Manzhouli, on China's border with Russia in Inner Mongolia, is one of the country's most unusual cities. Its location at the junction of China, Russia, and Mongolia has shaped a unique blend of cultur
Jiayuguan, in western Gansu Province, marks the traditional western end of the Great Wall. For centuries, this fortress was the last outpost of Chinese civilization; beyond lay the unknown lands of Ce
Zhangye, in central Gansu Province, is home to one of China's most surreal landscapes: the Danxia landform, where hills are striped with red, orange, yellow, and green. This "Rainbow Mountain" has bec
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, was once one of the world's most isolated cities. Known as the "Forbidden City," it was closed to foreigners for centuries. Today, it welcomes visito
Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi Province, has been China's porcelain capital since the Song Dynasty. For over a millennium, its kilns produced the finest ceramics in the world — the famous "fine china" that ga
Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was once the capital of the Western Xia Kingdom (1038–1227), a powerful Tangut state that rivaled Song China and Liao. Today, this small city on
Heshun, about 4 kilometers from Tengchong in western Yunnan, is one of China's most unusual villages. Its location near the Myanmar border made it a center of overseas migration; many residents have r
Pingyao, in central Shanxi Province, is China's best-preserved ancient walled city. Founded in the Western Zhou Dynasty (9th–8th century BCE) and largely rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, its 6 kilomet
Gongtan, in Youyang County, Chongqing Municipality, is a 1,700-year-old town perched on a cliff above the Wujiang River. Its location — accessible only by water until recently — preserved it from mode
Xinjiang (not to be confused with Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), also known as Xingyi, in southern Shanxi Province, was one of the most important cities on the ancient Silk Road. As the capital o
Zhouzhuang, in Jiangsu Province about 30 kilometers southeast of Suzhou, was the first Chinese water town opened to international tourism. Founded over 900 years ago, it pioneered the preservation and
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces, in southern Yunnan's Honghe Prefecture, are one of the world's most spectacular agricultural landscapes. Carved into the Ailao Mountains over 1,300 years by the Hani people
Enshi, in southwestern Hubei Province, is one of China's most geologically dramatic and culturally distinctive regions. The Enshi Grand Canyon, often compared to America's Grand Canyon, features sheer
Shaxi, in Jianchuan County, Yunnan Province, is the only surviving market town on the ancient Tea-Horse Road that retains its original layout and architecture. While the Silk Road connected China to t
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in southern Gansu Province, is one of China's most evocative Tibetan regions outside the Tibet Autonomous Region. Known as Amdo in Tibetan, its rolling grasslands
Xidi, about 20 kilometers from Hongcun in Yi County, Anhui Province, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor — but deserves equal attention. Together with Hongcun, it forms a UNESCO World He
Yushe Yumin, on the shores of Lugu Lake straddling the Sichuan-Yunnan border, is one of the last strongholds of the Mosuo people — one of the world's few remaining matrilineal societies. The Mosuo hav
Tai'erzhuang, in southern Shandong Province, was once a thriving commercial town on the Grand Canal, China's ancient north-south waterway. Destroyed in World War II during the famous Battle of Tai'erz
Hekou, in southeastern Yunnan on the border with Vietnam, is one of China's most international small towns. The Red River (Hong He) flows past, separating China from Vietnam; a bridge connects Hekou w
Deqin, in northwestern Yunnan at 3,400 meters elevation, is the gateway to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Himalayas. The county sits in the valley of the Mekong River, with the Meili Snow Mo
Weishan, in western Yunnan's Dali Prefecture, was the cradle of the Nanzhao Kingdom — a powerful state that dominated Southeast Asia from the 8th to 10th centuries. Today, this small county town retai
Tongli, in Jiangsu Province about 80 kilometers west of Shanghai, is one of China's best-preserved water towns. Founded over 1,000 years ago, it is built on seven islands connected by 49 stone bridges
Nanxun, in northern Zhejiang Province, is the quietest and most refined of China's famous water towns. Unlike Zhouzhuang or Xitang, which draw massive tour groups, Nanxun maintains an atmosphere of un
Linxia, in south-central Gansu Province, is one of the most distinctive cities in China. Known historically as Hezhou, it has been a center of Islamic learning and culture for over a thousand years. T
Pingshan County, in southern Sichuan near the Yunnan border, is one of the province's least-explored regions. Its remote valleys hide remarkable Hakka communities who migrated here centuries ago and b
Jiaju, in Sichuan's Danba County, has been called "the most beautiful village in China" by Chinese National Geographic magazine. Perched on a hillside at 2,400 meters, its cluster of watchtowers and w
Qingyan, about 30 kilometers south of Guiyang, is one of Guizhou Province's most atmospheric ancient towns. Founded in 1378 as a military garrison, it became a prosperous commercial center on the rout
