Aside from the numerous well-known scenic spots that attract masses of travelers each year, are you still searching for other enchanting destinations? Here are three low-profile “beauties” for you to explore.

    Banliang in Hunan

    It is said that the popular ancient elements of Wuzheng in Zhejiang Province and Zhouzhuang in Jiangsu Province have somehow been destroyed by an increasingly strong commercial atmosphere. But there are still some unspoilt ancient places in Hunan and Guizhou provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    Banliang ancient village in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, is said to be an ideal destination. The 600-year-old village is home to over 360 well-preserved old houses, which had once accommodated a Liu clan.

    Houses were constructed at different levels on a hill so that each one has enough sunlight. Together with the ancient trees, the architecture and scenery produce a peaceful and graceful atmosphere that gives urban busy bees the chance to calm down. In fact, the ancient village is a labyrinth with all its alleys linked with light-blue stones in different shapes. Near the village is a pagoda with a history of 170 years, which was constructed to control the flood from the stream.

    Transport: Fly to Changsha in Hunan Province at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, take a train to Chenzhou and then take a bus to Banliang ancient village.

    Accommodation: Stay with the locals to indulge yourselves in their traditions, culture and cuisine.

    Beihai in Guangxi

    Perhaps Sanya in Hainan Province has become the No. 1 choice for beach lovers in the country, but as its popularity rises so do its prices. Beihai in Guangxi also prides itself on its beautiful beach and more importantly, it is much less crowded.

    Lying on the northeastern bank of Beibu Gulf, the 24-kilometer Beihai Silver Beach is reputed to be the best beach in China for its advantages of fine, white sand; clean, warm water and gentle waves. It is also safe and free from sharks in the swimming area. These advantages have given the beach the reputation of the “Eastern Hawaii” and is regarded as the most suitable resort for sun bathing and sports in southern China.

    Or go further to three neighbouring islands — Wanwei, Wutou and Shanxin islands of Jingzu ethnic group. The most wonderful part of the trip will be to indulge yourself in performances of Jingzu song and dance.

    Transport: Fly to Beihai in Guangxi Province at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, take a bus to Beihai Silver Beach or Wanwei, Wutou and Shanxin islands.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Beihai.

    Chaozhou in Guangdong

    Chaozhou is located in the easternmost part of Guangdong Province, north of the coastal Shantou City. It is a famous historical and cultural city in the country.

    With a history of more than 1,600 years, Chaozhou enables the nourishing of a unique and distinctive character epitomized in Chaozhou’s dialect, opera, cuisine, gongfu tea, music, lion dance and embroidery.

    Entering the ancient city, visitors are treated to one of the top four ancient bridges in the country — Xiangzi Bridge, which has a history of over 800 years. There is a Song Dynasty (960-1276) Well on Taiping Road and a Song emperor was said to have drunk its water. Now some teahouses nearby use the water to make gongfu tea.

    Popular attractions include the Lighthouse of Buddha, Huang Jilue Temple, the site of Song Kiln and Kaiyuan Temple. Don’t miss the local eateries and workshops that may give you a big surprise.

    Transport: Buses depart form Chaozhou at most city bus stations.

    Accommodation: There is a selection of hotels and hostels in Chaozhou.

    (Jane Lai)