China for every kind of traveller

Whether you're drawn to cutting-edge technology, centuries of history, spectacular scenery or unforgettable food, the Chinese Mainland offers a remarkable variety of experiences. And with visa-free access now available to visitors from a growing number of countries, we've rounded up the destinations that do each of these things best.  

For more tips and information, check out our complete guide on travelling to the Chinese Mainland – it answers all your frequently asked questions about visiting, such as how to pay, useful apps to download, visa requirements and other considerations. 

Hangzhou

Best Chinese city for: arts and architecture  

Hangzhou is the classic Chinese cityscape – complete with pagodas, willow trees and the magical stone walkway across West Lake – attracting generations of visitors, especially artists. In recent years, the city has become a breeding ground for fresh architectural achievements such as the Greenland Hangzhou Century Center and exciting creations at the city’s university campuses. If you can, make time to visit the breathtaking buildings and museums of the China Academy of Art. 

Shenzhen 

Best Chinese city for: technology 

Less than 50 years old and home to nearly 20 million people, Shenzhen is well-planned, full of green spaces and welcoming to visitors. Shenzhen is the nerve centre of China's technology sector, where cutting-edge infrastructure and smart city innovations are visible in daily urban life. You'll see electric vehicles, drone delivery services, and next-generation mobile 5G technology woven into neighbourhoods like Nanshan. 

Shanghai

Best for: luxury shopping 

Shanghai remains the country’s undisputed commercial powerhouse. It’s a shopper’s delight, with every brand you’ve ever heard of, and many more you haven’t. West Nanjing Road is the ultimate luxury strip, lined with high-end designer flagships and massive upscale malls like HKRI Taikoo Hui, while the former French Concession offers some of the city’s best local and independent boutique shopping.

Pingyao 

Best for: history 

Step back into ancient Chinese history in Pingyao, a rare intact survival from the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th to the 20th centuries), whose grey brick courtyards were made famous by the 1991 Zhang Yimou film Raise the Red Lantern. Pingyao's 6-kilometre-long city wall, constructed in 1370, is among the best-preserved Ming dynasty walls in China, offering visitors insight into the urban design of historical Beijing, Tianjin and other regional capitals. The city’s role in shaping China’s early banking system adds another layer of interest for visitors, as Pingyao was a key financial centre during the Qing dynasty – visit the Rishengchang Draft Bank for a look inside what is often described as China’s first financial institution.  

Chengdu  

Best Chinese city for: food 

The Chinese Mainland’s most famous food capital is just a short flight away. Start your visit with a local hotpot to experience authentic Sichuanese flavour at its spicy best. Chengdu has a huge variety of local “fly restaurants” (unpretentious eateries so popular they’re buzzing with customers) and street-food snacks to choose from, especially in neighbourhoods like Yulin and on Jinli Pedestrian Street. Take some time to chill out in People’s Park, where you can drink tea and soak up the city’s laid-back atmosphere at Heming Teahouse.  

Yangshuo 

Best for: family holidays 

Besides its stunning scenery of limestone peaks and green rice fields, Yangshuo also has a well-developed infrastructure that caters to visitors travelling with children. It’s an easy train ride from Hong Kong or Guangzhou, has dozens of family-friendly resorts, and is easy to navigate for international visitors – with plenty of bilingual signs, menus and international payment options. Family-friendly outdoor activities include river rafting, countryside biking and illuminated cave tours.  

Urumqi 

Best for: exploring the outdoors 

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the country’s great Silk Road wilderness, with a unique range of mountain, grassland and desert landscapes ideal for hiking and camping. Close to Urumqi is the three- to five-day Bogda Peak trek, which passes glaciers and alpine lakes. In the north of the region, you can walk through taiga forests from Kanas Lake to Hemu Village, while in the far west the seven-day Wusun Ancient Road takes you across the Tianshan Mountains. There are also plenty of shorter treks around Heavenly Lake and the pastures of Kalajun. 

Fenghuang 

Best for: culture 

This small, picturesque river town produced two beloved giants of 20th-century Chinese culture: writer Shen Congwen and artist Huang Yongyu. Bring a copy of Shen Congwen’s Border Town to get a sense of this mountain region’s traditional lifestyle and mix of minority cultures. You can visit the home where Shen grew up and marvel at Huang Yongyu’s paintings at the Longevity Palace art museum. See if you can discern Huang’s Tujia roots in his paintings after visiting the nearby Tujia town of Furongzhen, the setting for the famous novel and film of the same name. 

Chongqing 

Best for: partying 

Chongqing has become the nightlife capital of the Chinese Mainland. Jiumojiu Street (Nine Street) is the primary nightlife hub for young locals, featuring EDM clubs and buzzing bars, but there are high-energy districts across the city. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, try the more upscale riverside terraces on Nanbin Road, with illuminated views of the skyline and the Yangtze River.  

Qingdao 

Best for: setting sail  

Besides being the home of China’s most famous brewery, Qingdao is also known as the country’s sailing city – with world-class Olympic infrastructure, two great marinas and favourable coastal wind and water conditions. Head to the Yinhai International Yacht Club or the Qingdao International Sailing Centre for yacht rentals or other water sports. Back on shore, visit Lovers Dam for scenic views or the International Sailing Club (QISC) for a cocktail on the veranda.