Describing the sights of China is akin to opening an encyclopedia. This vast country boasts an abundance of captivating places for tourists to explore, and it's almost a disservice to mention only a shortlist. China's attractions encompass museums and temples representing various religions and denominations, entire streets, cities, neighborhoods, natural parks, mountains, bays, rivers, deserts, uniquely shaped gorges and cliffs, temples perched on cliffs, and futuristic-looking bridges.
Choosing which sights to include in your China trip is a personal decision, and tripmydream can assist you. We've compiled a concise list of China's top attractions to help you make your selection.
The Great Wall of China is one of China's oldest architectural marvels and a symbol of the country's formidable civilization. It's likely that there isn't a single person in the world unfamiliar with the Wall.
Mount Everest, standing at an impressive 8,848 meters, is a dream destination for nearly every mountaineer. There are dedicated tours available for those eager to conquer this remarkable peak.
The Potala Palace of Lhasa claims the title of the world's highest palace complex. Its name, Potala, is derived from the mountain on which it perches. Legend has it that this mountain, called Puto, was where Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, considered the embodiment of great compassion in Buddhism, first appeared.
The Forbidden City of Gugong (Beijing) is the largest palace complex globally and once served as the residence for twenty-four influential rulers from the Ming and Qing dynasties of the Celestial Empire.
The Ruins of St. Paul in Macau feature only the crypt and facade, yet their silhouette remains an iconic symbol of the city.
The Terracotta Army in Xi'an derives its name from the material used to create it. Comprising over 7,000 soldiers, it is steeped in legends and superstitions.
Tiananmen Square in Beijing is home to numerous landmarks that embody the rich history and culture of the Chinese people.
Shaolin, the legendary Buddhist temple in Dengfeng, has a history dating back to the late fifth century and will continue to endure for generations.
Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong bears the palm prints of many renowned figures, including Asian movie stars, directors, and film producers.
Bishushushanzhuang, known as the "Mountain Refuge from the Summer Heat," served as the summer residence for Chinese emperors of the Qing Dynasty. It is situated in Chengde city, Hebei province, just a three-hour journey from Beijing.
The Big Buddha in Hong Kong, situated on Lantau Island, stands at a height of 34 meters, and visitors must climb 268 steps to reach the top.
Sheshan Mountain (She), a highland near Shanghai, is renowned for its natural beauty, landscapes, and colorful sites. Tourists are drawn to its magnificent mountains, dense bamboo forests, and impressive structures atop the peak.
The Zhujiajiao Water City in Shanghai is located by Dianshanhu Lake, approximately fifty kilometers from the city center.
Baiyun Mountain, also known as "White Cloud Mountain," is located 15 kilometers from Guangzhou. For over a thousand years, it has captivated Chinese nobility with its sky-piercing peaks.
Gongwangfu, or Prince Gong's Palace, is a palace and park complex in Beijing's Xicheng district, listed on China's National Cultural Heritage Register. Today, it houses the Prince's Palace Theater and Museum.
Dao Heavenly Grottoes Park, located approximately 50 kilometers from Sanya, at the foot of South Mountain, covers an area of 23 square kilometers. It was established as early as 1187 during the Song Dynasty.
The Summer Imperial Palace in Beijing is among China's most enchanting palace and park complexes, often referred to as the Garden of Peace and Harmony.
Lingyinxi, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in China, is situated in Guangzhou. The temple's origins trace back to the early fourth century, and it continues to hold immense significance and reverence after a millennium.
The Mausoleum of King Nanyue stands as a testament to the ancient Chinese state's power. King Zhaomei, who passed away in the 2nd century BC, is interred within this mausoleum.
Huaisheng Mosque stands as a symbol of Guangzhou's diverse ethnicity and religious diversity, also known as the Tower of Light due to its minaret.
Mukden Palace served as the residence of the first emperors of the Manchu dynasty, Nurhaci and Abahai, in Shenyang. Its construction took place from 1625 to 1631.
The National Tea Museum, established in 1991 in Guangzhou, stands as the sole museum in China dedicated to tea culture. The museum's meticulously curated collection showcases the evolution of tea culture.
Nanwan Monkey Island in Sanya, located south of Lingshui County, serves as the only natural island-type tropical reserve for macaques, a species protected by the state in China.
Pirates Island in Sanya, despite its modest size, boasts a remarkable diversity of flora. This includes over 2,700 species of plants, featuring exotic flowers and trees such as the dragon tree (dracaena).
Shamian Island offers a glimpse of Guangzhou during the colonial era. The island features predominantly non-Chinese architecture, characterized by white stone mansions adorned with stucco and French windows.
