Attractions and Places To See in China - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in China encompass a vast and diverse landscape, featuring ancient architectural marvels, significant cultural sites, and varied natural wonders. The country's geography ranges from towering mountains and extensive river systems to unique geological formations. These elements combine to offer a wide array of exploration opportunities across its diverse regions. China presents a rich tapestry of historical and natural sites for visitors to explore.
Best attractions and places to see in China
- The most popular attractions is Dragon's Back Trail, a trail that offers beautiful views and is well signposted. This is considered one of Hong Kong's classic walks.
- Another must-see spot is Shek O Peak, a summit offering views of the sea and mountains. The path to this summit is paved and well signposted.
- Visitors also love The Bund (Wàitān), a historic waterfront promenade in Shanghai. This location provides views of the city's skyline across the Huangpu River.
- China is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse natural features, and historical sites. These include ancient architectural marvels, unique geological formations, and significant cultural locations.
- The attractions in China are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 180 upvotes and 60 photos shared.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Shek O Peak
Highlight • Summit
This was my last day in HK and it was a half and half day with overcast clouds at a humid 20c. My intention was to do what is often quoted as the finest short walk in HK. Basically I caught the metro from Causeway Bay to Shau Key Wan MTR station. Here I caught the no 9 bus (8HKD) to Shek O village and did the route in reverse as to what it is in the book.
After a morning coffee I started at south beach and headed NW on the road until you come to Big Wave Bay. Here there is a car park and in the far corner you see the first sign for the HK trail (which basically forms the dragons back route too). You simply follow the trail signs through the village and you start to head towards Pottinger Peak. In simple terms you just follow the trail signs on a rough but maintained trail north until you get to Pottinger Gap where the path veers off right on a wide concrete type path/service type of road around to the base of Mt Collinson. The views were virtually none existent at this stage but I still enjoyed the hike.
Once at the base of Mt Collinson there are some toilets and there is a path that heads right or north towards Tai Tam Gap and another path that is signposted ‘to the Dragon's Back’ heading south. Heading south the weather starts to clear somewhat and I got some half decent views. It is about half an hour until I come out on the ridge proper and it is a nice ridge at that. The views of the surrounding hills and bays are quite cool by now and even though it is a weekday it has become quite busy. The ridge undulates until you get to the concrete summit marker of Shek O Peak summit (a blood curdling 284m high). The views are nice but I would imagine they would be much better on a nice clear day.
After Shek O Peak you simply follow the trail steeply down and after about half an hour you come out on the coast road. Dead opposite the egress onto the road is a bus stop and hey presto within ten minutes the no 9 bus comes along again and I retrace my route back to the hotel to prepare to go home.
All in all today was a 9.3km day with only 335m of height gain done in 2hrs 20mins. However it had been a really pleasant hike. Low clouds spoiled the views somewhat but I had enjoyed my little far eastern adventure.
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Peak Tower and Sky Terrace 148
Highlight • Viewpoint
If you have time, you should definitely go to the "Peak Circle Walk", which meanders around the Victoria Peak.
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Dragon's Back Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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The Bund (Wàitān)
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Central Pier (Star Ferry), Hong Kong
Highlight • Rest Area
Since 1888, the green and white boats of the legendary "Star Ferry" commute reliably between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Although the two shores of Victoria Harbor are now connected by a state-of-the-art road and rail tunnel system, the traditional way of crossing the harbor is still very popular. The ships have such great names as "Morning Star", "Silver Star", "Twinkling Star" or "Golden Star". A crossing with the Star Ferry may not be missing on any Hong Kong trip. Incidentally, the travel costs are paid quite normally with the Octopus Card, as is the case with the Metro.
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Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
Highlight • Historical Site
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Teapot Mountain
Highlight • Summit
If you do not want to turn around, you have to overcome the mountain and that is a) not easy, because not signposted b) only recommended in good weather, because adventurous and quite difficult
Here is a wonderful description of "Teapot Mountain" and how to get to the other side:
earthtrekkers.com/teapot-mountain
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Longevity Hill — Summer Palace, Beijing 🏰
Highlight • Historical Site
In December 1998, UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value".
