China stretches across five time zones and holds over 5,000 years of recorded history. From ancient imperial palaces to floating mountain peaks, things to do in China cover a range that few countries can match. The country blends old traditions with rapid modern growth in ways that catch visitors off guard.
Every region brings something different to the table. Northern cities guard ancient walls and forbidden palaces. Southern landscapes curve into rice terraces and limestone karsts. This guide walks you through the must see places in China with practical details on timings, costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
1. The Great Wall (Badaling Section)
No trip to China makes sense without walking on the Great Wall. The Badaling section sits about 70 kilometers northwest of Beijing and draws over 10 million visitors each year. This stretch was the first to open for tourism back in 1957 and remains the most restored portion of the entire wall.
The wall here rises to 888 meters at its highest point. Watchtowers dot the path at regular intervals, once used for signal fires and troop shelter. Getting to the top takes effort, but the views stretch across mountain ridges in every direction. Among the top things to do in China, standing on this ancient defense structure ranks at the very top.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Yanqing District, China, 102112
- Timings: Daily 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Timings may vary according to season)
- Price: For adults – CNY 40/ INR 521; free for under 18 and seniors 60+; plan to spend at least a day exploring this famous tourist site in China
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2. Forbidden City
For nearly 500 years, commoners risked death just for peeking inside these walls. The Forbidden City served as home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, over 16 million people walk through its gates annually, making it one of the most visited museums on earth.
The complex covers 72 hectares and contains around 980 buildings. Golden rooftops, red walls, and marble bridges fill the space with imperial grandeur. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Arriving early helps you avoid the thickest crowds, especially near the main halls.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100009
- Timings: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Price: For adults, CNY 260/ INR 690 (peak), free for children under 6, and you need to book online in advance; set aside at least half a day to visit this attraction
3. Terracotta Warriors
Farmers digging a well in 1974 stumbled onto one of archaeology’s greatest finds. The Terracotta Army had guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for over 2,200 years. Around 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in battle formation underground.
Each figure carries distinct facial features. No two warriors look exactly alike. Three main pits display the excavated army, with Pit 1 holding the largest formation. The museum also houses bronze chariots found at the burial site. This counts among the things to do in China for tourists who want to step directly into ancient history.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Lintong District, Xi’An, Shaanxi, China, 710612
- Timings: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: For adults CNY 120/ INR 1,565, for students CNY 60/ INR 782, and free for children (under 16 years) and senior citizens aged 65 and above; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore this famous tourist attraction
4. The Bund
Shanghai’s famous waterfront runs 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River. Colonial-era buildings line the west bank, showcasing Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles from the early 1900s. Across the water, the Pudong skyline shoots upward with some of the world’s tallest towers.
The contrast between old and new defines Shanghai better than anywhere else. Walking the promenade costs nothing and stays open around the clock. When the lights flick on after sunset, the scene transforms completely. A Huangpu River cruise adds another angle to the view.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free entry; plan to spend 2 to 3 hours in the evening time
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5. Chengdu Giant Panda Base
Giant pandas munch bamboo and tumble around in the closest thing to their natural habitat outside the wild. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding houses over 200 pandas and has become one of the most popular animal sanctuaries in the world.
Morning visits catch the pandas during feeding time when they move around most actively. By afternoon, many retreat into sleep mode. The base sprawls across 1,500 acres with bamboo groves, lakes, and breeding facilities.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 1375 Xiongmao Blvd, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610016
- Timings: Daily 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: For adults CNY 55/ INR 717, for students CNY 27/ INR 352, Free for seniors 60+ and children under 6; set aside 3 to 4 hours for visiting this habitat
6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Towering sandstone pillars rise from the forest floor like something from another planet. The filmmakers behind Avatar drew direct inspiration from these peaks for the floating Hallelujah Mountains. Over 3,000 quartz sandstone columns fill this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park covers multiple zones, including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and the Ten Mile Gallery. Cable cars, elevators, and hiking trails connect different sections. The Bailong Elevator lifts visitors 326 meters up a cliff face in under two minutes. Mist and clouds often wrap the peaks, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China, 427403
- Timings: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Ticket prices for adults start from CNY 228/ INR 2,975; plan to spend 3 to 4 days for exploration
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7. West Lake
Poets and painters have celebrated West Lake or Xi Lake for over a thousand years. The lake sits in the heart of Hangzhou, surrounded by gentle hills, willow trees, and historic temples. Pagodas reflect off calm waters while wooden boats glide past lotus flowers.
