6 Best Historic Cities To Visit In China (2026): A Guide to Top Attractions
Hello! China’s rich history means there’s nothing better than exploring its ancient sites.
As a Chinese person myself, I’m incredibly fascinated with the country’s 5000 year history and have spent a lot of time thinking about the cities worth recommending to other people.
Some of my favourite dynasties are the Qin, Tang, and Ming dynasties.
Let’s check out my personal list of 6 best ancient cities in China for you to visit!
Beijing: best for historical sites since 1267 AD in the Yuan dynasty, traditional imperial architecture, siheyuans, and hutongs
Personal highlight: There’s so much rich history and exquisite 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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Xi’an: best for historical sites from the unification of China in the Qin dynasty to the Tang dynasty (221 BC to 907 AD), ancient architecture, cuisine
Personal highlight: parts of the old city definitely gives me vibes of travelling back thousands of years. It’s the longest serving capital in China’s history.
My top 3 attractions: Qin Shi Huang’s 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
Hotel suggestions: Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel (central location inside the city walls with excellent service), Elegant Hotel Xi'an Bell Tower for city wall views and Tang dynasty themed rooms
👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Xi’an Travel Guide
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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Luoyang: best for historical sites from the Zhou dynasty to the Tang Dynasty (770 BC to 936 AD), Wu Zetian’s capital, Buddhism
Personal highlight: one of the best ancient skylines in China. The night time view of Yingtianmen, Mingtang, Tiantang is so iconic.
My top 3 attractions: Longmen Grottoes, Yingtianmen + Mingtang Tiantang, White Horse Temple
My top 3 dishes: water banquet, Luoyang beef soup, braised mutton noodles
Hotel suggestions: Park Hotel (central location next to Yingtianmen), Holiday Inn Express (proximity to Longmen Grottoes)
👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Luoyang Travel Guide
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Nanjing: best for historical sites from the Ming dynasty to the Republic of China (1368 AD -1949 AD), multiple time periods, scenic areas
Personal highlight: Nanjing has so much history spanning many periods. Very underrated, if you ask me. You must visit if you’re interested in China’s history from the last 800 years.
My top 3 attractions: Old City Wall, Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre, Zijingshan Scenic Area
My top 3 dishes: sweet and sour squirrel fish, Tangbao (soup dumplings), Nanjing duck
Hotel suggestions: Nanjing Jinling Hotel (central location, quick access to most attractions, and skyline views)
👉🏻 For my full guide, check out my Ultimate Nanjing Travel Guide
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Datong: best for ancient architecture as far back as 460 AD in the Northern Wei dynasty, diverse architecture styles, Buddhism
Personal highlight: Datong is home to one of China’s greatest collections of ancient architecture! The preservation of these structures is incredible!
My top 3 attractions: Hengshan Hanging Temple 悬空寺, Yungang Grottoes 云冈石窟, Pagoda of Fogong Temple 佛宫寺释迦塔
My top 3 recommended dishes: knife sliced noodles 刀削面, braised pork strips 小烧肉, Datong copper hotpot 大同铜火锅
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Kaifeng: best for historical sites and culture from the Song dynasty (960 AD to 1127 AD)
Personal highlight: Simply the best city to learn about the Song dynasty and see traditional architecture from this period!
My top 3 attractions: Millennium City Park 清明上河园, Kaifeng Palace 开封府, Wansuishan Wuxia City 万岁山武侠城
My top 3 recommended dishes: carp fried noodles 鲤鱼焙面, soup-filled buns 灌汤包, bucket chicken 桶子鸡
ONE MORE: I would also like to mention Pingyao, a famous walled ancient town from the Ming dynasty.
So, which one do you want to visit the most? Start preparing for your trip using my guides.
Note: Any mentioned hotels are not sponsored, they are purely personal opinions.
Relevant China travel articles by me👇🏻
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Prepare
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