South Central China Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A river with boats, greenery, and distant mountains.
A mountainous landscape with tall, narrow rock formations and dense green vegetation.
A calm river with reflections of mountains and houses.
A traditional Chinese pavilion by a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
A dense forest with tall, narrow limestone cliffs.

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.

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain

Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain

3 out of 5
Dayong Road Zhangjiajie Hunan
The price is NZ$123 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
NZ$123
16 Dec - 17 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ...
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain
Park Hyatt Changsha

Park Hyatt Changsha

4.5 out of 5
Tower 2, Changsha IFS, Changsha
The price is NZ$363 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$363
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Changsha. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions YuefangiD Mall and Jia Yi's Memorial Hall ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Overall was good. However during my stay, encountered their swimming pool is under maintenance. Had to went to another hotel for the pool and the staff was helpful to assist us."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Park Hyatt Changsha
Yangshuo SugarHouse

Yangshuo SugarHouse

4.5 out of 5
102 Dongling Road Guilin
The price is NZ$620 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$620
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Guilin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Green Lotus Peak and Impression Liu Sanjie are ...
Yangshuo SugarHouse
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.
Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing

Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing

4.5 out of 5
No. 6 Huayun Road, Gulou District Nanjing Jiangsu
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Nanjing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour health club. Popular attractions Xuanwu Lake Park and Xuanwu ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"New, clean, comfortable, convenient, direct covered path from train station to hotel reception via the mall basement. One stop from Nanjing train station for high speed train to other cities. Lots of eating places, there is an Aldi supermarket in the mall. 20 mins walk to beautiful XuanWu lake.Helpful ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2026

Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing
Somerset Wusheng Wuhan

Somerset Wusheng Wuhan

4.5 out of 5
No. 238 Zhongshan Avenue Wuhan Hubei
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Guqin Terrace and Zhongshan Park are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
"We would give 5 star rating if the kitchen drainage pipe wasn’t busted and the shower floor level that keeps the water from draining. Otherwise the location is great right next to metro and big mall that you can find all kind of snacks, food, and groceries. I highly recommend and would stay here ..."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2026

Somerset Wusheng Wuhan
Somerset Future Center Wuhan

Somerset Future Center Wuhan

4 out of 5
NO. 408 HANYANG AVENUE Wuhan
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wuhan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Guqin Terrace and Tortoise Mountain ...
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.

Stay near popular South Central China attractions

Activities