Many places in China are as beautiful as they are serene, as amazing as they are remote, and as breathtaking as they are natural. There is a reason why people talk about heaven on earth, and most of these places can be found in China. But with its huge population, it’s no surprise that most people don’t know about most of the beautiful places in China. This list will help you discover some of the most beautiful places that you can visit in China. These places have been loved by nature lovers for decades now but aren’t as crowded as other places because of their remoteness and the difficulty level involved in getting there. So, if you like adventures and outdoor activities, these places are your next stop!
1. Guilin & Yangshuo — China’s Most Beautiful Karst Landscape
If you’re looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure, Guilin and Yangshuo are great places to consider. They offer a taste of the beautiful karst landscapes found throughout China’s Guilin-Yichuan Karst area. These places are lush and beautiful with limestone peaks, waterfalls, and rivers as their main features.
In Huangshan National Park, you can see the Magnificent Yellow Mountains. This national park is home to forested mountain slopes as well as karst terraces. The terraces have chasms and waterfalls that are beautiful from a scenic point of view. Jiuzhaigou Valley is also worth visiting for its natural beauty. It is known for its snow-capped mountains and springs emerging from craggy rocks. The scenery here is spellbinding as it offers waterfalls tumbling down the mountainsides, sizzling hot springs, and majestic trees hanging over chasms.
If you’re in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, be sure to visit the Sandstone pillars, as they are truly awe-inspiring. The national forest park is home to sandstone formations that look like ancient temples jutting up from the ground. Hainan Island also has natural beauty to wow you with its tropical paradise in the south. Its beaches are pristine and beautiful as they are covered by white sands lapped by crystal-clear water. Lastly, Lijiang Ancient Town has world heritage status for its unique Cultural Heritage Scenery, with an ancient architecture standing tall amidst the natural beauty of riverbanks and waterfalls
2. The Yellow Mountains and Villages Nearby
The Yellow Mountains (also referred to as Huangshan) are an area of natural beauty and cultural significance in China. Situated in the southern province of Anhui, the Yellow Mountains are often regarded as one of the most beautiful places. For those interested in experiencing a unique cultural experience, it is a great place to visit. A great way to experience the natural beauty of the area is to take a hike through its scenic mountains.
The mountains are home to many unique historical and archaeological sites, such as Fragrant Terrace and Shi Mingyuan. These ancient temples feature beautiful scenery, as well as beautiful rock carvings and architecture. Another popular site in the Yellow Mountains is Jiajia’s Cave, which features beautiful waterfalls and scenery of ancient caves.
Those looking for outdoor activities can also enjoy hiking, biking, or rafting in the area. The mountains have many natural wonders, making them an ideal place for anyone who enjoys nature and culture.
3. Zhangjiajie — Precipitous And Scenic Pillars
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. From glass bridges to stunning mountain peaks, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
One beautiful area to be aware of is Yinfu Ancient Village. Located in the park’s south, this scenic area features ancient huts and stone terraces as well as waterfalls and forest scenery. The area also has ancient trails that are perfect for hiking or cycling. In the hot summer months, be sure to check out the misty waterfalls and scenic forest scenery.
Another great place to visit is Heavenly Waterfall. This beautiful cascade features waterfalls tumbling down natural rock formations as well as a viewing platform with scenic views of the forest below. As you explore Zhangjiajie’s natural wonders, be sure to immerse yourself in its culture as well. There are ancient villages with old-world charm as well as beautiful beaches and waterfalls to explore on your trip.
4. Lijiang — An Ancient Town with Awesome Natural Beauty
Lijiang is a beautiful ancient town located in the Yunnan province of China. It is renowned for its beautiful and unique natural beauty. The Old Town of Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique Naxi architecture and its wonderful scenery. The old town was built along the clear waters of the Jinsha River, which flows through the center of the town. In addition, visitors can find many other attractions here, such as the Black Dragon Pool Park, Yulong Snow Mountain, Baisha Murals, and so on. With its pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage, and spectacular landscape, Lijiang is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy exploring its cobbled streets and appreciating its traditional culture while admiring the stunning natural beauty around them.
