China's vast and diverse territory endows the country with some of the most beautiful natural scenery on Earth. From the picturesque karst landscape in Guilin to the precipitous pillars in Zhangjiajie and from the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye to the holy plateau of Tibet, China's diverse natural beauty is as impressive as its splendid culture.
There are hundreds of very scenic places in China. Among them, we have selected the top 30 to give you some ideas for places to visit on a trip to China. These locations have made it to the top of our list based on their stunning landscapes, accessibility for travelers, fewer crowds, and recommendations from China's expats.
At the end of the article, we have also listed some places that were previously considered among the most beautiful but have since lost their spot on the list.
1. Guilin and Yangshuo
Guilin and Yangshuo have China's most beautiful karst landscapes (according to China's popular saying).
The Li River in Guilin is like an artist's masterpiece, bound by classic sheer karst hills, which have inspired many poets and ink painters. It is listed as one of the world's "Top 10 Watery Wonders" by America's National Geographic magazine and one of the world's "15 Best Rivers for Travelers" by CNN Travel.
Visiting Guilin and Yangshuo allows you to immerse yourself in a cornucopia of karst mountains, rivers, village scenery, minority traditions, terraced rice fields, and more in a single trip. Prepare to be captivated by the painting-like scenes of tranquility.
Recommended visit: 3–4 days
Taking a 4-hour cruise is the most popular way to enjoy the Li River scenery, offering comfort and minimal weather disruptions. Alternatively, you could hike along the river (3–4 hours) or take a trip on a bamboo raft (not recommended during rainy weather).
2. Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National ParkZhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to the iconic precipitous pillars that inspired the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. Known for its towering peaks, breathtaking rock pillars, and deep valleys, the forest of massive pillars serves as a muse for photographers across China.
In addition to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the record-breaking glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain are also worth a visit.
Recommended visit: 3–4 days
3. Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient TownFenghuang, acclaimed as "the most beautiful town in China", is a small ancient town renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, colorful ethnic customs, and picturesque night scenery.
Located just a 3-hour drive or a 1-hour high-speed-train ride from Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang is easily accessible and worth a night's stay to complement your trip to Zhangjiajie.
Recommended visit: 1–2 days
For excellent photo opportunities, consider exploring the town early in the morning before 7am. The wooden houses standing on the river (diaojiaolou), the stone bridges that are over 1,000 years old, and the local people preparing for the day offer a picturesque setting that is well worth an early start.
4. Huangshan
Yellow MountainsHongcun VillageHuangshan is a city in China renowned for its nearby Yellow Mountains (Huangshan, 黄山 in Chinese) and old-style villages.
The Yellow Mountains are among the four most famous mountains in China, known for their grand dawns and their 'four natural wonders': peculiar pines, oddly-shaped rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs.
The neighboring villages have also attracted many photographers in recent years due to their tranquility and the beauty of the countryside. If you're unsure which village to visit, Hongcun or Bishan Village could be on your list.
Recommended visit: 3–4 days
To reach the peaks of the Yellow Mountains, you could take a cable car ride or opt for a hiking trip. Exploring the villages, you could walk or bike around, stay in a traditional Hui-style inn, and witnessing how artists capture the area as a rural paradise on canvas. The blooming canola flowers in spring add a delightful touch to the experience.
5. Wuyuan in Shangrao
WuyuanWuyuan has recently gained recognition as one of the most beautiful places in China, thanks to its vibrant colored flowers in spring and the serene village life.
Known for having "the most beautiful villages in China", Wuyuan boasts many ancient Ming and Qing-style (1368–1912) architectural features. It is located about a 1½-hour drive from Huangshan.
Recommended visit: 1–2 days
6. Wangxian Valley in Shangrao
Wangxian ValleyWangxian Valley is also in the city of Shangrao. It takes about 2½ hours to get there by road from Wuyuan.
Wangxian Valley is famous for its mountainous cliffside hanging houses, waterfalls, picturesque valleys, ancient villages, temples, and verdant fields.
Recommended visit: 2 days
7. Lushan National Park
Mount LuMount Lu has long been a renowned religious mountain and, in modern times, it has become famous for its historical significance in the lives of China's leaders. Today, it stands out as an excellent destination for hiking and sightseeing, having been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The mountain boasts scenic paths that wind through numerous small waterfalls, hundreds of peaks, steep cliffs, scattered religious sites, and historical landmarks.
