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Emma Sky

16 Jun 2025

Top 10 Famous Places in China: Historic Landmarks & Cultural Gems

Are you searching for the best places to visit in China? China is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. However, it is a big country, and travelers struggle to decide where to go. 

This article is a travel guide to uncovering famous places in China. I will highlight the must-visited spots to make your travel adventure more exciting and unforgettable. 


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Famous places to visit in China

China is a massive country with varied geography, sprawling cities, and plenty of frantic energy. If you are traveling to China for the first time, visit the given destination to make your trip more enjoyable. 


1. The Great Wall of China 

The Great Wall of China is a gigantic human-made project. It is one of the best places to visit in China. It extends over 20,000km from the east side of north China to the western desert. It is one of the most ancient places in the world. Different folklore about the wall exists. The Great Wall of China is closer to the capital city of Beijing. You can visit the various parts of the Wall in Beijing. The most nearby areas of Beijing from where you can explore the Great Wall include:


Visitors hike across different wall sections, including Mutianyu, Simatai, and Jiankou. If you are visiting China in autumn, go camping in Jiankou.  


2. Shanghai 

Shanghai is the most beautiful and popular city in China. You must visit to explore the country's growth and advancement. 

The city has a European influence on architecture and culture. There are different places to visit with your family, including national parks and urban spaces. The city's art sceneries, food, and nightlife make travel more adventurous. You should visit the places mentioned while staying in Shanghai.


3. Guilin’s Karst and Li River

Guilinr Karst and Li Rivers is a natural scenery with picturesque valleys and beautiful peaks. For the tourists, there are stunning viewpoints from which to explore the beauty of the karst landscapes of the Li River. The best spots include.  


You can experience natural scenery by taking the bamboo raft from Yangdi Village to Nine Horses Fresco Hill. You can also bike ride along the Youlong River to explore the simple lifestyle of the locals.

There are hiking tracks through the Yangshuo countryside to explore ancient hidden caves and villages. Tourists climb Elephant Trunk Hill to take a stunning view of the mountains and river.


4. Buddha of Leshan 

This is the best place to visit for taking photographs and exploring the religion and culture of China. Buddha of Leshan is 71 meters tall and called Da Fo. You can take the boat to the river in front of this giant for a close view. Other things to explore include temples, pagodas, and pavilions. The area is a famous tourist attraction due to this gigantic masterpiece.   


5. The Forbidden City

Forbidden City is one of the most famous places to visit in China. The city shows the Chinese beliefs. It was made for the specific religious ceremonies and the rituals. Not every individual was allowed to visit the place. If you travel to China during July and August, you can visit the place anytime. However, the city is open to visit from Tuesday to Sunday. The things you must visit at this place include.


6. Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a peaceful tourist destination. West Lake is the most beautiful place in the area. Many ancient places are also worth visiting, including temples, pavilions, stone bridges, bamboo forests, and pagodas. The place is known in China for the plantation of the best tea. 


To explore classic Chinese culture and look, you should not miss visiting Hangzhou. During your visit, you should try China’s best green tea and beggar chicken. Go for a walk to enjoy the scenic views of West Lake and Grand Canal. Lingyin Temple is also considered the best place to visit.    


7. The Terracotta Army

The story of this place is unique, and most tourists want to visit it. The Terracotta Army was made to guard the first emperor of China. The army consists of clay soldiers buried alongside the great emperor to protect him after life. It is one of the most visited places in China. 

There are three pits, the first containing the 6000 soldiers with horses and the battle. In the second one, 1300 terracotta warriors and horses. They are positioned in different roles, such as archers and cavalrymen. The third has a command army that consists of 72 warriors and horses.    


8. Zhangjiajie National Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has towering sandstone pillars, modern glass bridges, and the world’s tallest Bailong Elevator. The park area is 102 square kilometers, and you can’t visit the whole place in one day. You can go hiking through Golden Whip Brook and take a stunning view of simple village life. These are the most common tourist attractions around Zhangjiajie National Park.


9. Lijiang

Lijiang is an ancient town in China with a major cultural impact. It is located in the Yunnan province and is known by tourists for its preservation. What makes this place unique is the canal running through it. 

The architecture is usually made of wood. You can visit this place throughout the year. Pu-er tea is the famous tea to try, and you can enjoy the Naxi food. You can see the dance of the Naxi group in the town squares.    


10. Blue Moon Valley 

Blue Moon Valley is the most beautiful place to visit in China. You will experience peace and stunning natural views. In the valley, there is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which has beautiful lakes.  


Stay Connected with eSIM to Explore China

There are unique and iconic things to explore in China. However, one thing that you should not compromise while traveling is the connectivity. You may need a convenient internet connection to be connected with your family and friends and to search for places. 

To avoid connectivity issues, you should use an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded into devices by manufacturers. To activate your eSIM, you just need to buy an eSIM plan. 

Choose an eSIM provider like the eSIM Card. eSIM Card offers eSIM plans for 200+ countries, including China. Visit the eSIM Card website to buy a China eSIM. It will help you connect with a flexible internet connection worldwide. If you're wondering Does eSIM work in China?, the answer is yes, it’s a seamless way to stay online. For travelers visiting multiple destinations, consider the Best China-Japan-South Korea Travel eSIM for uninterrupted coverage.


Conclusion 

Are you looking for the best places to visit in China? In this article, I mentioned the top ten tourist attractions. China has a rich history, iconic landscape, and unique culture. The top places to visit in China include the Great Wall of China, Blue Moon Valley, Lijiang Town,  and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 

To stay connected throughout your travel to China, you should buy an eSIM. Embedded SIMs allow the user to connect worldwide. 


FAQs 

What is the most beautiful place in China?

The most beautiful places in China include Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Kanas, Xinjiang, The Bund, and the Steppes of Inner Mongolia.

Is China expensive to visit from the USA?

The expenses depend on the time of year you are traveling. If you are traveling during the peak season, it may be expensive. The general cost of traveling ranges from $1000 to $5000.

Is China friendly to tourists?

China is friendly to tourists. However, you should avoid traveling to China during political and cultural issues. Chinese authorities enforce public security.

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