Must-Visit Cities in China and Their Features Guide

China is vast with diverse cultures, and each city has its own unique characteristics. Below are some must-visit cities recommended by combining history, culture, natural scenery, and modern experiences, along with detailed guides:

1. Beijing - A Millennium Capital Blended with Modernity

Why You Should Go: The political and cultural center, offering a perfect blend of World Heritage sites and modern metropolis. - Key Attractions
- The Forbidden City: The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (half-day recommended, ticket 60 yuan).
- The Great Wall: Recommended sections at Badaling or Mutianyu (avoid holidays, tickets 40-60 yuan).
- Temple of Heaven: Ancient sacrificial architecture (combined ticket 34 yuan).
- Hutongs and Siheyuans: Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai for experiencing old Beijing life. - Cuisine Recommendations
- Peking Duck: Quanjude, Sijiminfu.
- Fried Sauce Noodles, Douzhir Jaoquan: Huguo Temple Snacks. - Best Travel Time: April-May (spring), September-October (autumn). - Transportation Guide
- International Airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Daxing International Airport (PKX).
- In-city Transportation: Extensive subway network, Alipay/WeChat Pay can be used for metro rides. - Pitfall Avoidance: Be cautious of "illegal taxis" near attractions, it’s recommended to use DiDi.

2. Shanghai - A Metropolis with Western-Eastern Fusion

Why You Should Go: A convergence of Eastern and Western cultures, where modern skyscrapers coexist with historical districts. - Key Attractions
- The Bund: Nighttime light show (free).
- Yuyuan Garden & Chenghuang Temple: Classical Jiangnan gardens (Yuyuan Garden ticket 40 yuan).
- Shanghai Disneyland: Ideal for family trips (weekday price 399 yuan per person).
- Tianzifang: Artistic alleys, great for photography. - Cuisine Recommendations
- Xiaolongbao: Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop.
- Shengjianbao: Dahuchun, Xiaoyang Shengjianbao. - Best Travel Time: March-May (cherry blossom season), October-November (pleasant autumn weather). - Transportation Guide
- International Airport: Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
- High-speed Rail Hub: Hongqiao Station connects directly to Hangzhou, Nanjing (1-2 hours journey). - Pitfall Avoidance: Bargain hunting in Nanjing Road shopping area to avoid high-priced souvenirs near tourist spots.

3. Xi'an - The Starting Point of the Silk Road, Historical Treasures

Why You Should Go: Thirteen dynasties' ancient capital, Terracotta Warriors, and historical relics that astonish the world. - Key Attractions
- Terracotta Warriors Museum: Suggested to pair with a guide (ticket 120 yuan).
- Xi'an City Wall: Cycling around the wall (ticket 54 yuan).
- Great Wild Goose Pagoda: Xuanzang's scripture storage site (climbing fee 30 yuan).
- Muslim Street: Food and culture hub. - Cuisine Recommendations
- Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo: Laosunjia, Tongshengxiang.
- Biángbiáng Noodles: Local specialty wide noodles. - Best Travel Time: April-June, September-October (avoid summer heat). - Transportation Guide
- International Airport: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), Subway Line 14 direct access to downtown.
- High-speed Rail Station: Xi'an North Station (only 30 minutes to Huashan Mountain). - Pitfall Avoidance: Be wary of "wild guides" outside the Terracotta Warriors museum, official channels recommended for ticket purchases.

4. Chengdu - Panda Homeland, City of Leisure

Why You Should Go: Panda Breeding Base, Sichuan cuisine, and a leisurely lifestyle. - Key Attractions
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Recommended to enter early at 7 AM (ticket 55 yuan).
- Wide and Narrow Alleys: Renovated Qing Dynasty streets turned into commercial zones (free).
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Ancient water engineering project (ticket 80 yuan).
- Jinli: Night tour experience of Sichuan-Western folklore. - Cuisine Recommendations
- Hot Pot: Xiaolongkan, Shuda侠.
- Chuan Chuan Xiang, Zhong Dumplings: Popular local alley restaurants frequented by locals. - Best Travel Time: March-June, September-November (comfortable climate). - Transportation Guide
- International Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Tianfu International Airport (TFU).
- High-speed Rail connects directly to Chongqing (1.5 hours), Xi'an (3 hours). - Pitfall Avoidance: Face-changing performances within scenic areas may charge higher fees, inquire beforehand.

5. Other Recommended Cities

• Hangzhou: Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake (free), Lingyin Temple (45 yuan), experience the "Paradise on Earth".
• Guilin: Lijiang bamboo rafting (120-300 yuan), Yangshuo West Street, famous for its breathtaking landscapes.
• Guangzhou: Dim sum culture (DianDouDe), Canton Tower night view (starting at 150 yuan).
• Lhasa: Potala Palace (200 yuan), Jokhang Temple (85 yuan), Tibetan cultural holy land (be mindful of altitude sickness).

Itinerary Planning Suggestions

• Classic Route: Beijing (3 days) → Xi'an (2 days) → Chengdu (3 days) → Shanghai (2 days).
• Budget Reference (for a 10-day trip):
• Economy Type: 8,000-10,000 yuan (including transportation, accommodation, meals).
• Comfort Type: 12,000-15,000 yuan (four-star hotels, priority on high-speed rail).

Precautions

1. Visa Policy: Apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance, check the application process through the Chinese Consular Service website.
2. Payment Tools: Bind Alipay/WeChat Pay (requires a domestic mobile phone number registration).
3. Internet Services: Obtain a short-term SIM card at the airport (China Mobile/China Unicom).