Top 10 Things to Do in China for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Quick Answer: The top 10 things to do in China for a first visit are: walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, explore the Forbidden City, face the Terracotta Warriors, cuddle pandas in Chengdu, drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft, gaze at Shanghai’s skyline from the Bund, hike Zhangjiajie’s floating peaks, cycle around West Lake in Hangzhou, wander Beijing’s hutongs and Temple of Heaven, and get lost in Suzhou’s classical gardens.

China is vast, ancient, and dizzyingly modern all at once. For a first-timer, the sheer number of choices can feel overwhelming. This guide distills the country into 10 unforgettable experiences that balance iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and local life—all chosen to work smoothly on a 10–14 day itinerary.

1. Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu

The Great Wall is the ultimate China bucket-list item. While Badaling is the most famous section, locals and savvy travelers head to Mutianyu, about 70km north of Beijing. It’s fully restored, dramatically scenic, and far less crowded. You can hike between watchtowers, take a cable car up, and—best of all—ride a toboggan slide down. The surrounding forest turns brilliant red and gold in autumn, making October an especially photogenic month.

Practical tip: Book a private transfer or take the 916 Express bus from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then a local taxi. Entry costs around 40–60 RMB depending on the season, plus cable car/toboggan fees. Avoid Chinese public holidays (especially the first week of October) when even Mutianyu gets packed.

2. Step into the Forbidden City

No first trip to China is complete without walking through the massive vermilion gates of the Forbidden City in Beijing. This 600-year-old palace complex was home to 24 emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plan at least 3–4 hours to wander the central axis from the Meridian Gate to the Imperial Garden, then detour into the quieter eastern and western palaces.

Local insight: Tickets must be booked online in advance—there are no on-site sales. Use the official “故宫博物院” WeChat mini-program (Chinese only) or ask your hotel concierge to help. Entry is capped at 80,000 visitors per day, and slots fill up fast. Bring your passport; you’ll need it to enter.

3. Face the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

Standing before row after row of life-sized clay soldiers is a humbling experience. The Terracotta Army, buried with China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang, was discovered by farmers in 1974. The site is in Xi’an, a city that also boasts a well-preserved ancient city wall you can cycle on.

How to visit: Fly or take a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5 hours from Beijing). The museum is 40km east of the city; bus 306 (also called Tour Bus 5) runs from Xi’an Railway Station. Hire an official guide at the ticket hall (around 200 RMB) to get the most out of the history. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays when the pits become shoulder-to-shoulder.

4. Cuddle Pandas in Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is the panda capital of the world. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding lets you see pandas of all ages—from tiny pink newborns in the nursery to lumbering adults munching bamboo. For an even more intimate experience, volunteer programs at Dujiangyan Panda Base allow you to clean enclosures and prepare food (book months ahead).

Timing matters: Pandas are most active in the morning, especially during feeding time (8:00–10:00 am). Arrive when the gates open. Afterward, dive into Chengdu’s famous food scene—hot pot and mapo tofu are must-eats.

5. Drift Down the Li River on a Bamboo Raft

The karst peaks of Yangshuo and Guilin look like something from a Chinese scroll painting. The classic way to experience them is on a bamboo raft drifting down the Li River. Locals recommend the stretch from Yangdi to Nine Horse Fresco Hill, a 40–60 minute float past towering limestone pinnacles, water buffalo, and riverside villages. It’s serene, especially in the early morning mist.

Practicalities: Yangshuo is reached via Guilin (high-speed train from major cities). Rafts are motorized now, but still low to the water. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and negotiate the price before boarding (expect 150–250 RMB per person). Combine this with cycling through the countryside and a sunset climb up Xianggong Hill.

6. Gaze at Shanghai’s Skyline from the Bund

Shanghai is China’s futuristic face. The best way to take it in is from the Bund, the historic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. On one side, colonial-era buildings; on the other, the neon-lit skyscrapers of Pudong, including the twisting Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Local habit: Go at dusk to see the skyline transition from day to night. Then cross the river via the sightseeing tunnel or a cheap ferry (2 RMB) to Pudong. Head up the Shanghai Tower (the world’s second-tallest building) for a bird’s-eye view. Book tickets online to skip the queue.

