As China continuous to transform into a prime tourist destination with world-class tourism spots like the world's biggest casino, it gives travelers a dizzying realization that country is not only known for the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.

With these new infrastructures, China gets a little more crowded with construction and tourists from all over the world wanting to witness these new sites in China.  While this is great news for the country's tourism, many travelers find it harder and harder to find the much needed serenity the serene country has to offer.  But don't worry, if you're seeking to experience authentic China during your next tour to this culture-rich country, here are seven off-the-road destinations you can visit:

Kanas Lake

Experience China unlike any other with a day trip to the picturesque Kanas Lake in Xinjiang province.  It is advisable to get a pre-arranged tour when visiting Kanas Lake, otherwise, you might end up spending a whole lot of money on a taxi ride or the occasional buses that pass by the area.  The hike to Kanas Lake is rigorous one but it's worth every stride once you reach the bean-shape, crystal clear lake that stretches into the snowcapped mountains.  Log cabin accommodations await weary travelers from a day of hiking.  For your next itinerary, you can also visit some of the other tourist attractions like the Altai Mountain rock-paintings and the Tuwa Tribe practices.  After a long day, who wouldn't be swayed by the beautiful and mysterious lake whose water reflects the wonderful scenery that surrounds it?

Putuoshan

About 5km to the east of Zhoushan island in the province of Zhejiang, Putuoshan rests at a mere 297 meters above sea level.  You can reach it in a few hours via ferry from Ningbo City in the mainland or overnight via a boat from Shanghai.

The island is abundant with lush trees, pagodas, authentic Chinese temples (Fayu, Huiji, Puji monasteries), and picturesque cobblestone walks.  Religious as its mountains that are dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, the island is home to monks and fishermen.  There's also an old, historic village and a cave that you can visit.

If you're coming from the congested cities in China, coming to Putuoshan is sure to be a refreshing change of pace.  While you're there, don't forget to try the Putuoshan Beer that is served in most hotels.

Xiahe

The famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the Labrang Monastery, can be found in this small village-monastery in Gansu Province.  Xiahe is probably the perfect place where travelers can get a taste of the rich Tibetan culture.  While most the architecture found in the village is of Tibetan essence, there are now Chinese-style structures found in the mountain valley.  Backpackers are usually enthralled to visit the village because of its jump off areas and trek sites but the language barrier seems to be wearing some of the travelers down.  Most of the monks in Xiahe have never left the Labrang monastery that's why you will rarely find a monk who can speak in Chinese.  These days, Chinese is being taught in school.

Pingyao

This tiny ancient city, which is about 2,700 years old, is enclosed in a city wall that has stood since the Ming dynasty.  Pingyao is essentially a busy place because of its marketplace but travelers are often recommended to make stop at this ancient city to experience the original Ming dynasty architecture like the Pingyaro City Wall, Zhenguo Temple, and the Shuangxiu Temple that are being preserved with great effort and dedication.  In 1997, Pingyao has been granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site title as it gives travelers a taste of ancient Chinese lifestyle.

Changbai Shan and Baihe

The country's biggest hiking and exploration site—the Changbaishan National Nature Reserve?–can be found in Changbai Shan in the province of Jilin.  You can reach Changbai Shan overnight via a train ride in Beijing.  For hiking trips, the best entry point is the town of Baihe.  If the main land China is characterized by its infrastructures and imperial era architecture, the town of Baihe is known for its Miren Song pine trees that make the town a relaxing place to escape to.  Room accommodations are available for travelers as well as bus trips in the morning and evening that take you to less crowded spots of the nature reserve park.  The amazing nature park is also home to a spectacular volcanic lake located at the border of North Korea, waterfalls, hot springs, and a primitive forest.

Xishuangbana Region

This region is often described as "Where China meets southeast asia" because of its close proximity to countries Laos and Myanmar.  The Xishuangbana Region is known for its lush rain forests, wildlife, and minority villages with a diverse culture and folklore.  This region is also an entry point to a magnificent plethora of flora and fauna, small villages, and temples.  Come to this region to witness the interesting home and culture of the Dai minority people.  You can roam the region via buses but if you want to explore more secluded areas, you can either rent a boat or bikes or you can walk.

Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge

For a long time now, decades even, the quaint old town of Lijang has been a famous hotspot for backpackers who visit China.  Why?  Because it's the best entry point for tourists who want to visit and get a taste of various minority cultures in this vast country.  And for those of you who are after some great nature-tripping adventures, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is just one of the many scenic views you can witness from a trek through the 15-kilometer gorge.  The Tiger Leaping Gorge is considered as one of the deepest of its kind on Earth.  Hikers from all over the world visit Lijiang not only for its amazing sceneries but also for the Naxi historic sites, good accommodations, and the authentic Yak dairy products.

