10 Must-Do Experiences in China: A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors

China is a land where ancient traditions meet futuristic skylines, where sacred mountains rise above misty rivers, and where food tells the story of centuries-old cultures. With such vast diversity, it can feel overwhelming to decide what to prioritize on your first trip.

To help you plan, here are 10 must-do experiences in China that capture the country’s history, landscapes, culture, and modern life. Add these to your itinerary, and you’ll return home with more than just photos—you’ll return with stories.

1. Walk on the Great Wall at Sunrise 🌅

No trip to China is complete without standing on the Great Wall. Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, it is one of the greatest architectural feats in human history.

Tips:

  • Skip the crowded Badaling section and opt for Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the stairs can be steep!

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) for clear skies.
  • Duration: Half-day to full-day.
  • Cost Range: Entrance ¥40–60 ($6–9) + transport (private car ~$80–120 round-trip from Beijing).
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
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2. Explore the Forbidden City in Beijing 🏯

Once the home of emperors, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest imperial palace complex. Walking through its courtyards feels like stepping back in time.

Tips:

  • Tickets must be booked online in advance—no ticket sales at the gate.
  • Rent an audio guide or join a guided tour.
  • Combine with Jingshan Park for panoramic views.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Weekdays in spring/autumn mornings.
  • Duration: 3–4 hours.
  • Cost Range: Entrance ¥60 ($9).
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)

3. Marvel at the Terracotta Army in Xi’an ⚔️

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.

Tips:

  • Located 1 hour from Xi’an; arrange private transport or join a tour.
  • Visit early before big groups arrive.
  • Pair with a bike ride on Xi’an’s ancient city wall.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Year-round; avoid July–Aug for crowds.
  • Duration: 3–4 hours onsite + travel time.
  • Cost Range: Entrance ¥120 ($18). Private tour ~$40–60.
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)

4. Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo ⛵

The Li River is so iconic it appears on China’s 20 yuan banknote. Karst mountains rise dramatically above the water, creating a dreamlike landscape.

Tips:

  • Choose a 4–5 hour cruise or a bamboo raft ride for a shorter trip.
  • Yangshuo is ideal for cycling through rice paddies afterward.
  • Bring a camera—this is one of China’s most photogenic spots.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Apr–Oct, especially after the rainy season for lush scenery.
  • Duration: Half-day cruise + 1–2 days in Yangshuo.
  • Cost Range: Cruise tickets ¥200–400 ($30–60).
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)

5. Hike among the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie 🏞️

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Its sandstone pillars look like something out of a fantasy world.

Tips:

  • Spend at least 2 days—the park is vast.
  • Don’t miss the glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
  • Wear layers; weather changes quickly.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Sep–Oct or Apr–Jun for mild weather.
  • Duration: 2–3 days.
  • Cost Range: Entrance ¥248 ($36) for 4-day pass. Glass bridge extra ¥138 ($20).
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)

6. Ride the High-Speed Train 🚄

China’s high-speed rail is the largest and fastest in the world. Trains reach 300 km/h (186 mph), making intercity travel efficient and comfortable.

Tips:

  • Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
  • Classic routes: Beijing–Xi’an (4.5 hrs), Shanghai–Hangzhou (45 mins).
  • Bring your passport for booking and boarding.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Year-round.
  • Duration: Varies by route (1–5 hours).
  • Cost Range: ¥150–600 ($20–90) depending on distance and class.
High-Speed Train in china

7. Taste China’s Culinary Diversity 🍜

From spicy Sichuan hotpot to Cantonese dim sum, China’s regional cuisines are a journey in themselves.

Tips:

  • Beijing: try Peking Duck.
  • Chengdu: hotpot and street snacks.
  • Guangzhou: dim sum in a traditional teahouse.
  • Join a food tour for insider picks.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Anytime, though hotpot is perfect in colder months.
  • Duration: 2–3 hours per meal or tour.
  • Cost Range: Street food ¥10–30 ($2–5), restaurants ¥60–150 ($10–20), food tours ~$50–80.
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
Dim Sum

8. Wander through Lijiang & Shangri-La’s Ancient Towns 🏘️

In Yunnan, cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and snowcapped mountains create a charming backdrop. Here you’ll find minority cultures like Naxi and Tibetan.

Tips:

  • Stay overnight in Lijiang Old Town for a quieter experience.
  • Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
  • In Shangri-La, explore Songzanlin Monastery.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct for pleasant weather.
  • Duration: 2–4 days.
  • Cost Range: Old Town entry ¥50 ($7). Tours and mountain trips ¥150–300 ($20–40).
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
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9. Hike the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) ⛰️

Huangshan is famed for pine trees, granite peaks, seas of clouds, and hot springs—scenery that has inspired Chinese paintings and poems.

Tips:

  • Take the cable car up, then hike scenic trails.
  • Stay overnight for sunrise and sunset views.
  • Combine with nearby Huizhou villages.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Sep–Nov and Apr–May.
  • Duration: 1–2 days.
  • Cost Range: Entrance ¥190 ($28) + cable car ¥80 ($12). Hotels on mountain ¥500–1200 ($70–170).
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
Travel to Huangshan Anhui China

10. Experience a Traditional Chinese Festival 🎉

Festivals bring Chinese culture to life—whether Lunar New Year fireworks, Dragon Boat races, or the lantern-lit Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tips:

  • Expect crowds—book trains and hotels well in advance.
  • The Lantern Festival is especially photogenic.
  • Respect customs, like giving red envelopes during New Year.

Practical Info:

  • Best Time to Go: Based on lunar calendar (Jan–Feb for New Year, Jun for Dragon Boat, Sep–Oct for Mid-Autumn).
  • Duration: 1–3 days depending on festival.
  • Cost Range: Mostly free, but accommodation prices rise 20–50% during holidays.
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Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
Travel to Huangshan Anhui China

Final Thoughts

China offers endless possibilities, but these 10 experiences are the perfect starting point for any traveler. From walking on the Great Wall to tasting fiery hotpot, from futuristic trains to timeless festivals, each moment reveals a new layer of this vast country.

Add these to your travel checklist, and your journey through China will be both unforgettable and meaningful.

Travel China: Your Worry-Free Travel Partner ✨

Planning a trip across such a vast country can feel overwhelming—navigating tickets, hotels, transportation, and language barriers all at once. That’s where we come in.

At Travel China, we specialize in high-quality private travel services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for:

  • Private cars with drivers for comfort and flexibility,
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  • Pre-booked entrance tickets to avoid hassle,
  • Or even a fully customized itinerary covering multiple cities,

—we take care of the details so you can simply enjoy your journey.

With us, your trip will be seamless, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.

👉 Ready to plan your dream journey through China? Contact Travel China and let us create an itinerary just for you.

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