3 Cities in China You Should Visit on Your First Trip (and Why They're Perfect Together)

I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia, and visiting China had always felt both exciting and a little overwhelming. With a country so vast and culturally rich, how do you choose where to begin? That’s why I created this guide to help first-time visitors experience the best of China through three unforgettable cities that work perfectly together: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

These cities aren’t just well-connected by China’s high-speed train network, they also offer a powerful contrast: from imperial history to terracotta warriors and finally to dazzling skyscrapers.

So, here’s my personal guide to these three amazing destinations complete with travel tips and experience links you can use to plan your own journey.

🇨🇳 Stop 1: Beijing – Where History Meets Power

When I first landed in Beijing, the energy felt both ancient and intense. This is China’s political capital, and the gateway to its imperial past. The air might be a bit dry, but the culture is rich and layered.

Must-See Spots in Beijing:

• The Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling sections) – A bucket-list adventure! If you prefer a crowd-free experience, Mutianyu is perfect. You can book a guided trip with transportation included to save time and hassle.

• Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square – Standing where emperors once ruled gave me chills. Entry tickets and guides can be pre-booked for fast access here.

• Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace – Gorgeous architecture and peaceful parks, you can book here.

Local Tip:
Download a translation app before you go. Not many locals speak English fluently, especially near the subway, but signs are bilingual.

Where to Stay in Beijing:
You can find both modern hotels and heritage-style stays. I personally booked my stay through this trusted hotel search platform, which helped me find a place walking distance from the Forbidden City.

Getting Around:
The metro system is cheap and efficient. But for visiting the Great Wall, consider booking a tour experience that includes pickup and lunch it’s worth it!

🚄 The Fast Train Ride to Xi’an – China’s Ancient Capital

After soaking in Beijing’s history, I boarded a high-speed train to Xi’an, which only took about 4.5 hours. The train system is incredibly punctual, clean, and safe. You can reserve tickets in advance with English support here.

Xi’an is much calmer than Beijing, and has this old-world charm. It was once the eastern end of the Silk Road and the heart of ancient China.

What to See in Xi’an:

• Terracotta Warriors Museum – This blew my mind. Thousands of life-size clay soldiers built to protect the emperor in the afterlife. You can join a guided half-day tour here with hotel pickup and a professional archaeologist guide.

• The Ancient City Wall – You can bike on top of it! The views of old and new Xi’an are stunning.

• Muslim Quarter – This area is a food paradise. Don’t miss the lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles.

Where I Stayed in Xi’an:
I picked a boutique hotel inside the old city walls, near the Bell Tower. Super walkable, quiet at night, and very affordable. You can compare hotel options through this booking finder.

Experience Highlight:
The evening light show at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is magical. I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be one of my favorite moments in Xi’an. You can book an evening cultural experience with a local guide here.

🏙️ Final Stop: Shanghai – Where the Future Begins

From Xi’an, I took a quick flight to Shanghai—it was surprisingly affordable and easy to arrange through this experience-based flight portal. As soon as I stepped out of the airport, the vibe totally changed. This city feels like stepping into the future.

Shanghai is fast-paced, international, stylish, and full of things to do.

Top Attractions in Shanghai:

• The Bund – A beautiful riverwalk lined with historic buildings and a view of the futuristic skyline.

• Yu Garden & Old City – A beautiful maze of architecture, tea houses, and shops.

• Shanghai Tower – Go to the observation deck—it’s the 2nd tallest building in the world! You can book skip-the-line tickets here.

Shopping Tip:
Don’t miss Nanjing Road at night. It’s loud, colorful, and chaotic in the best way. Bring comfy shoes and keep your wallet safe.

Where to Stay in Shanghai:
The city is huge, so location matters. I chose a place near People's Square so I could easily explore both sides of the city. I booked it through this curated stay search to get options that matched my budget and preferred vibe.

🧭 Why These 3 Cities Are Perfect Together

Each city offers something unique:

• Beijing introduces you to the scale of China’s history and politics.

• Xi’an grounds you in its ancient cultural roots and peaceful vibe.

• Shanghai throws you into modern China with its luxury, art, and innovation.

And the best part? These cities are super well-connected by train or affordable flights. You can move smoothly between them, and the contrast will keep your trip dynamic and exciting.

🧳 Final Tips for First-Time Travelers to China

• Visa: Apply well in advance; check the requirements from your country.

• Apps to Download: WeChat (for payments & messages), Google Translate, and metro maps.

• Connectivity: I used a pocket Wi-Fi ordered online before the trip—you can rent one here without pick it up at the airport.

• Cash vs. Card: Cash still comes in handy, especially in smaller restaurants.

• Food Safety: Stick to busy places with high turnover. The street food in Xi’an was both safe and delicious!

☕ Like this travel story?

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