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

Here is a 3-day travel guide to the Xibaipo Revolutionary Site with a budget of 2000 RMB, helping you deeply understand this important history while enjoying a comfortable travel experience. Xibaipo Revolutionary Site 3-Day Travel Guide (Budget: 2000 RMB) 1. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrival and Initial Visit Day 2: In-depth Tour and Cultural Experience Day 3: Surrounding Attractions and Return Day 1: Arrival and Core Area of Xibaipo Transportation Transport options: Take high-speed train/bullet train to Shijiazhuang, then transfer by bus or taxi to Xibaipo (about 1 hour) Budget: High-speed train/bullet train ticket about 150-250 RMB (depending on departure location) Accommodation Recommended: Budget hotels or guesthouses in Xibaipo Town or nearby (such as express hotels, homestays) Budget: 150-250 RMB/night Itinerary Afternoon: Check-in upon arrival Rest briefly Evening: Stroll around Xibaipo Town to experience rural charm Taste local specialties (such as tofu, noodles) Estimated Costs Transportation: 200 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB Dinner: 50 RMB Total: about 450 RMB Day 2: Deep Exploration of Revolutionary Site and Cultural Experience Morning Xibaipo Revolutionary Memorial Hall (free) Learn about Chinese revolutionary history and enjoy rich exhibitions Xibaipo Former Site (ticket about 20 RMB) Visit the living and working places of Mao Zedong and other senior revolutionaries Noon Lunch near the scenic area Budget: 50 RMB (farmhouse dishes or fast food) Afternoon Xibaipo Memorial Hall: deeper understanding of the Party’s history Former Central Committee Site (free, some spots) Hiking or strolling: experience natural scenery (such as Xibaipo Mountain) Evening Optional walk in town to experience local nightlife Dinner: 50 RMB Estimated Costs Tickets: 20 RMB Lunch + Dinner: 100 RMB Transportation (within scenic area): 50 RMB Total: about 170 RMB Day 3: Surrounding Attractions and Return Morning Visit surrounding attractions of Xibaipo: Langya Mountain (if time permits, arrange a short trip, ticket about 30 RMB) Or relax in town and buy local handicrafts Noon Light meal or takeout Budget: 30 RMB Afternoon Return to Shijiazhuang or other cities Return transportation Estimated Costs Transportation: 200 RMB (including return) Lunch: 30 RMB Total: about 230 RMB Budget Summary Item Costs (RMB) Transportation (round trip) 200 RMB Accommodation (2 nights) 400 RMB Tickets and attraction fees 20+30=50 RMB Meals (6 meals) 150 RMB Transportation (within scenic area) 50 RMB Others (souvenirs, etc.) 50 RMB Total 900 RMB Remaining Budget (1100 RMB): Can be used for upgraded accommodation, buying souvenirs, enjoying specialty meals, or handling unexpected needs. Tips Book in advance: save on accommodation costs and ensure availability Wear comfortable clothes: lots of walking in scenic areas, wear sneakers Bring essentials: ID card, student ID (some attractions offer discounts), power bank Respect history: follow scenic area rules and keep the environment clean Hope this guide helps you explore Xibaipo easily and enjoyably, feeling the excitement of that historic period! If you need more detailed advice or a customized itinerary, just let me know!

Title: 3 days and 2 nights for 9,980 yuan, unlocking the "seriously underestimated" Shijiazhuang with the whole family! A family of four tested it out: it turns out this is the "hidden level" of Hebei’s cultural tourism! Who says Shijiazhuang is just a "village"? As a seasoned tour guide with 18 years of experience, I took my parents and two kids on a trip myself. It turns out Shijiazhuang is China’s most hardcore "city of folded history"! It’s neither coastal nor mountainous, yet it boasts: ✅ A millennium-old temple older than the Forbidden City ✅ The cradle of New China’s finance and industry ✅ The Hanging Temple wonder in the secret realm of the Taihang Mountains ✅ And an "underground dinosaur museum" that makes kids scream with excitement! A family of four, 3 days and 2 nights, total cost 9,980 yuan, Stayed in a garden-style guesthouse next to a state guesthouse, ate authentic central Hebei home-style dishes, Explored temples and ancient sites by day, watched light and shadow shows by night, Even my parents said, "This trip was quieter than Wutai Mountain and had more content!" 🗓 Day 1: Climb Zhaozhou Bridge × Explore Bailin Zen Temple × Night tour of Zhengding Ancient City Wall Morning: Drive or take high-speed train to Shijiazhuang Station (2 hours direct from Beijing), then a 30-minute taxi to Zhaozhou Bridge in Zhao County (40 yuan per person entrance fee). Built in the Sui Dynasty, 1,400 years old, designed by Li Chun, a "living fossil" in the history of world bridges! When explaining the "open spandrel arch" principle to the kids, my son blurted out, "This is ancient ‘weight-reduction black technology’!" Noon: Eat authentic central Hebei flavors at Qiaoxi Old Restaurant: stewed pork knuckle, fried shredded pancakes, handmade tofu soup, 280 yuan for four, warm and satisfying. Afternoon: Drive 40 minutes to Zhengding Ancient City, check in at Longxing Courtyard Boutique Guesthouse (family suite 1,580 yuan/night, Ming and Qing style courtyard, 5-minute walk to attractions). First stop: Longxing Temple (40 yuan per person)— "The top temple outside Beijing," housing a Northern Song Dynasty bronze statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, 21.3 meters tall, stunning like a miracle. The kids counted as they walked: "There really are 42 hands!" The guide smiled, "This is how ancient people solved the ‘not enough hands’ problem with art." Evening: Climb the South City Gate wall of Zhengding (free), watch the sunset over the moat, Every Friday and Saturday night there’s the Ancient City Light and Shadow Show (free), laser projections telling the legend of "Zhao Zilong’s hometown in the Three Kingdoms," the kids excitedly shouted, "Zhao Yun is my hometown