20 Must-Visit Places in the Vast Land of China

📍 Lijiang · 👁 3 reads · ❤️ 74 likes

I revere nature, love high mountains, and adore grasslands—so much so that I call myself a "travel fanatic."

Traveling all across China has been my dream since childhood. I remember as a primary school student, during a class meeting, our teacher asked each of us to share our dreams. In those days, most kids would say things like: "I want to be a scientist and build planes and cannons," or "I want to be a PLA soldier to defend the motherland," or "I want to be a teacher and nurture the nation's flowers." But my answer shocked the teacher. I said my dream was to travel all over China. Back then, the only films shown on China's big screens were documentaries about Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia visiting China. In those films, Prince Sihanouk traveled to many beautiful landscapes across China. Although China was underdeveloped at the time, nature was pristine and incredibly beautiful, leaving an indelible mark on my young heart. How big was China really? What did it look like? In my childish mind, I had no concept—it was just an innocent, unfiltered utterance. The teachers of that era were revolutionaries, and upon hearing my dream, they immediately criticized me severely, calling it a seed of hedonism. They denounced me in front of the whole class, turning the class meeting into a public criticism session. Many kids stopped talking to me, and I was left utterly embarrassed.

Entering adolescence, at 17, still looking boyish, I set off on my first solo trip, venturing alone to Suzhou and Wuxi. I remember my parents gave me only 15 yuan. With no money for lodging, I slept at the train station; no money for restaurants, I bought a 3-cent sesame cake to fill my stomach. With that 15 yuan, I visited most of the attractions in both cities. Tickets were cheap back then—some 3 cents, some 5 cents, and the priciest, like Turtle Head Isle in Wuxi, was just 1 jiao. Many sights were free, so 15 yuan was quite a sum, allowing me to explore numerous places in Suzhou and Wuxi.

Now past 50, I have finally realized my childhood dream. I’ve backpacked and traveled independently to every province, autonomous region, and municipality in China except Taiwan, plus Hong Kong and Macau. I've covered all the major provinces. China is vast and rich, and of course, many places remain unvisited. Based on my personal travels, comparisons, and opinions, here are 20 places that boast mountains and waters, culture and history, natural scenery, and ancient architecture—each uniquely beautiful and extraordinary. In life, you simply must see them.

Anhui, Huangshan, Xiuning's Mulihong small village. Anhui, Huangshan's little village—Tachuan.

Inner Mongolia, Hulunbuir, Chaihe Town's Moon Pond (Yueliang Tianchi). This scenic area was closed. Using my years of travel experience, I found a forest path that led to the scenic road. In an area with no tourists, I hiked uphill for two hours to find this Moon Pond. Not easy!

Inner Mongolia's Hulunbuir grasslands—only cattle and sheep, no sign of people.

Lijiang, the true First Bend of the Yangtze.

Rather than saying these are the 20 must-visit places in China, it's more a personal summary of my travels over the past 20 years. Based on my trips, through comparison, I personally think the following 20 places—with mountains and water, culture and history, grasslands and lakes, natural grandeur, and ancient structures—are strikingly beautiful, uniquely distinctive, and absolutely must be visited in a lifetime. The list below is in no particular order.

**1. Beijing and Shanghai**

Beijing, the capital, is a place all Chinese people yearn for. We grew up singing "I Love Beijing's Tiananmen," and as schoolchildren, we all dreamed of seeing it. So Beijing is a must. As a child, I heard an uncle who had only visited Beijing say: "One must go to Beijing at least once in a lifetime. After Beijing, there's no need to see other places in China." That left a deep impression on me. Now, having traveled all over, I find his remark both exaggerated and naive, yet not entirely without reason. I've been to Beijing many times and even lived and studied there for two years.

