10 Hidden Gems in China to Visit in 2026
China is far more than the Great Wall, The Bund and The Terracotta Warriors. Beyond the famous landmarks lies a country of vast landscapes, rich minority cultures, historic cities, and regions that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
If you’re looking to experience a more authentic, slower, and surprising side of China, these are the 10 hidden gems to add to your 2026 travel list.
1. Inner Mongolia
Why travel here:
Endless grasslands, wide skies, and nomadic culture make Inner Mongolia feel worlds away from China’s megacities. Travellers can stay in yurts, ride horses across the steppe, and experience traditional Mongolian food and music. It’s perfect for those craving space, nature, and a completely different side of China.
When to visit:
June to September is best, when the grasslands are lush and green. Summer also brings traditional Naadam-style festivals, featuring horse racing, wrestling, and archery.
Perfect for:
Nature lovers, photographers, slow travellers, people who want wide-open spaces and cultural experiences far removed from big cities.
2. Guizhou
Why travel here:
One of China’s most underrated provinces, Guizhou is home to dramatic karst landscapes, waterfalls, and some of the country’s most fascinating ethnic minority villages. It offers incredible value, fewer crowds, and deeply authentic cultural experiences - ideal for travellers wanting to go off the beaten path.
When to visit:
April to October is ideal. Visit in April or May for minority festivals such as the Sisters’ Meal Festival, or in the summer for cooler temperatures compared to much of China.
Perfect for:
Cultural travellers, photographers, budget travellers, second-time visitors to China, and those wanting off-the-beaten-path experiences.
3. Quanzhou
Why travel here:
Often overlooked in favour of bigger coastal cities, Quanzhou was once one of the world’s busiest ports along the Maritime Silk Road. Today, it’s a cultural gem filled with temples, historic streets, and a laid-back local atmosphere. It’s perfect for history lovers and slow travellers.
When to visit:
October to March offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Perfect for:
History lovers, slow travellers, culture-focused travellers, and people who enjoy wandering old streets and local neighbourhoods.
Check out THIS blog post for the best things to do in Quanzhou.
4. Datong
Why travel here:
Datong is one of China’s most underrated historical cities. Nearby, you’ll find the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes - both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Datong is ideal for travellers interested in ancient history, Buddhism, and architecture.
When to visit:
May to October is best. Summer offers comfortable sightseeing weather, while autumn brings clear skies and fewer tour groups. Winter is cold but magical.
Perfect for:
History buffs, architecture lovers, travellers interested in Buddhism, and those who want major sights without mass tourism.
When travelling in rural China, you need to stay connected so you can book transport, accommodation and chat with locals. Before you arrive, get an eSIM with Holafly so you have unlimited data. Use my code NICOFILMS to save 5% off your purchase.
5. Chongzuo
Why travel here:
Located near the Vietnam border, Chongzuo offers spectacular natural scenery, including waterfalls, rivers, and lush countryside. It’s quiet, scenic, and perfect for travellers who enjoy nature, photography, and escaping busy tourist routes. Think Guilin but without the crowds!
When to visit:
September to November is ideal for cooler temperatures and lush scenery. The rainy season (summer) makes waterfalls especially impressive, but can limit access.
Perfect for:
Nature lovers, photographers, travellers who enjoy quiet destinations, and people looking to escape crowded tourist routes.
6. Gansu (Zhagana & Langmusi)
Why travel here:
Zhagana’s dramatic alpine landscapes, stone villages, and hiking trails, combined with Langmusi’s Tibetan-influenced monasteries, showcase two striking sides of Gansu - remote mountain scenery and high-plateau Tibetan culture.
When to visit:
June to September for the best weather and accessibility. Summer is ideal for hiking in Zhagana and exploring the monasteries and grasslands around Langmusi.
Perfect for:
Adventure travellers, hikers, landscape photographers, road-trippers, and culturally curious travellers comfortable with remote regions.
Planning a hidden-gem trip in China?
Some of these destinations are harder to reach and research. I offer personalised China trip planning calls to help you build a smooth, realistic itinerary - without the stress.
7. Anhui
Why travel here:
Anhui is home to traditional villages, misty mountains, and classic Chinese scenery. Places like Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and ancient villages such as Hongcun feel like you’re stepping into a traditional ink painting. It’s perfect for photographers, hikers, and culture lovers.
When to visit:
March to May and September to November. Spring brings misty mountain views; autumn offers clear skies and vibrant foliage.
Perfect for:
Photographers, hikers, culture lovers, and travellers interested in traditional architecture and scenery.
8. Xishuangbanna
Why travel here:
Located in southern Yunnan, Xishuangbanna offers tropical jungles, Buddhist temples, elephant sanctuaries, and strong Southeast Asian influences. With palm trees, warm weather, and Dai culture, it feels completely different from most of China, making it a true hidden gem.
When to visit:
November to April is ideal, with warm, dry weather. Visit in April for the Water Splashing Festival, one of China’s most fun and colourful celebrations.
Perfect for:
Warm-weather travellers, culture lovers, festival seekers, and those wanting a tropical, Southeast Asia-style experience in China.
9. Shenyang
Why travel here:
Often overshadowed by Beijing, Shenyang has a deep imperial history as the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. Its lesser-known palace, industrial heritage, and northeastern food scene make it a fascinating stop for travellers wanting history without heavy tourism. It’s also one of the happiest places in China (apparently).
When to visit:
May to October is best for comfortable weather. September is especially pleasant, with autumn colours and fewer tourists.
Perfect for:
History lovers, second-time China visitors, travellers curious about lesser-known imperial cities, and food lovers.
10. Xinjiang
Why travel here:
Vast, dramatic, and culturally rich, Xinjiang is one of China’s most visually striking regions. Snow-capped mountains, deserts, grasslands, and vibrant Silk Road culture make it unforgettable. It’s ideal for experienced travellers seeking epic landscapes and deep cultural diversity.
When to visit:
May to September is best, especially June to August, for grasslands, lakes, and mountain scenery. Summer also brings local cultural festivals in many regions.
Perfect for:
Experienced travellers, adventure seekers, photographers, road-trippers, and those seeking epic landscapes and deep cultural diversity.
Why Visit China’s Hidden Gems in 2026?
Fewer crowds than in major tourist cities
Deeper cultural immersion and authentic experiences with locals
More affordable travel experiences
Unique landscapes you won’t find elsewhere
These destinations are perfect for second-time visitors, adventurous first-timers, and anyone looking to move beyond the standard China itinerary.
What can be difficult?
Most are quite rural, so public transport may be hard to navigate and have longer travel times.
Not many people will speak English
Accommodation standards may not be as good as in the cities
Harder to get around without your own transport
Thinking about visiting China’s hidden gems?
Places like Zhagana, Xinjiang, or Inner Mongolia can be some of the most rewarding destinations in China - but they also require extra planning when it comes to routes, timing, and logistics.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I offer personalised China trip planning calls to help you:
Turn ideas into a clear, doable itinerary
Navigate remote regions with confidence
Plan transport and travel days realistically
Create a trip that fits your interests, not a generic tour
If you want a China trip that goes beyond the usual tourist trail, without the stress of figuring it all out alone, you can book a planning call with me here.