hero!" Dinner: Eat intangible cultural heritage handmade shaomai and mixed noodle helo at Wang’s Shaomai, 320 yuan for four, thin skin and full filling, the elders ate three each. ⛰️ Day 2: Red Study Tour at Xibaipo × Light Hiking at Tiangui Mountain × Overnight at Taihang Mountain Residence Early morning: Drive 1 hour to Xibaipo Memorial Site (free admission, audio guide 20 yuan per person), Step into the former Central Committee site, see Mao’s wooden bed, Premier Zhou’s maps, Join the "Little Telegraph Operator Experience Class" (parent-child activity 60 yuan per family), kids send telegrams simulating command of the Three Major Campaigns, fully focused like little soldiers. Noon: Eat "Revolutionary Meal" at the site restaurant: millet porridge, steamed corn bread, stewed cabbage with vermicelli, recreating the tough years, 160 yuan for four, full of educational value. Afternoon: Drive 1.5 hours deep into Tiangui Mountain Scenic Area (ticket + cable car 120 yuan per person), known as "Little Guilin of the North." Choose an easy route: cable car up the mountain → walk the glass plank road → explore natural caves → climb the Hanging Temple at Zhenwu Hall, suitable for elders and kids. The kids exclaimed, "This is even more thrilling than ‘The Difficult Road to Shu’!" Mom took a family photo: "We are the family of warriors!" Night: Stay at Tiangui Mountain Mountain Residence Guesthouse (family room 1,380 yuan/night, window view of the starry river, peaceful like a paradise), Gather around the stove drinking tea, sharing the day’s stories, fall asleep to the sound of insects, truly away from the hustle and bustle. 🦖 Day 3: Time Travel at Hebei Museum × Fun at KidsJoy Children’s Science Park × Bringing Culture Home Morning: On the way back, visit Hebei Museum (free, reservation required), Focus on two national treasures: 🔹 The gold-thread jade burial suit of Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan (top craftsmanship of the Han Dynasty) 🔹 The Changxin Palace Lantern (environmental pioneer, "adjustable brightness + smoke absorption design") Join the "Little Archaeologist" interactive area (free), kids "dig" pottery shards and "assemble" bronze ware, proudly declaring, "I want to be an archaeologist in the future!" Noon: Eat at the old brand Bai Yunzhang Baozi next to the museum: beef and green onion buns + millet porridge, 180 yuan for four, simple and delicious. Afternoon: Head to Letai Center KidsJoy Children’s Park (80 yuan per person), Let the kids have one last hour of wild fun climbing slides and role-play houses to burn off energy. Parents nap in the café and shop for souvenirs: Gaocheng Palace Lantern miniatures (68 yuan), Wuji helo noodles (30 yuan/bag), Zanhuang raw honey (58 yuan/bottle), spending less than 400 yuan, thoughtful and classy. 💰 Total Budget Breakdown (for 4 people) Item Cost (yuan) Fuel + tolls 900 Accommodation (2 nights) 2,960 Meals (6 dinners, 3 breakfasts) 1,200 Tickets + experiences 1,178 Taxi + parking 150 Souvenirs + snacks 300 Emergency fund 292 Total 9,980 yuan ✅ Why strongly recommend Shijiazhuang for family travel? It’s not a traditional tourist city, but it’s the most cost-effective cultural treasure in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region! One trip lets kids understand: 📌 Ancient Chinese architectural wisdom 📌 The hard-won red regime 📌 Technology had its prototype 2,000 years ago Spend 10,000 yuan to gain knowledge, scenery, and family bonding—this is the ultimate form of high-quality parent-child travel! 📌 Tour guide’s private tips: Some temples in Zhengding Ancient City are closed on Mondays, so plan for weekends; Hebei Museum must be booked on the official website 3 days in advance; Tiangui Mountain has many mountain roads, recommend trekking poles for elders; Customizable "Idioms + History + Geography" themed study manuals are available to enhance educational value. Bring your family to Shijiazhuang and rediscover this overlooked land of Yan and Zhao!

To meet this 500-year-old ginkgo tree, we climbed Tiangui Mountain with the kids! When the autumn wind blows, the ginkgo leaves fall like golden rain, and the children excitedly reach out to catch them. It’s really worth it~ 📍Destination: Tiangui Mountain 🚗Transportation: It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from the city center, and the navigation is very accurate. If taking public transportation, you can take a bus from the North Station directly to the entrance of the scenic area. For families with kids, driving is more convenient. 💛Centennial Ginkgo at Qinglong Temple: This 500-plus-year-old giant ginkgo tree is right at the top of the mountain at Qinglong Temple. In autumn, the tree is full of golden leaves, and the fallen leaves cover the ground like a golden carpet, making for amazing photos! Qinglong Temple itself is also worth visiting, with ancient and solemn buildings like Zhenwu Hall and Cangyan Hall, where you can tell kids some historical stories. 📸Parent-Child Tour Tips: 1️⃣ Hiking up the mountain: If the family with kids has good stamina, you can try hiking. The steps are relatively gentle, and it takes about an hour to reach the top at a slow pace. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and kids can manage it. 2️⃣ Easy cable car option: If the children are young or don’t want to hike, you can take the cable car directly up the mountain. After getting off the cable car, it’s only a 10-minute gentle walk to the ginkgo tree, which is very friendly for toddlers! On the way down, you can also visit the glass plank road and Zhenwu Cave. The glass plank road offers a very wide view and is thrilling for kids. Zhenwu Cave is a natural karst cave and a bit dark inside, so if your child is timid, it’s recommended to enter with caution. 💙Overall Experience: One day is just enough to enjoy everything easily—hiking, autumn leaf viewing, cave exploring, and walking the glass plank road. The itinerary is super rich, and the kids are happy the whole time!