If you're looking for a unique room accommodation during your getaway, why not ditch The Ritz and look for something more exotic?  While budget hotels are recommended for backpackers, there are times when civilians themselves would want to pay to spend the night in prison.  Make that prison-like hotels.  Provided, of course, that these former prisons have been magically transformed into a clean, elegant, and comfortable living space, booking a cell, a room, and even a suite in one of these old prisons-turned hotels really offers travelers a different kind of secluded experience minus the prison bullies, court appearances, legal charges, and the mundane orange overalls.

We have listed the top prison-turned-hotels that offer unique and adequate room accommodations for backpackers, travel writers, artists, and even couples looking for a something new and exciting.  So, are you ready to go to prison?  Here are our top finds:

The Old Jail
Located in Mount Gambier, Australia

An actual prison in Mount Gambier has been successfully transformed into a budget hotel for budget travelers.  The Old Jail Hotel offers a unique kind of stay where guests would sleep next to a toilet bowl as in actual and functional prison cells; and eat in mess halls with other "inmates."  Unlike other prison-turned hotels with more lavish renovations, the Old Jail has retained its original architecture but the locks on the cell doors have been changed so guests wouldn't need an officer to let them out.  There's also an outdoor recreational facility where guests can play badminton or just bask in the sun if they're not out for some sight-seeing activities.

The Martello Tower
Located in East Suffolk, United Kingdom

Initially, the 30-feet tall, Napoleon-proof tower housed heavy artillery and cannons to keep the French from their plans of invasion.  The fortress was successful in its original purpose, however, as it stands near the sea, the elements eventually found its way inside the tower.  The 13-feet thick walls soon began to rot away at the tip of the Orford Ness peninsula.  With brilliant design skills and modern techniques in restoration and renovation, the Martello Tower was eventually transformed into a livable living space with a rich history and a huge top floor where you can entertain guests while overlooking a spectacular 360-degrees seaside view.

The rooms are located in the basement.  The effect of Martello Tower on its guests is one-of-a-kind:  the 750,000 bricks full of history on the outside gives a sense of seclusion while the warm, comfortable living space on the inside offer a homey comfort.  Sure, the steep spiral staircase can be a little frightening, especially if you're claustrophobic, but it all adds to the charm of this structure's triumph against Napoleon back in its glory days.  If you want to get a taste of the local culture, the Martello Towers lies near Aldeburgh, a small seaside town where you can get try some of the area's famous fish and chips recipe or visit some small town pubs and souvenir shops for something to take home with you.  And on your walk back to the tower, enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the seaside intact with bloodstones and Amber.

The Langholmen Hotel
Located in Stockholm, Sweden

The beautiful and peaceful surrounding of Stockholm gives travelers a peaceful isolation while the Langholmen Hotel ups the secluded feeling all the more.  The historical jail was once referred to as the "old Crown Prison" back in the 19th and later transformed into a modern-day hotel with edgy and daring design themes, renovated cells or rooms, mouthwatering gourmet delights from its in house restaurant, and WiFi for the "inmates."  The Langholmen Hotel's strategic location on the island also adds up to the secluded feel travelers will enjoy when they visit Stockholm.

The Hostel Celica
Located in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Make like Prison Break and book a cell in this former military prison in Slovenia.  Complete with the original and still functional cell bars, windows, and doors, the former prison house is now a famous funky art hostel and an art gallery that showcases unique artworks of various artists.  Each cell or room has been designed by an artist so you get different vibes from the twenty different rooms.  Some of them even have bunk beds to give travelers the feel of prison setting confinement.  Just like in real prisons, most rooms do not have its own toilets so you need to go to the upstairs toilets to relieve yourself.  They're relatively clean and functional though.  But if you want to feel like you're one of the VIP inmates, you can always book one of the nine en-suite rooms.

The Jailhotel
Located in Lucerne, Switzerland

The Jailhotel is the first of its kind in Switzerland.  The former prison is located right in the heart of the Old Town with a very rich history.  Built in 1862, the structure was turned into a hotel in 1999.  The Jailhotel has fifty-six room accommodations ranging from the budget-wise Unplugged Rooms to the bigger suite-like rooms called the Most Wanted Rooms.  The hotel's solid doors, windows, and thick walls help give travelers the feel of seclusion.  And like in prisons, don't expect the Ritz treatment with en-suite facilities.  After all, the rather clean but prison-themed bathrooms are all part of the experience.

The Torre Prendiparte
Located in Bologna, Italy

During the 12th century, the Torre Prendiparte in Bologna, Italy was used as a fortress and a prison.  Only next to another famous tower, the Asinelli Tower, the Prendiparte Tower stands 197 feet tall.  At present time, the 900 years old fortress is reminiscent of a medieval love story as it was transformed into a famous and very in-demand bed-and-breakfast for couples complete with live musical performances and romantic settings.  The tower's 12th century 12 floors are all in working condition.  There's also a terrace on the roof that offers a fantastic and romantic view of an old town.  For a little spooky history, you can always view the preserved graffiti that can be found at the tower's lower levels.