20 Unmissable Places to Visit in China for First-Time Travelers

China captivates visitors with its blend of 5,000-year history and modern achievements spread across its huge area. First-time travelers can explore everything from the Great Wall’s ancient wonder to Shanghai’s urban energy. The country’s rich culture, architectural marvels, and natural beauty shine through these popular spots.

A complete look at 20 must-see Chinese landmarks awaits in this piece. You’ll find iconic sites like the magnificent Forbidden City, the beautiful karst mountains along the Li River, and Tibet’s majestic Potala Palace. China’s famous places showcase both old and new – from Suzhou’s classical gardens to Hong Kong’s dramatic skyline views from Victoria Peak. These carefully picked destinations give visitors a genuine taste of Chinese culture and unforgettable memories.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall snakes along China’s northern borders like a stone dragon and stands as humanity’s greatest architectural marvel.  This incredible structure extends over 13,170 miles through countless provinces.  Time has taken its toll, leaving only 5,500 miles visible to modern eyes.

Great Wall History

Construction started over 2,300 years ago during China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE).  The wall was a vital military fortification and its best-preserved sections stand from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).  Emperor Qin Shi Huang transformed the scattered walls into a unified defensive system around 220 B.C.  This marked the beginning of what we now recognize as the Great Wall.

Best Sections to Visit

These Great Wall sections are available near Beijing:

• Mutianyu: This section sits 75km from Beijing and provides restored walls with breathtaking views
• Jinshanling: This stretch stands out with its picture-perfect views and authentic architecture
• Huanghuacheng: The lakeside views make this section special, and visitors can enjoy several activities here
• Badaling: This section attracts the most tourists but tends to get crowded

Great Wall Hiking Tips

You’ll need comfortable athletic clothes and good walking shoes for your Great Wall adventure.  The path has many steep sections and stairs to climb.  Each person should carry a large water bottle, and a good breakfast is crucial before you start.  Spring months from March to May and autumn months from September to November are perfect for hiking.  Summer temperatures soar to 40°C while winter can be brutally cold at -20°C.

The Forbidden City in Beijing

The Forbidden City rises at the heart of Beijing and symbolizes the peak of Chinese imperial architecture and power.  This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 72 hectares with nearly 980 buildings.  The complex holds the distinction of being the world’s largest medieval palace.

Forbidden City’s Key Features

24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties called this magnificent palace complex their home.  The site now draws over 16 million visitors annually. Massive walls stand 26 feet thick and surround an imperial realm that continues to engage visitors through centuries.

Imperial Palace Architecture

Strict feng shui principles guide the architectural layout.  Major buildings stand arranged on a north-south axis.  The palace complex features several remarkable structures:

• The Hall of Supreme Harmony – the largest and most spectacular structure
• The Palace of Heavenly Purity – former imperial residence
• The Hall of Preserving Harmony – used for imperial examinations
• The Imperial Garden – featuring ancient cypresses and pavilions

The palace’s grandeur intricate dragon motifs, with over 10,000 dragons depicted throughout symbolizes imperial power and authority.

Visiting the Palace Museum

The Palace Museum requires advance ticket bookings through its official system.  Visitors can explore impressive collections throughout its galleries.  The Treasure Gallery showcases imperial artifacts, while the Gallery of Clocks displays European timepieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.  You need at least four hours to experience this remarkable China tourist attraction properly, especially when you have time during spring and autumn seasons.

The Terracotta Army in Xi’an

Local farmers found that there was something remarkable in 1974 when they were digging a well.  Their work showed an underground treasure of more than 8,000 life-sized clay warriors, 130 chariots, and 520 horses.  This incredible discovery became one of China’s most extraordinary archeological treasures.

History of the Terracotta Warriors

The ancient Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered an extraordinary clay army to protect his tomb constructed between 247-246 BCE.  The massive project required 720,000 workers to complete this underground complex, which showed the incredible scale of imperial Chinese construction. The warriors stand as a unique artistic achievement from that era because artisans crafted each soldier with distinct facial features and expressions.

