13 Beautiful National Parks in China

China is the third-largest country in the world by land area and consists of 22 provinces that boast a vast array of habitats and features. The country is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are protected in its national parks. There are around 225 national parks in China and many feature stunning areas, such as lakes, waterfalls, and rugged mountain peaks. So, let’s discover the most beautiful national parks in China!

1. Guilin Lijiang River National Park

The Guilin Lijiang River National Park is located in the Guangxi Zhuang region where the Li River is one of its main features. Several stunning limestone mountains can be explored via any of the numerous hiking trails that cross the slopes. One of the most unique trails in the park is the Reed Flute Caves Trail which takes in fields and forests before reaching the breathtaking caves. However, if walking isn’t your thing then you can take a leisurely river cruise across the park instead.

2. Pudacuo National Park

The Pudacuo National Park (also known as Potatso) spans 500 square miles in Yunnan Province. The park features two lakes, marshes, grasslands, and several large forests. However, the most notable aspect of Pudacuo is that it is home to around 100 endangered species of both plants and animals. Pudacuo also features a visitor center and numerous walking routes across the park. It’s also possible to take a boat ride around the lakes.

3. Lushan National Park

One of the most significant areas in China is Mount Lushan in Jiujiang which forms a large part of the Lushan National Park. The mountain stands 4,836 feet high and is one of the most spiritual places in the country. It features several Buddhist and Daoist temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the attractions in the park include the Lushan Botanical Gardens, Immortal Caverns, Five Old Man Peaks, and the Mount Lu Museum. There are also several hiking routes across the park and many of the peaks on the mountain lie above the “sea of clouds” phenomenon which covers the area for around 200 days of the year.

4. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park

Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful national parks in China has to be the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park. Located in the southern region of China, the mountain stands a massive 18,360 feet high and there is a cable car that takes visitors to an observation platform 14,783 feet up. Anyone who fancies a challenge can then continue up the mountain on foot to another observation platform, while experienced climbers can tackle the trek to the summit. The national park is also the site of the Tiger Leaping Gorge which is one of the deepest canyons in the world and is located at the base of the mountain along the Jinsha River.

5. Shilin National Park

If you’re looking for a completely unique place to visit then check out the Shilin National Park in Yunnan Province. Shilin is best known for its fascinating “stone forest” which consists of huge rock formations which stand like petrified trees, earning the area its nickname of “stone forest”. There are many trails around the park which allow you to explore the waterfalls, caves, and forests that it also features.

6. Giant Panda National Park

We can’t forget about the iconic symbol of China — the giant panda. The Giant Panda National Park is a massive area that spans 10,000 square miles across the Gansu, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces. It was formed specifically to protect the giant pandas and around 80% of the entire world population of these incredibly endangered animals reside there.

7. Huangshan National Park

With a name that literally means “Yellow Mountain”, it’s easy to understand why the Huangshan National Park has made the list as one of the most beautiful national parks in China. It is located in the southern region of the Anhui Province and spans the Huangshan mountain range with Lotus Peak being the highest point of the park at 6,115 feet. Huangshan features a range of vegetation that creates a stunning and colorful appearance. There are also several granite peaks and hot springs in the park. Huangshan is a popular tourist destination and there are numerous trails across the park, although some of the mountains can be a challenging climb.

8. Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park

The Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is undoubtedly one of the most scenic areas in China due to its rugged mountainous terrain, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. In the local language the lakes are called “son of the sea” and they are renown for their crystal clear appearance. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spans a vast 180,000 acres. There’s a variety of hiking routes across the national park and guided tours are available.

9. Huangguoshu National Park

The Huangguoshu National Park is located near Guizhou Province and its main feature is the mighty Huangguoshu Waterfall. The stunning waterfall is 255 feet high and 331 feet wide and is considered to be one of the largest waterfalls in East Asia. One of the things that makes it so special is that the waterfall can be viewed from several different angles. There are three main viewing areas — one from the base, one from above, and one from a distance — allowing visitors to truly appreciate the raw power and beauty of the falls.

10. Huanglong National Park

Another beautiful national park in China is the Huanglong National Park which is located in the Sichuan Province. It is famous for its stunning and colorful pools which are formed by deposits of calcite. The park lies in the Minshan mountain range and features several rugged peaks which are often covered with snow. However, Huanglong also includes numerous waterfalls and hot springs. There are plenty of animals that live within the national park but the most recognizable is the endangered giant panda.

11. Sanqingshan National Park

One of the most stunning places to explore in China has got to be the Sanqingshan National Park in Jiangxi Province. Its namesake is Mount Sanqing which is a sacred mountain and its name means “Three Pure Ones” in reference to its three main peaks. The mountain is a popular pilgrimage place and there are several temples located on its slopes. The national park also features stunning granite formations which can be found dotted amongst its forests and waterfalls. It’s also a popular place for birdwatching, with approximately 220 different species living there.

12. Emeishan National Park

If you’re looking for somewhere to explore sacred mountains then the place to be is Emeishan National Park in Sichuan Province. The highest of these is Mount Emei which is located in the park and stands at 10,167 feet. It is regarded as a place of enlightenment and is home to around 100 different monasteries and temples. It is also the place that hundreds of Buddhists travel to each year on a pilgrimage. There’s a diverse range of flora and fauna on the mountain, with Tibetan macaques being the most common.

13. Yesanpo National Park

The Yesanpo National Park spans 201 square miles and is located in Hebei Province. It features several stunning scenic areas, including the Bai Li Xia Gorge and the Jinhua mountain. The mountain is popular with hikers and climbers, although it does feature some challenging terrain. However, the stunning view from the summit is worth it. The national park also features stunning forests which are teeming with wildlife. The climate is humid and the best time to visit is between the months of April and October.

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