China is not just a massive country. It is a place packed with diversity. Culture can change as dramatically as the landscape when you travel through China.
In fact, there is one thing you want to pay attention to, and it’s the fact that there are unique regions that are either autonomous or independent in China:
- 5 autonomous regions
- 2 special administrative regions
So, if you are looking to travel deeper than the usual Beijing-Shanghai loop, these are the must-sees on your list:
Tibet
Tibetan Buddhism is often the first thought that comes to mind about Tibet, and many of the cultural and spiritual landmarks, such as the Potala Palace, revolve around Tibetan spirituality and history.
Due to its high altitude, getting there is part of the adventure! Many travellers actually take trains to Tibet from Shanghai and Beijing and watch the mountains and grasslands unfold along the way.
Xinjiang Uyghur
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is a real melting pot, located on the ancient Silk Road. It blends all sorts of Central Asian influences. That’s why the Uyghur bazaars, mosques, and food is like nowhere else in China.
Kashgar and Turpan reveal centuries of trade history, as well as breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hikers and explorers seeking something a bit different.
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia swaps skyscrapers for endless grasslands and blue skies.
You can sleep in yurts, ride horses, and experience all sorts of Mongolian music and festivals here. The vast plains give the region a real sense of space that surprises lots of visitors who come expecting crowded streets and neon skylines.
Guangxi Zhuang
Guangxi is famous for its karst mountains that surround all the villages and towns of Guilin and Yangshuo.
Many of the local villages and towns keep hold of some traditional Zhuang cultural practices. In fact, the region continues to have unique religious practices, such as animism, for example, which is a testimony to its deeper connection to nature. You can also still see Zhuang people who live in stilted houses, like their ancestors did before them.
That is why for a lot of tourists, Guangxi is a real chance to slow down and get back to nature.
Ningxia Hui
Ningxia reflects the heritage of the Hui Muslim community.
Ningxia’s got an interesting twist. It’s one of the few places in China that’s really embracing its wine scene along the Yellow River, so you can combine desert landscapes with vineyards like nowhere else.
Macau
Macau feels like a Portuguese town lost in Asia, and the mixture of colonial architecture next to Chinese temples can be disorientating. That being said, most visitors choose Macau for its casinos.
Nevertheless, the real charm is in discovering the historic streets and the coastal viewpoints, which you can enjoy even more with a car rental in Macau.
Hong-Kong
Hong Kong’s a real global hub: A financial centre, a cultural melting pot and one of the world’s most famous cities.
It’s like no other place in China, as it’s got its own legal and economic system. It also has got a real East meets West vibe. You can find all sorts of street food, walk through the markets, and explore the islands and beaches in this fast-paced region.
Which region would you like to see first?
