Continuing our exploration of China’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, this second itinerary ventures into the culturally rich southern, eastern, and central regions of the country. From the ancient tea plantations of Wuyi Mountain to the legendary West Lake of Hangzhou and the minority cultures of Yunnan, this journey reveals different facets of China’s extraordinary heritage that has earned the country 59 World Heritage listings.

The UNESCO World Heritage concept’s “unique aspect is its universal application” — these sites belong to people everywhere, regardless of location. This journey through Southern, Eastern and Central China showcases how local traditions and environments contribute to our shared global heritage.

đź’ˇ Travel Tip: Southern and Eastern China experience more rainfall than northern regions. The best visiting periods are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is generally lower.

Your 14-Day Southern, Eastern & Central China UNESCO Itinerary

Days 1-5: Yunnan Province - Minority Cultures and Ancient Towns

Lijiang Old Town
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Lijiang Old Town with its traditional Naxi architecture and water channels.

Begin your journey in Yunnan, China’s most ethnically diverse province, home to several UNESCO sites that celebrate both cultural and natural heritage.

Day 1-2: Lijiang Ancient Town

  • Arrive in Lijiang and check into a traditional Naxi courtyard guesthouse
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its intricate water system
  • Learn about Naxi Dongba culture and see ancient pictographic scripts
  • Visit Black Dragon Pool for classic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Experience traditional Naxi music performances in the evening

Day 3-5: Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas

  • Travel to the starting point for exploring this natural World Heritage site
  • Witness the extraordinary phenomenon where the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu rivers run parallel
  • Hike through dramatic gorges and mountain scenery
  • Learn about the incredible biodiversity that includes over 6,000 plant species
  • Visit local minority villages to understand human adaptation to this unique environment

Where to Stay:

  • Lijiang: Traditional Naxi courtyard guesthouses in the old town
  • Shangri-La: Tibetan-style lodges with mountain views
  • Explore Yunnan with:

đź’ˇ Cultural Tip: When visiting minority villages in Yunnan, always ask permission before photographing people. Consider purchasing locally made crafts to support community economies directly.

Days 6-9: Fujian Province - Tea Culture and Unique Architecture

Wuyi Mountain
The dramatic landscape of Wuyi Mountain, renowned for its tea plantations and spiritual significance.

Journey to Southeastern China to explore Fujian’s unique contributions to global culture through tea production and remarkable earthen buildings.

Day 6-7: Wuyi Mountain

  • Travel to Wuyi Mountain, a mixed cultural and natural World Heritage site
  • Cruise the Nine Bend River through spectacular Danxia landform landscapes
  • Visit ancient Taoist temples and rock inscriptions
  • Participate in a traditional tea ceremony featuring famous Wuyi rock teas
  • Hike to viewing platforms for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains

Day 8-9: Fujian Tulou

  • Journey to Yongding County to explore the remarkable Fujian Tulou
  • Stay overnight in a tulou converted to guesthouse for an immersive experience
  • Learn about the Hakka people who built these unique communal structures
  • Understand how the tulou represent “exceptional examples of human settlement”
  • Visit both the most famous circular tulou and less-visited rectangular compounds

Where to Stay:

  • Wuyi Mountain: Resorts with mountain views and tea plantation access
  • Fujian Tulou: Traditional tulou guesthouses or local homestays
  • Explore Fujian with:

đź’ˇ Architectural Insight: The Fujian Tulou are exceptional examples of communal living structures that served both defensive purposes and promoted clan equality through their circular design, housing up to 800 people in a single building.

Days 10-14: Zhejiang & Hunan - Poetic Landscapes and Sacred Mountains

West Lake Hangzhou
The poetic landscape of West Lake in Hangzhou, inspiring poets and artists for centuries.

Conclude your journey through Eastern and Central China with visits to some of the country’s most poetically celebrated landscapes and sacred mountains.

Day 10-11: Hangzhou West Lake

  • Travel to Hangzhou, considered one of China’s most beautiful cities
  • Explore West Lake Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO site that has inspired poets and artists for centuries
  • Take a boat cruise to islands and gardens around the lake
  • Visit Lingyin Temple with its remarkable Buddhist cave sculptures
  • Stroll along the Su Causeway at sunset for magical views
  • Learn about the cultural traditions associated with this “idealized landscape”

Day 12-14: Wulingyuan Scenic Area

  • Journey to Hunan Province to explore the spectacular Wulingyuan Scenic Area
  • Ride the Bailong Elevator for breathtaking views of quartzite sandstone pillars
  • Hike through the dramatic landscapes that inspired the “Avatar” movie
  • Explore the diverse ecosystem that includes numerous endangered plant and animal species
  • Visit traditional Tujia minority villages in the surrounding area
  • On the final day, depart from Zhangjiajie for your homeward journey

Where to Stay:

  • Hangzhou: Lakeside hotels with views of West Lake
  • Wulingyuan: Hotels near the national park entrance for early access
  • Explore these regions with:

đź’ˇ Natural Wonder: The Wulingyuan Scenic Area features more than 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars, many over 200 meters tall, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world and representing a “natural phenomenon of exceptional beauty”.

UNESCO Travel Guide for Southern, Eastern & Central China

  1. Seasonal Considerations: Southern China can be hot and humid in summer; plan strenuous activities for mornings and evenings.
  2. Minority Culture Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting ethnic minority areas—observe and follow local behavior.
  3. Tea Culture Participation: When participating in tea ceremonies, observe proper etiquette such as tapping fingers to thank the server.
  4. Mountain Preparation: For Wuyi Mountain and Wulingyuan, wear sturdy footwear and carry rain protection as weather can change rapidly.
  5. Digital Tools: Download translation apps as English proficiency decreases in rural areas of these regions.

đź“ť Advanced Tips for UNESCO Explorers

  1. Combination Tickets: Many UNESCO sites offer combination tickets that include multiple attractions—inquire upon arrival.
  2. Local Festivals: Check festival calendars for minority regions—timing your visit with local celebrations can enhance the experience.
  3. Photography Gear: Bring polarizing filters for landscape photography to enhance colors and reduce haze, especially at Wulingyuan and West Lake.
  4. Sustainable Choices: Opt for eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that support local conservation efforts.
  5. Extension Options: Consider adding nearby UNESCO sites like the Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui or the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries if time permits.

This 14-day itinerary through Southern, Eastern and Central China’s UNESCO World Heritage sites reveals the incredible diversity of China’s cultural and natural treasures. From the minority cultures of Yunnan to the tea traditions of Fujian and the poetic landscapes of Zhejiang and Hunan, you’ll discover how China’s regional variations contribute to its rich tapestry of globally significant heritage.

Series Completion: Combined with our Northern and Western China itinerary, these two routes offer a comprehensive 4-week exploration of China’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing the incredible depth and diversity of Chinese civilization and natural wonders.