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10 Most Amazing Destinations in South China

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China and the United States take up about the same amount of land, but China is home to nearly a billion more people. Navigating this massive country can be an intimidating challenge. But it becomes much more manageable if you break the nation up into smaller pieces.

In the south, you’ll find modern cities, towering karst mountains, matrilineal societies, beautifully preserved ancient villages, death-defying gorges and stunning lakes. Plan your swing of South China right, and you’ll be able to see the very best that the country has to offer.

10. Lugu Lake [SEE MAP]

Lugu Lake

This idyllic lake sits nearly 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level. To get here, you’ll have to ascend an ancient switchback road, and the first site of the lake will leave you breathless. Forested hills slope out of pristine waters while small towns dot the shores. And Lugu Lake is home to one of the last matrilineal societies on earth.

Luoshui is home to the Mosuo people where children take their mother’s last names, and daughters are preferred over sons. This unique culture draws crowds of tourists, but the trek up to Lugu Lake is worth it.

9. Tiger Leaping Gorge [SEE MAP]

Tiger Leaping Gorge ,deepest mountain hole in world, in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China.

It’s almost 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) from the top of the Hābā Shān Mountains to the rushing waters of the Jīnshā River. And it begs the question — did the river carve this death-defying gorge, or did the mountains rise around it? Either way, this 16 km (10-mile) long river gorge is beautiful every step of the way, but you’ll have to earn it.

The high trail trek will have you stepping carefully over loose stones on the edge of the mountains as you pass locals leading donkeys. Of course, you can always tour the Tiger Leaping Gorge from the low trail on a tour bus if you’re not feeling so adventurous.

8. Macau [SEE MAP]

Macau

Put on your best clothes to head on out for some glitz in Macau. Often referred to as the Vegas of China, this gambling town has all the glamour of Sin City but with more history.

Macau was a Portuguese colony for more than 300 years, and you can see the evidence on the ground. Ancient Chinese temples rise out of streets covered in traditional Portuguese tiles to create a stunning mosaic of blended cultures. And you’ll find this juxtaposition everywhere. Colonial buildings sit right next to flashy casinos and new boutiques. You can choose to dine on traditional Chinese fare, Portuguese food or a fusion of the two known as Macanese.

7. Lijiang Old Town [SEE MAP]

Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town is one of China’s four best-preserved ancient cities. Cobblestone streets lead you over stone bridges as babbling canals drive waterwheels. After taking some time to admire the giant goldfish in the canals below, you’ll notice the ancient streets are now lined with shops, family-owned hotels, restaurants and bars.

But the city has lost none of its old world charm. Four main streets lead out of Sifang Square at the center of town, and they connect a network of laneways with over 350 bridges. Hop over the rain bridge, stone arch bridge, slab bridge and plank bridge to get to sites like Mu’s Residence, the Wangu Tower and the Black Dragon Pool that perfectly reflects the snowcapped mountains in the distance.

6. Dali [SEE MAP]

Dali

Not too long ago, Dali was a backpacker hangout. It was sort of a rite of passage for backpackers in western China to spend a couple of weeks hanging out on Ěrhǎi Lake. But now dreadlocked westerners have been replaced with the rapidly growing middle class travelers of China herself.

While domestic tourism has boomed in Dali over the years, the local Bai population still makes daily life in Dali extremely interesting. And there is plenty to discover in the mountains above Dali’s Ěrhǎi Lake. Or you can simply choose to join the Chinese tourists with Bai flowers in their hair by eating, drinking and partying.

5. Guilin [SEE MAP]

Guilin

A centuries-old medieval moat awaits you in the city of Guilin. Local boats still travel the moat and other waterways connecting the city’s two lakes — Shanhu and Ronghu. The sun and moon temples light up at night on the shores of Lake Shanhu to help light up the dramatic limestone karst mountains that crown the landscape.

This beautiful but aging city serves as the gateway to Guǎngxī. It’s full of modern amenities, and plenty of the locals speak English. Guilin is a beautiful rest stop where you can plan your Li River cruise and journey deep into scenic Guǎngxī.

4. Kunming [SEE MAP]

Kunming

Kunming is a laid-back city on the Dianchi Pool. Often referred to as one of China’s most liveable cities, tourists will find Kunming incredibly relaxing. And this enjoyable city is near some beautiful temples and National Parks like the Stone Forest where limestone karsts provide a stunning landscape.

The city’s Buddhist Bamboo Temple is full of beautiful statues while the Tàihuá Temple towers above the Dianchi Pool. But, like many Chinese cities, old neighborhoods are being torn down for modern stores, and traffic is becoming a new problem. Yet Kunming still retains its friendly, laid-back vibe.

3. Longji Terraces [SEE MAP]

Longji Rice Terraces in south China

There is something absolutely spiritual about staring at rice terraces. The lines carved into the earth are smooth and mathematical yet feminine. And all this earth carving artwork produces China’s carbohydrate staple — rice. Something primal, deep down inside, makes you feel good and at peace with the landscape that you’re marveling at.

The pools on Longji Terraces softly reflect the sun while the ears of the rice plant glow yellow during harvest time. The rice terraces are like a giant ampitheater taking up land farther than the eye can see.

2. Yangshuo [SEE MAP]

Xianggong hill landscape

Step into another world in Yangshuo County. This beautiful stretch of land is an ethereal landscape of unbelievable karst mountains. You’ll be floored by the dramatic Green Lotus Peak and even more impressed that there’s a hiking trail to the top.

The main tourist town of Xijie has grown quite a bit in recent years. You’ll hear plenty of loud club music as the sun sets, and you’ll have to battle your way through a maze of selfie sticks to get about town, but you can still escape to quiet rooftop bars to take in the serenity of the surroundings. As the day breaks, you can take dreamy bamboo raft rides or cycle through magical valleys out of Yángshuò town as the landscape grows more surreal.

1. Hong Kong [SEE MAP]

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is 70% mountains and country parks, and its neighborhoods are scattered amongst islands. This modern city has every comfortable amenity in the books and is a very easy, yet expensive, travel destination. The public transportation systems are incredibly smooth, and they will take you to adventures like hiking lonely islands or kayaking under volcanic sea arches. And this city is one of the world’s culinary capitals where Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanese and French cuisines collide.

There’s plenty of high-end shopping at glitzy boutiques, and the nightlife keeps bumping until the morning hours. And, to cap it all off, Hong Kong is an incredibly safe city for tourists.

See also: Where to Stay in Hong Kong

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Southern China travel guide

Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian are among the richest and most developed provinces in China. This is especially true of the coastal regions – and, of course, Hong Kong – which have for centuries been associated with seafaring, trade and overseas settlement. Most ‘Overseas Chinese’ trace their origins to these areas, and many have retained strong links with their ancestral towns and villages.

The geography of Southern China

To the west, Guangxi (technically an autonomous region rather than a province) is less developed and with minority nationalities making up almost 40 percent of the population, it is overshadowed economically by the other coastal provinces. The Guilin region in the north, however, is a favourite tourist destination, home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery anywhere in the world.

These subtropical southern lands differ from the ancient heartlands north of the Yangzi in many respects. Most obviously, the land is different, dominated by verdant green rice fields, with longer summers and milder winters. In terms of language, Cantonese and Fujianese are quite distinct from the northern dialect, Mandarin. Southern Chinese food – long familiar to the rest of the world as ‘Cantonese’ cuisine – is fresher and more subtle than that of the north. 

Southern China's tradition of commerce

The idea of commerce is well-established in southern China. Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city, was already an international port in the 9th century, and by the 1500s, when the Portuguese arrived in a showy flotilla, the area had replaced the Silk Road as the trade route of choice into China. Southeast China’s other port of note lacks the historical depth of Guangzhou, but has long had a remarkable entrepreneurial zeal. As a British colony, Hong Kong became the definitive capitalist free-market, no-holds-barred trading centre. Following its return to China in 1997, it remains a fascinating and unique travel destination, as upbeat and dazzling as ever. Across the Pearl River Delta is Macau , until recently a sleepy Portuguese enclave, but these days specialising in Las Vegas-style casinos.

Off the coast of western Guangdong is the large island of Hainan island , with China’s southernmost beaches – fringed by palms and bathed in year-round warmth – now being aggressively marketed to tourists. Further east along the coast, thriving Fujian province offers the old European enclave of Amoy, now called Xiamen . This is one of China’s most engaging cities, with its enchanting island of Gulangyu decked out in colonial era architecture and laced with lazy walks.

Sublime scenery at Yangshuo, (photo by David Henley)

Places to visit around Southern China

The entry point into China for many tourists, Hong Kong makes a memorable introduction to the ­Chinese world. Glamorous, hectic, exciting and spectacular, with fabulous food, nightlife and shopping, this is a place like no other. Read more…

Following in the steps of Hong Kong, Macau has become a Special Administrative Region of China. Its Portuguese colonial ambience and rapidly expanding resort status offer a unique experience in China. Read more…

  • Guilin and around

The magical, almost mystical scenery region around the city of Guilin is one of China’s best-known tourist attractions. Wind and rain has eroded the limestone hills into fantastic shapes, with some peaks rounded and some sharply pointed, perpendicular cliffs and trees that sprout from the cracks to bend skyward, this is a dream-like landscape. Read more…

  • Hainan island

Historically and geographically out on a limb, for centuries shunned as a miserable place of exile battered by typhoons, Hainan Island has come into its own as a tropical resort destination. Uniquely in China, it basks in year-round warmth, and there are plenty of palm-fringed beaches on which to take advantage of that fact. Read more…

One of China’s most engaging cities, the port of Xiamen has an attractive old centre and a beguiling offshore haven, the island of Gulangyu. Formerly known in the west as Amoy, it became wealthy during the expansive maritime trading years of the Ming dynasty. The port was opened to foreign trade after the Opium Wars, when Gulangyu became a foreign enclave, complete with elegant colonial buildings.

The Old Town is centred on lower Zhongshan Lu, and is a pleasant place to explore. On Siming Nanlu, about 2km (1¼ miles) south, is the Overseas Chinese Museum (Huaqiao Bowuguan), with an outstanding collection of pottery and bronzes gathered with the help of donations from the extensive overseas Fujianese community. There is also an informative section on the diaspora itself.

Gulangyu Island

Occupied by colonial powers until World War II, the island of Gulangyu is the main attraction, a laid-back museum piece of colonial architecture accessed via a five-minute ferry ride. Peace and quiet is a big part of the appeal – there are no vehicles (or even bicycles) allowed, although electric trains trundle slowly along the leafy lanes. The island is also known for its musical heritage; it can claim the world’s highest per-capita piano ownership, and there is a Piano Museum and festival.

Turn left from the pier to see the huge statue of Koxinga, a Chinese patriot who liberated Taiwan from the Dutch in the mid-17th century; the statue stands near the eastern shore of the island. Continue walking along the coast to reach the picturesque Shuzhuang Garden (Shuzhuang Huayuan), beyond which a pleasant sandy beach extends along much of the island’s southern coast.

Ascend Sunlight Rock (Riguangyan), the highest point on Gulangyu, for views across the red-tiled villas and verdant gardens to downtown Xiamen.

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Places to visit in Southern china

southern china tourist attractions

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Insight Guide

Journey Beyond the Horizon

AN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOUTH CHINA

China is a dreamland for many travelers. It is so rich in geography, history, and culture so that many years are not enough to explore it deeply in details. When people visit China, first they look to its most famous landmarks- the Great Wall, Beijing and its Forbidden City, Shanghai, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Shao Lin Monastery and Guilin. But it is nothing, compared to what China really has to offer. This country is so large, that geographically it can be divided into a few smaller lands, which are quite different from each other. In this article, we will dive into its southern part, or, South China, with everything it can be seen and taste there.

If you’re interested in learning Cantonese, immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle of South China can provide valuable context and insight into the language. Exploring Cantonese through cultural experiences like this can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the language’s nuances and expressions. There are various  ways to learn Cantonese , including language classes, online resources, and language exchange programs, which can all contribute to your language acquisition journey.

So, let’s explore South China together!

Table of Contents

Geographical definition of South China

The Southern part of China is generally everything, which is situated south of Yangtze River. That’s how the Chinese think about this part of their country- they call it “Nan Fang” (南方), which means “South Side” and consider Yangtze (Chang Jiang) River as a divider between the South and the North (although it is unclear whether some big cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Chongqing, which are located on Yangtze River, really belong to the South or not).

But the scholars specializing in geography, offer some better definitions of “South China”. They consider many things like the geographical zones, relief, climate, as well as local culture and history. Thus generally what they propose to be “South China”, generally include the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi. Some include also Guizhou, and Yunnan, while others define “West China” (which however is NOT the western part of China as a whole- Tibet, Xinjiang and Qinghai- they are completely different parts of the country), including Yunnan, Guizhou, the eastern part of Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi and the southern part of Gansu.

Map of China with its southern part- how to explore South China

Nature of South China

An endless maze of hills, covered by lush subtropical jungle. Rice fields, surrounded by bamboos and bananas. Curving rivers with small villages on their banks. This is the landscape in most of South China. If you travel from Yangtze River to the South China Sea, or from Fujian to the foot of Tibet, this is the typical view that you will often see on your route. But let’s look deeper into this piece of land.

It is one of the main parts of South China’s image. There is a watershed between Yangtze and Mekong rivers, starting from the interior of the Great Tibetan Plateau. In Yunnan province, this watershed divides into two branches. And the northern branch, which prolongs eastward between Yangtze and South China sea, reaching the plain of Shanghai, is the main “spine” of a large mountainous area, known as “Nan Ling” (南岭)- which means “Southern Hills” (although what is actually included in “Nan Ling” is not clearly determined).

These mountains are not too high and are clustered in groups, with larger plains and valleys between them. The highest peaks reach a little higher than 2000 m altitude, but in general, most of the area is lower than 500 m altitude. And all the mountains are richly covered by wild subtropical rain forests.

Yes, the forests are thick, wild and difficult to walk through. Unless there are some roads and paths, roaming off-road is an extreme and dangerous adventure. Now some of the mountains are turned into national parks and there are well-arranged paths, which is “not so wild and adventurous”, easily accessible by every tourist. But many other mountains remain wild, and hiking in their jungles is really exciting.

I still remember our 3-days trekking in Mt. Chuandiding in Guangdong province. It is a wild hiking route, favorite for many adventure hikers, with a relatively high level of difficulty. The highest peak of the mountain is 1580 m altitude, and we could see clear vertical zoning of the forest. There were lush jungles, mixed with bamboos and banana trees in the low areas. In the middle- just a thick forest, more like the forests of moderate climate areas, but still thicker. And in the high areas, these forests gradually turn into a bush thicket, mixed with grasslands. Finally, we reached the highest peak, where we spent the night camping in our tents.

Explore South China! Mt. Chuandiding, Guangdong province

Karst hills

This is the most spectacular landmark in South China. In fact, it is one of the most famous symbols of the whole country- the maze tower, pillar, and conical hills, with curving rivers between them, bamboos of their banks and exotic fishermen with conical hats on their boats.

Actually, this popular image comes from a certain geographical spot in China- a village on the bank of Li River, near Xingping town in Guangxi Autonomous Region. This area is a part of the famous Guilin- a paradise of unreal mountain formations created something like an otherworldly landscape. This place attracts millions of tourists from China and the whole world, who come to enjoy Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo and all other points of interest in the area.

But not too many people know that actually the karst hills cover a much larger part of South China, and Guilin is only a little part of the whole South China Karst area. The same type of hills can be found in many other places in Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou and Hunan provinces. And since the hills outside of Guilin are not popular, you can enjoy a completely different experience there, than in the touristy Guilin.

Go to Wanfenglin or Yingxi Karst Hills (called also “Yingxi Corridor”). You can find yourself alone in a silent, unreal landscape, without tourists, but only some locals in the nearby remote villages. Take a bicycle and tent and wander through the maze of the tower hills. I can say that we had a really great and unforgettable experience in Yingxi, where we two times spent the New Year Eve, camping among the fantastic karst hills- an experience which I really recommend to every traveler!

And that’s not all. The karst areas hide many other amazing things, like caves and underground rivers. Some of the most beautiful of them in the world can be found here, in South China, which makes exploring the karst hills areas a really fantastic experience.

