2026 Long County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

🌿 After spending a week in Taibai County, I completely don’t want to go back to the city. I originally just wanted to escape the summer heat at Taibai Mountain, but ended up staying a whole week in Taibai County. This small county town is incredibly comfortable, with an average temperature of only 19°C in July, and you even need a blanket at night. The air is especially fresh, the sky is very blue, and every morning I wake up feeling refreshed. · -- 🌡️ How cool is Taibai County? Here’s the temperature I measured myself: · Hottest time at noon: 25°C · Morning and evening: 15-18°C · Nighttime sleep: need a light blanket · In the mountains: 10-15°C It’s truly a natural air-conditioned city, perfect for summer heat relief in July. I came from Xi’an, and as soon as I got off the car, I felt the coolness; even the wind was cool, completely unlike the stuffy heat in Xi’an. · -- 🏞️ Recommended lesser-known nearby attractions Besides the Taibai Mountain Scenic Area, Taibai County has many beautiful spots with fewer people: 1. Qingfeng Gorge Forest Park This place is seriously underrated! It has a 92% coverage of primeval forest, with many waterfalls inside. The tallest waterfall has a huge drop, and standing underneath is very refreshing. My experience: I went in the afternoon when there were very few people; it felt like I was the only one in the entire park. Walking along the trail, towering trees lined both sides, blocking out the sunlight completely. The waterfall was stunning, with loud water sounds and a cool mist drifting by. I stood there for a long time. Tips: · Wear non-slip shoes as some trail parts are slippery · Bring a jacket; it’s about 5 degrees cooler in the mountains · The park is quite large, allow 3-4 hours 2. Huangbaiyuan Pristine Scenic Area This place is a bit far, about a 2-hour drive, but definitely worth it. Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Qinling," the water is especially clear and green, just like Jiuzhaigou. My experience: We left early in the morning, and the scenery along the way was beautiful, with green mountains on both sides of the winding mountain road. At Huangbaiyuan, walking along the river, the water was so clear you could see the stones and small fish at the bottom. The water volume in July is abundant, and the waterfall is spectacular. Must-visit spots: · Dajian Gorge: the clearest water, emerald green like jade · Hetao Ping: primeval forest, very tranquil · Tangluo Ancient Trail: an old plank road with a strong historical feel 3. Yaowang Valley Scenic Area This place is smaller but very distinctive. It is said that Sun Simiao once gathered herbs here, and there are many Chinese medicinal herbs on the mountain. My experience: The scenic area is small and can be toured in 2 hours. The air is especially good, with a fresh herbal scent. There is a Yaowang Cave on the mountain, dedicated to the Medicine King Sun Simiao. Halfway up the mountain, there is a viewing platform with a panoramic view of Taibai County. · -- 🚶 Slow life experience in the county town Taibai County’s town is very small but clean and comfortable. My daily routine was like this: 8 AM: Wake up and stroll the streets; the air is very fresh, and the sky is very blue. Few people on the street, a slow pace. Find a small shop for breakfast—soy milk, fried dough sticks, and buns, all with simple, authentic flavors. 10 AM: Take a walk by the river. The river runs through Taibai County, with a trail along the bank where many people walk or practice Tai Chi. The water is very clear, and you can see small fish swimming. Sitting by the river, daydreaming and watching the clouds is very pleasant. 2 PM: The hottest time, but only 25°C. Find a café to sit in all afternoon, read a book, or just stare out the window. The cafés here are quiet with few people, nothing like the noisy city. 6 PM: The sun begins to set, and the weather cools down. Take a stroll in town, buy some local specialties like Taibai vegetables or honey. Or go up the mountain to watch the sunset; the sunset on the mountain is especially beautiful. 8 PM: It starts to get dark, the temperature drops to about 18 degrees, so wear long sleeves. Have dinner; the local home-style dishes are delicious, with fresh ingredients and simple flavors. 10 PM: The streets are almost empty and very quiet. Return to where you’re staying, open the window, feel the cool breeze, and fall asleep listening to the sound of insects—very peaceful. · -- 🍃 Why recommend Taibai County? 1. Truly cool The average temperature in July is 19°C, and you need a blanket at night. This is such a luxury in summer. It’s a dry coolness, not the damp cold of the south, very comfortable. 2. Exceptionally good air quality Taibai County’s air quality is excellent year-round, with a high content of negative oxygen ions. Taking a few deep breaths daily feels like your lungs are being cleansed. After a week there, my skin even improved. 3. Very slow pace People here live at a slow pace—walking slowly, talking slowly, eating slowly. The longer you stay, the slower you become, without the anxiety of city life. 4. Few people, not crowded Unlike popular summer resorts packed with tourists, Taibai County has few visitors, and the scenic spots are never overcrowded. You can quietly enjoy nature without disturbance. 5. Affordable Accommodation and food are inexpensive with great value. You can stay in a nice hotel for a few hundred yuan and have a good meal for just a few dozen yuan. · -- Final thoughts: Taibai County is truly an underrated summer retreat. If you can’t stand the summer heat and don’t want to go to crowded places, come to Taibai County. Spend a few days here, and you’ll realize life can be this slow and comfortable. I’ve already decided to come to Taibai County every summer from now on. The coolness, the quiet, and the slow pace here are truly addictive. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Yijing Camp (Mei County Qinling Taibai Mountain Hot Spring Camp) A private courtyard hot spring camp at the foot of Taibai Mountain, with private villas and hot springs, rustic luxury style, no neighbors to disturb, full vacation vibe. 🏨 Taibai Mountain Wushanju Private Hot Spring Boutique Hotel A design-focused private hot spring boutique hotel at the foot of Qinling’s main peak, with 26 boutique rooms and butler service, 80 minutes by car from Xi’an, the top choice for weekend getaways. 🏨 Taibai Mountain Phoenix · Starry Sky Hot Spring Courtyard A starry sky hot spring courtyard in the Phoenix Hot Spring Park, with beautiful garden and mountain views, pet-friendly, family-friendly, soaking in the hot spring while stargazing is very romantic. 🏨 Qinglan · Shanjian Hot Spring Private Courtyard Resort (Taibai Mountain National Forest Park Branch) A hidden wellness secret courtyard in the mountains, each courtyard has a private hot spring, surrounded by mountain stream water, far from city noise, full of healing vibes.

The fatigue of workers is completely healed by the wind of Guanshan Grassland✨ Say goodbye to suffocating oxygen deficiency at your desk and head to this 2200-meter high mountain meadow. Take deep breaths to refresh your lungs, immerse yourself in endless greenery, and completely relax. It’s the top choice for weekend short trips, perfect for family, couples, or friends driving together~ 🌿 Five Core Highlights ✅ Alpine Meadow Secret Realm: The only European-style grassland in Northwest China, 350,000 acres of boundless greenery, known as the "Little Switzerland of the East" ✅ Natural Oxygen Bar for Lung Cleansing: A blend of forest and grassland, air so fresh it’s intoxicating, every breath filled with negative oxygen ions ✅ Fully Healing Views: Rolling mountains + grazing cattle and sheep, every snapshot is a soothing masterpiece ✅ Relaxed Activities: 1-2 days of slow exploration with no rush, enjoy horseback riding, camping, and watching sunsets in ultimate comfort ✅ Off-the-Beaten-Path, Few Crowds, Beautiful Scenery: Avoid the crowds, focus on stress relief and relaxation, a sanctuary for workers to recharge 📅 Easy 1-2 Day Itinerary (Self-driving Friendly) Day 1: Head to the Grassland · Breathe and Relax ▫️ Morning: Drive from Xi’an/Baoji (about 3h from Xi’an, 1.5h from Baoji) ▫️ Noon: Arrive at the Visitor Center, buy tickets to enter (60 RMB for admission, 60 RMB for shuttle bus, both must-buy) ▫️ Afternoon: Check out Tuoling Valley (panoramic grassland) → European-style Red Roof Town → Horseback riding experience (100 RMB/30 minutes) ▫️ Evening: Watch the grassland sunset from the viewing platform, atmosphere fully charged🌅 ▫️ Night: Stay in a Mongolian yurt or town guesthouse, enjoy roasted whole lamb, and join the bonfire party Day 2: Deep Healing · Leisurely Return ▫️ Early Morning: Watch the morning mist over the grassland, breathe the freshest air ▫️ Morning: Explore Anzigou (forest and grassland) → Songtaoling for panoramic views → Grass sledding/archery (family-friendly) ▫️ Noon: Simple grassland meal, take a short rest ▫️ Afternoon: Relaxed return trip, fully healed and refreshed 💰 Cost Breakdown per Person (Great Value) · Transportation: Self-driving fuel + parking fee (10 RMB for small cars) ≈ 150 RMB/person · Tickets: 60 RMB + 60 RMB shuttle = 120 RMB/person · Accommodation: Mongolian yurt 100-300 RMB/night, guesthouse 200-400 RMB/night ≈ 150 RMB/person · Food: Roasted whole lamb shared / local snacks ≈ 100 RMB/person · Total: About 620 RMB per person (2 days 1 night) 📍 Transportation Guide 🚗 Self-driving (Preferred) Navigation: Guanshan Grassland Visitor Service Center Route: Xi’an → Lianhuo Expressway → Yinkun Expressway → Guanshan Avenue → Scenic Area Parking: Visitor Center / Red Roof Town parking lot, 10 RMB per car per visit 🚌 Public Transport 1. Xi’an: Chengxi Bus Station → Long County Bus → Direct shuttle to scenic area (16.5 RMB) 2. Baoji: North Bus Station → Long County → Direct shuttle to scenic area 📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots + Outfit Suggestions Photo Spots ✔️ Tuoling Valley Viewing Platform: panoramic grassland + layered mountains, stunning sunsets ✔️ Red Roof Town Streets: European wooden houses, feel like you’re in Europe ✔️ Anzigou Forest Edge: grassland + forest in one frame, maximum healing vibes ✔️ Horse Racing Field: horseback riding photos, free and relaxed atmosphere🐎 Outfit Suggestions Light-colored long dresses/denim sets + comfortable sneakers, paired with a straw hat, fresh and healing, perfect for photos! 🍖 Grassland Food + Accommodation Recommendations Must-Try Foods ▪️ Roasted Whole Lamb: crispy outside, tender inside, must book 3-4 hours in advance ▪️ Guanshan Mutton Soup: local specialty, warming and delicious ▪️ Wild Vegetable Platter: refreshing and light, natural grassland flavors ▪️ Grassland Milk Tea: salty and rich, perfect with meat Accommodation Recommendations ▫️ Mongolian Yurt: 100-300 RMB/night, immersive grassland experience, stargazing at night ▫️ Red Roof Town Guesthouse: 200-400 RMB/night, great value, dining area right downstairs ▫️ Anzigou Treehouse: excellent environment, green views from the window, ideal for couples/friends ⚠️ Practical Tips + Pitfall Avoidance Practical Tips 1. Altitude 2200m, big temperature difference between day and night, bring a light jacket/windbreaker 2. Strong UV rays, prepare sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen are essential 3. The scenic area is very large, shuttle bus is a must-buy, free to get on and off at all stops 4. Best visiting time: May to October, June to August for lush greenery and flowers, perfect for summer escape Pitfall Avoidance ❌ Do not choose private wild horses for riding, safety is not guaranteed, prioritize official stables ❌ Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs at the scenic area entrance, prices are better in the town ❌ During peak season (holidays), book accommodation 1-2 weeks in advance to avoid no vacancy 🎒 Essential Travel Checklist ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID (for half-price tickets) ✔️ Clothing: light jacket, long pants, comfortable sneakers ✔️ Sun Protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, straw hat ✔️ Others: power bank, common medicines, some cash

🚗New May Day travel idea for Xi'an locals, reverse tourism is the real pleasure! Head west straight to Guanshan Grassland, stay in the "Little Switzerland of Shaanxi" Meadows, wooden cabins, starry skies all at your fingertips Save this guide, avoid the crowds this May Day and easily wow your friends on social media🔥 · 🌟Trip Highlights ✅ Tent camping | Grassland as your bed, starry sky as your quilt ✅ Bonfire party | Dance wildly, strangers become friends instantly ✅ Grassland Milky Way | Visible to the naked eye, perfect shots straight from your phone ✅ Horse riding, archery, grass sledding | Be a free spirit of the wind ✅ Sea of clouds sunrise | Worth waking up early for! · 📅2-Day Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Xi'an - Xibao Expressway - Long County - Guanshan Grassland ▪️8:00 Meet at the subway entrance and depart ▪️12:30 Arrive at Long County, enjoy local hot pot/lamb soup ▪️14:00 Enter the core grassland area, choose campsite and set up tents ▪️19:00 Bonfire party + whole roasted lamb, singing, dancing, and fun ▪️22:00 Chat under the starry sky, take light painting photos, then sleep Day 2 Guanshan Grassland - Long County - Xi'an ▪️5:30 Early rise to watch the sea of clouds sunrise ▪️8:00 Free exploration of the forest, riverside photo shoots, running on the grassland ▪️10:00 Experience horse riding, archery, grass sledding, zip-lining... super fun ▪️12:00 After lunch, continue taking photos, every shot is a masterpiece ▪️14:00 Gather and return, arrive in Xi'an around 19:00 · 💡Tips & Weather Dressing 🔸Weather: During May Day, Guanshan Grassland daytime 15-22℃, early morning and evening 5-10℃, mostly sunny, occasional showers, high chance of sea of clouds after rain 🔸Clothing: Short sleeves + sun protection jacket, down jacket/thick coat is a must at night! 🔸Gear: Sports shoes (no white shoes), power bank, snacks 🔸Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen are all essential 🔸Environment: Take all your trash with you, no trash bins on the grassland! · 🚗This May Day, just want to relax slowly on the grassland, no rushing, no crowds Depart from Xi'an to Guanshan Grassland, looking for travel buddies to watch the sunset and wait for the stars together Any sisters want to team up and travel? 🙋‍♀️

No need to leave the province to encounter European-style grassland scenery. This natural pasture hidden in Shaanxi features blue skies, white clouds, lush meadows, and herds of cattle and sheep. Every snapshot is a healing masterpiece, making it the perfect weekend getaway✨! Escape the city's hustle and bustle, come to Guanshan Grassland to embrace freedom and the breeze, heal all your fatigue, and start a super relaxing grassland journey~ 📍Basic Information Address: Guanshan Grassland Scenic Area, Long County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province Tickets: 60 RMB/person, shuttle bus in the scenic area 60 RMB/person (the area is huge, shuttle is a must!) Opening Hours: Tickets sold from 8:00 to 18:00 year-round, open all day for visits 🚗 Transportation Guide ✅ Self-driving (preferred): From Xi'an, take the Fuyin Expressway + Longzhou Avenue, about 3 hours total, smooth road conditions, beautiful scenery along the way, full freedom of self-driving! ✅ Public Transport: Take a bus from Baoji South Station to Long County, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle or taxi, suitable for those who don’t want to drive 🌟 Must-try Activities 1. Grassland Horse Riding 🐎 The scenic area has many well-trained horses; choosing a reputable stable is safer! Leisurely ride through the meadows, weaving between mountains and grasslands, feel the grandeur of a royal pasture, immerse yourself in the grassland atmosphere, and capture amazing photos! 2. Grass Skiing / Zipline 🎢 Exciting and stress-relieving outdoor activities! Experience the joy of grass skiing on wide grassy slopes, feel the thrill of the zipline’s drop, embrace the wind and speed, fun for both adults and kids, double the happiness~ 3. Charming Town Check-in 🏡 Red-roofed wooden houses, Dutch windmills, vintage boardwalks, full of European fairy tale vibes! No need to go abroad to shoot exotic photos. Stroll the town and take beautiful pictures by day, watch the sunset cast a warm glow on the buildings in the evening, gentle and romantic. 4. Camping and Stargazing ✨ Find an open meadow to camp, and at night look up to a sky full of stars, far from light pollution, with a clear and stunning starry sky. Sit around chatting with friends, listen to the sounds of insects and wind, and feel the unique quiet romance of the grassland. 5. Bonfire Party 🔥 At night, the scenic area hosts special bonfire parties. Sing and dance along with the music, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, leave all worries behind, fully release your joy, and create unforgettable travel memories. 🍖 Must-eat Food Recommendations ✅ Roasted Whole Lamb: A grassland specialty, crispy and fragrant skin, tender and juicy meat, perfect for sharing with friends ✅ Wild Vegetables: Pure natural and ecological, refreshing and cleansing, taste the freshness of nature ✅ Local Snacks: Local dairy products and grilled skewers, affordable and delicious, a one-stop way to unlock grassland flavors 🏠 Accommodation Options ▪️ Mongolian Yurt: Immersive grassland lodging experience, full of atmosphere, feel the nomadic lifestyle ▪️ Themed Hotels: Fully equipped, highly comfortable, suitable for travelers seeking convenient accommodation ▪️ Camping Tents: Bring your own or rent in the scenic area, the top choice for stargazing at night, romantic and special 💡 Super Practical Tips 1. The temperature difference between morning and evening on the grassland is large, be sure to bring a thick jacket, windproof and warmth are very important! 2. Protect yourself from the sun, UV rays are very strong, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all essential 3. Discount tickets (half price/free) require valid ID and must be purchased at the manual ticket window, not available online 4. When hiking in the scenic area, protect the grass, be civilized, do not trample or feed animals randomly 5. For self-driving, check your vehicle in advance, drive cautiously on mountain roads, safety first ✨ Travel Inspiration On the vast Guanshan Grassland, the wind is free, and the heart is relaxed. No need to chase time, just quietly feel the softness of the meadows, the freshness of the forests, and the romance of the starry sky. Life should be this free. Occasionally stop, head to the mountains and fields, embrace nature, recharge your energy, and set off again🌱!

3 hours direct from Xi'an to the alpine grasslands🌿 20℃ cool summer + rolling hills with cattle and sheep + European-style wooden cottages🏡 Every snap is a healing wallpaper! 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving is the most convenient; a 60 RMB sightseeing bus ticket is a must in the scenic area 🎫 Tickets: 60 RMB, half price for students 📸 Must-do: Enjoy the scenery at Camel Bell Valley, horseback riding, photo ops at Windmill Valley, bonfire party🔥 ❌ Pitfalls to avoid & essential checklist Pitfall Guide · Temperature difference between day and night is 20℃! Bring a light down jacket or windbreaker even in summer · UV rays are very strong! High SPF sunscreen + sunglasses + hat are a must · Wear long pants for horseback riding to prevent chafing and scratches · Grasslands get muddy when it rains, some activities may be suspended, check the weather before you go 🍖 Must-eat: Roasted whole lamb, Longzhou lamb paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup), buckwheat noodles ⚠️ Essentials: Light jacket, sunscreen, mosquito repellent; big temperature difference between day and night!

Oxygen missing in the office? Come to Guanshan Grassland to "breathe" it back❗️ Staring at the computer screen every day, trapped in a cubicle, even breathing feels heavy and exhausting. Workers urgently need an oxygen escape trip from the city🌿 Guanshan Grassland is a natural oxygen bar hidden in Shaanxi. No need to travel far to Xinjiang or Inner Mongolia, you can immerse yourself in endless greenery and blow away all the accumulated stress. The rolling alpine meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, the blue sky and white clouds are within reach, and the wind carries the fresh scent of grass and wildflowers. Taking a deep breath full of negative oxygen ions instantly cures office hypoxia syndrome. Here, there’s no need to rush through itineraries or squeeze into crowded spots. You can stroll leisurely, watch cattle and sheep graze peacefully, and listen to the wind rustling through the trees, relaxing your whole body. You can ride a horse to stroll the grassland and feel the freedom of chasing the wind; try grass sliding to experience the joy of weightlessness; wait for an orange sunset in the evening, painting the sky into a gentle masterpiece; at night, look up to see a sky full of stars, far from city light pollution, romantic and healing. If you don’t want to move, just find a patch of grass to sit and daydream, think of nothing, and simply enjoy this rare tranquility. Travel tips · Tickets are 60 RMB per person, half price for students. It’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance on Trip.com for convenience. · The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a thick jacket. Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent. · About a 3-hour drive from Xi’an, you can drive around the scenic area freely and conveniently. · Accommodation options include Mongolian yurts and RV campsites for a full experience. Don’t be trapped by work anymore. Take a weekend to visit Guanshan Grassland, replenish the oxygen your office lacks all at once, and return fully recharged to set off again✨

Authentic and Practical Guide to Guanshan Grassland (A Must-See Near Xi'an) Basic Information: Long County, Baoji · 4A high mountain meadow, ticket 60 RMB, sightseeing bus 8:00-18:00; large temperature difference between morning and evening, be sure to bring a jacket and sunscreen. 🚗 Transportation Guide (Self-driving preferred) · Self-driving: Xi'an → Lianhuo Expressway → Yinkun Expressway → Long County → Guanshan Avenue, about 3.5-4 hours; fill up the tank before exiting the highway, no gas stations in the scenic area, speed limit on Guanshan Avenue is 70 km/h. · Public Transport: West Xi'an City/Provincial Station → Long County bus (76-85 RMB, 4 hours); Long County → Scenic Area shuttle 16.5 RMB/person, last bus at 17:00; if missed, taxi costs about 150 RMB. · Inside the Scenic Area: Must take the sightseeing bus, which stops at key attractions; walking is physically demanding. 🍖 Food Recommendations (Popular with locals) · Whole Roasted Lamb: Baqi BBQ Garden, 22 RMB per jin + 100 RMB processing fee, about 1280-1500 RMB per lamb, book 3 hours in advance, crispy skin and tender meat. · Single/Small Portions: Roasted lamb leg 150 RMB, Longzhou lamb paomo (lamb bone broth) 28 RMB, buckwheat noodles 8 RMB, mashed potatoes 15 RMB. · Specialty Snacks: Butter bread 2 RMB, walnut bread, wild vegetable fried eggs, handmade yogurt 10 RMB, refreshing and authentic. 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions (Choose according to needs) · Inside the Scenic Area (for stargazing/sunrise): Folk Town Hotel 200-800 RMB (fully equipped); Mongolian yurt 100-500 RMB (with electric blanket, weekend premium); Huaxi Treehouse/Anzigou RV (couples/family specialty). · Cost-effective: Long County town accommodations 150-300 RMB, enter the scenic area early next day, economical and comfortable. 🎪 Featured Performances (Must-see) · Equestrian Show: 16:30, about 30 minutes, breathtaking horseback stunts. · "Great Qin Guanshan" Live War Horse Show: Shuma Theater 20:50, about 55 minutes, recreates the horseback history of the Qin people. · Bonfire Party: 21:50, about 40 minutes, singing and dancing, full of atmosphere. 💡 Authentic Tips · Choose a reputable horse ranch for riding, agree on price and route in advance to avoid extra charges. · Cold in the morning and evening, bring a light down jacket even in summer; slippery roads when rainy, wear anti-slip shoes. · 2 days 1 night is just right: Day 1 arrival + horseback riding + performances + bonfire; Day 2 sunrise + meadow stroll + return trip.

Climbing a 100-meter steep ladder—fear of heights is a dealbreaker. After visiting the Jiaxian Incense Burner Temple, I checked in at the second "Hanging Temple" in Shaanxi Province! 📍 This is the Longmen Taoist Temple Located in Long County 🧗♂️ The challenge lies in the tough climb! You have to walk along narrow wooden paths beside a steep cliff about 100 meters high (see photo 3). To reach the final level at Hunyuan Peak, you must climb a ladder that leans outward from the cliff (see photos 6 and 7). The entire route is a true test for those afraid of heights, but it’s both thrilling and incredibly fun! Best of all… 🎉 It’s currently free to enter! 📍 Location Place: 宝鸡·龙门洞道院 Translated as Baoji City – Longmen Cave Taoist Temple

