China isn’t just a nation, but a continent in its own. It is home to the majority of the planet’s inhabitants, spanning a vast territory rich in wonders. China ranges from deserts to glaciers, from swamps to lakes, from modern metropolises to abandoned temples, and its population ranges from Mongolians in the north to dark-skinned Muslims in the south. Suggesting just three places to visit in “planet China” may seem daring. Yet, precisely because it’s so gigantic, this nation can never be visited in its entirety. Choosing different itineraries at a time is essential. And if you’ve already visited the traditional destinations (Beijing, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, Panda City…) or if you want to be truly original, choose destinations that almost no tourist knows about, yet. Among the thousands ideas, we’ll suggest three for now.
Getting Around China
The key reference points for anyone traveling to China, for business or tourism, are the major airports: Beijing (Capital – PEK or Daxing PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Hong Kong (HKG). Once you land at one of these three, you can continue to your various destinations by domestic flights—given the country’s size, air travel is undoubtedly the primary means of transportation—or by high-speed train. Excursions to your chosen destinations can be made with the help of private transportation, chauffeur services and shuttles, or by eco-friendly vehicles.
The Singing Desert of Badain Jaran
There is a desert in China where the sand sings. And only a lucky few will find themselves in the midst of this harmonious concert of “dry voices”! In Badain Jaran, in the northern province of Inner Mongolia, you shall feel like you are in Africa, but the small oases dotted with pagodas will quickly remind you that… yes, this is China too.
Your itinerary will begin with landing at Zhangye Ganzhou Regional Airport, which receives flights from all major hubs in the country. Then, with a local tour operator, you’ll travel by suitable means towards your adventure. A 49,000 square-kilometer size place, the Badain Jaran Desert is the third largest in China and one of the largest in the world. Despite being arid and sandy, it is home to seasonal streams that allow oasis-like habitats to survive.
The dunes are incredibly high, some exceeding 500 meters! And they aren’t soft like all the other dunes in the world; in fact, the high humidity has solidified their bases, so they remain still with only the shape of their tops, covered in light sand, changing. The interaction between hardened grains of sand and the light ones, aided by the wind, produces rustling and tinkling sounds that, multiplied by billions and billions, resonate like a harmony. Those who have been there swear that the result is like a sweet and romantic ghost melody. It’s certainly spooky… but also extraordinarily original!
The Submerged Cities of Lake Qiandao (Xin’anjian)
When the decision was made in 1958 to dam the great Qiantang River, approximately 300,000 people were forced to leave their homes because an entire valley would have been flooded. Today, the view is breathtaking!
The lake that resulted from the dam is called Qiandao (Xin’anjian in Chinese), with a basin of over 10,000 square kilometers and a depth of 120 meters. A thousand islands (the peaks of ancient hills and mountains) dot the body of water, and at least 27 towns lie underwater, now covered in mud and algae. The charm of Qiandao, beyond the views, lies precisely in these hidden underwater treasures. Today, several tour agencies organize diving trips to allow curious tourists to swim among the houses and temples of towns like Shi Cheng. The allure of these submerged cities makes the experience truly unique. If you’re lucky, you might be there when the dam is partially emptied, allowing China’s small “Atlantises” to resurface for a few hours.
The connecting domestic flight is Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport.
Guilin River: Karst Mountains, Rice Fields, and Cruises
The Li River, or Guilin, is one of China’s enchanting places and remains largely untouched by mass tourism… fortunately! It’s located a short distance from the city of the same name, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region—served by a modern regional airport, Guilin Liangjiang.
Why is this waterway, flowing south toward the China Sea, such a compelling and fascinating alternative tourist destination? Because of the views, of course: enormous limestone peaks rise up around the river, forming one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country; because of the cruises that can be taken along the river, aboard special historic boats organized by the locals; and also because of the expanses of rice paddies that make the region a vibrant green!
Along the Guilin River, you can admire fascinating specimens of fauna, both on land and in water, and the people who live in the villages along the banks are a true “human monument.” Many poets have found inspiration for verses and songs by living with the farmers and fishermen of the river.
