China is home to some of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world.
From the Great Wall of China to the Forbidden City, these ancient treasures have been attracting visitors for centuries.
Also worth mentioning are the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Terracotta Warriors, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Today, they continue to be popular tourist destinations, offering a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture.
Also Read: Best Things to do in China
Famous China Landmarks to Visit at least once
With so many incredible landmarks to explore, it’s no wonder that China is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Here are our favorite and the most famous Chinese landmarks to visit on your next trip.
Great Wall of China
This famous landmark in China is amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.
Construction of the wall began during the Ming dynasty and went on for over 2000 years.
It stretches for over 13,000 miles, making it the longest man-made structure in history.
The wall was originally built to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions by barbarian tribes, but it has also served as a symbol of national pride.
Today, the Great Wall is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world.
From the top of the wall, you can admire the magnificent scenery as well as the majestic watchtowers.
Despite its age, the Great Wall is still an impressive feat of engineering, and its imposing size is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.
Forbidden City
Beijing’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Beijing, China.
Formerly the Chinese imperial palace, Forbidden City was home to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Forbidden City is now a museum displaying Chinese art and history.
Visitors to the Forbidden City can explore its palaces, temples, gardens, and museums.
It is one of the best places to learn about Chinese culture through art, architecture, and artifacts.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries in history.
Consisting of over 8,000 life-size statues, the Army was buried alongside the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first Emperor of China.
The statues were designed to protect the Emperor in the afterlife, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese culture.
Each statue is unique, and they are all carefully detailed and lifelike.
The sheer scale of the Army is also impressive, and it is clear that a great deal of time and effort went into its construction.
Today, the Terracotta Warriors Museum is one of China’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in archaeology or history.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace in Beijing is a beautiful and serene oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Built in the 18th century, this Imperial garden was once a retreat for the Emperor and his court.
Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Beijing.
The Summer Palace is situated on vast grounds that include gardens, lakes, and pavilions.
Visitors can stroll through the gardens, admire the ornate architecture of the palace buildings, or take a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
There is also an abundance of plant and animal life to be found at the Summer Palace, making it a perfect place to enjoy nature.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Shanghai.
Standing at a height of 468 meters, it is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world.
The tower features spheres of different sizes, each of which houses a unique restaurant, bar, or observation deck.
Visitors can take a elevator to the top of the tower for an unparalleled view of the cityscape.
The tower is also illuminated at night, making it a sight to behold no matter what time of day it is.
With its distinctive design and impressive size, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Shanghai.
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Tiananmen Square is a large city square in Beijing, China.
It is the largest public square in the world, and it has been the site of many important events in Chinese history.
Tiananmen Square is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
The square is also home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.
Tiananmen Square is a popular tourist destination, and it is one of the best places to learn about Chinese history and culture.
Li River, China
The Li River is one of the most picturesque places in China.
Winding its way through limestone karsts, the river flows past verdant fields and quaint villages.
Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning scenery.
Whether you’re hiking along the riverbank or cruising down the river itself, the Li River is an unforgettable experience.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Li River is also steeped in history.
For centuries, it has been an important trade route, linking cities and kingdoms along its length.
Today, it remains an important part of Chinese culture, with many festivals and celebrations taking place along its shores.
Harbin Opera House
Harbin is a charming city located in northern China.
The Harbin Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong, the building is shaped like a massive snowflake and is covered in white aluminum panels.
The exterior is illuminated at night, making it look like a sparkling diamond set against the dark sky.
Inside, the opera house features performance venues, as well as a museum.
Whether you’re a fan of opera or not, a visit to the Harbin Opera House is sure to be a memorable experience.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a sacred site in Beijing where the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties would pray for good harvests.
The temple complex is comprised of numerous buildings, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar.
The temple grounds are also home to a variety of trees and plants, as well as a number of sculptures.
Visitors can explore the different buildings and learn about the history and culture of the temple.
The Temple of Heaven is a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history or religion.
Ming Dynasty Tombs
The Ming Dynasty Tombs are a series of mausoleums built for the Emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Located in Beijing, the tombs are situated at the foot of the Tianshou Mountains.
The complex consists of 13 tombs, as well as a number of temples and other buildings.
Visitors can explore the different tombs and learn about the history of the Ming Dynasty.
Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is one of the most desolate and unforgiving landscapes on Earth.
Stretching for several miles in Inner Mongolia region of northern China, the Gobi is a vast sea of sand dunes, scrubland, and rocky outcrops.
Although it may not seem like an obvious tourist destination, the Gobi Desert offers several unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
From riding camels across the sand dunes to staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt, visitors to the Gobi can immerse themselves in the desert’s unique culture and history.
And with its dramatic landscapes and wildlife, the Gobi Desert is also a photographer’s dream.
Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, are a series of Buddhist temples and monasteries carved into a cliff in the Gansu Province of China.
The caves were first built in the 4th century, and over the centuries, more than 500 temples were constructed.
Today, the Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.