South China is very rich in rivers. There are really a lot of large, slow rivers, curving through the mountains and plains. As I said, there is a long watershed between Yangtze and South China Sea. The rivers flowing north of this watershed join Yangtze, and those south of it flow into South China Sea.

And an important part of these southern rivers is the Pearl River system. It is formed by three main rivers- Dongjiang (East River), Beijiang (North River) and the largest and longest one- Xijiang (West River). These three rivers join together at Guangzhou, forming the famous Pearl River Delta, which is home of one of the largest urban areas in the world- a cluster of 8 mega cities joined together- Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau, as well as a few other nearby cities- Huizhou, Qingyuan, Zhaoqing and Jiangmen. This is one of the three richest and highly developed parts of China- rich of history, rich in culture, rich in urban life, rich of money and rich of “civilization glory”.

Explore South China! Guilin Karst Hills area

South China has a long coastline, stretching from the strait of Taiwan to the border with Vietnam. This coastline is not straight, but being affected by the mountainous relief of the land, it is curved in an endless sequence of small bays, peninsulas and nearby islands. Thus most of the seacoast is rocky. There are also some muddy areas, mainly at the deep bays and river mouths, which are quite dirty, combined with agricultural fields or even industrial zones.

However, there are also some really nice beaches with white sand. Some of these beaches are already turned into resort areas, with entrance fee to access, such as Dameisha, Xiaomeisha, and Xichong in Shenzhen, or Hailing in Yangjiang. But there are still some really wild beaches, with only some local villages nearby.

We have been camping on these beaches too. It was another unforgettable experience, to sleep on the sand, to hear the constant sound of the waves and to watch the stars in the black cosmos above us. Then in the morning, we enjoyed swimming in the sea or exploring the hidden corners of the rocky coast surrounding the beach. Or to walk on a long and wide beach stripe, as the beach at Shaba in Yangxi county.

Hainan Island

This is the southernmost large piece of Chinese land (not counting the tiny islands, deeper in South China Sea). And it is much more Southeast Asia than continental China. Maybe mostly because its climate is not subtropical, but tropical, and the coconut palm trees are a constant part of the landscape. There are not too many good beaches in Hainan, but the really good ones, combined with these coconut trees look like a “tropical paradise”.

And it is not strange that it has attracted Chinese mass tourism. The result is the richest and most famous Chinese sea resort- Sanya, on the southern coast of Hainan.

In general, the waters of South China Sea at the Chinese coast are not so pure (can’t compare with the crystal clear waters of the Philippines or the Red Sea for example), especially near the river mouths. Also, many beaches are exposed directly to the sea currents of the open sea, creating good conditions for big waves and surfing.

Explore South China! Saiwan Beach in Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Wet. Often rainy. Hot. It is the weather most of the time in South China, mainly from April to September. Sometimes typhoons come like furious guests from the interior of the Pacific, first striking the Philippines, then heading to the continent, which quickly kills them. But before they die, they can still cause a lot of damage and chaos.

However, there is another time of the year- from October to January, which is the best for exploring, hiking and camping. It still can rain at that time, but the sunny days are more than during the other part of the year.

The winter? Honestly, it is not my favorite season in South China. There is almost no snow. Only in the mountains or near Yangtze River, and not for a long time. In the same time- there is no central heating in the buildings. Everybody stays at home wearing a coat. Yes, outside the temperature is often around 10-15℃, but it is almost the same inside the buildings. It is especially worse (and it is maybe the worst time of the year) in February and early March, when the wet season starts, but still with low temperatures. Those who come from Britain would know what I mean.

Anyway, if you have all this in mind and prepare properly, you could still have a great time in South China, enjoying much of what it really offers.

History of South China

As the whole of China, its southern part has a long and ancient history. But its history has been not always the same as the history of Beijing and Yellow River areas. And it has its traces all around Guangdong, Guangxi and the other areas of South China.

Hundred Yue

Han Chinese- the largest ethnic group in China, have lived in the northern part of the country for thousands of years. But they came to South China only around 2300 years ago. Before their arrival, during the ancient dynasties of the North- Xia, Shang, and Zhou, in the South, everything has been completely different. The whole area has been populated by a lot of tribes, related to Southeast Asia, and belonging to the Southeast Asian language groups. These tribes are known as “Hundred Yue”.

Now their inheritors still live scattered around South China, mainly in the villages and small towns. They are the present day minorities like Yao, Miao, Buyi, Dai, Zhuang and many others.

Qin, Han and the Nanyue Kingdom

3rd century BC. The Kingdom of Qin gradually conquered all its competitors and unites all the Chinese people under its rule. Its king becomes the first Chinese emperor, and he started to expand his realm, conquering the territories of South China, reaching South China Sea.

But the new empire also caused the fall of the Qin Dynasty, and the throne has been taken by the Han Dynasty (which gave the name of the largest Chinese ethnic group- Han Chinese). And during the bloody chaos between these two dynasties, South China separated from the empire in a new independent kingdom- Nanyue. This kingdom lived only about 100 years, only until the mighty Han Empire became enough strong and stable. But it left a lot of artifacts, which can be seen today in Nanyue King Mausoleum in Guangzhou.

Around the beginning of the 1st century BC Han Empire conquered Nanyue and for the next few centuries, South China became firmly integrated into the history of the whole Chinese empire.

Explore South China! Nanyue Kings Museum in Guangzhou

The southern dynasties

In the 3rd century AD, after the collapse of the Han Dynasty, China was divided into Three Kingdoms: Wu, Wei and Shu Han. Southern China was under the control of Wu. But only around 40 years later it was replaced by the Jin Dynasty, which tried to united China again, and really succeeded for more than a century.

But later, in 420 AD, the history of North and South China was divided for almost 2 centuries, getting on two different courses. While the North was dominated by the Northern Wei Dynasty, the South was under control of a few other dynasties- Liu Song, Southern Qi, Liang, Chen, and Western Liang.

Sui and Tang

Then, in 589, China was united again by the Sui Dynasty, then by its successor Tang Dynasty, which was one of the most prosperous periods of the Chinese history. For more than 3 centuries China was a really strong empire, developing good trade relations with the newly established Arab Caliphate. And Guangzhou (Canton) in the south has become an important trade center between the East and the West.

Five Dynasties and Song

But the 10th century was again marked by instability, weakness and a lot of wars. Tang Empire collapsed, its northern territories were occupied by Liao, Jin and Western Xia Dynasties, while South China had a different course of the history- the Five Dynasties, Ten Kingdoms, eventually succeeded by Song Dynasty.

The Mongols and Yuan

China remained divided until the 13th century. But then new invaders came from the north- the Mongols of Genghis Khan. They established the largest (in on land territory) empire, ever existed on the Earth. The Mongols gradually conquered the whole of China, and at the same time, their empire was divided into four daughter-empires. One of them was Yuan, occupying China for almost a century. From this moment on, South China’s history was finally united with the North until the present day.

Ming and Qing

These two dynasties ruled over China from 1368 to 1912. They had their periods of bloom and decay. In South China, you can find a lot of historic “old towns” and other really beautiful remains of that era. In the same time, the trade activity of the South remained stable, which made this part of China relatively rich and prosperous, compared with most of the empire’s interior.

And it attracted the attention of the Europeans. First- Portuguese and Dutch. Then- French and English. As a result, the first colony was created- Macau, which turned the history of its tiny peninsula and the nearby islands into a very different direction.

But the most active and controversial were the relations with the English. There was a succession of war and peace, which caused the creation of Hong Kong as a British colony, as well as the “Opium War” (and you can see more about it in Humen, a town belonging to Dongguan, in the Pearl River Delta city cluster).

Explore South China! Cantonese traditional architecture in Guangzhou

The modern history of South China

In the same time, during the 19th century, some new movements started arising in China, and they started in its southern part. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who is from Guangzhou, then Chiang Kai Shek, along with a few other leaders, were the heads of Kuomintang (KMT), the party which ruled China from 1912 to 1949. These years were full of tension and instability, coming both from inside and outside. From outside- it was mainly Japan, which invaded China, occupying much of its territory and causing a lot of suffering and struggle. And from inside- it was the local minorities, known as “tu fei”, and a new challenge- the Communists.

And the Communists were also strongly related to the south. Mao Ze Dong was born in Hunan province. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, although the KMT and the Communists were in competition, in general, they fought together against the Japanese invaders. But after 1945 they started a bloody civil war against each other, resulting in the victory of the Communists in 1949. Only Taiwan remained under the control of KMT.

From 1949, the whole China passed through all the troubles of the early Communist rule, including the disastrous “Cultural Revolution”. But from the ’80s of the 20th century, the ruling Communist party changed the course and adapted the western economic model, starting again from South China. First- from Shenzhen. Then gradually to the whole of the Pearl River Delta, and until now- throughout the whole of China.

And now we see the result of all the events of the history, from the ancient times until now.

Ethnic culture of South China

As in most of China, the majority of people are Han Chinese. And this is the largest ethnic group, not only in China but in the whole world. They are so many people, spreading in such a vast territory, that they don’t have just one language. Yes, their main language is Mandarin (Putonghua or Han Yu), but they have also a lot of other dialects, which are actually different languages (although in the same language family). In South China, the main Han languages are Cantonese (Guangdonghua or Yue Yu), Xiang (Hunanhua), Hakka (Kejiahua), Minna (Fujianhua) and Gan (Jiangxi).

Modern Chinese lifestyle

I had the opportunity to live in China for many years, and I can say that during that time I became quite familiar with the local Chinese culture, particularly in South China, Guangdong. There are many things which are common for all the people in the world. But there are also some typical Chinese habits, traditions, and way of thinking and doing things.

In general, life in South China, as almost everywhere in the country, in the big cities, is quite intense. Everybody is busy. Busy for work, busy to chat in Wei Xin, busy to study something, busy to play computer games, or just busy for karaoke, for eating or sleeping. Many people are eager to study English. And only about 10% could really learn it enough to read, write and speak. The Chinese like mass activities. Mass marathon, mass tourism, mass celebrations- they like it and they call is “re nao” (lively).

Explore South China! Night street in Yangshuo, Guangxi

Communication with Chinese

A good thing that I really like, is that the Han Chinese are really easy people for communication. They are not sensitive about some “hot topics”, and would not offend if you do something different than them, or you have a different opinion about something. They would just say: “It is normal, he is a foreigner, we can’t expect him to follow us.” So you can talk freely about everything with them. The Chinese are also easy to adapt to something from abroad- culture, technology, style, etc., and at the same time to remain “Chinese”.

I can write a whole book about the Chinese and their culture. And it is only a part of the things that you can expect when communicating with them. There is no significant difference between the southern and the northern Han Chinese, unless that the southerners are slightly more opened to the western culture and prosperity.

But what I say here is about the people in the big cities. Life in remote villages is completely different. Actually, most of the people in the villages are old, because their children and grand-children migrate to the big cities for work. Far from the “big money smell”, they are much more simple, especially those who live far from the tourist destinations. And there you can also meet not only Han Chinese, but many other ethnic minorities.

The ethnic minorities in South China

Let’s back to Hundred Yue. They are a part of a larger group of people and languages, forming the population of Southeast Asia. In other words, most of them are Southeast Asians, closer to Thai, Lao, Vietnamese, Burmese, Khmers, and Malays, but living in China, instead of Southeast Asia. Actually, the most diverse ethnically province is Yunnan, although it is considered a part of West China (or Southwest China). And some of the Yunnan minorities also live east of Yunnan, in Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, and Guangdong. Other minorities of South China are only local.

Among the largest minorities in South China are Zhuang, Miao (Hmong) and Yao (Mien). They live mainly in the remote villages and small towns, scattered in the mountains, that’s why some call them “hill tribes”. They live in big cities too, but they are very small minorities there since most of the big city inhabitants are Han Chinese.

Explore South China! Yao minority in Liannan, Guangdong

The lifestyle of the minorities

I have the privilege to know some Zhuang and Yao people , who are my good friends. They live in Qingyuan, in Guangdong province, but they don’t forget their homeland in the extreme northwest of Guangdong- Lianshan, and Liannan. In Qingyuan, they live like every other citizen, speak Mandarin and Cantonese, so you can’t recognize that they are not ethnic Han Chinese. But they still have something of their unique cultures. They remember their native languages. When a holiday comes, they go to their hometowns and celebrate with their relatives.

And yes, there are many places in South China, called “Zizhiqu” (自治区), which means “autonomous region”. These autonomous regions are towns, counties, or even a province, like Guangxi. And they have special local regulations, designed for the local ethnic group. But for us, travelers, the most important is that usually, you can visit there the local ethnic villages and towns, where you can see the beauty of their local culture. I personally would never forget our trip to the land of Yao in Liannan, Guangdong province. And there are so many other ethnic areas, really worth to visit.

Areas to explore in South China

So, I tried shortly to “draw” a general picture of South China. Having this picture in mind, where can you go and explore?

Let’s start from the most popular part of South China, which is the traditional starting point for traveling further inside the country from the south- Pearl River Delta of Guangdong province.

Pearl River Delta- the southern core of China

It is a giant delta, called Pearl River, formed by the three rivers- East River (Dongjiang), North River (Beijiang) and West River (Xijiang). And it is surrounded by a cluster of eight megacities, two of which are special administrative regions- Hong Kong and Macau. As I already mentioned, the other cities of the Delta are Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai, and Guangzhou is the largest, one of the biggest cities in whole China.

You can make a circle trip around Pearl River Delta, starting from Hong Kong, in a counterclockwise direction. Hong Kong itself is an incredibly beautiful area. It is situated on a peninsula with highly complex shape, surrounded by many islands, of which the main ones are Lantau and Hong Kong Island. Actually, it is not just a city, its urban area is concentrated mainly on the southern end of the peninsula, and the northern part of Hong Kong Island. Most of the rest is covered by mountains and lush subtropical rain forests. There are a lot of wild areas, hiding beautiful jewels- small towns and villages, some of them even weird like Ma Wan Ghost Town , beaches and volcanic formations, especially in its eastern area, called Sai Kung .

Then you can enter Shenzhen, bordering Hong Kong on the north. It is a modern mega city, however, it offers not only glamorous skyscrapers but also stunning nature. It has many interesting places to visit, among which most popular are the Window of the World and the Ethnic Village.

Proceed northwest to Guangzhou. You will pass through Dongguan, which also has beautiful mountains and parks, but maybe its most interesting place to visit is the Opium War Museum and Weiyuan Fortress in Humen town.

Guangzhou is a city which is really worth to explore. It is full of history and traditions, both ancient and modern. This is the core of the Cantonese culture. There are many “old town” style neighborhoods and gardens, where you can see the typical Cantonese architecture with its arc-shaped roofs. Explore Liwan district, the Museum of Cantonese opera and art, as well as Chen Clan Mansion. Go to the southern suburbs of Guangzhou and see Lingnan and Baomo gardens, and the old town of Shawan.

Or take a walk and cruise on the main Pearl River Canal, starting from the European Shamian Island, then by boat to the modern Canton Tower- the symbol of Guangzhou. And finally relax in its parks- Yuexiu, Baiyun and many others. There is really so much to see in this amazing city!

Explore South China! The skyline of Guangzhou

Foshan and Zhongshan

Then turn back to the south. The next city on the chain is Foshan. It is again full of history and culture, famous mainly for its Zumiao Temple. South of it is Zhongshan, named after Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Zhongshan is his name in Mandarin), which presents beautiful parks, some old Cantonese architecture villages, and museums.

Finally, you reach Zhuhai, where the Pearl River Delta gradually turns into a large sea bay. The city itself is nice, but its most exotic part is its islands deep in South China Sea- remote, mysterious, covered by forests, rock formations, and hidden fishing villages.

But before the end of your Pearl River Delta journey, you must visit Macau – a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture. It is the smallest of the cities of the Delta and offers really a lot to see in a very small area, walkable on foot. Finally, you can back to Hong Kong by ferry or on the newly built Zhuhai-Macau-Hong Kong bridge.

Explore South China! The old center of Macau

Eastern Guangdong- the land of beaches and prehistorical remains

The eastern part of Guangdong consists of the following cities: Huizhou, Shanwei, Heyuan, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou and Shantou. It is covered by low mountains, and there are some really nice beaches in the South China Sea coast. This is the main area of Hakka (Kejia) culture. All of the cities and surrounding countryside have something really interesting to offer.

