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12 Unique Places in China:Off the Beaten Path

China is a country with a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture.

While many people are familiar with its famous attractions, there are also numerous hidden gems off the beaten path that are waiting to be explored.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, then venturing to these lesser-known destinations in China is a must!

1. Wu Gong Mountain in Ping Xiang-武功山

Wu Gong Mountain is a picturesque destination that offers breathtaking views throughout the year.

  • Visitors can enjoy stunning sea of clouds, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as beautiful alpine meadows.
  • Additionally, the night sky is a sight to behold, with countless stars twinkling overhead.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or camp in the scenic area, while those looking for a more relaxing experience can take a cable car ride to enjoy the panoramic views.

Despite its breathtaking beauty, Wu Gong Mountain remains relatively unknown to mainstream media, making it a peaceful and secluded destination for those seeking a quiet escape.

Here is an ULTIMATE GUIDE to WUgong Mountain include how to get there by yourself.✌

2. Wuhan Institute of Virology-武汉病毒研究所

The Wuhan Institute of Virology is a fascinating destination for those interested in dark tourism and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This cutting-edge research facility in Wuhan, China, studies a wide range of viruses, including bat coronaviruses, and has been the subject of much speculation and controversy.

While the institute denies any involvement in the outbreak, it remains a key location of interest in ongoing investigations into the virus’s origins.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this intriguing institute and learn more about the science behind the pandemic that has changed the world.

Discover China's dark tourism trend with my guide to visiting 2 potential Covid origin sites in Wuhan.

3. Hukou Waterfall-壶口瀑布

Foreign visitors should visit Hukou Waterfall for its breathtaking natural beauty, unique geological formations, and cultural significance.

The waterfall is the largest yellow waterfall in the world and provides a stunning display of power and majesty.

Additionally, the surrounding area is home to unique geological formations and cultural landmarks that offer a glimpse into China’s rich history and natural wonders.

I have prepared a comprehensive introduction on how to get to Hukou Waterfall and what to see once you arrive.

4. Pingtan Island-平潭岛

Looking for a unique and stunning natural phenomenon? Look no further than Pingtan Island!

As the island with the highest probability of experiencing mesmerizing blue tears in all of China, visitors have the chance to witness this breathtaking display between April and June, especially after 8pm.

And that’s not all – located just off the coast of Fujian, Pingtan Island is also the closest island to Taiwan.

Learn how to get there.

5. Furong Ancient Town-芙蓉镇

  • Furong Town is a historic town with over 2,000 years of history, located between Fenghuang County and Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, China.
  • The town is home to a magnificent 40-meter-wide and 60-meter-high waterfall, surrounded by ancient buildings built on a cliff, offering a one-of-a-kind and breathtaking view.
  • The sound of the waterfall can be heard from up to 10 miles away, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Want to know how to get there by yourself? I wrote the guide for you!

6. Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park-张掖丹霞国家地质公园

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is an extraordinary geological wonder nestled in China’s Gansu province.

The mountain’s multicolored stripes are formed by layers of sandstone and minerals in shades of red, yellow, blue, and green, creating a stunning rainbow-like appearance.

This unique landscape dates back to the Jurassic era when the sandstone and minerals were gradually compressed and shaped over millions of years.

Wonder more instagrammable places like this in China? Check this out!😊

7. Bei Qi Village in Xia Pu Town-北岐村

Beiqi Village is situated in Xiapu Town, within the Ningde City of Fujian Province, China.

This picturesque location has gained recognition and acclaim for its breathtaking beauty and has been featured in the “80 Most Beautiful Places in China” by the renowned magazine “Digital Photography”.

Additionally, Beiqi Village is one of the 22 most photographed sites in the region.

Beiqi beach boasts of its stunning golden texture and meandering streams that come to life with even the slightest touch of light.

The beach is adorned with beautiful seaweed frames, that gather towards the tall island on the opposite side, creating an enchanting painting-like view during the sunrise and sunset.

There are a lot more stunning sunrise and sunset places to check in China.🌅🌇

8. Tang An in Gui Zhou-堂安

Tang’an Dong Village, the world’s only Dong ethnic ecological museum created through China-Norway cooperation, remains relatively undiscovered, allowing visitors to experience its pristine ecology without crowds.

As opposed to traditional museums, the entire village and its surroundings are part of the museum, offering a unique and authentic experience.

Renowned ecological expert, Mr. John Gestet, praised Tang’an Dong Village as an exemplar of humanity’s return to its natural state.

This is the perfect place to catch stunning sunrise, scenic terrace and natural beauty.

9.  Singing Sand Dunes-鸣沙山

  • The Singing Sand Dunes in Dunhuang, China, emit a singing or drumming sound when the wind blows, and are located in the Kumtag Desert.
  • Climbing to the top of the dunes is the best way to see sunrise and sunset at the Singing Sand Dunes.
  • Alternatively, you can ride an ATV or a camel to the top for a faster and fun experience.

10. Salty Dead Sea of China-运城盐湖

  1. Yuncheng Salt Lake has a rich history of salt production dating back thousands of years, and is still an important source of salt for China today.
  2. During the summer months, the lake takes on a colorful appearance due to the high temperature and evaporation of the water, creating a stunning visual display.
  3. Yuncheng Salt Lake has been featured in news outlets such as CNN for its unique beauty and cultural significance.
  4. Visitors to the lake can also enjoy activities such as floating in the water, similar to the experience of floating in the Dead Sea.
Learn more about Yuncheng Salt Lake here.

11. Tongli –同里

  1. Tongli Water Town is known for its beautiful canals, picturesque bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, making it a great place to explore and appreciate traditional Chinese culture.
  2. The town is home to several notable gardens, including the Tuisi Garden, of which is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts.
  3. All my Chinese friends who have been there love this place for its peaceful feeling.
Tongli is very close to Suzhou the Venice of the East. Here is a complete guide for you.

12. Aranya in Bei Daihe-阿那亚

In 2015, a video titled “The Loneliest Library in China” went viral and brought fame to Anaya, attracting over 600 million views.

Overnight, Anaya became overcrowded, with over 2,000 visitors a day at its busiest, transforming the once-desolate library into a bustling hotspot.

Prior to the library’s rise to fame, Anaya was an abandoned and disliked place with no nearby shopping centers, hospitals, or even locals.

“Anaya” is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word “aranya,” meaning “a place of solitude in the world, where one can find oneself.”

The name adds a touch of culture and sophistication, setting it apart from ordinary real estate and attracting a new wave of middle-class, artistic youth.

There are not only markets, bars, golf courses, galleries, bookstores, and sports centers, but also a series of art landmarks that are open to tourists for free.

Anaya has transformed from an ordinary real estate into a popular destination for travelers seeking to capture the perfect Instagram photo.

Conclusion:

China has something for everyone.

Whether you are looking for adventure or a more relaxing experience, these destinations are worth visiting.

With the help of my guides, visitors can explore these hidden gems and make unforgettable memories.

So why not add one or more of these destinations to your bucket list? 💓

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