As China celebrates its national day, we look at some of the emerging travel destinations that are seducing an increasing number of travellers to the Middle Kingdom.
China, with its vast landscapes and centuries-old culture, is a land of both iconic wonders and secret treasures. Beyond the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai, lie lesser-known but equally mesmerising destinations. For the discerning traveller seeking luxury, authenticity, and uniqueness, China offers an array of breathtaking locales where history, nature, and culture converge.
Here are five unique China travel destinations, each offering its own allure, charm, and reasons to visit.
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Zhangjiajie: Avatar’s Inspiration in the Clouds
Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie’s towering quartz-sandstone pillars, shrouded in mist, are the stuff of fantasy. These unique formations served as the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The landscape, filled with natural wonder, is nothing short of surreal.
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Best visited from April to October, Zhangjiajie provides a chance to explore one of China’s most jaw-dropping geological marvels. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering dramatic scenery, including Tianzi Mountain, where you can take a glass elevator up the towering cliffs, and Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, which seems to float in the air. The thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest, spans the dramatic Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views for the adventurous.
Lijiang: A Journey Through Time in an Ancient Town
For those looking for China of old, Lijiang is a beautifully preserved ancient town in the mountains of Yunnan, known for its cobblestone streets, wooden homes, and stunning natural scenery. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into China’s past with its Naxi culture, distinctive architecture, and ancient waterway systems.
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For those seeking a touch of low-tech authenticity, Lijiang seamlessly blends culture, history, and nature. Wander through the Old Town of Lijiang, where traditional Naxi culture is still alive in music, dance, and art. The nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to the town, offers outdoor activities such as trekking, skiing, and the chance to see glaciers up close. Be sure to ride the cable car to the glacier park at 4,500 meters.
In addition, luxury hotels and boutique resorts in Lijiang offer an intimate retreat, many with traditional architecture and modern amenities. The best times to visit are during the mild seasons of spring and fall, avoiding the summer rains and winter chills.
Guilin and Yangshuo: Ethereal Beauty of Karst Landscapes
Guilin and the nearby town of Yangshuo, located in Guangxi Province, are famous for their otherworldly karst mountains, which rise dramatically along the Li River. This region, best visited between April and October, has been an inspiration for Chinese artists for centuries and offers an ideal escape for nature lovers, photographers, and luxury lovers.
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Be sure to leave time for a Li River cruise, which offers unparalleled views of the karst mountains, and visit Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated in vibrant colours. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for rock climbing, biking, and hiking through the countryside, while private cooking classes and tea tastings offer cultural immersion.
Hangzhou: A Serene Escape by West Lake
Often hailed as one of China’s most beautiful cities, Hangzhou is synonymous with tranquillity, elegance, and classical beauty, especially during the popular months of March to May and September to November. The city’s iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a peaceful retreat that has inspired poets, emperors, and artists for centuries. Surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, ancient temples, and teahouses, Hangzhou provides an immersive experience where luxury meets tradition.
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To delve into Hangzhou’s heritage, take a tour of the Longjing tea plantations, which produce China’s most celebrated green tea, and invite visitors to learn the art of tea-making, while high-end hotels and private villas offer lakeside views and wellness experiences. West Lake’s serene waters, crossed by stone bridges and dotted with traditional pagodas, are best explored by private boat, allowing for a truly exclusive experience.
Shangri-La: The Tibetan Frontier
Once known as Zhongdian, Shangri-La, in Yunnan, is China’s gateway to the Tibetan plateau, a region known for its high-altitude landscapes, Tibetan monasteries, and breathtaking alpine scenery. The name itself evokes mystery and romance, promising luxury travellers a chance to explore a land where culture and nature remain largely untouched by time.
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Shangri-La is an ideal destination for those seeking a spiritual retreat in a land of unspoiled beauty. The region’s Tibetan heritage, best explored between May and October, is on full display in the stunning Songzanlin Monastery, often called the “Little Potala Palace,” while the nearby Pudacuo National Park offers lakes, meadows, and mountains in their purest form. Luxury eco-lodges provide all the comforts of modernity while blending seamlessly with the natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s beauty and tranquillity without sacrificing comfort.
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