Learning About the Archeological Pits

The site has three main pits covering an area of 2.078 hectares:

• Pit 1: The largest excavation measures 230 meters long and 62 meters wide and houses over 3,000 warriors
• Pit 2: The pit showcases the most varied collection that includes cavalry and infantry units
• Pit 3: This command center holds 68 warriors with notably brighter armor

Terracotta Army Museum Tips

Smart visitors reach the museum before 10 AM to beat the tour groups.  English signs are scarce at the site, so guided tours are a great way to get deeper insights into this ancient wonder.  Tickets cost CNY 120, and you should book them ahead since the museum limits daily visitors to 65,000.  This remarkable Chinese landmark stands as a testament to the empire’s ancient grandeur and continues to draw tourists from across the globe.

The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront, showcases 26 magnificent buildings that represent Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and Renaissance architecture from the era of British control.  This iconic promenade’s local name is Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu.  The area has evolved dramatically from its humble beginnings as a muddy narrow lane with tall reeds before the 1840s to become one of China’s most prestigious financial districts.

Colonial Architecture on the Bund

Shanghai’s colonial heritage shines through the Bund’s architectural magnificence.  Builders transported stone from Hong Kong and marble from England and Italy to create these stunning structures.  The former Shanghai Club, which has transformed into the Waldorf Astoria, showcases classic Baroque Revival architecture.  The HSBC Building dominates the waterfront with its majestic presence and stands as the most impressive structure along this historic stretch.

Best Photo Spots

Photographers can capture stunning shots at these prime locations:

• The promenade offers breathtaking views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline
• Waibaidu Bridge provides spectacular panoramic vistas
• The colonial architecture creates perfect shots in soft morning light
• The Bund Bull – a 5,000-pound bronze sculpture presents excellent opportunities for ground-level photography

Bund Night Cruise

Evening cruises provide breathtaking views of Shanghai’s glittering skyline.  Passengers can see iconic landmarks along the way, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai International Convention Center, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Center.  Most boats take off from the Huangpu river dock and complete their journey in an hour.  This experience becomes magical after sunset as giant advertising screens and bright lights transform the buildings along the inner bank completely.

When is the best time to visit China?

West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2011.  The lake creates a perfect harmony between human elements and natural beauty, stretching 6.39 square kilometers with a 15-kilometer perimeter.  The magnificent freshwater lake’s design has shaped garden esthetics throughout China, Japan and Korea for centuries.

West Lake Scenic Spots

The Ten Scenes of West Lake emerged during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).  This magnificent lake explains several breathtaking views.  The Su Causeway’s dawn in Spring showcases beautiful willows and peach trees.  Leifeng Pagoda stands majestically at sunset and carries the famous White Snake legend’s legacy.  Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon has gained such significance that it appears on Chinese currency.

Traditional Boat Rides

The lake welcomes visitors with multiple boating choices.  Traditional rowing boats fit 4-6 passengers comfortably and colorful motorized pleasure boats accommodate larger groups.  Passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the lake’s three artificial islands: Huxinting, Ruangongdun and Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon during their journey.

West Lake Cultural Significance

West Lake’s cultural significance reaches far beyond its natural beauty.  Chinese poets and painters have drawn inspiration from this magnificent place since the Tang Dynasty (618-907).  The landscape creates a perfect harmony between stunning natural scenery and human-made elements.  Visitors can explore temples, pagodas, and pavilions that make this one of the most popular China tourist attractions.  The area’s beauty peaks at the time spring brings peach blossoms and autumn fills the air with osmanthus flower fragrance.

The Li River in Guilin

The Li River carves its path through southern China’s limestone peaks and creates one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural scenes.  This magnificent waterway 437 kilometers from Mao’er Shan to the Xi River stands as a testament to nature’s artistry.  The 83-kilometer stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo reveals the river’s most spectacular views.

Li River Cruise Options

The Li River offers three distinctive cruise experiences:

• Luxury 5-Star Cruise: 40-person capacity with quality buffet lunch
• Deluxe 4-Star Cruise: 70-person capacity with standard buffet
• Superior 3-Star Cruise: 150-person capacity with simple lunch box

The journey spans 4-5 hours with departure times between 9:00-9:30 AM each morning.

