The Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Planning a China tour for the New Year but unsure where to go? Here are ten popular Chinese cities, each with its own unique charm. Take a look and see which one suits you best.
1. Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing carries a long history and splendid culture, standing as a city full of mystery and charm. Beijing tours offer chances to appreciate six World Cultural Heritage sites and over 200 open tourist attractions, where ancient traditions and modern fashion collide and blend into each other.
2. Xi’an
Xi’an, originally known as Chang’an, is one of China’s oldest cities and one of the four great ancient capitals, along with Beijing, Nanjing, and Luoyang. Xian Tours feature numerous famous attractions, such as the Terracotta Army, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Xi’an City Wall, and the Shaanxi History Museum.
3. Chongqing
Known as “Fog City,” “Mountain City,” and “Bridge City,” Chongqing is popular throughout the country. It is rich in tourism resources and popular attractions, featuring night views, karst landscapes, and hot pot cuisine. There are also a variety of natural scenery such as mountains, rivers, forests, waterfalls, gorges, and caves.
4. Shanghai
Shanghai, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” attracts visitors from around the world with its unique charm and elegance. It is both a model of modern urban development and a repository of rich traditional culture, where Eastern charm and Western style blend seamlessly.
5. Lijiang
Lijiang, located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, is famous for its Naxi culture and ancient architecture. Must-see attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, and Tiger Leaping Gorge, each with its own unique features.
6. Sanya
Sanya, located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, is renowned for its clear waters, fine sandy beaches, and tropical charm, making it an ideal destination for escaping the cold in winter. It is suitable for tourism all year round, with winter being the best time to visit.
7. Hangzhou
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is famous for its West Lake scenery, historical culture, and the charm of the Jiangnan water towns, representing the essence of traditional Chinese garden art. Come to Hangzhou and enjoy the beauty of West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Garden, and Xixi Wetland.
8. Chengdu
If you believe that a China tour is incomplete without seeing at least one panda, then Chengdu should be your top choice. While top-tier zoos across the country house many of these charming and adorable creatures, the best place to observe them up close in their natural habitat is the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
9. Nanjing
Nanjing is a city with a long history and brilliant culture, featuring a wealth of historical relics. The most representative ones include the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Confucius Temple. The Zijinshan Scenic Area and Xuanwu Lake Park are popular destinations for both local residents and tourists.
10. Harbin
Harbin is the largest city in the northernmost part of mainland China. Harbin is the coldest city in winter among all major cities in China, earning it the nickname “Ice City.” The cold climate endows Harbin a unique appeal, which is also reflected in the city’s most iconic cultural expression: the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
