Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China for Singapore Travellers

Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China

If you are planning the Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China, the best places to start are Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Guilin, Chongqing, and Zhangjiajie. These cities give you the strongest mix of history, food, scenery, shopping, and modern city life. For Singapore travellers, China is especially attractive because Singapore ordinary passport holders are currently exempted from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days in China. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/travelling-overseas/travel-advisories-notices-and-visa-information/china/?utm_source=openai))

Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China: Quick Answer

Here is the short version: if you want the best first trip, choose Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Chongqing first. If you want food and culture, add Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. If you want dramatic landscapes, add Zhangjiajie, Lijiang, and Kunming. If you want a modern business city or a quick urban break, Shenzhen and Xiamen are excellent choices.

Why Singapore Travellers Love China

• Easy air connections from Singapore to major Chinese cities.
• Strong mix of classic sights and modern attractions.
• Good value for food, transport, and hotels in many cities.
• Wide choice of short city breaks and longer multi-city trips.
• Current visa-free entry for Singapore ordinary passport holders for up to 30 days makes trip planning easier. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/travelling-overseas/travel-advisories-notices-and-visa-information/china/?utm_source=openai))

Best Time to Visit China’s Top Cities

The best season depends on where you go. In general, spring and autumn are the easiest times for most cities. Beijing and Xi'an are comfortable in April to May and September to October. Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou are lovely in spring and autumn. Chengdu and Chongqing are popular all year, but summer can feel hot and humid. For mountain and scenic cities like Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Lijiang, spring, early summer, and autumn are usually best.

Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China

1. Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the best cities for first-time visitors. Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. This is the best city for history, imperial culture, and iconic landmarks.

2. Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s most famous modern city. The Bund, Pudong skyline, Nanjing Road, and French Concession make it ideal for shopping, nightlife, and city photography.

3. Xi'an

Xi'an is the classic ancient capital. The Terracotta Warriors, ancient city wall, and Muslim Quarter make it one of the strongest cultural cities in China.

4. Chengdu

Chengdu is famous for giant pandas, Sichuan food, tea culture, and a slower lifestyle. It is one of the most enjoyable cities for food lovers.

5. Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a major southern hub with strong Cantonese food culture, shopping, and easy regional travel. It is excellent for travellers who love dim sum and big-city convenience.

6. Shenzhen

Shenzhen is modern, clean, and fast-moving. It is popular for shopping, theme parks, tech culture, and quick trips near Hong Kong.

7. Hangzhou

Hangzhou is beautiful and relaxed. West Lake is the highlight, and the city is perfect for scenic walks, tea culture, and a quieter urban escape.

8. Suzhou

Suzhou is known for classical gardens, canals, and traditional architecture. It is a great side trip from Shanghai or a peaceful city on its own.

9. Guilin

Guilin is one of the most scenic cities in China. It is famous for limestone karst mountains, river cruises, and easy access to Yangshuo.

10. Chongqing

Chongqing is bold, hilly, and full of energy. It is known for hotpot, riverside scenery, and dramatic urban views. Many travellers come here for a more exciting city experience.

11. Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is a top choice for nature lovers. The tall sandstone peaks inspired famous fantasy landscapes. It is one of the most unique places in China.

12. Lijiang

Lijiang offers old-town charm, mountain scenery, and a slower pace. It is a good pick for travellers who want heritage streets and beautiful surroundings.

13. Kunming

Kunming is often called the Spring City because of its mild weather. It is a useful gateway to Yunnan and a pleasant city for relaxed exploration.

14. Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city with a friendly atmosphere, island views, and a strong café culture. It is a good choice for a lighter, more relaxed China trip.

15. Qingdao

Qingdao is famous for its seaside setting, German heritage buildings, and beer culture. It is a nice choice for travellers who want a coastal break.

16. Harbin

Harbin is best known for winter and ice festivals. It feels very different from southern China and is excellent for travellers who want seasonal snow experiences.

17. Nanjing

Nanjing is a historic city with strong cultural depth, river views, and important heritage sites. It is often underrated compared with Beijing and Shanghai.

18. Wuhan

Wuhan is a major central China city with rivers, lakes, and local food. It is a strong stop for travellers who want to explore beyond the most famous routes.

