Attractions of China

China is massive — so we picked four incredible places, one for each season. Spring waterfalls, summer rainbows, autumn gold, and winter ice palaces. Ready to explore?

Four seasons. Four wonders. One very big country.

Seasons & Sights

Season Attractions Location Best Time Why It's Amazing
Spring Jiuzhaigou Valley Sichuan April - June Turquoise lakes + blooming flowers + roaring waterfalls
Summer Zhangye Danxia Gansu July - September Rainbow-colored mountains — like a painting come to life
Autumn Great Wall (Mutianyu) Beijing October - November Golden leaves + crisp air + way fewer crowds
Winter Harbin Ice Festival Heilongjiang December - February Giant glowing ice castles. Yes, really.
Tip: Each attraction peaks in its season — time your visit right for the best views!

A Little More Detail

Spring - Jiuzhaigou Valley

Tibetan legend says a goddess dropped her mirror, which smashed into 108 pieces, creating the 108 colorful lakes and pools.

Summer — Zhangye Danxia

Scientists say these rainbow mountains formed from 24 million years of sandstone and mineral deposits. Your eyes will say: "That can't be real." But it is.

Autumn — Great Wall (Mutianyu)

The Mutianyu section is restored, faimly-friendly, and has a tobogaan slide down. Add golden autumn leaves and you're got a core memory.

Winter — Harbin Ice Festival

Entire buildings made of ice. Lit up in neon colors. Sculptors from 30+ countries compete. Temperatures drop to -30ºC — but they sserve hot noodles.

Next: Taste your way through China →  |  Or Meet China's incredible wildlife