This little-known country utterly astonished me.

A true hidden gem in my travels, it remains fairly under the radar, yet its landscapes and culture feel unmistakably European. The wine is wonderfully cheap and delicious. Although prices have risen and are now comparable to major Chinese cities, it is still a bargain compared with Western Europe.

▫️Visa: Apply for an e-visa on Georgia’s official website; approval usually takes about five working days. The fee is 20 USD + 2% service charge. No financial proof needed. Visa-free entry is available if you hold certain developed-country visas.

📍Tbilisi
The capital enchants with its atmospheric old town—strolling slowly through the cobbled streets feels no different from wandering a European medieval city. Take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for a sweeping panorama. At the ancient Jvari Monastery, you can easily stumble upon a Georgian wedding. The local flea market is a treasure trove of vinyl and antiques. And while most countries are filled with cafés, Tbilisi is filled with wine bars at every turn.

📍Kazbegi
Featured on the cover of the Caucasus Lonely Planet, this little mountain town lies on the way to Kazbegi. The famed “church closest to heaven” stands here—one of the holiest sites in Georgia. We stayed at the renowned Rooms Hotel with its stunning terrace. At sunrise, we watched the mountains glow gold. My travel partners sighed, “I could live here for a month.”

📍Kutaisi
Known in Greek mythology as “the edge of the world,” its Bagrat Cathedral with its Tiffany-blue dome is a UNESCO site. You may hear local artists performing Georgian folk songs, and sometimes even join them in an impromptu dance—such unexpected moments are the soul of travel. Visit a few boutique wineries; the wine is excellent. In this season, cherries are unbelievably cheap—only 9 RMB per kilo.

📍Svaneti
Divided into Upper and Lower Svaneti, the more famous one is Upper Svaneti. The Mestia–Ushguli 4-day trek is iconic, but beginners with limited time can choose a 2-day highlights route with jeep connections. Glaciers, meadows, mountains, valleys, wildflowers—exhaustion melts away in the vastness of nature.
Stay overnight in Ushguli, Europe’s highest inhabited settlement, isolated deep in the mountains and often called “God’s back garden.” No altitude sickness, only perfect serenity. Morning light on the ancient village feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.

📍Batumi
On the shores of the Black Sea, visit the Ali & Nino kinetic sculpture, and stroll or cycle along the seaside promenade at dusk. The architecture around Europe Square is beautifully European, and the “world’s most beautiful McDonald’s” is a fun stop.