Things are shaping up for 2018 to be one of the best years to travel to China yet. From recent economic activity shining a new light on ancient crossroads of cultures to UNESCO designating new sights of natural and cultural heritage on distant plateaus, attention is turning to the Middle Kingdom as a great place to visit.

If you’re thinking of visiting China next year, here are five hot destinations to consider. And the best news? We offer knowledgeable local guides and authentic experiences in every one! These are the hottest destinations in China for 2018.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road hit the headlines this year thanks to the “One Belt, One Road” project also known as The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With talk of new and improved trade routes being developed across Asia, much attention has turned to the belt’s ancient roots.

An expansive route leading from China to Europe, travelers along the ancient Silk Road traded much more than sought after goods, they shared religions, foods, languages, and cultures.  Remnants of the ancient Silk Road are still very much alive in China’s northwest and 2018 is the year to see them. Be sure to visit Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves, a system of grottoes that present the largest collection of Buddhist fresco art in the world, and hear fascinating stories of travelers past during a private sunset BBQ in the Taklamakan Desert.

RELATED READING: The Mogao Caves and Other Top Dunhuang Attractions

Tibet

Tibet is a mysterious region of China and in 2017, AsiaTravel’s Director of Sales set off to research and develop a brand new series of experiences in the region. These will all be ready to go for the 2018 Tibet travel season. On a AsiaTravel tour of Tibet you can now get a health check from a Tibetan medicine master and try your hand at thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk that often depict the life of the Buddha or other deities.

The new Songstam Lhasa Hotel will be also be fully completed and ready for your stay. If you’re visiting Tibet’s second largest urban area, Shigatse (a base from which you can explore Mount Everest), a new Tibetan Boutique Hotel has just opened there that we would highly recommend.

RELATED READING: Peek Inside the New Songtsam Lhasa

Shanghai’s Art Scene

Shanghai has a fast-growing reputation as a leading art capital in China. The city was even recently praised by Conde Nast Traveler as being ‘the place to be’ for contemporary art lovers.

Two art districts, M50 and Tianzifang, are home to small galleries and the workshops of China’s youngest generation of artists. We just brought on board a new Shanghai contemporary art expert so now is a great time to explore this unexpected side to the city.

Every two years, Shanghai hosts an art Biennale and the next one will kick off in the Fall of 2018.  The Biennale will be hosted in Shanghai’s iconic China Art Museum (pictured above) and is not to be missed.

RELATED READING: 5 Alternative Must-Sees in Shanghai

Dali

China’s Yunnan Province is famous for being home to most of the country’s 55 ethnic minorities as well as some incredible natural scenery. Recently though, it’s been the region’s cuisine that everyone is talking about. Highly-acclaimed Vogue magazine declared that Yunnan Cuisine is about to sweep the U.S. so 2018 is definitely the year to visit and try the food at its origin.

Even better, founder and CEO Mei Zhang will lead an expert-led foodies tour to the region in December 2018. Don’t miss out on your space on this exclusive change to jump into the pages of Mei’s first book Travels Through Dali: with a leg of ham.

RELATED READING: AsiaTravel founder and Dali-native Mei Zhang’s Insider Tips to Dali

Hoh Xil

China’s eastern province of Qinghai is famous for its breath-taking scenery – and arguably Hoh Xil is one of the last untouched natural landscapes in the world. It should now remain that way after recently gaining UNESCO World Natural Heritage status as the largest and highest plateau on earth. Wildlife thrives on the plateau which is home to over 230 species of wild animals including wild yaks, donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, eagles and rare fish.

If this sounds rather off the beaten track, it is! Historically foreign passport holders weren’t allowed to visit the plateau but with the help of some AsiaTravel exclusive access magic, we’ve just finished designing our first trip to the region.

With all these destinations making waves in the travel world, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet named China one of their top ten countries to visit in 2018. Why not come see what all the buzz is about?

If you want to break free of the cookie-cutter experience and visit thrilling destinations like the ones above, let’s start planning your trip. 

Yunnan Province—which literally means “South of the Clouds” due to its location just south of the Tibetan Plateau—is home to verdant low-lying valleys, spectacular white-capped mountains, rustic towns and villages, and a lively mix of ethnic minority communities.

