21 scenic sites newly granted top rating in China

A list of 21 scenic sites that were newly granted a 5A rating, the highest level in China's tourist sites rating system, was released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday.

The list consists of both natural and historical tourist sites, such as mountains, valleys and ancient towns. Here are some popular tourist destinations on this list. Check it out!

Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area 

The Yunhe Rice Terraces Scenic Area, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, ranges at an elevation from 200 to 1,200 meters. Due to the high elevation, fog and a sea of clouds are easily formed and can be seen surrounding the villages, as if the villages were built in the air. The water in the terraces also reflects various colors of sky during different times in a day.

Fenghuang Ancient Town Tourist Area

Praised as "the most beautiful town in China," Fenghuang ancient town in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history and ethnic customs. It is home to 28 ethnic groups, including Tujia, Miao, Hui, Yao, Dong and Bai. It has a population of more than 420,000, and the combined population of ethnic minorities accounts for more than 70 percent of the total, according to the official website of the tourist area.

In China's five-tier rating system for tourist attractions, a 5A rating indicates exceptional overall tourism quality, including specialty, services and security.