China City Guide | Must-Visit Cities for Mandarin Learners

Aug 12, 2025

China City Guide | Must-Visit Cities for Mandarin Learners

That’s Mandarin has campuses in five beautiful cities, each with its unique character:

📍 Beijing · Shanghai · Suzhou · Chengdu · Hangzhou

Here’s a guide to the top sights, dishes, and experiences in each city so you can explore while practicing your Mandarin.

Shanghai

01. Take a Stroll Along the Bund

The Bund (外滩, Wàitān) is at the top of the list of things to see in Shanghai. Walk along the Huangpu River for stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline.

外滩
Wàitān
the Bund

NOTE

Take the Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游船, Huángpǔ Jiāng yóuchuán) and sail through the heart of the city, and watch the skyline light up.

02. Try Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao (小笼包, xiǎolóngbāo) is a true Shanghai specialty. These delicate soup-filled dumplings are a must-try to experience authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

小笼包
xiǎolóngbāo
xiaolongbao; steamed dumpling

03. Visit Yu Garden

Step into a peaceful Yu Garden (豫园, Yùyuán) from the Ming Dynasty. With ponds, rocks, bridges, and pavilions, it’s a quiet break from the busy city.

豫园
Yùyuán
Yu Garden

NOTE

Stay until sunset. The surrounding streets become even more charming after dark when lanterns and shop lights come on ✨

Beijing

01. Wander Through Hutongs

A hutong (胡同, hútòng) is a narrow alley lined with traditional courtyard homes (四合院, sìhéyuàn). Wandering through old alleyways is a perfect place to practice Chinese and meet locals.

胡同
hútòng
hutong; alley

02. Walk The Great Wall

Take a day trip to see one of the wonders of the world. Walk along the top of the wall, enjoy the mountain views, and feel the history under your feet.

Must-See Chinese Cities | The Great Wall

长城
Chángchéng
The Great Wall

NOTE

The Great Wall stretches thousands of kilometers, but some parts are more famous and easier to visit:

Badaling (八达岭 Bādálǐng) – most popular and tourist-friendly
Mutianyu (慕田峪 Mùtiányù) – less crowded than Badaling
Jinshanling (金山岭 Jīnshānlǐng) – partially restored, very scenic

03. Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán), where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Must-See Chinese Cities | The Temple of Heaven

天坛
Tiāntán
Temple of Heaven

NOTE

Come in the morning to watch locals practicing Tai Chi (太极拳, tàijíquán).

Suzhou

01. Take a Canal Boat Ride

Glide through Suzhou’s canals in a traditional wooden boat and admire stone bridges, whitewashed houses, and glowing red lanterns.

坐船
zuò chuán
to take or go by a boat

02. Try Suzhou-style Noodles

These thin noodles are served in sweet or salty broth and topped with meats or seafood.

Must-See Chinese Cities | Suzhou-style Noodles

苏式面
Sūshì miàn
Suzhou-style Noodles

03. Visit Classical Chinese Gardens

Suzhou is home to some of China’s most famous gardens, featuring ponds, bamboo groves, and rock sculptures.

园林
yuánlín
landscape garden

GARDENS TO VISIT

Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园 Zhuōzhèng Yuán)
Lingering Garden (留园 Liú Yuán)

Chengdu

01. Visit Chengdu Panda Base

See China’s most beloved animals up close, watch pandas play, nap, and munch on bamboo.

大熊猫基地
dàxióngmāo jīdì
Chengdu Panda Base

NOTE

Mornings are best when pandas are most active 🐼

02. Enjoy Sichuan Opera

川剧变脸 (Chuānjù biànliǎn) is a must-see! It’s a dazzling part of Sichuan opera where performers wear brightly colored costumes and magically change their masks in the blink of an eye.

川剧变脸
Chuānjù biànliǎn
Sichuan opera face-changing

03. Try Sichuan Hotpot

Sichuan hotpot (火锅, huǒguō) is all about spicy, numbing flavors. Cook meats, vegetables, and tofu in bubbling chili broth for a social dining experience.

火锅
huǒguō
hotpot

NOTE

Start with the “mild” option unless you’re ready for full Sichuan heat 🌶️

Hangzhou

01. Visit West Lake

No trip to Hangzhou is complete without visiting West Lake (西湖, Xīhú). Walk, cycle, or take a boat to enjoy willow-lined paths, stone bridges, and temple views.