Dali and Lijiang are two of our favorite destinations in this province and they are great to visit all year round. Within driving distance of these two small cities alone, you can partake in customs by a myriad of ethnic minority groups, including the Bai, Yi, and Naxi people, and experience some of the most diverse ecology and terrain in China.

Ready to explore? Here are five of our favorite activities in the area.

Making Rushan Cheese with a Local Farmer

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Phung (Travels through Dali with a Leg of Ham)
RELATED READING: A Foodie’s Yunnan Voyage

Rushan Cheese is a part of Dali’s unique culinary culture. The literal translation is “milk fan” and it is a cow’s milk cheese made by the Bai minority people. Of the over 1.5 million Bai minority people who live in China, over eighty percent make their home around Dali and their distinct culture has a strong influence on the region. Rushan is a flat cheese which can be fried or grilled and rolled up on a stick for a typical Yunnan treat. 

On the streets, local people like to add flavor and Rushan Cheese is often served with honey, chocolate syrup, fruit jam or sweetened condensed milk. On a AsiaTravel journey, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the traditional methods of making Rushan Cheese with a local farmer turned cheesemonger. As you wait for your delicious cheese snack to cool, chat with the cheesemaker’s wife as she stitches cloth shoes.

In AsiaTravel founder and CEO Mei Zhang’s travelogue and recipe book, Travels through Dali: with a leg of ham, you’ll hear about Mei’s personal encounter with this farmer and he’s even shared a few delicious recipes to try your hand at.

Enjoying a Bai Three-Cup Tea Ceremony

RELATED READING: AsiaTravel CEO and Dali-native Mei Zhang’s Insider Tips to Dali

Again in Dali, the three cup tea ceremony is a tradition of the Bai ethnic group. This ceremony helps to impart the Bai philosophy about how to lead a balanced life. Often performed at marriages and festivals, this ceremony is an important way in which the Bai people honor guests. 

As one might expect, the Bai three-cup tea ceremony comes in three courses of different teas. The first course has a bitter taste. A high quality green tea from Dali is baked in a pottery jar and boiling water is added. The tea is ready to drink when the water has changed to an amber color. The bitter taste reflects that bitterness has to be endured in life to find its true meaning.

The second course is sweeter (to symbolize the nicer things in life) and is served with brown sugar, walnuts, and goat’s cheese seasonings. Finally the third course is the “aftertaste tea”, which is served in a bowl rather than a cup. The locals add pepper, ginger and cinnamon to represent the mix of experiences found in life. There will be time to reflect upon life with your tea and converse with the three-cup tea ceremony hosts.

Selecting Fresh Produce with Auntie Cheng

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Phung (Travels through Dali with a Leg of Ham)
RELATED READING: Yunnan Food According to Mei Zhang

In Dali, we love to pair you with the darling Auntie Cheng, our CEO and founder Mei Zhang’s personal “ayi” in her hometown. An “ayi,” literally translated to mean Auntie, is a traditional Chinese custom of a woman who helps a family with cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

Auntie Cheng will take you to local markets to buy authentic, fresh and local produce. You’ll then return to her home to help her prepare a delicious lunch over a courtyard stove. With Auntie Cheng, you can learn how to properly enjoy the results of your morning’s shopping and cooking according to local custom. Help make a meal and then help eat it – seems like a fair trade off!

Encounter a Village Shaman

Photo Credit: Anthony Tache
RELATED READING: 5 Off-the-Beaten Track Destinations in China

In the Jade Snow Mountain Range, thirty Yi families preserve the ways of their ancestors. Another ethnic minority group of the Yunnan area, the Yi people practice a form of animism led by a a shaman. The village shaman, or Bimo, will welcome you to his village and share his perspective on local life, the challenges posed by development and his animist faith, a religion that predates the arrival of Buddhism in China.

The Bimo is a sacred hereditary office held by one family over centuries. The incumbent is a well-respected scholar who mediates tribal disputes and presides over Yi ceremonies. Your discussion will continue over lunch, which will include “Yi French fries” (pan-fried sliced potatoes), after which the Bimo will conduct a blessing ceremony and pray for your safe travels. This unique experience offers insight into not only their culture but the living history of the Yi people. 

