Top 40 Attractions in China - Best Places to Visit in 2026

When people think of China, they picture the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Guilin’s karst mountains, and the Yangtze River Cruise. Yet these famous landmarks only hint at the country’s extraordinary cultural and natural richness.

Home to more than 30,000 tourist attractions, China offers everything from ancient heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant modern cities.

This guide highlights the top 40 attractions in China, featuring world-famous monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and must-visit destinations that capture the essence of the China’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The first 20 attractions offer detailed insights into China’s most iconic sites, while the next 20 introduce more remarkable places grouped by theme.

Whether you’re planning your first China tour or returning for a deeper exploration, these highlights showcase the best of China past and present.

1. The Great Wall of China – Beijing (World Heritage)

The Great Wall, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, stretches over 21,000 kilometers across northern China. Built to defend the empire from invasions, it remains an enduring symbol of Chinese perseverance. The Great Wall spans 15 provinces, regions, and cities, including Hebei, Beijing, Shaanxi, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and others.

Sections like Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai near Beijing are beautifully preserved, offering panoramic views of rugged ridges and stone ramparts. For more details, please refer to the Great Wall travel guide.

Check out our Beijing tours that include a Great Wall visit.

2. The Forbidden City – Beijing (World Heritage)

The Forbidden City in Beijing served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Centered around three main halls, it spans 720,000 square meters with about 150,000 square meters of buildings, including over 70 palaces and 9,000 rooms. Enclosed by a 10-meter-high wall and a 52-meter-wide moat, its grand architecture reflects the absolute power of China’s emperors.

One of the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden palace complexes, it houses over 1.86 million cultural relics, from bronzes and porcelain to paintings and calligraphy masterpieces.

Explore it firsthand with our Beijing tour packages that include a visit to the Forbidden City.

3. Summer Palace – Beijing (World Heritage)

The Summer Palace, a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty, spans about 290 hectares and beautifully blends architecture with its surrounding mountains and lakes. Renowned for its ever-changing scenery, it is China’s best-preserved imperial garden and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Today, its vast grounds, serene landscapes, and rich history make it a beloved retreat for Beijing locals, where seniors stroll daily and families gather for leisurely weekend outings.

4. Temple of Heaven in Beijing – World Heritage

The Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests, stands as a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and spiritual symbolism. Its harmonious layout, elegant structures, and exquisite decorations make it one of China’s most beautiful and sacred sites.

Every detail, from the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests to the square Earthly Mount, reflects the ancient belief in the unity of heaven and earth, symbolizing the emperor’s divine role as the link between the celestial and human worlds. Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Temple of Heaven embodies the deep philosophical spirit of Chinese civilization, celebrating harmony between nature, humanity, and the cosmos.

Today, the surrounding park has become a beloved public space where locals gather each morning to practice tai chi, dance, sing, and play traditional instruments, adding vibrant life to this ancient site.

5. Terracotta Warriors Museum – Xi’an (World Heritage)

The Terracotta Warriors, located 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang in Xi’an, were discovered in 1974 and are hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These life-sized clay figures were created over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife, symbolizing a shift from human sacrifice to terracotta substitutes during the Warring States period (770–221 BC).

Today, the site is the largest ancient military museum in China, featuring three excavated pits. Pit No. 1 displays the main army of infantry and chariots; Pit No. 2 includes cavalry and crossbowmen; and Pit No. 3 is believed to be the command headquarters.

Explore this world-famous archaeological marvel with our Xi’an tour packages  that include a visit to the Terracotta Warriors..

6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Hunan (World Heritage)

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its breathtaking sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Covered in mist and lush forests, its towering peaks create a magical landscape unlike anywhere else on earth.

The park’s highlights include the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and Tianzi Mountain, where visitors can ride the Bailong Elevator to panoramic cliff-top views. Other must-sees include Huangshi Village, Golden Whip Stream, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, each revealing a different side of this natural masterpiece.

Experience this extraordinary wonder with our Zhangjiajie tours and immerse yourself in one of China’s most remarkable landscapes.

7. Mount Huangshan – Anhui (World Heritage)

Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is one of China’s most celebrated natural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its ancient pines, dramatic granite peaks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, it has inspired Chinese art and poetry for centuries.

Rising to 1,864 meters, Huangshan offers spectacular views year-round. Visitors can hike along scenic trails or take a cable car to watch sunrise from Bright Summit Peak or sunset over the West Sea Grand Canyon.

Check out our Mount Huangshan tour packages.

8. Jiuzhaigou National Park – World Heritage

Jiuzhaigou National Park in northern Sichuan is one of China’s most enchanting natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan culture, this alpine valley offers breathtaking scenery in every season.

Stretching over 50 kilometers with forest coverage above 80%, Jiuzhaigou is home to rare wildlife such as giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys. Crystal-clear lakes, mirrored waters, and prayer flag–draped villages make it feel like a living fairy tale.

Check out our Jiuzhaigou tours to find the one that best suits your interests.

