Top 10 Places for a Second Trip to China

China's vast land area has blessed the country with an extraordinary variety of destinations with distinct scenery, culture, and travel experiences. If you're planning a return trip and hope to explore something beyond the classic first-time itinerary, there are countless regions waiting to surprise you, from vibrant modern cities to remote natural wonders and culturally rich minority areas.

To help you narrow down the options, we've selected the top 10 destinations that are especially suitable for a second visit to China. These places offer fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the familiar highlights.

Grassland and snowy peaks in Xinjiang

1. Yunnan

Lijiang Ancient City in Yunnan

• Top Places: Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, etc.
• Days to Spend: 7 to 8 days

Yunnan is famous for its diverse ethnic cultures and geography. It is home to many ethnic minority groups in China, making it a destination with vibrant and dynamic ethnic cultures. Among the many places to visit in Yunnan, three cities stand out to be suitable for your second trip to China.

The first city is Lijiang. This city is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture in the Lijiang Old Town. The Old Town of Lijiang presents a subtle and elegant style with a distinct ethnic element. It also has a night market along its cobbled street, where you can get a taste of the authentic local culture while enjoying delicious cuisines.

The second one is Dali. It is a city in the western part of Yunnan province that features serene landscapes. The tranquil Erhai Lake and the towering Cangshan Mountains are two must-see destinations for visitors, which will not only offer you gorgeous views, but also bring you inner peace.

The third one is Shangri-La. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Shangri-La is nature in its finest, with Napa Lake lying in the valley of a high-altitude mountain plateau. Therefore, it is a popular destination that attracts adventure-seekers and nature lovers.

2. Huangshan

Huangshan Mountain in China

• Top Place: Huangshan Mountain, Hongcun Village, Xidi Village, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain, is a mountain range located in the southern part of Anhui province in China. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique rock formations, Huangshan is a famous tourist destination of outdoor adventure and natural scenery.

When visiting Huangshan, you can hike along its many trails, take in the breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys. The view of sunset and sunrise is good here. The colors of the sky and mist will be stunning, with orange, red, and yellow blending together to create a breathtaking display.

Apart from the attractions in Huangshan, there nearby places with view you don't want to miss as well, such as Hongcun Village, which is close to Huangshan Mountain. It takes less than 1 hour to reach Hongcun from Mount Huangshan. If you have a longer holiday, consider adding Jingdezhen and Wangxiangu Valley to your itinerary. These places are less than a two-hour drive from each other.

3. Tibet

Potala Palace in Tibet

• Top Places: Potala Palace, Mount Kailash, Jokhang Temple, etc.
• Days to Spend: 5 to 7 days

There are awe-inspiring landscapes, profound spirituality, and living cultural heritage in Tibet. Among all the attractions, Potala Palace stands as the iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhist history with towering white-and-red walls. If you're seeking deeper spiritual resonance often journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred peak revered across Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism, where a single kora (pilgrimage circuit) is believed to bring immense merit.

With our assistance, you won't need to worry about applying for the Tibet Travel permit, we'll take care of everything for you. Our travel advisor will design your itinerary, arrange private transfers, and provide one-on-one service to ensure a personalized and seamless travel experience.

4. Xinjiang

Tianchi Lake in Xinjiang

• Top Places: Tianshan Tianchi Lake, Ancient City of Jiaohe, Kanas Lake, etc.
• Days to Spend: 5 to 7 days

Xinjiang is a top places for a second trip to China. Xinjiang offers a travel experience that feels both grand and deeply cultural with dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient Silk Road heritage.

One of the region's most iconic natural sites is Tianshan Tianchi Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Whether you take a boat ride on the lake or walk along the trails, Tianchi is breathtaking at every turn.

Another highlight is the Ancient City of Jiaohe, one of the best-preserved earthen cities in the world. Walking through its ruins of old temples, residences, and streets, you can vividly imagine how life unfolded here thousands of years ago.

If you're seeking pristine wilderness, Kanas Lake is a must-visit. Often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in China, Kanas is famous for its changing colors, dense forests, and stunning mountain views.

5. Dunhuang

Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang

• Top Places: Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Moon Spring, Singing Sand Dune, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Dunhuang in Gansu Province has played a key role in the cultural and economic exchange along the ancient Silk Road and is now a popular tourist destination.

One of the most famous attractions in Dunhuang is the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mogao Caves is a vast collection of Buddhist art and manuscripts, containing over 492 caves filled with colorful frescoes, intricate sculptures, and other sophisticated works of art.

Apart from the caves, Dunhuang is also known for its unique natural beauty. The Singing Sand Dunes are a must-see for visitors, as these sand dunes can produce a unique whistling sound when the wind blows across them. If you climb to the top of the dunes, you will see the breathtaking views of the vast desert and the Crescent Moon Spring.