 

Dinner Party with Local Naxi Ethnic Minority People

RELATED READING: Get a Taste of Local Life in Yunnan’s Minority Villages

A dinner party is always fun and the Naxi ethnic minority folks from Lijiang are an excellent choice of hosts. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Naxi people, with the chief crops consisting of rice, maize, wheat, potatoes, beans and hemp. There will be plenty of food on the table – and since cotton is also an important local crop, there will be a chance to admire the indigenous dress too.

Your local AsiaTravel guide will help you swap stories and folklore with your hosts in their local dialect and you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of this unique cultural heritage. What a treat!

With its rich artisanal culture and ethnic minority heritage, Dali, Lijiang, and the nearby villages are a great place to slow-down and enjoy the simple things in life: food and budding friendships. There are regular flights to both destinations from most major cities in China but if you have time, we always recommend visiting both. You can start in Dali and drive the 2 hours to Lijiang. You’ll not only be treated to some stunning scenery but you’ll get to stop in Shaxi market town along the way.

We have a number of journeys that will take you to the heart of Yunnan, including a special trip in 2018 led by AsiaTravel founder Mei Zhang. Take a look at our journeys to Dali and Lijiang.

There are 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China, although you might not notice if you only stay in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai. If you really want to get a taste of the diverse peoples who make up China, you should journey to the outermost reaches of China’s borders: Xinjiang. 

Where else in China can you see both Turkic-looking Uyghurs, blond blue-eyed Tajiks, mosques and Zoroastrian temples, coexisting alongside each other? Every day in Xinjiang will allow you to hear a new language, taste a new cuisine, and meet different people.  

So, why is Xinjiang so diverse?

It has a lot to do with size and location…

It borders on 8 countries, namely Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Being so central, it was once the buzzing heart of the Silk Road, a network of trading routes linking Asia, Europe and Africa.

RELATED READING: 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Xinjiang

It’s as big as France and the ethnic landscape changes a lot as you travel hundreds of miles, deep into Xinjiang. From its architecture, Urumqi could be any large Chinese city and most dwellers are Han, but travel on to Kashgar, which is mostly Uyghur, and you’ll figure out why Xinjiang’s full name is the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

There are 21 million inhabitants, making it more populous than many European countries, such as Belgium, Sweden, or the Netherlands. This is a new development though – a century ago the population hovered at just a few million, but waves of government-led Han migration have led the population to skyrocket to its current figure.

How about languages? What will you hear people speaking in Xinjiang?

There are over 40 languages spoken in Xinjiang. To give you an idea of the diversity we’re talking about, here’s a snapshot of three languages, from three different linguistic families, which aren’t spoken anywhere but in China.

Uyghur (Turkic family)

Uyghur is the Turkic language spoken by ethnic Uyghurs. If you’ve ever been to Turkey, the Uyghur language might sound familiar to you. Being closely related to Turkish, the two languages share a lot of vocabulary, although Uyghur uses the Arabic script.

RELATED READING: Our Insider’s Guide to Our Silk Road Destinations

Mandarin (Sino-Tibetan)

This, along with Uyghur, is the official language of Xinjiang. As you push west to the boundaries of Xinjiang, you’ll find fewer people speaking Mandarin, even to the point that might sometimes find English more effective to communicate with.

RELATED READING: China’s Secret Foodie Destination

And one for fun…

Sarikoli (Indo-European)

This language is spoken only by Tajiks in China (about 35,000) and has no official written form. If you want to hear this rare language, head down the Karakorum Highway to Tashkurgan.

RELATED READING: Out West in China’s Rugged Xinjiang Province

Who Has Lived in Xinjiang?

Over the millennia, civilizations have grown in, migrated to, traded with, and invaded the region now called Xinjiang. and different peoples have migrated to and from the area. But they’ve left traces which remain to this day, like the ruins of Jiaohe, a town built by Indo-European Tocharians. Or the Beauty of Loulan: a Europoid mummy around 4000 years old, with clothes, hair, and even eyelashes, all preserved.

RELATED READING: Islamic Architecture in China – 4 Stunning Cities

The Silk Road didn’t just convey people and goods, it also carried ideas and religions, a legacy of diversity which remains to this day: in the Tuyuq Valley, you can see a Muslim holy site as well as a grotto filled with Buddhist art.  