01 Suzhou | Jiangsu When traveling with kids in Suzhou, don't just dive into the crowds at the Humble Administrator's Garden. My approach: Get to Tiger Hill by 8:00 AM. The hill isn't high, so kids can climb it themselves without any issues. Tell little stories about Sword Pool and the Yunyan Pagoda, and the kids will listen with wide eyes. ⏰ Arrive before 9:30 AM. The tour groups haven't arrived yet, so the entire back hill is yours. At noon, go to Hanshan Temple, and don't just take pictures of the big bell. 📍 There is a small open space outside the temple near Fengqiao where kids can run and jump, and watch cargo ships slowly pass through the lock. The vegetable buns at the temple's vegetarian restaurant have thin skins and plenty of filling; my child ate two in one go. 🍜 Save two hours in the afternoon for the Lingering Garden. It's smaller than the Humble Administrator's Garden, but the winding corridors are perfect for kids to play hide-and-seek like a maze. ⚠️ The stone steps in the rockery area of the garden are slippery. Don't let kids wear Crocs on rainy days. 02 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave and Baili Dujuan, how do you choose? If you're taking preschool-aged kids to Zhijin Cave, I don't recommend it for those under three, as there are many steps in the cave, the lighting is dim, and strollers are completely unusable. But kids over five will be super excited. The stalactites look like upside-down bamboo shoots, and as you walk, you can count them; kids can remember quite a few names. ⏰ It takes about two hours to walk through the whole cave. The temperature in the cave is a constant 16°C, so bring a light jacket in the summer. If you want to see the sea of flowers, just go to Baili Dujuan. Although the peak flowering season is over by the end of September, the lush greenery across the mountains mixed with scattered late-blooming flowers is actually quite peaceful. 📍 The trail in the Pudi Scenic Area is the flattest. Rent an electric cart and cruise slowly; the kids can nap in the cart while you take photos. ⚠️ There are many roasted potato stalls in the scenic area, 5 yuan each. Don't buy the ones already peeled on the side of the road; they might look clean, but they've likely been sitting out for a while. 03 Baoji | Shaanxi For Taibai Mountain with kids, my advice is to take the cable car directly to Tianyuan Difang; don't try to hike it. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, even adults get out of breath after walking a few steps, so don't expect kids to reach the summit on their own. The wooden plank road after getting off the cable car is very flat, so kids can walk it themselves, and when the sea of clouds rolls in, it feels like being on a plane. 🚄 It takes 40 minutes by high-speed rail from Xi'an North Station. A round trip on the same day is feasible, but I recommend staying one night. The hot spring hotels in Tangyu Town at the foot of the mountain are great; after soaking their feet, the kids will sleep very soundly. Famen Temple is more suitable for children over eight, as they can understand some of the concepts like the Buddha finger relic. 📍 On the floor of the He Shi Relic Pagoda's underground palace, the lighting is dim and quiet, and kids will naturally soften their footsteps. Leave Guanshan Grassland for families with high energy. Horse riding is 80 yuan for a short loop, and children must be led by staff—don't skimp on the money, safety first. ⚠️ It's windy on the mountain, so you'll need a fleece jacket in September. 04 Baishan | Jilin For Changbai Mountain North Slope with kids, my advice is: the 1,400 steps on the West Slope look magnificent, but kids under five will need to be carried the whole way, and adults will be exhausted. Take the shuttle bus up the North Slope, and it's only a 10-minute walk to Heaven Lake; even a three-year-old can handle it. ⏰ Arrive at the Heaven Lake viewing platform before 10:30 AM. Once the clouds and mist roll in during the afternoon, you won't be able to see anything. The trail at Luyuantan is very flat, and the water is a greenish-blue. Kids will lie on the railing and watch it for a long time. 📍 The hot spring-boiled eggs below the waterfall are 10 yuan for 3. The yolks are soft-boiled, and kids find them fun to eat. ⚠️ Buy tickets for the mountain and the shuttle bus separately. Remember to book online one day in advance; queuing to buy tickets on-site can make you question your life choices. It starts getting cold on the mountain in late September, so wear a down jacket—don't believe the phrase "crisp autumn weather." 05 Daxing'anling | Heilongjiang Arctic Village isn't just for winter; the autumn colors in late September are stunning. The birch forest leaves are half-yellow, and when the sunlight hits them, the whole forest glows. When traveling with kids, don't stay inside the scenic area. 📍 At the homestays on the north end of the village, you can see the Heilongjiang River when you open the window. In the morning, mist rises from the river, and kids can watch it from the window wrapped in a blanket for 20 minutes without fussing. The road in front of the Arctic Outpost is very comfortable for an evening stroll. With few people and few cars, kids can run around freely. ⏰ The light is softest around 4:30 PM. Taking silhouettes of kids against the light means you don't need to edit the photos at all. ⚠️ Dining in the village is expensive; a plate of scrambled eggs costs 38 yuan. I suggest eating at your homestay, where the owner will charge you cost price. It's already 0°C in the mornings and evenings in late September, so hats and gloves are a must. 06 Wuhan | Hubei For Yellow Crane Tower with kids, don't buy night tickets. You can see the Yangtze River during the day, and kids pointing at cargo ships and shouting "big boat" is much more interesting than watching a light show. 📍 The small square behind the Baiyun Pavilion is usually empty, so kids can kick a ball around for a while. ⏰ The light is just right after 3:00 PM, and you won't be shooting against the light when photographing the Yangtze River Bridge. Rent a tandem bike on the East Lake Greenway. The kid sits in front, you pedal in the back, and the round trip along the lake to Moshan takes about an hour. 🍜 On the road outside the North Gate of Moshan, there is a stall selling doupi for 8 yuan a serving. The skin is crispy and the inside is sticky; kids will be full after eating half a serving. ⚠️ You can't put child seats on the shared bikes on the Greenway, so be sure to go to a rental point to rent a family bike with front and rear seats. Don't bother with the Huangpi Mulan Scenic Area; the attractions are scattered, and just getting between them is enough of a hassle. 07 Xinzhou | Shanxi For Mount Wutai with kids, I advise you to skip the 1,080 steps at Dailuo Summit. Take the cable car up and walk down. The kids will be squealing with excitement on the cable car, and walking down along the horse trail is slow, flat, and gentle, plus you might see little squirrels. 📍 In the open space in front of Xiantong Temple, there are vendors selling Tai mushroom sandwiches for 10 yuan each. The mushrooms are so fragrant that kids will lick their fingers after finishing one. Yanmen Pass is more suitable for older children. The wind on the city wall section is strong, and kids under seven can easily be blown to a standstill. Laoniu Bay is purely scenery for adults; the Yellow River makes a huge turn here, but kids might just think it's a muddy river. ⚠️ Vehicle reservations for entering Mount Wutai are limited daily. Remember to grab one on the official WeChat account two days in advance; it's basically impossible to get one on-site. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains in late September is large, so a light down jacket is a must. 08 Baoting | Hainan For Yanoda and Betel Nut Valley, I only recommend the former for kids. Adults might not even have the patience to listen to the explanations of Li culture at Betel Nut Valley, let alone kids. The rainforest trail at Yanoda is flat, and there are all kinds of plants you've never seen on both sides. Kids will ask "Can you eat this?" or "Is that poisonous?" the whole way, which is like a free nature lesson. 📍 The waterfall trekking project in the scenic area is open to kids 1.2 meters tall and above. You wear straw sandals to trek through the water, and there are coaches leading the way, so parents can just take photos on the shore. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes and bugs in the rainforest, so apply enough repellent. Don't just apply it to your face; ankles and wrists are the easiest targets. Dining in the scenic area is expensive, with a bowl of noodles costing 45 yuan. I suggest bringing some bread and fruit yourself. After playing until 2:00 PM, head out and drive 20 minutes to Baoting Town. The Wenchang chicken at the roadside food stalls is 68 yuan for half a chicken, served with chicken-fat rice, and kids can eat a big bowl. ⏰ Enter the park before 10:00 AM. There are fewer people, the light is good, and there is mist in the rainforest, making it look like a fairyland. From late August to mid-October, the north is great for autumn colors, and the south is great for escaping the heat—each has its own merits. Where are you planning to take your kids? Let's chat in the comments; you might even find a travel buddy.

8 places to take your parents that aren't tiring. How many have you visited with them? 01 Huanggang | Hubei When taking your parents to Huanggang, don't rush to climb the mountain. Head to the cable car at Tiantangzhai in Luotian first. 🚡 The cable car takes you directly to the mountainside. The remaining plank road is flat with sturdy handrails, so it's no problem for seniors to walk slowly. Standing on the glass walkway looking down, with clouds swirling around their feet, they might say they're scared, but they'll hold your hand tightly to take photos—it's quite cute. In the afternoon, head to Guifeng Mountain in Macheng. You don't have to reach the summit; the Azalea Expo Park at the foot of the mountain is enough to explore. ⏰ In April and May, the azaleas bloom into a pink sea, and walking on flat ground won't strain their knees. ⚠️ Don't hire porters on the mountain randomly; ask if they charge by the trip or by weight to avoid disputes. Stay at a homestay at the foot of the mountain in the evening, have a bowl of free-range chicken soup, and your legs won't feel tired at all after a full day. 02 Hezhou | Guangxi Hezhou is naturally suited for a slow pace. You don't need to get up early for Gupo Mountain. ⏰ Enter the mountain after 9:00 AM; the negative oxygen ions in the air are so dense it feels like a lung cleanse. There are electric carts in the scenic area; take one to the waterfall group, then walk a few steps to reach Xiangu Waterfall. The mist hits your face, and it's very refreshing. At noon, return to Huangyao Ancient Town to rest. The stone paths can be a bit slippery, so hold your parents' hands and walk slowly. 📍 Take them to sit at the old teahouse by Dailong Bridge, order a pot of local green tea, and watch the boatmen pole their bamboo rafts through the bridge arch. In the evening, go up to Dongtan Ridge to watch the sunset; cars can drive near the viewing platform, so there's no need to climb. ⚠️ Taste the fermented bean paste sold in the town before buying; don't just pay as soon as you enter an alley. 03 Zhuhai | Guangdong Zhuhai is a great place to relax with your parents. Don't try to see everything at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom; mainly take them to see the Whale Shark Pavilion and the Penguin Pavilion. It's air-conditioned indoors, and there are benches everywhere if you get tired. ⏰ Watch the Ocean Parade at 3:00 PM; the floats are lively but not noisy, and seniors won't get tired standing for 10 minutes. In the evening, head to Lovers' Road, rent a tandem bike, and ride slowly. The sea breeze will mess up your hair, and they'll be laughing happier than anyone. 📍 When passing the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue, remember to stop and take a group photo; it's an icon of their generation. In the evening, have a seafood porridge nearby—it's light and warming. It costs about 70–80 per person, and seniors will find it very comfortable. ⚠️ Lovers' Road is congested on weekends; it's recommended to park further away and walk for a more stress-free experience. 04 Yinchuan | Ningxia Yinchuan's attractions are scattered, but they have the advantage of being flat. In the morning, go to Mingcui Lake Wetland Park first. The boardwalks are well-maintained, and occasionally a few egrets dart out from the reed marshes; my mom kept holding up her phone to take pictures the whole way. At noon, return to the city for a bowl of lamb rubbing noodles; the hot soup warms you up, and you'll feel revitalized. In the afternoon, go to the Helan Mountain Rock Art. You don't need to climb high; electric carts take you directly to the main rock art area. The sun shines on the stones, and those ancient patterns are especially clear in the light and shadow. ⏰ It's recommended to avoid midday; the rock art colors are most three-dimensional in the evening. The next day, go to Lingwu Shuidonggou; taking the boat and camel cart is novel for seniors and doesn't require much walking. ⚠️ The museum at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs is more worth seeing than the tomb area itself. Don't stay exposed outdoors for too long; the museum is cool, and the artifacts are well-explained. 05 Pingdingshan | Henan For Pingdingshan, I'll just mention one place—the Spring Temple Buddha in Yaoshan, which is enough to keep your parents occupied for a whole day. The scenic area roads are extremely well-built; there are electric carts from the gate to the Buddha's feet, and the walking distance after getting off is very short. The Buddha is 208 meters tall. Standing at its feet and looking up, the shock is indescribable; my mom immediately chanted "Amitabha" on the spot. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM; the light hits the Buddha perfectly, so you don't need filters for photos. After descending the mountain, go to a nearby farmhouse restaurant to eat "languo" vegetable stew. It's stewed in a big pot, the vermicelli absorbs the meat juices, and one bowl per person with rice is enough to fill you up for about 30 per person. ⚠️ Vendors selling incense at the scenic area entrance will chase after you; just politely decline and don't engage. The steps at the Buddha's feet are slightly steep, so hold onto the seniors and take it slow; there's no rush. 06 Chuxiong | Yunnan The Earth Forest in Chuxiong is the kind of place that leaves you speechless. Just choose one between Yuanmou Earth Forest and Wumao Earth Forest; I chose Wumao because the trails are flatter, so seniors won't feel anxious walking. 📍 Walking into the Earth Forest is like suddenly falling onto another planet. The earth pillars are eroded by wind into strange shapes, sunlight leaks through the gaps, and the light and shadow change all day long. ⏰ Go in at 4:00 or 5:00 PM; the light is softest, and the color of the Earth Forest changes from earthy yellow to golden red—you won't be able to stop taking photos. The next day, go to the Yi Ancient Town. You don't need to stay too long; mainly take your parents to see the Yi embroidery and silverware. They are handmade and cheaper than outside the scenic area. In the evening, eat copper pot rice in the ancient town; the potatoes are braised until crispy and fragrant, and seniors will eat 2 bowls in a row. ⚠️ There is no shade in the Earth Forest; be sure to bring enough water. A hat is more practical than an umbrella. 07 Longnan | Gansu Longnan is the south of Gansu—humid and lush, making it the most comfortable place to take your parents. Wenxian Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) is hidden deep in the mountains. Cars can drive to the entrance of the lakeside boardwalk. Walking around the lake takes about 1 hour, the slope is almost zero, and the lake water is as calm as a green gemstone. ⏰ It's best to go in the early morning; the mist hasn't dispersed yet, and the lake surface looks like it's covered with a veil. In the afternoon, head to Guan'egou. It's much less crowded than Jiuzhaigou. The boardwalk is laid along the stream, the water sounds are rushing, and the air is cool. 📍 Don't go further than the third waterfall; the section after that has a lot of climbing, which isn't senior-friendly. In the evening, return to the county town to eat potato "jiaotuan" (mashed potato dough); it's soft, chewy, and easy to eat, served with pickled vegetable soup—appetizing and heartwarming. ⚠️ The weather in the mountains is changeable; bring an extra light jacket, as it's prone to drizzling in the afternoon. 08 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated treasure. Don't let your parents climb to the summit of Taibai Mountain; taking the cable car to "Tianyuandifang" (Heaven and Earth) is enough. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, with a sea of clouds surging beneath their feet, standing there in the breeze will make them feel more energetic than any tonic. ⏰ Go up the mountain before 10:00 AM for the best visibility; it's prone to fog in the afternoon. The next day, go to Famen Temple. Seniors will be exceptionally quiet in front of the Namaste Dagoba. Every artifact in the underground palace is worth a close look; remember to hire a guide, otherwise, you'll miss out. In the afternoon, head to Guanshan Grassland. You don't need to ride horses; just drive slowly along the grassland road, and herds of cattle and sheep will be grazing right by your car window. 📍 Dongshan Scenic Area is suitable for the evening; it's windy and cool, and you can watch the sunset turn the whole grassy slope red. ⚠️ Taibai Mountain tickets plus cable car aren't cheap; buying a package online in advance can save you a few dozen. Finally, have a meal of Baoji "ganmianpi" (steamed cold noodles); they are sour, spicy, and chewy—even more flavorful than the ones in Xi'an. I've taken my parents to half of these 8 places, and the rest are in my plans. The least tiring are Zhuhai and Hezhou, and the most stunning are Pingdingshan and Chuxiong. How many have you taken them to? Let's chat in the comments section; maybe you can set off next weekend.

Budget travelers, assemble! These 8 places are uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable in August–September 01 Zhoukou, Henan You can easily visit Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace in one day. Start at Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum in the morning; it's less crowded before noon, the incense smoke isn't too heavy, and it's a pleasant walk. Admission is affordable, and student discounts are available. There are many ancient cypress trees in the mausoleum area; finding a shady spot to sit and catch a breeze is better than rushing through the sights. For lunch, grab a bowl of hulatang (spicy soup) with youmotou (fried dough) at the entrance for about 10 yuan per person—it's filling. In the afternoon, head to Taiqing Palace. It's not large, but the details of the old architecture are worth admiring, and the painted eaves are perfect for photography. ⚠️ Taiqing Palace clears out at 5:00 PM, so don't arrive right at closing time. 🚄 A taxi from Zhoukou East Station to Taihao Mausoleum takes about 30 minutes; ride-sharing is more cost-effective. Overall costs are very low; food, accommodation, and tickets for two people for one day come to just over 200 yuan. It's a solid choice. 02 Yichun, Heilongjiang Tangwang River Forest Park. By late August, the forest area is chilly in the mornings and evenings, so bring a light jacket. The park trails are well-maintained but not crowded, so you'll hear nothing but the wind and birds while walking the boardwalks. The rock formation area is best explored slowly; giant, uniquely shaped rocks are scattered throughout the forest like a natural maze, so you won't have to fight for photo spots. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the light hits at an angle, making the rock textures clearest. The full route takes about 3 hours; if you're not up for the whole thing, you can just do half—the best part is near the observation tower. 🍜 There are stalls at the park entrance selling dried blueberries and pine nuts that are cheaper than in the city; grab a bag for the road. A one-way chartered car from Yichun city center costs around 100 yuan; it's very cost-effective if you split it with a few people. Travel tip: Don't buy grilled sausages or hot drinks inside the park as prices are doubled; wait until you leave to restock. 03 Fuzhou, Fujian I prefer Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in the early morning. ⏰ Before 8:00 AM, the crowds haven't arrived yet, and the light and shadows on the stone paths are pristine. Enter from Nanhou Street, walk through Yijin Lane, then turn into Wenru Lane. The alleys hide many free-to-enter former residences, such as the Yan Fu Former Residence, which you can enter by scanning your ID. For lunch, find a fish ball shop in the alleys; a bowl of fish ball soup with meat wontons for 5 yuan is incredibly delicious. Honestly, I don't recommend the souvenir shops on the main street—they're expensive and generic. It's better to duck into the side alleys to see the old walls and wooden windows. ⚠️ It gets packed on weekend afternoons, which really ruins the experience, so try to avoid those times. 🚄 Take Fuzhou Metro Line 1 to Dongjiekou Station; it's a 5-minute walk from there, no need for a taxi. 04 Yongzhou, Hunan Shangantang Ancient Village is best for an overnight stay in August–September. The village isn't large, but it's great because it's not commercialized; the stone paths, old ancestral halls, and Wenchang Pavilion are all authentic. Arrive in the afternoon and take a walk along the Xie Mu River; there's an ancient pier by the river, and the evening light reflecting on the water is beautiful. Stay at a local guesthouse; a standard room is just over 100 yuan and clean. Wake up early the next day to see Buying Bridge at the village entrance before the mist clears; the moss, old stone arch bridge, and morning mist make for stunning photos, even on a phone. 🍜 There's an elderly woman in the village selling mugwort cakes for 2 yuan each; they're pan-fried fresh and delicious. ⚠️ There are no streetlights in the village, so bring a flashlight if you go out at night. Total costs are extremely low—two meals plus accommodation is under 100 yuan per person—perfect for those looking for a quiet two-day getaway. 05 Baoding, Hebei For this trip to Baoding, I suggest you pick only two places—don't try to do too much. Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo have completely different styles, but both are great choices for August–September. Western Qing Tombs are perfect for history lovers; the architecture is grand, there are few tourists, and you can feel the solemnity while walking along the sacred path. ⚠️ The halls in the tomb area start closing at 4:30 PM, so go early. Yesanpo is better if you want to escape the heat; it's very cool by the streams in Bailixia, and if you get tired of walking the boardwalks, you can play in the water. If you only have one day, I recommend Yesanpo; the scenery is varied, and it's not tiring for adults or children. 🚄 There are direct buses from Baoding city center to Yesanpo, taking about 2 hours. For food, the farmhouse dishes in Yesanpo are cheap and generous; grilled rainbow trout is about 30 yuan per person. Don't eat at the places right at the entrance; the ones two streets in are more authentic. 06 Baise, Guangxi Haokun Lake and Tongling Grand Canyon—one is tranquil, the other dynamic. I suggest visiting the lake first, then the canyon. Haokun Lake is best in the morning when the water is calm; rent a bamboo raft for a slow drift. It's not expensive, just a few dozen yuan per person. You can also walk the boardwalk by the lake; the view is better than from the boat, and you can see the karst peaks reflected in the water. In the afternoon, head to Tongling Grand Canyon to see the waterfall and underground river. The temperature in the canyon is several degrees lower than outside—it's natural air conditioning. ⏰ The best time to view the waterfall is in the afternoon when the water volume is high and the mist is heavy; remember to wear non-slip shoes. ⚠️ The canyon floor is damp, so don't wear flip-flops; your feet will get soaked after walking the trails. There are shuttle buses from the city to both scenic spots, but return trips are infrequent, so I recommend chartering a car for the day—it costs less than 100 yuan per person if split among four people. 🍜 The grilled pig eyes and suanye (pickled fruit/vegetables) at the Baise night market are worth a try; you can eat your fill for 10 yuan. 07 Baoji, Shaanxi Taibai Mountain and Guanshan Grassland—one is for hiking, the other for letting loose; it depends on how you want to play. Taibai Mountain is suitable for hiking enthusiasts; in August–September, you can already feel the chill at the summit. Take the cable car up and walk a bit further; the scenery is worth it. ⚠️ The weather at the summit is changeable; bring a raincoat and a windbreaker. It might be sunny at the foot of the mountain but completely foggy at the top. Guanshan Grassland is much more relaxed, with vast grassy slopes, horseback riding, and archery—perfect for families with kids or those who don't want to be too tired. For food and accommodation, the farmhouses in Tangyu Town at the foot of Taibai Mountain offer great value; a bowl of sazi noodles is 8 yuan and very filling. The yurt accommodation at Guanshan Grassland is just for the experience; the hygiene is average, so I recommend staying in Longxian County, which is a 30-minute drive away. 🚄 There is a tourist bus line from Baoji South Station to Taibai Mountain that goes directly to the entrance. If you want to visit both places, you'll need three days; if you're short on time, just pick one. 08 Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Populus Euphratica Forest Tourist Area and Badain Jaran Desert. If you go in August–September, the populus trees haven't turned yellow yet, but it's wonderfully uncrowded. The forest is green at this time, which has a completely different vibe from the golden autumn, and the best part is the peace and quiet, plus the tickets are much cheaper. Stay in Dalaihubu Town; a standard room is just over 100 yuan, and food is affordable—lamb skewers are 3 yuan each and don't have a strong gamey taste. The way to experience Badain Jaran Desert is to charter an off-road vehicle into the sand sea; the driver will take you dune bashing—it's exciting but safe. ⏰ The desert is most photogenic in the evening when the light makes the dune contours look very three-dimensional; don't waste the half hour before and after sunset. ⚠️ There is no cell signal in the desert, so agree on a pickup time with your driver in advance and don't wander off on your own. 🚄 There are buses from Yinchuan to Alxa Left Banner, but you'll need to transfer to get to the Populus Forest area, so I recommend ride-sharing directly—it's about 100 yuan per person. Overall costs aren't high; the main expenses are the chartered car and tickets, making it suitable for those who like wilder scenery. These eight places are perfect for August–September—they aren't crowded, and prices aren't skyrocketing. If you only have a three- or four-day vacation, I recommend Yongzhou and Baoding—one is quiet, the other is rich in activities. If you have a full week, go for Baise and Alxa; it's a mix of dynamic and tranquil, and it won't cost much. Let me know in the comments which one you're most excited about!

01 Longnan | Gansu Summer in Longnan is the kind of place where you really aren't hot when standing in the shade. Start your morning at Wenxian Tianchi; the water is as quiet as a piece of dark glass, and the surrounding mountains block out all the heat. Walk along the lakeside boardwalk for about 2 hours—no need to rush—the breeze is cool and carries moisture. Head back to the county seat for a bowl of noodles at noon, then head to Guan'egou in the afternoon. There are pools every few steps, and the water is so clear you can see the patterns on the stones. ⚠️ There's a shuttle bus from the entrance to the core scenic area. Don't save that 20 yuan. Walking takes half an hour in the sun. The light is just right when you leave the valley in the evening, and the mountain walls are all golden. It's suitable for seniors and children—the paths are flat, there are few stairs, and the pace is slow. 02 Jixi | Heilongjiang The coolness in Jixi is dry and carries a hint of pine. Start your morning at Xingkai Lake; the lake is so big you can't see the other side, and the sound of waves hitting the beach is like being at the seaside. Don't rush to get in the water; walk east along the shore first. There's a wetland boardwalk with plenty of water birds, few people, and the reeds rustle when the wind blows. Have fish by the lake for lunch, then head to Hutou in the afternoon. This isn't a bustling tourist spot; it's a quiet border town. 📍 The old town area still retains its original look; walking around feels like stepping back into the 1980s. ⚠️ The Hutou Guandi Temple closes at 4:00 PM, so go early if you want to see it. It's perfect for people who like off-the-beaten-path destinations and don't like crowds. 03 Baoding | Hebei Baoding can give you three different temperatures in one day. Go to Baishi Mountain in the morning; it's windy at the summit, so you'll need a light jacket. Looking down from the glass skywalk feels like looking into an abyss—your legs might get weak, but it's worth it. Head down the mountain at noon and go straight to the Western Qing Tombs. There are many trees in the tomb area, making it cool and shady. You'll barely be in the sun while walking on the sacred path, so it's great for a leisurely stroll. After 3:00 PM, head to Yesanpo. The stream water in Bailixia is ice-cold, and stepping into it will wake you right up. 🍜 In the evening, go to Baiyangdian in Anxin. Find a farmhouse by the water, have some stewed mixed fish with corn cakes, and let the evening breeze on the lake wash away the day's fatigue. ⚠️ Boat prices at Baiyangdian fluctuate a lot. Be sure to ask if the price is per boat or per person before boarding. 04 Yulin | Guangxi Summer in Yulin is truly hot, but savvy travelers know where to find the cool spots. Before the sun gets too strong in the morning, head up to Darongshan National Forest Park. The temperature at the summit is 7–8 degrees lower than in the city, and when the clouds and mist roll in, you'll forget you were even sweating. Head down the mountain at noon and go to Yuntian Culture City. It has air conditioning, but the real highlight is the architectural detail—you can spend an hour just looking at the carved beams and painted pillars. Hide away in Wanhua Building in the afternoon. More locals come here than tourists. It's cool and shady inside, and the wooden stairs creak when you step on them, like walking into the past. ⚠️ It's easy to get lost in the alleys around Wanhua Building, but don't worry—any random dessert shop you turn into will be better than the internet-famous ones. 05 Baoji | Shaanxi The coolness in Baoji is hidden in the mountains. Taibai Mountain is the main event. Head into the mountains in the morning; as the altitude rises, the temperature drops. By the time you reach the Tianyuan Difang section, the wind is strong enough to blow your hat off, so you'll need a windbreaker. Head to Guanshan Grassland in the afternoon. The grassland is at a high altitude, and it gets cold enough to want a blanket after the sun goes down, but the evening light is incredibly beautiful. 🍜 Before heading back to the city, visit the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area. Don't just stare at the Namaste Dagoba; the artifacts in the underground palace are the real deal. ⚠️ The Dongshanfeng route is for experienced hikers; the road conditions are average, so regular tourists shouldn't push it. The Taibai Mountain cable car stops operating at 4:00 PM, so plan your time accordingly. 06 Haidong | Qinghai Summer in Haidong is the kind of cool where you don't feel hot even in the sun. Start your morning at the Huzhu Tu Nationality Hometown Park to watch the Tu people dance and have a bowl of highland barley wine. The sun is intense, but the wind is dry, and you'll cool down immediately if you stand in the shade. Have a bowl of ga mianpian in Huzhu County at noon, then head to Youning Temple in the afternoon. The temple is built on a hillside; as you walk up the stairs, you can see different river valley scenery from each platform. It's quiet in the temple, with prayer flags rustling in the wind. You can just sit on the steps and zone out. ⚠️ Youning Temple has no admission fee, but you must take off your shoes to enter the main hall, so wear shoes that are easy to take off. 07 Zibo | Shandong Summer in Zibo is hot during the day, but comfortably cool in the morning and evening. Don't spend all your time on barbecue. Go to Zhoucun Ancient Commercial City in the morning; the bluestone roads are still dewy, shops are just opening, and there are few people on the street. Walking inside feels like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The sesame seed cake shops in the ancient city bake them fresh to order—eat them while they're hot, they're so flaky they crumble. Find a small restaurant at noon, order some Boshan dishes, and go back to the hotel for a nap after eating. Come out again in the evening; the ancient city looks better when the lights are on than during the day. Find a teahouse to sit for a while, and the breeze is cool. ⚠️ The prices at the handicraft experience shops in the ancient city are inflated, so just take a look. 08 Yanbian | Jilin Summer in Yanbian is so cool it doesn't feel like Northeast China. Start your morning at the Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone. The mountain isn't high, but there are many trees, so you won't be in the sun at all while walking along the tree-lined paths. You can see the outline of the entire Dunhua city area from the summit, and the wind is strong enough to wake you up. Head down the mountain at noon and find a cold noodle restaurant in the city. Buckwheat cold noodles with guobaorou—one sip of the icy broth and the heat is gone. Don't rush to leave in the afternoon; just wander around the city. The rice wine and rice cakes sold in small street shops are more authentic than those in the scenic area. ⚠️ There are many stairs in the Liuding Mountain scenic area, so walk slowly if you have seniors with you; there are rest pavilions along the way. The temperature difference between day and night in Yanbian is large, so remember to add a light jacket when going out at night. Eight places, each with its own way of being cool. Longnan has the coolness of moisture, Jixi has the coolness of lake breezes, and Haidong has the coolness of the plateau. I miss the wind on Baishi Mountain and the waves of Xingkai Lake the most. Is there a place you want to visit again this summer? Let's chat in the comments.