Huizhou, Shanwei, Jieyang and Shantou

The first city (considered as a distant part of Pearl River Delta) is Huizhou, mainly known for its beaches and sea resorts. Then the next city on the coast is Shanwei, presenting not only beaches and beautiful coastline but also some historic Hakka destinations and temples. And the easternmost cities on the coast are Shantou, Jieyang, and Chaozhou, featuring Hakka and Teochew local culture, some nice beaches and one of the most beautiful islands in China- Nan Ao.

Meizhou and Heyuan

Meizhou and Heyuan- they are located in the northeastern part of Guangdong, and they are the core of Hakka culture. This land consists of not so high mountains and fields between them. Here you can also see history and traditions, as well as many nice natural destinations. But the most unique and interesting spot is in Heyuan. This is the Heyuan Dinosaur Museum, presenting dinosaur’s eggs and bones, discovered recently in the area. Really worth to visit for those who love science (and for children of course).

Explore South China! Dinosaur Museum in Heyuan

Northern Guangdong- the “Wild Guangdong”

This is the wildest and most exotic part of Guangdong. It consists of Qingyuan and Shaoguan counties. Most of the area is mountainous and here you can find the highest peak of Guangdong- Shikengkong (1902 m altitude). Remote villages, deep and wild valleys, rice terraces, bamboos, and bananas- they are everywhere.

Karst hills and ethnic minorities

Yes, maybe the most exotic and beautiful things in this land are the karst hills, sandstone formations, and the local minorities. The karst hills are located in Qingyuan county, in Yingxi Karst Hills area. The most spectacular sandstone formations are in Shaoguan county- in Danxia Mountain. Caves and underground rivers can be found in many places in Northern Guangdong too.

And the minorities, presented by Yao, Zhuang, and Miao live mainly in this area. You can meet these people, watch their folklore performance and see their architecture and art.

All these features make Northern Guangdong are a really exciting place, not just for tourists, but also for adventure travelers and explorers. You can go to Qingyuan, then proceed to Yingxi karst hills , then to Shaoguan and Danxia mountain. Turn westward, climb the local mountains, wander between the karst hills, penetrate in caves, wild canyons, and underground rivers, then visit the minorities in Liannan and Lianshan. You can arrange a really adventurous journey in this stunning area.

Explore South China! Yingxi Karst Hills area

Western Guangdong- the southernmost seacoast of continental China

The western part of Guangdong province includes the following cities and counties: Zhaoqing, Yunfu, Maoming, Jiangmen (although considered as a part of the Pearl River Delta), Yangjiang and Zhanjiang.

This area of Guangdong is more Cantonese since most of the Han Chinese people there speak the Cantonese language. The natural landscape is the same as the other parts of Guangdong. There are almost no karst hills and other wonderful formations as in the north, but there is a beautiful sea coastline.

Zhaoqing and Kaiping

The most beautiful mountain in the area is in Zhaoqing. It is Dinghu Mountain, presenting not just a “mountain covered by forests”, but also waterfalls, pools, temples and many other attractions. Another attractive place for those who like history and culture is Kaiping Diaolou village (Kaiping Towers)- an “old village”, as well as the nearby Li Garden. These places feature old buildings with mixed western, oriental and Chinese architecture.

The seacoast

The most attractive part there is the sea coast. There are a lot of resorts, such as Hailing, Zhapo and Moon Bay at Shaba. But there are also a lot of wild beaches, almost without people. You can even go camping on these beaches (just having in mind some tips for camping in the wild places of China). And as the coastline in the southwestward direction almost approaches the tropical geographic zone, you can see some coconut palm trees there. Maybe soon these beaches will be closed for building new resorts, but at least for now they are wild. The only problem is that there is some pollution from the locals (garbage remains from the local fishermen) since nobody cleans the beaches.

Finally- the extreme southwest of Guangdong. It is Zhanjiang and Leizhou Peninsula, which is the southernmost point of continental China. It also features beautiful beaches and tropical climate, being closer to Hainan and Southeast Asia.

Explore South China! Moon Bay in Yangjiang

Fujian- the land of Minna

Let’s look further in South China. Northeast of Guangdong province is Fujian. Actually, its northeast part is more considered as a part of East China (where is Shanghai, also Hangzhou and the rest of Zhejiang province, Nanjing, Suzhou and other famous places of the east)- both geographically and historically.

In general, Fujian is related to Taiwan and presents Hokkien (Min) culture and language. Being a coastal area, it had a developed trade activity, which has brought a strong western influence. Again, most of the Fujian population are Han Chinese, and there is a very small minority too. It is She people, living in some towns and villages, mainly in the southwestern part of Fujian, and even in a few villages in Heyuan county, Guangdong.

Geography of Fujian

Concerning geography- the landscape is almost the same as in Guangdong province. Mountains, plains and the same type of coastline, featuring some nice beaches. The highest mountains are located much inside the province, at the border with Jiangxi province.

There are many points of interest in Fujian, but I would mention the most important of them.

Xiamen is a famous coastal city, built on the coast of Taiwan Strait. It has a beautiful location on a peninsula and surrounding islands. And the most attractive island is Gulangyu, which presents an “old town”, but in western architectural style. This style comes from the 19th century when during the intensive (in war and peace) relations between China and the Europeans, this island has been turned into an international European settlement. So now it attracts especially the Chinese tourists, who want to experience the “western culture” in their own country.

Explore South China! Gulangyu Island in Xiamen

Wuyi Mountain

It is a unique mountain range, located at the border with Jiangxi- one of the highest mountains in South and East China (with elevation 2158 m). Now it is turned into a national park. It is interesting not only for its stunning nature- valleys, forests, and peaks but mostly for its sandstone pillar rocks, which create fantastic views in the mountain.

Fujian Tulou

Tulou is a unique architectural style of fortified houses, mostly in round shape- there is nothing like this anywhere else. And these tulou buildings are located in a few villages in the southwest part of Fujian. Now they have become a UNESCO heritage site, and a visit to these amazing villages is really worth.

Southern Jiangxi- the wild off the beaten path area of Jiangxi

From Fujian, we move further inside China. Beyond the border of Fujian is Jiangxi province. Located somewhere in the middle between Shanghai and Guangzhou, and separated from the sea coast, it features mountains, plains, and rivers. Its southern part consists of three counties- Ganzhou (the largest and southernmost county), Ji’an and Fuzhou. This part of Jiangxi is more mountainous and there is the northern side of Wuyi Mountain.

Besides Wuyi Mountain, there isn’t any popular destination in South Jiangxi. And maybe that’s what makes this area attractive for those, who look for off the beaten path and real local life, unaffected by the “mask of tourism”. This land is great for trekking through mountains, hills, rice fields, and remote villages, without tourist crowds.

Ganzhou is a nice city, built on a beautiful riverside. It has some interesting historical attractions, among which the most prominent is Yugu Tower, built on a hill with a stunning view of the city and Zhangshui River. Another interesting place is Tongtian Scenic area, featuring a mountain with amazing rock formations and traditional pavilions.

Explore South China! In an old street in Ganzhou, Jiangxi

Northern Jiangxi- the land of lakes and picturesque villages

Moving to the north, we approach Yangtze River. So the average altitude becomes lower, the plains- larger and the mountains- more distant and rare. Here is the capital of Jiangxi- Nanchang. In this part of Jiangxi, you can find more historical places and more attractive natural sites.

Nanchang is a large and developed city. It is known for one of the largest Ferris wheel in the world, called The Start of Nanchang. There are also some interesting traditional buildings, like the Pavilion of Prince Teng and Sheng Jin Tower.

The northern Jiangxi mountains

The mountains of Northern Jiangxi are less than those in the south, but two of them are really worth to visit. The first of them is Lushan- a national park with a lot of attractions, such as deep valleys, lush forests, historic buildings, bridges, and even some waterfalls and small lakes. This mountain is related to Chinese history from the first half of the 20th century.

And the second mountain is Sanqingshan. Its highest peak is 1817 m in altitude, and it is best known for its unique karst formations. You can see its amazing rock pillars, which are the main symbol of the mountain. It is steep and it offers breathtaking views to the surrounding plains. The mountain is also known as a “sacred Taoist mountain”.

Rivers and lakes.

Yangtze River flows through the north end of Jiangxi province. Ganjiang River flows into Yangtze at the city of Jiujiang. And these are large lakes near Jiujiang. The most prominent and the largest of them is Poyang Lake. It is (but not always!) the largest freshwater lake in China. This lake is really interesting for three things. First- it is a really young lake. It is formed by the Yangtze river flowing change around 400 AD. Second- it’s size is highly changeable, depending on the season. And third- it is known as the “Chinese Bermuda Triangle” since many ships and boats have disappeared there without a trace.

Historic places

There are a few really interesting historic sites in Northern Jiangxi. The first one is Jingdezhen, a city known as the “Chinese capital of the porcelain”. You can visit the Porcelain Museum there. Another really beautiful area is Wuyuan. It is a small city near Shangrao, and not the city itself is interesting, but the surrounding countryside. It is like a fairy tale- villages presenting Chinese traditional architecture, pavilions, bridges, rice fields, and terraces and many other beautiful things, making the whole environment really picturesque.

Southern Hunan- the maze of rice fields and hills

We proceed further westward. Now let’s see Hunan province. It is located deeper in the interior of China and is also rich inin many interesting destinations and areas.

Let’s start from its southern part. There are the counties of Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Zhuzhou, and Hengyang. The whole area, being close to the main watershed between Yangtze and South China Sea, is mountainous, wild and remote. Outside of the main cities, you can enjoy mainly off the beaten path places, which have never seen tourist crowds.

But there is an exception- Hengshan Mountain (Mount Heng). It is a small, but significant mountain near Hengyang, considered as one of the Five sacred Taoist mountains. It is full of historical and religious buildings and now is turned into a national park.

Explore South China! A view in Changsha, Hunan

Northern Hunan- the land of large rivers

The northern part of Hunan is again near Yangtze River. So it is lower, with large plains and only a few scattered low mountains. There is the capital of Hunan- Changsha, which is another rapidly developing megacity. Located on the beautiful Xiangjiang River (Xiang River), it also has many points of interest, worth to visit, such as parks, museums, temples and old streets.

Dongting Lake

Approaching northward, you can reach the second largest freshwater lake in China- Dongting Lake. It has been actually the largest before, but now much of it is turned into farmlands. Anyway, what remained of it is still large in area, and it is seasonal. During the rainy season, much water from Yangtze River flows into the lake, as well as a lot of water from the four big rivers flowing into it. But when the autumn comes, it gradually shrinks again, until the next spring.

The historic places

There are also a lot of historic places in the Northern Hunan. One of them, beside Changsha, is Yueyang, a city located on the southern bank of Yangtze River. It is famous mainly for its Yueyang Pagoda.

And another place is Shaoshan- a small town, which is known as the birthplace of Mao Ze Dong. So it attracts visitors, who are interesting of the Communist history as a part of the whole long history of China.

Western Hunan- the land of Avatar Mountain- Zhangjiajie

Then let’s move westward. This is the most beautiful and exotic part of Hunan. Here you will find one of the most famous and fantastic places on the Earth- Zhangjiajie, recently called also “Avatar Mountain”, pointing the popular sci-fi movie. It is an unreal landscape of karst and sandstone pillar hills, combined with deep valleys, caves and many other wonderful natural formations. Now it is turned into a national park of the highest class. Although it is too touristy, it is really worth to visit.

Another really impressive destination near Avatar Mountain (south of Zhangjiajie city) is Tianmen Mountain. Its name means “Heaven’t Gate Mountain”, and it comes from a natural hole in its unreal, fantastic shape. When you ascend to the hole, it is just like you go to an open gate, leading you to the sky. Now there is a long cable car, as well as many other attractions and old architectural sites.

Explore South China! Zhangjiajie- Avatar Mountain in Hunan

Outside of Zhangjiajie, the area of Western Hunan is mainly mountainous. And it hides a lot of history and local ethnic culture. The main area where it is concentrated is Huaihua, a city in the southern part of Western Hunan. There are two ancient towns nearby- Qianyang and Hongjiang. And there is a beautiful village of Miao minority, called Dehang, where you can dive into Miao’s unique culture.

Hubei- the middle of the Chinese civilization lands

Hubei province is located north of Hunan, and it is actually in the middle of the “Chinese” China (again, geographically not including Tibet, Xinjiang, and Qinghai). But since Yangtze River flows through it, dividing it into a larger northern and a smaller southern part, we can consider the Southern Hubei as a part of South China.

Its capital is Wuhan, one of the largest cities in China. Wuhan is located on both sides of Yangtze River and is full of history and culture. From Wuhan northward you enter North China.

The West of Hubei

The western part of Hubei is another really interesting area. It is covered by mountains, some of which really high- the highest peak is called Shennong Deng and reaches 3105 m altitude. But maybe the most famous place in this area is the Three Gorges (their western half is actually in Chongqing, only the eastern half is in Hubei)- a spectacular combination of the large Yangtze River, surrounded by steep mountains on its both sides. Although now there is a dam project there, the Three Gorges still remain a magnificent place to travel.

Northeastern Guangxi- the land of Guilin karst hills

Now, let’s turn southward, and west of Guangdong province. There is Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region or just Guangxi. From its name you can guess that it is an ethnically different area. And indeed, there are many ethnic minorities living in Guangxi. But that’s not all. Here you can find one of the most popular destinations in China and in the whole world. It is formed by karst hills and its name is Guilin.

But let’s look more deeply- first to the northeastern part of Guangxi. There are the cities of Guilin, Wuzhou, Hezhou, Liuzhou, and Laibin. Needless to say, Guilin Karst Hills area, which covers most of Guilin, Liuzhou and Hezhou counties is the most important destination of this area.

Guilin Karst Hills area is really large, and there are many points of interest. The most popular are Yangshuo and Xingping, where you can find the most famous landscapes of Guilin. Another interesting place is Huangyao Old Town in Hezhou county, which combines the karst hills landscape with old traditional town architecture. And another famous type of view that can be seen in the area is the rice terraces, best presented in Longsheng, north of Guilin city.

Explore South China! Yulong River at Yangshuo

Northwestern Guangxi- the “Wild Guangxi”

It consists of two counties- Hechi and Baise. Generally, there are not some popular destinations, and the area has a higher average altitude- a distant influence from the Great Tibetan Plateau, which is not very far from here. Most of the area is covered by wild forests and a maze of mountains and rivers. There are many minorities, living in this area, most of which are Zhuang people. Other minorities include Yao, Miao, Hui and some Han Chinese (who are a minority here).

Southern Guangxi- the lower Guangxi

The rest of Guangxi is its southern part, where the capital Nanning is located, and it has a short coastline of South China Sea. This area is lower, with larger plains, some small karst hills areas and a few nice beaches at the sea coast near Beihai.

There are not too many popular places to see in this area, but the capital Nanning and countryside are worth to explore. Nanning is a nice city, known mainly for its parks- its park cover a really large part of its territory. Being the capital of a minority autonomous region, it has also a good museum (Guangxi Museum), presenting mainly the Zhuang culture.

If you go outside of Nanning, there are some mountains and forest parks that are worth to visit, such as Huangjingdong, Longtan, and Qingxiu parks. Another really beautiful place is Detian waterfall, on the border with Vietnam.

The sea coast of Guangxi

Finally- let’s see the sea coast. Beihai is the main city of Guangxi’s coastline. As I mentioned, there are some nice beaches on the coast, but the most interesting place is a volcanic island, quite inside the sea, called Weizhou. It is turned into a National Park, presenting unique volcanic formations, as well as an interesting Catholic church.

Finally- let’s take a look at the rest of the periphery of South China.

Guizhou- the wild step to Tibet

Guizhou province is located northwest of Guangxi and west of Hunan. Its capital is Guiyang, and there are many things there, typical for South China- karst hills, lush subtropical forests, the most famous waterfalls, as well as many ethnic minorities. But since it is closer to the Great Tibetan Plateau, most of its territory, especially its western part, is higher than in South China. This “higher and middle step” towards Tibet is called Yungui Plateau, with altitudes between 1500 and 2200 m.

