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Jiuzhaigou National Park

Top 12 Stunning Natural Wonders in China

Written by Veronica |

Thanks to its vast territory, China has no shortage of breathtaking natural landscapes. From Danxia landforms and plateaus to karsts, majestic gorges, and more, the country is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.

With so many beautiful destinations to choose from, however, visitors planning a natural tour of China often find it difficult to know where to start… But not anymore. This article will take you on a captivating journey of the top 10 natural wonders in China, covering unique geological features, picturesque waterscapes, and hidden gems from forests and lakes to seasonal scenery.

Many of these beautiful natural landscapes are protected as national parks, nature reserves, or even World Natural Heritage Sites. After reading about them, you’ll no doubt be inspired to go and experience them yourself.

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1. Zhangye Danxia Geopark: A Land of Rainbow Mountains

Zhangye Danxian Rainbow Mountains
Zhangye Danxian Rainbow Mountains
  • Best Time to Visit: May – October
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 3 – 4 hours
  • Location: Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province (30km to downtown Zhangye)
  • How to get there: Take the tourists shuttle bus at the Zhangye West Bus Station to the scenic area directly.
  • Ticket price: CNY 93 (including the entrance ticket, sightseeing bus and insurance)
  • Highlights: Colorful sandstone belts and the unique palace-style Danxia landform

Zhangye Danxia Geopark is one of China’s most amazing natural wonders, where visitors can marvel at some of China’s most beautiful Danxia landforms. The two most famous scenic areas are Colorful Danxia and Binggou Danxia, each offering distinct yet equally stunning landscapes.

Colorful Danxia, otherwise known as the famous Rainbow Mountains, is full of impressive, dazzling colours. Different sandstone belts layer against each other in a rainbow of striking hues including yellow, white and green, like colorful ribbons falling on the rolling mountains. These colors, already gorgeous during the day, look even more vibrant in the rosy glow of the setting sun.

Binggou Danxia, on the other hand, features unique shapes and a breathtaking palace-style landform. Under the bright sun, the area is bathed in a bright, fiery hue.

Travel Tips:

The two scenic areas are about 15km from each other, and free shuttle buses transport tourists between them. Inside the scenic area, there are also sightseeing buses to take you through all the must-see spots.

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Silk Road Adventure Tour from Xining to Dunhuang

 

2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: A Real-Life Avatar World

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Best Time to Visit: April – June, September – November
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 2 – 3 days
  • Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province (20km from downtown Zhangjiajie)
  • How to get there: There are direct buses from the airport, railway stations, and a central bus station in Zhangjiajie.
  • Ticket price: 224 CNY for the entrance ticket
  • Highlights: Numerous quartz sandstone peaks and the highest and fastest outdoor sightseeing elevator, the Bailong Elevator

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is world-famous for its so-called “floating mountains” that appear in the movie Avatar. In reality, however, these are the Qiankun Pillars of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. If you want to take in the dreamy scenery, visit after it rains, when mist shrouds the hills and makes it seem as though the mountains are floating in midair.

Entering the park feels like entering another world. Thousands of stark stone peaks pierce the sky like swords, offering a strong visual impact. Beyond the impressive stone pillar forests, the park also boasts lush virgin forests, making it the perfect place to get some fresh air. There are few things more relaxing than hiking along the Golden Whip Stream and breathing the crisp air.

Travel Tips:

You’ll need at least 2 days to fully explore the park. On the first day, focus on scenic spots on the mountain peak, such as Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. On the second day, visit Huangshi Village and hike along the Golden Whip Stream. Furthermore, we strongly suggest entering the park as soon as it opens to avoid crowds.

