Graduation season, summer vacations, and the wave of resignations—summer always brings countless reasons to embark on a spur-of-the-moment journey.
This time, we have selected 3 “must-drive travel routes in China,” spanning from south to north, covering grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and the vast ocean!
These routes either traverse mountains, lakes, and seas, or allow you to immerse yourself in the charm of ancient cities, or gallop across the boundless grasslands! This summer, pack your bags and set off!
1.Yunnan Loop
Dongchuan Red Land
Dongchuan Red Land, hailed as “God’s dropped palette,” is the most concentrated, typical, and characteristic red land scenic area on the red soil plateau of Yunnan.
The red soil here presents a dazzling red color due to the hot and rainy climate and the soil composition rich in iron and aluminum. Complemented by the blue sky, white clouds, and the ever-changing light, every snapshot is a colorful painting.
Every year from September to December, crops planted on the red soil, such as highland barley and wheat, display a golden ocean, intertwining with the red land. The Red Land Scenic Area, centered around Huashitou, consists of several main attractions that can be explored for a full day.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a masterpiece left behind by generations of Hani people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, praised as “sculptures of the earth”!
Almost the entire Yuanyang County is filled with lofty mountains, and all the rice terraces are built on the hillsides, with the highest level reaching 3,000 steps. On days with good weather, the hillsides are outlined with dense textures, and the clouds and light alternately shine.
“Forms of Rice Terraces”
Rainy Days: Viewing the terraces on rainy days is not disappointing; in fact, it’s the best time to capture unique beauty. The mini-tiered waterfalls between the fields are super interesting when the rain subsides, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a low-altitude rainbow after a quick rain.
Blue Terraces: The blue terrace landscape, formed by the reflection of the blue sky in the fields, is also quite unique. However, it has specific viewing times, mostly around 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Red Terraces: The terraces with water surfaces covered in bright red duckweed, intertwined with the terraces filled with lush green duckweed, create a stunning red landscape when viewed from afar. Red terraces can be admired at Laoying Mouth in November and Niujiao Village (along the highway) and Longshu Dam from December to March of the following year.
Puzhehei
Every summer, the most beautiful place in Yunnan is here. In July and August, tens of thousands of lotus flowers bloom! There are a total of 90 karst caves, 54 lakes, and 60,000 mu (4,000 hectares) of water surface, forming a 40-kilometer-long water tourism route.
The vast expanse of wild lotus flowers in Puzhehei is a summer-exclusive feature! Especially the rare varieties, Dasajin and Xiaosajin, compete to bloom on the lake surface, adding endless vitality to this land.
Moreover, ethnic minorities such as Zhuang, Miao, and Yi reside here, creating a rich folk culture, lotus culture, chili culture, and face-painting culture, which is super interesting!
Bamei
This mysterious village, surrounded by lush green mountains, is not accessible by roads. The only way in and out is by small boats. It wasn’t until 2003 that a geological exploration team brought this secluded mountain village into the public eye.
The area features karst landforms, with picturesque scenery all around. The clear Duoniang River flows throughout the year, adding a touch of vitality to the land.
The most fascinating aspect of Bamei Village is the unique way of entering and exiting—sailing through deep and dark water caves. It’s like transitioning from the noisy outside world into an ancient and mysterious small village. When sunlight penetrates through the water caves, it feels as if you’ve entered the “Peach Blossom Spring” described by Tao Yuanming.
Mengzi
A must-visit place in Mengzi is Bise Village, located in Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture. Mengzi is known for its unique French architectural style, especially the Bise Village Station, where the movies “Youth” and “Forever Young” were filmed!
The various historical features in Mengzi are exceptionally well-preserved, allowing for leisurely strolls and exploration. Yunnan’s famous crossing-the-bridge rice noodles originated in Mengzi, so be sure to savor a bowl of the local specialty when you visit.
Jianshui
This thousand-year-old ancient city, situated on the border of Yunnan, is one of the best-preserved Naxi architectural complexes in the province. Without excessive commercialization, a large number of historical relics remain here. The wooden structures, courtyards, and squares exude a strong sense of historical and cultural atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy is the Jianshui Confucius Temple, which is grand in scale and exquisite in architecture, serving as a living fossil of the spread of Confucian thought in Yunnan.
Additionally, you can visit the Tuanshan Village to experience the ancient architectural complex, where local residents still live. In the evening, take a walk on the stone-paved road of Zitao Street, where both sides feature red brick walls, creating a very rustic ambiance.