One major advantage for most travelers is that Mount Lu has not been as heavily developed as other national parks in China, allowing visitors to enjoy rugged scenery and hiking with fewer crowds.
Access to Mount Lu is available via flights or bullet trains from China's major cities, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing.
Recommended visit: 1–2 days
8. Hangzhou
West Lake in HangzhouRenowned for its scenic beauty, Hangzhou is one of the most photogenic cities in China. In the 13th century, Marco Polo described Hangzhou as "the city of heaven" and "the finest and most splendid city in the world".
Hangzhou's most famous attraction, West Lake, is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in China. Each season offers picturesque scenes that would leave an ever-lasting impression.
Hangzhou is also a good place to learn about the Chinese tea culture. You could visit a tea plantation to see how farmers pick tea leaves, learn the process of making tea, and taste a cup of China's most adored tea.
Recommended visit: 2 days
The best time to go is spring (March to May). The lake, medieval buildings, and causeways decorated with spring blossoms are the theme of many elegant Chinese paintings.
9. Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou, located in remote western China, has captivated travelers with its colorful fairyland-like scenery.
The region features multicolored lakes surrounded by vast mountain forests. These lakes change color throughout the day and year, creating a magical backdrop of autumnal hues during fall — a beauty rarely matched in China.
Recommended visit: 3 days
You could reach Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu via a bullet train or flight combined with another 2–3½ hours of driving. Note that winter (December to March) is not the ideal time to visit Jiuzhaigou due to low water levels in the lakes and many closed hotels.
10. Mount Siguniang
Mount SiguniangMount Siguniang ('Four Girls Mountain') is cherished by nature enthusiasts for its well-preserved flora and fauna, along with its picturesque mountain scenery.
Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2006, Mount Siguniang National Park is home to a diverse array of animals, many of which are classified in China as first-priority protected species. The park also boasts over 1,000 recorded plant species.
Recommended visit: 2 days
Mount Siguniang is accessible via a 4½-hour drive from Chengdu. To maximize your trip, consider combining visits to Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Dujiangyan Panda Base, or Gengda Wolong Panda Research Center, all of which are en route to Mount Siguniang.
11. Mount Qingcheng in Chengdu
Mount QingchengListed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Qingcheng beckons travelers with its serene ambiance. It is considered one of the birthplaces of Taoism.
Located about 1½–2 hours' drive from Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng served as the inspiration for Panda Village in the movie Kung Fu Panda 3, with its lush greenery, thick fog, and moss-covered roofs.
Recommended visit: 1 day
Both Dujiangyan Panda Base and Dujiangyan Irrigation System are within a 30-minute drive of Mount Qingcheng. You could visit one of these sites during your trip, combined with a visit to Mount Qingcheng.
12. Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve
Dubbed "the last pure land on Earth" and "the last Shangri-La", Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve boasts snowcapped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast grasslands, and colorful forests.
Embark on a journey starting from Chengdu and passing through Xinduqiao, a picturesque Tibetan town renowned for its plateau pasture views, before reaching Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve. The Tibetan cultural experience along the route is another highlight of this trip, with medieval monasteries and Tibetan-style houses dotting the landscape.
Recommended visit: 3–5 days
Daocheng Yading's airport serves flights from Chengdu and Chongqing. Its nearest city with an airport is Shangri-La (Zhongdian) in Yunnan, about a 6-hour drive away. Alternatively, you could make a road journey from Chengdu, making a few overnight stops along the way. The grasslands, gorges, Tibetan monasteries, and pristine Tibetan villages en route offer additional highlights.
13. The Meili Snow Mountains in Shangri-La
The Meili Snow MountainsSituated approximately a 3½-hour drive from Shangri-La, the Meili Snow Mountains and their surroundings hold significant religious importance for Tibetan pilgrims. The mountain range boasts 13 peaks, with Kawagebo as the highest peak at 6,740 meters (22,100 feet) above sea level.
The highlight of the Meili Snow Mountains is the golden sunrise illuminating the snowcapped peaks. In addition to the mountains, visitors could explore plateau lakes, dense forests, exotic flora, and various wildlife, along with Tibetan monasteries and villages at the foot of the mountains, offering a rich cultural experience.
Recommended visit: 2–3 days
The best time to witness the golden sunrise on the mountain peaks is from November to February, with an 80% likelihood of clear views. Autumn (September to November) is the optimal season to visit the Meili Snow Mountains, as the skies are clear and blue.
14. Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La
Pudacuo National ParkLocated near Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park attracts numerous travelers each year with its stunning views and pristine environment. The park boasts a well-preserved ecosystem within its virgin forests.
Shudu Lake is a must-see attraction within the park, surrounded by a forest of fir, spruce, and silver birch trees and home to a variety of wildlife, such as bears, golden cats, deer, and pheasants. Bita Lake, known as a pearl in the plateau, maintains its crystal-clear waters year-round.
Recommended visit: half a day to 1 day
The best months to visit Pudacuo National Park are April for the lush green pastures, May to June for the blooming azalea flowers, September to October for Chinese stellera, and October to early November for the autumn foliage. It is advisable to avoid visiting from mid-November to March, as the forest and lakes may appear desolate during this period.
15. Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La
Tiger Leaping Gorge HikeTiger Leaping Gorge stands as one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges globally, earning recognition from CNN Travel as one of the nine highlights of Yunnan. The gorge is located approximately 2 hours from either Lijiang Old Town or Dukezong Ancient Town.
Considered to be the best hiking trail in China, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Embark on a 1-or-2-day hike along the gorge, traversing between two sacred snowcapped mountains and encountering breathtaking views, including the challenging 28 bends and the turbulent Jinsha River.
Recommended visit: half a day for the Upper Gorge or 1–2 days for hiking
The best months for hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge are September to October for pleasant weather, November to March for dry conditions and fewer tourists, and April to May for comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers. It is not recommended to hike during the rainy season from June to August, although visiting the Upper Gorge is still feasible during this time.
16. The Yuanyang Terraced Fields
"If you are a traveler, but have never been to Yuanyang,
Yuanyang will feel sad for you;
If you are a photographer but have never been to Yuanyang,
God will feel sorry for you!"
There are many things that you know would never be surpassed once you see their beauty. And you would find Yuanyang's rice terraces are the most beautiful terraces in the world once you have been there.
Recommended visit: 3 days, including traveling from Kunming
The most convenient gateway to reach Yuanyang is Kunming, a 4-hour drive away. En route to Yuanyang, consider combining a visit to Jianshui Ancient Town for a more comprehensive travel experience
17. Dali
Er LakeDali has breathtaking natural scenery and is a great place to experience the culture of China's ethnic minorities. People are attracted by Dali because of its quiet and romantic vibe (lakes, flowers, mountains, and old towns). Many young Chinese people quit their jobs in the big cities and seek romance and quietness by managing small boutique hotels in Dali.
Visiting Dali has become more popular after the Chinese TV drama Meet Yourself was filmed there.
The top things to do in Dali are walking or biking alongside Er Lake, picking wild mushrooms in the forest (only available in July and August), taking photos with traditional Bai ethnic clothing, and learning how to tie-dye with natural vegetables.
Recommended visit: 2–3 days
When biking alongside Er Lake, the west shore is recommended. There is a special biking route without any disruptions from cars. It is quieter and safer than the east shore.
18. Wulong Karst Region
Wulong Karst RegionWulong, with its incredible natural scenery and hiking highlights, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. It has become one of the major attractions in Chongqing for people interested in primitive scenic areas.
Weathered karst hills, cliffs, rocks, deep gorges, and stone bridges are the main attractions in the Wulong Karst region.
Recommended visit: 1–2 days
It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Chongqing to Wulong. Consider taking a day trip with an early start and late return or opt for an overnight stay for a more leisurely experience.
19. Tibet
Tibet, locked in the Himalayas, holds travelers' imaginations, including those of Hilton when he described Shangri-La in Lost Horizon. From the unspoiled sacred lakes to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, and from the vast untouched Changtang Grassland to the depths of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the Roof of the World is filled with awe and pristine beauty.
Recommended visit: 4–8 days
China doesn't allow independent foreign travel in Tibet. Traveling with a travel agency is required. Contact us to explore the main highlights from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. Consider a top Tibet trekking trip — the Everest Base Camp trek, if you'd love a more outdoorsy experience.
20. Zhangye's Danxia Landscape (the Rainbow Mountains)
Zhangye Rainbow MountainsThe Danxia landscape in Zhangye is vividly named "the Rainbow Mountains" by many due to its wide range of colored bands.
Danxia (丹霞 /dan-sshya/) means "red clouds", but there's far more than red rock there. In China's remote northwest, Zhangye is deeply loved by photographers and en route for those on a Chinese Silk Road scenery and culture journey.