✔ Recommended Tour

Zhangjiajie Private Tour: China Avatar Discovery
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Zhangjiajie Private Tour: China Avatar Discovery

 

3. Three Gorges of Yangtze River: A Majestic “Landscape Painting”

Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise
  • Best Time to Visit: March – November
  • Total Length: 193 kilometers, stretching from Chongqing to Yichang
  • How to get there: To tour Three Gorges, tourists usually arrive at Chongqing or Yichang first, then board the cruise at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port or Yichang Maoping Port to explore.
  • Ticket price: The price for a standard cabin on the cruise is about 2000 CNY.
  • Highlights: Yangtze River cruise and imposing views of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge

As one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in China, the most spectacular scenery of the turbulent Yangtze River can be found at the Three Gorges, namely Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge – and there’s no better way to take in the mesmerizing landscapes than by a cruise. Drifting between sharp cliffs and green waters, this immersive journey makes for a unique memory to look back on.

Apart from splendid scenery, there are also many historical sites along the way, including White Emperor City, Shibao Village, and Fengdu Ghost City, adding a wealth of cultural ambience to this natural wonder. Cruises also offer onshore explorations of the Three Gorges Dam, which is the world’s largest water conservancy project, adding another highlight to the trip.

Travel Tips:

  1. Yangtze River cruises either follow the upstream route from Yichang to Chongqing or the downstream route from Chongqing to Yichang. Regardless, both routes offer excursions to historical sites along the way, such as White Emperor City and Fengdu Ghost City.
  2. The main difference is that the upstream route takes one day longer, so it costs more, but there are also more cultural activities on board, like Tai Chi lessons.

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Best Yangtze River Cruise Tour From Beijing
13 DAYS

Best Yangtze River Cruise Tour From Beijing

 

4. Li River: A Serene Journey amidst Karst Mountains

Li-River-Cruise Guilin
Li River Cruise
  • Best Time to Visit: April – October
  • Total Area: 164 kilometers, passing by Guilin and Yangshuo at its midpoint
  • How to get there: After arriving at Guilin, take a taxi to Mopanshan Port or Zhujiang Port and transfer to a cruise to tour the Li River.
  • Ticket price: The price of a cruise is 210+ CNY.
  • Highlights: Li River cruise, karst landscape, and tranquil river views

There’s a popular saying among Chinese people that “the landscape of Guilin is the best under heaven” – and in Guilin, one of the most picturesque landscapes is that of the Li River, which showcases the beautiful karst scenery between Guilin and Yangshuo.

Taking a cruise is the best way to admire the ethereal views as you drift through what seems like an endless landscape painting. The verdant limestone hills reflect on the glass-like surface of the river, creating a beautiful, glimmering view.

Dazzling karst caves also offer a unique opportunity to explore the underground world. Reed Flute Cave and Silver Cave are the most popular among visitors. Under colorful lights, special-shaped stalactites and stalagmites shine like gems and coral, turning the caves into magnificent underground palaces.

Travel Tips

  1. The Li River cruise offers 3-star boats and 4-star boats which depart from Mopanshan Port and Zhujiang Port, respectively. Be sure to pay attention to your departure port.
  2. Visitors can also try bamboo rafting to feel the splashing water closely or rent a motorbike to drive along the river and indulge in the rural scenery.

✔ Recommended Tour

Guilin, Yangshuo and Terrace Field Photography Tour
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Guilin, Yangshuo and Terrace Field Photography Tour

 

5. Jiuzhaigou Valley: A Colorful Secluded Fairyland

Jiuzhaigou in Autumn
Jiuzhaigou in Autumn
  • Best Time to Visit: April – November
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 3 – 4 days
  • Location: Jiuzhaigou County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefectures of Aba, Sichuan Province
  • How to get there: Tourist shuttle buses are available in Jiuzhai Huanglong airport. Additionally, if you transfer in Chengdu, you can take a bullet train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station and then transfer to the tourist shuttle bus to Jiuzhaigou Valley.
  • Ticket price: 190 CNY from April 1 to November 15 and 80 CNY from November 16 to March 31
  • Highlights: Colorful calcified lakes, waterfalls, primitive forests, and snow peaks

Jiuzhaigou Valley is considered a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. The scenic area has a reputation as a “fairyland on earth” thanks to its ethereal scenery consisting of colorful alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush primitive forests, and snow-capped peaks.

