There are lots of love stories in Chinese literary history; some are desperate but romantic, some have happy endings and some are mysterious. These tales were born from places that have beautiful scenery and a rich cultural heritage, making them perfect places to visit for Valentine's Day.

Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

Folktale: The legend is about a snake spirit who falls in love with a human named Xu Xian after meeting on the West Lake. However, the terrapin spirit was offended by the white snake taking human form, so he transforms into a Buddhist monk and breaks up her relationship with Xu by telling him the truth. Xu dies of shock after seeing that his wife is not human. The snake restores Xu Xian to life, and he still maintains his love for her despite knowing her true nature.

Travel Information: Walkways, perfectly positioned hills, parks, gardens and pagodas around the banks of the West Lake offer a thousand and one vantage points for visitors to admire the scenery. The best way to get around the lake is by bike or on foot.

Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in particular is the must visit place if you are boating.

Location: Xingtai, Hebei Province

Folktale: The cowherd and the Weaver Girl were once a happy couple, but she was a princess from heaven, and their love was forbidden. Thus, they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River - which symbolizes the Milky Way. They can meet only once a year when magpies fly together to form a bridge over the sky. This fairytale has become a metaphor for long distance relationships.

Travel Information: Far from the noisy city, Tianhe Mountain has the beautiful forests, valleys, and waterfalls. It also has a long history that stretches back as far as the Neolithic Age. Nowadays, because of the strong connotation with love, many blind dates are held here, and activities are often held to let singles.

Location: Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Folktale: Yang Yuhuan was known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the later Tang Dynasty (618-907). During the rebellion, as Emperor Xuanzong and his cortege were fleeing from the capital, the emperor's guards demanded that he put Yang to death because they blamed the rebellion on her and the rest of her family. The emperor had to choose between his lover and his country. He finally capitulated, and Yang was sacrificed.

Travel Information: The natural hot springs in this park were once the favored retreat of emperors and concubines during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It's now an obligatory stop for tourists who want to appreciate the elaborately restored pavilions and the ornamental ponds. You can also hike up to the Taoist temple on Black Horse Mountain to take a full view of the Tang Dynasty era palace.

Location: Shanhaiguan District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province

Folktale: Lady Meng Jiang's husband was sent as unpaid laborer to build the Great Wall in ancient China by the imperial officials, and she set out to bring him winter clothes. Unfortunately, by the time she reached the Great Wall construction site, her husband had already died. Upon hearing the news, she wept so bitterly that a part of the Great Wall collapsed, revealing his remains.

Travel Information: Shanhaiguan is one of the major passes in the Great Wall of China. The walled town in the area is the fabled point where the Great Wall snakes out of the hills to meet the sea. To take the Great Wall route, walk straight on from North Gate and then take the first right on the main road. Turn left up to the pathway beside the iron bridge and clamber up. After climbing, you can take a break at the old city of Shanhaiguan which is at the foot of the Great Wall.

We had a brief introduction of the Great Wall in China trips that can be found here: Chinese Renminbi banknote scenery: The Great Wall