What does it take to earn China's highest 5A tourist attraction rating?

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The 5A designation is the pinnacle of Chinese tourism, awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to the nation's most iconic and well-managed sites. With 359 locations currently holding this status, the system serves as a rigorous benchmark for quality, safety, and the overall visitor experience across China.

The 5A rating system originated from criteria established in 1999 by the China National Tourism Administration, which was later revised in 2004. The framework evaluates attractions based on a comprehensive set of standards, including the ease of transportation, site safety, cleanliness, and the unique recognition of the sightseeing experience. Initially, the grading scale ranged from A to AAAA, but the 5A category was eventually introduced to distinguish the absolute best-maintained and most significant tourist destinations in the country.

The inaugural group of 66 sites received their 5A certification in 2007, featuring legendary landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Since then, the list has expanded through periodic additions, such as the 20 new sites inducted in February 2017. However, the status is not permanent. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which absorbed the original administration in 2018, actively monitors these locations to ensure they maintain their high standards of service and management.

Maintaining 5A status requires constant vigilance, as sites can be downgraded for failing to meet expectations. The first site to lose its accreditation was Shanhai Pass in Hebei in 2015. Subsequent removals in 2016 included Orange Isle in Hunan and Shenlong Gorge in Chongqing. These downgrades were primarily driven by issues such as security concerns, excessive pricing, poor environmental management, and inadequate facility maintenance. These cases highlight that the 5A label is a dynamic measure of quality rather than a static honor, reflecting the government's commitment to professionalizing the visitor experience at China's most prominent historical and natural sites.

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