01 Nanjing | Jiangsu Nanjing is a must-visit in autumn. Avoid the crowds at Purple Mountain and start from Xuanwu Lake. Walk along the Taicheng section at 7:30 AM; you can hear fish jumping before the fog dissipates. Leave when you reach Jiefang Gate. Walk straight out to Jiming Temple Road, which looks gilded when the ginkgo trees turn yellow. The best photo spot is at the roadside newsstand; no need to enter the temple. Go to the Presidential Palace after 3:00 PM when tour groups have left and queues are shorter. Walk along the central path to see the President's office, then turn to the west path to see Xuyuan Garden. Two hours is enough. Don't go on Mondays as it's closed. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to Confucius Temple. Don't eat on the main street. Turn into Gongyuan West Street towards Laomendong, where you can find duck blood vermicelli soup for 12 yuan in the alleys; the broth is clear and the intestines are crispy. In the evening, take the Qinhuai River East Line cruise for 40 minutes; the reflections of the lights are beautiful. Buying tickets online saves 10 yuan. Niushou Mountain is worth a full day. Take Metro Line S1 to Hehai University Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride. The underground six-story relic hall in the Buddha's Top Palace is the highlight, with a stunning blue and gold dome. Try to go in the morning for the best light. It takes three hours to descend the mountain; seniors and children can take the shuttle bus for 10 yuan one way. 02 Hengshui | Hebei Hengshui Lake is a hidden gem. It's a 20-minute taxi ride from the high-speed rail station. Don't rent a car immediately upon entering; it's most efficient to take a boat to Meihua Island and then walk. A package ticket saves 15 yuan. The best light is at 5:30 PM, when the lake turns orange and water birds gather. Bring binoculars; watch for egrets and grey herons from the east observation deck. Avoid the reed marshes on the west side. Mosquitoes are plentiful in the summer evenings, so wear long sleeves and pants. Don't eat in the scenic area. Take bus 22 to Renmin Road in the city center, where donkey meat sandwiches are 8 yuan, paired with millet porridge to warm your stomach. On your way back, buy a bag of salted duck eggs with flowing oil, six for 10 yuan. 03 Yichang | Hubei Yichang's landscapes are magnificent. Don't take the large cruise ships. Qingjiang Gallery is recommended, with a direct bus from the East Station taking one hour. The 10:00 AM boat is best, with fewer people and greener water. The stilt houses and boatmen's chants at Longjin Stream in Sanxia Renjia are worth seeing, with shows at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Food in the scenic area is expensive and unappetizing, so bring your own snacks. Afterwards, go to a live fish restaurant at the Yiling Yangtze River Bridgehead, where the fatty fish hotpot is about 60 yuan per person. Sanxia Grand Waterfall is best in summer. Admission is 90 yuan, half price for students. The boardwalks are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. 04 Kaifeng | Henan Kaifeng is underrated. Enter Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden at 4:00 PM to watch the "Tokyo Defense Battle." After dark, the lights make it look like a living scroll. Online tickets are 20 yuan cheaper. Steamed soup dumplings inside the park are 12 yuan per cage. Iron Pagoda Park is quiet with fewer people, a 15-minute taxi ride away. The sunlight on the glazed tiles at 2:00 PM is stunning. Admission is 20 yuan. Xiangguo Temple and Bao Gong Temple are a 20-minute walk away. The thousand-hand Guanyin carving in the Octagonal Glazed Hall is exquisite. Bao Gong Temple closes at 5:00 PM. In the evening, head to Gulou Night Market for stir-fried cold noodles and almond tea; the portions are generous. 05 Ganzhou | Jiangxi Ganzhou is a pleasant surprise. Spend a full day at Sanbai Mountain. Take a two-hour bus from the West Station. The water volume is highest the day after rain, and mountain roads are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Admission plus the sightseeing bus is 120 yuan; don't skip the sightseeing bus. The Hakka earthen houses in Shicheng are rustic, with a wooden beam and earthy smell that feels like time travel. Seniors sell homemade rice wine for 10 yuan. There are few farmhouses in the village, so bring snacks. Zao'er Alley in the city center is free and its old arcade buildings are great for photos. Try the stir-fried fish and steamed pork with glutinous rice at the old restaurant on Wenqing Road, about 50 yuan per person. 06 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji's hidden gems. To see the glacial relics on Mount Taibai, you must go up to Daye Lake, a full day round trip. Bring a windbreaker even in midsummer; the cable car stops at 4:00 PM. The old underground palace at Famen Temple is truly historic, with stunning Tang Dynasty secret-color porcelain. Don't miss it on the east side of the scenic area. The incense sold by grandmas at the entrance for 3 yuan is the same as inside. Guanshan Grassland is a summer retreat; you'll need a blanket at night. Horse riding costs 80 to 120 yuan, negotiable. It's windy, so secure your hat. A chartered car from the city to the grassland costs 300 yuan; splitting it among four people is a good deal. 07 Zhangzhou | Fujian Zhangzhou is overshadowed by Xiamen. Enter Yunshuiyao at 7:00 AM to experience the authentic atmosphere of earthen houses with cooking smoke and seniors sorting vegetables. Admission is 90 yuan. Huaiyuan Building and Hegui Building are worth entering. For Nanjing Tulou, only visit the Tianluokeng "Four Dishes and One Soup" viewpoint. Don't eat in the village; beef ball noodles in the town are about 20 yuan per person. The black basalt rocks at Binhai Volcanic National Geological Park resemble a pipe organ, a one-hour taxi ride from the city. Go at low tide to play with crabs and sea anemones in the tidal pools. The reefs are slippery, so don't wear flip-flops. 08 Zhongwei | Ningxia Zhongwei is a surprise. Avoid Shapotou during holidays. It's a 40-minute taxi ride from the South Station. Buy a package ticket including sandboarding, sheepskin rafts, and off-roading for over 200 yuan. Enter the desert area at 4:00 PM; the light is soft and the sand dune textures are beautiful. Wear sunglasses and a mask to protect against sand. Gaomiao Bao'an Temple is next to the Drum Tower. Visit in the morning; it closes at 5:00 PM. Admission is 10 yuan, and the 500 Arhat Hall features clay sculptures with diverse expressions. Stir-fried hand-pulled noodles on Xiangyang Pedestrian Street are 12 yuan. Hand-grabbed lamb is 80 yuan per jin, served with garlic and vinegar. The sunset by the Yellow River is absolutely stunning. Underrated cities getaway rail direct travel escape

8 uncrowded and budget-friendly places for a cool September getaway with kids 01 Jiuquan | Gansu When visiting Jiuquan with kids, don't just focus on the Mogao Caves. Start your morning at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake. The sun has just risen, so the sand isn't too hot yet—kids love running around barefoot. Camel rides are about CNY 100 per loop, but the lines are long. I recommend climbing the sand ridge instead; the view is wider, and you can see the entire Crescent Lake below. ⚠️ Get a pair of sand shoe covers for your child. They're CNY 15 per pair at the entrance—don't complain about the price, it's better than dealing with sand in their shoes. Head back to the city for lunch. The apricot peel tea at Han-Tang Food Street is sweet, sour, and refreshing. Pair it with a bowl of donkey meat noodles, and your kids will be sweating with joy. For the Mogao Caves in the afternoon, remember to book your tickets on the official mini-program a week in advance. Class A tickets cover 8 caves. If your kids are too young to sit still, rent an audio guide; they'll be fascinated by the stories behind the murals. Head to Yumen Pass in the evening. It's windy, so bring a light jacket for the kids. Seeing the sunset while thinking of the line "The spring breeze never crosses Yumen Pass" is much more vivid than reading it in a textbook. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated spot for a family summer getaway. Taibai Mountain is high in altitude; while it's 30°C at the base, it might be only 15°C at the summit. Take the cable car up to Tianyuan Difang, where the sea of clouds rolls by—kids will point at them and call them "cotton candy." ⚠️ Rent a down jacket at the base for CNY 30 each. Don't think it's a hassle; it's really needed because of the wind at the top. There are cable cars for the whole route, so you don't have to climb too many stairs, and you can even use a stroller for part of it. The next day, head to Guanshan Grassland—the kids' favorite. Horse riding is CNY 50 per loop (about 20 mins), and staff lead the horses, so it's safe. It's windy on the grassland, so you don't even need to run to fly a kite; just stand there and it'll take off. Stay in a Mongolian yurt at night for over CNY 200 per night. The conditions are basic, but the kids will be thrilled. 🍜 Try the roast lamb chops—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Just remember to tell the restaurant to go easy on the salt, or it'll be too salty. If your kids don't have a concept of Buddhism, you can skip Famen Temple and spend more time rolling around on the grassland instead. 03 Qingdao | Shandong The seawater in Qingdao is already getting cool in September, but it's perfect for a family trip. In the morning, head to the Taiqing Palace route at Mount Lao. You don't need to climb too high; take the cable car up to see the sea and sky merge. Kids will pick up stones and treasure them in their pockets. The round-trip cable car is CNY 90, and it's free for kids under 1.2m—a good deal. In the afternoon, head to Zhanqiao Pier. When the tide goes out, crabs hide in the crevices of the rocks. Bring a small bucket and shovel, and your kids can squat there digging for an hour. ⚠️ The rocks are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes, not flip-flops. Go to the Olympic Sailing Center in the evening. The sea breeze is cool, and watching the sailboats return to port as the lights come on makes the whole bay glow with a warm yellow hue. 🍜 The seafood stalls on Yunxiao Road nearby are great. Spicy stir-fried clams are CNY 38 per plate, and kids will love the garlic scallops—two each and they're full. Avoid Pichaiyuan; it's expensive, crowded, and a tourist trap. 04 Nanchang | Jiangxi Nanchang is still hot in September, but Tengwang Pavilion is worth braving the sun for. Enter after 5:00 PM when the light softens. Climbing to the top floor to look out over the Gan River, you'll see that the "sunset clouds and a lone duck flying together" is a real view, not just a figure of speech. Tickets are CNY 50, half price for students. ⚠️ The stairs inside are narrow, so don't bring a stroller; leave it at the entrance. Kids might not be that interested in the pavilion itself, but the souvenir shop downstairs sells Tengwang Pavilion ice cream for CNY 15 each. Buy one for a photo, and they'll be happy, which makes things easier for you. In the evening, go to the Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural Block. It's free, brightly lit, and has stalls for sugar painting and dough figurine making—the kids won't want to leave. 🍜 Mixed rice noodles and earthen jar soup are the standard. The noodles are CNY 3 per bowl, and the soup is CNY 10—you'll finish every last drop. ⚠️ Don't order the spicy noodles; kids can't handle it. The original flavor is delicious enough. 05 Nanjing | Jiangsu Nanjing is cool in the mornings and evenings in September, perfect for walking around. The Presidential Palace is a Republic of China-era building; kids might find it boring, but there's a small garden inside with rockeries and fish ponds where they can play for ten minutes. Tickets are CNY 35, and it's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. What's really great for kids is Xuanwu Lake. It's free, the path around the lake is flat and stroller-friendly, and you can rent a pedal boat for CNY 100 per hour. With the lake breeze blowing, the kids might even fall asleep on the boat, giving you some quiet time to look at the city wall. Go to Fuzi Temple and the Qinhuai River at night when the lights are on, but the snack street is packed, making it hard to push a stroller. 📍 I suggest walking along Pingjiangfu Road to enter from the side gate; it's half as crowded. 🍜 For duck blood vermicelli soup, just pick a "Huiwei" chain store; it's clean and reliable. The underground palace at Niushou Mountain is stunning, but there are many stairs, so be careful if you have small children unless you're prepared to carry them the whole way. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is cool in September, perfect for outdoor fun. Baishi Mountain is the top choice for families. The glass skywalk hangs over the cliff; kids will be scared but want to walk it anyway. Parents will have to coax and pull them along—it's exciting the whole way. Tickets plus cable car are about CNY 180. There are flat trails on the mountain, so you can use a stroller for most of it. ⚠️ The temperature at the summit is 7–8 degrees lower than at the base, so dress the kids in long sleeves; they can easily catch a cold in the chilly wind. Baili Gorge in Yesanpo is better for older kids. There's a stream running along the path where they can take off their shoes and wade—the water is cool but not freezing. In the afternoon, go to the Western Qing Mausoleum. It's quiet and uncrowded, with towering ancient pines. Tell the kids the story of how the emperors chose their burial sites, and they'll listen intently. 🍜 Baoding donkey meat burgers are the real deal. They're CNY 15 each and packed with meat; kids will be full after half. 07 Lhasa | Tibet September in Lhasa is the tail end of the rainy season, but it's mostly sunny, and the oxygen content is higher than in winter, so it's not as tough on kids. You need to book tickets for the Potala Palace a day in advance—CNY 200, half price for kids. The stairs inside are steep, so don't bring a stroller; take turns carrying the kids if they get tired. At the entrance of Jokhang Temple, you'll see people prostrating. Kids will ask what they're doing, and when you explain they're "expressing their wishes," they might not fully understand, but they'll learn to respect it. Namtso is at an altitude of 4,700m. Kids are prone to altitude sickness, so ⚠️ don't stay overnight; go there and back in one day. It's windy by the lake, so wear hats and windbreakers. Kids can spend the whole afternoon picking up stones and chasing water birds. 🍜 At the Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House in downtown Lhasa, a pot of sweet tea is CNY 8. Pair it with Tibetan noodles, and the kids will drink the sweet tea until their bellies are round. ⚠️ If your child shows any signs of a cold, don't go to the plateau. Safety first. 08 Guiyang | Guizhou Guiyang is in the low 20s in September, a true summer getaway paradise. Take a boat into the karst caves at Tianhetan; kids will "wow" at the stalactites. Boat tickets plus admission are CNY 80 for an hour-long trip—not tiring at all. It's damp and slippery inside, so wear non-slip shoes. The city walls at Qingyan Ancient Town are low, so kids can climb them themselves. The pig trotters are the signature dish—CNY 20 per serving, soft, tender, and not spicy. Kids will be eating them with greasy faces. Gaopo Yunding Grassland is at an altitude of 1,500m. It's windy, perfect for flying kites and having a picnic. Lay down a mat, let the kids chase the sheep, and you can lie back and watch the clouds. ⚠️ There's no shade on the grassland, so sunscreen is a must. Huaxi Park is free, and the water is shallow, so kids can wade and catch small fish. Remember to bring a change of pants. 🍜 Go to the Qingyun Road night market in the evening. Potato cakes and tofu balls are CNY 5–6 per serving, and the kids will love them. When traveling in September, don't flock to the popular spots. These eight places are uncrowded, cool, and budget-friendly. Where are you planning to take your kids this year? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll help you avoid the pitfalls.

In August, poor travel goes in the opposite direction, these 8️⃣ places have less people, beautiful scenery and cheaper 01 Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan ⏰ At 7 am, Phoenix Ancient City is not awake. There is a thin mist floating on the Yujiang River. There are only a few locals washing vegetables by the rock jumping. The ancient city at this point is the way it is, without being forced into the crowd to see other people’s rear pillows. I suggest you stay directly outside the ancient city, the inns around Hongqiao East Road are half cheaper than Linjiang rooms, and it takes five minutes to walk there. Visit Shen Congwen's former residence and Dongmen City Tower during the day. Tickets are more than 100 dollars, and student ID cards are half price. At noon, we had a bowl of beef noodle soup at the "Old House Noodle House" under the Hongqiao Bridge. It cost only 10 dollars. The soup was so thick that you could hang a soup. In the afternoon, take a bus to Dehang Grand Canyon, 📍 There is a direct shuttle bus from Phoenix Bus Station, the fare is about twenty dollars. After a two-hour walk around the canyon, you can try the door-stop wine of Miaozhai. Don't be greedy for a glass. The aftertaste is not small. ⚠️ Remember the last bus back to the city is at 5:30. If you miss it, you can only take a taxi. It's expensive. Eighteen Holes is next to Ai Chau, and can be arranged on the same day. The observation deck of Aizhai Bridge is great to see the sea of ​​clouds, but you must go in the morning. In the afternoon, once the sun shines and the fog disperses, the view is compromised. Walking down this road, the average per person is 300 dollars, you can play for two days. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is a place that is completely overshadowed by Xi'an, but because of this, prices are still stuck at five years ago. 🚄High-speed rail to Baoji South Station, take a taxi to the city for ten dollars out, live near the second road, 150 dollars can live in a good chain. Mount Taibai must be arranged on the first day of the trip because you need to save enough energy. Tickets plus view delivery are $150, cableway is not included. I suggest you sit on the ropeway and walk down so your knees don’t hurt as much and you can see a few more sights. 🏔️ The water of Da Ye Hai is so blue that it is unreal, but the altitude is 3500, don't run or jump, walk slowly. Famen Temple and Guanshan Grassland are in the opposite direction, and they have to be separated for two days. The Namaste stupa at Famen Temple is shocking, but ⚠️ The things in the underground palace are mostly replicas, the real ones are in the museum, don't go wrong. Guanshan Grassland is suitable for self-driving, the mountain road has many twists and turns, novices should be careful. If you don't want to drive, there is a tourist bus at Baoji Bus Station, which takes two hours one way. The name Cold Mountain Wind sounds cold, but it’s actually a great place to watch the stars on a summer night. An hour’s drive in the city, no light pollution, the Milky Way visible to the naked eye. Bring a mat and mosquito repellent water, lie on the grass and watch the stars, this trip to Shaanxi is complete. 03 River Pond | Guangxi Hechi is the hidden menu of Guangxi, the karst landscape is not inferior to Guilin, but the consumption is only one-third of Guilin. I went this time, five days and four nights, food, accommodation and walking added up to less than 800. Jiuton Skylight must go in the morning, 📍 Navigate to Chengjiang Town, five minutes walk. The water was as calm as a mirror before 10 a.m., and the clear world could be seen thirty meters underwater. You can swim here, bring a swimsuit, the water is cool to the core. I didn’t know how to swim, so I soaked my feet on the shore and it was comfortable enough. Xiangbei Paradise is the same as its name. You have to take a boat to enter. The ferry ticket plus 50 tickets. Inside is an isolated village where old people weave and children catch fish, time is slow here. 🍜The mugwort dumplings sold by the grandmother at the entrance of the village, two dollars each, hot and soft, more real than any scenic snack. Donglan Shanshui and Sanxingyang Ferry can be connected by water. Renting a bamboo raft, you can float for two hours for $100. The banks are lined with green hills, with egrets flying over from time to time. ⚠️ Remember to wear sunscreen clothes, the water is reflective, the sun is sharper than the land. 04 Zhanjiang | Guangdong Zhanjiang is a treasure city delayed by seafood. People came to eat oysters, so I went straight to Lake Light Rock. This is the largest Lake Maer in China. The water is crystal clear and the lake does not fall leaves all year round. It is amazing. Tickets are fifty, and after entering you can rent an electric car around the lake for thirty dollars an hour. I recommend walking, four kilometers around the lake trail, stopping for two hours while walking, the smell of negative ions in the air. ⏰ The light is best after 6pm, the lake is like emerald, no filter for photography. ⚠️ The only thing that is wrong in Huguang Rock is the restaurants in the scenic area, which are expensive and disgusting. For a while, I took a taxi to Chikan Old Street for 10 dollars. The seafood noodles there are 15 dollars a bowl. There are enough ingredients to be used as a main meal. 05 Alxa | Inner Mongolia Alxa in August is dripping with sun and shivering cold at night. But it is this extreme that makes the starry sky and desert here extra worth seeing. Tickets plus an off-road vehicle in the Badain Jaran Desert cost 400 dollars in peak season, but ⚠️ you can bargain when you enter after 4pm, the sunset in the desert hinterland is worth spending these tens of dollars more. Off-road driving in the sand is exciting, but people with motion sickness take motion sickness medicine half an hour early, don't ask me how I know. The Hu Yanglin tourist area is not in the best season now, but instead it is quiet. Tickets are half cheaper, and you get to see Hu Yang at his truest—half living green, half withered ash, more storytelling than the golden yellow of autumn. 📍 The roasted whole lamb at the entrance of the scenic spot is good, but you have to book in advance, and you have to wait for three hours for fresh roasting. Accommodation is recommended to stay in a yurt in the scenic area, two hundred dollars a night, at night you can see the galaxy. Remember to bring a down, August desert night, only eleven or twelve degrees, freezing cold. 06 Shijiazhuang | Hebei Many people would laugh if Shijiazhuang is a tourist city. But Zhaozhou Bridge is worth a special trip, it is a living fossil of ancient bridges, much more shocking than the photos in textbooks. Tickets forty, explainer rent a ten dollars, otherwise you just watch the lively. ⚠️ There are many "wild guides" outside the Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area. Don't worry, the guides in the scenic area are free. After seeing the bridge, go to the "Zhaozhou Donkey Meat Fire Roast" at the end of the bridge. It costs 12 dollars a piece. The crust is crispy and the donkey meat is fragrant but not woody. I packed two more after eating. West Berkshire is an hour and a half drive from the city, navigate directly to the parking lot. Free to visit, but ⚠️ Be sure to book in advance in the official applet, the queue will be lined up to doubt your life. The architecture here is well preserved, and you can feel the simplicity of that era when you walk around. 🚄 The last bus back to the city is at 5pm, don't overdo it. 07 Longyan | Fujian Longyan is the base camp of the Hakka people. There are many earth buildings, ancient cities, and Danxia landforms, but there are ten times fewer tourists than Xiamen. Yongding earth building complex tickets 90, it is recommended to hire a guide, 100 dollars, not what you see is just "a bunch of round houses". ⏰ The best time to shoot the earth building is at 5:30 in the evening, the setting sun illuminates the earth wall into gold, tourists are basically gone. Staying at a homestay in a earth building for a night, $150, woken up in the morning by the chirping of chickens, pushing open the window is the smoke, this experience is worth the price of admission. The ancient city of Changting is free and much quieter than Phoenix. The 40-minute walk around the ancient city wall is particularly flavorful after the lights are lit at night. 🍜The dustpan on the street costs three dollars a portion, drizzled with onion oil, I can eat three portions in a row. The Shimen Lake cruise at Guanzhishan is worth a sixty-five dollars. The boat weaves through the cracks of the Danxia landscape, with a line of sky above and emerald green water below. 08 Chicken West | Heilongjiang Jixi is located on the Sino-Russian border, an hour and a half drive from Mudanjiang Airport, and air tickets are always cheap. Xingkai Lake in August is neither hot nor cold. The water is so clear that you can see the sand underneath. ⚠️ The most pitfall of Xingkai Lake is the restaurant at the entrance of the scenic spot. A fish costs you two hundred dollars. Walking 500 meters in, the barbecued fish from a roadside stall is only 30 dollars, and it tastes even better. The World War II End Memorial Park in Tiger Head Town is free, but closes at 4pm, ⏰ before 2pm is the best. Camping is available on the sandy beach by the lake for fifty dollars a night to rent a tent. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves at night and being woken up by the sunrise in the morning is an experience that costs five hundred dollars in Sanya. 🚄 On the way back, you can go to Chicken West City to eat a bowl of cold noodles, ten dollars, sweet and sour, with pot meat, this trip is complete. These eight places, one by one, I found out on the map. They are not perfect, but they are real, cheap, and few people. Instead of watching the crowds at popular attractions, head out in August and spend the least amount of money to see the most authentic scenery. What obscure place have you been to recently? Let’s talk in the comments section, I’m leaving next month. In August, poor travel goes in the opposite direction, these 8️⃣ places have less people, beautiful scenery and cheaper 01 Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan ⏰ At 7 am, Phoenix Ancient City is not awake. There is a thin mist floating on the Yujiang River. There are only a few locals washing vegetables by the rock jumping. The ancient city at this point is the way it is, without being forced into the crowd to see other people’s rear pillows. I suggest you stay directly outside the ancient city, the inns around Hongqiao East Road are half cheaper than Linjiang rooms, and it takes five minutes to walk there. Visit Shen Congwen's former residence and Dongmen City Tower during the day. Tickets are more than 100 dollars, and student ID cards are half price. At noon, we had a bowl of beef noodle soup at the "Old House Noodle House" under the Hongqiao Bridge. It cost only 10 dollars. The soup was so thick that you could hang a soup. In the afternoon, take a bus to Dehang Grand Canyon, 📍 There is a direct shuttle bus from Phoenix Bus Station, the fare is about twenty dollars. After a two-hour walk around the canyon, you can try the door-stop wine of Miaozhai. Don't be greedy for a glass. The aftertaste is not small. ⚠️ Remember the last bus back to the city is at 5:30. If you miss it, you can only take a taxi. It's expensive. Eighteen Holes is next to Ai Chau, and can be arranged on the same day. The observation deck of Aizhai Bridge is great to see the sea of ​​clouds, but you must go in the morning. In the afternoon, once the sun shines and the fog disperses, the view is compromised. Walking down this road, the average per person is 300 dollars, you can play for two days. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is a place that is completely overshadowed by Xi'an, but because of this, prices are still stuck at five years ago. 🚄High-speed rail to Baoji South Station, take a taxi to the city for ten dollars out, live near the second road, 150 dollars can live in a good chain. Mount Taibai must be arranged on the first day of the trip because you need to save enough energy. Tickets plus view delivery are $150, cableway is not included. I suggest you sit on the ropeway and walk down so your knees don’t hurt as much and you can see a few more sights. 🏔️ The water of Da Ye Hai is so blue that it is unreal, but the altitude is 3500, don't run or jump, walk slowly. Famen Temple and Guanshan Grassland are in the opposite direction, and they have to be separated for two days. The Namaste stupa at Famen Temple is shocking, but ⚠️ The things in the underground palace are mostly replicas, the real ones are in the museum, don't go wrong. Guanshan Grassland is suitable for self-driving, the mountain road has many twists and turns, novices should be careful. If you don't want to drive, there is a tourist bus at Baoji Bus Station, which takes two hours one way. The name Cold Mountain Wind sounds cold, but it’s actually a great place to watch the stars on a summer night. An hour’s drive in the city, no light pollution, the Milky Way visible to the naked eye. Bring a mat and mosquito repellent water, lie on the grass and watch the stars, this trip to Shaanxi is complete. 03 River Pond | Guangxi Hechi is the hidden menu of Guangxi, the karst landscape is not inferior to Guilin, but the consumption is only one-third of Guilin. I went this time, five days and four nights, food, accommodation and walking added up to less than 800. Jiuton Skylight must go in the morning, 📍 Navigate to Chengjiang Town, five minutes walk. The water was as calm as a mirror before 10 a.m., and the clear world could be seen thirty meters underwater. You can swim here, bring a swimsuit, the water is cool to the core. I didn’t know how to swim, so I soaked my feet on the shore and it was comfortable enough. Xiangbei Paradise is the same as its name. You have to take a boat to enter. The ferry ticket plus 50 tickets. Inside is an isolated village where old people weave and children catch fish, time is slow here. 🍜The mugwort dumplings sold by the grandmother at the entrance of the village, two dollars each, hot and soft, more real than any scenic snack. Donglan Shanshui and Sanxingyang Ferry can be connected by water. Renting a bamboo raft, you can float for two hours for $100. The banks are lined with green hills, with egrets flying over from time to time. ⚠️ Remember to wear sunscreen clothes, the water is reflective, the sun is sharper than the land. 04 Zhanjiang | Guangdong Zhanjiang is a treasure city delayed by seafood. People came to eat oysters, so I went straight to Lake Light Rock. This is the largest Lake Maer in China. The water is crystal clear and the lake does not fall leaves all year round. It is amazing. Tickets are fifty, and after entering you can rent an electric car around the lake for thirty dollars an hour. I recommend walking, four kilometers around the lake trail, stopping for two hours while walking, the smell of negative ions in the air. ⏰ The light is best after 6pm, the lake is like emerald, no filter for photography. ⚠️ The only thing that is wrong in Huguang Rock is the restaurants in the scenic area, which are expensive and disgusting. For a while, I took a taxi to Chikan Old Street for 10 dollars. The seafood noodles there are 15 dollars a bowl. There are enough ingredients to be used as a main meal. 05 Alxa | Inner Mongolia Alxa in August is dripping with sun and shivering cold at night. But it is this extreme that makes the starry sky and desert here extra worth seeing. Tickets plus an off-road vehicle in the Badain Jaran Desert cost 400 dollars in peak season, but ⚠️ you can bargain when you enter after 4pm, the sunset in the desert hinterland is worth spending these tens of dollars more. Off-road driving in the sand is exciting, but people with motion sickness take motion sickness medicine half an hour early, don't ask me how I know. The Hu Yanglin tourist area is not in the best season now, but instead it is quiet. Tickets are half cheaper, and you get to see Hu Yang at his truest—half living green, half withered ash, more storytelling than the golden yellow of autumn. 📍 The roasted whole lamb at the entrance of the scenic spot is good, but you have to book in advance, and you have to wait for three hours for fresh roasting. Accommodation is recommended to stay in a yurt in the scenic area, two hundred dollars a night, at night you can see the galaxy. Remember to bring a down, August desert night, only eleven or twelve degrees, freezing cold. 06 Shijiazhuang | Hebei Many people will laugh when they say that Shijiazhuang is a tourist city. But Zhaozhou Bridge is worth a special trip, it is a living fossil of ancient bridges, much more shocking than the photos in textbooks. Tickets forty, explainer rent a ten dollars, otherwise you just watch the lively. ⚠️ There are many "wild guides" outside the Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area. Don't worry, the guides in the scenic area are free. After seeing the bridge, go to the "Zhaozhou Donkey Meat Fire Roast" at the end of the bridge. It costs 12 dollars a piece. The crust is crispy and the donkey meat is fragrant but not woody. I packed two more after eating. West Berkshire is an hour and a half drive from the city, navigate directly to the parking lot. Free to visit, but ⚠️ Be sure to book in advance in the official applet, the queue will be lined up to doubt your life. The architecture here is well preserved, and you can feel the simplicity of that era when you walk around. 🚄 The last bus back to the city is at 5pm, don't overdo it. 07 Longyan | Fujian Longyan is the base camp of the Hakka people. There are many earth buildings, ancient cities, and Danxia landforms, but there are ten times fewer tourists than Xiamen. Yongding earth building complex tickets 90, it is recommended to hire a guide, 100 dollars, not what you see is just "a bunch of round houses". ⏰ The best time to shoot the earth building is at 5:30 in the evening, the setting sun illuminates the earth wall into gold, tourists are basically gone. Staying at a homestay in a earth building for a night, $150, woken up in the morning by the chirping of chickens, pushing open the window is the smoke, this experience is worth the price of admission. The ancient city of Changting is free and much quieter than Phoenix. The 40-minute walk around the ancient city wall is particularly flavorful after the lights are lit at night. 🍜The dustpan on the street costs three dollars a portion, drizzled with onion oil, I can eat three portions in a row. The Shimen Lake cruise at Guanzhishan is worth a sixty-five dollars. The boat weaves through the cracks of the Danxia landscape, with a line of sky above and emerald green water below. 08 Chicken West | Heilongjiang Jixi is located on the Sino-Russian border, an hour and a half drive from Mudanjiang Airport, and air tickets are always cheap. Xingkai Lake in August is neither hot nor cold. The water is so clear that you can see the sand underneath. ⚠️ The most pitfall of Xingkai Lake is the restaurant at the entrance of the scenic spot. A fish costs you two hundred dollars. Walking 500 meters in, the barbecued fish from a roadside stall is only 30 dollars, and it tastes even better. The World War II End Memorial Park in Tiger Head Town is free, but closes at 4pm, ⏰ before 2pm is the best. Camping is available on the sandy beach by the lake for fifty dollars a night to rent a tent. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves at night and being woken up by the sunrise in the morning is an experience that costs five hundred dollars in Sanya. 🚄 On the way back, you can go to Chicken West City to eat a bowl of cold noodles, ten dollars, sweet and sour, with pot meat, this trip is complete. These eight places, one by one, I found out on the map. They are not perfect, but they are real, cheap, and few people. Instead of watching the crowds at popular attractions, head out in August and spend the least amount of money to see the most authentic scenery. What obscure place have you been to recently? Let’s talk in the comments section, I’m leaving next month.

