Top-15 Destinations To Visit In China

China is one of Asia’s most scenic countries to travel to. From its scenic mountain ranges to its vibrant landscapes, all seem to be pieces of heaven scattered on the face of Earth. Here is a list of Top-15 travel Destinations to visit in China which will make your heart yearn to see these splendid places.

1. Mount Huangshan, Anhui

Huangshan District, Huangshan, Anhui Province,China.

Also known as Yellow Mountain, Mt. Huangshan has made its mark in UNESCO's World’s Heritage Site. It is located in Anhui Province, east of China. Characterized specifically for its strangely shaped rocks and irregular pine tree arrangements, Mt Huangshuan is one of the best destinations to visit in China. The misty and melancholic clouds hovering over lakes of crystal clear water give the impression of a fairyland. This place spurs the fantasies of many and leaves its forever lasting marks on visitor’s soul. The Mountain range is divided into 7 picturesque areas naming; Beihai, Xihai, Songgu, Yungu, Yuping, Baiyun and Hot Spring Area.

Trekking this 1,863-meter mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience which you may never want to miss. You can rent a hotel and view the amazing mountain site from your room’s window, or you can enjoy a blissful ride on one of the 4 cable-ways situated in Mt Huangshan. Don’t forget to read the weird names given to peculiar rocks as you walk past the jagged paths.

2. Mount Wuyi, Fujian

Mount Wuyi, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China

Mt Wuyi has also made its way to UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1999. Situated amongst the marvelous provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi, these mountain ranges are one of the largest producers of timber, tea, and grain which is directly transported to rest of China. Apart from keeping a rich religious history and being a landmark for the beginning of Neo-Confucianism, Mt Wuyi shows divers traditional and cultural colors as well. This Danxia landform exhibits the ancient values of Daoism Culture, Tea culture, and Lignan culture. These mountains are a haven for biodiversity as well as human culture.

Bamboo rafting at the lower gorge of the nine-bend river all trekking all the way to the top of its Great King peak is some of many adventurous activities you can do in Mount Wuyi. Reaching the apex of Heavenly Tour peak, you can look down to the splendor of Snowflake spring surrounded by misty clouds is something you will never forget. Moreover, you can explore mystic caves and cultural colonies during your visit.

3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

Comprising upon an area of 4,810 hectares, Zhangjiajie is China’s first National Park and is listed as UNESCO Global Geopark. The nomenclature is based upon a traditional village located within this bounding area. It translates as Zhang Family Homeland. Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (originally known as South Celestial Pillar or Qiankun Column) emerges from amidst the flaking quartz pillars. These stand-still pillars remain blanketed in misty clouds and seem to be floating in the air by the tourists. Down The Golden Whip Stream, many lush grassy patches and several endearing forms of wildlife plants and animals can be seen. All these elements give this place a touch of an other-worldly fairyland.

A five meter thick World’s No. 1 bridge is seen to be connecting two mountain peaks which are formerly believed to be a part of a single mountain. You can take a flight or a ride to this city in the spring season, preferably, to awe at nature’s exhibition of splendid glory.

4. Temple of Heaven

1 Tiantan E. Rd, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Covering an area of 273 hectares, Temple of Heaven is located in the south of the famous Forbidden City. It is China’s largest place for sacrifice to heaven. The building is an embodiment of cultural, architectural, celestial and religious influence. It is guarded by ancient pines and is located right in the center of Royal Gardens. Symbolic architecture is seen on every corner of the temple, depicting its civilization and sacrificial value. This ancient masterpiece engulfs historical, mathematical, astronomical, religious and ecological qualities of China.

Hall of prayer, Hall of Abstinence, Circular Mound Altar and Imperial Vault of Heaven are worth seeing places. A trip of 60 minutes is enough to explore it briefly.

5. Fortress Towers

Kaiping, Guangdong, China

Formerly designated as Clock Towers and currently known as Diaolou, these are large pillars made of strong concrete. These towers keep a rich ancient architecture comprising upon Islamic, Greek and Roman designs. Display of wealth and protection of citizens from wars and thieves were the reasons these towers were built.

Almost 1,800 towers are spread across the rice fields of four Kaiping villages naming; Sanmenl, Zilicun, Jinjiangli, and Majianglong.

You can take one of the many buses which regularly travel between Kaiping Bus terminal and Guangdong in order to explore these towers.

6. Badaling Great Wall

Yanqing County, China

Being a section of the Great Wall of China, Badaling Great Wall is a part of one of Seven Wonders of World. Construction was completed by the Qing dynasty, and extension was done in the Ming dynasty. 6350 kilometers of this vast wall tear across enormous mountains. It is a monolithic representation of China’s amazing heritage and world’s greatest barricade. Millions of visitors visit this section of the wall every year, including some very renowned personalities as well.

