13 Destinations to Visit in China in 2025

A friend from China once said to me that her home country is so massive, even by the age of 80, she probably would have only seen about 10% of it! An exaggeration for sure, but there’s no denying that China, with its impressive land mass, is home to a multitude of various natural and architectural marvels. 

And yet, despite this, most travellers who set foot in the Middle Kingdom only ever visit a select few locations such as the famous Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Even the Terracotta Army in Shaanxi Province is sometimes considered an underrated gem!

Have you wondered what wonders lie beyond the glitz and glamour of China’s megacities? Well, wonder no more because today, I’m going to show you 13 underrated destinations to visit in China that you probably didn’t even know existed! Let’s get to it! 

Also read: 10 Destinations in China with Direct Flights from Singapore

1. Suzhou, Jiangsu: The Venice of China

If the romantic Italian city of Venice had a Chinese twin, that twin would undoubtedly be Suzhou. Located in Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is best known for its picturesque canals, arched bridges, and enchanting gardens, some of which are even recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

As you take a leisurely cruise on the canal threading through cityscapes, you will no doubt be captivated by the idyllic ambience of the town, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, located just a few kilometres east of Suzhou. A typical cruise lasts between 45 – 60 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass through a number of ancient city gates and bridges, in addition to being able to admire the colourful architecture of the town.

Away from the canals, some of the must-visit classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou include The Humble Administrator’s Garden (which is over 500 years old!) and the Lingering Garden. If you’re up for a more challenging itinerary, you can also hike up Tiger Hill, where you will find a majestic seven-storey pagoda at the peak. 

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a canal cruise that’s extra special, try to time the cruise around sunset. Trust me, the scenery is more than what mere words can describe! 

2. Shangli, Sichuan: A remnant of Ancient China

Nestled amongst lush hills in Yucheng District, Shangli is a humble, off-the-beaten-path gem that boasts an intricate connection to China’s ancient past. In fact, it is said that the earliest foreign visitors to Shangli only made it there after accidentally stumbling upon it while following the lucrative Silk Road trade route!

The main attraction of this somewhat hidden town is Shangli Ancient Town, a tranquil area that looks like a scene from a Chinese historical drama! Here, you’ll be able to visit ancient stone bridges, learn about the unique cultural significance of memorial archways, and discover the history of China through its temples, towers, and more! 

Much of the town is also adorned with ancient wooden houses and buildings. True to its roots as a trading station along the Silk Road, most of these wooden buildings in Shangli are actually shops selling artisanal wares and souvenirs, including local snacks and handicrafts. For an even more memorable time in Shangli, you could also stay in a wooden inn, complete with modern amenities but decorated to resemble a resthouse from the Ming dynasty!

3. Hangzhou, Zhejiang: The muse of poets and artists

Due to it being the capital city of Zhejiang Province, you could be forgiven for thinking that Hangzhou is all just glitzy skyscrapers and little else. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! While certain parts of Hangzhou are indeed a reflection of its metropolitan status, the city is also filled with plenty of alluring natural gems and man-made marvels. 

For one, the West Lake, Hangzhou’s iconic freshwater lake, has often been hailed as “heaven on earth” by China’s poets and artists since as early as the 9th century! This massive lake contains a number of enigmatic temples, elegant pagodas, beautiful gardens, and man-made islands that are all reachable by boat. On the south bank of the lake stands the awe-inspiring Leifeng Pagoda, a modern reconstruction of a 5-storey pagoda from 975 AD!

Apart from the lovely West Lake, another must-visit attraction in Hangzhou is Meijiawu Tea Plantation. Located only 10km south of the main city centre, the plantation (also known as Meijiawu Tea Cultural Village) boasts over 600 years of history as one of the country’s top providers of tea leaves. Not only can you sample some fresh tea, you can also pick your own tea leaves if you visit during spring to turn them into a unique souvenir! 

4. Yunhe Rice Terraces, Zhejiang: China’s Misty Mountains

Home to native farmers for over a millennium, the Yunhe Rice Terraces are another must-visit destination in China. With a name that literally means “peaceful clouds”, it should come as no surprise that the area is considered one of the most beautiful attractions in the province. 

