Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in China

As one of the largest countries with more than 5,000 years old civilization, China offers so many charming to explore. Beautiful mountains, rivers and gorges in southern China, splendid gobi and desert on the northwest and dominating high plateaus on the southwest. Besides, historical and culture sites are what you cannot miss in China. Hereby, we selected the Top 15 attractions in China for any highlight China tour. You will get a chance to head out on mysterious destinations and capture glimpses of the oldest treasures of mankind.

1. The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China. The most famous portion is Ming Great Wall, which starts from Shanhai Pass in Niaoning and ends in Jiayuguan in Gansu. The Great Wall near Beijing is a remarkable experience, showcasing both stunning scenery and rich history. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of China's enduring spirit.

Here are most famous sections of Great Wall as below:

Badaling Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall is the most famous and well-preserved section, easily accessible from Beijing, 70 kilometers (43 miles) northwest of Beijing. Badaling Great Wall offers a fascinating glimpse into China's history and engineering prowess. With its stunning views, rich history, and convenient amenities, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors and those looking to experience one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. As the best preserved section, it has good facilities, including a cable car that takes visitors to the top, making it suitable for families and those with mobility challenges.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is one of the most popular and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) northeast of Beijing. Compared with Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall combines breathtaking scenery with historical significance, making it a favorite for both tourists and locals. It is well-restored with options for a cable car or toboggan ride down.

Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the lesser-known yet incredibly stunning sections of the Great Wall of China, located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Beijing. It offers a more adventurous experience of the Great Wall, making it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in history and nature. Whether you're hiking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the stunning views, it's a must-visit destination for any traveler in China.

Simatai Great Wall

Simatai is one of the most picturesque and less commercialized sections of the Great Wall of China, located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Beijing. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning views, making it a favorite among hikers and photography enthusiasts. The section is ideal for hiking, with trails that connect to other parts of the Great Wall, like Simatai. The hike can be challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views.

You could visit any portion of the Great Wall basing on your interesting, time and healthy condition. Whether you choose a popular section or a more remote one, the Great Wall is sure to leave a lasting impression.  See our 5-Day Beiijing In-Depth Tour. (加链接）

2. Forbidden City, Beijing

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, making it a key symbol of Chinese history and architecture. Built between 1406 and 1420, the Forbidden City is a sprawling complex with over 980 buildings and covers about 180 acres. The name "Forbidden City" means that only emperors, their families, and select officials were allowed inside, not any ordinary people. Visiting the Forbidden City is a journey through China’s rich history and culture. Meanwhile, you will be impressed by the masterpiece of traditional Chinese palatial architecture, featuring symmetrical layouts, intricate woodwork and vibrant colors.

The Forbidden City is the world's largest imperial palace, over three times larger than the Louvre Palace in France. So you should wear a pair of comfortable shoes to walk at least 3-4 hours. There is a limit of Forbidden City tickets now. You should book the ticket online only one day before the visiting.  See our 4-Day Beiijing Real Tour. (加链接）

3. Terracotta Army, Xi’an

There is no doubt that the Terracotta Army is the highlight of Xian. As the "the eighth wonder of the world", Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 accidentally. It wasn’t until 1974 when the digging of a well happened to unearth a buried Terracotta Army that Qin’s tomb became solid fact. Throughout the years the site became so famous that many of its unusual attributes are now well known; in particular the fact that no two soldier's faces are alike.

Firstly, you will go to the on-site wrap-around theatre to see a useful primer on how the figures were sculpted for 30 minutes.  After this, visit the site in reverse, which enables you to build up to the most impressive pit for a fitting finale. There are 3 pits of Terracotta Army: No. 1 pit is the main phalanx of chariots and infantries, No. 2 pit is composed of chariots, cavalries, and crossbows, and No.3 pit is the command system of the military formation. Start with the smallest pit, Pit 3, containing 72 warriors and horses; it's believed to be the army headquarters due to the number of high-ranking officers unearthed here. Pit 2 is your next step, which containing around 1300 warriors and horses. The level of detail is extraordinary: the expressions, hairstyles, armour and even the tread on the footwear are all unique. The largest pit, Pit 1, is the most imposing. Housed in a building the size of an aircraft hangar, it is believed to contain 6000 warriors (only 2000 are on display) and horses, all facing east and ready for battle.

Finished your visiting of 3 pits, there is a souvenir shopping street for your memory. You can get your own warrior statue personalised with your own face or have a photo taken next to a fake warrior. You can also pick up all manner of terracotta ornamentation – from warrior paperweights to life-size statues – from the souvenir shop in the theatre building. There is not any compulsory shopping, just pass through the walking street to get out of the attraction.

See our 4-Day Xi’an City Tour. (加链接）