Karst Mountain Scenery

Towering limestone peaks dominate this distinctive region that took shape 70 million years through bedrock dissolution and these natural wonders have become iconic China tourist attractions.  The Nine Horse Fresco Hill stands 4 kilometers northwest of Xingping Town and ranks among the most photographed locations that even appears on the 20 Yuan banknote.

Visiting Yangshuo

Yangshuo stands among China’s most celebrated destinations and marks the final stop of the cruise.  The area boasts world-class rock climbing spots alongside the historic West Street, dating back 1,400 years.  The countryside beckons adventurers with hiking trails and bike paths, while the Yulong River provides serene bamboo raft experiences.  The karst mountains display their most spectacular views.  Lastly, the best visiting period spans from March to November.

The Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Nestled in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is proof of China’s dedication to wildlife conservation.  This 36-year-old sanctuary started with six rescued pandas.  Today, it houses more than 150 giant pandas and serves as the world’s largest giant panda captive and scientific research base.

What Makes Chengdu Panda Base Special

The facility boasts an impressive 96% coverage of bamboo forest that creates a natural habitat for its residents.  Visitors can watch these beloved creatures in different settings and observe them eating bamboo or see playful cubs in custom-designed enclosures.  The world’s only museum dedicated to giant pandas sits within the base and showcases their evolution and conservation efforts.

Best Times to See Pandas

Visitors can enjoy the best panda viewing experience during spring (April) or late autumn (October/November).  The national holidays around May 1st and October 1st should be avoided.  Morning visits before 9:00 AM are essential because pandas show peak activity during their feeding time between 9:00-11:00 AM.  July to September marks the peak season for viewing newborn cubs, though pandas tend to retreat to air-conditioned enclosures when summer temperatures rise.

Panda Volunteer Programs

The base is a chance for conservation enthusiasts to help protect these amazing creatures.  Activities include:

• Preparing panda meals and bamboo
• Taking part in behavioral observation research
• Supporting ongoing conservation studies
• Helping with facility maintenance

Note: The base has restricted direct contact with pandas since 2014 to ensure safety, but volunteers still get great insights about panda conservation work.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa

The Potala Palace stands majestically 3,700 meters above sea level on Red Mountain’s summit.  This world’s highest ancient palace commands Lhasa’s skyline completely.  The magnificent Buddhist structure covers over 360,000 square meters of space and soars 117 meters high through thirteen impressive stories.

Potala Palace Architecture

The magnificent palace complex has two main sections: the White Palace that served as the former living quarters and administrative center, and the Red Palace dedicated to religious study and Buddhist prayer.  The building’s walls over one meter thick stand strong, and some sections reach five meters in thickness.  The palace’s remarkable design has over 1,000 rooms, temples, and chapels.  This architectural masterpiece demonstrates ancient Tibetan architects’ exceptional engineering skills.

Tibetan Buddhist Artifacts

This palace showcases a remarkable collection of cultural masterpieces:

• [10,000+ intricately painted scrolls (thangkas)]
• [A vast array of 10,000 sculptures alongside 2,500 square meters of frescoes]
• [Eight ornate stupas that preserve the remains of previous Dalai Lamas]
• [An extensive collection of gold artifacts, jade pieces, and ancient manuscripts]

Visiting Tips for High Altitude

The extreme elevation of this famous place in China requires visitors to take necessary precautions.  The palace limits daily visitors to 2,300 and allows guests to stay for one hour.  Travelers need 2-3 days acclimatizing in Lhasa to prepare their bodies before they visit the palace.  Visitors can access the palace from 9:00 to 16:00 and advance booking becomes essential during peak season from May to October.

The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)

Huangshan Mountain stands tall through the mists of Anhui Province and engages visitors with its otherworldly landscape of granite peaks and ancient pines.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers more than 72 peaks across its big expanse.  The mountain range has become one of the most spectacular China tourist attractions.