Of all the sights, the colorful waterscape is the most impressive. There are over 100 alpine lakes dotting the valley. Forming a giant “palette” in the arm of the mountains, these lakes can appear to be various colors under the sun, including sapphire blue, emerald green, and light yellow. What makes the lake views so unique are the vibrant colors that change with the seasons. No matter when you visit, Jiuzhaigou will offer a visual feast with its colourful, surreal landscape.

>> Related Reading: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Altitude – Tips Against Altitude Sickness

Travel Tips: 

  1. The scenic spots inside Jiuzhai Valley are mainly concentrated in Rize Valley, Zechawa Valley, and Shuzheng Valley. For a one-day tour of the most essential spots, you can just follow the above order. But generally, it’s advised to plan a 2-day tour and arrange to visit Zechawa Valley and Shuzheng Valley on the 1st day and Rize Valley on the 2nd day.
  2. The entrance ticket includes the sightseeing bus, which is a must to cover the 50km-long sightseeing route. Just take it to save time and energy.

✔ Recommended Tour

Chengdu Natural Exploration Tour with Mt. Emei & Jiuzhaigou
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Chengdu Natural Exploration Tour with Mt. Emei & Jiuzhaigou

 

6. Stone Forest in Kunming: A Limestone Marvel

Yunnan Stone Forest Kunming
Stone Forest
  • Best Time to Visit: March – October
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 1 day
  • Location: Shilin Avenue, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province (80km to downtown Kunming)
  • How to get there: Both the Kunming East Passenger Station and the airport operate direct buses to the Stone Forest. Alternatively, take a high-speed train from Kunming South Railway Station to Shilin West Railway Station, then transfer to bus line 99, which goes to the scenic area.
  • Ticket price: 130 CNY from March to October and 115 CNY from November to February
  • Highlights: Towering limestone peaks in unique shapes

The Stone Forest is well-known as a world-class geological wonder of China as a result of its characteristic limestone peaks. Stepping into the scenic area feels like wandering around a natural museum of karst landforms. In the forest, towering limestone peaks cluster together like a forest of petrified trees. Each has a different shape, with some looking like pillars, screens, swords, lotuses, or even mushrooms.

The scenic area consists of the Greater Stone Forest and the Lesser Stone Forest. The Greater Stone Forest features dense clusters of stone peaks, offering a spectacular view. The Lesser Stone Forest, on the other hand, is characterized by the intricate shapes of its peaks. The most symbolic one is called “Ashima”, which bears a striking resemblance to a girl dressed in the traditional clothing of the Yi ethnic group and carrying a bamboo basket.

If you want to let your imagination fly, there’s no better way than marvelling at the intricate formations sculpted by nature over hundreds of millions of years.

Travel Tips:

Considering how large the Stone Forest is, we strongly recommended buying a ticket for the sightseeing bus, which costs 25 CNY. Take it to the Greater Stone Forest first, then walk to Lesser Stone Forest, which is only 1km away.

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Kunming Tour with Stone Forest & Local Essence

 

7. Rime Island in Jilin: A Winter Wonderland

Jilin Rime Island
Rime Island
  • Best Time to Visit: From around sunrise to 09:30 AM during December – February
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 1 day
  • Location: Longtan District, Jilin City, Jilin Province (40km to downtown Jilin)
  • How to get there: Take the bus to Wulajie Town from the bus station at the west square of Jilin Railway Station, then go to the ports of Hantun Village or Zengtong Village by taxi or local three-wheeled motorcycle.
  • Ticket price: 30 – 60 CNY
  • Highlights: Dreamy jade-like trees and “crystal” flowers

Every winter, the icy wind blows over Songhua River to reach Rime Island, turning the island into a pure fairy-tale world. Trees become coated in delicate “rime ice”, making it look like crystal flowers are glittering in the branches. The stunning scenery makes Rime Island one of the best natural wonders in China for those looking to enjoy a dreamy winter wonderland.

