What do you picture when you imagine visiting China? The food, the ancient culture, and, of course, the Great Wall, right? While these are definite bucket-list items every traveller should check off on their visit to this amazing country, there’s something to be said about getting off the beaten path in China. Not only will you avoid the infamous crowds in the major cities, you’ll return home with a unique understanding of what China is all about. If you’re looking for an experience that will leave you feeling enriched, refreshed, and ready newly interested in what unexpected parts of the world have to offer, our guide to visiting China off the beaten path has everything you need to get started.
Venture from the coast
Travellers who imagine visiting China are often picturing the country’s famous coastal cities, such as Shanghai, or the densely-populated capital city of Beijing. What travellers may not realize, however, is there are endless cultural experiences to be had away from these major hubs! If you’re looking for a new way to travel through China (along with new things to see, do, taste, and try), consider paying a visit to one of these lesser-visited areas.
Yading
- Perfect for: nature lovers
Looking for Shangri-La? You’ll find it here: literally! The legend of the paradise city Shangri-La was coined by novelist James Hilton. He was so inspired by the photos Joseph Rock took of the Yading Nature Reserve that he based his place of unimaginable beauty on this gorgeous corner of China. Also known as the Land of Snows, Yading treats travellers to treks on three holy mountains, strolls through peaceful monasteries, and some seriously incredible views along the way. Travellers should note that Yading sits at an altitude as high as 3,750 feet (12,303 feet), and anticipate the possible altitude sickness that can occasionally accompany that.
Jingdezhen
- Perfect for: history buffs
Ever heard the phrase fine china? Jingdezhen is its birthplace. For the last 1,700 years, this city has been perfecting and producing porcelain. In fact, it’s known as the “porcelain capital” around China. As you can imagine, it’s all about porcelain in this city, and you’ll find museums dedicated to the history and production of this product, and even get to view the nearly-2000-year-old kilns that have been producing it for centuries.
Kanas Lake Nature Reserve
- Perfect for: rest and relaxation
A local secret, Kanas Lake is not to be missed for travellers looking to spend a day of their adventure relaxing by the water. While domestic tourists certainly know and appreciate the reserve, international travellers are much less common, which is a great way to feel more fully immersed in the local culture during your trip. Keep an eye out for the Kanas Lake Monster, China’s very own version of the Loch Ness Monster – visitors report sightings every few years, and who knows when the next one will surface?
Xishuangbanna
- Perfect for: party animals
China enjoys a distinct and unique culture, but what many travellers don’t realize is that culture has grown and evolved over centuries to create seemingly-endless pockets of unique cultural experiences across the country. Xishuangbanna is known as a “mini Thailand,” and the Southeast Asian influences are obvious: here, travellers will find delicious food, plenty of sunshine, and fun-filled water splashing festivals alongside gorgeous lush jungles and opportunities for trekking excursions.
Find some space
While China is a beautiful country full of opportunities for travellers, no matter what they’re looking for (ancient history? Check. Endless jungle landscapes? Check. Vibrant, exciting cities? Check.), ask anyone who’s ever been (or lived there), and you’ll hear about the country’s one downside; air pollution. Smog in major cities can be overwhelming for travellers, so one of the major benefits to travelling off-the-beaten path in China is setting out into the fresh air and seeing parts of the country that other travellers may be missing out on.
Hiking in China
China has so much to offer hikers, but isn’t often seen as a hiking destination beyond the famous Great Wall Hike. From “the most dangerous hike in the world,” Mount Hua (this six-hour hike includes the infamous “plank in the sky,” a narrow plank of wood suspended high above the ground that hikers must cross on), to more laidback day hikes and even some mountain climbing and trekking (we are near Nepal’s Mount Everest, after all!), there are hikes for all skill and ability levels all over China! Whether you’re looking for a trek that will keep you busy for several days, or a way to pass time and see something beautiful on a lazy day, you can be sure you’ll find something that works for you.
Of course, one of the best ways to get off the beaten path is by joining a group tour! While tours can have a reputation for only taking travellers to the main attractions, nothing could be farther from the truth. When you travel with an experienced tour guide, they know all the best places to visit, from the gems hidden away in the bustling city centres to the amazing, lesser-visited places you didn’t even know existed. Travelling off the beaten path helps lessen pollution and other damages that can be done by some forms of tourism, gives local economies a boost, and gives travellers amazing memories they couldn’t get any other way – what’s not to love?
Where would you most like to visit in China?
