UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at China's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, palaces, and experiences across China.
Great Wall of China
Hike sections like Mutianyu or Badaling, marveling at this ancient engineering marvel spanning thousands of kilometers.
Especially stunning at sunrise, perfect for cable car rides and panoramic views over rolling hills.
Forbidden City, Beijing
Discover imperial palaces and courtyards, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
A blend of architectural grandeur and historical artifacts that captivate history enthusiasts.
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
Explore the vast underground army of life-sized warriors guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb.
Archaeological wonder with ongoing excavations, ideal for immersing in ancient military history.
Summer Palace, Beijing
Wander gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design.
Combining imperial retreats with serene boat rides in a picturesque setting.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Uncover turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forests in this stunning natural reserve.
Less crowded in shoulder seasons, offering a peaceful escape into pristine wilderness.
Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Visit this printing house museum in Antwerp, a testament to Belgium's publishing history.
Fascinating for those interested in literature and Renaissance innovation.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Great Wall Hiking Trails
Trek unrestored sections in Jinshanling for rugged adventures and fewer crowds, with views of ancient watchtowers.
Perfect for multi-day hikes with scenic viewpoints and historical insights.
Yangtze River Gorges
Cruise through dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, ideal for scenic boat tours and cultural stops.
Family-friendly with onboard entertainment and riverside explorations in summer.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Explore sandstone pillars and forests via cable cars, inspiring Avatar's floating mountains.
Serene spot for hiking and photography with diverse ecosystems and glass bridges.
Li River Karst Landscape
Bamboo raft down the river amid towering peaks near Guilin, perfect for easy outings.
This scenic route offers a quick nature escape with traditional villages.
Tibetan Plateau & Mount Everest
Adventure to base camp with stunning Himalayan views and high-altitude treks.
Hidden gem for cultural pilgrimages and breathtaking drives.
Gobi Desert Dunes
Discover vast sands and oases with camel rides and 4x4 tours.
Desert adventures connecting to China's nomadic heritage and starry nights.
China by Region
🏛️ Beijing & Northern China
- Best For: Imperial history, ancient sites, and urban energy with landmarks like the Forbidden City.
- Key Destinations: Beijing, Great Wall sections, and Chengde for palaces and mountain resorts.
- Activities: Hutong tours, temple visits, Peking duck tastings, and wall hikes.
- Best Time: Spring for cherry blossoms (April-May) and autumn for clear skies (Sept-Oct), with 10-25°C weather.
- Getting There: Well-connected by high-speed train from Shanghai, with frequent services and private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏙️ Yangtze Delta & Eastern China
- Best For: Modern skylines, classical gardens, and economic hubs as China's commercial heart.
- Key Destinations: Shanghai for Bund views, Suzhou for water towns, and Hangzhou for West Lake.
- Activities: River cruises, silk shopping, tea ceremonies, and museum hopping.
- Best Time: Year-round, but spring (March-May) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting There: Shanghai Pudong Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🕌 Silk Road & Western China
- Best For: Ancient trade routes, diverse cultures, and desert adventures in vast landscapes.
- Key Destinations: Xi'an for city walls, Dunhuang for caves, and Turpan for oases.
- Activities: Terracotta tours, camel rides, mosque visits, and local cuisine in ethnic markets.
- Best Time: Summer for festivals (June-Aug) and autumn for cooler temps (Sept-Oct), 15-30°C.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote Silk Road sites and gorges.
🌿 Southern China & Sichuan
- Best For: Lush karsts, panda habitats, and spicy cuisine with tropical vibes.
- Key Destinations: Guilin for rivers, Chengdu for pandas, and Zhangjiajie for parks.
- Activities: Bamboo rafting, wildlife sanctuaries, hotpot dining, and hiking trails.
- Best Time: Spring months (March-May) for greenery, with warm 20-28°C and misty mornings.
- Getting There: Direct high-speed trains from Beijing or Shanghai, with regional flights connecting all key sites.
Sample China Itineraries
🚀 7-Day China Highlights
Arrive in Beijing, explore Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu for hikes, and sample street foods.
High-speed train to Xi'an for Terracotta Army tours and ancient city wall biking, then Muslim Quarter explorations.
Fly to Shanghai for Bund skyline views and Yu Garden visits, with a day trip to Suzhou's canals.
Final day in Shanghai for shopping and modern districts, then departure, ensuring time for local dim sum tastings.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Beijing city tour covering palaces, Summer Palace gardens, hutong rickshaw rides, and imperial cuisine markets.
Great Wall hike at Jinshanling, then train to Xi'an for warrior excavations and historical markets.
Fly to Chengdu for panda base visits and spicy hotpot, with Leshan Giant Buddha side trip.
Board Yangtze River cruise for Three Gorges scenery, shore excursions to temples and peaks.
Arrive in Shanghai for urban adventures, high-rises, and river walks before returning to Beijing.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete China
Comprehensive Beijing exploration including temples, Olympic sites, tea houses, and night market tours.
Xi'an for ancient sites and biking, then Pingyao ancient town and Datong Yungang Grottoes.
Panda sanctuaries, Jiuzhaigou hikes, Tibetan culture immersions, and spicy regional feasts.
Li River cruises, karst explorations, followed by Yangtze Gorges sailing and cliffside villages.
Shanghai modern vibes and Hangzhou West Lake serenity, final shopping before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Great Wall Hikes
Trek various sections for unique perspectives of this iconic barrier and its watchtowers.
Available year-round with guided tours offering historical context and sunset views.
Panda Volunteering
Interact with giant pandas at Chengdu bases, learning conservation efforts and behaviors.
Hands-on experiences from feeding to habitat tours with expert naturalists.
Li River Cruises
Bamboo raft or boat through Guilin's dramatic karst scenery with mountain reflections.
Learn about local folklore and traditional rafting techniques during the journey.
High-Speed Train Rides
Travel between cities like Beijing to Shanghai on bullet trains with scenic countryside views.
Popular for efficient connections and onboard amenities with flat fares throughout.
Silk Road Cultural Tours
Discover Mogao Caves and ancient markets in Dunhuang with expert-guided histories.
Buddhist art, ethnic dances, and caravan tales with multilingual tours available.
Hutong Neighborhood Walks
Tour Beijing's traditional alleys by rickshaw, visiting courtyard homes and local crafts.
Many areas offer interactive exhibits and family-run tea sessions for immersion.