Top 11 Famous Landmarks in China: Unmissable Travel Destinations

Explore China's famous landmarks and plan your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history!
Traveloka Accomodation
12 Jul 2024 - 5 min read

Explore China's famous landmarks and plan your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history!

China is one of the superpowers full of a million charms. Besides culinary tours, you can also go around every corner of China. There are many landmarks ranging from historical to contemporary concepts.

One of the popular ones is The Great Wall of China. This most famous landmark is always occupied every year. This is the best and most challenging place to witness the beauty of China. You can also learn a lot about China's ancient to modern history.

But China travel has more than that, and there are plenty of landmarks to choose from. Here we are recommending some famous landmarks and what things to do in China Check this out!

1. The Iconic Great Wall of China

Explore and must-see Landmarks in China about the Great Wall

Explore and must-see Landmarks in China about the Great Wall

This is what tourists are most after, the Great Wall of China. The location of the Great Wall of China is in Jinshanling in Hebei Province, and the exact size of the wall is about 4,000 kilometres or 2,500 miles. Since the Chinese Wall became popular, tourists flocked to visit this place.

If you are lucky, you will not squeeze along the path of the Wall of China. To make it easier, come on weekdays or other national holidays.

2. The Grand Forbidden City in Beijing

See the tall buildings and beautiful sky in Beijing city

See the tall buildings and beautiful sky in Beijing city

Another famous building in China is the Forbidden City in Beijing. This is Gu Gong–the forbidden city in Chinese icons. The location is in the middle of Beijing, and it used to be the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This place is now the Palace Museum which is open to the public. Opposite the museum is Jingshan Park to relax or just relax this evening. The museum also features two views: from the palace and the outer part of Beijing. You can also join 2 Day private Beijing tours with us.

3. The Modern Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is one of the famous and popular landmarks in China

Shanghai Tower is one of the famous and popular landmarks in China.

Another famous landmark in China recommended is Shanghai Tower. This is the tallest skyscraper in China. In 2018, this tower became the world's second-tallest building, with a height of 632 meters. Inside there are hotels, cafes, and restaurants that you can visit. Here, you will see the city of Shanghai from above.

4. The Timeless Terracotta Army in Xi'an

Explore historical places from the military in The Terracotta Army

Famous historical sites in China is The Terracotta Army was a meal of China's first emperor. Thousands of human-sized terracotta warrior models represent the first emperor's guard army. This place is highly recommended for those of you who like the history of the Chinese empire.

5. The Breathtaking Karst Formations of Guilin

Tourists enjoy the cool and cool nature in Guilin

One famous landmark in China is Guilin's breathtaking karst formations. It is a natural landmark in Guilin featuring karst mountains surrounded by fog. Because it is a plateau, the surrounding temperature is quite cold, so make sure you wear clothes that are thick enough, especially in winter.

Guilin has a large selection of karst mountains to pump your adrenaline. Here you can do rock climbing to the top of the limestone, and both beginners and professionals chose Guilin to do the climb. Most of the best rock climbing peaks are located around Yangshuo, the most difficult being Moon Hill, a limestone arch resembling a traditional moon bridge.

Melbourne to Guilin Liangjian

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

China Eastern Airlines

Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)

Start from AU$474.96

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Xiamen Air

Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)

Start from AU$548.46

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Virgin Australia Airlines

Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)

Start from AU$1,007.45

6. The Majestic Yellow Mountains

Enjoy the beautiful views and air of The Majestic Yellow Mountains

Enjoy the beautiful views and air of The Majestic Yellow Mountains

Another Natural Landmark in China is The Majestic Yellow Mountains. The Yellow Mountains are also called Huangshan, and it became one of China's prettiest and most famous mountains and was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.

Here you will enjoy the natural scenery surrounded by pine forests and rocks that will give a mystical aura. Nevertheless, the yellow mountains are a favourite destination for families on weekends.

7. The Tranquil West Lake in Hangzhou

Female tourist enjoying the view from The Tranquil West Lake in Hangzhou

Besides mountains, another famous landmark in China is the tranquil west lake in Hangzhou. This is a beautiful lake located in the middle of Hangzhou and one of the top cultural landmarks in China. In addition to the beautiful lake, there are many tourist attractions, such as pagodas, gardens, bridges, and temples. The lake has also been registered as one of the world heritage sites.

To visit this lake, 3-6 hours enjoying the sunset is highly recommended. You will also not be charged an entrance fee when visiting. The complete address is at West Lake Scenic, Xihu District, Hangzhou.

Sydney to Hangzhou

Thu, 15 May 2025

AirAsia X

Sydney (SYD) to Hangzhou (HGH)

Start from AU$272.18

Mon, 28 Apr 2025

Tianjin Airlines

Sydney (SYD) to Hangzhou (HGH)

Start from AU$296.10

Mon, 28 Apr 2025

Tianjin Airlines

Sydney (SYD) to Hangzhou (HGH)

Start from AU$296.10

8. The Awe-inspiring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Female tourist enjoying the view and cool nature at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Female tourist enjoying the view and cool nature at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

You can also visit for a private day trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This forest is the inspiration for Avatar, which is included as a must-visit destination in China. However, ensure you come when the weather is good because rain or snowstorms will interfere with your trip.

If you want to hike around the forest, you can travel to Zhangjiajie, Batu Kuning Village, and the Old House area.

9. The Ancient City of Lijiang

Beautiful view of the Old City of Lijiang in China which is very impressive and full of history

Beautiful view of the Old City of Lijiang in China which is very impressive and full of history

In China, there are also Historical Places in Lijiang. This place is a little-known landmark. The old city of Lijiang has an uneven topography, and the architecture along the old town uses a mixture of several cultures from centuries ago.

Ancient water supply systems were supported by the complexity that still functions today. Around this city, there are hotels with cultural architecture, cafes, restaurants, and fun activities that you must visit. You can do it directly through Traveloka.

10. The Sacred Buddhist Complex of Mount Emei

Go see Mount Emei and the giant Buddha statue at The Sacred Buddhist Complex of Mount Emei

You can also visit cultural landmarks, the Buddhist complex of Mount Emei. It was the first Buddhist temple in Sichuan Province in the 1st century AD. After that, the construction of other temples began to be carried out to meet the complex.

The most remarkable is the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looking down on the confluence of three rivers. If you trip alone, you can come join us for a 2 Day Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei include 4 star hotel.

11. The Restored Lingnan Water Village in Guangzhou

Enjoy a holiday to Lingnan Water Village in Guangzhou with beautiful natural views

Enjoy a holiday to Lingnan Water Village in Guangzhou with beautiful natural views

Guangzhou also has Lingnan Water Village. The exact location is in Minzhong Town, Zhongshan. This village is a small village that is often used as a favourite destination for tourists. There are cafes, teahouses, art studios, restaurants, and mini museums that you can visit.

That's some famous landmarks in China that you can visit. Besides being able to calm down, you can also learn a lot about Chinese culture firsthand. You can even enjoy views of the city to the village by visiting some landmarks. So let's plan your vacation in China landmarks travel guide now with Traveloka!

In This Article

• 1. The Iconic Great Wall of China
• 2. The Grand Forbidden City in Beijing
• 3. The Modern Shanghai Tower
• 4. The Timeless Terracotta Army in Xi'an
• 5. The Breathtaking Karst Formations of Guilin
• 6. The Majestic Yellow Mountains
• 7. The Tranquil West Lake in Hangzhou
• 8. The Awe-inspiring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• 9. The Ancient City of Lijiang
• 10. The Sacred Buddhist Complex of Mount Emei
• 11. The Restored Lingnan Water Village in Guangzhou

Flights Featured in This Article

Wed, 30 Apr 2025
China Eastern Airlines
Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)
Start from AU$474.96
Book Now
Wed, 30 Apr 2025
Xiamen Air
Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)
Start from AU$548.46
Book Now
Wed, 30 Apr 2025
Virgin Australia Airlines
Melbourne (MEL) to Guilin (KWL)
Start from AU$1,007.45
Book Now
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