Travel Guide: The 10 Most Beautiful Border Cities in China! Experience Unique Ethnic Characteristics
border cities ethnic minority journey traveler's guideThe 10 Most Beautiful Border Cities in China!
1. Manzhouli (Inner Mongolia) - The Window of East Asia
Located in the western part of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, Manzhouli is a border city brimming with exotic charm. Bordering Russia to the north, this city blends the cultures of China, Russia, and Mongolia. Manzhouli’s architecture is unique, combining European, Chinese, and Russian styles, creating a bustling and picturesque atmosphere. Walking through the streets feels like stepping into a fairytale world full of mystery. Notable attractions include the Manzhouli National Gate, Russian Matryoshka Square, Manzhouli Port, and the Wedding Palace. Here, you can enjoy authentic grassland cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the Mongolian people.
2. Xishuangbanna (Yunnan) - Kingdom of Flora and Fauna
Xishuangbanna, located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, borders Laos and Myanmar. It is known for its unique tropical rainforest landscape and ethnic minority cultures. The natural scenery here includes tropical rainforests, wild animals, and unique karst landscapes. The dense rainforest is home to a variety of exotic plants and animals. In addition to natural beauty, Xishuangbanna is a region inhabited by many ethnic groups, predominantly the Dai people, who have passed down a rich and colorful cultural heritage.
3. Altay (Xinjiang) - The Water Tower of Northern Xinjiang
Altay, located in northern Xinjiang, borders Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, with a long border. The region is known for its stunning and majestic natural landscapes, including the Altai Mountains, Kanas Lake, and the colorful beach of Wucaitan. The Altai Mountains are towering and snow-capped, with dense forests. Kanas Lake is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, meadows, and forests, resembling a fairyland. The colorful rocks of Wucaitan, combined with golden poplar trees in autumn, create a mesmerizing scene.
4. Ruili (Yunnan) - The Pearl of the Border
Ruili is located in the western part of Yunnan Province, bordered by Myanmar on three sides. It is a charming border city with beautiful natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Situated in a tropical region, Ruili has a hot and humid climate with abundant vegetation. The city boasts unique tropical rainforest landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, clear rivers, and mysterious caves. Ruili is also home to the Dai, Jingpo, and other ethnic groups, each with their own rich cultural traditions. As a border city, Ruili serves as a crucial gateway to South and Southeast Asia.
5. Mohe (Heilongjiang) - The Arctic of China
Mohe, located in the Daxing’anling region of Heilongjiang Province, is the northernmost city in China. It is known for its unique high-latitude natural landscapes and tourist attractions. In Mohe, you can visit Beiji Village, the northernmost village in China, where you can find landmarks like “China’s Northernmost Family” and “China’s Northernmost Post Office.” Winter in Mohe is a snow-covered wonderland, where you can enjoy ice and snow sculptures, skiing, ice skating, and dog sledding. Mohe is also one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights in China, which can be seen during the winter months when solar activity interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.
6. Dandong (Liaoning) - The Jiangnan of the North
Dandong is located in southeastern Liaoning Province, on the banks of the Yalu River, facing North Korea across the river. It is a border city that combines natural beauty with rich historical heritage. Known as the “Little Jiangnan of the Northeast,” Dandong offers charming mountain and water scenery as well as unique regional culture. Surrounded by mountains and sea, the city boasts beautiful natural landscapes. Here, you can witness the magnificent confluence of the Yellow Sea and the Yalu River, and stroll through Jinjiang Mountain Park to see the vibrant rhododendrons. Dandong is also home to famous natural attractions like Phoenix Mountain and Tianhua Mountain. The city is a multi-ethnic area, with Han, Manchu, Hui, and Korean ethnic groups living together.
7. Yili (Xinjiang) - The Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall
Yili is located in the northwestern part of Xinjiang, in the Yili River Valley. It is a border city with a long history and beautiful natural scenery. The Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture borders Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. This vast land is known for its enchanting landscapes and abundant tourism resources, earning it the nickname “The Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.” Yili features stunning mountains, magnificent valleys, clear lakes, and lush grasslands, including famous spots like Nalati Grassland, Kalajun, and Apricot Blossom Valley. Yili is also a multi-ethnic area, predominantly inhabited by the Kazakh people, along with Han, Uyghur, Hui, and Mongol minorities.
8. Kashgar (Xinjiang) - The Pearl of the Silk Road
Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, is a border city with deep historical and cultural significance as well as unique natural beauty. It is an important stop on the Silk Road and one of the birthplaces of Uyghur culture. Kashgar’s natural landscapes include vast deserts, towering mountains, beautiful oases, and deep valleys, making it a popular tourist destination in Xinjiang. Notable sites include the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, and the Khunjerab Pass. In addition to natural scenery, Kashgar is home to cultural attractions such as the Old Town of Kashgar, the Id Kah Mosque, and the Tomb of Xiang Fei.
9. Tengchong (Yunnan) - The First Frontier City
Tengchong is located in the western part of Yunnan Province, at the southern end of the Hengduan Mountains. It borders Lijiang to the east and Myanmar to the west, earning the title “The First Frontier City.” Tengchong’s unique geographical environment and tropical monsoon climate make it a pleasant place to live and visit. The city is rich in natural resources, including volcanoes, geothermal springs, and mineral deposits. Tengchong is famous for its volcanic and geothermal landscapes, with 99 volcanoes and abundant hot springs. It is also a key stop on the ancient Southern Silk Road. Notable historical and cultural sites include the Old Town of Tengchong, Heshun Ancient Town, and the National Geopark of Volcanoes and Hot Springs.
10. Tacheng (Xinjiang) - The City in a Painting
Tacheng, located in the northwestern part of Xinjiang, is a border city with rich natural resources and a deep cultural history. Tacheng is bordered by the Tarbagatai Mountains to the east and Kazakhstan to the west. The city’s natural beauty includes vast grasslands, dense forests, and clear rivers. Tacheng has a long history and is an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. The city is home to numerous historical and cultural sites, such as the Stone City of Tacheng and the Yili River Ancient Bridge. Tacheng also boasts a wealth of intangible cultural heritage, including Uyghur dance and Kazakh folk songs.