Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking scenery, cultural and religious experiences, or art and history – China has it all. The country’s diverse cities and landscapes provide a multitude of experiences for all kinds of travellers, with something new to discover at every turn. If you’re looking for a new destination to explore that rivals your favourite travel spot, and a unique hotel at each stop – look no further as IHG has put together a list of destination dupes for you, featuring some of the best of China.
1. Love Croatia’s nature landscapes? We suggest: Jiuzhaigou National Park
If you’re a fan of the crystal clear waters and lush nature that you can find at Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park in Croatia, Jiuzhaigou is a must-visit for you. Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance, situated in China’s Sichuan province. A Y-shaped valley that’s dotted with forests, waterfalls, multi-coloured lakes, and snow-capped peaks, perhaps what it’s most famous for are its incredibly blue waters – so beautiful they look like a scene out of a fantasy movie.
Stay at: InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise or Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai
A paradise from the fairy tales, a wonderland in the human realm. Enjoy the most scenic views from InterContinental Resort Jiuzhai Paradise – a luxury hotel located in Jiuzhaigou forest, housed in a steel-and-glass structure, with its design, experience, and dining heavily influenced by the local Tibetan and Qiang cultures.
If you prefer to fully immerse yourself in the Juizhai neighbourhood, Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai offers a tranquil retreat overlooking a serene natural paradise. The hotel’s design, inspired by the local “Legend of the Eagle,” features vibrant colours and patterns reflecting Tibetan and Qiang cultures. Centrally located near attractions such as Jiu Zhai Cou, the Love Sea Scenic Area, and Zhong Cha Gou, the hotel offers guests a rich array of outdoor activities and a glimpse into the region’s intangible cultural heritage.
2. Love Japan’s coastal charm and bamboo forests? We suggest: Beidaihe and Anji
If you’re enchanted by Japan’s coastal charm, Beidaihe in northern China offers a unique and equally captivating experience. Nestled along the shores of Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea, this resort city, part of Qinhuangdao County, echoes the elegance of a classic English seaside resort. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Beidaihe has long been a favoured destination for both domestic and international visitors. The area’s scenic coastline, framed by mountains, and its tranquil bay make it a perfect retreat for those who appreciate Japan’s coastal beauty and seek a blend of historical charm and natural splendour.
Stay at: Hotel Indigo Beidaihe
Hotel Indigo Beidaihe is nestled along the scenic shores of Bohai Sea and framed by lush mountains. The hotel offers stunning ocean views and convenient access to local attractions such as the historical Qinhuangdao Great Wall. For ultimate relaxation, their hot spring rooms and suites feature private hot spring baths, allowing guests to enjoy natural healing waters and breathtaking sea views from the comfort of their rooms.
Located northwest of Huzhou City in the Zhejiang Province, Anji offers a look into more than 1,800 years of history. Famous for its blissful bamboo forests and white tea fields, and home to thousand-year-old temples such as Lingfeng temple, one of the most distinguished Chinese monasteries, the county is a short hop from Shanghai, Hangzhou or Nanjing, and the backdrop for the iconic 2000s film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.
Stay at: Hotel Indigo Anji
Hotel Indigo Anji draws on the fascinating stories from the Anji neighbourhood. The modern hotel design and artwork from artist Wu Changshuo embodies the spirit of bamboo reeds, tea fields and traditional temples. Guests will encounter a tranquil sanctuary, rich in nature’s elements and history.
3. Love the rock formations at Yosemite National Park in the US? We suggest: Huangshan
There’s a saying which goes – having seen the Five Great Mountains, one does not see other mountains; having seen Huangshan, one does not see the Five Great Mountains. This is testament to the majestic beauty of Huangshan – which features 72 peaks and unique geological formations, natural hot springs, and an unusual and breathtaking scenery known as the “sea of clouds” – where peaks appear to float above a sea of mist and clouds. Huangshan’s beauty has also inspired Chinese poetry, paintings, and writings throughout history, being a subject of Chinese art and literature for centuries.
Stay at: Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng
Conveniently located just a short drive from Tunxi International Airport and Huangshan Bei Railway station, as well as being two minutes away from expressway entrances, Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng is well connected to city and nature, allowing guests to enjoy the best of both worlds.
4. Love clear lakes like Lake District in England or Lake Garda in Italy? We suggest: Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake)
Hangzhou’s Thousand Island Lake, also known as Qiandao Lake, is a man-made freshwater lake known for its exceptionally clear and clean water and lush forests and vegetation. An island paradise, the lake is dotted by 1,078 large islands with over a thousand smaller ones scattered across it, making it the perfect destination for water activities like boating and cruising, and admiring aquatic life. The lake is also home to the famed submerged ancient city – Shi Cheng City, which was intentionally flooded to make way for the Xin’an Dam and its adjoining hydroelectric station.
Stay at: voco Thousand Island Lake
Surrounded by lakes on three sides, voco Thousand Island Lake is blessed with beautiful natural scenery. The hotel integrates the Hui style architecture into the innovative modern aesthetics of IHG’s premium brand, voco hotels, creating a blend of both tradition and modernity. It’s also a family-friendly stay offering children recreational activities and delicious Chinese cuisine for the whole family to enjoy.
5. Love the rich culture and tradition of Nepal? We suggest: Fujian
If Nepal’s mix of tradition and natural beauty captivates you, Mount Wuyi in Fujian is a fantastic alternative. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Wuyi is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, serving as a refuge for many ancient and relict species unique to China. The dramatic gorges of the Nine Bend River, dotted with ancient temples and monasteries (many in ruins), set the stage for the development of neo-Confucianism, shaping East Asian cultures since the 11th century. The site also holds historical significance with the remains of a large Han dynasty administrative capital from the 1st century B.C.
Stay at: Holiday Inn Wuyi Mountain Water Village
Holiday Inn Wuyi Mountain Water Village is set in Mountain Water Village, one of China’s first national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Meixi River and bordered by Wangyue Lake, this hotel offers breathtaking views and easy access to nearby attractions like Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, Wuyi Mountain Impression Dahongpao, Xiamei Ancient Residential Area, and China Wuyi Tea Expo Garden. Enjoy a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration for a truly memorable stay.
