Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
First Time in China Where to Go
| Trip Type | Destinations | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Classic Chinese Culture & Modern City Tour | Beijing | 3-4 days |
| Shanghai | 2-3 days | |
| Xi'an | 2-3 days | |
| Option 2: Natural Scenery & Panda tour | Chengdu | 2-3 days |
| Guilin & Yangshuo | 2-3 days | |
| Zhangjiajie | 2-3 days | |
| Option 3: Ethnic minorities & plateau scenery | Yunnan | 6-8 days |
| Tibet | 8-10 days | |
| Option 4: Yangtze River & Ancient Town Water Village | Chongqing | 1-2 days |
| Yangtze River Cruise | 4 days | |
| Suzhou | 1-2 days | |
| Hangzhou | 1-2 days |
1. Classic Chinese Culture & Modern City Tour (Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai)
Suitable for: Tourists who want to learn about Chinese history and culture while experiencing a modern metropolis
- Beijing (3-4 days): The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutong Culture
- Xi'an (2-3 days): Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Street, Ancient City Wall
- Shanghai (2-3 days): The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower
Special Experience: Beijing Roast Duck, Xi'an Biangbiang Noodles, Shanghai Xiaolongbao
Beijing: The Historical Heart of China
Best For: First-timers who want to dive into China’s imperial past and iconic landmarks.
How can you say you’ve been to China without visiting Beijing, the capital and biggest city?
Beijing offers a perfect blend of ancient history and modernity. It was once the capital of Ancient China for over 1,000 years, leaving behind a lot historic sites.
You can spend 3-4 days in this historical capital city. Don’t forget to taste the famous Beijing Duck!
Top Attractions in Beijing:
- The Great Wall – Walk along the world-famous wall at Badaling or Mutianyu.
- Forbidden City – Explore China’s grand imperial palace.
- Temple of Heaven – A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture.
- Summer Palace – Stroll through royal gardens and pavilions.
- Tiananmen Square – Visit the heart of modern China’s history.
- Hutongs – Experience old Beijing’s narrow alleys and courtyards.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: A guide in Beijing can bring stories, dynastic secrets, and symbolism to life.
Top 10 Beijing Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Beijing
Things to Do in Beijing | 10 Best Things to Do in Beijing, China
10 Best Beijing Food: Must-Try Dishes, Snacks & Cuisines in Beijing
Beijing Maps: Beijing Maps with Top Attractions & Transportation
Shanghai: The Glamorous Metropolis
Best For: First-time visitors looking to experience China’s modernity, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and vibrant energy.
Shanghai, with its futuristic skyline and colonial charm, is often the top choice for the first stop on a trip to China. As the country's financial hub, it offers a glimpse into China's most vibrant and prosperous scene.
A 2-day trip in Shanghai is enough to explore its charming streets. If you have more time, visit the nearby Suzhou Gardens and Jiangnan Water Towns-it’s another different experience.
Top attractions:
- The Bund – Stroll along the historic waterfront with stunning skyline views.
- Yu Garden – Explore a classic Chinese garden with pavilions and ponds.
- Nanjing Road – Shop at one of China’s busiest commercial streets.
- Shanghai Tower – Visit China’s tallest skyscraper for breathtaking sights.
- Shanghai Disneyland (Only Disney Resort in Mainland China)
Asia Odyssey TravelTips: Shanghai is well-organized with plenty of subways, so stay in hotels close to any subway stop for overnight.
Shanghai Attractions: Top 10 Places to Visit in Shanghai
How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai 2025: Shanghai Planning for First Timers
Shanghai City Maps: Shanghai Map with Attractions, Location (2025)
Xi'an: The Ancient Capital
Best For: History buffs and culture enthusiasts.
If you want to dive into China's ancient history, Xi'an is undoubtedly the top place to be. It was the capital during some of China’s most prosperous times.
The Qin Dynasty left us the incredible Terracotta Army, and the Han Dynasty made Xi'an the start of the Silk Road. Plus, the Tang Dynasty, which was like the peak of Chinese culture, really put Xi'an on the map as a historical hub.
It's a must-visit if you're into ancient China, with just 2 days, you can fully appealed by China culture!