7. Wander Through Zhangjiajie’s Floating Peaks

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. The park is a maze of quartz-sandstone pillars, glass skywalks, and misty valleys. The Bailong Elevator, built into a cliff, whisks you up 326 meters in under two minutes.

Planning advice: The park is huge—allow at least two full days. Stay in Wulingyuan town at the park’s east gate. Use the free internal shuttle buses to move between scenic areas. The glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a separate ticket and often crowded; go early or skip it if you’re short on time.

8. Cycle Around West Lake in Hangzhou

Hangzhou’s West Lake has been celebrated by poets and painters for centuries. The 15km loop around the lake is flat, shaded by willow trees, and dotted with pagodas, temples, and tea houses. Renting a bike is the best way to explore—shared bikes (HelloBike, Meituan) are everywhere and cost a few RMB per hour.

Don’t miss: Leifeng Pagoda for a panoramic lake view, a boat ride to the island of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and a cup of Longjing tea at a lakeside tea house. Spring (March–April) brings cherry blossoms; autumn delivers golden ginkgo leaves.

9. Discover Beijing’s Hutongs and Temple of Heaven

Beyond the grand monuments, Beijing’s soul lives in its hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. Nanluoguxiang is the most famous, but for a quieter experience, wander the hutongs around the Drum and Bell Towers. In the morning, join locals practicing tai chi, playing chess, or walking caged birds in the Temple of Heaven park.

Local insight: The Temple of Heaven isn’t just a sight—it’s a living community space. Go before 9am to see the morning rituals. Entry to the park is cheap (15 RMB), but the inner halls require a through ticket (34 RMB).

10. Get Lost in Suzhou’s Classical Gardens

Just 30 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, Suzhou is a city of canals, silk, and exquisite classical gardens. The Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Lingering Garden are UNESCO-listed masterpieces of rock, water, and pavilion design. They’re at their best in spring when wisteria and peonies bloom.

Crowd-beating tip: Visit on a weekday and arrive right at opening time (7:30 am). The gardens are small and can feel claustrophobic when tour groups pour in. Afterward, stroll along Pingjiang Road, a canal-side street lined with tea houses and silk shops.

Essential Travel Apps for China

To navigate these sights smoothly, you’ll need a few key apps on your phone. China’s digital ecosystem is unique—cash is rarely used, and many Western apps are blocked. At minimum, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments, download a VPN before you arrive, and install a map app like Baidu Maps or Apple Maps (which works with a foreign SIM).

Tripilot Planning Tip

Planning a multi-city China trip that covers these top sights can be overwhelming—coordinating flights, trains, hotels, and attraction tickets across different booking platforms. Tripilot can build a personalized itinerary that fits your travel dates and interests, handle flight and hotel bookings in one click, and even set up an eSIM so you’re connected from the moment you land. That way, you spend less time planning and more time walking the Great Wall or drifting down the Li River.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit China for a first trip?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather across the country. Avoid the first week of October (National Day) and Chinese New Year (late January/February) when attractions are extremely crowded and transport is booked solid.

Do I need a visa for China?
Most foreign visitors need a tourist visa (L visa) obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Some nationalities qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free policies in certain cities. Always check with your local Chinese embassy for the latest requirements, as rules can change.

How many days do I need to see the top sights?
A 12–14 day itinerary can comfortably cover Beijing (3–4 days), Xi’an (2 days), Chengdu (2 days), Guilin/Yangshuo (2 days), and Shanghai/Suzhou/Hangzhou (3–4 days). Internal high-speed trains make connections fast and efficient.

Is it safe to travel in China?
China is generally very safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates. Common issues are petty scams (tea house scams, overpriced taxis) and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and keep valuables secure.

What apps do I need in China?
Essential apps include Alipay or WeChat Pay (for payments), a VPN (to access blocked sites), a map app (Baidu Maps or Apple Maps), and a translation app (Pleco or Google Translate with offline Chinese). For a comprehensive list, refer to Trip.com’s China travel app guide.