Magic city Shanghai was once a paradise for foreign adventurers and now China's financial hub. The Bund along the Huangpu River, with its old and new buildings, is unrivaled when the lights glitter at night—truly the world's best. I recall the late CCTV host Zhao Zhongxiang saying in a TV program: "In the 1960s and 70s, if someone got a chance to go to Shanghai on business, it was a prouder boast than going abroad today." That alone is my reason to recommend it. Of course, after reform and opening up, Shanghai has undergone earth-shaking changes. Even as a native Shanghainese, I hardly recognize it now, so you must come and see.

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

This old house is located on Ningbo Road's Shitan Lane in Shanghai, nicknamed the "Paper-Thin Building" because one of its facades is as thin as a sheet of paper. I wonder if there is a similar old building anywhere else in China? By the time I finished this travelogue, this "Paper-Thin Building" may have already been demolished. What a pity!

A nationally protected building: In 1884, the signal tower was just a long wooden pole erected vertically, receiving weather info from the observatory. In 1907, a cylindrical weather signal station was rebuilt, 50 meters in total height, with the tower at 36.8 meters, known as "Atonuopo"-style architecture. To preserve it, during the 1993 Bund renovation, it was shifted 20 meters eastward as a whole. When in Shanghai, the main thing is to see the city's international architecture. Old Shanghai building—Wukang Mansion, a new Instagram-famous spot attracting many beautiful young people daily. Opposite it is the former residence of Honorary President Soong Ching-ling's Shanghai villa. Once the Far East's top church, St. Ignatius Cathedral in Xujiahui.

**2. The Great Wall** – locations: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Gansu, etc.

The Great Wall is a symbol of China. As Chinese, it's a must. Badaling in Beijing is magnificent and well-preserved; Huangyaguan in Tianjin, restored to its old style, has a unique flavor; Laolongtou in Hebei extends into the sea; the Han Dynasty Great Wall in Gansu boasts ancient history; the Great Wall at Laoniuwan in Pianguan, Shanxi, embraces the Yellow River closely. Chairman Mao said: "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man." So, visit at least once to become a true hero.

I've been to various Great Wall sections, passes, and ruins. I've visited Badaling five times and Mutianyu once (early on, before digital cameras).

**3. Potala Palace and Namtso Lake** – Tibet

Potala Palace: no doubt, no explanation needed—it’s a must-see in life. Namtso Sacred Lake: snow mountains, green hills, holy waters merge into one. One word: beautiful. For a perfect life, you must go to Tibet. Namtso is arguably China's most beautiful lake, and I believe fellow travelers would agree. (I wrote a travelogue: "Venturing to Everest After Fifty"—can be found online.)

Namtso is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, at about 4,718 meters above sea level. Its pure blue water intoxicates the soul, and the distant snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains stand like a white angel guarding it. It's called one of the world's highest and most beautiful lakes. Tibetans hold it sacred, with a saying: "In the Horse Year, circumambulate holy mountains; in the Sheep Year, holy lakes; in the Monkey Year, forests." During the Tibetan Sheep Year, countless pilgrims travel miles to circumambulate Namtso, believing it's the most meritorious. I visited Tibet in 2011.

Potala Palace, rather than a building, resembles a pure Chinese ink painting. Of course, besides Namtso, China has many other stunning lakes—Qinghai Lake in Qinghai, Lugu Lake in Yunnan, etc., all incredibly beautiful and worth visiting. Qinghai Lake, another favorite of mine, I visited in 2008. Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan, I visited in 2021 and loved it.

**4. Kanas and Hemu** – Northern Xinjiang

This is a fairyland on earth. In autumn, birch forests turn red and gold, with unique morning mists that feel like a dream. In life, you can't miss it. Hiking from Baihaba to Kanas and then to Hemu is a life experience and a joy of travel. I hiked this route in October 2012. (From Jiadengyu to Hemu is a well-established trail, doable for most with average fitness. I was over 50, walked it with no discomfort, only excitement and joy. It's absolutely fine; halfway there's a "Halfway Inn" to stay overnight. I walked from Jiadengyu to the inn in about three hours, in great shape, without needing water or biscuits.) At Halfway Inn, I waited for companions and rested an hour; I could have continued without rest. (I wrote a travelogue: "Bus, Train, Hike Through Northern Xinjiang — A Route That Gets More Beautiful, Practical Guide for Independent Travelers," searchable online.) I visited Kanas and Hemu in 2012. The hike from Jiadengyu (Kanas) to Hemu passes through a no-man's-land, with no inhabitants, only hikers. Hemu Village shrouded in morning mist, tourists walking on clouds like the Monkey King soaring through the sky—I titled this photo "Visitors from Outer Space in Hemu Village."

**5. Danxia Landform** – Zhangye, Gansu

Rolling mountains stretching endlessly, no trees, no grass, nature's palette of brilliant colors, truly unique. In my view, it's more beautiful and vast than the Rainbow Beach in Burqin, the Colorful City in Fukang, or Guangdong's Danxia Mountain, making it China's finest Danxia landform. I visited in 2009, when the scenic area wasn't officially open yet—my chartered taxi drove straight to the core area (the green taxi in the photo was mine), and I saw the most primitive "Rainbow Danxia." I returned in 2019.

**6. Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Cave** – Ningwu, Shanxi

In little-known Ningwu County, Shanxi, there's a rarely known natural small karst cave. All year round, it's encased in thick ice. The hotter the summer, the thicker the ice, the colder it gets, and the more enchanting—a phenomenon unparalleled in the world. I went in 2010 when transport was difficult; I hired a car, so visitors were extremely few. I wrote travelogues: "My Shanxi Travel Guide Part 1 (Classic Route)" and "Part 2 (Highlights: Pianguan, Ningwu, Qikou)." Recently, I've seen comments claiming this ice is artificially made with refrigerants, a fake, etc. How could that be? In a natural cave, creating an artificial ice cave is impossible. This is a genuine natural ice cave, a unique gift from God to Shanxi, and I strongly recommend it. I visited in July 2010.

**7. Heicheng Ruins** – Ejina, Inner Mongolia

A mysterious and legendary thousand-year-old city, a national key cultural relic site—truly ancient! I love it because it's off the beaten path. Though engulfed by desert, its walls and adobe structures remain. The surrounding golden poplar and eerie dead wood forests complement it beautifully. The blend of a thousand-year-old city and golden poplars—you must see it! I visited in 2009. Back then, no tickets, no guards, no staff, no tourists—just my family of three and the driver. We had the vast ruins all to ourselves. Being in a place with no one else, I thought of a slogan: "Tastes so good!" Seeking out rarely visited yet sacred travel spots has always been my style.

**8. Jiuzhaigou–Huanglong** – Sichuan

After Jiuzhaigou, no other waters impress; Huanglong's pools surpass even Jiuzhaigou—an irresistible temptation. I visited Jiuzhaigou in 2006. The waters of Jiuzhaigou and the pools of Huanglong are world-famous. Naming it a must-visit place in China, I doubt anyone would object.

**9. Huangguoshu Waterfall** – Guizhou

Majestic, spectacular, plunging endlessly, China's largest, widest, highest, and grandest waterfall—the third largest in the world. Skipping it would be a lifetime regret. I visited in 2006.

**10. Huashan** – Shaanxi

Huashan combines danger, beauty, and grandeur. Known for its peril, with the saying "since ancient times, one path up Huashan." Its beauty rivals Huangshan; its grandeur matches Taishan. Among China's Five Great Mountains, Huashan is a must-climb. Many visitors prefer Huangshan (indeed beautiful) or Taishan (with its sweeping views), but I favor Huashan even more. I went in 2000, before digital cameras, so I left no photos.

**11. Menyuan Flower Sea** – Qinghai, Huzhu

Backed by the first snow peak of the summer capital, overlooking a million mu of rapeseed flowers—a golden bloom, a golden sea, a golden world, golden Menyuan. Come here to understand what "golden" truly means. I visited in 2008. I've heard Luoping in Yunnan also has stunning rapeseed flower seas, but I haven't been, so I can't comment. I planned to go in February 2020, but the pandemic intervened; I believe I will go soon.

**12. Fujian Tulou** – Yongding and Nanjing, Fujian

In Yongding, there are remarkable earthen buildings hailed as the "Oriental Ancient Castles." Unique structures like the "Tulou Prince," the "Five Golden Flowers" (Four Dishes and One Soup), and the "Leaning Tower" are marvels of world architecture. If you love culture and history, you can't miss them. I visited in January 2008. There was an online joke: American satellites detected missile bases in Fujian's deep mountains, mistaking the tulou for missiles. Ridiculous, of course—how could the world's superpower with advanced tech make such a blunder? Just for this joke, you should see the tulou.

**13. Qianhu Mountain** – Shangri-La, Yunnan

When I went, there was no gate, no ticket, no staff, and few knew about it. You must hire a guide, or you'll get lost. Here you'll find blooming rhododendrons, vast meadows and pastures, wetlands and marshes, high plateaus and snow mountains, alpine lakes and ponds, and finally dense primeval forest. This mountain encloses all the beauty of Shangri-La, breathtakingly beautiful. To experience Shangri-La fully, visiting Qianhu Mountain is enough. Adventurers who love hidden gems should certainly go. I visited in May 2013 and wrote a travelogue: "Tranquil Biqu Pond, Pristine Qianhu Mountain, Hiking Yubeng Village, Exploring Derong Valley, Encountering Balagezong (2013 Mysterious Shangri-La Journey)"—useful reference.

**14. Mogao Caves** – Dunhuang, Gansu

I've been fortunate to visit all four great caves of China. Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are unparalleled, the most influential and supreme. Yungang Grottoes are ancient and grand. Longmen Grottoes, set against mountains and rivers, are majestic. Maijishan Grottoes resemble a farmer's haystack. But Mogao tops them all. Among the four, Mogao is a must. I visited in 2009.

**15. Daocheng–Yading** – Western Sichuan

Let me share some photos first. After seeing these stunning scenes, everyone is moved. Mid-October is the most beautiful time in Yading, a globally recognized beauty. The finest stretch is at Luorong Cattle Ranch, from the tram station's end to the ranch's far side. If you're observant, it gets more beautiful as you walk. Arrive around 8:30 a.m. on a clear day, with a cloudless blue sky. The majestic and pure Jambeyang Holy Mountain thrusts into the sky like a blade. The meadow below is first covered in white frost; as you walk on and the sun warms it, the white transforms into golden grassland, with babbling streams forming winding bends... Blue sky, snow mountain, grassland, and streams—a rare combination of four natural elements merging into one staggering spectacle. Where else can you find such beauty? Only in Yading, Sichuan, China. No wonder that Englishman James Hilton used these landscapes to write the famous "Lost Horizon." To savor this combination, arrive before 10 a.m., because afterward, clouds drift in and gradually shroud the elegant Jambeyang, greatly diminishing the view.

I wrote a travelogue: "Detailed Dangling Guide, Simple Yading Practical Tips (Dangling, a Secluded Pure Land Even Quieter Than the Last Pure Land of Humanity—Yading)." I visited Daocheng-Yading in mid-October 2016, and I believe I saw Western Sichuan at its most beautiful.

**16. Gannan** – Southern Gansu

Gannan is vast, with expansive beautiful landscapes, enticing grasslands, and yellow rapeseed flowers. The best way to explore is by self-driving. I drove there for 23 days in the summer of 2020. I traversed rolling grasslands, felt the sanctity of monasteries, admired millennia-old grottoes, crossed a no-man's-land once trod by the Red Army during the Long March, chanced upon a solar halo deep in the mountains, experienced the joys and hardships of Caima Township (now Town), basked in sunshine at Nyenpo Yurtse, marveled at Hongyuan's Moon Bay, and crossed countless high mountain passes, deeply sighing: the motherland's landscapes are truly magnificent! I have a travelogue: "Exploring the Joys and Hardships of Caima Township Deep in the Yellow River (In-Depth Self-Drive in Gannan)" for reference. In Zhagana Village, we trekked a grand loop that our guide said was a no-man's-land once traversed by the Red Army, crossing about 30 torrents, valleys, and streams. After nine hours of hardship, we completed it. Gannan is beautiful; those who love travel, especially self-driving, must visit.

**17. Hulunbuir** – Inner Mongolia

Independent bus travel isn't quite suitable here; the best way is self-driving or hiring a car because Hulunbuir’s most beautiful scenery is on the road. I have a travelogue: "A Date with the Grasslands—Dreaming of Hulunbuir (11-Day Self-Drive)." I visited in July 2021. The "First Meandering River Under Heaven"—Morigele River Grassland Sky Road—I drove across it. I have a special love for grasslands, and Hulunbuir is my favorite. Grassland enthusiasts must visit at least once.

**18. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park** – Western Hunan

Natural wonders defined by astonishing peaks, quiet valleys, and graceful forests. Rock formations resemble humans, beasts, or objects, vivid and grand. Streams murmur through gorges. To see peculiar peaks, go to Zhangjiajie. Also nearby: Tianmen Mountain, Furong Town, Fenghuang Ancient Town—all worth visiting. I have a travelogue: "After Zhangjiajie, No Need to See Mountains (Latest DIY Zhangjiajie Guide)." I visited in mid-October 2018 for 12 days, but it rained almost every day; maybe that season isn't ideal.

**19. Fenghuang Ancient Town AND Pingyao Ancient City** – Hunan and Shanxi

Rationale: large and free.

Fenghuang Ancient Town: Among China's many ancient towns and cities, two are massive, and crucially, free. I've seen negative reports about Fenghuang, mainly about ticket policies, but personally, Fenghuang is gorgeous. The wide Tuo River flows through, lending a boldness unlike Jiangnan’s delicate, meandering rivers. With iconic stilted houses, ancient bridges, and pagodas, it's visually striking. Travel lovers, go to Fenghuang—its beauty won't disappoint. Even the finest Jiangnan water towns can't compare. I visited in 2018; my travelogue is part of the Zhangjiajie guide.

Pingyao Ancient City: Also large and free. Among China's many ancient cities, Pingyao is arguably the largest, distinctly northern, entirely different from Jiangnan. After Jiangnan's familiarity, Pingyao is a refreshing change. I admire not only its size and free entry but also the spirit of its merchant founders, who embodied the Chinese virtue of integrity—conducting business and living honestly, a lesson for today. Isn't that a bit off-topic? Perhaps not, when you see current Jiangnan towns like Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, with a few old bridges and dilapidated houses costing one or two hundred yuan in tickets... too outrageous. I visited Pingyao in 2010 and wrote two travelogue guides.

**20. Yucha Grand Canyon** – Ganquan County, Yan'an, Shaanxi

A popular destination in recent years, Yucha Grand Canyon closely resembles the Antelope Canyon in the USA, now a mecca for photographers nationwide. I visited in autumn 2017; my travelogue: "Hidden Gems Near Yan'an (Yucha Grand Canyon, Danxia Wave Valley, Qiankun Bend Detailed Guide)."

These are the 20 places I believe are must-visits in a lifetime, based on my China travels. Of course, these are personal opinions and preferences, not necessarily everyone's cup of tea, and discussions are welcome.

China has too much beauty, and many places are still beyond my footsteps. Life goes on, and so will my travels.

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

1. Hiking Yubeng Village in Shangri-La, Yunnan. Yubeng is the only village in China with no vehicle access, hidden deep in the mountains. To get there, you must trek over hills for five hours—three uphill, two down—a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. While exploring, I suffered a muscle strain and couldn't walk. An old man in the mountains sprayed Yunnan Baiyao on my leg, allowing me to limp out. I wrote a travelogue about this trip.

2. Searching far and wide—Bigu Heavenly Pond in Shangri-La. Location of director Chen Kaige's film "The Promise." Few know it; even locals often don't. I hired a car, and the driver didn't know the way; we asked many to find it. No tourists, no locals—a hidden, empty place. Finding such a beautiful spot was truly precious.

3. Challenging human limits—overnight at Everest Base Camp. For a perfect life, go to Tibet. I went in 2011, visiting Everest, Potala Palace, Nyingchi, Namtso, Namjagbarwa, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc. Especially spending a night at the world's highest altitude, Everest Base Camp, was uniquely meaningful. That base camp is now permanently closed.

4. The last pure land—Dangling, a hidden paradise in Western Sichuan. Little-known, with no bus, only chartered car, no ticket (villagers charge 20 yuan per person), no proper hotel, only simple private lodging without bathrooms. Visitors were extremely scarce—and as I believe, fewer people means more beautiful scenery. I wrote a detailed guide.

5. The closed unmanned scenic area—Moon Pond. Located in Chaihe Town, Hulunbuir. When I arrived, a notice said the area was closed. The more inaccessible, the more I wanted to see it. Observing the terrain, I spotted a forest by the gate; experience told me it likely led to the road inside. I ventured in, and minutes later, I was on the scenic road. A huge scenic area with no tourists, just my wife and I, hiking for nearly five hours in solitude—an indescribable feeling.

6. Hiking Baihaba–Kanas–Hemu. A must-have unforgettable hiking experience in life. My most memorable trek was this route in northern Xinjiang. Day one, Baihaba to Kanas, over five easy hours; stayed two nights, soaking in autumn gold. Day three, Kanas to Hemu, eight hours with an hour's rest—not tiring, immensely satisfying, unforgettable.

7. Exploring the deep Yellow River town—Caima Township (now Town). A little-known place in Maqu, Gannan. Before the self-drive, I read about it, especially two articles claiming the true First Bend of the Yellow River was there. I resolved to find it. Navigation couldn't locate Caima Township; after asking many, someone told me it's renamed Caima Town. Then it took three hours on a horribly pitted County Road 405—truly "not three feet of level ground." It was agonizing, but I was committed. Surprisingly, the usually muddy Yellow River here was clear and green, with stunning water views, rewarding my determination. No tourists, few locals, just my wife and I in lonely scenery—my travel style.

8. In a faraway place—Baoshan Stone Town (Lijiang). Years ago, I read about it in a book. In 2014, when in Lijiang, travel agencies knew nothing of it. In October 2021, I returned to Lijiang, this time self-driving, and finally realized that 8-year dream. Hidden in high mountains, the drive from Lijiang was on winding, rainy roads. After nearly five hours of hard searching, the stone town appeared. As if the heavens applauded my spirit, the rain stopped and sun shone. In 2021, in that remote place, I found another untrampled spot—Baoshan Stone Town.

9. Most memorable trip—UK independent travel. While backpacking in the UK, I took a train from London to York, arriving after 10 p.m. No hotel reservation, I lugged my big pack through a quiet, sparsely populated English town, looking for accommodation. In a foreign land, it was a bit scary. Hotels were few and pricey; I was on a budget. After much effort, I found a cheap guesthouse that night, an unforgettable moment.

Time flies, life is a dream. China's great leader once said: "Thirty-eight years pass in a flash." Reflecting, I relate deeply. My childhood wild dreams, after decades, have come true. People who enjoy life, go travel! Travel brings true joy. But definitely do it independently—I've planned every trip myself, backpacking, and the joy is boundless.

Finished. Welcome comments and discussions.

Travelogue Contents:

1. Self-Introduction

2. Looking Back

3. The Magnificent Landscapes of the Motherland

4. 20 Must-Visit Places in the Vast Land of China

5. More Beautiful Scenery, Little-Known Travel Info

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