7 Bucket List Golf Courses in China: Golf Travel Guide for 2025
Why China Is a Bucket-List Golf Destination for 2025
China’s golf scene has evolved into one of the world’s most compelling travel experiences for serious players and curious travelers alike. From dramatic coastlines and alpine backdrops to dense city settings and resort-style luxury, the country offers a spectrum of layouts, climates, and cultural experiences. For 2025,China remains a top choice in a golf travel guide—especially for players looking to combine world-class golf with vibrant urban life,luxury hospitality,and accessible regional connections.
- World-class courses set in diverse landscapes—from tropical Hainan to misty Kunming and dramatic coastal Guangdong.
- Resort-scale facilities with multiple courses, practice amenities, and high-end dining—perfect for extended golf trips.
- Growing ease of travel within China: major airports,efficient rail connections,and English-speaking staff at many top properties.
- Seasonality that allows year-round play in southern destinations, with shoulder-season benefits for other regions.
- Rich hospitality and culture: combine a round with culinary experiences, spa days, and local sightseeing.
The 7 Bucket List Golf Courses in China
1) Mission Hills Haikou – Haikou, Hainan
Why it’s bucket-list material: Mission Hills Haikou is famous for one of the world’s most expansive golf campuses, featuring a cluster of championship courses in a tropical island setting. It’s a showpiece that consistently delivers top-tier service, pristine conditioning, and a resort atmosphere that’s perfect for a golf-only or mixed-activity getaway.
- Location: Haikou, Hainan Island, China’s tropical north coast
- Highlights: A multi-course complex with world-class practice facilities, acclaimed on-site dining, and a premium vacation experience.
- Best time to visit: October–April when humidity is lower and play is comfortable; avoid peak typhoon season.
- Travel tips: Fly into Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK); consider pairing with Sanya for a southern China golf and beach combo.
2) Mission Hills Shenzhen – Shenzhen, Guangdong
Why it’s bucket-list material: Tho part of the same Mission Hills family, Mission Hills Shenzhen stands out as a sprawling resort with multiple courses, championship-grade design, and a reputation for hosting prestigious golf events. It’s a must-visit for players chasing variety and a robust on-site experience.
- Location: Shenzhen, near Hong Kong and southern China’s Pearl River Delta
- Highlights: A resort-level golf destination with several layouts, practice facilities, and luxury services.
- Best time to visit: Year-round good; spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures for long rounds.
- Travel tips: Combine with a Guangdong city break (shenzhen, Guangzhou) for a dense golf-and-culture itinerary.
3) Sheshan International golf Club – Shanghai
Why it’s bucket-list material: One of China’s most recognizable courses due to its longstanding role in major events and its dramatic seaside layout just outside a global megacity.It’s a classic choice for players who want a high-profile round with skyline and water features as backdrops.
- Location: Sheshan area, Songjiang District, Shanghai metro region
- Highlights: Coastal-inspired design with strong visual drama and easy city access; historic event hosting pedigree.
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
- Travel tips: Shanghai’s international airport (PVG) provides straightforward connections; combine with a city break in China’s preeminent financial and cultural hub.
4) Dragon Lake Golf club – Foshan, Guangdong
Why it’s bucket-list material: Dragon Lake is widely celebrated for its scenic water features and rolling terrain, delivering a memorable round in the Guangdong region near Guangzhou. it’s a prime choice for players who appreciate a course that blends challenge with esthetic beauty.
- Location: Foshan, near Guangzhou in southern China
- Highlights: Picturesque lake and elevation changes; consistently praised conditioning and facilities.
- Best time to visit: Autumn and spring offer pleasant temps and fewer rain disruptions.
- Travel tips: Fly into Guangzhou or Foshan and plan a guangdong golf circuit that also covers nearby resort towns.
5) Spring City Golf & Country Club – Kunming, Yunnan
Why it’s bucket-list material: Nestled in the highlands of Yunnan, Spring City offers a classic golf experience with two notable 18-hole layouts. The setting—cool air, forested vistas, and a resort atmosphere—delivers a standout contrast to southern coastlines.
- Location: Kunming, Yunnan Province
- Highlights: The City and The World courses deliver varied challenges amid lush, pine-studded scenery.
- Best time to visit: March–May and September–November,when the climate is temperate and scenery at its best.
- Travel tips: Combine with a visit to Kunming’s cultural heritage sites and nearby nature attractions (stone forests, temples, and lakes).
6) Yanqi Lake Golf Club – Huairou, Beijing Area
Why it’s bucket-list material: Perched near Beijing’s scenic Yanqi Lake, this course combines elevated views, modern facilities, and proximity to China’s capital. It’s ideal for players who want a high-caliber round with the option to explore Beijing’s cultural treasures nearby.
- Location: Huairou District, about an hour from central Beijing
- Highlights: Panoramic lake views, greens that reward precision, and a refined clubhouse experience.
- Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn when the climate is comfortable and the light is ideal for photos.
- Travel tips: Plan a Beijing stopover to pair city sightseeing with a memorable golf day in a scenic setting.
7) Yalong Bay Golf Club – sanya, Hainan
Why it’s bucket-list material: A coastal masterpiece on Hainan’s southern coast, Yalong Bay Golf Club combines oceanfront holes, lush tropical terrain, and a luxury resort vibe.it’s a signature round for players chasing coastal scenery and high-end resort living in one trip.