Where to escape the heat in August? These 6️⃣ places are uncrowded, scenic, and reachable by direct high-speed train 01 Baoji | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain is the highlight of this trip. Enter the mountain at 7:00 AM. After taking the cable car and walking a section of boardwalk, the temperature drops to the low 20s °C and the breeze smells like pine needles. ⏰ Get off the mountain before 3:00 PM. Fog forms easily, and visibility drops later. Guanshan grassland is better visited at dusk—the sun slants across the slopes, cattle and sheep amble across the road, and sitting by a haystack eating roasted corn feels better than air conditioning in the city. Set aside half a day for the Famen Temple Buddhist cultural area; the interior of the Heshi reliquary tower is impressive, but tickets are not cheap. If you're not interested in Buddhist culture, skip it and use the time to return to town for hand-rolled noodles. Dongshan Wind is where locals cool off; after 8:00 PM it gets windy, so bring a light jacket. 🚄 A taxi from Baoji South station to Taibai Mountain visitor center takes about 40 minutes. Carpooling is more economical. 02 Hengyang | Hunan At the Nanyue Hengshan scenic area, don't start by hiking up. First take the shuttle to the mid-mountain pavilion, then walk the Fanyin Valley section—the sound of the stream follows you and the shade is thick, making it feel 5–6 °C cooler than the base. The Nanyue Grand Temple sits at the foot of the mountain; visiting in the afternoon avoids the hiking crowds. With red walls and green tiles, the incense mixes with osmanthus blossoms; a loop takes about 40 minutes. ⚠️ The temple stops admitting visitors at 5:00 PM. Don't time your visit to arrive at the last minute. 🍜 After descending, go to Zhurong Road for a rice noodle shop—Hengyang fish noodles with fried dough sticks are so savory you won't want to talk. If you bring seniors or kids, stick to the Grand Temple and mid-mountain pavilion; don't force a climb to Zhurong Peak—the many steps are hard on knees. 🚄 There is a direct shuttle bus from Hengyang East station to the Nanyue scenic area, about 1 hour. 03 Diqing | Yunnan Baishuitai resembles a terraced version of Pamukkale, with calcified pools stacked layer upon layer and water so blue it looks unreal. 📍 It's about a 2-hour drive from Shangri-La city; road conditions are average, so booking a private car is recommended—don't drive yourself. A circuit of Shudu Lake boardwalk in Pudacuo takes at least 2 hours; at 3,600 m elevation you'll get out of breath if you rush, so take it slow. Songzanlin Monastery has many steps, but the view from the top is worth it—the golden roof dazzles in the sun and the wind is filled with the flapping of prayer flags. For Tiger Leaping Gorge go during the rainy season; mid-August has the highest water volume, with river water crashing onto boulders and spray that can reach your face—standing on the viewing platform can make your legs go weak. ⚠️ Oxygen canisters are expensive in the park; buy them in town in advance, about CNY 20 per bottle. ⏰ Set off at 8:00 AM. Doing Baishuitai and Pudacuo in one day is unrealistic—split them into two days for a more comfortable trip. 04 Bayingolin | Xinjiang At Bayinbuluke grassland, the main show starts after 6:00 PM—the winding bends and the sunset can set the whole sky ablaze orange, and the mosquitoes are so numerous you won't believe it. Wear long pants and long sleeves and use insect repellent—don't skip any of them. Don't go into the Taklamakan Desert at noon—the sand is hot enough to burn your feet and you'll want to run after five minutes. Go at dusk, and barefoot on the sand ridges it feels just right; when the wind blows the ripple patterns roll like waves. The Tarim poplar forest park is most beautiful in autumn; visiting in August is monotonously green but worth it for the lack of crowds—the entire park is so quiet you can only hear birds. 🍜 In Bayinbuluke town try wild mushroom mixed noodles—the portions are large; one serving is enough for two people. 🚄 There are buses from Korla to Bayinbuluke, but carpooling is recommended—the scenery along the way is worth stopping to photograph. 05 Handan | Hebei Guangfu ancient city: go at 7:00 AM—the base of the city wall is full of elders practicing tai chi, and willow trees along the moat provide shady spots. A circuit takes about 1 hour. The alleyways are more interesting than the main street; the thresholds of old houses have lotus carvings and corners are piled with old ceramic jars—it's more photogenic than the main attractions. Nuwa Palace is halfway up the mountain; the steps are steep but the mountain breeze is cool. Standing at Butian Pavilion and looking down, Zhonghuang Mountain shines green. ⚠️ Nuwa Palace stops selling tickets at 4:30 PM. Don't arrive too late. 🍜 For lunch try the crispy fish restaurant inside Guangfu city—the stewed fish is so tender the bones soften; pair it with a bowl of millet porridge for comfort. 🚄 A taxi from Handan East station to Guangfu ancient city takes about 40 minutes. It's hard to get a taxi on the return trip; book one in advance. 06 Quzhou | Zhejiang Kaihua root palace Buddhist kingdom is less a scenic spot and more a giant root carving museum—over 500 arhats are hidden in tree roots, each with a different expression; walking around feels like exploring a maze. ⏰ Go in the morning; light slants in through the high windows and the wood grain shows best. Jianglang Mountain and Nianbaidu are close to each other and can be done in one day. The "one-line sky" gap on Jianglang Mountain is so narrow you must side-step through; a beam of light leaks through the rock overhead and a cool draft rises from underfoot. Nianbaidu's old street isn't overcommercialized—the bluestone road is lined with native-run shops selling ma bing and tongluo cakes, CNY 5 each; the hot ones taste better than the packaged ones. ⚠️ Don't climb Jianglang Mountain when it's raining; the steps get slippery. Safety first. 🚄 There is a high-speed train from Quzhou station to Kaihua, 20 minutes. 07 Sanya | Hainan Sanya in August is unbearably hot during the day, but mornings and evenings are a different story. At the Daxiao Dongtian scenic area, go at 8:00 AM when the sea breeze hasn't warmed; waves splashing against the reefs cool your face. Take a boat to Wuzhizhou Island—take seasickness medicine beforehand. The island's coral sand feels like walking on flour, but the sun is intense. Enter the water after 3:00 PM when the temperature is just right and the risk of sunburn is lower. At Tianya Haijiao, honestly it's two rocks and a slice of sea and tickets aren't cheap, but at dusk the sunset turns the sea gold and it's worth the price. Yalong Bay's beach is cleaner than downtown; after 7:00 PM it's less crowded. Walk barefoot; when the waves recede the sand underfoot feels cool. 🍜 Try the qingbuliang at the city's first market—rich coconut milk and generous toppings; CNY 10 a bowl, about half the price of scenic areas. ⚠️ Take a taxi to the Wuzhizhou Island ferry terminal. Drivers may recommend cheap package deals—don't trust them. Buying through official channels is more reliable. 08 Yanbian | Jilin Liuding Mountain cultural tourism area at the foot of Changbai Mountain is already cool enough in August that you need a jacket in the mornings and evenings. The park is large; take the sightseeing bus and stop first at Zhengjue Temple—the gilded-roof temple is especially quiet in the morning light and the wind chimes ring crisp. Further up is the Golden Cauldron Buddha; there aren't many steps, but the high altitude makes you short of breath if you go fast. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM for the best light—the Buddha's facial contours are clear and photos need no filters. 🍜 After descending, go to Dunhua city for cold noodles—buckwheat noodles in chilled beef broth with a sour and spicy taste; one bowl will perk you right up. ⚠️ Ginseng sold in the park is overpriced; don't buy impulsively. 🚄 A taxi from Yanji West station takes about 40 minutes. On the way back, stop in Yanji for barbecue—Korean-Chinese flavors that are worth the detour. The coolness of August isn't found in air-conditioned rooms but in the mountains, by the water, and in the morning and evening breeze. Pick one nearby, buy a high-speed train ticket, and go. Where did you escape the heat this summer? Share in the comments and help inspire the next trip.

Budget travelers rejoice! These 8 summer escapes have fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and are affordable 01 Qujing | Yunnan Qujing is my underrated summer getaway in Yunnan. Summer temperatures average just above 20°C, and you’ll still need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. Stay near Nanchengmen in Qilin District. You can walk to the old street and park. Rooms cost around 100 yuan per night, clean and reliable. Although Luoping’s canola flower sea is mainly a spring attraction, the green terraced fields in summer are just as stunning—and best of all, free. Take a leisurely walk along the Jinji Peak trail, where the air is filled with the scent of fresh grass. The Jiulong Waterfall cluster tickets aren’t expensive, and students get half off. Enter through the east gate and hike upstream to avoid crowds and tour groups. After 3 PM, the light softens, and the mist from the waterfalls cools you down, making it feel nothing like summer. 🍜 At night, head to Ximen Street for grilled rice cakes. Five yuan a serving, with sweet and savory sauces to brush on yourself—much better value than the 10-yuan ones inside the scenic area. 02 Zhongwei | Ningxia Zhongwei isn’t just about Shapotou. Gaomiao Bao’an Temple is a quiet spot locals love. The temple is downtown, and the blue sky frames the hanging pavilions perfectly for photos. Tickets cost only 20 yuan, and from the top, you can overlook the entire old town. Shapotou tickets and activities are pricey, but if you just want to play in the sand and see the Yellow River, head to the free dunes outside the east gate. Climb up for the same wide-open views. ⏰ Go to Gaomiao in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Enter Shapotou after 4 PM to enjoy the breeze by the Yellow River and watch the sunset. The light is ten times better than at noon. Stay near Gulou. Both places are reachable by bus, and taxis start at the base fare. ⚠️ If someone at the entrance offers camel rides for photos, ask the price before agreeing. Otherwise, they may charge you for every photo taken. 🚄 Taxi from Zhongwei station to downtown costs 10 yuan. Avoid unlicensed taxis. 03 Haidong | Qinghai Haidong is often skipped between Qinghai Lake and Xining, but I think it’s better for an overnight stay. The Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park tickets are affordable. You can see Tu embroidery and the Wheel Autumn performance. The 2 PM show has the fewest people, and you might chat with the local women. Youning Temple is hidden in a valley. It’s a few yuan by minibus from Huzhu town. The temple is free, and there’s an old pine tree at the entrance where you can sit in the shade and listen to the wind and chanting all day. 🍜 Outside the temple, a lady sells yogurt for five yuan a bowl. It has a yellow cream on top, sour enough to make you frown but very refreshing. Stay at a guesthouse by the Datong River. Opening your window at night reveals snowy mountains and a much cooler breeze than in town. ⚠️ Haidong has a big temperature difference between day and night. Even in August, bring a fleece jacket. 04 Taizhou | Zhejiang Taizhou is an underrated city of mountains and water. Both Tiantai Mountain and Shenxianju are great summer escapes, but if you have to pick one, I prefer Tiantai Mountain. It’s not just one mountain but a large scenic area. The Shiliang Waterfall area is the coolest spot, with mist like natural air conditioning. Tickets cost about 60 yuan. Walking the big waterfall and ancient temple takes about half a day and is easy for all ages. The Taizhou cultural tourism area is in Linhai. You can enter the ancient city walls for free. After 6 PM, climb the city tower to see the sunset turn the bricks orange. The whole old town lies beneath you. The Shenxianju cable car is expensive. If you’re not in a hurry, hike up instead. The trail is well maintained, with waterfalls along the way. Save the cable car money for a bowl of Linhai wheat shrimp. 📍 Try the egg white lamb tail on Ziyang Street in Linhai. Three for 10 yuan. Eat them hot—they’re soft and fluffy like clouds. 05 Changchun | Jilin Changchun’s summer is dry and cool, unlike the sticky south, making it perfect for budget travel. The Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum tickets cost 70 yuan, but if you just want to admire the architecture and courtyards, you can spend a long time outside. The red walls and green tiles against the blue sky make for great photos. If you’re interested in history, buy a ticket and rent an audio guide to avoid rushing through the exhibits. The Changchun World Sculpture Park is cheap and huge, with sculptures from around the world scattered on the lawns—great for picnics and photos. Jingyuetan is a bit far from downtown but affordable. Rent a bike to ride around the lake. The forest breeze is very refreshing. Changying Century City is fun for kids but a bit childish for me, and tickets aren’t cheap. Skip it if you’re on a budget. Stay near Guilin Road, where the night market is full of food stalls. 🍜 Grilled cold noodles cost 8 yuan a serving. Add egg and sausage to fill up. 06 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is a hidden summer escape. At Taibai Mountain, the temperature drops 10 degrees as soon as you enter. Tickets and shuttle bus are the main expenses, but the scenery is worth it. The misty stretch from Honghuaping to Tianyuandifang feels like walking in heaven. Enter the mountain at 6 AM. It’s sunny at the base, but cold winds hit you on the cable car. Bring a windbreaker. Famen Temple is famous but pricey. If you’re not into Buddhist culture, just admire the Hezhi Relic Pagoda outside the gate. The free plaza is impressive enough. Guanshan Grassland is another option. Tickets are cheap. The grassland stretches to the horizon. You can bargain to ride a horse for 50 yuan and cover a large area. Mongolian yurt stays cost under 100 yuan per person. The starry sky is so bright you can see the Milky Way. Dongshan Wind is a lesser-known hiking spot. It’s free but the trail is rough, suitable for experienced hikers. Beginners should avoid rushing in. 07 Hengyang | Hunan Hengyang’s Nanyue Hengshan is a classic summer escape, but don’t just think about hiking. The Nanyue Grand Temple is at the mountain base. Tickets are cheap, and the temple is busy with worshippers. Ancient trees tower overhead, and sitting on stone benches to cool off is very pleasant. For hiking, choose the west route. It’s less crowded than the middle route by more than half. There are streams along the way. Take off your shoes and step in the water—the coolness rises from your feet. Accommodation at the summit on Zhulong Peak is expensive and hard to book. If you want to save money, stay at a guesthouse halfway up for just over 100 yuan a night. In the morning, open your window to a sea of clouds. 🍜 Before hiking, have a bowl of Hengyang fish noodles at the base. The broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop. Only 12 yuan. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain costs 10 yuan. Bring two bottles yourself and save enough for a tofu pudding snack. Hiking after 4 PM is most comfortable. The sun shines at an angle, casting dappled light through the forest. It’s neither hot nor sunny. 08 Yichun | Heilongjiang Yichun is the coolest of these eight places, with summer temperatures averaging 20°C. You’ll need a blanket at night. Tangwang River Forest and Strange Stones is the main scenic area. Tickets are affordable. The park is full of oddly shaped giant stones and primeval forest. Trails run through the woods, making it feel like a natural oxygen bar. The best surprise is the high concentration of negative oxygen ions. Take a deep breath and feel completely refreshed. Visit the park in the morning when sunlight filters through the canopy. The moss on the stones glows green, making photos look like they have a built-in filter. At noon, find a clearing in the forest to eat your packed lunch. It’s half the price of the park restaurant. Stay at a guesthouse in Tangwang River town. It costs about 50 yuan per person. Outside your window is the forest, and birds wake you up in the morning. ⚠️ Yichun’s summer is short. It starts cooling down by late August. Plan your trip soon. 🚄 It takes about two hours by bus from Yichun city to the park. The route is full of forest scenery. Don’t sleep—the view outside is the attraction. I’ve personally visited all eight and think they’re worth returning to. If you can only pick one, I recommend Yichun. The coolness of the forest can’t be matched by air conditioning. Do you have any secret summer escapes? Share in the comments—I’ll note them for my next trip.

