Planning your first trip to China but feeling overwhelmed by the size and diversity of this amazing country? I get it! Where do you even begin?! Well, you’re in the right place.
I spent over a year living and traveling throughout China, exploring everything from mega-cities to ancient villages. And now, I’m here to share the must-see spots for first-time visitors: some of my favorite AAAAA-rated tourist attractions of China.
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Landmarks like Beijing’s Forbidden City and Summer Palace, of course. But I’ll also let you in on some gems that may be less renowned to foreign travelers – places like Fenghuang’s enchanting ancient water town and the massive Leshan Buddha.
Ready? Here are some of the absolute must-sees for your first trip to China.
Quick Recommendations for First-Timers
What Do We Mean by AAAAA Tourist Attractions?
Easy! The Chinese National Tourism Administration has developed a system for rating all tourist attractions in China. Those awarded the AAAAA designation are considered among the best in the country, not only for their uniqueness but also for factors like site cleanliness, transportation links, and the overall visitor experience.
Tourist Attractions in Beijing
If you’re planning your first trip to China, Beijing definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. As the nation’s capital, it’s home to many AAAAA-rated tourist attractions and historical sites that narrate China’s story from the First Empire to modern times. Additionally, it is a hub where modern trends emerge among the youngest generation.
Here, you’ll encounter some of China’s most renowned historical sights, like the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, as well as immense futuristic skyscrapers and lively night markets.
1. Forbidden City
Even though the Forbidden City isn’t my favorite attraction in Beijing, it’s an absolute must-see if you’re visiting China for the first time. You have to experience the opulence of what was once the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
As probably the most popular spot in Beijing, the Forbidden City attracts many visitors, primarily Chinese tourists and some international travelers.
This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises over 8,000 rooms, featuring intricately decorated gates and expansive internal courtyards.
For first-time visitors, explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest site where emperors once held court, and the Imperial Garden. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot to cover, and visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
2. Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is one of my favorite tourist attractions in Beijing. I love how the natural surroundings blend with the red Chinese-style buildings, creating a charming setting for taking pictures.
The buildings are painted in the traditional Chinese color palette of red, golden, yellow, green, and blue. Be sure not to miss the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity and Suzhou Street.
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the grounds to appreciate the Summer Palace. This will give you ample time to discover less crowded spots.
Consider renting a boat on Kunming Lake to see the palace from a different perspective. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
3. Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is one of my favorite temples in China, if not my absolute favorite. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it was a sacred site where Chinese emperors conducted rituals and prayed for good harvests.
The complex is renowned for its circular structures, which symbolize heaven, and square bases, which represent the earth. These structures reflect ancient Chinese cosmological beliefs.
The site’s predominant colors, mainly blue and white, enhance its symbolic atmosphere. My absolute dream has always been to visit the Temple of Heaven at sunrise without the hordes of tourists.
When visiting, don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the fascinating Echo Wall, where you can experience the unique acoustics that allow whispers to travel along its length (even if I tried and it didn’t work).
To truly appreciate the Temple of Heaven, plan your visit early in the morning when locals meet for tai chi and other exercises. This is a perfect time to enjoy the park and capture unforgettable photos.
4. Great Wall of China – Badaling & Mutianyu Sections
The Great Wall of China hardly needs an introduction; it’s undoubtedly one of China’s most renowned AAAAA-rated attractions. Among its many sections, Badaling and Mutianyu are considered the best preserved.
Each section of the Great Wall offers unique features, primarily in the diverse surrounding landscapes and scenic views. I’ve often heard of avoiding the Badaling section, as it’s the most frequented by domestic tourists.
I visited Mutianyu in early 2019, and it was perfect. It wasn’t overly touristy or crowded, and we even had the chance to slide down the Great Wall!
In 2024, I explored the Juyongguan section. It was pretty steep to climb, and hardly anyone was around, making it ideal for capturing great photos, though not the best choice if you’re not in shape.
Based on my personal experience, I would still recommend the Mutianyu section for its balance of accessibility and views.
Tourist Attractions in Shanghai
If you’re visiting China and want to experience the energy of a never-sleeping Asian city, Shanghai is the place to be.
You’ve probably seen countless photos of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, dominated by the striking Oriental Pearl Tower and the soaring Shanghai Tower. But seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. And trust me, you won’t want to miss those city views at night!
But Shanghai’s not all about modern skyscrapers. Traditional neighborhoods like Yuyuan Garden and Laoximen are still some of the city’s most fascinating areas. Here, you can easily imagine life in ancient China. Plus, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food around!
