Love in Travel: A Journey Filled with Affection
“There should be at least two impulses in one’s life: a love that one devotes oneself to without hesitation and a trip that one takes on a whim.” When the romance of Valentine’s Day meets the freedom and exploration of travel, what kind of sparks will fly? On this special day dedicated to lovers, what could be more romantic than setting off on a journey full of surprises and the unknown hand in hand? With your beloved, you can explore different landscapes, experience diverse local customs, and every moment will become the most precious memory in your love story.
Travel is a touchstone for love and a catalyst for deepening relationships. During the journey, you will face various challenges together and share every bit of joy. The roads you walk, the views you see, all will bear witness to your love, enabling you to understand each other better and making your love more steadfast and profound. China, this vast and magical land, is home to numerous romantic destinations perfect for couples. Today, let’s embark on this exclusive Valentine’s Day journey and discover the romance hidden in the mountains and rivers of our motherland!
Coastal Romance: Sanya and Xiamen
Sanya: An Eternal Pledge at the End of the Earth and the Edge of the Sea
Sanya, a coastal city favored by nature, is a romantic paradise in the hearts of countless couples. Its stretching coastline, fine white sand, and clear, gem – like seawater form a dreamy picture. When the romance of Valentine’s Day encounters the blue sky and sea of Sanya, it is destined to compose a touching love song.
In Sanya, the End of the Earth and the Edge of the Sea is a must – visit landmark for couples. Two huge rocks are inscribed with “Tianya” (End of the Earth) and “Haijiao” (Edge of the Sea) respectively. Standing quietly by the sea, they seem to tell ancient and romantic legends. It is said that as long as a couple comes here hand in hand, they can obtain eternal love. Every Valentine’s Day, couples from all over the world gather here. Some embrace affectionately in front of the huge rocks, making a lifetime promise; others stroll hand in hand on the beach, feeling the gentle caress of the sea breeze and looking forward to a beautiful future. Here, time seems to stand still, and only the sound of each other’s heartbeats and the waves interweaves into the most beautiful movement of love.
Wuzhizhou Island is like a dazzling pearl inlaid on the South China Sea of Sanya. The seawater here is so clear that you can see the bottom, and the underwater coral reefs are colorful, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Couples can put on diving equipment and dive into the sea together to explore the mysterious underwater world, dance with tropical fish, and experience the magic and beauty of nature. Besides diving, the Lover’s Bridge on the island is also an extremely romantic place. The wooden bridge spans the sea, and at the end of the bridge is a small pavilion. When couples walk across the Lover’s Bridge hand in hand, it seems as if they have gone through the ups and downs of life and will accompany each other for a lifetime from then on. Standing in the pavilion, overlooking the endless sea, your heart will be filled with determination for love and anticipation for the future.
Gulangyu Island, Xiamen: A Bohemian Island for a “Runaway” Love
Gulangyu Island in Xiamen is an island full of artistic and romantic charm, an ideal place for couples to “elope” to. There is no hustle and bustle of vehicles here, only quiet alleys, ancient buildings, and gentle sea breezes. Setting foot on Gulangyu Island is like stepping into a poetic world, where every corner exudes a romantic atmosphere.
The old villas on Gulangyu Island are one of the island’s highlights. These villas have different styles, some are elegant European – style buildings, and some are simple and classic Chinese – style courtyards. They have witnessed the historical changes of Gulangyu Island and carry numerous romantic stories. Couples can stroll through these ancient streets and alleys, admire the old villas with various styles, and feel the precipitation of time and the charm of history. At an unexpected corner, you may encounter a courtyard full of blooming flowers. The bougainvillea in the courtyard is in full bloom, as if sending the best wishes for your love. Enter the courtyard, sit on the old rattan chair, make a cup of fragrant coffee, and quietly enjoy this peaceful and beautiful time, feeling the companionship and love of each other.
The seaside of Gulangyu Island is also a romantic paradise for couples. Walking along the coastline, you have soft sand under your feet and an endless sea in front of you. The sea breeze blows, carrying a faint smell of the sea. There are many benches for tourists to rest by the sea. Couples can sit here, watch the sunset, and the sky turns orange – red. The whole world is bathed in this romantic afterglow. At this moment, without words, a look or a smile can convey the deep love in each other’s hearts. Besides enjoying the scenery, couples can also play with sand and wade in the water by the sea, frolic like children, and enjoy this carefree and happy time. Let the laughter and the sound of the waves interweave into the most unforgettable memory of this wonderful journey.
