Top 10 Famous Places in China to Visit This Year

Rich in history and culture, China offers plenty of attractions for travel enthusiasts. From ancient landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders, the tourist places in China promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you're interested in historical sites or stunning landscapes, this sightseeing guide for China will help you plan your perfect itinerary.

Let’s explore the top 10 places to visit in China. We’ll also discuss how a personal loan can help you effectively manage your vacation costs.

1. Forbidden City

Located in the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City is renowned for its architecture, historical significance, art, and culture. It houses nearly 1,000 buildings and is the world's largest preserved imperial palace complex.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most famous places to see in China with traditional architecture featuring wooden beams, yellow-glazed roof tiles, and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the extensive collection of Chinese art and cultural artefacts in the Palace Museum such as paintings, ceramics, bronze statues, and calligraphy.

2. Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is a life-sized clay army that guards the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Among the most famous archaeological finds in the world, it features over 8,000 clay soldiers, 670 horses, and 130 chariots, all accompanied by real weapons made of bronze.

This must-see attraction in China was found by accident in 1974 and had been left untouched for over 2,200 years before that. It is one of the world’s largest funerary sites. Offering unique insights into the cultural, political, and historical practices of ancient China and the reign of Qin Shi Huang, the Terracotta Army is the best place to visit in China for history buffs.

3. Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a famous tourist place in China known for its intricate architecture. The temple's design symbolises the relationship between heaven and Earth, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Chinese cosmology and culture.

Historically, it was the site of prayers and rituals conducted by emperors to thank the heavens and ask for good harvests.

4. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is an iconic symbol of the country’s architectural prowess and rich history. Spanning approximately 21,196 kilometres in total when including all its branches and sections, it is often cited as the largest man-made structure in the world.

Its construction began over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty and continued through various dynasties to protect China’s northern borders. A testament to the engineering and construction skills of ancient countrymen, you cannot miss this famous landmark in China when planning your trip.

5. The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund is one of the best places to visit in China if you want to relax, take a stroll, and admire the skyline and historical buildings of various architectural styles. Located along the Huangpu River, it features a waterfront promenade lined with buildings that reflect the colonial history of the 1800s.

Also known as the “golden mile” of Shanghai, the Bund offers a beautiful view at night when hundreds of skyscrapers are illuminated. Locals often say you have never truly visited Shanghai without experiencing the beauty of The Bund.

6. West Lake, Hangzhou

The West Lake in Hangzhou is a beautiful tourist place in China surrounded by hills, temples, pagodas, pavilions, and artificial islands. The place is known for its natural beauty, featuring picturesque gardens and willow-lined waters. Since the 9th century, the West Lake has been a source of inspiration for many poets, artists, scholars, and garden designers.

You can experience the lake by renting bicycles, taking an electric cart, boarding a boat cruise, or hiking the West Lake Loop trail. Historic sites, such as Qinghefang Ancient Street, are also worth exploring.

7. Yangshuo County

Yangshuo County has become one of China’s travel hotspots, offering a variety of outdoor activities and a glimpse into local life. If you are seeking relaxation, take a bamboo raft or a cruise boat down the Li River to see the beautiful rice paddies and traditional villages. If you’re an adventure seeker, Yangshuo County is one of the best tourist places in China for rock climbing.

8. Lhasa, Tibet

Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which falls within the People's Republic of China. Renowned for its religious sites and distinctive Tibetan architecture, it is among the most popular cities in China.

You can explore Tibet's rich cultural heritage by visiting notable landmarks such as the Potala Palace (the former residence of the Dalai Lama) and Jokhang Temple. Lhasa also offers the opportunity to indulge in delicious local cuisine, including Tibetan noodles, butter tea, and the famous momo dumplings.

9. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a top tourist destination in China known for its stunning beauty. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and fans of the film Avatar, as the park's unique karst landforms, towering cliffs, lush forests, caves, pools, and rivers inspired the film's breathtaking landscapes. The park offers numerous hiking trails for adventure seekers, including the popular Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail, which provides spectacular views of the iconic pillar-like formations.

10. Leshan Giant Buddha

The list of top 10 attractions in China is incomplete without the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s tallest Buddha sculpture. This sacred site is where Buddhism was first established in China.

The sculpture is carved into the side of a hill with carefully proportioned features such as 1,021 spiralled curls in the hair, ears large enough to hold 2 people, and the instep where a hundred people can stand at a time. The Leshan Giant Buddha attracts millions of people every year and is a must-visit in China.

Financing Your Trip With a Personal Loan

An international trip comes with several expenses such as flights, accommodation, food, and activities. A personal loan can help cover all these costs without depleting your savings. Before applying, compare interest rates and repayment tenures from different lenders to find the best option for your needs. Always ensure you can comfortably manage the monthly repayments to avoid financial strain.

Conclusion

China offers fulfilling experiences for every traveller. Whether you want to take a relaxing boat ride down the Li River, enjoy the stunning views at the Bund, or go rock climbing in Yangshuo County, this list of the top 10 places in China will help you plan a perfect vacation.

Financing your dream vacation to China can be easier with an SMFG India Credit personal loan. With attractive interest rates starting from just 13%* per annum and flexible loan tenures ranging from 12 to 60 months, you can apply for funds of up to INR 30 lakhs* without the need for collateral. Check your eligibility and apply online today.