Traveling with Kids Without Breaking the Mom's Heart: Effortless Exploration of These 8️⃣ Cities 1️⃣ Linyi | Shandong Bringing kids to Linyi? Let me highlight the highlights: Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Tourist Area – one place does the work of two! In the morning, explore the Underground Grand Canyon. The temperature inside is around 18 degrees Celsius year-round, so bring a light jacket for your child in summer. The underground river rafting in the cave is gentle, suitable even for three- or four-year-olds. The ride takes about twenty minutes, requiring no walking and saving energy. After lunch, find a local farmhouse near the scenic area entrance for some scallion pancakes and stir-fried chicken – the kids will love it! In the afternoon, head to the Firefly Water Cave. The boat ride to see the fireflies is quite dark, so younger children might be scared; just hold them beforehand. 📍Butterfly Valley is located between the two caves. Kids can chase butterflies for hours, a perfect way to burn off energy. ⚠️ The two caves are not close together; driving is the most convenient option. Parking costs 10 yuan. Don't push yourself too hard up Yimeng Mountain. Take the cable car halfway up with your kids, enjoy the scenery and breeze, then walk a short distance on a flat path before turning back. Don't attempt the entire hike. Be prepared for mosquitoes and other insects in the mountains, so bring long pants and long sleeves. 2️⃣ Chongzuo|Guangxi In Chongzuo, the key to a family trip with kids is "a feast for the eyes, not a workout for the legs." Detian Transnational Waterfall is a must-see, but don't go in the middle of the day; the sun will make you dizzy. ⏰ Enter the park as soon as it opens at 8:30 am. Take a bamboo raft to the base of the waterfall; the spray will excite your children. The other side of the river is a neighboring country; point it out to your child, and they'll immediately understand what "border" means. After seeing the waterfall, don't rush to leave. The Sino-Vietnamese Cultural Street in the scenic area sells Vietnamese yogurt and durian cakes, a perfect place for kids to rest. In the afternoon, visit Mingshi Pastoral Park – this is the truly effortless way to enjoy the area. Rent a multi-person bicycle and ride along the rice paddies. The path is very flat, and even the elderly and children can keep up. 📍 When you reach the bend in the Mingshi River, the karst peaks in the background make for postcard-perfect photos. ⚠️ Be aware of mosquitoes in the fields, so be sure to apply plenty of mosquito repellent. For accommodation, I recommend staying in a guesthouse near Mingshi Pastoral Area. You can hear frogs croaking at night, which helps children sleep very soundly. 3️⃣ Qiqihar|Heilongjiang Qiqihar has only one main destination: Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area to see the red-crowned cranes. If you're bringing kids, I advise you to skip the idea of ​​"exploring the whole park" and head straight to the release area. ⏰ There are fixed release times every day, at 9:30 am and 2:00 pm. Arrive at the viewing platform 20 minutes early to secure a shady spot. The moment the cranes take flight, all the children scream – it's a truly breathtaking scene. After watching the crane release, walk along the wooden boardwalk deeper into the wetland. The path is flat, so strollers are no problem. 📍 There's a small pavilion halfway down the boardwalk with the best view, where you can see flocks of cranes strolling along the water's edge. ⚠️ It's windy in the wetland, even in summer, so bring a windproof jacket for your child. Don't just grab lunch in the scenic area; drive back to the city for barbecue. Qiqihar barbecue is really cheap; a family of three can eat their fill for just over 100 yuan. If the child gets sleepy in the afternoon, go straight back to the hotel for a nap. In the evening, go out and explore Longsha Park; there are many night market snacks where the children can play and eat at the same time. 4️⃣ Xining|Qinghai Xining is at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Don't rush to plan your itinerary on the first night with your child; let them acclimatize first. Ta'er Monastery is worth visiting, but be prepared: there are many steps, and you'll have to carry your child if they get tired. It's recommended to bring a baby carrier or a lightweight stroller. Kids love touching the prayer wheels in the temple. Tell them to "spin it once and make a wish," and they can spin it intently for ten minutes. 📍 The row of white stupas on the right-hand side of the entrance has the best lighting for photos and is less crowded. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the temple halls, so make sure to explain the rules to your child beforehand. In the afternoon, visit the Dongguan Great Mosque. No ticket is needed; just admire the architecture from the entrance. The mosque itself isn't large; you can walk through it in ten minutes. For families with kids, focus on food. 🍜 Try the liangpi (cold skin noodles) and sweet fermented rice on Mojia Street. Kids will definitely love the sweet fermented rice—it's icy cold and tastes like rice wine. It gets dark late in Xining; it's still light at 8 pm. After dinner, go to the central square to watch the locals dance the Guozhuang dance. Kids will dance along, it's especially fun. Choose accommodation in the western part of the city; it's close to everything. Avoid staying near the train station—it's noisy. 5️⃣ Baoji|Shaanxi In Baoji, traveling with kids depends on the person and the weather. Don't attempt to hike the entire length of Taibai Mountain too easily. If you have kids, take the cable car up to Xiaban Temple (over 3,000 meters above sea level). If your child complains of a headache, head back down immediately; don't push them. At the foot of the mountain is Tangyu Town, where you can soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue. Kids will play in the water and won't want to leave. The Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Scenic Area is large, but the roads are well-maintained, making it easy to push a stroller. 📍 The square in front of the He Shi Relic Pagoda is spacious enough for kids to run around in; you can sit on the steps and watch them. ⚠️ Famen Temple tickets are not cheap, so check the opening hours beforehand to avoid a wasted trip. Guanshan Grassland is best visited in summer, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, so bring a fleece jacket for your child. You can ride horses on the grassland; the ponies are gentle, and local herders will lead them, making it incredibly exciting for kids. 🍜 Ling's Family Restaurant in Baoji city offers authentic cold noodles and minced meat noodles. If your child likes spicy and sour flavors, order the mild version. Dongshanfeng is just a viewpoint; a quick glance if you're passing by is fine, don't make a special trip for it. 6️⃣ Kaifeng|Henan Kaifeng is the least tiring choice for exploring an ancient city with kids, as the attractions are clustered together. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is a must-see, but don't try to spend the whole day there. Enter around 2 PM to catch the various performances. The water battle scene where Yue Fei defeats Xiao Liang Wang will keep kids glued to the screen. There are free Hanfu rentals in the garden; little girls can spend a whole afternoon taking photos in them. ⚠️ The food inside the garden is expensive and mediocre, so bring some snacks for your kids. The next morning, go to the Iron Pagoda Park. The pagoda is a genuine thousand-year-old structure, but don't climb it; just look at it from below. Daxiangguo Temple is nearby, a ten-minute walk. Inside, there's an octagonal glazed tile hall where kids can count the small Buddha statues. Bao Gong Temple is relatively small, suitable for a quick photo op; there are vendors selling Bao Gong mask-themed ice cream at the entrance, and every child will have one. 🍜 Go to Xisi Night Market for lunch; the stir-fried mung bean jelly and soup dumplings are delicious, but don't let the kids eat too much, as they'll be walking in the afternoon. For accommodation in Kaifeng, choose Gulou District; the attractions are right outside, and you can see the night view of the Drum Tower. 7️⃣ Jiayuguan | Gansu Jiayuguan is just one attraction, but it's enough to spend half a day there. The fortress area is very large. Enter from the east gate and walk along the central axis; you won't have to backtrack. The wind on the fortress is incredibly strong, so make sure your children wear hats with drawstrings, or they'll be blown away in no time. 📍 Standing on the fortress and looking into the distance, the Gobi Desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Point out the Qilian Mountains in the distance to your child, and they'll immediately understand what "outside the pass" means. ⚠️ There's no shade in the scenic area, so be sure to wear a sun hat in summer and bring plenty of water. If your children get tired, there are Jiayuguan-themed fridge magnets for sale at the souvenir shop near the fortress. 🍜 After leaving the scenic area at noon, head to the city center for a bowl of beef noodles. It's eight yuan a bowl, or fifteen yuan with extra meat, and a big bowl is enough for a child. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can visit the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, but it's just a small earthen mound, and kids might find it boring. Decide whether to go based on your child's interests. Accommodation in Jiayuguan is cheap; you can find decent places for around 100 yuan. Get plenty of rest so you won't be tired the next day. 8️⃣ Beijing The biggest fear when traveling with kids in Beijing is that the attractions are too big and you'll be exhausted from walking. Don't enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate (Wu Gate); it's crowded and the queues are long. Instead, go around to the corner tower from the East Gate (Donghua Gate) and then enter through the Meridian Gate; this will save you half an hour. Once inside the palace, don't walk along the central axis; it's incredibly crowded. Head directly to the Western Six Palaces; it's quieter and less crowded, and kids can even see the palace cats. 📍 The century-old locust tree on the east side of the Imperial Garden is a great place to rest; it has shade and benches. ⚠️ The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; avoid this when planning your itinerary. For the Summer Palace, take the children along the east bank of Kunming Lake, entering from the East Palace Gate and walking along the lake to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The path is smooth and the scenery is beautiful, making it easy to stroll. ⏰ Around 5 PM, the light is best for taking pictures of the reflection of the Fragrant Buddha Pavilion. At the Temple of Heaven, buy a combined ticket and go directly to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The kids will shout at the Echo Wall and have a blast. Boating is a must at Beihai Park; rent a pedal boat so the kids can pedal while you relax. 🍜 In the evening, head to Huguosi Temple for snacks. The kids love the pea flour cake and donkey rolls; it's a good meal for around 30 RMB per person. For accommodation in Beijing, choose near a subway station within the Second Ring Road. It's a bit more expensive, but the saved taxi fare and time are definitely worth it. Traveling with kids doesn't have to be a hassle for moms: Easily explore these 8️⃣ cities 1️⃣ Linyi | Shandong When traveling to Linyi with kids, I'll highlight the highlights: the Firefly Water Cave & Underground Grand Canyon Scenic Area – one place does the work of two! In the morning, we'll first explore the underground canyon. The temperature inside is around 18 degrees Celsius year-round, so in summer, children should wear a light jacket. The underground river rafting in the cave is very gentle, suitable even for three- or four-year-olds. The entire trip takes about twenty minutes, requiring no walking and saving energy. At noon, we'll find a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area entrance and enjoy pancakes with scallions and stir-fried chicken – the kids loved it. In the afternoon, we'll head to the Firefly Water Cave. The section where you take a boat to see the fireflies is pitch black, so younger children might be scared; just hold them beforehand. 📍Butterfly Valley is located between the two caves. Children can chase butterflies for a long time, a perfect way to burn off energy. ⚠️ The two caves are not close together; driving is the most convenient option. Parking costs ten yuan. Don't attempt to climb Yimeng Mountain. Take the cable car up to the halfway point with the kids, enjoy the mountain scenery and breeze, then walk a short distance on flat ground before turning back. Don't challenge yourself to climb the entire way. There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so bring long pants and long sleeves. 2️⃣ Chongzuo|Guangxi In Chongzuo, the main idea for families with kids is "a feast for the eyes, not a workout for the legs." Detian Transnational Waterfall is a must-see, but don't be foolish enough to go at midday; the sun will make you dizzy. ⏰ Enter the park as soon as it opens at 8:30 am. Take a bamboo raft to the base of the waterfall; the spray will make your kids excited and shout. The other side of the river is a neighboring country; point it out to your child, and they'll immediately understand what "border" means. After seeing the waterfall, don't rush to leave. The Sino-Vietnamese themed street in the scenic area sells Vietnamese yogurt and durian cakes, a perfect place for kids to rest if they get tired. In the afternoon, head to Mingshi Pastoral Area—this is the truly effortless way to play. Rent a multi-person bicycle and ride along the rice paddies; the path is very flat, and even the elderly and children can keep up. 📍 When you reach the bend in the Mingshi River, the karst peaks in the background make every photo look like a postcard. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the fields, so be sure to apply plenty of mosquito repellent. For accommodation, I recommend staying at a guesthouse near Mingshi Pastoral Area; you can hear frogs croaking at night, which helps children sleep very soundly. 3️⃣ Qiqihar|Heilongjiang The main destination in Qiqihar is Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area to see the red-crowned cranes. If you're bringing kids, I advise you to skip the idea of ​​"exploring the whole park" and head straight to the release area. ⏰ There are fixed release times each day, at 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Arrive at the viewing platform 20 minutes early to secure a shady spot. The moment the cranes take flight, all the children scream – it's a truly spectacular sight. After watching the release, walk along the wooden boardwalk deeper into the wetlands. The path is flat, so strollers are no problem. 📍 There's a small pavilion halfway down the boardwalk with the best view, where you can see the cranes strolling along the water's edge. ⚠️ The wetlands are windy, so even in summer, bring a windproof jacket for your child. Don't just grab lunch in the scenic area; drive back to the city for barbecue. Qiqihar barbecue is really cheap; a family of three can eat their fill for just over 100 yuan. If the child gets sleepy in the afternoon, go straight back to the hotel for a nap, and then go out to explore Longsha Park in the evening. There are many food stalls at the night market, so the children can play and eat at the same time. 4️⃣ Xining|Qinghai Xining is at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Don't rush to plan your itinerary on the first night with your child; let them acclimatize first. Ta'er Monastery is worth visiting, but be prepared: there are many steps, and you'll have to carry your young child if they can't walk. It's recommended to bring a baby carrier or a lightweight stroller. Children love touching the prayer wheels in the monastery. Tell them, "Make a wish after spinning one," and they can spin them seriously for ten minutes. 📍 The row of white stupas on the right-hand side after entering the monastery has the best lighting for photos and is less crowded. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the temple halls; please explain the rules to your children beforehand. In the afternoon, visit the Dongguan Great Mosque. No tickets are needed; just look at the architecture from the entrance. The interior is small; you can walk through in ten minutes. For families with children, focus on food. 🍜 Try the liangpi (cold skin noodles) and sweet fermented rice on Mojia Street. Kids will definitely love the sweet fermented rice; it's icy cold and tastes like rice wine. It gets dark late in Xining; it's still light at 8 pm. After dinner, go to the central square to watch the locals dance the Guozhuang dance. The kids will dance along, it's especially fun. Choose accommodation in the western part of the city; it's close to everything. Avoid staying near the train station, it's noisy. 5️⃣ Baoji|Shaanxi In Baoji, traveling with children depends on the weather and the group. Don't easily attempt the entire Taibai Mountain hike. With children, take the cable car up to Xiaban Temple (altitude over 3,000 meters). If your child complains of a headache, immediately descend the mountain; don't push them. At the foot of the mountain is Tangyu Town; soak in the hot springs to relieve fatigue, and the kids will play in the water until they don't want to leave. The Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Scenic Area is large, but the roads are well-maintained, making it easy to push a stroller. 📍 The square in front of the He Shi Relic Pagoda is spacious enough for children to run around in; you can sit on the steps and watch. ⚠️ Famen Temple tickets are not cheap, so check the opening hours before you go to avoid a wasted trip. Guanshan Grassland is best visited in summer, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, so bring a fleece jacket for your child. Horse riding is available on the grassland; the ponies are gentle, and local herders will lead them, making it incredibly exciting for children. 🍜 Ling's Family Restaurant in Baoji city offers authentic cold noodles and minced meat noodles. If your child likes spicy and sour flavors, order the mild version. Dongshanfeng is just a viewpoint; a quick glance at it is sufficient, so don't make a special trip for it. 6️⃣ Kaifeng|Henan Kaifeng is the easiest choice for exploring an ancient city with children, as the attractions are clustered together. A visit to Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is a must, but don't try to spend the whole day there. Enter around 2 PM to catch the various performances. The water battle scene where Yue Fei defeats Xiao Liang Wang with his spear will keep kids glued to the screen. There are free Hanfu rentals in the garden; little girls can spend a whole afternoon taking photos in them. ⚠️ Food inside the garden is expensive and not very good, so bring some snacks for your children. The next morning, go to the Iron Pagoda Park. The pagoda is a genuine thousand-year-old structure, but don't climb it; just admire it from below. The Xiangguo Temple is nearby, a ten-minute walk. Inside, there's an octagonal glazed tile hall where children can count the small Buddha statues. Bao Gong Temple is relatively small and suitable for a quick visit; there are vendors selling Bao Gong mask-themed ice cream at the entrance, and every child will have one. 🍜 At noon, go to the Xisi Night Market. The stir-fried mung bean jelly and soup dumplings are delicious, but don't let the children eat too much, as they'll be walking in the afternoon. For accommodation in Kaifeng, choose the Gulou District; the attractions are right outside, and you can enjoy the night view of the Drum Tower. 7️⃣ Jiayuguan | Gansu Jiayuguan is just one attraction, but it's enough to spend half a day there. The fortress area is vast. Enter from the east gate and walk along the central axis; you won't have to backtrack. The wind on the fortress is incredibly strong, so make sure your child wears a hat with a drawstring, or they'll be blown away in no time. 📍 Standing on the fortress and looking out into the distance, the Gobi Desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Point out the Qilian Mountains in the distance to your child, and they'll immediately understand what "outside the pass" means. ⚠️ There's no shade in the scenic area, so be sure to wear a sun hat in the summer and bring plenty of water. If your child gets tired, there are Jiayuguan-themed fridge magnets for sale at the souvenir shop near the fortress. 🍜 After leaving the scenic area at noon, head to the city center for a bowl of beef noodles. It's eight yuan a bowl, or fifteen yuan with meat—a big bowl for a child. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can visit the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, but it's just a small earthen mound and kids might find it boring. Decide whether to go based on your child's interests. Accommodation in Jiayuguan is cheap; you can find decent places for around 100 yuan. Get them to bed early so they won't be too tired for the next day's travel. 8️⃣ Beijing The biggest fear when traveling with kids in Beijing is that the attractions are too big and you'll be exhausted from walking. Don't enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate (Wu Gate); it's crowded and the queues are long. Instead, go around to the corner tower from the East Prosperity Gate (Donghua Gate) and then enter through the Meridian Gate; this will save you half an hour. After entering the palace, don't walk along the central axis; it's incredibly crowded. Go directly to the Western Six Palaces; it's quieter and less crowded, and kids can even see the palace cats. 📍 The century-old locust tree on the east side of the Imperial Garden is a good place to rest; it has shade and benches. ⚠️ The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; avoid this when planning your itinerary. For the Summer Palace, take the children along the east bank of Kunming Lake, entering from the East Palace Gate and walking along the lake to the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The path is smooth and the scenery is beautiful, making it easy to stroll. ⏰ Around 5 PM, the light is best for taking pictures of the reflection of the Fragrant Buddha Pavilion. At the Temple of Heaven, buy a combined ticket and go directly to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The kids will shout at the Echo Wall and have a blast. Boating is a must at Beihai Park; rent a pedal boat so the kids can paddle while you relax. 🍜 In the evening, go to Huguosi Snack Street. The kids love the pea flour cake and donkey roll (a type of glutinous rice roll), and you'll be stuffed for about 30 yuan per person. For accommodation in Beijing, choose a place near a subway station within the Second Ring Road. It's a bit more expensive, but the money and time saved on taxis are definitely worth it.

Where to escape the summer heat in August? These 6️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and directly accessible by high-speed rail 01 Mianyang City | Sichuan Summer in Mianyang is the kind of cool retreat you never want to leave once you've hidden in the mountains. The Beichuan Qiang City Tourist Area is intensely sunny during the day, but its true charm comes after 5 pm. 📍 Walking from the visitor center towards Yuwang Square, the wind blows in from the mountain valleys, carrying the dampness of the vegetation. Qiang women set up stalls in the square selling corn cakes for five yuan each—best enjoyed hot. I highly recommend spending time on the Qiang village trails halfway up the mountain. The stone path is completely shaded by trees; you might walk for half an hour and barely encounter anyone. The steps are a bit steep, so older people with knee problems might prefer to only explore the area around the folk museum at the foot of the mountain. The next morning, you can take a walk along the riverbank outside the old county town earthquake ruins. Before the morning mist dissipates, the entire valley looks as if it has been washed clean. ⚠️ Entry to the archaeological site closes at 4 PM, so don't arrive right on time. 🚄 The high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Mianyang takes about 45 minutes. From there, a taxi to the scenic area takes about half an hour and costs around 40 yuan. Book accommodation directly in the new Beichuan town; there's a lively atmosphere with people dancing the Salang dance in the square at night. 02 Anshan|Liaoning Anshan Qianshan is, in my opinion, the backyard garden of Northeasterners. In summer, avoid the main entrance with tour groups; navigate directly to the "Jicui Gate" entrance—this is the route locals take for hiking. Entering the mountain at 7 AM, the air is still cool. Following the path from Longquan Temple, the sound of the stream is so loud it drowns out the cicadas. The flattened rocks halfway up the mountain act as natural air conditioners; sitting there to rest, the breeze seeping through the cracks is much more comfortable than air conditioning. For those with average stamina, climbing to the Five Buddha Peak and then turning back takes about four hours round trip. Stop at Puan Temple for a rest and a bowl of vegetarian noodles (15 yuan, all you can eat). ⚠️ Qianshan entrance fee is 80 yuan, but if you enter after 3 PM, you can enter again the next morning, suitable for those who want to explore over two days. 🚄 A taxi from Anshan West Railway Station to the main entrance of Qianshan costs about 30 yuan; sharing is cheaper, 10 yuan per person. For accommodation, choose near the station square. In the evening, have roast beef on Shengli Road; it costs around 50-60 yuan per person, with generous portions of meat. 03 Laibin City | Guangxi Laibin is often overlooked by Guangxi locals, but the Dayao Mountains are truly cool. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain and Panwangjie are in different directions; don't try to do them all in one day. I suggest choosing only one. The Lotus Mountain trail is built on the edge of a cliff, with a sea of ​​clouds below. In August mornings, the fog is thick; before 10 AM, you can see the entire valley floating in the clouds. The hike is physically demanding, with many steps, so it's not recommended for families with children. Panwangjie is relatively flat, and the scenic area's electric vehicles can take you directly to the mountainside. From there, you can walk along the boardwalk to see the Yao village and terraced fields. The whole trip takes about two hours. At the foot of the mountain, there are Yao grandmothers selling oil tea for five yuan a bowl. It has a strong ginger flavor, but it warms you up completely after drinking it. The mountain air is humid, so this bowl is more effective than anything else. ⏰ Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and the rain comes and goes quickly, so a light raincoat is sufficient. 🚄 The high-speed train from Nanning East Station to Laibin North Station takes about 40 minutes. After exiting the station, hire a car to Jinxiu County. The one-way trip costs a little over 100 yuan. The roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should bring medication. Stay in Jinxiu County. There's a night market in the evening, and roast suckling pig is a specialty, but avoid eating at the entrance of the scenic area; it's expensive and not authentic. 04 Baoshan City | Yunnan In Tengchong, summer temperatures are in the low twenties Celsius, and you'll need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. I saved Yunfeng Mountain for the last day because I wanted to dedicate the first two days to Heshun Ancient Town and Beihai Wetland. Heshun Ancient Town is perfect for an overnight stay. After 6 PM, the tourists disperse, and the rice paddies are filled with the sounds of frogs. 📍 At the entrance to the ancient town, Wild Duck Lake is best viewed at sunset. The white walls and gray tiles of the opposite mountain are reflected in the water, making for beautiful photos even with a mobile phone. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse converted from an old house in the town; it's just over 200 yuan a night, and you can see the tiled roofs right outside your window. Beihai Wetland must be visited in the morning. The grass rafts float on the water, feeling like sponges underfoot. There are bamboo rafts in the scenic area, but I recommend walking along the boardwalk. A complete loop takes about an hour, and water birds flutter right at your feet. Yunfeng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain. The cable car only goes halfway up; you have to climb the last few hundred steps yourself. It's windy at the summit, and sweat-soaked clothes dry quickly, but definitely don't wear shorts up there—the mosquitoes are unbearable. ⚠️ The giant boiling pot at Rehai Scenic Area is worth a look, but the hot spring pools are too crowded. It's better to find a private hot spring in town; it's 150 yuan per person, clean and quiet. 🚄 The high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Baoshan takes about 3.5 hours, then a transfer to a bus to Tengchong takes about 1.5 hours. If you're short on time, flying directly to Tengchong Airport is much more convenient. 05 Baiyin City|Gansu Places like the Yellow River Stone Forest are so breathtaking that photos can't capture even a fraction of their grandeur. In August, the midday sun at the Stone Forest is unbearable, so my suggestion is to enter the scenic area around 5 pm. 📍 After entering the scenic area, take an electric scooter down the mountain, then transfer to a donkey cart to enter the canyon. This bumpy ride will make your butt hurt, but it's worth it. The donkey cart driver will point out which rocks look like monkeys or camels; if you just look at the rocks without listening to the explanation, you'll get bored in ten minutes. The wind in the canyon is very strong, making it hard to open your eyes; remember to wear a hat. At the end of the path is the Yellow River. You can try taking a sheepskin raft for 80 yuan per person. The 20-minute ride on the Yellow River is quite thrilling when the waves are high. ⚠️ Food inside the scenic area is expensive and unpalatable; bring your own snacks and water. The entire tour takes about three hours. When you leave the scenic area at night, the sky is ablaze with orange-red sunset clouds—a desolate feeling unique to Northwest China. 🚄 The high-speed train from Baiyin South Station to the scenic area takes about an hour, and a round-trip car hire costs around 200 yuan. Accommodation in Baiyin city is basic but clean, with standard rooms around 150 yuan. 06 Jilin In Jilin City's summer, Songhua Lake is a popular weekend destination for locals, but I want to talk about Wusong Island. Although winter is the peak season for rime ice, Wusong Island in August is so quiet it feels like you have the place to yourself. The river breeze makes it several degrees cooler than in the city. 📍 From Jilin Station, take a bus to Wula Street, then a taxi to the ferry terminal on the island. The ferry fare is 10 yuan to cross the river. The island is full of farmhouses. If you stay overnight, you can hear the river lapping against the shore at night, and wake up to a misty river view outside your window in the morning – truly ethereal. Visit Songhua Lake Scenic Area during the day. A boat tour around the lake takes about an hour and a half, and the boat ticket is included in the entrance fee. The grove of trees on the island in the middle of the lake is very photogenic, but the boat stops for a short time, so don't get too caught up in the fun and miss your return trip. ⚠️ Wusong Island is a seasonal attraction; you won't see rime ice in summer. However, the sunrise over the river is incredibly beautiful. Around 5:30 am, the sun rises from the opposite bank, turning the entire river surface golden-red. 🚄 The high-speed train from Changchun Station to Jilin City takes about 40 minutes. From there, a taxi to Songhua Lake takes half an hour, and to Wusong Island takes about 40 minutes. For accommodation, I recommend staying on Songjiang Middle Road in Jilin City. A stroll along the riverside boardwalk at night, with the lights reflected in the water, is even more beautiful than during the day. 07 Baoji City | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain in Baoji is the main peak of the Qinling Mountains and, in my opinion, the place that most truly feels like a "mountain." In August, the temperature at the foot of Taibai Mountain is 30 degrees Celsius, while at the summit it's just over 10 degrees. If you want to experience all four seasons in one day, this is the place for you. Take the cable car to Xiaban Temple, and then you have to climb the rest of the way. The section with the "Heaven and Earth" path is a wooden boardwalk at an altitude of about 3,500 meters; you'll be out of breath after just a few steps. But standing on the viewing platform, with the clouds rolling beneath your feet, the feeling is worth the ticket price. Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain are in opposite directions, so don't plan to visit them on the same day. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent, but if you're not interested in Buddhist culture, you can save the 120 yuan entrance fee. Guanshan Grassland is more suitable for families with children. The alpine meadow at an altitude of 2,000 meters is surprisingly green in summer, unlike anything you'd see in Shaanxi. Horseback riding costs 50 yuan per loop. It's recommended to go around 3 or 4 pm when the sunlight shines obliquely on the grass, creating beautiful photos. ⚠️ The entrance fee to Taibai Mountain plus the cable car is about 200 yuan. It's windy on the mountain, so renting a windproof jacket costs 30 yuan. Don't worry about the price; getting cold is not worth it. 🚄 The high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Baoji South takes about 1 hour. From there, a taxi to Taibai Mountain takes about 40 minutes. Stay in Tangyu Town for convenient access to hot springs; a standard room costs around 180 yuan. 08 Manzhouli City | Inner Mongolia In Manzhouli, the days are very sunny in August, but it gets cool at night, requiring a jacket. The Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area is a popular spot, but I recommend going in the evening; it's too hot and expensive during the day, making it less worthwhile. 📍 The Russian Grand Circus in the scenic area is worth seeing. There are shows at 4 pm and 7 pm. Arriving half an hour early will get you good seats. After watching the performance, we arrived just in time for the Matryoshka Square to light up, turning the entire square into a colorful wonderland, like stepping into a fairytale town. I highly recommend visiting the Border Gate Scenic Area. Standing on the border and looking at the Russian villages across the way is a truly magical experience. Tickets are 60 yuan, and half an hour is enough to explore. In the evening, head to the Sino-Soviet Golden Street for Russian food. I recommend "Russian Restaurant"—the cheese bread and borscht are authentic, and it costs just over 100 yuan per person. ⚠️ Don't trust the "Russian day tours" soliciting customers on Golden Street; many just take you to a few shopping spots. 🚄 From Hailar, take the train to Manzhouli (about 2 hours). From the station, take a taxi to Matryoshka Square for 10 yuan. For accommodation, stay in the city center; you can walk to the main attractions. Standard rooms are around 200 yuan. Finally, of these six places, I highly recommend Tengchong and Mianyang. One is perfect for a leisurely stay of several days, and the other is ideal for a weekend getaway. If you only have two or three days off, head straight to Mianyang; if you have a week, Tengchong won't disappoint. Let's chat in the comments section, which place do you most want to visit? Where to escape the summer heat in August? These 6️⃣ places are less crowded, beautiful, and directly accessible by high-speed rail. 01 Mianyang City | Sichuan Summer in Mianyang is the kind of coolness that makes you never want to leave the mountains. The Beichuan Qiang City Tourist Area is intensely sunny during the day, but its true charm comes after 5 pm. 📍 Walking from the visitor center towards Yuwang Square, the wind blows in from the mountain valleys, carrying the dampness of the grass and trees. Qiang women set up stalls in the square selling corn cakes for five yuan each; they're best eaten hot. I highly recommend spending your time on the Qiang village trail halfway up the mountain. The stone path is completely shaded by trees, and you might not encounter many people even after walking for half an hour. The steps are a bit steep, so older people with knee problems are advised to only explore the area at the foot of the mountain near the folk museum. The next morning, you can take a stroll along the riverbank outside the earthquake ruins in the old county town. Before the morning mist dissipates, the entire valley looks as if it's been washed clean. ⚠️ Entry to the ruins area closes at 4 PM, so don't arrive right on time. 🚄 The high-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Mianyang takes about 45 minutes. From there, a taxi to the scenic area takes about half an hour and costs around 40 yuan. Book accommodation directly in the new Beichuan county town; there are people dancing the Salang dance in the square at night, creating a great atmosphere. 02 Anshan|Liaoning Anshan Qianshan, I would call it the backyard garden of Northeasterners. In summer, avoid the main entrance with tour groups; navigate directly to the "Jicui Gate" entrance—this is the route locals take for hiking. Entering the mountain at 7 AM, the air is still cool. Walking up the road near Longquan Temple, the sound of the stream is so loud it drowns out the cicadas. The flattened rocks halfway up the mountain act as natural air-conditioned rooms. Sitting there to rest, the breeze seeping out from the cracks is much more comfortable than air conditioning. For those with average stamina, you can climb to the Five Buddha Peak and then turn back. The round trip takes about four hours, with a stop at Puan Temple for a bowl of vegetarian noodles (15 yuan, all you can eat). ⚠️ Qianshan entrance fee is 80 yuan, but if you enter after 3 PM, you can enter again the next morning, suitable for those who want to explore over two days. 🚄 A taxi from Anshan West Railway Station to the main entrance of Qianshan costs about 30 yuan, and sharing is even cheaper (10 yuan per person). For accommodation, choose a spot near the station square. In the evening, have some roasted beef on Shengli Road; it costs around 50-60 yuan per person, and the portions are generous. 03 Laibin City | Guangxi Laibin is often overlooked even by Guangxi locals, but the Dayao Mountains are truly cool. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain and Panwangjie are in two different directions; don't try to visit them all in one day. I suggest choosing only one. The trails at Lianhua Mountain are built on the edge of a cliff, with a sea of ​​clouds below. In August mornings, the fog is thick; before 10 am, the entire valley can be seen floating in the clouds. It's quite physically demanding, with many steps, so families with children should consider this option. Panwangjie is relatively gentler. The park's electric vehicles can take you directly to the mountainside. You can walk along the boardwalk to see the Yao village and terraced fields; the whole trip takes about two hours. At the foot of the mountain, there are Yao grandmothers selling oil tea for five yuan a bowl. It has a strong ginger flavor, but it warms you up completely. The mountain air is humid, so this bowl is more effective than anything else. ⏰ Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and the rain comes and goes quickly, so a light raincoat is sufficient. 🚄 The high-speed train from Nanning East Station to Laibin North Station takes about 40 minutes. After exiting the station, hire a car to Jinxiu County. The one-way trip costs a little over 100 yuan. The roads are winding, so those prone to motion sickness should prepare medication in advance. Stay in Jinxiu County. There's a night market there, and roast suckling pig is their specialty, but avoid eating near the scenic area entrance—it's expensive and not authentic. 04 Baoshan City | Yunnan Summer in Tengchong is just over 20 degrees Celsius; you'll need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. I saved Yunfeng Mountain for the last day because I wanted to dedicate the first two days to Heshun Ancient Town and Beihai Wetland. Heshun Ancient Town is worth staying overnight. After 6 pm, the tourists leave, and the rice paddies are filled with the sounds of frogs. 📍 Wild Duck Lake at the entrance of the ancient town is best viewed at sunset. The white walls and gray tiles of the opposite mountain are reflected in the water; every photo taken with a phone looks beautiful. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse converted from an old house in the town; it's a little over 200 yuan a night, and you can see the tiled roofs right outside your window. Beihai Wetland must be visited in the morning. The grass rafts float on the water, feeling like sponges underfoot. There are bamboo rafts in the scenic area, but I recommend walking along the boardwalk; a complete loop takes only an hour, and water birds flutter right at your feet. Yunfeng Mountain is a famous Taoist mountain. The cable car only goes halfway up; you have to climb the last few hundred steps yourself. It's windy at the summit, and sweat-soaked clothes dry quickly, but definitely don't wear shorts up—the mosquitoes are unbearable! ⚠️ The Big Boiling Pot at Rehai Scenic Area is worth a look, but the hot spring pools are too crowded. It's better to find a private hot spring in town; it's 150 yuan per person, clean and quiet. 🚄 The high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Baoshan takes about 3.5 hours, then a transfer to Tengchong takes about 1.5 hours. If you're short on time, flying directly to Tengchong Airport is much more convenient. 05 Baiyin City | Gansu Places like the Yellow River Stone Forest are so breathtaking that photos can't capture even a fraction of their grandeur. In August, the midday sun at the Stone Forest is unbearable, so my advice is to enter the scenic area around 5 pm. 📍 After entering the scenic area, take an electric scooter down the mountain, then transfer to a donkey cart to enter the canyon. This bumpy ride will make your butt hurt, but it's worth it. The donkey cart driver will point out which rocks resemble monkeys and camels, but if you just look at the rocks without listening to the explanation, you'll get bored in ten minutes. The wind in the canyon is very strong, making it hard to open your eyes, so remember to wear a hat. At the end of the canyon is the Yellow River, where you can try a sheepskin raft ride for 80 yuan per person. It's a 20-minute ride on the Yellow River, and quite exciting when the waves are high. ⚠️ Food in the scenic area is expensive and unpalatable, so bring your own snacks and water. The entire tour takes about three hours. When you leave the scenic area at night, the sky is filled with orange-red sunsets; the desolate feeling is unique to Northwest China. 🚄 The high-speed train from Baiyin South Station to the scenic area takes about an hour, and a round-trip chartered car costs around 200 yuan. Accommodation in Baiyin city is basic but clean, around 150 yuan for a standard room. 06 Jilin In Jilin City in summer, Songhua Lake is a popular weekend destination for locals, but I want to talk about Wusong Island. Although winter is the peak season for rime ice, Wusong Island in August is so quiet it feels like you have the whole place to yourself. The river breeze is refreshing, and the temperature is several degrees lower than in the city. 📍 From Jilin Station, take a bus to Wula Street, then a taxi to the island's ferry terminal. The ferry fare is ten yuan to cross the river. The island is full of farmhouses. If you stay overnight, you can hear the river lapping against the shore at night, and wake up to a view of river mist outside your window – a truly ethereal experience. Visit Songhua Lake Scenic Area during the day. A boat tour around the lake takes about an hour and a half, and the boat ticket is included in the entrance fee. The grove of trees on the island in the middle of the lake is very photogenic, but the boat stops for a short time, so don't get too caught up in the fun and miss your return trip. ⚠️ Rime ice on Wusong Island is a seasonal phenomenon; you won't see it in summer. However, the sunrise over the river is incredibly beautiful. Around 5:30 am, the sun rises from the opposite bank, turning the entire river surface golden red. 🚄 The high-speed train from Changchun Station to Jilin City takes about 40 minutes. From there, a taxi takes half an hour to Songhua Lake and forty minutes to Wusong Island. For accommodation, I recommend staying on Songjiang Middle Road in Jilin City. A walk along the riverside boardwalk at night, with the lights reflected in the water, is even more beautiful than during the day. 07 Baoji City | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain in Baoji is the main peak of the Qinling Mountains and, in my opinion, the most authentically "mountainous" place. In August, the temperature at the foot of Taibai Mountain is 30 degrees Celsius, while at the summit it's just over 10 degrees. If you want to experience all four seasons in one day, this is the place for you. Take the cable car to Xiaban Temple, and then you have to climb the rest of the way. The section with the "Heaven and Earth" viewpoint is a wooden boardwalk at an altitude of about 3,500 meters; you'll be out of breath after just a few steps. But standing on the viewing platform, with the clouds rolling beneath your feet, the feeling is worth the ticket price. Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain are in opposite directions, so don't plan to visit them on the same day. The He Shi Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple is magnificent, but if you're not interested in Buddhist culture, you can save the 120 yuan entrance fee. Guanshan Grassland is more suitable for families with children. The alpine meadows at an altitude of 2,000 meters are surprisingly lush and green in summer, unlike anything you'd find in Shaanxi. Horseback riding costs 50 yuan per loop; it's recommended to go around 3 or 4 pm when the light shines obliquely on the grass, creating beautiful photos. ⚠️ The entrance fee to Taibai Mountain plus the cable car is about 200 yuan. It's windy on the mountain, so renting a windproof jacket costs 30 yuan. Don't worry about the price; getting cold is definitely not worth it. 🚄 The high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Baoji South takes about 1 hour. From there, a taxi to Taibai Mountain takes about 40 minutes. Stay in Tangyu Town for convenient access to hot springs; a standard room costs around 180 yuan. 08 Manzhouli City | Inner Mongolia In Manzhouli, the days are intensely sunny in August, but the evenings are so cool you'll need a jacket. The Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area is a popular spot for taking photos, but I recommend going in the evening. It's sunny and expensive during the day, so it's not very interesting. 📍 The Russian Grand Circus inside the scenic area is worth seeing. There are shows at 4 PM and 7 PM; arriving half an hour early will get you good seats. After the show, you'll arrive just in time for the Matryoshka Doll Square to light up, turning the entire square into a colorful wonderland. I highly recommend visiting the Border Gate Scenic Area. Standing on the border and looking at the Russian villages on the other side is a magical experience. Tickets are 60 yuan, and half an hour is enough to explore. In the evening, go to the Sino-Soviet Golden Street for Russian food. I recommend "Ruble Western Restaurant"—the cheese bread and borscht are authentic, and it costs just over 100 yuan per person. ⚠️ Don't trust the "Russian day tours" offered on Golden Street; many just take you to a few shopping spots. 🚄 From Hailar, take the train to Manzhouli (about 2 hours). From the station, take a taxi to the Matryoshka Doll Square for 10 yuan. For accommodation, staying in the city center is fine; you can walk to the main attractions, and standard rooms are around 200 yuan. Finally, of these six places, I most recommend Tengchong and Mianyang. One is suitable for a leisurely stay of several days, and the other is perfect for a weekend getaway from the heat. If you only have two or three days off, head straight to Mianyang; if you have a week, Tengchong won't disappoint. Let's chat in the comments: which one would you most like to visit?

Gansu Ping’an Grassland travel guide: The “Altay of Longshan” hidden in the heart of the Guan Mountains While Xi’an is still steaming in 38℃ heat, a 4-hour drive takes me into a green wonderland with an average temperature of just 22℃. There are no bustling tourists here, only endless waves of green, leisurely cattle and sheep, and a starry sky within reach. This is Ping’an Grassland in Zhangjiachuan, Tianshui, Gansu—a highland secret more pristine than Guanshan Pasture and less crowded than Zhangbei. In December 2025, Ping’an Grassland was newly designated a national 4A-level tourist attraction, yet it still retains its original, undeveloped charm. This guide will help you unlock this “Altay of Longshan.” 1. Quick facts · 📍 Location: Ping’an Township, Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, 17 km from the county seat · 🎫 Admission: 20 yuan per person. Free parking in the scenic area (some areas open free) · 🕐 Hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, open year-round · ⛰️ Altitude: average 2,200 m, main peak Maowa Mountain 2,510 m 2. Why visit? 1. A true natural air-conditioned room 🌿 Summer average temperature is 22℃, about 6℃ cooler than nearby cities. Negative oxygen ion peaks reach 48,000/cm³. Walking into the grassland, the breeze carries the scent of fresh grass—this isn’t air conditioning, it’s nature’s gift. 2. A dual gift of history and nature 📜 This is the ancient site where Qin Feizi once herded horses, carrying over 2,000 years of history of Qin people raising horses to guard the border. Strolling the grassland, you stand at the crossroads of the Guanlong ancient road and the Silk Road. Every snapshot captures a millennium of history. 3. 180,000 acres of vastness and freedom 🐎 With over 180,000 acres of natural grassland and more than 2,000 acres of natural forest, the grassland, canyons, and mountain streams layer beautifully. From the mountaintop, the endless green stretches to the horizon. 3. Must-see spots 1. Maowa Mountain (2,510 m) ⛰️ The grassland’s main peak and highest point. Climb to the top for a 360° panoramic view of the entire grassland. Watch the morning sea of clouds roll in and the sunset glow in the evening for an unforgettable atmosphere. 2. Moshi Gorge 🏞️ A hidden canyon deep in the grassland with babbling streams. Every photo looks like a forest masterpiece. 3. Windmill sky road (Baishizui Pasture) 🎡 Rows of giant pure white windmills stretch along the ridge, a striking contrast of modern industry and pristine grassland—perfect for photos. 4. Sea of clouds viewing platform ☁️ Morning mist drifts over the hills like a fairyland. Want to see the stunning sea of clouds? Be sure to get up early. 4. Recommended activities · Grassland horseback riding: 30–50 yuan/hour. White horses are especially photogenic. Feel the freedom of running wild in the open · Rainbow slide: thrilling and stress-relieving, highly recommended · Outdoor CS battle: top choice for company team building · Petting zoo: get up close with peacocks, sika deer, and ostriches · Bonfire party: sing and dance around the fire after dark · 12 entertainment facilities including giant pendulum, spinning chairs, and off-road motorcycles · Live performances of “Guanshan Pastoral Song” and intangible cultural heritage show “Zhangjiachuan Flower Songs” 5. Suggested itineraries 🏃 One-day tour (for busy office workers) Climb Maowa Mountain for the view → petting zoo → rainbow slide/horseback riding → windmill sky road to catch the sunset 🌙 Two-day tour (recommended for a deep experience) · Day 1: Check in to a five-star pasture → sea of clouds viewing platform → bonfire party at night, stay in a starry sky room · Day 2: Watch sunrise and sea of clouds → try horseback riding/rainbow slide → visit windmill road → return trip 👴 Leisure one-day tour for seniors (easy oxygen boost) Morning drive to the mountaintop meadow for a walk and fresh air → lunch with Hui ethnic cuisine → afternoon visit natural forest and buy souvenirs in Ping’an Township 🥾 Outdoor enthusiast one-day hike Mountaintop meadow → canyon and mountain stream (about 2 km) → natural forest (about 1.5 km), experience changing landscapes 6. Where to stay? After upgrades, the scenic area offers 37 unique accommodations including starry sky rooms, space capsules, and cabins: · Cloud-view guesthouse: panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing the grassland sunrise · Star-themed rooms: lie in bed and gaze at the star-filled sky · Mountain cabins: with electric mahjong rooms, perfect for friends gathering · Creekside villas: close to the bonfire party · Luxury camping site: immersive starry sky camping experience ⚠️ Summer rooms are in high demand. Book early! 7. Food recommendations · Freshly roasted whole lamb: crispy skin, tender inside · Traditional “Thirteen Flowers”: Zhangjiachuan’s highest hospitality, diverse and rich but not greasy · Specialty safflower beef: local signature, fresh and chewy · Buckwheat noodles with sour and spicy sauce: appetizing · Hand-pulled lamb, beef noodles, and sour noodle soup: available in county and grassland restaurants 8. Practical tips (must read!) ⚠️ Keep warm: large temperature difference between day and night—25℃ during the day, only 7–8℃ at night. Thick jackets and fleece are essential. Don’t ask how I know. ⚠️ Sun protection: over 2,000 m altitude means strong UV rays. Sunglasses, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are all must-haves. ⚠️ Supplies: no convenience stores near the grassland. Bring snacks and enough water. ⚠️ Fuel: no gas stations on the grassland. Fill up before departure. ⚠️ Road conditions: some sections may be under construction. Check ahead. Public transport is limited; self-driving or chartering is recommended. ⚠️ Environmental care: practice leave-no-trace. Take your trash with you. ⚠️ Best season: May to August for the greenest grassland; July to September for the best summer escape. 9. Transportation guide 🚗 Self-driving (highly recommended) · From Xi’an: about 400 km, 4-hour drive. Take Lianhuo Expressway + Pingmian Expressway. Navigate to “Zhangjiachuan Ping’an Grassland.” Stop in Long County for lunch and refueling. · From Zhangjiachuan county seat: only 17 km, 30-minute drive. · Jingtian Expressway Zhangjiachuan exit is 25 km from the scenic area. Zhangjiachuan train station is 14 km away. Final thoughts What moved me most about Ping’an Grassland is its untamed wildness—the wind is free, the grass grows wildly, and the starry sky is unguarded. Before more people discover it, add it to your travel list. After all, some sights are best seen early.

01 Baiyin | Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest sounds like just another geological park, but when you stand at the canyon entrance, the ruggedness will take your breath away. The Yellow River bends below your feet, and the stone forest rises like a group of silent giants. ⏰ Arrive before 8 AM. The morning light hits the cliff walls at an angle, turning the stone textures golden. At noon, the sun beats down, making the canyon so hot you’ll want to hide in the shade. Tickets plus the electric shuttle cost around 100 yuan, but check the daily notice for exact prices. 🚄 From Baiyin city, a private car takes about an hour one way. The road is good but winding, so bring motion sickness medicine if needed. The park offers sheepskin rafts to float gently on the Yellow River. If you’re nervous, hold on tight and don’t move around. ⚠️ Don’t wear light-colored shoes. The canyon is dusty, and your shoes will be covered in gray after a walk. Bring a bottle of water—there are few supply points, and you’ll appreciate it on the plank road. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated summer escape. Taibai Mountain, Guanshan Grassland, and Famen Temple offer three different experiences. Don’t try to do all three—pick one and explore it thoroughly. Taibai Mountain suits those with good stamina. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang at over 3,000 meters elevation. The wind at the summit can blow your hat off. 🏔️ It’s best to go in the morning; fog often rolls in by afternoon, reducing visibility and making photos all white. After descending, stop in Tangyu town for a bowl of Qishan sour and spicy noodles—the thin noodles are translucent and appetizing. Guanshan Grassland is better for families or those who don’t want to hike. You can ride horses and slide on grass, then stay overnight in a yurt to watch the stars. 🍜 Grilled lamb chops are a must-try but pricey. Ask if they’re sold by weight or portion first. ⚠️ The grassland has big temperature swings between day and night. Bring a light jacket for July and August evenings. Famen Temple is out of the way from the other two and deserves a full day. The site is large and takes at least three hours to tour. The highlight is the underground palace with the Buddha’s finger relic and Tang dynasty treasures. ⏰ Guided tours start after 2 PM. Following a guide is more interesting than wandering aimlessly. 03 Harbin | Heilongjiang Who says Harbin is only for winter? Summer in Harbin is so cool you might want to move here. Feel the breeze by the Songhua River and enjoy a Madieer popsicle on Central Street—it’s pure comfort. Saint Sophia Cathedral looks like a brick-red fairy tale by day and even more charming when lit up at night. 📍 The square in front of the cathedral is crowded. For clean shots, go before 7 AM when the light is soft and the pigeons haven’t started fighting for food. Volga Manor is on the city outskirts. The Russian-style buildings among white birch trees feel like stepping into an old movie. 🚄 A taxi from downtown takes about 40 minutes. Plan to spend half a day. You can row boats, visit exhibitions, and try freshly baked Russian bread—eat the hot rye bread right away; it’s crispy outside and soft inside. The Ice and Snow World is closed in summer, so don’t go there by mistake. For ice and snow, visit the indoor Ice Snow Castle. You can rent a cotton coat on site, but it gets cold quickly inside—30 minutes is enough. ⚠️ There are many grilled sausage stands on Central Street. Pick the one with the longest line; the taste won’t disappoint. 04 Baise | Guangxi Baise is in western Guangxi. It’s hot in summer but the scenery is wild and beautiful. Haokun Lake and Tongling Grand Canyon are a bit rushed to do in one day, so staying overnight is recommended. Haokun Lake is best in the afternoon. The water is emerald green, reflecting the surrounding karst peaks. A boat ride around the lake takes about an hour. ⏰ The light at 5 PM is the gentlest. The lake sparkles with golden flecks, and even casual phone photos look great. There are many guesthouses in the park. Staying overnight lets you see the morning mist, which is ten times more beautiful than daytime. Tongling Grand Canyon features waterfalls and tropical rainforest. The trail starts with a downhill plank road wrapped in vines, with moist air like natural air conditioning. The main waterfall drops over 100 meters. Standing at the base, the mist hits your face—you don’t need an umbrella; the spray cools you down. ⚠️ The plank road is slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals. Chengbi Lake is close to the city and good for a quick rest. There are farm restaurants by the lake serving freshly caught fish soup that’s incredibly fresh. 🍜 In Baise city, rolled rice noodles and roast duck noodles are both good and cheap—just a few yuan a bowl. Eat up before hitting the road. 05 Tongren | Guizhou Tongren’s summer revolves around one thing: Fanjing Mountain. This mountain is Guizhou’s beauty icon but also a test of endurance. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Tongren station, then a bus to the Fanjing Mountain visitor center—about an hour. Tickets must be booked in advance via the official mini program; they’re usually sold out on the day during peak season. ⏰ Enter the mountain by 7 AM. The plank road to the Red Cloud Golden Summit is narrow and gets crowded quickly. The earlier you go, the more comfortable. Climbing the almost vertical iron chains to the summit requires using both hands and feet. The wind is strong at the top, so secure your hat and hold your phone tight—if it falls, it’s gone. It’s normal for your legs to shake after descending, and the soreness the next day will make you question your life choices. For a more relaxed visit, go to Zhaisha Dong Village at the mountain base. The village is small and can be toured in an hour. Sitting by the wind-and-rain bridge listening to the stream is more healing than climbing. 🍜 Don’t miss the sour soup fish. It’s tangy and appetizing, perfect with sticky rice—you’ll want bowl after bowl. ⚠️ Weather changes fast on the mountain. A raincoat is more useful than an umbrella. You can buy one for 10 yuan at the base, but it costs double at the summit. 06 Datong | Shanxi Datong’s summer is dry and cool, perfect for exploring ancient sites. Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Hengshan Mountain fit nicely into three days or a tight two-day trip. Yungang Grottoes need at least half a day. The Buddha statues inside range from over 10 meters tall to fist-sized. Standing before the open-air Buddha in Cave 20, you’ll be silent for a long time. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM for good light and fewer people. Audio guides rent for about 20 yuan and help you understand many details. The Hanging Temple and Hengshan are in the same direction. The Hanging Temple is built on a cliff with narrow plank roads that make your legs weak looking down. ⚠️ If you’re afraid of heights, assess your limits. But since you’re here, it’s a shame not to go up. Hengshan has a cable car to the top. It’s windy up there, so bring a jacket even in summer. In Datong city, evening walks on the ancient city wall are free. The lights make it especially beautiful. 🍜 Try knife-cut noodles with a marinated egg and fried pork. Around 30 yuan per person will leave you full. 🚄 Datong South Station has high-speed trains to Beijing and Taiyuan. A weekend trip is totally doable. 07 Yongzhou | Hunan Yongzhou is a low-profile place, which helps it keep an old, slow-paced charm. Shanggantang Ancient Village is a perfect example. The village is in Jiangyong County, about a two-hour drive from Yongzhou city. No entrance fee. A small river circles the village, and the stone paths are polished shiny from footsteps. 📍 The village entrance has the Ming dynasty Buying Bridge. The stream under it is clear, and in summer kids fish there. You’ll want to take off your shoes and join them. Most residents are elderly, selling homemade dried vegetables and rice wine. 🍜 If you drink, try a small cup of sweet but strong glutinous rice wine. If not, buy a jar of fermented bean curd to take home—it’s amazing with rice. ⏰ Visit in the afternoon. The warm yellow light at dusk makes the old walls glow, perfect for photos. There are a few guesthouses with basic but clean rooms. Staying overnight lets you hear insects and flowing water, much better sleep than in the city. ⚠️ Mosquitoes are common. Bring insect repellent. 08 Jilin Jilin city is a summer escape with two very different spots: Songhua Lake and Rime Island. One for water, one for frost. Songhua Lake is great for family trips. Take a boat tour with green mountains and water on both sides. The breeze off the lake is cool. ⏰ Board after 3 PM when the sun is less intense and the lake sparkles. There are fish restaurants by the lake serving freshly caught fish. The soy-braised style is the most flavorful. Expect to spend 50–60 yuan per person and leave satisfied. Rime Island is a winter highlight. In summer, it’s mainly for river views and reed marshes. The island is quiet and takes about an hour to walk around—perfect for zoning out. 🍜 Jilin city’s fried rice noodles, helo noodles, and grilled cold noodles are all delicious and cheap. You can eat your fill for 10 yuan. 🚄 The high-speed train from Changchun to Jilin takes only 40 minutes. A two-day weekend trip is very convenient. ⚠️ Songhua Lake boat tickets have different routes. Ask how long the full trip takes so you don’t buy a short route thinking it’s the whole tour. In the August heatwave, pick a direction and go. Some love the cool mountains, some the clear water, and some just want to zone out in an ancient village. Share in the comments—where do you most want to escape?

You won't believe it! A 3-hour drive from Xi'an, and you're instantly transported to a Windows desktop-style landscape. No need to fly to New Zealand or save up vacation days for Iceland; Guanshan Grassland brings the dream of "cattle and sheep grazing in the wind-swept grass" to life right before your eyes. The rolling hills look like matcha mille-feuille, the clouds are so low you feel like you could reach out and grab a handful, and all you hear is the wind, the sound of bells, and the lowing of cattle. That feeling of being instantly healed really makes you want to scream. 📍Trip Highlights (Must-Visit) · Camel Bell Valley: The light at sunset is incredible, with golden edges spilling over the grass tips—every shot is wallpaper-worthy. · Horse Riding Arena: Choose a gentle horse and slowly trot to the top of the hill for an expansive view where you can see the distant sea of forests. · Dianzi Village Campsite: There is no light pollution at night, so you can look up and see the entire Milky Way. If you're lucky, you might even spot a shooting star. · Exotic Town: The colorful European-style houses set against the grassland look like an illustration torn from a fairy tale book. · Grass Sliding Field: No skills required—just sit and slide down. With the wind whistling in your ears, even adults need this kind of simple joy. 📅Itinerary (Comfortable 2-Day, 1-Night Plan) Day 1: Depart from Xi'an at 8:00 AM, take the Lianhuo Expressway toward Long County, and navigate to "Guanshan Grassland Visitor Center," arriving at noon. First, grab a bowl of mutton paomo in town to fill up. Enter the scenic area in the afternoon, head to Camel Bell Valley to wait for the sunset, and check into a yurt or wooden cabin in the evening. Light a bonfire at night, eat grilled lamb chops, and watch the stars—it's so cold you'll want to wrap yourself in a blanket, but you won't want to go back inside. Day 2: Set an alarm for 5:30 AM and climb to the top of the hill to watch the sunrise. Morning mist flows over the grassland as the herds slowly emerge. Spend the morning riding at the horse arena, then have some fun at the grass sliding field. Head back before 3:00 PM, and you'll be back in Xi'an by 7:00 PM or so, just in time for a late-night snack. 🍢Food Recommendations (Don't Miss These) · Whole Roasted Lamb: The skin is crispy, and the meat is so tender it bursts with juice. Book in advance with the restaurant to have it freshly roasted and served. · Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Seasoned with just a pinch of salt, it perfectly highlights the fresh sweetness of the grassland lamb. · Yogurt: Homemade by local herdsmen, it's thick, sweet, and sour—the perfect palate cleanser. · Long County Walnuts: Pick up a bag on your way back; they have thin shells and fragrant kernels, making them a great souvenir. 📝Travel Tips (Read Carefully) · The altitude is over 2,000 meters, and the temperature difference between day and night is huge. Even in summer, bring a windbreaker or a light down jacket. · The UV rays are incredibly strong; sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are all essential. · There are many curves on the mountain roads for self-driving. Don't panic if you're a beginner—drive slowly, and it's best to have an experienced driver with you. · Book accommodation 1 week in advance during peak season. The conditions in the yurts are basic, so it's recommended to bring your own toiletries. · The grassland ecosystem is fragile. Be sure to take your trash with you and avoid using disposable tableware. · When horse riding, be sure to follow the herdsmen's instructions and don't wander off on your own. · Signal is weak in some areas of the scenic spot, so download offline maps in advance. Stop asking where to go for the weekend. Guanshan Grassland will dissolve all your fatigue into the wind with its vast, open beauty. Just pack up and go—it only takes 3 hours, after all.

You get it, right😭! No need for a long, exhausting trip to Northern Xinjiang! Drive 3 hours from Xi'an to Guanshan Grassland. Alpine meadows, windmills, and herds of cattle and sheep—it's all here. The vibe is immaculate, and my friends on social media thought I went abroad📸! 🚗 | Travel tips: Transportation ✅ Best for driving🚙: From Xi'an, take the Lianhuo Expressway to the Yinkun Expressway. It's a smooth 3-hour drive to the Guanshan Grassland Visitor Center. Sedans are perfectly fine. Parking fee for small vehicles entering the scenic area is CNY 10, with no time limit. ⚠️ Be sure to fill up your gas tank in Long County after exiting the expressway! There are no gas stations inside the scenic area. Signal is weak on some sections of the mountain roads, so download offline maps in advance🗺️. ✅ For those without a car: Take the high-speed train from Xi'an to Baoji South Station, then carpool to the scenic area. Alternatively, take a bus from the West Passenger Station to Long County and transfer to the scenic area shuttle. It takes longer, so I don't recommend public transport for a day trip. 🎫 Admission is CNY 60, half price for students. Booking online is easier. The scenic area is huge, so I recommend buying a sightseeing bus ticket for hop-on, hop-off service to save energy. 💚 | Real travel experience Alpine meadows at an altitude of over 2,000 meters🍃. The average summer temperature is 18–22℃—a natural air conditioner. It's so refreshing to escape the sweltering heat of Xi'an! Rolling green grassy slopes, herds of cattle, horses, and sheep grazing leisurely, and rows of large white windmills. Every photo you take looks like a masterpiece🌬️! You must visit the Tuoling Valley Observation Deck to overlook the entire grassland. The light and shadows at sunset are absolutely stunning🌄. The charming town with red-roofed wooden cabins is full of European vibes. You can experience horseback riding and grass sliding. If you're lucky in the evening, you can see the starry sky and the Milky Way🌌. No need for a "special forces" style itinerary. Just find a patch of grass, lie down, feel the breeze, and zone out. The fatigue from city life is instantly healed, and the sense of relaxation is maxed out! 😋 | Authentic grassland food🤤 ✅ Roasted lamb leg: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the meat is fragrant and delicious. For groups, you can order a whole roasted lamb. Remember to book with the restaurant in advance, as the roasting time is long. ✅ Guanshan yogurt: Thick layer of cream, sweet and tangy, a grassland staple🥛. ✅ Buckwheat noodles (Heluo): Chewy and smooth, sour and spicy, perfect to have a bowl after eating a lot of meat. ✅ Mashed potato paste (Yangyu Jiaotuan): A local specialty snack, soft and glutinous, full of flavor. ✅ Longzhou mutton paomo: Rich soup and tender meat, warming and comforting. Tip: Prices inside the scenic area are on the higher side. For better value, you can eat in Long County town, where there are more choices and it's more affordable. 📝 | Travel tips 1️⃣ The temperature difference between day and night is huge☀️! Short sleeves during the day, but very cold in the morning and evening. Be sure to bring a thick jacket; don't just wear a dress for photos. 2️⃣ The UV rays on the plateau are extremely strong! Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. There are many mosquitoes in the grass, so bring mosquito repellent. 3️⃣ Keep a distance when taking photos with cattle and horses. Do not tease the animals, and stay safe. 4️⃣ There are many curves on the mountain roads. Slow down and drive carefully on rainy days. Try to leave early on weekends to avoid traffic jams. 5️⃣ Signal is poor in some pastoral areas, so you might want to carry a small amount of cash. 6️⃣ During peak season, be sure to book yurts and RV campsites in advance! I was truly blown away by Guanshan Grassland✨! A 3-hour drive gets you grassland freedom—watching windmills, chasing sunsets, and eating lamb. It's perfect for escaping the heat and relaxing! For friends around Xi'an looking for a short getaway, this place is definitely worth a visit🌟!

The Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend is almost here 🌾 Don't want to stay home, but also don't want to get stuck in crowds at popular spots? We've put together 28 travel recommendations, divided into relaxing 2-day trips and in-depth 3-day slow travel itineraries. Options include self-driving, hiking, and small group tours, covering landscapes like mountains, grasslands, canyons, and forests. Plan your perfect holiday now~ 🌿 2-day relaxing trips | Laid-back pace 1️⃣ Hanjiang Three Gorges | Sep 25–26 / 26–27 Experience the gorge scenery and stroll through riverside towns 2️⃣ Poetic Liuba | Sep 25–26 / 26–27 Visit ancient streets and enjoy the autumn foliage 3️⃣ Fairyland Laojun Mountain | Sep 25–26 Climb to see unique peaks, a must for hiking enthusiasts 4️⃣ Ganquan Grand Canyon | Sep 25–26 See the light and shadows on the rock walls and experience the unique Loess Plateau landscape 5️⃣ Scenic Wulong River | Sep 25–26 Walk along the stream in the valley and cool off by the water 6️⃣ Bashan Secret Realm | Sep 25–26 Travel through the Bashan river valley and discover the wild charm of southern Shaanxi 7️⃣ Luoshui Changgu + Luhun Reservoir | Sep 25–26 / 26–27 Visit a fairytale town and walk along the reservoir embankment 8️⃣ Baima Wanglang (starts/ends in Jiangyou) | Sep 25–26 / 26–27 Go deep into the primeval forest to explore flora and fauna 9️⃣ Baima Wanglang + Jiuzhaigou (starts/ends in Jiangyou) | Sep 25–26 Visit two secret realms of mountains, forests, and lakes in one trip 🔟 Ningqiang Sinkhole Exploration | Sep 25–26 / 26–27 Explore unique geological wonders of sinkholes 1️⃣1️⃣ Guanshan C-route hike | Sep 25–26 Cross mountains and enjoy an immersive hiking experience 1️⃣2️⃣ Guanshan Grassland camping | Sep 25–26 Camp on the grassland and embrace the mountain scenery 1️⃣3️⃣ Ping'an Grassland camping | Sep 25–26 Set up camp in the wilderness and wait for the sunset and evening glow 1️⃣4️⃣ Beiyang Mountain camping | Sep 25–26 Camp on the summit and overlook the rolling mountains 🍂 3-day slow travel | Richer itineraries 1️⃣5️⃣ Tour southern Shaanxi | Visit Yinghu Lake and Longtou Mountain to enjoy landscapes and culture 1️⃣6️⃣ Impressions of northern Shaanxi | Visit the Yellow River Danxia and experience the Loess Plateau 1️⃣7️⃣ Baima Wanglang | In-depth slow travel in the quiet primeval forest area 1️⃣8️⃣ Wanglang + Jiuzhaigou (starts/ends in Jiangyou) | Explore forests and lakes 1️⃣9️⃣ Wild Shennongjia | Travel through mountain forests and wetlands to discover niche scenery 2️⃣0️⃣ Landscape Three Gorges | Enjoy classic canyon scenery on both sides 2️⃣1️⃣ Fairytale Jiuzhaigou | Visit lakes and primeval dense forests 2️⃣2️⃣ Walking in Tengger | Desert hiking experience 2️⃣3️⃣ Hiking South Taihang | Cross ancient trails and admire the majestic Taihang Mountains 2️⃣4️⃣ Tengger Five Lakes crossing (starts/ends in Yinchuan) | Go deep into the desert to find lakes 2️⃣5️⃣ Jinniu Ancient Shu Road hike (starts/ends in Guangyuan) | Walk the thousand-year-old ancient road 2️⃣6️⃣ Hiking Qilian Mountain (starts/ends in Wuwei) | Cross the grassland to see the magnificent Qilian scenery 2️⃣7️⃣ Walking in Tengger (starts/ends in Yinchuan) | Feel the vastness of the desert 2️⃣8️⃣ Self-driving in Longnan | Visit mountains, lakes, and canyons, and taste local food

Where to go for a road trip? These 6️⃣ places are uncrowded, beautiful, and ready to go 01 Kunming | Yunnan The best thing about Kunming is that it's a great destination year-round, but you have to pick the right time to avoid crowds. I recommend heading straight to Dongchuan Red Land. It's a drive of over 2 hours from the city center. Drive slowly on the winding mountain roads along the way—the best scenery is on the curves. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when the light hits at an angle, making the red soil look like a palette; it gets dusty and gray in the afternoon when the wind picks up. Daguan Park is better for the evening. The admission ticket is affordable, and you can watch the sunset over Dianchi Lake before leaving. You'll have to wait in line for photos at the Ferris wheel, but it's worth it. I don't really recommend making a special trip to Kunming Expo Garden unless you're with kids and want to burn off some energy—the park is huge and you'll walk until your legs give out. Stay near Green Lake (Cuihu). In the morning, you can stroll to the entrance of the Military Academy to have a bowl of tofu rice noodles, which is 10 times better than a hotel breakfast. 🍜 Try the grilled erkuai (rice cake) with ham sausage on that street—it's 3 yuan each and best eaten hot. ⚠️ There's no shade at Red Land, so don't skimp on a sun hat and bottled water. The fruit sold on the roadside looks fresh, but ask for the price before they weigh it. 02 Mudanjiang | Heilongjiang You have to take a boat to see Jingpo Lake; walking along the shore only lets you see a corner of it. I suggest spending half a day entering from the North Gate. First, see the Diaoshuilou Waterfall—when the water volume is high, the mist can soak your hair. Then, hop on a boat to tour the lake. The boat ticket is included in the combo ticket. The whole trip takes 1 hour, and it's windy in the middle of the lake, so keep a light jacket on. Mudanjiang city is great for a slow stroll. Take a walk along the riverside path in the evening to see locals fishing and walking their dogs—there are hardly any tourists. 🚄 There's a tourist shuttle from the city to Jingpo Lake, but driving yourself is more convenient. It's a 1.5-hour drive one way, and the road conditions are good. ⏰ June to August is the most beautiful time at Jingpo Lake. The lake water is a deep, intense blue, but it gets bleak after September. ⚠️ People at the entrance might try to get you to take a speedboat, claiming it goes to the lake center island. Actually, the regular boat ticket already covers the main route, so don't spend extra money. Stay near Mudanjiang Railway Station and have a bowl of cold noodles with guobaorou (sweet and sour pork)—you can get full for about 40 yuan per person. 03 Kaifeng | Henan Millennium City Park looks better at night than during the day. Once the lights turn on, the replica ancient architecture comes to life. I suggest entering the park after 3:00 PM. First, explore the market streets during the day and watch 2 live performances, then wait until dark to see the "Tokyo Dream of the Great Song" water show. The ticket price is a bit high, but it's worth it. Iron Pagoda Park is less crowded in the morning. You need to buy a separate ticket to climb the pagoda, and the stairs inside are narrow and steep, so if you're not physically fit, just look at it from below. Daxiangguo Temple and Baogong Temple are not far apart and can be visited in one walking trip. The temple is filled with the scent of incense, but the wax figures at Baogong Temple are a bit creepy—be careful if you're bringing children. 🍜 Don't have a full meal at Gulou Night Market. Buy snacks as you walk—try a bite of soup dumplings, stir-fried jelly noodles, and almond tea, but don't overdo it. 🏨 Stay near Longting Lake so you can take a walk to see the lake view light show at night. ⚠️ Parking spaces at the entrance of Millennium City Park are limited. I suggest parking at the South Gate parking lot and walking over—it's a 5-minute walk. 04 Xining | Qinghai Ta'er Monastery is truly worth visiting, but don't go with a tour group. Drive to the gate yourself, walk around the prayer wheel corridor outside first, and then go into the monastery to see the butter sculptures and murals. Hiring a guide to hear the stories is better than wandering around blindly. ⏰ Go in the morning for better light, so you can see the details of the thangkas in the main hall; it gets crowded and noisy in the afternoon. Go to the Dongguan Grand Mosque in the afternoon, but keep in mind they don't receive tourists during prayer times, so time your visit carefully. 🍜 Don't miss the lamb in Xining. Try the hand-grabbed lamb dipped in pepper salt, paired with a bowl of boiled tea to cut the grease. Any old shop you find on Mojia Street is more authentic than the "internet-famous" ones. Stay in the Chengxi District, which is close to both attractions. In the evening, go to the night market at Xinqian Plaza and grab some yogurt and liangpi (cold skin noodles). ⚠️ Ta'er Monastery is at an altitude of 2,700 meters, so don't run or jump—altitude sickness is no joke. 🚄 If you're coming from the airport, a taxi to the city center costs about 50 yuan. Don't take unlicensed taxis. 05 Fangchenggang | Guangxi Leshan Ancient Fishing Village is the kind of seaside place I like—it's not overdeveloped, and the stone houses and fishing boats remain as they were. Go to the beach at 5:00 or 6:00 AM to watch the fishermen haul in their nets. You can buy shrimp and crab that have just been landed and take them to a small nearby restaurant to be cooked for a processing fee of 10 yuan per plate. The coastal road in Fangchenggang is perfect for a road trip. Drive along the coastline and stop whenever you want to splash in the water—it's so uncrowded that you can have the whole beach to yourself. ⏰ The light at 4:00 PM is best for photos; the sea surface glows with gold, which looks much better than the harsh white light at noon. ⚠️ Some "attractions" in the fishing village charge admission, but actually, if you walk 200 meters to the east, there's a free beach—don't get scammed. You can stay at a homestay in the Port District where you can see the sea from your window; it's just over 100 yuan a night in the off-season. 🍜 Seafood rice noodles are the standard local breakfast. The broth is fresh and sweet. Eat at that old shop by the fishing village pier, not at the food stalls. 06 Dongguan | Guangdong The highlight of a road trip in Dongguan is the Humen Bridge, but don't just drive across it. I suggest parking your car in the parking lot near Weiyuan Fort and walking onto the bridge to enjoy the scenery. The traffic flows beneath you, and the river water surges below—it's quite impressive. After seeing the bridge, stop by Humen Town to eat roast goose rice noodles. The noodles are smooth and the goose is fragrant; any shop with a line of locals is a safe bet. ⏰ It's best to go in the evening when the bridge lights turn on and the sky is still blue—you won't need filters for your photos. ⚠️ You cannot stop on the bridge to take photos; there are electronic cameras capturing violations, so don't risk it for a quick shot. Stay in the center of Humen Town and go to the night market near the Huanghe Fashion City in the evening—the sweet soup at the stalls is cheap and delicious. 07 Yuncheng | Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake is one of those places that stuns you at first sight. Go on a sunny day, and the lake surface glows pink, like an overturned palette. You can drive directly to the lakeside path without buying an admission ticket to the scenic area—the view from the outside is stunning enough. ⏰ The color is most intense within 2 hours after sunrise and fades by noon. It's windy by the salt lake, so bring a windbreaker. 🍜 After seeing the salt lake, go to the city to eat Wenxi boiled cakes—a sweet pastry that pairs perfectly with a pot of bitter tea to cut the sweetness. ⚠️ Don't step into the white crystalline areas by the salt lake. They look like snow, but they're actually saline-alkali land, and it's hard to clean if you sink in. Stay in the Yanhu District, which is a 15-minute drive from the lake, and you can take a walk at Nanfeng Plaza in the evening. 08 Baoji | Shaanxi Mount Taibai is the main event, but don't think about reaching the summit in 1 day. Drive to the visitor center, take the scenic area bus to the mountainside, and then hike to Tianyuan Difang. It's a 4-hour round trip. The altitude is high and the oxygen is thin, so walk slowly. ⏰ There's still snow on the summit in July and August, so seeing snow in summer is a unique experience. Guanshan Grassland is suitable for another day; it's a 2-hour drive from Mount Taibai. Horseback riding on the grassland costs 50 yuan per lap, and it's so windy you won't be able to keep your hat on. The Famen Temple Buddhist Culture Scenic Area is stunning. The sarira and ritual objects unearthed from the underground palace are worth seeing, but the admission ticket isn't cheap—remember to bring your student ID. 🍜 In downtown Baoji, eat ganmianpi (steamed cold noodles) and saozi noodles—any old shop you walk into is a safe bet. ⚠️ The summit of Mount Taibai is cold, so wear a windbreaker even in summer. You can rent a coat at the foot of the mountain for 30 yuan each. Stay in Tangyu Town at the foot of Mount Taibai—there are many hot spring hotels, and soaking in a hot spring after climbing the mountain will relieve your fatigue. The worst part of a road trip is crowds. I've scouted these 8 places myself—they're uncrowded, beautiful, and ready to go. Which one do you want to visit most? Let's chat in the comments, and I'll give you a detailed itinerary.

01 Songyuan | Jilin When bringing your parents to Songyuan, don't rush through the sights; learn to slow down. Chagan Lake is vast; you can't see it all in one day. I suggest focusing on the south bank. At 6 AM, the lake is still asleep, mist clinging to the surface. Your parents can stretch on the boardwalk – more effective than any health supplement. 📍At the entrance to the south bank boardwalk, there's a gentle viewing platform, wheelchair-accessible. For lunch, try bighead carp. Along the lakeside restaurant street, choose the one with the most local cars parked outside. Order a pot of braised bighead carp; the fish is tender, with few bones, perfect for seniors with weak teeth. ⏰Avoid going to Jinchan Island after 2 PM. The sun is intense, and there's almost no shade, making it easy for seniors to suffer heatstroke. To see the Jinchan Stone, arrive before 10 AM; the light is at an angle, making the stone's texture clearer and preventing backlighting in photos. ⚠️Chagan Lake is famous for its winter fishing, but the ice is slippery, so it's not recommended for the elderly to go on the ice; just watch from the shore. 02 Anshun|Guizhou Anshun is an underrated slow-paced city. When bringing your parents, the focus isn't on how many sights they see, but on minimizing the amount of climbing stairs. Huangguoshu Waterfall is famous, but be aware that there's a long section of stairs leading down the mountain, which can be difficult for elderly people with knee problems. My suggestion: buy a ticket for the sightseeing escalator (50 yuan round trip), directly saving you from the most difficult part of the climb. ⏰Enter the park before 9 am, before the sun evaporates the mist. Standing on the viewing platform, the mist will hit your face, keeping you cool and dry. In the afternoon, head to Longgong Cave, which is more suitable for the elderly than Huangguoshu. The entire journey involves taking a boat into the cave, requiring almost no walking. 🚄A taxi from Anshun West Station to Huangguoshu takes about 40 minutes, while a ride-hailing service costs around 80 yuan. Don't take shared taxis soliciting passengers on the street; waiting for a group can take up to half an hour. 🍜 Have a bowl of Anshun Duoduo Rice Noodles outside the scenic area for lunch. The sour and spicy flavor is appetizing, and the noodles are soft and easy to chew—much better than the fast food inside the scenic area. ⚠️It's cold inside Longgong Cave, so bring a light jacket for your parents; don't think it's too much trouble. 03 Putian|Fujian For this leg of the trip, my conclusion is simple: only go to Meizhou Island. You can skip the rest. The most worthwhile thing to do with your parents on the island isn't worshipping Mazu, but rather taking a leisurely stroll along the island's ring road. 📍Walk 500 meters east from the Ancestral Temple, and you'll find an undeveloped beach with fine sand and few people. The elderly can take off their shoes and wade in the water—much more comfortable than queuing at tourist attractions. ⏰Arrive on the island after 4:30 PM. Most of the tourists have left, the sea breeze is gentle, and the sunset bathes the Mazu statue in gold—the scene is more beautiful than any time of day. The last ferry departs at 5 PM, but there are many guesthouses on the island, so staying overnight allows for more relaxation. 🍜For dinner, find a small shop near the island's market and order oyster omelet and seaweed rice. It'll cost just over 40 yuan per person, much more affordable than the seafood stalls by the pier. ⚠️Beware of crowds on weekends. Buy your ferry tickets a day in advance through their official WeChat account to avoid waiting at the pier. 04 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji's attractions are scattered. Don't try to visit too many places with your parents; one per day is just right. Taibai Mountain is suitable for physically fit seniors, but don't expect to climb to the summit. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang (天圆地), at an altitude of 3,500 meters, and watching the sea of ​​clouds is enough. ⏰Enter the mountain at 8 am and descend before noon. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable in the afternoon; it can rain unexpectedly. Famen Temple is a flat area; seniors can walk there for two hours without getting tired. The stupa in the underground palace is worth seeing, but don't believe the people selling incense at the entrance. Purchase incense legitimately at the temple's religious goods shop. 📍Guanshan Grassland is better visited in summer; the grass is a vibrant green from June to August. However, there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, so bring a fleece jacket for your parents. The name "Frozen Mountain Wind" sounds intimidating, but it's simply a draft through the mountain pass. Taking a photo there will make you feel refreshed. 🚄There's a direct tourist bus from Baoji South Station to Taibai Mountain. Departure times are fixed; arrive half an hour early. ⚠️Buy Taibai Mountain tickets and cable car tickets separately. Don't listen to the "package deals" offered by scalpers at the entrance; official channels are the most reliable. 05 Chuxiong|Yunnan For Chuxiong, between Yuanmou Earth Forest and Wumao Earth Forest, I'll give you a clear answer: choose one, go to Wumao. Yuanmou Earth Forest is large, but the hiking trail is long, too much for older people; Wumao Earth Forest is smaller, with its highlights concentrated in one area. It only takes about forty minutes to walk from the entrance to the deepest part, and there are shaded areas along the way. ⏰Enter the Earth Forest at 10 AM. The sun hasn't yet scorched the earth, and the orange-red earthen pillars are clearly defined in the shadows—no filter needed for photos. 📍There's a viewing platform in the scenic area, but climbing it involves over a hundred steps. Elderly people with knee problems shouldn't attempt it; the view from the flat ground below is still quite breathtaking. In the afternoon, head to the Yi Ancient Town. This place is better visited in the evening. The town's cobblestone streets are gentle, and small shops on both sides sell Yi embroidery and buckwheat cakes. 🍜Dinner was in the ancient town—a copper pot potato rice dish with a bowl of pickled cabbage and red bean soup. It cost about 30 yuan per person, and the elderly ate very comfortably. ⚠️There are no restaurants inside the Earth Forest scenic area. Bring your own food and water; don't expect to resupply along the way. 06 Jiayuguan|Gansu The core attraction of Jiayuguan is the fortified pass itself. When bringing your parents, don't rush into the fortress. First, walk around to the Gobi Desert on the west side of the fortress and stand at a distance to admire the panoramic view. The desolate feeling of the fortress standing in the desert is more awe-inspiring than going inside. ⏰Enter the park after 5:30 PM. With fewer tourists, the setting sun paints the rammed earth walls a warm yellow, and the wind howls through the gates. Your parents can stand there and contemplate for a while; it's more worthwhile than any performance. There aren't many steps inside the fortress; the ground is mostly gentle slopes, so you can walk around in about 40 minutes, stopping as you please. 📍The Great Wall Museum at the exit is free and features miniature replicas, allowing your parents to see the entire Great Wall without having to walk far. 🍜For dinner, have a bowl of "huguo" in the city. This is a Jiayuguan specialty, a stew of gluten, fried dough twists, and rice noodles in one pot. The broth is rich and flavorful, and it's warming for the elderly. ⚠️The wind is strong in the fortress area, especially in spring and autumn. Make sure your parents wear hats to avoid headaches. 07 Nanchang | Jiangxi When taking your parents to Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang, remember this principle: see the architecture during the day, and the lights at night. If you have to choose one, I'd choose the night. ⏰ Climb the pavilion after 7 PM. The lights on both banks of the Gan River illuminate the area, and the neon lights of the Bayi Bridge are reflected on the water. It's much more comfortable for the elderly to stand on the covered walkway and enjoy the river breeze than climbing the stairs under the daytime sun. The elevator inside the pavilion only goes up to the fifth floor; you have to climb two flights of stairs to reach the top, but the stairs are wide and gentle, so it's not a problem if you walk slowly. 📍 The Gan River walkway below the pavilion is flat. After dinner, take a half-hour walk along the river to see Nanchang's nightlife: dancing, fishing, strolling—it's full of vibrant energy. 🍜 At noon, have a bowl of Nanchang mixed noodles and a side of clay pot soup at the Shengjinta Food Street. Tell the vendor to cook the noodles a little softer, as it's easier for the elderly to digest. ⚠️ The night ticket for Tengwang Pavilion is 20 yuan more expensive than the daytime ticket, but it's worth it; don't skimp on the price. 🚄It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from Nanchang Station to Tengwang Pavilion, and Metro Line 1 also goes directly there; it's just a 500-meter walk from the station exit. 08 Beihai|Guangxi For Beihai, my advice for seniors is to spend half a day at Silver Beach and stay overnight on Weizhou Island, rather than packing the itinerary too full. The sand at Silver Beach is as fine as flour; it's soft and comfortable to walk on barefoot. Seniors can stroll slowly along the beach, the seawater washing over their ankles and then receding – the feeling is better than any foot massage. ⏰Go to Silver Beach after 4 PM when the sun is less intense and the sand is warm, so it's not cold to walk barefoot. For Weizhou Island, the boat ride takes 70 minutes; seniors prone to seasickness should take motion sickness medication half an hour beforehand. 📍The most worthwhile place to visit on the island is Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area, with its volcanic rock formations and azure waters. However, there are many steps, so seniors with knee problems shouldn't walk the entire way; just viewing it from the observation deck is enough. 🍜You can buy seafood at the seafood market on the island and have it cooked at the nearby restaurants. The cooking fee is 15 yuan per dish, half the price of ordering directly. ⚠️Weizhou Island ferry tickets need to be booked three days in advance during peak season; don't expect to get them on the day. Silver Beach is free, but changing rooms and showering with fresh water costs 10 yuan per use, so prepare small change for your parents. When traveling with parents, pace is more important than sightseeing, and rest is more important than checklists. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Anshun and Beihai the most—one is less strenuous, and the other is more relaxed. Which places have you taken your parents to? Share your experiences in the comments section to help others. 01 Songyuan|Jilin When bringing your parents to Songyuan, don't rush through the sights; learn to slow down first. Chagan Lake is very large; you can't walk it all in one day. I suggest you only explore the south shore. At six in the morning, the lake is still asleep, and the mist glides across the water. Your parents stretching on the boardwalk is more effective than any health supplement. 📍At the entrance to the South Bank boardwalk, there's a gentle viewing platform, wheelchair-accessible. For lunch, try the bighead carp. Along the lakeside restaurant street, choose the one with the most local cars parked outside and order a pot of braised bighead carp. The fish is tender, with few bones, perfect for seniors with dental issues. ⏰Avoid going to Jinchan Island after 2 PM. The sun is intense, and there's almost no shade, making it easy for seniors to suffer heatstroke. To see the Jinchan Stone, arrive before 10 AM when the light shines at an angle, making the stone's texture clearer and preventing backlighting in photos. ⚠️Chagan Lake's winter fishing is a spectacular sight, but the ice is slippery. It's not recommended for seniors to go on the ice; just watch from the shore. 02 Anshun|Guizhou Anshun is an underrated slow-paced city. When bringing your parents, the focus isn't on how many sights they see, but on minimizing stair climbing. Huangguoshu Waterfall is famous, but be aware that there's a long downhill staircase within the scenic area, which can be difficult for seniors with knee problems. My suggestion: Buy a ticket for the sightseeing escalator (50 yuan round trip), which directly saves you the most difficult part of the walk. ⏰Enter the park before 9 AM. The water mist hasn't been evaporated by the sun yet. Standing on the viewing platform, the water vapor hits your face, cool and refreshing without getting wet. In the afternoon, go to Longgong Cave. It's more suitable for the elderly than Huangguoshu Waterfall. You take a boat into the cave, hardly walking at all. 🚄A taxi from Anshun West Station to Huangguoshu Waterfall takes about 40 minutes, while a ride-hailing service costs about 80 yuan. Don't take the shared rides offered by street vendors; waiting for everyone to gather can take half an hour. 🍜Have a bowl of Anshun Duoduo Rice Noodles outside the scenic area for lunch. It's sour, spicy, and appetizing, with soft and easy-to-chew noodles—much better than the fast food inside the scenic area. ⚠️The temperature inside Longgong Cave is low, so bring a light jacket for your parents. Don't think it's too much trouble. 03 Putian|Fujian For Putian, my conclusion is simple: only go to Meizhou Island. You can skip the rest. The most worthwhile thing to do with your parents on the island isn't worshipping Mazu, but rather taking a leisurely stroll along the island's ring road. 📍 About 500 meters east of the Ancestral Temple, there's an undeveloped beach with fine sand and few people. The elderly can take off their shoes and wade in the water—much more comfortable than queuing at tourist attractions. ⏰ Arrive on the island after 4:30 PM. Most tourists have left, the sea breeze is gentle, and the setting sun bathes the Mazu statue in gold—a scene more beautiful than any time of day. The last ferry departs at 5 PM, but there are many guesthouses on the island, so staying overnight allows for more relaxation. 🍜 For dinner, find a small shop near the island's market and order oyster omelets and seaweed rice. It costs just over 40 yuan per person, much more affordable than the seafood stalls at the pier. ⚠️ The island gets very crowded on weekends, so buy your ferry tickets a day in advance through their official WeChat account to avoid waiting at the pier. 04 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji's attractions are scattered, so don't try to visit too many places with your parents. One place a day is just right. Taibai Mountain is suitable for physically fit seniors, but don't expect to climb to the summit. Take the cable car to Tianyuan Difang (天圆地), at an altitude of 3,500 meters; watching the sea of ​​clouds is enough. ⏰Enter the mountain at 8 am and descend before noon. The weather on the mountain is unpredictable in the afternoon; it can rain suddenly. Famen Temple is a flat area; seniors can walk there for two hours without getting tired. The stupa in the underground palace is worth seeing, but don't believe the people selling incense at the entrance; buy legitimate incense at the temple's religious goods shop. 📍Guanshan Grassland is better visited in summer, from June to August when the grass is a vibrant green. However, there's a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a fleece jacket for your parents. The name "Frozen Mountain Wind" sounds intimidating, but it's just a draft through the mountain pass; standing there to take a photo will make you feel refreshed. 🚄There's a direct tourist bus from Baoji South Station to Taibai Mountain. Departure times are fixed; arrive at the station half an hour early. ⚠️Buy Taibai Mountain tickets and cable car tickets separately. Don't listen to the "package deals" offered by scalpers at the entrance; official channels are the most reliable. 05 Chuxiong|Yunnan For Chuxiong, between Yuanmou Earth Forest and Wumao Earth Forest, I'll give you a clear answer: choose one, go to Wumao. Yuanmou Earth Forest is large, but the hiking route is long, too much for older people; Wumao Earth Forest is smaller, with its highlights concentrated in one area. It only takes about forty minutes to walk from the entrance to the deepest part, and there are shade structures along the way. ⏰Enter the earth forest at 10 am. The sun hasn't yet scorched the earth; the orange-red earth pillars are clearly defined in the shadows, perfect for photos without filters. 📍There's a viewing platform in the scenic area, requiring climbing over a hundred steps. Older people with knee problems shouldn't push themselves; the view from the flat ground below is still quite breathtaking. In the afternoon, we went to the Yi Ancient Town, which is better visited in the evening. The town's cobblestone streets are gentle, and small shops on both sides sell Yi embroidery and buckwheat cakes. 🍜Dinner was in the ancient town, with a copper pot potato stew and rice, served with a bowl of pickled cabbage and red bean soup. It cost about 30 yuan per person, and the elderly ate very comfortably. ⚠️There are no restaurants in the Earth Forest Scenic Area. Bring your own food and water; don't expect to resupply along the way. 06 Jiayuguan | Gansu The core attraction of Jiayuguan is the fortified gate. If you're bringing your parents, don't rush into the gate. First, go around to the Gobi Desert west of the gate and stand at a distance to see the panoramic view. The desolate feeling of the gate tower standing in the desert is more awe-inspiring than going inside. ⏰Enter the park after 5:30 pm. There are fewer tourists, and the setting sun paints the rammed earth walls a warm yellow. The wind howls through the gate openings. The elderly can stand there and gaze at the scenery for a while; it's more worthwhile than watching any performance. There aren't many steps inside the fortress; most of the ground is gently sloping, and you can walk around in about 40 minutes, stopping frequently. 📍The Great Wall Museum at the exit is free and features miniature replicas, allowing seniors to see the entire Great Wall without having to walk far. 🍜For dinner, have a bowl of "huguo" in the city center. This is a Jiayuguan specialty, a stew of gluten, fried dough twists, and mung bean noodles in one pot. The broth is rich and flavorful, and it's warming for seniors. ⚠️The wind is strong in the fortress area, especially in spring and autumn. Make sure your parents wear hats to avoid headaches. 07 Nanchang|Jiangxi When taking your parents to Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang, remember one principle: see the architecture during the day and the lights at night. If you have to choose one, I'd choose the night. ⏰Climb the pavilion after 7 pm. The lights on both sides of the Gan River illuminate the area, and the neon lights of the Bayi Bridge are reflected on the water. Seniors can enjoy the river breeze while standing on the covered walkway, which is much more comfortable than climbing the stairs under the sun during the day. The elevator inside the pavilion only goes up to the fifth floor; you need to climb two flights of stairs to reach the top floor, but the stairs are wide and gentle, so walking slowly is fine. 📍The Ganjiang River walkway below the pavilion is flat. After dinner, a half-hour walk along the river offers a glimpse into Nanchang's nightlife: dancing, fishing, strolling—a vibrant and lively scene. 🍜For lunch, have a bowl of Nanchang mixed noodles at the Shengjinta Food Street, with an extra bowl of clay pot soup. Tell the vendor to cook the noodles a little softer, as it's easier for older people to digest. ⚠️The night view ticket for Tengwang Pavilion is 20 yuan more expensive than the daytime ticket, but it's worth it; don't skimp on the cost. 🚄It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from Nanchang Railway Station to Tengwang Pavilion, and Metro Line 1 also goes directly there; it's just a 500-meter walk from the station exit. 08 Beihai|Guangxi For Beihai, regarding Weizhou Island and Silver Beach, my advice for older travelers is: spend half a day at Silver Beach and stay overnight on Weizhou Island. Don't overschedule your itinerary. The sand at Silver Beach is as fine as flour, soft and yielding underfoot. Elderly people stroll slowly along the beach, the seawater washing over their ankles and then receding – the comfort is far superior to any foot massage. ⏰Visit Silver Beach after 4 PM; the sun is less intense, the sand is warm, and your feet won't feel cold. Weizhou Island is a 70-minute boat ride away; elderly people prone to seasickness should take their medication half an hour beforehand. 📍The most worthwhile attraction on the island is Crocodile Mountain Scenic Area, with its volcanic rock formations and azure waters. However, there are many steps, so elderly people with knee problems shouldn't walk the entire way; viewing it from the observation deck is sufficient. 🍜At the island's seafood market, you can buy your own seafood and have it cooked at the nearby restaurants. The cooking fee is 15 yuan per dish, half the price of ordering directly. ⚠️Weizhou Island ferry tickets need to be booked three days in advance during peak season; don't expect to get them on the day. Silver Beach is free to enter, but changing rooms and showering with fresh water cost 10 yuan per use; prepare small change for your parents. When traveling with parents, pace is more important than sightseeing, and rest is more important than checklists. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Anshun and Beihai the most—one is less strenuous, and the other offers more freedom. Which places have you taken your parents to? Share your experiences in the comments section to help others.

