China has many sights, ancient wonders, and vibrant energy. Thanks to its recent Chinese visa-free policy for several countries, traveling to China has become even more convenient.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the best places to visit in China in 2025, including must-see landmarks and lesser-known beauties, so you can make the most of your visa-free trip.
10 Best Places to Visit in China
The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu & Badaling sections)
The Great Wall is one of China’s most iconic landmarks. There’s even a saying: “You are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall.”
The Mutianyu Great Wall, located in Beijing’s Huairou District, dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was built to defend against northern invaders. 90% of the area is covered in lush greenery, offering stunning views and a quieter, less touristy environment.
Badaling Great Wall is the first section of the Great Wall to be opened. As an important military fortress in the Ming Dynasty, it still retains many historical relics. This is the most popular section of the Great Wall and has convenient transportation. This is recommended if you are visiting the Great Wall for the first time.
- Food recommendations: Peking duck, noodles with soybean paste, donkey rolls
- Best time to visit it: Spring and autumn (April to June, September to November)
Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are an important cultural heritage of the Qin Dynasty in ancient China, located in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. They were built by the order of Qin Shihuang and have a history of more than 2,000 years.
The Terracotta Warriors are estimated to have more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses. Each terracotta warrior has a unique facial expression and costume as if you can travel through time and space to feel the heroic posture of ancient soldiers. The discovery of these statues has given the world a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.
- Food recommendations: Roujiamo, mutton soup steamed bun, cold skin
- Best time to visit it: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November)
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Jiuzhaigou, meaning “the valley of nine villages,” is located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Jiuzhaigou is known as the “paradise on earth,” with blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful forests.
The Tibetan and Qiang people here have preserved their unique lifestyle and traditional culture, and you can experience traditional Tibetan customs in the local villages.
- Food recommendations: yak meat, Tibetan yogurt, barley wine
- Best time to visit it: All seasons are available, and each season has a unique beauty.
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Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes is China’s most important treasure house of Buddhist art. It is located at the foot of Mingsha Mountain, about 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang City, Gansu Province.
The murals and sculptures of Mogao Grottoes show a variety of artistic styles from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty and record the glorious history of the Silk Road. The murals here are colorful, and the sculptures are vivid, which makes people marvel at the wisdom of the ancients.
- Food recommendations: donkey meat yellow noodles, lamb skewers, apricot peel water
- Best time to visit it: Spring and Autumn (May-October), avoid summer sandstorms
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was originally established to protect and breed giant pandas. Currently, the number of pandas at the base has grown to more than 150, making it one of the largest captive panda breeding and research institutions in the world.
You can see giant pandas of different ages eating bamboo, rolling, and climbing trees. The most famous giant panda in 2024, “Hua Hua,” lives here.
- Food recommendations: hot pot, Bobo chicken, mapo tofu
- Best time to visit it: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November); the weather is mild, and the pandas are more active.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. It is the first national forest park in China. It was once the filming location of “Avatar.” When you stand on the glass plank road and overlook the mountains, it feels like you are in a fairyland. The Guigu Plank Road and Tianmen Cave in Tianmen Mountain are also not to be missed.
In addition, the Zhangjiajie area is a gathering place for many ethnic minorities, such as the Tujia and Miao people. You can experience the unique ethnic culture here.
- Food recommendation: chopped pepper fish head, three-pot rice noodles
- Best time to visit it: Spring and autumn (April-June, September-November)
West Lake
“above, there is heaven; below, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou.” the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou needs no further explanation.
West Lake has attracted countless poets and painters and has become a source of inspiration for Chinese garden design. The lake area has many famous attractions, such as the Leifeng Pagoda, Baidi, and Gushan. You can tour the lake by hand-rowed boat, walk across the Broken Bridge, see the Leifeng Pagoda reflected in the water, and enjoy the poetic Jiangnan.
- Food recommendations: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, Dongpo Pork
- Best time to visit it: Spring (March-May), cherry blossom season
The Bund
The Bund is the soul of Shanghai. It is about 1.5 kilometers long and located on the bank of the Huangpu River in Huangpu District. Since 1844, it has been designated a British concession and has become Shanghai’s financial and commercial center.
The buildings on the Bund combine Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and other architectural styles. When you stroll along the Bund at night, you will enjoy the brilliant lights on both sides of the Huangpu River.
- Food recommendations: pan-fried buns, steamed buns, crab noodles
- Best Time to Visit it: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November)
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Every winter, Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival attracts tourists from all over the world. In 1985, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival was officially named, which gradually became one of the world’s largest ice and snow festivals.
During the festival, you can enjoy a variety of exquisite ice and snow sculptures. The vast ice sculptures are dazzling and charming under the lights at night, as if you were entering a fairy tale world. Harbin will also hold various activities, such as ice hockey games, snow football games, ice sculpture competitions, etc.
