The Most Beautiful City in China, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the city you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:17

Many travelers seek the beauty of urban landscapes that blend ancient history with modern innovation. China, with its diverse range of cities, offers a unique canvas of skylines, where traditional temples stand against futuristic skyscrapers. This contrast makes evaluating the most beautiful city a topic of vibrant discussion and personal reflection. By participating in this live ranking, users contribute their perspectives, enriching the collective understanding of beauty as it is perceived in urban environments. This ongoing input not only keeps the rankings fresh but also encourages a dynamic exchange of opinions, making each user's vote a valuable part of the evolving story of China's urban aesthetic.

What Is the Most Beautiful City in China?

1

45
votes
Hangzhou

Known for its picturesque West Lake, Hangzhou is considered one of the most beautiful cities in China. Its lush greenery, historic pagodas, and serene waterways make it a popular tourist destination.
Hangzhou is a stunning city located in eastern China, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou has been a popular destination for centuries, inspiring poets, artists, and travelers with its natural beauty and historical sites.

West Lake: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and iconic pagodas.

Longjing Tea Plantations: Renowned for producing one of the most famous green teas in China.

Leifeng Pagoda: A historic tower with panoramic views of West Lake.

Qinghefang Ancient Street: A well-preserved street featuring traditional architecture, specialty shops, and local snacks.

Lingyin Temple: One of China's largest and most significant Buddhist temples.
2

41
votes
Guilin

With its stunning karst landscapes and winding Li River, Guilin is a natural wonderland. The city is also home to historic temples and the famous Reed Flute Cave.
Guilin is a picturesque city located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Guilin is often described as a living Chinese landscape painting. The city is characterized by its majestic karst mountains, crystal-clear rivers, verdant forests, and unique caves.

Karst Mountains: Guilin is famous for its iconic karst mountains that appear like towering tall pillars, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the city.

Li River: The Li River, flowing through Guilin, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque countryside scenery, and traditional fishing villages.

Reed Flute Cave: The Reed Flute Cave is a natural limestone cave filled with a myriad of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, illuminated by colorful lights, creating a surreal underground world.

Elephant Trunk Hill: This unique karst hill resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River, symbolizing Guilin's natural beauty.

Longji Rice Terraces: Located in the nearby Longsheng County, these terraced fields, carved into the hills by local farmers, create a mesmerizing landscape, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons.
3

20
votes
Suzhou

Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou is famous for its traditional gardens, winding canals, and historic architecture. The city is also a center for silk production.
Suzhou is a stunning city located in Jiangsu province, China. Known as the 'Venice of the East', it is famous for its picturesque gardens, ancient canals, and beautiful water towns. The city boasts a rich history that dates back over 2,500 years and is renowned for its classical gardens, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suzhou is also known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and numerous historic landmarks.

Size: 8,488 square kilometers

Population: approximately 10.7 million

Gardens: there are over 60 classical gardens in Suzhou, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of Nets Garden

Canals: Suzhou is crisscrossed with a vast network of canals, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the East'

Silk production: Suzhou is famous for its silk industry and is known as the 'Silk Capital of China'
4

30
votes
Lijiang

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Lijiang is a charming and historic city with a unique blend of Chinese and Tibetan cultures. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lijiang is a city located in the northwest of Yunnan province, in southern China. It is renowned for its picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage, and well-preserved ancient architecture. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains, including the awe-inspiring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which adds to its natural beauty. Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience its charm and tranquility.

Ancient Town of Lijiang: The Ancient Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved old town with cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi-style houses, and beautiful canals. It serves as the centerpiece of Lijiang's charm.

Dongba Culture: Lijiang is home to the Dongba culture of the Naxi ethnic minority. The Dongba script, ancient murals, and unique rituals are integral parts of Lijiang's cultural heritage.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: Located nearby, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most breathtaking gorges in the world, offering stunning hiking trails and magnificent views.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with its snow-capped peaks, is an iconic natural wonder of Lijiang. It provides opportunities for skiing, hiking, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Lashi Lake: Lashi Lake is a picturesque highland lake located near Lijiang. It is a vital habitat for numerous bird species and offers boat rides, cycling, and horse riding.
5

19
votes
Chengdu

Famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine and adorable giant pandas, Chengdu is also home to historic temples, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife.
Chengdu, also known as the 'Land of Abundance', is a vibrant and picturesque city located in southwestern China. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural heritage, Chengdu has been recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in China.

Population: Approximately 16.3 million

Area: 12,390 square kilometers

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate with mild and humid weather

Giant Panda Base: Home to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Cuisine: Renowned for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, particularly hot pot
6

22
votes

Xi'an

As the ancient capital of China, Xi'an is a treasure trove of historic sites, including the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Mosque, and the City Wall. The city also has a vibrant food scene.
7

9
votes
Beijing

As the capital of China, Beijing is a hub of culture, history, and politics. The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven.
Beijing is the capital city of China, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern development. It is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people.

Population: Over 21 million

Location: Northern China

Area: 16,410 square kilometers

Famous Landmarks: The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square

Climate: Humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters
8

10
votes
Shanghai

Known for its futuristic skyline and bustling metropolis, Shanghai also has a rich history and culture. The city is home to colonial architecture, traditional gardens, and world-class museums.
Shanghai is a sprawling metropolis situated on the eastern coast of China. With its iconic skyline featuring towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks, Shanghai is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The city seamlessly blends modernity with traditional Chinese culture, providing a unique and captivating experience for locals and visitors alike.

Population: Over 24 million people

Area: Approximately 6,340 square kilometers

Skyline: Famous for its stunning skyline views, dominated by iconic buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower

Bund: The Bund waterfront area showcases a collection of colonial-era buildings, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's past

Yu Garden: A traditional Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city
9

3
votes
Yangshuo

Located in the heart of Guangxi province, Yangshuo is a picturesque town surrounded by karst mountains, rice paddies, and winding rivers. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Yangshuo is a stunningly beautiful city located in the Guangxi province of China. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, which include towering karst mountains, lush green rice paddies, and the meandering Li River. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its traditional architecture, vibrant markets, and charming countryside villages. Yangshuo has been an inspiration for countless artists and poets throughout history, who have been captivated by its natural beauty and tranquility.

Location: Guangxi province, China

Landscape: Karst mountains, rice paddies, Li River

Architecture: Traditional style

Cultural heritage: Rich and diverse

Markets: Vibrant and bustling
10

5
votes
Shangri-La

Located in Yunnan province, Shangri-La is a remote and enchanting town nestled in the Himalayas. It's home to stunning landscapes, Tibetan culture, and the famous Songzanlin Monastery.
Shangri-La is a fictional utopian city described in the 1933 novel 'Lost Horizon' by British author James Hilton. It is depicted as a hidden paradise in the mountains of the Tibetan plateau, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant natural beauty. Shangri-La is known for its peaceful ambiance, harmonious coexistence, and longevity of its inhabitants.

Location: Fictional city in the Tibetan plateau

Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking landscapes with lush greenery and picturesque mountains

Peaceful Ambiance: Tranquil atmosphere promoting harmony and serenity

Longevity: Inhabitants reputed to have long and healthy lives

Hidden Paradise: Difficult to locate and access, adding to its allure

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful city

Natural Scenery

A beautiful city should have captivating and diverse natural landscapes such as mountains, rivers, lakes, greenery, and parks.
Architectural Design

The city should have a harmonious blend of traditional and modern architecture, preserving its historical heritage while simultaneously demonstrating innovative and sustainable urban planning.
Cleanliness and Environment

A beautiful city should maintain a clean and neat environment with proper waste management and pollution control measures in place. Green spaces, well-maintained streets, and public spaces contribute to the overall beauty of the city.
Cultural Attractions

The city should offer a rich mix of cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, historical sites, and monuments that represent the unique culture and history of the city and its people.
Vibrant Atmosphere

A beautiful city should have a lively atmosphere with a bustling community, diverse food scene, and plenty of leisure activities, cultural events, and entertainment options.
Infrastructure and Transport

Efficient and convenient transportation systems, well-maintained roads, and modern infrastructure that provides easy access to different parts of the city and its attractions contribute to its overall appeal.
Safety and Security

A beautiful city should be a safe place for residents and visitors with reliable law enforcement and public services that ensure a secure living environment.
Quality of Life

The city's overall livability, including access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth and career development, is crucial in determining its overall beauty.
Urban Planning

A well-planned city with organized zoning, comfortable pedestrian walkways, cyclist-friendly paths, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces enhances the overall visual appeal of the city.
Public Art and Aesthetic Elements

Public art installations, colorful street murals, and other aesthetic elements contribute to making a city more visually appealing and enhancing its overall character.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful city in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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3983 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful city in china

China is a country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From towering mountains to sprawling cities, China has no shortage of beautiful destinations to explore. When it comes to the most beautiful city in China, there are countless contenders. Each city boasts its own unique charm and appeal, making it difficult to choose just one. Whether you prefer glittering modern skyscrapers or ancient architecture steeped in history, China has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the most beautiful cities in China and discover what makes each one so special.