Explore China - In the eyes of foreigners, which Chinese cities are most attractive?

Most attractive Chinese cities for foreigners

With 5,000 years of history, China is one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures. Chinese culture is endlessly fascinating. A huge, diverse country with a long, long history, there are so many fascinating aspects to explore. China is not just a different country, it's a different world. China is a mysterious country with diversities of ancient culture yet is a modern, vibrant and dynamic country. Therefore, visit and explore China will certainly provide you with great deal of a unique travel experience.

Editor's note: China has so many amazing places to visit that it is sometimes difficult to choose among them. What's your favorite city in China? Forum readers name the places or attractions that one just must not miss on a trip to China. You're also welcome to leave your comments.

Allen (UK)

Beijing is one of my top places on the list because it is the most visited place. It is ideal for history lovers. It is the center of politics, vibrant culture, it's an ancient city in China with rich history and the home of top attractions like the Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Beijing Capital Museum and so forth.

Foreign tourists take a selfie photo at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on August 21, 2014.

Letzebuerger (Germany)

Tianjin, nice old buildings European style, friendly people and very secure. For any European it feels like home. Hard to believe I'm in China!

A foreign tourist experiences the traditional Chinese wedding customs at a theme park in Tianjin
on Sept 10, 2011.

gooddog (Canada)

I vote for Wuyishan (武夷山市) for its touch of nature, fresh air and mountain, Shanghai for shopping and entertainment, and Guangzhou for astonishing cuisine & street markets.

German wine queen Mandy Groarten smiles in front of the view on the Wuyi mountains
in Wuyishan, China, on October 28, 2010.

Linz (Austria)

I have to say Kunming, love the lake and the surrounding scenery, the weather is certainly milder than the coast. Good people, good food and one of the best experiences of my life.

People enjoy the fun during Watering Festival in Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province May 2, 2006.

Bobert (Australia)

My favorite city in China is Yangshuo (阳朔县) in Guangxi Province. Actually it's not a city, just a town. It's very relaxed and comfortable. Almost everyone speaks at least a little English. Shanghai would be my favorite city. It's cosmopolitan and modern but still retains many elements of its long history. Fenghuang (鳳凰) in Hunan Province is another relaxed town to visit.

Vistors sit on a bamboo raft on a flooded street after heavy rain, in Yangshuo, south Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 13, 2008.

Alec （UK）

Of all the cities I have been to in China, Wuhan has to be the best!! Life style is fantastic.

A French bridegroom and his Chinese bride during the traditional Chinese wedding in front of the Huanghe Tower in Wuhan, Hubei province, October 15, 2005.

Richard (US)

I have previously visited Hong Kong, Macao, Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Tianjin, Kunming, Lijiang, and Guilin/Yangshuo, always as a tourist. Defining a favorite city is difficult. China is such a vast country. I remember sitting in the square in Lijiang(丽江), watching Naxi people dance to local folk music and the expressions on the faces of the old men and women. The old town, perhaps restored for the many tourists that visit annually, is still a place to behold. Old town is a maze of narrow, twisting, cobbled brick streets lined with shop after shop. The layout of the city, with its many rushing streams that parallel the narrow walkways, adds to the experience. Buy a steamed bun or 2 or at 6 in the morning and sit by a fast running stream of water in Lijiang!

Some girls of Naxi group dance in the old town of Lijiang, southwest Chinas Yunnan province on Oct 6, 2004.

PAINTERPT （France）

Xi'an (西安) was the first city that I visited the first time that I went to China. Xi'an was great for culture, art, and its history. Guilin is now my first choice, for its beauty and its people. There are many towns and villages close to Guilin that are easy to visit and the Li River is a great place to see spectacular scenery.

Foreign tourists take a ride on a boat on the Li River in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in March, 2007.

Source: chinadaily.com.cn