It’s hard to believe that China’s nature doesn’t get all of the attention it deserves. It seems the world is fascinated only by its megacities. However, the country has some of the grandest natural spots on the planet.
The following are our favorite provinces and autonomous regions in China. Trust us, you will find breath-taking nature, cute little towns, and millenary cultures. Evidently, you must visit each region’s cities too. We believe the Chinese have mastered the art of seamlessly blending superb architecture with outstanding nature. Enjoy!
Sichuan
Sichuan is one of China’s most diverse provinces. It shares cultural and religious ties with its neighbor Tibet, so it’s not unusual to see a Tibetan looking monastery.
Sichuan is home to impressive mountains and two first-class national parks: Huanglong Scenic Area and Jiuzhaigou National Park. Sichuan’s capital Chengdu is one of the country’s coolest cities with interesting architecture and pedestrian streets.
Additionally, the world’s largest Buddha is just a step away. Finally, the main reason tourists visit Sichuan is to see pandas. Unfortunately, our behavior has brought these cute animals to the brink of extinction. We are terrible!
We recommend this tour in Sichuan
Yunnan
Yunnan is another culturally diverse region. Located to the southwest of the country, it neighbors Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Hence, everything, from food to architecture, has a Southeast Asian flare.
Yunnan is home to some of China’s nicest towns. Lijiang with its thousands of heritage houses is one of the most authentic towns in all of Asia. Dali is known for its triple pagoda and Kunming for its Shilin Stone Forest.
In addition, there are mountains galore, including the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. And as if it wasn’t enough, China’s most impressive rice fields Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are also here.
We recommend this tour in Yunnan
Shanxi
Though not that popular as the above, Shanxi is full of surprises. Walled Pingyao Ancient City dates back to the 14th century and is a perfect example of a Han Central Chinese city.
Pingyao was an important financial center during the 19th and early 20th century and is now becoming a tourist hotspot. Inside the massive medieval city walls, you’ll find numerous old mansions, commercial streets, and impressive towers.
North Shanxi hides other hidden gems: the sacred Buddhist site of Wutaishan (Mount Wutai) with more than 50 monasteries and the impressive Yungang Grottoes, a chain of 50000 niches containing Buddhist sculptures.
We recommend this tour in Shanxi
Guangxi
Everything is massive in China: distances are long, mountains high and cities endless. Even limestone karsts, typical of East and Southeast Asia, are in a league of their own: much, much bigger.
Li River is Guangxi’s main draw. It meanders through endless hills and mountains passing through Guilin, Xingping, Yangshuo, and Pingle. Yangshuo is the best place to explore the area, plus you get to experience local life.
Just north of Guilin lay the large Longsheng Rice Terraces, another jewel. The whole area around the terraces is especially scenic. Additionally, on your way there you get to see colorful villages along the road.
We recommend this tour in Guangxi
Hunan
Hunan, our favorite region, left us speechless. We felt in the middle of China, far from the coast and megacities. The landscapes are out of this world. Fenghuang is a unique ancient town located in the middle of nowhere. Mountains surround old houses and narrow streets.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a science fiction beauty of thousands of tall pillar-like formations, is in Hunan too. Sharp mountain peaks populate the entire province, being Tianmen Mountain with its imposing natural arch, one of the most popular ones.
We recommend this tour in Hunan
Anhui
On the other hand, Anhui is close to China’s largest cities and is much more densely populated. Most people visit Anhui to climb the ever ubiquitous Huangshan Mountain. It rains often in the area, so clouds can cover the mountain entirely, just like it happened to us.
The province is also known for its medieval heritage towns, home to white houses and little streams and lakes. Arguably the most popular ones are Xidi and Hongcun. Therefore, we decided to go to off the radar Tangmo and Chengkan. There we were all alone!
We recommend this tour in Anhui
Fujian
If you like mountains and the sea, go to Fujian. The province is in front of Taiwan. Tall green mountains surround it. Thus, cute little towns dot valleys, mountains, and the coast. If you are short of time, the one place you have to visit is Fujian Tulou, up on the hills. Ancient traditional circular dwellings dot the area.
Now, if you have time, go to Wuyi Mountains, some 280 miles (450 km) north of Fujian Tulou. It’s a UNESCO listed area due to its incredible nature.
Let’s not forget Fujian’s islands! Our favorite is Gulangyu, part of Xiamen City. The city encompasses 2 islands and the mainland. Due to its past, Gulangyu has great architecture. The beaches are fantastic too. We love it because there are no cars!
We recommend this tour in Fujian
Gansu
Gansu looks like a faraway planet! The province is huge and scarcely populated. It’s a land of desserts, incredible rock formations, ancient structures, and the most amazing blue sky in China.
We believe a visit to the Mogao Caves (aka Dunhuang Caves) is mandatory. We are talking about 500 temples carved into the earth! The area is next to the massive Singing Sand Dunes, some of the biggest in the world.
The Chinese themselves consider Zhangye Danxia Geopark one of the greatest natural areas in the country. We agree! You will see an endless sea of colorful rock formations of all shapes and sizes. Truly spectacular.
We recommend this tour in Gansu
Guizhou
Now we are taking you to central China. Guizhou province is very green, with sub-tropical weather. It’s known for its mountains, dense forests, charming towns and waterfalls.
You simply can’t skip the Dong and Miao Villages. The Miao are a distinct culture in southeast Guizhou that built these jaw-dropping wooden houses in the middle of green lush hills. The atmosphere is traditional and relaxed.
When it comes to nature, the Huangguoshu Waterfall area will make your jaw drop. Green rolling hills and lakes surround the 200 feet (60 m) waterfall. The water is crystal blue and the air fresh. You won’t want to leave!
We recommend this tour in Guizhou
Tibet
Tibet is one of China’s most famous regions, and for good reason. No matter how many mountains you’ve seen in your life, the ones here are in a league of their own. Tibet is China’s second biggest autonomous region and almost empty. Locals call it Xizang, and it will take your breath away.
We had a lovely time in Lhasa. It took us a couple of days to get used to the altitude and then it was literally like being in heaven. Evidently, try to get as close to Mount Everest as possible. We went to Tingri, the most famous and closest meeting point to the mountains.
We recommend this tour in Tibet
