China is today an increasingly sought-after tourist destination. With a history spanning over 100,000 years, China captivates with its culture, gastronomy, and architecture. China is a country that holds numerous pristine natural landscapes waiting to be explored and vast new cities to discover. All these natural and cultural riches make this country an ideal stopover for travelers.

To help you make your choice, here is a top 10 of the most famous destinations in China:

1 Beijing, the Chinese Capital

China's capital for over 700 years, Beijing is the first Chinese destination coveted by tourists. Rich with a long history, this megacity fascinates with the diversity of its historic and modern monuments. Beijing is the city that houses some of the finest remnants of the imperial past: the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the great Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the fabulous Summer Palace. Beijing is also a city in full ferment and modernity with the Olympic Village, its new shopping centers, and its towering glass structures.

Beijing is truly the essential city for any traveler in China. The political, cultural, and educational heart of China, Beijing displays both China's past, contemporary China, and the direction in which China is projecting itself toward the future.

2 Shanghai, the Western Chinese City

Shanghai, sometimes referred to as the Paris of China, is one of the largest cities in China. It exudes a dynamic and modern atmosphere that can easily rival that of New York. Shanghai's colonial heritage, combined with a unique Chinese culture, gives the metropolis great authenticity that attracts more and more visitors each year. Traversed by the Huangpu River, Shanghai offers a pleasant stroll along its banks with an unobstructed view of Shanghai's modernity.

Unlike Beijing, which offers a range of historic sites to visit, Shanghai offers only a few gardens, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Grand Theatre, and the Huangpu River Cruise. However, Shanghai is worth visiting for its atmosphere, culinary wealth, scenes of life in old Shanghai, and the impressive buildings of the Pudong economic zone.

3 Xi'an, Ancient Chinese Civilization

An ancient Chinese capital, the city of Xi'an owes its main tourist appeal to the famous terracotta statues. Xi'an is a highly historical city. It is therefore endowed with a large number of precious relics, the tomb of the First Emperor, two Buddhist pagodas (Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda), the Great Mosque, the ancient city wall, and the Banpo site, which has become a museum of prehistoric civilization.

Xi'an also attracts tourists as it is one of the main cities on the Silk Road connecting Asia to Europe. Xi'an is a must-see for all history enthusiasts.

4 Guilin, One of China's Most Beautiful Places

Guilin has become world-famous for its fabulous landscapes and limestone mountains. The vegetation, rice paddies, and the Li River bordering the city offer a breathtaking natural setting.

The city of Guilin is surrounded by two tourist attractions, Yangshuo and Longsheng, both renowned for their breathtaking landscapes. Yangshuo is a small paradise for hikers with its idyllic scenery and laid-back atmosphere. Longsheng, meanwhile, has become famous worldwide for its terraced rice fields. This proximity greatly benefits Guilin, which welcomes thousands of foreign tourists every year. Today, well-developed, it offers its visitors a range of hotels, shops, and fine restaurants.

5 Hong Kong, the London of China

Hong Kong is unlike any other city. Having become one of the most important economic and financial centers in East Asia, Hong Kong enjoys all the advantages of a dynamic and vibrant metropolis. Hong Kong is a great blend of cultures. The remnants of its colonial past and British culture share the city with Chinese values and traditions, offering a particularly interesting mix for travelers.

Hong Kong is a world-renowned shopping paradise. Its vast shopping centers and fashion factories make it a must-visit destination for many foreigners.

Hong Kong also features landscapes, mountains, and beautiful beaches that will delight all nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Hong Kong can be a perfect city for a relaxing getaway.

6 Hangzhou, a Striking Beauty

Hangzhou is a city located not far from Shanghai. It attracts many tourists each year with the beauty of its area around West Lake, its gardens, and temples.

There are many historic and cultural sites around the lake such as Lingyin Temple and the Pagoda of Six Harmonies. Hangzhou is also surrounded by charming towns: Xitang and Wuzhen, ideal for a day's walk.

Hangzhou is a very rich city that delights its visitors with its natural beauty and characteristic products such as tea and silk. The National Silk Museum and the National Tea Museum are located in Hangzhou and constitute a very enriching visit.

7 Chengdu, Home of the Pandas

Chengdu is renowned for its giant panda population. This unique feature attracts many curious travelers eager to see these large black and white bears up close. It is possible to join research centers or volunteer programs to help preserve the lineage of this precious animal.

Moreover, there are many historic sites, such as the Sanxingdui Ruins Museum, Qingyang Palace, and Mount Qingcheng that will interest history enthusiasts. To discover local life, Chengdu offers narrow alleyways and broad avenues where it is pleasant to sip tea or taste a good spicy Sichuan pepper dish while observing the local atmosphere.

Over 2,000 years old, Chengdu was a cultural center before becoming a popular destination for expatriate Westerners.

8 Huangshan, Incredible Beauty

Huangshan, meaning Yellow Mountain, is surely one of the most famous and photographed mountains in China. This site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990 and today attracts a large number of Western tourists each year.

This almost supernatural beauty is due to the austere and majestic rocky walls of the mountain, its robust pines rising at the summits, and the mist enveloping it with thick arms.

Huangshan comprises three main peaks: Lotus Peak, Bright Peak, and Capital Ridge. These mountains allow travelers to undertake extraordinary hikes and discover natural hot springs.

Tourist attractions not to be missed surround these mountains to offer travelers a stay that is both rich and entertaining.

9 Lhasa, the Tibetan Capital

Although difficult to access, Tibet's capital continues to attract many foreigners.

Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters and with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Lhasa is famous for the nickname "City of Sunshine."

There are many historic sites and world-renowned remnants such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka to visit. The great Barkhor Street allows visitors to spend some time searching for souvenirs and encountering the local Tibetan population.

10 Lijiang, the Old Ethnic City

Three old quarters of the city of Lijiang became UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1997. There are historic sites to discover in this old city as well as breathtaking nature. High mountains, forests, wild rivers, and streams coexist with this small ethnic town that has become highly coveted by foreign tourists.

The House of 12 Ethnic Groups with its architecture and the ancient hydraulic system are the main points of interest in the city. Naxi culture is still very present here and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past. The Yangtze River runs through this region as well as the Tiger Leaping Gorge, offering a spectacular view and a very popular hiking trail.