Journey Through China: 10 Beautiful Places That Will Leave You in Awe

1. Xisha Islands (Hainan) – The Pristine Tropical Paradise of the South China Sea

The Xisha Islands, a cluster of islets in the South China Sea, are among China's most remote and unspoiled tropical gems. With crystal-clear waters that shift from pale turquoise to deep sapphire, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, this archipelago feels like a hidden heaven on earth. Strict access controls have preserved its pristine ecosystem, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers.

Core Attractions: Yongxing Island (the largest island in Xisha, with lush coconut groves and historical sites), Qilianyu Islets (home to untouched beaches and vibrant coral reefs), and the transparent waters ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Must-do Experience: 

• Snorkel or dive to explore colorful coral reefs and tropical fish 

• Walk along the empty white sand beaches at sunrise 

• Stargaze under the clear night sky (free of light pollution)

Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November (stable weather, calm seas, and optimal visibility for underwater activities). Avoid typhoon season (June-August) and winter monsoons.

Location: Xisha Islands (Paracel Islands), South China Sea, Administratively part of Sansha City, Hainan Province

How to Get There: 

• Travel to Haikou or Sanya by flight

• Access to Xisha Islands is strictly regulated

• Visitors usually join authorized multi-day cruise tours departing from Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port

• Independent travel is not permitted; advance booking is required

Best For: Secluded tropical escapes and those seeking pristine beaches, clear waters, and peaceful islands away from the crowds.

2. Huangshan (Anhui) – The Epitome of Chinese Ink Painting Scenery

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the inspiration behind countless Chinese ink paintings and poems. Its dramatic landscape features jagged granite peaks, twisted pine trees clinging to cliffs, and ethereal mist that shrouds the mountains at dawn, creating a surreal, poetic atmosphere. Every season brings a new aesthetic, from spring blooms to winter snow.

Core Attractions: 

• Guest-Greeting Pine, a symbol of Huangshan

• Bright Summit, the best spot for panoramic views 

• West Sea Grand Canyon, with steep cliffs and misty valleys

• Flying Rock, a precariously balanced boulder

Must-do Experience: Hike the trails at dawn to catch the sea of clouds swirling around the peaks, stay overnight in a mountain hotel to watch the sunrise over the granite peaks, and photograph the twisted pines against the misty backdrop.

Best Time to Visit: April to May (spring blooms, mild mist) or September to November (clear skies, autumn foliage). Winter (December-February) offers a magical snow-covered landscape but requires warm clothing.

Location: Huangshan Scenic Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

How to Get There: 

• High-speed train to Huangshan North Railway Station from Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Nanjing

• Transfer by shuttle bus or taxi to Huangshan Scenic Area (about 1 hour)

• Cable cars are available inside the park to access major viewpoints

Best For: Nature lovers and photographers eager to capture breathtaking sunrises, towering granite peaks, and sea of clouds.

3. Daocheng Yading (Sichuan) – The Last Pure Land Under Heaven

Nalati Grassland, located in the Ili River Valley of Xinjiang, is one of China's most beautiful alpine grasslands. Known as the "First Spring of the Tianshan," it's carpeted with lush green grass and wildflowers in summer, surrounded by snow-capped Tianshan peaks. Kazakh nomads live on the grassland, adding a rich cultural touch to the stunning natural scenery.

Core Attractions: Air Grassland, a high-altitude meadow with unobstructed mountain views, River Valley Grassland, with streams and dense vegetation, and the Kazakh yurt camps scattered across the grassland.

Must-do Experience: Ride a horse across the grassland to enjoy the vast scenery, stay in a Kazakh yurt to taste authentic food (mutton skewers, milk tea), watch traditional Kazakh folk performances (horse racing, singing), and hike to the Air Grassland for panoramic mountain views.

Best Time to Visit: June to August (peak season, lush grass, blooming wildflowers, mild temperatures). Early September offers golden grass and fewer crowds.

Location: Nalati National Grassland Scenic Area, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang

How to Get There: 

• Fly to Urumqi, then fly or take a train to Yining

• Drive from Yining to Nalati (about 4 hours)

• Private vehicle or guided tour recommended due to distance and terrain

Best For: Outdoor lovers and those seeking wide-open spaces with vibrant grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and a chance to experience nomadic culture.

Zhangye Danxia is a geological marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rainbow-colored rock formations. Millions of years of sedimentation and erosion have created layers of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue rocks, stretching across the landscape like a painter's palette. The vibrant hues are most striking at sunrise and sunset, when the light enhances the colors.

