Jiuzhaigou National Park Travel Guide: Facts, Attractions, Tours, Weather

Deep in the heart of perpetually snow-clad Min Shan Range of the Tibetan Plateau, Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve encloses one of the most spectacular landscapes. It was settled centuries ago by ethnic Tibetans, whose fenced villages gave Jiuzhaigou (nine stockades gully) its name. And legend has it that the goddess Semo accidentally smashed her mirror here, the shards forming the hundred or so incredibly vivid blue lakes, which descend the valley in a series of broad steps.

Along with Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area was listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve later in 1997.

Jiuzhaigou Facts

Chinese name: 九寨沟国家级自然保护区

Location: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and qiang autonomous prefecture, Sichuan Province

Highest Elevation: 4,593m / 5069ft

Total Area: 64297 hectares

Entrance fee: CNY 169 from Apr. 1 to Nov. 15, CNY 80 from Nov. 16 to Mar. 31

Jiuzhigou airport: Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport at Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County

Best Time to Visit Jiuzhaigou

The autumn season, especially September and October, is regarded as the best time to visit Jiuzhaigou, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its prettiest with breathtaking fall foliage. Besides, with snow-covered landscape, Jiuzhaigou in winter turns to be a pure frozen ice world, very enticing.

What to See at Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou Valley can be considered a natural botanical and zoological garden, a home of densely growing conifers and broadleaf trees, and of rare and endangered animal species such as the giant panda, golden-haired monkey, and white-lip deer. Usually we can see the lakes swarm with fish and birds including waterfowl, kingfisher, shrikes, hoopoes and pheasants. At the reserve, there is also rich paleontology fossil and ancient glacial landform.

The beautiful and various forms of water is the highlight of Jiuzhaigou, including spring, waterfall, streams, rivers and 108 colorful lakes. Changhai, Jianyan, nuorilang, Shuzheng, Zharu and Black Sea are the top six scenic areas, in a "Y" shape distribution. Emerald green lakes, multi-layer waterfalls, colored forests, snow peaks, Tibetan customs, and blue ice landscape are known as the "six wonders" of Jiuzhaigou Valley. All of the incredible natural beauty makes Jiuzhaigou a "fairytale world" and the "king of waterscape".

Major Jiuzhaigou Attractions

Five-Color Pool

Five-Color Pool is located in the Zechawa Valley, and remains unfrozen all year round. It is famous for its beautiful color, purity and transparency. The water is rich in calcium carbonate, with quatic plant communities such as spirogyra, dinoflagellates and ferns growing, therefor reflects the amazing light and shade when the sun shines upon.

Five-flower Lake

Five-flower Lake is located on the middle section of Rize Valleys and the upper reaches of Peacoc River. The deposition of Calcium precipitation on the bottom of the lake, together with the colorful algae and the tree reflections make the lake appear yellow, navy, dark green, sapphire and other colors, hence the name. Walk along the mountain road southeast direction for a while, you will see a huge stone, named Tiger Mouth or Tiger Stone, where you can obtain a panoramic view of Five-flower Lake.

Nuorilang Waterfall

Nuorilang Waterfall is at 2365 meters above sea level, located near the Nuorilang Tourist Center. With a width of 270 meters and a height of 24.5 meters, it is one of the largest calcification waterfalls in China and also the widest waterfall in China. Nozilang waterfall was partly damaged in the 2017 earthquake.

Long Lake

More than four kilometers long, Long Lake is the longest lake in Jiuzhaigou, in the “S” shape and dark blue color. At 3000m, it is surrounded by dense forest, snow-capped mountains and glacier landscape, looking very magnificent.

Rize Valley

Rize Valley is the essence of Jiuzhaigou scenic area, lying as long as 18km between Nuorilang and the Primeval Forest. There are beautiful scenic spots, such as Mirror Lake, Pearl Beach Waterfall, Five-flower Lake, Panda Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Swan Lake, Grass Lake and so on. Meanwhile, there is the biggest drop of the waterfall, treasure-bowl-like calc-sinter flow, primeval forest with towering ancient trees. A trip to Rize Valley allows travelers to experience a unique fresh natural charm.

