Most of us know about the famous Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the Terracotta Army of Xi’an. But there’s so much more if you’re looking for the best places to visit in China. China’s story is one of stunning beauty, woven from nature, history, and innovation. From the celestial mountains in the west to the serene lakes in the east, the country’s natural wonders captivate the imagination. Its long history tells tales of emperors, warriors, poets, and philosophers, spanning from the Xia Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Amidst this rich heritage, the futuristic skylines and impressive architecture of cities like Shanghai and Beijing showcase its continuous innovation. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders or modern marvels, here are the top 10 most beautiful places in China to add to your bucket list! Best Places to Visit in China 1. Rainbow Mountains, Zhangye The Rainbow Mountains in China are like a painting come to life, with colours stretching across the hills like a rainbow. Most of these hills glow fiery red under the bright sun, but as you move towards the edges, they shift into shades of yellow and grey, shimmering like crystals. People from all over the world flock to this breathtaking location, which gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009 and has been hailed as one of the planet’s top natural wonders by National Geographic. If you’re thinking of visiting, you’ll discover these enchanting mountains in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, located in the northwest province of Gansu, China. To explore, simply hop on one of the sightseeing buses that shuttle between four different viewing spots. This eight-kilometre journey takes about two hours to complete. Keep in mind, the optimal time to visit is during the warmer months from June to September, when the weather is pleasant for hiking and scenic walks, and the colours are at their most vibrant. 2. Fenghuang County, Hunan Ever heard of Fenghuang Ancient City? Also called Phoenix Ancient City, it is a 400-year-old town in China, with charming architecture. It got its name from Phoenix Mountain, which looks like the legendary bird. People often say it’s “the most beautiful town in China” and a “town in a picture.” With rich history and well-preserved buildings, it’s no wonder Fenghuang Ancient City received the highest rating given by China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) for a tourist attraction – which is “National AAAA Tourist Attraction.” Now, if you’re planning a trip, aim for May to September. That’s when Fenghuang peaks, as the banks of the Tuojiang River come alive at night with locals singing and dancing, or the occasional bonfire parties you can participate in. While you’re there, make sure you also try the in-season fresh kiwifruit and wild chestnuts, and visit popular spots, such as Phoenix Hong Bridge, the East Gate, and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen. This town is situated in the southwest of the Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Xiangxi, Hunan province. Getting there is easy with high-speed trains to Fenghuang Gucheng Station or flights to Tongren Fenghuang Airport. 3. Temple of Heaven, Beijing The Temple of Heaven, also known as Beijing Tian Tan, is a stunning ancient building in Beijing, China. Constructed by the Yongle Emperor during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it served as a vital centre for rituals like the Winter Solstice Ceremony where the emperor prayed for bountiful harvest. With its grand size and rich traditions, it’s considered one of the biggest and most significant sacrificial sites globally. UNESCO even recognized its importance in 1998 by listing it as a World Heritage Site! You can find this temple at 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng District, a mere 7-minute taxi ride away from the Forbidden City. The best times to go are from March to May, where you’ll witness pretty flowers blooming in spring, and from September to November, where the fall sky is nice and clear. If you go early in the morning, you can also see (or join) locals as they practise tai chi or kung fu! One of the most popular routes to explore the complex is to start from the South Gate, visiting the Huanqiu Altar, Danbi Bridge, Qinian Hall, Flower Garden, and Palace of Abstinence before leaving through the West Gate. 4. Shangri-La, Tibet If you’re not sold on paradise, it’s probably because you haven’t been to Shangri-La. No, it’s not the 5-star hotel chain. Once called Zhongdian County Town, Shangri-La is often hailed as the “Eden in dream.” This enchanting spot of breathtaking beauty, boasting snowy peaks, ancient forests, and skies sprinkled with stars – made popular in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon – has since been linked with an otherworldly paradise. In Tibetan, Shangri-La translates to “sun and moon in heart,” painting a picture of a perfect home only found in heaven. There’s a saying in Chinese that captures it well: “The earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-La; and the most unique place is also there.” When you visit, that saying really hits home. The prime time to visit is from May to October when wildflowers paint the landscape and visitors can explore the stunning landscapes without freezing. Located where Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan meet in southern China, getting to this capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is pretty straightforward. Hop on a ride from Kunming to Lijiang and then catch a high-speed train or a 30-minute flight to Diqing Shangri-La Airport. Once you arrive, visit attractions like Songzanlin Lamasery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan Province, or Tiger Leaping Gorge, a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River. You can also soak up the lively Tibetan culture and festivals, such as their folk music and dance live performances! 5. The Bund, Shanghai The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a famous waterfront area in Shanghai that showcases the city’s blend of old stories and modern vibes. It’s like flipping through a living history book where you can admire 52 stunning old