Mile
Mile is a veritable “Buddhist” small town, not only possessing a profound Buddhist cultural heritage but also preserving its original ecological scenery and slow-paced lifestyle.
A must-visit place in Mile is the Mile Dongfeng Charm, where you can capture incredibly photogenic red brick buildings. It utilizes locally sourced materials, still using the red bricks from the red soil. Its design inspiration comes from the terraced fields of colorful Yunnan.
2.Northwest Loop
Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake in China, boasts rippling turquoise waters surrounded by mountain ranges. Standing by the lake, gazing at the boundless water, one feels an unparalleled sense of tranquility and vastness.
The lakeshore grasslands are lush and green, dotted with wildflowers, while majestic snow-capped mountains tower in the distance. Herds of cattle and sheep graze beside you, creating a stunning scene!
Chaka Salt Lake
“Chaka” in Tibetan means “salt pond.” It resembles a mirror embedded in the earth, reflecting the depth and vastness of the sky.
Chaka Salt Lake is embraced by snow-capped mountains on all sides. Especially during sunrise and sunset, when golden sunlight shimmers on the lake’s surface, it earns the title “China’s Mirror of the Sky.”
U-Shaped Highway
This road is a popular destination for self-driving tours. Due to its unique terrain design, driving on the U-shaped highway, the road undulates with the terrain, and each turn brings a different surprise.
Particularly when vehicles reach higher elevations, you can take in the panoramic view of distant snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes!
Shuishang Yardang National Geopark
This place is truly unique and magnificent! Yardang landforms and lakes complement each other!
Inside the park, yardang mounds soar into the clouds, taking various shapes, some resembling castles, others like pagodas, with the highest reaching 50 meters. The lakes are crystal clear, with waterfowl and wild ducks frolicking freely, adding vibrant life to this oasis in the desert.
Biandu Pass
Biandu Pass, at an altitude of about 2,800 meters, offers a pleasant summer climate with temperatures not exceeding 30°C, making it the optimal choice for a summer retreat!
Biandu Pass carries a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was once the natural gateway for the southern route of the ancient Silk Road entering the Hexi Corridor and the only passage from Gansu to Qinghai.
Standing at Biandu Pass, you’ll discover the undulating layers where heaven and earth meet. Gazing into the distant grasslands brings a sense of openness and tranquility. Here, you can exchange glances with marmots from afar, greet herds of cattle and sheep, and experience close contact with nature.
3.Hainan Island Loop
Haikou
As the capital of Hainan Province, Haikou not only possesses the tranquility and comfort of a small city but also embodies the spirit and vitality of a metropolis.
Strolling through the old arcade streets feels like traveling back to the Southeast Asian era a century ago. The arcade buildings here are unique, with shops lining both sides of the streets. From the ancient Liang An Ji to the modern Far East Company, each door hides a piece of history and a story.
Wanning
Wanning, known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” boasts a 7-kilometer-long silver beach and is the top choice for numerous diving enthusiasts! Wanning is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a strong sense of ecology.
For diving in Wanning, Jiajing Island is highly recommended! As a pristine uninhabited island in Shimei Bay, it features a rich and colorful underwater world, making it a paradise for many diving enthusiasts!
Lingshui
Lingshui, the sparkling pearl in the southeast of Hainan Island, offers enchanting coastal scenery and rich ethnic cultures.
Here, you can find the Mangrove National Wetland Park, where mangroves showcase different charms with the rising and falling tides. There’s also Xiangshui Bay, renowned for its clear waters and fine sandy beaches, where you can fully enjoy the embrace of sunshine, sand, and waves.
Moreover, in the Lingshui Danjia Fishing Village, you can gain a deep understanding of the Danjia people’s lifestyle and traditional culture, experiencing their unique maritime customs!
Sanya
A popular destination that never gets old, Sanya is the go-to spot for vacationing office workers! Despite the crowds, both returning and new visitors should come to Sanya to experience the beauty of freedom! Check out the photos:
Dongfang
Dongfang, a super niche city in Hainan. Walking on the beach of Yulinzhou, golden sand grains flow beneath your feet, the sea breeze caresses your cheeks, and the distant seascape is breathtakingly beautiful.
Apart from the enchanting sea views, Dongfang also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. At Exianling, you can feel the wonder and grandeur of nature while appreciating the wisdom and diligence of ancient ancestors!
