China Travel Guide
Planning a Trip to China?
This ultimate china travel guide by Into Travel China—your local China-based online travel agency—is here to simplify every step of your journey.
China isn’t just a destination;
it’s a vivid blend of ancient traditions, bustling modern cities, and landscapes that range from misty mountains to golden deserts.
Whether you’re chasing history in Beijing’s Forbidden City, savoring street food in Shanghai’s alleyways, or hiking the karst peaks of Guilin, our guide arms you with the know-how to turn curiosity into unforgettable experiences.
As a team with on-the-ground experts in key destinations across China, we share firsthand insights to help you navigate logistics, cultural nuances, and hidden gems.
Dive into our curated articles covering everything from Visa essentials and climate-smart packing to must-see attractions and local customs.
No fluff—just practical tips to save time, avoid hassles, and dive deeper into what makes China truly unique.
From The Great Wall’s ancient stones to the neon-lit energy of Chongqing, China’s diversity demands a smart plan.
Let this guide be your compass, pointing you to the sights, flavors, and stories that define this extraordinary country.
Ready to explore?
China’s wonders await—and we’re here to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Suggestions & Articles For First-time Travel To China
Are you planning your first Trip to China? China has a vast territory and numerous breathtaking scenic spots that can meet various needs. Let's take a look at our carefully selected Chinese travel articles to learn about the most popular attractions and activities worth experiencing in China. Choose your favorite and let them inspire your travel inspiration. Get ready to embark on an exciting and diverse China tours!
Beijing hosts a grand military parade on Sept 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of WWII victory. National celebration with travel/transport disruptions; plan visits early.
10 ways to experience every aspect of Beijing!
Experience the enchantment of Guangzhou’s Pearl River Night Cruise, where glittering city lights meet centuries-old heritage. Sail past iconic landmarks like the Canton Tower and Shamian Island, enjoy optional Cantonese dinner buffets, and capture stunning photos of the skyline. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families, this guide provides everything you need to plan your cruise, from booking tips to the best seating for unobstructed views. Don’t miss this top-rated Guangzhou attraction!
Strolling through Hong Kong movie landmarks, experiencing the memories of Hong Kong films intertwined with light and shadow, and embarking on a journey of film and television that transcends time and space.
Fujian’s top natural sites blend misty mountains, serene bamboo forests, and turquoise bays—perfect for adventure and tranquility.
Shanghai's top 10 must-try food guide: classic local dishes and street snacks
Tibet’s cuisine is as breathtaking as its landscapes—a fusion of nomadic resilience, Buddhist traditions, and high-altitude ingenuity. From the nutty warmth of tsampa to the spicy kick of momos, each dish tells a story of survival and celebration.
Yunnan, China’s ultimate hiking paradise, offers trails for every level
A comprehensive guide to exploring the sea in Shenzhen, covering 10 unique beaches and lesser known destinations, providing transportation, accommodation, and shelter guides to unlock another side of the city of mountains and seas.
A comprehensive guide to Shenzhen tourism accommodation, covering four themes: sea view, city, parent-child, and food. Combined with scenic itinerary and budget, it helps you choose a cost-effective destination.
A comprehensive guide to Shenzhen's surrounding areas, covering 10 major destinations such as islands, hot springs, and ancient towns, providing self driving routes and food recommendations, and a weekend short distance travel inspiration library.
Let me share some essential travel apps for easy travel around China, including Baidu Maps, Didi, WeChat, Pleco, Alipay, and Ctrip. And how to use these apps to simplify transportation, payment, translation, booking, etc.
Describes the requirements for applying for a Chinese visa to travel to China, what types of visas are available, etc., so that customers traveling to China can apply for a visa smoothly
Travelers can take reference to this article on regional climates, essential gear and activity-specific items to fully prepare for your China trip. Meanwhile, be prepared with health and safety essentials to guard for city tours, outdoor adventures and beach vacations.