This type of cultural fusion is one of the region’s signature attractions. All in all, Xinjiang is a treasure trove of people, history, and culture that is completely unique in China. The melting pot of the Silk Road has created a diverse region waiting for an intrepid adventurer like you, akin to Marco Polo, to explore its spellbinding terrain.

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If you’d like to experience Xinjiang’s diversity for yourself, and visit places we recommend in this post, have a look at our Marco Polo’s Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang journeys. 

When people travel to Xi’an, they’re often familiar with the iconic Terracotta warriors, the food of the Muslim District, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda that stands over the city. Sure, we all know and love what you’ll get on typical Xi’an tours, but have you ever wondered what hidden gems most travelers overlook? We’ve got just the ticket! On AsiaTravel journeys, we make sure to hit all the famous must-sees, and we like to add a razzle-dazzle of unique activities. See what you can do on one of our Xian tours.
 

RELATED READING: 5 Best Dishes in Xian

The Angsana Hotel Hot Springs

This luxurious hotel is a 5-minute walk away from the local hot springs. With over 20 kinds of pools, each with their own theme, you’ll be hard-pressed to explore them all on a weekend retreat. The hotel staff are knowledgeable, and the price is on-par with those in downtown Xi’an.

If you’re planning on visiting the Terracotta Warriors it’s a good idea to stay here the night before, as it is closer than the city. Close by you’ll also find the HuaQing Palace, where the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty wintered under the majesty of the Lishan Mountain. The Palace is also the location for “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow,” mentioned below. Book your room through us and we’ll make sure that entrance to the hot springs is included. All you’ll need to think about is which pool to try first.

RELATED READING: Islamic Architecture in China – 4 Stunning Cities

Speaking with an Imam at a Local Mosque

Xi’an is home to 60,000 ethnic Chinese Muslims and has a long history, stretching back 1,300 years. As the point of origin for the ancient Silk Road, Muslim traders have been traveling through the city for millenia. There are many mosques throughout Xi’an, though one of the more notable is the Great Mosque, which houses more than twenty buildings in five courtyards, spread over 12,000 square meters.

In these mosques, Imams lead prayers 5 times a day, and provide wisdom from both Ancient China and the Muslim tradition. When you plan your trip to the Great Mosque with AsiaTravel , we’ll introduce you to an Imam who will impart insight upon you.

RELATED READING: Our Insider’s Guide to the Best Destinations Along the Silk Road

Xi’an Guanzhong Folk Art Museum

To immerse visitors in the lengthy history of the area, the owner of the Guanzhong Folk Art Museum has collected various pieces of folk art from the area surrounding Shaanxi Province. They even went so far as to buy and relocate entire estates with painstaking detail, which can make it appear more like a village than a museum.

Roaming from building to building, you will feel like you are peering through time into China’s rich history. To fully appreciate this location, you will need to be well-rested, and sporting comfortable footwear for the amount of walking it requires.

Photo Credit: David Poh
RELATED READING: 11 Jaw-Dropping Performances to Watch Around China

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow

Though the name implies something heartbreaking, this theatrical show is a must-see event. The story chronicles a pair of star-crossed lovers with world-class costumes and scenes that integrate the surrounding mountains. AsiaTravel can get you VIP tickets to this breathtaking performance. The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is performed in the Huaqing Palace, just a stone’s throw from the Angsana Hotel. At the Palace, you will be met at the gate by guides, who will bring you to a private room. Servers will deliver multiple (up to 9) courses over the span of the performance, explaining each dish as they arrive. Whether you’re alone, on a date, or traveling as a group, this is an experience you’re sure to remember for years to come.

As you can see, Xi’an has more to offer than only the Terracotta Soldiers, making it well-worth staying in town for a couple of days. We have a number of journeys that make a stop in Xi’an where you can literally “soak” in all the alternative sights of this city. Take a look at our journeys that visit Xi’an, and let’s start planning your trip today.

 

We’ve teamed up with Patricia Schultz, travel journalist and author of the NYT #1 best-selling 1000 Places To See Before You Die, to bring you her ultimate China adventure.