Bailu Hot Spring 👉 Thoughtful multi-functional pools! There’s a shallow pool exclusively for children, so parents can relax while kids have fun in the water 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Huazhong Hot Spring 👉 Outstanding service reputation! Equipped with family changing rooms and non-slip mats, no stress even with babies 🛁 Laiyuan Baihualin Hot Spring 👉 Forest-style hot spring that’s super healing! Amazing natural scenery, perfect for photo ops 🍃 Xibu Changqing Hot Spring 👉 All-in-one resort for dining, entertainment, and relaxation! Take a walk after soaking, perfect family time 🏞️ Dingfeng Han Steam Hot Spring 👉 Tons of entertainment options! Family steam rooms and a kids’ playground, ideal for keeping the little ones active 🎉 Piaomiao Jian Hot Spring 👉 Famous for its skin-beautifying waters! Moms soak in the rose pool while babies enjoy the lemon pool, pure indulgence 🧖‍♀️ Xiyuan Xiangshui Bay 👉 Water slides plus hot springs combo! Kids won’t want to leave, full family fun guaranteed 👪 Baipo Hot Spring 👉 Quiet mountain-view hot spring with fewer crowds! Private small pools perfect for families with two kids to relax 🏞️ 💡Warm Tips: Prepare waterproof armbands and hot spring toys for kids to add more fun Bring your own baby bathrobe and non-slip slippers for safer in and out Apply moisturizer promptly after soaking to lock in skin moisture Less crowded, affordable, and unique—bring your kids for a warm and cozy trip~🌿

Spring Festival is just around the corner, and of course, you should plan a warm hot spring trip for the holiday~There are many hidden gem hot springs around Shijiazhuang perfect for family outings, with both indoor and outdoor springs, private hot spring pools all available. Quickly save this list and easily check in with your kids! 🌟 Xibu Changqing Hot Spring Valley Opening Hours: 10:00-24:00 Address: Changqing Avenue, Bailuquan Township, Luquan District Recommended Reason: Outdoor + indoor hot springs, swimming pools, private hot springs all available, with super convenient surrounding hotels. You won’t get tired even after a whole day of fun! Average Cost: 150 RMB 🌟 Bailu Hot Spring Opening Hours: 9:00-23:00 Address: Bailu Avenue, Wentang Town, Pingshan County Recommended Reason: A wide variety of hot springs, clean water quality, suitable for kids to play in the water, and the hotel is within walking distance for great convenience~ Average Cost: 180 RMB 🌟 Piaomiao Jian Hot Spring Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Address: West side of Jingye Middle School, Gangcheng Road, Pingshan County Recommended Reason: Quiet environment, moderate temperature indoor and outdoor hot springs, safe for children to soak, fewer people on weekends for a better experience! Average Cost: 170 RMB 🌟 Baipo Hot Spring Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Address: Baipo Hot Spring Hotel, Wentang Town, Pingshan County Recommended Reason: Best value for money! The outdoor hot spring has a wide view, perfect for the whole family to relax together~ Average Cost: 110 RMB 🌟 Guoyu Hot Spring Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Address: No. 6 Gaoxin Road, Gaocheng District Recommended Reason: Chinese garden style, hot spring pools nestled among greenery, perfect for taking stunning photos! Average Cost: 120 RMB 🌟 Furui Strontium Hot Spring Opening Hours: 9:00-20:00 Address: Country Garden British Commercial Street, Yuanshi County Recommended Reason: A niche hot spring with few people and quiet, water contains strontium which is skin-friendly, ideal for quietly soaking with kids~ Average Cost: 100 RMB

When it comes to Shijiazhuang, many people’s first reaction might be, “Huh? That city built by the train?” But actually, it’s a seriously underrated treasure city, hiding plenty of “hardcore” gems! Don’t just treat it as a transit stop—spend two or three days here, and it will definitely surprise you. I’ve put together a relaxed yet fulfilling 3-day itinerary for you. Let’s set off! Day 1: Journey through the charm of an ancient city Wake up naturally, have breakfast, and head straight to today’s highlight—the Zhengding Ancient City. This place is remarkable, known as a “treasure trove of ancient architecture,” and it’s only about a half-hour drive from downtown Shijiazhuang. · Morning: The awe of Longxing Temple The first must-visit in the ancient city is Longxing Temple. Don’t underestimate it; it was praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng as “the foremost famous temple outside Beijing.” It houses six “national records,” the most stunning being the 21.3-meter-tall statue of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin. Standing at her feet and looking up, the solemnity and exquisite detail will truly take your breath away. Inside the Mani Hall, the colorful statue of the Guanyin sitting backward, with a serene and free expression, is known as the “Goddess of the East” and is a must-see. · Afternoon: Climb the ancient city wall and check in at the Four Pagodas After leaving Longxing Temple, you can stroll around the ancient city to soak in the slow pace of life. Then be sure to walk on the ancient city wall! It’s best to go up in the late afternoon when the sunset bathes the city. The silhouettes of the four ancient pagodas (Lingxiao Pagoda, Hua Pagoda, Xumi Pagoda, and Chengling Pagoda) stand out clearly in the distance, creating a special atmosphere. Every photo you take will look like a masterpiece. The city wall has no entrance fee, which is very generous! · Evening: Night view of the South City Gate and local cuisine When it gets dark, the lights of the ancient city come on, presenting a different scene, especially the South City Gate, which is particularly magnificent. Have dinner inside the ancient city and try Zhengding’s specialties like hot meatballs and heluo noodles. The flavors are simple yet authentic, guaranteed to satisfy you. Day 2: Following the footsteps of history · Morning: Childhood memories at Zhaozhou Bridge “Zhaozhou Bridge was built by Lu Ban, with jade and stone railings left by the sage…” Sounds familiar, right? Today we’ll go see the Zhaozhou Bridge from your textbooks. It’s located in Zhaoxian County under Shijiazhuang’s jurisdiction, about an hour’s drive from the city. Standing on the bridge and touching the massive stone arch that has withstood over 1,400 years of weather, you’ll sincerely admire the wisdom of ancient craftsmen. The bridge itself may not be as grand as you imagine, but its historical status and scientific value are irreplaceable. · Afternoon: A moment of tranquility at Bailin Zen Temple After visiting Zhaozhou Bridge, a short walk will bring you to Bailin Zen Temple. This is a millennium-old temple with bustling incense offerings but a very pleasant atmosphere—quiet and serene. Walking inside, listening to the wind chimes and chanting, can instantly calm a restless heart. You don’t need to burn incense or pray; simply experiencing the Zen vibe is very comforting. · Evening: Back to the city for food and fun Return to Shijiazhuang city center. For dinner, you can explore Zhuangli Street or the White Night Market area, where various foods gather. Since you’re in Hebei, you must try a bowl of authentic Anhui beef banmian! Yes, this is indeed a specialty in Shijiazhuang. The noodles are chewy, the broth rich, paired with marinated eggs and tofu skin—absolutely delicious! Day 3: Red memories and city strolls · Morning: The birthplace of New China—Xibaipo If you’re interested in modern history, Xibaipo is a must-visit. It’s the place “where New China started,” where the Central Committee of the Communist Party directed the three major campaigns that shocked the world. Visit the former site of the Central Committee and the memorial hall. Seeing those simple earthen houses and precious relics will give you a deeper understanding of that magnificent history. It’s a bit far from the city, so reserve most of the day and plan your transportation in advance. · Afternoon: The treasures of Hebei Museum If you don’t go to Xibaipo or still have time after returning, I highly recommend the Hebei Museum. It’s a national first-class museum with countless treasures! Especially the “Great Han Masterpiece—Mancheng Han Tomb” exhibition, where the world-famous gold-threaded jade burial suit and the authentic Changxin Palace lantern are displayed. Seeing them in person lets you truly appreciate the ultimate luxury and craftsmanship—definitely worth the visit (oh, and the museum is free but requires advance reservation). Travel Tips: · Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay near Shijiazhuang Station or the museum for convenient transportation. · Transportation: You can reach city attractions by subway and bus. For Zhengding and Zhaoxian, high-speed trains or buses are very convenient. Taxis are also affordable. · Food: Besides the mentioned dishes, try the clay oven sesame seed cakes and Gaocheng palace noodles—both are local specialties. Shijiazhuang boasts profound historical heritage, red revolutionary memories, and irresistible local cuisine. Don’t hesitate—pick a weekend and come explore the charm of this “International Village” yourself! Have a great trip!

