First Time In China? A Beginner’s Bucket List For Tourists (2026)
Introduction
This list is aimed at tourists who are visiting China for the first time.
Depends on how much time you have. I recommend you select a variety of places.
See this article to help you decide your itinerary.
Click on underlined text for detailed articles covering each destination or topic.
Historic
Futuristic
For more info about skylines, see this article
Ancient Landmarks
Great Wall
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Summer Palace
Terracotta Army
Xi’an City Wall
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
For more ancient landmarks, see this article
Futuristic Landmarks
Pudong quadruplet
Hongyadong
Canton Tower
Shenzhen skyline
Victoria Harbour
For more futuristic landmarks, see this article
Ancient Towns and Villages
Pingyao
Fenghuang
Wuzhen
Zhouzhuang
For more towns and villages, see this article
National Parks and Scenery
Guilin and Yangshuo
Zhangjiajie
Huangshan
Wangxiangu
For more scenic places, see this article
Food
Dishes
Peking duck
Hotpot
Xiaolongbao
Jianbing
Dim sum
Char siu
Roujiamo
Lanzhou beef noodles
For more dishes, see this article
Experiences
Acrobatics show
Martial arts show
Peking opera
Tea tasting
Calligraphy class
For more experiences, see this article
You could save money by:
Relevant articles to plan your trip to China👇🏻
Ultimate China Bucket List By A Chinese: 50 Places To Visit
Best Cities To Experience High Speed Rail In China
Prepare
What You Need To Know Before You Arrive In China
Best Time To Visit China Without Crowds - Public Holidays To Avoid In 2026
Do I Need a Local SIM Card or VPN When Travelling in China?
What Apps Do You Really Need As A Tourist In China? Super-Apps and Mini-Programs Unpacked
Do I Need To Know Chinese For My Trip to China? Or A Tour Guide? A Practical Take
How to Get The Best Deal For Hotels in China
How To
How To Make Payments As A Tourist in China?
How to Buy Tickets to Attractions in China?
How to Order Food and Drink in China? A Mini-Guide with Key Phrases
Essential Things To Know About Trains and High Speed Rail in China
Your First 24 Hours In China: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide For First Time Visitors
Things to Know
16 Misconceptions and Mistakes All First Time Visitors to China Must Know!
5 Food and Drink Facts You Should Know Before Travelling in China!
6 Traffic Rules You Need to Know as a Tourist in China
How Much Does It Cost Me For 3 Days in Shanghai? My Real Spend
