In February 2024, China and Singapore established a 30-day mutual visa-free policy that allows tourists from both countries to visit either Singapore or China for work and leisure without the hassle of applying for visas. If you’re a Singapore passport holder keeping an eye out for exciting new places to travel, and you’re particularly keen on going off the beaten path, you’ll want to consider these four underrated cities in China. These are the best cities to see in China for all types of travellers – from history buffs and nature lovers to gourmands in search of new eats.
#1 For the spice fiends: Chengdu
China’s colossal size has made for a remarkably diverse array of cuisines and globally recognised specialties like dim sum, Peking duck, noodles, dumplings and more. But few places in the country can boast spicy cuisine that rivals that of Chengdu, making it a prime pick for spice-loving travellers eager to take advantage of visa-free travel to China. In fact, UNESCO declared Chengdu the title of “City of Gastronomy” in 2011 in recognition of its unique cuisine.
Among the city’s most famous dishes is mapo tofu, while spice lovers should gravitate towards anything featuring “mala” (which means numbing and spicy) in its name. Other local specialties include shredded chicken cold noodles, gongbao jiding (Kung Pao chicken) and dandan noodles.
#2 For the outdoor adventurer: Huangshan
Nestled in the heart of China’s Anhui Province lies the city of Huangshan. The verdant forests and rugged mountains that surround the city have earned it a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is best known for its mist- shrouded granite peaks, pristine forests, cascading waterfalls and ancient pine trees. Together, these have inspired the city’s poets and painters for centuries.
Huangshan’s remarkable scenery also makes it an excellent destination for travellers who want to experience China’s natural beauty without the hassle of a visa. Even if you’re not the most avid hiker, there are plenty of beginner-friendly routes like the Huangshan West Path to Greeting Pine and the Heavenly Peak and Lotus Pavillion trail that can be completed without extensive equipment or training.
#3 For the laid-back city explorer: Suzhou
If you enjoy exploring cities but like a little greenery on your adventures, Suzhou is one of the best cities to see in China that offers a little bit of both. The city centre, marked by the iconic Gate of the Orient, showcases urban living and offers a wealth of shopping destinations, high-end cocktail bars and both street food and renowned fine dining establishments.
But to discover why Suzhou is called “the Venice of the East”, you’ll want to take a river cruise on one of the many canals that criss-cross the city. Suzhou’s Grand Canal is the longest in the world (1,776km) and is lined by lush greenery and vines. Along these canals, you’ll also discover some of the city’s ancient royal gardens, temples and the impressive Wu Gate Bridge. After your river cruise, stroll along the canal, stopping at one of the tea houses that line the waterways.
#4 For the history buff: Luoyang
With a rich history that dates back thousands of years, China is an excellent visa-free destination for tourists from Singapore with a fascination for history. The city of Luoyang is located at the confluence of the Yellow River and the Luo River and was the capital of 13 dynasties, including the powerful Tang Dynasty. Here, you can explore cultural sites like the White Horse Temple – the first Buddhist temple in China – and uncover the city’s Imperial and prehistoric past at the Luoyang Museum.
One of the city’s most fascinating attractions is the Longmen Grottoes, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to a series of Buddhist statues, inscriptions, rock carvings and pagodas that illustrate the evolving art style of the period.
Worry-free and visa-free: experience the best cities to see in China with Pacific Prime CXA
While those in Singapore may not need a tourist visa for China, it’s still important to ensure you’re covered for missed connections, cancelled flights, lost luggage and accidents. To prevent life’s little mishaps from sullying your adventures, it’s always wise to travel while covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Pacific Prime CXA offers a variety of travel and short-term health insurance plans that are perfect for your visa-free adventure in China. These include worldwide coverage for flight cancellation and delays, possible coverage for pre-existing conditions, water and winter sport coverage and medical benefits. For a full list of available benefits, visit the website here.
Written in collaboration with Pacific Prime CXA