⛱️Must-see attractions: 1. Zhengding Ancient City: In history, it was once known as the "Three Heroes of the North" along with Baoding and Beijing. Inside the city, there are many cultural relics and historical sites, such as the "Three Mountains Unseen, Nine Bridges Without Flow, and Twenty-four Golden Archways". 2. Zhaozhou Bridge: The oldest, largest-span, and best-preserved single-hole, open-spandrel stone arch bridge in the world, known as the "First Bridge Under Heaven". 3. Tiangui Mountain Scenic Area: Here, there are numerous grotesque peaks, rocks, caves, springs, and lush forests. It has both the natural beauty of majestic and elegant scenery and the noble charm of royal gardens. 🍜Food guide: 1. Deep-fried Sweet and Sour Fish: The carp is cut and deep-fried until golden brown, then topped with sweet and sour sauce. It resembles a lion's mane, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour. 2. Zhengding Eight Bowls: Four meat and four vegetable dishes, meticulously prepared. The meat dishes are not greasy, and the vegetable dishes are not bland. 3. Clay Oven Rolls: Baked by sticking them to the inner wall of a clay oven, these rolls are round, golden brown, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They can be filled with donkey meat, etc. 🏨Accommodation guide: Recommended hotel: Xishan Shuyu Private Hot Spring Hotel Reasons for recommendation: 1. Detached villa-style hotel, each with its own private courtyard. 2. Private hot spring and entertainment facilities such as KTV. 🚄Transportation guide: 1. Zhengding Ancient City: Take bus No. 177. 💗Other tips: Keep warm in winter.

Escape Beijing on weekends🚄Five must-see cities for a short trip by high-speed rail✨✨✨ 😎Hey, guys! Do you want to escape Beijing on the weekend and take a spontaneous trip🧳? Today, I'll share five must-see cities accessible by high-speed rail, perfect for a short getaway, to make your weekend full of surprises😜! 🎈Tianjin🎈 From Beijing, it only takes about half an hour to reach Tianjin by high-speed rail😃! 🎯Featured attractions: Tianjin Eye🎡: This is a landmark building in Tianjin. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The night view is especially stunning, with all the glittering lights, super romantic💕! Ancient Culture Street🎊: This street is full of traditional Tianjin culture, with various handicraft shops🛍️ and snack stalls🍢. You can enjoy the food while experiencing the charm of traditional culture😋. Italian Style Area🏰: It feels like being in a European town, with many European-style buildings and streets. It's a great place for taking photos📷, and you can also enjoy authentic Italian food🍕. Itinerary: In the morning, you can go to the Tianjin Eye and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant😃. In the afternoon, go to Ancient Culture Street, stroll around the shops, and try some snacks😜. In the evening, go to the Italian Style Area and enjoy the romantic night view and dinner🍽️. 🎈Baoding🎈 Baoding is not far from Beijing, and it's easily accessible by high-speed rail😎. 🎯Featured attractions: The Residence of the Viceroy of Zhili Province🏛️: A great place to learn about the history of the Qing Dynasty. The architecture is simple and elegant, and you can feel the majesty of that era👍. Site of Baoding Military Academy📚: The first regular military academy in modern Chinese history, with a rich history📜. Mount Langya🗻: The natural scenery is magnificent, suitable for those who like hiking and trekking🧗‍♀️. The view from the top of the mountain is absolutely breathtaking😍! Itinerary: On the first day, after arriving in Baoding in the morning, visit the Residence of the Viceroy of Zhili Province😃. Have lunch nearby and try Baoding's specialties, such as Donkey Burger🥙. In the afternoon, go to the Site of Baoding Military Academy and experience the charm of history📜. On the second day, you can spend the whole day at Mount Langya, enjoying the beautiful scenery and challenging yourself physically🧗‍♀️. 🎈Shijiazhuang🎈 As the capital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang also has many interesting places😃. 🎯Featured attractions: Zhengding Ancient City🏯: There are many ancient temples, city walls, and other buildings, full of historical atmosphere, as if you have traveled back in time🤩. Xibaipo Memorial Hall🖼️: A red tourism destination and an important place to learn about revolutionary history, very educational🎓. Shijiazhuang Zoo🦒: You can see all kinds of cute animals, suitable for families with children👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Itinerary: On the first day, go to Zhengding Ancient City and stroll along the streets, admiring the charm of the ancient buildings😜. Have lunch in the ancient city and try the local cuisine. In the afternoon, you can visit some temples and other attractions🧐. On the second day, go to the Xibaipo Memorial Hall for some revolutionary history education🎓. If time permits, you can also visit Shijiazhuang Zoo in the afternoon🦒. 🎈Jinan🎈 Jinan, the City of Springs, is only a few hours away by high-speed rail😎. 🎯Featured attractions: Baotu Spring🪷: The best spring in the world. The spring water is crystal clear, and the gushing scene is spectacular. You must see it with your own eyes😍! Daming Lake🌊: The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with many pavilions and towers, suitable for strolling and relaxing🚶‍♀️. Thousand Buddha Mountain⛰️: There are numerous Buddha statues and temples on the mountain, and the natural scenery is also very good. Climbing the mountain offers a panoramic view of Jinan🤩. Itinerary: On the first day, after arriving in Jinan in the morning, go straight to Baotu Spring and enjoy the spring scenery😃. Have lunch nearby, and in the afternoon, go to Daming Lake for a stroll and take some photos📷. On the second day, you can go to Thousand Buddha Mountain, climb the mountain, pray for blessings, and enjoy the beauty of nature⛰️. 🎈Qinhuangdao🎈 For those who want to go to the beach, look here😎! 🎯Featured attractions: Beidaihe Beach🏖️: Soft sand, clear water. Here you can enjoy the sun and the beach, and also play various water sports🏄‍♀️. Shanhaiguan Ancient City🏰: The starting point of the Great Wall, with a long history. The city walls are magnificent, and there are many historical sites to visit inside the city🧐. Old Dragon's Head🚢: Where the Great Wall meets the sea. The scenery is unique. Standing on the Old Dragon's Head, you can feel the vastness of the sea and the majesty of the Great Wall👍. Itinerary: On the first day, after arriving in Qinhuangdao in the morning, go to Beidaihe Beach and have fun😜. Have a seafood feast by the sea for lunch🦀. In the afternoon, you can continue to enjoy your leisure time on the beach. On the second day, go to Shanhaiguan Ancient City and visit the ancient city and the Old Dragon's Head, experiencing the blend of history and nature😃. 😘Guys, aren't these five cities amazing😎? Take the high-speed rail this weekend and embark on a wonderful short trip🚄! I believe it will leave you with unforgettable memories💕! Remember to like and save this post👍, you might need it someday😜!

