From Ancient Capitals to Modern Skylines: China’s Must-Visit Cities
From Ancient Capitals to Modern Skylines: China’s Must-Visit Cities
From Ancient Capitals to Modern Skylines: China’s Must-Visit Cities — Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guilin are the best places to experience China’s history and its cutting-edge cities. Start with these five for a balanced trip of temples, terracotta, skyscrapers, pandas and dramatic karst rivers.
From Ancient Capitals to Modern Skylines: China’s Must-Visit Cities — Quick answer
If you have 7–10 days, split time between Beijing and Xi'an for history, then fly to Shanghai and Chengdu for modern life and relaxed food culture. Add Guilin or Yangshuo for nature and scenic river cruises. For Singapore travellers, plan for flights ~4–6 hours, single-entry visas (check current rules), and S$1,200–S$2,500 per person for a well-paced 7–10 day trip depending on class of hotels and dining.
Why these cities?
- Beijing — imperial history, Forbidden City, Great Wall.
- Xi'an — ancient capital, Terracotta Army, city walls.
- Shanghai — futuristic skyline, Bund, art districts.
- Chengdu — slow life, spicy Sichuan food, giant pandas.
- Guilin/Yangshuo — dramatic karst landscapes, Li River cruises.
Sample itineraries (easy to follow)
5-day fast pace (short trip)
- Day 1: Fly to Beijing. Evening at Wangfujing or a hutong walk.
- Day 2: Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven; evening at a Peking duck restaurant.
- Day 3: Great Wall day trip (Mutianyu or Badaling). Fly to Shanghai at night.
- Day 4: Shanghai — Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Xintiandi.
- Day 5: Morning at Shanghai Tower; fly home or continue to nearby destination.
8–10 day balanced trip (recommended)
- Days 1–3: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace).
- Days 4–5: Xi’an (Terracotta Army, City Wall) — overnight high-speed train or short flight from Beijing.
- Days 6–7: Chengdu (pandas, Jinli Street food tour).
- Days 8–10: Guilin/Yangshuo (Li River cruise, cycling, rock-climbing or relax).
Cost estimates (per person, SGD, mid-range)
- Airfare (SIN–China return): S$250–S$600 (promo fares vary).
- Domestic flights / high-speed trains: S$80–S$300 total depending on routing.
- Hotels (3–4★): S$60–S$200 per night.
- Food & local transport: S$25–S$80 per day.
- Entrance fees & tours: S$50–S$200 total depending on attractions and guided tours.
- Estimated total for 7–10 days: S$1,200–S$2,500 per person (mid-range).
City-by-city guide
Beijing — ancient capital & modern power
- Top sights: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling for fewer crowds).
- Best for: first-time visitors wanting history and grand architecture.
- Practical tips: book Great Wall transfers early. Try Peking duck at a highly rated roast duck restaurant.
- Suggested stay: 3 nights.
Xi’an — where China’s imperial story began
- Top sights: Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, Muslim Quarter and local snacks.
- Best for: history buffs and food lovers.
- Practical tips: reserve Terracotta Army tickets in advance during peak season.
- Suggested stay: 1–2 nights.
Shanghai — modern skyline & lively neighborhoods
- Top sights: The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, M50 art district.
- Best for: nightlife, shopping, skyline photography and world-class dining.
- Practical tips: buy tickets to Shanghai Tower and museum time slots online for a smooth visit.
- Suggested stay: 2–3 nights.
Chengdu — pandas and spice
- Top sights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Old Street, Wuhou Shrine, Sichuan opera and hotpot.
- Best for: foodies and relaxed city vibes.
- Practical tips: visit panda base early in morning when pandas are most active.
- Suggested stay: 2 nights.
Guilin & Yangshuo — river scenery and limestone peaks
- Top sights: Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, cycling in the countryside.
- Best for: nature photography and active escapes like rock climbing, cycling or bamboo rafting.
- Practical tips: book a sunrise or sunset Li River cruise for dramatic light. Consider staying in Yangshuo for countryside access.
- Suggested stay: 2–3 nights.
How to plan — step-by-step (easy checklist)
- Decide cities and trip length (7–10 days recommended for 3–4 cities).
- Check visa requirements for Singapore passport holders and apply early if needed.
- Book international flights and at least 1 domestic flight or high-speed train segment.
