National Day is a great time for a family trip. Here are some off-the-beaten-path cities with a budget of around 2,000.
Avoid the crowded tourist hotspots, enjoy family-friendly activities, keep costs low, and maintain an overall per-person budget of around 2,000. The pace is relaxed, so neither the kids nor the adults will get worn out!
🌿No. 1 Ganzi, Ganzi (Ganzi County) | A hidden grassland gem in Western Sichuan
✨Suitable for: Those who love natural scenery, grasslands, and rivers. Kids can see cows, sheep, and horses, and experience Tibetan culture.
✅Reference total budget: 1,800–2,100 per person | Recommended duration: 3–4 days
Family travel guide
Day 1: Arrive in Ganzi County, acclimate to the altitude, and avoid strenuous activity. Stroll around the county and visit Ganzi Monastery—the architecture is magnificent. It is a great way for kids to learn about Tibetan folk culture without intense hiking; walking on flat ground is easy.
Day 2: Head to the surrounding grasslands and river valleys. You will find open landscapes just like in the pictures, with wildflowers everywhere. Watch horses grazing and herds of cattle and sheep. Kids can see animals up close and play in the shallow water by the river. Remember to protect against sun and wind, and avoid strenuous hiking.
Day 3: Gesar King City. The entire park is open and flat, with many sculptures and stories. Tell your kids the legends of King Gesar. The park is spacious, so they can run around freely. After exploring, you can visit the local market to see unique Tibetan architecture.
Day 4: A leisurely return trip.
💡Family tips: The altitude is high, so have children's oxygen canisters ready. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so a thick jacket is a must. Try to choose destinations with short drive times and avoid long journeys. Temperatures are low during National Day, so keep the kids warm. Choose light meals at restaurants to be gentle on the kids' stomachs.
🏮No. 2 Sichuan, Zigong | The Millennium Salt Capital, fun and educational for kids
✨Suitable for: Low altitude, humanities and science education. Kids will love the historical sites and museums. City travel is easy and not tiring.
✅Reference total budget: 1,500–1,900 per person | Recommended duration: 3 days
Family travel guide
Day 1: Arrive in Zigong, stroll through the old town, and see the old Southern Sichuan architecture. Visit the Salt Industry History Museum. The exhibits are easy to understand, and it is a great way for kids to learn about the history of ancient salt mining. The collection is rich and very educational.
Day 2: Shenhai Well, a well-preserved ancient salt well site. See ancient salt-making tools in person and watch traditional salt-making processes on-site—a great way to learn. Afterward, explore the old town with its stone-paved streets and antique architecture. It is a slow, leisurely walk, perfect for kids to run and play.
Day 3: Dinosaur Museum! A must-visit for families. There are tons of dinosaur fossils that kids will absolutely love. The park is open, the museum is flat, and you can rest before heading home.
💡Family tips: The city terrain is flat, so there is very little climbing—easy for walking with kids. There are far fewer tourists during National Day compared to Chengdu. Choose accommodation in the city center and opt for light meals to accommodate the kids' diet.
🏯No. 3 Sichuan, Yibin | Ancient Yangtze city, a slow tour of history and culture
✨Suitable for: Low altitude, a mix of city and nature, historical stories, convenient travel, accessible by high-speed rail.
✅Reference total budget: 1,600–2,000 per person | Recommended duration: 3–4 days
Family travel guide
Day 1: Arrive in Yibin and head to Cuiping Mountain and the Zhao Yiman Memorial Hall. The environment is quiet, and it is a good place to tell kids about revolutionary history. The mountain slopes are gentle, making it easy to climb. Afterward, visit Hejiangmen Square, where the Yangtze and Min rivers meet. Show the kids the magnificent view of the two rivers converging and take a walk by the river.
Day 2: Lizhuang Ancient Town, an authentic ancient town that is not overly commercialized. With its blue-stone streets and numerous ancient courtyards, take your time exploring, looking at the old architecture, and learning about the War of Resistance culture. The town is mostly flat, making it easy to push a stroller.
Day 3: A light visit to the outskirts of Shunan Bamboo Sea. No need for deep hiking; choose flat viewing areas to see the bamboo forests and breathe fresh air. Kids will have a great time running through the bamboo.
Day 4: Rest and return.
💡Family tips: City transportation is convenient, and drive times between attractions are short. The ancient town is much less crowded during National Day than those in the Jiangnan region. Keep an eye on the kids when playing by the river and prioritize safety. Prioritize accommodation in the city center for complete amenities.
🏞️No. 4 Sichuan, Aba (Songpan area) | Colorful forests, lakes, and a fairy tale world
✨Suitable for: Those who want to see high-mountain lakes and colorful forests. Stunning natural scenery, mountains, water, and lakes. Get close to nature.
✅Reference total budget: 1,900–2,200 per person | Recommended duration: 3–4 days
Family travel guide
Day 1: Arrive in Songpan, acclimate to the altitude, and explore Songpan Ancient City. The city walls are intact, the streets are flat, and you can stroll through the city to see the blend of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han architecture. No climbing is required—easy for kids.
Day 2: Huanglong Scenic Area. Prioritize the flat sightseeing routes. The Five-Color Pools are dreamlike, and kids will be captivated by the colorful water. Try to take the sightseeing cable car to reduce walking, avoid high-intensity stair sections, and focus on seeing the lakes, streams, and waterfalls.
Day 3: Surrounding river valleys, alpine meadows, and babbling streams. In autumn, the colorful forests begin to appear. The river water is clear, and you can see mountains, forests, and lakes. Take a short, light hike—don't plan for long-distance travel—and enjoy the wild scenery just like in the pictures.
Day 4: Return.
💡Family tips: The altitude is high, so be sure to prepare anti-altitude sickness supplies for children and don't let them run around wildly. Temperatures are low during National Day, so down jackets and windbreakers are a must. Use sightseeing vehicles in the scenic area to reduce walking fatigue for the kids. Don't play by the water; pay attention to safety.
✨General tips for traveling with kids during National Day
1. The per-person budget for all 4 cities is around 2,000, including transportation, accommodation, and tickets. Avoid high-priced "internet-famous" spots for great value.
2. The 2 destinations in Western Sichuan (Ganzi, Aba) have huge temperature differences between day and night, so dress the kids in layers.
3. Book accommodation as early as possible, as rooms are in high demand during National Day. Don't overpack your itinerary; leave time for rest every day and prioritize the kids' condition.