Poetic Ancient Towns: Lijiang and Phoenix
Lijiang Ancient Town: Encountering a Beam of Sunshine of Love
Lijiang Ancient Town, known as the “Venice of the East,” is like a bright pearl inlaid on the land of Yunnan. It is an ancient town without city walls. The streets are built along the mountains and waters, paved with red breccia. It is not muddy in the rainy season and does not raise dust in the dry season. The natural and elegant patterns on the stones blend in harmony with the surrounding mountains and waters, just like a natural ink – wash painting.
In Lijiang Ancient Town, there is a romantic legend about “a beam of sunshine of love.” It is said that on the top of Yulong Snow Mountain, during the Autumn Equinox, the sunlight will pass through the clouds and shine down a one – meter – wide beam. As long as a couple is illuminated by this beam of light, they can obtain eternal love. This legend adds a mysterious and romantic touch to Lijiang Ancient Town, attracting countless couples to seek this beam of light symbolizing love. Strolling on the bluestone roads of the ancient town, on both sides are antique Naxi – style buildings. The wooden doors and windows are carved with exquisite patterns, as if telling ancient stories. There are a wide variety of shops on the street, including those selling special handicrafts, artistic cafes, and snack stalls filled with rich aromas. Couples can walk hand in hand, randomly enter a shop, choose a beloved souvenir, or sit down, taste a cup of fragrant coffee, and enjoy this leisurely and comfortable time.
Walking along the street, you will come to Sifang Street. This is the center of Lijiang Ancient Town and the liveliest place. During the day, people come and go here. Tourists shuttle among various stalls, choosing their favorite goods. At night, Sifang Street turns into a sea of joy. People dance around the bonfire, and the laughter and voices echo in the sky above the ancient town. Standing in the middle of Sifang Street, looking at the bustling scene around, feeling the hustle and bustle of the ancient town, your heart will be filled with happiness and contentment. At this moment, the lover beside you is your most precious treasure, and this beautiful time will become the most unforgettable memory in each other’s hearts.
Phoenix Ancient Town: A Romantic Appointment in Western Hunan
Phoenix Ancient Town, a thousand – year – old town in Western Hunan, is like a gentle girl lying quietly in the embrace of the Tuojiang River. It is full of rich Miao ethnic customs and unique historical charm, a city that makes people reluctant to leave once they arrive.
When night falls, Phoenix Ancient Town puts on a magnificent coat and becomes dazzling. The ancient buildings in the town are set off by the lights, looking more primitive and elegant, as if traveling back in time to ancient times. Walking along the Tuojiang River, the stilted buildings on both sides are brightly lit, and their reflections in the river form a magnificent picture. These stilted buildings are the characteristic architecture of Phoenix Ancient Town. They are built along the mountains and waters, and the wooden structure is full of primitive charm. Under the buildings is the clear Tuojiang River, and from time to time, cruise ships pass by on the river, creating layers of ripples. Couples can take a cruise ship, slowly moving forward on the Tuojiang River, enjoying the scenery on both sides, and feeling the gentle caress of the river breeze, as if in a dreamy world.
In Phoenix Ancient Town, there is a famous Hongqiao Bridge, which spans the Tuojiang River and is one of the landmark buildings of the ancient town. Hongqiao Bridge was first built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and has been repaired many times. Now it still stands on the Tuojiang River, witnessing the changes of the ancient town. There are people coming and going on the bridge, and it is very lively. Under the bridge, the water is gurgling, and boats are shuttling back and forth. Standing on the Hongqiao Bridge, overlooking the entire ancient town, the distant mountains are rolling, and the nearby stilted buildings are scattered in an orderly manner, with lights shining, just like a beautiful landscape painting. Couples can take photos on the Hongqiao Bridge to capture this beautiful moment and let this romance be forever frozen in the camera.
Besides Hongqiao Bridge and stilted buildings, there are many other places worth visiting in Phoenix Ancient Town, such as the former residences of Shen Congwen, Xiong Xiling, and Yang’s Ancestral Hall. These scenic spots not only have profound historical and cultural connotations but also are full of romantic flavors. In Shen Congwen’s former residence, you can feel the love of this literary giant for his hometown and his perseverance in love. In Xiong Xiling’s former residence, you can learn about the legendary life of this premier of the Republic of China. In Yang’s Ancestral Hall, you can admire the exquisite woodcarvings and stone carvings and feel the charm of ancient architecture. Couples can visit these scenic spots together, understand the history and culture of the ancient town, and feel the precipitation of time and the power of love.