#2024TravelWish Qingfeng Gorge is located in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. It is one of the ten scenic spots of East and West Rocks in ancient times. It is located in the south of Zhuobi Peak and next to Chishi Tower. The gorge is more than 50 meters long, 68 meters high and only 4 meters wide. The two walls are as deep as if they were cut by a knife or an axe, and the blue sky is squeezed into a line as you walk through the gorge. A cool breeze blows. Qingfeng Gorge is a place that has the courage to accommodate the three major religions of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Qingfeng Gorge is an example, perhaps an isolated one. In this valley, the Taoist Yunlu Palace is located on the top of the mountain.

Surabaya is not only a classic tourist attraction in red. Every winter, the ice waterfall in Lishui is a highlight. The milk-colored ice waterfall has a faint blue color and enters the icefall area. Like the residence of the fairy sister in the martial arts film and television drama! With sunny days and sunsets, I dont know how beautiful it will be. The colored sky makes the ice waterfall reflect more beautiful colors. People dont know whether its a dream or a reality...Be sure to wear the claws to experience it. ! The scenic spot is in Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang. The air quality is great. Every time it comes to the high blue sky, it takes a breath and it feels refreshing.

Where to travel on a budget in August and September? These 8 places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive. 01 Zhoukou | Henan Zhoukou may sound unassuming, but the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum is definitely worth a special trip. Arrive before 8 am to avoid crowds and enjoy cheaper tickets. Ancient cypress trees reach for the sky, and the scent of incense mixed with morning dew creates a tranquil atmosphere. 📍 Don't miss the "Yarrow Garden" at the east gate of the mausoleum area. It's said that Fuxi used this grass to draw the Eight Trigrams, and it's also a great spot for photos. After visiting the garden, there's a street full of vendors selling clay dogs and cloth tigers; you can buy several for ten yuan, making them much more worthwhile souvenirs than tourist attractions. In the afternoon, head to Taiqing Palace. It's even quieter than the Fuxi Mausoleum, with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, red walls, and gray tiles, and very uncommercialized. ⚠️ Note that Taiqing Palace closes at 5 pm. Don't arrive at 4:50 pm, or you won't have time to see everything. Accommodation in Zhoukou city is very cheap; you can find clean chain hotels for just over 100 yuan. For food, head to the "Wuyi Road Snack Street"—a bowl of spicy soup and a two-yuan fried dough stick will fill you up for ten yuan. 🚄 A taxi ride from Zhoukou East Station to Fuxi Mausoleum takes about 30 minutes. It's recommended to stay in Huaiyang District, as it's close to both attractions. 02 Zhuhai | Zhejiang Honestly, Zhuhai Chimelong is one of the most "worth the price" theme parks I've ever seen, but only if you know how to enjoy it. 🎢 In the morning, rush to the Whale Shark Aquarium as soon as it opens. There's no competition for a good spot in front of the giant glass wall. After 11 am, tour groups will come in, and you'll only see heads. In the afternoon, ride the Parrot Roller Coaster; the queue time is generally under 20 minutes, a much better experience than Guangzhou Chimelong. ⚠️ Food inside the park is expensive and mediocre. It's recommended to bring some bread and water in your backpack; the money saved will be enough for a late-night snack. At 6 PM, after leaving Chimelong, we took a taxi directly to Lovers' Road. This road is free, but the scenery is just as beautiful as any paid attraction. A sea breeze blew, and the sunset painted the entire coastline orange-pink. Riding a shared bike slowly along the beach was more therapeutic than any paid activity. 🍜 In the evening, we went to "Wanzai Seafood Street," where we picked our own seafood and had it cooked. For 150 yuan, we ate until we were stuffed. We chose accommodation near Hengqin Port—cheap and quiet. 🚄 It's about a half-hour taxi ride from Zhuhai Station. Don't stay at the Chimelong Hotel; the price is too high and not worth it. 03 Suizhou|Hubei Dahong Mountain is a place perfect for those seeking tranquility. ⏰ We went up the mountain at 9 AM. The fog hadn't dissipated yet, dew clung to the pine needles, and the crunching sound of walking on fallen leaves instantly relaxed us. The core attraction is "Ginkgo Valley," a sea of ​​golden leaves in autumn. However, visiting in August or September has its advantages—fewer crowds, cheaper tickets, and the cool, lush greenery of the mountains—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. 📍 Reach "White Dragon Pool" halfway up the mountain. The water is so clear you can see the bottom. Resting on the rocks by the pool, a gentle breeze washes away all your worries. ⚠️ A word of caution: there are no proper restaurants in the Dahongshan Scenic Area, only a few stalls selling instant noodles and grilled sausages. It's recommended to bring your own food. You can head down the mountain around 2 or 3 pm, as it gets dark early. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Suizhou city. You can find decent business hotels for around 120 yuan. For food, try the "Old Brand Restaurant on Jiefang Road" for a bowl of "Guai Zi Fan" (a type of rice dish) for 18 yuan—the meat is tender, the broth is rich, and the rice is unlimited. 🚄 A taxi from Suizhou South Station to Dahongshan takes about 50 minutes. I suggest hiring a car; it costs around 200 yuan round trip and is much more convenient than waiting for a bus. 04 Changde | Hunan This place, Taohuayuan, is truly a case of being misunderstood by its name. Many people think it's a "man-made attraction," but the scenic area actually preserves a complete ancient architectural complex and pastoral water system. Walking in feels like stepping into a scene from Tao Yuanming's poems. 🌾 Start your morning by strolling around "Qin Valley." The rice paddies, waterwheels, bamboo fences, and staff in ancient costumes washing vegetables by the stream—that kind of rustic charm can't be faked. For lunch, enjoy a bowl of Changde rice noodles at "Taohuayuan Ancient Town"—eight yuan, generous toppings, and perfectly spicy. In the afternoon, focus on "Yuxian Bridge." The stream flows gently beneath the bridge, and although the peach trees on both banks aren't in bloom yet, the lush greenery is captivating. Sitting on the bridge and enjoying the breeze is incredibly pleasant. ⚠️ Don't take the electric cart for the entire route. The mountain path from the entrance to Qin Valley is only a twenty-minute walk; exploring on foot is much more enjoyable. For accommodation, I recommend staying in a guesthouse near the scenic area entrance. It costs around 150 yuan per night, and you can enjoy the night view of the ancient town. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Changde city center, or you can take bus 47 directly for 5 yuan. 05 Wenzhou|Zhejiang For Yandang Mountain, I advise you not to be greedy; just visit one core area a day. ⏰ In the morning, go to Lingfeng Scenic Area. The Hezhang Peak there resembles two hands clasped together, and up close, it looks like a couple, hence the name "Couple Peaks"—quite interesting. The mountain path isn't steep, and even those with average stamina can walk it; the round trip takes about two hours. 