- Location: Yalong Bay, Sanya, hainan
- Highlights: 27-hole layout with dramatic water features and vibrant year-round climate for reliable play.
- Best time to visit: November–April offers dry, comfortable conditions with minimal humidity.
- Travel tips: Pair with a stay in Sanya’s beachfront resorts and explore nearby tropical attractions and beaches.
swift Look: Snapshot Table for the 7 Bucket List Courses
| Course | Location | Notable features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Hills Haikou | Haikou,Hainan | World-class complex,tropical setting,multiple championship courses | Oct–Apr |
| Mission Hills Shenzhen | Shenzhen,Guangdong | Extensive resort with several layouts,luxury services | Year-round; spring/autumn ideal |
| Sheshan International | Shanghai area | Prestige,major-event heritage,dramatic coastal feel | spring/autumn |
| Dragon Lake Golf Club | Foshan,Guangdong | Scenic lakes,rolling terrain,top-tier facilities | Autumn/Spring |
| Kunming,Yunnan | Two 18-hole courses,forested highland scenery | Spring/Autumn | |
| Yanqi Lake Golf Club | Huairou,Beijing area | Elevated vistas,modern club facilities | Late spring/early autumn |
| Yalong bay Golf Club | Sanya,Hainan | Coastal greens,oceanfront holes,premium resort | Nov–Apr |
Benefits and Practical Tips for Golf Travel in China (2025)
- Seasonality planning: Southern China (Hainan,Guangdong) offers year-round golf,while northern venues are more seasonal. Align yoru itinerary with favorable weather windows to maximize course conditions.
- Visa and entry: Check visa requirements and any updated sports travel notes well in advance; some tours benefit from organized golf travel packages that handle visas, transfers, and tee times.
- Transfers and logistics: For multi-destination trips (e.g., Shanghai–Hainan–Kunming), consider a mix of domestic flights and high-speed rail to optimize time on the links.
- Language and service: Most premium golf clubs in China offer English-speaking staff, with international-standard clubhouses, caddies, and pro shops. A basic phrase guide or a local escort can improve the experience.
- Etiquette and pace: China’s popular resorts can be busy on weekends; book tee times in advance, consider weekday rounds, and be mindful of local pace of play and course rules.
- Health and safety: Stay hydrated, protect against sun on coastal courses, and carry a small first-aid kit for minor on-course needs.
First-Hand Experience: A Case Study of a 7-Day China golf Itinerary
This sample itinerary showcases how to connect seven bucket-list courses into a smooth, memorable golf-focused trip for 2025. It emphasizes pacing, travel efficiency, and experiences beyond the fairway.
- Day 1–2: Shanghai region (Sheshan International) – fly into PVG/Shanghai and play a peak-round at Sheshan.Enjoy an evening in Shanghai’s Bund area with world-class dining.
- Day 3: Foshan/Guangdong (Dragon lake) – short flight to Guangzhou, transfer to Foshan, one dramatic round followed by Cantonese cuisine and a relaxed evening.
- Day 4–5: kunming, Yunnan (Spring City) – Fly to Kunming for two rounds on the City and World courses. Explore local markets and the region’s cool climate cafés.
- Day 6: Haikou, Hainan (Mission Hills Haikou) – Domestic flight to Haikou, a resort day with multiple courses, spa, and a sunset beach stroll.
- Day 7: Sanya or back to Hainan coast (Yalong Bay) – Wrap with a coastal, ocean-view round at Yalong Bay and an optional seaside dinner before departure.
practical note: If you’re chasing a seamless multi-city golf tour in China, consider working with a travel partner who can arrange tee times, transfers, and hotel packages.A well-planned route helps maximize playing time, minimize layovers, and ensure smooth transitions between provinces and time zones.
Case for a 2025 china Golf Travel Plan
China’s bucket-list golf courses offer a unique blend of elite golfing, regional culture, and modern Chinese hospitality. A well-crafted travel plan for 2025 can deliver a balanced itinerary of coastal glamour, mountain scenery, and dynamic city experiences, all anchored by premium golf experiences. Whether you’re chasing a single, unforgettable round at a world-class venue or an ambitious tour of seven iconic courses, this country has options to suit most itineraries and budgets.
Practical Tips for Booking and Playing in China
- Book tee times in advance, especially for high-demand courses or during peak travel seasons.
- Check weather patterns for each destination; tropical venues on Hainan can have variable humidity and occasional showers.
- Consider a hybrid itinerary that alternates between coastal courses and inland highland courses to optimize flight times and acclimatization.
- Pack universal adapters,a light rain jacket,and sun protection for long days on the course.
- Budget for premium dining and transportation options at top resorts—these experiences are part of the value of a luxury golf trip in China.
Conclusion (Note: Not included as a separate section)
This article offers a structured, SEO-kind look at seven bucket-list golf courses in China for 2025. It provides practical planning tips, an overview of each course’s standout features, and a sample itinerary to help you design a dream golf journey. Embrace the blend of championship-level golf, regional diversity, and hospitality that makes China a standout destination for golf travelers planning a memorable 2025.