Walking paths circle the entire lake and connect various gardens and causeways. The Su Causeway and Bai Causeway carry the names of famous Tang dynasty poets. Leifeng Pagoda offers elevated views across the water. This peaceful setting delivers things to do in China today that feel timeless and unhurried.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
- Timings: Open 24 hours; Pagoda and temples have separate hours
- Price: Lake area free; plan to spend at least a day exploring this famous lake
8. Li River
The image printed on China’s 20-yuan banknote comes from this stretch of water. The Li River flows between Guilin and Yangshuo, passing limestone karst peaks that have inspired Chinese scroll paintings for centuries.
Bamboo rafts and cruise boats carry visitors through this dreamlike landscape. Cormorant fishermen still work certain sections using traditional methods. The town of Yangshuo at the river’s end offers bike paths through rice paddies and rock climbing on the karst faces.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Pingle County, Guilin, China, 542400
- Timings: Cruises typically depart 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Timings may vary)
- Price: Cruise tickets may vary depending on boat class and trip; set aside at least a day to enjoy the river cruise
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in China for first-time visitors?
Beijing deserves your first few days because the Forbidden City and Great Wall sit within easy reach of one another. From there, Shanghai shows you how old laneway neighborhoods exist alongside some of the world’s tallest towers. Xi’an rounds out the trip with the Terracotta Warriors, giving you the best things to do in China for tourists who want history, culture, and modern energy all in one journey.
What shouldn’t you miss in China?
The Great Wall leaves you speechless in a way that photographs simply cannot capture beforehand. Chengdu’s pandas offer a gentler experience, and watching them tumble through their morning routine stays with you long after. The stone pillars rising through mist at Zhangjiajie complete the picture, and these three destinations are must see places in China.
What are the best things to do in China during the day?
Temples and palaces feel most peaceful in the early morning before tour groups arrive and the midday heat settles in. If you enjoy hiking, you can visit the trails at Huangshan and Zhangjiajie. A Li River cruise through karst scenery or a quiet afternoon in a museum offers fun things to do in China when you need a slower pace.
What are the best things to do in China at night?
During the nighttime, the Bund in Shanghai puts on a show every evening as towers across the river light up in waves of color. Street food stalls in Xi’an and Chengdu stay busy until late, and eating your way through a night market is an experience you should not skip. Catching a Sichuan opera performance with its famous face-changing act gives you something unique to remember.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in China?
For kid-friendly activities, Pandas steal the show at Chengdu’s breeding center, and children cannot get enough of watching them eat, play, and nap without a worry. Shanghai Disneyland feels familiar but adds a Chinese twist that makes it worth visiting even if you have been to other parks. These are the top things to do in China for families traveling together.
What are the best cultural things to do in China?
Among the best cultural things to do in China, you must include a temple visit. Spending time in temples will help you understand traditions that have shaped Chinese life for centuries. Joining a tea ceremony or learning to fold dumplings connects you with things to do in China today that go beyond simple sightseeing and give you a rich cultural insight.
What are the top food experiences in China?
If you are looking for top food experiences in China, Peking duck is a must. Peking duck in Beijing comes with tableside carving and thin pancakes that you wrap yourself. Dim sum in Guangzhou comes in bamboo baskets, and tea keeps flowing throughout the meal. Sichuan hot pot tests your limits with chili and numbing peppercorn, so trying them is a must.
What are the best shopping areas in China?
Nanjing Road in Shanghai buzzes with shoppers day and night, and the energy alone makes it worth a visit even if you buy nothing. Beijing’s Silk Market rewards those willing to bargain, and the back-and-forth becomes part of the fun once you get comfortable with it. Night markets throughout the country mix shopping with eating, offering fun things to do in China that fill your evening and your suitcase.
What’s the best time of year to visit China for sightseeing?
The best time to visit China is April through May and September through November because of the mild weather that makes walking comfortable and skies clearer for photography. Summer heats up quickly in the south and draws heavy crowds. Winter works well for Harbin’s ice sculptures but feels harsh elsewhere. Whenever you travel, you will find plenty of things to do in China, waiting for you in every season.