Anyway, it is a really exciting place to visit. There you can find Wanfenglin- one of the most beautiful karst hills areas in China and the world. The most beautiful waterfall in China, called Huangguoshu is also in Guizhou. Chishui and Anshun are very rich of natural wanders too. There are sandstone red rock formations, bamboo forests, canyons, and a unique village, built inside a cave, called Zhongdong. And of course- the ethnic minorities- mainly Miao and Dong. You can visit them in Kaili, and explore their culture and lifestyle.

Hainan- the Southeast Asian impression of China

Finally- the southernmost province of China. Hainan would not exactly in South China, but in a separate area, because its landscape is different than in continental China- it is tropical, coconut- palmed. It is much more Southeast Asia, rather than China. And it is an island- the largest island of China, after Taiwan.

The most popular feature of Hainan is its sea coast. There are the best beaches in China. So, no wonder that there is also the best and the largest Chinese sea resort- Sanya, which is also the southernmost Chinese city.

But there are many other beaches on the island, which are not so popular, therefore not such touristy and crowded. The best of them can be found in Bo’ao, on the eastern coast of Hainan.

Explore South China! Sanya Sea Resort in Hainan

The interior of Hainan

The interior of the island is worth to explore too. It is a homeland for the local minorities- mainly Li people, who are indigenous for the island. Most of them live in the mountains, in the southern half of the island.

So, this is the main picture of South China. As you can see, there is really a lot to explore. Is it easy to make a journey in these unique lands?

Travel tips

Yes, it is easy to travel in South China. But of course, as every journey to a new land, you have to consider some important details. There are many things that can be said how to arrange a trip in this part of the world, depending on many conditions and of course- depending on what do you want. So, let me just mention some of the most important things.

Accommodation

There is really a big choice for accommodation in South China, as in the whole of China. But there is an important detail: not every hotel accepts foreigners. The hotels, registered in Booking.com are most likely to have a right for accepting foreigners (although it is not 100% sure). Usually, those who have this right, are the more expensive and higher class hotels, as well as the hostels for backpackers, especially in the more touristy areas.

So, it is advisable to contact the property, before you go there, to confirm that they can accept you. For more information, see here .

Explore South China! A traditional village in Guangdong

Transportation

You have also really a lot of transportation choice in South China. There are many airports and planes, operating between them. There is also a rich network of train and bus transport. Within the cities, you can travel by taxi, public bus, motorcycle taxis, even shared bikes, or just rental bikes (from bike shops, located usually near the large parks).

In the same time, there are some really wild and remote areas, off the beaten path places, which are an exciting challenge for adventure travelers. However, it is most likely that there is not any public transport going there. And the most convenient transport for such places is the rental car.

Chinese driving license

Yes, there is another specific Chinese detail: you must have a Chinese driving license if you want to rent a car and drive in the country. Which obviously makes it impossible for most of the foreigners in China, unless they live there for a long period of time. So, the only way is to hire a car with a driver. And in fact, it is not necessary to be expensive, because if you are a group of travelers, you can share the cost. For more information about transportation in China, see here .

Explorer’s gear for South China

Finally- what to take with you when you travel in this part of the world? It is not an “extreme geographical area” like Tibet, Antarctica, Sahara or Amazonia, so it doesn’t require some very special and professional gear to travel.

No matter in which season you travel in South China, if you just go where the mass tourism goes, you don’t need more than your normal clothes, shoes, and bag, especially if you come from a subtropical country.

South China in different seasons

If you go to South China during the winter, you have to consider the cold interior of most of the hotels, since there is no heating inside. But if you go during the summer, you have to have in mind that everything and everywhere outside is hot and wet, with high humidity. In the same time most of the interiors of the buildings are cool, with strong air conditioning. And don’t forget the rain- it can be rainy most of the year, especially in the spring and summer.

But if you want to go deeper, into an adventurous exploration, or just to travel in the nature of South China, you may need something more. Yes, most of the national parks are well arranged by the authorities and are made easier for “normal tourists” (without a special gear) to visit. However, I am talking about the non-touristy areas, the off the beaten path hidden places.

Gear for hiking

For hiking in the mountains- you need to have in mind that the paths can be very slippery, especially in the rainy seasons. So you need good shoes accordingly, for more stable walking. And bring your raincoat, because the rain can accompany you during your hike.

Gear for mountaineering

The karst hills areas have some good opportunities for mountaineering. There are some rocky walls in these areas, which are arranged especially for such activities. But since not every karst hill and its walls are prepared in advance, you would need your own mountaineering gear.

Gear for camping

About spending the night in the open air, accordingly, you would need a good tent. Since it can’t be very cold in South China, you don’t need a cold proof (4 seasons) tent. But you definitely need a good waterproof tent, with good ventilation, proper for humid subtropical climate. You can see more about tents here .

South China in pictures

And finally- prepare your good photo and video gear! South China has its specific beauty, which really needs your good camera. A drone would be also your great choice there. Needless to say, photos of the karst hills, rivers, rice fields and terraces from above could be really fantastic!

This is South China. A land, really rich in pictures and colors to present. Highly underrated, but hiding a lot of gems and secrets, waiting to be discovered, explored and experienced.

Watch a documentary about South China and what is beyond it: 

Check out some books and other information about South China:

southern china tourist attractions

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South China is an amazing part of one of the largest countries in the world. Full of natural landscapes, pictures and colors, full of history and culture, it is challenging place to travel. Check out this ultimate guide- how to explore South China!

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Places to Visit in Southern China

Places to Visit in Southern China

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10 Best Places to Visit Around Southern China

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southern china tourist attractions

China is an enormous country that boasts some of the world’s most densely populated cities, unique tribal subcultures, and breathtaking landforms. The following places have been chosen for their popularity and ability to inspire their visitors.

1. Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China

As the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the world and the tallest structure in all of China, naturally, tourists come flocking. The tower takes its majestical place at the forefront of Guangzhou’s skyline. The structure rises over 2,000 feet in height. The world’s biggest and highest outdoor observatory looks downward from 1,601 feet.

2. Zhangjiajie’s Rock Column Forest

Avatar the movie’s breathtaking scenic backdrop.

Were you enthralled by the movie Avatar’s dramatic, breathtaking scenery? The extraordinary news is that the extraterrestrial landscape was not completely computer-generated. These Southern Sky Columns of China’s Hunan province will bring you right back to the magnificent movie itself.

3. Ride the Shanghai MagLev Train, a.k.a. the Shanghai Transrapid

This is one of the world’s only magnetic levitation trains, meaning it is hovering above its tracks without touching due to brilliantly engineered magnets keeping it suspended. The lack of friction creates the smoothest, fastest ride possible and speeds of up to 250 miles per hour.

4. The Southern Great Wall of China

southern china tourist attractions

While most people know about the Northern Great Wall of China , is that it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world, very few people are aware that there is a Great Wall to the south as well. Spanning 190 miles, it was built by rulers during the Ming Dynasty for military usage and defense against the Mio people of the south.

5. Huangguoshu Falls in Guizhou Province

southern china tourist attractions

China’s Largest Waterfall

Crashing downward from 74 meters, this falls possesses incredible momentum that has been described as overwhelming. Rainbows appear on a regular basis. Consider this a wonderful way to see China’s natural beauty at its best. Swimming beneath the fall is breathtaking.

6. Suzhou City

One of china’s most beautiful metropolises.

Boasting countless bridges, canals, and waterways that give the city of Suzhou a quaint air, it is still teeming with activity. Full of gardens and architectural wonders that will make you pull your camera out again and again, Suzhou is just a short distance away from Shanghai.

7. Dragon Well Tea Garden in Hangzhou, China

southern china tourist attractions

Green tea is known throughout the modern world for the potency of its immune-boosting and weight loss properties. Just a sip of the highest quality green tea leaves one feeling noticeably different, the body system instantly cleaner and invigorated. All of the finest green teas come from China. In fact, despite its reputation as the world’s top exporter, China covets the top tier of Dragon Well green tea for sale only within its walls. To purchase some of the best teas in the world, visit the Dragon Well Tea Garden.

8. Sanya Coral Reef National Nature Reserve

southern china tourist attractions

Despite China’s graver environmental issues, this tropical coral reef is in reasonably good condition, as it is part of a natural reserve to protect the area’s ecology. Here the water is always clear. The reef features gorgeous coral, fish, shrimps, shells, seaweeds, and more aquatic beauty.

9. Suzhou Silk Factory in Suzhou, China

southern china tourist attractions

Here you can attend an extensive, experiential tour that demonstrates every detail of China’s ancient and heralded silk manufacturing sector right from the birth of the silkworms to their eventual cocooning.

10. Guizhou Province, China

Although known as one of the poorest areas of China, the amount of ethnic variation and tribal Chinese subculture here is riveting. The natural scenery is exhilarating. Step away from the big cities, off the beaten path into a China never seen or heard of before!

Natural wonders and exquisite traditions abound in southern China. Consider the above destinations when setting your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and embrace the intimate daily rituals of the Chinese.

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South China

southern china tourist attractions

  • 3.1 Itineraries
  • 4 Understand
  • 7 Get around
  • 12 Stay safe

South China has always been outward-looking. Many of China's mariners and traders have come from this region and many overseas Chinese can trace their ancestry to South China.

All of the provinces in this region have coastlines, but Guangxi is best known for its karst limestone terrain, with fantastically gum drop-shaped hills which have inspired traditional Chinese landscape painting for centuries.

This region of China has looked toward the sea for thousands of years, with Canton (as it was then known to Europeans) being an important trading port. Today, it is again a major center for trade; Guangdong alone produces a third of China's exports, and the other provinces of the region are also very much open for business. Four of China's six Special Economic Zones — areas with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage trade and development — are in this region.

Regions [ edit ]

Map

Two former colonies, Portuguese Macau and British Hong Kong , are now Special Administrative Regions of China. Economically, linguistically and culturally, they are part of the Pearl River Delta area and very much a part of this region. They were administered as parts of Guangdong province before being colonised by European powers. However, they are not covered in this article because they are remarkably different from a traveller's point of view. They have their own entry requirements, visas, and currencies.

Cities [ edit ]

  • 25.266667 110.283333 1 Guilin , main city of a major tourist area with incredible karst mountains
  • 23.13 113.26 2 Guangzhou , formerly known in Europe as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong, historically Southern China's greatest city, and the third largest city in China
  • 20.02 110.32 3 Haikou , capital of Hainan, more of a transit hub than a tourist destination, though it does have several attractions
  • 22.81918 108.31501 4 Nanning , capital and transit hub of Guangxi
  • 18.253333 109.503611 5 Sanya , Hainan's tourist center
  • 23.353889 116.682222 6 Shantou , Guangdong
  • 22.535 114.054 7 Shenzhen Guangdong megacity, next to Hong Kong
  • 24.783333 110.5 8 Yangshuo , smaller town near Guilin with similar attractions, popular with backpackers
  • 22.27694 113.56778 9 Zhuhai , Guangdong, next to Macau

Shantou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and the entire island province of Hainan are Special Economic Zones , meaning that they have various government measures to encourage trade and investment. For a more detailed explanation of the term, see Chinese provinces and regions .

Other destinations [ edit ]

  • The stretch of the Li River between 25.266667 110.283333 1 Guilin and Yangshuo is the major tourist draw in Guangxi , mainly for the karst (interesting limestone mountains) scenery
  • The "castles" ( diaolou ) built by overseas Chinese in 22.37625 112.68769 2 Kaiping , Guangdong, mainly in the early 20th century, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List
  • 25.031944 113.746111 3 Danxiashan – striking red and brown mountains and cliffs in northern Guangdong

Itineraries [ edit ]

  • The Hong Kong to Kunming overland and Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai overland itineraries cross the area.

Understand [ edit ]

southern china tourist attractions

This area has been a center of international trade for centuries. Guangzhou in Guangdong was one of the main Chinese ports on the Maritime Silk Road , starting a few hundred BCE or a few hundred CE according to different historians. Shorter-range trade, such as from Hainan to Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia , has also been going on for a very long time.

Along with neighboring East China , this area was the "China Coast" of the 19th century, the region where tea clippers loaded and other trade (including opium) boomed. Both Chinese and European traders made and lost fortunes, and wars were fought over trading rights. A host of "missionaries, mercenaries and misfits" from all over the world poured in while education, production, modernisation, corruption, consumption, and seduction all went on at a furious pace. Today the area is far less wild, but it is still booming and still attracts many foreign residents.

The region has also been the source of much migration. Many overseas Chinese can trace their ancestry to one of these provinces, and Guangdong in particular has descendants more or less everywhere. In any European country, most people of Chinese descent can trace their roots to Guangdong, and the most common style of Chinese food in Europe is Cantonese (Guangdong) food.

Talk [ edit ]

This area of China is linguistically rich, with many mutually unintelligible Chinese "dialects" spoken as well as the unrelated Zhuang language in Guangxi, belonging to the ethnic minority of the same name. The predominant language this region is Cantonese , which is also spoken in nearby Hong Kong and Macau . Other dialects spoken include Hakka , Teochew (spoken in Chaoshan , near the Fujian border) and Hainanese . The area is also home to several ethnic minorities besides the Zhuang, such as the Li people in Hainan, who speak various non-Chinese languages.

As elsewhere in China, Mandarin is the lingua franca . As Mandarin is the language used in schools, most people are bilingual in Mandarin and their local tongue.

Get in [ edit ]

Guangzhou is one of China's main aviation hubs, and is served by flights from all over China, as well as from major cities all over the world. It is also common to fly into the area through Hong Kong or Macau , nearby cities which are also international hubs.

Shenzhen also has a fairly large number of international flights, while there are also much smaller numbers of international flights into Shantou , Haikou , Sanya , Meizhou , Nanning , and Guilin .

Because so many people from this region have immigrated there, the region is particularly well-connected to Southeast Asia . See Discount airlines in Asia for more information.

Get around [ edit ]

As elsewhere in China, there is an extensive rail network. Rail is the main means of inter-city travel for the Chinese themselves, and many visitors travel that way as well. The system now includes fast bullet trains on some routes; unless your budget is very tight, these are the best way to go — fast, clean and comfortable.

All the major cities have airports with good domestic connections; some have international connections as well. See the individual city articles for details.

There is also an extensive highway network, and much of it very good. Buses go almost anywhere, somewhat cheaper than the trains. See the China article for more. Driving yourself is also possible, but often problematic; see Driving in China .

See [ edit ]

southern china tourist attractions

  • Unique and beautiful mountains, most famously around Guilin but also in Danxiashan
  • "The world's workshop" – sprawling factories and dazzling skyscrapers in the Pearl River Delta
  • The legacy of overseas Chinese in Kaiping and Taishan
  • China's best beaches, most famously Sanya in Hainan
  • Historic sites from Guangzhou 's centuries as a maritime trading hub and Dongguan 's involvement in the Opium Wars

Do [ edit ]

southern china tourist attractions

The whole coast, and especially Hainan , is well provided with beaches and many areas have facilities for kite surfing, diving or other water-based activities.

This is warm tropical water, though, and dangerous species such as sharks and jellyfish are present in some areas; consult a knowledgeable local before swimming anywhere except on busy beaches. Also, check any rented equipment very carefully before doing any inherently dangerous activities such as SCUBA or hang-gliding; government inspections are non-existent or lax and not all vendors are conscientious.

Eat [ edit ]

Cantonese (Guangdong) cuisine is one of the 'eight famous cuisines' in China. Cantonese food is widespread around the world, the basic style of most Chinese restaurants anywhere. Though true Guangdong cuisine, or Yue (粵) as it is known in China, may contain a few surprises, the essence of the style of cooking will be familiar to most visitors. Hainan is also known for its seafood. Hainan food tends to be lightly seasoned and not as heavy as other regions.

Drink [ edit ]

As anywhere in China, beer, wine, brandy and bai jiu (the local white lightning) are very widely available. See China#Alcohol for discussion.

Some brands are common in this region that are much less so elsewhere in China. The Filipino company San Miguel has breweries in Hong Kong and Guangdong, and their beer is popular among expats and travellers in that region. The Singapore-based firm Asia Pacific Breweries [dead link] have a brewery on Hainan and their brands of beer, Tiger and Anchor, are common all over the island. Hainan also has a number of locally-brewed pineapple-based beers, odd but worth a try.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Humidity is often very high in the summer. Typhoons are possible any time between May and November, with the highest risk in July and August.