List of Cities with Zero Negative Reviews: You'll Only Understand Their Beauty After Visiting 01 Baise | Guangxi I recommend dedicating an entire afternoon to Haokun Lake. Entering from the visitor center, a walk around the lakeside boardwalk takes about two hours. To your left is the emerald green lake, to your right are karst peaks, and the air is filled with the scent of moisture and grass. When you reach the pavilion in the middle of the lake, the wind blowing across the water feels like a slow-motion experience. Tongling Grand Canyon is better visited in the morning. The canyon is humid, with many steps, and sunlight filters through the gaps overhead. The roar of the waterfall can be heard from afar. Reaching the base of the waterfall, the mist hits you in the face; in summer, it feels like having natural air conditioning. ⚠️ The steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes; don't try to brave them in flip-flops. Chengbi Lake is located on the edge of the city and is best visited in the evening. The lake is expansive, and the sunset paints the water golden. Locals often stroll along its shores. If you're short on time, you can just visit Haokun Lake and the canyon, with Chengbi Lake as an alternative. 🚄 A taxi from Baise Station to Haokun Lake takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately 60 yuan. 02 Baoji|Shaanxi Taibai Mountain is suitable for those with good physical fitness. Take the cable car from Xiaban Temple to Shangban Temple, then hike to Tianyuan Difang, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, where the sea of ​​clouds surges below. My heart was pounding while climbing, but seeing the mountains emerge from the clouds made it all worthwhile. ⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is more than ten degrees Celsius lower than at the foot, so bring a jacket even in summer. Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain offer completely different experiences. Famen Temple is about culture; the He Shi Relic Pagoda is very impressive, and the artifacts in the underground palace are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Guanshan Grassland is best visited by car; the grassland is very rolling, with cattle and sheep grazing on the slopes, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass. ⏰ The best time to visit the grassland is in July or August when the grass is at its greenest. Dongshanfeng (Frozen Mountain Wind) sounds a bit mystical, but it's actually a less-visited viewpoint, perfect for watching the sunrise. Located near Taibai Mountain, it's a convenient stop if you get up early. My suggestion: choose either Taibai Mountain or Guanshan Grassland, and dedicate half a day to Famen Temple; this is the most comfortable way to allocate your energy. 03 Changchun | Jilin The Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum is an unmissable stop in Changchun. The entire complex is gray and somber, carrying a sense of oppression, but that's how history should be. There are many rooms inside; a guided tour takes about two hours. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't go for nothing. Changchun World Sculpture Park is better than I expected. The park is large, with sculptures scattered on the grass and along the lake; you'll encounter a piece every few steps. It's suitable for leisurely strolls, not for rushing. Changying Century City is more like a theme park, with movie-related interactive projects that children will enjoy, but adults might find it a bit childish. Jingyuetan is Changchun's backyard garden. Spend an afternoon by the lake in summer, or ski in winter—it's worth it all year round. I prefer autumn; the leaves turn yellow, and the lake is as still as a mirror. 🚄 Take the light rail line 3 from the city center to Jingyuetan Station, then walk for ten minutes. 04 Weifang|Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City is the kind of place that doesn't need a guide. The ancient city isn't large; walking along the main street from south to north takes only half an hour, but many little surprises are hidden in the alleys. The Christian church and Ouyuan Garden are both on the main street, and the museum is free and worth a visit. I suggest you go to the ancient city in the evening. ⏰ Around 5 pm, most of the tourists have left, the bluestone streets are bathed in a warm yellow light from the setting sun, and the flags of the shops along the street flutter slowly. At this time, find a teahouse, order a pot of Qingzhou flower tea, and watch the locals ride their electric bikes through the city gate—the relaxed feeling is something you can't experience during the day. The pan-fried buns under the old locust tree in the ancient city are worth trying; the vegetarian filling is better than the meat filling. ⚠️ Don't buy the pre-packaged souvenirs at the scenic area entrance; they're expensive and not authentic. The small shops deep in the alleys offer better quality. 05 Jinzhong | Shanxi Between the Qiao Family Compound and the Wang Family Compound, I suggest you choose only one. The Qiao Family Compound is "exquisite," with a compact courtyard and delicate brick and wood carvings; the Wang Family Compound is "large," built against the mountain, and your legs will be sore after walking around it. I personally recommend the Wang Family Compound; it has a stronger presence and allows you to better feel the heritage of Shanxi merchants in the past. Pingyao Ancient City is suitable for staying overnight. After 9 pm, the tour groups leave, and the ancient city truly quiets down. The lights on the city walls are on, and guitar music drifts from the small taverns on the street—a completely different world from the crowded daytime. 🍜 In the morning, go to a street vendor for a bowl of "wan tuo" (a type of flatbread), paired with Pingyao beef—the joy of carbohydrates and meat. Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is not far from Pingyao. It's the kind of place you "won't want to miss, but you'll be exhausted if you do." The mountain is very high, and the attractions are scattered, so it's best suited for those with good stamina. ⚠️ The cable car stops operating at 4 PM, so check the time carefully and don't let the sea of ​​clouds at the summit hold you back. 06 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most outrageous karst cave I've ever seen. The interior is so vast it's like another world. The stalactites shimmer under the lights, some resembling waterfalls, others like a forest of stalagmites. The entire walk takes about two hours, and you'll be looking up the whole time—your neck will ache, but it's worth it. ⚠️ The temperature inside the cave is low; even in summer, you'll need long sleeves. Visit the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area at the right time. ⏰ March and April are the peak blooming season. The entire mountain is covered in rhododendrons—pink, white, and purple—a breathtaking sight. Outside of peak bloom, it's just an ordinary mountain with nothing special to see. So be sure to check the blooming season before you go to avoid disappointment. The two attractions are far apart; Zhijin Cave is in Zhijin County, and Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area is in the Qianxi direction. I recommend splitting your trip into two days. 🚄 There's a direct bus from Bijie High-Speed ​​Railway Station to Zhijin Cave, the journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 30 yuan. 07 Xiamen|Fujian Gulangyu Island is Xiamen's calling card, but my advice is: don't spend the whole day there. Take the 8 am ferry and explore the alleyways before the tour groups arrive. You can skip Longtou Road commercial street and head towards Sunlight Rock; the walls of those old villas are covered in bougainvillea, more beautiful than any trendy shop. The Railway Culture Park is an underrated place. Walk from Wenping Road to Heping Wharf, following the abandoned railway tracks, lined with tall banyan trees and bougainvillea. It's less crowded, quiet, and perfect for taking photos. 📍 Enter from the Hongshan Park entrance and walk to the Botanical Garden exit; the paths connect perfectly. Nanputuo Temple is right next to Xiamen University; you can visit both. The temple isn't large, but it's very popular with worshippers. ⚠️ Shorts and skirts are not allowed inside the temple; free aprons are available for rent at the entrance. The Rainforest World at Xiamen Botanical Garden has a misting system at 4 PM, making the entire area look like a fairyland—that's the best time for photos. 08 Honghe | Yunnan The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are the kind of place where "you've seen photos many times, but seeing them in person still leaves you breathless." Watch the sunrise at Duoyishu Viewing Platform, the sunset at Bada, and the sea of ​​clouds at Qingkou. I got up at 5:30 AM, groped my way to the viewing platform in the dark, and waited for the sun to rise above the ridgeline, making the surface of the rice terraces glow like shattered mirrors. Jianshui Ancient City was more comfortable than I expected. It wasn't overly commercialized; the stone slabs were worn smooth, the ancient wells were still in use, and there were stalls selling grilled tofu everywhere. 🍜 Jianshui grilled tofu with dipping sauce, paired with a bowl of grass sprout rice noodles—it's the kind of satisfying meal you'd want to take home. The best time to visit Chaoyang Tower is at dusk, when the lights come on and the entire tower seems to float in the night. ⚠️ The best time to view the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is from December to March of the following year, when the paddy fields are full of water, and the layers are most clearly defined at sunrise and sunset. At other times, the fields are full of rice, and the mirror-like effect is not visible. 🚄 It takes about two hours by high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui, and Yuanyang is a three-hour drive from Jianshui. I recommend hiring a car; don't skimp on this expense. None of these eight places are the kind you'll regret visiting. If I had to pick one I'd never forget, I'd choose the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. The moment the water glistens at sunrise is worth getting up early for. If you've been to any of these places, share your favorite in the comments and help others avoid some disappointments. A list of cities with zero negative reviews—you'll understand how good they are once you've been! 01 Baise | Guangxi I suggest you dedicate an entire afternoon to Haokun Lake. Entering from the visitor center, a walk along the lakeside boardwalk takes about two hours. To your left is the emerald green lake, and to your right are karst peaks; the air is filled with the scent of moisture and grass. Reaching the pavilion in the middle of the lake, the wind blowing across the water feels like a slow-motion experience. Tongling Grand Canyon is better visited in the morning. The canyon is humid, has many steps, and sunlight filters through the gaps overhead, while the roar of the waterfall can be heard from afar. Reaching the base of the waterfall, the mist hits you in the face—in summer, it feels like having natural air conditioning. ⚠️ The steps are slippery; wear non-slip shoes, don't try to brave them in flip-flops. Chengbi Lake is located on the edge of the city and is best visited in the evening. The lake is expansive, and the sunset paints the water golden; locals often stroll along its shores. If you're short on time, you can just visit Haokun Lake and the canyon, keeping Chengbi Lake as an alternative. 🚄 A taxi from Baise Station to Haokun Lake takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately 60 yuan. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Taibai Mountain is suitable for those with good physical fitness. Take the cable car from Xiaban Temple to Shangban Temple, then hike to Tianyuan Difang (Heavenly Round Place), at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, where the sea of ​​clouds surges below. My heart was pounding while climbing, but seeing the mountains peek out from behind the clouds made it all worthwhile. ⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is more than ten degrees Celsius lower than at the foot, so bring a jacket even in summer. Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain offer completely different experiences. Famen Temple is about culture; the He Shi Relic Pagoda is impressive, and the artifacts in the underground palace are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Guanshan Grassland is best visited by car; the grassland is undulating, with cattle and sheep grazing on the slopes, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass. ⏰ The best time to visit the grassland is in July and August when the grass is at its greenest. Dongshanfeng (Frozen Mountain Wind) sounds a bit mystical, but it's actually a less-visited viewpoint, perfect for watching the sunrise. It's located near Taibai Mountain; if you get up early, you can visit it along the way. My suggestion: Choose either Taibai Mountain or Guanshan Grassland, and dedicate half a day to Famen Temple. This will allow for the most comfortable energy allocation. 03 Changchun | Jilin The Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum is an unmissable stop in Changchun. The entire complex is gray and somber, carrying a sense of oppression, but that's how history should be. There are many rooms inside; a guided tour takes about two hours. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. Changchun World Sculpture Park is better than I expected. The park is large, with sculptures scattered on the grass and along the lake; you'll encounter a piece every few steps. It's suitable for leisurely strolls, not for rushing. Changchun Film Studio is more like a theme park, with movie-related interactive projects that children will enjoy, but adults might find it a bit childish. Jingyuetan is Changchun's backyard garden. Spend an afternoon by the lake in summer, or ski in winter—it's worth it year-round. I prefer to go in autumn when the leaves turn yellow and the lake is as still as a mirror. 🚄 Take Light Rail Line 3 from the city center to Jingyuetan Station, then walk for ten minutes. 04 Weifang|Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City is the kind of place that doesn't need a guide. The ancient city isn't large; walking along the main street from south to north takes only half an hour, but many little surprises are hidden in the alleys. The Christian church and Ouyuan Garden are both on the main street, and the museum is free and worth a visit. I suggest you go to the ancient city in the evening. ⏰ Around 5 pm, most of the tourists have left, and the bluestone pavement is bathed in a warm yellow light from the setting sun. The flags of the small shops along the street flutter slowly. At this time, find a teahouse, order a pot of Qingzhou flower tea, and watch the locals ride their electric bikes through the city gate. The relaxed feeling is something you can't experience during the day. The old locust tree pan-fried buns in the ancient city are worth trying; the vegetarian filling is better than the meat filling. ⚠️ Avoid buying pre-packaged souvenirs at the entrance of tourist attractions; they're expensive and not authentic. The small shops hidden deep in the alleys offer better value. 05 Jinzhong | Shanxi Between the Qiao Family Compound and the Wang Family Compound, I suggest choosing only one. The Qiao Family Compound is "exquisite," with a compact courtyard and delicate brick and wood carvings; the Wang Family Compound is "large," built against the mountain, and walking around it will leave your legs sore. I personally recommend the Wang Family Compound; it has a more imposing presence and allows you to better feel the heritage of Shanxi merchants in the past. Pingyao Ancient City is worth staying overnight. After 9 pm, when the tour groups leave, the ancient city truly quiets down. The lights on the city walls are on, and guitar music drifts from the small taverns on the streets—a completely different world from the crowded daytime. 🍜 In the morning, go to a street vendor for a bowl of "wan tuo" (a type of flatbread) with Pingyao beef—the joy of carbohydrates and meat. Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu is not far from Pingyao. It's the kind of place you "won't want to miss, but you'll be exhausted if you do." The mountain is very high, and the attractions are scattered, so it's best suited for those with good stamina. ⚠️ The cable car stops operating at 4 PM, so check the time carefully and don't let the sea of ​​clouds at the summit hold you back. 06 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is the most outrageous karst cave I've ever seen. The interior is so vast it's like another world. The stalactites shimmer under the lights, some resembling waterfalls, others like a forest of stalagmites. The entire walk takes about two hours, and you'll be looking up the whole time—your neck will ache, but it's worth it. ⚠️ The temperature inside the cave is low; even in summer, you'll need long sleeves. Visit the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area at the right time. ⏰ March and April are the peak blooming season. The mountains are covered in rhododendrons—pink, white, and purple—a breathtaking sight. Outside of peak bloom, it's just an ordinary mountain with nothing special to see. So be sure to check the blooming season before you go to avoid disappointment. The two attractions are far apart; Zhijin Cave is in Zhijin County, and Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area is in the Qianxi direction. I recommend splitting your trip into two days. 🚄 There's a direct bus from Bijie High-Speed ​​Railway Station to Zhijin Cave, the journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 30 yuan. 07 Xiamen|Fujian Gulangyu Island is Xiamen's calling card, but my advice is: don't spend the whole day there. Take the 8 am ferry and explore the alleyways before the tour groups arrive. You can skip Longtou Road commercial street and head towards Sunlight Rock; the walls of those old villas are covered in bougainvillea, more beautiful than any trendy shop. The Railway Culture Park is an underrated place. Walk from Wenping Road to Heping Wharf, following the abandoned railway tracks, lined with tall banyan trees and bougainvillea. It's less crowded, quiet, and perfect for taking photos. 📍 Enter from the Hongshan Park entrance and walk to the Botanical Garden exit; the paths connect perfectly. Nanputuo Temple is right next to Xiamen University; you can visit both. The temple isn't large, but it's very popular with worshippers. ⚠️ Shorts and skirts are not allowed inside the temple; free aprons are available for rent at the entrance. The Rainforest World at Xiamen Botanical Garden has a misting system at 4 PM, making the entire area look like a fairyland—that's the best time for photos. 08 Honghe | Yunnan The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are the kind of place where "you've seen photos many times, but seeing them in person still leaves you breathless." Watch the sunrise at Duoyishu Viewing Platform, the sunset at Bada, and the sea of ​​clouds at Qingkou. I got up at 5:30 AM, groped my way to the viewing platform in the dark, and waited for the sun to rise above the ridgeline, making the surface of the rice terraces glow like shattered mirrors. Jianshui Ancient City was more comfortable than I expected. It wasn't overly commercialized; the stone slabs were worn smooth, the ancient wells were still in use, and there were stalls selling grilled tofu everywhere. 🍜 Jianshui grilled tofu with dipping sauce, paired with a bowl of grass sprout rice noodles—it's the kind of satisfying meal you'd want to take home. The best time to visit Chaoyang Tower is at dusk, when the lights come on and the entire tower seems to float in the night. ⚠️ The best time to view the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is from December to March of the following year, when the paddy fields are full of water, and the shimmering effect is most pronounced at sunrise and sunset. At other times, the fields are full of rice, and the mirror-like effect is not visible. 🚄 It takes about two hours by high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui, and Yuanyang is a three-hour drive from Jianshui. I recommend hiring a car; don't skimp on this expense. Of these eight places, none are the kind you'll regret visiting. If I had to pick one I'd never forget, I'd choose the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. The moment the water glistens at sunrise is worth getting up early for. If you've been to any of these places, share your favorite in the comments and hopefully help others avoid some disappointments.

I had hoped to visit this former Qin Dynasty royal pasture 🏞️ to experience the vast scenery where the Qin people grazed their horses over 2,000 years ago, imagining rolling green hills, evening breezes, and sheep. In reality, August–September is packed with tourists, the grassland is plagued by mosquitoes, accommodation prices are heavily inflated, and the queuing ruins most of the fun. The scenery is still healing, but the travel experience during peak season is greatly diminished. I sincerely recommend visiting off-peak. Save this field-tested guide. 1. Transportation 🚗✨ Driving: The best option. Navigate from Xi'an to Guanshan Grassland Visitor Center. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. The latter half has many winding mountain roads, so slow down and drive carefully. Vehicle entry fee is 30 yuan. Public transport: Take a bus from Chengxi Passenger Station to Longxian County, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle. Schedules are limited, so be sure to check the timetable in advance. Admission is 60 yuan; online booking offers a slight discount. 2. Niche attractions 🌿🌈 ① Tuoling Valley Observation Deck ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, open all day. The cliff platform overlooks rolling meadows and wind turbine arrays. Avoid the main trail and stroll along the side paths to encounter free-roaming cattle and sheep. It's quiet and uncrowded, and the sunset lighting is incredible. ② Yumachuan Site ⭐⭐⭐⭐, open all day. The former site where Qin Feizi grazed horses. There are no commercial amusement projects here, just vast, gentle grasslands perfect for sitting quietly, feeling the breeze, and experiencing the vastness of the ancient pasture. ③ Anzigou Stream Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐, open all day. A winding stream in the forest with lush grass. You can wade in the shallow water—it's very healing. Remember to bring mosquito repellent. ④ Ancient Tent Camp ⭐⭐⭐⭐, open all day. Restored nomadic tents. It's less crowded in the evening and has a great atmosphere. There's no pushy sales for horse riding, making it perfect for a relaxing walk. ⑤ Songtao Ridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐, open all day. Where pine forests meet meadows. Climb up to overlook the mountains, accompanied by the sound of the wind and pine trees. A quiet, niche spot. 3. Accommodation 🏕️✨ Location: Around the scenic town and the grassland yurt clusters. Wooden cabins: 260–750 yuan per night. Well-equipped and convenient, but prices rise significantly during peak season. Grassland yurts: 90–140 yuan per person. Equipped with electric blankets, and you can watch the stars at night. Be sure to book at least one week in advance; there are basically no rooms available for walk-ins. 4. Food 🍢🔥 Roasted lamb leg is about 145 yuan—tender and juicy, book in advance. Buckwheat noodles are 9 yuan a bowl—chewy and refreshing. Handmade grassland yogurt is 10 yuan—sweet, sour, and rich. Longxian oil spiral cakes are 5 yuan each—crispy and fragrant. Dining in the scenic area is on the expensive side, so you might want to bring some snacks. 5. Photo spots 📸🌄 The cliff platform on the west side of Tuoling Valley for panoramic sunset shots of the grassland; low-angle shots of cattle and sheep at Yumachuan Grassland; forest-style atmosphere on the trails of Songtao Ridge; European-style portraits on the street beside the red-roofed wooden cabins. Wearing light-colored long dresses or denim jackets will make your photos look even better. 6. Travel tips 💡🦟 ① The altitude is high and UV rays are extremely strong, so a sun hat, cooling sleeves, and sunscreen are essential. Mosquitoes in the meadow are fierce, so be sure to bring strong repellent. ② For horse riding, stick to official stations. Do not accept offers from local herders on the roadside, as prices are not transparent. ③ Mobile signal is weak in some pastoral areas, so keep a small amount of cash for emergencies. ④ The meadow is slippery when it rains, and grass sliding and horse riding activities may be temporarily suspended. 7. Itinerary 🗺️✨ Day 1: Enter the park > Stroll around the Ancient Tent Camp > Walk through Yumachuan Grassland > Play in the water at Anzigou > Watch the sunset at Tuoling Valley in the evening > Dinner in town Day 2: Morning hike at Songtao Ridge > Stroll around the scenic town > Return trip [Personal experience & summary] 🌙 The vast scenery of Guanshan Grassland is irreplaceable, but the crowds, prices, and mosquitoes in August–September are very frustrating. For a relaxed and comfortable grassland trip, prioritize traveling in June or after late September. I worked hard on this guide, so I recommend saving it for later.