Take your family this summer!

Here are classic travel route recommendations for six provinces: Henan, Hunan, Guangxi, Anhui, Yunnan, and Gansu, covering natural scenery, historical culture, and ethnic customs to suit different travel needs:

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1. Henan (Central Plains Culture · Historical Journey)

Classic Route: Zhengzhou (Hometown of the Yellow Emperor) → Dengfeng (Shaolin Temple) → Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple) → Kaifeng (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden) → Anyang (Yin Ruins)

◦ Highlights: Explore the origins of Chinese civilization, experience Zen martial arts culture, and savor the charm of the Song Dynasty capital.

Natural Scenery Route: Yuntai Mountain (Jiaozuo) → Laojun Mountain (Luanchuan, Luoyang) → Taihang Grand Canyon (Anyang)

◦ Features: The essence of northern landscapes, ideal for hiking and photography.

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2. Hunan (Landscapes & Culture · Western Hunan Charm)

Changsha-Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang Route: Changsha (Yuelu Mountain, Orange Isle) → Shaoshan (Mao Zedong's Former Residence) → Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain) → Fenghuang Ancient Town (Tuo River Night View)

◦ Highlights: Fantastical peaks and ethnic Miao and Tujia cultures.

Southern Hunan Route: Hengyang (Mount Heng) → Chenzhou (Dongjiang Lake, Gaoqiling) → Yongzhou (Jiuyi Mountain)

◦ Features: Danxia landforms and the fairy-tale misty Dongjiang Lake.

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3. Guangxi (Karst Wonderland · Borderland Charm)

Guilin-Yangshuo-Longji Route: Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill) → Yangshuo (Li River Bamboo Rafting, Yulong River) → Longji Terraced Fields (Jinkeng Dazhai)

◦ Highlights: "The finest scenery under heaven," idyllic landscapes.

China-Vietnam Border Route: Nanning (Qingxiu Mountain) → Chongzuo (Detian Transnational Waterfall) → Jingxi (Tongling Grand Canyon) → Beihai (Weizhou Island)

◦ Features: Transnational waterfalls and volcanic island geology.

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4. Anhui (Hui-Style Heritage · Scenic Gallery)

Southern Anhui Route: Huangshan (Welcoming Pine, Sea of Clouds) → Hongcun/Xidi (Ancient Villages) → She County (Huizhou Ancient City) → Xin'an River Scenic Gallery

◦ Highlights: Ink-painting-like Huizhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Western Anhui Route: Lu'an (Tiantangzhai) → Anqing (Tianzhu Mountain) → Chizhou (Jiuhua Mountain)

◦ Features: Dabie Mountain red tourism and Buddhist sacred sites.

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5. Yunnan (Multi-Ethnic · Paradise of Secrets)

Classic Northwest Yunnan Route: Kunming (Stone Forest) → Dali (Erhai Lake, Ancient Town) → Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe) → Shangri-La (Potatso National Park)

◦ Highlights: Romantic landscapes and Tibetan culture.

Southern Yunnan Route: Xishuangbanna (Tropical Rainforest, Dai Minority Park) → Pu'er (Ancient Tea Horse Road) → Yuanyang (Hani Terraced Fields)

◦ Features: Tropical vibes and millennia-old terraces.

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6. Gansu (Silk Road Corridor · Desert Solitude)

Hexi Corridor Route: Lanzhou (Yellow River Scenic Belt) → Wuwei (Leitai Han Tomb) → Zhangye (Rainbow Mountains) → Jiayuguan (Great Wall) → Dunhuang (Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Dunes)

◦ Highlights: Silk Road gems and cave art.

Southern Gansu Route: Xiahe (Labrang Monastery) → Sangke Grassland → Langmusi → Zhagana

◦ Features: Tibetan Buddhist culture and hidden villages.

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Travel Tips:

• Best Seasons: Spring/Autumn for Henan/Anhui; Spring/Autumn to escape heat in Hunan/Guangxi; Year-round for Yunnan; May-October for Gansu.

• Transport: Provincial capitals have airports; high-speed rail covers major attractions; remote areas may require private cars.

• Food Recs: Henan's Spicy Soup, Hunan's Stinky Tofu, Guangxi's Luosifen, Anhui's Smelly Mandarin Fish, Yunnan's Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Gansu's Beef Noodles.