5 Beautiful Places to Visit on Your Trip to China

Before going to China, I was only interested in visiting Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Sure, the country is big, but what else could I really want to see?

Answer: Everything.

The longer I was in China, the more places I wanted to discover. China is not only a country of history and metropolises. It is also a country of natural wonders that should be on any traveler’s bucket list. Here are just a few.

(Tip: If you want detailed accounts of any of these places, check out China Highlights. This website is a lifesaver when planning trips.)

1. THE YELLOW MOUNTAINS 

   The Yellow Mountains, or “Huángshān,” are regarded by many as the most beautiful spot in China. Most people spend two or three days here. Regardless of how long you stay, make sure to catch the sunrise and sunset each day. The sun disappearing and rising over the sea of clouds is one of the main draws. There are a number of hiking paths, but you can get to the top by cable car if you don’t have the time or energy to hike.These mountains are in East China. You can catch a flight to Huángshān City from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, or Guangzhou. A bus from the city to the mountains lasts only an hour.

    

2. THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS 

   Inside Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in Central China, you’ll find the Rainbow Mountains. Layers of minerals and sandstone give the mountains the color that photographers go nuts for. These mountains are at the top of my China bucket list.It’s a tad tricky to get to the Rainbow Mountains. There are limited flights from Xi’an and Lanzhou. You can grab a train from a few larger cities, but you’re looking at up to 30 hours travel time. (There are worse problems than viewing China by train, though.)

   
   

    

3. YANGSHUO 

   Yangshuo is a suburb of Guilin. The town has the perfect combination of city life and stunning scenery. It’s a popular tourist spot, and travelers spend their days hiking or white water rafting. They spend their nights bar hopping and eating big meals featuring Yangshuo’s traditional beer fish.The easiest way to get to Yangshuo is to take a cruise or bus from Guilin.

    

4. THE GREAT WALL 

   If you didn’t see the Great Wall on your trip, did you really go to China? The Great Wall of China lives up to the hype. If you’re in Beijing, you have to visit! Don’t forget, though, that the wall spreads out across China. There are plenty of places to see it that are less touristy. I recommend visiting the Mutianyu section of the wall, just outside Central Beijing.  Make sure you take the time to climb it the views are spectactular!

5. ZHANGJIAJIE

   If you loved the scenery in the movie Avatar, you’re in luck. The mountains in the film were based on Heavenly Pillar in Zhāngjiājiè, and the area is simply referred to as The Avatar Mountains by many expats. Other than the mountains, attractions include the longest glass bridge in the world, the longest cable car ride in the world, and wild monkeys.

   It can be a little difficult to get to this city, also. There are limited flights from Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Of course, if you are traveling to China there are so many other things to see like Xian and the Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai and the Jade Buddha Temple, The World Trade Center and so much to do and see.

Have you ever been to China?  What was the highlight of your trip?  Make sure to share the details with us!

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