In late October 2018, Patricia will host a AsiaTravel trip with a focus on Yunnan Province that she helped curate along with our award-winning trip design team. Patricia has dedicated her life to helping her readers discover the best destinations around the world. We recently caught up with her to find out why she keeps China at the top of her ‘must-visit’ list.

Hi Patricia, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Your AsiaTravel hosted tour in 2018 won’t be your first visit to China. What do you think the country offers travelers and why are you making a return visit this year?

That’s a big question about a big country. China is an ancient civilization with a rich culture and history that date back thousands of years and deserves to be experienced by non-Chinese, western travelers, and sooner rather than later. It promises so much more beyond a Chinatown, a movie, a mention in the headlines. Together those experiences represent the tip of the iceberg – but they are a superficial notion of what the country is.

Our understanding of China is, at best, very limited. You can start with a focus on the contemporary face of China, but it is just one facet. You can’t pretend to know much after a whirlwind stopover in Beijing or a brief trip that touches upon a handful of highlights. In a country of this size and potential, the experience changes greatly from city to city. And although I have visited a number of times, I always leave feeling like there is so much more to see. It keeps me humble. That’s why it remains on my shortlist. 

Along with Beijing and Shanghai, you’ve added Yunnan Province to this journey you are hosting. What is it about this region, in China’s Southwest, that made it one of your 1000 Places?

Amazingly, few Westerners have heard of Yunnan Province. There are no large crowds of American tourists and it rarely gets the press or attention it deserves. It is easier to get there today, but for the most part it remains off most people’s radar – and that to me makes it all the more fascinating.

 

RELATED READING: Top 5 Things to Do around Dali and Lijiang

I visited Myanmar, Vietnam and other areas in the northern reaches of Southeast Asia years ago where I learned about the many ethnic minorities who lived there – many of them had migrated from southern China over time, descendants of those still living and flourishing in China’s Yunnan Province. As an American, my sense of world culture and geography was pretty limited – a map helped illustrate the situation better.

I started researching more about Yunnan, known for its surprising number of minority groups and trade routes such as the Ancient Tea Horse Road (thanks in part to Jeff Fuchs), and I found it all fascinating. And the dramatic topography and scenery against which all of this culture and history is still happening today is the stuff of legends.

 

RELATED READING: Yunnan Food According to Mei Zhang

Is there one experience on this trip that you are particularly excited about?

I’m very excited about the cuisine – and I don’t have a very adventurous palate! I’ve always found Chinese cuisine so complex, nuanced and delicious. Even if you experience the finest Chinese cuisine in the US or abroad, it is commonly a limited sampling and invariably altered. Experiencing and experimenting with the local cuisine when visiting a destination lends insight and is an integral part of the journey.

Traditional specialties are sometimes not found 10 miles beyond a particular town, let alone on the other side of the world. And it doesn’t need to be a fancy or expensive meal to impress me. Tasting the street food or a dish prepared in someone’s home – that is what I find exhilarating.

 

RELATED READING: 5 Reasons to Visit China

The colors, dress, customs, and music of Yunnan’s ethnic minority communities are carefully passed down from generation to generation. We are steadily losing such respected ethnic traditions in America. Young people in Yunnan may have iPhones and computers but they still embrace their roots and heritage with a unique respect and admiration for past generations in a way not commonly found elsewhere.

This trip to me is a perfect mix of arriving – and immersing yourself – in 21st century China, followed by a giant step back in time in an attempt to understand something of the country’s early chapters of history in a corner of the country not well known to Western tourism. We’ll visit mountaintop villages and meet people whose ways and traditions have remained unchanged over time – something impossible to find in the big and busy cities of China.

It’s a fascinating mix and I’m counting the days! 

RELATED READING: Spice Up Your Life with Sichuan Travel

Visit Pandas in China – Chengdu Panda Research Center

RELATED READING: What to Do in Chengdu

Visit Pandas in China – Dujiangyan Panda Reserve

Adventurous travelers, curious to see China but chasing the clock, now have an enticing new option – 144 hours of visa-free travel in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province. The visa-free system has many guidelines, but in general the rule is as follows: If you have a layover in Beijing, Tianjin, or Hebei, you’re allowed to travel within this area for 6 days without a visa. To qualify for visa exemption, you must be in transit from the point of origin to another country besides China. In other words, it must be a layover and you have to have the documents to prove your onward travel.

