7 Most Beautiful And Natural Attractions To Visit In China

China is celebrated for its incredible cultural attractions, which travellers from across the world flock to see. However, there are plenty of natural wonders to discover in this vast country, too, and today we're going to be focusing on the best of the best to add to your itinerary.

One of the world’s largest and oldest civilizations, it’s no surprise that China is filled with countless lesser-known gems and hidden attractions waiting to be discovered. This diverse country’s astounding man-made attractions are rivaled by its remarkable natural wonders. From singing sand dunes to some of the tallest statues on the planet, here are some of the most beautiful places in China that you need to see.

# Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou’s enormous lake is filled with water that changes color throughout the day and year. The color is caused by a combination of algae and calcified rocks found at the bottom of the lake, as well as the reflection of the surrounding landscape. Autumn is the best time of year to visit the lake, when it takes on a rainbow of different hues.

# Zhangye Danxia Landform

Nicknamed the ‘painted mountains’ of Danxia, this incredible landscape is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this section of the Gobi Desert, the folding of layered oceanic crust created exposed rock layers of different colors and textures. Their unusual shapes, which resemble strange cones and towers, evolved over centuries of exposure to wind and rain and the colorful sedimentation layers add unique striped patterns.

# Guanyin Statue

This massive statue dedicated to Guanyin, the Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy, is part of the Nanshan Temple Complex. At 354 feet, the statue towers over the surrounding area. It’s said to be the world’s tallest statue of Guanyin, as well as the fourth tallest statue on the planet. The statue has three faces, one of which looks towards the land, and the other two which point towards the South China Sea.

# Dongchuan Red Land

The Dongchuan Red Land is a 77,000-square mile area located about 25 miles southwest of Kunming City. The region’s subtropical climate causes iron to oxidize and deposit in the soil, which gives it a deep red color. The red soil color is emphasized by the other colors of the surrounding landscape, contrasting against green barley, golden buckwheat, white oil flowers, and the blue sky. Often described as a ‘palette’ of colors, the area is best visited from either May to June or September to November, when various crops are ripe and the colors are most distinct.

# Saint Sophia Cathedral

With its deep green onion domes and golden crosses, Saint Sophia Cathedral is one of Harbin’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing 177 feet tall, the church is the largest Orthodox church in East and Southeast Asia. It was built by Russian expats in 1907, managing to survive the Cultural Revolution that saw most of the city’s other Orthodox churches destroyed. Today, the church’s un-restored interior houses a museum dedicated to the city, while its front square is a popular local gathering spot.

# Yuanyang Rice Terraces

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces have been dug into the rolling landscape of the southern Ailao Mountains by the Hani people over many centuries. Covering more than 12,500 hectares, these shallow-sloped terraces reach height of up to 6500 feet above sea level. Depending on the season, the terraces are richly green or filled with water which reflects the colors and cloud shapes of the sky. Adding to the beauty of the terraces are the fascinating Hani people who farm the lands and still largely live according to the traditions of their ancestors.

# Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake

The Echoing Sand Mountain is a series of sand dunes located along the Silk Road, in the Gobi desert in northwest China. The huge dunes stretch for more than 25 miles long and 12 miles wide, reaching 800 feet at their peak. Aside from their interesting shapes, the dunes are known for the haunting echoing sound they produce when strong winds blow over the sands. The dunes surround Crescent Lake, a half-mooned shaped lake that offers a pleasing contrast to the sand with the gardens blooming on its shores.