National Geographic’s Guide to China’s 9 Most Stunning Travel Spots
China, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts breathtaking landscapes, including towering mountains and serene rivers, featured in National Geographic’s top nine travel destinations.
China, a vast country with a rich cultural heritage, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. National Geographic has highlighted nine extraordinary travel destinations that showcase the country’s natural beauty, from towering mountains to serene rivers, each offering an unforgettable experience.
Start your journey in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where otherworldly sandstone pillars rise dramatically from the earth, inspiring the floating mountains in Avatar. In Jiuzhaigou Valley, vibrant turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan) offer iconic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and clouds that weave through the mountaintops, creating a scene of mystical beauty.
A visit to Li River near Guilin is a must, where emerald karst mountains create a stunning backdrop as you float along the river’s calm waters. For those seeking spirituality, the majestic Potala Palace in Tibet provides a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism amidst the stark beauty of the Himalayan Plateau. Mount Everest, viewed from Tibet, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where the world’s highest peak looms large in a vast, untouched wilderness.
The Great Wall of China, an architectural marvel that stretches across mountains and valleys, is a testament to the country’s history and grandeur. The rugged Kanas Lake in Xinjiang is framed by snow-capped peaks, while the remote Karim Plateau features unique landscapes and indigenous culture. Lastly, the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges offer dramatic scenery, steep cliffs, and ancient temples, best explored by boat.
From natural wonders to historical landmarks, National Geographic’s guide reveals the diverse beauty of China, offering an adventure of a lifetime across nine stunning destinations.
If you're planning an unforgettable trip, we have carefully designed multiple china tour itineraries to meet different needs and interests. Here are some related itinerary recommendations:
1-Day Zhangjiajie forest&Tianmen Mountain
China Yangtze River & Panda Tour
contact us to learn more and customize your perfect China adventure.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
