Planning your first trip to China can feel overwhelming—and exciting! With over 5,000 years of history, diverse landscapes, futuristic cities, and world-famous cuisine, China offers something for every kind of traveler. But where should you begin? Many first-timers wonder: Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong? Each makes an excellent gateway—but they offer very different introductions to this vast country.
Let’s break it down—and then explore other must-visit destinations across China.
Choosing Your Starting Point
China is vast—stretching over 5,000 kilometers from east to west—and your choice of entry city shapes not only your first impressions but also how easily you can reach other iconic destinations. Below is a quick geographic overview of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to help you visualize their locations and strategic advantages for exploring the country.
Beijing – The Imperial Heart
Start here if you’re drawn to history, culture, and grand imperial legacy.
As China’s capital, Beijing is home to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the nearby Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections are less crowded and more scenic).
It’s ideal for travelers who want to understand China’s past while experiencing modern urban life.
Best for: History buffs, photographers, and those seeking a “classic China” experience.
The Forbidden City
The Great Wall
Shanghai – The Glamorous Metropolis
Choose Shanghai if you love cosmopolitan energy, skyline views, and a blend of East-meets-West.
Stroll along the Bund, explore the French Concession, shop on Nanjing Road, and marvel at the futuristic Pudong skyline. Shanghai also has excellent international flight connections and English signage—making it one of the easiest Chinese cities for newcomers.
Best for: Urban explorers, foodies, shoppers, and business travelers.
Hong Kong – The Gateway with Global Flair
Although Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China, it operates under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, giving it a uniquely open and international character that is especially welcoming to overseas visitors.
Thanks to its rich British colonial heritage, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant Cantonese culinary scene—from Michelin-starred dim sum to bustling street-side night markets—alongside one of the world’s busiest and most efficient international airports, Hong Kong serves as an exceptionally smooth gateway into Greater China. It’s particularly ideal for first-time visitors from Europe, North America, or Southeast Asia.
One of Hong Kong’s greatest advantages is its strategic location at the heart of China’s most developed economic region. From Hong Kong, you can reach the following major cities in just 15 to 60 minutes by high-speed rail:
- Shenzhen: China’s innovation and tech hub, seamlessly connected via Futian or Lok Ma Chau border crossings;
- Guangzhou: The capital of Guangdong Province, a historic trading port, and a true food lover’s paradise—famous for morning tea, roast meats, herbal soups, and countless authentic Cantonese delicacies—all reachable in under an hour.
Beyond the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station also offers convenient direct access to some of China’s most iconic travel destinations:
Guilin & Yangshuo: Gateway to the dreamlike karst landscapes and the Li River, reachable by high-speed train in approximately 3.5 hours;
Guilin
Guilin
Guilin
Zhangjiajie & Phoenix Ancient Town: Direct high-speed trains now run from Hong Kong, taking just 5–6 hours with no transfers needed. Imagine sipping morning tea in Hong Kong and watching sunset over Zhangjiajie’s Avatar-inspired peaks—or strolling along the lantern-lit Tuo River in Phoenix—the same day. Additionally, Hong Kong offers direct flights to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport for even more flexibility;
Chongqing & Chengdu: Easily accessible within a day via convenient connections through Guangzhou or Changsha, where you can savor fiery hotpot, visit giant pandas, and experience the laid-back charm of Sichuan life.
Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu
Chongqing
Chongqing
Chongqing
💡 Important Note: Since 2023, most foreign nationals require a Chinese tourist visa even if entering mainland China via Hong Kong. Always verify the latest entry and visa requirements before your trip.
Perfect for: First-time travelers seeking a gentle and comfortable introduction to China, those who value efficient transport and high-quality experiences, and international visitors passionate about dim sum, street food, and cultural diversity.
Hong Kong is not just a destination worth exploring in its own right—it’s the ideal launchpad for discovering the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of China.
Beyond the Gateways: Must-Visit Destinations in China
Once you’ve chosen your starting point, consider adding these iconic places to your itinerary:
Xi’an – Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Home of the legendary Terracotta Army, Xi’an was the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Walk atop the well-preserved city walls, explore the Muslim Quarter for street food (try roujiamo and biangbiang noodles), and learn about Silk Road history.
Guangzhou & Shenzhen – Southern Powerhouses
- Guangzhou: A historic port city and culinary capital of Cantonese cuisine. Don’t miss Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Canton Tower.
- Shenzhen: Just north of Hong Kong, this tech-driven megacity transformed from a fishing village in 40 years. Great for modern architecture, theme parks (OCT East), and border runs to HK.
Chengdu – Panda Paradise & Slow Living
Famous for giant pandas (visit the Chengdu Research Base early!), spicy Sichuan hotpot, and teahouse culture. It’s relaxed, food-obsessed, and surrounded by misty mountains.
Chongqing – The Mountain Megacity
Built on hills and cliffs, Chongqing feels like a sci-fi movie set. Ride monorails through buildings, eat fiery Chongqing hotpot, and take a Yangtze River cruise to the Three Gorges.
Zhangjiajie, Hunan – Avatar’s Floating Mountains
The inspiration for Pandora in Avatar, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features towering sandstone pillars, glass-bottomed bridges, and the world’s tallest outdoor elevator (Bailong Elevator). Best visited in spring or autumn.
Yunnan Province – Ethnic Diversity & Natural Beauty
- Kunming: “City of Eternal Spring,” great base for exploring Yunnan.
- Dali: Ancient town beside Erhai Lake, with cobbled streets and Bai minority culture.
- Lijiang: UNESCO-listed old town (go early to avoid crowds), gateway to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Shangri-La: Tibetan-influenced highlands, monasteries, and alpine meadows.
Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Visa: Most nationalities need a tourist visa (apply in advance).
- Connectivity: Download WeChat, Alipay, and offline maps (Google Maps doesn’t work reliably). Consider a local SIM card or eSIM.
- Transport: China’s high-speed rail network is fast, clean, and efficient—book tickets via Trip.com or at stations.
- Language: English is limited outside major hotels and tourist sites. Carry your hotel’s name in Chinese characters.
So—Where Should You Start?
- Choose Beijing for history and the Great Wall.
- Pick Shanghai for modernity and ease of travel.
- Begin in Hong Kong if you want a familiar, international vibe before diving into mainland China.
No matter where you start, China will surprise you—with its scale, contrasts, flavors, and warmth. Your journey might begin in one city… but it won’t end there.
Welcome to China—your adventure awaits!
Prefer to Leave the Planning to the Experts?
If all this sounds overwhelming—or if you’d simply rather relax and enjoy your trip while someone else handles the details—we’ve got you covered. We’re a professional travel agency specializing in serving international visitors to China, with years of experience and tens of thousands of satisfied travelers from around the world every year.
Whether you’re dreaming of a flexible independent trip, a small-group tour, or a fully customized private journey—from Beijing to Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Zhangjiajie—we can arrange flawless hotel bookings, attraction tickets, transport, guides, and more.
Feel free to reach out to our friendly travel consultants anytime! No question is too small. Just drop us a message, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, memorable, and stress-free adventure in China. Your perfect Chinese journey starts with a simple conversation!
