6 Unique Cities to Visit in China

Unique Cities in China

China is a huge and diverse country, which is exactly what makes it such an exciting place to explore. With many options, planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. A good way to start is by focusing on cities that each offer a different side of China.

This guide highlights six diverse Chinese cities, from historic sites to modern skylines, beaches, and student hubs. Taken together, they also reveal why they rank among the largest and most beautiful cities in China.

1.   Beijing – The Imperial Capital of China

Starting the list with Beijing, the capital of China, which holds great political, economic, and cultural significance. Its rich heritage makes it feel like the heart of Chinese history, offering layered and symbolic experiences. As the home to landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, Beijing is a must-visit for travelers.

Landmarks to Visit in Beijing

• The Great Wall: No trip to Beijing feels complete without seeing the Great Wall. As one of China’s most famous landmarks, it gives a strong sense of the country’s size. It also reflects China’s history and engineering legacy.
• The Forbidden City: One of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, the Forbidden City is a must-see. Visit it if you love Chinese imperial history and palace design.
• Summer Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. First built in 1750, it blends natural scenery with palaces, temples, halls, and bridges in a beautifully balanced setting.
• Tiananmen Square: One of the world’s most famous public squares that sits in the heart of Beijing. It also serves as the gateway to the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is located close to major landmarks such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China, and Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall. If you visit early, you can watch the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise.
• Temple of Heaven: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive Ming Dynasty religious complex built between 1406-1420. The Temple of Heaven is a historic site in Beijing that attracts many visitors, so it is wise to book ahead.

Local Cuisine in Beijing

• Peking duck: A famous roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat, served in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce, scallions, and cucumber. It’s one of Beijing’s iconic dishes and a classic sit-down meal.
• Jianbing: A popular savory breakfast crepe made with batter, egg, sauce, herbs, and a crispy cracker folded inside. People usually eat it as a quick morning meal from street stalls or small local shops.
• Zhajiangmian: Thick wheat noodles covered with a rich soybean paste sauce and shredded vegetables. It is a hearty, everyday comfort food closely linked to northern Chinese cuisine.
• Beijing snack culture: Refers to eating small local bites while walking through old hutong neighborhoods, markets, or food streets. Common snacks in Beijing include stuffed buns, skewers, sesame pastries, candied hawthorn, and drinks.

Where to Stay in Beijing

• Hotels:

Beijing offers a variety of hotels, from budget stays at around US$36 per night to mid-range at US$57–144, and luxury hotels in central areas at US$120–215+ per night.

• Apartment Rentals:

For longer stays, serviced apartments can be more practical than hotels. They often give you more space. They may also include laundry and a kitchenette. In central Beijing, they usually range from around US$63–138 per night.

If you’re considering living in China temporarily for work, renting an apartment might be best. See our 2026 China Visa & Residence Guide for Foreigners for details.

• Accommodation Tip for Students:

If you are staying in Beijing as a student, Haidian District is a practical area to consider. Many major universities are located there. It also has libraries, affordable food, and a student-friendly atmosphere.

School dormitories are also worth checking first if you are enrolled

Study in Beijing

• Why study in Beijing

As one of the best places to study in China, Beijing offers access to top-ranked universities. These universities provide strong research resources and are among China’s deepest higher education environments. Beijing is especially appealing for students interested in engineering, science, humanities, business, politics, and international studies.

Top universities in Beijing to consider:

• Tsinghua University
• Peking University
• Beihang University
• Beijing Institute of Technology
• Renmin University of China
• Beijing Normal University

2.   Chongqing – China’s Real-Life Cyberpunk City

Chongqing is one of China’s most “cyberpunk’ cities—the layered architectural marvel. Its natural landscape led architects to design a city with multiple levels across roughly 82,400 square kilometers. Skybridges connect plazas and parks in the sky.

Chongqing is a city where the “ground floor” can start 12, 15, or 25 stories high. This layout shows why Chongqing is considered one of the cyberpunk cities in China. Becoming a must-visit for travelers wanting to see a futuristic and dramatic urban landscape.

Landmarks to Visit in Chongqing

• Hongya Cave: A brightly lit stilt-house complex and one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks.
• Raffles City Chongqing: A futuristic riverside complex known for its dramatic skyline and skybridge.
• Liziba Station: A famous monorail station where the train passes through a residential building.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town: A preserved old town with traditional streets, tea houses, and local snacks.

