20 Epic Places in China for an Unforgettable Adventure
China is home to vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, offering endless possibilities for travel and nature photographers. From ancient wonders to modern skylines, every corner of China is filled with breathtaking scenes waiting to be captured.
Of course, many are drawn to iconic spots like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, or Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, but China’s landscapes and natural features are equally impressive.
With such a big country and so many scenic locations to explore, planning a trip to China can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this travel guide to highlight some of the most beautiful places to visit. Use the map below to see where these bucket list destinations are located and how you can combine several of them into one trip.
The Most Beautiful Places in China
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is known for its gravity-defying sandstone pillars. These massive karst formations rise dramatically through a sea of mist and fog, creating an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for landscape photography.
You can explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s breathtaking scenery through a network of trails, cable cars, and glass bridges offering unparalleled views of the towering peaks. One of the park’s most iconic attractions is the Bailong Elevator, a glass elevator built into the side of a cliff that provides a one-of-a-kind ride up to jaw-dropping panoramic vistas.
The park is also home to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, a standout pillar that directly inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. If you’re seeking adventure or a unique perspective, you’ll love the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which stretches across a massive canyon.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November) when the temperature is mild, and the mist adds an ethereal touch to your photos.
2. The Great Wall of China
The iconic Great Wall winds through rugged mountains and valleys, offering panoramic views and endless photo opportunities. For breathtaking views and fewer crowds, the Jinshanling section (pictured above) is a perfect choice. Known for its rugged beauty, this stretch is ideal for capturing the wall’s historic charm and dramatic terrain.
Meanwhile, the Mutianyu section is known for its well-preserved structure and stunning mountain backdrop, making it highly photogenic and family-friendly. It also features a convenient cable car, making access easier.
For adventurous travelers, the Simatai section provides an authentic, untamed experience with steep climbs and incredible night views, as it’s one of the few sections open for evening exploration.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Photograph the Wall in autumn (September to November) when the leaves turn crimson and gold, creating a striking contrast against the gray stone.
3. Jiuzhaigou National Park
Known as the “Fairyland on Earth,” Jiuzhaigou National Park is home to crystal-clear turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Five Flower Lake (in the photo above) is one of the most picturesque spots in the park. This shallow lake is known for its stunning array of colors, ranging from turquoise and emerald green to golden yellow, all of which shift and shimmer under the sunlight. The lake’s vibrant hues are due to its mineral-rich waters, underwater vegetation, and ancient fallen tree trunks resting at the bottom.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall is another highlight, with its wide, fan-like cascade. The waterfall gets its name from the way water droplets sparkle like pearls under the sunlight as they tumble down the rocks. Stretching over 160 feet wide and plunging approximately 65 feet, the waterfall is an impressive sight.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Autumn (October) is the best time, as the fall foliage amplifies the park’s kaleidoscopic beauty.
4. Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Flaunting surreal “rainbow mountains,” Zhangye Danxia in the Gansu province of China, is a geological wonder. The vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and green in the sandstone formations result from many years of mineral deposits. Capture these stripes under golden-hour lighting for truly spectacular images.
You can explore the park by using designated walking paths, viewing platforms, and (optionally) guided tours to experience this breathtaking environment.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Summer evenings (June-August) offer soft lighting that emphasize the vibrant colors and textures.
5. Guilin and Yangshuo
Guilin, located in southern China, is renowned for its awe-inspiring karst landscape, tranquil rivers, and lush greenery. The region is dominated by limestone hills and caves, creating a surreal backdrop. The Li River, winding through the dramatic peaks, offers one of the most iconic sights in Guilin. A cruise down the river is a great way to see and photograph the area.
Yangshuo is closely linked to Guilin and often considered its more tranquil option. Located downstream along the Li River, Yangshuo also features stunning natural beauty and a relaxed, rural charm. While Guilin is known for its grand karst formations, Yangshuo offers a more intimate experience, with towering limestone peaks rising dramatically from rice fields and winding pathways.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
April to October, when the weather is typically clear.
6. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is one of China’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks. Located in Anhui Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its extraordinary scenery, marked by jagged granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and a mystical sea of clouds that often shrouds the mountain’s valleys.
If you’re up for a hike, you’ll love Huangshan’s well-maintained trails, which wind through picturesque scenery and provide access to incredible vantage points. For a more leisurely visit, use the cable cars that glide above the dense forest below, offering panoramic views.
