Hello everyone! I’m Qin from Shanghai.
Previously, I shared recommendations on must-visit places in Ireland for international students.
Today, I’d like to introduce some of the best travel destinations in China. If you ever get the chance to visit, these places will undoubtedly make your trip worthwhile.
Following the same structure as before, I’ve categorized the destinations based on different travel styles. Every destination in this guide is one that I have personally visited at least once and carefully selected to ensure an unforgettable experience if you go.
1. Hiking & Scenic Landscapes
- Shanxi: Xi’an (Mount Hua)
- Anhui: Huangshan City (Huangshan Mountain)
- Zhejiang: Hangzhou (West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Qiandao Lake, Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and Hefang Street) , Wenzhou (Yandang Mountains)
- Yunnan: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
2. Relaxation & Coastal Retreats
- Hainan: Sanya, Haikou
- Yunnan: Lijiang, Dali
- Fujian: Xiamen (Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple & Xiamen University, Zengcuo’an, and Huandao Road)
- Zhejiang: Wuzhen, Xitang (Traditional Water Towns)
3. Food & Nightlife
- Chongqing: Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave (Hotpot, Xiaomian, Night Views), also known as various clubs
- Shanxi: Xi’an (Muslim Quarter, Roujiamo, Paomo)
- Guangdong: Guangzhou (Cantonese Dim Sum, Shunde Cuisine)
- Jiangsu: Nanjing (Confucius Temple, Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup)
4. History & Cultural Heritage
- Shanxi: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall)
- Shandong: Qingdao (Badaguan, German Quarter), Qufu (Confucius Temple)
- Jiangsu: Suzhou (Classical Gardens), Wuxi (Yuantouzhu), Nanjing (Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming City Wall)
5. Modern Metropolises
- Shanghai: The Bund, Lujiazui, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuyuan Garden, and Qibao Ancient Town
- Guangdong: Guangzhou (Canton Tower, Shamian Island, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street)
Destinations Recommended by Friends (Yet to Visit)
1. Hiking & Scenic Landscapes
- Hunan: Zhangjiajie (Tianmen Mountain, Wulingyuan)
- Sichuan: Mount Emei, Four Sisters Mountain, Daocheng Yading
- Yunnan: Shangri-La
- Qinghai: Qinghai Lake
2. Relaxation & Coastal Retreats
- Yunnan: Shangri-La
- Guangxi: Guilin (Li River, Yangshuo)
3. Food & Nightlife
- Sichuan: Chengdu (Hotpot, Skewers, Jiuyanqiao Bar Street)
4. History & Cultural Heritage
- Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
5. Breathtaking Landscapes
(1) Stunning Plateau & Alpine Scenery
- Sichuan: Jiuzhaigou (Five-Color Pond, Waterfalls), Daocheng Yading (Xianuoduoji Peak, Milk Lake)
- Qinghai: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Hoh Xil
- Tibet: Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash
- Xinjiang: Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
(2) Iconic Road Trip & Overland Routes (best drive to there)
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway: Xining → Golmud → Nagqu → Lhasa
- Highlights: A journey across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, passing through Hoh Xil, Tanggula Mountains, and the northern Tibetan grasslands.
- Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Chengdu → Kangding → Litang → Batang → Lhasa
- Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and rich Tibetan culture—often dubbed the “Ultimate Road Trip of a Lifetime.”
- Western Sichuan Circuit (Small Loop): Chengdu → Danba → Seda → Four Sisters Mountain
- Highlights: Stunning Tibetan monasteries, vibrant Tibetan villages, and breathtaking highland landscapes.
China offers an incredibly diverse range of travel experiences, from breathtaking mountain landscapes and ancient historical sites to vibrant metropolises and world-class cuisine etc.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or relaxing getaways, there’s something for everyone.
Finally, the suggestion is not to buy any stuff at famous travel places. Wishing everyone a wonderful and enjoyable journey!
