Things to Do in China

By Sherry Fei | April 2026

 

China is not just about landmarks—it’s about experiences.

What stays with you isn’t only what you see, but what you do: the food you try, the streets you walk, the small moments that don’t make it into guidebooks.

If you’re planning a trip, here are some of the best things to do in China—real experiences across cities that show how the country actually feels.

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Beijing

Walk the past, then drink in the present.

Beijing gives you two completely different experiences in one day.

In the morning, you walk through history—imperial palaces, old city walls, and quiet hutong alleys. But in the evening, the city shifts. Small bars hidden in traditional neighborhoods come alive, and locals gather for drinks and late-night conversations.

One of the most fun things to do in Beijing China is to combine both: explore hutongs by day, then return at night for a casual bar-hopping experience.

Don’t miss:

• Walking through hutong neighborhoods
• Trying local snacks from small street vendors
• Experiencing Beijing nightlife with locals

Want to go beyond sightseeing? Our Beijing nightlife experiences and local blogs show you how to actually spend a night out here—not just where to go, but how it feels.

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Shanghai

See the future, then slow down.

Shanghai moves fast—but you don’t have to.

Yes, you should walk along the Bund and take in the skyline. But some of the coolest things to do in Shanghai China happen when you slow down: café hopping, exploring smaller neighborhoods, or stepping into a hidden cocktail bar.

The contrast is the experience—ultra-modern city energy mixed with quiet, lived-in streets.

Don’t miss:

• Night views of the skyline
• Creative cocktail bars and speakeasies
• Street walks beyond the main attractions

If you want a more local side of Shanghai, our guides and experiences focus on neighborhoods, food, and nightlife that most visitors miss.

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Chengdu

Meet pandas, stay for the food.

Seeing giant pandas is one of the most iconic things to do in Chengdu China—and it lives up to the hype.

But Chengdu is more than pandas. It’s one of the best cities in China for food. Hotpot, street snacks, late-night eating—it’s all part of the experience.

And unlike other major cities, Chengdu moves at its own pace.

Don’t miss:

• Visiting the panda base early in the morning
• Trying Sichuan hotpot or local snacks
• Spending time in teahouses or relaxed neighborhoods

Our Chengdu content goes deeper into food culture and local life—helping you turn a panda visit into a full experience.

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Hangzhou

Drift, don’t rush.

In Hangzhou, one of the best things to do is simply slow down.

Take a wooden boat across West Lake. Watch the light change. Walk along tree-lined paths. This is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have in China.

But beyond the lake, there’s more: tea culture, small food spots, and local neighborhoods where daily life unfolds quietly.

Don’t miss:

• A traditional boat ride on West Lake
• Exploring tea culture and local cafés
• Walking through historic streets at your own pace

We’ve designed local Hangzhou experiences—from tea culture to nightlife—to help you see both the calm and the energy of the city.

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Wuhan

Start the day like a local.

Wuhan offers something most travelers don’t expect: a morning ritual.

“Guozao,” or breakfast culture, is one of the most unique things to do in Wuhan China. Streets fill with small food stalls, and locals move from one dish to another—no rush, just eating and chatting.

It’s chaotic, flavorful, and completely local.

Don’t miss:

• Trying multiple breakfast dishes in one morning
• Exploring local food streets
• Experiencing a less touristy Chinese city

Our Wuhan-focused content highlights everyday experiences like this—simple moments that give you a real sense of the city.

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Beyond the Big Cities

Other experiences worth your time.

China is full of unique things to do beyond these cities:

• Xi’an: See the Terracotta Army and walk ancient city walls
• Yangshuo: Cycle through karst mountains and rivers
• Chongqing: Experience layered city streets and night views
• Guangzhou: Dive into one of China’s richest food cultures
• Hong Kong & Macau: Explore a different blend of East and West

These destinations add depth to any China itinerary, especially if you’re planning a 10-day or longer trip.

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China Travel Tips: What Makes the Difference

A few small choices can completely change your experience:

• Go early or go late: Avoid peak crowds at major attractions
• Stay flexible: Some of the best moments aren’t planned
• Eat locally: Street food and small restaurants are essential
• Mix fast and slow: Big cities + quiet towns = a better balance

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The Real China Is in the Experience

The best things to do in China aren’t always the biggest or most famous.

They’re the moments in between: a conversation over drinks, a street food discovery, a quiet walk after a busy day.

At Bridge to Locals, that’s exactly what we focus on. Our blogs and local experiences are designed to help you go beyond the usual “top 10 things to do in China”—and actually step into the rhythm of the places you visit.

Here are some exclusive local experiences from Bridge to Locals, created for travelers who want to see more than the standard tourist path. Across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and other cities, our experiences are built around the real rhythm of local life—authentic, social, and full of character.

1.     Beijing Hutong nightlife with local drinking tour

2.     Beijing Nightlife: Explore vintage movie-themed bars and hutongs

3.     Yangmeizhu Hutong Old Beijing Culture and Handicraft Tour

4.     Shanghai Nightlife: TCM Cocktails

5.     Chinese character meditation experience at Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple

6.     Hangzhou nightlife: historical bars, live music, and local markets

7.     Hangzhou Food Tour: Market Walk and Local Snacks

8.     Enjoy Hangzhou like an aristocrat: West Lake cruise, tea tasting, painting

9.     Wuhan Breakfast Walk: Markets, street food, and specialty coffee

10.  Chengdu Nightlife: Explore hidden bars with local friends

Each experience is hosted by locals who know their city well and enjoy sharing it naturally, like showing a friend around. Explore our handpicked tours above and discover a side of China that feels personal, memorable, and genuinely alive.