china tourist hotspots

The best of China: 14 places you won’t want to miss

Feb 21, 2024 • 5 min read

From vibrant cities to jaw-dropping natural wonders like Zhangjiajie, here are the places in China you won’t want to miss © siraphat / Shutterstock

In  China , antiquity and heritage meet 21st-century innovation and lighting-fast development.

This is a country packed with highlights – so many that it might be hard to craft a manageable itinerary. Start by immersing yourself in one of China's gigantic, sprawling cities – which contain plenty of frantic energy, but hidden pockets of serenity, too. Take a break from the crush by soaking up China's natural scenery – think jagged peaks and pine forests draped in a sea of mist that look like they've been lifted straight from one of the country's masterpiece scroll paintings. As one of the world's most ancient civilizations, China also offers wonderful opportunities to explore astounding relics from its millennia of history. 

Don't know where to start? Whether you dream of gilded temples, boisterous urban environments, fabulous food or the wonders of the Great Wall, here are our picks of the best places to visit in China.

One of the world's greatest cities and China's absolute can't-miss destination, Beijing is home to many of China's big-ticket attractions: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square , the Summer Palace and more. But its appeal goes well beyond blockbuster sights. Get lost among its labyrinth of traditional hutongs (alleyways), marvel at its cutting-edge modern architecture, feast on Peking duck and a million other dishes from across the country, check out the local indie music scene, admire Ming-dynasty ceramics, drop by a traditional teahouse or enjoy a boisterous evening sampling the local baijiu  (sorghum wine).

2. Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

Along the ancient Silk Road, the atmospheric frontier town of Dunhuang is home to one of the world's most important collections of Buddhist art. Among more than 490 Buddhist caves in the area, the mural and statue-filled Mogao Grottoes represent perhaps the zenith of Buddhist artistry in China.

3. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

One of China's most famous treks, this 22km (14-mile)  hiking trail winds through a World Heritage-listed gorge in Yunnan that is one of Asia's most striking landscapes. Framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic Jinshajiang River, the natural monument plunges to depths of 3900m (12,795ft), making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

4. Le Shan, Sichuan

Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the monumental 1200-year old Buddha image  at Le Shan is carved directly into the rock face. World Heritage–listed, the extraordinary monument stands 71m (233ft) tall and 28m (92ft) wide, making it the largest ancient Buddha in the world. Whether you're spiritually included or not, coming face to face with this sculpture is quite a moving experience.

5. Shanghai

Glitzy, elegant, historic and cosmopolitan: everything you've heard about Shanghai is true. Just take a stroll through the French Concession or along the Bund , and you'll see for yourself. From the grand display of 1920s architecture to the city's sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars to the sci-fi neon-lit skyscrapers across the bay, Shanghai is the past and future China brought to vivid life.

6. The Great Wall

Snaking through China's majestic mountainous terrain, the spectacular  Great Wall is the nation's most iconic landmark. Built over two millennia, this awe-inspiring, 21,196km-long (13,170-mile-long) fortification is a true marvel of human accomplishment. In fact, it's not one wall but many, stretching from the east coast all the way to the far western desert. The most easily accessible stretches can be reached by car from Beijing.

With its charming teahouses, lively nightlife and fiery Sichuan food, Chengdu is one of China's most popular cities for travelers. But most folk visit here for one reason: pandas. And while you'd be very lucky to spot one in the wild, sightings are guaranteed at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base . Other draws of this inland regional capital include temples, pavilions and museums devoted to the culture of the ancient Shu kingdom.

8. Karst peaks, Guilin

Spanning the distance from Guilin to Yangshou , the picture-perfect karst-limestone peaks offer an extraordinary backdrop to the scenic Li River and rice paddies. Grab a bicycle or board a raft to tour this beautiful countryside, passing farmers and water buffalo along the way.

9. Guangzhou

This vibrant and dynamic  megacity is one of China's most fascinating hubs. You'll find an intriguing mix of old and new in a city where skyscrapers nudge the clouds, and monks shuffle around 1500-year-old Buddhist temples. But it's the Cantonese cuisine that lures in many, with some of the finest dim sum in all of China.

10. Longji Rice Terraces, Guangxi

You'll find rice paddies all over China – but few are as spectacular as the ones in Longji , built against a backdrop of lush mountains. Walks here lead to viewpoints overlooking sculpted, iridescent green terraces with swirling patterns resembling the contours of a giant thumbprint.

11. Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an

Unearthed in Xi'an by unsuspecting rural workers in 1974, this enigmatic army of life-sized statues remains of the world's most remarkable archaeological finds. Dating back 2200 years, they were built to protect the underground tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Needless to say, meeting the warriors face to face is an experience you'll never forget.

12. Xi'an

In a country where cities seemingly spring up overnight, this is one of the oldest and grandest. Known to most for its extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an is also remarkable in its own right – notably as the beginning of the Silk Road, a trade route with a legacy that remains intact within its atmospheric Muslim Quarter .

13. Zhangjiajie

Rising dramatically from the subtropical forests of northwest Hunan , the pinnacle rock formations of  Zhangjiajie inspired the scenery in the film Avatar (2009). Take it all in as you walk over a vertiginous glass-bottom suspension bridge floating 300m (984ft) above ground. If that's not daring enough, you can bungee jump off it, too.

14. Forbidden City, Beijing

Among China's imperial sights, none can compare in size, grandeur or mystique to Beijing's Forbidden City . Built between 1406 and 1420, this sprawling palace was off-limits for 500 years until the overthrow of the last Qing emperor in 1911. Today, it's very much open to the public, attracting nearly 20 million visitors each year. Despite the crowds, its massive scale remains humbling.

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Feb 21, 2024.

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The five-thousand-year civilization has endowed China with heavy historical atmosphere. The vast territory of the nation is also abounds with different natural landscapes. There are lots of classic China tourist attractions worth taking in. Here is a list of the top 10 China tourist attractions, which can help you in planning your China holiday better.

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Best Places to Visit for Expats in China

No matter you are in China for business, study or permanent living, you are highly suggested to make maximize use of your weekends and holidays to explore this wonderful country. Maybe getting up close to the incredible landscapes is your preference? Are you interested in the unique culture of the Great Wall, Kung Fu and ancient army? Or do you want to take your taste buds on a trip by sampling Chinese specialties? China offers all of this and more.

Here are up-to-date lists of Best Places to Visit in China for China Expats . All are voted completely by over 20,000 foreigners in China.

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Best China Tours for Expats in China:

• ☛ 3 Days Classic Zhangjiajie Natural Wonders Tour
• ☛ 2 Days Leisure Chengdu Private Tour with Panda Visit
• ☛ 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour
• ☛ 4 Days Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour (Silk Road Short Break)

For Nature Lovers

Have you been yearning to nature for a long time? China has everything for you, from the majestic gorges to towering Kast Mountains, magical avatar mountains to holy snow mountains, breathtaking Yellow Mountain to beautiful Rainbow Mountains, stunning rivers to pure alpine lakes, otherworldly stone forest to spectacular waterfalls, and so on.

• Guilin Guilin's Scenery is the best under heaven! This ideal place always drives tourists crazy with majestic Karst Hills, emerald rivers…
• Yellow Mountain "No mountain is worth seeing after a trip to Yellow Mountain". Yellow Mountain, or called Huangshan, is the most beautiful mountain in China!
• Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains are calling! Here in Zhangjiajie, you can get up close to thousands of magical Avatar pillars!

• Guizhou Guizhou has China's largest waterfall - Huangguoshu Waterfalls, a rising star among mountaineers - Fanjingshan…

• Daocheng Yading Daocheng is praised as the Last Pure Land on Our Planet! It has superb snow mountains, ice glaciers, alpine lakes, valleys…
• Hangzhou When it comes to the most beautiful lake in China, Hangzhou West Lake usually tops the list. Mountains of tea plantations in this city are also amazing!
• Kunming Kunming, the spring city with pleasant weather all year round, is also rich in natural wonders like the stone forest, red land…

Best China Tours for Nature Lovers

• ☛ 3 Days Classic Jiuzhaigou Tour
• ☛ 4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Huangshan Highlights Leisure Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Classic Fanjingshan Tour
• ☛ 5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour

For Chinese History & Culture Fans

With as long as 5,000 years of history, China has abundant of cultural museums and heritages to explore. It is because of its long history and splendid culture that every year China attracts flocks of visitors to come and travel around. If you are also Chinese culture fans, simply visiting museums isn’t always enough. You’ll get the most satisfactions out of ruins of ancient times in front of you and visiting places that once the capital and prosperous hub in the past. Getting close to its historic cities and sites is like opening a door to trace the mysterious and splendid past. And in China, the cities below are the top picks to trace its past.

• Beijing From the world-class Great Wall to spectacular Forbidden City, Beijing, of course, always tops the travel list of Chinese culture fans.

• Lijiang Lijiang Old Town is one of the four best well-preserved ancient towns in the whole China. Lijiang also has Baisha Village, Shuhe Ancient Village…

• Suzhou "Suzhou Gardens are the finest under heaven". Suzhou City has a flavor of elegance everywhere, from the classic gardens to water towns, silk factories to ancient streets…
• Foshan Fungfu Fans? Why not add Foshan, the Hometown of Marital Arts, into your trip? You can learn the stories of many martial arts masters here, including Bruce Lee!
• Shaolin Temple Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu that you see in many Kung Fu movies. Here, you can join the Kung Fu classes and enjoy Kung Fu shows.
• Kaili If you are curious about the minority culture in China, or want to visit some well-preserved minority villages, Kaili is one of the best choices.
• Leshan Leshan Giant Buddha is a must-visit for all Buddhist devotees. This stone Buddha is the tallest in the world!

Best China Tours for Chinese History & Culture Fans

• ☛ 2 Days Beijing Layover Highlights Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Romantic Lijiang Tour with Visits to Naxi Kingdom
• ☛ 3 Days Essence of Luoyang Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Best Dunhuang Culture and Scenery Tour
• ☛ 3 Days Kaili Minority & Cultural Experience Tour with Xijiang Miao Village

For Families

If you are in China with your kids and searching for places to spend your weekends and holidays, choices are a lot. You can visit the China Icons like Great Wall and pandas, sail the picturesque Yangtze River or Li River and marvel at the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie and so on.

• Xian Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda , Bell Tower, Drum Tower… Everyone can have fun in Xian.
• Yangtze River The classic Yangtze River cruises take 4~5 days. If you have more days, you can have an in-depth visit of 11~15 days. Everything is perfectly arranged for your family.

• Zhangjiajie Floating Avatar Mountains, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Yellow Dragon Cave, nearby tranquil Fenghuang Ancient Town…
• Chengdu Everyone loves adorable Pandas! And in Chengdu, you can not only admire their lovely looks in a distance but also be a one-day keeper to feed them...
• Yangshuo Guilin’s scenery is the best under earth, and the landscape in Yangshuo is the best in Guilin. Yangshuo is an ideal place to take a glimpse of Chinese countryside!

• Xiashuangbanna Featured with large groups of plants and wild animals and a strong flavor of tropical and South East Asian, Xishuangbanna is a popular tourist land for families.

Best China Tours for Families

• ☛ 4 Days Beijing Family Tour with Kids Fun
• ☛ 2 Days Xian City Break
• ☛ 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour
• ☛ Days Best Shanghai Family Holiday Tour

For Hiking Aficionados

Looking for some amazing accesses to wonderful mountains, gorges and so on by your steps? No matter you are beginners or experienced hikers, China can perfectly fulfill your dreams. There are notable great wall, popular Yellow Mountain, adventurous Mount Kailash, little-known Yubeng and so forth for you to choose!

• Great Wall "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man"! There are top 7 sections of great walls are calling, including Mutianyu, Jinshaling, Badaling, Simatai, etc.

• Tiger Leaping Gorge The Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trail is one of the most famous routes in the world! It is a totally natural one winding through the hillside and cliffs high above a gorgeous gorge.

• Mount Siguniang The beautiful Mount Siguniang provides diverse of hiking opportunities, from leisure hiking to top professional hiking to the summits of Snow Mountains.

Best China Tours for Hiking Aficionados

• ☛ 2 Days Mutianyu and Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
• ☛ 3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour
• ☛ 2 Days Mount Emei Leisure Hiking Tour from Chengdu
• ☛ 3 Days Xian Mount Huashan Leisure Tour

For Foodies

Every city in China offers diverse delicious dining options. You can of course treat your taste mud with excellent dishes in the city you are living or working. However, if you want some authentic tastes of specialties of different regions, you can head to Chengdu for Sichuan Cuisine dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, to Chongqing for Nine-grid hot pot, to Shunde for excellent Cantonese Cuisine, to Xian for various kinds of cooked wheaten food…

• Chengdu Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan, the province where many notable dishes like including Mapo Tofu, Twice Cooked Pork and Gong Bao (yes Kung Pow) Chicken originate.

• Beijing Everyone knows Beijing Roast Duck! Instant-boiled Mutton is also delicious. You may also like the unique Fermented Mung Bean Juice, Rolling Donkey, Pea Flour Cake…

• Chongqing The hot pot meals in Chongqing, the Hot Pot City in China, are considered to the best and most beloved. You can throw almost any ingredient into the hotpot.

Best China Tours for Foodies

• ☛ 2 Days Best Chengdu Food Tour with City Sightseeing
• ☛ 5 Days Brilliant Lingnan Culture & Food Tour
• ☛ 4 Days Beijing Food Hunting Tour

For Photography Enthusiasts

Photography is a great way to record the beautiful China and forever keep your memories during your travels in China. No matter you are professional photospheres with superb photographic "guns" or shutterbugs who just want some interesting Instagram images, China never let you down. From the sprawling mountains to the scenic beaches, idyllic rice terraces to never-ending meadows, China is full of great places to press your shutter.

• Longji Rice Terraces Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin is not only famous for its huge size and traditional minority culture, but also unique terraces in amazing shapes of moons, phoenixes, dragons...

Best China Tours for Photography Enthusiasts

• ☛ 4 Days Xiapu Mudflat Photography Tour
• ☛ 4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Awesome Photography Tour

For Modern Charms Philatelists

Looking forward to visit the modern cities to experience the rapid development of China or to feel the most state-of-the-art high-techs? There are also a lot of recommendations in China.

• Hong Kong From high-end shopping malls to colorful recreation venues, luxury cruises to stunning skyline, every corner in Hong Kong gives you perfect explanations about modern.
• Shenzhen Shenzhen is regarded as an incubator for cutting-edge design, a rule-breaking tech hub and a bastion of next-gen urbanism. High-tech stories usually starts here!
• Guangzhou Guangzhou is at the forefront of modern living, but is not that crazy as Shanghai and Shenzhen. Shopping and dining sprees there are great!

Best China Tours for Modern Charms Philatelists

• ☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
• ☛ 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour
• ☛ 2 Days Shenzhen Short Stay Tour with All Essences

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Recommended China Tours for Expats 2024

This is the most popular China tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai to visit the most iconic China attractions - Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, etc., and explore great of both China’s past and present.

With the Golden Triangle plus the fabulous Karst and countryside scenery of Guilin, this tour leads you to top 4 destinations anyone cannot miss out in China especially for the first-timers.

Travel from north to south China, meet stunning nature and culture, urban and countryside scenery with relaxing cruise experience on the beautiful Yangtze River.

Coverinng top highlights in China to please your eyes, ease your spirit, witness grand and beautiful landscape in special ways.

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  • 55 Places to Visit in China

  China Tourist Places

  Quick navigation, must places to visit in china, the great wall of china.

  

  Forbidden City

  

  Imperial Palace

  

  The Terracotta Army, Xi'an

  

  The Summer Palace

  

  Li River, Guilin

  

  Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

  

  Yangtze River and the Three Gorges

  

  Best of Malaysia

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Hangzhou's Historic West Lake

  

  The Mausoleum of Light

  

  Leshan Giant Buddha

  

  Hong Kong Skyline

  

  Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  

  Places to Visit in Beijing

  Tiananmen square.

  

  Best of Hong Kong

  

  Beijing Capital Museum And The National Centre For The Performing Arts

  

  Beijing Ancient Observatory

  

  National Museum Of China

  

  The Temple Of Heaven

  

  Great Wall Of Badaling

  

  The Fayuan Temple

  

  Shichahai Rents Out Ice Skates

  

  Best of Japan

  

  Places to Visit in Shanghai

  Nanjing road.

