Are you planning your first trip to China but don’t know where to start in such a vast and diverse country? This blog post is about the top tourist attractions of China, also known as AAAAA-rated China attractions.
I’ve lived and traveled through China for over a year, and now I’m here to share with you the best tourist attractions you can’t miss if you visit China for the first time!
Here, you’ll find the most popular sites, like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, but also some that are less renowned among Western tourists but equally worthy of a visit, like the ancient water town of Fenghuang and the massive stone Buddha in Leshan.
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What Do We Mean with 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, the capital, Beijing, definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. As the capital, it hosts numerous 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 scenic spots, like the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, as well as immense futuristic skyscrapers and lively night markets. If you want to discover China, Beijing is the perfect place to start!
1. Forbidden City
Even though the Forbidden City (紫禁城, Zǐjìnchéng) 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, along with 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 of the sites 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 (颐和园, Yíhéyuán) is one of my favorite tourist attractions in Beijing. I love how the natural surroundings blend with the red Chinese-style buildings, creating the most charming setting to take good pictures.
The buildings are adorned in the traditional Chinese color palette of red, golden, yellow, green, and blue. Be sure not to miss the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿, Rénshòudiàn) and Suzhou Street (苏州街, Sūzhōujiē).

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.
Visit the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace with a local guide. Guides will make your visit much more interesting.
3. Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán) 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 predominant colors, mainly blue and white, enhance the symbolic atmosphere of the site. 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 (八达岭, Bādálǐng) and Mutianyu (慕田峪, Mùtiányù) 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 June 2018, 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.
Discover some of the fantastic activities and things to see in Beijing by GetYourGuide.com
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.
Shanghai is known for its iconic skyline, which you have seen in many pictures. It is home to architectural masterpieces like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, which offer the best city views at night.

Yet, despite modernity, traditional neighborhoods like Yuyuan Street still thrive. They feature vibrant streets and some of the best Chinese cuisine.
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 that illuminates 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.
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long lines.
Discover some of the amazing activities and things to see in Shanghai by GetYourGuide.com
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 largest city walls.

Visitors can walk or cycle along the top of the wall, enjoying panoramic views of Xi’an and its modern surroundings.
The area within the city walls is lively in the evening. Sunset is the best time to visit the City Walls!
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.
Discover some of the amazing activities and things to see in Shanghai by GetYourGuide.com
8. Luoyang & Longmen Caves
One of the four Ancient capitals of China for multiple dynasties, Luoyang is home to the Longmen Caves (龙门石窟; Lóngmén Shíkū), 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 living in China.
It 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 (张家界; zhāng jiā jiè). 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.
Hopefully, this small list of the top attractions in China helped you clarify your goals for this beautiful country. China is huge, with many more interesting sights to discover. However, as a first-time visitor, there are some places that you can’t miss.
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This blog post was all about 11 AAAAA China tourist attractions.
DISCLAIMER: The suggestions and the information in this article are purely based on my experiences during my trips and are meant to provide inspiration and guidance for your adventure. All instructions mentioned reflect my personal experiences at the time of writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the details before your trip to ensure accuracy. All opinions and recommendations shared here are entirely my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
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