Huangshan’s Iconic Peaks

These prominent summits of the mountain include:

• Lotus Peak – Standing tallest at 1,864 meters
• Bright Summit – Offers year-round sunrise views
• Celestial Capital Peak – Features very steep hiking trails

Scenic Cable Car Rides

The mountain features four modern cable systems that connect visitors to different sections. The Taiping Cable Car stands as Asia’s longest at 3,709 meters.  The Cloud Valley Cable Car fits eight passengers comfortably and passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Begin to Believe Peak and Monkey Gazing at the Sea formations during their eight-minute experience.

Huangshan Hiking Trails

Huangshan Mountain’s slopes feature an intricate network of 60,000 carved stone steps.  Adventurous hikers need 7-8 hours to explore the major routes.  Summer months from June through September offer the best hiking conditions.  These remarkable trails lead visitors to the mountain’s famous “six natural wonders.” Nature’s masterpieces include spectacular peaks, unique rock formations, a mesmerizing sea of clouds, pristine winter snows, twisted pine trees and rejuvenating hot springs.

The Summer Palace in Beijing

The Summer Palace includes a perfect harmony between natural beauty and imperial grandeur and stands as one of China’s most exquisite China tourist attractions.  This so big complex spans 3.009 square kilometers and Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of its total area with its serene waters.

Summer Palace Gardens

Classical Chinese landscape design principles shine throughout these gardens with over 3,000 ancient structures that safeguard more than 40,000 historical relics.  Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake stand as the central elements, creating a perfect harmony between natural and constructed beauty.  This remarkable design has shaped garden esthetics across East Asia.

Kunming Lake Boat Rides

Kunming Lake offers visitors several delightful ways to experience its beauty:

• Electric ferries cruise along 11 different routes, each taking approximately 15 minutes
• Rental boats accommodate up to 6 passengers, available for CNY 200 per hour
• Scenic rides on traditional vessels launch from three main ports: Yulan Hall, Wenchang Tower, and Bafang Pavilion

Imperial Architecture

The palace complex features three distinct zones that serve administrative, residential and scenic purposes.  A magnificent Long Corridor extends 728 meters along the northern shore and showcases more than 8,000 traditional paintings.  The complex’s only Western-style structure, the iconic Marble Boat, rises 36 meters long and eight meters high with its stunning glass windows and detailed colored brickwork.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Suzhou’s classical gardens exemplify perfect harmony between artistic design and philosophical principles.  Their influence on garden architecture has spread throughout Asia for more than 2000 years.  These magnificent gardens reached their peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with over 200 scattered throughout the city.  They stand as testament to China’s remarkable ability to blend human craftsmanship with natural beauty.

Top Suzhou Gardens to Visit

The city preserves 69 preserved gardens.  Visitors should explore these notable gardens:

• The Humble Administrator’s Garden – spanning 5.2 hectares showcases magnificent halls and lotus ponds
• The Lingering Garden – stands out with its striking architecture and artistic elements
• The Master of the Nets Garden – illustrating the art of miniaturization in garden design
• The Lion Grove Garden – features 500 lion-shaped rocks

Chinese Garden Design Elements

Chinese gardens reflect nature’s untamed beauty despite their human origins.  These masterpieces blend seven elements that shape everything in the garden: earth, sky, stone, water, buildings, paths, and plants.  The garden’s design weaves Feng Shui principles seamlessly, and its architectural features blend with natural elements to create perfect harmony.

Suzhou Silk Museums

The 32-year-old Suzhou Silk Museum, renovated extensively in 2016, adds depth to the garden experience with its rich silk heritage.  Visitors can explore exhibitions that highlight ancient silk history and modern silk production.  The museum also offers fascinating demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques.

Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak stands 396 meters above sea level and provides the most breathtaking views of Hong Kong, making it one of the most popular China tourist attractions.  Visitors from around the world come to experience its stunning panoramic vistas and ride its iconic transportation system.

Peak Tram Experience

The iconic Peak Tram has served since its inception and went through a significant upgrade to its 6th generation.  New carriages showcase larger panoramic windows with a retro green exterior that pays tribute to their 1940s heritage.  The tram covers 1,278 meters and climbs from 33m to 396m above sea level in just 6 minutes.

Hong Kong Skyline Views

These spectacular views include several amazing spots to take in the city:

• Lugard Road lookout – a perfect spot with clear harbor views
• Lions Pavilion – a free public viewing area
• Sky Terrace 428 – perched 428 meters above sea level
• Peak Tower observation deck – equipped with telescopes that let you explore the city details

Victoria Peak Hiking Trails

The Morning Trail features a well-paved path suitable for all fitness levels. The Mount High West route presents a more demanding challenge with over 2,100 steep steps. Most hikers reach the summit in 45-60 minutes and walk through dense forests that create a stunning contrast with city views. The lookout remains almost empty at sunrise, making it the perfect time to start your hike. You can also stay until sunset to watch the city transform into a dazzling display of lights.

The Yangtze River Three Gorges

The Three Gorges region stretches 193 kilometers through central China and represents one of the country’s most spectacular waterways.  The remarkable section of the Yangtze River covers 1,208 square kilometers with its stunning landscapes and engineering feats.  This natural wonder ranks among the most popular China tourist attractions.

Three Gorges Cruise Options

Tourists have two main routes to choose from: the classic 4-5 day Three Gorges route (Chongqing-Yichang) and the complete 11-12 day Shanghai-Chongqing experience.  Luxury cruises start at USD 350 to USD 570 and include accommodations, meals, and shore excursions.  The extended panoramic experience costs USD 2,200 and lets visitors explore eight 5A scenic spots and four major metropolises.

Scenic Features

The Yangtze River explains three distinct gorges with unique characteristics:

• Qutang Gorge: Dramatic cliff faces define this shortest gorge at 8 kilometers
• Wuxia Gorge: Twelve famous peaks line this majestic stretch of 42 kilometers
• Xiling Gorge: This magnificent gorge spans 66 kilometers and houses 174 documented caves

Three Gorges Dam Tour

This engineering marvel stands as the world’s largest hydropower project with 22,550 MW of generating capacity.  Tourists can visit three spectacular viewing spots: Tanziling Ridge, 185 Platform, and the Commemorating Park.  China’s remarkable engineering achievement shines through the dam’s ship lift that has operated since 2016.  The lift cuts crossing time to just 40 minutes instead of the longer traditional locks at this famous place in China.

The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

The Mogao Caves, carved deep into the cliffs of China’s Gansu Province, stand as one of the most important Buddhist art collections worldwide.  These extraordinary caves house an impressive 45,000 square meters of murals across 492 chambers, alongside more than 2,000 painted sculptures.

Mogao Caves Buddhist Art

The caves display remarkable artistic progress across 1,000 years of Buddhist art from the 4th to the 14th century.  A distinctive artistic style emerged that combines Han Chinese traditions with ancient Indian, Gandharan, Turkish and Tibetan cultural elements.  Cave 302’s vivid artworks from the Sui dynasty demonstrate the rich cultural exchanges that occurred along the ancient Silk Road.

Silk Road History

These caves shaped the artistic exchanges between China, Central Asia, and India.  The Library Cave contained tens of thousands of manuscripts and housed the world’s oldest printed book, the Diamond Sutra, from 868 AD.  The documents include texts in Chinese, Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Hebrew, which shows the site’s importance as a cultural meeting point.

Visiting the Digital Exhibition Center

The Digital Exhibition Center sits 9 kilometers east of Dunhuang city and welcomes all visitors as their first destination.  Visitors should plan to reach 30 minutes before scheduled visiting time.  The experience includes watching two digital films that showcase the caves’ history.  Shuttle busses transport visitors to the actual cave site 16 kilometers away.

The center uses innovative technology to display the caves’ magnificence and protects this remarkable China tourist attraction for future generations.

Reed Flute Cave in Guilin

The Reed Flute Cave lies hidden beneath Guilin’s karst mountains and lights up a spectacular display of limestone formations shaped over millions of years.  Nature’s artistic masterpiece stretches 240 meters in length and has captivated visitors with its crystalline beauty since people found it again during World War II.