Go next [ edit ]

China's relatively new and quite extensive system of fast bullet trains provides connections from this region to the rest of China.

  • Branches off this line connect to all the main cities of Eastern and Central China.
  • Beyond Beijing, there is a high-speed line into the Northeast.
  • The link further South to Zhanjiang and Hainan is due in 2016.
  • A line from Guangzhou to Chengdu , via Guilin (a major tourist area) and Guiyang is due to go into service in 2014

Once those are all in service, they will be the most convenient way to leave the region. There are also good connections by regular train, by road or by air from this region to anywhere in China.

See Discount airlines in Asia for flights to Southeast Asia . There are also overland routes to Southeast Asia; the main ones are via Nanning to Hanoi or from Kunming into Northern Laos .

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Things to Do in Suzhou

Things to Do in Suzhou | Top Suzhou Attraction 2024

Suzhou, with a history of nearly 2500 years and know as " paradise on earth ", is one of the first batch of national historical and cultural cities in China and the first "World Heritage Model City" in the world. The representative of Chinese private gardens - the classical gardens in Suzhou and the Suzhou section of the Grand Canal, are listed as world cultural heritage by UNESCO. The magical and soft Suzhou silk has always been a star product for thousands of years.

While you are in Suzhou , you can tour beautiful gardens, visit museums, have a close contact with delicate silk, travel by boat, etc. Here we have selected top 10 things to do in Suzhou to help you find can’t-be-missed attractions and explore Suzhou in all perspectives. If you want to have some of them or some other experience included in your itinerary, feel free to tell us. We can customize a private Suzhou tour according to your own ideas and needs.

Suzhou Tourist Attractions Map

NO.1: Appreciate Elegantly-designed Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Humble Administrator’s Garden

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Lingering Garden

Suzhou is known as "the city of gardens". The private gardens in Suzhou can be traced back to the 6th century BC. In the late Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1636-1912), there were more than 170 gardens in Suzhou, and now more than 50 exist. Suzhou classical garden is a combination of residence and garden, where you can enjoy the natural beauty while living in the house. It shows human beings' attachment to nature, pursuit of harmony with nature, and desire to beautify and improve their living environment. Classical Gardens of Suzhou are generally acknowledged as the great masterpieces in the world history of gardening and nine of them are listed in the World Cultural Heritages. Among them, Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden are the leaders and pride of Chinese garden culture.

Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园) : Built in A.D. 1509, Humble Administrator's Garden is a representation of Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River) classical garden, and is now the largest classical garden in Suzhou. The whole garden features in water scenery, magnificent rockeries, delicate pavilions and lush flowers and trees. Walking on the meandering paths and corridors, every step you take will lead you to different scenery. Scenic and peaceful, everything in the garden tells a story in the past.

Lingering Garden (留园) : Lingering Garden (Liuyuan Garden) is a large-scale classical private garden in China, covering an area of 23300 square meters, representing the style of the Qing Dynasty. It is famous for its exquisite architectural art, magnificent halls, and varied courtyards. This rhythmic garden space system has become a world-famous example of architectural space artistic processing. Lingering Garden is roughly divided into four parts: the east is mainly architecture, the middle is landscape garden, the west is rock and stone rockery, and the north is pastoral scenery.

▶ Other Classical Gardens in Suzhou: Lion Grove Garden (狮子林) , Canglang Pavilion (沧浪亭), Couple Garden (耦园), Retreat & Reflection Garden (退思园), Garden of Cultivation (艺圃), etc.

Apart from these gardens, do not miss Suzhou Museum - one of the most beautiful museums in China. It is a combination of classical garden and modern architecture. Suzhou Museum is the top regional museum, which was founded in 1960 in the former residence of the Zhong Prince of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The building itself is an attraction, designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the world renowned award-winning architect. “Chinese style with innovation, Suzhou style with creativity”. Its design is influenced heavily by the nearby UNESCO classical garden - Humble Administrator’s Garden. The national-important artifacts, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics …make it one of the top museums in China.

☛ 1 Day Suzhou City Highlights Tour ☛ 2 Days Suzhou Classic Garden Tour

NO.2: Feel the Charm of Over Thousand-Year-Old Suzhou Silk

Things to Do in Suzhou

Visit Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Suzhou Silk Museum

Silk is one of the ancient Chinese civilizations and an important embodiment of Chinese culture. Suzhou is the hometown of silk. In 1958, the ancient silk fragments of the Neolithic Age were excavated in Wuxing County of Taihu Lake, which proved the existence of silk in Suzhou over 4700 years ago. Over the thousands of years, Suzhou people have mastered superb silk-making skills and silk has won the favor of people with its skin-friendly texture and graceful patterns. If you want to know more about Suzhou silk, there are some places you can not miss.

Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory (苏州第一丝厂) : Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory is a state-owned plant established in 1926. This factory is open to public, so you could see closely how the silk is made from silkworm breeding, selecting cocoons to making silk, feel the soft, thin and light silk quilt and fill your eyes with various unprecedented excellent silk exhibits. You can also buy some silk products home from here.

Suzhou Silk Museum (苏州丝绸博物馆) : Suzhou Silk Museum built in 1991 is the first museum that specializes in silk in China. In the exhibition halls, you can learn China’s 7000 years’ silk history, know the life of silkworms, watch traditional silk-weaving skill, see what Suzhou Official Weaving Department is like, appreciate silk garment and witness the change of Chinese silk.

Taihuxue Sericulture Cultural Park (太湖雪蚕桑文化园) : It is an ecological park providing a series of silk-themed immersion experiences. You can closely watch the life of a silkworm growing from sesame size to cocooning, observe the production process of silk, and experience colorful silk cultural activities such as learning how to draw with cocoons, tie dye and embroider. You can also enjoy the joy of picking fresh, pollution-free and sweet mulberry in the vast mulberry garden. It is a perfect place for a family tour with kids to feel the charm of thousand-year sericulture.

☛ 1 Day Suzhou City Highlights Tour ☛ 2 Days Suzhou Culture Tour with Silk Discovery Experience

NO.3: Spend a Relaxing Time in Ancient Water Towns of Suzhou

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Zhouzhuang Water Town

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Tongli Water Town

Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River) is a poetic region which has been praised in countless Chinese literary works since ancient times. It is a place with outstanding people and beautiful scenery and water towns is an indispensable part of Jiangnan. Suzhou itself has been a prosperous city and there are many water towns in Suzhou suburb.

Zhouzhuang Water Town (周庄) : Zhouzhuang links Suzhou and Shanghai, about 45 km (1 hour’s drive) from Suzhou downtown and 70 km (75 minutes’ drive) from Shanghai downtown. Zhouzhuang is called “Venice of the East” and is the No.1 water town in China, noted for its profound culture, well preserved ancient residential houses and the elegant watery views. The charming old town can be explored on foot or via a boat tour on the canals. Interesting sights here include Ming-era Zhang’s House with 70 rooms, Shen’s House with 100 rooms, and Chengxu Temple, a Song Dynasty Taoist shrine.

Tongli Water Town (同里) : Tongli is 25 kilometers away from Suzhou downtown with 40 minutes’ drive. It is definitely a good choice combining in your Suzhou tour. Tongli is an aged but very well preserved water town with a history of more than 1,000 years, giving visitors a good idea of what Suzhou was like in its heyday. It is smaller than Zhouzhuang but the scenery is more original, the locals still live in a traditional way. Strolling along the ancient alleys, taking a cruise on the clear water, sitting in a tea house watching the canoes passing by…are good ways to spend your leisure time here.

Luzhi Water Town (甪直) : Luzhi located in southeastern Suzhou is an ancient water town that is not known to many tourists. Actually, it is as old as Suzhou (2500 years old) and has a longer history than Zhouzhuang and Tongli. It is famous for the water, bridges, and ancient residences. Not being over commercialized, you can see what the local life is really like and spend a couple of relaxing hours walking through the lanes, visiting temples, museums, buildings, and flowing with the river on a wooden boat.

☛ 2 Days Suzhou Essence Tour with Water Town ☛ 2 Days Suzhou Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour

NO.4: Stoll Leisurely along Ancient Streets

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Pingjiang Road

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Shantang Street

For an authentic taste of the city life in old Suzhou, a stroll along the ancient streets would be a nice choice. Many old-style stores and residences are preserved. Local people are living their daily lives there and many youngsters will dress up in ancient clothes and come here to take beautiful pictures.

Pingjiang Road (平江路) : Paralleling with 25 centuries old Pingjiang River, Pingjiang Road is a historical street loved by many tourists. It stretches 1,606 meters from north to south. With well-preserved blocks, it acts as an epitome of ancient Suzhou. Walking in Pingjiang Road is like entering the daily life of people in old times. The charming night view, delicious local food, different kinds of handicrafts will give you a wonderful experience. Apart from these, you could explore old history, admire the exquisite garden, and learn about Kun Opera Culture because it is close to Humble Administrator’s Garden and Kunqu Opera Museum.

Shantang Street (山塘街) : Shantang Street or Seven-mile Shantang in the northwestern Gusu District was built in A.D. 825 by the famous poet Bai Juyi. Connecting Tiger Hill in the west and Changmen in the east with a total length of seven miles, Shangtang was once one of the most prosperous street blocks in ancient China. Paying a visit to this antique street block to see the well preserved historic buildings of black tiles and white walls, taking a painted boat on the old river of Jiangnan features, feeling the authentic flavor of old Suzhou in the prosperous stores selling local food, handicrafts, silk, etc. to know more about the profound culture and history of Suzhou city.

☛ 1 Day Suzhou City Highlights Tour ☛ 3 Days Hangzhou & Suzhou Beauty Tour by High Speed Train

NO.5: Explore Suzhou Grand Canal on Boat

Things to Do in Suzhou

Suzhou Grand Canal at Night

Things to Do in Suzhou

Cruise Passing Panmen

Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal is an important part of the Grand Canal that was built in 486 BC with the aim of linking the Yangtze River with Yellow River and is a World Heritage Site as the longest and oldest canal in the world . The Grand Canal in Suzhou serves the most convenient traffic web that covers the whole city. It has been the golden waterway for thousands of years and prospered the economy of Suzhou.

Taking a cruise along Suzhou Grand Canal (苏州古运河) at Xinshiqiao Dock, you could see several historic tower gates such as Pan Gate, Xu Gate, Chang Gate, and old bridges in different styles and the prosperous old Shantang Street. It is also the best way to see the ancient residences along the banks and truly get a good idea about what is going on in the old town. The scenery is especially beautiful at night, tranquil, peaceful and historical, it’s just like a time machine taking you back to the old era when ancient people communicated mainly by shipping on the waterway.

On your Grand Canal cruise, you can pay a visit to Panmen (Pan Gate) . Panmen Scenic Area was built on the base of some historic sites by using the architectural structure of classical gardens. It mainly consists of “three fine sceneries”: Panmen Gate, Wu Men Bridge and Ruiguang Pagoda. Panmen Gate is a famous historical landmark in Suzhou with a history of 2500 years, remaining the city’s ancient fortifications. It is the only land and water gate in China. The graceful Wu Men Bridge is the tallest in Suzhou and it dates back to the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279). The seven-story pagoda is constructed of brick with wooden platforms. After a climb up narrow stairs, looking down into the heart of Suzhou reveals a city dotted with large pockets of green - the beautiful gardens that have made the city so famous.

☛ 2 Days Suzhou Classic Garden Tour with Grand Canal Cruise

NO.6: Make an In-depth Cultural Discovery in Suzhou

Things to Do in Suzhou

  • Hanshan Temple

People are always so indulged in the beauty of Suzhou gardens and silk that they sometimes forget the profound history and culture of Suzhou cultivated in 2500 years. Suzhou is an important birthplace of Wu Culture and many learned people in history have come here and left eternal works.

Tiger Hill (虎丘) : Tiger Hill is a hot tourist attraction located in the northwest of Suzhou City. With a history of over 2,500 years, Tiger Hill enjoys lots of historical legendary as well as antique architectures. In Spring and Autumn Period (BC 770 ~ BC 476), the King of Wu State called He Lv (阖闾) died in the war against Yue State. His son Fu Chai (夫差) buried him in the Surging Sea Hill. There goes a legend that a white tiger came to the hill three days later. So people renamed it as Tiger Hill. Great litterateur Su Shi once said that “What a lifetime pity it is if you have been to Suzhou without a visit to Tiger Hill”. It is not exaggerated to say that. Small as it is, it has enchanting natural landscape and a dozen of historical & cultural relics. Visiting Tiger Hill is the best way to have a glimpse of the history and legend of Suzhou. Therefore, it is praised as the No.1 Sight in Suzhou and National AAAAA Scenic Spot.

Hanshan Temple (寒山寺) : Hanshan Temple, literally “Cold Mountain Temple” is a Buddhist temple in Suzhou. First constructed in Liang Dynasty (A.D. 502-557), the temple was named after a Tang Dynasty poet-monk. Located close to the Grand Canal, it was immortalized by the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji, who arrived here by boat. His poem “A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge” was inscribed on a stone stele, and Hanshan Temple was mentioned in two lines “Outside Suzhou Hanshan Temple is in sight; Its ringing bells reach my boat at midnight”. Now it is the biggest event in Hanshan Temple to hear the New Year’s Bell and pray for peace and fortune. Nearby, a beautiful Maple Bridge offers grand views along the Grand Canal.

☛ 2 Days Suzhou Culture Tour with Tiger Hill

NO.7: Take a Night Tour to Master of the Nets Garden

Things to Do in Suzhou

Master of the Nets Garden Night View

Things to Do in Suzhou

Performance in Master of the Nets Garden

Master of the Nets Garden is a representative work of middle-sized Suzhou private classical landscape garden. It was firstly built in the Southern Song Dynasty (A.D. 1127-1279) and changed hands many times. But all its owners were learned people with refined taste. It is said that it was named after one of its owners - a retired official who wished to become an accomplished fisherman. Apart from the pavilions, lakes, rockeries, and poem steles, when night falls, Master of the Nets Garden (网师园) presents a totally different scene.

It is the only garden in Suzhou opening at night (May to November only, 19:30 to 22:00). The night view is fantastic and the Night Garden Traditional Art Performance will give you an unforgettable evening. A series of musical and acting sketches are set in different parts of the garden. In different halls, you can enjoy traditional stringed and woodwind instruments performance, classical dance together with a 21-or 25-stringed plucked instrument show, melodious Kun Opera, traditional storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect etc.

☛ 2 Days Suzhou Classic Garden Tour

NO.8: Enjoy Kunqu Opera Culture & Performance

Things to Do in Suzhou

The Peony Pavilion

Things to Do in Suzhou

Palace of Eternal Life

Traditional Suzhou Opera, known as Kunju or Kunqu , is renowned as the oldest form of Chinese opera with a history of about 600 years . It was listed as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2001. To provide the best stage effect and artistic beauty, Kunqu Opera is especially excellent in the fine makeup, soft and graceful singing, elegant actions, and traditional music, etc., which is really a hearty visual and audio feast.

Classic Kunqu Operas such as The Peony Pavilion (牡丹亭), Palace of Eternal Life (长生殿), and Peach Blossoms Fan (桃花扇) are passed down generation by generation. For a complete Kunqu opera performance (about 1.5-2 hours) presented by professional Kunqu actors/actresses, you can buy a performance ticket in Suzhou Kunqu Theater (江苏省苏州昆剧院). If you just want to get a quick glimpse of Kunqu Opera, there are some Kunqu Opera houses in Shantang Street providing excerpts of a complete play.

NO.9: Bath in Gentle Breeze along Beautiful Lakes

Things to Do in Suzhou

Taihu Lake in Sunset

Things to Do in Suzhou

Full View of Jinji Lake at Night

As a city along Yangtze Rive, Suzhou is rich in rivers and lakes. There are more than 300 lakes in all sizes in Suzhou. Suzhou's water is graceful and deep into Suzhou people's lives. Suzhou's history, memory, beauty and vitality are inseparable from its water. When you are in Suzhou, it is very pleasant to take a walk along the lakes, enjoy the sunset and bath in the gentle breeze. Popular lakes in Suzhou include Taihu Lake, Jinji Lake, Yangcheng Lake, Dushu Lake, Qingjian Lake, etc.

