So, we’ve all heard of the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, known famously as two of the most spectacular ‘Wonders of the World’, and, for good reason, they’re on everyone’s bucket list. However, there are also many awe-inspiring, lesser-known places in China to visit and explore.
In this article, we will explore 3 of the top underrated places in China that could be considered the best hidden gems for returning tourists.
There are plenty of unique places to visit in China, but if you’re thinking of making a more permanent move overseas, there is support available. For example, the Immigration Advice Service offers legal assistance for tourists who want to relocate to China, and can help with all aspects of the immigration process when moving abroad.
As the fourth-largest country in the world by land area, China spans 3400km from north to south, and 5000km from east to west. It has a population of 1.4 billion (roughly 17% of the world’s population), and therefore has a lot to offer the avid tourist.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, immerse yourself in history, or explore hidden towns and cities, China really does have it all.
Nature lovers can discover snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, an abundance of alpine scenery, and even rainbow-coloured mountains.
There are numerous ancient relics across the country for history fans, and several less-crowded landscapes to uncover. If you’re looking for cultural experiences, you can find various unique hidden destinations that offer complete immersion. So, where to start?
Zhangye National Geopark
Rainbow-coloured mountains, did you say? Yes, the Zhangye Danxia Landform offers just that. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the geopark showcases mountains that can only be described as something out of a fairytale.
Situated in Gansu, the site covers 322 square kilometres, and there's much more to it than meets the eye. The strikingly bright rock formations boast hues of red, yellow, green, white, and blue, making them a huge hit with photographers and geologists alike.
Formed over millions of years, these colourful, striped mountains are the result of erosion, tectonic activity, and mineral deposition. According to the experts, rivers carried different minerals, such as iron oxide (which produces the vibrant red colour) and sulfur, which then settled in horizontal layers in a kind of natural basin.
Tectonic movement (a natural phenomenon where the Earth’s plates collide) crumpled the Earth’s crust and forced the sedimentary layers to rise above the surface. Then, over millennia, natural erosion caused the exposure of such layers, revealing the beautiful colours we see today.
Dotted around on-site, you will find flowing rivers, large-scale Buddha statues, and even hot-air balloon rides.
The hiking paths are well-paved, and there are various sightseeing platforms along the way. However, because of its vast size, it is not recommended to attempt to cross all the platforms in one day, especially in the dry heat. You could always take the bus instead, though, and soak it all in without exhausting yourself.
Some further tips when visiting Zhangye are to wear suitable clothing (breathable materials, comfortable shoes, and a hat for shade) and to take some water with you.
Turpan - Xinjiang
History lovers will fall in love with Turpan (also known as Turfan). This ancient oasis city is situated in Northwest China on the famous historic Silk Road, and sits in a deep tectonic depression below sea level. It is known for its ancient ruins, hot climate, local produce, and rich Uyghur culture.
Here, the remnants of the Silk Road, including the ancient city of Jiaohe, are well-preserved and accessible. Jiaohe (also known locally as Yarghul) is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the oldest and largest earthen cities in the world and features the remains of various ancient architecture.
Jiaohe acted as the capital of the Jushi Kingdom from 108 BC until it was conquered by the Tang dynasty. From then on, it was known simply as Jaio until 640 AD, when it became the seat of the new Jiaohe county.
A river surrounds the city and splits into two, which is where the name Jiaohe comes from, and, in the past, the rivers acted as natural defence barriers, which is why there are no walls surrounding it. It is also surrounded by cliffs on either side that are over 30m in height, and these again acted as natural defences.
The site was partially excavated in the 1950s and since 1961 has been protected by the People’s Republic of the Chinese government.
There is so much to see, including Buddhist temples and stupas, notable graveyards, and even the ruins of an old abandoned government office.
Yubeng Village, Yunnan
Yubeng is a hidden village, situated deep in the Meili Snow Mountain. The village offers Tibetan homestays where you can stay with local families and fully immerse yourself in genuine local culture. Here, you can learn how the locals live, what kind of food they eat, and what activities they use to pass the time.
Yubeng is surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and dramatic alpine scenery, which is perfect for hikers and nature explorers.
The village is largely split into two (Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng), with Upper Yubeng sitting higher up and acting as the primary base camp for the Glacier Lake trek. Lower Yubeng is situated in the valley below and is close to a trail that leads to a waterfall known locally as the Sacred Waterfall.
There is a steep, walkable trail that connects the two parts of Yubeng, which can be completed in approximately half an hour.
However, the village is inaccessible by road and travelling there takes some effort. You will need to get to the nearby village known as Xidang first, and then hike the trail to Yubeng. Because Yubeng is situated in the mountains, altitude sickness is a real risk. Therefore, you should take appropriate hiking gear and basic medical supplies with you.
It is also advised to carry some cash, as, due to its remote location, card payments are not widely accepted in the village.
It is also worth noting that the summer months bring significant rainfall, and the winter brings heavy snowfall, so it is advisable to visit between the months of April and June or September and November.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
