China Honeymoon: Romantic Destinations Guide (2025)

China isn't the typical honeymoon destination, but that's exactly what makes it special—unique experiences, incredible landscapes, and adventure together. Here are the most romantic options.

Best Romantic Destinations

Lijiang, Yunnan

The appeal:

• Ancient town atmosphere
• Mountain backdrop
• Candlelit restaurants
• Boutique courtyard hotels
• Naxi culture

Best for:

• Cultural romantics
• Photography lovers
• Mountain scenery

Romantic experiences:

• Sunset at Black Dragon Pool
• Quiet coffee shops
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day trip
• Evening walks through old town

Guilin & Yangshuo

The appeal:

• Otherworldly karst landscapes
• Li River cruise
• Small town charm
• Riverside hotels

Best for:

• Nature lovers
• Photographers
• Active couples

Romantic experiences:

• Private Li River boat
• Cycling through rice paddies
• Riverside sunset dinner
• Hot springs

Hangzhou

The appeal:

• West Lake beauty
• Classical Chinese gardens
• Tea culture
• Refined atmosphere

Best for:

• Culture lovers
• Relaxed pace seekers
• Foodies

Romantic experiences:

• Private boat on West Lake
• Tea tasting at Longjing
• Temple of Inspired Seclusion
• Lakeside fine dining

Suzhou

The appeal:

• Classical gardens (UNESCO)
• Canals and bridges
• Silk culture
• Near Shanghai

Best for:

• Garden lovers
• History buffs
• Art appreciators

Romantic experiences:

• Evening garden concerts
• Canal boat rides
• Silk museum
• Tea houses

Zhangjiajie

The appeal:

• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Avatar-inspired landscapes
• Adventure together
• Unique experience

Best for:

• Adventure couples
• Photographers
• Nature lovers

Romantic experiences:

• Glass bridge walk
• Sunrise viewpoints
• Mountain cable cars
• Hot springs nearby

Sanya, Hainan

The appeal:

• Tropical beaches
• Resort luxury
• Water activities
• Chinese Hawaii

Best for:

• Beach lovers
• Resort relaxation
• Water sports
• Warm weather seekers

Romantic experiences:

• Private beach dinners
• Spa treatments
• Snorkeling trips
• Sunset sailing

Luxury Hotel Options

Best Honeymoon Hotels

Shanghai:

• The Peninsula Shanghai
• Waldorf Astoria
• Mandarin Oriental

Beijing:

• Aman at Summer Palace
• Rosewood Beijing
• The Opposite House

Lijiang:

• Banyan Tree Lijiang
• InterContinental Lijiang

Hangzhou:

• Amanfayun
• Four Seasons Hangzhou

Guilin:

• Banyan Tree Yangshuo
• Alila Yangshuo

Sanya:

• Park Hyatt Sanya
• Edition Sanya
• Rosewood Sanya

What to Look For

• Upgrade to suite
• Honeymoon packages
• Private dining options
• Spa for couples
• View rooms
• Butler service

Sample Honeymoon Itineraries

10-Day Cultural Romance

Days 1-3: Shanghai

• Explore modern and old Shanghai
• Romantic Bund evening
• French Concession wandering

Days 4-6: Suzhou & Hangzhou

• Train to Suzhou (gardens)
• Continue to Hangzhou
• West Lake romance

Days 7-9: Lijiang

• Fly to Yunnan
• Ancient town exploration
• Mountain excursion

Day 10: Departure

7-Day Adventure Romance

Days 1-2: Shanghai

• Arrival, city exploration
• Fine dining

Days 3-4: Zhangjiajie

• Fly to Zhangjiajie
• Mountain adventures
• Glass walkways

Days 5-7: Guilin/Yangshuo

• Li River cruise
• Cycling
• Riverside relaxation

10-Day Beach + Culture

Days 1-3: Beijing

• Great Wall (Jinshanling for couples)
• Forbidden City
• Temple of Heaven

Days 4-5: Xi'an

• Terracotta Warriors
• City wall cycling

Days 6-10: Sanya

• Beach resort
• Water activities
• Spa and relaxation
• No agenda

Romantic Experiences

Unique to China

Experiences you can't get elsewhere:

• Private Great Wall dinner
• Li River bamboo raft at sunrise
• Tea ceremony for two
• Traditional Chinese cooking class
• Night cruise on Huangpu River
• Hot springs in the mountains

Culinary Romance

Foodie experiences:

• Peking duck at Da Dong (Beijing)
• Fine Shanghainese at M on the Bund
• Private dim sum experience
• Wine tasting in Ningxia (China's wine country)

Practical Considerations

Best Time

For romance (and weather):

• April-May: Spring, pleasant weather
• September-November: Autumn, beautiful
• Avoid: Golden Week, Chinese New Year

Budget

10-day honeymoon estimates:

• Mid-range: $4,000-6,000 per couple
• Luxury: $8,000-15,000 per couple
• Ultra-luxury: $15,000+

Save on:

• Domestic flights (cheap)
• Food (incredible value)
• Activities (affordable)

Splurge on:

• Hotels
• Unique experiences
• Private guides

Making It Special

Tips:

• Tell hotels it's your honeymoon
• Book honeymoon packages
• Arrange surprises in advance
• Consider private guides
• Build in downtime
• Don't over-schedule

Why China for a Honeymoon?

Pros:

• Unique and memorable
• Amazing value for luxury
• Incredible variety
• Adventure together
• Stories forever

Cons:

• Not relaxing beach default
• Requires more planning
• Language challenges
• Internet complications

Best for couples who:

• Want adventure over lounging
• Value unique experiences
• Enjoy cultural immersion
• Are curious travelers
• Want stories, not just sun

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Planning your honeymoon? The China Survival Kit includes romantic destination guides and practical planning tools.