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Dreaming of a trip to China? Save these breathtaking Chinese landscapes for a memorable journey and stunning Instagram photos!
Have you ever imagined stepping into a world of picturesque landscapes, majestic natural wonders, and ancient cities full of mystery? China, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse scenery, is the perfect place to turn that dream into reality. From towering mountains to serene rivers, from pristine forests to bustling modern cities, China offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
In this article, Mytour Vietnam will introduce you to the most beautiful scenic spots in China, blending natural beauty and cultural richness, promising to create lasting memories on your journey through this vast country.
1. The Great Wall of China - A Must-See Beijing Landmark
- Address: Badaling, Yanqing, Beijing
The Great Wall of China stands as one of the country's most iconic tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually. Stretching 573 kilometers, it is divided into multiple sections, each boasting its own unique charm.
The most renowned sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Jinshanling, Simatai, Jiankou, and Gubeikou. Among these, Badaling is the best-preserved, showcasing complete military architecture and ancient culture, while Mutianyu is perfect for those seeking a less crowded experience.
2. The Forbidden City - Beijing
- Address: No.4 Jingshanqian, Dongcheng, Beijing
Constructed in the 15th century, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the world's best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complex, featuring over 9,000 rooms.
Today, the Forbidden City operates as a museum, displaying an extensive collection of art, including calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more from China's feudal era. Visitors can delve into Chinese history and culture through its priceless artifacts.
3. The Summer Palace - Beijing
- Address: Qinglongqiao E Street, Haidian, Beijing
The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan, is one of China's largest and best-preserved royal gardens. Constructed in the 18th century, it served as a retreat for emperors of the Qing dynasty.
The site features unique architectural marvels such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the East Palace Gate, and Kunming Lake. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake, admire the picturesque mountain views, and explore the palace's rich history.
4. The Bund - Shanghai's Iconic Scenic Spot
- Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai
The Bund is undoubtedly a familiar name for many young enthusiasts of movies and music. Located along the Huangpu River, it showcases a striking blend of modern and historic architecture, reflecting the city's dynamic history. Visitors can stroll through bustling streets and admire the towering skyscrapers.
At night, the Bund transforms into a dazzling spectacle, with vibrant lights reflecting off the Huangpu River.
5. Oriental Pearl Tower - Shanghai
- Address: Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shanghai
Standing at 468 meters tall, the Oriental Pearl Tower is renowned for its spherical design, resembling a giant pearl in the heart of the city. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai, including the scenic Huangpu River and towering skyscrapers.
Inside the tower, there is a diverse entertainment complex featuring restaurants, shopping centers, and a city history museum. The Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit destination for those exploring modern architecture and Chinese culture.
6. West Lake Scenic Area - Hangzhou's Natural Beauty
- Address: West Lake Scenic, Xihu, Hangzhou
West Lake is renowned for its "Ten Scenes of West Lake," a collection of breathtaking landscapes shaped by both nature and human artistry. The crystal-clear freshwater lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a fairyland.
Each season brings a unique charm to West Lake: spring with blooming flowers, summer with pink lotuses, autumn with golden leaves, and winter with snow-covered vistas. Visitors can cycle, stroll, or boat across the lake, enjoying the stunning views of Su Causeway, Bai Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, and Broken Bridge. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and poetic beauty in the heart of China.
7. Humble Administrator's Garden - Suzhou's Scenic Gem
- Address: No.178, Dong Bei Street, Pingjiang, Suzhou
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Humble Administrator's Garden is one of the most captivating destinations in Suzhou, China. Known as the "National Garden of Suzhou," it is an ancient garden with exquisite architecture, blending nature and human artistry in perfect harmony.
The garden is designed in a traditional style, featuring stone-paved pathways, lush ancient trees, crystal-clear ponds, and historic pavilions. It also houses a collection of fascinating artworks, reflecting Suzhou's rich cultural and historical heritage.