While Shanghai may not host many AAAAA tourist attractions, it remains one of my favorite cities in China. It’s the perfect destination to discover how the new and modern way of life mixes with ancient traditions in those tiny Shikumen-style alleys.
5. The Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai is a striking landmark. At 468 meters, it features distinctive spherical pods and a shiny display illuminating the Shanghai night sky.
Guests can visit the observation decks, which feature glass floors and offer breathtaking views of the city as it comes to life in the evenings.
For the best experience, consider dining at the revolving restaurant. Additionally, a museum at the tower’s base offers insights into Shanghai’s cultural evolution.
If you’re in the city, it’s worth a visit! To make the most of your trip, consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the sunset and watch as the city transforms under the glow of the tower’s lights.
Tourist Attractions in Xi’an
Xi’an holds a special place in my heart because it’s the city where I’ve lived in China.
Xi’an is the central city in northern China’s Shaanxi province, and you can’t miss it if you’re traveling to China for the first time. It’s a tiny city compared to its much shinier and busier neighbors.
However, as the ancient capital and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an hosts remarkable historical sites, including the famous Terracotta Army and the ancient city wall.
6. The Heart of Xi’an: The City Wall
Xi’an’s city wall is a magnificent ancient structure around the city’s heart. The most interesting things to see in Xi’an are all located within or just outside this massive stone structure.
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, the Xi’an City Wall is one of China’s best-preserved and most extensive city walls.
Visitors can walk or cycle along the top of the wall, enjoying panoramic views of Xi’an and its modern surroundings.
7. Terracotta Army
Only one hour from Xi’an, you’ll find one of the most iconic landmarks in China.
The Terracotta Army is an extraordinary archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
What impressed me the most was how uniquely detailed each figure was—they were all so different!
The site includes three main pits where these statues are displayed, and ongoing excavations reveal more of this vast burial complex.
8. Luoyang & Longmen Caves
One of the four Ancient capitals of China for multiple dynasties, Luoyang is home to the Longmen Caves, a vast complex of Buddhist cave temples carved into the cliffs along the Yi River.
I visited these caves in 2019, and I recall how perfectly the Buddhas are engraved in the stone, as if they have always been part of the stone complex.
No wonder this is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art.
Spicy Cuisine and Scenic Landscapes in the Sichuan Province
Located in southwestern China, Sichuan province is renowned for its spicy cuisine (and if you’ve been there, you know how spicy it is).
The province is also famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the amazing Jiuzhaigou Valley and the Mount Emei scenic area.
Sichuan is home to the giant panda, and one of its most renowned Research Bases is in Chengdu.
Rich in cultural heritage, it offers fascinating historical sites and the most untouched nature, making it one of the most intriguing regions to discover.
9. Buddha of Leshan
The giant Buddha in Leshan is one of the most impressive sculptures I’ve seen while living in China. If you’re staying in Chengdu, you need to organize a day trip to Leshan. It’s so close that it would be a shame to miss such a sight!
The Leshan Giant Buddha is the highest stone Buddha in the world and one of the most relevant examples of ancient Chinese sculpture.
The statue of Maitreya Buddha, constructed during the Tang Dynasty, overlooks the confluence of three rivers. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you like Buddhas, you’ll be happy to know that this sculpture is part of a larger complex where you can discover other massive Buddhas.
Hunan Province: Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang
10. Nature’s Paradise in Zhangjiajie & Tianmen Mountain
If there’s a place I will not miss on my next trip, it is the Zhangjiajie National Park. China is well-known for being home to some of the highest peaks in the world. However, nothing quite like Zhangjiajie.
Since the first pictures I saw, I’ve been highly impressed by the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating Mountains in the film Avatar.
The park features dramatic cliffs and green forests, creating a scenery that seems part of another world.
Highlights include the Glass Bridge, one of the world’s longest and highest glass bridges, and the Tianmen Mountain, known for its “Heaven’s Gate” arch and thrilling cable car rides.
11. Ancient Beauty in Fenghuang
Fenghuang, also known as Phoenix Ancient Town, is located along the Tuo River and is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture.
Wooden stilt houses, ancient city walls, and charming cobblestone streets make it one of China’s most peculiar tourist attractions.
The town’s layout reflects its rich cultural heritage, blending Han and Miao minority influences.
You can explore vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and local cuisine here while enjoying peaceful river views and the surrounding mountains.
Okay, so that’s just a tiny taste of what China has to offer! Hopefully, this list of top attractions helps you get started. China is a huge country, so there’s so much more to see, but these are some of the can’t-miss spots for first-timers.
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