China is having a tourism moment. As visa rules relax and infrastructure develops, we're sharing five places that inspire us for 2026, from Yunnan's burgeoning wine scene to Guizhou's towering peaks. These aren't your typical tourist destinations, they're places that will help you discover what China really has to offer.

Xiamen is one of China's most underrated cities, a small coastal gem with incredible food, centuries of cultural exchange, and a thriving arts scene. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to China's best noodle soup, Xiamen offers a laid-back alternative to China's megacities