Top 10 Most Romantic Cities in China

Sally Polly November 01, 2021 | 07:15

China is a famous destination in Asia, and here is 10 most romantic cities in China for you to choose from and spend your time with your loved ones.

China is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of more than 1.4 billion. China follows a single standard time offset of UTC+08:00 even though it spans five geographical time zones and borders 14 different countries, the second most of any country in the world after Russia. Covering an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometres (3.7 million mi2), it is the world's third or fourth largest country. The country is officially divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing (capital city), Chongqing, Shanghai (largest city) and Tianjin), and two special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).

Places like Paris and Venice will always hold the title as “the” romantic destinations but some beautiful places in China can be exactly that. We have made a good list of 10 most romantic honeymoon cities in China, according to KnowInsider readers and researches from famous social media sites.

List of top 10 most romantic cities in China

10. Suzhou

9. Qingdao

8. Dalian

7. Changsha

6. Wuxi

5. Kunming

4. Shanghai

3. Sanya

2. Yangzhou

1. Beijing

***

What are the most romantic cities in China?

10. Suzhou

Photo: Lonely Planet

Historically, Suzhou (苏州, Sūzhōu) was synonymous with high culture and elegance, and generations of artists, scholars, writers and high society in China were drawn by its exquisite art forms and the delicate beauty of its gardens. Suzhou's historic sites have felt the effects of modern building booms, but the city still retains enough pockets of charm to warrant two to three days’ exploration on foot.

And the gardens, Suzhou’s main attraction, are a symphonic combination of rocks, water, trees and pavilions that reflects the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Adding to the charm are some excellent museums, surviving canal scenes and pagodas. The gardens in particular can get busy, so avoid visiting at the weekend or during public holidays, if possible.

The mild climate makes the city a desirable destination all year round. Touring the wonderful ancient water towns in the vicinity or lingering in the exquisite classical gardens in the downtown area, you will truly know the charm of a 'paradise on earth'. As the saying goes - 'Gardens to the south of the Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them'. These gardens attain their high reputation not only for their vast numbers, but also for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. At present more than 60 gardens are kept intact in the city, and some of them have been listed in the World Heritage List.

Marco Polo famously dubbed Suzhou the “Venice of the East” because of the city’s grid-like series of canals and bridges. Trekking along the narrow trail to Sandiequan Falls early in Exploring the Bonsai Garden in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, sitting on an old stone bridge and watching the boats on the canals drift by, the feeling of peace and tranquility they give is wonderful, just the Suzhou’s Timeless Romance.

9. Qingdao

Photo: China Briefing

Qingdao is possibly the most beautiful coastal city of China, famous for comfortable weather, a large number of beaches and delicious seafood. Being a former German concession has also provided it with attractive European-style buildings and one of the best brews in Asia, the famous Qingdao Beer. It has long been a favourite escape for Chinese holidaymakers and after having its profile raised when hosting the 29th Sailing Regatta during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it has been steadily coming under the radar of foreign visitors as well.

Qingdao is situated at the foot of Lao Shan Mountain and on the shore of the Yellow Sea. Its climate is pleasant and its scenic spots are very beautiful. Qingdao is a famous garden city in China and its coast has many lovely inlets.

Qingdao's architecture presents a characteristic European style and is very harmonious on the whole. Red roof tiles, green trees, azure seas and blue skies mirror the beautiful manner of Qingdao. Its crimson reefs, gentle waves, colorful sailing boats and golden beaches help to make up the beautiful scenery. Qingdao's history, religion, natural conditions, native customs and its festivals constitute the city's tourism culture.

There are also some old buildings where famous figures in China's modern history once lived. The city's construction on the whole is a combination of European and traditional Chinese styles. Qingdao has two nicknames: "Oriental Switzerland" and "Asian Geneva". Qingdao, like a Shandong girl, is open and frank. The air is very clean in the city and the streets are very clean too. Houses along both sides of the street look bright against the background of the total clearness of the city. A person will feel very comfortable when leisurely walking along the streets of Qingdao.

Western Qingdao presents a classical beauty. However, the eastern part of the city has a modern charm, even a super-modern charm. The sea gives the city a sense of openness and Lao Shan Mountain brings a feeling of quietness and secluded beauty. There are only a few holiday resorts in China where there is a combination of quietness and activity such as in Qingdao.

8. Dalian

Photo: CGTN

Surrounded by the Yellow Sea, Dalian (大连, Dàlián) is one of China's most cosmopolitan cities. Its temperate climate, clean air and early-20th-century architecture alone attract the attention of international travelers from the region. But the second-tier city's tree-lined streets and impressive, swimmable seaside beaches, flanked by an undulating walkway, combine to create a seductive effect on China-hardened travelers and first-time visitors on three-day visa-free stopovers.

With a decent bar and seafood scene – and status as a Special Economic Zone to attract foreign investment – Dalian is a fine place to soak up a few days. But after lazing on the beaches and strolling along the southwest coastline, pay a visit to the historic port town of Lushun. The old battlefields and cemeteries offer a rare first-hand glimpse into some of the north’s most turbulent days.

Dalian is a city which has a crazy enthusiasm for football, like Brazil. Since 1994, the Dalian team has won the first prize in the league matches eight times in China. Almost everyone in Dalian loves football and is proud of football.

Dalian is also a famous fashion city. There is a saying that goes, "eating in Guangzhou, playing in Shanghai, while dressing in Dalian". Dalian hosts the Dalian International Fashion Festival every September.

Dalian is a city with a great number of squares, the most in China by far. You will easily find one when you are in Dalian.

It is said that a Russian designer who was keen on Paris laid out the whole structure of Dalian City, and then the city was built so that it resembled Paris.

Dalian, known as “the Romantic City”, is a coastal city full of magic power in the northern China. It has been named a Garden City and one of the World’s Top 500 Cities of Excellent Environment by the United Nations; and it is the only holder of this UN honor in China, and the second metropolis to win such an award in Asia. The impression Dalian gives to the world is of a city of lawns, squares, fountains, gardens and hospitalble citizens.

7. Changsha

Photo: CGTN

At 3,000 years old, Changsha is abuzz with life. But what sets Hunan's capital apart from other cities in China is what makes it so appealing: the beautiful riverfront and tree-lined streets. With plenty of attractions to explore, it's a superb Chinese destination.

For three millennia, this city on the Xiang River (湘江; Xiāng Jiāng) flourished steadily as a centre of agriculture and intellect. In the 1920s it was still so well preserved that British philosopher Bertrand Russell is said to have compared it to a medieval town, but not long after, the Sino-Japanese War and a massive fire in 1938 gave Changsha (长沙; Chángshā) an irreversible facelift, leaving little of its early history. These days it's a modern, energetic city, known mainly for sights relating to Mao Zedong, but with its magnolia-lined streets and riverine aspect, it's a pleasant enough stopover.

Why Visit Changsha, Hunan, China:

Favored Advantageous Traffic Hub City: Changsha offers a mature traffic network of frequent flights and high speed trains to and from majority places in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc. and lots of international flights with other countries (regions), thus, it is a major transportation hub for travel within Hunan and also a important stopover for a China travel. It also has convenient bullet trains and coaches for your expecting visit to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan!

Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tomb: Praised as “Pompeii in the Orient”, it has huge value for studying the development of handicrafts and scientific technology and history, culture and social life of early Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD). With over 300 well preserved relics of silk manuscripts, maps, silk products, musical instruments, inscribed wooden tablets, etc. and the incredible female corpse well preserved for over 2,100 years as a miracle in the world, Mawangdui is reputed as one of the “World’s Ten Largest Tomb Treasures!”

Amazing Authentic Hunan Cuisine & Snacks: Hunan Cuisine is one of the eight cuisines in China, while Changsha is the center of Hunan Cuisine. Therefore, there absolutely provide countless local amazing Hunan snacks with the authentic flavors of sour, spicy, aromatic, fresh, etc. Around every street and lane for your fresh try. The most famous Stinky Tofu, Taste Shrimp, Sugar Oil Baba Cake, etc. are highly recommended to try!

Wonderful Entertainment City: Changsha is awesome entertainment nightlife and daytime fun. Enjoy to the most in the bars, pubs, foot care centers, cinemas, etc. to feel the leisure and wonderful of Changsha City!

This is the capital city of the Hunan Province and the couple can enjoy the best views of the Yangtze River and Xiang and can also go for the cruises too. Having a history of more than 3000 years the city has many things to offer to the couples can the couples can enjoy the loving natural beauty and they can also enjoy the lovely backdrop that is photogenic and the city also have an ample of entertainment and fun task options which is a plus point for the honeymoon couples and the dating couples too t enjoy the place.

6. Wuxi

Photo: Pinterest

Situated on the shores of Taihu Lake, close to the metropolis of Shanghai, Wuxi offers a great blend of natural beauty and big city attractions, with the added bonus of easy access to one of Asia's most dynamic cities.

