With its rich history, innumerable cities, and diverse culture, China stands out as one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. And while you could spend a lifetime exploring the incredible places that have the reputation of being China’s more well-known travel spots -cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong- there are tons of other equally-as-enchanting cities calling out for your attention. Within these cities, you’ll find some incredible natural attractions, historic sites, and beautiful landmarks that are worth the adventure.
8. West Lake, Hangzhou
This beautiful freshwater lake in the central Chinese city of Hangzhou, a cozy little town of 6 million folks, has inspired countless painters and poets throughout the generations with its pristine beauty and surrounding historical sites. Playing an integral role in Chinese history since the Qin Dynasty 2,000 years ago, West Lake’s aesthetic wonder is rivaled only by the man-made grandeur of the architecture surrounding it. You can’t miss the tapered spire of the 150 foot Baochu Pagoda, constructed in 953, or the stunning Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, a Buddhist monastery founded in 325, which makes the Pagoda positively modern. Those are just a few of the countless attractions awaiting you in this beautiful region, filled with enough temples, gardens, and museums to keep you occupied for weeks. Take a look at Roomorama’s Hangzhou accommodations. 
7. Home of the Giant Pandas, Chengdu
Alright, be honest: we don’t really have to say anything else, do we? You mean you don’t want to visit the city known as the ‘homeland of the pandas?’ Chengdu is home to the only breeding habitat for the rare giant panda in a metropolitan area, and probably boasts more adorable-pandas-per-capita (APPC) than any city on earth. The Wolong National Nature Reserve, 80 miles outside Chengdu, is home to hundreds of red pandas, white-lipped dear, and golden monkeys, as well as hundreds of other endangered and colorful species. Chengdu is also considered one of China’s culinary capitals for its mastery of deliciously spicy Sichuan cuisine – the Los Angeles Times even dubbed Chengdu “China’s Party City” in 2006. Nah…you wouldn’t be interested in all that. But just in case you are… 
Let’s be real, you just booked your ticket.
6. Window of the World, Shenzhen
While you’re in China, how would you like to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa? The Great Pyramids of Giza? New York City? Well no problem, that’s all quite easy. “But Roomorama, that’s crazy! Those are all in different countries! As a travel website, you should really know better.” You see, dear reader, we’re just talking about Window of the World, perhaps the craziest theme park you’ll ever have the opportunity to visit. Stocked with full scale to 1:15 sized replicas of humanity’s greatest artistic and architectural accomplishments, you can leisurely stroll from the 354 foot Eiffel Tower model to the Sydney Opera House or the Taj Mahal, with the park being divided up into portions of the world. While you’re wondering who was crazy enough to put this thing together, be sure to check out the rest of what spectacular Shenzhen, a high-tech metropolis that has developed from a mere fishing village over the past three decades, has to offer. Get started by browsing our Shenzhen short term rentals here.
It’s like that, but…smaller.
5. Tsingtao Brewery/Beer Festival, Qingdao
Yes, there’s a reason the Northern Chinese city of Qingdao, population just a tad under 9 million, sounds so familiar. Because of its world-famous booze! You see, one hundred years ago Qingdao was a naval base that the Germans seized as occupied as a colony. As a result, much of the local architecture, food, and culture reflects that, right down to a solid tradition of beer-making. Be sure to visit the Tsingtao brewery for a firsthand look at how they make their delicious beer. And if you play your cards right and arrive in town during Late August/Early September, you can take part in the Qingdao International Beer Festival, which features parades, art, a ‘beer carnival,’ local food, beer tastings, drinking contests, and many questionable decisions. It also takes place in something called the ‘Qingdao International Beer City,’ so let’s face it, in comparison your neighborhood is kinda lame. Browse our Qingdao rentals here.
4. International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin
Need some ice for your beer? Jet up to Harbin, capital of Northern China’s Manchuria region, and take part in a festival that, while a good deal less alcoholic, is no less incredible. Happening every February, this is no mere showcase for the two-foot ice swan at your cousin’s wedding -this is a magical realm, a veritable city of full-sized buildings constructed with 2-3 foot ice blocks, strung up with multicolored lights like a carnival at Christmas. A true winter wonderland, each year the area undergoes an astounding transformation that quite literally cannot be found anywhere else on earth. For perspective, the 2007 festival had a Canadian theme featuring an 820 foot long, 28 foot high, 13,000 cubic meter structure of Niagara falls and the crossing of the Bering Strait that set the Guinness world record for largest ice sculpture. To see what Harbin has to offer, click here and check out our Harbin vacation rentals.
But yeah, nice try with the swan.
3. Guanyin of the South Sea and surrounding beaches, Sanya
A mere village compared to the rest of this list at 685,000 residents, Sanya is a prefecture-level city on the island of Hainan, China’s answer to Hawaii and the greatest tropical getaway you’ve never heard of. What makes Sanya so enticing -beyond, of course, its miles of pristine beaches, warm climate, and traveller-friendly attitude? The breathtaking Guanyin of the South Sea statue and its adjoining Nanshan temple, a beautiful seaside promenade celebrating China’s Buddhist traditions. Looming over this meticulously-organized array of fields and pagodas is the 354 ft. tall, white-and-gold totem of Guanyin, bodhisattva of compassion. This stunning sculpture is a must-see; try to get to it in between sunning yourself by the shore. Check out our Sanya accommodations here.
Photo via Bruce Tuten/Flickr
2. City Wall/Muslim Quarter, Xian
You may know Xian as home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, and while you should by no means avoid those guys on your trip, there’s a lot more to see in one of China’s most historic cities. As one of China’s ‘Four Great Ancient Capitals’ and with over 3,000 years of notable events from the warring states to the Silk Road and modern development, there’s no end of things to see and do. We recommend touring the city wall, which is among China’s oldest and best-preserved military fortifications. Though it’s not China’s most famous wall, it’s still pretty great, running for 8.5 miles through Xian’s gorgeous old town. Then, jet on over to the city’s Muslim quarter for a piece of unique Chinese culture, and check out the Great Mosque, a 1300 year old (!) active site of worship, and possibly the only pagoda-shaped Muslim temple you’ll ever visit. Make sure to grab some hand-pulled noodles, stuffed flatbread, and spicy barbecued lamb or beef skewers at the area’s bustling night markets. Intrigued? Start planning your getaway by scoring one of these Xian short term rentals.
1. Chen Clan Academy, Guangzhou
Going to Guangzhou, one of southern China’s eminent metropoli, is a distinctly rewarding but not always a relaxing experience. Why not recharge your mental batteries at the region’s most delightful oasis of peace? The Chen Clan Academy was built in 1894 as a temple for ancestor worship. Get ready to think even less of your college library, because this ‘study room’ is one of the best examples of traditional Chinese architecture and multiple genres of art, including wood and stone carving, pottery, and engraving. The massive site’s winding alleyways and countless rooms are decorated on all sides with intricate ornaments, with attention to detail as mind-blowing as it is beautiful. You could spend a whole day here and not see everything -and basking in the Academy’s enticing serenity, you might do just that. Browse our Guangzhou accommodations here.
Like we said, attention to detail. Photo via inyucho/Flickr
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