Best Places to Visit in China in 2026: What’s new in China Travel
As National Geographic names Beijing in its Best of the World 2026 list, Lonely Planet features more ‘off the beaten track’ China highlights and Chinese youth boosting a thriving food and drink scene, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year to visit China. Find out about the best places to visit in China, as it is experiencing a surge of cultural revival, new nightlife energy, and renewed international attention.
This China travel guide 2026 highlights the destinations, trends, and experiences driving global interest, helping you decide where to travel in China for history, culture, nature, food, and modern city life.
⭐ Why 2026 Is the Perfect Time to Visit China
Travel editors worldwide are turning their focus back to China as one of the top places to visit in 2026.
Here’s why:
National Geographic selected Beijing as one of its Best of the World 2026 destinations.
Lonely Planet continues to champion China’s mix of ancient wonders, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant modern cities.
A new wave of youth-driven food, wine, and craft-beer culture is reshaping urban life.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper, 2026 offers a refreshed, modern perspective on the best places to visit in China.
🏙️ Best Urban Cities to Visit in China 2026
Best for: Modern culture, history & global city life
Beijing — National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026 Pick
Beijing tops many lists of the best places to visit in China 2026 thanks to its unique blend of imperial heritage and modern creativity. National Geographic praises the capital for:
The newly recognised UNESCO-listed Central Axis
Iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace
A revitalised hutong culture filled with cafés, boutique shops, and independent eateries
Beijing is the perfect city for travellers seeking where to travel in China for history, architecture, local culture, and evolving food scenes.
Shanghai — China’s Most Cosmopolitan Metropolis
Shanghai remains a top recommendation in every China travel guide. It offers:
The futuristic skyline of Lujiazui
Art-deco architecture on The Bund
Trendy streets of the French Concession
A thriving international dining and nightlife scene
It’s ideal for travellers who want modern China at its most dynamic.
🏯 Must-See Heritage & Cultural Highlights
Lonely Planet is highlighting more ‘off the beaten track’ destinations for truly fulfilling cultural experiences. Already popular among Chinese people, these area’s are ready to be explored by international tourists.
Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang
The Mogao Caves remain one of the top places to visit in China for anyone interested in art, spirituality, and the Silk Road. Lonely Planet highlights its:
1,500 years of Buddhist murals
Sacred cave temples
Exceptional preservation and storytelling
A must-see for culture lovers.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan
Regularly cited as one of China’s greatest natural wonders, Tiger Leaping Gorge is ideal for hikers and adventure travellers looking for where to travel in China beyond the major cities. Expect:
Dramatic cliffside trails
Snow-capped Himalayan landscapes
Naxi minority culture
Remote guesthouses with incredible views
Leshan Giant Buddha & Sichuan Region
In Leshan, a city nearby Chengdu in Sichuan province, marvel at the 71m-tall, 1,200-year-old Buddha carved in the river bank. Sichuan also offers:
Relaxed tea culture
Hotpot and world-famous spicy cuisine
Panda conservation centres
Beautiful mountain temples
Perfect for a slower, more immersive cultural experience.
See our Chengdu day trip including a trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha
🌄 Best Natural Places to Visit in China 2026
Best for: Diverse landscapes & outdoor adventure
China’s landscapes remain a huge reason why travellers search for the best places to visit in China. From deserts to alpine forests, the diversity is extraordinary.
Top nature highlights include:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — the inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains
Guilin & Yangshuo — dreamy karst landscapes
Yunnan province — from rice terraces to high-altitude lakes and delicious food (see our 8 Day Food Tour of Yunnan)
Inner Mongolia — grasslands, desert dunes & star-filled skies
These destinations appeal to travellers seeking China travel trends 2026 such as wellness, hiking, slow travel, cultural immersion, and photography.
🍜🍷 Food, Craft Beer & Wine Driving Youth Culture
One of the biggest travel trends reshaping where to go in China in 2026 is the explosion of modern food and drink culture. China’s younger generation is driving huge innovation in:
1. Modern Chinese Cuisine & Street Food Renaissance
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an now offer:
Contemporary fusion by young Chinese chefs
Authentic regional restaurants representing every corner of the country
Late-night street-food districts
Hidden hutong eateries
Stylish, youth-driven cafés and bakeries
It’s a food scene that feels creative, global, authentic, and proudly local.
2. China’s Craft Beer Boom
Craft beer has become a major trend across China. Expect:
Independent breweries in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu & Shenzhen
Local flavour infusions (Sichuan pepper, jasmine tea, osmanthus)
Stylish taprooms popular with locals and travellers alike
The craft movement adds a surprising — and very modern — layer to the best places to visit in China for nightlife and social culture.
3. Emerging Chinese Wineries
China’s wine regions, especially Ningxia, Shandong, and Yunnan, are gaining global recognition. Winery tours and tasting rooms are becoming popular weekend trips for urban youth.
This new wave makes China an unexpectedly exciting destination for wine enthusiasts.
Winery in Ningxia
🎯 China Travel Trends 2026: What’s Hot
Here’s what makes China one of the top places to visit in 2026:
Beijing’s global spotlight via National Geographic
Lonely Planet–endorsed regions offering heritage + adventure
A booming youth culture reshaping food, nightlife & travel
Craft beer, wine, and street-food evolution
Diverse landscapes from mountains to deserts
Improved transport & connectivity making travel smooth across the country
Whether you want iconic landmarks or off-the-beaten-path adventures, China delivers in 2026.
