The Forbidden City in Beijing

Beijing is a must-go place on your itinerary if you have a great interest in Chinese history. It is considered the heart of the entire country and has a rich and storied history. Wandering on the streets of Beijing is like embarking on a time-traveling adventure.

There are two attractions famous for their historical atmosphere: the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Wandering in the Forbidden City, you can get to know how Chinese emperors spent their days. The Great Wall, built by Chinese ancestors, aimed to protect against invasions from nomadic tribes. When you step on the stairs, you may feel the determination of the warriors. Visiting a local family and learning to make Chinese dumplings are good choices as well. You will find the process of learning impressive.

Guilin's Li River

If the idea is to feel lighter than the air with your couple, Guilin is a place you do not want to miss. Guilin, a mesmerizing city lying in southern China, has primitive yet idyllic landscapes: green bamboo forests, green rice paddies, rolling karst hills, smoke curling upward from the chimneys, old men making cormorant fishing, and flocks of ducks swimming in the water.

With the picturesque rural scenery as the backdrop, the most romantic thing to do is bike along the Li River or take a cruise to get close to nature.

Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, which is located on China's southeast coast, is a city of contrasts. There are serene temples and tall skyscrapers juxtaposed in this city. Quiet parks are adjacent to vibrant markets. Hong Kong is a mashup of influences and inspirations; it has the famous Victoria Harbour skyline, which is studded with sparkling skyscrapers that light up the night sky, and the historic alleyways of Old Town Central, where colonial architecture meets galleries of contemporary art. City lights decorate the night sky and bring vigor to Hong Kong. The intertwining of two distinct styles will amaze you and guide you to a whole new romantic experience.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, aka Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. It's the inspiration for Pandora, the fictional world in the movie "Avatar." You can enjoy the sunset over stunning scenery while dining at romantic restaurants with panoramic views. Or immerse yourself in the local culture by attending traditional performances or joining cultural activities.

• Golden Triangle with Zhangjiajie
• China Family Tour with Teenagers (Zhangjiajie included)

West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake is renowned for its scenic beauty that blends well with historical and cultural sites. Gardens, pagoda-topped hills, and elegant bridges rise over willow-lined waters. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese landscape garden.

To enjoy the scenery, walk around the lake, take a boat trip, or bike around it. As evening comes, walk to the stone-arched bridge at the eastern end of the Bai Causeway to see the gorgeous sunset glow over Leifeng Pagoda. Do not forget to sip a cup of Dragon Well Tea at one of the teahouses overlooking West Lake. A pleasant chat over a cup of tea is sure to make you feel totally relaxed and refreshed.

Many legends of the West Lake will also evoke your romantic mood. The most famous one, The Legend of Lady White Snake, is about a white snake fairy who fell in love with a poor scholar named Xuxian on the Broken Bridge of the West Lake.

Dali Ancient Town

The ancient and walled town of Dali has a laid-back ambiance enhanced by its spectacular surroundings: the snow-capped Changshan Mountain on one side and the vast, clean Erhai Lake on the other. The authentic feel and continuous tourist hordes make it an alluring hot spot. Thus, it is a magnet for couples seeking solitude and romance amid wild, unspoiled beauty.

To get your lover in the mood, take a boat trip on the Erhai Lake, bike to some of the smaller villages of the local Bai minority group, roam around Foreigner Street, and sit in a tea house, enjoying the traditional Three Cups of Tea service. All of these moments will be beautiful memories to remember.

Suzhou Water Town

If you are seeking a secluded, serene setting to escape the urban hustle and enjoy some leisure time, my suggestion is the water towns of Suzhou, such as Zhouzhuang and Tongli. These ancient water towns are the few places in China that retain dreamy, rustic charm and even gain the name "Venice of the East." All the streets of the towns are built along the rivers and canals, and the bridges link to the streets. A stroll down the flagstone-paved streets through old mansions, traditional workshops, and stores will make your companion naturally put hands in yours. A boat ride through the lantern-lined canals enables you to savor tranquility and see more of the local life.

The water towns are near Shanghai and Suzhou, which makes them easily accessible for short visits.

The Bund in Shanghai

If a face-to-face stroll with city splendor is your thing, the Bund of Shanghai could be the ideal spot for you. The skyscrapers of Pudong District across the Huangpu River and the colonial-era buildings of different styles made the Bund the most romantic corner of Shanghai a century ago.

The best time to go there is at night. First, arrange a private, candlelit dinner at one of Shanghai's iconic restaurants overlooking the Bund and admire the best views of the Shanghai skyline out there. Then take a walk along the 1.5-kilometer-long promenade with views of the massive and gleaming financial towers in Lujiazui. When your feet get tired, hop on a Huangpu River cruise ship and take in the sights as you slowly drift by. All of these will leave you with an unforgettable night!

Mountain Huang

Mt. Huangshan is the most famous mountain in China and perhaps the most romantic one as well. It is famous for its oddly-shaped rocks, peculiar pine trees, the sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snowscapes. It is a great experience to spend two or three days on the mountain, enjoying sunsets and sunrises, picturesque mountain vistas, refreshing air, and moments of tranquility.

Pandas in the Breeding Sanctuary

Speaking of the most representative animal in China, the first one that comes to mind is the panda, right? Most of the pandas live in Chengdu, in southwestern China. Also, the biggest panda breeding sanctuary is there. So if you're a big fan of pandas, visiting their hometown would be a great thing on your to-do list. In the sanctuary, you will get a chance to see pandas of all ages, including cubs and adults. It's really fun to learn about this species and get to know the name and story of each of the pandas at the sanctuary.