Travel
Best Places To Visit In China 2024
May marks the end of China’s vibrant spring season. Many natural scenic regions are transformed by oceans of flowers, and mountains are adorned with lush trees and vegetation.
May is neither too hot nor too cold, making it an excellent time to explore throughout China. We have chosen the top ten destinations to visit in May: 1. Shangri-La 2. Tibet 3. Guilin 4. Chengdu 5. Zhongwei 6. Yangtze River Cruise 7. Silk Road 8. Zhangjiajie 9. Chaozhou 10. Jingdezhe
1. Guilin
The Li River is more beautiful in the brilliant sunshine of May. May is ideal for bamboo rafting on the Yulong River and cycling through Yangshuo‘s countryside. May is also the month for irrigating the Longji Terraced Fields. From mountaintop vantage points, the fields appear as layers upon layers of magnificent mirrors.
There you could:
- Go kayaking to enjoy the cool water and appreciate the karst scenery along the Li River.
- Explore a “mysterious” limestone cave with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites that has never been touched by ordinary tourists.
- Hike among the Longji Terraced Fields, enjoy a lunch with a Yao family, and try some freshly-fried oil tea.
2. Tibet
Tibet is a land of mystery, tranquillity, and rich national heritage. It’s a place to slow down and take in the natural beauty all around. The amazing splendor of nature in Tibet will captivate your imagination. Yamdrok Lake turns turquoise when the sun shines. Tibet is brimming with iconic Tibetan features, including huge Tibetan plateaus, herds of livestock and sheep, bright skies, clean water, and fresh air.
There you could:
- Visit Jokhang Temple, the most holy temple for Tibetan Buddhists, where a lot of devoted pilgrims prostrate themselves near the front gate.
- Explore Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, a quiet but active convent where females study Buddhism.
- Take photos with a yak or Tibetan mastiff by the Yamdrok lakeside.
3. Shangri-La
Shangri-La, located on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet, has breathtaking natural landscape that will make you think of heaven. Shangri-La is pale green in the spring and brightly colored in the summer. Snowy mountains, lush forests, verdant grasslands, and pastoral settlements provide a quiet and tranquil environment. Aside from its breathtaking natural beauty, Shangri-La’s multicultural culture is a big draw. The Tibetans are the majority ethnic group there, and they still practice their traditional lifestyle and customs.
There you could:
- Experience a Tibetan ceremony of blessing behind Songzanlin Monastery, which is not seen by ordinary tourists.
- Visit a non-public dormitory of Songzanlin Monastery.
- Stay in a tent on a mountain pasture where local Tibetan people live and learn about their lifestyle.
4. Chengdu
May is a beautiful month to visit Chengdu, with new spring hues all around. Meeting the adorable pandas and enjoying a hotpot feast and other traditional foods in Chengdu are must-do activities. Chengduers enjoy in Renmin Park in the beautiful spring sunshine. They drink tea, play mahjong, and get a traditional teahouse ear massage.
There you could:
- Meet the cuddly pandas in the Panda Breeding and Research Center.
- Visit the last farmers’ market in Chengdu, learn how to how to bargain like a local, and try some local snacks.
- Enjoy a panda afternoon tea and a bird’s-eye view of Tianfu Square.
5. Zhongwei
In the spring, when everyone goes to appreciate the flowers, a vacation to the desert stands out as discerning for more than just hay fever patients. Zhongwei’s fortunate and strategic location has provided it with features like as vast deserts and green hills, the Yellow River, and an oasis. At the same time, you can participate in a variety of exciting activities, such as sand slides and camel rides.
There you could:
- Experience dune bashing, sand sledding, camel trekking, and sheepskin rafting in Shapotou.
- Experience sheepskin navigation on the Yellow River.
- Enjoy wine tasting and an organic lunch in peace with a view of the vineyard.
6. The Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze River is one of the greatest places to escape the crowds on May Day, offering a reasonably tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. The vegetation in the highlands and steep cliffs along the Yangtze River are lush.
There you could:
- Appreciate the marvelous gorge scenery from the deck
- Have a cup of coffee or glass of wine bathed in the breeze
- Have a wonderful welcome banquet and talk with people from all over the world
7. The Silk Road
Along the Silk Road, from Xi’an to Kashgar, you will encounter fascinating scenery, as well as historical and cultural monuments.
There you could:
- Bask in history and art in the Mogao Caves
- Take instagrammable photos with the rainbow mountains in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
- Discover Kashgar Old City — the only traditional historical district with typical characteristics of Xinjiang that is being preserved
8. Zhangjiajie
The hilly scenery in Zhangjiajie is distinctive and spectacular, and it is even more lovely and romantic amid the misty rain and fog of early summer.
There are less people around during this season, which makes it more peaceful. If you want to get away from it all, this could be the season for you.
- Escape the crowds entirely and enjoy the scenery on an off-the-beaten track route.
- Bike around the beautiful and non-touristy side of Tianmen Mountain.
- Experience via ferrata (cable-safe cliff challenges) at Hongyanling (Red Rock Ridge).
- Try bungee jumping on the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
9. Chaozhou
Chaozhou acquired a gastronomic culture that dates back to the Qin (2,200 years ago) and Song (1,000 years ago) dynasties. It’s a foodie’s dream, with everything from delectable Teochew beef hot pot to fresh fish dumplings, crispy spring rolls, and innovative fermented bean curd cakes. There’s more to explore than only food culture, including a rich history and unique folk customs.
There you could:
- Enjoy amazing Chaozhou cuisine in Paifang Street.
- Taste Chaozhou kung fu tea and watch Chaozhou opera in a teahouse in Chaozhou Old Town.
- Explore Guangji Bridge, one of the greatest creations in China’s history of bridge construction, while you take in Chaozhou’s history.
10. Jingdezhen
A thousand-year-old village in southern China is called after the reign of the Jingde emperor during the Song Dynasty. It creates a beautiful and valuable product whose English name is synonymous with China, including its namesake. Welcome to Jingdezhen.
Porcelain (commonly known as china) is the essence and vitality of Jingdezhen. Jingdezhen is a must-see for anybody who loves china and porcelain.
There you could:
- Visit the Museum of Porcelain, which will take you through China’s porcelain history.
- Create some porcelain of your own under the guidance of a master.
- Visit Yaoli Ancient Town and find the secret ingredients of porcelain.