8. Tongli Ancient Town - Suzhou
- Address: Wujiang, Suzhou
Nestled within the bustling city of Suzhou, Tongli Ancient Town is a serene ink-wash painting, exuding ancient charm and poetic beauty. Often referred to as a "fairyland," it features winding canals, historic houses, ancient stone bridges, and tranquil bamboo gardens.
Visitors can explore the town on small boats, observe the peaceful lives of locals, savor traditional cuisine, and delve into the region's long-standing culture. Tongli Ancient Town is an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.
9. Lion Grove Garden - Suzhou
- Address: 23 Yuanlin Rd, Gusu, Suzhou
Lion Grove Garden, one of the four most beautiful classical gardens in Suzhou, is a top-tier tourist attraction in China. Located in the northeastern part of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, this 1.1-hectare garden is a perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional Chinese gardening art.
The garden enchants visitors with its dreamlike scenery of rolling rock formations, serene ponds, and magnificent pavilions. Its intricate architecture, featuring the graceful curves of a blue dragon, makes visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a heavenly paradise. If you want to explore traditional Chinese architecture, this is a must-visit destination!
10. Dafengmen Scenic Area - Guangzhou's Natural Beauty
- Address: Paitanzhen, Zengcheng, Guangzhou
Dafengmen Scenic Area is a green gem nestled amidst the majestic Baishuixian Waterfall and the Nankun Mountain Range. This vast area boasts stunning natural landscapes, including towering peaks, crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and unique rock formations.
Dafengmen is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, offering exciting activities like mountain climbing, kayaking, hiking, and waterfall bathing. With its natural beauty and diverse recreational options, Dafengmen is a must-visit tourist spot.
11. Shawan Ancient Town - Guangzhou
- Address: Panyu, Guangzhou
Located in southern Guangzhou, Shawan Ancient Town is a captivating tourist destination with over 800 years of history. It features distinctive southern Chinese architecture, reflecting the culture of the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China eras.
Visitors can explore ancient houses, narrow alleys, ancestral halls, and intangible cultural heritage such as Cantonese folk music, lion dances, and Piaose art. Shawan Ancient Town is the perfect place to experience local life and the unique culture of southern China.
12. Zengcheng Bai Shuizhai Scenic Area - Guangzhou
- Address: Zengcheng, Guangzhou
If you love nature and seek relaxation, Zengcheng Bai Shuizhai Scenic Area is a destination you shouldn’t miss. It is famous for the Bai Shui Xian Waterfall, which is said to have the highest concentration of negative ions in the Lingnan region, creating a refreshing and cool atmosphere.
Visitors can hike, experience Guangzhou’s longest trail with 9,999 steps, and admire the waterfall from high points like Shuanglong Hui and Baoming Rest Stop. Bai Shuizhai also captivates travelers with its poetic scenery, especially when the purple azaleas bloom in March.
13. Wulong Karst - Chongqing's Natural Beauty
- Address: Wulong, Chongqing
Wulong Karst is hailed as the "Kingdom of Stone Mountains" in Chongqing. It is renowned for its majestic limestone formations, shaped by millions of years of natural weathering. The vast cave system, with its shimmering stalactites, creates a mysterious and captivating underground world.
Visitors can explore caves like Phoenix Cave and Tianlong Cave, and marvel at the majestic waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs. Wulong Karst is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to discover the wonders of creation and experience thrilling adventures.
14. Fairy Mountain Forest Park - Chongqing
- Address: Wulong, Chongqing
Known as the "Oriental Switzerland" and the "Summer Palace of the Mountain City," Fairy Mountain Forest Park attracts visitors with its picturesque scenery, featuring vast grasslands, lush forests, and fresh air.
The park is an ideal destination for those seeking fresh air and engaging in recreational activities like kite flying, archery, horseback riding, paragliding, or simply strolling and enjoying the views. Visitors can explore Fairy Mountain in any season, as each offers its own unique beauty.
15. Wushan Little Three Gorges - Chongqing
- Address: 111, Ningjiang Road, Gaotang Street, Wushan County, Chongqing
Tucked away in the majestic landscapes of Chongqing, Wushan Little Three Gorges is a stunning tourist destination known for its pristine and poetic beauty. It is famous for its three small gorges: Dragon Gate, Misty Gorge, and Emerald Gorge.
