Last checked: 2026-06-20

Best Things to Do in China for First-Time Visitors

You've booked the flights, sorted your visa, and downloaded Alipay. Now comes the real question: what should you actually *do* with your limited vacation days? China is enormous, and the list of "must-sees" can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise for first-time visitors.

The classic first-timer route-Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai-is popular for a reason. It gives you the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, and a glimpse of modern China, all in a manageable 10 to 14 days. But within those cities, some experiences are far more rewarding than others, and a few are easily skippable.

Quick Answer

For a first visit, prioritize these five experiences: walking the Great Wall (Mutianyu section is best for first-timers), exploring the Forbidden City in Beijing, seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, cruising the Li River in Guilin/Yangshuo, and experiencing the Bund skyline in Shanghai. If you only have 7 days, stick to Beijing and Shanghai. With 10 days, add Xi'an. With 14, add Guilin or Chengdu.

What To Know Before You Decide

The Great Wall: Which Section?

This is the biggest decision you'll make in Beijing. The Badaling section is the most famous but also the most crowded-expect wall-to-wall people during peak season. Mutianyu is the smart choice for first-timers: it's well-restored, has cable cars and a toboggan ride down, and is significantly less packed. If you're fit and want a more rugged experience, Jinshanling or Simatai offer unrestored sections and hiking, but they're farther from the city (2-3 hours drive vs. 1.5 hours to Mutianyu).

Tradeoff: Mutianyu is easier but still busy by 10 AM. Go early (leave Beijing by 7 AM) or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.

The Forbidden City: Book Ahead

This is not a show-up-and-buy-a-ticket attraction. You must book your ticket online, often weeks in advance during peak season (April-October). The official booking platform (dpm.org.cn) requires a Chinese ID or passport number. Many travelers use a hotel concierge, a tour operator, or a third-party booking site. Without a pre-booked ticket, you will not get in.

Practical tip: Allow at least 3-4 hours inside. The palace is enormous, and the main central axis route is the most crowded. Veer off into the side halls and gardens for a quieter experience.

The Terracotta Warriors: The Real Deal vs. The Hype

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an are genuinely impressive. The main pit (Pit 1) is a hangar-sized space with thousands of life-sized soldiers in battle formation. It's a "wow" moment. But be prepared for crowds-you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder with other visitors at the viewing rail.

What to skip: The "Warriors and Horses" show in Xi'an is a tourist trap. The real warriors are the attraction. Also, avoid the fake warrior sellers outside the museum.

Li River Cruise: Guilin or Yangshuo?

The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the classic way to see the karst landscape. It takes about 4-5 hours and is scenic but can feel long. An alternative is to go directly to Yangshuo and rent a bicycle or e-bike to explore the countryside, which gives you more flexibility and fewer crowds. For first-timers, the cruise is a solid choice for the iconic views, but the bike option is better if you want to move at your own pace.

Shanghai: The Bund vs. The Skyline

The Bund is the historic waterfront with colonial-era buildings. The Pudong skyline (the futuristic towers) is across the river. Both are essential, but the best view of the Bund is from the Pudong side (e.g., the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower), and the best view of Pudong is from the Bund. Do both, ideally at dusk when the lights come on.

Step-by-Step Plan

Choose your route. For 7 days: Beijing (3 days) + Shanghai (3 days) + travel day. For 10 days: Beijing (3) + Xi'an (2) + Shanghai (3) + travel days. For 14 days: add Guilin/Yangshuo (3) or Chengdu (3) for pandas and Sichuan food.

Book flights into Beijing or Shanghai. Most first-timers arrive in Beijing and depart from Shanghai, or vice versa.

Book the Forbidden City tickets at least 2-4 weeks in advance.

Book the Great Wall tour or transport (private car, bus, or group tour) a few days ahead.

Book the Terracotta Warriors tickets online (the official museum site or through your hotel).

Book the Li River cruise or Yangshuo accommodation in advance, especially in spring and autumn.

Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your international credit card before you arrive. Cash is still accepted but less common.

Get an eSIM or roaming plan before you leave. You'll need data for maps, payments, and translation apps.

Pack for the season. Spring and autumn are mild but can have rain. Summer is hot and humid. Winter is cold in the north, milder in the south.

Common Mistakes

• Underestimating travel time. Beijing to Xi'an is a 5-6 hour high-speed train ride. Xi'an to Shanghai is another 5-6 hours. Don't try to do too much in one day.
• Skipping the visa. Most nationalities need a tourist visa (L visa) before arrival. The process takes 2-4 weeks. Apply early.
• Not pre-booking popular attractions. The Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and some shows sell out days or weeks in advance.
• Relying only on cash. Many places in China are cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go.
• Overpacking the itinerary. China is big, and jet lag is real. Build in a rest day or two.
• Ignoring the language barrier. English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas. Download a translation app (Google Translate works with a VPN, or use Baidu Translate).

Recommended Booking / Planning Options

• Great Wall tours: A private car to Mutianyu (with a driver, no guide) costs around $100-150 and gives you flexibility. Group tours are cheaper ($30-50) but have fixed schedules and stops at souvenir shops.
• Forbidden City tickets: Book via the official site or through a reputable third-party like Trip.com or Klook. Your hotel can also help.
• Terracotta Warriors tickets: The official museum site (bmy.com.cn) is the most reliable. Third-party sites add a small markup but are easier to use.
• Li River cruise: Book through your hotel or a local tour operator in Guilin. The standard cruise includes lunch.
• Airport transfer: Pre-book a private car for your arrival. It's easier than navigating public transport with luggage after a long flight.

FAQ

Is the Great Wall worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. It's one of the most iconic sights in the world. Choose Mutianyu for a good balance of restoration, crowds, and fun (toboggan ride down). Avoid Badaling if you can.

How many days do I need in Beijing?

Three full days is a good minimum: one for the Great Wall, one for the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and one for the Summer Palace and a hutong (traditional alley) walk.

Can I see the Terracotta Warriors in one day from Xi'an?

Yes. The museum is about an hour's drive from Xi'an city center. A half-day trip is enough to see the three pits and the museum. Combine it with the Xi'an city wall or the Muslim Quarter for a full day.

What's the best way to get between cities?

High-speed trains are the best option for routes like Beijing-Xi'an, Xi'an-Shanghai, and Shanghai-Hangzhou. They are fast, comfortable, and on time. Book tickets online via Trip.com or the official 12306 app (which requires a Chinese phone number).

Do I need a guide for the Forbidden City?

Not necessarily. An audio guide or a self-guided tour with a good app (like the official Forbidden City app) works well. A private guide can add context and help with navigation, but it's not essential.

What should I skip on a first trip?

Skip Chengdu's Panda Base if you're short on time (it's a half-day trip from the city). Skip the "show" versions of the Terracotta Warriors. Skip the "water towns" near Shanghai (like Zhujiajiao) if you're only there for 3 days-they're nice but not essential for a first visit.

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