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The Best
Chinese Cities
in 2024?
Before You Go
China, located in East Asia, is the world's third-largest country by land area and one of the four ancient civilizations, with over five thousand years of history. It boasts abundant natural resources, including mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, grasslands, and caves, along with numerous famous historical sites and cultural landmarks. Before you embark on your journey, here is the ultimate travel guide to ensure an unforgettable adventure in this fascinating country. Listen up, challenger!
Visit China without a Visa?
Starting November 17, 2023, China has extended its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 54 countries (Listed below)whose citizens can enjoy this benefit in 23 Chinese cities when transiting to a third country or region. During the visa-free period, travellers can move within designated areas. For longer stays, consider applying for a residence permit. Visa applications typically require biometric data and can be done in person or online, depending on age. Visit the China Visa Application Centre for more details.
《 Foreign nationals from the 54 countries below are eligible for visa-free transit》
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Europe Schengen Area (25): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
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Non-Schengen Europe Area (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.
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Americas (6): the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
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Oceania (2): Australia and New Zealand.
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Asia (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
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Beijing (Capital International Airport, West Railway Station): Stay within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.
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Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao Airports, Shanghai Railway Station, International Cruise Terminals): Stay within Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
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Shenyang and Dalian (Taoxian and Zhoushuizi Airports): Stay within Liaoning.
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Chengdu (Shuangliu Airport): Stay within Chengdu, Leshan, and other nearby cities.
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Kunming (Changshui Airport): Stay within Kunming.
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Qingdao (Qingdao Airport and Sea Port): Stay within Shandong.
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Xiamen (Gaoqi Airport and Sea Port): Stay within Xiamen.
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Wuhan (Tianhe Airport): Stay within Wuhan.
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Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport), Shenzhen (Bao'an Airport), Jieyang (Chaoshan Airport): Stay within Guangdong.
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Chongqing (Jiangbei Airport): Stay within Chongqing.
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Xi'an (Xianyang Airport): Stay within Xi'an and Xianyang.
《Documents needed》
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A valid passport
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An onward ticket to a third country with a confirmed seat and dates.
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A visa for the country you intend to travel to (is applicable).
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Completed arrival and departure cards.
Full Info at VisainChina
《 The eligible cities and entry points include》
Where to go?
This Country boasts abundant natural resources, including mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, and grasslands. China is renowned for its numerous historical sites and cultural landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, the West Lake in Hangzhou, and Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin. These attractions highlight China's diverse and rich heritage, making it a fascinating destination for travellers. However, China has more to offer!
Get packed! Time to step onto this mysterious land!
7. 上海Shanghai
No journey to China is complete without a trip to Shanghai. This beautiful city is one of China's largest and is based around one of its oldest and most important ports. The Pudong area shown above is recognisable to many due to its appearance in cinema over the years and is one of the most visited tourist hotspots in the country. There are many bars and restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy this famous view.
Just down the road from Pudong, you will find the French Concession, an area previously dedicated to Shanghai's French immigrants. Here you can walk beautiful tree-lined streets and take in views of antique, European-style buildings. Many walking tours are available and we recommend you take one if you have time to learn about the fascinating history of this area. Shanghai's nightlife and food culture are both vibrant and international. As China's most multicultural city, you can find food from all corners of the globe. There is also a famous bar street playfully named 'Laowai Jie' or 'Foreigner Street', where many expats and locals like to hang out and get drinks. When visiting Shanghai be sure to try some of the local foods - Soup dumplings or 'xiaolongbao' are an absolute must! You won't regret it.
Shanghai Drone tour
6. 重庆Chongqing
洪崖洞 (Hongyadong) - One of the most famous Chongqing attraction
Chongqing is a city that stands out for its dynamic culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Often referred to as China's "Mountain City," Chongqing offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it a must-visit destination.
Chongqing is famous for its dramatic mountainous terrain and its location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. This gives the city its distinctive hilly landscape, with buildings and streets often built into the mountainsides, creating a spectacular and sometimes dizzying urban environment.
Chongqing is also steeped in history. From the ancient 大足石刻 Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the historical town of Ciqikou, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks. Wander through Ciqikou’s narrow streets, lined with traditional teahouses and shops, and step back in time to experience the charm of old Chongqing.
5. 武汉Wuhan
Wuhan, also known as "River City," is divided into three regions—Hankou, Wuchang, and Hanyang—by the Yangtze and Han Rivers. The Self-Strengthening Movement once endowed this area with a series of top-notch factories. The century-old buildings in Hankou stand as testaments to its prosperity.
Today, Wuhan is vibrant with numerous universities, and the Optical Valley (光谷Guanggu) has become the city's new core. Art districts like Tanhualin and Hanyangzao will not disappoint young artists, and in spring, the cherry blossoms at Wuhan University and East Lake attract countless visitors.
黃鶴樓Yellow Crane Tower is Wuhan's iconic landmark. Situated on the banks of the Yangtze, this tower has inspired many famous poets (including the Tang Dynasty poet 崔顥Cui Hao)and their timeless verses. Originally built during the Three Kingdoms period, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1985. Climbing to the top of Yellow Crane Tower offers breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and the three towns of Wuhan.
4. 西安Xi'an
Xi'an is a place equal to museums and ancient buildings. In addition to the terracotta warriors, history buffs will likely enjoy a trip around Xi'an's ancient walls, a journey which can be taken on foot or by bike.
This being said, there is also a modern side to Xi'an. Their central streets all host incredible markets and shopping centres, many of which are decorated with large, impressive statues. Street performers are not uncommon and a nighttime stroll around Xi'an will guarantee you find something interesting and fun to watch!
