Best Cities to Visit in China: First-Time Guide, City Comparison & Itinerary Ideas

If you're planning your first trip to China, don't get overwhelmed by endless 'must-visit' lists. It can be hard to decide which cities to include, which are truly worth your time and how many cities can you practically fit into one trip! So, you must check out this guide below to build an ideal itinerary that will suit all your personal preferences.

What are the best cities to visit in China?

The best cities to visit in China for first-time travelers are Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Zhangjiajie. Beijing and Xi'an are ideal for history lovers, Shanghai showcases modern China, Chengdu is famous for giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine, while Guilin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Zhangjiajie offer some of China's most spectacular natural landscapes and cultural experiences. If you have 10 to 14 days, plan to visit 4 to 6 cities instead of trying to see everything.

Which China city matches your travel style?

Whether you're drawn to natural landscapes, centuries old history, scrumptious dishes to savour, futuristic cities, peaceful gardens, or museums to get lost into, China has something for every kind of traveler. 

If it's your first trip to China, choose cities that match your interests and are easy to combine using China's extensive high-speed rail network. This will save you time and allow you to visit more cities during your trip.

Henceforth, the best itinerary is the one that matches your interests, not the latest travel trends. 

Which China cities are easiest to combine?

As a traveler who would want to spend maximum time sightseeing rather than travelling between the cities in the whole trip.

You must choose routes that minimise travel time and connect destinations efficiently using high-speed rail or short domestic flights.

Where should you visit if you have already been to China before?

If you've already explored all the most popular cities in China, your second trip will be a perfect opportunity to visit all the offbeat and underrated cities of China.

You must visit all the other destinations instead of just revisiting the same cities.

Which are the best cities in China to visit for different occasions?

Whether you're travelling with family, your partner, friends, or on your own, choosing the right city can make your trip more enjoyable. Here are the best China city combinations based on different travel occasions.

• Bachelor's trip / Friends: Shanghai + Chengdu + Chongqing (Nightlife, bars, authentic food & lively city experiences.)
• Honeymoon: Shanghai + Hangzhou + Guilin (Romantic skylines, luxury stays, West Lake & Li River scenery.)
• Travelling with kids: Chengdu (Giant Panda Base, relaxed pace & family-friendly attractions.)
• Family vacation: Beijing + Shanghai (Historic landmarks, theme parks & excellent public transport.)
• Want to experience everything: Beijing + Xi'an + Chengdu + Guilin + Shanghai (History, food, nature & modern cities in one trip.)
• Love Buddhist heritage: Datong + Luoyang + Tianshui (Ancient grottoes, cave temples & Buddhist art.)
• Love festivals & local culture: Harbin (winter) or Luoyang (spring) (Harbin Ice Festival or Luoyang Peony Festival.)
• English-accessible cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Xi'an.

Which season is the best to visit China?

If you're planning your first trip to China, these months generally offer the best combination of comfortable weather and smooth travelling. Although all the major attractions, trains, restaurants, museums, and historic districts stay active and open throughout the year.

Here are some of the best times of the year in China:

Avoid Labour Day Holiday, Golden Week and Chinese New Year if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

What should you pack for each season in China?

For long sight-seeing days you must pack comfortable walking shoes whereas for summer street shopping you can bring slippers.

• If your trip is in March to May, you must bring a waterproof jacket and light layers. 
• For summers, from June to August, bring breathable clothes, an umbrella and hats.
• Weather appropriate clothing for every city is important for ease.
• You must bring a Universal travel adapter, in China people use Type A, C, and I plugs as well as Power banks.
• Passport, visa, travel insurance, and printed booking confirmations in case they're needed.

What should first-time travelers know about food in China?

Chinese cuisine varies widely across the country, from mild Cantonese dishes to fiery Sichuan specialties. Knowing a few basics before you dine can help you order with confidence. So, here are some notes for you to ease your trip:

Create a simple allergy card in advance in Chinese, listing all your allergies, and then carry a print copy or in phone to show restaurant staffs all along your trip.

What should you know about language and local etiquettes in China?

Travelling around China is easier than many first-time visitors expect. Learning a few local customs and understanding the language situation will help you navigate the country with confidence.

Here are some notes for you about language etiquettes in China:

• Display signs are present in both Chinese and English at most airports, metro stations, attractions & high-speed rail stations.
• Do not expect everyone to know English as Mandarin is the official language in China.
• Using simple Mandarin phrases like Nǐ hǎo (Hello) and Xièxiè (Thank you) pronounced as Shyeh-shyeh are appreciated.
• Download Google Translate (offline Chinese pack), Microsoft Translator, or Pleco before arriving.
• Save offline maps on Google Maps (before arrival), Maps.me, or Organic Maps, Amap.

Here are some general public etiquettes to be followed in China:

• Queue patiently and avoid loud conversations in quiet places.
• Smoking is banned in many indoor public spaces and transports.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Avoid touching religious artifacts unless permitted.
• Follow signs, as some sites prohibit photography. 

How should you pay for things in China?

China relies heavily on digital payments, so preparing your payment methods and internet connection before you arrive will make your trip much smoother. Here's what first-time visitors should set up before departure and after landing:

Here's a small checklist before you fly to China, to keep your payments sorted.

1. Activate your eSIM or you can buy one online from websites like Trip.com 
2. Link your international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay.
3. Keep a small amount of RMB for emergencies.
4. Inform your bank about your travel plans if required.

Image Credits : South China Morning Post

What mistakes do first-time travelers make in China?

Many first-time visitors underestimate how different travelling in China can be.  Avoid these common mistakes to save time, reduce stress, and enjoy a smoother trip:

What are some mistakes that first-time travelers make while traveling through High-speed trains in China?

Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid while traveling through rail networks or road trips in China:

1. Using unlicensed taxis: Book rides through DiDi or use official taxi queues at airports and stations.
2. Forgetting your passport: Carry your passport when travelling between cities and visiting attractions that require identity verification.
3. Not arriving early for trains: Reach high-speed rail stations 30 to 60 minutes before departure for security and ticket checks.
4. Booking train tickets too late: Reserve high-speed rail tickets as soon as bookings open through Trip.com, the 12306 China Railway app. Popular routes can sell out quickly.
5. Not checking luggage rules: Review airline and high-speed rail baggage allowances before travelling between cities.

What mistakes do first-time travelers make in China, while visiting the attractions?

Here is a list of common mistakes to avoid while going to your favourite attractions in China:

1. Ignoring opening days: Some museums and attractions close on certain weekdays.
2. Not checking attraction entry rules: Visit the attraction's official website or book through trusted websites like Trip.com. Must check rules before you visit.
3. Underestimating city size: Even within one city, travelling between attractions can take 30 to 90 minutes. Group nearby attractions on the same day to reduce unnecessary travel. 
4. Assuming all attractions allow walk-ins: Attractions such as the Forbidden City, Shanghai Disneyland & many others may require advance reservations, passport details, or timed entry.

These were some very common mistakes that first time travellers in China made and these will help you plan your trip with much more ease. So, the best China itinerary isn't the one with the most cities. It's the one that matches your interests, travel style, and the time you have. 

With thoughtful planning, you'll spend less time in transit and more time discovering everything from historic landmarks and local cuisine to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant city life.