China is home to some of the world’s most fascinating cities, landscapes, and cultural sites. From ancient wonders and misty rice terraces to glittering skylines and tranquil lakes, there is something for every type of traveler. Below are ten of the most popular China travel destinations for holidays, along with simple tips on how to get there and move around comfortably.
1. Great Wall Of China
No list of places to visit in China would be complete without including the Great Wall of China. Stretching thousands of kilometers across northern China, this UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built to protect the empire from invasions. Today, it is one of the country’s most visited attractions and a must-see for visitors staying in Beijing.
Popular sections near Beijing include Badaling (the most visited), Mutianyu (less crowded with beautiful scenery), and Jinshanling (great for hiking and photography). Expect plenty of walking and stair climbing, but the sweeping mountain views and sense of history are worth the effort.
To get there, you can join a group tour, use public buses, or arrange a private car. Many travelers prefer to book a private car service in Beijing so they can depart early, avoid crowds, and return to the city on their own schedule after a full day at the Wa
2. Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is the centerpiece of Hong Kong, framed by one of the world’s most impressive skylines. Traditional Chinese junks, Star Ferry boats, and modern cruise ships all share the busy harbor, while skyscrapers light up the waterfront each evening.
The view is best enjoyed from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or from the top of Victoria Peak. At night, the “Symphony of Lights” show illuminates many of the city’s landmark buildings in time with music. For a different angle, you can also take a short harbour cruise.
To move easily between the airport, your hotel, and harbour viewpoints, many visitors choose a Hong Kong airport car service. This helps avoid long taxi queues and crowded public transport, especially if you are arriving with luggage after a long flight.
3. Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army, just outside Xian, is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries ever made. Thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Each statue is unique in its facial features and clothing, and the scale of the site is incredible. The museum is divided into several pits, where you can see excavated warriors standing in formation and learn how they were created and restored.
The museum lies about an hour’s drive from central Xian. You can take public buses or join a group tour, but these may involve extra stops and fixed schedules. Booking a private Xian transfer through a trusted airport transfer service makes it easier to combine the Terracotta Army with other sights, such as the city wall and Muslim Quarter, in a single day.
4. The Bund
The Bund is the famous waterfront promenade in Shanghai. On one side stand elegant colonial-era buildings that once housed banks and trading houses; on the other side, across the Huangpu River, futuristic skyscrapers rise from the Pudong district.
A walk along the Bund offers a striking contrast between old and new China. It is especially memorable at night, when both banks of the river are beautifully illuminated. Many visitors also take a short river cruise to enjoy the skyline from the water.
The Bund is easily reached by metro or taxi, but these can be crowded at peak times. If you want a more comfortable way to explore, you can book a Shanghai limo and chauffeur service so your driver can drop you near the promenade and wait while you enjoy the views, dining, or shopping nearby.
5. Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a large imperial garden complex on the outskirts of Beijing. Centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it features ornate halls, temples, pavilions, corridors, and bridges set among landscaped gardens and wooded hillsides.
Visitors can stroll along the painted Long Corridor, climb to viewpoints above the lake, or take a short boat ride to explore small islands. The scenery changes with the seasons, making it a pleasant escape from the city in spring, summer, and autumn.
Opening hours and ticket options may change over time, especially between peak and low seasons, so it is best to check the latest information before you visit. To avoid multiple bus or metro transfers, many travelers prefer to book a private car in Beijing and combine the Summer Palace with other sites such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City in one day.
6. Chengdu Panda Center
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is famous as the home of the giant panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, often called the Chengdu Panda Center, is one of the best places to see these animals up close in a natural environment.
Paths wind through bamboo groves and shaded enclosures where pandas rest, eat, and play. There are also educational displays about conservation and breeding programs. Visiting early in the morning is recommended, as the pandas are usually more active before it becomes warm.
The center is located a short drive from central Chengdu. Public transport can involve multiple changes, so a convenient option is to arrange a private Chengdu transfer that takes you directly to the panda base and back to your hotel.
7. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province is known for its towering sandstone pillars rising out of misty forest. These dramatic formations inspired the “floating mountains” in the movie Avatar and have made Zhangjiajie one of China’s most photogenic natural destinations.
The park includes several scenic areas connected by trails, cable cars, and shuttle buses. Visitors can walk along cliff-side paths, cross glass bridges, and visit high viewpoints that overlook the sea of pillars. Because of the park’s size and elevation changes, many travelers plan at least two days to explore it fully.
You can reach Zhangjiajie by flight or high-speed rail from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Once there, local buses and hotel shuttles connect you to the park entrances. For more flexibility, some visitors prefer to book private ground transport through a car service provider when combining Zhangjiajie with other cities on a longer China itinerary.
8. Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang is one of China’s best-preserved ancient water towns, located between Suzhou and Shanghai. Narrow canals, arched stone bridges, and traditional houses with whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs give the town a charming, historic atmosphere.
Visitors can explore on foot or take a short boat ride through the canals. Highlights include the twin bridges of Shuangqiao, old residences such as Shen House, and local snacks sold in small shops along the water. Zhouzhuang offers a peaceful contrast to the busy streets of nearby big cities.
Entrance tickets and boat rides are reasonably priced but may change from year to year, so it is best to confirm current rates before you go. The town is a popular day trip and is easiest reached by road. Many travelers staying in Shanghai choose to arrange a private car from Shanghai so they can travel directly to Zhouzhuang and return without navigating bus connections.
9. Longsheng Rice Terraces
The Longsheng (Longji) Rice Terraces, about two hours from Guilin, are among the most beautiful terraced fields in China. Rice paddies climb the mountainsides in layers, forming graceful curves that follow the contours of the hills.
In spring, the terraces are filled with water and reflect the sky; in summer, they turn bright green; in autumn, they become golden before harvest. Several ethnic minority villages, such as Ping’an and Dazhai, are located in the area, and simple guesthouses allow visitors to stay overnight and watch sunrise or sunset over the terraces.
Public buses and local shuttles can be used to reach Longsheng, but transfers and schedules can be confusing if you do not speak Chinese. Many travelers choose to book a private car service from Guilin or Yangshuo so they can stop at viewpoints and villages along the way without worrying about onward connections.
10. West Lake
West Lake in Hangzhou is one of China’s most famous scenic spots. Surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and tree-lined causeways, the lake has inspired poets and painters for centuries and is often described as a classic example of traditional Chinese landscape beauty.
You can walk or cycle around sections of the shore, cross Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, visit small islands, or take a short boat ride on the lake. Each season offers a different feel, from spring blossoms to misty winter mornings.
Hangzhou is connected to Shanghai by frequent high-speed trains and also has its own international airport. Once in the city, West Lake is a short drive from most central hotels. To simplify arrival and departure, many visitors book a Hangzhou airport transfer and then use local transport or a private car to reach the lake and nearby attractions.
Travel Tip:
A little planning goes a long way when traveling around China. Booking key ground transport in advance helps you make the most of your time at each destination, especially if you are on a tight schedule or visiting during busy holiday periods.
Asia Car Service provides reliable airport transfers and private car services in major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hangzhou. You can schedule pickups for airport arrivals, hotel transfers, day trips, and business meetings.