Chongqing, China's largest municipality by area, is a city unlike any other. Built on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, it is a vertical metropolis where roads tunnel th
Heshuo County, in southern Xinjiang's Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, is one of the least-visited corners of China's far west. It sits on the shores of Bosten Lake, China's largest inland fre
Langmusi, a small town straddling the border of Gansu and Sichuan provinces, is often called "Little Tibet." At 3,300 meters elevation, it sits in a valley surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and alpin
The Fujian Tulou are a remarkable architectural phenomenon: massive earthen fortresses, some housing hundreds of families, built by the Hakka people between the 13th and 20th centuries. These structur
Yading Nature Reserve, in southern Sichuan's Daocheng County, is often called "the last Shangri-La." Its three sacred snow mountains — Chenresig (Avalokitesvara), Jambeyang (Manjusri), and Chanadorje
Hongcun, at the foot of Mount Huangshan in Anhui Province, is one of China's most visually striking villages. Its layout resembles a water buffalo: the Leigang Hill is the head, the two ancient trees
Zhenyuan, in eastern Guizhou Province, is one of China's most picturesque yet least-visited ancient towns. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it was a military garrison and commercial hub on the ancient ro
Songpan (Songzhou), in northern Sichuan Province, was for centuries a military outpost on the edge of the Chinese empire. It guarded the passage between Sichuan and the Tibetan plateau, witnessing bat
Yushe Village, hidden in the mountains of eastern Fujian Province, is one of the most distinctive ethnic villages in China. The entire village — houses, walls, paths, and even furniture — is built of
Nianhua Bay, located on the shores of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is a purpose-built Zen Buddhism cultural town that opened in 2015. While not an ancient settlement, it has quickly become on
Jianshui, in southern Yunnan Province, was once one of the most important cities on the road to Southeast Asia. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a center of learning, producing more successf
Wuzhen, in northern Zhejiang Province, is often described as the most polished of China's water towns. Divided into East and West sections, it has been carefully restored and developed for tourism — s
Kanasi (Kanas) Lake, hidden in the Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, is one of China's most stunning natural landscapes. Near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, it remains remote and
Deep in the mountains of western Sichuan, Labahe (Laba River) is a remote Tibetan valley few foreign travelers have heard of. Part of Baoxing County, it lies on the ancient tea-horse road that connect
Quanzhou, on the coast of Fujian Province, was once one of the world's greatest ports. During the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th–14th centuries), it was the eastern terminus of the Maritime Silk Road,
Hidden in the mountains of southeastern Guizhou Province, Zhaoxing is one of China's most remarkable ethnic villages. With over 1,000 households and 6,000 residents — all Dong people — it is the large
Xitang, in northern Zhejiang Province, is one of the most atmospheric of China's water towns. Unlike Zhouzhuang, which draws hordes of day-trippers from Shanghai, Xitang remains relatively peaceful —
Tengchong, in western Yunnan near the border with Myanmar, is one of China's most geologically dramatic and culturally rich destinations. Its landscape was shaped by ancient volcanoes, its fields terr
Dunhuang, a small city in northwestern Gansu Province, was once the gateway between China and the West. Caravans from Central Asia entered China here after crossing the Gobi Desert, and Chinese trader
Kashgar (Kashi), in far western Xinjiang, is unlike anywhere else in China. Closer to Islamabad than Beijing, it has been a Silk Road hub for over two millennia. The majority of its population is Uygh
Shaoxing, in eastern Zhejiang Province, is a city of canals, stone bridges, and literary ghosts. Just 70 kilometers south of Shanghai, it remains remarkably under-visited by foreign tourists despite i
Langzhong, in northeastern Sichuan Province, is one of China's four great ancient cities (along with Lijiang, Pingyao, and Shexian) — and the least visited. Founded over 2,300 years ago, it served as
Dali, in western Yunnan Province, has long been a haven for those escaping the mainstream. Set between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, it was the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom (8th–10th centur
Perched on the banks of the Tuojiang River in western Hunan Province, Fenghuang — meaning "Phoenix" — is one of China's most visually arresting ancient towns. Its stilted wooden houses (diaojiaolou) l
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province at an altitude of 2,400 meters, Lijiang is one of China's most enchanting destinations. Unlike the polished tourist traps that many ancient towns
Qingdao, situated on the southern coast of Shandong Peninsula, is one of China's most charming coastal cities. Famous worldwide for Tsingtao Beer, blessed with beautiful beaches, and adorned with a un
Tianjin, one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, sits just 120 kilometers southeast of Beijing on the Bohai Sea coast. As the gateway to the Chinese capital and a major port city, Tianji