Shuzheng Valley

Shuzheng Valley is one of the three major valleys of jiuzhaigou. There are many scenic spots, including Reed Lake, Shuzheng Group Lakes, Spark Lake, Rhino Horn Waterfall and Shuzheng Waterfall. Along the 14-kilometer-long valley, there are more than 40 lakes of all kinds, accounting for about 40% of the total lakes in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, thus .Known as the epitome of jiuzhaigou,

How to Get to Jiuzhaigou

By air: Currently, visitors can fly into Jiuzhaigou from Chengdu only. Jiuzhaigou is 88km away from Jiuzhai Huanglong (Jiuhuang) Airport. In the next years, flights from Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and other places are expected to reopen.

By bus: Travels can take regular bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. The bus stations are Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, Chengdu General Bus Station, East City Bus Station and Shiyangchang Bus Station. The buses depart between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, and take about 10 hours. You’re suggested to buy the bus tickets in advance.

By train: Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou bullet train is scheduled to be operated at the end of 2019. Then it takes only around 2 hours to travel between the two places.

Jiuzhaigou Weather

The hottest months of Jiuzhigou are July and August with temperature reaching 29 °C (84 °F). The coldest months are December and January, with temperature as low as -1 °C (30 °F).

January February March April May June Average High 8°C (46°F) 11°C (52°F) 16°C (61°F) 21°C (70°F) 24°C (75°F) 26°C (79°F) Average Low -1°C (30°F) 1°C (34°F) 5°C (41°F) 9°C (48°F) 12°C (53.6°F) 16°C (61°F)

July August September October November December Average High 29°C (84°F) 29°C (84°F) 23°C (73°F) 19°C (66°F) 14°C (57°F) 9°C (48°F) Average Low 18°C (64°F) 18°C (64°F) 15°C (59°F) 10°C (50°F) 4°C (39°F) 0°C (31°F)

Travel Tips

Visitors can pre-purchase the entrance ticket and shuttle bus ticket online, following the online real-name system. There will be not purchase window in the scenic area. All visitors must log in the Aba tourism website and input the second-generation ID card or household register, passport or other identity information to purchase the tickets. Visitors to Jiuzhaigou should also purchase accident insurance.

Recommended Private Jiuzhaigou Tours

If you plan to take a trip to Jiuzhaigou with private local guide and vehicle, these are the popular tours for you to choose from.

3-day Jiuzhaigou Tour

8-day Sichuan Highlights Tour with Jiuzhigou

15-day Zhangjiajie & Jiuzhaigou Tour

8-day Guilin Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tour

Or please consult with your travel advisor at ETC to create your own tour to Jiuzhaigou.

More Attractions in Chengdu

Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in China

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As the world’s oldest civilization and combined with huge areas of gorgeous unspoiled natural beauty (and the more recent leaps into modernity), China is one seriously interesting travel destination. Its gigantic size makes a condensed list a very tall order, but here is my choice for the best and most beautiful places to visit in China…

1. Fenghuang, Hunan province – one of the most famous and striking old towns to visit in China

Situated in the Western Hunan Province, the small town of Fenghuang is comparatively difficult to reach. Road conditions and traffic can be hard to negotiate, so getting a bus may be the best option. Once you’re there you’ll want to explore the area by foot.

You can hike up to the Southern Great Wall and enjoy the striking views of the rice terraces. Fenghuang has a bustling feel to it and there are plenty of street vendors who sell local foods at great prices (make sure you try the Ginger Candy)!

Highlights of Fenghuang captured on film…

2. The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) – the unique mountain range which is one of the most beautiful places to visit in China

This beautiful mountain range is known for its hot springs, dense pine forests, and mystical aura. It sits majestically with a misty sea of cloud at its feet but each season gives the mountains a different flavor. In springtime, it is scattered with pretty pink blossoms, bright flowers that illuminate the valleys and fill the air with their heady scent.

In the summer the mountains are densely green, and bubbling streams lap against the rock faces. The turning maples paint the mountains red and violet in autumn before winter turns everything icy white and tranquil.

The area is rich with flora and renowned for the monkeys, deer, goats, and rare birds that live there.

The mountain range has been celebrated in many ancient texts, paintings, and poems and this sense of spiritual reverence still remain.

3. Yuanyang Rice Terraces – a stunning and striking beauty spot to explore in China

The southern Ailao Mountains house these rice terraces, and the fields take up nearly 31,000 acres. At 6500 feet above sea level, the view is astounding. The Hani people have farmed these lands for centuries.