5. Shangri-La — the Holy Meili Snow Mountains
Shangri-La is a beautiful area of China that is home to many natural wonders and cultural experiences. Its most popular places include the Holy Meili Snow Mountains, which are snow-capped mountains with serene scenery and great views. Also, be sure to explore the lush valleys and beautiful scenery of Dartsedo County. Meanwhile, enjoy the unique culture and traditions of ethnic minorities as you travel around Shangri-La. This includes visiting ancient Buddhist temples and exploring local yak-herding communities. Additionally, be sure to try some Yak butter tea and Tibetan bread in Shangri-La, as they are some of the area’s delicious food and drinks. With so many natural wonders and cultural experiences to discover, Shangri-la is an unforgettable adventure for any visitor.
6. Tibet — Lofty Mountain Splendor
If you have the chance to visit Tibet, be sure to check it off your bucket list. This beautiful mountain nation is chock-full of natural wonders, from sweeping vistas of turquoise lakes, lush valleys, and jagged mountain peaks to iconic Buddhist sites such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
Ideally, you should start your trip in Lhasa, the country’s spiritual capital. Explore its winding streets and ancient monasteries, which are home to unique Buddhist architecture and festivals. You can also take in stunning vistas of turquoise lakes, lush valleys, and jagged mountain peaks on a hike or via a scenic flight.
Afterward, head south to Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan Mountains. There you can witness jaw-dropping views of nature’s grandeur as well as discover beautiful places like waterfalls and monastery towns. Additionally, you can experience traditional Tibetan culture during festivals such as the Tsechus (an autumn celebration) or local cuisine at a farmer’s market.
7. Zhangye’s Danxia Landscape — Rainbow Mountains
There is no doubt that Zhangye’s Danxia Landscape is among the most beautiful places in China. Known as “the rainbow mountains,” these stunning natural wonders boast a spectacular array of beautiful rock formations, breathtaking scenery, and incredible colors and shapes. The mountains are best explored on foot as they go past miles of scenic wonders. You can also take part in various activities like horseback riding, camping, and hiking to explore the area further. In addition to the amazing natural scenery, Zhangye’s Danxia Landscape also offers great food options, from local delicacies to international cuisines. To make the most of your visit to Zhangye’s beautiful natural heritage, be sure to take time to explore its many charms and be amazed by its stunning beauty
8. Western Sichuan Province — Pure Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve
If you’re looking out for a beautiful place to visit in China, be sure to add Western Sichuan Province to your itinerary. The province is blessed with natural beauty and offers a plethora of exciting attractions. Among the most popular places to visit are Pure Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve and Chonggu Monastery.
Start off by exploring the meadows and mountains of the park. You will be amazed by the natural beauty of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve as you walk through serene scenery and beautiful scenery. You can enjoy hot spring baths on the banks of pristine waterfalls or go hiking on mountain trails to admire the panoramic views of the area. If you’re interested in nature, Chonggu Monastery should not be missed. It is home to colorful prayer flags that mesmerize visitors with their beautiful hues.
Finally, tag on a trip to Tiaong Temple as it provides an insight into ancient Tibetan art and culture. You will be able to learn more about the religion and culture of Tibetans as you explore its hinterland.
9. Kanas in North Xinjiang — Beautiful Mountain Lake
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit in China, why not consider Kanas Lake in North Xinjiang? Located in the Tianshan Mountains, the scenic area is surrounded by numerous beautiful mountain peaks and waterfalls.
The water of the lake is clean and crystal-clear, making it a great place to swim or water-ski. To enjoy the scenery, you can take an easy hike or go camping. You can also go on a bird-watching tour to watch beautiful birds like ibis and golden eagles. Besides, you can visit ancient temples and shrines around the area. You can also take a boat tour to see the stunning mountain peaks and mysterious waterfalls that surround the lake.
You will be amazed by what nature has done at Kanas Lake as you explore its breathtaking scenery. It’s a great place for all travelers to enjoy nature and adventure.