Visitors can feel as though they’ve stepped into a landscape painting, with cool blue waters flowing between the cliffs. Due to its relatively late development for tourism, the local customs and daily life, such as dining, washing, and walking on wooden plank roads along the cliffs, remain preserved, adding a unique charm to this place.
16. Jiuzhaigou - Sichuan's Breathtaking Scenery
- Address: Northern Sichuan
Nestled in the heart of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou is a tourist paradise with poetic landscapes that captivate visitors. Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Jiuzhaigou is famous for its shimmering colorful lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, and lush primeval forests.
Jiuzhaigou is most beautiful in spring and autumn, when flowers bloom or leaves turn vibrant colors. Visitors can explore famous scenic spots like Shuzheng Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Rize Valley, each offering its own unique charm.
17. Shuangqiao Valley - Sichuan
- Address: Shuangqiaogou Scenic Area, Mount Siguniang, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan
Located within Siguniang Mountain National Park, Shuangqiao Valley is the largest, longest, and most accessible of the three famous valleys. It offers breathtaking scenery with three forest belts, creating an impressive landscape. The valley has well-developed infrastructure, with tourist buses serving visitors from the entrance to the end of the valley.
Shuangqiao Valley is an ideal destination to explore the natural beauty of Siguniang Mountain, with famous attractions like Yin-Yang Valley, Ten-Mile Birch Forest, Sapodilla Plateau, and Bonsai Beach.
18. Lenggacuo Lake - Sichuan
- Address: Yulongxi Village, Gonggashan Township, Kangding City, Sichuan
Amid the majestic scenery of Gongga Snow Mountain, Lenggacuo Lake in western Sichuan is an ideal destination for lovers of pristine nature. It is renowned for its stunning beauty, with the calm lake surface reflecting the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking natural painting.
Reaching Lenggacuo requires traversing rugged roads. However, once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of snow-covered peaks and clouds seemingly within reach. The serene atmosphere, interrupted only by the sound of your own breath, offers a sense of peace and relaxation.
19. Huangguoshu Waterfall - Guizhou's Scenic Beauty
- Address: Zhen Ning Bu Yi Zu Miao Zu Zi Zhi Xian, An Shun Shi, Guizhou
With a height of 77.8 meters and a width of 101 meters, Huangguoshu Waterfall is recognized as the largest waterfall in China and a symbol of Guizhou Province.
The beauty of Huangguoshu Waterfall captivates visitors from every angle, whether viewed from above, below, or from the front and back. The roaring sound of the waterfall creates a mesmerizing natural symphony. Visitors can admire this magnificent scenery from the Rhinoceros Pool Viewing Platform or Wang Shui Ting.
20. Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum - Xi'an
- Address: Lintong, Xi'an
Located near Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is part of the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China. Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army consists of thousands of clay soldiers, chariots, and horses, replicating the real army of Qin Shi Huang.
Each statue is meticulously crafted, with unique facial expressions, postures, and attire. The Terracotta Army is not only a testament to the artistic talent of ancient Chinese craftsmen but also a valuable historical treasure, reflecting the culture, technology, and beliefs of the Qin Shi Huang era.
Visitors to the Terracotta Army Museum will witness one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and experience a part of China's glorious history.
China, a vast country with a rich history and diverse culture, is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and unique experiences. From majestic natural wonders to unique cultural heritage, China promises unforgettable memories.
Don’t forget to check out these travel guides: China travel tips, 7-day 6-night China itinerary, Phoenix Ancient Town travel guide, 5-day 4-night Shanghai itinerary, Lijiang Ancient Town travel tips, Chengdu travel guide, Forbidden City travel tips, 25 must-try Chinese dishes, Yunnan travel guide, Shangri-La travel tips, Chongqing travel guide, and more.
Which scenic spots in China have you chosen? Get ready to plan your adventure across the land of a billion people!