📍 The Guanyin Cave at the entrance of Lingfeng Scenic Area is worth visiting. The cave is filled with the smoke of incense, and the view from the entrance is like a framed painting of the mountains. In the afternoon, we went to Dalongqiu Waterfall. ⚠️ The water volume wasn't high in August and September, but the spray from the waterfall hitting the rocks was incredibly refreshing; standing under it for five minutes made me feel cool all over. After seeing the waterfall, don't rush off. Head deeper into the scenic area to "Jinzhujian" (筋竹涧), where the streams and stone bridges hidden in the groves are particularly photogenic. 🍜 In the evening, we went to "Wuma Street" in Wenzhou city for lantern cakes and fish ball soup. We ate until we were stuffed, averaging around 30 yuan per person. We stayed at a guesthouse in Yandang Town for a little over 100 yuan; it was a 15-minute taxi ride from Yandang Mountain Station. 06 Hohhot | Inner Mongolia Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon was the most "un-Inner Mongolian" scenic spot I've ever seen—no grasslands, just a deep canyon carved by the Yellow River into the Loess Plateau. The river water was emerald green, completely different from what I had imagined. ⏰ We arrived after 4 pm. The sunlight slanted off the rock walls, turning the entire canyon a golden-red color—truly breathtaking. 📍 The "Laoniuwan Ancient Village" within the scenic area boasts well-preserved stone houses and cave dwellings; stepping inside feels like stepping back into the last century. The next morning, head to the Chulechuan Grassland Cultural Tourism Area. This is the traditional grassland, but don't expect the vastness of Hulunbuir; it's a gentle, rolling grassland. 🐎 Horseback riding costs 120 yuan for half an hour, which isn't expensive, but ⚠️ be sure to find a reputable horse farm within the scenic area, and don't go with touts on the roadside. 🍜 For lunch, eat hand-pulled mutton in a yurt near the scenic area; it's 80 yuan per jin (500g), and the meat is incredibly flavorful. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Hohhot city; you can find a hotel with breakfast for 150 yuan. 🚄 It takes about two hours by taxi from the city to Laoniuwan, so I suggest hiring a car; a round trip costs around 400 yuan. 07 Lingshui|Hainan Fenjiezhou Island is cheaper than Wuzhizhou Island, but half the number of people. 🚤 The first boat to the island departs at 8 AM. The beach is still clean, and the water visibility is excellent, allowing for snorkeling and the sight of coral and colorful fish. There's a mountain path on the island that leads to the top for panoramic views of the bay. ⚠️ The path is quite steep, so it's not recommended for families with elderly members or young children; playing in the water on the beach is enough. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nanwan Monkey Island. The monkeys here are wild and roam freely. 📌 Don't carry plastic bags; the monkeys will snatch them! The best time to see the monkeys is around 3 PM, when they come down to the beach to find food—a truly adorable sight. 🍜 Restaurants on the island are expensive and generally mediocre. It's recommended to eat in Lingshui County first. I recommend "Coconut Fragrance No. 1" for their coconut chicken; it's a satisfying meal for two for 120 RMB. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Lingshui County, which costs around 100 RMB per night. 🚄 From Sanya, take the high-speed train to Lingshui Station, then a taxi to the pier (about 20 minutes). 08 Shijiazhuang | Hebei The Zhaozhou Bridge in Shijiazhuang is the kind of place where "textbook lessons come to life." Standing on the bridge, touching the uneven stone slabs, your mind is filled with the nursery rhyme, "Who built the Zhaozhou Bridge?" ⏰ I recommend going in the morning; the light is better, the river water under the bridge is clear, and the photos turn out exceptionally clean. The scenic area isn't large; you can see everything in an hour. 📍 The "Ancient Bridge Museum" on the right-hand side of the exit is free and has a very detailed model of an ancient bridge. In the afternoon, go to Xibaipo. ⚠️ Note that advance reservations are required, and it's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The scenic area is large; I recommend taking the electric cart to the core area, as walking will take at least two hours. 🌄 After 5 pm, stand on the hillside and watch the sunset paint the entire village red; that quiet sense of history is more convincing than any explanation. 🍜 Back in Shijiazhuang city at night, I went to "Zhuangli Street" for a bowl of authentic Anhui-style noodles. A large bowl cost 10 yuan, with a braised egg and bean curd sheets. I ate until I was sweating profusely. 🚄 A taxi from Shijiazhuang Station to Zhaozhou Bridge takes about 40 minutes. Xibaipo is a bit further, so I recommend hiring a car, which costs around 300 yuan a day. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Zhoukou and Changde the most. One has a strong sense of antiquity, and the other is full of local life. Both are great places where you can "spend a little money but still have a great experience." Have you been to any places recently that you found particularly worthwhile? Let's chat in the comments! Where to go for budget travel in August and September? These 8 places are less crowded, beautiful, and inexpensive. 01 Zhoukou|Henan Zhoukou may sound unassuming, but the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum is definitely worth a special trip. Arrive before 8 am to avoid crowds and cheaper tickets. Ancient cypress trees reach for the sky, and the scent of incense mixed with morning dew creates a particularly calming atmosphere. 📍 Don't miss the "Yarrow Garden" at the east gate of the mausoleum area. It's said that Fuxi used this grass to draw the Eight Trigrams, and it's also great for photos. After visiting the garden, there's a street full of vendors selling clay dogs and cloth tigers; you can buy several for ten yuan, making them much better souvenirs than tourist attractions. In the afternoon, head to Taiqing Palace. It's quieter than Fuxi Mausoleum, with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, red walls and gray tiles, and very uncommercialized. ⚠️ Note that Taiqing Palace closes at 5 PM; don't arrive at 4:50 PM, or you won't have time to see everything. Accommodation in Zhoukou city is very cheap; you can find clean chain hotels for just over 100 yuan. For food, go to "Wuyi Road Snack Street"—a bowl of spicy soup and a two-yuan fried dough stick will fill you up for ten yuan. 🚄 A taxi from Zhoukou East Railway Station to Fuxi Mausoleum takes about 30 minutes. It's recommended to stay in Huaiyang District, which is close to both attractions. 02 Zhuhai | Zhejiang Honestly, Zhuhai Chimelong is one of the most worthwhile theme parks I've ever seen, but only if you know how to enjoy it. 