The design was based on a legend in Chinese mythology about three divine mountains in the East Sea. The centrepiece of the Summer Palace was the "Great Temple of Gratitude and Longevity" (大報恩延壽寺) and the 700m Long Corridor furnished with artistic decorations.
As the Qing Empire declined after the reign of the Daoguang Emperor (r. 1820–1850), the Summer Palace gradually became neglected and the architectural features on the three islands were ordered to be dismantled because the costs of maintenance were too high. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Palace
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Tai Mo Shan Summit
Highlight • Summit
Being the highest point in HK Tai Mo Shan was supposedly a good hike with great city views if you do it as part of Section 8 of the Maclehose trail on a clear day. Unfortunately I was running out of time and the weather had turned after doing Lantau Peak so I had to do it on a wet drizzly windy day.
I caught a metro ride from Causeway Bay on HK island to Central and from there to Tsuen Wen MTR station. To save waiting for the bus I then caught a taxi to the visitor centre just off from the ‘Route Twisk’ road. This cost me around 75HKD (£7.50) if I recall correctly.
Anyway, the visitor centre has toilets and the route starts right behind it and is well signposted. I set out on the route and it goes gradually uphill and you are hiking on steps mostly. It does level out here and there and you pass a picnic site at around the 2km mark. The views…well I couldn’t see anything! Basically you continue until you eventually come out on the Tai Mo Shan Road road at 2.5kms and walk past a check point (they didn’t ask me anything). You then walk uphill on the road for a km and a half until you get to another check point/gate/fenced off area. This is the highest point you can legally attain.
My intention was to do the route as per the book and to continue onwards to Chai village but to be honest it was a stinking day out and quite miserable. So much so I was the only muppet out on the hill. Therefore I just decided to head back down on the road all the way back to Route Twisk. Here there is a large picnic area and bus stop. I then caught the bus (no51) back to Tsuen Wen which cost 10HKD (£1 ish).
All in all it was a very wet 8.5kms with 533m of ascent done in 1hr 51mins. A pity really that the weather was so awful as this was after all Hong Kong’s high point! For route details click here: komoot.com/tour/276542848
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Forbidden City, Beijing
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
A visit to the Peak Tower is highly recommended!
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Awesome route! Hällarna Visättra ängar looks like a fantastic adventure with those scenic views. Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket, as the weather in this area can shift quickly, especially in open meadows. As a travel blogger at www.urbanchats.com I love discovering guides like this for outdoor adventures thanks for sharing such a great trail!
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A hidden gem in the heart of the bustling city, Yu Garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden architecture, created in the Ming Dynasty (1559). With graceful pavilions, winding paths, ponds teeming with koi, and elaborate rockeries, this garden offers an oasis of tranquility and refinement. Every corner reveals a new view—a philosophy of "landscape with every step."
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A beautiful park for which you should easily allow 2-3 hours. There's a lot to discover, especially off the main route. You should definitely go during off-peak season—even then it's quite crowded. Last admission to some of the buildings is at 4:30 p.m., so keep this in mind when planning your route. The park itself is also very worthwhile.
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Bustling place from which various ferries depart to the surrounding islands.
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If you frequently plan routes in Komoot and work with a variety of maps and PDF documents, you may find that your files become too heavy to easily handle and send. In such a case, a PDF compression service like PDFGuru can be a useful tool. It allows you to compress large PDF files without losing quality, which will make them much easier to share and store, especially when you need to work with a lot of information, such as when planning a route.
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historic garden, very winding and there is something new to discover around every corner
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Plan enough time if you want to explore some of the side palaces with special exhibitions (the Treasures and the Timepieces ones need extra tickets, but you can buy those on location as well). The palace area is huge and there is lots to explore. Just resting in one of the gardens is also very nice. Currently you need to buy the tickets several days in advance online (google is your friend)!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some iconic landmarks and historical sites to visit in China?