- Food recommendations: Pot-fried pork, Madiel popsicles, red sausage
- Best time to visit it: Winter (December-February of the following year), the most lively during the Ice and Snow Festival
Canton Tower
Guangzhou Tower is the tallest observation tower in China and the third tallest in the world. It is called “Little Waist” because of its unique slender shape.
Guangzhou Tower is not only a landmark of the city but also a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating sightseeing, entertainment, catering, and cultural activities. You can overlook Guangzhou City during the day and enjoy the night view of the Pearl River on the Guangzhou Tower at night.
- Food recommendation: Morning tea (shrimp dumplings, chicken feet, rice rolls), roast goose, rice rolls
- Best time to visit it: Autumn and winter (October-December)
Other Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in China
Moon Lake in Tengger Desert (Inner Mongolia)
Best time: September-October
A turquoise lake is hidden in a desert, like a pearl. There are few people and beautiful scenery. You can experience desert hiking, camel riding, campin,g and stargazing.
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon (Nyingchi, Tibet)
Best time: April-June
The deepest canyon in the world is more spectacular than the Grand Canyon in the United States. The canyon is hidden with snow-capped mountains, forests, glaciers, and villages. It is one of the most primitive natural wonders in Tibet.
Xiapu Tidal Flats (Ningde, Fujian)
Best time: April-June, September-November
One of the most beautiful tidal flat photography sites in China. At sunrise and sunset, the tide recedes, and the pictures of fishermen working are intertwined with golden light and shadow.
Hemu Village (Altai, Xinjiang)
Best time: September-October
One of the most beautiful ancient villages in China, where the Tuva people have lived for generations. Wooden houses, rivers, grasslands and snow-capped mountains complement each other, and autumn is even more beautiful like a fairy tale world.
Enshi Grand Canyon (Hubei)
Best time: April-October
Known as the “Oriental Colorado,” the canyon is deep, with strange peaks and rocks, and the spectacular “One Incense” independent stone pillar, which is a rare karst landform in China.
Weizhou Island (Beihai, Guangxi)
Best time: April-November
The most beautiful volcanic island in China, with clear water, fine beaches, and few tourists. It is quieter than Hainan to vacation, and you can also taste delicious seafood.
Although these places are not as well-known as the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors, they hide China’s most amazing scenery and the purest travel experience. Which one do you want to go to the most?
When is the Best Time to Visit China?
The best time to visit China depends on where you’re going and what you want to do:
- Spring (March to May): The weather is mild and pleasant, and the flowers bloom. You can visit places like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Guilin.
- Autumn (September to November): The cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors are perfect for visiting the Great Wall, Jiuzhaigou, and Zhangjiajie.
- Summer (June to August): It’s great for exploring northern cities like Tibet and Inner Mongolia. Popular tourist spots can be hot and crowded.
- Winter (December to February): Great for the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and snowy scenery, but it can be cold in northern China.
Travel Tips for Visiting China
If you are planning to travel to China, here are some travel tips to make your trip smoother and enjoyable:
- Visa and Entry Requirements
Most travelers need to prepare a tourist visa. If you are from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, etc., some cities such as Beijing and Shanghai offer 72/144 hours visa-free transit.
- Payment Methods
Most cities in China support non-cash payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the mainstream payment methods in China. You can register for Alipay and WeChat before going to China. Don’t forget to change some cash (RMB) for small vendors or rural areas.
Read more: How to Use WeChat Pay in China? Guide for Foreigners
- Internet Restrictions
Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. If you need to use them, please download a VPN before you go.
We recommend LightningX VPN, which provides 2000+ nodes, advanced encryption protocols, and unlimited speed and bandwidth. It is ideal for keeping in touch with family and friends while traveling in China. Download it to get a free trial now.
Essential applications: WeChat/Alipay (for messaging and payments), Didi (China’s Uber), and Baidu Maps (Google Maps does not work well in China).
- Communication
Outside of first-tier cities, English is not widely spoken. Therefore, it is recommended that you learn some basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app.
- Respect local culture
China is a large country. Please respect the cultural customs of different cities.
FAQ about Trip to China
1. Which countries have visa-free travel to China?
As of November 30, 2024, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to 38 countries, allowing them to stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives, and transit purposes.
The 38 countries that can enter without a visa include Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, etc.
2. Do I need a VPN in China for internet access?
Yes, many websites and apps (e.g., Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram) are blocked by China’s “Great Firewall.” A VPN can help you bypass restrictions.
Before traveling, download and install LightningX VPN. Once set up, you can access your favorite websites and services without restrictions.
3. Is China safe for travelers in 2025?
Of course. China has a low crime rate, well-developed infrastructure, and strong security in major cities and tourist areas. However, to avoid losing valuables, please be alert to your surroundings at tourist attractions.