 

RELATED READING: How to Spend 72 Hours or Less in Beijing

 

So, now the Chinese Government has taken the stress out of getting a visa, why not let AsiaTravel take the stress out of your trip. Arrange your Beijing tour with one of our experienced trip designers and all you’ll have to do is look for your AsiaTravel guide in the airport arrival hall – we’ll have taken care of the rest. We’ll provide a VIP pick-up service from the airport and will have booked you into one of Beijing’s most luxurious hotels. Your local AsiaTravel guide will then take you on a voyage of a lifetime in a cushy 144 hours. All AsiaTravel guides are local experts who know the city, its people, and its sights like the back of their hand. 

Here’s are just a few of the experiences we could arrange for your visa free trip in Beijing:

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Peking Duck

RELATED READING: 5 Reasons to Visit China

After your flight, why not begin your Beijing journey in style and sample the city’s famous duck dish. There are dozens of options for indulging in Peking duck and one of our favorites is Jing Yaa Tang at the chic boutique hotel The Opposite House. Once you’ve eaten your fill, ask your guide to take you on a stroll around the neighboring Sanlitun district where the finest foreign designers have their premier boutiques.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Local Hutong Neighborhoods

RELATED READING: 5 (Alternative) Must-sees in Beijing

After enjoying lunch in one of the city’s upscale neighborhoods, it’s time to come back down to earth and visit the local hutong neighborhoods – where Old Beijing culture still thrives.

In these courtyard homes, AsiaTravel can arrange for you to meet people whose families have been living there for centuries. You’ll join a calligraphy master for a private lesson and have an energetic encounter with a 70-year-old cricket fighter.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – 798 Art District

 

RELATED READING: Meet Our AsiaTravel Art Expert Wai Wai

After your hutong tour, your personal driver can take you to 798, a locale displaying all manner of art, from art-deco films and murals to sculptures and friendly street artists. AsiaTravel works with a contemporary art expert who is an insider among gallery owners. She can show you the best of what 798 has to offer.

We encourage you to wander among the small side streets, all packed with artistic odds and ends for any type of art enthusiast. Bring some small gifts home for friends and family, supporting local artists and keeping your carry-on luggage below the weight limit at the same time.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Great Wall

RELATED READING: How to Make the Most of a Trip to the Great Wall

On day two, take a tour to the Great Wall. Visiting a rural section of the Great Wall offers views typically uncompromised by massive crowds, though if you travel with AsiaTravel, you’ll be in luck on any section of the famous architectural marvel.

Take your time walking up its famed, and at places crumbling, steps, and take solace in the fact that you have the option of sliding your way down. That’s right, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a toboggan for the weary masses who prefer a fast and fun way to return to normal elevation. To make your visit to the Great Wall truly special, we can arrange activities such as a private champagne picnic, helicopter ride, or a tour with William Lindesay – the leading expert on Great Wall conservation.

Visa Free Travel in Beijing – Imperial History

RELATED READING: Everything You Can Do at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven

Beyond the Great Wall, Beijing is home to a vast array of buildings that evoke the imperial history of the city. The chief among these sights is the Forbidden City, the official abode of the emperor. The Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are also impressive in their own right. We will arrange for you to take a tai chi class at the Temple of Heaven and relax at an afternoon tea at the Aman Summer Palace.

As with most new places, it’s best to see them with and through the eyes of a local, like a AsiaTravel guide. Take the stress out of your visa-free stay and make the most of your time by customizing your perfect tour with AsiaTravel.

Finding the perfect place to stay while traveling can be one of the biggest headaches of the entire planning process. If you’re visiting Guilin, let us take the guesswork out of the equation for you. Three lodging options stand out when it comes to complementing your AsiaTravel tour, all of which offer something unique to travelers of refined taste.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Alila Yangshuo

First on the list is Alila Yangshuo, formerly a working sugar mill. It is just as beautiful during the daylight hours as at night, when the property comes alive with a warm glow set against the stark backdrop of the mountain ranges Yangshuo is best known for.