Love in Nature: Zhangjiajie and Jiuzhaigou
Zhangjiajie: Love Embracing Nature
Zhangjiajie is like an art palace meticulously carved by nature. With its unique sandstone peak forest landforms, deep canyons, magnificent waterfalls, and rich animal and plant resources, it attracts countless couples to explore the beauty of nature and feel the power of love. The strange peaks and rocks here resemble people, animals, utensils, and objects, vivid and spectacular. Three thousand unique peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters form a dreamy landscape painting.
When coming to Zhangjiajie, couples can stroll hand in hand along the Jinbian Stream. The clear stream gurgles under your feet, and there are strange peaks and lush trees on both sides, as if you are in a natural oxygen bar. Along the way, you can also see lovely wild monkeys jumping and playing among the branches, adding a lot of fun to this journey. Here, you can slow down, listen to each other’s hearts, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Let this peaceful time be a beautiful testimony to your love.
The Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is also a must – visit place in Zhangjiajie. It is the filming location of the floating mountain “Hallelujah Mountain” in the movie Avatar. When you stand on the viewing platform and overlook the strange peaks and rocks in front of you, it seems as if you are in the fantasy world of the movie. When the clouds and mist are lingering, the peaks are faintly visible, like a fairyland. At this moment, hold each other’s hands tightly, and jointly feel this dreamy beauty. Endless romance and emotion will surely well up in your hearts. Besides enjoying the scenery, couples can also challenge the Glass Walkway on Tianmen Mountain together.
This glass walkway is 60 meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and the highest point is 1430 meters above sea level. It is known as the “Sky Road of the East.” Walking on it, there is a deep abyss under your feet and a steep cliff beside you. Every step is full of excitement and thrill. During this process, you can support and encourage each other, and jointly overcome the fear in your hearts. This experience of facing challenges together will make your relationship deeper.
Jiuzhaigou: A Seasonal Symphony of Romance
Jiuzhaigou, known as a “Fairyland on Earth,” has different sceneries in different seasons. Whenever you come, you can feel its unique charm. In spring, everything comes back to life, the ice and snow melt, the lakes in Jiuzhaigou start to ripple, and the wild flowers on the shore bloom in riotous colors, like a gorgeous water – color painting. Couples can stroll by the lake in this vibrant season, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and feel the warmth of spring and the sweetness of love.
In summer, Jiuzhaigou is hidden in the lush green shade. The lake water becomes greener, and the waterfalls are more magnificent. At this time, you can shuttle through the forest together, feel the cool mountain breeze, listen to the songs of birds, and enjoy the coolness and tranquility given by nature. You can also choose to take a cruise ship, slowly move forward on the lake, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and feel the companionship and love of each other.
Autumn is the most glorious season in Jiuzhaigou. The colorful maple leaves are reflected in the clear lake water, and the colorful fallen flowers float among the lake’s charm, like a magnificent oil painting. Couples can stroll on the plank road, enjoy this poetic and picturesque scenery, and record every beautiful moment with a camera. Here, you can indulge in the romance of autumn together and let this romantic memory stay in your hearts forever.
In winter, Jiuzhaigou is like a fairy – tale world. The mountains and forests are covered in white snow, the waterfalls and lakes are crystal – clear, and the ice layer on the blue lake surface changes wonderful ice patterns due to the temperature difference between sunrise and sunset, as if time stands still for your love. At this time, the most pleasant thing is to soak in the warm hot spring, look at the distant snow – capped mountains, and feel the magic and beauty of nature. In the steaming hot spring, couples can put aside all their troubles and enjoy this warm and romantic moment. Let the warmth of the hot spring reach each other’s hearts and add a unique romance to your love.
Love Songs among Mountains and Waters: Yangshuo, Guilin and West Lake, Hangzhou
Yangshuo, Guilin: Love among Mountains and Waters
“Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo’s scenery is the best in Guilin.” Yangshuo in Guilin, this poetic and picturesque land, with its unique karst landforms and the clear and green landscape of the Lijiang River, has become a romantic holy land in the hearts of couples. The mountains and waters here seem to be a beautiful picture painted by nature with the most delicate brushstrokes. Every scene exudes a romantic and gentle atmosphere, allowing couples to immerse themselves in this dream – like landscape and feel the sweetness and beauty of love.