9. Guilin Li River & Yangshuo (World Heritage)

The Li River in Guangxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Scenic Area, is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape and poetic beauty. Flowing from Guilin to Yangshuo, the river winds past emerald peaks, bamboo groves, and tranquil villages, creating scenes that have inspired countless Chinese paintings and poems.

A Li River cruise offers the best way to experience its charm, with highlights like the Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Xingping’s scenery featured on the 20-yuan banknote. In Yangshuo, travelers can cycle through rice fields, raft along the Yulong River, or enjoy the Impression Liu Sanjie night show set against illuminated karst peaks.

Check out our Guilin & Yangshuo tour packages to explore this iconic landscape.

10. Yangtze River & Three Gorges (Chongqing-Yichang)

A Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang is one of China’s most scenic and relaxing journeys, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery. Flowing through the legendary Three Gorges, the cruise reveals steep cliffs, misty mountains, and tranquil river villages along the way.

Passengers can explore highlights such as the majestic Three Gorges Dam, the ancient Shibaozhai Pagoda, and the serene Lesser Three Gorges, where smaller boats glide through narrow valleys framed by lush greenery. Modern cruise ships provide comfortable cabins, panoramic decks, and onboard activities for a truly memorable voyage.

Join our China tour including a Yangtze River cruise to experience China’s longest and most storied river in comfort and style.

11. West Lake – Hangzhou (World Heritage)

West Lake in Hangzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of China’s most famous and romantic destinations. Framed by willow-lined causeways, ancient temples, and graceful pagodas, it has inspired poets and painters for over a thousand years.

Visitors can cruise its calm waters, stroll along Su Causeway, or admire landmarks like Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge. Each season reveals its own charm, from spring blossoms to autumn’s golden reflections.

12. Zhangye Danxia Landform – Gansu

Zhangye Danxia National Geopark in Gansu Province, often called the “Rainbow Mountains of China,” is one of the country’s most striking natural wonders. Over millions of years, layers of red, orange, yellow, and green sandstone have been eroded into dramatic ridges and valleys, creating a surreal, painterly landscape that looks almost unreal.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Zhangye Danxia is best visited at sunrise or sunset when the colors are at their most vivid. The park features several viewing platforms connected by boardwalks, making it easy for visitors to experience the full spectrum of its geological beauty.

Check out our Zhangye Danxia tour packages to visit Zhangye Danxia National Geopark.

13. The Bund & Shanghai Skyline – Shanghai

The Shanghai skyline, dominated by the futuristic towers of Lujiazui in Pudong, showcases the city’s modern spirit and rapid growth. Iconic landmarks such as the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower create one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

Across the Huangpu River, the Bund offers a striking contrast with its elegant colonial-era buildings and panoramic views of the dazzling city lights. A stroll along the Bund promenade at night reveals the perfect blend of Shanghai’s old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity.

Experience the vibrant energy of Shanghai with our Shanghai tours, featuring the best skyline views and historic riverfront walks.

14. Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – Sichuan

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan is the best place in China to see giant pandas up close and learn about their conservation. Established to protect this endangered species, the center provides a natural environment for pandas to live, breed, and raise their young.

Visitors can watch pandas eating bamboo, playing, and resting in spacious enclosures surrounded by lush bamboo forests. The base is also home to red pandas and an informative panda museum that highlights ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Take one of our Chengdu tours to meet these beloved national treasures and support China’s wildlife preservation. You can also take the Panda volunteering tour for a unique experience of serving as a keeper for these precious animals.

15. Potala Palace – Lhasa, Tibet (World Heritage)

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most magnificent architectural wonders in the world. Rising majestically above the city, this former residence of the Dalai Lamas symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual heart of Tibet.

Built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century, the palace combines grand white and red structures housing over 1,000 rooms, golden stupas, chapels, and countless religious treasures. Its towering walls, sacred murals, and panoramic views of the Lhasa Valley leave every visitor in awe.

Experience the sacred beauty of Potala Palace with our Tibet tours and discover the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the Roof of the World.

16. Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei

The Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei in Sichuan together form one of China’s most sacred and scenic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a red sandstone cliff at the confluence of three rivers, stands 71 meters tall and has watched over boatmen for more than a thousand years.

Nearby, Mount Emei is one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, home to ancient temples, serene forests, and mist-shrouded peaks. Visitors can take a cable car or hike to the Golden Summit for breathtaking sunrise views above a sea of clouds, while spotting playful monkeys along the way.

Check out our Mount Emei & Leshan to visit both attractions.

17. Dunhuang Mogao Caves – Gansu (World Heritage)

Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, the Mogao Grottoes sit at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Dunhuang. First carved around AD 351, the site expanded through many dynasties into a vast complex of 735 caves, 45,000 m² of murals, and over 2,400 clay statues, forming one of the world’s greatest collections of Buddhist art.

Visitors can explore both the Mogao Grottoes and the Digital Exhibition Center, showcasing vivid murals and sculptures that reflect a millennium of Silk Road culture.

Note: Photography is not allowed inside; cameras and phones can be stored at the entrance.
Check our Silk road tour packages that include a visit to the Mogao Grottoes.

