The top new outdoor experiences in China

China has seen a surge in new attractions in recent years, transforming its tourism landscape in exciting ways.

From scenic cruises on the world’s longest canal to post-earthquake paradises, China has introduced a variety of revamped or newly launched outdoor attractions, offering travelers even more reasons to explore the country.

With China now reopening its borders to international travelers and resuming tourist visa issuance, foreign visitors can finally experience some of the top attractions that have captured the hearts of locals throughout the pandemic.

Here are some of our top picks for the latest and greatest attractions in China.

The Grand Canal: The longest artificial river in the world

Spanning 1,782 kilometers (1,107 miles) — nearly nine times the length of the Suez Canal — China’s Grand Canal holds the title of the world’s longest artificial river.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Grand Canal, also known as the Jing-Hang Canal, stretches from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, linking various waterways, including the Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

Construction of the Grand Canal began in sections over 2,500 years ago and has been unified across the ages.

Although some sections suffered from dryness or pollution in the last century, a major government project in 2022 revitalized the entire Grand Canal, restoring its flow and connectivity.

Cangzhou, located just two and a half hours from Beijing, is one of the prime spots to experience the Grand Canal. The city has enhanced its waterfront with 15 cruise ships, 12 piers, and six newly built bridges.

Jiangsu Garden Expo Park

Jiangsu province, located on China's eastern coast, is renowned for its meticulously designed Chinese gardens that have a history spanning over 2,000 years.

This ancient tradition takes on a modern twist in Nanjing, the provincial capital, where an old quarry was transformed into the Jiangsu Garden Expo Park in 2021.

Covering 3.45 square kilometers, the park is home to stunning Jiangsu-style gardens, along with additional attractions like a water botanical garden, a theater, and a pedestrian shopping street.

One of the park’s standout features is Suzhou Garden, inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canglang Pavilion in nearby Suzhou.

Every structure in the Suzhou Garden is crafted from solid wood, with pieces interlocked using mortise and tenon joints—no nails are used at all. In fact, it's said that not a single nail has been incorporated into the design of the garden.

Universal Beijing Resort

The 169-hectare Universal Beijing Resort, opened in September 2021, stands as the largest and fifth Universal Studios theme park worldwide.

The park features seven themed areas, each filled with a wide variety of outdoor shows and rides: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers Metrobase, Hollywood, WaterWorld, Minion Land, Jurassic World Isla Nubla, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.

The resort also boasts the world’s first Universal-themed accommodations, including the Universal Studios Grand Hotel, as well as the NUO Resort Hotel, a Qing Dynasty-inspired luxury hotel.

Glamping and stargazing at Ningxia’s Desert Star Hotel

Bordering northern China’s Inner Mongolia, the semi-arid Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region experiences minimal rainfall and enjoys nearly 300 days of clear skies annually, making it an ideal destination for exploring China’s stunning desert landscapes and indulging in some exceptional stargazing.

In recent years, the region has leveraged its natural beauty and is seeing a surge in tourism.

The annual China (Ningxia) Starry Sky Tourism Conference, which began in 2021, combines stargazing with various events, including a desert electronic music festival and an extreme car race.

One of the best ways to experience Ningxia is by staying at the Desert Star Hotel, located in Zhongwei City.

Set in the heart of Shapotou District, a scenic area popular with tourists, the Desert Star Hotel offers 176 rooms in the desert, including desert-view balconies and tent-style huts for those looking to try glamping.

The complex features both indoor and outdoor dining, a swimming pool, an astronomy-themed theater, and family-friendly activities on the sand.

Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2017, a devastating and powerful earthquake struck Jiuzhaigou County in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province, leaving the region severely impacted.

In recent years, both the government and the tourism sector have made significant efforts to restore the region, including the iconic Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The scenic area fully reopened in September 2021, now featuring 12 enhanced attractions, such as the Shenxian Chi (Fairy Ponds), with its terraced white and blue travertine pools, and the Dalu Ancient Village, which dates back over 1,000 years.

The newly opened Jiawuhai Giant Panda Conservation and Research Park is another highlight, where four giant pandas are cared for within the center, and the surrounding area is home to about 30 wild pandas.

Where to stay? Luxury travelers will want to experience China’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, set to open in the area later this year.

Located just 15 minutes from Jiuzhaigou National Park, the 87-villa Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will offer a 2,500-square-meter spa, as well as dining and event spaces with outdoor seating that boasts breathtaking mountain views.