The landscape is composed of curvy, layered, multi-hued formations, most of which are several hundred meters high. When the sun shines on them, their colors appear in full vibrancy. It looks like an oil painting when the vast red rock formations are simply set against a pure blue sky.
Recommended visit: 1 day
Zhangye is accessible via a 2-hour bullet train ride from Xining or a 4-hour bullet train ride from Dunhuang, making it a convenient stop for travelers on a Silk Road journey. Consider staying overnight in Zhangye for a more comfortable travel experience.
21. Gannan
ZhaganaJoseph Rock, the National Geographic photographer, visited Zhagana in Gannan in 1922 and said: "I have never seen such a magnificent view in my life. If the author of Genesis had been to Diebu, he would have chosen it as the birthplace of Adam and Eve."
Located at the transition of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, Gannan is renowned for its gorgeous mountains, valleys, gorges, wetlands, and meadows.
It is not a city but a large area covering several towns. The most scenic places are:
- Zhagana: "The Stone Town", hidden in the mountains, is a land of idyllic beauty with pure Tibetan culture.
- Sangke Grassland: Named after the Sangke flowers that bloom there in the summertime, its amazing pastures host spectacular Buddhist ceremonies.
- Ruoergai Grand Prairie: Known for its Flower Lake, it is full of little white flowers, wetlands, and vibrant wildlife in summertime.
Recommended visit: 4–5 days
Gannan could be easily reached via a flight from Chengdu to Gannan Xiahe Airport. You could also take a road trip from Lanzhou to Xiamen, which takes approximately 3 hours.
22. Ejina Desert Polar Forest in Inner Mongolia
Ejina Euphrates Poplar Forest is a stunning ancient desert poplar forest known for its dazzling golden leaves, dreamy water reflections, and vast deserts offering camel riding opportunities.
Recommended visit: 3 days
Ejina Euphrates Poplar Forest could be combined with a trip along the legendary Silk Road via a 6-hour drive from Jiayuguan, a vital pass on the ancient Silk Road. The best time to witness the golden leaves is from late September to mid-October when the trees turn yellow and create a breathtaking sight.
23. Qinghai Lake
Qinghai LakeQinghai Lake, the largest inland and saline lake in China, boasts azure skies, clear waters, lush grasslands, and vibrant fields of rape flowers.
Visitors could enjoy cycling or light hiking along the lake's shores and witness the Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race held annually in June or July.
Recommended visit: 1 day
The best time to visit Qinghai Lake varies throughout the year, with May offering the chance to see migratory birds, June to July for blooming rape flowers, July to August for picturesque grasslands, and September for a lovely autumn view of the lake.
24. Kanas in Xinjiang
Nestled in the deep forests and mountains of Altay, Kanas is a truly beautiful mountain lake area. Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village are the three best places to experience its beauty.
Kanas Lake takes on different colors following the four seasons: sometimes it's crystal blue, sometimes it's dark green or even gray, and you may find it containing many colors setting off each other, which is how it got its name of "the color-changing lake".
Near Kanas Lake, you could visit the villages of the Tuwan tribe, such as Hemu or Baihaba. The Tuwan tribe is a branch of the Mongolian ethnic group. Believers of Lamaism, they live in traditional houses and practice centuries-old traditions.
Recommended visit: 4 days
25. Changbai Mountain
Heavenly LakeChangbai Mountain, one of China's top 10 famous mountains, is a dormant volcano known for its rare animals, lush forests, clear lakes, and hot springs.
Changbai Mountain is divided into four slopes, with the northern slope being the most recommended for its attractions and easy access to Heavenly Lake, a stunning jade-like body of water surrounded by 16 peaks. Visitors could also marvel at Changbai Waterfall, the Green Deep Pool, and the Valley Forest, each offering unique natural wonders.
Recommended visit: 2–3 days
Changbai Mountain is both a summer retreat (July–September) and a winter fun paradise (December to February). If you go there in winter, don't miss the Changbai Mountain Wanda International Resort and the spectacular rime-decorated trees by taking an hour's raft ride under the conditions of -30°C (-22°F) air on Changbai Mountain's hot-spring-warmed river.
26. The Wuyi Mountains
The Wuyi MountainsDesignated as a World Heritage Site in 1999, the Wuyi Mountains offer a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and tea lovers alike. The region is known for its deep canyons, dense forests, waterfalls, endangered wildlife, and abundant flora and fauna.
