China is a top travel destination with one of the world most fascinating travel destinations with thousands of years of history, scenic attractions and some of the most iconic cities. Best tourist places in China are still on many a travellers bucket list.
Today in this blog from the Great Wall to futuristic Shanghai and everything in between our pick of the best tourist places in China, on and off the beaten track with updated entry fees, timings and insider tips for planning a seamless trip is here.
Best Tourist Places in China (2025)
1. The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
Entry Fee (2025):
- Adults: ¥45 (≈ $6.50)
- Children (6-18): ¥25 (≈ $3.50)
- Seniors (60+): Free
Visiting Hours:
- April to October: 7:30 AM till 6:00 PM
- November to March: 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM
Pro Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds. The cable car (¥100 round-trip) saves hiking time.
2. Forbidden City, Beijing
Ticket Prices (2025):
- Peak Season (Apr to Oct): ¥60 (Adults) | ¥30 (Students)
- Off-Season (Nov to Mar): ¥40 (Adults) | ¥20 (Students)
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM till 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays
Must-Know: Book online in advance (only 80,000 daily tickets).
3. Terracotta Army, Xi’an
2025 Entry Fee:
- Adults: ¥120 (≈ $17)
- Students: ¥60 (with valid ID)
Opening Hours:
- March to November: 8:30 AM till 6:00 PM
- December to February: 8:30 AM till 5:30 PM
New for 2025: Digital AR tour (¥50 extra) brings warriors to life.
4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Avatar Mountains)
Ticket Prices:
- 4-Day Pass: ¥225 (Adults) | ¥113 (Students)
- Bailong Elevator: ¥65 (one-way)
Best Time to Visit: April to October for clear views.
Pro Tip: Stay in Wulingyuan to enter early before tour groups arrive.
5. The Bund, Shanghai
Entry Fee: Free
Best Visiting Times:
- Daytime: 8:00 AM till 10:00 AM (fewer crowds)
- Nighttime: 7:00 PM till 10:00 PM (skyline lights up)
2025 Update: New riverside walking path with augmented reality displays.
Best Tourist Places in China (2025) Price Comparison
| Attraction | Adult Ticket (¥) | Best Time to Visit | Avg. Visit Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wall (Mutianyu) | 45 | April–October | 3–4 hours |
| Forbidden City | 60 (Peak) | Weekdays | 4–5 hours |
| Terracotta Army | 120 | Morning | 2–3 hours |
| Zhangjiajie | 225 (4-day) | Spring/Fall | 2–3 days |
| The Bund | Free | Early morning | 1–2 hours |
5 Money-Saving Tips for Best Tourist Places in China (2025)
- Combo Tickets: Various cities sell discount passes to its attractions (like Beijing’s “Culture Pass”).
- Student Rates: 50% off most historical site entry with ISIC card.
- Public Transport: Intercity travel is more cost-effective by high-speed train than by plane.
- Local Apps: Pay with Alipay/WeChat Pay for small vendors (cash is fading out).
- Off-Season Travel: November to March is cheaper (except for Chinese New Year).
New Attractions Opening in 2025
- Shenzhen Ocean Park Expansion – New polar exhibit
- Chengdu Panda Reserve Upgrade – Extended viewing areas
- Xi’an City Wall Light Show – Projection mapping at night
Essential Best Tourist Places in China (2025) Travel Tips
- Visa Requirements: Apply 1-2 months in advance (10-year visas now available for many nationalities).
- VPN Required: Google/Facebook are restricted (get Astrill or ExressVPN prior to arrival).
- Cashless Society: It is 95% WeChat Pay/Alipay (set up before flying).
- Language Barrier: Download Pleco (Chinese translation app). It is a life saver.
Conclusion:
The best tourist places in China (2025) (2025) are an amazing combination of history and modernity. With the information in this guide save with intelligent ticketing decisions. Bust the crowd by timing the visit right and discover new attractions coming in 2025.
With this detailed guide information you can optimize your budget using smart ticketing strategies. Avoid crowds with precise timing recommendations and experience new 2025 attractions before they become mainstream. Travel sustainably with eco-friendly options.
Also Read: Best Tourist Places in USA (2025): Entry Fees, Tickets & Timings
