20 Must-Visit Places in China

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I revere 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 the teacher asked each of us to share our dreams. In that era, most kids would say things like, 'I want to be a scientist and build planes and cannons,' 'I want to be a People's Liberation Army soldier to defend the motherland,' or 'I want to be a teacher and be a gardener of the motherland.' But my answer shocked the teacher: I said my dream was to travel all over China. At that time, the only films shown on big screens in China were documentaries of Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk's visits. His Majesty had traveled to many beautiful mountains and rivers in China. Although China was backward then, the natural scenery was pristine and incredibly beautiful, leaving an indelible mark on my young heart. But how big was China? What did it really look like? I had no concept in my childish mind—it was just a heartfelt, innocent remark. Teachers back then were revolutionaries. Hearing this dream, they severely criticized me, calling it a sign of hedonism. The class meeting turned into a criticism session against me, and many kids stopped talking to me. I felt utterly embarrassed.

Entering adolescence at 17, still with boyish naivety, I took my first solo trip to Suzhou and Wuxi. I only had 15 yuan from my parents. Without money for a hostel, I slept at the train station; without money for a restaurant, I bought a 3-cent baked cake to fill my stomach. With 15 yuan, I visited most attractions in Suzhou and Wuxi—tickets were cheap then, some 3 cents, some 5 cents, and the most expensive was 10 cents, like Yuantouzhu in Wuxi. Many attractions were free, so 15 yuan was quite a sum, allowing me to see many sites in those two cities.

Now I'm over 50 and have finally realized my childhood dream. As a backpacker, I've visited all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities except Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. I've been to all the major provinces. China is vast and rich, and there are still many places I haven't set foot on. Based on my travels and comparisons, I personally think these 20 places—featuring mountains, water, culture, history, natural scenery, and ancient architecture—are unique, beautiful, and extraordinary. Everyone must visit them in their lifetime.

Muli Pit Village in Xiuning, Anhui (Huangshan).

Tachuan, a small village in Huangshan, Anhui.

Moon Lake (Moon Tiantang) at Chaihe Town, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia.

This scenic spot is now closed. Based on my years of travel experience, I entered via a forest path and hiked for 2 hours to find the Moon Lake, without any other tourists.

Hulunbuir Grassland in Inner Mongolia—only cattle and sheep, no human habitation.

Lijiang, the true First Bend of the Yangtze River.

Rather than saying '20 Must-Visit Places in China,' it's more like my personal summary of the destinations I've explored over 20 years.

Based on my travels, I think these 20 places—with mountains, water, culture, history, grasslands, lakes, natural scenery, and ancient architecture—are beautiful, unique, and extraordinary. Everyone must visit them in their lifetime.

The following 20 places are in no particular order.

1. Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing is the capital of China, a place everyone yearns for. Growing up, we sang 'I Love Tiananmen in Beijing.' Every elementary school student dreamed of going to Beijing to see Tiananmen. So Beijing is a must. When I was very young, I heard an uncle who had only been to Beijing say: 'You must go to Beijing once in your life. After that, there's no need to go anywhere else in China.' Those words stuck in my young mind. Now, having traveled all over China, I think his words were exaggerated and naive, but not without reason.

I've been to Beijing many times, even studied and lived there for two years.

Shanghai, the 'Magic City,' was once a paradise for foreign adventurers. Today it's China's financial center. The old and new buildings along the Huangpu River, with their brilliant lights at night, are incomparable and world-class.

I remember Zhao Zhongxiang, a veteran CCTV host, once said on a TV show: 'In the 1960s and 70s, being able to go on a business trip to Shanghai was more prideful than going abroad now.' That alone is my reason for recommending Shanghai. Of course, after reform and opening up, Shanghai has undergone earth-shaking changes. Even I, a native Shanghainese, no longer recognize it. So you must come and see Shanghai.

Shanghai is my hometown.

This old building on Shitan Lane, Ningbo Road in Shanghai, is called the 'Paper-thin Building.' One of its facades is as thin as paper, hence the name. I wonder if there are similar old buildings elsewhere in China. By the time I finish this travelogue, this 'Paper-thin Building' may have already been demolished. What a pity!

National key protected building. In 1884, the signal station was a long wooden pole erected on the ground, receiving weather information from the observatory. In 1907, the cylindrical weather signal was rebuilt. The tower is 50 meters tall, with the tower itself at 36.8 meters. It is known as an 'Art Nouveau' style building. During the Bund renovation in 1993, it was moved 20 meters east to protect it.