🎢 Head straight to the Whale Shark Aquarium as soon as it opens in the morning. There's no competition for a good spot in front of the giant glass wall. After 11 am, when tour groups arrive, you'll only see heads. In the afternoon, ride the Parrot Coaster. The wait time is generally under 20 minutes, a much better experience than Guangzhou Chimelong. ⚠️ The food inside the park is expensive and mediocre. I recommend bringing some bread and water in your backpack; the money saved will be enough for a late-night snack. At 6 pm, take a taxi directly to Lovers' Road from Chimelong. This road is free, but the scenery is just as beautiful as any paid attraction. The sea breeze and the sunset turning the entire coastline orange-pink, along with a shared bike slowly gliding along the beach, is more therapeutic than any paid attraction. 🍜 In the evening, go to "Wanzai Seafood Street," choose your own seafood and have it cooked. Two people can eat their fill for 150 yuan. I chose accommodation near the Hengqin Port; it was cheap and quiet. It's about a half-hour taxi ride from Zhuhai Station. Avoid the Chimelong Hotel; the price is too high and not worth it. 03 Suizhou | Hubei Dahong Mountain is a perfect place for those seeking tranquility. ⏰ Heading up the mountain at 9 am, the mountain mist hadn't yet dissipated, dew clung to the pine needles, and the crunching sound of fallen leaves underfoot instantly relaxed me. The main attraction is "Ginkgo Valley," a sea of ​​golden leaves in autumn, but visiting in August or September has its advantages—fewer crowds, cheaper tickets, and the cool, lush greenery of the mountain—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. 📍 Reaching "White Dragon Pool" halfway up the mountain, the water is so clear you can see the bottom. Sitting on a rock by the pool to rest, a gentle breeze washes away all worries. ⚠️ A reminder: there are no proper restaurants in the Dahongshan Scenic Area, only a few stalls selling instant noodles and grilled sausages. It's recommended to bring your own food. You can head down the mountain around 2 or 3 pm, as it gets dark early. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Suizhou city. You can find decent business hotels for around 120 yuan. For food, try the "Guai Zi Fan" (a type of rice dish) at the "Jiefang Road Old Brand" restaurant for 18 yuan. The meat is tender, the broth is rich, and the rice is unlimited. 🚄 A taxi from Suizhou South Station to Dahongshan takes about 50 minutes. I recommend hiring a car; it costs around 200 yuan round trip and is much more convenient than waiting for the bus. 04 Changde|Hunan Taohuayuan (Peach Blossom Spring) is truly a place whose name doesn't do it justice. Many people think it's a "man-made attraction," but the scenic area actually preserves a complete ancient architectural complex and pastoral water system. Walking in feels like stepping into a scene from Tao Yuanming's poems. 🌾 Start your morning by strolling around "Qin Valley." The rice paddies, waterwheels, bamboo fences, and staff in traditional costumes washing vegetables by the stream—the rustic charm is something you can't fake. For lunch, enjoy a bowl of Changde rice noodles at "Taohuayuan Ancient Town"—it costs eight yuan, with generous toppings and a satisfyingly spicy flavor. In the afternoon, head to "Yuxian Bridge." The stream flows gently beneath the bridge, and although the peach trees on both banks aren't in bloom yet, the lush greenery is incredibly inviting. Sitting on the bridge and enjoying the breeze is especially pleasant. ⚠️ Don't take the electric shuttle bus the entire way through the scenic area. The mountain path from the entrance to Qin Valley is only a 20-minute walk; walking is much more enjoyable. For accommodation, I recommend staying at a guesthouse near the scenic area entrance—around 150 yuan per night—and you can enjoy the night view of the ancient town. 📍 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Changde city center, or you can take bus 47 directly for five yuan. 05 Wenzhou | Zhejiang For Yandang Mountain, I advise you not to be greedy; just explore one core area a day. ⏰ In the morning, go to Lingfeng Scenic Area. The Hezhang Peak there resembles two hands clasped together, and up close, it looks like a couple, hence the name "Couple Peaks"—quite interesting. The mountain path isn't steep; even those with average stamina can manage it, taking about two hours round trip. 📍 The Guanyin Cave at the entrance of Lingfeng Scenic Area is worth visiting. The cave is filled with the smoke of incense, and the view from the entrance is like a framed painting of the mountains. In the afternoon, head to Dalongqiu Waterfall. ⚠️ The water volume isn't high in August and September, but the spray from the waterfall hitting the rocks is incredibly refreshing; standing under it for five minutes makes you feel cool all over. After seeing the waterfall, don't rush off. Head deeper into the scenic area to Jinzhujian (Muscle and Bamboo Stream). The streams and stone bridges hidden in the groves are particularly photogenic. 🍜 In the evening, we went to Wuma Street in Wenzhou city for lantern cakes and fish ball soup, a hearty meal costing around 30 yuan per person. We stayed at a guesthouse in Yandang Town for a little over 100 yuan, a 15-minute taxi ride from Yandang Mountain Station. 06 Hohhot | Inner Mongolia Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon was the most "un-Inner Mongolian" scenic spot I've ever seen—no grasslands, just a deep canyon carved by the Yellow River into the Loess Plateau, the river water a vibrant emerald green, completely different from what I imagined. ⏰ Arriving after 4 pm, the sunlight slanted across the rock walls, turning the entire canyon a golden-red hue, incredibly breathtaking. 📍 The "Laoniuwan Ancient Village" within the scenic area has well-preserved stone houses and cave dwellings; walking inside feels like stepping back into the last century. The next morning, we went to the Chulechuan Grassland Cultural Tourism Area. This is the grassland in the traditional sense, but don't expect the vastness of Hulunbuir; it's a gentle, hilly grassland. Horseback riding costs 120 yuan for half an hour, which isn't expensive, but ⚠️ be sure to find a legitimate horse farm within the scenic area, and don't go with those soliciting customers on the roadside. 🍜 For lunch, eat hand-pulled mutton in a yurt near the scenic area; it's 80 yuan per jin (500g), and the meat is incredibly flavorful. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Hohhot city center; you can find a hotel with breakfast for 150 yuan. 🚄 It takes about two hours by taxi from the city center to Laoniu Bay, so I suggest hiring a car; a round trip will cost around 400 yuan. 07 Lingshui | Hainan Fenjiezhou Island is cheaper than Wuzhizhou Island, but half the number of people. 🚤 The first ferry to the island departs at 8 am; the beach is still clean, and the seawater visibility is extremely high, so you can see coral and colorful small fish while snorkeling. There's a mountain path on the island that leads to the top for a panoramic view of the bay; ⚠️ the path is a bit steep, so it's not recommended for families with elderly people or children. Playing in the water on the beach is enough for a fun time. In the afternoon, we went to Nanwan Monkey Island. The monkeys there are wild and roam freely all over the mountain. 📌 Don't carry plastic bags in your hands; the monkeys will snatch them, they really will! The best time to see the monkeys is around 3 PM, when they come down from the mountain to the beach to find food—it's a very cute scene. 