Visitors can explore the different temples and see the incredible Buddhist art and architecture.
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Tibet as well as the highest ancient palace in the world.
Built on top of a hill in the center of Lhasa, it served as the home of the Dalai Lama for centuries.
The main structure of the palace is composed of two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace.
Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and its imposing architecture can be seen from across the city.
Visitors to the palace can explore its vast interior, which contains more than 1,000 rooms and is filled with artwork, treasures, and historical artifacts.
Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze River is one of the most iconic waterways in all of Asia, and a cruise down its length is an unforgettable experience.
The river flows through some of China’s most stunning scenery, from the snow-capped mountains to the lush green valleys.
Along the way, there are countless opportunities to explore unique sights and cultures, from the towering Three Gorges Dam to the traditional stilt houses.
West Lake, Hangzhou
West Lake is a man-made lake located in Hangzhou, China.
Originally created in the 7th century, it was excavated during the Song Dynasty and then expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Its shores are dotted with a variety of gardens, temples, pagodas, and other historic landmarks.
West Lake is also a popular spot for leisure activities like boating, hiking, and picnicking.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Hunan Province in China.
The park is home to a number of plant and animal species, as well as some spectacular rock formations.
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is now one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.
Visitors to the park can explore a number of hiking trails, admire the views from the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, and also take a ride on the cable car.
With its breathtaking scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is an unforgettable destination for any traveler.
Chengdu Giant Pandas Base
Chengdu is famous for its giant pandas, and there’s no better place to see these amazing creatures than at the Chengdu Giant Pandas Base.
The base is home to over 80 pandas, including both adult and baby pandas.
Visitors can learn about the natural history of the giant panda, as well as see them up close in their habitats.
The base also functions as a breeding and research center, where scientists are working to help ensure the survival of this endangered species.
A visit to the Chengdu Giant Pandas Base is a must-do for any animal lover!
The Bund, Shanghai
The Bund is one of the most iconic landmarks in Shanghai.
Situated on the banks of the Huangpu River, it offers sweeping views of the skyline and is a popular place for both locals and visitors alike.
The Bund dates back to the 18th century when it was first built as a dyke to protect the city from flooding.
Today, the Bund is a popular tourist destination, with its grand architecture and riverfront location making it a truly unique place to visit.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most famous tourist attraction in southern China.
It is located in the Yunnan Province, and it is known for its dramatic scenery.
The gorge got its name from a legend about a tiger that jumped across the gorge to escape from a hunter.
The geographic wonder is relatively young, having been carved out by the Yangtze River over the course of millions of years.
Today, it is one of the deepest gorges in the world, and draws visitors from all over the globe.
The best way to experience the beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge is to hike along its trails.
Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a massive statue of a seated Buddha.
Monks carved it into a cliff face in the 8th century.
Located in the Sichuan Province, it is the largest Buddhist statue in the world and also one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.
The statue is 71 meters tall, and its head is 13 meters wide.
It is an awe-inspiring sight, and it is no wonder that it has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists for centuries.
Visitors to the Leshan Giant Buddha can hike to the top of the cliff for a closer look at the statue as well as take a boat ride on the river to see it from below.
Either way, it is an experience that you will never forget!
Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
The Reed Flute Cave is a natural limestone cave located in Guilin, China.
The cave’s name has an interesting story.
The cave has reeds growing outside of it – the Chinese used them to make flutes for centuries.
Inside the cave, there are a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a number of unique rock formations.
The cave is also home to a number of interesting animals, including bats and snakes.
Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountains are located in the Gansu Province of China.
Their name comes from the colorful stripes that run through the mountains.
The rich colors formed due to different types of mineral depositions.
The mountains are a popular tourist destination in China.
Visitors can hike to the top for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Rainbow Mountains are also a popular place to take photographs.
The colorful stripes make for a very unique and beautiful setting, especially at sunset or sunrise.
Lama Temple, Beijing
The Lama Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Beijing, China.
It is the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, and it is a popular tourist destination.
Built in 1694, the temple is home to a number of interesting features.
Its highlight is a 26-meter tall statue of the Buddha.
The temple is open to the public, and visitors can explore its grounds, as well as participate in Buddhist rituals.
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to visit China is during the spring or autumn.
These seasons offer the most moderate weather, with comfortable temperatures and little rainfall.
They are also the busiest tourist seasons, so accommodation and flights may be more expensive.
The summer months can be very hot, especially in the south of the country.
Winter can be cold and dry, particularly in the north.
However, winter can also be a magical time to visit China.
Many areas, covered in snow, look very beautiful; also there are fewer tourists.
China is a land of contrasts.
From the bustling metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing to the wild mountains of Tibet,
there is much to explore in this vast country!
And with a rich culture as well as history dating back thousands of years…
China is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in learning more about the world.
Whether you’re marveling at the Terra Cotta Warriors…
….or enjoying a traditional tea ceremony, a trip to China is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Which is your favorite China landmark? Let us know below!