20 Best Places to Visit in China
Introduction
China is a vast and diverse country filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture. For first-time visitors, deciding where to go can be overwhelming.
As a foreign traveler who has explored different regions of China, I’ve discovered that the country offers far more than just famous cities. From dramatic mountains and crystal-clear lakes to ancient villages and natural wonders, China is a paradise for explorers.
In this guide, I will share the 20 best places to visit in China, focusing especially on natural beauty and unique travel experiences.
Overview
China’s top destinations can be divided into several types:
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Mountains – sacred peaks and hiking adventures
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Natural landscapes – lakes, valleys, and forests
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Cultural sites – ancient towns and heritage areas
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Unique regions – remote and less explored destinations
This list combines iconic landmarks with hidden gems, giving travelers a balanced view of what China has to offer.
20 Best Places to Visit in China
Here are my top recommendations:
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the movie Avatar.
2. Jiuzhaigou Valley
A UNESCO site known for colorful lakes and waterfalls.
3. Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
One of China’s most beautiful mountains, famous for its sea of clouds.
4. Mount Hua
A thrilling hiking destination with dramatic cliffs.
5. Guilin & Yangshuo
Karst mountains and rivers create some of China’s most iconic landscapes.
6. Lijiang Old Town
A charming ancient town surrounded by mountains.
7. Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the deepest gorges in the world, perfect for trekking.
8. Mount Emei
A sacred Buddhist mountain with temples and forests.
9. Daocheng Yading
Often called the “last Shangri-La,” known for alpine scenery.
10. Mount Tai
A historic and cultural mountain with thousands of steps.
11. Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Another incredible sandstone landscape in Hunan.
12. Shangri-La (Yunnan)
A highland region with Tibetan culture and stunning views.
13. Longji Rice Terraces
Beautiful layered rice fields in Guangxi.
14. Fanjing Mountain
A unique mountain with dramatic peaks and temples.
15. Kanas Lake (Xinjiang)
A remote alpine lake surrounded by forests.
16. Qinghai Lake
China’s largest saltwater lake with wide open landscapes.
17. Hemu Village
A picturesque village in northern Xinjiang.
18. Enshi Grand Canyon
A hidden natural wonder with cliffs and valleys.
19. Siguniang Mountain
Known as the “Alps of China,” perfect for hiking.
20. Yading Nature Reserve
Snow mountains, lakes, and untouched wilderness.
How to Visit
Traveling across China requires planning due to its size.
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Use domestic flights for long distances
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Take advantage of high-speed trains for major routes
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Join local tours for remote destinations
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Plan your route by region to save time
For example:
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Southwest China → Jiuzhaigou, Yunnan, Daocheng
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East China → Huangshan, Mount Tai
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Northwest China → Xinjiang, Qinghai
Best Time to Visit
China’s climate varies by region, but generally:
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Spring (March–May): Best for flowers and mild weather
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Autumn (September–November): Best overall season
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Summer (June–August): Good for mountains, but can be crowded
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Winter (December–February): Unique snowy landscapes
For most travelers, autumn is the best time to visit China.
How to Get There
International travelers usually enter China through major cities:
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Beijing
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Shanghai
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Guangzhou
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Chengdu
From there:
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Use high-speed trains to reach popular destinations
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Fly to remote regions like Yunnan or Xinjiang
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Use buses or private transport for rural areas
