South Central China Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with boats, greenery, and distant mountains.
A mountainous landscape with tall, narrow rock formations and dense green vegetation.
A calm river with reflections of mountains and houses.
A traditional Chinese pavilion by a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
A calm lake with traditional sailboats, a wooden staircase, and a pagoda.

See sparkling golden palaces, get your heart pumping on exhilarating amusement park rides and relax in peaceful gardens in this southern Chinese region.

South Central China is an economically prosperous region with natural beauty and historic architecture. Journey through rugged mountains to discover ancient buildings, visit nature reserves and learn about local art and culture in its captivating museums.

The vast area of South Central China is a region which governs six provinces and two autonomous regions, each with their own distinct cultures and landscapes. Most residents here speak either Cantonese or Mandarin, though English is a popular second language and is often used by businesses and staff at tourist attractions.

In the south of the region lies Hong Kong, a former British colony turned semi-autonomous financial powerhouse. Walk along Victoria Harbor and study the towering, skyscraper-packed skyline, then relax in Hong Kong Park surrounded by bamboo and flowers. Take the family to Hong Kong Disneyland® for a day of rides and theatrical productions.

Although most visitors go to Macau, just north of Hong Kong, for its casinos, the former Portuguese colony does have many other draws. Admire the sleek design of the Macau Museum of Art and discover the area’s seafaring history at the Macau Maritime Museum.

Next to Macau is Guangdong. Learn about traditional tea growing in the Yannanfei Tea Garden and explore the scenic peaks and red rock formations of Danxia Mountain Geopark.

No visit to South Central China would be complete without seeing the Great Wall of China its easternmost end is located in the South Central China province of Hebei. Carry on southwest to the Hubei province for treks through dramatic gorges and hikes leading to religious sites on Mount Wudang.

Journey underground in the Guangxi region to explore breathtaking caves such as the Julong Deep Pool and Reed Flute Cave. Another popular tourist stop is the city of Guilin, which is famous for its scenic Li River boat tours, which offer views of unusual limestone peaks and formations.

Fly into Hong Kong International Airport and take the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry to continue exploring the region. The major cities of South Central China have fantastic public transportation options, including subways, trains and taxis.

Make sure to plan for plenty of time to see South Central China, as this incredible region promises endless beauty and entertainment.

Banyan Tree Yangshuo

Banyan Tree Yangshuo

5 out of 5
No. 168 Zhendong Street, Fuli Town Guilin Guangxi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿8,710 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
฿8,710
฿10,156 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Guilin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Yangshuo West Street and Fuli Ancient Town are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"Incredible beautiful ground with view on the karst."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026

Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

3.5 out of 5
108 Bao Feng Road Zhangjiajie Hunan
The price is ฿2,928 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿2,928
฿3,414 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Charming Xiangxi Grand ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"The room was one of the better room I have had in China. The staff were all very kind and helpful. Not all staff speak English, but they were always trying to help by all means. They helped me with ticket booking and provided me with recommendations on where to go, which was amazing. The room was ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

3 out of 5
No. 18 Jundi Road, Wulingyuan District Zhangjiajie Hunan
The price is ฿2,353 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
฿2,353
฿2,744 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Charming ...
10/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Overall a brilliant experience. The helpfulness of the staff made it all extra special. All staff were exemplary in their attitude and friendliness. We cannot thank Kenneth enough for all his help and advice."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2026

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing

Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing

4.5 out of 5
No. 6 Huayun Road, Gulou District Nanjing Jiangsu
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Xuanwu Lake Park and Xuanwu ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Extremely convenient location direct to subway, supermarket, dining options, and cultural sites. Room was clean, spacious, with convenient amenities such as washer dryer, refrigerator, kitchenette."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2026

Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing
Somerset Swan Lake Hefei

Somerset Swan Lake Hefei

4 out of 5
No 888 Qianshan Road Hefei AnHui
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Hefei. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Anhui Museum and Hefei Pearl ...
7.8/10 Good! (18 reviews)
"The quality of breakfast should be slightly improved."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2026

Somerset Swan Lake Hefei
Somerset Future Center Wuhan

Somerset Future Center Wuhan

4 out of 5
NO. 408 HANYANG AVENUE Wuhan
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Tortoise Mountain TV ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Spacious apartment"

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

Somerset Future Center Wuhan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular South Central China attractions

Things to do