In fact, in their eyes, nothing has changed for hundreds of years, which means that when you watch them farm, you can get a true sense of how life in this part of the world has been for a very long time.

The rolling landscape is just as interesting as the rice terraces themselves, so you’ll never run out of gorgeous views to look at.

4. Yangtze River – the longest and most beautiful river in Asia

The longest river in Asia holds great historical, economic, and cultural importance to the country. It accommodates the controversial Three Gorges Dam which is the largest hydro-electric power station in the world.

It also thought by many to divide Northern and Southern China; both areas are immensely different in terms of climate, culture, economics, folk customs, and landscape. Along the river, there are many areas of historical interest, as well as much natural beauty.

Because of its vast size, one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the river is by taking a cruise or a tour of the area. Independent Asia specialists Exotissimo offers a cruise that includes stops at the mysterious Fengdu Ghost City and the precious stone fortress, Shibaozhai.

5. Jiuzhaigou Valley – dreamlike scenery and gorgeous natural landscapes

This place with its waterfalls, lake groups and abundance of endangered flora and fauna isn’t short on natural beauty either.

It’s a nature reserve and national park located in northern Sichuan province of southwestern China and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This inspirational place has more than its fair share of legends attributed to it and is home to a small population of Tibetan and Qiang people who put on traditional performances and sell foodstuffs and local products – one of the highlights of a trip to this region.

6. Zhangye Danxia Landform – one of the most stunning places to explore in China

This is also known as the painted mountains of Danxia and consists of a part of the Gobi Desert with layers of different rock formations that took centuries to form, all of which come in many different colors and textures.

If you step back and view it, you can see numerous stripes of different widths and colors, making the scenery appear to be a puzzle that was put together to look just right.

It is gorgeous and hilly, and when you look at it, you quickly realize that only nature could create something so unique and beautiful.

7. Guilin City – a picturesque place to visit in China which is known for its dramatic landscape of limestone karst hills

Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The combination of natural beauty and historic treasures make Guilin a popular tourist spot.

Crystal clear waters, attractively formed karsts covered in lush bamboos and the deep caves also make the surrounding area a place not to be missed.

8. The Great Wall of China – one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful attractions

Easily one of the most famous landmarks in the world, The Great Wall of China winds through a huge array of scenery, taking in deserts, plateaus, mountains, and grasslands.

Although it’s not just the beautiful views that make The Great Wall a must-see site in China. The historical connotations and impressive architecture mean it is certainly worth a visit.

Although some sections are in ruins or have been removed altogether, this purely reminds you of its history that spans well over 2000 years.

9. Leshan Giant Buddha – a truly amazing place to visit in China

Known to be the tallest stone Buddha structure in the world, the statue is 230 feet tall and has toes that are 28 feet long and ears that are 23 feet long. It was built in 713 CE and carved into a cliff face overlooking three different rivers.

The statue took 90 years to complete and is definitely worth the trip to this part of China. The giant Buddha is colorful and eye-catching, not to mention alluring due to its sheer size, and it is the perfect attraction for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

10. Wuzhen Water Town – a stunning small town known as the Venice of China

This unusual little town is situated South of the Yangtze River. Its 2000-year-old history is reflected in the mysterious floating bridges, intricate wooden carvings and ancient stone pathways.

The beauty of this town is that it still maintains a strong traditional feel, and many of the ancient features are beautifully preserved.

11. Lijiang Ancient Town – a scenic well-preserved old city in which has a history of over 800 years

This ancient town is located between Lion Mountain – which is dense with vegetation – in the West and the sprawling Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the North. The area is also fringed with rich verdant fields that cut through crystal clear waters.

Kubla Khan the first Emperor of the Yuan dynasty set his reign here and the air of importance, prosperity and celebration still remains.

12. Qiandao Lake – famous for its crystal-clear water and picturesque scenery and otherwise known as the Thousand Island Lake

The Thousand Island Lake (or Qiandao Lake) is a manmade lake dotted with numerous small islands (hence the name). The waters are intensely azure and each island is thick with rich green foliage.

Several of the islands are now themed, to cater for the ever-growing number of tourists who frequent the area. The area was initially created to provide a new hydroelectric power station and reservoir to feed the residents of Hangzhou.

To do this several ancient city were flooded and the remains of these cities still lurk below the waters of the lake. The architecture of which is still eerily preserved, adding extra intrigue to this beautiful area.