19. Changsha

Changsha is lively and youthful, with strong Hunan cuisine and a growing urban travel scene. It is a good option for food-focused travellers.

20. Dali

Dali is one of the most charming cities in Yunnan. It combines lake scenery, mountain views, and old-town atmosphere, making it ideal for a slower itinerary.

Best China Cities by Travel Style

Recommended China Itineraries for Singapore Travellers

4D3N Beijing

• Day 1: Arrive, explore Wangfujing, and rest.
• Day 2: Forbidden City, Tiananmen area, and hutongs.
• Day 3: Great Wall day trip.
• Day 4: Temple of Heaven, shopping, depart.

5D4N Shanghai + Suzhou

• Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai, walk the Bund.
• Day 2: Pudong, Nanjing Road, and French Concession.
• Day 3: Suzhou gardens and canals.
• Day 4: More Shanghai food and shopping.
• Day 5: Free time, depart.

6D5N Chengdu + Chongqing

• Day 1-2: Chengdu city, pandas, and food.
• Day 3: Travel to Chongqing.
• Day 4-5: Hotpot, river views, and night scenery.
• Day 6: Return flight.

Estimated Travel Costs

Costs vary by season, hotel level, and flight timing. As a simple guide for Singapore travellers:

• Budget trip: S$700 to S$1,100 per person for a short city break.
• Mid-range trip: S$1,200 to S$2,000 per person for 4 to 6 days.
• Comfort trip: S$2,000 and above per person for better hotels, private transfers, and more domestic flights.

For many travellers, packages can help control transport and hotel costs, especially for multi-city trips or first visits.

Visa Info for Singapore Travellers

Singapore ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days in China under the current reciprocal arrangement. Always check your passport validity before departure and make sure you have enough blank pages and travel insurance for peace of mind. If your trip involves special entry situations or longer stays, check the latest official guidance before booking. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/travelling-overseas/travel-advisories-notices-and-visa-information/china/?utm_source=openai))

Practical Travel Tips for China

• Download translation and ride-hailing apps before you fly.
• Carry a power bank, because you will use your phone a lot.
• Bring a payment method that works for your trip, and keep some cash as backup.
• Book train tickets and attraction tickets early during peak travel periods.
• Choose hotels near a metro station for easier city travel.
• For scenic cities, check the weather before you go because mountain views can be affected by fog or rain.

Ferry Schedule, Packages, and Travel Planning Keywords People Search For

Many Singapore travellers also search for ferry schedule, travel packages, visa info, and travel tips when planning trips across Asia. If you are building a bigger holiday plan, it helps to compare city breaks with nearby short-haul options, then book the best-fit package early.

Useful Links for More Trip Ideas

• First time visiting China guide
• Essential China travel tips for Singapore travellers
• China high-speed rail guide
• How to plan a multi-destination trip
• Weekend trip ideas from Singapore

China Packages You May Also Like

• China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan, All Inclusive!

FAQs About the Top 20 Must-Visit Cities in China

1. What are the best cities in China for first-time visitors?

Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are the best starting points because they combine famous landmarks, easy transport, and strong cultural value.

2. Which China city is best for food?

Chengdu is one of the top food cities because of Sichuan cuisine, but Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Changsha are also excellent choices.

3. Which city is best for scenery?

Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Lijiang, and Dali are among the best scenic cities in China.

4. Do Singapore passport holders need a visa for China?

Singapore ordinary passport holders are currently exempted from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days in China. Check official guidance before travel in case your trip has special conditions. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/travelling-overseas/travel-advisories-notices-and-visa-information/china/?utm_source=openai))

5. How much should I budget for a China trip?

A simple city break can start from around S$700 to S$1,100 per person, while mid-range trips often fall between S$1,200 and S$2,000 per person.

6. What is the best way to travel between cities in China?

High-speed rail is often the best choice for short and medium routes. It is fast, comfortable, and good for popular city pairs like Beijing to Shanghai or Shanghai to Suzhou.

Final Travel Advice

If you want the best balance of history, food, scenery, and convenience, start with Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hangzhou. If you want a deeper trip, add Shenzhen, Suzhou, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, and Lijiang. China is big, so plan by region, not only by city name. That is the easiest way to save time and enjoy more on every trip.

👉 Check our latest China packages and WhatsApp us to book now.