China is vast, and its landscapes are some of the most dramatic on Earth — soaring sandstone pillars, jade-green rivers, turquoise lakes and sacred peaks. Here are the natural wonders worth building a trip around.
The must-see landscapes
Zhangjiajie
The towering quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. Glass bridges, cable cars and misty forest trails make it unforgettable.
Zhangjiajie — the sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar’s floating mountains.
Guilin & Yangshuo
Classic karst scenery along the Li River — the dreamlike hills printed on the ¥20 note. Cruise the river, then cycle the rice fields around Yangshuo.
Guilin & Yangshuo — karst peaks above the jade-green Li River.
Jiuzhaigou
A Tibetan valley of turquoise lakes, waterfalls and snow peaks in northern Sichuan — best in autumn when the colours blaze.
Jiuzhaigou — turquoise lakes ringed by autumn colour.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Granite peaks, twisted pines and a famous sea of clouds at sunrise. One of China’s most painted landscapes.
Huangshan — granite peaks and pines above a sea of clouds.
Longji Rice Terraces
Sculpted hillsides near Guilin that shimmer green in summer and gold before harvest.
Longji — terraced hillsides, green in summer and gold at harvest.
Zhangye Danxia
Striped “rainbow mountains” of layered red, orange and yellow rock in Gansu.
Zhangye Danxia — layered “rainbow mountains” in Gansu.
Wildlife:
the giant pandas
No nature trip beats meeting China’s most beloved residents. The Chengdu panda breeding base is the easiest place to see them — go early when they’re most active.
Giant pandas at the Chengdu breeding base — go early when they’re most active.
How to visit
- Many of these are reached by domestic flights plus a local transfer; some by high-speed rail.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons — milder weather and clearer skies.
- Big scenic parks are huge; buy tickets online in advance and wear good shoes.
- Guided day tours (with transport) are easy to book on Viator or Klook.
