Planning to go to China in 2026? Here are some must-see places

There's more to China than the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing. A land of contrasts, China is a place where sprawling modern cities meet ancient towns and breathtaking natural wonders. 

If you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Dragon, follow GMA Integrated News journalist Lyn Ching-Pascual’s itinerary, which takes you from the vibrant streets of Guangzhou to the mystical mountains and towns of Zhangjiajie. 

Here are some quick reminders as you plan your trip:

• China requires a visa entry for Philippine passport holders. Filipinos need to apply via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Manila (CVASC) after filling the form online.
• Flights to China’s capital, Beijing, as well as to Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Jinjiang, are available through several airlines, including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.

Canton Tower and Five Ram Sculpture at Guangzhou 

Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city, is a feast for the senses. Think Cantonese cuisine, bustling streets, and iconic sights like the Canton Tower, soaring 604 meters high, and the Five-Ram Sculpture at Yuexiu Park. 

The Canton Tower, also known as the Guangzhou Tower, is a stunning 600-meter-tall observation tower renowned for its unique twisted design, breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and thrilling attractions such as the Bubble Tram and Sky Drop.

Meanwhile, built in 1960, the Five Ram Sculpture honors the legendary five rams who, according to local folklore, rode into the city, taught the people how to cultivate rice, and put an end to famine forever.

Furong Ancient Town and Furong Grand Waterfalls 

History and nature meet in spectacular fashion at Furong Ancient Town, a must-visit destination in the mountainous northwest of Hunan Province.

Furong Town is a thousand-year-old village clinging to the cliffs. Beautifully preserved, the town features the majestic Furong Grand Waterfalls, which is part of the Shaanxi UNESCO Global Geopark.

Inside a nearby rock cave, relics and sculptures pay tribute to the Tuja ancestors, the region’s ethnic minority.

Fenghuang Ancient City

Next on the list is the Fenghuang Ancient City also located in Hunan Province. 

Called the Phoenix Ancient City, Fenghuang is a 400-year-old village known for its Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and stilted wooden houses.

Make sure to catch the scenic view of Tuojiang River, which you can explore by a boat ride!

Tianmen Mountain 

Tianmen Mountain, situated in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, is a renowned natural landmark celebrated for its steep cliffs and stunning views. Its most famous feature is Tianmen Cave, or Heaven’s Gate, a giant natural arch carved into the mountain.

Visitors can experience the world’s longest cable car ride, walk along thrilling gla0ss skywalks clinging to the cliffs, and navigate the winding 99-bend road. Combining natural beauty with adventure, Tianmen Mountain is considered one of China’s must-visit scenic spots.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the highlights of any China itinerary. Its iconic pillar-like formations famously inspired the floating world of Pandora in the movie “Avatar!” 

Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Global Geopark, the park is a wonder of dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and otherworldly landscapes. 

For thrill-seekers, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge known as one of the longest and tallest glass bridges in the world offers a heart-stopping view of the canyon far below. —JCB, GMA Integrated News