From ancient fairytale landscapes to robot waiters, there’s truly something for every kind of traveller exploring China. And thanks to China travel posts going viral on TikTok and Instagram, more and more people are heading there to see the wonders with their own eyes – and to get a perfect shot of their own.
Here are five spots that are trending on social media right now.
Hongya Cave, Chongqing
A sprawling former fortress turned shopping centre and food court, 洪崖洞 Hóngyá Dòng is an 11-storey complex built on stilts that already looks impressive by day, but truly comes alive at night.
With an array of multicoloured lights, the structure looms over the Jialing River just across the huge red Qiansimen Bridge, making it a photographer’s dream from either side of the river. With the backdrop of Chongqing’s equally illuminated skyscrapers, Hongya Cave is the crowning glory of the megacity’s cyberpunk dreamscape.
Tower of Life, Chengdu
Sorry, pandas – when it comes to Chengdu, it’s 生命之塔 Shēngmìng Zhī Tǎ that’s taken over social media lately.
Installed in 2021, the Tower of Life is a relatively new landmark when taking into account the city’s thousands of years of history – but it’s already taken social media by storm. Famous for its huge fountains that look like giant bamboo stems, the structure is located at the top of SKP Chengdu – a sunken luxury shopping mall. The fountains light up at dusk in a rainbow of colours, creating a sci-fi-like scene that almost rivals Chongqing.
Wangcun Waterfall, Furong Old Town, Hunan
王村瀑布 Wángcūn Pùbù, named after Furong’s previous name, Wangcun, is arguably the most-snapped spot in the charming old town.
Like Hongya Cave and the Tower of Life, Wangcun Waterfall makes great use of elaborate lighting to turn it from a natural beauty spot by day into a mystical, magical scene by dusk. The glowing waterfall next to the colourful lights of the ancient town makes it the ultimate photo op.
Suzhou Ancient Grand Canal, Suzhou
Taking a break from evening lightshows, 蘇州古運河 Sūzhōu Gǔ Yùnhé is sometimes called the Venice of the East, and for good reason. Renowned for its waterways, Suzhou’s Ancient Grand Canal is one of its most popular.
The picturesque canal, boats and buildings look stunning alongside Suzhou’s pretty, colourful desserts, which canal-side cafes know and make the most out of. Sitting down to tea and cakes with boats lazily floating along the water nearby is a dream for travel enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan
湖南张家界国家森林公园 Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán is so breathtaking that it inspired the famous ‘floating mountains’ in the film Avatar. Visitors are left speechless by towering sandstone pillars reaching up to 1,000 feet high, which were naturally formed hundreds of millions of years ago.
And if you’re missing those evening lightshows? Head to nearby 天门山国家森林公园 Tiānmén Shān Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán, Tianmen Mountain National Park. Tianmen Mountain itself is a natural sight to behold – but at night, it looks even more like a gateway to heaven, with lights illuminating the stairway up and beams of light radiating off the highest point.
Ready to make all your friends on social media jealous? Check out our range of locations for homestay Mandarin learning programmes in China and Taiwan – including Chongqing and Chengdu.