13. Brahm? Palace, Jiangsu – a luxurious Buddhist palace standing next to the Lingshan Giant Buddha

This beautiful sprawling man-made structure lies beneath the foot of Little Lingshan Mountain. Very near you’ll also find Taihu Lake and the 88-metre-tall Lingshan Giant Buddha – also significant tourist attractions.

It’s a hugely spiritual place it’s almost like a Buddhist theme park and was built specifically for the Second World Buddhism Forum in 2009.

14. Dongchuan Red Land – 0ffers some of the beautiful scenery in China

Located southwest of Kunming City, these 77,000 square miles are very colorful and hilly. Because of the oxidation of iron in the soil, it is a gorgeous shade of eye-catching red.

When you place this soil next to strips of green barley, white flowers, and yellow buckwheat, the landscape becomes striped with all types of beautiful colors, especially when contrasted against a bright blue sky.

And if you want to catch the area when it’s the most colorful, try visiting it either in May to June or September to November to get the most extraordinary results.

15. Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake – a gorgeous scenic spot to explore in China

This is part of the Gobi Desert in northwest China and consists of huge dunes that are 25 miles long and 12 miles wide. They reach 800 feet at their peak and have both interesting shapes and a rather eerie sound that occurs whenever there are strong winds in the area.

In the middle of the dunes is Crescent Lake, shaped in a half-moon and offering a great contrast to the beautiful whitish-grey sand dunes. The dunes are located along Silk Road, and it’s worth a visit to this area of the desert just to take a look at these amazing structures.

16. Guanyin Statue – an interesting place to visit in China

Known as the Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guanyin now has her own statue at the Nanshan Temple Complex and it is nothing short of spectacular.

It is an eye-catching statue that stands at 354 feet, so it towers over the area and definitely demands attention. The statue has three faces; one faces the land and the other two face the South China Sea.

The best part is that you can walk the pier leading to the statue and get very close to it, which is, in fact, the best way to realize just how amazing it truly is.

17. Hongcun Ancient Village – one of the most beautiful villages to visit in China

Part of the Huangshan Mountain Range, little has changed in this village in the past 1000 years, so if culture and history are what you crave, this is the place to visit.

It consists of more than 140 traditional homes as well as serene lakes, iconic bridges, and old-fashioned clan halls, among other things.

The houses are unique and the mountains are gorgeous; if you spend some time enjoying this quaint little village, it will be time well spent. In fact, if you want to see how the Chinese lived long ago, you can come here and find out.

18. Saint Sophia Cathedral – a striking tourist attraction to explore in China

Built in 1907, this 177-foot-high cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in East and Southeast Asia. Even during the Cultural Revolution when most other Orthodox churches were destroyed, this one remained intact.

Its beauty is due to the green dome tops and yellow crosses.

Inside the church is a museum that is dedicated to the city. In fact, locals often gather in its front square to visit and have a good time. It is located in Harbin and is one of its most noteworthy landmarks, so it is definitely worth visiting when you’re in this part of the world.

19. Yalong Bay – a pretty, scenic and photogenic spot in China

One of China’s most beautiful beaches, this bay stretches a full five miles and has a coastline that is dotted with palm trees. It is located along the coast of Hainan and offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and diving.

You can also enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and work on your tan if you like. If you’d like to stay in the area for a night or two, you can take advantage of one of the many inns, resorts, and hotels that line the beach itself.

It is among some of the most beautiful places to visit in China, that’s for sure.

20. Yungang Grottoes – a popular tourist spot to explore in China

Located in the Shanxi Province, this collection of 53 grottoes consists of more than 51,000 sandstone structures of both Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In fact, it is considered a very important landmark for Buddhists and it’s been around since the fifth and sixth centuries. The statues range from just a few inches in size to 55 feet high.

There are even five Buddhas sculpted from five different emperors to enjoy. These sculptures are kept in grottoes 16 to 20, which most people agree are the most well-preserved caves in this area.

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With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights.

10 Beautiful Places in China to Visit (2022 Tourist Attractions)

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Have you always been curious about visiting China’s tourist attractions? Then you need to plan a trip to one of these 10 most beautiful places in China.

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There was once a time when you could only read about the most beautiful places in China through the pages of a National Geographic magazine. China was a far-off, mythical land.

