Covering the southern portion of China, from its coast to the mountains, there’s a wide range of diverse attractions and things to do in Southern China, from the skyscrapers, shops, and restaurants of Guangzhou to ancient villages in the countryside, temples in the mountains, and the sun-soaked beach resorts of Hainan. There’s also a surfeit of natural wonders, including the surreal karst landscape of Yangshuo and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, the largest waterfall and cave system in China, and lush river valleys, rice terraces, and rainforests.
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.
Southern China is well connected to Hong Kong and mainland China 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.
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.
