last edited Jan 9, 2020
Regions of China
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Location Map of China
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Northern China
Provinces and regions: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia.
This part of Chinese territory, north of Beijing, is far from the country’s most visited region. A harsh climate, vast untouched areas in some places, often unappealing cities, and a relatively limited heritage—aside from a few religious buildings or traces of Russian "colonisation"—may explain this limited interest, particularly among Western tourists. Nevertheless, Inner Mongolia with the Gobi Desert will always appeal to those seeking off-the-beaten-path nature and adventure.
Central China
Provinces and regions: Anhui, Beijing, Henan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Tianjin.
This is the region of Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, the beautiful city of Pingyao, Xi'an (and its famous Terracotta Army), a large part of the Great Wall of China, and numerous Buddhist sites found in cave complexes like those of Longmen or Yungang. In short, more than enough to satisfy culture enthusiasts. However, there are fewer opportunities for nature and adventure, with just a few mountain ranges scattered here and there for hiking.
Southern China
Provinces and regions: Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang, plus Hong Kong and Macao.
There’s plenty to see and do in this part of the country, with a lot of diversity. Hong Kong and Macau offer a different side of China due to their history, while cities like Lijiang, Fenghuang, Hangzhou, and Kaiping boast beautiful old buildings or historic centres. Also worth discovering are places like Leshan for its giant Buddha, Dali and Guilin for their surroundings, and for nature, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the karst landscapes of Southern China, and various mountain ranges (Emei, Sanqing, Wuyi...). For beach lovers, head to Hainan Island.
Western China
Provinces and regions: Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang.
Rarely visited but rich in attractions of all kinds, the West offers a very different experience from the rest of the country. Whether it’s the local populations and cultures, closer to those of Central Asia, the rugged and wild landscapes like the Taklamakan Desert and its oases (Kashgar, Turpan...), high-altitude lakes (including Karakul), or the famous Karakoram Highway crossing breathtaking mountain scenery, this region is far removed from Beijing and the megacities of the east coast. In short, Western China is a true off-the-beaten-path nature and adventure destination, with the added bonus of numerous traces of Tibetan Buddhism in the area.
Tibet
For decades, this autonomous region of China, with its complicated history with the latter, has fascinated Western travellers. Beyond any passing "trend," its unique culture, vast wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and fantastic trekking opportunities attract travellers—even though access to the region is highly regulated (and sometimes forbidden) depending on the period, and unsupervised stays (including solo travel) are not permitted without authorisation.