Top 10 destinations

The Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda… Every brick and tile left by the ancients reveals Xi'an's deep historical heritage. Xi'an's historical charm lives not only in its monuments but also in everyday life, and even first-time visitors can feel it.

Beijing has the largest number of cultural heritage sites of any city in the world, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Badaling Great Wall, the Summer Palace and many other famous sites. Its appeal lies in combining classical elegance with a fashionable spirit.

Nanjing has a long history, and centuries of cultural inheritance and historical traces let visitors experience the civilisation and grandeur of an ancient capital as they explore. Visitors can also discover the appeal of intangible cultural heritage here, such as Nanjing brocade and woodblock printing.

Luoyang is one of the world's four holy cities (Jerusalem, Mecca, Luoyang and Athens). Its long history has given rise to famous cultural and historical sites such as the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple.

In ancient times Hangzhou was known as Lin'an, and it is one of China's Seven Ancient Capitals. Long praised as “Paradise on Earth”, it has everything: mountains, springs, lakes, bridges, pagodas and temples. Amid the bustling city, the modern atmosphere of Wulin Square and the timeless charm of Qinghefang Old Street intertwine, giving visitors the most authentic and memorable impression of Hangzhou.

Historical records show that Chengdu was the ancient capital of eight dynasties. Its long history and deep cultural heritage have earned it the titles “Land of Abundance”, “Jiangnan of Sichuan” and “Suzhou and Hangzhou of Sichuan”.

Ancient atmosphere and the exotic charm of the frontier blend here, giving Datong its distinctive historical character. The city has many historic sites, notably the Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, the Hanging Temple of Mount Heng and the Nine-Dragon Wall.

Kaifeng, formerly known as Bianliang, was the capital of seven dynasties. The scroll “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” captures the prosperity of Northern Song Bianjing, while “Dongjing Menghua Lu” (A Record of the Splendours of the Eastern Capital) makes you marvel at the glory of the imperial city of old.

Yangzhou boasts a brilliant culture, thriving commerce, talented people, a pleasant environment and beautiful scenery, earning it the name “Famous City on the Left of the Huai River, Fine Place by the Western Bamboo Grove”. Its gardens are its signature feature; they began in the Han dynasty, and in the Tang dynasty “most gardens were residences”.

Suzhou has been known by many names, including Wu, Gusu, Pingjiang and Suzhou Prefecture. This ancient city sits amid a web of waterways, with streets built alongside rivers so that land and water traffic run side by side, and buildings constructed beside the water, with lanes in front and canals behind. It still retains its unique charm of “small bridges, flowing streams and households”.

The Ming and Qing dwellings of Hongcun are masterpieces of Huizhou architecture. They offer both the architectural beauty of “grey tiles and black-tiled horse-head walls” and, in their layout and decoration, expressions of local cultural character, earning the village the name “a countryside painting of China”.

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village has many stilt houses built halfway up the hillside, their layers rising and falling with the terrain. Xijiang is a treasure trove of Miao culture, preserving traditional Miao architecture, costume, silverwork, language, cuisine and customs.

In Huangling in Wuyuan, ancient dwellings clustered around the water gate, layered emerald terraces and bright golden rapeseed flowers together form a vibrant rural pastoral scene.

Far from the noise of the city, Zhouzhuang, with its white walls, black tiles, small bridges and flowing water, gives a sense of calm and peace. Here you can listen to a Kunqu opera and try a cup of Apo tea, which has its own charm.

Misty-rain corridors, stone-paved lanes, boats singing at dusk, towers and pavilions, small black-canopied boats, and a thousand lanterns hung along the covered walkways: Xitang is as beautiful as a painting or a poem.

Hemu Village is a famous Tuvan village. Its primitive wooden cabins blend with snowy peaks, grasslands and forests, giving it an ancient and somewhat mysterious character. Hemu's autumn colours are the most enchanting: layers of forest dyed in brilliant hues, like a paradise on earth.

Jiaju Tibetan Village lies hidden in the Hengduan Mountains, mysterious and tranquil, with its white-walled, red-roofed watchtower houses showing distinctive Tibetan charm. Built alongside the homes are ancient stone watchtowers more than a thousand years old, some reaching over 60 metres high, which tell the remarkable history of Danba.

Wuzhen's ancient charm and the enchanting character of its water-town scenery have earned it the reputation of “a land of fish and rice, a home of silk”. Coming here feels like stepping into the story of Remembrance of Things Past.

This beautiful, peaceful little town became world-famous through Shen Congwen's novel *Border Town*. Its bluestone-paved lanes, stilt houses and strong Miao folk character give Fenghuang its unique old-town flavour.

With its weighty sense of history and the plain, honest customs of central Shanxi, Pingyao leaves an impression of quiet restraint. Visitors come and go, while the old town silently keeps its watch.

Sanya is the holiday paradise of everyone's dreams. It offers gentle sunshine, sparkling blue water and soft sandy beaches. Strolling leisurely along the shore, with coconut groves and tree shadows for company, everything is a pleasure.

Coastal plants such as canna lilies and agaves grow across Yehliu Cape, and walking among them has a distinct charm. When the tide goes out, many shells and sea urchin fossils are left on the shore. Strolling, foraging by the sea and admiring the strangely shaped rocks are the three great pleasures of Yehliu Cape.

Chengshantou is known as “the place where the sun rises” and is the first place in China to see the sunrise over the sea. At sunrise it is especially beautiful, with the golden sea rippling and sparkling with points of light, like a painting or a poem.

Dongzhaigang Beach in Hainan has the greatest variety of mangrove species in China. Strolling along the winding wooden boardwalk, surrounded by birdsong, you will see nothing but mangroves.

Every dawn, the long Changli coastline is edged with a dazzling golden border. The brilliant sunlight and fine golden sand make the mornings in this seaside city even more radiant.

Victoria Harbour was once named by the American magazine *National Geographic* as one of the “50 places to see before you die”. It shows off a unique charm of “the red dust of the mortal world reflected on blue water”. At night the water ripples, boats and launches come and go, and the glittering, bustling city of Hong Kong is mirrored in the harbour, utterly enchanting.

The Chongwu coastline has many golden sand beaches, with islands and reefs scattered throughout. Women of Huian wear colourful headscarves and yellow bamboo hats, weaving nets on the sand or dancing by the sea, a striking sight along the shore.

Dapeng Peninsula, at the southernmost tip of Shenzhen, has a distinctive blend of mountains and sea, like a serene recluse. Its winding coastline, scattered sandy beaches and shells, lush forests, and the ancient Dapeng Fortress all create a deep sense of calm.

Known as “China’s No. 1 Beach,” Silver Beach lies in Beihai, a beautiful and fertile seaside city with spring-like weather year-round. Its snow-white sand and scenic seascapes offer everything you could wish for in a coastal getaway.

Xiangshui Bay has striking scenery, with graceful coconut palms lining the shore, emerald waves, and white sand that will leave you spellbound. The views at sunset are the most magnificent, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Home to nine vertical climate zones, from high-altitude snow and ice to tropical monsoon rainforest in the lower river valley, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is hailed as “China’s most beautiful canyon.” Its stunning scenery and steep, secluded gorges make it a rare setting for an unforgettable adventure.

The majestic Qutang Gorge, the thrilling Wu Gorge, and the graceful Xiling Gorge make up the Three Gorges, which have inspired countless writers and poets throughout history and seen many heroes ride across their waters. Their legendary character has sparked endless imagination for generations.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its uniqueness, danger, grandeur, and majesty. Its breathtaking views leave visitors awestruck, and the sense of surging power as you stand between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain is truly soul-stirring.

Its red rock formations have weathered thousands of years, with jagged boulders and winding red peaks. Clear springs babble through the canyon, and natural sculptures seem almost alive, creating a magical atmosphere that makes it another masterpiece of nature.

The Yellow River winds through here like a giant dragon, sometimes roaring with rushing currents and at other times lingering in quiet pause. Weathered loess plateaus and the mysterious Qiankun Bend showcase the distinctive character of this Yellow River gorge.

This is one of the longest, most mysterious, and most unspoiled grand canyons in the world. Standing within it, you will be deeply moved by the low roar of the Nu River and the steep, towering cliffs on either side.

The Enshi Grand Canyon rivals the Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA, and is among the most beautiful canyons in the world. Its hundred-li cliffs, thousand-foot waterfalls, and primeval forests are all breathtaking.

The canyon is celebrated for its rich colors. Its river meanders through countless bends, revealing a gentle, tender side. The river terraces along both banks are majestic and carry a spectacular, soul-stirring grandeur.

Nanjiang Grand Canyon, celebrated for its majestic and splendid scenery, is known as “the Shangri-La of Guizhou.” Its distinctive karst landscape and a cluster of waterfalls, each with its own character, can be explored along cliffside walkways or enjoyed by rafting down the river.

Its penjing-like scenery and waterfalls are especially distinctive, and it captures the poetic charm of Wuyi Mountain amid green hills and clear waters. Lofty peaks rise against misty blue, and waterfalls cascade like a silver river, dazzling in their brilliance.

Disneyland is a playground of adventure and a dreamy castle, with lovable Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse and the beautiful Snow White. Many cartoon characters seem to have stepped right out of the animated films, making it wonderfully fun.

Blue skies, emerald seas, and sunny beaches make Hainan Island a place where children can let their spirits run free. By the sea, you can splash and swim with your kids, play beach volleyball, and enjoy delicious seafood and tropical fruit.

Whether joining the exhilarating Water Splashing Festival or walking into the tropical rainforest to connect with nature, Xishuangbanna offers children a truly memorable experience.

Good options include sliding down the dunes at Shapotou with your child, crossing the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft, and riding a camel across the Tengger Desert.

At Chimelong Safari Park, children can get up close with talking parrots, long-armed monkeys, and majestic elephants. There is also a water park and the Joyful World, a true playground for kids.

Known as “the best grassland in the world,” Hulunbuir has lush grass and boundless plains. Here you can experience the warm hospitality of the Mongolian people and the exotic charm of the Russian ethnic township.

Beijing’s ocean world, its museums with distinctive character, its famous historic sites and renowned universities are all excellent choices for family travel and are a great way to broaden children’s knowledge.

Shanghai Happy Valley is dreamy, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is fascinating. Together with the aquarium and the Natural Wild Insect Museum, they let children learn a great deal while having fun.

As the foremost of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, Xi’an carries a profound sense of history. Here you can see the ancient city walls, the Terracotta Army, museums, and more. Taking children to this ancient capital lets them feel history and absorb culture.

In Xiamen, you can cycle with your child along the Huandao Road (环岛路, Island Ring Road), take a ferry, or build sandcastles at the seaside beaches.

It is no exaggeration to call Chengdu a kingdom of food. Its culinary history is long and its variety is vast. In Chengdu, eating is more than a necessity; it is a matter of temperament and culture.

Hotpot, beauties, and night views are Chongqing’s three famous calling cards. Setting aside the other two, its hotpot restaurants, found on nearly every corner, are truly delicious and good value.

Many visitors to Taiwan come primarily to indulge their appetites. The night market snacks range from traditional Indigenous flavors to dishes brought over by people from various regions, which have gradually been reinvented or adapted to local tastes and passed down through generations.

Macau brings together culinary traditions from across China and beyond. Traditional Chinese dishes, Japanese cuisine, and Thai food are all on offer. But the most tempting of all is authentic local Portuguese cuisine.

Hangzhou has long been known as the “Paradise of Gastronomy.” Hangzhou cuisine has a long history and is one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines. Situated in the water towns of the Jiangnan region, Hangzhou people enjoy fish and shrimp, prized for their tender texture and light, pleasant flavor.

As the saying goes, “Eat in Guangzhou.” The refined flavors of Cantonese cuisine are a true delight. Abalone, sea cucumber, shark’s fin, and other luxury delicacies are all on offer, but what wins hearts most are the humble neighborhood eateries on streets and alleys, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.

Featuring hundreds of noodle and pasta dishes, ethnic snacks, Sichuan, Shandong, and Northeastern cuisine, this ancient capital’s food represents the essence of thousands of years of culinary tradition.

Beijing is the world's eighth-largest “city of gastronomy”, absorbing the essence of Manchu and Han culinary traditions, where royal and street flavours coexist. Beijing snacks have a long history and fall into three styles: Han folk, imperial court and Islamic.

Authentic Hakka cuisine can be found in many parts of Xiamen. Hakka dishes pursue natural, original flavours and are light and savoury. Their taste is mainly fresh and fragrant, and they are nutritious.

“Drink the water of Changsha, then eat the fish of Wuchang”: Wuhan's steamed Wuchang fish is famous. What Wuhan people take the most pride in is breakfast, which they call “guozao”. The variety of breakfast options is so vast that you could go a whole week without having the same one twice.

Gulangyu is a gathering place for the artsy and fresh-minded. On sunny days, strolling along the beach in the gentle sea breeze, or searching for old villas deep in the lanes, feels wonderfully relaxing.

Some call it “China's Maldives”, while others treat it as a “paradise” to escape to with a loved one after leaving the mundane world. It also has a romantic name: “Lovers' Island”.

Taipei is a city full of romantic charm and is especially well suited to couples. By day you can climb to a mountaintop to enjoy the views; by night you can visit Ximending to feel the lively buzz of its night markets.

This is a paradise for love, and the air itself seems sweetly fragrant. Stroll the ancient streets and bask in the lazy sunshine of a summer afternoon, as time slips by softly and without your noticing.

Azure sea, lush trees, flowers at every corner and sunlit roads: weave through old buildings with European and Asian character and enjoy a leisurely time for two.

Come to Lhasa, the “City of Sunshine”, and soak up the sun! Surely everyone has a dream of going to Tibet. This pure highland land, and a sky so blue it is unforgettable, give everyone every reason to love it.

Hangzhou enjoys the reputation of “Paradise on Earth”. The love stories of the Butterfly Lovers and the Legend of the White Snake have draped it in a tragic yet romantic veil. Boating on West Lake through the misty rain inevitably brings to mind the chance encounter between Xu Xian and Madam White.

Chengdu is a laid-back city. Food is everywhere, and there are teahouses all over town. Sit quietly in a teahouse, sip your tea and savour Chengdu's “slow life”.

“Guilin's landscapes are the finest under heaven”. Guilin's beauty lies in the Li River, with its green hills and clear waters, and its scenery is unrivalled. Boating on the Li River feels like being in a hundred-li gallery of living paintings.

Kunming truly lives up to its nickname, “Spring City”. Whatever the season, the sun shines brightly. Looking up, the sky is azure and vast.

Gulangyu

As the saying goes, “Having returned from the Five Great Mountains, you won't look at other mountains; having returned from Huangshan, you won't look at other peaks”. This shows that the reputation of Huangshan as “the foremost mountain under heaven” is well deserved. When climbing Huangshan, do not miss its spectacular sunrise.

Mount Tai ranks first among the Five Great Mountains. Since ancient times, emperors, generals and ministers have bowed before it, and literati and poets have revered it. The charm of Mount Tai lies in its majestic grandeur, and you must reach the summit to fully appreciate its scenery.

Mount Hua has long been called “the most perilous mountain under heaven”, and its striking beauty has drawn countless visitors. The cliffs of the West Peak, the sunrise of the East Peak, the wondrous pines of the South Peak and the clouds and mist of the North Peak make Mount Hua's scenery truly breathtaking.

Yuntai Mountain is remarkable for its peaks and matchless for its waters! Gaze at the beauty of the mountain ranges and admire the graceful waterfalls. Wandering freely through the mountains and waters of Yuntai, you will feel as though you have entered a fairyland.

Sanqing Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain, long renowned for its mountain scenery. After sunrise, its strangely shaped peaks and rocks, sea of clouds and Buddhist halo give you the bearing of a Taoist immortal.

Mount Putuo enjoys the reputation of the “Sacred Realm of the South Sea”. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, its temples are wreathed in incense smoke, a scene of a Buddhist realm between sea and sky.

Mount Lu has long been praised as “the most extraordinary and graceful under heaven”, and it is the cradle of Chinese landscape poetry. Climbing Mount Lu, watching the sunrise, admiring the waterfalls or revisiting the classic film *Romance on Lushan* are all good choices.

Mount Song ranks among the Five Great Mountains and is the foremost mountain of the Central Plains. It is world-famous because of the Shaolin Temple. The mountain has valleys, caves, pools and waterfalls, and famous historic sites are found throughout.

Mount Wutai is also known as Cool Mountain, because no one there feels the summer heat. It is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains, and each midmidsummer countless pilgrims come to pray there.

Laoshan is known as the “foremost mountain by the sea”. It is a mountain rising straight from the coast, with elegant, lofty peaks on one side and the vast, sparkling sea on the other.

Huangshan Pine

A street that “condenses a century of Shanghai's modern history”, Wukang Road is lined with European-style old buildings, distinctive boutique shops and rich, aromatic coffee, and it attracts a colourful mix of visitors. Strolling along it at a leisurely pace, you can find a rare moment of peace in the bustling city.

The “Central Axis”, running from the Drum Tower in the north to Yongdingmen in the south, embodies Beijing's unique and majestic order. Walking or cycling along this route, surrounded by ancient buildings with red walls and green-tiled roofs, you can almost feel transported back to the distant “Beiping”.

You haven't really been to Chengdu until you've visited Chunxi Road. It is a paradise for shopping and food, and a place where Chengdu's trendsetters express their individuality. Take a photo with the “Rooftop Panda” at IFS, pick out the products you like from the dazzling trendy shops, and relax at a roadside water bar. It's truly “bashi” (a Sichuan word for “just right”).

Nearly a hundred European-style buildings line both sides of the street, along with distinctive cafés, bars and Japanese restaurants, giving this seaside city a unique charm. Stroll the streets and take your time to enjoy the unexpected pleasures along the way.

Walking through the winding, steep little lanes is the way to experience the authentic charm of Chongqing, this mountain city. The Third Trail passes historic sites with genuine old Chongqing character, including Kangjian Hall, Bodhi Vajra Pagoda, the Number One Waterworks Tower, Renai Hall, Shikumen and Shancheng Lane.

Guangzhou's daytime heat can be hard to bear, but strolling along the Pearl River at night is a pleasure. With a refreshing breeze, the lights of the buildings on both banks melting into the night, you can take in the full charm of the Pearl River. Anyone who enjoys finding quiet amid the bustle can find inner peace in a moment.

Along this street of less than 200 metres in Xi'an, you'll find a wide variety of teahouses, coffee shops and snack stalls. French arched windows, wooden railings and big red lanterns… Chinese and Western cultures blend and collide here in creative and distinctive ways.

Tianjin's Italian-Style Street centres on Marco Polo Square. European-style buildings are everywhere here, showing Roman, Gothic and Baroque architectural features, and it feels like stepping into a Mediterranean town.

Wander through Qingdao's old town, where you pass scenes that look like they've stepped out of a comic book, historic former residences of famous figures, and retro-style cathedrals. This is old Qingdao's "artsy retro vibe" at its best.

Historically, Lihuangpi Road was the commercial heart of ancient Wuhan, and it still preserves many historic buildings and cultural relics. Today it is home to a number of arts-inflected leisure venues, where you can order a coffee and spend a relaxed afternoon in this historic district.

Chongqing Mountain City Trail