"The Garden of Ecstasy" once charmed the Emperor Qianglong - one of the greatest of all Qing era rulers, and it stands a pretty good chance of snaring the hearts of all who visit. Situated in Xihui Park in western Wuxi, the garden had a turbulent past, being confiscated and returned on numerous occasions due to indiscretions by the owners. But it's survived, and now everyone can wander across the bridges, see the lakes and rock arrangements, and smell the aromas that intoxicated a man with the Mandate of Heaven. If it's good enough for Qianglong... Well, let's just say you'll understand why he had a replica made in Beijing.

Lake Taihu is a tourist magnet, and harbors several of Wuxi's outstanding attractions. One of the biggest freshwater lakes in the whole of China, it borders on both Wuxi and Suzhou, but some of the most attractive spots are on the Wuxi side. Try to get over to the Sanshan Islands, where mandarin oranges grow wild (and juicy). Turtle Head Island is a great place to snap some views of the city across the lake, while you can swim, enjoy some barbecue delights and unwind at tourist-friendly Hongsha.

Lingshan is a "scenic spot" located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Taihu, and is mainly famous due to one important inhabitant: the 88 meters high Grand Buddha. One of the largest Buddhas in the entire world, he understandably attracts plenty of attention, and meeting him is recommended, but be sure to check out the rest of the area, where artworks like the Nine Dragons Bathing Sakyamuni, and the 1,300 year-old Xiangfu Temple are just as interesting as their oversized neighbor.

This is an industrial city of the Jiangsu Province in China and the couples who came here for their romantic holidays and the city is also known as the “pearl on Taihu Lake”. The city has some very beautiful gardens to roam and the most important place is to enjoy the scenic views of Taihu Lake Yuantouzhu. The place is also known as the turtles head and the place is also having a small hilly area that make it a gorgeous romantic place and the ambience is really what the couples is looking for. One more thing in the city of Wuxi the couples can do is uninterrupted shopping which can make the couples happy.

5. Kunming

Photo: ArchDaily

Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng) has long been known as one of China’s most liveable cities. Known as the 'Spring City' for its equable climate, it remains a very pleasant place to kick back for a few days. For visitors who haven't succumbed to the laid-back attitude of the place, there are plenty of temples and national parks nearby to keep you busy during the day and a fair few craft breweries and cool bars to hold your attention at night.

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, India and beyond. Today it is the provincial political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.

The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.

This is the capital city of the Yunnan Province of the Republic of China and the city is known for its rich history which is older than 2000 years, and there are some very interesting and beautiful buildings are there in the city and the couples can also enjoy the various botanical parks such as Green Lake Park, Kunming Botanical Gardens, and many others. Various other forests reserve are there where the couples can have a great time watching the nature.

4. Shanghai

Photo: iStock

When you think of China, there are many things that come to mind: an ancient culture full of beauty and history, very large cities with towering skyscrapers, and incredible food from the street vendors up to high-end restaurants. Shanghai blends all of that into one thriving city.

Shanghai, which sits on the Yangtze River, is one of the most populated cities in the world and the most populated city in China. In a country known for its mega cities, Shanghai easily takes the crown.

Often called the Paris of the East, Shanghai is a mix of modern towers that define its skyline, like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its iconic circular design, and quaint neighborhoods that make visitors feel like they've been transported to the romantic streets of Europe.

From classic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) to Michelin star meals, top-floor observation towers to an after-dinner stroll along the Bund waterfront, Shanghai offers something for everyone.

Winter in Shanghai is windy and chilly, so to visit the water towns, enjoy the Bund and see the scenery during clear warm (or hot) weather, the period from March to the end of November is better.

To avoid crowds, heat and storms, avoid July, August and the first weeks of October and May.

The city is the wealthiest city of China and the city is the second name to glamour and glitz. So couples who are looking for lavish and posh romantic holidays in China can choose this city as their holiday destination. The city has some of the gorgeous gardens and parks and among them the Yuyuan Gardens is the chief one and the city also has a number of temples which are places where the couples can see the classic Chinese architecture. The best theme parks such as Shanghai happy Valley and the couples can have their best moments in the Shanghai City Beach too.

3. Sanya

Photo: Hotels

Sanya, called as the “Hawaii of China”, is a tropical city on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island. The city offers 20 km long stretches of beaches and plenty of water sports activities such as snorkeling and jet-skiing, rainforest hiking, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boat etc. Sanya is an incredible beach destination – an ideal destination for romantic getaways and honeymoons in China.