However, easy and speedy travel has changed this narrative. For example, a flight from the US to China is only 14 hours long, which seriously beats an endless boat ride around the world.

And despite the rapid changes of modernity, China is still known for its fascinating ancient culture.

It is a land of history, and magical beauty. A place unlike any other in the world. And below are 10 reasons why you need to visit and see China in all its glory. (And just to show you we’ve put some thought into this, we’re NOT mentioning the famous Great Wall of China!)

10 Of the Most Beautiful Places in China to Visit

China is a year-round destination. So, you can visit its sublime scenic spots at your convenience. And while many places in China will dazzle travelers, these are the 10 most beautiful places in China you need to see.

1. Zhangjiajie

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Zhangjiajie, a prefecture in Hunan Province, is more than one of the most beautiful places in China. Along with beautiful views, Zhangjiajie is a city, a national park, and one of the most popular destinations in northwest china. After the release of James Cameron’s Avatar, Zhangjiajie’s beauty caught the entire world’s attention.

As the first official national park of China, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to the deep valleys, towering peaks, and mind-blowing rock pillars.

These massive pillars were the inspiration for the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar.

So very different from the smog and dust-ridden cities, Zhangjiajie has a natural, luscious green beauty and an almost magical feel. The national park is China’s first national park and lies within the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and has vast forest coverage.

Inside Zhangjiajie are thousands of rock tower cliffs making it one of the best muses for traveling photographers. And you can’t pass up the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.

Although one of the newest attractions, it is quickly becoming famous across the world. So, if you like an adrenaline rush, the Glass Bridge’s bungee platform has a 984 feet (300 meters) drop. It is the world’s highest bungee platform.

Not only do you get authentic rural China scenery, but you also get thrilling attractions. What’s not to love?

2. Dongchuan Red Land

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Dongchuan Red Land near Kunming is a backpacker‘s and a photographer’s paradise. Spanning as far as the eye can see, the red terraced lands in Dongchuan District leave you in awe.

Because the soil is rich in the minerals aluminum and iron, it ends up having that gorgeous crimson color.

Throughout the region, farming villages till the red soil and plant their crops. And the Dongchuan Red Land truly shines as one of the most beautiful places in China when the crops bloom.

The farmer’s golden buckwheat, green barley, and the wild white flowers all contrast again the red soils. Ultimately creating a palette of colors that is the envy of many an artist.

From a distance, the white clouds and the blue sky of the hilly region frame the Dongchuan Red Land to resemble a watercolor painting, which attracts many videographers.

Visit the Dongchuan Red Land region when the crops are in bloom, bathing the area with a rich range of colors.

3. Jiuzhaigou Valley

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Jiuzhaigou is magical and inimitable. It’s no surprise that Jiuzhaigou is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in China. The Valleys charm lies in its colorful lakes, the multi-level waterfalls, and fairy tale snow-capped mountains. Not to mention, it’s extremely peaceful.

Jiuzhaigou’s lakes change their color throughout the year. At the bottom of the lakes are calcified rocks and algae whose color reflects on the lake water.

And with crystal clear water, the scenery is mirrored onto the lakes, giving Jiuzhaigou a mystical feel.

For the best views of the everchanging colors, visit the park in autumn. Because it is the time that the lakes become an arena of rainbow hues. And waterfalls set in the dense forests have clear white streams that look like looms weaving silk as they fall over the rocky beds.

Out of all the sights, the most popular of Jiuzhaigou’s waterfalls are the Nuorilang, Shuzheng, and Pearl Shoal waterfalls. These lakes and waterfalls solidify into icicles and ice sheets in winter. And because of the way the light hits, the ice appears blue.

Jiuzhai Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Yuanyang Rice Terraces

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The Yuanyang Rice Terraces on the slopes of the Ailao Mountains are not easy to get to. But they should be on every traveler’s bucket list as one of the most famous places in China.

The rice terraces are a two millennia-old creation of the Hani people. Their ancestors sculpted the rolling rice terraces into the Ailao Mountains southern slope for rice cultivation.

Despite the difficulty of the terrain, the Hani turned the mountainous region into a work of art, earning a ‘Skillful Sculptor’ title from the Ming Dynasty. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces cover close to 12,500 hectares. And you will find them on altitudes as high as 6,500 feet above sea level.

