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(Last Updated On: 15/01/2022)

The land of legends, Dynasties, cultures, and people building great magical China, the home of 10 most epic places to visit in China. Every place is breathtaking, telling ancient stories in every cobblestone, bridge, and pristine water of 1000 lakes.

The next 10 most epic places to visit in China, have been fascinating travelers for thousands of years, so be prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

 

1. Epic Place To Visit In China: Zhangye Danxia Landform

A stunning geological phenomenon, the Zhangye Danxia National Park in Gansu province is at the top of the 10 most epic places to visit in China. In 2009, “red cloud” Danxia national park became a UNESCO world heritage site.

The park compounds of 50 square kilometers, resting at the foot of the Qilian mountain range. This natural wonder took thousands of years to form the beauty that attracts travelers from around the world. The area that was once an ocean, slowly transformed its landform into peaks and trails, from orange to greenish, absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

How Do I Get To The Danxia Landform In China?

You can fly to Zhangye from Lanzhou in an hour, or take the eco-friendlier way of train travel. It is only 6 hours by train.

 

China's Zhangye Danxia Landform

 

2. Epic Places To Visit In China: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

If you are seeking adventures, then an epic adventure awaits down 3,000 steps in Yuanyang rice terraces. You’ll find these amazing rice terraces in Yunnan province, in the Ailao mountain slopes. The fascinating Hani people created this wonderful scenery 2,500 years ago.

‘The skillful sculptor” crafted a UNESCO world heritage site in their bare hands, along the Red river on more than 113 square kilometers. November is one of the best times to visit the second most epic places to visit in China.

How Do I Get To Yuanyang Rice Terraces?

First, you should get to Kunming town, and then by bus to Yuanyang. A bullet train to Jianshui will be the most comfortable way to travel, and then take the bus to the Yuanyang.

 

Epic Places To Visit In China: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

 

3. Epic Places To Visit In China: Qinghai Lake

The highest lake in China, Qinghai Lake is the third most epic place to visit in China. If you decide on visiting this breathtaking lake, you should know that Lake Koko Nor, is in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau. Therefore, Tibetans and Tibetan monks consider it sacred.

In addition to this fact, the changing seasonal landscape, make Qinghai lake extraordinary and like no other place in China. You can literally visit Lake Qinghai in summer, autumn or spring, and discover a completely different lake every time.

How Do I Get To Lake Qinghai?

Firstly, take the train to Xining, and then you can take a bus or rent a car to Qinghai lake.

 

Qinghai Lake is an Epic Place To Visit In China

 

4. Zhangjiajie – Precipitous Pillars

Pillar-like formations, the precipitous Zhangjiajie forest park is an absolute awe-awaking nature wonder in China. Zhangjiajie is a one-of-a-kind site of sandstone formations you will not find anywhere in the world. This epic place to visit in China has more than 200 peaks, spires, and mountains just rising from the earth.

In addition, you will be fortunate to meet three minority people living in this remote area, and endangered species like the Chinese water deer and Chinese giant salamander.

How Do I Get To Zhangjiajie Formations?

If you are traveling from Beijing, Shanghai, or Xian, then take a train to Zhangjiajie.

 

Zhangjiajie - Precipitous Pillars in China

 

5. Jiuzhaigou – Colorful Alpine Lakes

Amazing waterfalls, lakes, 9 Tibetan villages, and the most beautiful scenery, make Jiuzhaigou valley one of the 10 epic places to visit in China. You’ll find Jiuzhaigou in the Min Shan mountain range, and it is actually a national park.

At the height of 2,472 m. you’ll find the Five Flower Lake. It is totally worth a trip thanks to the unique colors, a result of the lake-bottom travertine rock, and colorful algae.  These 2 facts create the Alpine lake effect of peaks and blue-turquoise water surrounded by stunning fauna.

How Do I Get To Jiuzhaigou?

You’ll need to get to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province in southwest China by bus and flight.

