, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
There are different parts of the Great Wall of China. The Badaling section takes about a day to visit from Beijing.
The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Potala Palace and Mogao Caves are some of the oldest historical places in China.
The best things to do at the Great Wall of China are hiking the steps, discovering history and more.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
