The Top 10 Famous Cities in China

We can highlight for you the ten most popular and well-known cities in China, some of which are important commercial, transportation, cultural or political centers of the country. All of these cities have exceptional beauty and interest.

1.Beijing: The Capital of China

Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is also the country's second largest city. As a municipality directly controlled by the central government, it is one of the major centers of China and one of the country's four former capitals. Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, Beijing is home to China's major centers of education, politics, culture, finance and economy.

Located at the northern edge of the North China Plain, Beijing is bordered to the southeast by Tianjin and is surrounded by Hebei Province in other directions. With a history of more than three thousand years, it was the capital of the country for 778 consecutive years. During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Wangyan designated it as the capital of the empire, initially known as Zhongdu and located southwest of modern-day Beijing. Both the Yuan and Ming dynasties established their capital in Beijing. The city, rich in historical and cultural heritage, is one of the four great ancient capitals of China, with more than three thousand years of history and more than eight hundred and sixty years as the capital.

Beijing, with its numerous historical monuments and rich cultural heritage, is an attractive city with great international influence, being one of the largest cities in the world.

2.Shanghai: The Largest City in China

Shanghai, one of the world's famous international metropolises, is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, with the East Sea to the east and Hangzhou Bay to the south. Connected to the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang in the west, it forms the largest Yangtze River delta, both in size and economy. Shanghai is a very popular destination for visitors, who can experience China's constant development.

Despite its many historical sites, Shanghai retains a deep modern urban culture, influenced by the fusion with the region south of the Yangtze River and the diverse cultures of its immigrants.

Located in eastern China, in the Yangtze River delta, Shanghai is the most populated city in the country and one of the most populated in the world.

3.Hong Kong: An International Shopping Center

Hong Kong is located in the Pearl River Delta in southeastern China and facing the South China Sea, with a total area of 1,104 square kilometers. It is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. On the one hand, we find Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, and on the other hand, the New Territories that border the Chinese mainland. The New Territories cover most of the Hong Kong area and include 262 more islands in the archipelago.

Victoria Harbor, located between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, is a wide and deep natural harbor that can accommodate all types of vessels, including sailboats. This port has been recognized as one of the three main natural ports in the world.

Despite its large population and small area, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and one of those with the most skyscrapers, with at least 215 buildings over 150 meters high. In Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and central Hong Kong you can see the most representative skyscrapers.

4.Xi'an: The Oldest and the Most Famous Capital of China

Xi'an is the most famous capital of ancient China. Steeped in history and still full of secrets to discover, it is a gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. With more than 3,100 years of history, Xi'an has been the capital of 13 dynasties. As one of the most important points of origin of Chinese civilization, Xi'an marked the beginning of the famous "Silk Road", which connected China with Central Asia and the Roman Empire.

Xi'an, also known as Chang'an in ancient times, is known as the "city of eternal peace". Today, Xi'an is a vibrant and modern city, surrounded by history that even extends beneath our feet. Due to this yet to be fully discovered past, Xi'an does not have a metro system like more modern cities. On this journey full of history, you will be able to breathe the historical air in places of incalculable value and beauty.

• The Terracotta Warriors Army, known as one of the eight wonders of the modern world, is a gateway for visitors to travel to the era of the Tang Dynasty.
• The city wall of Xi'an is one of the best preserved vestiges of the Tang Dynasty. In ancient times, each city in China built a wall to protect itself from possible invasions.
• The starting point of the Silk Road is the beginning of a prosperous commercial adventure with more than 2000 years of history.

5.Guangzhou: The Third Largest City in China

Since the Qin Dynasty, Guangzhou has been the administrative center of the country. With a history of more than two thousand years, Guangzhou has been the political, military, economic, cultural, scientific and educational center of southern China. In the past, Guangzhou was the largest foreign trade port in China, being a commercial center more than a thousand years old. Due to the large number of immigrants from all over the world, it is also known as "the capital of the third world."

According to legend, Guangzhou was built by five celestial beings who rode five colorful sheep to prevent famine in the city. Therefore, Guangzhou is also known as the "goat city". The original inhabitants of this area date back to 214 BC, when the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty sent his army to conquer the South China Sea.

