The sunrises and sunsets in China are particularly breathtaking due to the country’s wide variety of landscapes, from the rugged mountains and vast deserts of the west to the lush forests and tranquil lakes of the east.
The vibrant colors of the sunsets are sure to take your breath away and make any trip to China truly memorable.
As Chinese myself, let me introduce you these 10 amazing hidden spots only locals know.
If these places are still not enough for you, check this article out.
1. Aranya in Bei Daihe-阿那亚
Arnaya, translated from Sanskrit as “a quiet place far from the hustle and bustle”, is an incredibly popular tourist destination for people from Beijing.
Every summer, there is no place closer to the hustle and bustle than here: with over 20,000 daily visitors, a 95% occupancy rate in hotels and B&Bs, and nearly 5,000 rooms filled almost every day.
It is no wonder that Anaya is one of the most beloved online hotspots in Beijing, dubbed as the “backyard of Beijingers“.
Best Viewing Spot:
The beach in front of the Library.
2. Wu Gong Mountain in Ping Xiang-武功山
Wu Gong Mountain is a scenic spot that can be visited all year round. Here there are beautiful sea of clouds, sunrise and sunset, alpine meadows and stars in the sky.
The scenery changes with the seasons.
Best Viewing Spot:
- Despair Slope
- Jiu Long Mountain
- Jin Ding
3. Ban Shanya Line in Chong Qing-渝中·半山崖线
Chongqing is a major city located in southwest China. It is the largest city in China and the world, with a population of over 30 million people.
Located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it is known for its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.
It’s one of my favourite cities in China and the sunrise view from there got unique vibe.
Best Viewing Spot:
Through the Fu Tuguan residential area, you can reach the entrance of the Half Mountain Cliff Line(Ban Shanya Xian).
Along the line, you can not only see the “Forbidden City Red Wall”, but also watch the sunrise and overlook the scenery of Line 9 crossing the river from the viewing platform.
Address: Near Line 2 Daping Station, Yuzhong District, Half Mountain Cliff Line (navigate to Half Mountain Cliff Line entrance).
It’s free.
4. Yellow Mountain in An Hui-安徽黄山
Yellow Mountain, located in Anhui province of China, is one of the most famous and beautiful mountain ranges in the country.
It is also known as the “Yellow Mountain” due to its unique yellowish color.
The mountain range offers spectacular views of sunrise over the misty peaks and valleys, making it an ideal spot for watching the sunrise.
In addition, the area is known for its numerous temples and shrines, which add to the spiritual atmosphere of sunrise watching on the mountain.
Best Viewing Spot:
The peak of the East Sea Grand Canyon.
This spot offers stunning views of the sunrise over the mountains and valleys below.
5. Jing Shan Park in Beijing-景山公园
Jingshan Park is located just across the north gate to Forbidden City.
Jingshan Park has three gates with south gate facing the north exit of Forbidden City.
Opening hours: 6:30 am – 9:00pm. Entrance fee: RMB 2 (RMB10 per person during Peony Festival April and May).
It takes 3-5 minutes to walk up to the hilltop of the a park.
On the hill, there are five pavilions with Wanchun Pavilion perched in the middle along Beijing’s North-south axis and two couple of pavilions on both side the Wanchun Pavilion.
Best Viewing Spot:
The Wanchun Pavilion is the best spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
6. Yu Zixi in Kang Ding-鱼子西
Yuzi West is located at the top of the mountain in Yuzi West Village, Xinduqiao Town, Kangding City, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
It is a 360-degree viewing platform with an altitude of about 4100 meters.
On a clear day, you can see the Yala Snow Mountain, the Four Girls Mountain and the Gongga Mountain.
Many people still don’t know about this mysterious place near Xinduqiao.
It is the perfect spot for sunrise and sunset.
Best Viewing Spot:
The viewing platform in Yu Zixi. The name of the platform is Qu Mogong 曲莫贡.
7. Dongji Pavilion in Fuyuan City-东极阁
The Dongji Pavilion is located in Fuyuan Town, Fuyuan City, Jiamusi City, Heilongjiang Province, 266.5 meters above sea level.
It is the highest point of Fuyuan City.
Climbing to the top, you can overlook the whole Fuyuan City, including the city, river, forest, fields and other scenery.
Fuyuan City, at the rooster’s head on the Chinese map, is the first place in China to see the sunrise.
Across the river is Russia.
Best Viewing Spot:
Top floor of DongJi Pavilion (东极阁）
8. Bei Qi Village in Xia Pu Town-北岐村
Beiqi Village, located at Xiapu Town, Ningde City, Fujian Province, was listed as one of the “80 Most Beautiful Places in China” by the magazine “Digital Photography”,
And was also recommended as one of the 22 most photographed sites, attracting more than 200,000 people every year.
Beiqi beach is easy to reflect the golden texture and meandering streams with just a bit of light.
The seaweed frames woven in the beach, gathering towards the tall island on the opposite side, are like paintings at sunrise and sunset.
Best Viewing Spot:
Walk up 10 minutes to the mountain on the opposite side of the pier in Bei Qi village.
I am sure you can easily spot on lots of photographers already waiting half way up the hill.
Then you know for sure you at the perfect spot.
9. Tang An in Gui Zhou-堂安
Tang’an Dong Village is the world’s only Dong ethnic ecological museum built in cooperation between China and Norway.
Unlike all other museums, the entire village and its surrounding environment are part of the museum, a true pristine ecology.
Upon visiting, Mr. John Gestet, Chief Expert of the Norwegian Ecological Museum, exclaimed, “Tang’an Dong Village is an example of humanity returning to its original state.”
Best Viewing Spot:
Walk all the way up to the terrace from the village early in the morning and enjoy the stunning sunrise view on the way.
10. Singing Sand Dunes in Dun Huang-鸣沙山
The Singing Sand Dunes in Dunhuang, China, are the sand dunes that, when the wind blows, give out a singing or drumming sound.
They are part of the Kumtag Desert.
If you want to see sunrise and sunset at Singing Sand Dunes, it is better to climb to the top of the dune.
If you are too lazy to climb, there are lots of ATV available which can drive you to the top pretty fast and it’s huge fun to ride along.
Or ride a camel. 🐫
Best Viewing Spot:
On top of a big dune on the East side for Sunrise and On top of a dune on the West side for Sunset.
Follow Nick below and get some visual experience before heading there.
Final Words:
If you knew a hidden place for sunsie and sunset in China and I forgot to mention in this article, please leave a comment below.
I am more than happy to add it up. 😊
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