Local Cuisine in Chongqing

• Chongqing hotpot: A spicy communal dish served in a bubbling pot of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and broth. Chongqing hotpot allows diners to cook meat, vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms at the table. Becoming one of the city’s most famous delicacy often enjoyed as a social meal.
• Xiaomian: A bowl of simple but flavorful spicy noodles, usually seasoned with chili oil, garlic, soy sauce, and scallions. Chongqing xiaomian is a popular everyday dish for breakfast or a quick lunch.
• Grilled skewers: Meat, vegetables, tofu, or seafood skewered, grilled, and generously coated with chili and bold spices. These are common in late-night food streets and casual open-air eateries.
• Chongqing street food culture: Known for bold, spicy flavors and lively energy. Street food in Chongqing often centers on late-night eating, hotpot, and casual local stalls.

Where to Stay in Chongqing

• Hotels:

Chongqing has many hotel options, prices start at about US$11–14 per night. Citywide averages are about US$61/S$61 in the low season.

In high season, averages are about US$160–161/S$161. Prices vary by season and location.

• Apartment Rentals:

For longer stays, serviced apartments and rentals are usually more practical than hotels.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about ¥2,393–2,459 per month. Outside the center, it is usually about ¥1,294–1,301 per month. This makes Chongqing one of the more affordable big-city options.

• Accommodation Tip for Students:

If you are a student in Chongqing, consider Shapingba District. Chongqing University is there. The university describes this area as a cultural and educational center.

Also, consider the school dormitories first if you are enrolled.

For more budgeting and housing tips, students can also read Top 5 Budget-Friendly Cities in China.

Study in Chongqing 

• Why study in China, Chongqing?

Chongqing is a good choice for students who want an inland city with strong universities. It focuses on technical and research fields. The city is ideal for students interested in engineering, architecture, technology, and applied sciences. It also offers a more affordable big-city environment compared to China’s top coastal cities.

Top universities in Chongqing

• Chongqing University

• Southwest University

• Southwest University of Political Science and Law

• Chongqing Medical University

• Sichuan International Studies University

3.   Hangzhou – China’s Silicon Valley

There is a famous saying in China: “Above there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Hangzhou fully lives up to that reputation. Known for its scenic beauty and rich history, it is one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in the country.

Hangzhou is one of the richest cities in China with a strong economy and a big tech scene. Known as one of the country’s most prosperous cities, Hangzhou is also a modern tech hub. It hosts companies like Alibaba and attracts e-commerce firms and startups.

As an ancient capital and home to the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Hangzhou combines culture, nature, and history. Highlighting China’s elegance and cultural progress.

Landmarks to Visit in Hangzhou

• West Lake: Hangzhou’s most famous landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People know it for its peaceful scenery, historic bridges, pagodas, and seasonal beauty. At the heart of the city, it is a must-visit for first-time travelers.
• Lingyin Temple: One of the most important Buddhist sites in China. This temple is famous for its long history, large halls, and peaceful setting among forested hills. Additionally, it is one of Hangzhou’s most culturally significant locations.
• Xixi National Wetland Park: A large and scenic wetland area made up of ponds, marshes, waterways, and greenery. It offers a quieter side of Hangzhou and is ideal for travelers who enjoy nature and a slower pace.
• Longjing Tea Plantations: In the hills near Hangzhou, these tea fields are famous for Longjing tea. Longjing tea is one of China’s best-known green teas. Visiting the plantations is a great way to experience local culture, scenery, and tea traditions in one place.

Local Cuisine in Hangzhou

• Dongpo pork: Slow-braised pork belly with a glossy finish and rich, tender texture. People consider it one of Hangzhou’s signature dishes and usually serve it as a classic local specialty.
• Longjing tea: One of China’s most famous green teas, known for its fresh aroma and smooth taste. Locals often enjoy it on its own or in tea-themed meals and local culinary experiences.
• West Lake fish in vinegar gravy: A well-known Hangzhou dish made with freshwater fish and a slightly sweet-sour sauce. The dish reflects the city’s refined Jiangnan style of cooking.
• Hangzhou food style: Known for delicate, balanced, and slightly sweet flavors, often featuring freshwater ingredients, seasonal vegetables, and beautifully presented dishes.