18. Mount Everest Base Camp (North Face), Tibet

Mount Everest Base Camp (North Face), Tibet sits at 5,200 meters on the world’s highest plateau and offers unmatched views of the mighty Himalayas. Located on the border between China and Nepal, it is the best place to admire Mount Everest, especially at sunrise and sunset when the peak glows in golden light against the vast, silent sky.

Reaching the camp from Lhasa along the Friendship Highway, visitors pass through Gyantse, Shigatse, and the historic Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. The journey reveals dramatic landscapes, ancient culture, and the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Check our Tibet Everest Base Camp tours to experience this unforgettable journey to the Roof of the World.

19. Lijiang Old Town – Yunnan Province (World Heritage)

Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan Province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautifully preserved ancient town that reflects the unique culture of the Naxi ethnic group. With over 800 years of history, it is renowned for its cobblestone streets, flowing canals, wooden houses, and vibrant local traditions.

Set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the town’s intricate waterway system and classic bridges create postcard-perfect scenery at every turn. Visitors can explore lively Sifang Street, visit Black Dragon Pool Park, and enjoy Naxi music performances that bring the town’s heritage to life.

Discover the charm of Lijiang Old Town with our Yunnan tour packages.

20.Tiger Leaping Gorge – Yunnan

Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is one of the world’s deepest and most spectacular river canyons, carved by the roaring Jinsha River between the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. Stretching over 15 kilometers with cliffs rising more than 3,000 meters, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Legend has it that a tiger once leapt across the narrowest point of the gorge, giving the site its name. Today, travelers can trek along scenic trails, cross suspension bridges, and marvel at rushing rapids below and snow peaks above.

Explore the wild beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge with our Yunnan tours.

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The following 20 attractions worth adding to your China Bucket List, these equally remarkable destinations highlight China’s regional diversity.

21. Pingyao Ancient City (Pingyao, Shanxi): The best-preserved walled city in China, once the financial hub of the Qing Dynasty.

22. Xi’an City Wall (Xi’an, Shaanxi): The most complete and well-preserved ancient city wall, perfect for cycling or walking.

23. Yungang Grottoes (Datong, Shanxi): Over 51,000 Buddhist stone statues carved into cliffs, one of China’s three great grotto sites.

24. Dali Ancient City (Dali, Yunnan): A relaxed historic town once central to the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, famed for its Three Pagodas.

25. Fujian Tulou (Fujian): Massive circular earthen dwellings built by the Hakka people, often called “a little kingdom for one clan.”

26. Hongcun Ancient Village (Anhui): A UNESCO village near Huangshan, famous for its ox-shaped layout and tranquil reflection ponds.

Classic Gardens & Cultural Villages

27. Longji Rice Terraces (Guangxi): The “Dragon’s Backbone,” a breathtaking man-made landscape sculpted into steep mountainsides.

28. Fenghuang Ancient Town (Hunan): A romantic riverside town of wooden stilt houses, rich in Miao ethnic culture.

29. Jiangnan Water Towns (Suzhou & Surroundings): Picturesque canal towns such as Tongli, Zhouzhuang, and Wuzhen, famed for stone bridges, narrow alleys, and white-washed houses reflected in tranquil waters, often called the “Venice of the East.”

30. Classical Gardens of Suzhou (Jiangsu): UNESCO-listed masterpieces of classical Chinese landscaping and architecture.

Spiritual & Sacred Sites

31. Shaolin Temple (Henan): Birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu, where monks perform martial arts and meditation rituals.

32. Mount Kailash (Tibet): Asia’s holiest mountain, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bön followers as the spiritual center of the universe.

33. The Hanging Temple (Datong): A 1,500-year-old monastery built into a cliff face 50 meters above ground, showcasing ancient engineering genius.

34. Mount Putuo (Zhejiang): A coastal Buddhist pilgrimage island dedicated to Guanyin (Bodhisattva of Compassion), famous for its temples and sea views.

Epic Natural Wonders & Festival

35. Kanas Lake (Xinjiang): A pristine alpine lake in the Altai Mountains, famous for its color-changing waters and dense forests.

36. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve (Sichuan): Known as “the Last Shangri-La,” home to three snow-capped holy peaks and turquoise lakes.

37. Badain Jaran Desert (Inner Mongolia / Gansu): A surreal land of towering sand dunes and more than 100 hidden spring-fed lakes.

38. Hukou Waterfall (Shaanxi / Shanxi Border): The Yellow River’s most spectacular waterfall, known for its thundering power and golden spray.

39. Mount Wuyi (Fujian): A UNESCO dual Heritage site, famous for its red-sandstone gorges, bamboo rafting, and ancient academies.

40. Harbin Ice & Snow Festival (Heilongjiang): A winter wonderland of massive ice sculptures and frozen artistry.

These top 40 attractions showcase the very best of China, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to the colorful mountains of Zhangye and the holy peaks of Tibet. Yet this vast country holds far more to explore. Beyond the world-famous landmarks lie thousands of lesser-known gems such as ancient villages, serene lakes, and untouched natural wonders that reveal China’s true diversity.

Whether you dream of cruising the Yangtze, hiking in Yunnan, or tracing the Silk Road, every journey offers something new and unforgettable.

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