South Central China Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nanjing showing a sunset, night scenes and a river or creek
Nanjing featuring a pond
Nanjing which includes signage and a city
Temple of Confucius featuring a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and a statue or sculpture
Temple of Confucius featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

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.

Where to stay in South Central China

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Wulingyuan

5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the mountain views and parks in Wulingyuan. You might want to make time for a stop at Wulingyuan Scenic Area or Yellow Dragon Cave.

Wulingyuan
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Xiufeng

Unique features of Xiufeng include the river views and shopping. Make a stop by Guilin Museum or Guilin Arts Museum while you're exploring the area.

Xiufeng
Guilin featuring interior views

Guilin City Centre

4/5(8 area reviews)

Be sure to enjoy the river views and gardens while you're in Guilin City Centre, and make a trip to Guangxi Guilin National Forest Park if you have time to see some sights in the nearby area.

Guilin City Centre
Temple of Confucius featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Xinjiekou

5/5(1 area review)

The restaurants and shopping are a few things visitors like about Xinjiekou. Check out Nanjing Library while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Daxinggong Station or Xinjiekou Station to get around town.

Xinjiekou
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Fu Rong

Well liked for its museums and monuments, Fu Rong is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like May Day Square and Martyrs' Park, and jump on the metro at Wanjiali Square Station to get around the city.

Fu Rong
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Ten Mile Gallery

4/5(1 area review)

Ten Mile Gallery is noteworthy for its mountain views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Moon Hill and Yulong River Scenic Area.

Ten Mile Gallery
JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou

JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou

5 out of 5
Millennium Royal Plaza No 2 Central Busi, Zhengzhou, Henan
The price is AU$141 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
AU$141
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Zhengzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Henan Geological Museum and Zhengzhou Ferris ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (126 reviews)
wonderful view of the lake and the staff was very good to give us an ungrade and we had early morning check in. thanks

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou
Pullman Zhangjiajie

Pullman Zhangjiajie

4.5 out of 5
No.188 Gaoyun Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
The price is AU$105 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$105
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (232 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay at the Pullman and would highly recommend this property. The staff was extremely helpful at all times and the room was very comfortable.

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Pullman Zhangjiajie
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain

3 out of 5
dayong road, Nanchengjinzuo Building, Zhangjiajie, hunan
The price is AU$98 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$98
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Zhangjiajie National Forest ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
The hotel is very clean, there’s a lot of room space and room is also very clean (including bathroom). The hotel is suited right opposite of the cableway so it’s easy to get to. The breakfast buffet has a variety of choices including local food and continental breakfast to select from. What I liked ...

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2025

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain
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.
Somerset Future Center Wuhan

Somerset Future Center Wuhan

4 out of 5
NO. 408 HANYANG AVENUE, HANYANG DISTRICT, Wuhan
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Tortoise Mountain ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great hotel
Superb hotel in really convenient location with line 4 subway station right out front and attached to a mall with lots of dining options. I stayed in an executive suite which included washing machine and dryer. It was modern, spacious and clean with great views and large bathroom, kitchen and living ...

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Somerset Future Center Wuhan
Somerset Swan Lake Hefei

Somerset Swan Lake Hefei

4 out of 5
No 888 Qianshan Road, New Municipal and Cultural District, Hefei, AnHui
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Hefei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Anhui Museum and Hefei ...
7.6/10 Good! (16 reviews)
I'm a picky person but this place was so good!

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Somerset Swan Lake Hefei
Somerset Wusheng Wuhan

Somerset Wusheng Wuhan

4.5 out of 5
No. 238 Zhongshan Avenue, Qiaokou District Hankou, Wuhan, Hubei
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Zhongshan Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
Great place to stay. Value for money. Amazing and lovely staff. Pleasant stay at the hotel .

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

Somerset Wusheng 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.

Popular places to visit