03/01/2026

Top 10 Most Popular Cities in China

Top 1 : Beijing – The Heart of China, Where History Meets Modernity.

Beijing, also called Peking, is the capital of China, the political center of China, the cultural center of China, as well as the key transportation hub of the world. Founded during 700 B.C., it served as Kublai Khan’s capital (13th century) and the capital of China (1421-1911; 1949-now).

Forbidden City – the profound Chinese imperial system made Beijing serious and magnificent. The palaces served for emperors and imperial officials will tell people more stories in the past time.

Great Wall of China – which is another culture in Beijing. Each brick of the great wall may tell you a story. Some are happy, some are sad. So Great Wall is a book wrote by Chinese people’s souls and spirits. 

Top 2: Shanghai – Where Modern Skyline Meets Beautiful River Scenery.

Shanghai, a city directly under the Central Government, is China’s largest city, with an urban population of 9.54 million. Advantageously located, Shanghai is located halfway down China’s mainland coastline, where the Yangtze River empties into the sea. An important comprehensive industrial base and harbor, 

    • The Bund – which will be a must-see place. When walking along the Bund at night, the charm of Shanghai will immediately attract you. It is a fantastic metropolis mixed the ancient and the modern tastes together.

    • To the west of Shanghai is Suzhou , a city famous for the gardens.

Top 3: Xi’an – Home of the Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an is the most famous ancient capital in China. With the former name Chang’an, this city served as the capital of Tang Dynasty, the most prosperous dynasty in China’s history. The prosperous Tang Dynasty had left numerous relics in Xi’an. The Start of Silk Road, a symbol to trace back the prosperity and the achievement in trade.

Terracotta Warriors – One of the Eighth Wonder of the World, thousands of life-sized clay solderis guard Emperor Qin’s tomb.

Ancient City Wall – Built in 582 AD (Sui Dynasty) ,one of the best-preserved old walls in China. You can walk or cycle on top for amazing city views, it’s like stepping into history.

Top 4 Guilin – Scenic city with sensational mountain and river scenery

If you plan to savor the most beautiful natural scenery in China, you should pay a visit to Guilin. With the unique Karst geography, Guilin just looks like young lady that quietly sitting on the northern China.  

    • Li River – world’s famous river from Guilin to Yangshuo, includes the most charming sites of Guilin.

    • Longji Rice Terraces – which is a magnificent scene to show the intaligence of human. The field is planted along the mountain ridge  

Top 5 Guangzhou – A prosperous and liberal, City of Gastronomy.

Guangzhou is a hot destination because of its convenient transportation system. It is called “The City of Rams”. Guangzhou attracts thousands of people who are interested in its strong regional culture, long history, its affecting and beautiful legends.

    • Chen Family Temple – is the key historical site which entirely show Guangdong’s extraordinary folk architecture

    • Shamian Island – is a popular attraction for domestic and overseas tourists. 

Top 6 Lhasa – “Land of the Gods”

With a history of over 1,400 years, Lhasa is the capital city, the political, cultural and religious centre of Tibet. It is a charming land that boasts abundant historical relics and enjoys superb natural environment. In another word, it is an ideal destination for people who wanna explore the unspoiled ethnic culture, livid folk custom and spectacular natural scenery, etc.

    • Potala Palace – it is a spectacular castle-like building complex that used to be the unification centre of political and religious of Tibet. Built against the Red Hill, this construction expresses perfectly the inner core of Tibetan architecture and also culture – steady, dignity, predominance and magnanimous. In 1994, it was listed into the World Heritage List by UNESCO. 

    • Jokhang Temple – is located in the center of old Lhasa city, with the Barkhor Street surrounded, formed the “heart” of ancient Lhasa., which occupies an unchallengeable position of Tibetan Buddhism.

    • Sera Monastery – is one of the grand three monasteries in Lhasa. The intense Debating on Buddhist Doctrines held everyday afternoon would be the very special activity one could not miss. 

Top 7 Chengdu – Hometown of Giant Panda

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, has been recognized as “an important central city in Southwest China” by the State Council since 1999. Its civilization of over 3,000 years left Chengdu with various cultural heritage. Chengdu is one of the first 24 famous historical and cultural cities in China rated by the State Council and awarded the Best Tourism City in China by World Tourism Organization and China National Tourism Administration. Besides the renowned scenic spots inside the city,

Top 8 Hangzhou – Beautiful city with lake view

Hangzhou was settled as early as 4,700 years ago, thus giving birth to the aurora Liangzhu Civilization. One of the seven ancient capitals and the key scenic tourism and historical culture cities in China, Hangzhou once was applauded as “the most splendid and luxurious city in the world” by Marco Polo, the Italian traveler in the 13th century.

    • West Lake can be regarded as the soul of Hangzhou. There is a poem to describe West Lake like this:

Rippling waters shimmering on a sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded by the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring

    • Lingyin Temple is regarded as the spirit of Hangzhou. It is famous as one of the top ten Buddhist temple in China. Make a wish in the temple and wait the dream come true.

Top 9 Lijiang – famed for UNESCO Heritage Site, Old Town of Lijiang 

If you are looking for a romantic love story, go to Lijiang; if you are tired of the working days, go to Lijiang; if you are planning to know more about Naxi ethnic culture, go to Lijiang. Located at the northwest part of Yunnan Province, Lijiang Old Town is one of the well-preserved ancient towns in China and has enrolled on World Cultural Heritage List in 1997.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – it is a botanist’s paradise, a “kingdom of medicinal materials”.

Lugu Lake – the Last Matriarchal Society.

Yufeng Temple – it is the witness of the peaceful coexistence and syncretism of multinational cultures and religions, and still plays a very important role in acculturation of Naxi Ethnic Group. 

Top 10 Chongqing – China’s Vertical City of Fiery Flavors & Stunning Gorges

Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City” and “City of Gastronomy”, is a dynamic metropolis where towering skyscrapers meet ancient lanes, and fiery hot pot culture blends with breathtaking natural wonders. As one of China’s most popular destinations for Singaporean travelers in 2025, it offers an unrivaled mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, perfectly embodying the vitality of modern China.

Yangtze Three Gorges – A masterpiece of nature, featuring majestic gorges, steep cliffs, and legendary historical sites; a cruise along the Yangtze River is the best way to experience its grandeur.

Hongyadong & Liziba Station – Icons of Chongqing’s unique geography: Hongyadong’s stilted buildings glow like a fairyland at night, while Liziba Station lets trains pass directly through a residential building.

Ciqikou Ancient Town – A 1,000-year-old water town hidden in the mountain city, preserving the authentic charm of old Chongqing with its stone streets, traditional teahouses, and local snacks like spicy tofu pudding.

Those are the top 10 most famous tourist cities in China. Places like Beijing and Shanghai is must-see sites while you are planning your first trip to China

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