How to Plan Your Journey to China
Planning a trip to China can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. Into Travel China's straightforward guides break down everything you need to craft your perfect itinerary. Whether you're dreaming of exploring iconic landmarks like the Terracotta Warriors or venturing off the beaten path to hidden gems, our articles offer actionable advice: must-see attractions, ideal stay durations, seasonal travel tips, and local dining/hotel picks. Prefer a customized approach? Dive into region-specific guides to build a trip that matches your interests. From visa logistics to packing hacks, we cut through the noise to deliver practical insights - so you can focus on soaking up China's magic. Let's turn your travel ideas into reality.
The Most Popular Travel Destinations In China
At IntoTravelChina, we are passionate about helping you discover the diverse beauty of China. From the towering peaks of Zhangjiajie to the vibrant streets of Shanghai, our handpicked destinations showcase the very best of China's natural wonders, rich history, and modern charm. With in-depth guides, personalized itineraries, and expert tips, we ensure that your journey is seamless and unforgettable. Our guide features the top 10 must-visit cities, each offering a mix of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and contemporary excitement. Ready to start your adventure? Let’s explore China together.
China's capital blends ancient history with modernity, featuring landmarks like the Great Wall and vibrant hutongs alongside contemporary art scenes.
A global metropolis, Shanghai dazzles with its futuristic skyline, colonial charm in the Bund, and eclectic cuisine in bustling markets.
Renowned for Cantonese dim sum, Guangzhou offers colonial architecture, scenic Baiyun Mountain, and proximity to Chimelong Safari Park.
Famed for "Avatar" inspiration, Zhangjiajie captivates with surreal sandstone pillars, lush forests, and thrilling glass bridges.
Steeped in history, Xi'an boasts the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, bustling Muslim Quarter, and Silk Road heritage.
Guilin is celebrated for karst mountains reflected in the Li River, serene Yangshuo rice paddies, and enchanting Reed Flute Cave.
Tibet, the "Roof of the World," offers a spiritual journey through Himalayan landscapes, sacred monasteries, and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Known for its laid-back charm, Chengdu entices with giant pandas at the research base, spicy Sichuan cuisine, historic Jinli Street amidst bustling city life.
Shanxi showcases ancient wooden pagodas, UNESCO-listed Pingyao Ancient City, and the awe-inspiring Hanging Monastery.
Xinjiang offers a tapestry of Uyghur traditions, stunning Turpan landscapes, mystical Kashgar Old City, and Tianshan lakes.
Nestled beside West Lake, Hangzhou combines classical garden aesthetics, rich tea culture, historic temples, and the Grand Canal.
Yunnan enchants with terraced rice fields, mystical Stone Forest, serene Lijiang Old Town, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
China Attractions
The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace Museum, is the largest and best-preserved wooden ancient palace complex globally. Built between 1406 and 1420 under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties until 1912. Covering 720,000 square meters with 8,707 rooms, the palace complex symbolizes China’s imperial grandeur and architectural mastery. Its yellow-glazed roof tiles, red walls, and symmetrical layout reflect Confucian ideals and cosmic order. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it now houses over 1.8 million cultural relics, offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past.
The Great Wall, a colossal fortification and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s longest defensive barrier, stretching over 21,196 kilometers across northern China. Built incrementally from the 7th century BCE to the 17th century CE, it symbolizes China’s resilience, strategic ingenuity, and imperial ambition. Originally constructed to protect against nomadic invasions, the Wall evolved into a cultural icon, blending military architecture with natural landscapes. Today, it stands as a testament to human endurance, with sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling offering breathtaking vistas and historical insights.
Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, a renowned natural wonder in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations. The park is crowned by Tianmen Cave, a massive natural archway that pierces the mountain, earning it the nickname "Heavenly Gate Mountain." Covering an area of 96 square kilometers, it is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering a blend of serene beauty and thrilling experiences.
Lijiang River Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 83-kilometer stretch of the Lijiang River in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Celebrated for its karst landscape of limestone peaks, crystal-clear waters, and rural villages, it has inspired poets and painters for centuries, including the 20-yuan banknote’s iconic vista. A cornerstone of China’s tourism, the area blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering boat cruises, cycling trails, and traditional minority villages.
The Museum of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, a globally acclaimed archaeological site, stands as one of China's most significant cultural treasures. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi'an, the museum covers an area of over 16,000 square meters and showcases thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots, dating back more than 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty. Renowned for its historical value and the incredible craftsmanship displayed, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the military might and artistic achievements of ancient China. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it attracts millions of visitors each year, eager to witness this extraordinary archaeological marvel.
The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer stretch along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, is the city’s iconic promenade and a UNESCO-recognized “Heritage Corridor.” Built between 1845 and 1937, this former colonial concession blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture with modern skyscrapers, earning it the nickname “the Museum of World Architecture.” Once a hub for foreign trade and banking, it now symbolizes Shanghai’s rise as a global metropolis, offering panoramic vistas of the Pudong skyline and historical landmarks like the Customs House Clock Tower and Peace Hotel.
The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop Marpo Ri Hill in Lhasa, Tibet, is an architectural marvel and a spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century, the palace spans 130,000 square meters and rises 117 meters above the valley, housing over 1,000 rooms, chapels, and treasures. With its iconic red and white walls, the Potala Palace blends religious significance, political history, and artistic grandeur, offering visitors a glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural legacy.
Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is a 720 km² network of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in China’s Sichuan Province. Renowned for its kaleidoscopic “sea of trees” and Tibetan cultural heritage, the valley’s 114 lakes—each shimmering in electric blues and greens—are fed by calcium-rich glacial waters. After a 2017 earthquake, 85% of the park reopened in 2021, showcasing nature’s resilience.
Huangshan Scenic Area, also known as Yellow Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, unique granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds. Nestled in southern Anhui Province, China, it has inspired countless poets, painters, and travelers with its timeless beauty and profound cultural significance. Huangshan's dramatic vistas, hot springs, and cultural relics make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Zhangye Colorful Danxia, a UNESCO Global Geopark located in Gansu Province, China, is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature renowned for its vibrant, multi-hued rock formations. Spanning over 500 square kilometers, this geological wonder features layers of red, orange, yellow, green, gray, and white sedimentary rock sculpted by millions of years of tectonic movement and erosion. Dubbed the "Rainbow Mountains," it draws photographers, geologists, and travelers from around the globe to witness its otherworldly beauty.
Shangrao Wangxian Valley, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape, is a mystical mountain retreat in Jiangxi Province renowned for its cliffside villages, ancient bridges, and Taoist heritage. Carved into the Huaiyu Mountains over centuries, it blends natural grandeur with human ingenuity, featuring terraced villages, stone-paved paths, and a 1,300-year-old Taoist temple. Dubbed the "Fairy Valley of the East," it attracts visitors with its suspended glass bridges, traditional paper-making workshops, and ethereal morning mists.
Pingyao Ancient City, located in the central part of Shanxi Province, China, is a remarkably well-preserved ancient walled city that dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, with its current layout established during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Pingyao is celebrated for its intact city walls, traditional courtyard houses, ancient financial institutions, and vibrant cultural heritage. The city offers a fascinating journey into China's past, showcasing the architectural and commercial prowess of ancient China.
What Special Trips Can You Join In China
Featuring 9 iconic itineraries that showcase the best of Chinese culture, history, and natural beauty. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Offering breathtaking views, history, cultural insights, and a relaxing journey on a luxury cruise along one of the world’s longest rivers.
Join the Panda and Kungfu Tour to experience China’s iconic pandas in Chengdu and ancient art of Kungfu for a unique cultural adventure.
Explore China’s stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to serene rivers, showcasing the country’s diverse and awe-inspiring beauty.
Explore China’s best hiking trails, perfect for trekking enthusiasts seeking adventure and breathtaking landscapes.
More China Travel Information
For first-time visitors, the following topics will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of China, ensuring that your journey through China is no longer confusing.
China's Cities from A to Z
China is a land of endless discoveries, with each city having its own unique culture, history, and experiences. To make your journey easier, we've organized China's most captivating destinations in alphabetical order. From the iconic Great Wall in Beijing to the picturesque landscapes of Zhangjiajie, this guide will be your gateway to planning the perfect trip. Dive in, explore city by city, and feel the beauty and diversity that make China a traveler's dream land.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
