20 Best Things to Do in China (Ultimate Guide)

Ever found yourself scrolling through endless “things to do in China” lists, getting hit with the same ol’ advice—then immediately zoning out? Yeah, me too. Here’s the good news: you’re about to get a real, personal take on what’s epic, what’s overrated, and what’ll make your friends jealous of your China adventures (without becoming just another tourist zombie). Think ancient wonders, panda cuddles, wild street food, and city chaos that’s actually fun.

Because let’s be honest: planning a trip to China can feel like wrangling a dragon—so many cities, sights, and “must-dos,” it’s basically a full-time job. But FYI, I lived in China and survived to tell the tale. So you’re getting the inside scoop—no sugarcoating, just the epic, the quirky, and the “wait, people really do that?” — all wrapped up with street-smart advice and a couple of sarcastic asides (because why not?).

Ready to meet ancient warriors, cruise wild rivers, and eat stuff you’ll never even find in Panda Express? Let’s get to the honest, 2025-ready list of the best things to do in China.

Quick Article Summary

• China’s Greatest Hits: Think Great Wall, Terracotta Army, awesome cities, adorable pandas (yes, they’re as cute as you think).
• Hidden Gems: Epic mountains, dazzling rice terraces, Instagrammable temples, and a noodle scene that’ll change your life.
• 2025-Ready Advice: Everything’s updated for next year—travel policies, local recs, and time-saving tricks.
• Who Should Read: First-timers, seasoned travelers, and anyone who’s tired of seeing “Eat Peking duck” on every list. (Spoiler: this list’s got a LOT more.)

1. Walk (or Slide!) on the Great Wall

Let’s set expectations: Yes, the Great Wall is impressively long (like, “I forgot my FitBit again?!” long). It’s the ultimate “things to do in China” bucket list item. But you don’t have to rub elbows with selfie-stick mobs at Badaling. Try Mutianyu for gorgeous views and—wait for it—a toboggan ride down (10/10 would slide again).

Pro tip: Early morning visits = zero crowds. Unless you literally want to experience the wall’s centuries-old function as a traffic jam.

2. Get Awestruck by the Terracotta Army (Xi’an)

Standing in the massive pits surrounded by 8,000 clay warriors? You’ll get shivers. Legends say the guy who built this army also drowned scholars in ink, but honestly, who wouldn’t want their own underground squad?

Xi’an Hack: Bike the ancient city wall for epic skyline views (and sore legs). Worth it.

3. Hug (or Watch) Pandas in Chengdu

Forget YouTube—watching pandas IRL is next-level adorable. Head to Chengdu Research Base and try not to squeal. It’s one of the top things to do in China with kids or anyone who claims they’re “not a panda person” (they’ll cave).

Random fact: Pandas spend 10 hours a day eating bamboo. Same, bestie, same.

4. Cruise the Yangtze River (Three Gorges)

Massive cliffs, misty gorges, all from your own riverboat? Yes please. Cruises range from glitzy liners (think “floating Vegas”) to budget-friendly boats. Either way, the views belong in a martial-arts flick.

Hot tip: Spring and autumn = best weather and lighter river traffic.

5. Get Lost in Shanghai’s Neon Jungle

Shanghai is China’s “I put the ‘extra’ in extraordinary.” Visit The Bund for jaw-dropping skyline snaps, then lose yourself in quirky neighborhoods like Tianzifang. Don’t skip the cocktails on a sky-high rooftop bar (pretend you’re in a futuristic Bond movie).

FYI: Maglev train to the city center hits 431 km/hr. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds.

6. Marvel at the Forbidden City (Beijing)

The Forbidden City packs 9,000 rooms—aka, a cleaning nightmare and a palace lover’s dream. The gold roofs practically glow at sunset. Skip the main gate and slide through side entrances for less ridiculous crowds.

Pro tip: Download a good audio guide or hire a sassy tour guy (trust me, you’ll want the stories).

7. Embrace Zen at the Summer Palace

Summer Palace = royal gardens, lazy boat rides, and pagodas peeking through willows. It’s where emperors chilled out when Beijing got too hot (big mood).

Best move: Climb Longevity Hill for the view—Instagram will thank you.

8. Wander the Water Towns (Suzhou & Zhouzhuang)

Venice, but with dumplings. Suzhou and Zhouzhuang rock ancient bridges, classic gardens, and canals lined with old-school teahouses. It’s a romantic break from city chaos—and your feet will thank you.

Suzhou Gardens: UNESCO-listed, and yeah, prettier than your uncle’s backyard remodel.

9. Dream at the Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)

Spectacular granite peaks, clouds rolling like a misty blanket, and twisted pines straight out of a Chinese painting. You have to hike at sunrise, even if you hate mornings.

Pro tip: Bring a rain jacket. Or wing it and embrace that “drenched explorer” aesthetic.

