Often times while choosing tourist locations for vacations, we think it’s possible to travel the world in one lifetime. However, not only is it impossible but visiting China just once is not enough to soak in all the culture. Incase you didn’t know, China marks for large land mass, massive population, rich history and intriguing culture. Oh! You simply cannot get enough. More so, in terms of beauty, don’t worry, your camera would go off and you won’t have even begun taking pictures of the beautiful historical structures. Because there’s a lot of places of places to visit, we’ve decided to help narrow it down to a cheap 18 so you can have a head start. Therefore, without further ado, let’s jump in to see the most beautiful epic tourist locations in China.

The forbidden city

Let’s take a look into Beijing - the capital of China. Right at the heart of this capital is one of the most epic tourist locations in China called the ‘forbidden city’. It’s a beautiful ancient palace complex that you can’t miss. More so, it’s about 180 acres of premium real estate and has now become the home of the finest artifacts and collections of the Chinese history.

Hongcun Ancient Village

Next we take a look at the Anhui province of China. Quietly sitting in this province is an ancient 900-year-old village named Hongcun. Many art students find this place an inspiration because it’s structures are beautifully distinct. However, only people who are familiar with this beauty go there in search of peace and tranquility. Well, that’s why we’re letting the rest of you know, so that you may visit one of the most peaceful epic tourist locations in China.

The Yellow Mountains

More from the Anhui province - just in between Beijing and Hong Kong lies the most famous of the epic tourist locations in China. Why is it so? Well, because you can find lots of sun rises and seas on cloud there. More so, beautiful pine trees, irregular rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs are wonders to behold there also. This historical piece of attraction is called Mount Huangshan aka Yellow Mount.

The great wall of China

As far into Mongolia is the wall of China located. If you love hiking and you think you’ve hiked it all, try this great wall. Many lovers of physically stimulating activities find this place exciting. Of all the beautiful epic tourist locations in China, the great wall of China is the most recognisable symbol of Chinese history. However, because it’s usually crowded, you may not soak in its complete majestic structure. Notwithstanding, visiting here should be at the top of your must-go while list in China.

Zhangjiajie national forest park

We’re still touring so let’s go over to the west side of the Hunan province where the Zhangjiajie national forest park is located. Among the epic tourist locations in China, this place is truly a magical sight to behold. While here, you can explore lots of beautiful mountains and trees such as the Tianzi mountain, Huangshizhai scenic arena and the Tianmen mountain which is very famous. Therein you’ll also find multiple vertical cliffs, a glass skywalk, as well as crazy cool views. More so, this wonderful attraction has loads of sky bridges, viewpoints, cable cars, as well as trekking trails creating multiple options that are worth exploring.

Jiuzhaigou multicolor lake

Located in the Sichuan province is the great Jiuzhaigou lake - so enormous and colorful. As a matter of fact and beauty, this lake changes color all through the day and year. This happens as a result of the combination of surrounding landscape as well as calcified rocks and algae at the bottom of the lake. Unlike other epic tourist locations in China, the Jiuzhaigou lake is best visited in Autumn - so that you can get a feel and sight for a rainbow of different colors of the lake at once.

Shilin aka the Stone forest

Over to the Yunnan province is a thick forest of limestone rock so high. It’s pretty obvious why it’s called the stone forest as their formation exactly depicts a forest of stones. It covers a whooping 300 square kilometers of real estate where lakes, waterfalls and caves as well as other epic tourist locations in China can be found. This forest is no baby either as it dates back over 270 million years - wow! You wouldn’t want to miss out.

The Terracotta Army

Interesting story - did you know this beautiful work of history was lost and only rediscovered in 1974 by Chinese farmers in the Lintong county of the Shaanxi province, near Xian, China? Well, it’s great they found it right? I would imagine a world without this intriguing piece of history. What’s more was the talent involved - how 8000 army of generals, warriors and horsemen were perfectly and accurately crafted, and kept for over 2000 years. More so, their formation is an absolute wonder to behold. Therefore, this historical place is by far one of the best epic tourist locations in China.