When coming to Yangshuo, you must experience a bamboo raft trip on the Lijiang River. When you sit on the bamboo raft and slowly float on the clear river, there are strange peaks on both sides, each with a different shape. Some look like camels, some like fairies, and some like swords. It’s like entering a magical fairyland. The gentle river breeze blows across your face, bringing a touch of coolness. The water surface ripples, and the sunlight shines on the water, creating a glittering and beautiful scene. At this moment, snuggle up to your loved one, enjoy the beauty of “people traveling in a painting” together, and feel the embrace of the mountains and waters. Time seems to stand still for you.
Besides the bamboo raft trip on the Lijiang River, the Ten – Mile Gallery in Yangshuo is also a romantic place that couples should not miss. This is a scenic line that connects the most beautiful attractions in Yangshuo. The scenery along the way is like a painting, with green mountains, clear waters, idyllic scenery, and ancient villages intertwined, forming a beautiful idyllic picture.
Couples can rent a tandem bicycle and slowly ride along the Ten – Mile Gallery, feeling the gentle breeze, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying this leisurely and comfortable time. On the way, you can stop at any time, enter the flower fields by the road, and take photos with the colorful flowers; or stop by the Yulong River and admire the poetic idyllic scenery, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.
West Lake, Hangzhou: A Witness to a Thousand – Year – Old Love
West Lake in Hangzhou is like a bright pearl inlaid on the beautiful land of Hangzhou. With its beautiful lakeside scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage, it attracts countless tourists. West Lake is also closely related to love. There are many touching love legends here, such as the story of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, making West Lake a holy land of love in the hearts of couples.
It is said that Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian met on Broken Bridge and became lovers after borrowing an umbrella. Later, Monk Fa Hai imprisoned Bai Suzhen under Leifeng Pagoda, and Xu Xian was heartbroken on Broken Bridge, vowing to rescue his wife. Eventually, their love moved heaven and earth, and they were able to reunite.
Now, Broken Bridge still lies quietly on West Lake, witnessing the sweetness and happiness of countless couples. Every Valentine’s Day, many couples gather here. They walk across Broken Bridge hand in hand, as if following in the romantic footsteps of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, making a lifetime promise.
Walking along Bai Causeway, you will come to Su Causeway. Su Causeway was built by Su Dongpo, a great poet in the Northern Song Dynasty, when he was the governor of Hangzhou. He dredged West Lake and used the mud dug out to build it. Later generations named it Su Causeway to commemorate Su Dongpo’s contributions to harnessing West Lake. Su Causeway is nearly three kilometers long. There are willows on both sides of the causeway, and the peach blossoms are in full bloom, adding to the charm. The lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting beautiful figures, exuding boundless tenderness. Walking on Su Causeway, with the weeping willows swaying and the peach blossoms blooming on both sides, it seems as if you have traveled back in time to ancient times, experiencing the romantic spring atmosphere with your loved one.
In addition to Broken Bridge and Su Causeway, there are many other attractions worth visiting in West Lake, such as Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng Pagoda. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is one of the top ten scenic spots in West Lake and is known as “the most beautiful sight in West Lake”. On the night of the Mid – Autumn Festival, when the bright moon is in the sky, people light candles in the pagodas, cover the holes with thin paper, and the light shines through, creating an illusion of numerous moons reflecting on the lake surface, which is truly magnificent. Couples can take a cruise ship to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, enjoy this dream – like scenery together, and feel the companionship and love of each other.
Leifeng Pagoda, as an important scene in the story of The Legend of the White Snake, also attracts countless couples to visit. Standing in front of Leifeng Pagoda, looking at this ancient building, you can almost feel the unwavering love between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.
Climbing to the top of Leifeng Pagoda and overlooking the entire West Lake, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. At this moment, the lover beside you is your most precious treasure, and this wonderful time will become the most unforgettable memory in each other’s hearts.
Epilogue: Love on the Road, Affection Filling the Heart
Every romantic place in China carries unique love stories and beautiful implications. Whether it’s the End of the Earth and the Edge of the Sea in Sanya, the Beam of Sunshine of Love in Lijiang, the strange peaks and rocks in Zhangjiajie, or the thousand – year – old legends in West Lake, Hangzhou, they are all waiting for couples to explore and experience.
On this Valentine’s Day, why not put aside your daily busyness and embark on this romantic journey with your loved one? Go and see the scenery you’ve never seen before, experience a different life, and let every moment of the journey become a precious memory of your love. Let love spread on the road and affection take root in your hearts. May your love be as eternal and beautiful as the great rivers and mountains of our motherland.
What are you still waiting for? Pack your bags, set off with your beloved, start your romantic journey, and create your exclusive memories!
