Top 10 Good Places to Visit in China 2024 Tourist Places & Attractions

China is a huge country with tens of thousands of years of civilization and an extraordinary number of people. It has hundreds of sites of interest and countless places to visit for everyone with every kind of interest and every pocket. some of the preferred destinations for the traveler in the year 2024 include China’s capital, Beijing, the modern city of Shanghai, the beautiful Zhangjiajie, the ancient city of Xi’ an, the charming Lijiang, Hong Kong, the beautiful sceneries of Yangshuo, Hainan Island, the pandas in Chengdu and the Shanghai museums.

Top 10 Good Places to Visit in China 2024

1. The Great Wall of China in Beijing

The Great Wall of China can be regarded as one of the greatest spectacles that can be found in this world. Stretching for 21,196 Km and covering 15 provinces, sections of the Great Wall are over 2000 years old. Among those sections, it is the most popular one which is situated at Badaling, approximately 70 kilometers from the Beijing city center.

Badaling is convenient and possesses visually stimulating vantage points of the Great Wall. Stroll along the walls as you let your mind wander and picture the soldiers and the laborers who labored to build this edifice. Look at the mountains where the wall is built, and admire not only the beauty of nature but also the great strategic position of the Great Wall.

It does not take the visitor too long to appreciate why the Great Wall is still a major attraction today as one moves through the miles of restored brick and stone. Whether one is an avid traveler who drops by now and then or a hiker who takes several days to travel the wall, the Great Wall trip gives one the feel of China’s history. Located about 12 kilometers south of Daxing, this is one of China’s most famous UNESCO sites; you can take a tour or public transport from Beijing to visit this stunning site.

2. The Forbidden City in Beijing

The Forbidden City is a palace, temple, and hall construction set in the center of Beijing, China, and consists of a group of buildings and courtyards connected by passages. Constructed from 1406 to 1420, it was officially proclaimed as the palace of the emperor and political hub of China for over five centuries until the ousting of the monarchy in 1912.

The Forbidden City occupies 720000 square meters, and 980 buildings with more than 8700 rooms; it is the largest and the most authentic complex of ancient Chinese architecture. There are remarkably detailed Chinese-style buildings with red-painted exteriors, gold roofs, and blinged-up interiors. Sights that have been pointed out include the Meridian Gate archway, The Hall of the Supreme Harmony, The Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden.

Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City was the residence of 24 emperors of two dynasties and the symbol of imperial power; therefore, visiting the place will provide an opportunity to unveil a great many of the secrets of China. The site of the Forbidden City is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and is among the most visited places in China; anyone willing to explore the imperial side of the country must visit this place. Be prepared for lots of people, so one should take some time especially because this palace complex was completely closed for the majority of the population.

3. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an

The Terracotta Army is one of the amazing findings in China that put the country on the map for archaeological discovery. This life-size terracotta army of hundreds of soldiers, horses, and chariots was made to protect the tomb of the first emperor who united China, Qin Shi Huang in the afterworld after his demise more than 2200 years ago. They were entombed around 210 -209BC near the tomb of the first emperor of China, Emperor Qin.

This archeological site was found by farmers in the country in 1974 and digging has been going on to the present day. At least 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 670 horses have been recovered from three distinct pits. Nonetheless, it is estimated that more than 8,000 figures are still lying low. Soldiers are not only homogeneous but also have their faces, poses, and even emotions distinct from one another. They are standing like battle formations waiting for the fight to commence. Other artifacts belonging to the Bronze Age include a range of weapons and southern terracotta horses.

Visiting the Terracotta Army is one of the most humbling and educational experiences one can have and offers a true insight into the ancient Chinese culture and military might. A visit makes such a picture, letting a person understand what it means to be a soldier who guarded the Emperor over two thousand years ago!

4. Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Chengdu, China hosts the world’s largest breeding center for pandas – the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, offering the wonderful opportunity to see the pandas in a semi-natural habitat. Indeed, Chengdu has made considerable efforts in the conservation of the pandas, as well as in turning the city into one of the foremost places to observe the animals.

The research base enables visitors to observe giant pandas in an environment that has been put to resemble their natural habitat. Watch black and white pandas sleeping on trees, eating bamboo, as well as playing with their young ones. Stroll through lifelike corridors observing panda early learning centers, cages, and crèches. Take a panda out for a feed before it gorges on some bamboo while looking all happy about it. It gives me an amazing chance to communicate with this endangered animal.

As Chengdu carries on with panda research and breeding programs in and out of China, the city positions itself as a major destination for individuals who wish to learn more about pandas and want to assist in preserving their future. Chengdu pandas are one of those attractions that are unforgettable: you have to see it for yourself!

5. The Yellow Mountains near Shanghai

Located in the east of China, there are the stony, pine-entwined peaks of the famous Yellow Mountains and the seas of mist for tourists awaiting them. Overall, the Yellow Mountains are surprisingly close to the city life of Shanghai, yet they provide an experience of the wilderness that seems like a lifetime away.

When you are walking through forest paths and stairs carved into the rocks and leading up the mountains, there will always be a spectacular view to admire. Learn how the mountains got their name as you sit and watch the orange wall painting each morning as the sun comes up. Admire here the natural sculptures made by the force of nature over thousands of years; these are Celestial Capital Peak and Lotus Flower Peak. Hear the pure voices of gibbons and their long echoing calls in the areas of the valleys covered with forests. Yield to one of the peaks and watch the sunset with an ocean of clouds beneath them – the best of the Yellow Mountains in a nutshell.

