It has been said that admission fees to tourist attractions in China are the highest in the world but it's worth noting that some hotspots are free of charge, including West Lake, Jinji Lake, Juzizhou Islet, Phoenix city and North Sea Silver Beach.

1. West Lake, Hangzhou

This well-known scenic spot has been admission-free except for some temples since 2002. This year, eight more attractions have been added to the free list. If you are looking for a natural setting of peaks, serene forests, dense foliage and various blossoms, West Lake is a must-see retreat.