Taihu Lake: Taihu Lake is one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China, covering an area of 2445㎞² and spanning in four cities, which are Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Huzhou. There are over 50 islands in Taihu and the main scenic spots are in Xishan and Dongshan scenic areas. The sunset in Taihu is amazing with sailing boats, ducks, and reeds in the orange glow. Taihu is also the paradise for lake food. You can't miss the "three whites of Taihu Lake" - white fish, silver fish and white shrimp. When you are here in autumn, there are delicious hairy crabs.

Jinji Lake: Jinji Lake is the largest inner city lake in China. Every day, many tourists come to the lake for leisure, walking, shopping and eating. There are four entrances in the scenic area and people generally choose the western one. There is a bicycle rental spot from the subway entrance. If you want to ride around the lake, you can rent a bicycle here. Ligong Dyke is the only long dyke in Jinji Lake, which retains the traditional Suzhou architecture features. The Jinji Lake Bridge at night can't be missed. The colorful digital waterfall flows down from the bridge with beautiful scenery.

NO.10: Taste Distinctive Su Cuisine in Suzhou

Things to Do in Suzhou

Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish

Things to Do in Suzhou

Suzhou Pastries

Su Cuisine is one of the eight famous cuisines of China . As a distinctive Jiangsu city, you can taste authentic Su cuisine in Suzhou. As Jiangsu boasts a developed water system, and this area has abundant vegetables and sea and river foods, many dishes use river, lake and sea foods as their ingredients. Su cuisine focuses on preserving the original flavor of the ingredients with light, fresh and sweet taste . Besides, Suzhou people love pastries and there are many snacks you can try. They are also usually sweet. Su cuisine is welcomed by visitors. Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish (松鼠鳜鱼), Glutinous Rice Dumplings in Sweet Rice Wine (酒酿小圆), etc. are some of the most popular.

Where to eat: Songhelou (松鹤楼) in Guanqian Street, Xiehe Restaurant (协和菜馆) in Fenghuang Street, Deyuelou (得月楼) in Guanqian Street, etc.

How to Plan Your Travel in Suzhou

How to Get to Suzhou: You can easily get to Suzhou by high speed train from Shanghai (about 0.5 hour), Hangzhou (about 1.5 hours), Nanjing (about 1 hour), Beijing (about 4.5 hours), etc.

Best Time to Visit Suzhou: April to October, especially April and May in spring and September and October in autumn

Generally, a classic Suzhou tour takes about 1~2 days. Visiting Suzhou, you can't miss elegant Suzhou gardens, like Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, etc. You can choose one or two of them for a great garden delight. Other must-be-visited sights in Suzhou City include Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory from which you can watch the process of silk making from silkworms to elegant products, Tiger Hill which is known as the first sight in Suzhou, Suzhou Museum which is designed by I. M. Pei and Suzhou's old canalside roads (like Pingjaing Road and Shantang Street), etc. If you like Jiangnan watertowns , you can visit Tongli, Zhouzhuang or Luzhi to have a wonderful time.

☛ 1 Day Suzhou City Highlights Tour ☛ 1 Day Suzhou Zhouzhuang Tour ☛ 2 Days Best Suzhou & Tongli Water Village Tour

If you want to explore more about Jiangsu Province, you can travel to Nanjing - the old capital city of 6 ancient dynasties, Wuxi - a beautiful lakeshore city, Yangzhou - old culture center of southern China, etc. Check more about Jiangsu Tours>

☛ 5 Days Jiangsu Tour (Suzhou, Wuxi & Nanjing)

In fact, most people travel Suzhou with Shanghai - the best gateway city to Suzhou, and Hangzhou which has long been on a par with Suzhou since ancient times. Generally, it needs 2~3 days enjoying Shanghai's highlights and another 2~3 days appreciating the poetic beauty. Check more about Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours>

☛ 3 Days Hangzhou & Suzhou Beauty Tour by High Speed Train ☛ 4 Days Shanghai Suzhou Excellent Tour ☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Suzhou

Get Inspired by Real Travel Stories of Our Customers

Since 2012, we have helped numerous customers visit Suzhou and surroundings. With our fully-inclusive private tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to the exquisite gardens, peaceful watertowns, informative silk factory or museum, old Suzhou streets, etc. Some of them kindly shared their precious photos and stories about their Suzhou journey, just get inspired now.

"We were lucky for being able to watch Chinese dancers at the Lingering Garden at the time of visit…" - shared by Nguyen (Check her The Pursuit of Natural Beauty with the Beloved one - 14 Days Beautiful China Exploring Tour > )

"Suzhou was the real treat at the end of the trip! Everything about Suzhou was perfect…" - shared by Elizabeth from Britain (Check her Long-lasting Memory brought by First Trip to China - 16 Days well-Organized and Wonderful First Visit to China >

Besides the wonderful travel stories, many customers who visited Suzhou with China Discovery also send us their first-hand feedbacks about their trip, feel free to read the Suzhou Reviews and learn what they say about their experience. If you want to start your Suzhou tour now, don't hesitate to contact us .

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China's Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions: Historical, Cultural, Scenic & More

China's Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions: Historical, Cultural, Scenic & More

With a vast territory and a long history, China offers so much to see and explore. We have listed for you the top 15 must-visit attractions in China for any classic China tour.

Content Preview

  • 1. The Great Wall
  • 2. Forbidden City
  • 3. Terracotta Army
  • 4. Giant Pandas
  • 5. Yellow Mountains
  • 6. Li River
  • 7. Potala Palace

8. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  • 9. Mogao Caves
  • 10. The Bund
  • 11. West Lake
  • 12. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve
  • 13. Victoria Harbor
  • 14. Lijiang Old Town
  • 15. Erhai Lake

1. The Great Wall of China in Beijing

In the eyes of most travelers, you haven't been to China if you haven't climbed the Great Wall .

One of the iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the world , an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over a rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. It deserves its place among "the New Seven Wonders of the World" and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.

T he most integrated and best-preserved sections are close to Beijing. Among them, the Jinshanling section has the most beautiful scenery and is very suitable for hiking.

The Mutianyu section has a better architecture with densely spaced watchtowers and easy to climb, which is suitable for families with the elderly and children. Which Sections of the Great Wall Should I Visit?

The Simatai section is good for a night tour of the Great Wall. See our 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour

There is no better way to explore China's Great Wall than by hiking or walking along with it. Tread the centuries-old bricks and walk through watchtower ruins. Take your time and feel the history come to life. See 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

2. The Forbidden City in Beijing — Imperial Palace for 24 Emperors

It was once a "palace" city where ordinary people were forbidden entry . An extravagant demonstration of ancient Chinese architecture, over 8,000 rooms with golden roofs are elegantly designed and painted in red and yellow.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for 560 years till 1911. 24 emperors lived there. Listed as World Cultural Heritage, it also houses many Chinese cultural and historical relics and treasures . See 4-Day Beijing Private Tour with Visit to Forbidden City

It is recognized as one of the five most important palaces in the world (with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US, and the Kremlin in Russia). Read on How to Visit the Forbidden City — for Discerning Travelers

3. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an — 2,000-Year-Old Underground Army

The Terracotta Army has been laid underground for more than 2,000 years . However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. In 1987 it became World Cultural Heritage.

It is significant because the hundreds of detailed life-size models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies in the Warring States Period (475—221 BC), and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China.

It raises interesting questions about why it was made, which await your consideration when you come face-to-face with soldiers of the past. See our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour including Terracotta Warriors

You could make your own warriors at a cave-dwelling where there are only a few craftsmen left who continue to work in a traditional way . Read more about How to Visit the Terracotta Army Hassle Free

All our tours are customized . Our travel consultants will create an itinerary based on your interests, group sizes, travel length, and other requirements.

4. Giant Pandas in Chengdu — China's "National Treasure"

The giant panda is not only deeply loved by the Chinese, but by many foreigners too, and not just children. Although there are many zoos in China and elsewhere, where you can see a giant panda, the best place to see them is Chengdu — the giant panda's "hometown" .

There are three places you can see pandas close up : Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, and Bifengxia Panda Base.

  • Chengdu Panda Center is in the north of the city and is more established.
  • Dujiangyan and Bifengxia Panda Bases are 1-2 hours from Chengdu and you can see pandas in their natural habitat.
  • You can get even closer to the pandas by taking a volunteer program in Dujiangyan or Bifengxia Panda Valley . See our 1-Day Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program Tour

Read more about How to Plan a Panda Tour

5. The Yellow Mountains near Shanghai — Legendary Wonders

In east China, close to Shanghai and Hangzhou, the Yellow Mountain Scenic Area (Huangshan) woos travelers with its five wonders : sunrises , seas of clouds , oddly-shaped rocks , twisted pine trees , and hot springs . The Yellow Mountains are the most famous peaks in China.

The villages nearby such as Hongcun Village were once considered to be the utopia of ancient China . Villagers have diverted water into "house gardens" and "water yards", which exist only in this village. The village, in its breathing-taking setting, looks like a Chinese painting. Canola flowers in spring can be the icing on the cake.

Bishan Village is the best choice if you want to enjoy some quiet moments with your partner. Stay in a typical Hui-style inn, feel the freshness of the air on an early morning walk, and drink a coffee while enjoying nature in its unspoiled beauty. See our 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour

6. The Li River in Guilin & Yangshuo — China's Most Celebrated Scenery

The karst landscape along the Li River has captured the heart of artists. Generations of Chinese painters and poets have been inspired by the beauty of nature there, using their pens and brushes to capture the breathtaking natural scenery. When Chinese travelers seek a place for natural beauty, they first think of Li River and Yangshuo .

The Li River was listed as one of the "World's Top Ten Watery Wonders" by America's National Geographic Magazine. Several world-famous figures have visited the Li River, including former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush (senior), and Bill Gates.

The 83-kilometer-long section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful. The river landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo groves.

Taking a leisurely cruise or a 3–4-hour family-friendly moderate hike (more on Li River hiking ) are good ways to enjoy the Li River's beauty.

Guilin & Yangshuo offer many interesting activities. You could challenge yourself to an SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. a mini raft) on the Yulong River, take a bamboo raft , have a cycling tour into the countryside, or take an exciting drive with an all-terrain vehicle . See 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour

7. The Potala Palace in Tibet — Heart of the Roof of the World

The Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibet . In 1994 it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It is a huge treasure house of materials and articles from Tibetan history, religion, culture, and art. The palace is widely known for its precious sculptures, murals, scriptures, Buddhist statues, antiques, and religious jewelry housed within it.

You could witness the architectural miracle containing the regal heritage of Tibet, listen to stories of Dalai Lamas who lived in the palace, and view the palace from the four best angles .

Tibet doesn't accept independent travelers . Traveling with a travel agency is required. Read more about Tibet Travel Restrictions or contact us to explore the main highlights from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. See our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Private Tour

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , the inspiration of Avatar, is a must-see place for its out-of-this-world scenery . It is huge with many different scenic areas. The "floating mountains and peaks" that inspired Avatar are concentrated in this park.

The top-rated scenic areas are Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Gold Whip Stream. These three areas can be visited by tourists of any age.

Walking is not hard at the main attractions, where cable cars, elevators, a tram, and shuttle buses are available and concrete paths and steps have been built. See our 4 Days Essence of Zhangjiajie

9. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang

"In the West, there is the Louvre; in the East, there are the Mogao Caves."

The Mogao Caves are famous for their exquisite murals and Buddhist statues . The Mogao Caves were included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list in 1987.

Artists from different periods of the Middle Ages left their work there. All kinds of works spanning over one thousand years complement each other.

Standing out in the desert, the Mogao Caves are like a glittering pearl that adorns the Silk Road .

In addition to visiting these wonderful caves, you could get some hands-on archaeological experience. We can take you to the Dunhuang Research Academy. There, you can linger over copies of murals created by masters and can copy a sample mural on a mud slab with your own hands under the guidance of the teacher.

  • 5-Day Dunhuang In-Depth Private Tour including Visit to Mogao Caves
  • 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour - Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities

10. The Bund in Shanghai — Stunning Skyline, Colonial Architecture

The Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. It showcases the world with its colonial European buildings and skyscrapers on the other side of the Huangpu, housing one of the world's foremost business districts.

The Bund was Shanghai's most prosperous area in the late 19th century and early 20th century. When the first British company opened an office at the Bund in 1846, it became the epitome of elegance .

one of the best ways to explore the Bund is to take an in-depth cultural walk where you could step into some of the iconic old buildings and learn about the stories behind them. A night cruise on the Huang Pu Rover could also be a good choice.

11. West Lake in Hangzhou — Paradise on Earth

Hangzhou is renowned as China's "paradise on earth" owing to its beautifully crafted landscape . West Lake was created after the Chinese love for garden-style parks for recreation.

West Lake is a place of tranquility where urbanity becomes a silhouette on the northeast horizon and mountains near and far surround it on the other three sides. The occasional pagoda and Chinese-style arched bridge add atmosphere to the tree-lined walkways, verdant islands, and hills.

To admire the beauty of West Lake, you can leisurely bike around the lake, walk around the lake, or take a short cruise on the lake . We could also find a perfect location for you to enjoy afternoon tea while enjoying the beautiful view of West Lake. See 4-Day Shanghai & Hangzhou with Watertown Tour

12. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve — Gemstone-Colored Lakes, Colorful Forests, Meadows

Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is called "the last pure land on earth" and "the last Shangri-La" due to its breathtaking natural scenery.

"I want to go there with my sweetheart to see the clear blue sky, the snowcapped mountains, and the golden meadows, to experience an autumn fairy tale." A Chinese romantic drama movie, I Belonged to You , made Daocheng a desirable romantic place to visit.

As early as 1928, the Austrian-American explorer Joseph F. Rock visited Daocheng and captured its beauty, printing pictures of it in the National Geographic magazine and making it known to the world .

The Tibetan cultural experience is another highlight of this route . You can see many ancient monasteries and Tibetan-style houses during the trip.

  • 8-Day Chengdu to Shangri-La Adventure Tour - Chengdu, Xinduqiao, Daocheng, Riwa, Xiangcheng, and Shangri-La
  • 9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour — Chengdu, Wolong (Baby Pandas), Rilong, Danba, Tagong, Litang, Riwa, Yajiang, and Moxi

All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us .

13. Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong — Mighty Skyscraper Skyline

The view over Victoria Harbour from Victoria Peak is to Hong Kong as climbing the Great Wall is to China ; it offers the iconic outlook over Hong Kong's "high rise" to success and prosperity.

Victoria Peak is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of Hong Kong . Viewed from the peak, both day and night scenes are worth taking in. See high-rise buildings around the busy Victoria Harbour stretching out towards the Chinese mainland. At night the scenery is gorgeous when the Symphony of Lights of various buildings dances in unison .

14. Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan — Cobbled Pedestrian Streets, Small Waterways

Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan is characterized by ancient cobbled streets, stone bridges, and water-wheel-driven canals decorated with flowers. Shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, snack stalls, and hotels can be found everywhere .

The big waterwheels are a landmark of Lijiang Old Town. As you enter the old town, you will see them. The river flowing through the old town keeps them rotating. Bar Street is next to them, which is busy at night.

You could also go to Naxi Hieroglyphs and Painting Exhibition Hall to experience Naxi art . The Naxi are the only people who still use hieroglyphs to write in the world .

  • 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour - Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan
  • 9-Day Yunnan Family Tour - Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La

All our Yunnan tours can be customized. Contact us to create a trip for you according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

15. Erhai Lake in Dali — One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in China

Erhai Lake is the most beautiful place in Dali . It is a plateau lake. Erhai Lake is in the shape of an ear, hence its name Erhai ('Ear Sea'). This plateau lake is like a deep blue gem set in the green land. The water of the lake is calm and blue. The soft and gentle wind by the lake will make you feel relaxed.

Every December, flocks of black-headed gulls from Siberia fly in to spend the winter at Erhai Lake .

Biking is the best way to travel around the lake . Capturing the beauty of the landscape bathed in sunshine and breezes is a real pleasure. There are two cycle routes around Erhai Lake : Haixi (on Erhai's west shore) and Haidong (on Erhai's east shore). The Haixi route is more suitable for young or inexperienced riders. Haidong route is quiet and has panoramic views. Contact us to arrange mountain bikes with helmets for you.

