South Central China Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

Default Image

Wulingyuan

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

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

Wulingyuan
Guilin showing interior views

Guilin City Centre

4/5(10 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
Default Image

Xiufeng

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

Xiufeng
Temple of Confucius showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Xinjiekou

5/5(2 area reviews)

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
Default Image

Yuhua District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Yuhua District. You might want to make time for a stop at Hunan Forest Botanical Garden or Guitang River Ecological Park.

Yuhua District
Default Image

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 Mawangdui Han Tombs, and jump on the metro at Wanjiali Square Station to get around the city.

Fu Rong
Grand Hyatt Changsha
Grand Hyatt Changsha
4.5 out of 5
No. 36 Middle Xiangjiang Road, Tianxin District, Changsha, Hunan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.840.161 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
Rp1.840.161
Rp2.145.628 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Changsha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Huangxing Walking Street and Helong Stadium ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (42 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Grand Hyatt Changsha
JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou
JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou
5 out of 5
Millennium Royal Plaza No 2 Central Busi, Zhengzhou, Henan
The price is Rp1.274.159 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
Rp1.274.159
Rp1.485.669 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Zhengzhou. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Henan Geological Museum and Zhengzhou Town's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (115 reviews)
"Friendly staff and nice environment."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou
Somerset Future Center Wuhan
Somerset Future Center Wuhan
4 out of 5
NO. 408 HANYANG AVENUE, HANYANG DISTRICT, Wuhan
The price is Rp982.014 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
Rp982.014
Rp1.040.944 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Guiyuan Temple ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"The apartment hotel is in upper levels of a modern building that also houses a shopping mall containing numerous eateries. The building is literally directly above a subway station. It was super easy to get to and from Wuhan high speed rail station. The one bed room corner deluxe unit (free upgrade ..."

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2024

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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hefei Pearl Plaza and ...
Highly recommended!
"Arguably the best ever hotel I have ever stayed in China. The room is spacious and clean. Unlike many other hotels in China (including a five star hotel in same area I stayed before), everything in this hotel works as they are designed to. Front desk is helpful and friendly. Highly recommended! A ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2019

Somerset Swan Lake Hefei
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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Guiyuan Temple ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"The apartment hotel is in upper levels of a modern building that also houses a shopping mall containing numerous eateries. The building is literally directly above a subway station. It was super easy to get to and from Wuhan high speed rail station. The one bed room corner deluxe unit (free upgrade ..."

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2024

Somerset Future Center Wuhan
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Guqin Tai and Zhongshan Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Good customer service"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 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