 

Jiuzhaigou, Colorful Alpine Lakes in China

 

6. Western Sichuan Province – Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

If you are planning an escapade to the beautiful nature of China, snowy peaks, pristine lakes, and hiking paradise, then the Yading nature reserve is ideal for you. You’ll discover this epic place in Sichuan province in China, and you’d better make time for at least 2-3 days, to discover all its wonders.

The “Last Shangri-La” is home to three Chianrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje mountains, that form a triangle formation, and where you’ll find the most beautiful views in Daocheng. Moreover, you’d better be prepared for the 1,000 lakes, among which are the Erong “Milk” lake, and the amazing Five Color Danzhen lake at 4,600 meters.

How Do I Get To Daocheng Yading?

If you are short on time, then fly to Yading airport, and then take the airport bus to Daocheng. You can also take the bus to Shangri-La, and from there take a sightseeing bus to Yading. However, if you really want to discover this epic place in China, then stay overnight in Daocheng.

 

Epic China's Western Sichuan Province - Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve

 

7. Epic Places To Visit In China: Fenghuang, Hunan Province

Fenghuang is one of the traditional places on our 10 epic places to visit in China list. This well-preserved town was built in the Qing dynasty and has kept its ancient atmosphere and views for over 300 years.

Therefore, when you step into this charming town, you will feel you are literally walking back in time. The town’s wooden houses, bridges, temples are untouched by time and create an amazing atmosphere day or night.

According to stories, the town got its name “Phoenix” when 2 Phoenix didn’t want to leave because it was so beautiful, so they stayed to watch over it.

How To Get To Fenghuang?

There are only buses to Fenghuang, no trains. You can take a bus from close towns in Hunan, like Changsha, and Zhangjiajie.

 

Epic Places To Visit In China: Fenghuang, Hunan Province Scenic nature

 

8. Epic Places To Visit In China: The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders of the world, so obviously it features our 10 most epic places to visit in China.

For over 2,300 years the Great Wall of China dominates Northern China’s landscape, and it is the highlight of every trip to China. Unfortunately, over the years due to natural erosion and human damage – 2,000 kilometers are gone from this outstanding landmark.

You should note that if you are dreaming of walking across the entire wall, it will take you 18 months at least to complete the Great Wall of China walk.

How Do I Get To The Great Wall Of China?

You can take a train from Beijing to Badaling train station, and then take the free shuttle bus to the Badaling Great Wall ticket office.

 

The Great Wall of China is of course the most knows among the Epic Places To Visit In China

 

9. Epic Places To Visit In China: Qiandao Lake

With more than 1000 islands, Qiandao lake is one of the most epic places in the world, let alone China. You’ll find this magnificent lake in Chunan country, Zhejiang province, covering an area of 580 square kilometers.

The thousand island lake is man-made and created after the creation of the dam in 1959. If you are fortunate enough to travel to Qiandao lake in China, you’ll have an epic time discovering its many lakes and forest park.

How To Get To Qiandao Lake?

The best way to travel to Qiandao lake is by taking the train from Hangzhou to Qiandaohu Station then take a taxi to Qiandao Lake.

 

 

10. Epic Places To Visit In China: Lijiang Ancient Town

Lijiang is the second old town on our 10 epic places to visit in China list, and one of the 4 most well-preserved old towns in China. Lijiang’s temples, unique Naxi architecture of old tile-roofed houses with an enclosed courtyard, are quite a sight.

As you walk through Lijiang’s cobbled streets, red lanterns above, and discover the 354 bridges, you will be amazed and fascinated by the Naxi people’s culture, and architecture.

How Do I Get To Fenghuang Ancient Town?

The best way to get to Lijiang ancient town is by taking the Chinese train to Lijiang railway station, then by bus or car.

 

Epic Places To Visit In China: Lijiang Ancient Town

 

Here at Save A Train, we will be happy to help you plan your trip to these 10 most epic places to visit in China by train.

 

 

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