Colorful Cave Formations

Nature’s artistic brilliance shines through the cave’s remarkable formations.  These stunning features include:

• Crystal Palace of the Dragon King – a chamber’s crystal curtains sparkle magnificently
• Rose Dawn over Lion Peaks – the stone formations create an illusion of sunrise above mountain ridges
• Virgin Forest – stone pillars stand tall like ancient trees in this section

Ancient Inscriptions

Cave walls preserve 70 inscriptions dating back to 792 AD during the Tang Dynasty.  These historical treasures showcase poems, travelogs, and personal messages.  The collection includes five from the Tang Dynasty, eleven from the Song Dynasty and others from imperial periods of all types.

Reed Flute Cave Lighting Effects

This China tourist attraction has become a kaleidoscopic underground palace through modern illumination.  Strategic lighting placement in cracks and crevices makes the cave come alive with an otherworldly glow.  The cave’s nickname “Nature’s Art Palace” comes from its stunning visual display.  The lighting system boosts the rock formations’ natural colors and reveals a spectrum of hues from soft pinks to deep purples that showcase the cave’s millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites.

Tiananmen Square in Beijing

Tiananmen Square stands majestically in Beijing’s heart as one of the world’s largest public squares that symbolizes China’s rich cultural heritage.  The expansive plaza creates a central meeting point where citizens and visitors gather together.

Tiananmen Square Monuments

Several iconic structures stand proudly in the square.  The Monument to the People’s Heroes dominates the southern end with its ten-story obelisk reaching 37.94 meters.  This magnificent monument showcases eight large reliefs and two small reliefs that capture pivotal moments in modern Chinese history.  The Great Hall of the People rises majestically along the western edge and serves as the venue for National Congress meetings every five years.

Flag Raising Ceremony

Thousands of dedicated visitors show their national pride at the daily flag-raising ceremony.  Many arrive as early as 2:00 AM to find the best spots to watch this powerful tradition.  The People’s Liberation Army honor guard performs this ceremony with perfect timing at sunrise, as they march from the Gate of Heavenly Peace and raise the flag while the national anthem echoes across the square.

Nearby Attractions

The National Museum of China and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall stand proudly around the square.  Security checkpoints control access to the area peak tourist periods occurring during national holidays.  The square looks amazing at night as surrounding buildings light up the big space.  This makes it one of the most visited China tourist attractions.

The Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an

The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum revealed a new exhibition in September 2024.  The exhibition features 230 cultural relics in eight categories and marks the 50th anniversary of the Terracotta Warriors’ discovery.

Terracotta Army Exhibition Halls

The magnificent museum complex showcases three remarkable excavation pits:

• Pit 1: This massive chamber stands as the largest, showcasing over 2,000 warriors in battle formation
• Pit 2: This impressive section displays the most diverse military units, including archers and cavalry
• Pit 3: The strategic command center houses 68 high-ranking officers

Archeological Discoveries

Archeologists have found nine tombs arranged in a row during their recent excavations west of the main mausoleum.  Tomb No. 1 stands out as the most important discovery among them.  The team unearthed remarkable artifacts inside, including a unique four-wheel cart measuring 7.2 meters in length and 2.6 meters in width that still shows its original red and green paint.

Emperor Qin’s Tomb

A massive four-sided pyramid mound spanning 20 square miles protects the emperor’s sealed burial chamber.  700,000 craftsmen worked tirelessly for 36 years to build this incredible underground palace.  The builders used advanced engineering techniques and installed bronze seals to shield the tomb from three subterranean streams.  This extraordinary China tourist attraction helps archeologists find new artifacts regularly, making it one of the most important famous places in China.

Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into red sandstone cliffs where three mighty rivers meet, proves ancient China’s engineering excellence.  This magnificent monument has become one of the most impressive China tourist attractions that draws visitors worldwide.

World’s Largest Stone Buddha

This colossal statue stands 71 meters tall and stretches 28 meters wide across the shoulders.  The statue makes its mark as the world’s largest stone Buddha sculpture.  A person can comfortably sit on its pinky toe – that’s how massive this remarkable creation is.