10. Devour Street Food in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter

When people say “best things to do in China,” they usually mean eat. Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter serves up legendary snacks—from cumin lamb skewers to candy-smashing locals who’ll make you feel like you’re on TikTok.

Must try: Roujiamo (the OG Chinese burger). Add chili oil—live a little.

11. Snap Selfies at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Avatar was filmed here (well, sort of—they CGI’d the crap out of it), but those insane pillar-like mountains are 100% real. Hike, ride the glass elevator, and stare until your camera roll explodes.

Pro tip: Visit off-season for mystical fog—or risk tourists in matching hats photobombing you.

12. Go Temple Hopping in Hangzhou

West Lake is the stuff of poetic legend—and yep, sunsets here earn all the hype. Rent a bike, soak in lotus blooms, and check out hidden Buddhist temples like Lingyin.

Personal win: The local “Dragon Well” tea tastes almost healthy. (Almost.)

13. Bargain Like a Boss at Beijing’s Markets

Silk, jade, knockoff sneakers…if you can dream it, you can haggle for it. Panjiayuan Flea Market is a treasure trove. Practice the ancient ritual of “OMG, that’s HOW much?!” until you snag a deal.

Pro tip: Start bargaining at half the asking price. Thank me later.

14. Traverse the Li River (Guilin to Yangshuo)

Picture-perfect karst peaks, bamboo rafts, sunrise mists—this river route is the vibe. End your trip in Yangshuo for $2 mojitos and backpacker heaven.

Hot tip: Avoid national holidays unless you like crowds that could start their own country.

15. Geek Out at Shanghai Disneyland

Way more than Mickey and Minnie—Shanghai Disneyland spins classic rides with Chinese twists. Pirates of the Caribbean here? Arguably the best on the planet (don’t @ me).

Insider tip: Use the Disney app to skip lines like a pro.

16. Climb Mount Everest Base Camp (Tibet Side)

Feeling wild? The Tibetan side of Everest Base Camp lets you channel your inner explorer at 5,200m up. Fewer crowds than Nepal, plus Buddhist flags flapping in the wind.

Warning: Altitude kicks, so acclimatize. (Or become a high-altitude meme.)

17. Get Artsy in Beijing’s 798 Art District

Industrial warehouses turned Instagram gold. Street art, galleries, indie coffee shops—basically hipster heaven.

Go for: Cool photos, quirky souvenirs, and people-watching.

18. Dance with Locals in Chengdu’s People’s Park

Old grandmas, TikTok teens, and even toddlers—everyone’s out for spontaneous mass dancing at dusk. Bonus: the park’s teahouses serve potent local brews. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

19. Cycle the Rice Terraces in Longsheng (Longji)

Rice terraces spiral like green dragon scales across mountainside after mountainside—especially cool from April-June when the paddies are watery mirrors.

Tip: Rent an e-bike if “stubborn calf cramps” isn’t your thing.

20. Live Large in Hong Kong (Yes, It’s China)

Skyscrapers clash with street food hawkers and incense-filled temples—a legit culture cocktail. Hike Victoria Peak, feast in Mong Kok’s night markets, zoom on the Star Ferry.

FYI: Hong Kong remains wild, weird, and ridiculously photogenic for 2025, travel chills aside.

Honorable (and Weird) Mentions

Because hey, China is huge—so here are a few bonus things to do:

• Eat Hot Pot in Chongqing: Spiciest meal of your life.
• Take a Bullet Train: 350 kph, smoother than your uncle’s pickup lines.
• Go to Harbin Ice Festival: Basically Elsa’s winter palace on steroids.
• Spy the Rainbow Mountains (Zhangye Danxia): They’re real, not just a Photoshop flex.

Final Tips for Your 2025 China Adventure

• Download WeChat: It’s basically your new best friend (messaging, paying, translating—try surviving without it, I dare you).
• Get a VPN: For Google, Instagram, and…anything not on the Great Firewall menu.
• Respect Local Customs: Spitting is still a thing, but you smiling and learning a “ni hao” goes a long way. 🙂
• Cash? What’s That?: Mobile pay rules. Even street vendors take QR codes.

Conclusion: Why You Need to Pack Your Bags…Right Now

So there you have it—my real, no-fluff guide to the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful things to do in China for 2025. I mean, why settle for Netflix when you can climb ancient walls, hang with pandas, and party atop futuristic rooftops like it’s no big deal? Pack some stretchy pants (yo, Chinese food sneaks up on your waistline), grab a VPN, and go see this insane, unforgettable country for yourself.

What’s your first pick? Still stuck debating pandas or Avatar mountains? Drop your travel dreams (or fears!) in the comments below—I promise not to judge. So yeah, if you’ve been sleeping on this, now’s the time to wake up and give it a shot. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later. 😉