With individual rice terraces (ranging from 200 to 1,400 metres above ground) that consist of as many as 700 layers, Yunhe is truly a fantastic sight to behold. And while I often advise others to avoid the rainy season, this may well be the one notable exception! That’s because right after a spell of heavy rain, the steam from evaporating rain water floats through the terraces, creating an enchanting mist and turning the entire area into a magical dreamscape! 

5. Huangshan, Anhui: Take a walk amongst the clouds

Out of all the hidden gems on this list, Huangshan is probably the most famous amongst mainstream travellers. After all, this 1,863-metre mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s nestled amongst China’s loveliest peaks. 

Housing uniquely-shaped pines, enigmatic rock formations and several hot springs, trekking through Huangshan (which means Yellow Mountain) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves to be on everyone’s travel bucket list! One of the greatest feelings you will get to experience once you reach the summit is being able to literally walk amongst the misty clouds! 

Also read: The Best Scenic Spots for Your Photoshoots in China

6. Yangshuo, Guangxi: A fishing village right out of a painting

Yangshuo in Guangxi Province is actually a pretty popular day-trip destination for those visiting the equally underrated city of Guilin. However, even if you’ve never been to Yangshuo, you’ve likely seen it before in Chinese paintings! That’s because Yangshuo is home to the country’s most scenic hills and rivers! 

Unlike most other mainstream destinations in China, Yangshuo is a place to visit when you feel like you simply want to unwind and break away from the stress of city life. This riverside town’s most unique features are its karst hills and its laid-back traditional fishing village lifestyle. While the main town centre can sometimes get a little crowded, you can always rent a bike and explore the countryside at your own leisurely pace. 

Just imagine: you’re on a bamboo boat chugging along the river. On both sides, you see fishermen and farmers toiling as lush peaks soar above them in the background. You hear the calming flow of the river, the gentle breeze brushes against your cheek, the wind in your hair, isn’t that everything that a relaxing vacation should be? 

7. Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guizhou: A record-breaking mammoth

Here’s a fun fact for you: Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou Province is officially the largest waterfall in all of Asia! Meaning “yellow fruit tree”, Huangguoshu Waterfall cascades from a dizzying height of 77.8 metres and stretches 101 metres across! The thunderous roar of the falls can be heard from quite a distance away, but nothing beats seeing this majestic giant up close! 

While there are plenty of mammoth waterfalls throughout the world, Huangguoshu is one of the select few that visitors can view from any angle. There’s even a water curtain cave behind the waterfall from which you can touch, see and hear the water plunging down into the pool below. I would suggest planning your visit between June and August. That’s when the water reaches a peak flow of nearly 700 cubic meters per second. What’s more, accessing Huangguoshu Waterfall isn’t as difficult as you might think: it’s only six kilometres away from Anshun Huangguoshu Airport!

Also read: 12 Beautiful Locations in China That Will Blow You Away

8. Chongqing: A cyberpunk paradise unlike any other

Now, speaking of places that leave a lasting impression, I’m sure you’ve heard of Chongqing. This sprawling metropolis in southwestern China is an absolute beast of a city, a vibrant, hilly landscape stacked with skyscrapers and a unique energy that’s unlike anywhere else. You might have even caught wind of it recently because, believe it or not, internet sensation iShowSpeed actually paid a visit in early 2025, and his reactions to the sheer scale and bustling atmosphere were pretty epic!

Chongqing is a feast for the senses. Imagine navigating a labyrinth of elevated highways that weave through towering apartment buildings – it’s like stepping into a cyberpunk movie! Don’t even get me started on the food – Chongqing hot pot is legendary, fiery and intensely flavorful, definitely not for the faint of heart! 

Beyond the urban jungle, you’ll find fascinating historical sites like Ciqikou Ancient Town, a charming riverside village that feels like a step back in time amidst all the modern development. And the Three Gorges Museum offers a deep dive into the region’s rich history and the monumental Three Gorges Dam project. Trust me, Chongqing is a city that will surprise you at every turn, a raw and authentic slice of modern China that’s definitely worth exploring beyond the usual tourist trails.