Leshan Buddha History

Monk Hai Tong started the Buddha’s construction in 713 AD.  He believed the massive statue would protect ships from the dangerous waters below.  The ambitious project lasted 90 years and reached completion in 803 AD.  The builders demonstrated remarkable skill by creating an intricate drainage system inside the statue that continues to work today.

Viewing Options (Boat vs. Walking)

Tourists can discover this famous place in China in two different ways:

• Walking Tour: The journey takes 2-4 hours and lets you get up close to Linyun Temple.  Peak seasons bring long lines that stretch up to 2 hours
• Boat Tour: A quick 30-minute round trip gives you 10-15 minutes to capture perfect photos from 40-60 meters away

The best time to visit is outside the busy months of July and August.  Temperatures soar to 35°C during these months.  Early morning visits reward you with better visibility and shorter queues regardless of your chosen option.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The dramatic sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park pierce through the clouds to create China’s most surreal scenery.  This remarkable park, 41 years old 1982 as China’s first national park, showcases over 3,000 vertical pillars that tower up to 1,000 meters into the sky.

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

This majestic natural pillar stands 3,544 feet tall and has become the park’s most recognizable landmark.  James Cameron’s “Avatar” drew inspiration from this towering formation, which reaches a height equivalent to 78 school busses stacked end-to-end.  The mountain, previously called the Southern Sky Column, transformed into a prominent China tourist attraction after its rename to “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.” Visitors now flock to witness this extraordinary spectacle firsthand.

Glass Bridge Experience

The world’s longest glass bridge stretches 1,400 feet across the park’s grand canyon and provides breathtaking views 980 feet above the canyon floor.  This remarkable feat of engineering cost USD 74.60 million.  The bridge management allows 800 people at a time with specific time slots throughout the day.

Zhangjiajie Cable Car Rides

The park provides detailed transportation options including:

• Huangshizhai Cable Car – 973 meters long with 430 meters elevation gain
• Tianzi Mountain Cable – Spanning 2,084 meters with stunning views
• Yangjiajie Cable Car – Covering 1,878 meters across dramatic terrain

You’ll need 2-3 days to explore this amazing destination, one of the best places to visit in China.  The best experience combines cable car rides with hiking trails.

Enjoy the Famous Places in China

China’s amazing destinations blend ancient wisdom with modern innovation throughout its big territory.  Twenty locations stand as the best examples of Chinese culture.  You can find everything from the Great Wall’s engineering brilliance to Suzhou’s peaceful classical gardens.  Each place tells its own story of China’s five-thousand-year history through Xi’an’s silent Terracotta Army warriors and Shanghai’s towering skyscrapers along the Bund.

First-time visitors can get a complete understanding of China’s rich heritage at these hand-picked destinations that offer unforgettable experiences.  The attractions cater to different interests.  Nature lovers can explore Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly peaks, while culture enthusiasts can learn about Tibet’s Potala Palace’s spiritual depths.  These historical and natural wonders are now more available than ever thanks to modern infrastructure and preservation work, and travelers can visit China’s most important landmarks comfortably.

FAQs

What are the recommended destinations for first-time visitors to China?
For first-time travelers to China, the top cities to explore include Beijing, known for having the most World Cultural Heritage Sites globally, Xi’an with its rich ancient history, Shanghai as a glimpse into China’s future, Chengdu, famous for its Giant Pandas, and Guilin, renowned for its surreal Karst landscapes and idyllic countryside.

Which locations in China are most appealing to foreign tourists?
Foreign visitors to China should not miss experiencing iconic sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the Summer Palace, the Li River in Guilin, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and the scenic Yangtze River with its Three Gorges.

What are the key areas in China that tourists should explore?
Tourists aiming to see China’s most iconic landmarks should consider visiting Beijing for the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, Xi’an for the Terracotta Army, the Yangtze River for breathtaking river views, Guilin for natural scenery, and Shanghai for a modern city experience.

Is China a welcoming country for tourists?
China is generally open to tourists, but visitors should be mindful of the country’s political and cultural environment.  It is advisable to steer clear of demonstrations and large public gatherings, as the Chinese authorities strictly enforce laws related to public order, and non-compliance could lead to arrest, detention, or deportation.