China – off the beaten path…

China is a vast and diverse country, with numerous cities offering unique experiences for travellers. While popular destinations like Beijing and Shanghai are well-known to the West, there are three cities that stand out for their distinctive qualities, affordability and technological advancements. If you are looking for a unique travel experience in China, these three cities should certainly be on your list.

Chongqing

Chongqing, located in southwest China, may not be on every travellers’ radar, but it should be! This mountainous megacity is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine and is considered the birthplace of hotpot. It is also famous for its 8-D infrastructure. Chongqing is one of the few places on earth where you can enter a building on the first floor and look out the window to see that you’re actually already 20 stories up. This is because Chongqing is built among mountains, with roads and highways dipping and rising to adjust to the mountainous terrain. Subway trains are built to pass through mountains, caves and even residential buildings; cable car rides are a normal transportation option for those who want a more scenic route to work.

Top attractions to visit include Fengyu Bridge, Liziba Station, the historic Hongyadong Caves and any of the riverfronts that afford stunning evening views of the city skyline. Take a cruise along the Yangtze River and you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas and the chance to witness the impressive Three Gorges Dam. You can also spend a day just exploring one of the many restored old villages dotting the city, revitalized and renewed into vibrant art, music, and cultural hubs. It’ a fascinating mix of natural beauty, urban vibrancy and rich history and because the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet here, the city has stunning riverfront views and dramatic topography.

Shenzhen

For technology enthusiasts, a visit to Shenzhen is like stepping into the future. Known as the Silicon Valley of China, the city is filled with high-tech marvels, from its futuristic skyline dominated by skyscrapers to its advanced transportation systems.

Originally a small fishing village, it has grown into one of the most modern, forward-thinking cities in the country. Huaqiangbei is the largest electronics market in the world, where you can find a plethora of gadgets and accessories. Shenzhen is also home to numerous tech-themed parks, such as the Sea World Culture and Arts Centre and the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park, which showcase cutting-edge art and technology. Window of the World is a theme park where you can see mini replicas of some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The city is home to many of the leading Chinese tech companies, including Huawei and Tencent, making it a good destination for those looking for a tech-centric vacation. You can also visit Shenzhen Museum, which will give you insights into the city’s rapid growth and transformation from a small town into a global metropolis. For art lovers, Dafen oil painting village is known for its vibrant art scene, where you can see painters creating reproductions of famous works.

Guilin

Guilin is uniquely captivating for its small-town charm, especially if you’ve had too much of the gigantic and towering skyscrapers other cities are known for. Situated in southern China, Guilin is renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape, characterized by towering limestone peaks and picturesque rivers. The Li River cruise is one of the most popular activities, offering a mesmerizing journey through karst hills, picturesque villages and the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. And for those looking for a touch of adventure, a visit to the nearby Longji Rice Terraces is a must, where you can witness the stunning terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries.

The tourist town of Yangshuo, which boasts stunning karst mountains, is also just a short train ride away. What makes Guilin truly unique among other Chinese cities is its serene atmosphere. Guilin allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature and experience a slower pace of life while enjoying the modern amenities in hospitality and technology that other cities are known for. There are numerous great hotels in the city which has the same efficient transportation, commercial and communication technologies you can see in any major city in China.

Compared to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Guilin are much less crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons when locals flock to destinations in massive droves, making travel difficult. Chongqing stands out with its spicy cuisine and stunning landscape; Shenzhen boasts technological wonders and a vibrant atmosphere; and Guilin captivates with its natural beauty and tranquility. All three cities provide unique experiences and a glimpse into a different side of China that is often overlooked.