Top15 Most Beautiful Places in China! China boasts stunning landscapes with a variety of impressive landforms. From towering mountains and meandering valleys to vast flatlands, it’s a paradise for tourists. The rich cultural heritage also features many historical wonders. Here, we highlight 15 of China’s most beautiful destinations, each one a must-see. Let’s discuss the most Beautiful Places in China.
15 Most Beautiful Places in China
The top 15 most Beautiful Places in China for travel lovers are discussed below.
The Great Wall of China, Beijing
The Great Wall of China is a must-visit for hikers and history buffs alike. This ancient structure, once a key military defense, stretches over 13,000 miles. Popular sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling. Each offers its own charm, from stunning scenery to well-preserved towers.
The best times to hike are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, you can enjoy blooming flowers, colorful landscapes, and pleasant weather. For fewer crowds, explore the Mutianyu or Jiankou sections. Badaling is less crowded in April and September, showcasing well-preserved Ming bricks and towers.
Most sections are 1 to 2.5 hours from downtown Beijing. One or two days is usually enough to see the main highlights. For a special experience, consider camping overnight to witness the Great Wall under the stars.
Yangshuo & Li River, Guilin
Yangshuo is a beautiful countryside town on the western bank of the Li River, known for its stunning karst landscapes and charming rural vibe. Located 65 km south of Guilin City, it’s about a 70-minute bus ride away.
Combining Yangshuo with a Li River cruise from Guilin is a great way to experience the area’s serene beauty. You’ll be amazed by the iconic karst mountains, clear blue water, and the fascinating Nine-Horse Fresco.
Exploring Yangshuo is best done by bike or scooter. This lets you fully enjoy its picturesque countryside, including rice fields, local markets, cormorant fishing, and the daily activities of farmers and buffalos.
In spring, enjoy misty hills and scenic river views. In autumn, cool weather is perfect for biking and admiring golden rice terraces. Spending 3-5 days in Yangshuo gives you plenty of time to enjoy its rustic charm.
Lijiang, Yunnan
Lijiang, located in northwest Yunnan Province, is a town of breathtaking natural beauty. With its snow-capped mountains, stunning canyons, and highland lakes, it’s a favorite spot for both adventure lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town Lijiang and Shuhe Ancient Town. Experience the lively cultures of the Naxi, Bai, Tibetan, and Han people. Enjoy the panoramic snowy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the cable car.
For thrill-seekers, hike through lush bushes and cross streams to uncover stunning vistas. Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a range of hiking trails with spectacular views from various heights.
Late March to May is perfect for exploring Lijiang’s old towns and enjoying the blooming azaleas. Winter transforms Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge with dramatic, imposing landscapes. Lijiang, Yunnan is one of the Most Beautiful Places in China.
Shangri-la, Yunnan
Shangri-La, in the Yunnan-Tibetan Region, is a pristine paradise with stunning landscapes and rich native culture. Snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, wild gorges, and traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries make it a unique destination.
Soak in stunning views of Meili Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain. Visit Pudacuo National Park to see diverse wildlife and birds. Explore local villages and Buddhist sites like Nixi Pottery Village, Dukezong Old Town, and Songzanlin Lamasery (the Little Potala Palace) to experience Tibetan culture and spirituality.
The best time to visit is from April to May, when flowers bloom across lush grasslands and hillsides. Autumn offers clear views of Meili Snow Mountain and plateau lakes against a striking blue sky.
Most travelers spend 2-3 days exploring Shangri-La’s main attractions, but 5-7 days is ideal for a deeper experience of the region.
Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia Geopark, in northwest Gansu Province near Inner Mongolia, is renowned for its breathtaking Danxia landscape and rainbow-colored mountains. The park is about a 60-minute drive from downtown Zhangye.
At the Colorful Danxia scenic spot, marvel at the vibrant, layered rock formations. Discover unique stone columns at Binggou Danxia Landform, shaped like animals, a torch, and even the Louvre Museum. The Yugu scenic corridor offers a picturesque blend of Snow Mountain, ancient forests, wetlands, waterfalls, and gorges, along with a glimpse into Yugu ethnic culture.