9. Zhangjiajie National Park, Hunan: An Oscar-winning destination

Despite having been seen by millions across the world in movie theatres, Zhangjiajie National Park remains a peripheral hidden gem when it comes to tourism in China. In actual fact, the giant quartz sand pillars in this majestic national park in Hunan Province were the inspiration behind the Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s 2009 film, Avatar. Not only that, it’s also China’s first officially recognised National Forest Park!

The stunning natural scenery here is exemplified by the now iconic stone pillars and rock formation, the tallest of which stands more than 400 metres high. Accessible via bus, tram and gondolas, this usually secluded area is the perfect hiking trail for nature lovers! It is also home to the Bailong Lift, which is the tallest elevator in the world. If you want a tip from me, it’s this: don’t look down! 

10. Changbaishan National Nature Reserve, Jilin: An escape from the city

Changbaishan National Nature Reserve is a large natural forest reserve covered with pristine forests that is spread over 2,000 km². It also goes by another name: Baekdu Mountain. That’s right, this national reserve shares a border with North Korea, which is why only certain parts of the reserve are accessible to visitors in China. 

The most unique natural wonder here is Tianchi Lake (also known as Heaven Lake, and Chonji Lake in Korean). The water that flows in the lake is so clear that it is said to resemble a massive piece of jade that’s surrounded by the 16 peaks found in Changbaishan. The average depth of the lake is 204 metres, making it the deepest lake in China. The lake is 13km in circumference, but it’s not possible to walk around the entire lake as the far side of it lies across the border, in North Korea. 

According to some rumours over the years, there have been sightings of a mythical creature in the lake that’s as long as 20 metres! While we’re not saying you should try to catch this lake monster, it certainly does add a touch of fantasy to this already stunning nature escape! 

Also read: 7D6N Guangzhou Itinerary: A Guide to Exploring Culture, Cuisine, & More!

11. Nalati Grassland, Xinjiang

China borders several different countries and regions, so it’s only natural that visitors are able to experience diverse cultures while travelling there. One hidden gem in China, which offers a more foreign experience, is the sub-alpine scenic area known as Nalati Grassland. 

Located in the northwest, near the border with Kazakhstan, Nalati Grassland is the perfect place to experience Kazak customs whilst admiring the otherworldly beauty of snow-capped mountains and lush meadows. The locals here still engage in traditional activities, such as sports, hunting with falcons, and living in yurts. Visitors are, of course, most welcome to join in!

Fun trivia: According to legend, Nalati Grassland got its name when one of Genghis Khan’s soldiers passed through the area. He was so smitten by the colours here that he named it Nalati, which means “place where the sun emerges” in Mongolian. 

12. Yungang Grottoes, Shaanxi

The Yungang Grottoes are an important Buddhist landmark in the province of Shaanxi, housing over 1,500 years’ worth of history. Here, you will find over 250 caves, most of which are home to over 51,000 Buddha statues carved out of sandstone between the fifth and sixth centuries!

The statues range from as tall as 17 metres to as tiny as two centimetres, but each intricately carved statue showcases a combination of Buddhist art styles, including Persian, Chinese, and Gandhara. If you think that visiting 252 caves is an impossible task, then visit grottoes 16 through 20, as these are the best-preserved caves in the entire area! 

13. Lijiang, Yunnan Province

Lijiang is another one of China’s quaint hidden gems. The breathtakingly stunning old town of Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province (which, by the way, is well known for beautiful natural scenery) and is surrounded on all sides by snowy mountains, verdant greenery and pristine lakes. 

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is the ultimate destination here, especially if you’re looking for a memorable trekking experience through amazing scenery. Incredibly, it takes the average person two to three days to complete the entire journey! If you don’t have that amount of time, you can instead opt to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here, you can admire glacial peaks and enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding greenery.

So much more to discover in the Middle Kingdom

And there you have it: 12 destinations in China to visit that you’ve probably never even heard about! With such a wide area of land, it’s undeniable that China houses plenty of wondrous attractions and travel destinations beyond the well-trodden streets of Beijing and Shanghai. So, the next time you’re planning a visit to the Middle Kingdom, consider these underrated gems instead! In fact, I think I’ll book my trip right now! See ya!