Furthermore, Xi'an is famous for Xi'an food. Any foodies visiting will want to check out the celebrated Muslim Quarter, where there is a huge street food market serving everything from durian fondue to fried squid. Two local delicacies you must try - Roujiamo, a snack resembling a burger but with a lot of Chinese flavour and biang biang mian, thick flat noodles with a spicy sauce.
Much smaller than cities like Beijing or Shanghai, Xi'an has a casual, friendly atmosphere that can be enjoyed at a slow pace. The perfect city for anyone who wants to get a flavour of what China has to offer.
Xi'an was the ancient capital of China during the Zhou dynasty. It is the very beginning of the Silk Road trade route and home to the famous terracotta army, built to protect the Emperor's tomb. It is therefore accurate to say that Xi'an is hugely significant to China's history and anyone interested in learning about this should visit it.
3. 成都Chengdu
Chengdu is a city with a prime location and a rich tapestry of history. As the political, economic, and cultural hub of Sichuan, Chengdu has a long-standing history and cultural heritage, earning the title of National Historic and Cultural City in 1982. A beautiful history can be seen when exploring the streets of the old city at 寬窄巷子Kuanzhai Alley or by visiting one of the many monasteries or temples such as Wuhou or Wenshu Yuan. Visitors can also use more modern facilities such as the sprawling metro network and the 春熙路Chunxi Road shopping area.
As the capital of Sichuan, Chengdu also boasts a range of spicy delicacies that are unique to the area. Mouth-numbing peppers are available in a range of foods from simple noodle dishes to giant hot pots. If you love spicy food and trying new things then Chengdu is the city for you!
For history buffs, especially fans of the Three Kingdoms period, a visit to the 武侯祠Wuhou Shrine is a must! This shrine commemorates Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu Han, and his brilliant chancellor Zhuge Liang, along with other loyal ministers and fierce generals. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of statues and historical artefacts. Outside, the shrine features a beautiful garden that showcases the aesthetics of traditional Chinese architecture and garden design. It’s a Chengdu spot you don’t want to miss!
Chengdu is perhaps most famous for being home to the Giant Panda, an animal often associated with China. Upon visiting Chengdu you can make your way to the Giant Panda Breeding Centre, where researchers are trying to help these rare animals come back from the brink of extinction. In addition to being a fascinating journey into ecology and conservation, they are also VERY cute!
2. 广州Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of China's most Southernmost cities. It's built around a port on the Pearl River and is full of interesting architecture. To get the best view of the city you have 2 options. The first is to visit the Canton Tower, Guangzhou's tallest building by far. From here you can see the city stretch out in every direction. The building is also lit up at night, creating a beautiful skyline and a great picture opportunity. The other option is to visit Baiyun Mountain, from which you can look over the entire city while exploring some of Guangzhou's more natural elements.
Guangzhou is the birthplace of dim sum so make sure you try as much as you can while you're there! Guangzhou's inhabitants are famous for loving food so there are hundreds of varieties of dim sum to choose from. We recommend trying as many as possible while you're there! Guangzhou is also home to many Cantonese speakers, so if you're interested in learning this branch of the Chinese language, you can rest assured this is a great city to visit. If not, there are also plenty of Mandarin and English speakers for you to talk to!
宝墨园Baomo Garden, in Zini Village, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou, is a charming blend of Qing Dynasty culture, Lingnan architecture, and Pearl River Delta water town features. This scenic garden features pavilions, bridges, streams, intricate brick carvings, and stunning lotus ponds. In summer, blooming lotuses and vibrant roses create a breathtaking sight. The garden attracts visitors with its unique architecture and exquisite design. It also houses valuable antiques and artworks, showcasing Lingnan's rich cultural heritage. Baomo Garden exudes classical elegance, making it feel like a picturesque painting.
Guangzhou is also very close to 香港Hong Kong so anyone wanting to travel to both can do so conveniently and relatively cheaply. Fast trains are available every day and you can even book car services that will drive you from one city to the other. For it's amazing culture, food and history, Guangzhou has earned its place as one of China's most interesting cities.
1. 北京Beijing
As the modern-day capital of China, Beijing is bursting with cultural significance, both in modern and historical terms. One of the most noticeable things for anyone travelling in Beijing is the juxtaposition of modern buildings, luxury hotels and bars with far more traditional buildings, temples and hutongs.
For those with a passion for history and architecture, must-see attractions include the Forbidden City, 颐和园Summer Palace and 天坛Heaven's Temple. The Great Wall of China is also accessible in around 1 hour by car. You can easily spend a day walking around any of these places, soaking in the culture and history associated with them. Many of them will be recognisable to you from film and TV, where they are often featured as settings.
For those with more modern tastes, one of the best places to visit in Beijing is the San Li Tun area. This collection of streets is the most international part of Beijing by far and plays host to many bars, clubs and restaurants. There are also several large shopping malls, most of which are open 24 hours a day! North Beijing also contains a beautiful lake called Hou Hai. This is beautiful both in the summer when you can watch as lantern lights dance on the lake, or in winter when the lake freezes over and you can rent ice skates and go exploring. Beijing is also host to several top language universities. If you want to improve your Mandarin skills consider taking a short course there!
Now you have so many places to explore, why not start by improving your Chinese so you can navigate around and talk with the locals? Our teachers are experts in helping you learn to communicate quickly and effectively.
We offer private and group classes both in our London offices and online. Contact us anytime with questions.
Happy learning! We hope to see you soon :)