Where to Stay in Hangzhou

• Hotels:

Hangzhou offers many places to stay, from budget options to luxury lakefront hotels, starting from US$13–15 per night.

According to TripAdvisor travel and hotel reviews in China and major cities, the average nightly rate is about US$101 in the low season. During peak travel times, it can rise to about US$467. So, costs can increase quite a bit during busy seasons and near the beautiful West Lake area.

• Apartment Rentals:

For longer stays, serviced apartments and rentals are often more practical than hotels. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center usually costs about ¥3,934 per month. Outside the center, it averages about ¥2,250 per month.

• Accommodation Tip for Students:

If you are a student staying in Hangzhou, areas near Zhejiang University’s Zijingang Campus can be practical. The university calls it its main campus in northwest Hangzhou.

As one of the richest cities in China, the rent can be overwhelming. So, as an international student, school dormitories might be worth considering.

For practical budgeting and housing ideas, students can also read Top 5 Budget-Friendly Cities in China.

Study in Hangzhou

• Why study in Hangzhou

Studying in Hangzhou is ideal for students and visitors from abroad. Zhejiang University, a prestigious institution, is there. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy city life and academics.

Becoming one of the most attractive cities for students who want to study in China. Suitable for students interested in technology, engineering, and business.

Moreover, studying in China doesn’t mean you have to be fluent in Chinese. Many Chinese universities offer Chinese language prep classes. These classes help you get started and help you feel more comfortable as you learn.

Still worried? Read more about Can I study in China Without Knowing Chinese?

Top universities in Hangzhou you might consider:

• Zhejiang University

• Hangzhou Normal University

• Zhejiang University of Technology

• China Academy of Art

4.   Suzhou – The Venice of the East

Suzhou is known as the “Water Capital.” It is one of the most elegant and atmospheric cities in China. In the Yangtze River Delta, the city sits amid a network of canals, rivers, and lakes. These waterways give Suzhou its unique charm.

Historic streets like Shantang Street and Pingjiang Road showcase the city’s old-world beauty. Its classical gardens, many of which are UNESCO-listed, make Suzhou a popular cultural destination.

Suzhou is a mix of the old and new. Holding a long history as a center of Wu culture and classical beauty. Today, people consider Suzhou a modern city with high-tech industries.

Ancient canals and gardens sit alongside factories and industries. Creating a calm and romantic city, but also economically lively. Suzhou is a good example of a factory city in China. It combines advanced industry with historic streets, gardens, and canals.

Landmarks to Visit in Suzhou

• Humble Administrator’s Garden: One of China’s most famous classical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden features elegant design, ponds, and pavilions with a peaceful atmosphere. It is a must-visit cultural landmark in Suzhou.
• Tiger Hill: With more than 2,500 years of heritage, Tiger Hill is widely celebrated as the “No. 1 Scenic Spot in Suzhou.” It’s renowned for its beautiful garden landscape and the Tiger Hill Pagoda (Hu Qiu Ta, 虎丘塔), the oldest and largest pagoda in southern China.
• Historic Shantang Street: Built in 825 AD, Tang Dynasty, this 3.8 km canal-side pedestrian avenue is a top spot to experience historic Suzhou. Filled with traditional buildings, shops, street-food stalls, and boat cruises reflecting the city’s water-town charm.
• Suzhou Museum: Founded in 1960, it is a key cultural attraction in the city. People praise the museum for its elegant design. It holds about 30,000 works, including calligraphy, paintings, and relics. Its permanent exhibits showcase the history, art, and culture of Suzhou and the Wu region.

Local Cuisine in Suzhou

• Many Jiangnan dishes in Suzhou have a slightly sweet flavor balanced with light savory seasoning. This combination is typical of the region.
• Suzhou-style noodles: often served in light broths or topped with delicate ingredients. They reflect the city’s gentle and refined cuisine. People eat these noodles as everyday meals.
• Traditional pastries and sweets: In Suzhou’s old streets and near the canals, you can find small cakes, stuffed pastries, and seasonal desserts. People enjoy these snacks while walking around historic areas.
• Suzhou’s food culture: Features elegant presentation and subtle seasoning. The dining atmosphere is calm and traditional, matching the city’s canals and classical gardens.