Top Attractions:
- Terracotta Army (Qin Shi Huang’s underground army).
- Ancient City Wall (rent a bike and ride atop it!).
- Muslim Quarter (vibrant street food scene).
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Buddhist pagoda).
- Great Tang Everbright City (Lively nightlife with Tang-style Architectures)
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Wearing a hanfu in Xi'an is pretty common and really enhances the experience. It feels like you're stepping back in time, almost like traveling to the Tang Dynasty.
Things to do in Xian | 17 Best Things to do in Xian, China
How to Plan A Xian Tour | Useful Xian Planning Guide
Suggested Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, free exploration in Hutongs.
- Day 2: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park (panoramic city view) → Summer Palace
- Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling) → Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest & Water Cube)
- Day 4: High Speed train to Xi'an (5 hours)
- Day 5: Terracotta Warriors → Ancient City Wall → Bell Tower
- Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Muslim Quarter food tour → Fly to Shanghai
- Day 7: Shanghai Tower → Yu Garden & City God Temple → Nanjing Road shopping → The Bund
- Day 8: Free Exploration and Departure, French Concession → Tianzifang arts district
2. Natural Scenery & Panda tour (Chengdu - Guilin - Zhangjiajie)
Suitable for: tourists who like landscapes, ethnic minority culture, and pandas
- Guilin & Yangshuo (2-3 days): : Li River Cruise, Yulong River bamboo rafting, Yangshuo countryside cycling, Elephant Trunk Hill
- Zhangjiajie (2-3 days): : Avatar Floating Mountain, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain
- Chengdu (2-3 days): : Giant Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley, People’s Park, Hot Pot
Special experience: Guilin rice noodles and beer fish, Sichuan hot pot, face-changing Sichuan opera performance
Chengdu: The Land of Pandas and Spice
Best For: First-time visitors looking to experience traditional Chinese culture, world-famous pandas, and bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
If you're traveling from a Southeast Asian city to China, Chengdu would be a great gateway city, as it's closer compared to Beijing and Shanghai.
Chengdu is famous for its giant pandas, spicy cuisine, and laid-back vibe. It’s also a door to Western Sichuan, rich of picturesque landscapes and Tibetan Culture.
In Chengdu, 1-2 day can enjoy a wonderful city exploration. If you have more time, try a 3-day Jiuzhaigou Valley trip or a western Sichuan adventure.
Top Attractions:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – Observe adorable pandas in their natural habitat.
- Jinli Ancient Street – Experience Sichuan culture, tea houses, and local snacks.
- People’s Park & Tea Houses – Enjoy Chengdu’s laid-back tea culture.
- Sichuan Opera (Face-Changing Show) – A must-see cultural performance.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Jiuzhaigou, a paradise as China’s top waterscape destination, is just a 2-hour train ride away.
Top 15 Things to Do in Chengdu - Chengdu Attractions & Places to Visit
How to Plan A Chengdu Tour | Useful Chengdu Planning Guide
How to Plan A Trip to Jiuzhaigou National Park 2025
Chengdu Maps: Chengdu Tourist Map & Chengdu Attractions Map (2025)
Guilin & Yangshuo: The Scenic Wonderland
Best For: First-time visitors who want to experience China's stunning natural landscapes, enjoy outdoor activities, and relax in a scenic, tranquil setting.
It’s always said that “Guilin's mountains and waters rank first under heaven," offering one of China’s most iconic vistas.
In Guilin, the perfect combination of mountains and water creates an unparalleled ink-wash landscape. Take a Li River cruise southward to Yangshuo from Guilin, then switch to a bamboo raft to drift along the Yulong River. The Karst peaks on both sides are mesmerizing, and time seems to slow down here.
Top Attractions:
- Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo) – Enjoy breathtaking karst mountains and scenic landscapes.
- Yangshuo West Street – Vibrant nightlife, cafes, and local markets.
- Xianggong Mountain – Stunning sunrise view over the Li River.
- Longji Rice Terraces – A day trip to see terraced fields and ethnic minority villages.
- Yulong River (bamboo rafting)
- Yangshuo (biking, rock climbing, and rural charm).
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: April to July, September to August is the best time to bamboo rafting and biking.