In Shanghai, the main attraction is the 'Exotic Architecture Cluster' (Wanguo Architecture).

Shanghai's old building—Wukang Mansion—has become a trendy new check-in spot, attracting many beautiful people every day. Opposite Wukang Mansion is the Shanghai villa of Soong Ching-ling, former Honorary President of China.

The once 'First Church of the Far East,' Shanghai's St. Ignatius Cathedral (Xujiahui Catholic Church).

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

The Great Wall is a symbol of China. As Chinese, we must visit it. Badaling in Beijing is majestic and well-preserved; Huangyaguan in Tianjin has been restored to its old charm; Laolongtou in Hebei stretches into the sea; the Han Dynasty Great Wall in Gansu has a long history; and the Great Wall at Laoniuwan in Pianguan, Shanxi, hugs the Yellow River tightly. As Mao Zedong said, 'If you haven't climbed the Great Wall, you are not a true man.' So you must go at least once in your life. After climbing the Great Wall, you become a true man.

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

3. Potala Palace and Namtso Lake—Location: Tibet

Potala Palace: Undoubtedly, it needs no explanation—it's a must-visit.

Sacred Lake Namtso: Snow-capped mountains, green hills, and holy water blend into one word: beautiful. A perfect life must include a trip to Tibet. I dare say Namtso is the most beautiful lake in China. Fellow travelers who have been there will surely agree. (I wrote a travelogue about Tibet titled 'Conquering Everest at Over Fifty.' Interested friends can search for it on Baidu.)

Namtso is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, with an elevation of about 4,718 meters. Its pure blue water is intoxicating, while the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains stand guard like a white-clad angel. Namtso is also considered one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world. It holds a sacred place in the hearts of Tibetan people. There is a saying in Tibet: 'Turn the sacred mountain in the Year of the Horse, turn the sacred lake in the Year of the Sheep, and turn the forest in the Year of the Monkey.' So during the Tibetan Year of the Sheep, many Buddhist devotees make a pilgrimage to Namtso, believing it to be the most auspicious.

I visited Tibet in 2011.

Potala Palace is more like a pure Chinese ink painting than a building.

Besides Namtso, China has many other beautiful lakes—Qinghai Lake, Lugu Lake in Yunnan, etc.—all equally stunning. You must visit them too.

Qinghai Lake is one of my favorites. I visited in 2008.

Lugu Lake in Lijiang, Yunnan, is also a favorite. I visited in 2021.

4. Kanas and Hemu—Location: Northern Xinjiang, Xinjiang

This is a paradise on earth. Every autumn, the birch forests turn red and yellow, a golden expanse, with unique morning fog that feels like a dream. You cannot miss this in your lifetime. Hiking from Baihaba to Kanas and then to Hemu is a life experience and the joy of travel. I hiked this route in October 2012.

(The hike from Jiadenyu to Hemu is a well-established trail, suitable for average fitness. At over 50, I completed it without any discomfort, only excitement and joy. There's no problem hiking this trail. If needed, there's a 'Halfway Inn' where you can stay overnight. From Jiadenyu to the halfway inn took me about 3 hours. I was in great shape—didn't drink water or eat a single biscuit for half the journey.)

At the halfway inn, I rested for an hour while waiting for companions. I could have continued without a break.

(I have a travelogue about Xinjiang titled 'Bus, Train, and Hiking in Northern Xinjiang: A Route That Gets More Beautiful (Practical Guide for Individual Travelers).' Available on Baidu.)

I visited Kanas and Hemu in 2012.

During the hike from Jiadenyu (Kanas) to Hemu. This route is a no-man's land—no habitation, only hiking enthusiasts.

Hemu Village shrouded in morning fog. Tourists walking on the sea of clouds resemble Sun Wukong riding the clouds. I named this photo 'The Visitor from Outer Space at Hemu Village.'

5. Danxia Landform—Location: Zhangye, Gansu

Rolling, continuous, and endless hills. No trees, no grass—nature's palette, colorful and vibrant, unique. In my opinion, it's more beautiful and expansive than the Colorful Beach in Burqin, Xinjiang, the Colorful City in Fukang, Xinjiang, and the Danxia Mountain in Guangdong. So this is China's most beautiful Danxia landform.

I visited in 2009, before the scenic area officially opened. My chartered car drove directly to the core area. The green taxi in the photo was my ride. I saw the most pristine 'Rainbow Danxia.' I went again in 2019.

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

Ningwu is a little-known county in Shanxi. It has a little-known natural karst cave that remains thickly frozen all year round. The heavier the summer, the thicker the ice, the lower the temperature, and the more enchanting it becomes—a unique wonder. I visited in 2010 when transportation was inconvenient. I hired a car, and there were very few tourists.

I have travelogues about Shanxi titled:

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

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

Recently, some people commented that this ice cave is artificially created by refrigerants and is fake. How is that possible? Creating an artificial ice cave in a natural karst cave is absolutely impossible. This is a natural ice cave, a unique tourist attraction bestowed by God on the people of Shanxi. I highly recommend it.

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

7. Heicheng (Black City) Ruins—Location: Ejina, Inner Mongolia

A mysterious and legendary ancient city from a thousand years ago, a national key cultural relic protection site. It is a truly ancient city! I love it because it is rarely visited. Although long buried by desert, the city walls and adobe structures remain. The golden poplars and strange forests around the ruins complement it beautifully.

The thousand-year-old city and golden poplars blend together—you must see it!

I visited Heicheng Ruins in 2009. At that time, there were no tickets, no guards, no staff, and no other tourists—only my family of three and a driver. The entire empty scenic area was ours alone. I felt like I was in a no-man's land. I thought of an advertising slogan: 'Great taste.' Exploring little-visited tourist destinations has always been my travel style.

8. Jiuzhaigou—Huanglong—Location: Sichuan

'After visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other water scenery compares; Huanglong's Heavenly Lake surpasses Jiuzhaigou.' Irresistible.

I visited Jiuzhaigou in 2006.

Jiuzhaigou's waters and Huanglong's pools are world-famous. I believe no one would object to calling Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong a must-visit place in China.

9. Huangguoshu Waterfall—Location: Guizhou

Majestic, magnificent, thundering down with endless momentum. China's largest, widest, highest, and most spectacular waterfall, and the third largest in the world. Missing it would be a lifetime regret.

I visited Huangguoshu Waterfall in 2006.

10. Mount Huashan—Location: Shaanxi Province

Mount Huashan combines peril, beauty, and grandeur.

Peril: 'From ancient times, there has been only one road up Mount Huashan.'

Beauty: Comparable to Mount Huangshan.

Grandeur: Rivaling Mount Tai.

Among the Five Great Mountains of China, Mount Huashan is a must-climb.

Many tourists prefer Huangshan, which is indeed beautiful, and many like Mount Tai. I also enjoy the 'seeing all smaller mountains' feeling of Mount Tai, but I prefer Huashan.

I visited Huashan in 2000, before I had a digital camera, so no photos.

11. Menyuan Flower Sea—Location: Huzhu, Qinghai

Backed by the first snow peak of Xiading (Xia Du), overlooking thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers—a golden sea, a golden world, golden Menyuan. When you go there, you understand what 'golden' means.

I visited Menyuan Flower Sea in 2008.

According to some sources, the rapeseed flower sea in Luoping, Yunnan, is also quite beautiful, but I haven't been there, so I can't comment. I planned to go in February 2020, but the pandemic forced me to cancel. I'm sure I'll go in the near future.

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

In Yongding, Fujian, there is a unique cluster of earthen buildings known as the 'Eastern Ancient Castles.' The distinctive 'Prince of Tulou,' 'Five Golden Flowers (Four Dishes and One Soup),' and 'Tilting Buildings' are architectural wonders. If you like history and culture, how can you not go?

I visited Fujian Tulou in January 2008.

There used to be a joke online that American satellites discovered a large missile base in the mountains of Fujian, mistaking the Tulou for missiles.

How could that be? The world's leading superpower with advanced technology mistaking Tulou for missiles? It's just a joke. But even for this joke, you should visit the Tulou.

13. Thousand-Lake Mountain (Qianhu Shan)—Location: Shangri-La, Yunnan

When I visited, there was no ticket, no entrance, no staff. Few people knew that Shangri-La had a scenic spot called Thousand-Lake Mountain. You must hire a guide to go into the mountains, or you'll get lost.

It features blooming rhododendrons,

Vast meadows and pastures,

Wetlands and marshes,

Highlands and snow-capped mountains,

Lakes and alpine lakes,

And finally, dense primeval forest.

This mountain encompasses all the beauty of Shangri-La. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Visiting Thousand-Lake Mountain is like seeing all of Shangri-La. If you love exploring hidden gems, you must go!

