Every year, the National Day Golden Week sends millions of travelers across China. It‘s one of the busiest — and most exciting — times to explore the country. Trains are packed, scenic spots are lively, and the atmosphere is filled with celebration.
But where should you go if you want to make the most of this special holiday? Here are five top destinations that combine culture, scenery, and festive spirit during China‘s National Day.
1. Beijing — History and Celebration in the Capital
Beijing is the heart of China‘s National Day celebrations. From Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremonies to exploring the Forbidden City and Great Wall, the capital is both symbolic and awe-inspiring.
If you want to feel the patriotic atmosphere and see history come alive, Beijing is the perfect choice.
Useful Phrases:
Wǒ men qù Tiān ān mén kàn shēng qí ba.
我们去天安门看升旗吧。
Let‘s go to Tiananmen to watch the flag-raising.
Zhè lǐ tài zhuàng guān le!
这里太壮观了！
This is so magnificent!
Wǒ xiǎng qù gù gōng cān guān.
我想去故宫参观。
I want to visit the Forbidden City.
Zhè shì wǒ dì yī cì dēng Cháng chéng.
这是我第一次登长城。
This is my first time climbing the Great Wall.
Tài yǒu lǐ shǐ gǎn le.
太有历史感了。
It feels so historic.
2.Xi’an — Walk Through 3,000 Years of History
Home to the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient Silk Road starting point, Xi‘an offers travelers a journey back in time. During Golden Week, the city walls light up at night, and the streets are full of local snacks and performances.
If you love history and culture, Xi‘an will make you feel like you‘re stepping into China‘s living past.
Useful Phrases:
Wǒ xiǎng qù kàn bīng mǎ yǒng.
我想去看兵马俑。
I want to see the Terracotta Warriors.
Qǐng wèn, bīng mǎ yǒng zěn me qù?
请问，兵马俑怎么去？
Excuse me, how do I get to the Terracotta Warriors?
Zhè lǐ shì pái duì jìn qù ma?
这里是排队进去吗？
Do I need to line up here to get in?
Wǎn shàng de chéng qiáng hěn piào liang.
晚上的城墙很漂亮。
The city wall looks beautiful at night.
Zhè lǐ de xiǎo chī tài duō le!
这里的小吃太多了！
There are so many snacks here!
Wǒ yào yī fèn ròu jiā mó.
我要一份肉夹馍。
I‘d like a roujiamo (Chinese burger).
3.Guilin — Mountains and Rivers Like a Painting
“Guilin‘s scenery is the best under heaven.” National Day is the perfect time to cruise along the Li River, surrounded by limestone peaks and peaceful villages. The fall weather makes it even more pleasant for outdoor exploration.
For travelers who want breathtaking natural beauty, Guilin is a must-see.
Useful Phrases:
Wǒ xiǎng zuò chuán yóu Lí Jiāng.
我想坐船游漓江。
I want to take a boat tour on the Li River.
Zhè lǐ de shān shuǐ xiàng huà yī yàng.
这里的山水像画一样。
The mountains and rivers here look like a painting.
Jīn tiān tiān qì hěn shū fu, hěn shì hé chū qù wán.
今天天气很舒服，很适合出去玩。
The weather is pleasant today, perfect for going out.
Wǒ xiǎng pài yī zhāng hé shān shuǐ de zhào piàn.
我想拍一张和山水的照片。
I want to take a photo with the scenery.
Wǒ xiǎng chī guì lín mǐ fěn.
我想吃桂林米粉。
I want to eat Guilin rice noodles.
4.Hangzhou — Tea, Temples, and West Lake
Hangzhou‘s West Lake has inspired poets and painters for centuries. During National Day, locals and tourists stroll along willow-lined paths, sip Dragon Well tea, and enjoy light shows around the lake.
If you want a slower, more romantic holiday experience, Hangzhou is a dreamy destination.
Useful Phrases:
Wǒ xiǎng qù xī hú sàn bù.
我想去西湖散步。
I want to take a walk around West Lake.
Xī hú mén piào duō shǎo qián?
西湖门票多少钱？
How much is the entrance ticket to West Lake?
Zhè lǐ de jǐng sè hǎo mèi lì.
这里的景色好美丽。
The scenery here is so beautiful.
Wǒ xiǎng hē lóng jǐng chá.
我想喝龙井茶。
I want to drink Dragon Well tea.
Zhè ge dì fāng hěn làng màn.
这个地方很浪漫。
This place is very romantic.
5.Chengdu — Food, Pandas, and Relaxed Vibes
Chengdu is the city of spicy hotpot and the famous giant pandas. Even during the busy Golden Week, locals take things slow — sipping tea in bamboo chairs and chatting in teahouses.
If you love food, animals, and laid-back culture, Chengdu will steal your heart.
Useful Phrases:
Wǒ xiǎng chī huǒ guō.
我想吃火锅。
I want to eat hotpot.
Tài là le! Wǒ xū yào yī diǎn bīng shuǐ.
太辣了！我需要一点冰水。
It’s too spicy! I need some cold water.
Wǒ xiǎng kàn dà xióng māo.
我想看大熊猫。
I want to see giant pandas.
Zhè lǐ de shēng huó hěn màn.
这里的生活很慢。
Life here is very slow-paced.
Wǒ men qù chá guǎn hē chá ba.
我们去茶馆喝茶吧。
Let‘s go to a teahouse for tea.
Wǒ hěn xǐ huan chéng dū de fēn wéi.
我很喜欢成都的氛围。
I really like Chengdu‘s vibe.
Travel China Like a Local During National Day
National Day travel can feel overwhelming, but it‘s also the best time to see China at its liveliest. From Beijing‘s ceremonies to Chengdu‘s hotpot, each destination offers a different window into Chinese culture. With the right tips, phrases, and mindset, you can enjoy the journey instead of just surviving the crowds.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers don‘t just teach you “textbook Chinese.” They prepare you for the real experiences you’ll face — from ordering food in Chengdu to buying train tickets in Xi‘an.
Try your free 1-on-1 trial lesson with a live native Chinese teacher today, and start traveling in China with confidence and cultural insight.
Quiz:Which city is best known for the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square?
A. Chengdu
B. Beijing
C. Guilin
answer: B