8 Beautiful Places in China to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
8 Beautiful Places in China to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
If you are planning 8 Beautiful Places in China to Add to Your Travel Bucket List, this guide gives you the best mix of scenery, culture, and easy trip planning. These destinations are ideal for Singapore travellers who want memorable food, great photos, and practical travel routes. You will also find travel tips, sample itineraries, visa info reminders, and cost ideas to help you plan faster.
where should you go first?
The best places in China for a first trip are usually Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Lijiang. They offer a good balance of famous landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and easy transport options. If you want one China trip with history, scenery, and city life, these 8 destinations are the safest and most rewarding picks.
Why China is worth adding to your travel bucket list
- It offers both modern cities and ancient heritage.
- High-speed rail makes multi-city travel easier.
- There are options for couples, families, and group trips.
- Food is a major highlight in almost every region.
- You can choose short city breaks or longer scenic routes.
1) Beijing
Beijing is one of the best places in China to add to your travel bucket list if you love history and iconic landmarks. It is home to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and wide imperial avenues that feel grand and timeless.
Why go
- Perfect for first-time visitors
- Strong mix of heritage and modern city life
- Great base for major sightseeing
Suggested stay
3 to 4 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$90 to S$180 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Visit the Great Wall early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2) Shanghai
Shanghai is ideal if you want city lights, shopping, skyline views, and stylish cafes. It is modern, polished, and easy to navigate, which makes it especially attractive for Singapore travellers who enjoy urban comfort.
Why go
- Great for shopping and dining
- Iconic skyline at The Bund and Pudong
- Easy to combine with nearby water towns
Suggested stay
2 to 4 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$100 to S$220 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Add a half-day trip to a nearby ancient water town if you want a slower pace.
3) Xi’an
Xi’an is a must for history lovers. It was once the starting point of the Silk Road and is famous for the Terracotta Warriors. The old city walls, traditional streets, and local noodle dishes make it one of the most culturally rich stops in China.
Why go
- Home of the Terracotta Army
- Strong Silk Road heritage
- Good food scene for local specialties
Suggested stay
2 to 3 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$70 to S$150 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Stay near the city centre if you want easier access to the main sights and evening food streets.
4) Guilin
Guilin is famous for its dramatic limestone hills and river scenery. If you want a peaceful and photogenic escape, this is one of the most beautiful places in China to add to your travel bucket list. A Li River cruise is one of the most popular ways to see the landscape.
Why go
- Beautiful karst mountains and river views
- Great for scenic boat rides
- Suitable for couples and nature lovers
Suggested stay
2 to 3 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$80 to S$170 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Check the ferry schedule or cruise timing in advance if you plan to do river-based sightseeing, especially during busy seasons.
5) Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is famous for its towering sandstone peaks and misty mountain views. The landscape looks almost unreal and is often linked to fantasy movie scenery. It is one of the best places in China for dramatic nature photography.
Why go
- Unique mountain landscapes
- Excellent for hikers and photographers
- One of China’s most memorable natural attractions
Suggested stay
2 to 4 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$90 to S$180 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Wear comfortable walking shoes and plan extra time for cable cars and scenic stops.
6) Chengdu
Chengdu is the best place to go if you love relaxed travel, spicy food, and cute pandas. It is a great city for slow travel and is often included in packages for travellers who want a mix of food and culture.
Why go
- Visit panda research centres
- Try Sichuan cuisine
- Relaxed pace compared with bigger cities
Suggested stay
2 to 4 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$70 to S$160 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Bring tissues or wipes if you are not used to spicy food. Sichuan meals can be intense but very rewarding.
7) Hangzhou
Hangzhou is known for West Lake, tea gardens, elegant bridges, and a calm atmosphere. It is a very good choice if you want a scenic city that feels romantic and peaceful.
Why go
- Beautiful lake views
- Tea culture and garden landscapes
- Easy day trip pairing with Shanghai
Suggested stay
2 to 3 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$80 to S$170 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Go in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people around West Lake.
8) Lijiang
Lijiang is one of the most beautiful places in China to add to your travel bucket list if you want cobblestone lanes, mountain views, and a slower pace. The old town and surrounding scenery make it a favourite for travellers who enjoy charming, walkable destinations.
Why go
- Historic old town atmosphere
- Scenic mountain backdrop
- Great for a slower, more relaxed holiday
Suggested stay
2 to 4 days.
Estimated cost
Budget around S$80 to S$180 per day for mid-range travel, excluding flights.
Travel tip
Take it slow and leave space in your itinerary for wandering, tea breaks, and photo stops.
Best China itinerary ideas for Singapore travellers
Option 1: 5-day classic first-timer trip
- Day 1–2: Beijing
- Day 3–4: Xi’an
- Day 5: Fly back or add one more city by high-speed rail
Option 2: 7-day scenic city trip
- Day 1–3: Shanghai
- Day 4–5: Hangzhou
- Day 6–7: Guilin or Chengdu
Option 3: Nature and landscape trip
- Day 1–3: Guilin
- Day 4–6: Zhangjiajie
- Day 7: Return or relax in Chengdu
Useful planning tips before you go
- Visa info: Check the latest China visa requirements before booking, because entry rules can change.
- Transport: Use high-speed rail for city-to-city travel when possible.
- Weather: Pack for the season. Northern China can be cold, while southern cities can be humid.
- Payments: Prepare mobile payment options and a backup card.
- Connectivity: Consider getting a travel eSIM or SIM card before departure.
How to book smarter
- Choose 1 city for a short trip or 2 to 3 cities for a longer trip.
- Check flight times from Singapore before building your itinerary.
- Book trains early if you are travelling during school holidays or public holidays.
- Keep one buffer day for weather delays or rest.
- Compare guided tours, free-and-easy trips, and private packages before confirming.
Sample budget breakdown for Singapore travellers
| Travel style | Daily budget estimate | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | S$60 to S$100 | Simple hotels, local food, public transport |
| Mid-range | S$100 to S$220 | Comfortable hotels, taxis, a few paid attractions |
| Premium | S$250 and above | Luxury stays, private drivers, guided tours |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China?
Visa rules can change, so always check the latest visa info before you book. Make sure your passport has enough validity and that you prepare any required documents early.
Is China easy to travel around?
Yes. China is easy to explore if you plan well. High-speed rail, domestic flights, taxis, and metro systems make most routes manageable.
What is the best time to visit China?
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing. Mountain and nature destinations can also be beautiful in clear weather.
Can Singapore travellers do a free-and-easy trip?
Yes. Many Singapore travellers enjoy self-planned trips, especially to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Hangzhou. If you prefer convenience, packages can save time.
Where can I find more China travel ideas?
You can also explore related travel guides like Essential China Travel Tips for Singapore Travelers, First-Time China Travel Guide, and China High-Speed Rail Guide for Tourists.
Recommended package and guide links
If you are comparing destinations or looking for trip inspiration, these related links may help:
- China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan, All Inclusive!
- Discover Chaoshan, China. Culture, Cuisine & Heritage from S$399
- Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China for Singapore Travellers
- China Travel Guide: The Best Destinations for First-Time Visitors
Final thoughts
These 8 Beautiful Places in China to Add to Your Travel Bucket List are a great starting point whether you want history, food, scenery, or easy city travel. If you are planning your next holiday from Singapore, choose one route that matches your pace, budget, and interests. China has enough variety for many different kinds of travellers, and the best trip is the one that fits your style.
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