10. Ejina Desert Polar Forest in Inner Mongolia
If you’re planning to visit Inner Mongolia, you must not miss out on Ejina Desert Polar Forest. This is an area of beautiful natural scenery located in the north of China. It’s known for its dramatic sand dunes and unique snow-capped mountain peaks. These beautiful natural wonders are dazzling throughout the year.
Ejina Desert Polar forest has a fascinating array of wildlife as well. Among them, you can find wild horses and camels as well as chirping birds and furry animals. There are also beautiful waterfalls, river valleys, and fields that provide great views for nature lovers. In addition, there are local markets where you can get great meals and try local delicacies. Besides, it offers unique cultural experiences from local nomads and their way of life. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in China, be sure to include Ejina in your itinerary.
11. Hangzhou — Next Best Place to Heaven
If you’re looking to experience the natural beauty and world-class culture in the same place, there’s no better place than Hangzhou, China. Its natural scenery and famous places have won international acclaim.
Start with a trip to West Lake, where you can take in the beautiful natural scenery of Hangzhou. The water body is dotted with towering pagodas and scenic islands, making for a picturesque view. You can also visit Lingyin Temple, a breathtaking ancient building that features a unique architecture of tall tiled roofs and terraces. Its magnificent appearance reflects the splendor of traditional Chinese civilization.
Afterward, head to Meijiawu Tea Village for an ultimate tea-tasting experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its beautiful plantations and tea-processing facilities that were built in the 1960s. You can also take a cable car ride up to Tianzhu Mountain for stunning views. These places offer an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers as well as cultural enthusiasts.
12. The Yuanyang Terraced Fields — Steps to Heaven
The terraces of the Yuanyang area are a sight to behold. Over hundreds of years, the local Hani people have built these incredible structures with their own hands by digging holes and filling them with soil for terraces. The terraces are best seen during sunrise and sunset as they glow in beautiful hues in the light. A visit to the Yuanyang Terraced Fields is an unforgettable journey through time and nature as you explore each terrace and experience the natural beauty of nature firsthand. You may be lucky enough to spot kangaroos, wallabies, lizards, and other wildlife as you take in the scenery. The terraces offer great views of waterfalls and forested valleys, making them a great place to spend time exploring both natural wonders and historical sites.
13. Jiuzhaigou — Colorful Alpine Lakes
Jiuzhaigou is known as the “Pink Shangri-La” for its beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and verdant mountain scenery. The area is home to over 40 species of birds, as well as endangered species such as giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys. It also offers diverse natural scenery featuring glaciers, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains.
Visitors can explore traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries or take part in various activities such as hiking, camping, or rafting. Jiuzhaigou is a popular destination not only for China but also for international tourists. So be prepared to be overwhelmed by the beautiful sights of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
14. Sanya — Warm Winter Escape
Sanya is known as the ‘Pearl of the South’ for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture. It’s a great winter escape destination as it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in China. The city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Pingan National Geopark and Zhoushan Archipelago.
With its beautiful beaches and waterfalls, Sanya is a great place for water sports enthusiasts. Sightseeing cruises are another popular way to explore the area. Popular places include Heshun Beach, Jinjilangshan National Forest Park, and Sanya’s scenic West Bay District. You can also browse local markets and enjoy authentic Sichuanese meals in the town.
15. Great Wall of China – One of the World’s Most Iconic and Beautiful Beautiful Places in China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful attractions. Located in Northern China, it was built to protect the Chinese Empire from invading forces. It stretches for more than 21,000 kilometers and is one of the longest walls ever constructed by humans. The wall is made up of several sections, including a perimeter defense system, watchtowers, and defensive structures. It has become a symbol of Chinese culture and heritage. Visiting the Great Wall of China can be a truly awe-inspiring experience as you take in its grandeur and history. You can also explore various sections of the wall to learn more about its construction, history, and symbolism. Whether you’re traveling in search of adventure or just looking to enjoy a historical site, make sure to add the Great Wall of China to your list!
Conclusion
Traveling through China is an experience of a lifetime, so be sure to make time and space to visit as many places as you can. Most importantly, be prepared for the most beautiful places in China, as they are bound to be breathtaking and unforgettable. Enjoy your trip!