How to Plan A Guilin Tour | Useful Guilin Planning Guide
Things to Do in Yangshuo | 15 Best Things to Do in Yangshuo, Guilin
Guilin Yangshuo Map: Guilin Guangxi China Map (2025)
Zhangjiajie: The Real-Life Avatar Mountains
Best For: Thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
If you've ever seen Avatar and wondered if those floating mountains were real—well, sort of!
Zhangjiajie is home to the breathtaking sandstone pillars that inspired the movie’s Hallelujah Mountains. This place is straight out of a fantasy world, with towering rock formations, misty valleys, and lush forests.
Top Attractions:
This place is next-level scenic. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Explore the floating mountains that inspired the movie Avatar.
- Tianzi Mountain – Enjoy panoramic views of the sandstone pillars.
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain – Iconic rock formations used as inspiration for the movie.
- Tianmen Mountain – Ride the world’s longest cable car, walk on the Glass Skywalk, and visit the Heaven’s Gate.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Expected lots of Korean tourists in Zhangjiajie.
How to Plan a Trip to Zhangjiajie: Where to Go, Cost & Plans
Zhangjiajie Attractions: 14 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Maps: Tourist Map of Zhangjiajie (Updated 2025)
Suggested Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding → Sanxindui Museum → Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Ancient Street → Sichuan hotpot dinner
- Day 2: People’s Park (tea house experience) → High Speed Train to Guilin (7 hours)
- Day 3: Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo) → West Street exploration → Countryside biking or bamboo rafting on Yulong River
- Day 4: Transfer back to Guilin for an afternoon high speed train to Zhangjiajie (7 hours)
- Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park → Yuanjiajie (Hallelujah Mountains) → Tianzi Mountain → Golden Whip Stream or Ten-mile Galley
- Day 6: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon → Walk on the Glass Bridge → Baofeng Lake cruise
- Day 7: Tianmen Mountain → Glass Skywalk → Tianmen Cave → Departure
3. Ethnic minorities & plateau scenery (Yunnan-Tibet)
Suitable for: tourists who like alpine lakes, Tibetan and Naxi culture
- Kunming (1-2 days): Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, Cuihu Lake
- Dali (2 days): Erhai Lake cycling, Xizhou Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain
- Lijiang (2 days): Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient Town, Blue Moon Valley
- Lhasa (3 days): Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake
- Eveest (4 days from Lhasa): Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Gawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery
Special experience: Tibetan butter tea, yak beef, Yunnan flower cake
Yunnan: The Colorful Frontier
Best For: First-time visitors who are looking for a mix of cultural exploration, nature, and outdoor adventures in one of China’s most diverse and beautiful regions.
Located on the southwestern edge of China, Yunnan isn’t just a destination—it’s a sensory explosion of colors, cultures, and landscapes.
Think of it as Asia’s best-kept secret, where snow-capped Himalayas meet tropical jungles, ancient tea trails wind through terraced fields, and 25 ethnic minorities add vibrant traditions to every corner.
A one-week exploration in Yunnan is popular to enjoy the stunning landscape with mild weather. High speed trains connect Kunming to other cities.
Top Destinations:
- Lijiang: Lijiang Old Town, Yulong Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Dali: Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Village
- Shangri-La: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient Town
- Kunming: Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Western Hills, Yunnan Nationalities Village
- Southern Yunnan: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xishuangbanna
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: There are more language barriers in Yunnan than in big cities, joining Yunnan Group Tours is the best way to explore.
How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan: 10 Easy Steps (2025/2026)
20 Things to Do in Yunnan: Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Yunnan
Yunnan Maps: Yunnan China Map & Yunnan Tourist Map (2025)
Tibet: The Roof of the World
Best For: Adventurers and spiritual seekers.
Tibet, or Xizang, in western China, is a destination that's too high to reach easily. Not only due to its high altitude (over 3,500 meters), but also because of strict travel restrictions.
An extra Tibet Travel Permit is required, serving as your key to this mysterious wonderland. Independent travel is not allowed; you must join an organized tour with a local guide. But it’s all worth it. The mystical landscapes, rich Buddhist culture, and breathtaking high-altitude scenery are truly deserving of the journey.
You can spend 5-10 days to explore Lhasa and surrounding areas, including time to adjust to the altitude.