Where to Stay in Suzhou

• Hotels:

Suzhou offers a good mix of heritage-style stays and modern business hotels, with prices starting from around US$11–13 per night. TripAdvisor lists average nightly prices of about US$74–83 in the low season.

In contrast, the prices in high season are about US$100–113. The exact amount depends on the page and date range.

• Apartment Rentals:

For longer stays, serviced apartments can be a practical choice, especially in business-friendly districts. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center usually costs about ¥2,928 per month. Outside the center, it costs about ¥1,234 per month on average.

• Accommodation Tip for Students:

If you are an international student in Suzhou, Suzhou Industrial Park is a practical area to stay in. Additionally, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University says its main base is there.

If you enroll, you should also check the school dormitories first.

For more practical budgeting and accommodation ideas, check out our Top 5 Budget-Friendly Cities in China.

Study in Suzhou 

• Why study in Suzhou

Suzhou is an excellent choice for students. It is a peaceful, livable city with access to top universities and a lively modern economy. The city is perfect for those who enjoy an international atmosphere. Suzhou combines traditional Chinese culture with advanced industry and globally focused campuses.

Top universities in Suzhou for you:

• Soochow University

• Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

• University of Science and Technology of Suzhou

• Suzhou University of Science and Technology

5.   Sanya – Your Tropical Escape

Sanya truly changes the vibe of the list. It is located on the southern coast of Hainan Island. Known as the “Hawaii of China,” it has a warm climate, palm-lined shores, and a relaxed resort atmosphere. It is one of China’s favorite tropical escapes, offering a different adventure than historic capitals and busy cities.

Thanks to its warm weather all year, Sanya is ideal for a laid-back getaway. Besides its beautiful beaches and scenic spots, it has luxury resorts, shopping, and tasty dining options. Although Sanya can cost more than other places in China, its stunning scenery and great facilities make it ideal. Which works well for short trips or longer stays.

Landmarks to Visit in Sanya

• Yalong Bay: Yalong Bay is known as the “No. 1 Bay in the World.” It is one of Sanya’s most famous beaches. Visitors love its soft sand, clear water, and resort atmosphere. The bay is perfect for sunbathing and seaside activities. It offers a polished tropical escape. Nearby, you can find Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and Yalong Bay Golf Club.
• Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone: A major scenic area about 40 km southwest of Sanya. It is known for Nanshan Mountain. It features Buddhist landmarks and coastal views. It also has the world’s largest Guanyin statue.
• Tianya Haijiao: A famous seaside attraction with dramatic rocks and ocean scenery. Additionally, there are historic inscriptions dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
• Binlang Ethnic Village: A cultural attraction that recreates the traditional lifestyle of the Li and Miao communities and offers an immersive local cultural experience.
• China Duty-Free Sanya: The city’s largest duty-free mall, popular for luxury shopping. You can find various perfumes, spirits, and other premium goods here.

Local Cuisine in Sanya

• Fresh seafood: Fish, prawns, crab, shellfish, and other coastal ingredients are the highlight of Sanya’s food scene. They are often steamed, grilled, or lightly seasoned to keep the flavors fresh and natural.
• Coconut-based desserts: Sweet dishes and drinks made with fresh coconut, coconut milk, or coconut jelly. Coconut-related desserts are highly popular because of the island’s tropical climate.
• Tropical fruit: Mango, pineapple, coconut, dragon fruit, and other tropical fruits are easy to find. Many people enjoy them as snacks or desserts.
• Sanya food style: Light, fresh, and coastal, with a strong focus on seafood and refreshing flavors that suit the beach-city atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Sanya

• Hotels:
  • Sanya is the most expensive city on this list for hotels because of its resort focus. Prices can start at around US$17 or S$17 per night.
  • The average nightly prices on TripAdvisor are around US$225 in the low season. In the high season, prices rise to about US$503. Prices are higher in major resort areas like Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay.
• Apartment Rentals:
  • For longer stays, off-campus apartments are often more practical than resort hotels. Numbeo currently lists a one-bedroom apartment in the city center at about ¥4,000 per month, and ¥2,500 per month outside the center.
• Accommodation Tip for Students:
  • If you are staying in Sanya as a student, check out school dormitories first. Resort districts can be much more expensive than standard long-term housing.
  • For example, Hainan Tropical Ocean University’s School of International Education is located on Yucai Road in Sanya. This makes housing near the campus more practical than staying in beach resort zones.