  • 4-Day Dynamic Dali Tour - Hike and Bike
  • 6-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Tour - Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour
  • 7-Day Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour - A Feast of Landscapes and Ethnic Minority Culture

The Most Popular China Tour Itineraries

Our tour services are personalized . We will help you to maximize your travel experience by suggesting the optimal trip for the time you have and the places you want to see. Just contact us .

  • The Golden Triangle (8 days): Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai — the most popular destinations for a first trip
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11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an, Guilin and Shanghai Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

11-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai

Very educational, cultural tour. organization was perfect, Would like to congratulate every one who played a role in organizing this tour.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

NORTH VIETNAM’S HA GIANG LOOP Tour

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NORTH VIETNAM’S HA GIANG LOOP

A wonderfull experience, with a magical staff! 100% satisfaction with this organisation

The Essence of Guilin Tour

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The Essence of Guilin

It's been a great trip... Thanks to you. We've couldn't have asked for a better Guilin tour.

Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang- Shangri-La Tour

Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang- Shangri-La

Since we were traveling in an unpopular travel time, we had our own private tour guide. Our guide, Nancy, was also our driver for Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. The whole itinerary was very good scheduled and not to packed, so we had time to stroll around the cities by ourselves as well. We were very happy overall and will definitely recommend this tour

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey Tour

Great Wall to Great Cities: Beijing to Shanghai China Journey

I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.
  • 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey Tour

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

I will use tourrader again

Essence of Southwest China Tour

Essence of Southwest China

Tour was excellent. Better than expected. Amy (the tour leader) was particularly good. Great itinerary - a lot packed into a short time.

Customized Wonders of China Tour with Daily Departure and Private Guide Tour

Customized Wonders of China Tour with Daily Departure and Private Guide

The tour guides and organization were very good. We all had a great experience. However, I would stay one night less in Xi'an and extend the time and activities in Guilin. The extra fee to be paid for travelling alone is excessive.

5-Day Unique Northern Vietnam: Ha Giang,Dong Van Plateau, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake Tour

5-Day Unique Northern Vietnam: Ha Giang,Dong Van Plateau, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake

Asiatic Triangle Tour

Asiatic Triangle

3-day Wonder of Ha Giang Stone Highland - Nature and Trekking Tour

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3-day Wonder of Ha Giang Stone Highland - Nature and Trekking

Very nice place to go

12-DAY CHINA CLASSIC WONDERS TOUR Tour

12-DAY CHINA CLASSIC WONDERS TOUR

Beijing to Shanghai Express Tour

Beijing to Shanghai Express

14 Days Group Tour to Enjoy China Beauty Tour

14 Days Group Tour to Enjoy China Beauty

Fabulous China 10 Days: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yangshuo, Guangzhou Tour

Fabulous China 10 Days: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yangshuo, Guangzhou

Great local guides! Great excursions!

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A jaw dropping ride, with view after view after view. Mr Biker's awesome team supporting as always, catering for a wide range of abilities. I loved this trip and would recommend it to anyone.
Excellent tour! Very well organised, includes everything that is necessary and I felt treated like a VIP guest all the time! My guide - Yunhua - bent over and backwards to make my trip unforgettable and he also arranged with great efficiency all the extra activities I was asking for (last minute)

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The best of China: 14 places you won’t want to miss

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

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From vibrant cities to jaw-dropping natural wonders like Zhangjiajie, here are the places in China you won’t want to miss © siraphat / Shutterstock

In  China , antiquity and heritage meet 21st-century innovation and lighting-fast development.

This is a country packed with highlights – so many that it might be hard to craft a manageable itinerary. Start by immersing yourself in one of China's gigantic, sprawling cities – which contain plenty of frantic energy, but hidden pockets of serenity, too. Take a break from the crush by soaking up China's natural scenery – think jagged peaks and pine forests draped in a sea of mist that look like they've been lifted straight from one of the country's masterpiece scroll paintings. As one of the world's most ancient civilizations, China also offers wonderful opportunities to explore astounding relics from its millennia of history. 

Don't know where to start? Whether you dream of gilded temples, boisterous urban environments, fabulous food or the wonders of the Great Wall, here are our picks of the best places to visit in China.

Imperial shopfronts in a traditional hutong district, Beijing, China

One of the world's greatest cities and China's absolute can't-miss destination, Beijing is home to many of China's big-ticket attractions: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square , the Summer Palace and more. But its appeal goes well beyond blockbuster sights. Get lost among its labyrinth of traditional hutongs (alleyways), marvel at its cutting-edge modern architecture, feast on Peking duck and a million other dishes from across the country, check out the local indie music scene, admire Ming-dynasty ceramics, drop by a traditional teahouse or enjoy a boisterous evening sampling the local baijiu  (sorghum wine).

Buddha scultpures in the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China

2. Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

Along the ancient Silk Road, the atmospheric frontier town of Dunhuang is home to one of the world's most important collections of Buddhist art. Among more than 490 Buddhist caves in the area, the mural and statue-filled Mogao Grottoes represent perhaps the zenith of Buddhist artistry in China.

Tourists on a viewing platform at Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

3. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

One of China's most famous treks, this 22km (14-mile)  hiking trail winds through a World Heritage-listed gorge in Yunnan that is one of Asia's most striking landscapes. Framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic Jinshajiang River, the natural monument plunges to depths of 3900m (12,795ft), making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

The head of the Le Shan Buddha

4. Le Shan, Sichuan

Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the monumental 1200-year old Buddha image  at Le Shan is carved directly into the rock face. World Heritage–listed, the extraordinary monument stands 71m (233ft) tall and 28m (92ft) wide, making it the largest ancient Buddha in the world. Whether you're spiritually included or not, coming face to face with this sculpture is quite a moving experience.

The nighttime skyline of Shanghai, China

5. Shanghai

Glitzy, elegant, historic and cosmopolitan: everything you've heard about Shanghai is true. Just take a stroll through the French Concession or along the Bund , and you'll see for yourself. From the grand display of 1920s architecture to the city's sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars to the sci-fi neon-lit skyscrapers across the bay, Shanghai is the past and future China brought to vivid life.

A young man looks off the side of the Great Wall of China

6. The Great Wall

Snaking through China's majestic mountainous terrain, the spectacular  Great Wall is the nation's most iconic landmark. Built over two millennia, this awe-inspiring, 21,196km-long (13,170-mile-long) fortification is a true marvel of human accomplishment. In fact, it's not one wall but many, stretching from the east coast all the way to the far western desert. The most easily accessible stretches can be reached by car from Beijing.

A caretaker with baby pandas, Chengdu

With its charming teahouses, lively nightlife and fiery Sichuan food, Chengdu is one of China's most popular cities for travelers. But most folk visit here for one reason: pandas. And while you'd be very lucky to spot one in the wild, sightings are guaranteed at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base . Other draws of this inland regional capital include temples, pavilions and museums devoted to the culture of the ancient Shu kingdom.

Pastoral landscape on Yulong river, Yangshuo, China

8. Karst peaks, Guilin

Spanning the distance from Guilin to Yangshou , the picture-perfect karst-limestone peaks offer an extraordinary backdrop to the scenic Li River and rice paddies. Grab a bicycle or board a raft to tour this beautiful countryside, passing farmers and water buffalo along the way.

A spread of dim sum, Guangzhou, China

9. Guangzhou

This vibrant and dynamic  megacity is one of China's most fascinating hubs. You'll find an intriguing mix of old and new in a city where skyscrapers nudge the clouds, and monks shuffle around 1500-year-old Buddhist temples. But it's the Cantonese cuisine that lures in many, with some of the finest dim sum in all of China.

A woman in traditional dress walks through the terraced rice paddies of Longji, China

10. Longji Rice Terraces, Guangxi

You'll find rice paddies all over China – but few are as spectacular as the ones in Longji , built against a backdrop of lush mountains. Walks here lead to viewpoints overlooking sculpted, iridescent green terraces with swirling patterns resembling the contours of a giant thumbprint.

The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, China

11. Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an

Unearthed in Xi'an by unsuspecting rural workers in 1974, this enigmatic army of life-sized statues remains of the world's most remarkable archaeological finds. Dating back 2200 years, they were built to protect the underground tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Needless to say, meeting the warriors face to face is an experience you'll never forget.

People and street vendors in the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an, China

12. Xi'an

In a country where cities seemingly spring up overnight, this is one of the oldest and grandest. Known to most for its extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is also remarkable in its own right – notably as the beginning of the Silk Road, a trade route with a legacy that remains intact within its atmospheric Muslim Quarter .

Visitors on the glass cliff walk at Tianmen Mtn, Zhangjiajie, China

13. Zhangjiajie

Rising dramatically from the subtropical forests of northwest Hunan , the pinnacle rock formations of  Zhangjiajie inspired the scenery in the film Avatar (2009). Take it all in as you walk over a vertiginous glass-bottom suspension bridge floating 300m (984ft) above ground. If that's not daring enough, you can bungee jump off it, too.

As side gate of the Hall of Preserving Harmony on a snowy day, Forbidden City, Beijing, China

14. Forbidden City, Beijing

Among China's imperial sights, none can compare in size, grandeur or mystique to Beijing's Forbidden City . Built between 1406 and 1420, this sprawling palace was off-limits for 500 years until the overthrow of the last Qing emperor in 1911. Today, it's very much open to the public, attracting nearly 20 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, its massive scale remains humbling.

This article was first published October 2021 and updated February 2024

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PlanetWare.com

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in China

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jan 24, 2024

Ever since the world first discovered China through the writings of adventurer Marco Polo more than 700 years ago, this large Asian country has come to be regarded as the embodiment of all that is mysterious and exotic. Even now, after decades of economic growth, this vast country has lost none of its fascination. Indeed, the contrast between China's ancient customs and the new ultra-modern state that is developing has only increased the fascination with a culture that dates back many millennia.

It's a culture that is much celebrated by the Chinese themselves, as evidenced by the preservation of such important historic sites as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, each recalling the days of China's emperors. And then, of course, there's the famous Great Wall, winding for 6,700 kilometers all the way from the Yellow Sea to Central Asia, while its countless shrines exude the spirit of age-old Eastern religions.

Thanks to its size, China as a tourist destination offers limitless scope for exploration. Whether you choose to travel aboard a luxury cruise ship through the picturesque Yangtze Gorges, visit a bustling city, or seek out the tranquillity of an ancient temple, this country is full of incredible experiences and sightseeing possibilities.

Discover fascinating, unusual, and adventurous things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in China.

1. The Great Wall of China

2. the forbidden city & the imperial palace, beijing, 3. the terracotta army, xi'an, 4. the summer palace, beijing, 5. cruising the li river, guilin, 6. chengdu research base of giant panda breeding, sichuan, 7. the yangtze river and the three gorges, 8. the classical gardens of suzhou, jiangsu, 9. the potala palace, tibet, 10. shanghai's promenade: the bund, 11. hangzhou's historic west lake, 12. the mausoleum of light: the northern imperial tomb, shenyang, 13. leshan giant buddha, sichuan, 14. the hong kong skyline, 15. zhangjiajie national forest park, hunan.

The Great Wall of China

"Nobody can be a true hero unless he has been on the Great Wall" goes the popular Chinese saying, one that clearly demonstrates the importance placed upon this unique ancient monument.

Known in Chinese as 'Changcheng', or the Long Wall, the magnificent Great Wall of China stretches more than 6,000 kilometers from the fortresses of Shanhaiguan in the east all the way to Jiayuguan in the west. Along the way, it passes through Hebei, Tientsin, and Beijing , where the best-preserved sections of the wall can be visited, as well as Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu.

Averaging six to eight meters in height but rising as high as 16 meters and wide enough in places for five horses or 10 men to pass, the wall boasts numerous battlements and watchtowers. Some of the wall's oldest fortifications date back as far as the 7th century BC, with the best-known areas added around 210 BC when its various sections were joined together.

Today, the most visited section of the wall is near Badaling Pass northwest of Beijing, easily reached by public transport or organized tours. Other restored sections worth a visit include the section near Gubeikou , 130 kilometers from Beijing; and in Mutianyu , just 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing.

Location: Huairou District, China

The Forbidden City

China's largest and most important building, also known as the Imperial Palace, is situated in the very heart of Beijing and is a must-see when visiting the country. Started during the Yuan Dynasty between 1271and 1368, much of the complex seen today was built between 1406 and 1420.

Really many splendid palaces in one, this sprawling complex was the residence of 24 Ming and Qing Emperors whose presence forbade the entry of anyone other than the imperial family and their courtesans. Covering some 720,000 square meters and protected by a 10-meter-high wall with watchtowers and a wide moat, this massive complex consists of areas set aside for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as a private residence used by the emperor.

While it can take many hours to see everything, highlights include the five white marble Golden River Bridges; the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a 35-meter-tall building housing the imperial throne; and the exquisite emperor's banquet hall (the Hall of Preserving Harmony).

The Palace Museum with its large collection of art and artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties is another must-see.

Spread across an area of more than 720,000 square meters, this impressive nearly 100-year-old museum contains historic buildings that themselves date back to the early 1400s . It takes a lot of time to explore, so be prepared to spend at least a day here. If you can, do a little advance research using the museum's official English-language website to pre-plan the exhibits you're most interested in visiting.

Highlights include fine examples of paintings and ceramics. The museum also houses the country's vast collection of important works of art made from jade and bronze. English language museum tours are available.

Other important attractions in the vicinity of the Imperial Palace include the famous Tiananmen Square , and the Temple of Heaven . One of the country's most important religious sites,this impressive temple dates back to the 15th century.

Address: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China

The Terracotta Army

It was while digging wells on the outskirts of Xi'an in the 1970s that farmers stumbled across what was to be China's most important archeological find: the Terracotta Army.

Distributed over three large underground pits and built to guard the First Emperor's tomb, the find included more than 8,000 life-size warriors, some 520 horses, and more than 100 chariots, along with numerous other non-military characters dating from around 280 BC. Although some were severely damaged due to the passing of time, many of the statues unearthed have been painstakingly re-assembled and stand as a testament to the importance bestowed upon the emperor and the afterlife.

This remarkable find is part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Park and is one of China's most important tourist destinations. It offers the unforgettable experience of standing in front of this assembly of soldiers and horses as if inspecting a centuries-old parade. English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

The Summer Palace

An easy 15-kilometer commute from Beijing, the sumptuous Imperial Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is set amid more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland and is one of China's most visited attractions. While the palace itself was built in 1153, its large lake was added in the 14th century to enhance the Imperial Gardens .

Highlights include the magnificent Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), with its throne; and the beautiful Great Theatre, a private three-story structure built in 1891 to satisfy the imperial family's love of opera. This historic venue is still used for performances of traditional Chinese plays and musical events and is worth a visit for a performance or show.

Other highlights include the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Le Shou Tang Hall) with its lovely gardens and courtyards, as well as many miles of picturesque pathways and walking trails.

If time allows, try to also take in the ruins of the Old Summer Palace in Yuanmingyuan Park. Said to have once been one of the country's most elaborate and architecturally attractive palaces, this once impressive structure was destroyed by colonial forces in the mid-1800s.

Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, China

Cruising the Li River

The town of Guilin in the northeast corner of Guangxi boasts some of China's most beautiful countryside. It's famous for the Li River which meanders through the town and surrounding karst mountains.

While for hundreds of years this unique scenery has attracted poets and artists and has been the subject of countless fairy tales and legends, these days, it's popular with tourists from around the world wanting to see this natural splendor up close.

The best way to enjoy the area is to take a cruise along the Li River . The most popular stretch is from Guilin to Yangshuo, where the river winds peacefully through some 80 kilometers of remarkable rock formations and caves with romantic names such as the Mount of Unique Beauty , Elephant Trunk Hill, and Reed Flute Cave .

You can choose from a tourist cruise ship to small bamboo punts, and depending upon the type of boat used, trips can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple days.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

No visit to China would be complete without at least one panda experience. While the country's top zoos boast many fine specimens of these fascinating creatures, the best place to see them in a close approximation to their natural habitat is at the excellent Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu in the province of Sichuan.

Here, you'll have the chance to watch as many as 80 pandas go about their daily routines, from foraging to playing in the facility's large park-like setting. In addition to viewing these splendid animals up close, you'll learn a great deal about them from the many permanent exhibits and displays detailing ongoing conservation efforts to safeguard their future.