You can also find hot springs at the base of the mountain. These natural thermal pools have been thought to have rejuvenating properties for centuries. Additionally, nearby ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi provide a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture and rural life, making the area an ideal destination for authentic travel photos.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Winter mornings (December-February) create dreamlike scenes with snowy peaks and a sea of clouds.
7. Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders, renowned for its dramatic scenery and adventurous trekking opportunities. Located in Yunnan Province, this gorge is carved by the powerful Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, and is framed by the towering peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain. The gorge is named after a legend in which a tiger is said to have leaped across the narrowest point of the river to escape a hunter.
Approximately 10 miles long, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers an impressive combination of deep ravines, roaring rapids, and breathtaking cliffs. The trails that wind through the area are popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts, providing excellent views of the river below and the snow-capped mountains above. Along the way, you may encounter vibrant wildflowers, terraced farmlands, and small villages, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Naxi and Tibetan people who have inhabited this region for centuries.
The gorge is divided into three sections—Upper, Middle, and Lower—each offering unique experiences. The Upper Gorge provides panoramic views and is less strenuous to explore, making it a great option for casual visitors. The Middle Gorge is where you can experience the true force of the Jinsha River, with pathways and ladders leading down to the roaring rapids. For those willing to venture further, the Lower Gorge is quieter and less crowded, offering more solitude and a sense of connection with nature.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit in late spring (April-May) when the river is at its fullest, and the weather allows clear views of the gorge.
8. The Stone Forest (Shilin)
The Yunnan Province’s Stone Forest is a mesmerizing natural wonder that seems almost otherworldly. Covering close to 200 square miles, this unique landscape is home to towering limestone formations resembling an ancient forest made entirely of stone. This impressive natural wonder was formed through a combination of tectonic activity and erosion, sculpting the jagged peaks and intricate shapes.
When you visit the Stone Forest, you can explore trails that wind through the formations, offering spectacular views. The area is divided into several sections, each with its own charm and character. The Major Stone Forest features some of the tallest and most dramatic formations, while the Minor Stone Forest provides a more intimate and tranquil experience. There are also stunning underground caves and karst lakes in the area.
Not only is the Stone Forest a visual spectacle, but it also holds deep cultural significance. The Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group, consider this site sacred.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the natural light enhances the vivid details of the karst formations. These seasons also bring fewer crowds than the summer, allowing for a more serene and immersive photography experience.
9. The Forbidden City in Beijing
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and the symbolic center of imperial power. Spanning over 180 acres, this sprawling complex served as the home of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
With its distinct yellow-tiled roofs, imposing red walls, and elaborate carvings, the Forbidden City exemplifies traditional Chinese craftsmanship and design. Every detail, from the structure of the halls to the symmetrical layout of the courtyards, reflects the principles of balance and order central to Chinese philosophy.
Today, it’s home to the Palace Museum and houses an extraordinary collection of imperial artifacts, including ornate jade carvings, delicate porcelain, and ancient scrolls.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Early morning in spring (March-May) for soft lighting and smaller crowds.
10. The Bund, Shanghai
If you love to photograph cityscapes, the Bund in Shanghai is a must-visit. The waterfront promenade on the western bank of the Huangpu River offers incredible contrasts between colonial-era architecture on one side and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other.
The Bund’s buildings showcase a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco architectural styles, remnants of Shanghai’s colonial past. From the promenade, you’ll have stunning views of the city’s futuristic Pudong skyline, with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower dominating the horizon.
The Bund truly comes to life at night when the cityscape is illuminated, offering a beautiful photo opportunity.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Evenings year-round, especially during blue hour.
11. West Lake Hangzhou
West Lake in Hangzhou is a picturesque retreat known for its tranquil beauty and cultural significance. This UNESCO World Heritage site has inspired poets, painters, and scholars for centuries with its serene waters, lush islands, and surrounding mountains.
The lake’s scenic views are often described as a harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. With willow-lined banks, elegant bridges, and historical pagodas, West Lake embodies the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics.
One of the highlights of West Lake is the “Ten Scenes of West Lake,” a collection of iconic viewpoints that capture the lake’s diverse allure. From the ethereal “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” to the vibrant lotus blooms of “Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard,” each spot offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lake’s timeless charm.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the surrounding scenery is at its most vibrant.