Top Destinations:
- Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery).
- Mount Everest Base Camp (pyramid-shaped north face of Mount Everest).
- Yamdrok Lake (turquoise alpine lake).
- Mount Kailash (trek around the Sacred Mountain)
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT is necessary! Don't worry about the altitude sickness, take it easy and get over it.
10 Best Things to Do in Tibet | What to Do in Tibet 2025
How to Plan A Tibet Tour 2025 (Itinerary, Cost & More)
Suggested Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
- Day 2: Kunming → Stone Forest → Green Park
- Day 3: Kunming → Dali → Three Pagodas → Erhai Lake Bike Ride → Dali Ancient City
- Day 4: Xizhou Village → Zhoucheng → Lijiang → Lijiang Old Town
- Day 5: Lijiang → Yulong Snow Mountain → Tiber Leaping Gorge → Lijiang
- Day 6: Lijiang Fly to Lhasa (Transfer in Chengdu)
- Day 7: Acclimatization walk around Barkhor Street → Jokhang Temple → Sera Monastery
- Day 8: Potala Palace → Norbulingka → Tibetan Culture Experience
- Day 9: Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Gyantse → Shigatse
- Day 10: Shigatse → Tingri → Gawu La Pass → EBC → Rongbuk Monastery
- Day 11: EBC → Tingri → Shigatse
- Day 12: Shigatse → Lhasa
- Day 13: Lhasa Departure
4. Yangtze River & Ancient Town Water Village Style (Chongqing - Yangtze River Three Gorges - Hangzhou - Suzhou)
Suitable for: tourists who want to experience the Yangtze River Three Gorges and ancient town water village
- Chongqing (1-2 days): Hongyadong, Jiefangbei, hot pot, Yangtze River Cableway
- Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise (3-4 days): Wuxia, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges Dam
- Hangzhou (2 days): West Lake, Longjing Tea Garden, Lingyin Temple
- Suzhou (1 day): Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road, Zhouzhuang Water Village
Special experience: hot pot, West Lake Longjing tea, Suzhou gardens
Chongqing: Mountain Megacity & Food Heaven
Best For: Adventurous eaters, urban photographers, and river cruise starters.
Among the many popular destinations in China, Chongqing is the most special one.
It’s a Mountain City, Built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing River meet.
It’s also a Fog City, for its misty mornings (150+ foggy days/year), giving it a moody, cinematic feel.
As well, it’s a "3D Magic City" - a maze of skyscrapers, hills, and neon-lit streets built along the Yangtze River. Moreover, It’s the birthplace of hotpot and the gateway to the Three Gorges.
Top Attractions:
- Hongya Cave (stilted riverside village with glowing night views, real-life Spirited Away scene ).
- Liziba Monorail (trains slice through apartment buildings, yes, through them!))
- Yangtze River Cableway (glide over the city’s dramatic skyline).
- Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ming/Qing-era streets and tea houses).
- Chongqing Hotpot (dare to try the fiery mala broth!).
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Spare extra days for Dazu Rock Carvings and Wulong if time allowed.
Chongqing Attractions: 10 Best Things to Do in Chongqing China
How to Plan a Chongqing Trip, Chongqing Trip Plan
Yangtze River Cruise: Journey Through the Three Gorges
Best For: Scenic relaxation, history buffs, and multi-generational travelers.
Break the routine and take a cruise to start your first trip to China!
A 4-day Yangtze River cruise is a relaxing way to experience China’s heartland, passing through the dramatic Three Gorges, ancient temples, and riverside villages. Choose from 5-star luxury liners (think spas, gourmet dining) to cozy boutique ships.
Top Attractions:
- Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges’ towering cliffs).
- Shibaozhai Pagoda (12-story wooden pagoda on the riverbank).
- Fengdu Ghost City (Taoist temples and folklore about the afterlife).
- Three Gorges Dam (engineering marvel).
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: There are 20+ Yangtze River ships to choose from, with different shore excursions, check out for the favourite one.
Yangtze River Attractions: 18 Best Yangtze River Cruise Shore Excursions
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Trip: 10 Steps (2025)
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise: 4 Days Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing
Hangzhou: Paradise on Earth
Best For: Travelers seeking scenic beauty, classical Chinese culture, and a relaxing escape.