Study in Sanya

• Why study in Sanya
  • Sanya is not as focused on universities as Beijing or Nanjing. But it can still be a good fit for students seeking a more specialized study environment. The city is ideal for fields like marine studies, tropical studies, tourism, and regional development. It offers a quieter, more relaxed setting compared to China’s larger academic hubs.

Top universities in Sanya

• Hainan Tropical Ocean University

• Sanya University

⚠️Pro Tips: China has many top-tier universities in the world, so it might be overwhelming to choose. Check out Best Universities in China | Guide for International Students to help you find your ideal university.

6.   Nanjing – The Education City

Nanjing provides a unique charm that sets it apart from other Chinese cities. While it boasts a rich historical background, what truly makes it shine today is its lively academic scene.

Known as a top education hub in China, Nanjing is home to several respected universities. It is known for strong research, lively student life, and a rich intellectual culture. This gives the city a warm, scholarly atmosphere that many other destinations can’t quite match.

For students, especially those from abroad, Nanjing is a practical choice. It offers high-quality education and a diverse student community. The cost of living in Nanjing is generally lower than in Beijing or Shanghai. This makes daily life, food, transportation, and housing more affordable.

Landmarks to Visit in Nanjing

• Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A grand historic memorial and one of Nanjing’s best-known landmarks.
• Nanjing City Wall: A well-preserved ancient wall that reflects the city’s historic importance.
• Presidential Palace: A major site tied to modern Chinese political history.
• Confucius Temple (南京夫子庙): A lively cultural area with historic buildings, food, and riverside views.

Local Cuisine in Nanjing

• Salted duck: One of Nanjing’s best-known specialties, made from duck that is seasoned and cooked to keep the meat tender and flavorful. It is a classic local dish and a symbol of the city’s food identity.
• Duck blood vermicelli soup: A famous Nanjing street-food dish made with vermicelli, duck blood curd, duck organs, and rich broth. It is usually eaten as a hearty, affordable local meal.
• Sesame pancakes: Nanjing has many casual street foods and small snacks, such as sesame pancakes. Local snacks are easy to find and budget-friendly, especially for students’ everyday refreshments.
• Nanjing food culture: Filling, local, and approachable, with many dishes centered around duck, soups, and affordable comfort food.

Where to Stay in Nanjing

• Hotels:

Nanjing has a broad hotel range, with prices starting from around US$12–15 per night. TripAdvisor lists average nightly prices at about US$60 (S$78) in low season. In high season, hotels in Nanjing average about US$144 (S$189). Amounts may vary by the page’s currency setting.

• Apartment Rentals:

Nanjing is considered one of the budget-friendly cities in China. So, for longer stays, renting can be more practical than booking hotels.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center usually costs about ¥3,092 per month. Outside the city center, rents can cost you ¥2,169 per month on average.

• Accommodation Tip for Students:

If you’re staying in Nanjing as a student, the areas around Gulou and Qixia are practical options since Nanjing University has campuses in both districts.

Also, it’s always worth checking the school dormitories first.

Study in Nanjing

• Why study in Nanjing

Nanjing is one of the best student cities in China. It has strong universities with a long academic tradition and a large student community. Nanjing University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China.

Currently, Nanjing has over 38,000 full-time students and more than 1,400 international students. This shows the city’s strong academic atmosphere and international appeal.

Top universities in Nanjing

• Nanjing University

• Southeast University

• Nanjing Normal University

• Nanjing Agricultural University

• Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

• Nanjing Medical University

• Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Discovering China’s Diverse Charms

China is a country of contrasts, and that is what makes it such an unforgettable place to explore. From imperial capitals and historic canal towns to futuristic skylines, beach escapes, and student-friendly cities, each destination offers a completely different experience.

Whether you travel for culture, food, scenery, or a look at daily life in modern China, there is a city for you!

These six cities are just a starting point, but they show how varied and exciting China can be. If you are planning your first trip, pick cities with very different vibes. This helps you see more of the country in one journey.

Start Your Journey to study in China Today

If this trip has inspired you to think beyond travel, studying in China could be your next step. With world-class universities, diverse cities, and exciting academic opportunities, China offers much more than just a memorable visit.

ApplyForChina supports students through every stage of the process, from exploring the right city and university to completing your China University Application. If you are ready to begin your journey to study in China, we are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions