Things to do in China
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Things to do

Things to do in China: the Great Wall, Beijing, Shanghai and more

China is a civilisation thousands of years old and nature like nowhere else: a wall that runs across the mountains, imperial palaces, peaks that seem to come from a fantasy world, and modern cities with towers that touch the clouds. Here are its best-known sights.

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Beijing

PlaceWhy goBefore you go
The Great Wall at MutianyuOne of the loveliest and least crowded sections of the Wall: up by cable car, down by toboggan.About 1.5 hours from Beijing
The Forbidden CityThe palace of China's emperors with its halls and vast courtyards, on the World Heritage list.Book ahead with your passport; closed on Mondays
The Summer PalaceImperial gardens around a wide lake, with bridges and covered walkways.North-west Beijing
Universal Beijing ResortA theme park of famous movie worlds.Tongzhou, east Beijing

Shanghai

Shanghai's towers on the river at night
PlaceWhy goBefore you go
The BundA riverside promenade of historic buildings facing the glittering towers of Pudong.Central Shanghai
Shanghai TowerOne of the world's tallest towers, with an observation deck on the 118th floor.Pudong
Yu GardenA classical Chinese garden of pavilions and ponds, with a traditional bazaar around it.The Old City
Zhujiajiao water townAn old town of canals and stone bridges, explored by boat.About an hour from Shanghai

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China's nature

PlaceWhy goBefore you go
The Zhangjiajie mountainsTowering stone pillars topped with forest in the mist, and a glass bridge over the canyon.Hunan province
The Li River between Guilin and YangshuoA river cruise between green karst peaks, one of China's most beautiful landscapes.Guangxi

Xi'an and Guangzhou

PlaceWhy goBefore you go
The Terracotta ArmyThousands of life-size clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor.Xi'an
The Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter of Xi'anOne of China's oldest mosques, in Chinese architectural style, surrounded by a famous market and halal restaurants.Central Xi'an
Canton TowerA 600-metre tower on the Pearl River, with stunning views.Guangzhou
ChimelongA safari park, a theme park and shows for the family.Guangzhou

Tips before you go

  • Saudis enter China visa-free for up to 30 days; the exemption runs until 31 December 2026.
  • Set up the payment apps (Alipay or WeChat Pay) before you travel: paying by phone is the norm there.
  • Book the Forbidden City in advance with your passport; no same-day tickets are sold.

Hotels in Shanghai

Flights to Beijing

Visa

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in China?

The Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Bund and Shanghai Tower, the Zhangjiajie mountains, the Li River and the Terracotta Army in Xi'an.

Is there halal food in China?

Yes, especially in the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an and in Chinese Muslim restaurants in the big cities.

Do Saudis need a visa for China?

No, visa-free for up to 30 days; the exemption runs until 31 December 2026.

Planning your trip to China? Read Travel to China from Saudi Arabia.

Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.