China’s Top Ten Best Tourist Cities

Wandering across the land of China, every city shines with a unique radiance like a dazzling pearl. From the ancient imperial capitals to modern metropolises, from the misty Jiangnan region to the snowy plateau, they jointly weave the most enchanting picture of the land of China.

A Panoramic View of Millennium – old Elegance and Splendid Landscapes.

Today, we would like to recommend the “Top 10 Best Tourist Cities in China” to invite you to embark on a wonderful journey through time and space:

Beijing: The Magnificent Symphony of an Ancient Capital with a Millenary History

As the imperial capital of five dynasties, Beijing is the epitome of Chinese civilization. Among the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City lie the secrets of the six – hundred – year – old dynasties. The majestic Great Wall winds its way across the mountain peaks, showing its grandeur. Under the dome of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven, the echoes of the ancients’ reverence for heaven and earth can still be heard. Deep in the hutongs, the everyday life in quadrangles is intertwined with the reflections of lights and the sound of oars on Houhai Lake, while the modern outlines of the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube herald the city’s future ambitions.

Xi’an: Feeling the Pulse of the Bronze Age

Stepping into Xi’an is like traveling back to the prosperous Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The Qin Terracotta Army stands in a solemn formation, and the thousand – year – old clay tells the grand plans of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the bells of Master Xuanzang’s journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures seem to still ring in the ears. Under the night sky, the Ming City Wall is thick and full of vicissitudes, guarding the attractive aroma of pita bread soaked in lamb soup in the Muslim Quarter. Here, history is not a dusty book, but a tangible and profound existence.

Hangzhou: A Poetic Abode Where Paradise Descends to Earth

“West Lake may be compared to Lady of the West,” and the beauty of Hangzhou reaches its peak in the rippling lake scenery. The Spring Dawn at Su Causeway and the Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard present seasonal views like flowing scrolls; the Longjing tea mountains are enshrouded in clouds and mist. Hold a cup of fragrant tea and listen to the long – lasting bells of Lingyin Temple that has endured for thousands of years; by the Beijing – Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Gongchen Bridge witnesses the gentle and graceful transformation of the waterside town. Hangzhou is the most poetic annotation of “Paradise on Earth” in the hearts of the Chinese people.

Chengdu: The “Comfortable” Philosophy in the World of Fireworks and Human Affairs

The charm of Chengdu blossoms on the tip of the tongue: the spicy hot pot is boiling, the skewers are full of aroma, and the covered-bowl tea is fragrant in the teahouse. The chubby giant pandas are leisurely eating in the base. The Kuanzhai Alleys condense the urban and rural customs of old Chengdu. The red lanterns at night in Jinli reflect the magical moments of the face-changing stunt. In the center of this “Land of Abundance”, the slow life is a calm philosophy engraved in the bones.

Lasa: The City of Faith Closest to Heaven
Lasa, bathed in sunlight, is a pilgrimage site for the soul. The Potala Palace stands towering, with its golden roofs shining brightly in the sunlight of the plateau. In front of the Jokhang Temple, devout believers prostrate themselves in long kowtows without getting up. On the prayer wheel path of the Barkhor Street, the chanting of scriptures interweaves with the smoke of burning incense. Drink a bowl of mellow butter tea, look up at the pure blue sky and white clouds, and feel the shock that reaches the heart in the snowy plateau.

Guilin: A Ink-wash Scroll with Scenery Ranking First under Heaven. “The river is like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains are like jade hairpins.” On the Lijiang River, bamboo rafts gently sway. The Elephant Trunk Hill seems to be drinking water, the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill is extremely unique, and the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo is like a poem and a dream. The tranquility of the Yulong River, the fantasy of the Yinziyan Karst Cave, and the magnificent curves of the Longji Terraced Fields jointly form natural landscape masterpieces that need no ink splashing. Even Xu Xiake was fascinated by them.

07. Lijiang: Gentle Moments at the Foot of Snowy Mountains The snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain contrast with the black-tiled roofs and overhanging eaves of Lijiang Ancient Town. The smooth flagstones of Sifang Street, the mysterious melody of Naxi ancient music, and the even quieter allure of Shuhe Ancient Town—all paint a tranquil picture. Sitting on an inn’s terrace, watching clouds drift by, you soak in the laid-back moments steeped in Naxi culture, as your soul gently settles.

08. Suzhou: The Code of Oriental Aesthetics in Gardens Suzhou is an exquisite epitome of Wu culture. Each garden—Humble Administrator’s Garden with shifting views at every step, Lingering Garden with winding paths leading to seclusion, Master of the Nets Garden in its delicate compactness—is a frozen landscape poem. Pingjiang Road’s water lanes meander, as rowboats glide by with creaks; the modern skyline by Jinji Lake writes a vibrant new chapter for the ancient city. A snippet of Kunqu opera’s mellow tunes holds the essence of Suzhou’s aesthetic life.

09. Xiamen: Artistic Sea Breeze on the “Piano Island” Gulangyu’s international-style architectures are nestled under flamboyant flowers, with melodious piano music lingering in the air. Along the环岛路 (Huan Dao Lu/Island Ring Road), coconut groves cast dappled shadows, and the sand on Baicheng Beach is soft and fine. South Putuo Temple sees a constant stream of worshippers with burning incense, while creativity surges in the Shapowei Art West Zone. Explore authentic snacks in Zengcuo’an, overlook the scenery of the Egret Island from the mountain-sea trail, and soak in the fresh, romantic coastal charm of this “sea garden city”.

10. Qingdao: The Aroma of Beer Amidst Red Tiles and Green Trees The beauty of Qingdao lies in the blend of mountains, sea, and city. The international-style buildings in Badaguan whisper stories of the past amidst lush greenery, while the Huilan Pavilion on Zhanqiao has stood watch over a century of changes. Climb to Taiqing Palace on Laoshan Mountain, and listen to the Taoist charm and celestial aura of the “No.1 Famous Mountain on the Sea”; raise a glass at the summer Beer Festival, and feel the vitality and passion that the ocean has bestowed upon this city.