I visited Thousand-Lake Mountain in May 2013 and wrote a travelogue titled 'Tranquil Bigu Lake, Pristine Thousand-Lake Mountain, Hiking Yubeng Village, Exploring Derong Valley, Encountering Balagezong (2013 Shangri-La Mysterious Journey).' Those interested can refer to it.

14. Mogao Caves—Location: Dunhuang, Gansu

I've been fortunate to visit China's four major grottoes. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are unparalleled. The Yungang Grottoes have a long history and grand scale. The Longmen Grottoes are majestic by the river. The Maijishan Grottoes resemble a wheat stack in shape. The Mogao Caves are the most influential and hold the highest status.

Among the four major grottoes, you must visit the Mogao Caves.

I visited in 2009.

15. Daocheng—Yading

Location: Western Sichuan

Let me first share some photos.

After viewing these beauties, I'm sure you'll be moved.

Mid-October in autumn is the most beautiful time in Yading. Its beauty is world-recognized. I think the most beautiful section is Luorong Pasture, from the electric car stop to the end of the pasture. If you pay attention, it gets more beautiful as you walk. Arriving around 8:30 AM on a sunny day, the sky is clear blue without a cloud, and the majestic, snow-capped Yang Maiyong Mountain seems to pierce the sky like a knife. The meadow at the foot of the mountain is covered with white frost. As the sun warms up, the white meadow transforms into a golden prairie, with winding streams forming nine bends and eighteen curves...

Blue sky, snow-capped mountains, golden prairie, and streams—these four rare natural scenes combine into a breathtaking spectacle. Where else can you find such beauty? I think only in Yading, Sichuan. No wonder the British writer James Hilton used this scenery to write the famous work 'Lost Horizon'.

To fully appreciate these four scenes, you must be there before 10 AM, because after that, white clouds will drift in, gradually covering the beautiful Yang Maiyong Mountain. Once the mountain is shrouded in clouds, the view deteriorates.

I have a travelogue about Daocheng-Yading: 'Detailed Danglin Guide, Concise Yading Practical Guide (A More Serene Paradise than Yading: Danglin).'

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

16. Gannan—Location: Southern Gansu

Reason: Gannan has vast territory, wide range, beautiful scenery, attractive grasslands, and golden rapeseed flowers. The best way to travel in Gannan is self-driving. I did a 23-day self-driving trip in the summer of 2020.

I traversed vast grasslands,

Felt the sanctity of monasteries,

Explored thousand-year-old grottoes,

Crossed the no-man's land of the Long March,

Encountered a solar halo deep in the mountains,

Experienced the joys and sorrows of Cairima Township,

Basked in the sunshine of Lianbao Yeze,

Admired the Moon Bay in Hongyuan,

Crossed countless high mountain passes,

And deeply sighed: The motherland's mountains and rivers are truly magnificent!

I wrote a travelogue about Gannan: 'Exploring the Joys and Sorrows of Cairima Township in the Heart of the Yellow River (Deep Self-Drive Tour of Gannan).' Friends interested in Gannan can refer to it.

In Zhagana Village, hiking the Great Loop, the guide said it was a route once taken by the Red Army through no-man's land. We had to cross about 30 swift rivers, valleys, and streams. After nine hours of hardship, we finally completed the journey.

Gannan is a beautiful place. If you love travel, especially self-driving, you must go to Gannan.

17. Hulunbuir—Location: Inner Mongolia

Public transportation is not suitable for Hulunbuir. The best way is self-driving or hiring a car, because the most beautiful scenery is on the road.

I wrote a travelogue about Hulunbuir: 'An Appointment with the Grassland: Dream Hulunbuir (11-Day Self-Drive Tour).'

I visited Hulunbuir in July 2021.

The 'First Meandering River Under Heaven'—Murgule River Grassland Sky Road. I drove along this sky road.

I have a special fondness for grasslands. Hulunbuir Grassland is my favorite. If you love grasslands, you must visit Hulunbuir once.

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

Natural scenery is renowned for its peaks, valleys, and forests. The stone peaks resemble people, animals, objects—vivid and imposing. Streams flow through valleys. If you want to see strange peaks, go to Zhangjiajie in Hunan.

Nearby attractions include Tianmen Mountain National Park, Furong Town, and Fenghuang Ancient Town. You can visit them all along the way.

I wrote a travelogue about Zhangjiajie: 'After Seeing This, No Other Mountain in the World (Latest Pure Self-Guided Zhangjiajie Guide).'

I visited Zhangjiajie in mid-October 2018, spending 12 days there. It rained almost every day. Perhaps that season is not the best time.

19. Fenghuang Ancient Town AND Pingyao Ancient City—Locations: Hunan and Shanxi

Reason: Large and free.

A. Fenghuang Ancient Town

Among the many ancient towns and cities in China, two are large-scale and, most importantly, free.

Of course, I've seen many negative reports about Fenghuang Ancient Town, mainly due to the controversy over charging admission. There was an online backlash, with some people saying Fenghuang is worthless.

Personally, Fenghuang Ancient Town itself is very beautiful. A wide Tuojiang River flows through the city, giving it a sense of grandeur. Unlike the small, winding rivers of Jiangnan's water towns, the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang is wide and bold, complemented by Xiangxi's characteristic stilted buildings, old bridges, and pagodas—a visual impact. If you love travel, go to Fenghuang Ancient Town to see its beautiful scenery. You won't regret it! No Jiangnan water town can compare.

I visited Fenghuang Ancient Town in 2018. My travelogue is titled 'After Seeing This, No Other Mountain in the World (Latest Pure Self-Guided Zhangjiajie Guide).'

B. Pingyao Ancient City

Reason: Large and free.

China has countless ancient cities and towns. Pingyao is arguably the largest, with a typical northern style, completely different from Jiangnan water towns. After seeing too many Jiangnan water towns, Pingyao is a refreshing sight. I like Pingyao not only because it's big and free, but also because I admire the merchants who built this city. They embodied the fine Chinese virtue of integrity—honest business and honest conduct. That is worth learning and emulating. Am I digressing? Not really. Look at Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen in Jiangnan today—a few old bridges and rows of dilapidated houses, with entrance fees of 100 or 200 yuan. Isn't that too... too excessive?

I visited Pingyao Ancient City in 2010 and wrote travelogues titled:

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

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

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

Reason: A popular tourist destination in recent years. Yucha Grand Canyon is very similar to Antelope Canyon in the United States and has become a pilgrimage site for photography enthusiasts across the country.

I visited Yucha Grand Canyon in autumn 2017. My travelogue is titled 'Hidden Gems Deep in Yan'an (Detailed Guide to Yucha Grand Canyon, Danxia Wave Valley, Qiankun Bay, etc.).'

These are the 20 places I believe everyone must visit in their lifetime after traveling all over China. Of course, this is just my personal view and preference, and may not be universally recognized. I welcome discussion from fellow travelers.

China has too many beautiful places. There are still many places I haven't yet set foot on. As long as I live, I will continue to travel.

My travel experiences over more than 20 years have left me with unforgettable memories:

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

Yubeng Village is the only village in China that no vehicle can reach. Hidden deep in the mountains, you must hike 5 hours to get there—3 hours up and 2 hours down. It's a favorite hiking route for outdoor enthusiasts. During my visit, I had an accident—a muscle strain in my calf that made walking impossible. Fortunately, an old man in the mountains sprayed some Yunnan Baiyao on it, allowing me to limp out of the mountains.

I wrote a travelogue about Yubeng Village: 'Tranquil Bigu Lake, Pristine Thousand-Lake Mountain, Hiking Yubeng Village, Exploring Derong Valley, Encountering Balagezong (2013 Shangri-La Mysterious Journey).'

2. Searching for Her Amidst Thousands—Bigu Lake in Shangri-La

Bigu Lake is the filming location for director Chen Kaige's 'The Promise.' This place is little known; even many locals don't know it. I hired a car, but the driver didn't recognize the lake. We asked many people before finding it. There were no tourists, no locals—a very secluded, uninhabited place. To visit such a beautiful place is rare.

3. Challenging Human Limits—Overnight at Everest Base Camp

A perfect life must include a trip to Tibet.

I visited Tibet in 2011, seeing Everest, Potala Palace, Linzhi (Nyingchi), Namtso, Namcha Barwa, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc. Especially staying overnight at Everest Base Camp, the highest place on earth, was a special experience.

This base camp is now permanently closed to the public.

4. The Last Pure Land on Earth—Danglin, a Hidden Gem in Western Sichuan

Danglin is a quiet place few people know. When I went, there was no bus, only hired cars. No tickets—villagers charged 20 yuan per person for entry. No hotels, only simple private inns without bathrooms.

There were very, very few tourists. Places with few people always have beautiful scenery.

I wrote a travelogue about Danglin: 'Detailed Danglin Guide, Concise Yading Practical Guide (A More Serene Paradise than Yading: Danglin).'

5. A Sealed-off and Uninhabited Scenic Area—Moon Lake (Moon Tiantang)

Moon Lake is located at Chaihe Town, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia.

When I drove confidently to Moon Lake, there was a notice on the gate: This scenic area is closed and no longer open to the public.

Not being able to visit a planned destination brings a sense of loss. Human nature makes us want to go where we can't. I observed the terrain and noticed a forest beside the gate. Years of travel experience told me this forest might lead to the park road. Boldly, I entered the forest and indeed reached the park road in a few minutes, entering the scenic area smoothly.

The entire vast scenic area had no other tourists—only my wife and I. We hiked back and forth, climbing for nearly 5 hours in an empty scenic area. What was that feeling? My answer: absolutely wonderful.

6. Hiking from Baihaba to Kanas to Hemu

Life must include an unforgettable hiking experience. My most unforgettable hike was through Baihaba, Kanas, and Hemu in northern Xinjiang—a favorite route for hiking enthusiasts.

Day 1: From Baihaba to Kanas, an easy 5-hour hike. We stayed two nights in Kanas, soaking in the golden world of northern Xinjiang. Day 3: From Kanas to Hemu, an 8-hour hike with an hour's rest—not tiring, very enjoyable, unforgettable.

7. Exploring the Town Deep in the Yellow River—Cairima Township

Cairima Township is a little-known town in Maqu, Gannan. Before my self-drive trip to Gannan, I read some introductions about Cairima, especially two articles on a certain platform claiming the true First Bend of the Yellow River is in Cairima. I resolved to go there and find that true first bend. When I reached Maqu, I couldn't navigate to Cairima. Many people didn't know it. Finally, someone told me it had been renamed Cairima Town. With navigation, it said 3 hours' drive. Even 3 hours, I would go. Starting from Awanchang, after about half an hour, we entered County Road 405. This road was terribly rough, full of potholes—truly 'no three feet of flat ground.' It was painful to drive. I thought it would improve after a short stretch, but after 3 hours, it was all the same road. If I had known it would be 3 hours of potholes, I would have given up. But we were committed, so we gritted our teeth and went on. Fortunately, the Yellow River accompanied us. Its usually muddy water was clear and green here, with beautiful distant water views—worth the effort.

There were no tourists, no locals, very few passing vehicles. Again, only my wife and I alone enjoyed the beauty deep in the Yellow River. Exploring places with few or no tourists is a hallmark of my travel style.

8. In That Distant Place—Baoshan Stone City (Lijiang)

I once read a short passage about Baoshan Stone City in a 'CHINA Self-Guided Tour' book and was fascinated. Eight years ago, when I visited Lijiang and Shangri-La, I asked many travel agencies, but none knew about it. They all said, 'Never heard of it.' Back then, I was backpacking, so not finding it was understandable.

In October 2021, I visited Lijiang again, this time by self-drive. The eight-year-old thought had lingered in my mind. This time, I succeeded.

Baoshan Stone City is hidden amid high mountains. Shortly after leaving Lijiang, I followed the navigation into winding mountain roads. The sky grew dim, then drizzling. Driving on rough mountain roads, I slowed down. After nearly 5 hours of searching in the rain, the stone city finally appeared. Perhaps the heavens were moved by my determination, for just before arrival, the sky cleared and sunshine flooded in—heaven's help. In 2021, in that distant place, I found another rarely visited spot: Baoshan Stone City.

9. My Most Memorable Trip—Solo Travel in Britain

During my budget solo trip in Britain, I took a train from London to York, arriving after 10 PM. Without a hotel reservation, I wandered through the quiet, sparsely populated English town at night, carrying a big backpack. In a foreign land, it was quite scary and stressful. There were few inns, and they were expensive. As a budget traveler, I wanted cheap accommodation. After much effort, I finally found a cheap inn that night. That scene is unforgettable.

Time flies like an arrow, life is like a dream. The greatest giant of China, the great leader of the Chinese people, once said: 'Thirty-eight years have passed in a flash.' Looking back, I deeply feel the meaning of 'in a flash.' My childish fantasies from decades ago have miraculously come true today.

Those who love to enjoy life—hurry up and travel! Travel truly brings happiness... but you must do it independently. For over 20 years, I've planned my own trips, backpacked, and enjoyed every bit of it.

That's all. Welcome comments and discussions from fellow travelers.

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