These are the best Chinese cities to visit in 2026 for everyone who’s at a very Chinese time of their life.
With all of the recent interest in China, from IShowSpeed’s trip to the country to Cyberpunk Chongqing, more and more people are interested in visiting. The Year of the Horse is perhaps the best time to visit, with increasingly welcoming government policies for tourists, including visa-free travel. However, where should you go?
China offers an unparalleled journey through one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating countries. From walking along the Great Wall to exploring the futuristic Chongqing, China presents a dynamic mix of heritage and modernity.
Many major cities are worth visiting, especially for a first-time trip to China, but these are our recommendations for the best Chinese cities to visit in 2026.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is unsurprisingly one of the best Chinese cities to visit. It represents the blend of history and modernity that China is known for. There are great historical wonders on offer, including the extravagant Forbidden City and the humble but no less wonderful hutong. Beijing is also the place to start your Great Wall adventure, with several segments of the wall reachable by day trip from the city.
For more modern interests, you can visit the 798 Art District or, if you’re as addicted to Labubu’s as most of the world seems to be, you can even head to the Pop Mart theme park.
Shanghai
Shanghai is modern China personified. It is one of the world’s major centres of finance, business, and commerce. Shanghai also boasts the highest population of foreigners in China, making it a popular destination for those aiming to make China their home.
Head to the top of some of the tallest buildings in the world for mind-blowing views. Or for art lovers, there is a world-beating art scene with galleries both large and small. Check out Auntie’s line dancing in People’s Park or try some Xiaolongbao in a local restaurant for a more traditional feel.
When you’ve explored to your heart’s content, retreat to the wonderful former French Concession. Controlled by France during the colonial era, it is now a collection of tree-lined streets, independent coffee shops, and boutique shopping.
Chongqing
There’s no surprise Chongqing is on this list. The city has shot to international fame over the past year thanks to endless Instagram and TikTok videos. Now hailed as a multi-dimensional Cyberpunk city, there is plenty to Chongqing beyond its Instagrammable sights.
It is a vibrant metropolis brimming with modern energy. Nestled along the banks of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, this sprawling city blends towering skyscrapers and mist-shrouded hills. Just navigating your way around this city can be difficult, with a metro running through a housing block, elevators between different streets, and heading up an escalator to go up to an underground station.
At night, the city lights up becoming Cyberpunk-esque. Explore the vibrant nightlife along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street or get lost in Hongyadong. While art lovers need to head to the architectural marvel that is the Chongqing Art Museum. Huangjueping Graffiti Art Street is another wonderful destination, a graffiti-filled creative hub that attracts many tourists.
Xi’an
If one thing draws you to Xi’an, it will be the famed terracotta warriors. They alone are worth visiting Xi’an for; however, there is plenty more on offer in this city.
Other historic sites include the ancient city walls that surround the city, big enough to rent a bike and cycle a full loop along the top. There is also the famed Bell and Drum Towers, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Daming Palace.
With a large population of Chinese Hui Muslims, the city also has a Muslim quarter with a unique feel. The perfect place for an evening stroll, packed with street stalls selling amazing food, bazars with unique souvenirs, and hidden mosques.
The food is not to be missed. Likely very different to the Chinese food you’ve eaten before, it features lots of lamb and bread. Specialities include Yangroupaomo, a type of noodle soup, and Roujiaomo, sometimes known as a Chinese hamburger.
Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province, where ancient tradition meets modern spice. Everyone who thinks of China will think of pandas, and Chengdu is the best place to see them. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see China’s beloved national treasure up close.
Other than pandas, Chengdu is known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine. Highlights include spicy Sichuan hot pot and dan dan noodles. Just be sure to have a bottle of water with you!
For history and culture lovers, Chengdu is also a gateway to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit Mount Qingcheng, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, with serene trails and temples. There is also the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an engineering marvel still functioning after over 2,000 years.
Image credits CNS and Xinhua. If you like this article, why not read: China’s Blossom Craze Blooms Into a New Economy