Beyond the scenery, various winter activities are also available, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, enabling visitors to experience the unique winter culture of the island.

 Travel Tips:

  1. The ideal conditions for the formation of rime are as follows: a nighttime temperature below -15℃ to -20℃ followed by a sunny day, a large temperature difference between day and night, and weak wind (below level 2 to 3).
  2. To protect yourself from the cold (usually below -20 ℃), a thick, windproof down jacket, thermal underwear, a fleece cap, a scarf, a mask, touchscreen gloves or thick gloves, and high-top anti-slip snow boots are all necessities.

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Changbai Mountain Skiing & Drifting Tour

 

8. Kanas Nature Reserve: Charming Lakes in Altay Mountains

Xinjiang Kanas Lake
Explore the Pristine Waters of Kanas Lake
  • Best Time to Visit: May – October
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 2 – 4 days
  • Location: In the north of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Province
  • How to get thereArrive at Urumqi Airport by air, and then transfer to a flight to Kanas Airport. Finally, to get to the nature reserve, take the airport bus or a chartered bus.
  • Ticket price: 60 CNY from May to October 15 and 80 CNY from October 16 to April, valid for 2 days
  • Highlights: Pristine color-changing lakes and the Tuwa culture

Kanas means “beautiful and mysterious” in Mongolian, and there’s no better way to describe the surreal scenery of this natural wonder. In May, the icebound Kanas Lake begins melting. The long, winding lake is like a smooth, emerald green ribbon, traversing the majestic Altay Mountains, lush primitive forests. and vast prairies.

When fall comes, the Kanas Nature Reserve offers a symphony of rich hues. At that time, verdant forests gradually turn red and yellow, and the Kanas Lake shines sapphire blue in the sun, reflecting the warm colors on its shores. The most iconic landscapes around the lake are Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay.

This area is also the only settlement of Tuwa people in China. In Hemu Village and Baihaba Village, you can find quaint log cabins and experience the authentic life and traditions of Tuwa people.

Travel Tips:

  1. If your itinerary includes Baihaba Village, you’ll need to apply for a frontier pass through a travel agency.
  2. Please respect the customs of local Tuwa People and do not take pictures of them without permission.
  3. A windbreaker, fleece liner, or a down jacket are necessary for the weather.

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Northern Xinjiang Group Tour with Nalati Grassland

 

9. Populus Euphratica Forest in Ejina: Autumn Mirage

Ejin Banner Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest
Admire the golden poplar trees
  • Best Time to Visit: Late September – October
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 1 – 2 days
  • Location: Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia
  • How to get there: It’s best to arrive at a nearby city first, such as Yinchuan, Hohhot, or Jiuquan, then take the long-distance bus or chartered bus to Ejina.
  • Ticket price: 240 CNY
  • Highlights: The millennial golden forest and abundant landscapes

Populus Euphratica Forest in Ejina is one of the only three Populus euphratica forests remaining on Earth. Every autumn, especially from mid- to late October, the forest becomes a sea of golden yellow. Together with the winding Ruoshui River, the vast Badain Jaran Desert, the azure Juyan Lake, and the desolate Gobi Desert, this area transforms into a splendid landscape.

It’s no surprise, then, that visitors and photographers come in an endless stream every year. At the edge of the forest, you can capture stunning sunrise and sunset views over the boundless desert. There are also desert activities such as camel riding and sand skiing for more adventurous travelers.

Travel Tips:

  1. If you plan to visit there during peak season, remember to book a hotel 1 – 2 months in advance.
  2. Due to large temperature fluctuations of up to 15 – 20 ℃, besides short-sleeved tops and a sun-protective jacket, it’s also a good idea to prepare a fleece or light down jacket.

