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TRAVELPREP DESTINATIONS

Choose a city. Build from there.

Explore practical city guides, understand how long to stay and see how each place fits into a wider China route.

EXPLORE BY PLACE

Popular places across China

Send the traveller across the map, collect destination stamps and open the city that catches your attention.

CHINA · 8 CITY GUIDESSelect a city
Interactive map of popular TravelPrep destinations in ChinaChoose Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin or Hangzhou to preview its destination guide.Beijing, North China, recommended 4–5 daysBeijingShanghai, East China, recommended 3–4 daysShanghaiXi’an, Northwest China, recommended 2–3 daysXi’anChengdu, Southwest China, recommended 3–4 daysChengduChongqing, Southwest China, recommended 2–3 daysChongqingZhangjiajie, Central China, recommended 3–4 daysZhangjiajieGuilin, South China, recommended 3–4 daysGuilinHangzhou, East China, recommended 1–2 daysHangzhou
Tap a city to send the traveller there01 / 08
The Forbidden City and central Beijing seen from above
CITY GUIDE01 / 08

NORTH CHINA

4–5 days

Beijing

China’s capital brings imperial history and everyday neighbourhood life into the same journey. Monumental landmarks anchor the centre, while hutongs, parks and local food reveal a slower, more intimate side of the city.

Forbidden CityGreat WallSummer Palace

GETTING AROUND

Metro for most city journeys; high-speed rail and organised transfers for the Great Wall.

Explore Beijing guide

Map outline: @svg-maps/china, CC BY 4.0

CITY INDEX

All destinations

The Forbidden City and central Beijing seen from above
NORTH CHINA

Beijing

Imperial landmarks, hutong neighbourhoods and an easy starting point for a first China trip.

4–5 days
Shanghai skyline across the Huangpu River
EAST CHINA

Shanghai

Historic lanes, contemporary architecture and one of China’s simplest transport hubs for visitors.

3–4 days
Xi’an city wall and historic skyline at sunset
NORTHWEST CHINA

Xi’an

Ancient capital history, a walkable city wall and a natural stop between Beijing and western China.

2–3 days
A traditional street in Chengdu with historic architecture
SOUTHWEST CHINA

Chengdu

A relaxed food city and useful base for pandas, Sichuan culture and nearby mountain trips.

3–4 days
Chongqing skyline illuminated beside the river at night
SOUTHWEST CHINA

Chongqing

Layered streets, dramatic river views and a dense urban experience unlike anywhere else in China.

2–3 days
Sandstone mountain pillars in Zhangjiajie
CENTRAL CHINA

Zhangjiajie

Sandstone peaks and forest trails that reward an itinerary with enough time for weather changes.

3–4 days
Karst mountains beside the Li River near Guilin and Yangshuo
SOUTH CHINA

Guilin

Karst landscapes, river journeys and access to Yangshuo’s countryside and outdoor activities.

3–4 days
West Lake in Hangzhou with lotus leaves and a traditional pavilion
EAST CHINA

Hangzhou

Lakeside walks, tea country and a calm, convenient addition to a Shanghai itinerary.

1–2 days