The Wuyi Mountains provide a range of activities, from hiking and bird-watching to exploring tea estates and cultural heritage sites. The Danxia landforms along the river are a highlight, with numerous inscriptions by painters and poets from ancient times.
Recommended visit: 2–3 days
The best way to get to the Wuyi Mountains is to take a high-speed train from Shanghai (3½ hours), Hangzhou (2½ hours), or Xiamen (3½ hours).
27. Xiapu
XiapuXiapu, though lesser-known among travelers, is a favorite among photographers for its stunning views and nostalgic charm, reminiscent of China's agrarian past.
Xiapu's mudflats are a popular destination for photographers seeking a glimpse of rural life and ever-changing tidal landscapes.
Xiapu could be reached via a 3-hour bullet train ride from Xiamen.
Recommended visit: 3–4 days
April to June is the optimal period to capture photos of seaweed harvesting and local fisheries, offering scenes reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink paintings.
28. Enshi Grand Canyon
Enshi Grand CanyonEnshi Grand Canyon stands out as one of the most beautiful canyons in China, featuring breathtaking landscapes with deep gorges, towering cliffs, lush forests, and winding rivers.
Known for its impressive karst landforms shaped by countless years of erosion, Enshi Grand Canyon offers a dramatic and picturesque environment that attracts visitors from around the world.
Enshi could be easily reached from Chongqing or Yichang via a 2 to 2½-hour bullet train ride.
Recommended visit: 2 days
29. Mount Hua in Shaanxi
Mount HuaLocated just a 2-hour drive from Xi'an, Mount Hua is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, renowned for its steep paths, sheer cliffs, and seasonal beauty.
Recommended visit: 1 day
There are five steep peaks that make up the mountain: North Peak at 1,614 m (5,295 ft), Middle Peak at 2,042 m (6,699 ft), East Peak at 2,100 m (6,890 ft), West Peak at 2,083 m (6,834 ft), and South Peak, highest at 2,155 m (7,070 ft). West Peak is the most walker-friendly peak. Taking a cable-car ride up the mountain lasts for about 20 minutes, offering thrilling views of the canyons below. This is another highlight of the mountain trip.
30. Hukou Waterfall
Hukou WaterfallHukou ('teapot mouth') Waterfall is the only yellow waterfall in the world and the second largest waterfall in China. It's image features on the 50-yuan note in Chinese currency.
Hukou Waterfall is a spectacular sight as the sediment-rich Yellow River rushes through Jinxia Grand Canyon, creating a thunderous roar that echoes through the valley. The width of the waterfall varies with the season, ranging from 30 to 50 meters (98 to 164 feet) during the flood season from May to October.
It takes about 3½ hours to drive there from Xi'an.
Recommended visit: 2 days
Places That Were Previously but Are No Longer Listed as the Most Beautiful
Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang Old TownLijiang has been very popular during the last 10–20 years because it has one of the most famous old towns in China. Lijiang Old Town was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997. Now, it still holds World Heritage status, but it is more like a shopping/leisure district and many Naxi people who once lived there have sold up and left.
However, Lijiang is still a good staging point for nearby snow mountains, Tiger Leaping Gorge, good food, and a journey to Shangri-La.
Suzhou
Suzhou was regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in China for its brilliant ancient gardens, canals, and bridges. Now, the gardens are still pretty, but be prepared for the overcrowding.
A good way to enjoy the ancient gardens comfortably is to visit them at night. Now, the Master of the Nets Garden and the Humble Administrator's Garden provide night tours by appointment with a limited number of travelers.
Visit the Master of the Nets Garden at NightEchoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake in Dunhuang
Crowded Echoing-Sand MountainNearly every traveler visiting Dunhuang visits Echoing-Sand (Mingsha) Mountain as it is easy to reach and the sunset view from the desert is amazing.
Crescent Lake at Echoing-Sand Mountain is an oasis in the desert. The lake's name derives from its crescent shape formed by the water between two huge sand dunes.
Due to its popularity, Echoing-Sand Mountain is full of crowds every day. To address safety concerns, traffic lights have even been installed there. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.
To avoid crowded parts Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, we have found a secluded desert camp nestled behind Mingsha Mountain. There, tranquility reigns, free from the clamor of tourists. Climb the dunes barefoot, witness the sunset's magic, and wait for the stars to paint the night sky. With us, a desert dinner awaits, promising an unforgettable experience that would enrich your journey.
A Secluded Desert Camp Nestled Behind Mingsha MountainA Secluded Desert Camp Nestled Behind Mingsha Mountain