✔ Recommended Tour

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Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tour

 

10. Heavenly Lake on Changbai Mountain: A Heavenly Retreat

Changbai Mountain West Slope
Changbai Mountain West Slope
  • Best Time to Visit: March – November
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 2 – 3 days
  • Location: In Changbai Mountain Nature Preserve, Chaoxian Autonomous Prefecture of Yanbian, Jilin Province
  • Altitude: 2,189.1 meters above the sea level
  • How to get there: Take a plane to Changbaishan Airport or take a high-speed train to Changbaishan Station, then transfer to the direct bus to the scenic area.
  • Ticket price: 105 CNY for entrance ticket and 80 CNY for the bus to the main peak (a must to see Heavenly Lake)
  • Highlights: diverse landscapes of lake, waterfall, hot spring, underground forest, valley, pool

The Heavenly Lake on Changbai Mountain is the largest volcanic lake in China, embedded among 16 majestic snow-capped peaks like a giant piece of emerald, making it one China’s most magnificent natural wonders. Additionally, it’s the highest alpine lake in the world, located at 2,189.1 meters above sea level. At times, the lake looks so close to the sky that it seems like the end of the world.

The scenic area is divided into the Northern Slope, the Western Slope, and the Southern Slope. It’s suggested that first-time visitors hike to the Heavenly Lake from the Northern Slope, as it’s the perfect chance to experience wonderful natural views including immense forests, natural hot springs, and the majestic Changbai Waterfall along the way. 

For photographers and hiking lovers, however, we’d recommend hiking up from the Western Slope, where you can enjoy a broader view. The Southern Slopes are usually only open from late June to early October.

Travel Tips:

  1. The best time for photography is dusk, and the best spot for a panoramic view is the rock ledge to the east of the viewing platform.
  2. No matter which season you go, wind-proof and cold-proof clothes are a must.
  3. When looking for accommodation, Erdao Baihe Town is the best place to find both good value and good facilities.

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Classic Changbai Mountain Tour

 

Get to our page of the 40 most beautiful places to visit in China for more inspiration.

11. Mount Emei: Sacred Peaks Above the Clouds

  • Best Time to Visit: March – April, September – November
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 2 – 3 days
  • Location: Emeishan City, Sichuan Province (150km from Chengdu)
  • How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Emeishan Station, then take bus line 7 or a free shuttle bus to the tourist center.
  • Ticket price: 160 CNY from January 16 to December 14 and 110 CNY from December 15 to January 15
  • Highlights: The Golden Summit, breathtaking sunrise over sea of clouds, and rare species

Mount Emei is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. This natural wonder attracts millions of visitors each year with its diverse ecosystems, dramatic elevation changes, ancient temples, and sea of clouds, each of which is more stunning than the last. 

From subtropical forests at the base to snowy peaks above 3,000 meters, Mount Emei is the perfect stop for those looking for a trip with rich biodiversity. You’ll even be able to see rare species like monkeys and orchids found in abundance.

The mountain’s biggest highlight, though, is the Golden Summit. Anyone who travels to Mount Emei dreams of witnessing a magnificent sunrise above a vast ocean of clouds, and, if they’re extra lucky, the rare “Buddha’s halo” optical phenomenon. The combination of spiritual serenity and striking natural beauty makes Mount Emei a must-see for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.

Travel Tips:

  1. Recommended 2-day itinerary: 

Day 1: Baoguo Temple – Wannian Temple – Qingyin Pavilion – Ecological Monkey Zone

Day 2: Golden Summit – return

  1. We strongly recommend buying tickets for the sightseeing bus, the Golden Summit Cable Car, and the Wannian Cable Car, which cost 90 CNY, 120 CNY, and 110 CNY respectively.
  2. If you plan to watch the sunrise on the 2nd day, choose a hotel in Leidongping or Golden Summit. Furthermore, it’s better to make a reservation 1 month in advance.

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12. Huangshan Mountain: The Most Photogenic Peaks in China

  • Best Time to Visit: March – May, September – November
  • Recommended Visiting Length: 2 – 3 days
  • Location: Huangshan City, Anhui Province (40km to downtown Huangshan)
  • How to get there: There are tourist buses at Huangshan North Railway Station and Huangshan Bus Terminal.
  • Ticket price: 190 CNY from March to November and 150 CNY from December to February.
  • Highlights: Unique pine trees, oddly-shaped granite peaks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs

Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is often said to be the most beautiful mountain in China. It’s long-since been a “natural muse” for painters and poets across the ages. Famous for its “Four Wonders” – unique pine trees, oddly-shaped granite peaks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs – Huangshan looks like a classical Chinese painting brought to life.

Whether blanketed in spring flowers, summer greens, autumn hues, or winter snow, Huangshan offers year-round spectacle and serenity. If you’re traveling here, don’t forget to hike to the West Sea Grand Canyon, where dramatic vertical cliffs and swirling mist offer a visual feast. Beyond those highlights, the eye-catching sunrise and sunset are unforgettable moments for many tourists during their Huangshan tour.

Travel Tips:

  1. The wisest and most effortless 2-day route is to visit the main attractions of the back mountain area and Xihai Grand Canyon on the 1st day, then to enjoy the sunrise on the peak and explore the front mountain area on the 2nd day.
  2. The weather on Mount Huangshan changes rapidly and will affect your experience greatly – remember to check the weather in advance.
  3. Best photography spots: 

For sunrise: Bright Summit, Beginning-to-Believe Peak, and Danxia Peak

For sunset: Bright Summit, Paiyun Pavilion, and Flying Stone

For the sea of clouds: Yuping Tower, Qingliang Terrace, and White Goose Ridge

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China Tour of Beijing and Huangshan by High-speed Train

 

China’s Top 12 Natural Wonders Comparison

Attraction Name
Best Travel Season
Highlights
Prime Photography Spots
Recommendation Rating
Hiking Difficulty
Zhangye Danxia Geopark
May – October
Vibrant Danxia landforms, rainbow-striped rock layers, dramatic sunsets
4th Observation Deck (Seven-Colored Screen), 2nd Observation Deck (Rainbow Arch)
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
April – June, September– November
Towering quartz sandstone pillars, lush valleys, the glass plank road
The Tianmen Mountain Glass Bridge, the Yuanjiajie “Axis Pillar”
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
March – November
Breathtaking gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling), ancient temples, cruise views
Cruise deck panoramic views, Wu Gorge’s Goddess Peak
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
Li River (Guilin)
April – October
“World’s finest scenery” karst peaks, mirrored reflections on the river
20-Yuan Note Scenic Spot, Huangbu Reflection Dock
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
Jiuzhaigou Valley
September – November
Colorful alpine lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls, autumn foliage
Long Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
Stone Forest (Kunming)
March – October
Unique karst formations, Yi ethnic culture, Ashima Rock Formation
Lion Pavilion Overlook, Sword Peak Pond Reflection
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
Rime Island (Jilin)
December – February
Frozen trees coated in rime ice, winter wonderland
Zengtong Village Ancient Elm Trees, Han Tun Fishing Village Mist
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
Kanas Lake (Altay)
May – October
Alpine lake with turquoise waters, nomadic culture, golden autumn hues
Moon Bay S-Bend, Fish Viewing Pavilion
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
Mount Emei
March – April, September – November
Sacred Buddhist mountain, monkey forest, the sea of clouds
Golden Summit, Elephant Bathing Pool
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
Huangshan Mountain
March – May, September – November
The sea of clouds, pine trees, rocky peaks, classical Chinese landscape
Bright Summit, West Sea Grand Canyon
★★★★★
★★★★☆
Populus Euphratica Forest (Ejina)
Late September – October
One of Earth’s last Euphratica forests, golden desert trees
Forest edge at sunrise/sunset, camel silhouettes
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
Heavenly Lake (Changbai Mountain)
March – November
Crater lake surrounded by snow peaks, highest alpine lake in the world
Lake viewpoint, Changbai Waterfall, volcanic ridgelines
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆

How to Plan a China Nature Tour

To explore the various natural beauty in China, we strongly recommend spending at least 7 days touring 2 or 3 cities. Many cities in China are famous for their splendid natural scenery, including Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, etc. During the tour, we suggest exploring both the natural wonders and characteristic experiences of each location. As an example, below is a brief itinerary for a 7 Days Zhangjiajie and Guilin Tour by High-speed Train:

Day 1: Zhangjiajie arrival

Day 2: Tianmen Mountain – Zhangjiajie Grand Canal

Day 3: Tianzi Mountain – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Day 4: Transfer to Guilin by high-speed train

Day 5: Longji Rice Terraced Fields

Day 6: Li River Cruise – Yangshuo West Street – Impression Sanjie Liu performance (optional)

Day 7: Reed Flute Cave – Elephant Trunk Hill – Departure

If you’re on a longer vacation, we’d recommend spending another 3 – 5 days sightseeing in 1 or 2 other cities to experience the different natural sceneries or exploring other famous cities such as Beijing and Xian. Another popular choice is to spend the whole vacation exploring the vast land in Xinjiang.

Recommended tours:

FAQs about Natural Wonders of China

What’s the best time of year to visit China for a nature-focused tour?

China’s scenery varies a lot across the seasons, but no matter when you plan a China tour, you’ll always find beautiful landscapes to appreciate. In spring, enjoy a Li River cruise to see the mist-shrouded river or go sightseeing in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to enjoy the luxuriant green trees and blooming flowers. In summer, Jiuzhaigou Valley is one of the top places to avoid heat. In autumn, the golden leaves of Kanas Natural Reserve, the Populus Euphratica Forest in Ejina, and the sea of clouds in Huangshan Mountain are a photographer’s dream. And in winter, you can head to northeast China to marvel at the splendid snow scenery of the Heavenly Lake and Rime Island.

How many days do I need for a tour of China’s natural wonders?

Most natural wonders in China require at least 1 – 4 days for an in-depth tour. For a richer experience, the most common choice is to cover multiple wonders in the same geographical area in one tour. If choosing this option, it’s best to plan a trip of 7 – 10 days.

How do I get to remote locations that are not near major cities?

Most tourist attractions in remote locations have airports and train stations in or near the city they’re located in, so tourists can take the plane or train to the city first. Then, transfer to a local bus, tourist bus, or chartered bus to get to the scenic area.

How physically demanding are the hikes at places like Huangshan or Zhangjiajie?

Both Huangshan and Zhangjiajie are famous for their unique landscape, so a hiking trip in these places requires relatively good strength. With the help of a cable car and/or sightseeing elevator, however, you can also enjoy a shorter, lower-intensity hiking route.

Are China’s natural wonders accessible for elderly travelers or people with limited mobility?

Most famous scenic spots have made great improvements in elderly-friendly features. For example, Zhangjiajie National Park and Jiuzhaigou Valley are all equipped with cable cars, ropeways, and/or sightseeing buses, and the most roads are flat stone-paved roads or wooden walkways. As such, elderly travelers and people with limited mobility can also tour some parts of the scenic areas. Still, the conditions vary between destinations, so check before your tour.

Explore China’s Natural Wonders with China Xian Tour

With years of experience and in-depth local knowledge, China Xian Tour has long specialized in creating seamless, personalized tours to China’s most breathtaking natural sites. No matter if you’re dreaming of iconic peaks or hidden gems, just leave it to us – every itinerary will be crafted to match your pace and preferences. Let our expert team handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

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    A TripAdvisor award-winning China travel agency organizing diverse private and mini-group China tours. We offer in-depth experience, free cancellation, flexible & safe trips.

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    (+86)18792910029
    (08:00-21:00 Beijing Time)