Chengyang (China)

Nestled amongst rice fields and surrounded by lush vegetation, this village lies along the banks of the Linxi River. Getting there can be tricky, but you'll find its people welcoming and the sights that greet you are well worth the long (and somewhat chaotic!) journey.

The village has an international reputation thanks to an architectural wonder: the Yongji Bridge, which is classified by Unesco and merits its fame. At almost 70m long, with five delicately carved pavillions, the Wind and Rain Bridge is a remarkable tribute to the Dong culture.

If you have the time, take a hike through this rural region. Cross the paddy fields and explore the local villages, complete with their own bridges.