Recommendations for Underrated but Worthwhile Hidden Gems in China

The following destinations, though not as famous as Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi'an, offer unique landscapes, culture, and experiences suitable for travelers seeking in-depth tours or wishing to avoid crowds.

1. Southwestern Region: Secret Natural and Cultural Treasures

1. Tengchong, Yunnan
2. Features: Volcanic hot spring landscapes, Heshun Ancient Town (a 600-year-old overseas Chinese village), Ginkgo Village (golden autumn wonderland), Gaoligong Mountain hiking.
3. Transportation: Direct flight from Camel Peak Airport to Kunming/Dali, or take a long-distance bus from Dali (about 5 hours).
4. Recommended Experiences: Soak in natural hot springs (Rehai Scenic Area), visit the Western Yunnan War Memorial, taste "Da Jiujia" (local specialty stir-fried rice cakes).

5. Best Season: October-December (Ginkgo season), March-April (spring flower seas).

6. Qiandongnan, Guizhou

7. Features: Original Miao and Dong villages, secret terraces, Zhaoxing Dong Village (the largest Dong village in China), Jia Bang Terraces (photographer's paradise).
8. Transportation: Transfer from Guiyang Airport by high-speed rail to Congjiang Station (1.5 hours), then switch to local buses.
9. Recommended Experiences: Participate in the Miao "Sisters Festival", visit Basa Miao Village (China’s last armed tribe), experience batik handicrafts.
10. Note: Some villages require hiking; wear slip-resistant shoes. Respect the local "door-blocking wine" customs.

2. Northwestern Region: Remote Wilderness and Places of Faith

1. Gannan, Gansu
2. Features: Tibetan Buddhist culture, grasslands intertwined with canyons, known as "Little Tibet".
3. Must-Visit Attractions: Labrang Monastery (the world's longest prayer wheel corridor), Zha Ga Na (stone city wonderland), Langmu Temple Town (spanning Sichuan and Gansu provinces).
4. Transportation: Transfer from Lanzhou Airport by bus (4 hours) or hire a car.

5. Note: Altitude around 3000 meters, precautions against altitude sickness required; large temperature differences during summer nights, bring warm jackets.

6. Menzhi, Qinghai

7. Features: Rapeseed flower seas in July (stretching over 50 kilometers), Gangshika Snow Peak hiking.
8. Transportation: Rent a car from Xining Airport for self-driving (2.5 hours), or take the high-speed rail to Menyuan Station.
9. Recommended Experiences: Ride horses through the rapeseed fields, visit Hui villages, taste yak jerky and yogurt.

3. East China: A Subtle Blend of Antiquity and Nature

1. Ancient Villages of Southern Anhui, Anhui Province
2. Recommended Places: Chaji Ancient Village (Ming Dynasty architecture), Chengkan (Bagua Feng Shui Village), Yangchan Earth Towers (Huizhou-style earth tower cluster).
3. Transportation: Transfer from Huangshan Airport by bus or hire a car (1-2 hours).

4. Features: Spring rape flowers contrasting white walls and black tiles, autumn folk customs photography.

5. Quzhou, Zhejiang

6. Features: The pinnacle of Jiangnan cuisine (spicy snacks), Jianglang Mountain (World Natural Heritage Site), Nianbadu Ancient Town (ancient post station at the intersection of three provinces).
7. Must-Try Foods: Quzhou baked pancakes, San Tou Yi Zhang (rabbit head, duck head, fish head, duck feet).

4. Northeastern Region: Border Regions and Ecological Secrets

1. Southern Slope of Changbai Mountain, Jilin
2. Highlights: Best viewing point for the Heavenly Lake (fewer tourists than North and West slopes), Wangtian'e Canyon (volcanic rock formations).
3. Transportation: Hire a car from Changbai Mountain Airport (Southern slope only open in summer).

4. Tips: Combine with Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (Yanji City) to experience Korean cuisine (cold noodles, rice intestines).

5. Yichun, Heilongjiang

6. **Features": "China's Forest Capital" red pine forests, Tangwang River Stone Forest (granite wonders), winter rime.
7. Transportation: Transfer from Harbin Airport by high-speed rail to Yichun (3.5 hours).

5. Southern China: Coastal and Folklore Secrets

1. Quanzhou, Fujian
2. **Features": "First Port of the East" during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, UNESCO intangible heritage "Nanyin", Kaiyuan Temple and Qingshan Mosque (coexistence of multiple religions).
3. **Cuisine": Vermicelli soup, jellyfish, ginger duck.

4. **Tips": Combine nearby Chongwu Ancient City (Hui’an women folklore) and Xiapu tidal flats photography.

5. Chongzuo, Guangxi

6. **Highlights": Detian Transnational Waterfall (Vietnam border), Mingshi Countryside (film location for "Flower Thousands Bone"), White-headed Leaf Monkey Reserve.
7. **Transportation": Transfer from Nanning Airport by high-speed rail to Chongzuo (1 hour).

6. Central China: Interwoven Landscapes and History

1. Enshi, Hubei
2. **Must-See Attractions": Enshi Grand Canyon ("Earth's Most Beautiful Rift"), Pingshan Canyon ("China's Sebenba"), Tusi City.
3. **Transportation": Enshi Xujia Ping Airport, or take the high-speed rail from Wuhan (4 hours).

4. **Note": Some scenic areas require hiking; exercise caution during the rainy season.

5. Anyang, Henan

6. **Features": Yin Ruins (origin of oracle bone script), Taihang Grand Canyon, Hongqi Canal (man-made river).
7. **Cultural Tips": Suitable for history enthusiasts, combine with Zhengzhou or Luoyang itineraries.

7. Travel Suggestions

1. **Transportation Connections": Most remote destinations require transfers from provincial capitals; flexible time arrangements are recommended.
2. **Language Issues": English proficiency is low in remote areas; download translation apps or hire local guides.
3. **Accommodation Choices": Prioritize hotels with foreign guest qualifications, or book homestays via platforms like Ctrip or Airbnb.
4. **Seasonal Impact": Northwest/Northeast regions have severe winters, Southwest monsoon season (June-August) requires precautions against landslides.