CITIES
The big five for first-timers
Most first trips cover two or three of these. Here's what I'd tell a friend about each one before they land. The airport, what to book ahead, how to get around, and which area to stay in. Can foreigners stay at any hotel?
Photo: Vincent Guth / Unsplash
Beijing
Two airports: Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX). Check which one you land at. They’re far apart.
- Book the Forbidden City online ahead. Tickets sell out, and you need your passport number.
- Pick one Great Wall section and book transport; Mutianyu is the easy first choice.
- The metro is the fastest way around; set up the Beijing transit code in Alipay.
Where I'd stay on a first trip
- Dongcheng, around Wangfujing and Dongsi. Walk to the Forbidden City and the hutongs, on several metro lines.
- Qianmen. Older streets, close to Tiananmen and the Temple of Heaven.
- How I compare hotel sites: Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda?
Related: Metro QR codes · Visa-free entry · Last checked: October 2026
Photo: Freeman Zhou / Unsplash
Shanghai
Two airports: Pudong (PVG) for most international flights, Hongqiao (SHA) next to the main train station.
- The metro reaches almost everywhere you’ll want to go.
- Hongqiao Railway Station is the hub for trains to Suzhou, Hangzhou and Beijing.
- Evenings on the Bund are busy. Go early or late.
Where I'd stay on a first trip
- Around People’s Square. The metro hub, central for everything.
- Jing’an. Leafy, lots of cafés, easy metro.
- Near the Bund. The views, at a price.
- How I compare hotel sites: Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda?
Related: High-speed trains · Calling a DiDi · Last checked: October 2026
Photo: Andrea Sun / Unsplash
Chengdu
Two airports: Tianfu (TFU), further out, and Shuangliu (CTU), closer to the city.
- Panda Base: book online in advance and go at opening time.
- The food is spicy by default. Learn 不要辣 (no spicy) or 微辣 (mild).
- Teahouses in the parks are the best free afternoon in China.
Where I'd stay on a first trip
- Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li. Shopping, food and the metro, all walkable.
- Near Kuanzhai Alley. Quieter, more old-Chengdu feel.
- How I compare hotel sites: Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda?
Related: Ordering food · Food cards · Last checked: October 2026
Photo: Jerry Wang / Unsplash
Chongqing
Jiangbei Airport (CKG). The city is built on steep hills. Maps can be confusing.
- Distances on the map aren’t walking distances: stairs, bridges and different levels.
- DiDi is the easiest way to make short hops.
- Hongyadong is busiest after dark. It’s worth it, but expect crowds.
Where I'd stay on a first trip
- Jiefangbei in Yuzhong. The centre of it all, close to Hongyadong.
- Near the riverfront. For the night views (expect stairs).
- How I compare hotel sites: Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda?
Related: Calling a DiDi · Staying online · Last checked: October 2026
Photo: Aaron Greenwood / Unsplash
Xi'an
Xianyang Airport (XIY). Xi'an North is the high-speed rail station.
- Terracotta Warriors: book timed entry online in advance, and give it half a day.
- Cycling the city wall is a great first afternoon.
- The Muslim Quarter is for eating. Go hungry.
Where I'd stay on a first trip
- Inside the city wall, near the Bell Tower. Walk to the Muslim Quarter.
- Near the South Gate. Easy for the wall and the metro.
- How I compare hotel sites: Trip.com, Booking.com or Agoda?
Related: High-speed trains · Ordering food · Last checked: October 2026