While most visitors to China visit its mega cities, Deng Zhangyu finds that those who get off the beaten track will find tourist gold in the country's most beautiful villages.

The hustle and bustle of cities sometimes numbs us to our surroundings, so why not travel a fresh path in 2013 and savor the countryside?

The country's scattered villages all have their unique charms and to help you get in touch with nature and tranquility here are five of the best.