  

  Oriental Pearl Tower

  

  The construction of the Oriental Pearl Tower was completed in 1995 and it is the second tallest tower in China. This tower is surrounded by Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge, creating an amazing view of twin dragons playing with pearls. The unique architecture of this TV and radio tower makes it one of the most attractive places in Shanghai. It is surrounded by green grassland on all sides, making it even more photographic. You can travel up and down the tower in its double-decker elevator and enjoy the view from any of its six observation decks. Location: 1 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai, China Entry Fee: 120 CNY onwards per head Timings: 8 AM to 9:30 PM

  Shanghai Museum

  

  Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

  

  Shanghai Auto Museum

  

  Madame Tussauds

  

  Longhua Temple And Pagoda

  

  Best of Tokyo

  

  Places to Visit in Guilin

  Longji rice terrace.

  

  Reed Flute Cave

  

  Elephant Trunk Hill

  

  Yangshuo West Street

  

  Gudong Waterfall

  Places to visit in xi’an, xi'an city wall.

  

  Shaanxi History Museum

  

  Best of Macau

  

  Mt. Huashan

  

  Xian Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque

  

  Bell & Drum Towers

  

  Hanyang Tomb

  

  Hanyang Tomb is a wonderful cultural site with more interesting and engaging spots of Terracotta Warriors. This well-structured site mustered with the emperor’s tomb, empress’ tomb along with burial pits and human sacrifice graveyard. The Burial Pits , popularly known as the underground museum or on site subterranean museum, is a worth visiting place in Hanyang Tomb with it's awesome site to walk on the glass floors to view the terracotta smaller scale people of factual values. Location: Weicheng District, Xianyang, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China

  Places to Visit in Guangzhou

  Shangxiajiu pedestrian street.

  

  Chimelong Paradise

  

  Sacred Heart Cathedral

  

  Canton Tower

  

  Best of Beijing

  

  Shamian Island

  

  Guangdong Museum

  

  Pearl River

  

  The Pearl River Delta has a bodacious leading role having an important strategic status in the overall effort of China to pursue economic and social development.   It is called Pearl River as the pearl-colored shells lie at the bottom of the river in the section that flows through the city of Guangzhou. Pearl River area is one of the best Places in China bustling with industrial estate yet you'll find the rising of China Pink Dolphins in massive groups floating on the bay. Heading over to the Pearl River, you will get a chance to enjoy night cruising with your loved ones, guided cycle tour of Guangzhou, and a famous Skywalk glass bridge tour. You can also take a day tour to capture the glimpses of alluring natural beauty all around. 

  Other Places to Visit in China

  

  Huangguoshu Waterfall

  

  Shilin Stone Forest

  

  People Also Ask About China

  Which are the best places to visit in china with family.

  1. Forbidden City: Forbidden city is one of the ancient Places to Visit in China that nestles in the heart of Beijing. The city is spread over an area of 180 acres and is home to some of the finest artifacts and collections that take you back in the timeline of Chinese History. 2. Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army site is home to more than 8000 strong army frozen in time for almost 2000 years in the past. Heading over to one of the heritage Places to Visit in China, you will be able to witness the entire army with generals, warriors, and horsemen. This site is dedicated to the lost soldiers of Qin Shi Huang- the first known emperor of China. 3. Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven is considered to be one of the most sacred and revered religious Places to Visit in China. Constructed before 600 years in Beijing, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heading over to this place, you will be able to find the symbolism of Taoism. This place is also very much popular among the photographers as its backdrop lets them capture stunning snaps. 4. Great Wall Of China: The Great wall of China happens to be one of the most talked about architectural marvels in the world. The 6000 km long wall built about 2000 years in the past is definitely a paradise for history and architecture lovers.

  What can you do in China in 3 days?

  1. Boating On River Li: Cruising on the River Li for a period of 4 - 5 hours is surely one of the very first things that you can try out during your China trip. You will have a comfortable experience while kayaking on the river with your loved ones. You can also try out bamboo rafting from Yangshuo on River Li to witness the beautiful and scenic backdrop. 2. Interact With The Cute Pandas: Interacting with the pandas is one of the fun filled things that you do during your trip to China. Capturing the movements of these black and white fluffy animals munching, climbing, and hanging on the bamboo groves are truly adorable. 3. Hike The Floating Mountains: Hiking through the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most sought after activities as it mimics the floating mountain in Avatar. You will get to hike around the stunning park with clouds surrounding you. 4. Taste The Hot Pot Of Sichuan: During your stay in China, you must make sure that you taste some of the local cuisines which are known for its fiery flavour. You can try out the hot pot of Sichuan Broth which is known for its color and spicy taste.

  What is the best time to visit China?

  How to reach china.

  By Air: China has got a well connected flight network with the rest of the world. You will get plenty of direct flights to the international airports located in Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Xiamen. Some of the common flight operators to China are China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines. By Road: You can reach China from many of its neighbouring countries by bus or by a hired vehicle. You can reach China through Karakoram Highway from Pakistan, Tibet from Nepal, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. By Water: China can be easily reached by ships from Kobe in Japan and the west coast of Korea. There are regular ferry services between Osaka in Japan and Shanghai, Weihai, Qingdao, Tianjin and Shanghai in China to Incheon in Korea, Hong Kong and Macau, and many others.

  What are the requirements for Chinese Visa?

  Here are the requirements for a Chinese Visa: - Passport - Photographs - Letter of Invitation - Proof of State Residency - Visa Central Order Form - Visa Application Form - Travel Record - Health Declaration - Authorization Letter

  

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  17 Best Places to Visit in China

  By Carl Austin · Last updated on June 17, 2024

  Vast and diverse, China is a giant of a travel destination. With more megacities than any other country in the world, as well as the country with the largest population, any visit to this Asian giant is a beguiling and engaging mix of charming traditional culture and modernity.

  With 53 diverse ethnic groups and more than 292 spoken languages, each destination in China is different from the last.

  Visitors making their first trip to China usually stick to the larger cities. More experienced visitors to the Middle Kingdom will strike out in other directions, where traveling may be a bit more frustrating because of the language barrier, but most definitely doable for independent travelers. With so much on offer, the only problem is how to fit all the best places to visit in China into just one trip?

  17. Kunming

  

  Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is the economic, transportation and cultural center of southwest China. It is linked by rail from all of China’s major cities as well as with Vietnam ; the rail link with Hanoi was established in 1901. Caravans to Southeast Asia, Tibet and India have passed through Kunming since the third century BC.

  Kunming’s mild climate makes it a good place to visit any time of the year. It has cool, dry winters though summers can be hot and humid. Growing conditions are great for flowers , with more than 400 varieties grown here.

  The camellia is the city’s official flower. The city also is known for its lush green parks, such as Cuihu (Green Lake) Park with its waterways and winding paths. Younger travelers may enjoy a visit to Daguan Park because of its funfair and food stalls.

  In addition to its own charms, Kunming serves as a base from which to explore the rainbow of ethnic minority in the area. The most well known nationalities are the Dai, Bai and Naxi. Another popular day trip is to the Shilin Stone Forest that has been known as the “first wonder of the world” since the Ming Dynasty. Located 120 km (75 miles) from Kunming, the stone forest features awesome rock formations in various formations.

  

  Located on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, Macau is a major gambling destination that is home to luxury resorts, glitzy casinos , and world-class entertainment. The city is set on the South China Sea, not far from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and is known as the ‘Vegas of China’.

  As the Portuguese ruled it for four centuries, Macau exhibits a fascinating mix of Chinese and Portuguese customs and cuisines. Interesting historic sights also abound, with churches, temples, and fortresses found among the colorful colonial-era buildings of Old Macau .

  While the Macau Peninsula has lots of important landmarks and several fantastic museums on offer, most people come for its casinos. These are not only home to every type of slot machine and gambling game imaginable but lots of restaurants, bars and hotels. In addition, they sport large shopping complexes and their theaters put on lots of mesmerizing performances and music concerts.

  15. Tiger Leaping Gorge

  

  Cutting dramatically through the rugged landscapes of Yunnan Province, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest, most scenic, and spectacular river canyons on Earth. Located just to the north of Lijiang, the gorge follows the Jinsha River as it passes terraced farms, quiet villages, and snow-capped peaks.

  Stretching around 16 kilometers, the gorge winds between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, both towering to more than 5,000 meters. Together, the majestic mounts and Tiger Leaping Gorge make for some of China’s most arresting natural sights and scenery, with breathtaking views on offer.

  Due to its natural beauty , hiking along the gorge’s narrow trail is increasingly popular; this takes you past roaring rapids, sparkling waterfalls , and rugged cliffs. In addition, you can stay in secluded villages and guesthouses to learn more about the Naxi people’s rich culture and history.

  

  Located in Sichuan Province in southwest China, Leshan lies at the spot where the Dadu, Min and Qingyi rivers meet. The city is home to the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world and known for its proximity to the Mount Emei Scenic Area’s lovely scenery and historical attractions.

  Although often overlooked, Leshan has an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options, and boasts a thriving culinary scene. Scattered around town are many interesting sights, such as the famous writer Guo Moruo’s Former Residence and the Oriental Buddha Park, home to thousands of amazing statues and carvings.

  The main reason people visit, however, is for the Leshan Giant Buddha , which towers to a staggering 71-metres. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the stunning sandstone sculpture is hewn out of the solid cliff face and looks out over the Min and Dadu rivers. Lying nearby is Leshan’s other highlight, Mount Emei , home to 76 Buddhist monasteries and plenty of lovely natural scenery and wildlife.

  

  Long famed for its elegance, beauty, and culture, Suzhou lies just to the northeast of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province. Set on the shores of Lake Tai and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the city is full of pretty canals and stone bridges; leading to its nickname, the ‘ Venice of the East ‘.

  Although in recent years, China’s rapid development has seen a myriad of modern buildings spring up, Suzhou still boasts age-old pagodas and scenic streetscapes. The city has four classical gardens, with the Lingering Gardens , with its four distinct sections, is considered a masterpiece garden in China.

  The gardens are delightful to stroll around and feature rocks, trees, pavilions, and lakes, all harmoniously put together. The Grand Canal , which connects Beijing and Hangzhou, runs through Suzhou, spawning a network of canals throughout the old city.

  Founded over 2,500 years ago, Suzhou is a major center of Wu culture and was at one point the capital of the kingdom of the same name. As such, impressive historical sights can be found around town, while a number of excellent museums shine a light on its fascinating history and heritage.

  12. Lijiang

  

  Nestled away in the northwest of Yunnan Province, Lijiang is a pleasant and picturesque place with a timeless look and feel. Once the capital of a small kingdom, the city boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in China and is a popular tourist destination.

  At the heart of Lijiang lies its magnificent Old Town , home to pretty canals, old stone bridges, and winding cobbled streets. Its myriad of beautiful wooden buildings exhibit elegant traditional architecture, with the expansive Mu Palace complex being a highlight. Hidden away among its narrow alleys are some charming tea shops and restaurants for you to try.

  Besides its many historical sights, Lijiang is noted for being the main center of the Naxi people ; their rich culture and heritage is on show wherever you go. At the cultural hall, for instance, you can enjoy a traditional music performance, while a number of interesting and informative museums can be found around town.

  11. Wulingyuan

  

  Located just outside the small city of Zhangjiajie in northwest Hunan Province, Wulingyuan boasts some of the most impressive and spectacular landscapes in China. Part of the Wuling Mountain Range , the scenic area is particularly famous for the thousands of pillars and peaks that punctuate the park.

  Often shrouded in mist, these karst formations look incredible, and many of them tower over two hundred meters high. Covered in sub-tropical rainforest, they rise above plunging ravines and deep gorges , with sparkling rivers, lakes, and waterfalls found here and there. In addition, the park is home to countless caves and Tianqiashengkong – one of the highest natural bridges on Earth.

  Hiking around Wulingyuan’s awe-inspiring landscapes really is a treat, and many of its narrow trails pass along steep clifftops and death-defying drops. From its picturesque and at times perilous paths, you can enjoy exquisite panoramas of the park’s unique landscapes.

  

  Lying on the shores of the shimmering Erhai Lake with magnificent mountains rising all around it, Dali has long been a popular tourist destination. Located in Yunnan Province, the small city is mostly known for its scenic setting, rich cultural heritage and lovely old town.

  Over the centuries, Dali was the capital of several kingdoms, so interesting and impressive historical and cultural landmarks can be found around town.

  

  Most of the beautiful buildings in the old town date to the Ming Dynasty, with its ancient city walls, Three Pagodas , and Chongsheng Temple counting among its main sights.

  Many great museums are also scattered around, while the lake and nearby mountains offer a wealth of outdoor recreation activities. Hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing in the Cangshan Mountains are all very popular, while Erhai Lake’s shores are home to secluded and scenic villages and ancient towns and temples.

  9. Jiuzhaigou

  

  Jiuzhaigou Valley is a place that will appeal to travelers who enjoy the great outdoors and like their scenery pristine and uncluttered. A national park in Sichuan Province, it is home to several Tibetan villages , offering visitors a chance to see another lifestyle without having to brave the high altitudes of the Himalayan region. The region’s name means “nine Tibetan villages.”

  The national park has been described as a fairyland because of its many waterfalls ; snow-covered karst mountains, and its 108 blue, turquoise and green colored lakes that are so crystal clear one can see the bottoms. It is also the habitat of giant pandas, though the chances of seeing them are slim due to the park’s size and the number of tourists.

  8. Hangzhou

  

  Hangzhou is the capital city of the Zhejiang Province . Famed for its natural scenery, Hangzhou and its West Lake have been immortalized by countless poets and artists. In the 13th century Marco Polo described the city as the most beautiful and magnificent in the world.

  Hangzhou’s most famous sight, West Lake is a large lake separated by causeways and lined with ancient buildings and gardens designed for relaxation and spirituality. Visitors will find pagodas, temples, walking paths, sitting areas, tea farms and a museum along its shores and sometimes jutting over the water. Tea is an important part of the West Lake experience. Dragon Well tea produced there is one of the most famous teas in China.

  While West Lake arguably offers the best that Hangzhou has to offer in terms of Chinese architecture, gardening and landscapes, Xixi National Wetland Park features a traditional temple and several homes, as well as a being a good representation of local wildlife and its habitat. The Botanical Garden and zoo provide typical city entertainment, but in a distinctly Chinese setting.

  7. Yangshuo

  

  Yangshuo in south China was once a magnet for backpackers because of its cheap prices and laid-back atmosphere, but today it draws all sorts of travelers to enjoy its scenic beauty.

  Yangshuo makes a good base to take day trips throughout the area. A favorite activity is to take a boat between Yangshuo and Guilin for a leisurely trip on the Li River, known for its beautiful scenery and karst mountains that have been made famous by photographers and painters all over the world. Many travelers choose to rent bicycles for the trip back, since the route is relatively flat and gives them the opportunity to view farmers toiling in their fields.

  Yangshuo’s other famous sites include Moon Hill, so called because a huge hole in the hill resembles a moon; Assembling Dragon Cave , named after the dragon-shaped peaks that surround it, and taking a class in Chinese from one of Yangshuo’s many language schools.

  

  Lhasa is one of the most important cities in Tibet and one of the highest elevated in the world at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). Lhasa, in spite of its absorption into greater China, has retained much of its culture. During the 7th century, Tibet was unified under Songtsen Gampo, who built a palace on Mount Mapori. Over time, Lhasa went in and out of being the capital of Tibet, but it has always remained an important spiritual center.

  Lhasa is very important to Tibetan history and is located meaningfully in a Himalayan Mountain valley. The city is home to the Potala Palace , which was the former home of the Dalai Lama. It was constructed on the Red Hill more than 360 years ago. It is composed of two parts, the White Palace, where the Dalai Lama lived, and the Red Palace, where religious study and practice took place.

  Another palace in Lhasa is Norbulingka , built in 1755. It was the Dalai Lama’s summer palace before his exile. Most noteworthy are the palace’s gardens, which stretch nearly 90 acres with the sprawling palace. Other tourist opportunities include visiting Jokhang Market or Chokpori, one of the four sacred mountains of Tibet. To shop traditional wares and souvenirs, go to Barkhor Street .

  Lhasa is also still clearly a city under occupation, with armed soldiers standing for the lookout on street corners and rooftops, and constant patrols throughout the city. Non-Chinese nationals are required to obtain a special permit to visit Tibet (Tibet Entry Permit) and hire a tour guide every day they stay in Tibet. This is strictly enforced but details change from time to time.

  

  5. Xi’an

  

  Xi’an is roughly as old as Beijing and serves as the capital city of the Shaanxi Province in northwest China. The history of Xi’an is one of its biggest draws. It was the start of the once indispensable Silk Road that made commerce between many countries in Eurasia possible.

  It was the imperial seat for no fewer than eleven dynasties, before the unification of China between 1000 BC and 1000 AD making it one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China . Today, it is a cultural and technological center, being home to the Xi’an Aerospace Science and Technology Industrial Base.

  

  Its most famous attractions is the rather recently discovered Terracotta Army , the protectors of the tomb of the first emperor of China. The site of the ancient Daming Palace includes some original structures and some reconstructions that were only opened to the public in recent years.

  Xi’an also boast 14th century city walls that are more than 12 km (8 miles) long. They are not only a part of the city history, but traveling in Xi’an sometimes requires going under, on or around them.

  Other interesting structures in the city include the Roman Catholic St. Francis Cathedral of Xi’an, the Ming Dynasty Bell and Drum Towers built in the 14th century, and the Islamic Great Mosque. Those who want a more Eastern experience can watch a traditional Chinese opera at the Shaanxi Grand Opera House.

  4. Shanghai

  

  Located on the East China Sea and the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is the largest city and most developed city in China. Nearly a third of China’s exports come from the area and it attracts almost a quarter of all the country’s foreign investment, more than any single developing country.

  Its skyline is filling with skyscrapers while shiny shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centers are rising alongside. The city nights in Shanghai are representative of the Western view of China cities with bright neon signs, bustling streets and numerous businesses.

  When it comes to getting around in Shanghai, this city has everything, including an extensive Metro system. The most popular place to go for a stroll is the Bund , Shanghai’s colonial riverfront along Huangpu River. While levies have significantly changed the Bund’s appearance, a number of architecturally significant buildings are adjacent to the strip and are still visible.

  Visitors will see a few remnants of old China in Shanghai. However, the city is markedly modern with futuristic buildings like the Mercedes-Benz Arena and the Oriental Pearl Tower dotting the landscape.

  Visiting museums is the best way to get a look at the culture of the area and how it has changed over the years. Moreover, the museums tend to be in interesting buildings as well. These include the Shanghai Natural History Museum, the Shanghai Museum and the Rockbund Art Museum.

  3. Great Wall of China

  

  One of the world’s greatest architectural and engineering triumphs, the Great Wall of China spans over 6,000 kilometers and is the country’s most famous sight. In total, it passes through 15 Chinese provinces. Its watchtowers, gates, and fortifications are strung from the Desert in the west to the Bohai Sea in the east.

  Built over the centuries and millennia by various Chinese kingdoms, states, and empires, the wall meanders through treacherous terrain and past some spellbinding scenery. While its earliest segments were built back in the 7th century BC to protect people from raiders, many of its most famous parts date to the Ming Dynasty .

  As it snakes across mountains, valleys, and hills, the Great Wall has plenty of stunning scenery for visitors to enjoy. While some parts are very well-restored, others lie in wild and remote regions and are in various states of disrepair. One of the most popular sections of the Great Wall to visit is Badaling, just outside of Beijing, while Jinshanling draws hikers due to its untouched nature and fabulous views.

  2. Hong Kong

  

  Located off China’s southeastern coast, Hong Kong is a glittering, world-class commercial center where Chinese culture, British colonial influences and modern day high-technology blend together. While it contains the world’s highest concentration of skyscrapers and one of the highest population densities, Hong Kong also offers plenty of green spaces, mountain views and beaches.

  Some of the must-see attractions include the famous Victoria Harbour , which is a spectacular sight at night with all the dazzling skyscrapers and The Peak, Hong Kong Island’s highest hill which offers awe-inspiring views of the harbor.

  

  From amusement parks like Ocean Park and Disneyland Hong Kong to prestigious museums, luxury hotels, bustling night markets, horse racing, beautiful beaches and rides on the world’s longest outdoor escalator, Hong Kong has something for everyone.

  See also: Where to Stay in Hong Kong

  Eating in Hong Kong is an experience all itself with a wide variety of cuisines from international to local Cantonese. A popular food style is dim sum , which involves small portions of food traditionally presented in steamer baskets. Typical dim sum dishes include tasty dumplings with meat, rice noodles, steamed vegetables and soups all served with Chinese tea.

  

  Beijing is the current capital city and remains one of the most popular places to visit in China. Its history dates back more than 3,000 years and much of that history is still alive within its borders. Beijing literally means Northern Capital , a role it has played many times in China’s long history.

  It first became notable in Chinese history after it was made the capital of the State of Yan under the name Yanjing . The Mongols seized the city in 1215 and from 1264 it served as the capital of a united China under Kublai Khan. After the fall of the Mongol-founded Yuan dynasty in 1368, the capital was initially moved to Nanjing but was moved back in 1403 and received its present name.

  

  Beijing is home to Tiananmen Square , the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, as well as the Old and New Summer Palaces. These and other attractions are perfect for observing Chinese gardens, ancient architecture and Chinese culture from a range of periods in the country’s history.

  There are numerous temples within and just outside of the city for those who want to witness Confucius, Taoist and Buddhist landmarks or perhaps have a spiritual experience. One of the most popular places to view the Great Wall of China is at Badaling , located about an hour from Beijing .

  Known for its flatness and regular construction, the city has only three hills and its concentric ring roads are actually rectangular, like the configuration of the Forbidden City . Beijing boasts an extensive public transportation network, which includes an extensive subway system.

  There are bike trails, but travelers may find the pollution too oppressive for cycling. For more than 100 years, Wangfujing Commercial Street has been the best place to shop in Beijing. However, the Yashow and Silk Street Markets are also very popular.

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  March 3, 2014 at 11:16 pm

  Lhasa is NOT in china. It is in a sovereign nation of Tibet which China has been occupying since the late 1950’s.

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  18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing

  Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Aug 16, 2024

  Beijing plays an important role in the nation's cultural, economic, scientific, and academic life. Located in the northwest of the North China Plain, not far from the western slopes of the Yanshan mountains, Beijing is still sometimes referred to as Peking and is a great place from which to explore this dynamic country due to its dense network of roads, railways, and airline connections with other major cities.

  Beijing itself has no shortage of unique sightseeing opportunities. It is home to some of the country's best-known tourist attractions , including a section of the famous Great Wall of China at Badaling Pass . Among the city's many historical and cultural points of interest are the Imperial Palace, Beihai Park, Coal Hill Park, and the Heavenly Temple, most of them within the well-preserved historic city center.

  Other things to do include exploring the mammoth Tiananmen Square and numerous important temples, as well as the new construction brought about by the city's increased prosperity and major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When you've had your fill of sightseeing, enjoy the city's great shopping and dining.

  Plan your trip to the Far East with our list of the top tourist attractions in Beijing, China.

  The Palace Museum and the Forbidden City

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  The Imperial Palace , also known as the Forbidden City, is China's most significant attraction and can trace its origins back to the Yuan Dynasty of the 13th century. Its immense size is the result of enlargements made during the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420 after the capital was transferred here from Nanking.

  All told this beautiful palace has been home to 24 Ming and Qing Emperors, earning its nickname of the Forbidden City due to the fact ordinary citizens weren't allowed access. The complex covers 720,000 square meters, all of it surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall with towers in the four corners and a 50-meter-wide moat. It's divided into an area used for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as the private quarters once used by the Emperor and his concubines.

  Highlights include the Meridian Gate, built in 1420; the Golden River Bridges, a network of five richly decorated white marble bridges; and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which functioned as the Emperor's banquet hall.

  Other places to visit include the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the largest hall in the Inner Court, and the Hall of Military Courage, a permanent residence and private audience hall for the emperors. The impressive 35-meter-high Hall of Supreme Harmony is notable as the country's largest surviving wooden building and for its splendidly decorated gilded imperial throne.

  Located just a short walk away from The Palace Museum stands the historic Imperial College (Guozijian). Founded in 1287 by Kublai Khan and only closed in 1900, this beautiful structure served as the country's national university, and often saw the Emperors of old visit to further their education and knowledge. The complex covers more than 10,000 square meters, much of which can be explored.

  Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

  

  Beijing is only an hour away from what is undoubtedly one of the country's most famous historic structures: the Great Wall of China. Here at Badaling Pass, the first part of the Wall to be opened to tourists in the 1950s, you can enjoy a walk along an impressive section of the Great Wall dating from the 16th century and standing up to eight meters high.

  Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy numerous towers and parapets offering superb views over the surrounding dramatic scenery. While a hilly walk, you can in fact take a pleasant cable car ride up to the wall. This much-visited section of the Great Wall can get busy, so if possible try to plan your trip for an early arrival.

  Another popular spot to experience the Great Wall is Mutianyu, parts of which date back to the 6th century. Rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, it is becoming increasingly popular for its magnificent views, which are particularly beautiful during spring and autumn.

  A visit to Gubeai Water Town is a fun add-on to your Great Wall visit. Located adjacent to the Simatai section of China's best-known landmark, Gubeai is undeniably picturesque. In addition to the beautiful surrounding mountain scenery, there are many quiet canal-side pedestrian-only streets to explore, making it a very welcome break after bustling Beijing.

  

  Tiananmen Square, also known as the Square of Heavenly Peace, is the world's largest inner-city square. Designed to hold a million people, it was built to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Republic in 1958. Considered the center of communist China, the square's symbolic importance dates back to May 4th, 1919, when students demonstrated against the Chinese provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

  Highlights of a visit include the Monument to the People's Heroes (Rénmín Yingxióng Jìniànbei), a 38-meter tall obelisk consisting of 17,000 pieces of granite and marble, and the splendid Tiananmen Gate , known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace. It was completed in 1417 and was once the main entrance to the Imperial City.

  Another important gateway is Zhengyangmen , or Qianmen, the southernmost gate into Tiananmen Square. Tracing its roots back to the early 15th century and restored in the early 1900s, this imposing structure is considered one of the most important landmarks in the city.

  Other features of note are the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution with its exhibits illustrating the various stages of the Chinese Revolution from 1919 and the development of the Communist Party; and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong . Also known as the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, it's here that the body of Mao rests in a crystal sarcophagus.

  Address: Dongcheng, Beijing

  

  Just a short distance from the Imperial Palace , Beihai Park is one of the oldest surviving imperial gardens in Beijing. Laid out at the beginning of the 10th century, this beautiful open space takes its name from nearby Lake Beihai (North Lake) and offers many good reasons to visit.

  Among the park's most important structures are the Round Fort , dating from the Yuan period of 1271-1368, and the spectacular Hall of Enlightenment . Built in 1690, the hall is home to a one-and-a-half-meter-tall Buddha carved from a single block of white jade, and a large black jade vase from the early 12th century.

  Another notable feature is the opulent residence of Song Qingling in which the widow of the founder of the Republic, Sun Yat-sen, lived for 18 years until her death (it's now a museum). You'll also want to see the Living Quarters of Mei Lanfang (Mei Lanfang Guju), a famous male star of the Peking Opera who specialized in playing the role of a woman.

  Try to include the Guo Moruo Residence on your Beijing itinerary. It was here, in a home built in traditional Chinese courtyard style, that the famous writer and historian lived from 1963 until his death in 1978. Also, include the beautiful 17th-century White Pagoda on the Island of Exquisite Jade on your list.

  Address: 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng, Beijing

  

  The Temple of Heaven (Tiantán) dates back to 1420 and incorporates a group of some of Beijing's most sacred buildings. Surrounded by lush vegetation, these lovely old temples and shrines are set out in two sections, one rectangular, the other semi-circular. Together, they symbolize Heaven and Earth.

  It was here that, on the day of the winter solstice, the Emperor would ascend the Heavenly Altar in a solemn ceremony to pray for a good harvest and offer sacrifices in the brightly decorated Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qinian Dian). Built in 1420 in customary Chinese fashion of wood and entirely without nails, the hall sits on a three-tier marble terrace with balustrades and a roof covered with 50,000 blue glazed tiles. A marble plaque on the floor represents the dragon and the phoenix stone, symbols of the emperor.

  Another highlight is the Hall of the Vault of Heaven (Huangqiong Yu). Erected in 153, it boasts a blue-tiled conical roof and was used to store the ceremonial plaques of Heaven and the Officials. Be sure to also visit the temple's Echo Wall , which echoes to even the quietest of voices, an effect exaggerated by three unusual echoing stones.

  Address: 1 Tiantan E Road, Dongcheng Beijing

  

  Located an easy 30-minute journey by car, bus, or taxi from the center of Beijing, the city's Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is a must-visit. Dating back to the 12th century and more than 700 acres in size, it's a picture-perfect setting, which certainly befits its royal status, boasting a large 700-year-old man-made lake and beautiful gardens.

  Often included on organized tours, the top things to see here are the western-styled "Marble Ship" (Shifang), the Hall of Well-being and Longevity (Renshou Dian) with its elaborate throne, and the beautiful courtyard adjoining the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Leshou Tang Hall). You'll also want to see the impressive 19th-century Great Theatre, where you can catch performances of traditional Chinese plays and music.

  One of the more popular things to do, if time permits, is to take a ride aboard the small pleasure craft that ferry tourists to the palace's temples; kids especially love the dragon-themed vessels. You'll also want to take a stroll past the traditional riverside shops on Suzhou Market Street.

  Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing

  

  Recognized the world over for its role in the spectacular Summer Olympics held in Beijing in 2008, the National Stadium (Guójia tiyùchang), also affectionately nicknamed the Bird's Nest, is well worth a visit.

  Built with a hefty price tag, this remarkable structure owes its unique design to the influences of traditional Chinese ceramics and has, since the Olympics, been used to host large cultural events and performances including opera, pop concerts, and football matches. In winter, it's turned into the world's largest manmade indoor ski slope. English language and self-guided tours are available.

  Another nearby attraction is the Beijing National Aquatics Center . It's also known as the Water Cube for its attractive night-time display, which sees it lit up and looking like a giant ice cube. In addition to being the site of Olympic swimming events, part of the building has been turned into the fun Watercube Waterpark.

  Afterward, be sure to stroll along the lovely Olympic Green. This pleasant parkland and green space will take you past many of the most significant buildings from the 2008 Olympics.

  Address: 1 National Stadium S Road, Chaoyang

  

  Also known as the Yonghe Temple, the Lama Temple is one of Beijing's most attractive and best-preserved temples. Completed in 1745, the building served a political purpose by giving Lamaism, the religion of the then-just annexed Tibet, an official seat in the capital. It was built to generous proportions and equipped with many valuable works of art.

  Its most important feature is the Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian) with its statue of Buddha surrounded by the four kings who are provided with symbolic objects (a toad, sword, snake, and shield). Also noteworthy is the statue of Weituo, the protector of Buddhism, holding an iron staff.

  Other important buildings include the Pavilion of the Four-tongued Stele (Yubi Ting), which houses a stele dating back to 1792 that contains the history of the Lama religion written in Chinese, Manchurian, Tibetan, and Mongolian; and the Hall of the Buddhist Wheel (Falun Dian), the teaching and assembly hall of the monastery, its interior dominated by a six-meter-tall statue, two thrones, and numerous sacred manuscripts.

  Be sure to also see the largest building at the Lama Temple, the Pavilion of Four Thousand Fortunes (Wangfu Ge), with its enormous 18-meter-high sandalwood statue.

  Address: 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

  

  Arts and culture buffs are extremely well catered to in Beijing. Of particular interest is the excellent Beijing Capital Museum , one of the country's leading art museums. Opened in 1981, the museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient items of porcelain and bronze, traditional calligraphy and artwork, along with many fine statues from Chinese and other Asian cultures.

  Other highlights of its collection of more than 200,000 important cultural artifacts, many originating from in and around Beijing. These include the huge gravestone of Emperor Qian Long. Weighing more than 40 tons, it stands nearly seven meters in height and contains ancient scripts and writings.

  Another modern Beijing landmark worth visiting is the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Guójia dà jùyuàn), also nicknamed the Giant Egg. Considered one of the best opera houses in Asia, the building opened in 2001 and has since hosted many of the world's leading operatic performers. It's particularly worth visiting if you're able to take in a performance.

  Address: 16 Fuxingmen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing

  

  Completed in 1442, the fortress-like Beijing Ancient Observatory (Beijing Gu Guanxiàngtái) lies in the east of the city near the station quarter and was continuously in use right up until 1929. It is widely considered one of the oldest such observatories in the world.

  Among the 10,000-square-meter facility's many fascinating old pre-telescopic instruments are a celestial globe dating from 1673 and an 18th-century armillary globe depicting the planets, at least those that were known at the time. There are also a number of large bronze instruments designed by the Jesuit missionary Ferdinand Verbiest.

  Once part of the old city walls, this tall brick tower serves as a museum offering a glimpse into the surprising amount of knowledge of the stars and planets that existed at the time.

  Address: 2 Dongbiaobei Hutong, Jian Wai Da Jie, Dongcheng, Beijing

  

  Fayuan Temple (Fayuán Sì), also known as the Source of Law Temple, dates back to the year AD 645 and consists of several halls where many ancient stone inscriptions are kept, the oldest dating from the 7th century. The temple has witnessed many of Beijing's most important historic events, including serving as a prison for Emperor Huizong in the 12th century, a place of examination for the highest offices of state, as well as a botanical garden.

  Today, the temple is a place of worship and the seat of the Buddhist Academy , the most important educational establishment in China. Other highlights include the bell and drum towers in the first courtyard; the Hall of the Kings of Heaven with its fine statues; the Mahavira Hall housing Buddhas of the present, past, and future represented in 18 Luohan figures; and, one of the temple's most precious objects, a Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) ceramic statue in the Dabianjue Tang Hall.

  Another Buddhist site worth visiting is the Zhihua Temple . Dating from 1444, it's one of the most important original Ming period complexes in Beijing's old town. Of particular note is the two-story Tathagata Hall (Rulai Dian), named after its statue of the transcendental Buddha. It's also known as 10,000 Buddha Hall for the many small Buddha figurines adorning the walls.

  Address: 7 Fayuansi Front St, Xicheng, Beijing

  

  Located directly opposite the North Gate of the Imperial Palace, Coal Hill Park (Jingshan) offers some of the best views in Beijing, particularly over Beihai Park Lake and the Forbidden Palace . Taking its name from the coal that was once stored here for the Ming Emperors, this largely man-made hill, one of just a handful in Beijing, was started around 1416 during the construction of the Imperial Palace.

  After years of receiving rubble from the old city wall and large quantities of soil from the excavation of the moat surrounding the palace, the once-low natural mound soared to its current height. A highlight of a visit, in addition to the many splendid gardens and walkways, is an old acacia tree from which the last Ming emperor was supposed to have hung himself in 1644.

  Address: 44 Jingshan W St, Xicheng District, Beijing

  

  A short walk from the Lama Temple in a pleasant side alley spanned by ornamental gates is the Beijing Temple of Confucius. Built in 1302, it's dedicated to the great philosopher and teacher, Confucius, whose teachings dominated public and private life for centuries.

  One of China's best-known Confucius temples, the Beijing Temple once hosted many elaborate ceremonies honoring its namesake under the leadership of the emperor. The forecourt harbors 198 steles with inscriptions naming all 51,624 Confucian scholars who, after 1416, successfully passed the highest examinations of the state until abolished in 1904.

  A highlight is the Hall of Great Achievements (Dacheng Dian). It's home to numerous shrines dedicated to Confucius, his students, and other Confucian philosophers, as well as many old musical instruments and other ritual items used in the celebrations, which take place on the large terrace in front of the hall.

  Another religious site worth a visit for its fine exterior is Niu Jie Qingzhen Si Mosque , built in AD 995. Beijing's oldest and largest mosque, it's in the Muslim quarter and includes a minaret, a six-cornered moon observatory tower, and two pavilions featuring numerous steles with Chinese and Arabic inscriptions. Only Muslims are permitted to enter.

  Address: 15 Guozijian Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

  

  Located in the northwest area of the city, the Beijing Zoo (Bei jing dòng wù yuán) covers an area of more than 220 acres and was established in 1906, making it one of the oldest zoos in China.

  Boasting an impressive collection of close to 15,000 animals from 950 species, the largest in the country, the zoo includes many rare native species. Notable examples include South China tigers, snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and pandas. Not-so-rare species include the red-crowned crane and Pere David's deer.

  Species from across the world are also well represented and include elephants, lions, and jaguars, all spread around grounds that closely resemble classical Chinese gardens. These beautiful areas come complete with dense woods, meadows, rivers, streams, and ponds, along with a number of pleasant gazebos and terraces. The zoo also has a well-stocked aquarium.

  Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing

  

  Although now mostly just ruins, the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is located in Yuanmingyuan Park in northwestern Beijing and is well worth a visit. Once the imperial residence of the Qianlong Emperor, it was considered one of the most spectacular achievements of Chinese architecture and garden design when constructed in the 1700s, and was for a time known as the "Garden of Gardens."

  The palace was home to a vast and important collection of art and antiquities and was looted and destroyed by the British and French during the Second Opium War in 1860. It took hundreds of troops three days to burn and demolish the site.

  These days, the grounds serve as a popular public park, and the old ruins are a delight to explore. To gain a picture of just how spectacular the old palace once was, be sure to pop into the small on-site museum with its reconstructions and models.

  

  Also known as Dashanzi Art District, 798 Art Zone is a unique art community, and one of the more unusual things to do in Beijing. This vibrant cultural district grew up in and around a former military manufacturing complex in Beijing. Now dedicated entirely to more peaceful pursuits, these interesting old factories and warehouses are home to everything from galleries to studios and exhibition spaces hosting events dedicated to the arts.

  It's a delightful area to explore, with at every turn some interesting and sometimes challenging art on display or performed by artists from across China and from around the world. While still very much a hub of artistic endeavors, in recent years 798 Art Zone has also become increasingly gentrified and is now as much a draw for its hip shopping opportunities.

  There's everything here from bookstores and galleries to designer fashion boutiques, along with many cafés and restaurants.

  Address: 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang, Beijing

  

  Occupying a large chunk of the east section of Tiananmen Square, the impressive National Museum of China is the second most visited art museum in the world after the Louvre in Paris, and also one of the largest.

  Opened in 2003 and completely renovated in 2011, the museum serves as a place of education regarding the country's rich history, with a particular focus on exhibits related to culture and art. Expect to spend many an hour here as there is so much to see in each of the museum's 48 exhibition halls.

  Especially interesting among the museum's more than one million artifacts is the huge Simuwu Ding, the world's heaviest ancient bronzeware, as well as collections of rare gold, jade, and ceramic artifacts from various dynasties through the ages. Other interesting exhibits deal with the first human settlements in the country, as well as the founding of the communist state.

  If you're planning a lengthy visit, note there's a café and teahouse serving refreshments. Also, a strict "no-selfie stick" policy is in place, so if you have one, be prepared to leave it back at your hotel or at the coat check.

  Address: 16 E Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing

  The city's newest attraction, Universal Beijing Resort , is also one of the best places to visit in China for those traveling with kids. Construction of this multi-billion dollar, 990-acre project started in 2016 and the first "districts" within the park opened in 2021.

  Usually referred to simply as Universal Beijing and one of the largest of the country's theme parks, you'll notice plenty of similarities with other destinations in the brand's portfolio. The focal point, Universal Citywalk, features food and shopping experiences, along with an array of entertainment options and accommodations.

  The real fun, though, is to be found in Universal Studios. In addition to thrilling rides and fun experiences based around such characters as the Minions, Transformers, and Harry Potter . Kids will love exploring the world of Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness . A second theme park and ride area, along with a waterpark, are also planned.

  More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

  

  Beijing Day Trips: While there are plenty of fun things to see and do in Beijing, try to find time in your China travel itinerary to see the sights surrounding the country's capital. Top day trips from Beijing include a visit to the Great Wall, naturally. But be sure to visit other points of interest, too, such as the scenic Fragrant Hills Park, a fun mountain area named after the fact that its peak looks like an incense burner; the Caves of Zhoukoudian and the Peking Man Museum; and the Marco Polo Bridge, named after the famed explorer who traveled the area extensively.

  

  Other Great Cities : Thanks to the many easy connecting flights available from Beijing's modern international airport, some of the most interesting of China's cities are not much more than a couple of hours away. Popular destinations to fly to from Beijing include Shanghai , where you can explore the city's historic Bund promenade; Chengdu , the home of the famous Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (check out their unique panda experiences!); and Hangzhou , perhaps best known for beautiful West Lake, making this city one of the most picturesque in the country.

  

  China Outdoor Adventures: Adventure seekers are also well-catered to in China. Some of the best experiences are in the northwesternmost part of the country, where you'll find Dunhuang , famous throughout the ages for its prominent location on the historic Silk Road trade route. Here, you can enjoy such outdoor adventures as camel trekking through the rugged Gobi Desert, as well as exploring some of the most remote sections of the Great Wall. There's also plenty of outdoor fun to be had enjoying a cruise on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo . Highlights include a chance to drift past some of the most dramatic, breathtaking scenery in the country, and afterward embark on a smaller river aboard a traditional bamboo canoe.

  

  More on China

  
  • Oct 4, 2023

  The 17 Most Scenic AAAAA Tourist Attractions in China

  Updated: Nov 14, 2023

  Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

  If you've lived in China for some time or have been scouring the web in search of hard to find updated info on the country's tourist hot spots, you've probably come across the phrase "AAAAA-rated." China boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, but what on earth are A, AA, AAA, AAAA, and AAAAA attractions? No, no one is shouting at you. China's ministry of culture uses a special rating system which divides the country's scenic spots into 5 levels with 5A being the highest level of honor that scenic areas can receive. From the ancient wonders of the Great Wall to the serene beauty of Yellow Mountains, this guide will walk you through the most magnificent and captivating AAAAA tourist attractions of China.

  Beijing - The Imperial Heart of China

  Beijing, the vibrant heart of China, seamlessly blends ancient wonders with modern marvels, offering a perfect mix of tradition and innovation. With its rich history, trendy neighborhoods, and mouthwatering street food, Beijing guarantees an unforgettable experience and endless opportunities for cultural exploration and exciting adventures. There are tons of 5A-rated attractions located here.

  Forbidden City

  This remarkable palace complex was once home to emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you stroll through its grand courtyards and ornate halls, it's impossible not to be in awe of the intricate architecture and cultural significance of this site. Entrance to the Forbidden Palace costs 40-60cny/$5.56-$8.34usd.

  Pro tip: The Forbidden city and most sites in Beijing need to be booked in advance, but unless you have a Chinese bank account, you can't book using the official platform. The best option for booking in advance is the trip.com app which is in English and allows you to use international payment options inn addition to WeChat and Alipay.

  

  Bonus Pro tip: During Chinese national holidays and peak season (summer) tickets get booked out weeks in advance and the crowds are hectic. I recommend checking out the Working People's Cultural Palace which is directly next to the Forbidden City and made up of buildings from the same time period featuring the same architectural style. Almost no one goes here and entrance is practically free (really it's 2cny/$0.28usd).

  Temple of Heaven

  Just a stone's throw away from the Forbidden Palace lies the Temple of Heaven, a sacred space where emperors performed rituals to ensure a good harvest. The striking blue-roofed buildings set against a backdrop of lush parkland offer a serene escape from the bustling city. It's no wonder this site is one of China's AAAAA attractions.

  Summer Palace

  The next 5A-rated scenic area is the Summer Palace, an oasis of tranquility. Here you can explore the beautiful gardens, wander along the picturesque Kunming Lake, and admire the Longevity Hill. The Summer Palace is not just a place to marvel at architecture; it's a chance to connect with nature.

  Mutianyu & Badaling Great Wall

  Just outside of Beijing, you will find one of the most iconic landmarks in the world - the Great Wall of China. Indeed it's one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. The two most popular sections of the wall in the highest rating category are the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, with their well-preserved walls and breathtaking vistas. Hiking along the wall's steep mountains will provide you with a sense of awe and accomplishment (after walking up all those stairs, trust me accomplished is an understatement).

  

  Pro tip: I would avoid Badaling and Mutianyu like the plague, especially during peak season. As an alternative, I recommend going to the Huanghuacheng section (pictured above) as it is the only lakeside portion of the Great Wall of China so you'll get both stunning mountain and waterside views! Also, much fewer people go to this section, so you won't have to deal with crowds. As an added bonus, at the end of it you get to slide down the wall to exit!

  The Natural Beauty of Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces

  Zhejiang and Anhui, two captivating provinces in eastern China, offer an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures. The natural landscapes in Zhejiang are among some of the most beautiful in the country. While Anhui is steeped in history with its ancient villages waiting to be discovered (don't worry there's plenty of stunning scenery here as well).

  Mount Putuo Scenic Area

  Zhejiang Province is home to the mystical Mount Putuo, a AAAAA-rated tourist attraction which boasts pristine beaches, lush forests, and Buddhist temples. It's an ideal place for both spiritual reflection and communing with nature.

  

  Mount Yandang Scenic Area of Wenzhou

  Venturing to the south of Zhejiang Province, you'll reach the mystical Mount Yandang. This place, with its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and natural springs, is often called "The Oriental Switzerland." It is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Honestly all of Wenzhou, not just Mount Yandang, feels like walking around in a fairytale - it's such a picturesque city.

  

  West Lake Scenic Area of Hangzhou

  Just a quick day trip away from Shanghai lies Hangzhou, where you'll find the West Lake Scenic Area. This massive lake is truly a site to behold and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in addition to being awarded the highest rating category for tourist sites by Chinese authorities. The West Lake is a dreamlike landscape of picturesque bridges, pavilions, and temples. As you take a boat ride on the lake, it's impossible not to be enchanted by the scenery.

  Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)

  Anhui Province is a short journey away from Hangzhou and it's where the ethereal Yellow Mountains await. Renowned for its granite peaks, twisted pine trees, and hot springs, this natural landscape is a favorite among hikers and photographers alike.

  

  The Ancient Marvels of Luoyang and Xi'an

  Luoyang, with its rich history and cultural significance, is a captivating city that offers young travelers a unique blend of ancient marvels and modern charm.

  Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, is similarly filled with so much ancient Chinese history as well as some of China's most iconic foods . Both cities are the perfect mix of history and contemporary culture, and will take you on an unforgettable journey through China's diverse heritage.

  Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area of Luoyang

  Luoyang, in Henan Province, is home to the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes. Carved into limestone cliffs, these thousands of Buddhist statues and inscriptions date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. Witnessing these ancient marvels is like stepping into a bygone era.

  Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an

  You can't go to Xi'an and not see the legendary Terracotta Warriors (please ignore the fact that I went to Xi'an twice and did not see them...). The Terracotta Army guards the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The sheer scale and artistry of this archaeological wonder are beyond description (from what I've been told...). It's a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike (do as I say, not as I do).

  Natural Wonders of Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces

  Dragon palace tourism area.

  A journey south to Guizhou Province will take you to the Dragon Palace Cave scenic area. Here, stunning karst formations and underground caves create an otherworldly landscape. The highlight? A boat ride through the intricate waterways beneath the earth.

  Stone Forest Scenic Area

  Further southwest, in Yunnan Province, lies the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Located in Kunming city, the stone forest is filled with thousands of limestone pillars, resembling petrified trees, that create an eerie yet captivating landscape. It's like stepping into a scene from a fantasy novel.

  

  Lijiang Old Town

  Lijiang Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of Yunnan Province, is a living masterpiece of ancient architecture and cultural richness. Wander through its cobblestone streets, where traditional Naxi architecture, stunning canals, and charming tea houses create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Lijiang is stunning beyond words. I personally find it to be in the top 3 most beautiful places I've been to on the Chinese mainland. You really have to see this place in person to believe it exists.

  

  Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area

  Yulong Snow Mountain (or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) stands tall. Like really tall. This majestic range offers stunning views year-round. Whether you're hiking its slopes or simply gazing at its beauty, it's an unforgettable experience.

  Pro tip: ​If you aren't used to high altitude, make sure you buy a couple of the oxygen cans being sold at the base of the mountain. I only bought one and ran out while climbing up the mountain - it felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. Not pleasant.

  The Enchanted World of Sichuan

  Sichuan Province, located in southwestern China, is home to the giant panda and a haven for adventurous tourists seeking a diverse and thrilling experience. Known as the "Land of Abundance," Sichuan offers a tantalizing journey through its fiery cuisine, including the famous Sichuan hotpot and spicy Mapo Tofu. Beyond food, however, the province also boasts stunning natural wonders suitable for all types of travelers.

  Jiuzhaigou Tourism Area

  Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sichuan Province, is a paradise for nature lovers. Crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant forests make this area a living painting. The Jiuzhaigou Valley's natural beauty is unparalleled.

  Pro Tip: Due to overtourism, Jiuzhaigou has a limited number of visits per day and is incredibly difficult to book if you are not a Chinese local (and even if you are, tickets sell out QUICK). I highly suggest that if you can find a local to help you book, do it. Jiuzhaigou is stunning . Sadly despite many attempts, I was unable to book a ticket as they kept selling out.

  Mount Emei Scenic Area

  Mount Emei, also in Sichuan Province, is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains. Its lush slopes are adorned with ancient temples, serene monasteries, and diverse flora and fauna. Don't miss the chance to take the cable cars for panoramic views of the natural scenery.

  Shanghai - A Glimpse into Modern China

  Our final destination is the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. While Shanghai doesn't have too many AAAAA-rated tourist attractions, it will forever be one of my favorite cities in China. Shanghai is a dazzling blend of old-world charm and futuristic innovation. Skyscrapers punctuate the skyline, while the historic Bund waterfront offers a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past.

  

  Oriental Pearl TV Tower

  The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with its futuristic design, is a reminder that China seamlessly blends its rich history with modernity. The Pearl Tower offers a stunning view of the incredible Shanghai skyline, but it is also filled with unique and interesting things to do. Inside you'll find two restaurants (including one that is Coca-Cola themed), two museums, and VR games! It's definitely worth a visit.

  China's AAAAA-rated tourist attractions are a testament to the nation's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yunnan, this journey has been a remarkable adventure. I hope this virtual guide has ignited your wanderlust and inspired you to explore the wonders of mainland China. Pack your bags, book your flights, and embark on your own adventure to discover what's waiting for you in the good old People's Republic!

  Disclaimer : This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not serve as an official guide. Travelers are advised to check the latest updates and local regulations before visiting any tourist attractions. Please review the privacy policy and terms of use of any official websites for accurate and up-to-date information.

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  • Travel Tips

  Top 10 Most Famous Places in China that Tourists Should Visit

  Get to know the most famous places to visit in China. Learn about the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, Zhangjiajie Forrest and much more!

  

  Brenda Beltrán

  February 2, 2024

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  China, with its deep-rooted history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant modern cities, offers plenty of attractions for tourists. No matter what your main drive is to visit this remarkable country, you’ll find something that you’ll absolutely fascinate about. You might not be sure about where to go or what to see, but no worries, we’ve got you covered. In today’s article, you’ll find out about the top 15 famous places in China, broken down into historical and cultural sites , natural landscapes , and modern cities . Let’s embark on a journey through the wonders of China.

  China Tourist Attractions: Historical and Cultural Places

  1. forbidden city: secrets of the imperial palace.

  The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, is a symbol of China’s imperial history. Explore the secrets of the Imperial Palace, walk through its grand halls, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Chinese emperors. It’s best to visit during the spring or autumn months for pleasant weather, and entry tickets can only be purchased online for around $10 .

  

  2. Terracotta Warriors: A Silent Army

  Unearth the mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. This silent army, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang , showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Plan your visit to witness the archaeological marvel that has stood the test of time. Tickets are sold online or through the official WeChat channel for around $20.

  3. The Great Wall of China

  You can’t say you visited China without going to the iconic Great Wall. Stretching across various provinces, the wall is a symbol of power and timelessness. Explore its historic sections like Mutianyu or Badaling and marvel at the engineering feat that spans centuries. Tickets prices range around $30 and you can get add ons like a guided tour, shuttle access and more.

  4. Temple of Heaven: A Spiritual Oasis

  Located in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is a serene escape. Discover the imperial rituals performed in this architectural masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visit during spring to witness locals practicing Tai Chi in the park. You can get tickets for entry to the temple from $1 up to $4 depending on the season.

  China Places to Visit: Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

  5. zhangjiajie national forest.

  Want to feel like you’re on an alien planet? Venture into the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest in Hunan province. You’ll be marvelled at towering sandstone pillars, the inspiration for the “Avatar” movie . Consider visiting in spring or autumn for pleasant weather. Ths is definitely a must-go when traveling to China.

  

  6. Huangshan Mountains

  Discover the beauty of Huangshan Mountains, known for its ancient pine trees , hot springs , and granite peaks . Hike to the summit for a sunrise spectacle, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Fun Fact : Legend has it that Emperor Xuanyuan once practiced alchemy in these mountains.

  7. Jiuzhaigou Valley

  Nestled in the mountains of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou Valley is a colorful paradise with turquoise lakes , waterfalls , and snow-capped peaks . Plan your visit in autumn when the change of season adds a stunning palette of colors. You can arrive by bus and travel time depends where you’re traveling from. Be prepared for overnight sleeps on the bus and pack comfortable clothing.

  You may also be interested in travel to Bali and stay connected with an eSIM card for Indonesia .

  Popular Modern Places in China

  8. hong kong: symphony of skyscrapers.

  Experience the dynamic energy of Hong Kong, a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Explore its vibrant street markets, iconic skyline, and cultural attractions. Visit any time of the year for a bustling urban adventure. Tourist hotspots include the Tian Tan Buddha , the Hong Kong Observation Wheel , and Lan Kwai Fong .

  9. Xian: Ancient and Modern

  Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road , offers a unique insight of ancient history and modern development. Explore the Terracotta Warriors and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture. Consider visiting in spring or autumn.

  10. Shanghai: Neon Lights and Tradition

  Dive into the eclectic mix of neon lights and traditional charm in Shanghai. Explore the historic Bund, futuristic skyscrapers, and attractive neighborhoods . The best time to visit is during the spring or fall for pleasant weather. Go for a stroll along the brightly lit Nanjing Road .

  General Travel Tips for Tourists in China

  Before you embark on your journey to explore these famous places in China, here are some general travel tips:

  • Pack wisely, using tips from What to Pack for International Travel .
  • Ensure international travel insurance .
  • Stay safe online with Internet Safety Tips for Travel .
  • Stay connected with Holafly China eSIM for convenient internet access. The customization feature allows you to get mobile internet for as many days as you need, and all available options include unlimited data .
  • If you travel to several countries, the best option is to use an eSIM for Asia with coverage in multiple destinations on the continent!

  Now that you have all the essential tips, begin exploring China’s diverse and fascinating attractions. Stay safe and stay connected. Take advantage of the Holafly in China eSIM includes in their digital SIM card so you can continue navigating like you’re at home.

  Ready to explore China’s wonders? Stay connected with Holafly eSIM. Your gateway to hassle-free travel is that you can buy the exact amount of days you are staying.

  

  FAQ about Famous Places in China

  China boasts many famous places, but some iconic ones include the Forbidden City , the Great Wall of China , and the Terracotta Warriors . All these attractions are must-visit hotspots for travelers.

  Discover unique places like Zhangjiajie National Forest , Jiuzhaigou Valley , and the Temple of Heaven , each offering distinctive natural and cultural experiences.

  China is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and technological advancements.

  The Great Wall of China is often considered China’s top tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors each year with its historical significance and breathtaking views.

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  The 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in China

  Content preview.

  • Guilin — China's Top Karst Landscape
  • Chengdu — Hometown of Giant Pandas
  • Beijing — Ancient and Modern Capital
  • Xi'an — a Window on China's Ancient Civilization
  • Lhasa — Gateway to Transcendent Tibet
  • Find Some Unusual Destinations
  • Shanghai — China's Prosperous Largest City
  • Hangzhou — Next Best Place to Heaven
  • Huangshan — Majestic Beauty
  • Suzhou — Elegant Water Towns and Gardens
  • Hong Kong — Like Nowhere Else on Earth

  1. Guilin — China's Top Karst Landscape

  Guilin, with its marvelous limestone scenery, is renowned as one of the most beautiful places on earth. During his visit, former US President Nixon was inspired by Guilin's picturesque natural scenery and remarked: "I have visited more than eighty countries and over a hundred cities. I have found that no city can surpass the beauty of Guilin."

  • Most recommended attractions: the Li River , Yangshuo , Longji Terraced Fields , the Two Rivers and the Four Lakes
  • Unique experience: relaxing Li River cruise, challenging yourself to an SUP (stand-up paddleboard, i.e. a mini raft), riding an all-terrain vehicle, cycling in rural countryside, ethnic rice terraces, bamboo rafting, taste some Guilin rice noodles
  • Days suggested: 1-4 days

  Guilin is 72-hour visa free for 51 countries, and 144-hour visa free for 10 ASEAN countries. Guilin is due west from Hong Kong , from which it can be reached by air in an hour. A tour of Hong Kong can be easily combined with a Guilin tour. It's popular to visit Guilin and then head to Hong Kong with these visa-free policies.

  Tour Inspiration

  • Recommended tours: 4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery , 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour

  2. Chengdu — Hometown of Giant Pandas

  Chengdu is the hometown of Giant Pandas. Although there are giant pandas in zoos in various places around China, the best place to see pandas is in Chengdu.

  • Most recommended attractions: Dujiangyan Panda Valley , Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center , Leshan Giant Buddha , Jinli Old Street
  • Unique experience: take care of pandas and see panda babies , try spicy Sichuan hot pot, enjoy magical face changing , visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, take an onward tour to Jiuzhai Valley
  • Days suggested: 1-4 days; see more on  Ultimate Chengdu Itineraries: How Long to Spend in Chengdu

  Besides giant panda, Chengdu is also famous for delicious Sichuan food like kung pao chicken and spicy hotpot. You can experience cooking the most authentic Sichuan cuisine with a local chef. And travelers can also enjoy the 144-hour visa-free policy in Chengdu.

  • How to Plan a Chengdu Tour
  • Recommended tour: 3-Day Chengdu Giant Panda, Giant Buddha, and Ancient Town Tour , 1-Day Pandas and Sanxingdui Museum Tour

  All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us .

  3. Beijing — Ancient and Modern Capital

  Beijing, China's capital city for over 700 years, is rich in history, both ancient and modern . There are many palace complexes in Beijing, as well as super-modern buildings.

  • Most recommended attractions: the Great Wall of China , the Forbidden City , the Temple of Heaven , the Bird's Nest
  • Unique experience: hike on the Great Wall , discover the hutongs by rickshaw, enjoy a tasty Peking roast duck , watch the Beijing opera and a kung fu show, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
  • Days suggested: 2–4 days; see  Ultimate Beijing Itinerary: How Many Days to Spend

  It's very easy to get to Beijing, and it's one of the first choices for many first-time travelers to China. Flights and high-speed trains from Beijing to other popular cities are very convenient.

  Beijing also offers a 144-hour transit visa-free policy for travelers from 51 countries. You can take a 3-day trip in Beijing if you have an onward flight ticket to a third country or area.

  • How to Plan a Beijing Tour
  • Top 10 Unique Experience in China
  • Recommended tour: 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing , 1-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Hiking

  4. Xi'an — a Window on China's Ancient Civilization

  As the second most famous of China's ancient national capitals (after Beijing), Xi'an was the first capital of a united China in 221 BC (the Qin Dynasty). Thus Xi'an is blessed with a great number of precious relics and historical sites .

  • Most recommended attractions: the Terracotta Army , Ancient City Wall , Big Wild Goose Pagoda , Great Mosque
  • Unique experience: visit the Terracotta Army and make your own warriors , cycle on the Ancient City Wall, try snacks in Muslim Quarter
  • Days suggested: 1-3 days; see How Long to Spend in Xi'an

  Xi'an was also the starting point of the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that extended from Asia to Europe and played an important role in economic and cultural exchange between the East and the West in ancient times.

  Xi'an also has a 144-hour transit visa-free policy .

  • How to Plan a Tour of Xi'an
  • Recommended tour: 3-Day Terracotta Warriors Tour

  5. Lhasa — Gateway to Transcendent Tibet

  Lhasa, capital of Tibet , is the center of Tibetan cultural and religious life. Most tourists enter Tibet via Lhasa. Outside the city is Tibet's wealth of natural wonders and holy sites, from Lake Namtso to Mt. Everest, to Mount Kailash.

  • Most recommended attractions: Potala Palace , Jokhang Temple , Mount Everest , Barkhor Street , Sera Monastery , Yamdrok Lake
  • Unique experience: explore the highest palace, see pilgrims, camp at Mount Everest's base, watch monks debate , visit picturesque holy lakes, trekking and camping
  • Days suggested: 4-8 days

  "Lhasa" is Tibetan for "place of the gods", and is revered as such. There are many sites and religious sites in the city proper and its suburbs. At Barkhor Street, visitors can go souvenir hunting, rub shoulders with locals, and experience the sacred "one step one bow" way to religion.

  • How to Plan a Tibet Tour

  Recommended tour:

  • 8-Day Lhasa-EBC-Lhasa Roof of the World Adventure
  • 7-Day Tibet Tour including Trekking and Camping
  • 5-Day Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok Tour

  All our tours can be customized. Contact us to create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

  6. Shanghai — China's Prosperous Largest City

  Shanghai, China's biggest city, oozes an atmosphere of vitality which can rival New York and Paris in terms of modernity. As one of the world's leading economic and business cities, Shanghai's modernity is evidenced by the ambitious skyline.

  • Most recommended attractions: the Bund , Yu Garden , Zhujiajiao Water Town , Disneyland Park , Shanghai World Financial Center
  • Unique experience: experience the world's fastest train, enjoy some leisure time in Chinese gardens and water towns, visit Disneyland, have a bird's-eye view of the financial center
  • Days suggested: 1-3 days (see more on  How Long to Spend in Shanghai )

  Unlike Beijing, there are not many famous tourist attractions in Shanghai. However, the beauty of visiting Shanghai lies not in scurrying from site to site but in the feel of the city's modern atmosphere.

  Shanghai has a 144-hour (6 days) transit visa-free policy , and you can extend your trip to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing. What's more, the policy is valid for travelers who reach Shanghai by boat, train, or flight.

  • How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
  • Recommended tour: 2-Day Shanghai's Old and New Collision , 2-Day A Journey to the Future

  7. Hangzhou — Next Best Place to Heaven

  When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century, he declared it "the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". There is a popular Chinese saying: "Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou."

  • Most recommended attractions: West Lake , Lingyin Temple , National Tea Museum , Wuzhen Water Town
  • Unique experience: cycle around West Lake, enjoy a spectacular live performance on the lake , relax in the water towns, experience the Chinese tea culture
  • Days suggested: 1-2 days

  Hangzhou's "heavenly" beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers, and it has a 144-hour visa-free policy. There are also convenient high-speed trains from/to Shanghai.

  • How to Plan a Hangzhou Tour
  • Recommended tour: 2-Day Hangzhou West Lake and Dragon Well Tea Tour

  8. Huangshan — Majestic Beauty

  Huangshan is steeped in picturesque natural landscapes and history. Marvel at the peculiarly-shaped rocks and pines on the Yellow Mountains, appreciate the ancient-styled dwellings in Xidi and Hongcun villages.

  • Most recommended attractions: the Yellow Mountains , Xidi Village , Hongcun Village
  • Unique experience: spectacular mountain views, sea of clouds, photography tour , enjoy a hot spring , visit ancient villages
  • Days suggested: 3-4 days

  The Yellow Mountains give people a stunning mountain views, and ancient villages present ancient China's elegance and tranquility with well-preserved ancient folk houses and flowing rivers.

  The villages, for example Hongcun , around the Yellow Mountains were once considered to be the utopia of ancient China .

  • How to Plan a Huangshan Tour
  • Recommended tour: 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour , 3-Day Escape to Huangshan from Shanghai or Hangzhou

  9. Suzhou — Elegant Water Towns and Gardens

  Suzhou is famous for the water towns around it and its traditional Chinese gardens. The gardens harmoniously mix man-made landscapes with natural scenery: architecture, painting, calligraphy, and horticulture are combined, and enclosed like pearls by walls. China's water towns hold the quintessential image of traditional Chinese villages.

  • Most recommended attractions: Humble Administrator's Garden , Lingering Garden , Tongli Ancient Town , the Grand Canal
  • Unique experience: visit classic gardens , relax in quiet water towns, enjoy boating on the Grand Canal

  30 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai, 5 hours from Beijing, it is very convenient to combine Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou in a tour.

  • How to Plan a Suzhou Tour
  • Recommended tour: 1-Day Suzhou Highlights Tour , 5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour

  10. Hong Kong — Like Nowhere Else on Earth

  Hong Kong is a fusion of cultures. Remnants of its colonial past, British culture, share space with Chinese tradition. It is also a world-renowned shopping paradise, known for its tourist-friendly atmosphere and numerous options.

  • Most recommended attractions: Victoria Peak , Victoria Harbor, Disneyland
  • Unique experience: bird's-eye view from Victoria Peak, shopping at street markets , enjoy authentic dim sum, family time in Disneyland
  • Days suggested: 1-3 days

  The huge shopping malls of Central and Admiralty and the street fashion factory in Causeway Bay are reasons for many travelers to make their Hong Kong trips. And if you have to transfer via Hong Kong, here are 5 things to do to make the most of your stopover time .

  • How to Plan a 3-Day Tour of Hong Kong's Highlights
  • Recommended tour: Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour

  Look for Some Unusual Destinations?

  If you have been to the destinations above or you prefer to the off-the-beaten places, you could take the following destinations into consideration.

  • The Silk Road ( Dunhuang , Zhangye , Urumqi , Kashgar ): see specail landscape — rainbow mountains; splendid Dunhuang Mogao Caves; Uyghur culture; desert activities...
  • Ningxia (Zhongwei): wonderful desert experiences; one of China's best wine producing areas; desert camping, luxury desert hotel experience...
  • Inner Mongolia : vast grassland scenery; splendid golden euphrates poplar forests; Nadam Festival...
  • Qinghai : fantastic lake views — Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake; experience Buddhist culture on the Ancient Silk Road...
  • Gansu : discover Tibetan culture outside Tibet; stunning plateau scenery...
  • Sanya : sunshine, happy beach time, various water sports...

  Recommended Tours

  • 11-Day Along the Great Silk Road
  • 8-Day Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour
  • 3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience
  • 6-Day Gannan Pure Land Tour
  • 7-Day When Silk Road Culture Meets Fabulous Fall Colors

  Visit China with China Highlights

  It is not easy to organize an itinerary to all these attractions on your own. For a first trip to China , most choose to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, view the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, and see the Shanghai skyline and enjoy stunning scenery in Guilin

  These are our bestsellers , featuring the best cities to visit in China:

  • The Golden Triangle — See Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai with their highlights and no rush thanks to our 8-day, time-smart itinerary.
  • China's Classic Wonders — The most popular destinations in China with all the highlights

  There are many options for return trips to China, you can get inspirations from these top places provided on this page, or tell your interests to our travel advisor, and they will help you tailor make a China trip!

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  Exploring China’s Top Tourist Hotspots

  China is a vast and diverse country that offers visitors a wide array of experiences and attractions. From ancient temples and landmarks to modern cities and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone in China. Here are just a few of the most popular travel destinations in the country.

  Beijing, the capital of China, is a must-see destination for any traveler. The city is home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including the Forbidden City, which was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can also take a walk on the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and visit the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden.

  

  Shanghai, the largest city in China, is another popular destination. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a modern metropolis with a vibrant nightlife and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll along the Bund, a famous promenade along the Huangpu River, and explore the Old Town, which is home to traditional Chinese architecture and narrow alleys.

  For those who are interested in natural beauty, Guilin and Yangshuo are a must-visit. These two cities are located in the heart of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and are known for their stunning limestone karst landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque rice paddies. Visitors can take a cruise along the Li River, hike through the mountains, or take a bamboo raft down the Yulong River.

  Another popular travel destination in China is Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Warriors, a collection of thousands of life-size terracotta figures that were buried with the first emperor of China. Visitors can also explore the ancient city walls, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and take a stroll through the Muslim Quarter, which is home to traditional Chinese architecture and delicious street food.

  China is a vast country with many popular travel destinations. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, natural beauty, or modern cities, there’s something for everyone in China. These are just a few of the most popular places to visit, but there are many more hidden gems to explore in this amazing country.

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  Places to visit in Ulyanovsk Oblast

  Things to do

  • About Ulyanovsk

  Ulyanovsk is a city and the managerial focus of Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia, situated on the Volga River 705 kilometers east of Moscow. It is likewise celebrated for its essayists, for example, Ivan Goncharov, Nikolay Yazykov and Nikolay Karamzin and painters Arkady Plastov and Nikas Safronov. Inside the system of managerial divisions, it is, as one with thirty rustic areas, consolidated as the city of oblast noteworthiness of Ulyanovsk, a regulatory unit with the status equivalent to that of the districts.

  As a city division, the city of oblast essentialness of Ulyanovsk is fused as Ulyanovsk Urban Okrug. The travel industry is a developing industry in the city and the encompassing territories due to Volga small scale atmosphere and authentic importance of Simbirsk. The locale of Undory, a driving separation from Ulyanovsk is celebrated for its spas and mineral water. The city offers numerous choices for games fans. The water at spa is wealthy in sodium chloride, and originates from artesian wells.

  Things to do in Ulyanovsk

  

  The Historical Museum

  

  The President Bridge

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  Open Access

  Peer-reviewed

  Research Article

  Spatial distribution patterns and factors influencing rural tourism destinations: An empirical study of China’s agritainment resorts

  Roles Writing – original draft

  Affiliation School of Resources and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, China

  

  Roles Conceptualization

  * E-mail: [email protected]

  Affiliation College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China

  Roles Formal analysis

  Roles Software

  Roles Methodology

  Roles Writing – review & editing

  • Lei Zhu, 
  • Jing Hu, 
  • Jiahui Xu, 
  • Yannan Li, 
  • Tiantian Xie, 
  • Mangmang Liang
  
  • Published: September 12, 2024
  • https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415
  • Reader Comments
  

  Agritainment is one of the essential aspects of rural tourism and plays an important role in the economic transformation and revitalization of rural areas. Taking 9200 agritainment resorts in China as a research object, this paper systematically uses geospatial analysis methods to analyze their spatial distribution patterns and influencing mechanisms. The results indicate: (1) All types of agritainment have a condensed distribution in space and are oriented in the northeast—southwest direction, with a central axis generally located in the Beijing–Zhengzhou–Wuhan line. (2) The distribution of agritainment is uneven across different spatial scales, and there are high-density clusters in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Sichuan–Chongqing region as the core, and sub-high-density distribution areas in the Shaanxi–Gansu–Ningxia border, the southern coastal region, and the Xiangan–Jiang–Hubei border, manifesting prominent spatial distribution characteristics of large agglomeration and low dispersion. (3) Agritainment has a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. The Matthew effect is highly significant in space. The distribution of cold hot spots in the agritainment space shows a distribution pattern of "hot in the south and cold in the north." (4) The spatial distribution of agritainment is influenced by human factors such as society, economy, and the tourism industry as well as natural factors such as terrain, water systems, and climate. The intensity of influence of first-level human factors on the spatial distribution of agritainment ranks as follows: tourism industry factors (0.69) > social factors (0.37) > economic factors (0.30). The natural distribution of agritainment tends to be in humid plain and hilly areas with an altitude below 1000 m and annual precipitation above 800 mm. Agritainment is mainly distributed in the subtropical monsoon climate area adjacent to rivers. The research findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the spatial distribution pattern of agritainment in China, promoting the high-quality development of agritainment, and the sustainable development of rural tourism.

  Citation: Zhu L, Hu J, Xu J, Li Y, Xie T, Liang M (2024) Spatial distribution patterns and factors influencing rural tourism destinations: An empirical study of China’s agritainment resorts. PLoS ONE 19(9): e0308415. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415

  Editor: Sandra Ricart, Politecnico de Milano, SPAIN

  Received: February 21, 2024; Accepted: July 23, 2024; Published: September 12, 2024

  Copyright: © 2024 Zhu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

  Data Availability: All relevant data are within the manuscript.

  Funding: This research was supported by the Philosophy and Social Science Planning Project of Anhui Province (AHSKQ2021D24); Social Science Innovation and Development Research Project of Anhui Province(2021CX100); Anhui university humanities and social science major project (2023AH040067). I hope you can make the changes on my behalf and submit the form online. The chairman of these funds is myself. In my thesis, I assumed the roles of research design and paper writing.

  Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

  1. Introduction

  Rapid socio-economic development is exerting growing pressure on the life and work of urban residents; consequently, increasing numbers of urban residents flee the city to the countryside to relax and experience rural life. Therefore, in recent years, rural tourism has become highly sought after by tourists. As one of the most important forms of rural tourism, agritainment spaces have increased rapidly in all countries in the world. Agritainment is positioned outside a city or town limits and close to the countryside and is created by both farmers and city dwellers [ 1 ]. Agritainment spaces are not a venue to sell products or crafts and often have a vast space with a yard. People pay money to travel there not to shop but rather to talk, eat, drink, sing, do business, and play mahjong and cards [ 2 ]. Agritainment provides amusement for visitors through its offerings, namely, venues, tea houses, regional foods, rural accents, and picturesque settings [ 3 ]. Consequently, agritainment is a genuinely unique recreational and shopping location that may be found in China’s modern rural—urban border areas.

  Since 2000, entertainment along with consumer culture and the rapidly growing fashion scene have spread throughout China. This phenomenon is distinctive not only because it is rarely found elsewhere but also because of its pronounced Chinese traits [ 4 , 5 ]. Chinese people support and love public consumer places; moreover, the government endorses and promotes these places. Although Chinese consumer culture is growing, it is still uncommon for the elite and lower classes to share a common appreciation [ 6 ]. This condition may be viewed as the “aestheticization of everyday life” or a Chinese way of enjoying life [ 7 ]. We seek to obtain an understanding of the most distinctive characteristics of Chinese cultural and consumer space via the interpretation and analysis of 9200 agritainment spaces. A multilayered public consumer space network for entertainment has already been built in most of the large Chinese cities [ 8 ]. By the end of 2020, there were over 2 million attractions, which welcomed 50% of China’s population, or approximately 700 million visitors annually, according to official figures.

  Agritourism may be divided into rural agritourism, which is operated by local farmers, and large-scale agritourism, which is controlled by family enterprises and features specialization and professionalization [ 9 ]. Agritainment establishments feature various sorts of faux antiques, fabricated artificial landscapes, and a farmhouse ambiance. The price per person per day might be as low as 20 or 30 yuan or as much as hundreds of yuan when experiencing a variety of activities [ 10 , 11 ]. Both common people and upper classes engage in agritainment to fulfill their consumption needs. This phenomenon is particularly common in the Zhejiang and Jiangsu regions. The Zhejiang and Jiangsu governments are attempting to create the most alluring “leisure city” in China, and the entertainment industry is one of the key facets of a modern Chinese “leisure culture” set to be promoted and developed [ 12 , 13 ]. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, farmhouse tourism has attracted increasing attention from various groups of people.

  From a consumerist perspective, entertainment is merely a commercial endeavor. We can classify consumption, entertainment, and leisure under the umbrella term “agritainment,” which is defined by Geng et al., as overtly “seeking fun from everyday life” [ 14 ]. Agritainment is the product of the valorization of everyday knowledge and life skills that can be directly transformed into material goods or the pleasures of a holiday [ 15 ]. The “aestheticization of everyday life” based on “the project of turning life into a work of art” has emerged as a distinct consumer culture in the interim [ 16 ]. However, in contrast to Western consumer culture, people who support agritainment—or the “aesthetic presentation of everyday life”—are neither artists nor thinkers [ 17 ]. The majority of agritainment inputs come from neighborhood farmers who are from a low social class yet are aware of business and economic operations. They were then joined by other social actors (businesspeople, individual artists, etc.), and eventually, agritainment caught the attention of the authorities, who earnestly advocated it.

  More specifically, most research focuses on the financial advantages of agritainment [ 18 ]. It has been shown that improving farm products, expanding market accessibility, and diversifying the conventional farm enterprises’ revenue streams are the key ways to boost income [ 19 , 20 ]. Since yields and prices are not entirely controllable over time, agritainment has made significant progress in addressing the production, pricing, technical, and political concerns of extremely variable agricultural revenue [ 21 ]. The potential for the rural eco-tourism sector to boost local production, earn foreign cash, draw investments, and create new employment as an engine of economic growth has made it increasingly popular and helpful for the development of the local economy [ 22 ]. It also discusses the critical role that agritainment plays in non-economic advantages including promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, rural cultural revitalization, and heritage preservation [ 23 ].

  Scholarly research on agri-tourism mainly focuses on different types of agri-tourism business models, tourism product suggestions, and community participation [ 3 , 24 , 25 ]. There are few studies on the spatial layout of Chinese agritainment. Nevertheless, although the emergence of geospatial big data has brought great opportunities for research from a spatial perspective, the spatial characteristics of agritainment are still under-studied. At present, scholars have only made a simple analysis of the spatial distribution of agritainment in some provinces of China. The whole research method is relatively simple, the research depth needs to be improved, and there is a lack of macroscopic systematic research on the national scale. In particular, studies on the influencing factors of the spatial distribution characteristics of agritainment tend to focus only on social factors, and lack of studies on physical geographical elements. To fill this research gap, in this study, a systematic geospatial analysis method was used to systematically explore the spatial distribution characteristics of 9200 agritainment in China, and on this basis, an influence system with two dimensions of humanity and nature was constructed to comprehensively explore the influence mechanism of their spatial distribution. On this basis, the development pattern and path of Chinese agritainment are proposed, with a view to providing ideas for the identification, evaluation, and rational development and construction of rural tourism sites in the future. It can also be used to optimise the spatial layout pattern of Chinese agritainment, promote the construction of beautiful villages and the high-quality development of rural tourism, enrich the content of agro-geographical research, and have a certain reference value for the formulation of agricultural policies at the national level and in different regions.

  2. Literature review

  2.1. progress of rural tourism research.

  Rural tourism was seen by industrialized nations prior to the 1990s as a key means of transforming the rural economic structure in an effort to overcome the challenge of rural decline. Thus, rural tourist operators’ primary goals now include managing farm crises, achieving agricultural diversification, subsidizing agricultural revenue, and pursuing financial interests [ 26 ]. Business motivation has exhibited diversification, encompassing various areas such as economy, social culture, and politics, after the mid-1990s, when the growth of rural economies and the improvement of living standards undermined the dominance of economic drive. It is noteworthy that in an Irish hamlet, just 1.7% of the residents engage in rural tourism for profit.

  Socio-cultural motivation is primarily influenced by rural living, family dynamics, social contact, and autonomous work. For instance, Thompson’s research of a Japanese village demonstrates that the primary drivers of rural tourism among the local populace are affirming the significance of the contemporary rural lifestyle, preserving local customs, and strengthening local identity [ 27 ]. The primary drivers of middle-aged couples operating rural tourism are their preference for a rural lifestyle and social issues relating to family, according to a Gets et al. survey done in rural western Australia [ 28 ].

  Through a case study, Paniagua came to the conclusion that Spanish citizens who followed the counter-urbanization trend and relocated to rural regions mostly engaged in rural tourism in order to become self-employed [ 29 ]. Today’s globalized capitalist economy and shifting global ideologies have led to the emergence of a new, service-industry-based polity with a local government structure. Thus, from the standpoint of political economy, the local government’s decision to adjust policies to the changing political climate is what drives the growth of rural tourism [ 30 ].

  2.2. Progress of agritainment research

  Agritainment is an important carrier of leisure agriculture and an important form of rural tourism development, which has gradually attracted the attention of scholars in rural tourism research. Scholars carry out systematic research on agritainment mainly from four aspects [ 31 ].

  The first is the study of local residents’ perception and attitude towards agritainment. Long found that residents’ attitudes towards agritainment changed with the different stages of agritainment development. In the initial stage, most residents are in favor of the development of agritainment, but when the number of tourists reaches and exceeds the maximum social carrying capacity of the local population, the support of local residents will decline [ 32 ].

  The second is to study the main body of agritainment management. Scholars pay more attention to the study of the main body of agritainment management, including: population characteristics, business motivation, business willingness and business performance. Bagi found that compared with traditional agriculture, farm owners had higher education levels and were better at using information technology [ 33 ]. McGehee analyzed the performance of 331 farmers in Virginia and found that 42.8% of the farmers’ annual household income was between $50,000 and $100,000, 23.2% of the farmers’ annual household income was more than $100,000, and 33.9% of the farmers’ annual household income was less than $50,000 [ 34 ].

  The third is the study of the influence of agritainment. The development of agritainment has a certain impact on the local economy, social culture and environment. Akpinar believes that agritainment can not only promote the diversification of agricultural development modes, provide more market sales opportunities for agricultural products, but also help create more employment opportunities and increase the income level of local residents [ 35 ]. Foreign scholars believe that the sociocultural influence of leisure agriculture has both positive and negative aspects [ 36 ].

  The fourth is the study of the spatial structure of agritainment. With the rapid development of leisure agriculture, the study on the spatial distribution and causes of leisure agriculture has become a hot issue. Scholars systematically used spatial analysis methods (nearest neighbor index, nuclear density, disequilibrium index, exploratory spatial data analysis, etc.) to study the spatial distribution of rural tourism destinations and leisure agriculture in China and the United States. The influence mechanism of the spatial distribution of rural tourism destinations is explored by using the spatial measurement research methods such as geographic detector, space superposition and buffer analysis, and qualitative analysis [ 37 ]. However, as a study on the spatial structure of agritainment, only scholars have studied its spatial distribution and influencing factors from the whole province or regional scale, and there is a lack of large-scale research in the country [ 38 ]. In addition, the research on the influencing factors of spatial distribution is also relatively weak, and the relevant influencing factors are not selected from the two dimensions of nature and humanity to systematically explore the influencing mechanism of the spatial distribution of agritainment.

  It is not difficult to find that scholars have a wide range of research contents on rural tourism, and the results of studying the spatial structure of rural tourism destinations with different objects as the carrier are increasingly rich. However, as a typical spatial unit and carrier of rural tourism destination, the research results on its spatial structure are relatively weak. In view of this, this study takes 9,200 gold medal agritainment resorts with the highest level in China as the research object, and comprehensively uses GIS spatial analysis techniques such as nearest proximity index, nuclear density index and disequilibrium index to systematically explore the spatial distribution law of agritainment in China. The main factors of the spatial distribution of Chinese agritainment were identified and their formation mechanism was analyzed by means of polydetector, spatial superposition and buffer analysis. On this basis, the development model and path of China’s agritainment are proposed, in order to provide ideas for the identification, evaluation and reasonable development and construction of rural tourism destinations in the future.

  3. Materials and methods

  3.1. data sources.

  The study area covered 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China, excluding agritainment resorts in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. 9200 gold medal agritainment resorts date were obtained from the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism ( https://www.mct.gov.cn/ ; accessed on 25 May 2022). These resorts are of the highest standard in China and exemplify exemplary development. These agritainment resorts can be divided into six categories ( Table 1 ): modern agricultural technology (128 resorts), farmhouse leisure vacation (3625 resorts), manor participation experience (940 resorts), idyllic tourism and entertainment (3558 resorts), special industry-dependent (551 resorts), and folk culture style (398 resorts). We used Google Earth to determine the precise coordinates of these resorts and utilized ArcGIS 10.2 software to visualize and map the spatial distribution of agritainment in China ( Fig 1 ). On this basis, the spatial distribution patterns and factors influencing the development of agritainment resorts were analyzed and studied. The selection of the influencing factor index was based on the feasibility and availability of data, with a focus on the two aspects of humanity and nature. The index system of human factors was mainly constructed from three dimensions: economy, society, and the tourism industry; and the relevant index data was obtained from the official website of the National Bureau of Statistics ( http://www.stats.gov.cn/ ; accessed on 25 May 2022). Moreover, natural factors were systematically explored based on terrain, precipitation, rivers, and climate. The national vector map of 1:4 million in the national basic geographic information system database was used as a source of basic vector data in this study. The data in China’s DEM digital elevation (resolution of 30 m), precipitation, river system, and climate division were all derived from the Resources and Environmental Science and Data Center, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences ( http://www.resdc.cn ; accessed on 25 May 2022).

  
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  Reprinted background map from the National Catalogue Service for Geographic Information ( www.webmap.cn ) under a CC BY license, with permission from the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, original copyright 2023.

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g001

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.t001

  3.2. Study methods

  3.2.1 nearest neighbor index..

  

  3.2.2. Kernel density analysis.

  

  3.2.3. Disequilibrium index.

  

  3.2.4. Exploratory spatial data analysis.

  

  3.2.5. Geographical detector.

  

  4. Analysis of the spatial pattern of agritainment

  4.1. spatial differentiation features, 4.1.1 characteristics of overall distribution..

  Using the nearest neighbor index to illustrate the overall distribution type of national agritainment and its characteristics ( Table 1 ), the calculation results show that the value of the nearest neighbor index of national agritainment is 0.236, which indicates a cohesive state in the geospatial distribution. The nearest neighbor indexes of various types of agritainment in China are concentrated between 0.337 and 0.489, and they all show a cohesive state. The smallest nearest-neighbor index is 0.337, which indicates the highest degree of agglomeration, while the largest nearest-neighbor index is 0.489, which indicates the lowest degree of agglomeration. Overall, the agglomeration degree of different types of agritainment has some variability, but they all present remarkable cohesive distribution characteristics. Moreover, the standard deviation ellipse is applied to explore the overall directional distribution characteristics of national agritainment ( Fig 2 ). The ellipse of farm leisure vacation, manor participation experience, and rural sightseeing entertainment are roughly the same as that of all the country’s agritainment, and their spatial distribution, in general, shows a directional distribution pattern of northeast–southwest, and the central axis is roughly on the Beijing–Zhengzhou–Wuhan line. A large difference between the long and the short axes of the ellipse indicates a strong centripetal force and directionality of the spatial distribution. Among the six types of agritainment in China, the difference between the long and short axes of the ellipse of folk culture-type agritainment is the largest (the flatness of the ellipse is the largest), which means that its centripetal force and directional distribution is the strongest. Moreover, folk culture-type agritainment has a distribution along the northwest–southeast direction and a central axis that is roughly located in the Urumqi–Lanzhou–Wuhan line, revealing a regional distribution around the main gathering of ethnic minorities in China. The difference between the long and short axes of the standard deviation ellipse of special industry-dependent type is the least in size, and the directional distribution is not apparent.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g002

  4.1.2. Characteristics of regional distribution.

  In terms of the distribution of agritainment between 3 regions, the eastern region has the largest number of agritainment spaces: 3615, accounting for 39.3% of all the agritainment spaces in the country; the central region has 2599 farmhouses, accounting for 28.3% of the agritainment spaces in the country; and the western region has 2806 agritainment spaces, accounting for 30.5% of the agritainment spaces in the country. It is apparent that the distribution of agritainment in the three regions is heavier in the east and west and less heavy in the middle. The number of agritainment spaces in each province of China shows clear differences ( Fig 3 ), and the disequilibrium index on the provincial scale is 0.024, which indicates that the unevenness of the distribution of agritainment on the provincial scale is more remarkable than it is in the eight regions. According to the Lorenz curve of the distribution of agritainment resorts in each province ( Fig 4 ), it can be seen that there is a clear trend of a concave, indicating that the distribution of agritainment is particularly uneven in the following provinces and regions: Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Guangxi. In these six provinces, the number of agritainment resorts is close to 30% of the national total. However, the number of agritainment resorts in Jilin, Tibet, and Ningxia provinces is low. Consequently, Chinese agritainment tends to be concentrated in provinces with a highly developed transportation economy and rich tourism resources.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g003

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g004

  4.2. Spatial density feature

  A kernel density analysis of agritainment using ArcGIS 10.2 software was utilized to generate a kernel density distribution map of national agritainment ( Fig 5 ). In general, China’s agritainment has formed a high-density distribution with a core composed of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and the Sichuan–Chongqing region; and a sub-high-density distribution area with the border of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia, the southern coast and the border of Hunan, Jiangxi and Hubei, showing clear spatial distribution characteristics of large agglomeration and small dispersion. High-density agritainment areas are located in eastern and southern of China, where the economy is well developed, the urbanization rate is high, the transportation between cities and towns is convenient, the urban population is large, and the pace of life is fast. Consequently, agritainment distributed in suburbs is loved by urban residents [ 45 ]. From the distribution density of different types of agritainment, the density of different types of agritainment is similar to the national distribution of agritainment in general, but there are also relative differences.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g005

  High-density areas of modern agricultural technology agritainment are mainly concentrated in the Yangtze River Delta, the Bohai Sea, and the southern coastal areas, while the sub-high-density areas are distributed in Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Henan, Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia. A small number of these high-density areas are distributed in the northwest. Most of these regions are economic and political centers or areas with high-tech industries, focusing on innovation and technology development. Farmhouse leisure vacation-type agritainment in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Sichuan–Chongqing region form a concentration center. These regions are economically developed areas of China, with high per capita income levels and sound infrastructure, which provide favorable conditions for the development of agritainment tourism. The high-density areas of manor participation experience agritainment are located in the Yangtze River Delta, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, and Bohai Rim, which have a suitable climate for plant growth, high temperature, and rain in summer but mild and scant rain in the winter and sufficient light, a rich variety of vegetables and fruits, a well-developed planting industry, suitable for the development of agriculture and tourism combined with agritainment. Special industry-dependent agritainment is mainly concentrated in Shandong, the southern coastal region, Hainan, and forms sub-high density clusters in Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia, et cetera. These regions are rich in fisheries, pastoralism, or special processing industries, and have thus facilitated the development of special agritainment tourism. Folk culture-style agritainment is mainly concentrated in the northwest, northeast, and southwest regions. These regions are the main concentrations of China’s ethnic minorities, with a variety of different characteristics of folk culture. Besides, the cultural atmosphere is strong. Therefore, folk customs facilitate the development of agritainment and can attract a large number of tourists.

  4.3. Spatial correlation

  A spatial autocorrelation analysis of national agritainment was conducted using ArcGIS 10.2 software ( Table 2 ), resulting in a Moran’s I index of 0.089. This value indicates that the degree of aggregation for agritainment in China was high, demonstrating a positive spatial autocorrelation. Subsequently, a spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed for each of the six types of agritainment found in China. Among these, Moran’s I for modern agricultural technology, manor participation experience, idyllic tourism, and entertainment and folk culture was greater than zero. The calculated z–value was positive, indicating a significant positive spatial correlation and suggesting that the development of these types of agritainment exhibited a spatial Matthew effect, with the spatial correlation of modern agricultural technology agritainment particularly showcasing this effect. On the other hand, Moran’s I for two types of agritainment (farmhouse leisure vacation and special industry—dependent agritainment) was less than zero, and their associated z-value was negative, indicating a significant negative spatial autocorrelation. The spatial difference for the special industry–dependent agritainment was the largest, showcasing a polarization effect in its spatial development. Additionally, a cold and hot spot identification analysis for agritainment and visual mapping ( Fig 6 ) were conducted to explore the specific dynamics of spatial hot spot distribution of agritainment. Fig 7 illustrates that the distribution of cold and hot spots in the agritainment space exhibited a pattern characterized by "hot in the south and cold in the north." The hot spots and sub—hot spots in the south of China formed a continuous cluster distribution, and the cold spots and sub—cold spots mainly constituted a blocky cluster distribution in the northwest and northeast of China. There was a notable imbalance in the spatial development of agritainment in China. Therefore, optimization of the spatial layout is necessary to achieve balanced and sustainable development.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g006

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g007

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.t002

  5. Factors influencing the spatial distribution of agritainment

  Building upon research conducted by scholars such as Xiao Zhenquan and Wang Jing, this study delved into the factors influencing the spatial distribution of agritainment using four key concepts: economic, social, tourism industry, and natural. The examination encompassed the current state of the spatial distribution of agritainment nationwide [ 15 ]. The examined economic factors included regional gross production, per capita disposable income, per capita GDP, and per capita rural disposable income, while the social factors included comprehensive density of the highway network, comprehensive density of the railroad network, policy documents mentioning rural tourism, and the number of key villages engaging in rural tourism. The explored tourism industry factors included total tourism revenue, number of tourist receivers, number of scenic spots above level 4A, number of travel agencies, number of star-rated hotels, and the number of inns and lodges (as shown in Table 3 ). Analyzed natural factors included terrain, water bodies, climate, and precipitation. This study employed a geographic detector to assess the degree of influence of economic, social, and tourism industry factors on the spatial distribution of agritainment. Furthermore, the role of terrain, water, climate, and precipitation factors in the spatial distribution of agritainment was scrutinized using a geographic overlay analysis in GIS software to identify the factors affecting its spatial distribution.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.t003

  5.1. Humanities factor analysis

  5.1.1. factor detection analysis..

  The primary and secondary influencing factors affecting the spatial distribution of agritainment were analyzed using the geographic detector, with the q-value indicating the strength of influence of each indicator on the spatial distribution of agritainment. From Table 4 , the intensity of the influence of the primary influencing factors on the distribution was as follows: tourism industry factors (0.69) > social factors (0.37) > economic factors (0.30). Thus, the tourism industry factors had the greatest influence, while the economic factors had the least influence on the distribution of agritainment. The q-values of secondary factors exhibited some variability, with the intensity of influence of four secondary factors (total tourism revenue, the number of tourism receivers, the number of scenic spots above level 4A, and the number of star-rated hotels) being above 0.5.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.t004

  • (1) Economic factors . The influence of economic factors on the spatial distribution of agritainment was relatively small. The explanatory power of the secondary influence factors (gross regional production, disposable income per capita, GDP per capita, and rural disposable income per capita) were 0.40, 0.12, 0.14, and 0.11, respectively. Among these four factors, gross regional production had the greatest influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment. This outcome indicates that areas with high regional GDP and high regional economic development levels had a higher number of agritainment attractions. Per capita disposable income, GDP per capita, and rural disposable income per capita reflect the degree of economic development of a region, influencing the spatial distribution of agritainment. When the regional economy is developed, the government and enterprises have additional funds to invest in the development and construction of agritainment attractions and aid residents in developing agritainment attractions. Therefore, a region’s level of economic development significantly influences the spatial distribution and development of agritainment [ 46 ]. In some economically underdeveloped areas, there are few agritainment attractions due to inadequate investments in construction; consequently, the measured level of the development level of agritainment is low.
  • (2) Social factors . Social factors exert a relatively significant influence on the development and distribution of agritainment. Among the secondary influencing factors, the explanatory power of the highway network and the railway network comprehensive density was 0.26 and 0.21, respectively. These values suggest that these two factors have some influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment. Robust transport conditions are crucial for tourism development as they serve as links between tourist sources and destinations. Agritainment resorts situated in areas with underdeveloped transport infrastructure witness restricted growth. Consequently, these areas need to improve their transport infrastructure, enhance road construction, improve accessibility, and guarantee road safety to foster a flourishing agritainment tourism industry. The explanatory power of the number of policy documents mentioning rural tourism and the number of key villages engaging in rural tourism in each province as secondary influencing factors are 0.49. A substantial number of both is indicative of a region’s importance and support for tourism development in contributing to rural revitalization. As the primary factor influencing rural tourism development, agritainment tourism can assist in addressing the “agriculture, rural areas, farmers issues,” effectively optimizing the rural industrial structure, promoting the overall development of the rural economy, life, and culture, and facilitating rural urbanization and industrialization. All provinces in China have responded positively to the policy, instituting pertinent policies to revitalize the development of rural agritainment. They have identified key villages for rural tourism promotion, safeguarded key development objectives, invested substantial material and financial resources to enhance the improvement of tourism services and facilities, facilitated tourism development planning, and encouraged individuals in the regions to actively participate in the development of the agritainment industry [ 47 ].
  • (3) Tourism industry . Tourism industry factors have the most significant influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment. Because of their secondary influencing factors, the explanatory powers of the total tourism revenue, the number of tourist receptions, the number of scenic spots above level 4A, and the number of star-rated hotels are 0.53, 0.69, 0.51, and 0.64, respectively. These values indicate that these four factors exert considerable influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment. Tourism income serves as a valuable indicator of the degree of tourism development and the economic benefits associated with tourism in a given region. High overall incomes facilitate the development of tourism. The more developed the local tourism industry, the stronger the support for agritainment, as reflected in increased tourist traffic.

  The tourism receivers index reflects the flow of tourists in an area, correlating with the demand for tourism products. Given that agritainment depends on a large number of tourists to remain profitable, the availability of tourists significantly influences its distribution. The number of 4A-level scenic spots in a region is indicative of the quality of tourism resources, with quality playing a considerable role in shaping the distribution of agritainment. Consequently, a surplus of high-quality tourism resources and scenic spots enhances agritainment development. As intermediaries linking tourist sources and destinations, travel agencies play a pivotal role in influencing the growth and development of agritainment. The number of travel agencies focusing on a given region is indicative of the local tourism development level. Therefore, travel agencies can channel additional tourists from diverse sources into a specific region’s agritainment industry, thereby impacting its growth [ 48 ]. Another crucial factor in the development of agritainment in an area is the presence of inns and lodges, which are major sub-products of agritainment. Investors determine the number of inns and lodges around a scenic spot, thus exerting a significant impact on the regional distribution of agritainment. As a region advances its tourism industry, the number of inns and lodges associated with agritainment increases.

  5.1.2. Interaction detection analysis.

  Interaction detection analysis was conducted using a geographic detector to examine the degree of influence of two-factor interaction on the spatial distribution of agritainment nationwide. From the results ( Table 5 ), single—factor interaction in this study produced a two-factor enhanced and a non-linear enhanced type, indicating that the combination of two factors had more explanatory power than the single-factor effect in the spatial distribution of agritainment. The result suggests that the development of agritainment is influenced by the interaction of multiple factors [ 19 ]. Among the examined single factors, factors on policy requirements for rural tourism (X 7 ), the number of tourist receivers (X 10 ), the number of scenic spots above level 4A (X 11 ), and the number of star-rated hotels (X 13 ) interacted with other factors to yield q-values above 0.7, indicating their substantial contribution to the overall impact of the combination of factors on agritainment. Therefore, compared to the others, the single factors listed above had a greater two-factor interaction impact. Among the two-factor interactions of each group, the interaction between the number of scenic spots with a rating above level 4A and the number of star-rated hotels (X 11 ∩X 13 ) had the strongest interaction effect with a combined q-value of 0.92. The result indicates that the combination of scenic spots with a rating above level 4A and star-rated hotels have a significant influence on the development of agritainment in a region. The strength of the influence is also indicated by the fact that single-factor q-values of the number of scenic spots rated above level 4A and the number of star-rated hotels were as high as 0.51 and 0.64, respectively. The result also indicates that the q-values of the two factors, which had high single-factor q-values, remained high after the interaction.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.t005

  5.2. Analysis of natural factors

  5.2.1. terrain..

  China has numerous types of terrain, including plains, hills, plateaus, deserts, basins, and mountains. To identify the correlation between agritainment and terrain in China, this study used ArcGIS 10.2 software to overlay the terrain elevation map of China on a map of the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts in China ( Fig 7 ). This study found 7143 agritainment resorts (accounting for 77.6% of all agritainment resorts) in the three-step area below 1,000 m above sea-level, 1465 agritainment resorts (15.9%) in the three-step area between 1000 and 2000 m above sea-level, 408 agritainment resorts (4.4%) between 2000 and 4000 m above sea-level, and only 63 agritainment resorts (0.7%) above 4,000 m above sea-level. The spatial distribution of agritainment resorts in the area was also investigated. In addition, using SPSS, a correlation analysis was performed on the number of agritainment resorts and their attendant elevation values. The analysis produced a correlation coefficient of -0.978, which is a significant negative correlation, indicating that the number of agritainment resorts gradually decreased with the elevation. Therefore, the distribution of agritainment resorts is strongly correlated with elevation [ 49 ]. The result suggests that road construction in high altitudes and rugged terrain should be accelerated. Improving road transport is the first step towards increased tourist traffic in a destination, and it is a major influencing factor in the development and growth of agritainment.

  5.2.2. Water body systems.

  Water bodies in the region constitute a major factor affecting the geographical distribution of agritainment resorts. Most rural tourism destinations have established ecological balance with natural resources and are strategically located near water bodies. Consequently, they are accessible by water, creating a unique form of rural tourism that directly impacts the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts. In Fig 8 , the national spatial distribution map of agritainment resorts is overlaid with the primary, secondary, and tertiary rivers in China. ArcGIS 10.2 software was utilized to analyze the buffer zones of rivers with a radius of 5–15 km and to count the number of agritainment resorts in different river buffer zones. The results revealed that there were 994 agritainment resorts (accounting for 10.8% of all agritainment resorts) within the 5 km buffer zone of the river, 1630 agritainment resorts (17.7%) within the 10 km buffer zone of the river, and 2449 agritainment resorts (26.6%) within the 15 km buffer zone of the river. Additionally, the correlation between the distance of the buffer zone and the number of agritainment resorts within the buffer zone was analyzed, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.997, indicating a significant correlation. Therefore, the evidence suggests that the number of agritainment resorts in the buffer zone increases with the size of the buffer zone and the resorts are predominantly distributed around the river course. Having a well-established water body is a crucial determining factor for the formation of excellent tourism resources, making water bodies indispensable to the development of quality agritainment tourism services. In general, water bodies are vital resources that enhance the development of agritainment services. Therefore, the water system is a crucial factor affecting the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g008

  5.2.3. Climate.

  Climate is an important influencing factor in the creation of tourism resources because it strongly determines whether tourists choose a destination. Climate determines the temperature and precipitation patterns experienced in a region, which influence the development of tourism resources. ArcGIS 10.2 software was used to overlay the spatial distribution map of national agritainment resorts on the climatic zone map of China ( Fig 9 ). Statistical analysis revealed that there were 7862 agritainment resorts (accounting for 85.5% of all agritainment resorts) in the subtropical monsoon and temperate monsoon climate regions, making the number of agritainment resorts distributed in the subtropical monsoon climate region the largest: 5021 (54.6%), while the temperate monsoon climate region had 2841 agritainment resorts (30.9%). There were 665 agritainment resorts (7.2%) in the temperate continental climate zone and some (4.7%) in the highland mountain climate zone. The number of agritainment resorts in tropical monsoon climate zone was at least 227 (2.5%). The monsoon climate has four distinct seasons that are associated with four periods that have relatively different types of natural scenery: Summer is hot and rainy, and winter is cool [ 50 ]. When climatic conditions are inviting, tourists have a strong incentive to visit destinations. Therefore, the quality of climatic conditions is an important factor influencing the development of agritainment tourism and affects the distribution of agritainment and the decision-making of tourists regarding places they visit.

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g009

  5.2.4. Precipitation.

  Precipitation levels have a strong correlation with vegetation type and the ecological environment of an area. To investigate the influence of precipitation on the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts, a spatial distribution map of national agritainment resorts was overlaid on a national annual precipitation map using ArcGIS 10.2 software ( Fig 10 ). Based on the precipitation received, the country was divided into four zones: arid, semi-arid, semi-humid, and humid. The number of agritainment resorts within these four areas was counted. Among them, the humid zone had the highest number of agritainment resorts at 4217 (accounting for 45.8% of all agritainment resorts), while there were 3237 resorts in the semi-humid zone (35.2%), 1040 resorts in the semi-arid zone (11.3%), and 706 resorts in the arid zone (7.7%). This result indicates that agritainment resorts are mainly established in humid and semi-humid areas that have high precipitation. To further investigate the relationship between precipitation and the distribution of agritainment, a correlation analysis between the variables was performed, obtaining a correlation coefficient of 0.968. The high correlation coefficient suggests that annual precipitation has a significant influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts. The amount of precipitation an area receives determines the diversity of its natural vegetation, which affects the distribution of agritainment resorts [ 51 ].

  

  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308415.g010

  6. Discussion

  6.1. research findings compared to other studies.

  The development of the rural tourism industry can employ residents, helping farmers in disadvantaged areas fight poverty by earning adequate incomes. Therefore, improving rural tourism has become an important strategy in China’s efforts of rural revitalization, receiving extensive attention and strong support from governments at all levels [ 52 ]. Research on rural tourism has become a topic of interest in recent years in academic research. Recent research in China and other parts of the world has examined rural tourism from a spatial perspective, with a primary focus on picking gardens, leisure agriculture demonstration sites, leisure villages, key rural tourism villages, and rural homestays [ 53 – 57 ]. However, there is a need for a systematic exploration of the spatial distribution and factors affecting agritainment, particularly through a large-scale systematic study of the country.

  To investigate the planning and factors affecting agritainment and its spatial distribution, this study selected agritainment in 31 Chinese provinces as a research object. The study reveals that the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts is relatively apparent, with high-density areas such as the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, and Sichuan–Chongqing regions serving the core of agritainment in the country. Therefore, the distribution of agritainment resorts in nationwide is relatively apparent, while the distribution of agritainment resorts in the inter-region is relatively imbalanced, aligning with findings from previous studies [ 53 ]. This study systematically investigates the spatial distribution of agritainment: its results can be used to optimize the spatial layout of rural tourism and enhance its sustainable development.

  The spatial distribution of agritainment is affected by many factors. This paper analyzes the factors that influence the spatial distribution of agritainment from two dimensions: human and natural factors. Using an index system of humanistic factors of economy, society, and tourism industry, a geographical detector was used to explore the intensity of influence of different indicators. To enhance the reliability of the research results, an interactive analysis of each factor was performed to explore the interaction between factors. It was found that the interaction between the number of level 4A scenic spots and the number of star-rated hotels had the strongest influence on the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts, indicating that the development of agritainment is significantly affected by a region’s scenic spots and accommodation facilities. Generally, the number of scenic spots and accommodation facilities in a region is indicative of its level of tourism development, with a high level of regional tourism development suggesting a strong driving role of regional agritainment development. For example, Sandt et al., found that scenic spots have a strong driving effect on the development of rural tourism in the surroundings, and they can create a beneficial synergistic development effect with rural tourist destinations [ 58 ].

  The effects of natural factors on the spatial distribution of agritainment were analyzed using geographical superposition and buffer analysis on four factors: terrain, precipitation, water systems, and climate. It was found that most agritainment resorts were distributed in plain and hilly areas with high humidity, an altitude of less than 1000 m, and annual precipitation of more than 800 mm. Most of the agritainment resorts are located close to rivers in subtropical monsoon climate areas with suitable climates.

  This study suggests that hospitable regional geographical conditions positively influence the development of agritainment. Generally, the suitability of a geographical location impacts regional social and economic development and population distribution, with a relatively good geographical location supporting farming relatively easily. This finding is consistent with that of Shaken et al. [ 59 – 61 ]. This systematic study of the factors affecting agritainment provides an evidence-based reference that can aid its sustainable development.

  6.2. Research limitations

  This study has the following limitations: (1) Due to a lack of panel data on agritainment, no investigation has been done on the spatiotemporal evolution of agritainment. In recent years, China’s rural tourism industry has developed rapidly, making it an important product. An accurate characterization of the spatiotemporal development of rural tourism would function as a useful reference for enhancing the sustainable development of rural tourism in China. Future research could focus on collecting data on agritainment through the years to systematically investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of agritainment. (2) Further research on the factors influencing agritainment is needed. This paper offers a relatively comprehensive systematic exploration of the spatial factors influencing agritainment from two dimensions: humanity and nature. The spatial distribution of agritainment is also affected by other factors, including tourist preferences, operator management level, residents’ participation, and farmers’ entrepreneurial willingness and professional skills, which are likely to have a significant impact on the spatial distribution of agritainment. In the future, a multi-dimensional index system of influencing factors should be built. In this study, the factors influencing the spatial distribution of agritainment were systematically explored qualitatively and quantitatively. (3) This study has not investigated the negative effects of agritainment. Because it is a form of rural tourism, the development of agritainment is likely to be associated with specific cultural conflicts, environmental pollution, and land-grabbing issues. These negative effects are also likely to influence the spatial distribution of agritainment. These research limitations can be addressed in future research, improving the quality of available information on agritainment.

  6.3. Practical implications

  This study clarifies the spatial distribution characteristics of Chinese agritainment from the perspective of geographic space, and systematically explores the influencing factors of its spatial distribution. The research results have certain guiding significance for the high-quality development of agritainment.

  First, optimize spatial layout. At present, agritainment shows a spatial distribution of "more east and west, less central" in the country, the future should increase the distribution of agritainment in the central region, and gradually realize the balanced development of agritainment, so as to better meet the needs of consumers in different regions of agritainment tourism products.

  Second, the construction of agritainment tourism cluster. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the inter-regional linkage development, promote the coordinated development of agritainment in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta and Sichuan-Chongqing regions, and form a agritainment tourism cluster with world influence.

  Third, we will foster agritainment demonstration cities. The spatial distribution of agritainment has a certain direction and is distributed around key cities. In the future, efforts should be made to build a number of national agritainment tourism nodes and demonstration cities such as Beijing, Zhengzhou and Wuhan to achieve the demonstration and leading effect of agritainment development.

  Fourth, development with local characteristics. From the analysis of influencing factors of the spatial distribution of agritainment, it can be seen that tourism industry factors have a great impact on the spatial distribution of agritainment. In the future, all regions should continuously improve the development quality of their cultural tourism industry and comprehensively help further improve the development level of regional agritainment. Secondly, the study shows that the interaction between the number of 4A-level scenic spots and the number of star-rated hotels has a great impact on the spatial distribution of agritainment. In the future, the number of high-grade tourist attractions and star-rated hotels in the region should be continuously increased, so as to create conditions for the development of agritainment in the region and realize the coordinated development of each other. Finally, local agritainment should be based on local characteristics of traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage, food culture and other cultural tourism resources endowment and unique natural geographical conditions, according to local conditions to promote the coordinated development of agritainment and rural homestays, rural scenic spots, rural resorts, rural scenic paths and rural tourism destinations, so as to achieve differentiation, characteristics and sustainable development of rural tourism [ 62 – 64 ].

  This study is a further extension of Cui and Flanigan scholars’ research [ 65 , 66 ]. First, it divides the types of agritainment for the first time, and studies the spatial distribution characteristics of different types on this basis. Second, the paper constructs the factors influencing the spatial distribution of agritainment from two dimensions of nature and humanity, among which the humanistic factors are all constructed with composite indicators, which is innovative. Third, the integrated use of a variety of spatial analysis methods. In this paper, various GIS spatial analysis techniques such as nearest neighbor index, standard elliptic equation, kernel density, disequilibrium index and exploratory spatial data analysis are comprehensively used to systematically explore the spatial distribution characteristics of Chinese agritainment. It is innovative to systematically identify the main factors of the spatial distribution of Chinese agritainment by comprehensive methods such as reason detector, spatial superposition and buffer analysis. Agritainment can help bring about rural revitalization in China if it is used effectively to promote social and economic development in disadvantaged areas [ 49 ]. Agritainment is an important carrier for the implementation of rural revitalization strategy in China, and an effective way to promote social and economic development in poor areas. In the future, agritainment should give more play to their powerful function of helping rural revitalization, improve villagers’ ability to obtain tourism income, and create more and better development opportunities for them so that tourism development and beautiful countryside construction can go hand in hand. For example, this study only selects gold medal agritainment for analysis, but does not classify the agritainment into classes, and further investigate the influence of other factors on the distribution of agritainment, these research directions will be carried out in the next study.

  7. Conclusion

  • Overall Distribution—Identifiable patterns were observed in the spatial distribution of all types of agritainment in China. The highest degree of spatial agglomeration was found in categories of farmhouse tourist establishments, and the lowest degree of spatial agglomeration was found in the characteristics of industry dependence. An analysis of all agritainment establishments in the country revealed a "northeast–southwest" direction distribution trend, with the central axis generally located along the "Beijing–Zhengzhou–Wuhan" line. The direction of the distribution of different types of agritainment establishments features identifiable variations.
  • Regional Distribution—Variations were observed in the distribution of agritainment establishments at different spatial scales. Among the three major zones, a spatial distribution pattern characterized by "more in the east and west and less in the center" was observed. Analysis of the provincial distribution of agritainment resorts indicated they are primarily concentrated in six provinces, namely Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Guangxi, with relatively smaller numbers of resorts found in three provinces, namely Jilin, Tibet, and Ningxia.
  • Spatial Density Distribution—The country has several high-density areas, including the core areas, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta, and Sichuan–Chongqing regions. Other regions can be categorized as sub-high-density distribution areas, including the Shaanxi–Gansu–Ningxia border region, the southern coastal region, and the Xiangan–Jiang–Hubei border region, which has a population distribution characterized by the pattern "large agglomeration, small dispersion." The distribution and density of different types of agritainment resorts are relatively similar to the distribution and density of the population of the country, but there are some differences.
  • Spatial Correlation–The national agritainment sector exhibits significant and positive spatial autocorrelation, with the Matthew effect being relatively pronounced in the region. Agritainment cold and hot spots display a distribution characterized by the pattern "hot in the south and cold in the north." The hot spots and sub-hot spots in the south of China demonstrate a continuous cluster distribution pattern, whereas the cold spots and sub-cold spots mainly exhibit a blocky cluster distribution pattern in the northwest and northeast of China. Additionally, while leisure vacationing and the industry-dependent types of agritainment resorts show a negative spatial autocorrelation, other types of agritainment resorts have a positive spatial autocorrelation.
  • Influencing Factors—The spatial distribution of agritainment resorts in China is jointly affected by human factors such as society, the economy, and the tourism industry as well as natural factors such as terrain, water body systems, and climate. The extent of influence of the first-level humanistic factors on the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts is as follows: tourism industry factors (0.69) > social factors (0.37) > economic factors (0.30). Among the second-level index factors, the total tourism income, the number of tourist receivers, the number of 4A-level tourist attractions, and the number of star-rated hotels have the greatest effect on the spatial distribution of agritainment. The results of factor interaction analysis indicate that the interaction value increased between different combinations of two factors and the spatial distribution of agritainment resorts. The dual-factor number of level 4A scenic spots has the strongest interaction effect on the number of star-rated hotels (X 11 ∩X 13 ). An analysis of natural factors indicated that the agritainment resorts are primarily distributed in humid plains and hilly areas below 1000 m above sea level, in areas where the annual precipitation is more than 800 mm. Consequently, the resorts are mostly distributed in areas close to a river in subtropical monsoon climate areas, which provide suitable climatic conditions.
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