The best time to visit is from July to September, when sunlight enhances the park’s vivid colors. A 3-day visit is ideal to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and explore its cultural highlights. Zhangye Danxia Geopark is one of the Most Beautiful Places in China.
Guangxi, Yangshuo
When Chinese travelers seek out the country’s most picturesque hills and rivers, they often opt for a bamboo-boat cruise in Yangshuo. This charming riverside town in southern China is renowned for its stunning karst hills and traditional fishing-village ambiance.
While downtown Yangshuo is lively and tourist-friendly, the real serenity is found in the countryside. Rent a bike and explore the tranquil scenes: bamboo boats gliding on the river, fishermen using cormorants, and farmers working in fields with towering peaks in the background.
Most visitors travel to Yangshuo from Guilin. Buses to Yangshuo depart every 15 minutes from Guilin Bus Station on Zhongshan Lu and Guilin South Railway Station, with a journey time of about 90 minutes.
Guizhou, Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia’s tallest and also called the “Yellow Fruit Tree” Waterfall, is absolutely stunning. It cascades 77.8 meters down across a 101-meter-wide expanse.
This massive waterfall is unique because you can view it from nearly every angle—above, below, and from all sides. The best time to visit is from June to August, when the waterfall’s flow peaks at 700 cubic meters per second. Huangguoshu Airport is the closest, located just six kilometers away. Direct flights to Huangguoshu are available from major cities like Beijing and Guangzhou.
Hainan,Yalong Bay
Hainan offers China’s finest tropical experience, with Yalong Bay being the highlight. This 7.5-kilometer crescent beach is the most popular and developed area along Hainan’s southern coast.
Yalong Bay provides everything you’d expect from a Southeast Asian paradise, making it a top spot for water sports enthusiasts, including surfers who enjoy riding relatively quiet waves.
If you visit in July, August, October, or during the Spring Festival, expect to see many Chinese families, often in traditional swimsuits.
Yalong Bay is 28 kilometers southeast of Sanya. Sanya Airport offers flights to major Chinese cities and international destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Seoul. Hainan, Yalong Baymost is one of the most beautiful natural places in China.
Hunan, Fenghuang
Stilted houses in Fenghuang, an ancient town known as “Phoenix,” are a dream destination for fans of Chinese art and literature. Every year, many young backpackers visit Fenghuang to experience its rich Miao and Tujia ethnic culture.
The town is famous for its connection to the celebrated Chinese writer Shen Congwen, whose novel “Frontier City” brought Fenghuang into the spotlight. The town has preserved its original layout and architecture, featuring around 200 historic buildings, 20 streets, and 10 winding alleys dating back to the Ming dynasty.
Fenghuang is 430 kilometers west of Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. Long-distance buses run four times a day from West Changsha Bus Terminal to Fenghuang Bus Terminal, costing RMB 130 for a journey of nearly four hours.
Kanas, Xinjiang
Kanas Lake, nestled in the deep forests and mountains of Altay in Northern Xinjiang, is a picturesque gem. With improved access, it’s now easier for nature lovers to visit this fairyland. You can fly from Urumqi to Kanas Airport in about 1.5 hours and then drive an hour to the scenic area.
The lake is famous for its ever-changing colors throughout the seasons, ranging from crystal blue and gem green to deep grey. Each seasonal shift creates a stunning backdrop.
Nearby Hemu and Baihaba villages, home to the Tuvan tribe, offer a unique experience. Stay in traditional wooden houses, learn about Mongolian customs, and witness their ancient herding lifestyle.
The best time to visit Kanas is from May to September, when the weather is mild. During this period, you can enjoy the breathtaking golden scenery of birch forests and the sparkling blue lake. Two days is usually enough to explore Kanas Lake and the surrounding villages, but spending additional time in Kanas City allows for a deeper dive into its historical attractions.
