181 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in China - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in China

Hanging Temple of Hengshan

A 5th-century temple improbably built into the side of a cliff.

Panjin Shi, China

Red Beach

A part of the world's largest marsh seems to be growing bright red Martian grass.

Zhangjiajie, China

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

This vertical pinnacle in China was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”

The Forbidden City

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

Huanglong Travertine Pools

Intensely colorful calcite pools in Southern China.

Shengshan Island, China

Houtouwan

This abandoned fishing settlement may well be the greenest village in the world.

Zhangjiajie, China

Tianmen Shan

999 stairs lead visitors through a massive hole in a mountain known as the Gateway to Heaven.

Lexiaguo

Vibrant soil and a canvas of crops create China's "Red Land."

See All 181 Things to Do in China See All 181 Places

Unique
Food & Drink
in China

Dragon's Beard Candy

The ancient confection consists of wispy sugar-strands that look like dragon whiskers.

Hmong Stuffed Chicken Wings

Next-level egg rolls are wrapped in an entire chicken wing.

Fujisan Bread

Worlds collide in this braided bread that tastes like brioche and is meant to look like Mount Fuji.

Jiānbǐng

Every morning, Chinese vendors sling savory, crispy crepes to lines of patient fans.

See all 34 things to eat in China See all 34 things to eat in China

Atlas Obscura Trips

Springtime in Eastern China: Exploring the Birthplace of Tea

From bustling night markets to fine-dining institutions, this journey down China’s east coast reveals the story of countless delicious dishes and culinary traditions.

Noah Schneider

Community Forums / East Asia / China

Top Discussions in the China Travel Forum

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"Picture, please?" in China	4 October 12, 2019	864	October 12, 2019
Paleozoological Museum of China	1 January 14, 2019	994	January 14, 2019
The Central Perk, Beijing	3 January 21, 2019	1584	January 21, 2019
798 Art District	1 January 21, 2019	1292	January 21, 2019
Labrang Meditation Huts	1 July 3, 2019	786	July 3, 2019

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Stories
About China

An aerial view of a massive collection of red chili peppers drying in the sun on October 7, 2019, in Xinjiang, China.

The Gobi Desert Is a Red Sea of Chili Peppers

They dry in the sun every autumn in China's Uyghur Autonomous Region.

by Reina Gattuso

October 9, 2019

A historical illustration of a common carp.

Found: 588 Carp Teeth From China's Oldest-Known Fish Farm

Chinese farmers domesticated the common carp as early as 6200 BC, researchers say.

by Sabrina Imbler

October 1, 2019

Say again?

It's All Greek to You and Me, So What Is It to the Greeks?

A close look at a strangely global idiom about how little we understand each other.

by Dan Nosowitz

Performances with copper kettles are becoming increasingly popular attractions in Chengdu.

In Chengdu, Kung Fu Tea Is Torn Between Tradition and Performance

A martial arts-influenced style of pouring tea is catching on in China.

by Jordan Porter

Red <em>Noctiluca scintillans</em> leave neon trails along beaches near Taiwan’s Matsu Islands.

China’s Bioluminescent Blue Tears Are Beautiful and Associated With Toxic Blooms

And scientists are making new discoveries about them using satellite imagery.

by Jonathan Carey

Spherical cricket container, date unknown, artist unknown.

In Ancient China, Pet Crickets Spent the Winter in Opulent Gourds

More than functional, these fleshy fruits developed into a striking art form.

Cordyceps for sale at a high-end Chinese medicine store.

The Race to Cultivate China's Beloved 'Zombie Mushroom'

Used in traditional medicine, caterpillar fungus is pricey, potent, and increasingly scarce.

by Isobel Whitcomb

A section of the Great Wall, in Yanqing County, contains mortar made with blood.

Ancient Chinese Buildings Are Held Together With Rice, Sugar, and Blood

Edible additives in mortar served both practical and philosophical purposes.

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