Alila Yangshuo

RELATED READING: What to See, Do, and Eat on a Guilin Tour

Renovated to suit the modern traveler, Alila Yangshuo welcomes its guests with top-of-the-line customer service and its own set of customized activities in five themes: Cultural Learning, Conscious Living, Active Spirits, Culinary Arts and Couple Celebration. From a family getaway to a romantic holiday, Alila Yangshuo has something to offer each of its guests.

The peaceful pool at Alila Yangshuo

Visitors to Guilin will be astounded by the postcard-worthy views, accented by its breathtaking karst mountains and winding rivers. Those from cityscapes will be delighted to witness the lush green atmosphere. Alila Yangshuo is the perfect place to relax after a day filled with some of our favorite AsiaTravel experiences. These could include exploring the village of Xingping, famous for its harmonious setting in the midst of the placid waters of the Li River, or cycling into the karst mountain landscapes for a private painting lesson.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Li’an Lodge

Now onto Li’an Lodge, located in the Longji Rice Terraces area of Guangxi Province. With only 16 rooms, the hotel has a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. Each room is decorated with local Chinese arts and crafts and individually designed so that no room is like another.

The view of the rice terraces from Li’an

RELATED READING: 7 Things to Do in Guilin

Art lovers will delight in the natural beauty of this area, not to mention the wealth of local art available for viewing in and out of the hotel. During the day in Longji, you can hike through the rice terraces and explore local minority villages with your AsiaTravel guide. Then, in the evening you can reflect on your experiences over dinner with a view.

One of the 16 unique rooms at Li’an Lodge

RELATED READING: Why You Should Visit Guizhou and Guangxi’s Villages

This welcoming, one of a kind hotel took eight years to design and complete, resulting in a modern property that blends the real feel of China past and present to suit both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Best Hotels in Guilin – Banyantree Yangshuo

Last but not least, Banyantree Yangshuo. Perhaps the most luxurious option of the three, this hotel is accented by limestone mountains with unforgettable views.

One of the spa treatment rooms at Banyantree Yangshuo

RELATED READING: Top 7 Things to Do in Yangshuo

Guests will never meet a dull moment as your private AsiaTravel guide will lead you on the adventure of a lifetime through the karst landscape and meandering Li River located close to the Banyan Tree. One of the more unusual but unmissable offerings is a cormorant fishing tour, where guests will have a chance to ride a traditional Chinese raft and witness this traditional skill, unique to the Guangxi area.

Guilin welcomes travelers from far and wide and offers a variety of deluxe and elegant accommodations amidst endless options for recreation. If you’re still not sure which hotel will best meet your travel needs, get in touch with one of our experienced trip designers and they’ll help you make the right choice for your trip.

China is home to some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet. From dry deserts to pillar-like mountains, massive rivers to cascading rice terraces – our list of ‘must-sees’ is enough to fill a large notebook.

But with the diversity of natural landscapes and the vast size of the country, you might find it difficult to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve made this helpful guide to the provinces that offer some of the best natural landscapes in China. And what’s even better is that you can visit these destinations in true AsiaTravel fashion – away from the crowds and with truly unique experiences.

RELATED READING: Why You’ll Never Be Bored in Xinjiang

Best Natural Landscapes in China – Northern Xinjiang

Located in the northeast of China, much of Xinjiang is closer to Kazakhstan than Beijing. Northern Xinjiang is home to the other-worldly red sandstone formations commonly known as the ‘Flaming Mountains’. The erosion of the rocks has formed numerous gullies and trenches that make these mountains look like they are ablaze with fire. Add this to the fact that the mountains are the hottest spot in China (they can reach temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit in summer) and it’s not surprising how they got their name.

The region’s prominent ethnic minority population, the Uighurs, believed that a dragon once inhabited this region and left his mark on the land. On our AsiaTravel Northern Xinjiang journey, you’ll be taken far off the beaten path and into these landscapes with a trusted local guide. They’ll tell you all the fantastical stories that this spellbinding terrain has sparked.

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Best Natural Landscapes in China – Qinghai

Southeast of Xinjiang is Qinghai province – one of the largest and most environmentally diverse regions of China. The province’s name comes from Qinghai Lake, the largest of its kind in China. Here you can witness grazing yak, rolling hills, or even bird island – a large rock jutting like a single, rounded tooth from the water, welcoming dozens of birds to rest atop it.

