Once the banking centre of imperial China, Pingyao is now a tourist hotspot catering to domestic tourists. The traditional architecture of the UNESCO site, as well as its square street layout, are largely intact from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can see old temples and traditional courtyards, as well as a museum with an unexpected surprise.

Unknown to even locals in Shanxi, Qinyuan county is an oasis of nature and tranquillity compared to more popular sites in the province, such as Pingyao. 

Chinese tourists are shunning travel to the United States amid the trade war and opting for destinations which “show hospitality” such locations in Southeast Asia and Europe, according to Jane Sun, chief executive of Asia’s largest online travel platform Ctrip.

The city of Foshan, known as “Guangzhou’s little brother”, sits at the centre of China’s Greater Bay Area and only 3.5 hours by bus from Hong Kong. The city offers visitors a culture-filled getaway which has earned China’s highest official rating for tourism with attractions such as Bruce Lee Paradise, Xiqiao mountain and the nightlife of Lingnan Tiandi.

Set in an upland basin and largely surrounded by a country park, the tranquil abandoned village of Shalotung is one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful rural areas. Easily accessible from Tai Po Market station on the MTR East Rail Line, the village buildings being reclaimed by nature make for a relaxing destination and quiet break from the bustling city.