China: Romantic Getaways

Romantic China

Three Getaways for Couples — From Luxury to Budget

~ • ~

China may not be the first destination that springs to mind when planning a romantic escape, but it should be. From tropical beach villas to mist-shrouded mountain retreats, this vast country offers some of the most breathtaking and intimate settings anywhere on earth. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a honeymoon, or simply craving quality time together, China delivers romance on a grand scale.

We have curated three very different romantic getaways across China — one for those who want to splash out on pure luxury, one offering exceptional quality at a moderate price, and one proving that romance does not require a hefty budget. Each destination offers its own unique character, unforgettable experiences, and the kind of shared moments that bring couples closer together.

All prices are approximate and given in both British Pounds (£) and Chinese Yuan (¥). Actual costs will vary by season, with peak prices typically during Chinese national holidays (October Golden Week and Chinese New Year) and summer months (July–August). The best time for a romantic trip to China is generally March–May or September–November, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner.

~ • ~

Option One: The Luxury Escape

Sanya, Hainan Island — China’s Tropical Paradise

Often called the “Hawaii of China,” Sanya sits on the southern tip of Hainan Island, where white-sand beaches meet crystal-clear South China Sea waters. Year-round tropical warmth, swaying coconut palms, and spectacular sunsets make this China’s premier destination for couples seeking beachfront luxury. The area around Yalong Bay and Luhuitou Bay is home to some of Asia’s finest five-star resorts, many offering private pool villas with direct beach access.

Where to Stay

Banyan Tree Sanya — banyantree.com/china/sanya

Nestled in the serene Luhuitou Bay, the Banyan Tree Sanya is the ultimate romantic hideaway. The resort features 49 private pool villas spread across 13 hectares of tropical gardens, each designed with contemporary Oriental touches and floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto your own private terrace and plunge pool. The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offers couples’ treatments in open-air pavilions overlooking the ocean, and the resort’s “Romantic Dinner on the Beach” — a candlelit table set on the sand with a personally curated menu — is the stuff of honeymoon dreams.

Price per night:   £200–500 / ¥1,800–4,500 depending on villa type and season

Also worth considering: Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort which offers exceptional luxury for couples.

What to Do Together

• Sunset sailing: Charter a private catamaran for a sunset cruise along the coast, complete with champagne and seafood. Expect to pay around £100–180 / ¥900–1,600 for a two-hour private charter.
• Wuzhizhou Island: Take a short speedboat to this stunning coral island for world-class snorkelling and diving in turquoise waters. Day trip around £25–40 / ¥220–350 per person including ferry.
• Nanshan Temple & the Goddess of Mercy: Visit the 108-metre tall Guanyin statue rising from the sea — one of the world’s tallest. A profoundly peaceful experience to share. Entry around £13 / ¥120.
• Couples’ spa day: The Banyan Tree Spa is consistently rated among Asia’s finest. A 90-minute couples’ massage starts from around £120 / ¥1,100.
• Tropical seafood feast: Head to the famous Sanya First Market for fresh seafood — choose your own fish, crab, and lobster from the stalls and have them cooked to order at a neighbouring restaurant. A lavish seafood dinner for two costs around £25–45 / ¥220–400.

Estimated total for a 4-night luxury Sanya escape (couple):   £1,200–2,500 / ¥10,800–22,500 including accommodation, dining, activities, and transfers.

Getting there: Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) has direct flights from Beijing (4 hours), Shanghai (3.5 hours), and Hong Kong (1.5 hours). Many hotels offer complimentary airport transfers.

More information: TripAdvisor — Sanya Romantic Hotels | Lonely Planet — Hainan

~ • ~

Option Two: The Mid-Range Romance

Hangzhou & West Lake — Heaven on Earth

The ancient Chinese saying goes: “In the universe, there is heaven; on earth, there is Hangzhou.” For centuries, this city has been considered China’s most romantic destination. At its heart lies West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by willow-draped causeways, mist-covered pagodas, and classical gardens that have inspired poets and lovers for over a thousand years. Marco Polo called it “the finest and most splendid city in the world,” and couples today will find it just as enchanting.

Where to Stay

Sofitel Hangzhou Westlake — accor.com

This elegant five-star hotel sits just steps from West Lake on Westlake Avenue, blending French sophistication with Oriental aesthetics. Rooms are beautifully appointed with silk furnishings and lake or city views, and the location is unbeatable — step outside and you are immediately on the lakeside promenade. The hotel’s restaurant serves both authentic Hangzhou cuisine and international dishes, and the bar is a lovely spot for evening cocktails overlooking the city.

Price per night:   £80–160 / ¥720–1,440 — outstanding value for a 5-star property in this location

Also consider: West Lake State Guest House (a hidden gem with stunning traditional Chinese gardens, rated 9.7 by couples on Booking.com, from £70 / ¥630 per night) and Grand Hyatt Hangzhou (lakeside luxury from £110 / ¥1,000 per night).

What to Do Together

• West Lake boat ride: Hire a traditional wooden rowing boat and glide across the lake as the sun sets behind Leifeng Pagoda. Private boats cost around £12–18 / ¥100–160 per hour. The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon — featured on the Chinese one-yuan banknote — are magical at dusk.
• Longjing Tea Village: Cycle or walk together through the rolling green hills of Longjing (Dragon Well) village, where China’s most famous green tea is grown. Visit a tea farmer’s home for a private tasting — often free or a few pounds for premium leaves to take home.
• Impressions West Lake show: Directed by Zhang Yimou (who choreographed the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony), this spectacular open-air performance takes place on the lake itself, using the water as a stage. Tickets from £20–55 / ¥180–500. Breathtaking and deeply romantic.
• Stroll the Su and Bai Causeways: Named after two ancient poets, these tree-lined walkways across the lake are particularly beautiful in spring when peach blossoms are in bloom. Free to walk at any time.
• Hefang Street food tour: Sample Hangzhou’s famous dishes side by side — Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish, and sweet lotus root stuffed with sticky rice. Street food portions from just £1–3 / ¥10–25 each.
• Lingyin Temple: One of China’s most important Buddhist temples, set in a forested valley of ancient carvings. Entry £5 / ¥45. The peaceful grounds are perfect for quiet contemplation together.

