Beyond Beijing and Shanghai: Underrated Chinese Cities Worth Visiting
Step off the tourist trail and discover the lesser-known cities that reveal the real heart of China.
Introduction: Why It’s Time to Look Beyond the Obvious
When people think of traveling to China, two cities usually top the list: Beijing, with its imperial palaces and political gravitas, and Shanghai, the glittering metropolis of the future. These cities are undeniably impressive—and deserve their fame—but they’re just a tiny slice of the Chinese experience.
China is a vast, multi-layered country with 34 provinces, over 160 cities with populations exceeding one million, and cultural diversity that rivals the entire European continent. So, what happens when you step off the beaten path? When you trade the Bund for bamboo forests, or skyscrapers for ancient city walls?
You find the soul of China in its underrated cities—the places that locals love, that hold onto unique regional traditions, and that offer the kind of authentic, immersive travel that big cities often polish away.
This article is your guide to exploring 10 underrated Chinese cities that are rich in history, bursting with flavor, and brimming with stories—yet often overlooked by international travelers. These are the cities where you'll eat like royalty for $5, stroll through temples untouched by crowds, and hear the musical flow of dialects you never knew existed.
Whether you're planning your first trip or your fifth, these destinations will open your eyes to a China beyond Beijing and Shanghai—and might just become the highlight of your journey.
1. Hangzhou (杭州) – Where Poetry Meets the Lake
Tucked just an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, Hangzhou is famed for its idyllic West Lake, celebrated by emperors and poets for centuries. The misty mountains, arched bridges, and lotus-filled waters make it feel like walking through a Chinese painting.
Highlights:
West Lake boat ride at sunset
Longjing (Dragon Well) tea plantations
Lingyin Temple, one of China’s oldest Buddhist temples
Scenic cycling routes and walking paths
🍜 Don’t miss: Dongpo pork, a rich braised dish named after poet Su Dongpo.
2. Xiamen (厦门) – Coastal Charm with a European Twist
A breezy port city in Fujian province, Xiamen blends southern Chinese culture with colonial architecture and island scenery. Its proximity to Taiwan also makes it a culinary heaven—think oyster omelets, milk tea, and Hokkien noodles.
Highlights:
Gulangyu Island, a car-free former foreign concession
Nanputuo Temple, nestled in the cliffs
Hipster cafés and art galleries in Shapowei Art Zone
🏖️ Bonus: The weather is subtropical year-round.
3. Chengdu (成都) – More Than Just Pandas
Chengdu is famous for its giant panda breeding center, but this Sichuan capital is also the epicenter of China’s spicy food culture and laid-back lifestyle. Locals are known for “慢生活” (slow life), where people sip tea for hours and spend evenings playing mahjong in open-air parks.
Highlights:
Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street
Sichuan hotpot experiences with numbing chili oil
Nearby access to Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain
🐼 Must-do: Visit the pandas early in the morning when they’re most active.
4. Xi’an (西安) – More Than Just Terracotta Warriors
While the world knows Xi’an for its Terracotta Army, few realize that it was the starting point of the Silk Road and served as China’s capital for over 1,000 years. The city is a blend of imperial history and multicultural influences.
Highlights:
Cycling the Ancient City Wall
Eating your way through the Muslim Quarter
Visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Dynasty relics
🍢 Street food alert: Try roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and biangbiang noodles.
5. Dali (大理) – A Lakeside Escape in Yunnan
Nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, Dali is a bohemian favorite among travelers. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, local Bai minority culture, and cool mountain air.
Highlights:
Erhai Lake cycling loop
Ancient town with traditional white stone architecture
Morning markets with fresh produce and handmade crafts
🎨 You’ll find artists, musicians, and backpackers mingling with local farmers.
6. Qingdao (青岛) – Beer, Beaches, and Bavarian Charm
A former German colony, Qingdao is one of the most unique coastal cities in China. It’s famous for its Tsingtao Beer, red-roofed European buildings, and seafood markets. It’s like Munich meets the Yellow Sea.
Highlights:
Zhanqiao Pier and Badaguan Scenic Area
Qingdao International Beer Festival (China’s Oktoberfest!)
Hiking Laoshan Mountain, birthplace of Taoism
🍻 Fun fact: Locals pour beer into plastic bags for takeaway.
7. Guilin (桂林) – Where Mountains Touch the Sky
Famous for its surreal karst landscapes, Guilin looks like a dreamscape from a traditional ink painting. It’s a gateway to the Li River cruise to Yangshuo, one of the most scenic journeys in all of China.
Highlights:
River cruise or bamboo rafting on the Li River
Hike or bike among rice terraces in Longsheng
Explore Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill
📸 Bring your camera—every view is postcard-worthy.
8. Luoyang (洛阳) – A Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Often overlooked, Luoyang was once the capital of 13 dynasties and home to many firsts in Chinese history. It’s quieter than Xi’an but equally rich in heritage.
Highlights:
Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Shaolin Temple, birthplace of kung fu (nearby)
Peony Festival in April
🗿 The Buddha carvings in the cliffs are among the finest in Asia.
9. Suzhou (苏州) – Venice of the East
Famous for its canals, classical gardens, and silk production, Suzhou is a short trip from Shanghai but offers a completely different atmosphere.
Highlights:
Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden
Strolling the Pingjiang Historic Road
Watching silk weaving at the Suzhou Silk Museum
💡 Tip: Visit by boat to see the city from the water—just like locals did centuries ago.
10. Harbin (哈尔滨) – Russia, Reindeer, and Ice Castles
This northeastern city near Russia is known for its Russian architecture and spectacular Ice and Snow Festival held every winter. It’s like stepping into a frozen fairytale.
Highlights:
Ice lanterns and palaces during the Harbin Ice Festival
St. Sophia Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church
Siberian tiger park and northern Chinese cuisine
❄️ Dress warm—it gets down to -30°C in January!
FAQs: Travel in Lesser-Known Chinese Cities
Do these cities have English-speaking locals?
In major tourist spots, yes. But outside big hotels and restaurants, basic Mandarin or translation apps help a lot.
Are high-speed trains available to these places?
Yes! China’s rail network connects almost all major cities, including smaller gems like Dali, Luoyang, and Guilin.
Are these cities safe for solo travelers?
Very. China is one of the safest countries for travelers, including solo female tourists. Just observe normal travel precautions.
Will I find vegetarian or halal food?
Yes. Cities like Xi’an (Muslim Quarter) and Chengdu (Buddhist influence) have great options. Learn a few key food words in Mandarin.
Do I need a VPN?
Yes, especially if you want to access Gmail, Google Maps, or Instagram while in China.
How much time should I spend in each city?
2–4 days per city is ideal. Consider pairing a big city (like Chengdu or Xi’an) with a scenic or coastal one (like Guilin or Xiamen).
When is the best time to go?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) are ideal for weather, scenery, and fewer crowds.
Should I hire a guide?
Optional, but helpful. Guides enrich your understanding of the history, especially at ancient sites like Longmen Grottoes or Shaolin Temple.
Want to Explore These Cities with Confidence?
Traveling beyond China’s most famous cities is one of the best ways to truly connect with the country’s culture, people, and language. But to navigate street markets, read train signs, or even just order that amazing-looking bowl of noodles, you’ll need more than just Google Translate.
That’s where we come in.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer Mandarin classes designed for travelers, not just textbooks. You’ll learn the words and phrases you actually need—plus cultural tips to help you navigate any city like a local.
👉 Ready to start your Mandarin journey before your trip?
Sign up today and explore China beyond the guidebooks—with language, confidence, and curiosity.
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