12. Yading Nature Reserve
Located in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Yading Nature Reserve is often referred to as the “Last Shangri-La” for its pristine landscapes and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks, including the sacred trio of Mount Chenrezig, Mount Jampayang, and Mount Chanadorje, Yading is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Crystal-clear alpine lakes, verdant valleys, and sprawling meadows filled with colorful wildflowers create an almost otherworldly experience. The reserve is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, offering endless subjects for nature photos.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit from April to October, when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
13. Crescent Lake and Sand Dunes
Located near the ancient city of Dunhuang, Crescent Lake and its surrounding sand dunes present a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This crescent-shaped oasis sits among the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, its sparkling turquoise waters offering a striking contrast to the golden-hued dunes that tower above it.
The sand dunes, part of the Singing Sand Mountains, are famous for producing a melodic hum when the wind sweeps across their surfaces. You can explore this unique destination by trekking the dunes, sandboarding, or riding camels, immersing yourself in the surreal desert scenery.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) for comfortable temperatures.
14. Dali
Between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, Dali is a picturesque city recognized for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant Bai culture. The old town features well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets.
Dali is also home to iconic landmarks such as the Three Pagodas, a spectacular sight standing against the mountainous backdrop. You can explore the serene Erhai Lake, where cycling or boating offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, and the majestic hiking trails of the Cangshan Mountains provide a deeper connection with nature.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months bring mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and clear skies.
15. Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a captivating blend of ancient culture and architectural beauty. Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported back in time as you admire traditional Naxi-style homes adorned with intricate wooden carvings.
The town is interwoven with picturesque canals and small bridges. Don’t miss the iconic Square Street and the vibrant local markets, where you’ll find unique handicrafts and local food.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) provide pleasant weather with moderate temperatures. Spring brings blooming flowers that decorate the town with color, while autumn offers a serene and crisp atmosphere.
16. Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town, often referred to as the “Phoenix Town,” is a captivating destination steeped in history and natural beauty. In the southwestern part of Hunan Province, this ancient town is famed for its well-preserved architecture that dates back to the Qing and Ming Dynasties. Traditional wooden stilt houses line the banks of the emerald-green Tuo River, creating a picturesque view.
The town’s winding cobblestone streets, arched bridges, and vibrant markets are filled with local culture and charm, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into China’s rich history. A stroll through the town reveals numerous historical landmarks, including the unique East Gate Tower and the majestic Longevity Palace.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings fresh greenery and blossoming flowers that accentuate the town’s beauty. Autumn envelops the area in warm, golden hues, making it a photographer’s paradise.
17. Yuanyang Rice Terraces
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces, located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, are an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Carefully sculpted into steep mountain slopes by the local Hani people over generations, these terraces create a visual symphony of contours that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
What makes the Yuanyang Rice Terraces especially captivating is their constant transformation through the seasons, with each phase painting a distinct picture. From December to April, the terraces are flooded with water, reflecting the vibrant skies above like a natural mirror.
During the planting season from May to June, the fields turn a lush green as young rice plants take root. By September, golden hues dominate the terraces, signaling the harvest season and presenting yet another picturesque scene.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit between September and October, when the terraces glow with golden hues, offering breathtaking views during the harvest season.
18. Hongcun Ancient Village
At the foot of Mount Huangshan, Hongcun is a living embodiment of traditional Chinese architecture and planning. Known for its picturesque scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and historical significance, Hongcun is often referred to as the “Village in a Painting.”
The village’s layout, inspired by the shape of an ox, is a masterpiece of ingenuity, with residential areas representing the body, a central pond symbolizing the stomach, and rivers flowing through as the “veins.” The narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with curved black-tile roofs create a dreamlike environment perfect for exploration and photography.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn bring pleasant weather and the village is surrounded by vibrant seasonal scenery.
19. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Located in the vibrant city of Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-renowned conservation facility dedicated to the protection and preservation of giant pandas, one of the most beloved and endangered species on our planet.
Spread across a sprawling 247-acre park, the base offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about these creatures while observing them in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment. With bamboo groves, lush landscapes, and serene water features, the base provides an excellent environment for photographing the pandas.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit during the cooler months of spring or autumn, when the pandas are most active and the weather is pleasant for exploring the park.
20. Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha is an awe-inspiring statue carved into the cliffs of Mount Lingyun, overlooking the confluence of the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi Rivers in Sichuan, China. Standing at an impressive 230 feet tall, it’s the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship from the Tang Dynasty.
To capture the perfect photograph of the Leshan Giant Buddha, head to the observation decks or take a boat tour along the river for unobstructed views. The observation decks offer unique angles for close-up shots, while the boat provides a full perspective of the statue towering over the water. For a striking photo, include people in the frame to emphasize the sheer scale of the Buddha.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring or autumn, when mild temperatures and clear skies enhance both the experience and photographic opportunities.