If you’re looking for a picturesque city with a perfect blend of nature and history, Hangzhou is an ideal choice. Known for its stunning West Lake, tea plantations, and ancient temples, it has been celebrated as “Heaven on Earth” for centuries.
Hangzhou is a great addition to any China itinerary, just an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train.
Spend 1-2 days exploring the city, or extend your trip to visit nearby water towns like Wuzhen or Nanxun.
Top Attractions:
- West Lake – Cruise or bike around this UNESCO-listed scenic wonder.
- Lingyin Temple – Discover one of China’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
- Longjing Tea Plantations – Sip famous Dragon Well tea in lush green fields.
- Hefang Street – Stroll through a lively ancient street with local crafts and snacks.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: Hangzhou is all about West Lake, biking or boating to explore the lake.
Hangzhou Attractions - Top 10 Things to Do & Places to Visit
Hangzhou Maps: Tourist Map of Hangzhou China (2025)
Suzhou: The City of Classical Gardens
Best For: Travelers who love Chinese gardens, canals, and a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan culture.
Suzhou, often called the "Venice of the East," is famous for its elegant classical gardens, ancient water towns, and silk heritage. With its canals and white-walled houses, it offers a charming, timeless beauty.
Located just 30 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train, Suzhou is perfect for a 1-2 day visit. Extend your trip with a visit to nearby water towns like Zhouzhuang or Tongli for an authentic Jiangnan experience.
Top Attractions:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden – Wander through Suzhou’s largest and most famous classical garden.
- Lingering Garden – Admire intricate rock formations and elegant pavilions.
- Tiger Hill – Visit the leaning pagoda and scenic gardens of this historic site.
- Shantang Street – Enjoy a canal-side walk with traditional shops and teahouses.
- Suzhou Silk Museum – Learn about Suzhou’s centuries-old silk-making tradition.
Asia Odyssey Travel Tips: There are 10+ Suzhou Gardens to choose from, just pick the most popular one or two.
Things to Do in Suzhou | Top 10 Suzhou Attractions & Places to Visit
Suzhou Maps: Suzhou Tourist Map with Attractions & Gardens (2025)
Suggested Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Chongqing and board the Yangtze River Cruise ship before 20:00
- Day 2-3: Chongqing → Fengdu → Fengjie
- Day 3: Fengjie (Qutang Gorge) → Wushan (Wu Gorge)
- Day 4: Wushan → Yichang → Suzhou (7 hours train)
- Day 4: Suzhou → Garden Exploration → Water Town
- Day 5: Water Town Exploration (Wuzhen or Xitang) → Hangzhou
- Day 6: West Lake Exploration → Shanghai
- Day 7: Departure from Shanghai
Practical Tips When Visit China for the First Time
- Visa Issues: Make sure you meet the requirements for China’s 240-hour visa-free policy. If not, apply for a Chinese tourist visa in advance.
- Customs Procedures: After your flight, follow the signs to provide fingerprints and other necessary information. It’s easy, so don’t worry.
- Internet Access: Buy a VPN for your travel in China ahead of time, or purchase a Local SIM Card or use International Roaming after leaving the airport.
- Payment Issues: Mobile payments are extremely popular. Download apps like WeChat and AliPay in advance.
- Language Issues: In China’s major gateway cities, English is quite common, with English signs visible everywhere. Staff can also communicate in basic English. However, it’s still helpful to download a translation app. Of course, with a tour guide, there’s no need to worry about language and communication.
- Guided Tour: It’s necessary, especially if you want to understand Chinese culture. A guided tour will take care of everything for your trip in China, including airport transfers, itinerary, meals, and accommodation. Your guide will be your most reliable friend during your first travels in China.
Ready for Your First China Adventure? Let’s Make It Happen!
With so much to see and do, planning your first trip to China can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—that’s where Asia Odyssey Travel comes in! We’ve carefully designed four amazing routes to help you experience China’s history, culture, and stunning landscapes, all without the stress of figuring it out on your own.
With expert guides, seamless transportation, and well-planned itineraries, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the adventure.
Let’s turn your first China trip into a lifetime memory—contact us today and start planning!
Data in submission...
