Before we begin, let me introduce myself! I am a Chinese person who has spent many years abroad, with friends from over 20 countries.

I have a deep understanding of the things that most non-Chinese people are interested in. Now, let’s check out the 10 best cities for you to visit!

Beijing: best for historical sites, traditional architecture, local culture

Personal highlight: There’s so much grand history and architecture to see. Multiple wonders of the world.

My top 3 attractions: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven

My top 3 dishes: Peking duck, noodles with fried bean sauce, meat or vegetable dumplings👉🏻 my list of 60 dishes to eat in China

Hotel suggestions: New World Beijing (one of my favourites), Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide

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Shanghai: best for futuristic skyline, mix of architecture, international vibe

Personal highlight: The mix of architecture blew me away. One of the most cosmpolitan cities in China.

My top 3 attractions: Pudong skyline, The Bund, Yu Garden

My top 3 dishes: xiǎo lóng bāo, pan-fried pork buns, scallion oil noodles 👉🏻 my list of 60 dishes to eat in Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou

Hotel suggestions: this hotel and this one for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Shanghai Travel Guide

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Xi’an: best for historical sites, ancient architecture, cuisine

Personal highlight: parts of the core city definitely gives me vibes of travelling back thousands of years. It’s the longest serving capital in China.

My top 3 attractions: Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

My top 3 dishes: meat flatbread, hand pulled noodles in spicy sauce, shredded flatbread soaked in lamb soup 👉🏻 my list of 60 dishes to eat in China

You could save money on your China trip by:

👉 Comparing flight prices to China HERE

👉 Comparing hotel rates in China HERE

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Hong Kong: best for harbour, modern skyline, Cantonese cuisine

Personal highlight: My hometown. The combination of skyscrapers, bridges, oceanic views, and islands is always magical.

My top 3 attractions: Star Ferry, Peak Tram, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

My top 3 dishes: dim sum, siu mei, won ton noodles 👉🏻 my list of 80 Cantonese dishes

Hotel suggestions: Royal Plaza in Mong Kok (one of my favourites), The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Hong Kong Travel Guide

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Chengdu: best for pandas, ancient history, teahouses

Personal highlight: Yes, it’s panda paradise. But it’s also spice paradise. Two of my favourites. Very underrated history from Three Kingdoms and the Bronze Age too.

My top 3 attractions: Panda Research Base, Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Temple

My top 3 dishes: Sichuan hotpot, minced pork noodles with chili oil and Sichuan pepper, kung pao chicken 👉🏻 my list of spicy dishes

Hotel suggestions: panda themed hotel like this one

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide

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Chongqing: best for futuristic skyline, bridges, monorail

Personal highlight: Nothing like any other city I’ve been to. Feels like a rollercoaster, especially the monorail. The night lights are out of this world!

My top 3 attractions: Hongyadong, Kuixinglou Square, Great Hall

My top 3 dishes: Chongqing hotpot, Chongqing noodles, dry chili chicken👉🏻 my list of spicy dishes

Hotel suggestions: this hotel and this one for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Chongqing Travel Guide

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Guangzhou: best for futuristic skyline, Cantonese cuisine, traditional Lingnan architecture

Personal highlight: One of China’s best skylines (not just Canton Tower). I love the contrast between old and new city. This city is definitely my food paradise!

My top 3 attractions: Canton Tower and Huacheng Square, Dafo Temple, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

My top 3 dishes: dim sum, roast goose, claypot rice 👉🏻 my list of 80 Cantonese dishes

Hotel suggestions: this one for a central location, this hotel for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Guangzhou Travel Guide

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Shenzhen: best for futuristic skyline, technology, parks and beaches

Personal highlight: this is a tall city full of skyscrapers but spread out. And feels like delivery robots, robot cleaners, drones are the norm. I see the future in Shenzhen.

My top 3 attractions: Top of Lianhuashan Park panorama, Gangxia North station, a skyscraper tour

My top 3 recommended dishes: coconut chicken, claypot rice, chaoshan beef hotpot 👉🏻 my list of 80 Cantonese dishes

Hotel suggestions: this one for delivery robots, this one for skyline views

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Shenzhen Travel Guide

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Nanjing: best for historical sites, temples, Yangtze River

Personal highlight: Way too underrated. It’s steeped in history spanning multiple dynasties as far back as the Three Kingdoms. Jiangsu cuisine is a fantastic surprise too!

My top 3 attractions: Nanjing Memorial Hall, Nanjing City Wall, Jiming Temple

My top 3 dishes: Nanjing salted duck, soup dumplings, sweet and sour squirrel fish 👉🏻 my list of 60 dishes to eat in Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou

Hotel suggestions: this one for a central location and delivery robots

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Nanjing Travel Guide

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Hangzhou: best for scenery, tea culture, temples and pagodas

Personal highlight: One of the more peaceful cities. West Lake is stunning and full of history. Longjing tea is one of my favourites. The city’s also home to Alibaba and DeepSeek.

My top 3 attractions: Xihu (West Lake), Longjing Tea Plantations, Lingyin Temple

My top 3 recommended dishes: dongporou, beggar’s chicken, pork noodle soup 👉🏻 my list of 60 dishes to eat in Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou

Hotel suggestions: this one for easy access to West Lake and spectacular surroundings

👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Hangzhou Travel Guide

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You could save money on your China trip now by:

👉 Comparing flight prices to China HERE

👉 Comparing hotel rates in China HERE

Note: Any mentioned hotels are not sponsored, they are purely personal opinions.