Beyond Beijing and Shanghai: Where Else Should You Go in China?
A guide to thinking beyond the standard route and finding places that match your travel style.
7 min read · Last updated June 16, 2026
China Is Too Big for One Default Itinerary
Many first-time visitors start with the same short list of famous cities. That can be a good introduction, but it is not the only way to understand China.
Some travelers are happiest in food streets and dense neighborhoods. Others want old towns, mountains, rivers, history, or slower places where everyday life is easier to observe.
Let Your Travel Style Lead
Chongqing, Wuhan, Yunnan, Dali, Tengchong, Guizhou, and western Sichuan all point to different versions of China.
Choosing well starts with a better question: what kind of China trip fits the way you actually like to travel?