Things to do in China
Okay, so how do you distill all the things to do in China to a single list when there is so much on offer? It’s virtually impossible, so as part of our travel guide, we created a thoughtfully curated list of things to do in China so that whether you love deep dives into detail or simply want the bare minimum, we have you covered.
Because China is so well known for remarkable highlights like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, you may be surprised to know there is, in fact, a world of wonder further afield from the country’s capital. If you’ve never visited China, you’ll find a rich trove of treasures awaits to surprise and delight. Encompassing all areas of life
If you’re still in the research phase of your travel, this is the perfect place to gather all the details needed to create beautiful travel memories. We’ve included an initial list of places to visit in China (get your pen and paper ready), tips on China’s amazing food (you will love it!), and things to do at night in some of China’s most popular destinations (make the most of every travel minute). And if you have more questions, relax! We’re here to help. Reach out to our team of travel consultants who can guide you every step of your China travels, including the plans you make before departure.
Forbidden City
Forbidden City
Great Wall
Great Wall
Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army
Xi’an City Wall
Xi’an City Wall
Li River and Yangshuo
Li River and Yangshuo
Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie
The Bund in Shanghai
The Bund in Shanghai
Classical Gardens in Suzhou
Classical Gardens in Suzhou
Three Gorges and the Yangtze River
Three Gorges and the Yangtze River
Silk Road
Silk Road
Potala Palace in Lhasa
Potala Palace in Lhasa
We can also organise private China tour guides who speak other foreign languages
Ask us about tour guides who speak en Français, auf Deutsch, in Nihon, and many other European and Asian languages.
There is an incredible diversity of food to eat in China, so it’s wise to do your research before entering what can be a truly mesmerizing culinary world that is seemingly unlimited. From noodles to dumplings to amazing vegetarian and meat dishes, you will find the same multi-layered symbolism in China’s food that is discoverable in all other aspects of its culture. Arrive hungry for your China travels, with chopsticks in hand ready to explore China’s kitchens with us. You will love making travel food memories with this list of must-eat Chinese dishes.
Noodles
Noodles are to the Chinese what pasta is to Italians - a mainstay of Chinese cuisine that comes in many and varied forms. Every region has its own specialty, allowing you to savor specialty dishes wherever you visit. In Beijing, try Zhajiangmian (old Beijing noodles with fried bean sauce), which is a popular homestyle dish. By contrast, you can enjoy clear broth beef noodle soup in Lanzhou and the red-braised beef noodle soup in Taiwan. In Sichuan province, try Dandan noodles, while in Xian, located in China’s north, it’s impossible to go past the famous local biang biang noodle - so named for their resemblance to a belt. In the south of China, try Guilin’s rice noodles and the ‘crossing the bridge noodles’ of Yunnan, which is a rice noodle soup. And Wuhan is home to a breakfast with a difference - hot dry noodles - so start your day here fired up and ready to go.
Dumplings
Almost as ubiquitous as noodles, dumplings hold a special place in the heart of just about every Chinese person. On your culinary adventures, expect to find regional specialties, with each vying for your favor. If you’re anything like the ChinaTours.com team, you may find yourself defending your version of the ‘very best’ dumpling, and let’s face it, there is stiff competition for the prize. Choose from jiaozi (served either boiled or steamed); baozi or xiaolongbao, which are delicious steamed buns filled with mince and a juicy broth; shengjianbao, otherwise known as pan-fried mince-filled dumplings; or the Chinese version of a meat pie - xianbing - which are pan-fried oversized dumplings. And of course there’s no passing up a wonton soup while in China either. Essentially a soup broth served with floating dumplings, we dare you to eat just one while on tour!
Other famous signature Chinese dishes
Fancy expanding your palate with other famous Chinese signature dishes? Do your food research right here before departing on a Chinese culinary adventure.
Peking Duck
Peking Duck
Xi’an Roujiamo
Xi’an Roujiamo
Xi’an Liangpi
Xi’an Liangpi
Shanghai Xiaolongbao
Shanghai Xiaolongbao
Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
Hotpot
Hotpot
Hangzhou Dongpo Rou
Hangzhou Dongpo Rou
Guangzhou Gu Lao Rou
Guangzhou Gu Lao Rou
Yunnan Guoqiao Mixian
Yunnan Guoqiao Mixian
Guilin Mifen
Guilin Mifen
Yangzhou Fried Rice
Yangzhou Fried Rice
Har Gow
Har Gow
Shumai
Shumai
Nai Wong Bao
Nai Wong Bao
Egg Tart
Egg Tart
Want a more personal experience on China’s best tours?
Book a private or custom tour!
Things to do at night
Although we can’t possibly create an exhaustive list of things to do in China at night, we’ve captured the essentials here, focusing mainly on Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Among the most popular activities you’ll find to fill your evenings in China are night markets (everywhere throughout China) and modern, larger than life shopping centres. Even if shopping is not your thing, a wander through a typical night market provides an experience of real China that will surely find its way into your collection of beautiful travel memories.
Night markets
In Xian, although the Terracotta Warriors rate as the city’s number one attraction, the night markets probably come in a close second. With a focus on food, Xian’s night markets are the place to visit if discovering authentic cuisine rates high on your travel priorities. Add the Muslim Quarter and Dongxin Street night market to your itinerary, arrive hungry, rub shoulders with locals, and sample some of the tastiest - and most unusual foods - at this intersection of culinary culture.
Read more
The night market on Chunxi Street is considered a shopping mecca in Chengdu, acclaim that arises from its location as the intersection between two commercial centres, one of which originated around 100 years ago. Literally just about anything can be found at this nexus of shopping in China (which is really saying something). You’ll discover a showcase of artisanal crafts, souvenirs, fashion accessories, local snacks, and even traditional Chinese massage. Expect to while away an entire evening here. Other famous night markets in Chengdu are Yulin night market (which only opens on weekends) and the night market on Jianshe Road.