Longhua Pagoda in Shanghai is a stunning ancient religious structure. For many decades, access to the octagonal-shaped pagoda was restricted.
Beijing Pedestrian Street in Guangzhou is a must-visit location. It is one of the city's oldest streets, evident from the preserved glass-covered remnants of 700-year-old paving stones.
The Cane Flute Cave is situated in Guilin. This incredibly beautiful and spiritually enriching place leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Er Wang Dong Cave is located in Wulong County in China's Chongqing Province. The cave system was discovered by a team of 15 speleologists who spent a month exploring this subterranean world.
The Underwater Hotel is situated in a resort area about 30 kilometers from Shanghai. This unique hotel complex is a large-scale construction within an artificially created high canyon filled with pristine water.
Orchid Garden in Guangzhou is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. It houses over a hundred species of orchids across an expansive 8-hectare area.
Xuankong is a temple that clings to the steep cliffs of Hengshan, at an elevation of 30-50 meters. To reach Xuankong in Shanxi Province, you can take special tourist buses from Datong (approximately 70 kilometers away) and Changsha (about 110 kilometers away).
Fort Gui in Macau is situated at the highest point in the area, atop a mountain overlooking the city. This strategic location was chosen to defend against the Dutch invasion that began in 1622, along with the neighboring Mountain Fort.
The French Quarter in Shanghai is the most unique and romantic neighborhood located between Julu Rd. and Huaihai Street. This part of the city was exclusively settled by the French, forming a French concession, from 1849 to 1946.
The A-Ma Temple in Macau predates the city itself. It was constructed near the sea, in what was once known as the "harbor of the goddess A-Ma," and was utilized by local fishermen and seafarers long before the city's establishment.
The Great Bell Temple is situated in the northwestern part of Beijing. The temple was constructed in 1733 during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty.
Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong is named after a shepherd who possessed the gift of healing. The temple is a red pagoda adorned with wood and gilding.
Guangxiao Temple was constructed before the founding of Guangzhou itself. The temple boasts a documented history spanning over 1,700 years, during which it served as the preaching grounds for many of the country's revered Buddhist teachers.
Confucius Temple in Shanghai (Shanghai Wenmiao) is located at the eastern gate of Shanghai. It was built in 1294 to commemorate the city's transformation from a fishing village during the Yuan Dynasty, resembling the Great Temple in Beijing.
Nanshan Temple ("South Mountain Temple") in Sanya is the largest Buddhist shrine built since the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing played a significant role in ancient China. The emperor was regarded as a messenger of the heavens, and an annual ceremonial prayer on the winter solstice took place in one of China's most architecturally magnificent temples.
The Temple of the Five Spirits in Guangzhou serves as an architectural reminder of the city's legendary origins. Legend has it that five spirits descended to earth at this location in the Middle Kingdom, each riding a goat with a stalk of rice in its mouth.
The Temple of Six Banyan Trees is one of the major religious attractions in Guangzhou. Tourists are often drawn to the graceful octagonal Hua-Ta Flower Pagoda that towers above the temple.
Seminary of St. Joseph in Macau was established in 1728 by the Jesuit order as a Jesuit college. A building for it was constructed simultaneously, and the St. Joseph's Church building attached to the seminary was built a little later, in 1758.
St. Lawrence Church is one of the three oldest churches in Macau. St. Lawrence, a patron saint of sailors and maritime trade in Catholicism, holds significance in Macau due to its history as an overseas colony of Portugal with a substantial population of sailors and their families.
Zhangjiajie, a famous natural park and a symbol of China, consistently attracts travelers from around the world with its unique flora and fauna, breathtaking scenery, and rich history.
Shanghai Zoo ranks as one of China's top ten and is the second largest zoo in the country. It hosts over six hundred species of animals from various parts of the world.
Yuanmingyuan Imperial Palace, known as the "Gardens of Perfect Clarity" or Old Summer Palace, is located in Beijing. Yuanmingyuan once served as the country residence of Chinese rulers.
Yunhegong is one of the most famous and beautiful Buddhist monasteries in China. Yunhegong means Lamaist temple, reflecting its religious significance.
Pingyao is an ancient city founded in the ninth century B.C. It adopted its modern architectural appearance more than seven hundred years ago and has remained unchanged since then. It features a fully preserved city wall surrounding the old Pingyao, numerous temples, palaces, and pagodas. The old town's quarters are filled with traditional Chinese houses, totaling around 4000 in number.
The summer residence of the Qing emperors, Bi Shu Shang Zhuang, is located near the city of Chengde. It stands as the largest surviving imperial park, with construction commencing in 1773 and spanning 87 years.