Because Guangzhou is located on the Pearl River, it has been the most important port in southern China since ancient times. Starting in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it became the starting point of the maritime Silk Road, being one of the most important sea routes for transporting silk and other goods to the western regions.

6.Shenzhen: The Commercial Center of Southern China

Shenzhen is located 160 kilometers from Guangzhou and 35 kilometers from Hong Kong. To the east, it is bordered by Dapeng Bay, to the west by the mouth of the Pearl River, and to the south by the new territories of Hong Kong. It is the transportation and trade center between mainland China and Hong Kong. In addition, it is one of China's main ports for foreign trade and international exchanges. From a tourism point of view, Shenzhen remains a young city that is awakening to the world of tourism and the economy.

With a total area of 2,050 square kilometers and a coastline stretching for 470 kilometers into the South China Sea, Shenzhen is also a beautiful tourist city that has emerged in recent years thanks to its famous and well-reputed maritime resources. .

7.Hangzhou: A City of History and Nature Beauty

Hangzhou is located in the northern part of the southeastern coast of China, belonging to the Yangtze River Delta and Qiantang River Basin, with complex and varied topography. It is located in the western mountainous region of Zhejiang, in the heart of the Tianmu Mountains, stretching eastward and with a dense network of rivers.

Hangzhou is known for its historical relics and natural beauty, frequently praised as one of the most beautiful cities in China. Thanks to its excellent geographical location, it has historically been one of the main textile centers in the country and one of the largest producers of jute bags in China.

• The West Lake is a natural gift and is the symbol of Hangzhou. In ancient times, the Chinese considered it a serene and beautiful place, with calm waters and narrow dikes creating an environment of willows and blooming flowers.
• Lingyin Temple is a famous Chinese Buddhist temple, also known as Yunlin Temple, located in the northwest of West Lake and considered part of the lake's scenic landscape.
• From Hangzhou, tourists can begin their journey to the scenic water town of Wuzhen.

8.Guilin: A Relaxing and Picturesque City

Located in southern China, Guilin resembles a jewel set in a green tapestry, with landscapes that are hailed as some of the most beautiful in the world. It is famous for its karst scenery, with its majestic mountains, interconnected caves and the beautiful, crystal-clear Li River that meanders from the heart to Yangshuo County, creating an immense and elegant mural of Chinese nature. Furthermore, the unique beauty of the Longji Rice Terraces cannot be overlooked.

If you plan to delight in the most impressive natural landscapes in China, you should not miss visiting Guilin. Its distinctive karst geography makes it appear like a young girl silently looking north.

• The Li River is a famous river in Guilin that takes us to Yangshuo and includes the most charming places in and around Guilin.
• West Yangshuo Street is a good place to experience Guilin's nightlife.
• Longji rice terraces are a magnificent landscape that shows human intelligence in cultivating fields along the mountain ridge.

9.Nanjing: A Historical and Cultural City in China

Located in the lower basin of the Yangtze River and in the economic zone of the delta of the same river, Nanjing has always been one of the most prominent cities in China. Throughout several historical periods, it was the capital of the country and is considered one of the four great ancient capitals of China.

Nowadays, with the country's rapid economic development, it has become an important political, cultural, educational and commercial center in eastern China, as well as being a crucial transportation node for the country. Thanks to its excellent geographical location, it is also one of the most important cities in the Yangtze River Delta and serves as a gateway to eastern China.

With more than 2,500 years of history, Nanjing is also a city with a rich heritage of monuments and historical relics. Among its highlights are the majestic Temple of Confucius, the solemn and dignified Mausoleum of Ming Xiaoling, the great bridge over the Yangtze River in Nanjing and the picturesque Qinhuai River.

10.Chongqing: Important Economic City in Western China

Chongqing is recognized as the most economically important city in Western China, being one of the largest inland metropolises in the country, with even more ambitious development plans.

On the other hand, Chongqing serves as a starting point for Yangtze River cruises, which offer the opportunity to explore the majestic Three Gorges Dam. Additionally, nearby are the impressive Dazu rock sculptures, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about three hours west of the city.