The Bund

In the midst of Chinese crafted historical structures, some European crafted and owned structures stand. These collection of buildings in Shanghai have been collectively named ‘the bund’ becoming one of the epic tourist locations in China. What’s so special? Well, check out those floors around the area. What’s more? Also, during the daytime or at night time, you’re sure to be blown away. More so, you wouldn’t realize how many pictures you’ve taken already.

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve

For a place to be called ‘fairy land on earth’ puts into perspective how awesome such a scene would be. The Huanglong National Scenic Reserve can be counted as one of the eye-catching epic locations in China. This place is characterized by light blue water amidst a series of pools and extends far beyond what the eyes can capture. More so, species such as the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey and giant pandas can be found there.

Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia

The Zhangye Danxia Landform aka ‘painted mountains’ of Danxia is one of the epic tourist locations in China that strikes curiosity in the minds of visitors from all over the world. These layers of exposed rock can be found in the Gobi desert area of the Gansu province of China. However, these mountains are not painted by man. It was discovered that the colors were as a result of traces of different minerals found in these rocks. More so, the combination of these minerals create this explosive field of beautiful rainbow colors.

Huang He aka the yellow river

The Huang He, sometimes called the yellow river, is truly a must see for all tourists. This river flows through nine provinces, and is recorded as the second longest river in China. However, no river is yellow all by itself, so what gives its distinctive yellow color? Well, the combination of silt and dust it collects from the cities surrounding it is responsible for its beautiful yellow color. More so, this fascinating river can be accessed through popular sites such as the Hukou Falls, and the Silk Road Crossing at Lanzhou. Therefore, it truly is a wonder among epic tourist locations in China.

The temple of Heaven

Yes, it’s sacred but just take a look at this beautiful structure - it’s definitely an eye candy. This temple right here is one of the most sacred and revered religious epic tourist locations in China. This beautiful temple located in Beijing, was erected about 600 years ago. The story behind it goes thus: for many centuries, emperors went here to pray for good harvest. This historical heritage is one you mustn’t fail to see.

Fortress Towers

Located in Kaiping, Guangdong are beautiful fortress towers. What is particularly interesting about this location is that it gives you a feel of other foreign places like Islamic, Roman and ancient Greek. It’s almost like you can see most of all European architectural structures just by being there. Which is why it’s inarguably one of the best epic tourist locations in China because it avails the opportunity to experience multiple cultures in one trip. Now for a little history - these towers were erected by Kaipingers who traveled abroad and brought these foreign building styles to China.

Hangzhou west lake

This breathtaking scenic location is also called ‘the next best place to heaven’ and I completely see why. This is truly the most beautiful of all epic tourist locations in China. More so, because of this beautiful lake, the city of Hangzhou has been described as "the city of heaven" and "the finest and most splendid city in the world".

Chengdu Research Base

China is famous for a lot of distinctive things - one of which are giant pandas. You should go see some at the Chengdu Research Base where giant pandas are bred in the Sichuan province. Don’t worry they’re not wild beasts. Meanwhile they’re color and lovable lazy demeanor make this reserve one of the most epic tourist locations in China.

Huashan Plank Trail

If you’re a big lover of taking dangerous risks, then by all means visit the Huashan plank trail. The people that scale this rock have nothing keeping them safe except ropes and hooks. As a matter of fact, it has been termed the ‘world’s deadliest trail’, yet people defy death odds and trail the rock anyway. Some people believe this 40 minute walk is a good test of courage and may effectively deal with any height phobia one may have.

Yalong Bay

Okay! Enough of the serious epic tourist locations in China, let’s have some fun as we visit the Yalong Bay in the Hainan province. At this bay, you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in China covered with soft white sands and sweet palm trees. More so, lots of resorts, local inns and luxury international hotels for chilling and relaxation can be found along the southern coast of this wide beach. Furthermore, if you’re a lover of water sports, here’s a good place to unwind and sweat.

Sources

The Culture Trip - The 14 Most Beautiful Places In China You Didn't Know Existed
Trip On Mag - 25 Epic Locations to Visit in China
Adventure In You - Best Places To Visit In China That You Shouldn’t Miss
Aussie On The Road - The Ultimate China Bucket List: 50 Must See Places to Visit in China
China Highlights - The Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in China
CNN Travel - 40 beautiful places to visit in China
Travel Triangle - 10 Tourist Places To Visit In China For An Epic Oriental Adventure!