20 Must-Visit Places in China for a Lifetime

I adore nature, love mountains and grasslands, and call myself a 'travel fanatic'.

Traveling all over China has been my dream since childhood. When I was in elementary school, I remember a class meeting where our teacher asked each child to share their dreams. In those days, most kids would say: 'I want to be a scientist and build planes and cannons,' 'I want to be a People's Liberation Army soldier and defend the motherland,' or 'I want to be a teacher and nurture the country's flowers.' But my answer shocked the teacher. I said my dream was to travel all over China. At that time, the only films shown in Chinese cinemas were documentaries about King Sihanouk of Cambodia visiting China. I saw Prince Sihanouk traveling through many beautiful landscapes in China. Back then, China was still underdeveloped, but the natural scenery was pure and incredibly beautiful, leaving an indelible mark on my young heart. I had no idea how big China really was or what it looked like; it was just a childish, unfiltered thought. But in that era, teachers were revolutionaries. Hearing my dream, the teacher immediately criticized me harshly, calling it a seed of hedonism. The whole class joined in, and the meeting turned into a session of condemning me. Many classmates started ignoring me, leaving me embarrassed and miserable.

In my adolescence, at 17, still young and naive, I embarked on my first solo trip, venturing to Suzhou and Wuxi. I remember my parents gave me only 15 yuan. With no money for inns, I slept at the train station. Unable to afford restaurants, I bought a sesame cake for 3 fen to stave off hunger. With those 15 yuan, I managed to visit most of the scenic spots in Suzhou and Wuxi. Back then, entrance fees were cheap—some 3 fen, some 5 fen, and the most expensive was only 1 jiao, like Yuantouzhu in Wuxi. Many attractions were free. So 15 yuan was a considerable sum, allowing me to explore many places.

Now, past fifty, I have finally realized my childhood dream. I've backpacked across all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, as well as Hong Kong and Macau, except Taiwan. I've visited all major provinces. China is vast and rich, so naturally many places remain unexplored. Based on my travels and comparisons, in my personal opinion, these 20 places boast mountains and waters, culture and history, natural landscapes, and ancient architecture—unique, beautiful, and extraordinary. In this life, one simply must visit them.

Mulihong, a small village in Xiuning, Huangshan, Anhui.

Tachuan, a small village in Huangshan City, Anhui.

The Moon Crater Lake—a scenic spot in Chaihe Town, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia.

This scenic area was closed. Relying on my years of travel experience, I found a wild forest path that led to the scenic road. In a completely deserted area, I trekked and climbed for two hours before finally locating this Moon Crater Lake. It wasn't easy!

The Hulunbuir Grasslands in Inner Mongolia—only cattle, sheep, and vast emptiness, no human traces.

Lijiang, the true First Bend of the Yangtze River.

Rather than a list of must-visit places in China, this is more a personal summary of the scenic spots I've been to over the past 20 years.

Based on my travels and comparisons, I personally feel that the following 20 places combine mountains and waters, culture and history, grasslands and lakes, breathtaking natural scenery, and ancient architecture. They are gorgeous, distinctive, and extraordinary—in this life, you simply must go.

The following 20 places are listed in no particular order.

1. Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing is China's capital, a place all Chinese people long to visit. We grew up singing the song 'I Love Beijing's Tiananmen,' and as schoolchildren we all dreamed of seeing Tiananmen in Beijing. So you can't miss Beijing. When I was very young, I once heard an uncle who had only been to Beijing say: 'A person must go to Beijing once in their lifetime; after that, there's no need to go anywhere else in China.' That statement stuck deep in my young mind. Now, having traveled all over China, I find his words both exaggerated and naïve, but not without some truth.

I've visited Beijing many times and even studied and lived there for two years.

Shanghai, the 'Magic City,' was once a paradise for foreign adventurers and is now China's financial hub. The old and new buildings lining both sides of the Huangpu River are unparalleled; when the lights come on at night, it's a spectacle that can be considered the best in the world.

I remember veteran CCTV host Zhao Zhongxiang once said on a TV program: 'Back in the sixties and seventies, if someone got a chance to go on a business trip to Shanghai, it was an even greater source of pride than going abroad today.' Those words alone are my reason for recommending it. Of course, after the reform and opening up, Shanghai has undergone earth-shattering changes, so much so that even I, a native of Shanghai, no longer recognize the city. So you must come and see it for yourself.

Shanghai is my hometown, where I was born and bred.

This old building on Shitan Lane, Ningbo Road, Shanghai, is known as the 'Paper-Thin Building.' One of its facades is as thin as paper, hence the name. I wonder if there's another old house like it anywhere else in China. When I finished writing this travelogue, this 'Paper-Thin Building' might already be demolished. What a shame!

A nationally protected architectural structure. In 1884, the signal station was a tall wooden pole erected on the ground, receiving meteorological information from the observatory. In 1907, a cylindrical weather signal tower was rebuilt, with a total height of 50 meters and a tower height of 36.8 meters, known as an 'Art Nouveau' style building. To preserve it, during the Bund renovation in 1993, the entire structure was shifted 20 meters eastward.

When in Shanghai, the main attraction is its collection of buildings from around the world.

Shanghai's old Wukang Building is a new internet-famous check-in spot, drawing crowds of pretty girls and handsome guys every day. Opposite it is the Shanghai villa of former National Honorary President Soong Ching-ling.

The former number one Catholic church in the Far East—the Xujiahui Cathedral in Shanghai.

2. The Great Wall—Location: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Gansu, etc.

The Great Wall is a symbol of China; as a Chinese, you cannot miss it. The Badaling section in Beijing is majestic and well-preserved; the Huangyaguan section in Tianjin is restored to look old, with a unique flavor; the Laolongtou section in Hebei extends into the sea; the Han Great Wall in Gansu has a long history; and at Laoniuwan in Pianguan, Shanxi, the Great Wall and the Yellow River embrace tightly. A great man once said: 'He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.' So you must visit the Great Wall at least once in your life—only then are you a true man.

I've been to various types of Great Wall sections, passes, and ruins across the country. I've climbed the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing five times and the Mutianyu Great Wall once. Because those trips were early on, I didn't have a digital camera back then.

3. Potala Palace and Namtso Lake—Location: Tibet

Potala Palace: No doubt, no need for explanation—the Potala Palace is a must-visit in life.

Namtso Sacred Lake: Snow-capped mountains, green hills, and holy waters blend into one. In one word: beautiful. For a perfect life, you must go to Tibet. Namtso is arguably China's most beautiful lake, and I believe any traveler who has been there would agree. (I've written a travelogue about Tibet titled 'Rushing to Everest at Fifty.' If interested, search Baidu for that title.)

Namtso is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, with a surface elevation of about 4,718 meters. The pure, blue waters are intoxicating, and in the distance, the snow-covered Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains stand like an angel guarding this holy lake. Namtso is also regarded as one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world. It holds an extremely sacred place in the hearts of Tibetans. There's a saying: 'In the Year of the Horse, pilgrims circle sacred mountains; in the Year of the Sheep, they circle sacred lakes; in the Year of the Monkey, they circle sacred forests.' Thus, during the Tibetan Year of the Sheep, countless Buddhist devotees travel thousands of miles to circumambulate Namtso, believing it to be the most auspicious time.

I visited Tibet in 2011.

The Potala Palace, rather than a mere building, resembles a pure Chinese ink-wash painting.

Of course, besides Namtso, the vast land of China has many other stunning lakes—Qinghai Lake in Qinghai, Lugu Lake in Yunnan, and so on. They are equally breathtaking and must be visited.

I also deeply love Qinghai Lake. I visited it in 2008.

I'm also very fond of Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan; I went there in 2021.

4. Kanas and Hemu—Location: Northern Xinjiang

This is a fairyland on earth. In autumn, the birch forests turn golden with hints of red, and the unique morning mist makes you feel as though you're in a dream. You cannot afford to miss it in this life. If you trek from Baihaba to Kanas and then to Hemu, it's an even more profound life experience and travel joy. I hiked this route in October 2012.

(The trail from Jiadengyu to Hemu is a very mature hiking route; people of average fitness can complete it. I was over fifty when I walked it, and I had no discomfort—only excitement and joy. Trekking this path is absolutely fine. If needed, there's a Halfway Inn along the way where you can stay overnight. It took me about three hours to walk from Jiadengyu to Halfway Inn, and I was in great shape—I didn't drink a sip of water or eat a biscuit, covering half the distance.)

At Halfway Inn, I rested for an hour while waiting for companions, but I definitely could have continued without rest.

(I have a travelogue about Xinjiang titled: 'Bus, Train, and Hike through Northern Xinjiang: A Route That Gets More Beautiful As You Go—Practical Guide for Independent Travelers.' You can find it on Baidu.)

I visited Kanas and Hemu in 2012.

On the trek from Jiadengyu (Kanas) to Hemu. This path is virtually uninhabited, with no one around except hiking enthusiasts.

The village of Hemu is shrouded in morning mist, with visitors treading clouds like Sun Wukong riding a mist. I titled this photo 'Otherworldly Visitors to Hemu Village.'

5. Danxia Landform—Location: Zhangye, Gansu

Here, rolling mountains stretch endlessly without a single tree or blade of grass. It's like nature's palette, colorful, dazzling, and utterly unique. Personally, I think this place is more beautiful and expansive than the Wucaitan (Five-Colored Beach) in Burqin, Xinjiang, the Wucaicheng (Multicolored City) in Fukang, or the Danxia Mountain in Guangdong. Hence, it's China's most stunning Danxia landform.

I visited in 2009, before the scenic area officially opened. My chartered car drove right into the heart of the site—the green taxi in the photo is my chartered vehicle. Back then, I saw the most pristine 'Rainbow Danxia.' I went again in 2019.

6. Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Cave—Location: Ningwu, Shanxi

In the small, little-known county of Ningwu, Shanxi, there's an obscure natural karst cave. Ice forms year-round, and the thicker the ice, the more fascinating it becomes, especially in summer when the temperature inside drops even lower—a unique phenomenon unmatched anywhere. I visited in 2010 when transportation was poor; I had to charter a car, and naturally, there were very few tourists.

I have travelogues about Shanxi:

'My Shanxi Travel Guide: Part 1 (Classic Route)'

'My Shanxi Travel Guide: Part 2 (Highlights: Pianguan, Ningwu, Qikou)'

Recently, I've seen some comments claiming that the ice is artificially created with refrigerants—fake, they say. How could that be? To artificially create an ice cave inside a natural cavern is absolutely impossible. This is a genuine natural ice cave, a unique travel gift bestowed by God upon the people of Shanxi. I highly recommend it.

I visited the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Cave in July 2010.

7. Ruins of the Black City—Location: Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia

A mysterious and legendary thousand-year-old city, a national key cultural relic protection site. It's a truly ancient city! I love it because it's so remote and sparsely visited. Though long engulfed by desert, the city walls still stand, the adobe remains visible. Surrounding the ruins are golden desert poplars and eerie dead tree forests, creating a starkly beautiful contrast.

The millennium-old city and the golden poplars merge into one—you must go see it!

I visited the Black City ruins in 2009. At that time, there were no entrance fees, no guards, no staff, and not a single other tourist—just my family of three and our driver. The vast, empty site was entirely ours. Being in such an untouched place reminded me of an ad: 'The taste is fantastic.' Seeking out rarely visited destinations has always been my travel style.

8. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong—Location: Sichuan

After returning from Jiuzhaigou, you'll never want to see other waters again. Huanglong's pools surpass even Jiuzhaigou—an irresistible temptation.

I visited Jiuzhaigou in 2006.

Jiuzhaigou's waters and Huanglong's terraced pools are world-famous. I'm sure no one would object to me calling Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong a must-visit place in China for a lifetime.

9. Huangguoshu Waterfall—Location: Guizhou

Huangguoshu Waterfall is majestic, powerful, and thundering, plunging endlessly. It's China's tallest, widest, and most magnificent waterfall, and the third-largest in the world. Not visiting it would be a lifelong regret.

I went to Huangguoshu Waterfall in 2006.

10. Mount Hua—Location: Shaanxi Province

Mount Hua combines peril, beauty, and grandeur.

Its peril: since ancient times, there has been only one path up the mountain.

Its beauty: it rivals Mount Huangshan.

Its grandeur: it's comparable to Mount Tai.

Among China's Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Hua is a must-climb.

Many tourists prefer Mount Huangshan—it is indeed very beautiful. Others love Mount Tai; I too enjoy the feeling of 'dwarfing all other mountains' from its summit. But I prefer Mount Hua.

I climbed Mount Hua in 2000, before I had a digital camera, so I have no photos.

11. Menyuan Flower Sea—Location: Huzhu, Qinghai

Backed by the first snow-capped peak of Xia Du, overlooking a sea of rapeseed flowers stretching for miles—golden blooms, a golden ocean, a golden world, Golden Menyuan. When you arrive in Menyuan, you'll understand what 'golden' truly means.

I visited the Menyuan Flower Sea in 2008.

I've heard that the rapeseed flower sea in Luoping, Yunnan, is also quite stunning, but I haven't been there, so I can't comment. I've never had the time to go to Luoping. I planned to visit in February 2020, but the pandemic hit, forcing me to cancel. I'm sure I'll go there before long.

12. Fujian Tulou—Location: Yongding and Nanjing, Fujian

In Yongding, Fujian, there's a cluster of peculiar earthen buildings, hailed as oriental fortresses. Unique structures like the 'Prince of Tulou,' 'Five Golden Flowers (Four Dishes and One Soup),' and the 'Tilted Tulou' are architectural wonders of the world. If you love culture and history, how can you miss it?

I visited the Fujian Tulou in January 2008.

There was once a joke circulating online: American spy satellites supposedly discovered massive missile bases in the remote mountains of Fujian, China—mistaking the tulou for missiles. It's absurd, of course. The world's leading power with advanced technology could never confuse tulou with missiles; it's just a joke. But for that joke alone, you should go see the tulou.

13. Qianhu Lake—Location: Shangri-La, Yunnan

When I went to Qianhu Lake, there was no scenic area gate, no entrance fee, and no management staff. Very few people knew there was a place called Qianhu Lake in Shangri-La. You must hire a guide to enter the mountains, or you'll get lost.

Here you'll find blooming azaleas,

vast meadows and pastures,

wetlands and marshes,

highland and snow-capped mountains,

alpine lakes and tarns,

and finally, dense primeval forests.

This is a pristine mountain forest that encompasses all the beauty of Shangri-La, so breathtaking it hurts. Visiting Qianhu Lake is like experiencing the entire Shangri-La. For those who love exploring off the beaten path, you must go!

I visited Qianhu Lake in May 2013 and wrote a travelogue: 'Tranquil Bikgu Lake, Primordial Qianhu Mountain, Trek through Yubeng Village, Exploring Derong Valley, Serendipitous Encounter with Balagezong (Mysterious Journey through Shangri-La, 2013).' Those interested can refer to it.

14. Mogao Caves—Location: Dunhuang, Gansu

I've had the fortune to visit all four major grottoes in China. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang stand supreme and unparalleled. The Yungang Grottoes boast a long history and grand scale. The Longmen Grottoes are imposing, nestled by mountains and waters. The Maijishan Grottoes feature a mountain shaped like a haystack. But the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang hold the greatest influence and highest status.

Among China's four great grottoes, you must visit the Mogao Caves.

I went to the Mogao Caves in 2009.

15. Daocheng and Yading

Location: Western Sichuan

First, a series of photos.

After viewing such beauty, I believe everyone is moved.

Mid-October in golden autumn is Yading's most beautiful time. Its beauty is universally recognized. I feel the most stunning section is from the electric bus stop at Luorong Pasture to the very end of the pasture. If keenly observed, this stretch becomes more beautiful the further you go. Arrive around 8:30 a.m. on a sunny day, under a cerulean sky without a wisp of cloud, with the majestic white summit of Mount Chanadorje piercing the blue like a sharp knife. The meadows at the foot of the snow mountain are first covered in a blanket of white frost. As you walk forward and the sun warms the land, the white meadows gradually transform into a golden grassland, with gurgling streams forming countless meanders...

Blue sky, snow mountain, grassland, and streams—these four precious natural elements blend into one, so stunning it leaves you speechless. Where else can you find such a combination? Only in Yading, Sichuan, China. No wonder that Englishman James Hilton used this scenery to write his world-famous classic, 'Lost Horizon.'

To quietly appreciate this quartet of scenes, you must be there before 10 a.m. After that, fluffy white clouds begin to drift across the deep blue sky, gradually shroud the beautiful Mount Chanadorje. Once the snow peak is wrapped in clouds, the scenery is greatly diminished.

I have a travelogue on Daocheng-Yading: 'Detailed Guide to Dangling, Concise Practical Guide to Yading (Dangling: An Even More Serene Pure Land Than the Last Pure Land of Humanity, Yading).'

I visited Daocheng-Yading in mid-October 2016, and I believe I saw the most beautiful western Sichuan.

16. Gannan. Location: Southern Gansu

Reason: Gannan is vast and expansive, with beautiful scenery, tempting grasslands, and golden canola flowers. The best way to travel Gannan is by car. I did a 23-day self-drive trip during the summer of 2020.

Roamed across boundless grasslands,

felt the sanctity of its temples,

marveled at thousand-year-old grottoes,

crossed the uninhabited lands once traversed by the Red Army during the Long March,

stumbled upon a solar halo deep in the mountains,

experienced both hardships and joys in Caima Township (now Town),

savored the sunshine at Lianbao Yeze,

was stunned by the Moon Bend of Hongyuan,

crossed countless high mountain passes,

and deeply sighed: Our motherland's landscapes are truly magnificent!

I have a travelogue on Gannan: 'Exploring the Hardships and Joys of Caima Township in the Depths of the Yellow River (An In-Depth Self-Drive Trip Through Gannan).' Travelers who love Gannan can refer to it.

At the village of Zhagana, on a grand trekking loop, the guide said it was a no-man's-land once traversed by the Red Army, with about 30 rapids, valleys, and streams to cross. After much hardship and nine hours, we finally completed the entire route.

Gannan is a beautiful place. If you love to travel, especially if you're a self-drive enthusiast, you must visit Gannan.

17. Hulunbuir. Location: Inner Mongolia

Taking public buses is not very suitable for independent travel in Hulunbuir. The best way to explore Hulunbuir is by self-driving or chartering a car. Reason: The most beautiful scenery in Hulunbuir is on the road.

I have a travelogue on Hulunbuir: 'A Date with the Grasslands – The Hulunbuir of My Dreams (11-Day Self-Drive Tour).'

I went to Hulunbuir in July 2021.

The 'Number One Meandering Water Under Heaven'—the Morigele River Prairie Sky Road. I drove this road myself.

I have a special love for grasslands, and the Hulunbuir Prairie is my favorite. If you love grasslands, you must go to Hulunbuir at least once.

18. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Location: Xiangxi, Hunan

The natural scenery is famed for its strangely shaped peaks, deep and serene valleys, and beautiful forests. The stone pinnacles resemble people, beasts, objects—lifelike and awe-inspiring. Between the peaks, gorges and streams babble. To see bizarre sandstone pillars, go to Zhangjiajie, Hunan.

Nearby are Tianmen Mountain National Park, Furong Town, and Fenghuang Ancient City, all worth visiting along the way—wonderfully enchanting scenery.

I have a travelogue on Zhangjiajie: 'No Mountain Under Heaven Worth Seeing After Returning (Latest Ultimate Self-Help Guide to Zhangjiajie).'

I visited Zhangjiajie in mid-October 2018 and spent 12 days there. It rained almost daily during those 12 days; perhaps that season isn't the best.

19. Fenghuang Ancient City AND Pingyao Ancient City. Location: Hunan, Shanxi

Reasons: Large and free.

A. Fenghuang Ancient City

Among the many ancient cities and towns across China, two ancient cities stand out for their grand scale, and most importantly, they're free.

Of course, I've seen a lot of negative coverage about Fenghuang, mainly due to its transition from free entry to charging admission, which sparked a flood of online complaints, painting Fenghuang as worthless.

Personally, I find Fenghuang incredibly beautiful in its own right. A wide Tuo River flows through the city, lending it a bold spirit. It's unlike the ancient water towns of Jiangnan with small, meandering rivers. Fenghuang's Tuo River is broad and unrestrained, complemented by Western Hunan's distinctive stilted houses, ancient bridges, and old pagodas—creating a strong visual impact. Friends who love to travel, go to Fenghuang! See its beautiful scenery, and you definitely won't regret it! Even the most beautiful Jiangnan water town can't compare.

I visited Fenghuang in 2018. My travelogue is: 'No Mountain Under Heaven Worth Seeing After Returning (Latest Ultimate Self-Help Guide to Zhangjiajie).'

B. Pingyao Ancient City

Reasons: Large and free.

China has countless ancient cities and towns, but Pingyao can be considered the largest, a classic northern-style ancient city, starkly different from the water towns of Jiangnan. After being accustomed to Jiangnan's gentle scenery, Pingyao will be a refreshing surprise. I like Pingyao not just because it's big and free, but more so out of respect for the merchants who built this city. They embodied the finest essence of the Chinese nation—integrity. They conducted business and lived their lives with sincerity, something today's people should learn from and emulate. Am I digressing? Not really. Look at Jiangnan's Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen—a few old bridges, a row of dilapidated houses left by ancestors, yet ticket prices are over 100 or 200 yuan... isn't that a bit... too much?

I visited Pingyao in 2010 and wrote travelogues:

'My Shanxi Travel Guide: Part 1 (Classic Route)'

'My Shanxi Travel Guide: Part 2 (Highlights: Pianguan, Ningwu, Qikou)'

20. Yucha Grand Canyon—Location: Yucha Village, Ganquan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province

Reason: A popular travel destination in recent years, the Yucha Grand Canyon closely resembles the famous Antelope Canyon in the USA. It has become a pilgrimage site for photography enthusiasts from across China.

I visited Yucha Grand Canyon in the autumn of 2017. My travelogue is: 'Hidden Splendors in the Depths of Yan'an (Detailed Guide to Yucha Grand Canyon, Danxia Wave Valley, Qiankun Bend, etc.).'

The above are, after my travels across China, the 20 places I feel one must visit in a lifetime. Of course, this is purely my personal view and preference, and may not be recognized by everyone. I welcome discussions from fellow travelers.

The vast land of China holds too many beautiful sights; many places remain unmeasured by my footsteps. Life goes on, and so will my travels.

Over the past twenty-plus years, the most unforgettable travel experiences include:

1. Trekking to Yubeng Village in Shangri-La, Yunnan.

Yubeng is the only village in China completely inaccessible by any vehicle. Tucked deep in the mountains, you must trek over hills and dales for five hours to reach it: three hours uphill and two hours downhill. It's a beloved hiking route for outdoor enthusiasts. While exploring Yubeng, I had an accident—I unfortunately strained a calf muscle and couldn't walk. What to do? Fortunately, an elderly man in the mountains helped spray some Yunnan Baiyao on my leg, which allowed me to hobble out of the mountains.

I have a travelogue on Yubeng: 'Tranquil Bikgu Lake, Primordial Qianhu Mountain, Trek through Yubeng Village, Exploring Derong Valley, Serendipitous Encounter with Balagezong (Mysterious Journey through Shangri-La, 2013).'

2. Seeking Her in the Crowd Unexpectedly—Bikgu Tianchi, Shangri-La

Bikgu Tianchi was the filming location for the famous director Chen Kaige's movie. This place is little known, even to many locals. I went by chartered car, but my driver didn't know the place either. After asking many people, we finally found it—a very hidden, uninhabited spot without a single tourist or local. To travel to such a beautiful, secluded place is truly rare and precious.

3. Challenging the Limits—Overnight at Everest Base Camp.

For a perfect life, you must go to Tibet.

I visited Tibet in 2011, seeing Everest, Potala Palace, Nyingchi, Namtso, Mount Namjagbarwa, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and more. Especially spending a night at Everest Base Camp—the highest place on earth—holds special significance in one's life.

This base camp has now been permanently closed and is no longer open to the public.

4. The Last Pure Land of Humanity—The Hidden Paradise of Dangling in Western Sichuan

Dangling is a serene place known to few. When I visited, there were no public buses—only chartered cars could get there. No entrance fee; villagers collected a 20-yuan mountain access fee per person. No hotels, just simple private guesthouses without private bathrooms.

During my stay, there were very few tourists. Places with few visitors are always beautifully pristine.

I have a travelogue on Dangling: 'Detailed Guide to Dangling, Concise Practical Guide to Yading (Dangling: An Even More Serene Pure Land Than the Last Pure Land of Humanity, Yading).'

5. The Closed, Deserted Scenic Area—Moon Crater Lake

Moon Crater Lake is located in Chaihe Town, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia.

When I confidently drove to the lake, the gate posted a notice: 'This scenic area is closed and no longer open to the public.'

When you can't reach a planned destination, an inexplicable sense of loss sets in. Human nature makes you want to go the more inaccessible it is. I surveyed the terrain and noticed a forest next to the gate. Years of travel experience told me this forest might connect to the scenic road. I bravely ventured in, and sure enough, a few minutes later, I was on the road, entering the area smoothly.

In this vast scenic area, there wasn't a single tourist—only my wife and me. We hiked back and forth, climbing for nearly five hours in solitude. What does that feel like? My answer: uniquely wonderful.

6. Trekking Baihaba—Kanas—Hemu

Life must include an unforgettable trek. My most memorable trek was through Baihaba, Kanas, and Hemu in northern Xinjiang—a route beloved by hikers.

Day one, from Baihaba to Kanas: a very relaxed five-hour trek. I stayed two nights in Kanas, soaking in the golden world of northern Xinjiang. Day three, from Kanas to Hemu: an eight-hour trek with a one-hour rest. Not tiring, but immensely satisfying and unforgettable.

7. Exploring the Depths of the Yellow River—Cairima Township

Cairima is an obscure town in Maqu County, Gannan. Before my self-drive trip to Gannan, I had read a few introductions about Cairima, especially two headlines claiming the authentic 'First Bend of the Yellow River' is in Cairima. I silently resolved then that I must go to Cairima and find that true First Bend. Upon reaching Maqu, my GPS couldn't navigate to Cairima. I asked many people, but none knew of it. Finally, someone told me it had been renamed Cairima Town, and my GPS now recognized it—but it would take three hours. Three hours? I'd still go. Leaving Awanchang, after about half an hour, we entered Township Road 405. This road was incredibly rough, completely riddled with potholes. It's no exaggeration to say the road was utterly uneven, barely qualifying as a road. Driving on such a path was agony. I thought it would improve after a short stretch, but we endured three full hours of the same terrible road, utterly miserable. Had I known beforehand, I would have given up. Now, there was no turning back—I had to grit my teeth and press on. Fortunately, the Yellow River accompanied us the whole way. The usually murky Yellow River waters were clear and green here, with lovely distant waterscapes. It didn't disappoint my longing for Cairima.

There were no tourists, no locals along this road, and extremely few passing vehicles. Again, it was just my wife and me, alone, appreciating the beauty deep within the Yellow River. Venturing into places with no or very few tourists is a hallmark of my travel style.

8. In That Faraway Place—Baoshan Stone Town (Lijiang)

I first read about Baoshan Stone Town in a brief mention in a book titled 'China Self-Help Travel.' I was deeply fascinated then. Eight years ago, when I visited Lijiang and Shangri-La, I asked many travel agencies—they had never heard of the place. Their answer was always: 'Never heard of it.' Since I was backpacking then, it was understandable.

In October 2021, I revisited Lijiang, this time on a self-drive. The memory from eight years ago had been haunting me. This time, my wish came true.

Baoshan Stone Town is hidden deep in the mountains. Shortly after leaving Lijiang, my GPS guided me onto winding mountain roads. The sky turned gray and murky, then a fine drizzle began. Driving on the rugged mountain paths, I could only slow down and proceed cautiously. After nearly five hours of arduous searching in the rain, Stone Town finally appeared. Perhaps moved by my exploratory spirit, the heavens cleared up just as we arrived, with warm sunshine—a blessing indeed. In 2021, in that faraway place, I found yet another untouched gem—Baoshan Stone Town.

9. The Most Memorable Journey—An Independent Trip to the UK.

During my budget backpacking trip in the UK, after taking a train from London to York, it was past 10 p.m. Without a pre-booked hotel, I lugged my heavy backpack through the quiet, sparsely populated streets of a British town at night, searching for accommodation. In a foreign land where I knew no one and nothing, it was genuinely scary, and I felt a bit of panic. Hotels there were scarce and expensive. Because I was traveling on a shoestring, I wanted a cheap place. Persistence paid off—that night, I miraculously found an affordable hotel. That scene will stay with me forever.

Time flies like an arrow; life is like a dream. China's greatest giant, the great leader of the Chinese people, once said: 'Thirty-eight years pass in the blink of an eye.' Looking back, I deeply feel the truth of those words. My childhood wild fantasy, decades later, has unexpectedly come true.

To all who love enjoying life, start traveling now! Travel brings pure joy... but be sure to travel independently. For over twenty years, I've always planned my own trips, backpacking independently—an endless delight.

Finished this. Welcome fellow travelers to leave comments and discussions.

Table of Contents: 1. Self-introduction 2. Reminiscing the past 3. The magnificent landscapes of our motherland 4. The 20 must-visit places in China for a lifetime 5. More beautiful scenery, lesser-known travel info Hotel index Guide index Flight index Website navigation Travel index Cruise index Corporate travel index Affiliate cooperation Distribution alliances Friendship links Corporate gift card procurement Insurance agency and proxy cooperation Hotel partnering Destination and scenic area cooperation More affiliate cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hot Topics Contact Us Join Us User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure