For most travellers, exploring China means ticking off long-held bucket-list experiences – delving into the Forbidden City, witnessing an army of Terracotta Warriors, and walking along the Great Wall, which stretches over 5000km. But there’s more to it than that, which we outline in our China travel guide here.

Another legendary drawcard is getting acquainted with China’s most adorable mascots – pandas – as well as the tourist pull of the two “big guns": the head-spinning modernisation of Shanghai and the imperial age of Beijing.

Things to see in China

Shanghai is mesmerising – a hyper-lit metropolis with a population the size of Australia, dominated by soaring skyscrapers and construction cranes. But it’s at street level where the humanity of the city is found: grandparents wheeling grandchildren under verdant plane trees, clusters of people playing mahjong outside antique shops, teenage cliques strolling arm in arm. Walking The Bund and sailing the Huangpu River are both worthwhile, but there’s no better way to get a feel for the city than by following your tastebuds.

The Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors remain unmissable, while pandas are a highlight for many travellers, particularly around Chengdu.

Best places to visit in China

As the capital of China and home to some 21 million residents, Beijing has long been the go-to for historic landmarks and local politics. Beyond the Great Wall and government offices, hidden among the hutongs (old networks of narrow alleyways), you’ll find quirky restaurants, buzzing bars and funky boutiques.

If big cities aren’t your thing, Sichuan province is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley), Huanglong Valley – home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world – and Mt Emei, regarded as one of Buddhism’s most sacred mountains.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is climbing the ranks too, known for splendid temples, restful teahouses and famously spicy food. It’s also best known outside China as the gateway to Tibet and, more popularly, the place of the panda.

Hong Kong is one of the most hyper-lit and compelling cities in the world, with jutting skyscrapers rendered in metal and glass, and some of the best shopping centres anywhere. Families are well catered for too, with Hong Kong Disneyland a highlight for younger travellers.

Macau is quickly making its mark as a vibrant alternative to a Hong Kong stopover – the neon-lit harbour is only an hour away from Hong Kong Island by ferry, and the city’s mix of east-meets-west attractions spans everything from its Portuguese trading-post history to today’s world-class luxury hotels and resorts.

Best places to eat in China

Shanghai has an array of culinary delights waiting to be sampled at street level, while Beijing’s hutongs hide quirky restaurants alongside the city’s more traditional dining scene. In Chengdu, the food is famously spicy and central to the city’s identity. And in Hong Kong, devouring dim sum is one of life’s great delights.

Cultural experiences in China

China’s cultural depth runs from the ancient to the contemporary. Beijing’s hutongs offer a glimpse of old Beijing life, while Chengdu’s temples and teahouses reflect a slower, more traditional pace. Sichuan’s Mt Emei is one of Buddhism’s most sacred and remarkable mountains, drawing pilgrims and travellers alike.

In Macau, centuries of Portuguese trading history have left a distinctive east-meets-west imprint on the city’s architecture, food and culture, setting it apart from the rest of China.