For some, they may seek a peaceful escape; while others may be seeking a thrilling discovery amidst exquisite sceneries; no matter what they are looking for, the Yellow Mountains in China, which is located just beyond the reach of Shanghai, is a great place to start.

6. The Summer Palace, Beijing

The Summer Palace has become one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the city of Beijing. The literal meaning of the term is ‘imperial’ and the royal imperial families would use the place during summer times to enjoy the vast gardens. Sitting on 290 hectares of land in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing, the garden encompasses Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill with connecting paths, pavilions, and temples.

It has an interesting background One of the most popular landmarks of Moscow is the Tsar’s palace. The first construction phase was initiated in 1750 by the emperor Qianlong and later it was developed into a more extensive forbidden city with temples, gardens, and royal palace. The beautiful architecture still exists up to date with objects like the Long Corridor that spans 728 meters along the shoreline of the lake. Marble Boat is a must-see as well as the bronze sculpture figures of animals.

It is necessary to dedicate several hours for a slow walking tour of the territory of the object under consideration, which is included in the UNESCO list. Longevity Hill offers a bird’s eye view of the whole palace for the more artistic, take a boat ride in Kunming Lake for a view from below. The admission charges are moderate, and the accessibility to the Summer Palace is not an issue as Beijing has well-developed metro systems.

7. Cruising the Li River, Guilin

The Li River is best seen and cruised from Guilin; it has crystal clear waters, and the boat winds through the karst pinnacles as well as rice paddies and water buffalos. The most frequented is the Guilin to Yangshuo – a 4-5 hour boat ride, and covering about 83 kilometers. On the way, glance at the cone-shaped mountains that appear to be protruding directly from the shores You will see the fishermen throwing circular round bamboo baskets and the water buffalos grazing at the river banks. Make sure you snap the famous locations such as the Xingping Town with the bamboo boat drifting along or the more visually celebrated scene of the Yellow Cloth Shoal. On the non-tire, downstream part of the trip a relaxing, multiple-course meal is offered on the boat. Located in Yangshuo, after arriving from the ancient city, you will be surrounded by the countryside and the attractive West Street market. boat riding on the Li River is a nice view but also an opportunity to look at the locals’ way of life, which is crucial to visiting Guilin.

8. The Yangtze River and the Three Gorges

The Yangtze is one of the most famous rivers of the world in China and measures over 6,300 km in length, thus retaining the honor of being the longest river of Asia. One of the areas is the Three Gorges that are considered to be one of the most picturesque regions and also they are very vast. Located in the middle of the Yangtze River from western Hubei Province to eastern Chongqing Municipality, the Three Gorges include three gorges; Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the Xiling Gorge. Thanks to their high rock walls that descend abruptly to the river or the covered verdant meadows that provide panoramic views of the gorges have attracted poets, artists, and tourists. However, the recent development of the Three Gorges Dam has changed these features as many towns were submerged and more than 1 million people were affected. As it serves to produce important electrical power through hydroelectric means, the dam has also elicited various environmental impacts. It makes it very difficult for many people to enjoy the splendid view of the river because of the Three Gorges Dam. Tying with my previous argument on the economic impacts, the Yangtze’s outstanding sceneries have since been altered by the demands of the economy.

9. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Jiangsu

Suzhou, China’s world-renowned city of water and silk, is located in the eastern Yangtze River Delta and boasts over ten gardens listed as World Heritage Sites. These gardens exhibit a blend of architectural landscaping and artistry in an environment that sustains the human soul. Strolling through the gardens, which are calm and detached, there is the harmony of water and rocks, plants, and pavilions. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is regarded as the best example as it is more than 50,000 square meters of gorgeous designed landscape which has been a source of inspiration as well as admiration for scholars and emperors for so many years. These gardens are rather small ponds, interesting rock formations, arcs of covered pathways, and benches make these gardens an oasis amid the city. A person would need hours to simply stroll and gaze at the serenity and the timeless principles of design that aspire to provide symbiosis between people and the environment. In this article, the writer suggests that any traveler who would like to explore Suzhou must pay a visit to these Classical Gardens.

10. The Potala Palace, Tibet

Over 12,000 feet above the Lhasa Valley stands Marpo Ri on which the great wonder of the world- Potala Palace is situated. This is a large structure built in the 7th AD and the palace comprises over a thousand rooms enclosed in massive stone and wood walls. It has been the palace of political power and the abode of the Dalai Lamas for centuries they were considered to be the political capital of Tibet.

Consequently, a visit to the Potala Palace can inspire great amazement. The golden roofs of the palace seem to hover in the sky as you ascend the ramp up to the palace gates through a spirulous staircase. Inside, a maze of red-washed temples, chapels, libraries, shrines, tombs, and corridors studded with glowing jewel mosaics await you. Panoramic vistas of Lhasa and the snow-capped Himalayas open from some of the upper rooms of the palace. The monastery is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites it is inspiring to see the arts and architecture and the rule of the past kings and Dalai Lamas of this isolated land.

Conclusion

China is a large country that has a long and fascinating history and culture, stunning landscapes and nature, as well as dynamic megacities. In 2024, some of the must-visit attractions to see the richness of China are the Chinese capital Beijing, which offers the Forbidden City and the Great Wall; the vibrant and modern Shanghai; the scenic Guilin with its magnificent karst mountains and Li River; the Zhangjiajie National Park featuring the meandering sandstone peaks featured in the movie Avatar; the terracotta warriors of Xi’an; the sunny tropical island of Hain China provides cuisine, festivals, culture, and natural beauty starting from the Gobi desert to the East China sea, history, future cities and ancient architecture for the 2024 travelers.