Unexplored destinations every traveler to China should check out

As China reopens to the world, it’s the perfect time to revisit your travel plans and get excited about your next adventure.

Once a top destination for global tourists before the pandemic, China has always been a magnet for visitors to its iconic landmarks, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and the giant panda research base in Chengdu.

These attractions remain as incredible as ever and are definitely worth seeing.

However, for those seeking to discover lesser-known regions, we’ve curated a list of beautiful and culturally-rich places to consider for your upcoming journey to China.

Jingdezhen

Known as the porcelain capital of the world, Jingdezhen has been producing exquisite pieces of 'white gold' for over 1,700 years.

Today, visitors can tour the historic kilns that have crafted stunning china for centuries, some of which were prized by the imperial family.

Traders and artisans continue to flock to Jingdezhen for inspiration, while shopping for ceramics in the city’s vibrant markets and stores. Many workshops are open to visitors, with some even offering live demonstrations of porcelain-making techniques.

For an introduction to the city’s rich porcelain heritage, don’t miss the newly opened and photogenic Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum of China. Treasure hunters should also check out the Ghost Market, which features in the video at the top of this page.

A new generation of young artists and entrepreneurs has been breathing fresh life into this ancient city. One of the most exciting creative hubs is Tao Xi Chuan, also known as Ceramic Art Avenue.

Housed in a former ceramic factory, Tao Xi Chuan features several museums, a boutique hotel, a theater, weekend markets, and numerous studios and shops.

Learn more about Jingdezhen here.

Changsha

For 16 consecutive years, the China Happy Cities Forum has crowned Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, as the happiest city in the country.

It’s easy to see why – Changsha boasts one of the most energetic nightlife and street food scenes in all of China.

After indulging in some black stinky tofu and fish head topped with duo jiao (chopped chili peppers) on Pozijie, a bustling pedestrian street, travelers can head to Huangxing South Road to be mesmerized by the neon-lit billboards and vibrant signs.

Other must-see spots include the historic Gulushan Temple and the striking, futuristic Changsha Meixihu International Cultural and Arts Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid.

In addition to being celebrated for its happy residents, Changsha has earned the title of China’s hottest influencer city, attracting a steady stream of young domestic travelers in recent years.

One reason for its fame could be the wildly popular local brand, Sexy Tea. With such a dedicated following nationwide, fans recently waited up to eight hours at a pop-up store in Shenzhen just to sip this renowned tea.

Guangxi

Guangxi, a southern autonomous region, is known for its endless array of mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural festivals.

One of the best times to visit is during the Song Festival, a multi-day celebration that kicks off on the third day of the third month of the Lunar calendar (in 2023, it starts on April 22).

A key event for several ethnic groups, especially the Zhuang people, the festival features folk shan-ge (mountain songs), glutinous rice feasts, and vibrant bamboo dances. Wuming district hosts one of the largest Song Festival celebrations.

While in Guangxi, make sure to visit Sanjiang County, renowned for its stunning wooden bridges, some of the most beautiful in the world.

Known as fengyu qiao (wind and rain bridges), these remarkable structures are built without nails and often feature elaborate multi-story pavilions and verandas.

Chengyang Bridge is one of the most iconic fengyu bridges in Sanjiang.

Linhai

Although still relatively unknown outside China, Linhai has recently become a hotspot for food enthusiasts, largely due to being the birthplace of the famous restaurant chain Xin Rong Ji.

Founded about 20 years ago in Linhai, a small county-level city in coastal Taizhou, Zhejiang province, Xin Rong Ji now boasts several dozen locations across China, including Beijing’s first three-Michelin-star restaurant and a two-star branch in Shanghai.

However, nothing beats the original. Some signature dishes at Xin Rong Ji include braised sea anemone with sweet potato noodles and crispy fried silver ribbon fish.

Taizhou cuisine is renowned for its umami-rich seafood dishes and hearty street snacks, such as maixia (wheat shrimp) noodles and seaweed cakes.

Beyond its culinary delights, travelers should set aside time to explore this ancient city, which has been around for over 2,000 years. For a close-up view of architecture from various dynasties, visit Ziyang Old Street and the historic Donghu (East Lake) Garden.

Aba

For two consecutive years, Chinese citizens participating in an online survey have named Aba, an autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

You may be familiar with the otherworldly landscapes of Jiuzhaigou Valley in Aba, but this expansive prefecture, with its 13 counties, offers so much more to explore.

Among its treasures is Dagu Glacier National Park, home to one of the world’s youngest and lowest glaciers (in Heishui County). Aba is also where you’ll find some of the best-preserved Diaolo – Qiang-style stone-and-wood architecture – notably in the village of Taoping in Li County.

In Jinchuan County, visitors can marvel at a stunning sea of snow pear blossoms each spring.

Chaoshan

Few would argue that the Chaoshan region – which spans eastern Guangdong and includes cities like Chaozhou and Shantou – is a true haven for food enthusiasts.

Yet, its culinary offerings remain relatively underappreciated outside of China.

While it’s impossible to cover every dish worth trying, here are a few highlights: succulent braised goose, refreshing chilled fish, irresistibly bouncy hand-pounded beef balls, and a wide variety of rice cakes and noodle soups.

Chaoshan is also the perfect place to savor Dancong tea, a unique type of Oolong, served in the traditional Gong Fu (Kung Fu) tea ceremony style.

If you're looking to burn off some calories between meals, take a stroll through the historic Chaozhou Ancient City, where you'll find impressive architecture and ancient temples.

Quanzhou

As home to one of the world's largest ports, it’s no surprise that Quanzhou, with its rich maritime history, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Once a key port on the Maritime Silk Route from the 10th to the 14th century, this port city in southern Fujian is brimming with landmarks that reflect the vibrant mix of cultures and religions that once thrived here.

For instance, Kaiyuan Temple, established in 686, isn’t just the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian province but also houses numerous Hindu reliefs and decorations, believed to be remnants from a Hindu temple in Quanzhou.

The UNESCO-listed Song-Yuan Quanzhou Emporium System encompasses a range of sites, including administrative buildings, religious structures, and transportation networks, all showcasing the city’s diverse and colorful history.