What are the best cities to visit in China?

I am planning to visit China and was wondering what the best cities to visit are. I want to visit the cultural side of China, not just the major/big cities. THanks

Public Comments

1. I heard Hong Kong was cool
2. Ah, there are so many--where to begin. There are a LOT of different places to go in China that are absolutely spectacular. Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhuai Province is beautiful (many classic painting depict this area). Jiu Zhai Gou (9 Villages Gorge) out by Tibet is wonderful. Huang Long (Yellow Dragon) is not too far away from Jiu Zhai Gou, and is beautiful. There are Giant Panda reserves outside of Chengdu, the capital city in Sichuan. Hainan Island (about 45 minutes by air from Hong Kong) is called the Hawaii of the Orient (beware, though--you will likely get ripped off more than once there--bargain hard for everything, including taxi rides--BEFORE you get in the taxi!). Xian is an ancient capital city with the Terracotta Warriors. The Silk Road is fabulous. Let you mouse do the clicking on-line to find out what interests you most.
3. Dalian