Sanya, in Hainan Province on the tropical south coast of China, has fantastic beach resorts and is viewed favorably as China's "southern gateway" with its relaxed visa-free policy. Sanya travel is getting more and more attention.

The long coastline, the blue sky, and the tropical climate make Sanya a favorite destination for travelers. Some even say that its beautiful beaches make it "the Hawaii of China".

While the full 40km or so of coastline dedicated to tourism is usually referred to as Sanya, the region is actually made up of three distinct zones. Sanya Bay is home to the bustling city center and a long stretch of beach and hotels aimed at locals and mainland holidaymakers. Busy, cheerful Dadonghai Bay, about 3km southeast, beyond the Luhuitou Peninsula (鹿回头岭, Lùhuítóu Lǐng), is where most foreign travelers stay. A further 15km east, at exclusive Yalong Bay, the beach is first-rate, as is the line of plush international resorts.

The modern, hyper-developed resort city has such a steady influx of Russian vacationers these days that almost all signs are in Cyrillic as well as Chinese.

2. Yangzhou

Photo: planetofhotels.com

Listed as one of the top 10 leisure cities of China, Yangzhou City is a sought-after tourist destination of the Jiangsu Province. It is blessed with a wonderful location of the Yangtze River Delta on the confluence of the Grand Canal Irrigation System and the Yangtze River. The city lies on the southernmost end of the picturesque Jianghuai Plain. The city is surrounded by irresistibly beautiful landscapes, ancient relics of the Ming and Qing Dynasty periods, and other tourist attractions. Being near the Yangtze River is the biggest asset of Yangzhou City. With the plethora of scenic areas and ancient monuments, the city has become a popular tourist destination.

Yangzhou City is a treasure-trove of historical and cultural sites. The city itself has a colorful history of more than 2,500 years. It was a very prosperous region during the reign of several dynasties like the East and West Han Dynasties, Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty. Each dynastic rule has left its mark in the form of architecture, scholastic works, poems, paintings, calligraphy, fine art, temples, and more.

The people of Yangzhou City are very artistic even today. Many of the famous personalities of China in operatic performances, arts, crafts, pottery, engraving, calligraphy, lacquer work, jade work, paper cutting art, singing, story-telling, etc. come from the city of Yangzhou.

Yangzhou, a city in Jiangsu province, is located on the lower reaches of the Yangti River and the Huaihe River. As Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai famously wrote, “Go to Yangzhou in March, in the mist of the flowers of spring”. During the time of Li Bai, mention of Yangzhou evoked images of prosperity and romance. Today, much of the city’s heritage is still alive within its narrow lanes and well preserved family gardens situated in the old town area.

1. Beijing

Photo: Getty Images

From ancient walled capital to showpiece megacity in barely a century, Beijing (Běijīng, 北京), spins a breathless yarn of triumph, tragedy, endurance and innovation.

Capital of China since Kublai Khan came a-knocking (with a hundred thousand Mongol horsemen behind him), Beijing has hosted the last three imperial dynasties: the Yuan (Mongols), the Ming (Han Chinese) and the Qing (Manchu). Hutong, the city's residential alleyways, are a Mongolian legacy. The Forbidden City? Hat-tip to the Ming. Summer Palace? The Qing. Nor does it stop there. Chairman Mao slumbers in Tian'anmen Square, hallowed turf for the Communist Party of China. And over it all loom giants like the 528m CITIC Tower, which topped out in 2018. What next for this restive superpower? You're about to find out...

From Peking opera troupes to world-class contemporary art, Beijing draws on a profound well of creativity, and that's despite the vagaries of censorship. To give the government its due, museums are more numerous than ever, curation is less prescriptive and innovation is at an all-time high. China's finest universities feed Zhongguancun, the 'Silicon Valley' of Beijing, which is making seismic waves with its breakthroughs in AI and Big Data. At the humbler end, post-punk bands drone away in divey livehouses, local DJs get the hands in the air, while old folks still warble the revolutionary songs in the city parks.

This is the capital city of the country and definitely very romantic as it has a wide variety of places to discover. The couples who have headed the Chine capital for their honeymoon trips will find no way to ignore the beauty of this city in any way. There are ample of parks, gardens and temples to discover that are the gorgeous epitome of beauty and peaceful place, which is much needed by the honeymoon couples. From the medieval era architecture to the Great Wall and the other gorgeous buildings that can let you see the beauty of this country.