Pass city, City wall, Watchtowers, Wangjing Stone, Fork city, Ancient cannons and China Great Wall Museum are the famous tourist attractions surrounding Badaling Wall. Visit this wonder in autumn or spring season by either taking a local train or a bus.

7. Lijiang River

Guilin City, China

Originating from Guilin city, Lijiang River is actually a poetic 83 km waterway extending up to Yangzhou. Its waters have been described as blue ribbons and the surrounding cliffs as emerald hair clips by Chinese poet Hanyu. Li River takes you on an otherworldly land of crystal clear water, lush green mountains, twisting cliffs, and jagged shores preceded by steep hills. Surrounded by the sweet symphony of softly flowing water, watching ducks and fisherman do their business along the coast, you will find yourself enchanted by the poetic beauty of the river. If there was one word that could describe Li River, then it would be serenity.

April to October is the best time to cruise down the stream and let your dance on nature’s melodious symphony.

8. Terracotta Warriors

Lintong County, Xi'an, Shannxi Province, China

If you are someone who wants to see the inanimate history in its animated form, Terracotta Warriors situated in Qing Mausoleum are your go-to spot. With lucid expressions, delicate carvings and vivid representation, these warrior statues look as if they are still alive. No amount of erosion and weathering has forced this historically powerful mausoleum to lose its charm. Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin dynasty started his own tomb’s construction at a young age of only 13. Since then, this clay-empire was buried in the ground until it was accidentally discovered by locals in search of water-wells during drought.

The monuments comprise upon chariot warriors, infantrymen, cavalrymen, and horses- all in very good shape and carefully placed around the tomb. Visiting this place will give you a hell lot of information regarding the history of Qing dynasty and its unmatchable glory.

9. Sand Lake

Ningxia, China

The Sand Lake is a heavenly place for people who are fond of sitting by the water-side on damp, crispy sand. Several migratory birds including cranes, swans, and ducks come to its shore every year, and visitors can view those using large telescopes. Apart from bird watching, you can also be fascinated by giant salamanders and rare fish found in the clear water. Motorbiking on blue water, bird-watching, windsurfing and riding motor cables on sand are some of the many activities you can enjoy on the sand lake.

10. Qinghai Lake

Qinghai, China

Qinghai Lake, also known as Kuku Nor lake literally translates as Blue Teal. It is a vast lake. Out of the 23 streams which drain into it, 5 are permanent, and rest is seasonal. It is highly recommended for people who are fond of collecting and observing various stone-types and the processes which form it. Ivory white granite and gneiss make up most of the spiral isle situated in the middle of this lake. Horse raising, fishing, and good vegetation are widely seen done by locals. The vast expanse of calming water and beautiful surrounding colors is one of the remarkable tourist attractions.

11. Forbidden City

4 Jingshan Front St., Dongcheng District, China

Forbidden City is named so due to the fact that this city is guarded against all corners by monolithic and concrete walls. It is a cultural, ethnic and civilization treasure which attracts tourists due to its strange architecture and city plan. Divided into two parts, it is guarded by Qianqingmen on either part. The gate of Supreme Harmony, Meridian gate, Gate of Heavenly Purity is worth seeing places.

12. Potala Palace

Tibet, China

Comprising upon nine stories, this palace stands 3700 meters above sea level. It is world’s largest palace and former home to Dalai Lama and Tibetan ruling govt. Along with the genuine structure of white palace, over a 1000 rooms still remain including the ones used by Dalai Lama. It is turned into a museum and tourists can pay a one-hour visit.

13. Benxi Water Cave

Liaoning, China.

Bursting with vibrant colors, Benxi water cave is a haven for Stalagmites and stalactites. All the bright colors of nature can be seen sparkling through these stones. Drought cave and water cave, both are accessible to the public by using water boat. Guanshan Hill, Tiesha Hill, Hot Spring Temple and Miaohou Hill are worth seeing sites.

14. Shaolin temple

Mt. Songshan, Dengfeng City, Henan Province, China

It is the first temple ever constructed in this world. Besides being the birthplace of Chinese Shaolin Wushu, it is also the ancestral chamber of Chinese Han Zen Buddhism. Famous for teaching Chinese Kung fu, it is a remarkable attraction for tourists which are fascinated by Kung fu art. You can visit this place from April to October to watch the famous Chinese Kungfu show.

15. Jiuzhaigou Valley

Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, North of Sichuan Province, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley is known as the land of fairies due to its scenic views and unparalleled serene beauty. Snow covered mountains lined with lush forests, clear water streams gushing across the forests and tearing mountains, all sorts of wild beats and plant- all are the elements of the beautiful valley. Nature is seen to exhibit its beauty in utter serenity in this fairyland sort of valley. The water bodies found here is the specialty of this place and water is what keeps this place alive. Sword Rock and Suspended Spring, Swan Lake and Fangcao Sea are the most visited tourist attractions.