Discover the most charming villages in China!

If you think you've seen it all in China, think again. Beyond its futuristic megacities, the country hides a rural and ancient soul in villages that seem frozen in time. For your next adventure, we suggest venturing off the beaten tourist track and discovering these destinations of authentic beauty.

Danba, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan)

Venture into the heart of eastern Tibet. After a six-hour journey from Chengdu, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery. The Danba villages, considered by many to be among the most beautiful in China, are made up of Tibetan-style houses built into the sun-drenched mountain slopes. Their facades, painted in red, yellow, and black and decorated with religious iconography, are crowned by four white turrets representing deities of the hills, trees, rivers, and fields.

Dunhuang (Gobi Desert)

Discover an oasis of history amidst the vast and inhospitable Gobi Desert. Dunhuang was a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Road and is now a paradise for history buffs. There are 241 historical sites in the surrounding area. Don't miss the White Horse Pagoda, built in 382 AD, and the breathtaking Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which house a priceless treasure trove of Buddhist art.

Fenghuang (Hunan)

Surrounded by verdant mountains and bisected by the Tuojiang River, the ancient town of Fenghuang was described as the most beautiful in China by the writer Rewi Alley. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture of the Miao people, evident in the wooden stilt houses (diaojiaolou) that line the river and the batik fabrics sold in the shops. Sample local delicacies such as spicy pickled red peppers or ginger sweets. A few kilometers to the west, visit Huang Si Qiao Castle, China's best-preserved stone fortress, built in 687.

Heshun (Yunnan)

Near the border with Myanmar, this remote village of just 6,000 inhabitants was once a stop on the Tea Horse Road. Many of its former residents emigrated and, upon their return, built splendid houses that blend Chinese and foreign architectural styles. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and discover the Heshun Library, one of the largest in rural China, and a memorial dedicated to the philosopher Ai Siqi.

Huangyao (Guangxi)

If you enjoyed the scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo but are looking to escape the crowds, Huangyao is the perfect destination. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Guilin, this village retains all the charm of the region without the overcrowding. The families who live here, mostly surnamed Huang or Yao, are descendants of the village's founders 900 years ago. Huangyao offers the authentic glimpse into old China you're looking for.

Likeng (Jiangxi)

Founded in 1010, Likeng is a perfect example of Hui architecture, characterized by its whitewashed walls and cyan-colored roofs. Although there is an entrance fee, it's worth it to stroll beneath its ancient camphor trees and, if you visit in spring, to enjoy the spectacular yellow bloom of the rapeseed that surrounds the village.

Niujie (Yunnan)

In Luoping County, famous for its karst hills, lies the small village of Niujie. The best time to visit is between February and March, when the endless rapeseed fields bloom in all their glory, creating a terraced sea of yellow reminiscent of rice paddies.

Shengcun (Yunnan)

While the Longji rice terraces are the most iconic, those of Yuanyang are considered the most beautiful. Nestled between the Duoyishu and Bada terraces lies Shengcun Village, inhabited by the Hani and Yi ethnic groups. Watching the morning sun reflect off the fields, which are flooded in winter, is an unforgettable experience. Moreover, unlike other ethnic villages, there is no entrance fee here. Market days offer a unique opportunity to observe locals trading fresh produce and handicrafts.

Shiwei (Inner Mongolia)

Although technically a village, its small size and location on the Hulunbuir grassland, on the border with Russia, make it a special stop. Shiwei combines the best of three cultures: Russian, Mongolian, and Han Chinese. You can ride horses across the grasslands during the day, enjoy a fusion of local delicacies in the evening, and sleep in a traditional yurt (ger), lulled by the sounds of cattle.

Shuangfeng (Heilongjiang)

Nicknamed "China's Snow Village," Shuangfeng Forest Farm is the perfect place to experience the country's heaviest snowfall. For seven months of the year, this former logging village transforms into a fairytale tourist destination, with its original houses converted into guesthouses. You can reach it by tourist bus from Mudanjiang City.

Zhouzhuang (Jiangsu)

Known as the "Venice of the East," Zhouzhuang is one of China's most beautiful water towns. Located between Shanghai and Suzhou, simply strolling through its streets and crossing its charming stone bridges is a delight. With 900 years of history, it also boasts gems such as the Ming-era Zhang Ting Residence, with its six courtyards and over 70 rooms, and the Quanfu Temple, situated on the shores of Baixian Lake.