208 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in China - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in China

Hanging Temple of Hengshan

A 5th-century temple improbably built into the side of a cliff.

Panjin Shi, China

Red Beach

A part of the world's largest marsh seems to be growing bright red Martian grass.

Zhangjiajie, China

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

This vertical pinnacle in China was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”

The Forbidden City

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

Shengshan Island, China

Houtouwan

This abandoned fishing settlement may well be the greenest village in the world.

Zhangjiajie, China

Tianmen Shan

999 stairs lead visitors through a massive hole in a mountain known as the Gateway to Heaven.

Huanglong Travertine Pools

Intensely colorful calcite pools in Southern China.

Dragon Escalator

The world's longest outdoor escalator takes visitors to the top of China's largest dam and is also shaped like a dragon.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in China

China Watermelon Museum

This Chinese museum proves that it's a watermelon world, we're all just living in it.

Fangweng

Cliff-hanging restaurant.

Du Fu KFC

A KFC honors an eighth-century Chinese poet with holograms and verse.

Changsha, China

General Tso's Tomb

The man who is mainly remembered for a chicken dish he had nothing to do with is buried under a large concrete dome.

See all 8 places to eat in China See all 8 places to eat in China

Atlas Obscura Trips

Springtime in Eastern China: Exploring the Birthplace of Tea

From bustling night markets to fine-dining institutions, this journey down China’s east coast reveals the story of countless delicious dishes and culinary traditions.

Community Forums / East Asia / China

Top Discussions in the China Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Jiānbǐng	1 July 23, 2019	1418	July 23, 2019
Sword of Goujian	1 October 31, 2019	1366	October 31, 2019
Labrang Meditation Huts	1 July 3, 2019	1440	July 3, 2019
Heicheng Ruins	1 October 23, 2019	971	October 23, 2019
The Amazing Robots of Wu Yulu	1 October 27, 2019	829	October 27, 2019

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An aerial view of a few of the artificial islands that make up the development project known as The World, a short boat ride from the coast of Dubai.

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All you need is a dream, investors with deep pockets, and concrete. A lot of concrete.

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This cup, which reads "punk health," contains goji berry-infused coffee. The berries are held to be good for the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Why 'Punk Health' Foods Are Popular with China’s Youth

Sometimes, rebellion means goji berries in your beer.

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Shunan Teng travels to distant, hard-to-access areas of China to seek out teas.

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Shunan Teng is on a mission to preserve and promote legendary teas.

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The Front Gate of Beijing's City Wall, as rendered in ice cream.

Every Landmark in China Now Makes Gorgeous Themed Ice Cream

Temples, towers, and famous figures, all as frozen treats.

Mogao Cave 158. Middle Tang (781–848) Reclining Buddha, Parinirvāṇa scene. West wall. Lo Archive photograph, 1943–44. Princeton University (Lo 158-10).

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Clever wordplay makes this festive dessert especially appropriate for the new year.

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Celebrate family and good fortune with these simple goldfish.

February 18, 2021

The stickiness of nian gao is part of its power.

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Nian gao is a sticky cake for sticky situations.

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