For a long time, apart from the Great Wall, China wasn’t a very popular tourist destination. But recently, the charm of traveling to China is winning over more and more people—thanks also to the many Instagram reels showing the natural beauty and incredible cities of this still-underrated country!
This vast country is an incredible fusion of ancient traditions, limitless modernity, and breathtaking natural landscapes. You’ll find futuristic cities like Shanghai, towering Himalayan peaks, timeless villages, and high-speed trains… China is like a world of its own, extremely fascinating in its complexity and contrasts.
To make the most of your trip to China, read our guide with the must-see destinations, the best activities to choose, and the best options to stay connected throughout your journey.
Best time to visit China
China is a truly vast country, so the climate varies greatly from region to region.
- Spring (april–may): temperatures are mild almost everywhere, nature is in bloom, and it’s the ideal time to visit both big cities and rural areas
- Autumn (september–october): temperatures are still pleasant, and it’s the season of outdoor festivals and harvests
- Summer (june–august): the south gets too hot and humid, but it’s the perfect time to visit alpine regions or inner Mongolia
- Winter (december–february): the cold in the north gets quite intense, but it’s great for skiing and there are fewer tourists… plus, snowy China is truly beautiful!
One tip: as fascinating as it is, consider avoiding Chinese New Year (which falls between January and February): millions of people travel and the whole country practically comes to a standstill.
10 must-see destinations and activities for your china adventure
Given how vast China is, narrowing the list down to just 10 destinations was tough, we admit it. It’s probably worth more than one visit, but let’s start with these 10 must-sees for your first trip:
Beijing – the heart of imperial history
It might seem obvious, but it’s the perfect starting point for your journey through China.
Here you’ll find the stunning Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, as well as ancient hutong (narrow alleys) to explore by bike like the locals do.
👉 Recommended activity: not far from Beijing is one of the most spectacular sections of the Great Wall… our tip? Visit at sunset, with a private transfer from Beijing.
Shanghai – future and tradition
Futuristic skyscrapers and colonial buildings, Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities and its mix of architecture makes it truly unique.
Spend a day shopping on Nanjing Road, stroll through the Yu Yuan Gardens, and visit the Shanghai Tower for a breathtaking view.
👉 Recommended activity: book an evening cruise on the Huangpu River and admire the city’s contrast between old and new.
Xi’an – terracotta warriors and ancient walls
This ancient imperial capital is famous worldwide for its Terracotta Warriors, featured in many movies and legends.
Xi’an is also worth visiting for its vibrant Muslim community and the ancient city walls you can cycle along… a real step back in time!
👉 Recommended activity: visit the Terracotta Warriors with a private history guide and book skip-the-line access… the queue can be endless!
Guilin and Yangshuo – dreamlike landscapes
One of the most photogenic areas in China, with winding rivers, karst peaks, and traditional villages surrounded by greenery.
Relax in the countryside or enjoy a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo to admire the full beauty of this amazing landscape.
👉 Recommended activity: don’t miss a sunset ride on the Yulong River…on a bamboo raft!
Chengdu – pandas and spicy food
One of the world’s most beloved animals is the symbol of this city: the Giant Panda! Chengdu is home to the famous Giant Panda Research Center, where you can see both adults and playful cubs (and yes, adults can be playful too).
The city is also known for its fiery cuisine—spicy food lovers will be in heaven! Despite the hot dishes, Chengdu is one of the most relaxed cities in China, where you can truly soak up local culture between teahouses and traditional markets.
👉 Recommended activity: visit the panda center with a naturalist guide, preferably in the morning, when the pandas are most active!
Zhangjiajie – the avatar mountains
This incredible national park inspired the scenery in the film Avatar, with its mist-shrouded stone pillars. A truly surreal sight…with glass elevators, skywalks, and scenic trails, a visit to Zhangjiajie is a one-of-a-kind experience!
👉 Recommended activity: test your courage with a walk along the glass walkway at Tianmen Mountain Skywalk…but if you’re afraid of heights, think twice before going for it!
Lijiang – naxi tradition and waterways
In this ancient mountain village in Yunnan, you’ll find charming canals, age-old stone streets, and traditional homes of the Naxi minority. It truly feels like stepping into the past.
👉 Recommended activity: take a two-day hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge, with overnight stays in local guesthouses.
Hangzhou – the lake of love
A must for couples! In Hangzhou you’ll find the poetic West Lake, with charming bridges, temples, pavilions, and beautiful weeping willows. The city is also known for its tea culture and silk production.
👉 Recommended activity: enjoy a cup of excellent Longjing tea, ideally during a boat cruise on West Lake.
Dunhuang – silk road and cave art
A historic stop on the Silk Road, Dunhuang lies at the edge of the Gobi Desert. The Mogao Caves, with their ancient frescoes, are a true treasure of Buddhist art.
👉 Recommended activity: visit the caves with an expert guide and don’t miss a tour of the sand dunes!
Harbin – frozen magic in the north
Each winter, Harbin becomes a fairytale city for the International Ice and Snow Festival! Expect giant illuminated ice sculptures, and thanks to the city’s Russian influences, you’ll feel like you’re in a magical world.
Even the food reflects the Russian tradition, definitely more than just spring rolls!
👉 Recommended activity: a night visit to the park hosting the ice sculptures,its light displays are simply stunning.
How to stay connected in China
Having internet in China is essential for many reasons, from easier navigation to translation apps. But it’s complicated due to the so-called “Great Firewall”, which blocks many services like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
So, how can you get internet in China?
Your options for internet abroad:
- Public Wi-Fi: available in most hotels and cafes, but often limited and subject to restrictions
- Local SIMs: cheap but require passport registration and may have limited access to foreign services
- International roaming: very expensive and also subject to restrictions
- China eSIM: the smartest solution for connecting to local networks with fewer restrictions
The ideal solution: China eSIM
The china eSIMs available on www.esim.sm are the perfect choice for internet access in China! Thanks to unfiltered access via international servers, you can use apps usually blocked like Google and Meta services.
However, TikTok and ChatGPT won’t be accessible—so forget about dance trends and asking ChatGPT stuff for a while.
Why choose an eSIM from esim.sm for china?
- Choose the data plan that best fits your needs, from 1GB up to 20GB
- You can activate the eSIM within 60 days of purchase, meaning you can buy it up to 2 months before your trip
- Once installed on your phone (check compatibility here), you can activate it immediately upon arrival and go online instantly
- Speeds up to 5G
- Run out of data? you can top up anytime from your personal panel… or set auto top-ups so you never lose connection
- No need to waste time at the airport buying a local SIM with restrictions
What to know before your trip to china
Like for any country, it’s important to know a few essentials before departure:
- Visa required: you need to apply for a tourist visa well in advance, either through the embassy or agencies that handle this
- Online censorship: download all the apps you’ll need before departure… and if you want extra peace of mind, install a reliable VPN
- Digital payments: cash is rarely used in cities, apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay are preferred
- Language: the official language is Mandarin and very few people speak English, so be sure to download offline translation apps
- Behavior: respect local traditions and avoid sensitive topics like politics or Taiwan
- Transport: high-speed trains are excellent, but book in advance and always carry your passport
- Health: bring basic medicines and something for digestive issues, they’ll come in handy. Also, drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice
