5 Rarely Seen Spots in China

China’s major cities are teeming with iconic sights and sounds, but beyond the major travel sites are incredible mountain landscapes, fascinating ethnic groups, and gorgeous wildlife. On your China vacation, explore the majestic Gobi Desert, search for Asian elephants in Yunnan, and trace the footsteps of ancient voyagers along the legendary Silk Road. Unique Yunnan This real-life animal kingdom is a natural home to an incredible array of animals, including the gentle Asian elephant and the protected golden monkey. Yunnan, which means "the place south of the colourful clouds", is a province in southwestern China which borders Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. It has high mountains, pristine valleys, more than 18,000 plant species, and an incredible array of animals. This land is known as the real "Plant Kingdom" and "Animal Kingdom." Yunnan has the most ethnic minorities in China. It is home to 51 of China's 55 ethnic minorities. Last, but not least, the province celebrates incredible and colourful cultural festivals. The most famous ones include the Torch Festival of Yi Nationality, the March Fair of Bai Nationality, the Water-Splashing Festival of Dai Nationality, and the Knife Pole Festival of Lisu Nationality.

Gorgeous Gobi Desert Explore epic sand dunes, lunar-like landscapes, flaming limestone cliffs, and fascinating rock paintings in the incredible Gobi Desert. Once part of the great Mongol Empire, the incredible Gobi Desert covers parts of northern and northwestern China and stretches into southern Mongolia. It is the fifth largest desert in the world and is full of ancient fossils and artifacts, including the first fossilized dinosaur egg ever found. Travellers can see the natural wonders of the Gobi Desert on our Trans-Siberian railway journey from Beijing to Moscow, Russia, or on an unforgettable journey to the Gobi and the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Bataar.

The Karakoram Highway This historical caravan trail formed one branch of the ancient Silk Road, marking the place where Buddhism spread to China and Tibet. Now, the highest paved international road, the Karakoram Highway is one of the very few routes that crosses the Himalayas. In recent years, the highway connecting Western China and Pakistan has become a great adventure tourism destination. At an elevation of over 16,000 feet, travellers can explore the fabled Hunza Valley in Pakistan, traverse soaring peaks, and marvel at long glaciers. The Karakoram Highway is often explored by bicycle or by vehicle.

Guilin and Mystic Li River This subtropical South China region has some of the country's most charming outdoor scenery. The Li River, particularly between Guilin and Yangshuo, is one of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Cruise the Li River, as water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, and local fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. Venture out into the countryside of Yangshuo by bicycle, moped, bus, or even on foot, to experience rural China at its most enchanting. Longsheng County boasts fantastic natural scenery with luscious flora and fauna and spiraling terraced rice fields created about 800 years ago.

Picturesque Guizhou This mysterious mountain area is one of China's best kept secrets - a true hidden gem. Guizhou is a province in China, teeming with magnificent natural beauty and has historical sites, diverse, friendly people and its own unique cuisine. This expansive rural region is also a hiker’s delight. Visit Zhenyuan, an incredible 2,300 year old water town on the Wuyang River, as well as the gorgeous Malinghe River Canyon, which looks like something out of Lord of the Rings. Don’t miss the unforgettable Huangguoshu Waterfall. Places worth a visit in Guiyang, the province's capital, are Jiaxiu Pavilion, a Ming Dynasty structure built in 1598. Qianling Park is inside the city limits, but feels like it's in a national park. It is home to Hongfu Temple, another surviving Ming Dynasty treasure that’s now a tranquil Buddhist temple.

For more China travel ideas, please visit our website at www.goway.com. 

By Adam Hodge