If possible, try to time your visit for the morning feeding sessions. Not only are the pandas at their most active, it's also when you'll get some memorable photos. Better still, sign up for one of the unique experiential volunteer programs that will have you involved in the feeding and care of these cuddly creatures - and possibly even holding a baby panda. English language tours are available.

Address: 1375 Xiongmao Ave, Chenghua District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

  • Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Chengdu & Easy Day Trips

Xiling Gorge, Yangtze River

Known in China as Chang Jiang ("Long River"), the mighty Yangtze River extends more than 6,000 kilometers, making it the longest and most important river in China. It also has the distinction of being the third longest in the world after the Amazon and the Nile.

Flowing from Tibet in the west to Shanghai in the east through eight provinces, the Yangtze has, for more than 2,000 years, been China's major transportation route as some 2,700 kilometers are navigable. Its vast catchment area, with its 700 tributaries, covers about one-fifth of the total area of the country and encompasses a quarter of the country's agricultural land.

While its immense length ensures the river can be visited at numerous points in China, by far the most popular for tourists is the beautiful Three Gorges. Named Qutang, Wu, and Xiling, they cover a 200-kilometer stretch between the towns of Fengjie and Yichang. In places a mix of raging torrents and dangerous shallows, here the river winds its way through the gorges and their rugged cliffs and high mountain peaks in a stretch of scenery as dramatic as the Grand Canyon.

Numerous sightseeing options are available, from luxurious riverboat cruises focusing on the region's many historical attractions and places of scenic beauty to challenging adventure tours along the most dramatic sections of the river.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Considered one of the world's most important historic gardens and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou should rank highly on your China travel itinerary. Located in the historic city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, these magnificent gardens were established in the 11th century, at a time when the city was experiencing unprecedented growth, and were among some 270 or more gardens planted here.

Of the surviving restored gardens, the most famous is the delightful Garden of Lingering . This seven-acre garden was laid out in 1800 on the site of a park originally created during the Ming Dynasty. One of the most famous garden complexes in China, it boasts a pool, several attractive buildings, a man-made hill, a grove of peach trees, and a lovely covered pathway on the walls of which hang more than three hundred stone tablets engraved with old Chinese characters.

Also worth visiting is the Garden of the Cang Lang Ting Pavilion . This two-acre garden offers many unique features, including a double arcade connecting the inner and outer sections.

Address: 178 Dongbei St, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

The Potala Palace, Tibet

Another of China's most recognizable historic structures is the magnificent Potala Palace in the town of Lhasa, Tibet. Constructed as a fortress and residence for the Dalai Lama, it was for centuries a center of political and religious power and contains many of the religion's most important treasures.

The first of the two Potala Palaces, the Red Palace , was built in the 17th century and contains the complex's most important shrines. These are found in the Enthronement Hall, the walls of which are covered with murals depicting scenes from the lives of the Dalai Lamas and the Tibetan kings. Other highlights of the Red Palace are its many vast halls devoted to the religion's teachings and the elaborate tombs, known as "stupas," of a number of Dalai Lamas.

The equally impressive White Palace was completed in 1648 and includes the sleeping quarters, studies, and reception rooms, most untouched since 1959 when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet. While in Lhasa, be sure to visit the superb Jewel Gardens . Part of the Dalai Lama's summer residence, these 90-acre gardens were first started in the 1840s and encompass everything from grand palaces and pavilions to pleasant lakes.

Address: 35 Central Beijing Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China

Shanghai's Promenade: The Bund

A remarkable act of smart city planning and preservation can be seen in Shanghai's splendid riverside promenade, the Zhongshan Lu, perhaps better known as the Bund (Wàitan). As you stroll this wide pedestrian zone along the Huangpu Jiang River, you'll almost forget you're bang-smack in the middle of China's largest city (Shanghai's population exceeds 24 million people).

Famous for its European feel, a fact owed to the district's past as the location of the city's International Settlement, the Bund is popular for its 52 preserved English- and French-influenced buildings, many now restaurants, cafés, stores, and art galleries. Representing a variety of influences from Gothic to Renaissance styles including a number of Art Deco buildings, the architecture includes highlights such as the old harbor customs office, with its bell tower, and the majestic Peace Hotel.

For the best views of the Bund, visit the 468-meter Oriental Pearl Tower on the opposite bank of the Huangpu Jiang River. If time allows, be sure to also visit the Yu Garden. Known affectionately as the "Garden of Happiness," this must-see garden can trace its roots back to 1559 when it was laid out. Many of the original structures survive to this day.

Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Wai Tan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

  • Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Shanghai & Easy Day Trips

Hangzhou's historic West Lake

Few cities in China can boast quite the same concentration of splendid historic sites and ancient temples as the city of Hangzhou (Hangchow). Capital of Zhejiang province and located at the southernmost end of China's famous Grand Canal , much of this rich collection is gathered around lovely West Lake, a six-kilometer-square stretch of water in the heart of the old city which is surrounded by numerous hills, pagodas, and temples.

Divided into five distinct sections by man-made causeways dating back as far as the 11th century, it's a marvelous area to explore on foot as you cross from one stretch of water to the next, only to be met with another cluster of fine old buildings. It's particularly pleasant in spring when its many peach trees are blossoming.

Part of the fun is lingering on the lake's many fine old bridges, one of the best being the Broken Bridge (Duanqiao) linking the Baidi Causeway with the shore, and exploring Little Paradise Island with its four mini-lakes linked by the zigzagging Bridge of the Nine Arches .

Be sure to hop aboard one of the many tour boats and small pleasure craft available to whisk you around the lake. And if time permits, stick around for the fun musical fountain show held each evening.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hangzhou

The Mausoleum of Light: The Northern Imperial Tomb

In China's mountainous northeastern region is the old city of Shenyang. This important center for trade and culture is home to the Mausoleum of Light (Zhaoling), also known as the Northern Imperial Tomb.

One of northeastern China's most important historic sites, it's included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site's list of Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is noted for its unique architectural style: a combination of traditionally arranged Chinese burial sites and castle-like buildings of the early Qing period.

Buried here in a vast site covering more than 180,000 square meters that took eight years to complete is Emperor Huang Taiji, who reigned from 1626-35. The site is notable for its 'Path of Souls', a laneway lined with stone columns and sculptures of the emperor's favorite horses.

Another important site is the imposing Imperial Palace dating from the early Qing era, the second largest completely preserved palace complex in China after the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The complex served as a residence for the first Qing Emperors and includes several splendid courtyards around which are grouped numerous buildings, including the Hall of Exalted Government (Chongzheng Dian) housing the imperial throne.

Location: Huanggu District, Shenyang, China

Leshan Giant Buddha

" The mountain is a Buddha and the Buddha is a mountain. " So goes the famous Chinese saying, one that's attributed to the spectacular 71-meter-tall Leshan Giant Buddha. And it certainly makes sense as you stand at its feet as the colossal statue towers high above you.

Started in AD 713 by a Buddhist monk and completed 90 years later, this important religious icon is carved entirely from a stone cliff face and is the largest Buddha sculpture in the world. Representing the Buddha Maitreya, the statue is even more dramatic given its location overlooking the river that it was designed to appease which had often proven treacherous for shipping.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant Buddha continues to draw huge numbers of pilgrims from across the globe and is widely regarded as one of China's must-visit attractions. Easily accessible from the city of Chengdu , the Leshan Giant Buddha can be reached by a fun ferry trip from the public docks in Leshan. The scenic park in which the Buddha is set is also worth exploring, so be sure to allocate sufficient time to your itinerary.

Address: 2345 Lingyun Rd, Shizhong District, Leshan, Leshan, Sichuan, China

Hong Kong Skyline

Widely considered one of the world's most dramatic city skylines - as much a result of its having one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers as it is the presence of the tall hills that frame them - Hong Kong has for decades been the bustling capital of finance and commerce in this part of the Pacific. And it's a cityscape that can be enjoyed from a number of different vantages.

One of the best views is from Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, where the skyscrapers frame the city's huge harbor, a special treat after nightfall. Equally stunning is the view from Victoria Harbour itself. Here, you can also take one of Hong Kong's famous ferries. Operated by the Star Ferry company, you can hop aboard and head to various points to wander and explore, such as Kowloon. Or you can simply stay on board and enjoy the views.

If possible, try to time your trip to coincide with the nightly laser extravaganza, a stunning 360-degree laser-light show that uses the harbor's skyscrapers as a magical backdrop. For the best views, try to catch the show from the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.

Traveling with family? If so, you'll want to include Hong Kong Disneyland on your travel itinerary. China's first Disney theme park opened in 2005 and while visitors will notice many of the same rides as in the brand's other properties, careful attention was paid to China's cultural heritage. A highlight for fans of Disney's animated movies is the new in 2023 World of Frozen , while 2024 will see the opening of Stark Expo , an area dedicated to the characters of the Marvel universe.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

When you first set eyes on Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province, it's certainly not difficult to see how filmmaker James Cameron was able to draw inspiration from it.

Cameron's box office hit Avatar , could well have been set in this area of stunning natural beauty, its many unique pillar-like rock formations looking like some incredible alien landscape right out of a sci-fi movie. One of the tallest pillars, standing at an impressive 1,080 meters, has been renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain."

This is one of the lesser-known places to visit in China, but it's well worth the effort to get here. In addition to its many natural wonders, which can best be explored as part of an organized tour, the park boasts a number of new man-made attractions. The first to be built was the Bailong Elevator, aka the "Hundred Dragons Sky Lift." Elevating groups of up to 50 people 326 meters skyward in under two minutes, it's an impressive structure and one that offers dramatic views all the way.

Also notable is the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Opened in 2016, it's heralded as the world's highest and tallest pedestrian bridge. Standing 300 meters above the ground and extending 430 meters along a spectacular cliff face, it's an attraction that's definitely not recommended for the faint of heart but one of the best things to do if you are looking to add a little adventure to your day.

Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China

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Looking for a breathtaking destination to add to your bucket list? Look no further than Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China. This stunning image showcases the park’s natural beauty. Imagine exploring the park’s towering peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. Cost estimates vary depending on travel arrangements, but nearby hotels include the Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel and the Zhangjiajie State Guest Hotel.

We have prepared 15 stunning sceneries of genuine places for China – Tourist Destinations, ready to accompany you on your remarkable adventure, revealing the charming tourist spots. With a diverse selection of choices, we guarantee that your travel guide will boost. It’s time for you to start your thrilling trip.

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COMMENTS

  1. 10 Most Amazing Destinations in South China (+Map)

    10. Lugu Lake [SEE MAP] This idyllic lake sits nearly 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level. To get here, you'll have to ascend an ancient switchback road, and the first site of the lake will leave you breathless. Forested hills slope out of pristine waters while small towns dot the shores.

  2. THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Southern China (UPDATED 2024)

    86. White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan, Baiyun Mountain, or Mt. Baiyun), located just north of Guangzhou City, gets its name from the wreath of wispy clouds that circle the mountaintop after a heavy rain. A visit to the mountain and the surrounding 17-square-mile (44-square-kilometer) park area is a popular way to stretch your legs, take in some ...

  3. Best Places to Visit in Southern China

    Best Time To Visit Southern China. The best time to visit Southern China, China is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The scenic landscapes of Southern China, including the lush greenery and blossoming flowers, are at their ...

  4. Southern China travel guide

    The most comprehensive tourist guide for Southern China, China with advice on things to do and see, places to visit and more. Insight Guides provides inspiration for travelling around the world. ... The magical, almost mystical scenery region around the city of Guilin is one of China's best-known tourist attractions. Wind and rain has eroded ...

  5. AN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOUTH CHINA

    Seacoast. South China has a long coastline, stretching from the strait of Taiwan to the border with Vietnam. This coastline is not straight, but being affected by the mountainous relief of the land, it is curved in an endless sequence of small bays, peninsulas and nearby islands. Thus most of the seacoast is rocky.

  6. Top 20 Sichuan Attractions, Things to Do in Sichuan

    No.9: Jinsha Site Museum. Jinsha Ruins was found in 2001 with numerous relics of 3000-year-old Shu Kingdom in the western Chengdu. The Relic Hall of Jinsha Site Museum was built over the actual archaeological dig site. In the Exhibition Hall of the museum, the objects that excavated from the site are displayed.

  7. Places to Visit in Southern China

    There's no doubt that many of China's most popular tourist attractions can be found in the island of Hong Kong, which is home to the famous tourist attractions of Victoria Peak and Hong Kong Disneyland. Saying this, there are plenty more cool places to see and visit in southern China beyond Hong Kong.

  8. THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Southern China

    Covering the southern portion of China, from its coast to the mountains, Southern China offers a wide range of diverse attractions and things to do for visitors, from the skyscrapers, shops, and restaurants of Guangzhou to ancient villages in the countryside, temples in the mountains, and the sun-soaked beach resorts of Hainan.

  9. 10 Best Places to Visit Around Southern China

    1. Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China. As the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the world and the tallest structure in all of China, naturally, tourists come flocking. The tower takes its majestical place at the forefront of Guangzhou's skyline. The structure rises over 2,000 feet in height.

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    Explore the must-dos and hidden gems on Viator and easily book Southern China tours, attractions, and experiences you'll never forget. Close Add to wishlist • List Full. Create New Max wishlists reached. ... Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone tickets. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Si) tickets. Longji Rice Terraces tickets. Chen ...

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    Our China tripadvisors will design a great Southern China package/itinerary specially for you while add top things to do in Southern China within your budget. PRIVATE CHINA TOURS. 10 Best China Tours. China Tours from Beijing. China Tours from Shanghai. China Tours from Hong Kong. China Tours from Chengdu.

  12. China

    Get information on China - Southern China: Cities and Mountains | Fodor's Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities.

  13. South China

    1 Guilin, main city of a major tourist area with incredible karst mountains. 23.13 113.26. 2 Guangzhou, formerly known in Europe as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong, historically Southern China's greatest city, and the third largest city in China. 20.02 110.32.

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    Tiger Hill (虎丘): Tiger Hill is a hot tourist attraction located in the northwest of Suzhou City. With a history of over 2,500 years, Tiger Hill enjoys lots of historical legendary as well as antique architectures. In Spring and Autumn Period (BC 770 ~ BC 476), the King of Wu State called He Lv (阖闾) died in the war against Yue State.

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    Español: Circuitos por Sur de China 2024/2025. Nederlands: Zuid-China Rondreizen 2024/2025. Browse 135 tours from the best tour operators in Southern China with 65 reviews visiting places like Shanghai and Guilin. Compare & book now!

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    The best indoor activities in Southern China for rainy days are: Ngong Ping 360: Cable Car Return Tickets & Combos. Hong Kong: Tai O, Ngong Ping 360, & Big Buddha Heritage Tour. Hong Kong: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions. Guangzhou Day Tour By Metro & Boat.

  18. 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hangzhou

    3. Pretty Pagodas: Liuhe, Leifeng, and Baochu. Leifeng Pagoda. Just eight kilometers south of Hangzhou on the north bank of the Qiantang River, the exquisite 60-meter-high Liuhe Pagoda - also known as the Pagoda of the Six Harmonies - is well worth making the short commute to visit.

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    The best tours in Southern China according to Viator travelers are: 4-Day Zhangjiajie Tour to All Highlight Attractions with VIP Lift. Private Day Tour to Gulong Canyon Glass Bridge from Guangzhou. Private Guangzhou Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights. Shenzhen Private Flexible Day Tour with Guide and Driver Service.

  20. 14 of the best places to visit in China

    14. Forbidden City, Beijing. Among China's imperial sights, none can compare in size, grandeur or mystique to Beijing's Forbidden City. Built between 1406 and 1420, this sprawling palace was off-limits for 500 years until the overthrow of the last Qing emperor in 1911.

  21. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in China

    Discover fascinating, unusual, and adventurous things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in China. 1. The Great Wall of China. 2. The Forbidden City & the Imperial Palace, Beijing. 3. The Terracotta Army, Xi'an. 4. The Summer Palace, Beijing.

  22. Tourist Attractions China Southern

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  23. China to bring down payment barriers for foreigners to revive tourism

    The annual mobile payment ceiling for foreigners would rise from US$10,000 to US$50,000, putting them on a par with Chinese nationals, according to the People's Bank of China. Major tourist ...