When somebody says China, you usually think “Great Wall,” “Forbidden City,” “Shanghai,” “Beijing.” But did you know there is more to China than these Eastern destinations.
Epic, untamed landscapes roll out across these western destinations, comprising lush green prairies, unforgiving deserts and desolate Himalayan plateaus meeting huge, unforgettably blue skies. This is a place for the curious, the world-wanderers and the wild traveler with a burning sense of wanderlust.
Coming to West China will expand your horizons, and make you see China in a different light. Walking through the sacred mountains, and taking strolls through the peaceful temples, lakes, valleys, and forests will not only enrich your soul, but also awaken a different you.
Discover fascinating, unusual, and adventurous things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in China.
Covering an area of 100 square meters, Changping Valley has 21 tourist spots along this 29-kilometer valley. There are ancient cypresses, lama monasteries, dried haizi and a waterfall scores of meters high, all of which make the valley a tourist favorite.
With an area of 217 square meters, Shuangqiao Valley is much larger than Changping Valley and Haizi Valley. Along this 34.8-kilometer long valley, it offers so many tourist spots to explore, providing gorgeous scenery.
Like many locations in north of Xinjiang, there are idyllic pastures around the village. The Kazakh herders still live in a traditional pastoral life. This village provides a window for visitors who are interested in the lives of the less known ethnic group in China.
In the eyes of Tibetans, Yamdrok Lake is regarded as the "scattered turquoise ear drop of the Goddess", and is a lake with two long arms of water, making it look like a coiling scorpion from the sky.
Namtso is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Cuddled by imposing Mt Nyenchen Thangla Ranges, Namtso Lake is defined by its surreal beauty.
In the Meli Snow Mountains there are glaciers that extend from 5,500 meters above sea level to the forest regions at an altitude of 2,700 meters, and they are modern monsoon marine glaciers in low latitudes, high altitude.
Shaxi is the best-preserved city on the southern silk route. Many of the historical sites have been well preserved including Sifang Street, Xingjiao Temple, YuJin Bridge and Ancient Opera Stage.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is famous for its height, beauty and peculiarity. The main scenic spots are Glacier Park, Ganhaizi Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow.
Compared to the reputation of Jiaju Tibetan Village, Zhonglu Tibetan Village is more peaceful, which gives people the feeling of wandering in a paradise. Especially in autumn, Zhonglu Tibetan Village is full of melons and fruits.
It is a rare type of Karst topography. In fact, the pools are formed due to calcification. There are more than 3,400 colorful terraced pools in the valley. The highlight is the Multi-colored Pools which scatter on the top of the valley.
The superb landscapes of Jiuzhai Valley are particularly interesting for their narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls and lakes. There is a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda, Sichuan golden monkey and the Sichuan takin.
The scenic spot lies under blue skies; with slowly moving white clouds passing over snow-capped peaks, white yurts of herders, flocks of sheep and goats moving in green pastures, dark green primeval forests and deep canyons.