China is home to numerous iconic landmarks and historical sites. You can explore the ancient fortification of the Great Wall of China, the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing, or the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Other significant sites include the Potala Palace in Tibet, the Summer Palace in Beijing, and the Temple of Heaven. In Shanghai, the historic waterfront promenade of The Bund (Wàitān) offers spectacular views of the city's skyline.
Where can I experience China's natural wonders and scenic landscapes?
China boasts incredible natural beauty. Highlights include the 'floating mountains' of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the karst scenery of the Li River in Guilin, and the majestic Yellow Mountains (Huangshan). Jiuzhaigou National Park is renowned for its colorful lakes and waterfalls, while the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River offer dramatic river scenery. For unique geological formations, visit Zhangye National Geopark's 'Rainbow Mountains' or the Yunhe Rice Terraces.
Are there family-friendly attractions in China?
Yes, China offers many family-friendly attractions. The Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden) in Shanghai is a beautiful historical garden that families can enjoy. The Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center in Chengdu is a popular choice for seeing giant pandas up close. Many natural parks, like Zhangjiajie, also offer accessible paths and cable cars suitable for families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Near many attractions, you can find opportunities for various outdoor activities. For instance, the region offers numerous running trails, such as the 'Central Pier – Victoria Harbour Promenade loop' in Hong Kong. If you enjoy road cycling, you can find routes like the 'Dadaocheng Pier Plaza – Taipei Bike Works loop'. For those interested in hiking, there are waterfall hikes available, including the 'Shuangliu National Park Waterfall Trail'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes in China, Running Trails in China, and Waterfall hikes in China guides.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in China?
China is full of breathtaking viewpoints. Shek O Peak and Dragon's Back Trail in Hong Kong offer stunning vistas of the sea and mountains. Peak Tower and Sky Terrace 148 provides panoramic city views. For a unique perspective, Teapot Mountain offers wonderful views of the sea and mountains, especially from its summit.
What are some unique cultural sites in China?
Beyond the major landmarks, China offers rich cultural experiences. The Mogao Caves along the ancient Silk Road house precious Buddhist art. Suzhou is famous for its Classical Gardens, showcasing traditional Chinese garden design. The Old Town of Lijiang offers unique Naxi architecture, and the Ancient City of Pingyao provides a glimpse into a traditional Han Chinese city. The Fujian Tulou are distinctive earthen buildings that house entire communities.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, some attractions in China offer accessibility features. The Bund (Wàitān) in Shanghai is a historic promenade that is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the city skyline. Similarly, Central Pier (Star Ferry) in Hong Kong also offers wheelchair accessibility.
What is the best time to visit China for sightseeing?
The best time to visit China generally depends on the region and what you plan to see. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are often considered ideal for most parts of the country, offering pleasant temperatures and clear skies, which are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking the Great Wall or exploring national parks. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in the south, while winters can be very cold in the north.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in China?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse experiences China offers. Many are captivated by the stunning views from places like Shek O Peak and Dragon's Back Trail. The historical depth of sites like the Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), with its intricate design and peaceful retreats, is also highly appreciated. The vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty of promenades like The Bund (Wàitān), especially in the evening, are also popular highlights.
Are there any specific considerations for visiting the Forbidden City or Summer Palace in Beijing?
Both the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace are major historical sites in Beijing. The Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex, requires advance ticket booking, especially during peak season. The Summer Palace, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden design, is also a popular destination. For the most up-to-date information on visiting these and other cultural treasures in Beijing, you can check the official Beijing government website: english.beijing.gov.cn.
What are some less crowded alternatives to popular attractions?
While popular sites are iconic, China also offers less crowded alternatives. Instead of the most frequented sections of the Great Wall, consider visiting Jinshanling or Simatai for a more serene experience. For natural beauty, explore areas like Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan for incredible hiking, or the Yunhe Rice Terraces in Zhejiang for breathtaking agricultural landscapes, which might offer a different pace than more well-known national parks.
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Most popular attractions in China
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