
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Xingcheng, China
1. Taipingshan National Forest Park
Explore the largest subtropical forest in China and discover the rare clouded leopard.
- Wildlife Spotting: Chance to see endangered species like clouded leopards, red pandas, and golden snub-nosed monkeys.
- Natural Beauty: Breathtaking waterfalls, primeval forests, and diverse flora.
- Hiking Trails: More than 100 hiking trails catering to all levels of experience.
2. Miao Village of Dongchuan
Experience the vibrant Miao culture in picturesque villages with colorful houses.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about traditional Miao customs, music, and crafts.
- Photography Opportunities: Stunning landscapes with colorful houses and terraced rice fields.
- Homestays: Authentic homestay experiences with local families.
3. Longmen Dongba Tulou Cluster
Discover the unique earthen circular buildings of the Dong ethnic group.
- Architecture: Impressive, fortress-like structures built without mortar.
- Cultural Experience: Opportunities to interact with the Dong ethnic group and learn about their traditions.
- Hiking Trails: Explore nearby hiking trails for scenic views of rice terraces and villages.
4. Xingyi Ancient Town
Step back in time to a quaint, traditional town with ancient architecture and local flavors.
- Cultural Preservation: Well-preserved ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Foodie Delights: Taste local specialties like Xingyi meat pies, bamboo-tube rice, and snail soup.
- Artisan Workshops: Visit workshops to learn about traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, wood carving, and pottery.
5. Cave Village of Shilin
Explore a village built inside a limestone cave with fascinating stalactites and subterranean lakes.
- Natural Wonders: Awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
- Unique Architecture: Houses built directly into the cave with unique stone carvings.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the history and daily life of the ethnic groups living in the village.
6. Jiulongshan Scenic Area
Marvel at the breathtaking karst landscape with over 300 towering peaks.
- Natural Beauty: Stunning views of karst peaks, rivers, and rice terraces.
- Hiking Trails: Various hiking trails catering to all levels of experience.
- Photography Opportunities: Endless photo opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
7. Maoqiang Ancient Town
Step back in time to a well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture and local flavors.
- Cultural Preservation: Well-preserved ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Foodie Delights: Taste local specialties like Maoqiang rice noodles, bamboo-tube rice, and snail soup.
- Artisan Workshops: Visit workshops to learn about traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, wood carving, and pottery.
8. Taihang Mountain Range
Hike through the picturesque Taihang Mountain Range with diverse landscapes and breathtaking views.
- Natural Beauty: Diverse landscapes ranging from mountains, forests, and grasslands.
- Hiking Trails: Various hiking trails catering to all levels of experience.
- Wildlife Spotting: Chance to see rare wildlife like the Chinese giant salamander, snow leopard, and clouded leopard.
9. Fengqing Ancient Town
Explore a picturesque ancient town with traditional architecture, local flavors, and vibrant markets.
- Cultural Preservation: Well-preserved ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Foodie Delights: Taste local specialties like Fengqing tea, bamboo-tube rice, and snail soup.
- Markets: Visit vibrant markets for local produce, handicrafts, and traditional medicines.
10. Gaolan Yao Autonomous County
Discover the unique culture of the Yao ethnic group in a lush mountainous region.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the traditions, music, and crafts of the Yao ethnic group.
- Natural Beauty: Lush mountains, rice terraces, and crystal-clear rivers.
- Homestays: Authentic homestay experiences with local families.
11. Gulangyu Island
Step back in time to a charming island filled with colonial architecture and rich history.
- Cultural Preservation: Well-preserved colonial architecture dating back to the Qing dynasty.
- Music History: Visit the piano museum dedicated to the history of music on the island.
- Foodie Delights: Taste local specialties like Gulangyu red sugar candies and seafood dishes.
12. Longhua Temple
Discover one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Xingcheng.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about Buddhism and its role in Chinese culture.
- Architecture: Admire the intricate wooden carvings, murals, and architecture.
- Festivals: Witness the vibrant festivals like the Lantern Festival and Vegetarian Festival.
13. Xingyi Tulou Cluster
Discover a cluster of earthen circular buildings built by the Hakka ethnic group.
- Architecture: Impressive, fortress-like structures built without mortar.
- Cultural Experience: Opportunities to interact with the Hakka ethnic group and learn about their traditions.
- Hiking Trails: Explore nearby hiking trails for scenic views of rice terraces and villages.
14. Taiping Tulou Cluster
Discover a cluster of earthen circular buildings built by the Hakka ethnic group with unique architectural styles.
- Architecture: Impressive, fortress-like structures built without mortar.
- Cultural Experience: Opportunities to interact with the Hakka ethnic group and learn about their traditions.
- Hiking Trails: Explore nearby hiking trails for scenic views of rice terraces and villages.
15. Gaobei Ancient Town
Step back in time to a well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture and local flavors.
- Cultural Preservation: Well-preserved ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Foodie Delights: Taste local specialties like Gaobei rice noodles, bamboo-tube rice, and snail soup.
- Artisan Workshops: Visit workshops to learn about traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, wood carving, and pottery.