Beijing and Shanghai are often the first two cities international travelers think of when planning a trip to China.
And for good reason.
Beijing offers imperial history, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, while Shanghai shows a very different side of China through its skyline, architecture, food and contemporary urban culture.
But China is far bigger and more diverse than these two cities.
Travel beyond Beijing and Shanghai and you can find giant pandas, ancient Silk Road cities, dramatic mountains, river landscapes, Tibetan culture, historic towns and some of the country's best regional food.
If you are wondering where to go in China beyond the classic Beijing–Shanghai route, here are some of the best places to consider.
1. Xi’an — For Ancient China
Xi’an is one of the easiest additions to a first-time China itinerary.
The city is best known for the Terracotta Warriors, but there is much more to see.
You can walk or cycle along the ancient city wall, explore the Muslim Quarter, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and experience a city shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Xi’an was also one of the major starting points of the ancient Silk Road.
Best for
- Chinese history
- Archaeology
- Ancient architecture
- Silk Road culture
How long to stay
Around 2–3 days works well for most first-time visitors.
2. Chengdu — For Pandas, Food and a Slower Pace
Chengdu is one of the best cities in China for travelers who want to experience everyday local life alongside famous attractions.
Yes, the pandas are a major reason to visit.
But Chengdu is also about tea houses, Sichuan cuisine, old neighborhoods, markets, contemporary architecture and a much slower rhythm than Beijing or Shanghai.
Spend a morning visiting the giant pandas, have tea in People's Park, try Sichuan food and finish the evening with hotpot or a local neighborhood walk.
Chengdu also works as a gateway to deeper travel in Sichuan, including Jiuzhaigou, western Sichuan and Mount Emei.
Best for
- Pandas
- Sichuan food
- Local culture
- Tea houses
- Slow travel
How long to stay
3–4 days in the city, longer if you are exploring Sichuan.
3. Zhangjiajie — For Dramatic Mountain Landscapes
If you want to see one of China's most dramatic natural landscapes, Zhangjiajie should be high on your list.
The region is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, misty mountain scenery and forest landscapes.
Highlights include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and Tianmen Mountain.
It feels completely different from China's major cities.
Best for
- Nature
- Hiking
- Photography
- Mountain scenery
- Families and outdoor travelers
How long to stay
Around 3–4 days gives you enough time to explore the main areas without rushing.
4. Guilin & Yangshuo — For Rivers and Countryside
Guilin and Yangshuo offer one of the most recognizable landscapes in southern China.
Think limestone karst mountains, rivers, rice fields and countryside.
A classic experience is taking a Li River cruise from Guilin toward Yangshuo, followed by time in the surrounding countryside.
You can also experience bamboo rafting, cycling, village visits and local food.
Compared with Zhangjiajie, Guilin tends to feel softer and slower.
Best for
- Couples
- Photography
- River scenery
- Countryside
- Slow travel
How long to stay
3–4 days.
5. Chongqing — For Food, Night Views and Urban Energy
Chongqing has become increasingly popular with international travelers because it feels unlike almost any other major city in China.
Built across hills and river valleys, the city is known for dramatic elevation changes, bridges, neon-lit night views and layered urban architecture.
You can ride the light rail past residential towers, explore old streets, see Hongyadong at night and eat Chongqing hotpot.
Chongqing is also a good base for visiting Dazu Rock Carvings or Wulong.
Best for
- Food
- Architecture
- Night photography
- Urban exploration
- Travelers who enjoy energetic cities
How long to stay
2–3 days in the city, longer with nearby day trips.
6. Yunnan — For Mountains, Old Towns and Regional Diversity
Yunnan is one of the best choices for travelers who want to slow down and explore a more regional side of China.
Popular stops include:
- Dali
- Lijiang
- Shangri-La
- Kunming
The province combines mountains, old towns, lakes and diverse local cultures.
It is especially good for travelers who prefer longer stays and less rushed itineraries.
Best for
- Slow travel
- Mountains
- Photography
- Regional culture
- Couples
How long to stay
At least 5–7 days, ideally longer.
7. Jiuzhaigou — For Alpine Lakes and Mountain Scenery
Jiuzhaigou is famous for turquoise lakes, waterfalls, forests and mountain scenery.
Many travelers visit only the national park, but the surrounding region is also worth exploring.
Stay longer and you can combine Jiuzhaigou with Songpan, local villages and hiking.
It works particularly well as an extension from Chengdu.
Best for
- Nature
- Photography
- Hiking
- Mountain landscapes
How long to stay
Around 4–5 days including the surrounding area.
8. Kashgar — For Silk Road Culture
Kashgar offers one of the strongest cultural contrasts in China.
Located in western Xinjiang, the city has been shaped by centuries of Silk Road trade.
Travelers come for the old city, markets, traditional neighborhoods, local food and the broader sense of Central Asian influence.
It is a very different experience from eastern China's major cities.
Best for
- Silk Road history
- Architecture
- Food
- Cultural travel
- Repeat visitors to China
How long to stay
3–4 days, or longer as part of a wider Xinjiang itinerary.
9. Gannan — For Tibetan Culture and Highland Landscapes
Gannan, in southern Gansu, is a good option for travelers interested in Tibetan culture and high-altitude landscapes.
The region includes monasteries, grasslands, small towns and mountain scenery.
It is much less visited by international travelers than Beijing, Shanghai or even Chengdu.
This makes it particularly interesting for people looking for a slower and less conventional journey.
Best for
- Tibetan culture
- Road trips
- Photography
- Grasslands
- Off-the-beaten-path travel
10. Guangzhou & Shenzhen — For Modern Southern China
If you are interested in contemporary China, do not overlook Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Guangzhou combines traditional Lingnan culture, Cantonese food, old neighborhoods and modern city life.
Shenzhen offers a completely different perspective: technology, design, creative districts, coastal spaces and one of China's youngest major urban identities.
Together, they show a side of China that feels very different from Beijing, Xi’an or Chengdu.
Best for
- Cantonese food
- Modern China
- Design and technology
- Architecture
- Repeat visitors
Which Destination Should You Choose?
If you are deciding where to go beyond Beijing and Shanghai, start with your interests.
For history: Xi’an
For food and local culture: Chengdu or Chongqing
For dramatic mountains: Zhangjiajie
For rivers and countryside: Guilin & Yangshuo
For slow travel: Yunnan
For alpine landscapes: Jiuzhaigou
For Silk Road culture: Kashgar
For Tibetan culture: Gannan
For contemporary southern China: Guangzhou & Shenzhen
How Many Places Should You Add?
You do not need to add all of them.
For a 10–14 day first trip to China, adding one or two destinations beyond Beijing and Shanghai is usually enough.
For example:
Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Shanghai
or
Beijing → Xi’an → Zhangjiajie → Shanghai
or
Beijing → Guilin → Yangshuo → Shanghai
If you have three weeks or more, you can start combining different regions and building a much deeper journey.
Go Beyond the Classic China Route
Beijing and Shanghai are excellent places to start.
But they should not define your entire idea of China.
Some travelers remember the Great Wall most.
Others remember drinking tea in Chengdu, hiking through Zhangjiajie, floating down the Li River or walking through Kashgar's old neighborhoods.
The best China itinerary is not necessarily the one with the most famous places.
It is the one that matches how you like to travel.
At Joy Traveller, we design customized China journeys based on your interests, travel dates and preferred pace.
Tell us what kind of China you want to experience, and we'll help you build the right route.