The Bund, Shanghai
The Bund, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, is a historic waterfront area and a must-visit attraction. It beautifully combines modern vibrancy with a century-old blend of Chinese and Western architecture.
Stroll along the Bund’s waterfront to admire 26 colonial-era buildings, showcasing styles from Gothic and Baroque to Renaissance and Neoclassicism. You’ll also see the striking high-rises of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the World Financial Center, and the Jin Mao Tower.
For a memorable experience, take a Huangpu River cruise at night to see the Bund illuminated, offering a stunning contrast between historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. You can also explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel for entertainment and dining options.
Located in the heart of Shanghai, the Bund is easily accessible on foot. Visit in early spring or early summer, preferably in the morning or evening, to enjoy a pleasant riverside breeze and avoid extreme temperatures.
Classical Gardens, Suzhou
In the northwest of Suzhou, the Classical Gardens are a symbol of the city’s elegance. These nine gardens blend rocks, water, trees, and historic buildings into a harmonious design.
Notable gardens include the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, and Lion Grove Garden. Each features unique “window” views that offer different landscapes from inside and outside, showcasing pavilions, bridges, terraces, fountains, rocks, flowers, and trees.
You can enjoy the beauty of Suzhou’s gardens year-round, but mid-April to May is especially lovely for seeing plum and cherry blossoms. The gardens are close to each other, so you can easily explore them all in one day. Classical Gardens, Suzhou is one of the Most Beautiful Places in China.
West Lake, Hangzhou
West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is called “heaven on earth” and is a true symbol of the city. Its peaceful beauty and cultural landmarks have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
The lake is adorned with causeways, bridges, pagodas, temples, pavilions, and man-made islands. Its charm changes with the seasons, making it a captivating visit year-round.
In spring, capture the stunning sunrise over Su Causeway. In summer, enjoy the sight of blooming lotus flowers. In autumn, marvel at the full moon’s reflection on the lake. In winter, admire the snowy scene at Broken Bridge on Bai Causeway.
You can explore West Lake in a day by walking, biking, or taking a traditional boat cruise.
Mingsha Mountain, Dunhuang
Nestled in the heart of the central Gobi Desert, Mingsha Mountain, also known as Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, is a stunning gem near the oasis town of Dunhuang.
This unique destination features vast sand dunes that rise about 100 meters high and display a spectrum of colors—red, yellow, blue, white, and black—depending on the sunlight. The dunes are famous for their remarkable echoing effect, creating a multi-layered symphony when the wind blows.
You can experience the ancient Silk Road through memorable camel or motorcycle rides, enjoying the tranquil beauty of Crescent Lake and the traditional Tang-style architecture set amidst the dunes.
The best time to visit is from late April to mid-October, when you can camp at the base of Mingsha Mountain to capture stunning starry skies, sunsets, and sunrises. Winter offers a dramatic snow-covered landscape. Located just 6 km from Dunhuang downtown, the area is easily accessible, and central Dunhuang is also worth exploring if you have extra time.
Steppes of Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is renowned for its expansive steppes, offering stunning grassland vistas and a glimpse into traditional nomadic life.
Nature lovers and hikers will find the rolling grasslands, like Xilamuren and Huitengxile, especially appealing. These areas are accessible by train from Hohhot, the regional capital.
The best time to visit is between July and September when the grasslands are lush and green. You’ll see a picturesque landscape of winding rivers, sparkling lakes, and endless green fields. This period also coincides with the Mongolian Nadam Festival, featuring traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
A 7-Day China Travel Itinerary to explore the beauty of the steppes. Consider staying a few days in a Mongolian yurt to experience the unique nomadic lifestyle and learn about Mongolian traditions. Inner Mongolia’s steppes are one of China’s most beautiful natural places.
Conclusion
China is a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re passionate about outdoor adventures or intrigued by history, China has something for everyone. So, when planning your next trip, be sure to include these must-visit spots in China. You won’t be disappointed!