Core Attractions: 

• Seven-Colored Danxia Scenic Area, the most iconic spot with layered rainbow rocks

• Binggou Danxia, with more rugged, dramatic rock formations

• The panoramic viewing platforms for unobstructed views

Must-do Experience: Visit the No. 4 Viewing Platform at sunrise or sunset to capture the most vivid colors, hike the trails to get closer to the rock formations, and photograph the contrast between the colorful rocks and the clear blue sky.

Best Time to Visit: September to November (clear skies, mild temperatures, and intense colors) or March to May (spring, fewer crowds). Avoid midday summer heat (July-August) when colors appear washed out.

Location: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, Zhangye City, Gansu Province

How to Get There: 

• Fly or take a train to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport or Zhangye West Railway Station

• Taxi or shuttle bus to the Danxia Scenic Area (about 1 hour)

• Park shuttle buses operate inside the scenic zone

Best For: Photographers and nature explorers who want to witness China's most vivid and surreal landscapes with dramatic red rock formations.

Huangguoshu Waterfall, located in Anshun, Guizhou, is the largest waterfall in Asia and one of China's most iconic natural wonders. Plunging 77.8 meters into a deep pool below, the waterfall unleashes a thunderous roar, with water mist rising high into the air and creating rainbows on sunny days. The surrounding karst mountains and lush forests add to the grandeur of the scene.

Core Attractions: 

• The main Huangguoshu Waterfall (the star attraction)

• Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, with karst rocks and streams

• Water Curtain Cave, a cave behind the waterfall that offers a unique "behind-the-scenes" view

Must-do Experience: Walk through the Water Curtain Cave to feel the spray of the waterfall up close, visit at sunrise to avoid crowds and catch rainbows, and explore the Tianxingqiao trails to discover hidden karst landscapes and small waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit: June to August (wet season, full water flow for the most spectacular view) or March to May (spring thaw, mild weather). Avoid winter (dry season) for a less impressive waterfall.

Location: Huangguoshu Scenic Area, Anshun City, Guizhou Province

How to Get There: 

• Fly to Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport

• High-speed train from Guiyang to Anshun West Station (30–40 minutes)

• Shuttle bus or taxi to Huangguoshu Scenic Area (about 45 minutes)

Best For: Waterfall enthusiasts and adventurers looking for one of Asia's largest and most powerful falls, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

10. Wuzhen (Zhejiang) – A Timeless Water Town of the Jiangnan Region

Wuzhen is one of China's best-preserved ancient water towns, located in the Jiangnan region of Zhejiang. Crisscrossed by canals, lined with black-tiled white houses, and connected by stone bridges, the town exudes a timeless charm. At night, red lanterns illuminate the canals, and traditional wooden boats glide past, creating a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere.

Core Attractions: 

• West Scenic Zone, the most well-preserved area with canals and ancient buildings

• East Scenic Zone, with more local life

• The stone bridges (such as Fengyuan Double Bridge) overlooking the canals

Must-do Experience: Take a night boat tour on the canals to enjoy the lantern-lit scenery, wander the stone streets at dawn (before crowds arrive), visit traditional workshops (silk, wood carving), and taste local snacks (zongzi, osmanthus cakes) at street stalls.

Best Time to Visit: March to May (spring blooms, mild weather) or September to November (clear skies, comfortable temperatures). The Wuzhen Theater Festival (October) adds cultural charm for art lovers.

Location: Wuzhen Town, Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province

How to Get There: 

• High-speed train to Tongxiang Railway Station

• Direct shuttle bus or taxi to Wuzhen (about 30 minutes)

• Easily accessible from Shanghai or Hangzhou as a day trip or overnight stay

Best For: Romantic travelers and those looking for a peaceful escape into a traditional water town, with narrow canals, ancient stone bridges, and quaint architecture.

From remote tropical islands and alpine grasslands to sacred mountains and dramatic geological wonders, China's most beautiful destinations are as rewarding as they are complex to plan. Long distances, limited access, seasonal conditions, and local logistics can easily turn a dream trip into a challenge. That's where UME Travel comes in.

We specialize in custom-designed Chinajourneys, taking care of every detail — flights, high-speed trains, private transfers, permits, accommodations, and pacing — so you can focus on what truly matters: experiencing the beauty, culture, and scale of China with confidence and ease. Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime scenic adventure or returning to China to explore deeper and farther, our travel experts will tailor an itinerary around your interests, travel style, and comfort level. Start planning your personalized China journey with UME Travel today.