What makes the Yuanyang Rice Terraces one of the most beautiful places in China is not just the ingenuity of the Hani people. But also the gorgeous greenery of the rice paddies in full bloom.

The water in the paddies perfectly contrasts with the reflection of the water underneath, creating a beautiful spectacle. Throw in the colors of the sky and clouds, and from a distance, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces look like something out of a dream.

The large-scale terraces rise by an elevated 3,000 steps and are classified as the Bada, Duoyishu, and the Laohuzui scenic areas. The Hani pass the management of the terraces down each generation, and the area is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

5. Echoing Sand Mountain

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The Echoing Sand Mountain, also known as Mingsha Shan, is one of the most wondrous places in China. Some of its otherworldly attractions include its singing sands and a sweet, refreshing crescent lake right in the middle of the desert setting.

The Echoing Sand Mountain is part of the Gobi desert. These dunes can rise as high as 800 feet. And stretch along the ancient Silk Road in the Northwest region of China. But when it’s windy, they produce an eerie sound as the winds blow over the magnificent dunes.

When a strong wind blows over the dunes, they will shift and create a roar. When the wind is a light breeze, the sands produce gentle musical notes and whispers.

And sitting like an emerald below the Echoing Sand Mountain is the magnificent Crescent Lake, a centuries-old lake that has withstood the force of the desert winds and sands.

Don’t wait, travel to the Echoing Sand Mountain and listen to the strange sounds of the sands as you slide down its slippery slopes.

6. Yangshuo

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One of the most photographed places in China is Yangshuo. That being said, no matter how incredible the photos, they always fall short of the epic grace that you find on an actual visit.

Yangshuo sits by the Li River in southern China, and is about 2000 kilometers away from Beijing. It is one of the most beautiful places in China and an excellent getaway from the loud cities.

Yangshuo’s splendor rises from the beautiful and tranquil fields surrounded by some of the most captivating karst peaks.

These towering hills rise from the fertile plains like monsters filling the landscape with giant green peaks. Truly a sight to behold.

The unspoiled China scenery is iconic and a subject of many an artist’s painting. But if you want a to really see the sights, grab a bike.

On a bike, travelers can immerse themselves in the limestone hill-specked lands via the many narrow pathways. Go through the rice fields, past the irrigation canals, and find calming ponds filled with pink water lilies, and emerald hills.

7. Qiandao Lake

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Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang is also the Thousand Island Lake. It is an artificial water reservoir made to accommodate a hydroelectric station on the Xin’an River. And supplement the Three Gorges power station on the Yangtze.

In order to pave the way for the creation of the Qiandao Lake, residents living on the 50,000 acres around the river had to relocate to other regions.

In the aftermath of the areas’ flooding, 27 towns, hundreds of villages, and the two ancient cities of Shi Cheng and He Cheng were buried under Qiandao Lake’s waters.

The cities would have been forgotten, but divers found them in the lake’s depths after 50 years. Today, tourists can dive under the lake and experience the otherworldly beauty of the ancient submerged towns.

However, Qiandao Lake’s main attraction is the 1078 tiny and beautiful islands that float on its waters.

But, they aren’t just islands. Instead they’re the peaks of mountains and hills buried by the river’s water with the creation of the reservoir. If you want to take in all the sights, there are boat trips to these islands where you can immerse yourself in their exquisite scenery.

8. The Yellow Mountains

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Among the most beautiful mountain ranges in China are the Yellow Mountains, which rise above the clouds of Anhui Province.

They are also known as the Huangshan Mountain, a name that translates to ‘yellow mountains.’ The mountain’s landscapes is the inspiration for many Chinese traditional paintings.

However, they are not known as the Yellow Mountains because of their color. Instead they get their name from the emperor Huang Di, who is known as the Yellow Emperor.

With so many beautiful places in China, the Yellow Mountains stand out because of their “four natural wonders.” Across the range, visitors can find jagged granite peaks, fluffy clouds, steaming hot springs, an haunting towers of trees. But the pines steal the show with creative names to match their curious shapes.

And conveniently, at the foot of the Yellow Mountains is the legendary village of Hongcun. After taking in the natural beauty of the mountains, visitors can step back in time to feudal China by visiting Hongcun. Along with being a UNESCO heritage site, the town is also the filming location of the blockbuster Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

9. Tibet

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Tibet is endlessly beautiful. With the nickname “roof of the world” visitors can experience beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see.

Because Tibet sits on earth’s highest plateau, all of its features are so grand that they humble any visitor. And with elevations over 4,000 ft., the views are glistening in warm mountain light. Which makes for a phenomenal golden hour.

While traveling, you’ll see turquoise lakes, and sweeping plains dotted with nomadic tents and yaks. But what makes Tibet one of the most beautiful places “in” China is the spirituality. Because Tibet, or rather the autonomous region of China, is a mecca for Buddhists. And it’s rich in magnificent prayer halls, and monasteries.

The Tibetan devotion to spirituality here is so deep that meditation retreats on cliff sides and views of the faithful surrounding Mt Kailash are an everyday activity.

However, the showstopper as you venture past the villages and ruins is definitely the view of Everest’s north face.

It’s easy to see why Tibet is one of the most beautiful places. That being said, getting there is not so easy. If you want to take in the wonders of Tibet, remember that foreigners require permits along with pre-arranged tour guides to visit.

10. Xiamen

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All throughout China beauty abounds, and that’s no different for Xiamen city. Oftentimes, Xiamen is known as the “Garden on the Sea” sitting on China’s southeastern coast.

The city’s beauty is accentuated by its pleasant weather and heartwarming seaside scenery.

Xiamen is also the home to some of China’s magnificent Hakka houses.

The Hakka houses, also known as Fujian Tulou, are known to house hundreds of people. And they provide shelter, safety, and communal warmth.

Aside from the Fujian Tulou being World Heritage Sites, these houses can also be seen in Disney’s Mulan.

One a peaceful seaside town, Xiamen is now a major port. And it even has the worlds longest elevated bike path.

Get a chance to see all that the city has to offer from a bird’s eye view on a cycling path 5 meter above the ground, and 7.6 kilometers long.

Reasons Why You Should Visit the Most Beautiful Places in China

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A trip to China is the perfect way to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures at its most genuine. By adventuring to China, you’ll encounter a blend of exquisite experiences, and traditions. Here are some of the best reasons to plan a trip to China.

Captivating Views

China is one the largest countries on earth, and it has several geographic zones. The East Asian giant has tropical regions, warm temperate, middle temperate, cold temperate, and plateau zones. For instance, Tibet and parts of Sichuan, are in the plateau zone. While the larger China lies in the subtropical one.

Therefore, a visitor to China will experience diverse weather and landscapes. As an illustration, the plateau regions have chilly wildernesses while the Gobi Desert to the south is hot and lush. China has spellbinding scenery, filled with large rivers, mountains, ancient architecture, and lush gardens. Its architecture is unapologetically oriental, as is its food.

Delicious Food

One good reason why you should take a trip to the most beautiful places in China is the cuisine.

China is one of the best places in the world to go on a street food tour.

Chinese cuisine has a global reputation for its refined and authentic taste. Their tea, poultry, rice, sauces, and noodle dishes are heartwarming, delicious, and leave you wanting more. While the seafood from coastal regions is unique, but exquisite nonetheless.

Related Reading: Most Beautiful Places in Japan

A Golden Culture

Chinese culture is ancient. It has been in existence for thousands of years. The region has had many civilizations, rulers, and histories emerge from the expansive country.

Most of the country’s past was turbulent yet so much of the culture remains. For this reason, China not only has the most beautiful scenic landscapes in the world, but it also has a fascinating history. Which is an experience worth traveling to China for all on its own.

It Has Something for Everyone

The Chinese people are friendly and hospitable. They love their culture and history, which makes them more than willing to share it with visitors.

And China is kid friendly. So, it beats out any family trip to Vegas.

It’s the perfect place to visit as a family. Plus, children and adults alike will have fun learning about China’s rich culture and experiencing all the sights.

It’s Modern

While Chinese culture has deep connections to its glorious past, the nation is also highly modernized. The major cities are among the most built-up in the world, and have some of the best amenities.

And with transportation, and communication improving, traveling to China has never been easier.

The Most Beautiful Places in China: Final Thoughts

As far as exotic travel destinations go, China is perfect for the solo traveler, families, or group travelers. If you want to see some of the most beautiful places in the world, you need to visit China.

So, start making your itinerary, or find a travel agent that will get you set up. Then acquaint yourself with this marvelous country’s way of life.