Top 7 Most Beautiful Cities in China You Must Visit

China’s vast landscapes and rich cultural history make it a destination with countless breathtaking cities. From ancient towns with timeless architecture to modern metropolises filled with colorful skylines, each city offers a unique blend of beauty and charm. Here are the top 10 prettiest cities in China that every traveler should explore.

1. Guilin - The Land of Karst Landscapes and Limestone Mountains

Guilin, located in Guangxi province, is one of the most scenic cities in China, famous for its unique karst mountains, rivers, and caves. The Li River, which runs through Guilin, offers stunning views of rugged peaks and lush greenery. A popular activity here is taking a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, where you can witness the beauty of the city’s dramatic limestone landscape.

Top Attractions: Li River, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill.

2. Hangzhou - Heaven on Earth

Known for its picturesque West Lake, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province has inspired poets and painters for centuries. The city’s temples, gardens, and pagodas blend harmoniously with the lake’s serene waters and lush surroundings. Often called "Heaven on Earth," Hangzhou is especially stunning during spring and autumn.

Top Attractions: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantations.

3. Lijiang - Ancient Beauty in Yunnan

Nestled in the mountains of Yunnan, Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the ancient Naxi culture. The city’s old town is known for its cobblestone streets, charming canals, and traditional wooden architecture. Lijiang's dramatic natural backdrop includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, adding a mystical element to this picturesque city.

Top Attractions: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Black Dragon Pool.

4. Chengdu - The City of Pandas and Relaxed Vibes

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, combines natural beauty with a rich history. Known as the gateway to China’s giant pandas, Chengdu is an ideal destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The city’s tea houses, parks, and lively markets offer a delightful experience of Sichuan culture and cuisine.

Top Attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Ancient Street, Wuhou Shrine.

5. Suzhou - The Venice of the East

Suzhou, in Jiangsu province, is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its tranquil canals, stone bridges, and lush gardens have earned it the title of "Venice of the East." Suzhou’s beauty lies in its elegant landscapes, showcasing centuries of meticulous Chinese garden design.

Top Attractions: Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, Pingjiang Road.

6. Xi’an - The Ancient Capital with Timeless Charm

As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an is steeped in history and cultural heritage. Home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, this city offers a unique blend of ancient and modern China. Xi’an’s well-preserved city walls, temples, and vibrant Muslim Quarter make it a must-see for history buffs and travelers alike.

Top Attractions: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

7. Zhangjiajie - Avatar Mountains and Majestic Cliffs

Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan province, is known for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Tianmen Mountain and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. For thrill-seekers, the glass bridge spanning the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

Top Attractions: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge.

Tips for a stress-free visit to China

China’s beautiful cities are as diverse as its landscapes, each offering unique attractions and scenery. From the tranquil gardens of Suzhou to the towering cliffs of Zhangjiajie, these cities in China showcase the country's vast natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're looking to explore ancient architecture, stroll through serene landscapes, or witness awe-inspiring mountains, these cities offer an unforgettable experience.

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your trip to China.

Set up your digital wallets

Payments in China is mostly cashless, with Alipay and WeChat Pay being the two most commonly accepted forms of payment. You can also set up your Alipay and WeChat Pay to allow you to have more seamless transactions when you are in China.

Alipay and WeChat are also useful apps to have while you are in China as they have a multitude of mini apps that could be useful during your time in China. It is important to note that real-name verification may be required for some of these apps.

If you do not want to set up your digital wallets, fret not as cash is still accepted in China. In fact, it is against the law for an establishment to reject cash payments.

Stay connected with a travel eSIM from Nomad

Staying connected in China could sometimes be tricky, especially due to the Great Firewall which could restrict your access to some of the apps and services that you typically use.

A great way to stay connected would be to use a Nomad travel eSIM for China, which allows you to bypass the Great Firewall without the need of an additional VPN. With a Nomad travel eSIM for China, you will be able to freely access your Google services as well as your social media accounts! Stay connected with your friend and families back home without worries.

It is important to note that purchase of eSIM plans are not allowed once you are in China, so make sure that you buy enough data for the duration of your trip!