Estimated total for a 4-night Hangzhou escape (couple):   £500–1,000 / ¥4,500–9,000 including accommodation, dining, activities, and local transport.

Getting there: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) has direct flights from most major Chinese cities and some international routes. Shanghai is just 50 minutes away by bullet train, making Hangzhou easy to combine with a Shanghai city break.

More information: TripAdvisor — Hangzhou Romantic Hotels | Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake

~ • ~

Option Three: Romance on a Budget

Yangshuo & the Li River — Karst Mountains and Candlelit Riversides

There is a Chinese saying that “Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo’s is the best in Guilin.” This tiny riverside town in Guangxi Province, surrounded by towering limestone karst peaks draped in jungle green, is one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. It is also remarkably affordable, making it perfect for couples who want breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and intimate evenings without breaking the bank. The combination of otherworldly landscapes, charming cobblestone streets, and a thriving café culture creates a setting that feels almost impossibly romantic.

Where to Stay

Yangshuo Mountain Retreat — chinahighlights.com/yangshuo

Set right on the banks of the Yulong River with uninterrupted views of the karst mountains, the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a charming boutique guesthouse that punches well above its price. Rooms feature traditional Chinese décor with wooden furnishings and private balconies overlooking the river and mountains. The on-site restaurant serves excellent local food, and the terrace is a magical spot for a sundowner as the peaks turn golden in the evening light.

Price per night:   £50–75 / ¥450–680 — exceptional value for the setting and quality

Also consider: Yangshuo Village Inn (a family-run guesthouse in Moon Hill Village, rated among China’s top 10 inns, from £25 / ¥220 per night) and Yangshuo Tea Cozy (a romantic boutique hotel with mountain-view pool, from £40 / ¥360 per night).

What to Do Together

• Li River bamboo raft: Drift together on a traditional bamboo raft through some of the most spectacular scenery in Asia, passing water buffalo, fishermen with cormorant birds, and soaring limestone pillars. A two-hour raft trip costs around £8–15 / ¥70–130 per person.
• Cycling the countryside: Rent bicycles (around £3–5 / ¥25–40 per day) and pedal hand-in-hand through rice paddies, past ancient villages, and alongside the Yulong River. The Ten-Mile Gallery route is particularly beautiful. Stop for fresh coconut water from roadside stalls.
• Moon Hill sunset: Hike to the top of Moon Hill, a natural limestone arch with panoramic views over the karst landscape. Entry is just £1.50 / ¥14, and the views at sunset are unforgettable — a favourite spot for proposals.
• Cooking class for two: Learn to prepare authentic Guilin rice noodles and local Guangxi dishes together. Classes cost around £15–25 / ¥130–220 per person and include a market visit and a full meal of your creations.
• West Street evening: Yangshuo’s famous pedestrianised West Street comes alive at night with lantern-lit cafés, live music, and street food. Share a riverside table, sip local beer, and watch the karst silhouettes against the starlit sky. A meal for two with drinks costs just £8–15 / ¥70–130.
• Impressions Liu Sanjie: Directed by Zhang Yimou, this spectacular open-air show uses the Li River as its stage with 600 performers and the karst mountains as a natural backdrop. Tickets from £15–35 / ¥130–300. Truly magical.

Estimated total for a 4-night Yangshuo escape (couple):   £300–600 / ¥2,700–5,400 including accommodation, dining, activities, and local transport.

Getting there: Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), which has direct flights from most major Chinese cities. From Guilin, Yangshuo is around 90 minutes by bus or private transfer (around £10 / ¥90 by shared shuttle). The new Yangshuo Railway Station also connects to Guilin and beyond by high-speed rail.

More information: China Highlights — Where to Stay in Yangshuo | TripAdvisor — Yangshuo Hotels

~ • ~

At a Glance: Three Romantic Getaways Compared

~ • ~

Practical Tips for Couples Travelling in China

• Visa: Most nationalities need a visa to visit China. Since 2024, China has expanded its visa-free transit policy to 240 hours for many passport holders. Check the latest requirements before booking.
• Payments: China is overwhelmingly cashless. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before you travel — both now allow foreign credit cards to be linked. Carry some cash as backup for rural areas.
• VPN: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western social media are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before departure if you want to stay connected.
• Language: English is limited outside major hotels and tourist areas. Download the Pleco app (Chinese dictionary) and Google Translate’s offline Chinese pack before you go. Learning “xièxie” (thank you) goes a long way.
• Internal flights & trains: China’s high-speed rail network is world-class and often the best way to travel between cities. Book through Trip.com or the official 12306 app. Internal flights are also frequent and affordable.
• Safety: China is generally very safe for tourists, including women travellers. Petty crime exists in tourist areas but violent crime is rare. Keep normal precautions with valuables.

~ • ~

Further Reading & Useful Links

• China National Tourism Administration — Romantic Destinations
• China Highlights — Romantic Destinations for Couples
• Agoda — Romantic Getaways in China
• WildChina — Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
• Trippest — Couples’ China Travel Guide