6. Hangzhou

West Lake, Hangzhou

• Top Places: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Hefang Street, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Hangzhou, a city in the province of Zhejiang, is located in the eastern part of China. It is emerging as one of China's new first-tier cities, and is a popular tourist destination in the country. The must-visit attraction in Hangzhou is West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With lush green hills and scenic gardens around it, West Lake is considered one of China's most beautiful natural attractions.

In addition to its natural scenery and famous Dragon Well tea plantations, Hangzhou also showcases China’s cutting-edge technology scene. The city is home to leading companies such as Alibaba, Unitree Robotics, and DeepSeek, offering a fascinating contrast between tradition and innovation.

Getting to Hangzhou from Shanghai is very convenient, with high-speed trains taking just about one hour.

7. Guizhou

Miao ethnic women in Guizhou

• Top Places: Huangguoshu Water Falls, Zhaoxing Dong Village, Huajiang Bridge, etc.
• Days to Spend: 4 to 6 days

Guizhou is a good destination for a second trip to China. You will see spectacular landscapes, waterfalls and rich minority cultures in Guizhou.

One of the main attractions of Guizhou is the Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is one of the largest waterfalls in Asia. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and is most known for its rainbow-filled mist and thundering falls.

Guizhou's diverse ethnic cultures are also fascinating. The province is home to over 40 ethnic minority groups, each of which has its own customs and traditions. One of the most recommended ethnic villages is Zhaoxing Dong Village. When visiting it, you will be immersed in the well-preserved Dong culture, and have the chance to appreciate the costumes of local people and celebrate traditional festivals with them. This will be a unique experience that leaves you with beautiful memories about China's ethnic cultures.

Guizhou's mountain bridges have also amazed the world, the Huajiang Canyon Bridge is the world's highest bridge, spans 2,890 meters and rises 625 meters above the valley floor.

8. Zhangye

Zhangye Danxia Geopark

• Top Places: Danxia National Geological Park, Mati Temple, Giant Buddha Temple, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Zhangye is a city located in the northwestern part of China's Gansu Province. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and combines dramatic natural landscapes with rich Buddhist heritage.

One of the main attractions of Zhangye is the Zhangye Danxia Geological Park. It is a unique rock formation that features rainbow-colored hills created by millions of years of erosion. You won't regret a trip to Zhangye as you can hike in the area, take scenic drives, and admire the stunning views.

Steeped in history, Zhangye is also home to a number of important Buddhism and cultural sites, including the Giant Buddha Temple, which is known for its 35-meter reclining Buddha statue made about a thousand years ago, and Mati Temple, a complex of Buddhist grottoes built into steep cliffs.

Zhangye and Dunhuang are both located in Gansu Province, and if you have a week, you can easily visit both cities. They are connected by a bullet train that takes only about 4 hours. However, there are limited departures. From Dunhuang to Zhangye, trains leave only around 7-8 a.m., and from Zhangye to Dunhuang, only around 3-4 p.m.

9. Suzhou

Tongli Water Town in Suzhou

• Top Places: Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator's Garden, Tongli Water Town, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Suzhou is a highly regarded tourist destination for foreigners. The city is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its beautiful canals and bridges. It's famous for classical Chinese gardens, beautiful water towns, and silk heritage.

If you're interested in traditional Chinese gardens, you won't want to miss Lingering Garden and the Humble Administrator's Garden. Both feature classic Jiangnan architectural styles, with pavilions, rockeries, bamboo groves, and ponds. However, since their styles are quite similar, visiting either one is usually enough.

Suzhou's Tongli Water Town is also well worth visiting. It is a 1,000-year-old water town filled with canals, stone bridges, and old mansions. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride, walk across the three famous bridges and visit the Retreat & Reflection Garden, another beautiful example of classical Chinese garden design.

Suzhou is close to Shanghai. It takes only about 30 minutes by bullet train. It's also easy to combine Suzhou with Hangzhou; trains between the two cities take about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

10. Pingyao

Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province

• Top Places: Ancient City of Pingyao, City Wall of Pingyao, Shuanglin Temple, etc.
• Days to Spend: 2 to 3 days

Pingyao County is one of China's best-preserved gateways into traditional northern lifestyles and ancient architecture almost 400 years ago. While you may only hear about the famous Ancient City of Pingyao, visiting the whole county gives you a fuller, more authentic experience of history, culture, and rural charm. It's a place where City Wall of Pingyao, centuries-old temples, like Shuanglin Temple, and quiet countryside coexist, offering a slower, more immersive journey than big-city destinations.

Plan Your Trip With Us

Our team, China Odyssey Tours, has extensive experience in creating customized travel plans, including private guides, dedicated airport and hotel transfers, and personally inspected hotels. We will design your second trip to China entirely based on your needs and budget, and leave you with another unforgettable memory in China. Feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com and start your journey with us.