A stopover in Guilin on the way to Yangshuo provides the perfect opportunity to spend time wandering through the Xicheng night market and Zhengyang pedestrian street, which together are the very best places in Guilin for shopping and eating. In Beijing, make time to walk around the Wangfujing commercial area, and wander alongside Huangpu River near the Bund in Shanghai to sample night markets in these cities.
Of course, if the markets don’t hold appeal for you, you could brave one or a number of the many over-sized department stores in China. Opening hours for most shopping centers and department stores in big cities are 10am to 10pm, during which time you can join with local people to enjoy shopping in the evening after a busy day.
Shows and concerts
In the interests of sharing China’s rich culture, there are shows in every city, many of which have traveled and performed internationally. You will find everything from Chinese opera, traditional folk performances, indoor and outdoor dance shows, kung fu, acrobatics, and more. Among the very best available, check what’s on offer at the National Centre for the Performing Arts of China in Beijing and the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Bars and dining precincts
As China has opened up to the West, local demand for bars and dining precincts has grown too, such that cities in China never really ‘sleep’. Indeed, there are specific streets or areas for the bars, clubs and restaurants.
In Beijing
In Beijing
In Shanghai
In Shanghai
In Chengdu
In Chengdu
In Xi’an
In Xi’an
In Guilin
In Guilin
Even though international travel plans are on hold, it doesn’t mean dreams have to be. When borders open once again, it will be the perfect time to unleash your inner traveler and bring your China travel dreams to life. Researching in advance of your travel is one of the very best ways to make the most of your time, not only before departure but while you’re on tour as well. With decades of experience helping travelers from the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe plan and enjoy unique experiences in China and Indochina, we’d love to do the same for you. We welcome online inquiries via direct contact, with responses delivered within 24 hours. Let us know how we can serve you.
Articles about things to do in China
6 Days China Ancient Capitals – A Tale of Two Cities
6 Days China Ancient Capitals – A Tale of Two Cities
8 Days Golden Ring of China
8 Days Golden Ring of China
10 Days Essence of China and Magical Avatar Mountain Tour
10 Days Essence of China and Magical Avatar Mountain Tour
10 Days Golden Ring of China with Hong Kong
10 Days Golden Ring of China with Hong Kong
10 Days Best of China with Pingyao Ancient Town
10 Days Best of China with Pingyao Ancient Town
10 Days Splendid China Tour with Water Town
10 Days Splendid China Tour with Water Town
Travel Memories
Testimonials
- Kandice42 wrote a review 30 April 2024Hamilton, New ZealandHistoric Beijing and Xi’anAll I can say is ... Martha is amazing. Best travel consultant ever! She answered our questions and provided all the information we needed. She was super patient as we figured out what we wanted to do and at the same time prompt with her responses. Thanks for all the emails. Our trip wouldn't have been as great without her help. We booked a private tour for 2 days in Beijing and 2 days in Xi'an. Our guides Jun and Helen were friendly and knowledgeable, and put up with our shopping stops. It is surprising how quickly a complete stranger can feel like part of the family. Our drivers were always on time and we were very glad to sit back and let someone else manage the traffic. We really appreciated the help to get on the bullet train and being picked up from the station at almost midnight. Top notch service. Of the 3 weeks we spent in Asia, Xi'an was definitely our favourite spot. Loved the food, the vibe, and the history. The Terracotta Warriors are a must - one of those things you just can't describe. Come and experience it yourself! Totally recommend China Tours
- Sósanna N wrote a review 29 April 2024IrelandAmazing Adventure in BeijingWhat an amazing trip! Took a 2 day private tour of Beijing with visits to Mutianyu Great Wall, Confucius Temple, Imperial College Museum, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace. Definitely a once in a lifetime trip. My guide, Jeffry, was very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He gave me lots of tips on where to go/explore in Beijing. Would recommend China Tours to anyone, especially solo travellers! Hope to be back someday
- Vince T wrote a review 26 April 2024
Outstanding in every way! You are a VIPMy wife and I went on a 12 day tour using Chinatours.com seeing Beijing (Capital, Forbidden City and Great Wall), Xi'an (home of the Terracotta Warriors), Chengdu (home of Panda Research), Guilin (Li River Cruise), Yangshuo, and Shanghai. One word, Wow!! The company helps you plan, does all the logistics ie travel, hotel arrangements, worry free. The local tour guides were outstanding. They all were very knowledgeable of the history of their city, you can feel the passion, the guides live their city. Going to China? Highly recommend Chinatours.com - Vadim S wrote a review 17 April 2024
Very well organized tourThe trip was organized very well All tour guides were friendly and helpful Even when flight delayed by 3 hours they We’re waiting for us All accommodations were very comfortable Even last minute changes in plans were accepted and accommodated Martha replied to our remarks immediately at any time Highly recommend China tours.com for future visitors to China - Meg C wrote a review 12 April 2024
Amazing TourOur tour was amazing! We went to Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie and Guilin. Our tour guides were amazing in each location-very knowledgeable, kind and helpful. Highly recommend this company, we customise the tour to suit our interests and needs! - Greg C wrote a review 12 April 2024
Family Adventure with China ToursOur Experience with China Tours was amazing! Our family of 6 (our kids range in age from 8-12) loved the sites, food, hotels, schedule, and hospitality. Possibly the best element of our experience was hanging out with our guides Maggie, Helen, Kevin, and Warren who were so personable, knowledgable, and kind. We would highly recommend China Tours to anyone!