Things to do in Southern China

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All about Southern China

When to visit

Southern China typically sees hot and humid summers and mild winters, though humidity and lack of indoor heating can make winters feel colder. Temperatures will also vary between the coasts and the mountains. Spring and fall are generally the best times for being outdoors. As is the case throughout China, crowds are at their biggest during Chinese New Year and the week-long national holidays in May and October.

Getting around

Southern China is well connected by planes, trains, and buses. Most major cities have an airport, and flying is the fastest way to travel, especially across long distances and provinces. There’s also a good network of high-speed trains. Buses provide more extensive coverage, especially to smaller towns. Within large cities, there’s usually a good network of public transportation and taxis. Some visitors may find tours the easiest way to get around, especially to attractions outside major towns.

Traveler tips

The top attractions in Southern China are popular for a good reason. But it’s worth exploring the less popular areas, like Jiangxi, with highlights that include the scenic Wuyuan countryside, the mountains and gorges of Sanqing Shan, and the Hakka villages at Longnan, or Guizhou, which is home to the largest waterfall and cave system in China, along with the karst landscape of Wanfenglin Scenic Area, similar to the more well-known but also more crowded landscape of Yangshuo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern China known for?

Southern China is known for its varied and often spectacular landscape, spanning mountains, gorges, river valleys, unusual karst and sandstone formations, rice terraces, rainforests, coastal beaches, and more. It’s also known for the manufacturing powerhouses like Guangzhou and Shenzhen and its rice-rich and diverse cuisine, with Cantonese cuisine, in particular, a familiar style to foreigners.

What are the top attractions in Southern China?

Top attractions include Canton Tower and Shamian Island in Guangzhou, the karst landscape of Yangshuo and the lush Longji Rice Terraces in Guangxi, the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie in Hunan, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang in Yunan, Huangguoshu Falls and Zhijin Cave in Guizhou, the Wuyuan countryside in Jiangxi, and the beach resorts of Sanya in Hainan.

How much time do I need for Southern China?

Southern China is large, and seeing it all in one trip would be difficult. You want at least a week to see even a few highlights. For example, spend a day or two in Guangzhou and a few days each in Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longji) and Yunnan (Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge), or Hunan (Zhangjiajie).

What food is Southern China known for?

Southern Chinese dishes are rice-based, with more seafood and fish in coastal areas. Each province also has its own style of cooking. Notable cooking styles include Guangdong’s Cantonese cuisine and spicy Hunan cuisine. Iconic dishes include dim sum in Guangdong, Guilin rice noodles, Chairman Mao’s braised pork in Hunan, Yunnan sour fish, and Hainan chicken rice.

Is Southern China worth visiting?

Yes. Southern China offers attractions and activities for different travelers. Guangzhou has skyscrapers, shopping, and delicious cuisine, while beaches and resorts can be found in Hainan. The area is also home to extraordinary landscapes, including surreal karst and sandstone pillars, rainbow-colored mountains, massive gorges, river valleys, ancient towns, rural and ethnic villages, and temples.

What should I not miss in Southern China?

To get a feel for the region, visiting a few diverse highlights is best. Contrast urban and modern Guangzhou with an ancient town or hillside village. Take a river cruise on the Pearl River in Guangzhou or the Li River from Guilin. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring landscapes like Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, or Tiger Leaping Gorge.

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