- Reserve key attraction tickets (Terracotta Army, Shanghai Tower, panda base).
- Download local apps (maps, e-payment if you plan to use them) and arrange a SIM or portable Wi-Fi if needed.
- Buy travel insurance with medical cover and trip cancellation protection.
Visa info & travel tips (general guidance)
Visa rules can change. Singapore passport holders often require a visa for mainland China. Some short-stay and transit exemptions can apply in specific ports or for certain group tours. Always check with official government or embassy sites before you book. Below are practical travel tips relevant for Singapore travellers.
- Visa steps (general):
- Check the visa type you need (tourist single-entry or multiple-entry).
- Prepare passport (valid for at least 6 months) and recent photo.
- Fill online application or visit a visa centre; submit itinerary and hotel bookings.
- Collect your visa in person or by courier when approved.
- Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY). ATMs are widely available; major cards work in big cities but carry some cash for markets and taxis.
- Connectivity: Buy a local SIM at arrival or arrange a roaming plan. Many travellers also use portable Wi-Fi.
- Language: English signage is common in tourist areas. Download a translation app for markets and remote spots.
- Food & safety: China is generally safe for tourists. Try local street food but pick busy stalls and bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Booking packages & related trips
If you prefer packaged tours or inclusive deals, consider guided packages that combine flights, accommodation, transfers and entrance fees. For Singapore travellers wanting add-on island breaks before or after China, we also offer short regional escapes.
- China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan, All Inclusive! — a packaged way to experience regional culture and cuisine for travellers who want an easier logistics experience.
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! — perfect for a short add-on if you want a quick island break before flying to China.
- Kuala Lumpur | Berjaya Times Square Hotel — use as a stopover if combining Malaysia and China overland or by air.
Suggested reading and guides (plan smarter)
Read practical guides and destination-focused posts before you go:
- First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Discover China Beyond the Headlines: A Journey Through Culture, History & Modern Cities
- 3 to 5-Day Chinese New Year Trips That Don't Feel Rushed
Ferry schedule, packages and local transfer notes
While China travel is mostly by air or high-speed rail, many travellers combine flights with local ferries when visiting islands or neighbouring Southeast Asian stops. If you plan a multi-country trip (e.g., Singapore → Batam/Bintan → China), book ferry and hotel combos in advance. For example, our Batam and Bintan ferry + hotel packages simplify transfers and timing so you don’t miss flights.
Comparison: High-speed train vs domestic flight
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 1–6 hours (major city pairs) | Low–medium | Comfortable day trips, scenic routes |
| Domestic flight | 1–2 hours | Medium–high | Long distances, saving time |
Packing & health tips (short)
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for evenings.
- Carry basic medicines and hand sanitiser.
- Bring a universal travel adapter and power bank.
FAQs (long-tail keyword friendly)
Do I need a visa to travel to China from Singapore?
Most Singapore passport holders need a visa for mainland China. Visa exemptions exist in limited situations (transit, Hainan island group group tours, etc.). Always check the most recent embassy or consulate guidance before booking.
What is the best time to visit these Chinese cities?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer comfortable weather and clearer skies. Avoid major public holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day) if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.
How do I check ferry schedules or packages for nearby islands (Batam/Bintan) as add-ons?
Check ferry operator timetables and book combined ferry + hotel packages to save time. See our Batam & Bintan guides and package pages for schedules and deals. For example: Montigo Resorts Batam + Ferry.
How do I get from Beijing to Xi’an quickly?
Take a high-speed train (~4.5–6 hours) or a short flight (1.5 hours). Trains are comfortable and drop you right in city centres.
Are there guided packages I can book from Singapore?
Yes. We offer multiple guided and private packages. Consider the China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan if you prefer an all-inclusive option that handles logistics for you.
Final travel tips for Singapore travellers
- Book flights and major train segments early to get the best fares.
- Consider multi-city tickets to avoid backtracking. Open-jaw flights (into Beijing, out of Shanghai) save time.
- Use trusted package providers for combined ferry or island add-ons to keep transfers smooth.
- Carry copies of important documents and keep digital backups.
Ready to start planning? 👉 Check our latest China packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
Related reads: Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025 — Complete Guide | How to Travel from Singapore to Bintan (Ferry, Visa, Cost).
