Beyond the Great Wall: Uncovering 5 Underrated Chinese Cities for UK Travellers

 When planning a trip to China, many UK travellers’ itineraries default to Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an. While these iconic destinations deserve their fame, they only scratch the surface of China’s diverse landscapes and cultures. This guide reveals five lesser-known cities that offer authentic experiences, from mist-shrouded mountains to ancient water towns—perfect for avoiding crowds and connecting with local life.

 

1. Guilin: Where Karst Mountains Meet Serene Rivers 

 

Nestled in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is a postcard come to life, yet it remains quieter than China’s megacities. Its defining feature? The Li River, which winds past thousands of limestone karst peaks—tall, cone-shaped mountains that rise sharply from the ground like nature’s own skyscrapers.

 

For the best views, take a 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a nearby town. As you glide along the river, you’ll pass bamboo rafts, farmers tending to rice paddies, and villages where time seems to slow down. In Yangshuo, rent a bicycle to explore the Yulong River valley; the gentle paths here let you get up close to the karst formations without the cruise crowds.

 

UK travellers will appreciate Guilin’s walkable city centre, where street food stalls serve guilin rice noodles (a local staple with spicy broth and pickled vegetables) and English-speaking tour guides are easy to find. The city’s mild climate—warm in spring and autumn, cool in winter—makes it ideal for visits year-round, except for the humid summer months.

 

2. Chengdu: The Panda Capital with a Laid-Back Vibe

Most visitors know Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, as the home of China’s giant pandas—and for good reason. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the best place in the world to see these fluffy creatures up close, especially in the morning when they’re most active (feeding time starts at 8:30 AM, so arrive early to avoid queues).

 

But Chengdu is more than just pandas. It’s a city that lives by the motto “slow life” (man man lai in Mandarin). Spend an afternoon in a tea house—like the historic Heming Teahouse in People’s Park—where you can sip biluochun (green tea) and watch tea art performances (a ritual where servers pour tea from tall spouts). For food lovers, Chengdu is the heart of Sichuan cuisine: try mapo tofu (spicy tofu with minced pork) or hot pot (ask for a “mild” version if you can’t handle chili!).

 

Getting around is easy with Chengdu’s modern metro system, and many signs are in English. It’s also a great base for day trips—visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel that still waters the surrounding farmland today.

 

3.Lijiang: A Historic Town in the Clouds 

 

High in the Himalayan foothills of Yunnan Province, Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town). With cobblestone streets, wooden houses with tiled roofs, and canals that crisscross the town, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale—especially when the morning mist rolls in.

 

The Old Town’s centrepiece is Sifang Street, a square where locals gather to sell handicrafts (like tie-dye fabrics and silver jewellery) and street food (don’t miss yoghurt with honey, a local favourite). For panoramic views, hike up Lion Hill (Shizi Mountain) behind the Old Town—you’ll see the entire town spread out below, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.

 

Lijiang is also a gateway to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The 2-day hike along the gorge’s upper trail is challenging but rewarding, with stops at guesthouses where you can stay overnight and enjoy home-cooked Tibetan-style meals. UK hikers should pack warm layers—even in summer, the high altitude keeps temperatures cool.

 

4. Qingdao: China’s Coastal Gem with German Flair 

On the east coast of Shandong Province, Qingdao is a unique blend of Chinese tradition and European charm. The city was a German concession in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its legacy lives on in Badaguan Scenic Area—a neighbourhood of tree-lined streets and historic villas, each designed in a different European style (from Gothic to Renaissance).

 

Qingdao is also famous for beer—it’s home to Tsingtao Brewery, one of China’s oldest and most popular beer brands. Take a tour of the brewery to learn about its German-inspired brewing process, then sample a fresh pint at the on-site bar. For beach lovers, Golden Sand Beach (Huangdao) has soft sand and calm waters, perfect for a day of swimming or sunbathing (best visited in summer, when temperatures hover around 25–30°C).

 

Foodies will love Qingdao’s seafood—try braised prawns or steamed clams at a restaurant along the coast. The city’s mild coastal climate makes it a great alternative to China’s hotter inland cities in summer.

 

5. Xiamen: An Island City with Colonial Charm

Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, is centred around Gulangyu Island—a car-free island reachable by a 20-minute ferry from Xiamen’s main island. Gulangyu is known as the “Piano Island” because of its many historic pianos (there’s even a Piano Museum) and the soft, melodic atmosphere of its tree-lined streets.

 

Wander around Gulangyu’s colonial-era buildings (many built by overseas Chinese in the early 20th century), then climb Sunlight Rock for views of the island and the Taiwan Strait. Back on Xiamen’s main island, visit South Putuo Temple, a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple with stunning ocean views, and Zengcuo’an Village, a bohemian neighbourhood with art galleries, cafes, and shops selling local snacks like peanut soup and fish balls.

 

Xiamen’s mild climate (warm winters and cool summers) makes it a great year-round destination. UK travellers will also appreciate the city’s clean streets, efficient public transport, and widespread English signage.

 

Final Tips for UK Travellers to China

 

- Visas: UK citizens need a tourist visa to enter China—apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip.

 

- Transport: High-speed trains (HSR) are the best way to travel between cities (e.g., Beijing to Chengdu takes about 8 hours). Book tickets via the official 12306 app (use the English version) or through a travel agent.

 

- Language: While English is spoken in major tourist areas, learning basic Mandarin phrases (like ni hao for “hello” or xie xie for “thank you”) will go a long way.

 

- Payment: Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is common, but carry cash for smaller towns—ATMs that accept UK cards (Visa, Mastercard) are easy to find in cities.

 

China’s underrated cities offer a chance to experience the country beyond the tourist trail—whether you’re hiking through gorges, sipping tea in a historic town, or watching pandas play. For UK travellers looking for adventure, culture, and natural beauty, these destinations are not to be missed.