Chongqing, a direct-controlled municipality in southwestern China, is one of the world's most unique megacities. Built across steep mountains at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chong
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, occupies a strategic position at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers in central China. Known as the 'Chicago of China' for its industrial might and trans
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, carries one of the most complex and profound histories of any Chinese city. Serving as the capital of six dynasties and the Republic of China, Nanjing has wit
Suzhou, located in Jiangsu Province just 100 kilometers west of Shanghai, is one of China's most enchanting cities. Renowned for its classical gardens, silk production, and intricate canal network, Su
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, stands as one of China's most historically significant cities. As the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and the capital of thirteen imperial dynasties,
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is a city of remarkable contrasts. Home to the legendary West Lake, one of China's most beautiful natural wonders, Hangzhou is also the birthplace of Alibab
Nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation. Known as the "Land of Abundance," this vibrant metropolis has emerged as o
Sanya, located at the southern tip of Hainan Island, is China's premier tropical beach destination, often called 'China's Hawaii'.Yalong BayThis crescent-shaped beach is considered China's finest, wit
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is famous for its bitterly cold winters and spectacular ice festival.Ice and Snow WorldEach winter, massive ice sculptures are const
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, sits at 3,656 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world.Potala PalaceThe iconic Potala Palace, former winter residence of
Guilin, in Guangxi Province, is famous for its dramatic karst landscape of limestone peaks rising from the Li River.Li River CruiseA boat trip down the Li River to Yangshuo is the essential Guilin exp
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, enjoys a mild climate year-round, earning its nickname 'City of Eternal Spring'.Stone ForestThe Shilin Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features dra
Xiamen, located on China's southeast coast in Fujian Province, is known for its pleasant climate and colonial architecture on Gulangyu Island.Gulangyu IslandThis pedestrian-only island is a UNESCO Wor
Dalian, located on the Liaodong Peninsula in northeastern China, is known for its pleasant climate and beautiful beaches.Coastal BeautyDalian's coastline features numerous beaches and scenic spots.Xin
Qingdao, located on the Yellow Sea in Shandong Province, is famous for its beaches, beer, and colonial architecture.Tsingtao BeerThe famous Tsingtao beer was first brewed here in 1903 by German settle
Tianjin, a major port city southeast of Beijing, has a unique character shaped by its history as a treaty port. The city blends Chinese and Western architectural styles.Colonial ArchitectureThe Five G
Chongqing, China's largest municipality by population, is built on steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. This dramatic urban landscape has earned it the nickname 'Mountain C
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. This central Chinese city is a major transportation hub and educational powerhouse.Yellow Crane TowerThe ico
Nanjing, meaning 'Southern Capital', has served as China's capital during several historical periods. This historic city combines imperial grandeur with modern urban development.Ming Xiaoling Mausoleu
Suzhou, located in Jiangsu Province, is renowned for its classical gardens, traditional canals, and silk production. For over 2,500 years, this elegant city has been a center of culture and commerce.C
Xi'an, formerly known as Chang'an, served as the capital for thirteen Chinese dynasties. This ancient city is the starting point of the Silk Road and home to one of the world's greatest archaeological
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, has been celebrated in Chinese literature for centuries. The famous saying 'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou' speaks to the city's
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is famous worldwide for its giant pandas and spicy cuisine. This laid-back city offers a unique blend of ancient culture and modern lifestyle.Giant Panda Bree
Shenzhen's transformation from a small fishing village to a global technology powerhouse in just four decades is one of China's most remarkable success stories. Designated as China's first Special Eco
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, has been a crucial trading port for over 2,000 years. As the capital of Guangdong Province, it remains a vital commercial and cultural center.Canton TowerThe C
Shanghai, China's largest city, stands as a testament to the country's rapid modernization and global integration. This vibrant metropolis seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, creating a
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where ancient history meets modern innovation. As one of the world's great ancient capitals, Beijing has been the political and cultural center of China for ce