Qinghai is also home to the recently named UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, Hoh Xil Natural Park. Hoh Xil is the largest and highest plateau in the world and the official home of the Tibetan Antelope. Hoh Xil has been making the rounds as one of the hottest new destinations in China, and you can be among the first foreign travelers to see it. On a AsiaTravel journey, you can picnic inside the park and sit down for tea with a local nomadic family.

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Best Natural Landscapes in China – Tibet

The Tibet Autonomous Region is home to many breathtaking natural wonders. You can stand in awe at the magnitude of Mount Everest or stroll along the banks of holy Lake Yamdrok. After a Dalai Lama passes away, Tibetan monks journey to Yamdrok Lake to find the boy in whom the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama has gone to reside. Monks congregate on the lake’s shore to chant and pray. They throw khata, a ceremonial scarf that symbolizes purity, into the lake, and study its reflection to reveal the Dalai Lama’s reincarnated soul.

The beauty of Tibet might even inspire you to capture it in art, and we can arrange for you to do just that at a thangka painting workshop in Lhasa.

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Best Natural Landscapes in China – Gansu

Nestled between the high-altitude Tibetan and Loess plateaus, China’s Gansu Province has been making international headlines as one of Lonely Planet’s 

Suzhou, a small city located just 30 minutes outside Shanghai, is world-renowned for its classical Chinese gardens. Commissioned by wealthy merchants, officials and scholars between the 11th and 19th centuries, these gardens depict China’s most stunning natural landscapes on a miniature scale. Around seventy classical gardens are preserved and open to visitors in Suzhou today. Nine have even been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are our favorites:

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Best Suzhou Gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden

Though the name says humble, this is actually the largest and most famous classical garden in the city. It was created in 1509 and is nearly 14 acres in size. In Humble Administrator’s Garden, you’ll find many interconnecting ponds that flow beneath eloquent stone bridges. Remember though that with fame come crowds, and you’ll likely run into more than a few people at Humble Administrator’s Garden if you visit at the weekend or over a national holiday. Be sure to talk to your AsiaTravel trip designer about the best time to visit.

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Best Suzhou Gardens –  Master of the Nets Garden

First we saw the largest, now let’s talk about the smallest.

Built in the 12th century, Master of the Nets Garden is one of the most impressive demonstrations of a classical garden – a pocket-sized design executed with delicate precision. One sight not to miss is the Rosy Cloud Pool, which is located in the center. The buildings are all assembled around the pool which makes it appear larger than it actually is. The area to the south had been dedicated to social gatherings, while the north was used for intellectual activities. Which one fits your garden-visiting style?

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Best Suzhou Gardens – Great Wave Pavilion

Another of Suzhou’s smaller gardens, Great Wave Pavilion is among the least crowded of the UNESCO awarded gardens. It connects with a free museum and has a more relaxed, secluded vibe. There are 108 “windows” to find around the garden, each with their own ̧unique design. If you’re a fan of serene forests and lotus ponds, you’ll like Great Wave Pavilion.

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Best Suzhou Gardens  – Lingering Garden

Lingering Garden is about 5.8 acres in size and has the archetypical Qing style, complete with beautiful halls and buildings of various size, shapes, and colors. Some of the garden’s halls are used as residences and temples and each section is joined together by long, decorated halls.

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Best Suzhou Gardens – Lion Grove Garden

This garden is famous for its collection of maze-like taihu rocks, a number of which resemble the shape of a lion. There are not many surviving rock gardens from the pages of history so Lion Grove is particularly special. The garden is broken up into two parts: rockery around a central pond, and a housing complex. It also has a maze of paths tunnelling through 21 caves. There is a lot to look out for in Lion Grove which makes it a great option for families. It is one of the more popular classical gardens in Suzhou so visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

The classical gardens of Suzhou are world famous and for good reason. Decades of thought and effort have been poured into them to preserve their history and make them explorable works of art. Plan your visit to Suzhou with one of our experienced travel designers and they’ll not only help you avoid the crowds, they’ll arrange an expert local guide to accompany you along the way.

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Feature Image photo credit: webmasternic7918 on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-ND