While Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many worldwide, we are reminded of the power of shared experiences in creating meaningful connections. At WildChina, connecting people is at the heart of what we do. We believe that romance flourishes in moments of shared discovery, and China’s landscapes are full of opportunities for such experiences — whether wandering through lantern-lit ancient towns, gazing up at starry desert skies, or embarking on a honeymoon adventure in some of China’s most enchanting destinations.
Here is our selection of some of the most romantic places in China, chosen by our passionate travel designers, where couples can connect with nature, culture, and each other.
Chongzuo
Chongzuo, at the southern edge of China in Guangxi Province, remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. A land of sweetness and passion, Chongzuo is surrounded by lush sugarcane fields, filling the air with the fragrant aroma of sugar, while passionfruit thrives here, offering both fresh juice and distinct dishes like passionfruit chicken. The region’s raw beauty captivates those who venture here, where turquoise rivers meander through towering karst peaks and dense forests, and the Detian Waterfall cascades across the China-Vietnam border.
Chongzuo’s untamed wilderness, home to rare species like the white-headed black langurs, is an ideal destination for couples seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s purest form. To fully embrace the romance of the natural landscape, WildChina can arrange a private outdoor yoga session, surrounded by the serene beauty of karst peaks, where the crisp mountain air enhances the meditative experience. Guests can also join our local guides for a bicycle ride through winding valleys, culminating in a picnic of regional delicacies.
Where to stay: LUX* Chongzuo
A honeymooner’s paradise, LUX* Chongzuo offers an idyllic retreat along the Mingshi River. The resort’s stilted villas, crafted from natural materials like wood and stone, harmonize with the surrounding wilderness. Couples can celebrate their love with an outdoor candlelit dinner, set with white linen and scattered petals, while the mountains are bathed in soft, glowing light, their dramatic peaks illuminated as if straight out of a movie.
Alternatively, guests can indulge in a creative painting session by the infinity pool, where the stunning landscape is not just a backdrop, but a muse. For a truly exclusive experience, hotel residents can enjoy the LUX* View Lounge at Detian Waterfall, where a private, guided bamboo raft cruise awaits, complete with champagne and high tea served in an intimate riverside booth.
Ningxia
Ningxia, in northern China, offers couples the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the country’s most serene and untouched landscapes – the vast Tengger Desert. Amidst this expansive desert terrain, flourishing vineyards emerge unexpectedly, providing a romantic retreat where wine lovers can discover the art of winemaking against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Beyond the vineyards, the Helan Mountains rise dramatically against the horizon, home to ancient petroglyphs that tell the stories of civilizations that once thrived in this rugged land. Adventurous couples can join local guides on a private hiking experience, exploring valleys and rocky outcrops to discover these ancient carvings, some of which date back over 10,000 years.
For a deeper cultural exploration, our knowledgeable guides can lead travelers through Xije, a traditional Hui Muslim village in Ningxia. Here, couples can explore markets filled with handmade crafts and local delicacies, where they can choose a meaningful gift or treat for each other, connecting with local artisans and embracing the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Where to stay: Xige Estate
Xige Estate offers a secluded stay in Ningxia, where flourishing vineyards stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. After a private tour of the state-of-the-art wine production facilities, savor dinner at the estate’s organic restaurant, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with wines crafted from the land itself. As night falls, the vineyard hotel, surrounded by rows of lush grapevines beneath the vast desert sky, provides a peaceful space to unwind — quiet, serene, and set against the rugged desert landscape and distant mountains.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou has captivated poets and painters for centuries, and its romance lies not just in its peaceful waters and willow-draped shores, but in its rich stories and legends. Among the most beloved is the tale of the White Snake, a snake spirit who fell in love with a mortal man — a story immortalized in the ancient Leifeng Pagoda.
Our local guides bring these love stories to life as guests glide across the tranquil waters of West Lake in a wooden boat at twilight. Visitors can also wander along the Su Causeway, a path of stone bridges and arched willows that transforms with each season: in spring, cherry blossoms blush against moss-covered pavilions, and in fall, golden ginkgo leaves blanket its path.
Additionally, couples can visit the Yue Lao Temple, dedicated to Yue Lao, the deity of love and marriage in Chinese folklore. Yue Lao is believed to tie the “red thread of fate” around the ankles of couples destined to be together, symbolizing an unbreakable bond. At the temple, visitors can light incense to pray for love and happiness and write their wishes on a red ribbon and hang it on a tree, a tradition symbolizing hopes for a shared future.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake
At the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, pagoda style villas perch above lotus-dotted ponds, their design a marriage of Song Dynasty elegance and modern minimalism. Serene courtyards invite intimate tea ceremonies where guests can savor fragrant Longjing tea, while the lakeside pavilion provides the perfect setting for moonlit dinners. Guests can borrow bicycles to explore the tranquil surroundings, cycling along the lake’s edge or through picturesque streets, before returning to unwind with a soothing spa treatment.
Beijing
Beijing is a city of history and grandeur, yet it also harbors hidden corners and tranquil spaces. Tucked away in a traditional Beijing courtyard near the Forbidden City, Black Sesame Kitchen offers an intimate, open-air setting for a private dinner. WildChina can arrange this experience, where guests can immerse themselves in the process as chefs prepare a 10-course feast of locally sourced ingredients in the open kitchen.
For those staying at Aman Summer Palace, WildChina offers exclusive after-hours access to the Summer Palace. Couples can take a romantic stroll through its tranquil gardens, pavilions, and lakes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere without the crowds.
For a truly unforgettable evening, MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing presents stunning panoramic views of the Forbidden City. As the sun dips below the horizon, golden light bathes the majestic palace, casting a warm glow that accentuates its ancient beauty. The bar’s elegant atmosphere, complemented by a carefully curated selection of fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails, provides a remarkable backdrop for a romantic celebration or special moment.
The Great Wall, with its sheer scale, invites a different kind of reflection. The stone is rough underfoot, and in the wilder sections, away from the crowds, the Wall feels truly alive. WildChina can arrange a special champagne celebration or a picnic for two, atop one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by sweeping vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Where to stay: Brickyard at Mutianyu
Set in an artfully restored former tile factory, the Brickyard at Mutianyu blends rustic charm with tranquil surroundings at the foot of the Mutianyu Great Wall. Loft-style rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze upon the Great Wall and private terraced gardens. Outside, a heated jacuzzi offers the perfect spot for stargazing while sipping a glass of local wine. The Lodge, the Brickyard’s intimate den with a wood-burning fireplace, provides a cozy retreat for reading or enjoying quiet conversations. At The Café, guests can savor farm-to-table dishes made with organic ingredients, served in a relaxed and memorable setting.
In these destinations, romance and adventure go hand in hand, creating endless opportunities for connection and discovery. To explore these experiences further, get in touch with our travel designers, who can curate a trip for a milestone moment, or plan an unforgettable escape.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
