Nǐ hǎo! Ready to Explore the Land of the Dragon? This trip, we’re taking you on an adventure through 15 must-visit cities in China—updated with the most stunning destinations you absolutely have to see at least once! Each place is jaw-droppingly beautiful, packed with rich culture, history, and authentic Chinese heritage. If you're planning a China tour or searching for the most spectacular places to visit, you’ve come to the right spot! We’ve handpicked the best locations for travel enthusiasts, and trust us—every single spot is a visual masterpiece. Get ready to experience China like never before! Are you excited? Let’s dive into the ultimate China travel bucket list and find out why these destinations are an absolute must!

Start Your Trip in Chengdu – The Capital of Sichuan, Famous for Its Stunning Nature, Rich Culture, and Fiery Cuisine! Chengdu is a must-visit destination that captivates every traveler with its breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted heritage. If you're looking for a place that blends natural beauty with authentic Chinese traditions, this city will steal your heart!

You haven't truly been to Sichuan if you haven’t tried Sichuan Hot Pot! Spicy, aromatic, and packed with rich spices—it’s a flavor explosion you don’t want to miss!

For those seeking a destination that has it all—breathtaking nature, cultural wonders, and mouthwatering food—Chengdu is the answer!

📍 Location: Chengdu, Sichuan, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

History buffs and old-town lovers, this one's for you! Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, is a fascinating city where rich history meets modern innovation. It’s not just a political, industrial, and tech hub—it’s also packed with deep-rooted historical treasures waiting to be explored!

From ancient temples to museums and cultural landmarks, Zhengzhou is a must-visit in Henan. If you’re planning a trip to this region, make sure to add it to your list!

📍 Location: Zhengzhou, Henan, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport or take a high-speed train from Beijing or Shanghai.

If you’re into breathtaking mountain views and fresh, crisp air, Kunming is the place to be! Located in Yunnan Province, this city is famous for its stunning natural landscapes. No need to fly all the way to Europe—Kunming offers a romantic and picturesque escape right in China!

📍 Location: Kunming, Yunnan, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly to Kunming Changshui International Airport and start your adventure right away!

For those who love nature, fresh air, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Kunming is THE BEST destination!

When Talking About China, You Can't Miss Beijing! The capital of China, Beijing is a city filled with rich history, deep-rooted culture, and jaw-dropping architecture that attracts travelers from all around the world. If you want to experience the essence of China, this is the place to be!

Beijing’s pride is its Peking Duck – crispy skin, tender meat, and rich sauce. Trust us, if you visit Beijing without trying this legendary dish, you’re missing out!

Beyond its deep cultural roots, Beijing is also packed with must-see attractions that hold legendary status, making it a once-in-a-lifetime destination!

📍 Location: Beijing, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly to Beijing Capital International Airport and start exploring right away!

Next up, we have the dazzling Shanghai, or as the Chinese call it "Chánghǎi." This is the largest city in China and a shining example of modern sophistication. Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is the epicenter of China's economy, entertainment, and the latest trends. If you visit, get ready to be amazed!

Don’t leave without trying the xiao long bao, a type of dumpling with a rich soup filling that’s so juicy, it might burn your tongue! Shanghai is the perfect blend of ancient Chinese culture and ultra-modern sophistication. If you're looking for a chic and cool way to experience China, Shanghai is a must-visit!

📍 Location: Shanghai, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly into Shanghai Pudong International Airport and start your adventure right away!

Xi'an is one of the most historically significant cities in China. It served as the capital for over 13 dynasties (how cool is that!) and was also the central hub of the legendary Silk Road. This city beautifully blends ancient charm with modern vibes, and it's full of hidden gems waiting for you to explore.

Make sure to try the Biang Biang noodles – thick, chewy noodles served with a fragrant sauce that will have you ordering a second round!

📍 Location: Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly into Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and dive into your adventure!

If you want to see a World Heritage site so stunning it’ll leave you speechless, you have to check out Zhangye in Gansu Province. This city is home to the Rainbow Mountains of Danxia, also known as Zhangye Danxia Landform. The natural beauty here looks like it’s been painted by the hand of a god – it’s so unique and colorful that you simply can’t miss it!

Make sure to try Lanzhou Lamian – freshly made hand-pulled noodles served in a fragrant broth with a slight spicy kick. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to slurp it all up!

📍 Location: Zhangye, Gansu Province, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, or hop on a high-speed train for an easy journey.

History lovers, gather here! Xining in Qinghai Province is a city brimming with the rich history of China and is also the starting point of the Yellow River, which flows through the heart of China.

Be sure to try the Xining-style Beef Noodles – fragrant, tender, and soothing to the palate. So delicious, you'll want to order more!

📍 Location: Xining, Qinghai Province, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly into Xining Caojiabao Airport and you’re all set to explore!

Xining in Qinghai offers a perfect mix of breathtaking nature, exquisite art, and living history.

Welcome to Guangzhou, the bustling city that’s well-known to many Thai travelers! Guangzhou’s attractions are famous for their vibrant atmosphere, whether it’s day or night. Whether you're into shopping, eating, or sightseeing, this city has it all. Get ready for a fun and exciting time!

📍 Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
✈️ How to Get There: Fly directly to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and you’re good to go!

For those who want to experience a city in China with a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, Changsha in Hunan Province is the answer. This city, located by the Xiang River, offers a fantastic atmosphere and is also the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the former leader of China.

📍 Location: Changsha, Hunan Province
✈️ How to Get There: Take a high-speed train to Changsha South Railway Station, and you’re ready to explore!

Changsha is the perfect city where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, soak up history, or snap artsy photos—all in one place!

If you're looking for a destination in China that feels like stepping into a fairy tale, Jiuzhaigou is the place to be! Known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this "Heaven on Earth" destination is absolutely breathtaking, with its crystal-clear blue lakes, stunning waterfalls, and mountains that change colors with the seasons. Once you see it with your own eyes, you’ll fall in love instantly—it's a Must-Go!

📍 Location: Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan
✈️ How to Get There:

If you want to experience a natural paradise that’s like something from a fairy tale, Jiuzhaigou should definitely be on your list!

When it comes to Xiamen (also known as "Amoy" in Chinese), a beautiful port city with a perfect blend of classic European and Chinese vibes, this place should be on your travel list. Located on an island just about 1 km away from Taiwan, it’s not far at all! Xiamen is an important port city and one of China's special economic zones, which has developed significantly while still maintaining its vintage charm and ancient Chinese architecture.

📍 Location: Xiamen (Amoy), China
✈️ How to Get There:

For anyone who loves beautiful cities with a mix of ancient architecture and modern vibes, sea views, cool breezes, and hip cafes, Xiamen is a must-visit!

When it comes to the fastest-growing and most high-tech city in China, Shenzhen is definitely on the list! Located in Guangdong Province, this special economic zone has developed at an astonishing rate and is known as China's "Silicon Valley." It’s a must-visit destination.

📍 Location: Shenzhen, China
✈️ How to Get There:

Shenzhen is the ultimate destination for high-tech experiences, shopping, food, and amazing tourist attractions. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s time to plan your trip!

When it comes to experiencing the immense grandeur of nature, Zhangjiajie is a must-visit! Known for its towering mountains and connections to the legend of the Three Kingdoms, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

📍 Location: Zhangjiajie, China
✈️ How to Get There:

For an adventure full of natural wonders, towering heights, and breathtaking views, Zhangjiajie is truly one of the best destinations on earth!

Wrapping up with the ultimate cool city in every sense, Harbin, located in Heilongjiang Province, is known as the "Pearl on the Swan’s Neck" or the "Moscow of the East" for its stunning blend of Russian and Chinese architecture. The temperatures here typically range from -20°C to -30°C, so it’s colder than cold—pretty much the North Pole!

📍 Location: Harbin, China
✈️ How to Get There:

If you want to experience the "Land of Ice Wonders," enjoy magnificent views, go ice skating, and walk through snow castles, a trip to Harbin is a must!

How about it? The 15 must-visit cities in China we've recommended—are they as amazing as expected? I’m sure if you visit even once, your perspective on China will completely change, 180 degrees! Because China isn’t just about breathtaking natural landscapes—it’s also rich in ancient civilizations, captivating culture, and invaluable historical stories. The best part? China is now offering free visas for Thai travelers, making it super easy to explore! So if you’ve never considered visiting China, maybe it’s time to open your mind. You might discover a whole new side of the country that you never imagined. Trust me, China has way more charm than you think, and once you go, you might just fall in love with it!

By now, I’m sure you’re all excited and ready to book your flight to China, right!? Whether you're looking for flights, hotels, accommodations, or even popular things to do in China, it's easier than peeling a durian! Just open the Traveloka app, and everything you need is ready to serve you in one place. Plus, there are plenty of amazing deals waiting for you! If you’re ready, let’s book your trip to explore China now!