🍜 Restaurants on the island are expensive and generally mediocre. It's recommended to eat in Lingshui County first before going. I recommend the coconut chicken at "Coconut Fragrance No. 1"—it's a satisfying meal for two people for 120 yuan. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Lingshui County; it's around 100 yuan per night. 🚄 From Sanya, take the high-speed train to Lingshui Station, then a taxi to the pier—about 20 minutes. 08 Shijiazhuang|Hebei The Zhaozhou Bridge in Shijiazhuang is the kind of place where "textbooks come to life." Standing on the bridge, touching the uneven stone slabs, my mind was filled with the nursery rhyme, "Who built the Zhaozhou Bridge?" ⏰ I recommend going in the morning; the light is better, the river water under the bridge is clear, and the photos taken will be particularly clean. The scenic area isn't large; you can see everything in about an hour. 📍 The "Ancient Bridge Museum" on the right-hand side of the exit is free and has a very detailed ancient bridge model. In the afternoon, go to Xibaipo. ⚠️ Note that advance reservations are required, and it's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The scenic area is large; I recommend taking the electric cart to the core area. Walking will take at least two hours. 🌄 After 5 PM, stand on the hillside and watch the sunset paint the entire village red. That quiet sense of history is more convincing than any explanation. 🍜 In the evening, return to Shijiazhuang city and go to "Zhuangli Street" for a bowl of authentic Anhui-style noodles. A large bowl costs ten yuan, with a braised egg and bean curd sheets—you'll be sweating buckets while eating! 🚄 A taxi from Shijiazhuang Station to Zhaozhou Bridge takes about forty minutes. Xibaipo is a bit further; I recommend hiring a car, which costs around 300 yuan per day. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Zhoukou and Changde the most. One has a strong historical atmosphere, and the other is full of local life; both are great places where you can have a great experience without compromising on budget. Have you been to any of these places recently that you found particularly worthwhile? Let's chat in the comments!

01 Chuzhou City | Anhui Province Langya Mountain is not located in the city center. A taxi ride from Chuzhou Station takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 yuan. For convenience, take bus number 11 directly to Langya Mountain Scenic Area Station, then walk two minutes to the main gate. 🚄 Arrive at the visitor center before 8:30 AM for the fewest people; you'll likely not have to wait in line to buy tickets. Don't rush to take the cable car upon entering the mountain. First, walk along the old path from Zuiweng Pavilion to Nantianmen. The stone steps are gently sloping, with dense shade on both sides, making it a pleasant walk. This path takes about 40 minutes, and you can see streams flowing down from the cracks in the rocks; the air is filled with the scent of grass and trees. This path is more comfortable than climbing directly to the summit, especially for families with elderly people or children. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, there's a small shop frequented by locals. Their specialties are Chuzhou-style crispy rice cakes and lotus root starch dumplings. A meal costs around 20 yuan per person. The dumplings have a chewy skin, fragrant filling, and just the right amount of sweetness. ⚠️ Shops within the scenic area gradually close after 3 PM, so it's best to bring your own water. The last section of steps leading to Nantianmen is quite steep; those with average stamina are advised to rest on the platform before continuing. It's windy at the summit, and even in late September, it can feel chilly; a light jacket is just right. 02 Guyuan City | Ningxia Xumishan Grottoes are about 55 kilometers from Guyuan city. There is no direct public transportation; the most convenient option is to hire a car or drive yourself. A round trip takes about half a day, and drivers generally quote around 200 yuan. 🚄 There are buses from Guyuan Bus Station to Sanying Town. From there, you can take a taxi into the scenic area, but returning taxis are difficult to find, so this route is not recommended for first-time visitors. ⚠️ The grotto area has many steep steps, and some sections lack guardrails. Parents with children must hold their hands tightly. Elderly people with mobility issues are not advised to climb to the top; they can visit the Grand Buddha Hall and museum at the foot of the mountain, where they can also see many Northern Dynasties statues. The most worthwhile sight is the Great Buddha Hall in Cave 5. The Buddha statue is over 20 meters tall; standing at its base and looking up, the sense of awe is immense. After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the Buddha's face, making its contours particularly three-dimensional, and the photos look better than at midday when the light is direct. Entry to the scenic area closes at 5 PM, so plan your time accordingly. On the way back to the city, you can stop in Sanying Town for a bowl of mutton offal soup with a white flatbread. It costs about 25 yuan per person, the soup is flavorful and the ingredients are plentiful, much better than the fast food near the scenic area entrance. 03 Kunming City | Yunnan Daguan Park and Dianchi Lake are not far apart, so I recommend visiting them on the same day. Go to Daguan Park first in the morning. The entrance fee is 20 yuan. The park is most famous for its long couplet, but I think sitting by the lake and looking at the Sleeping Beauty of the Western Hills is even more relaxing. 🍜 There's a row of food stalls outside the south gate of the park. I recommend the roasted rice cakes and fried potatoes, 5 yuan a serving, eat them while they're hot. In the afternoon, head towards Dianchi Lake, which is actually near the Haigeng Dam. It was late September, and the seagulls hadn't arrived yet, but the wind was strong and the waves were high, resulting in very clean photos. Walking west along the dam leads all the way to the entrance of Haigeng Park; this stretch is about 1.5 kilometers and takes about half an hour with stops along the way. ⚠️ The wind is extremely strong on the dam; hats can easily be blown away, so hold your phone firmly. The next day, you can go to Dongchuan Red Land. Take a bus from Kunming North Bus Station to Dongchuan District; the journey takes about 3 hours and costs 50 yuan. Once there, contact a local driver for a chartered tour; a loop covering four attractions costs 200 yuan per vehicle. Luoxia Valley is best visited in the evening; the red soil under the setting sun is a deep, oil painting-like color, but the light fades quickly, so you must arrive before 5:30 pm. The Kunming World Horticultural Exposition Garden is famous, but the exhibits are somewhat outdated. The ticket price is 70 yuan, so I recommend spending more time on the Red Land. If you must visit, choose to go in the morning. In the afternoon, it gets crowded and there's little shade in the park, so you're likely to get sunburned. 04 Shijiazhuang City | Hebei Province Zhaozhou Bridge and Xibaipo are in opposite directions, so don't visit them on the same day. Let's talk about Zhaozhou Bridge first. From Shijiazhuang city center, take a bus to Zhaoxian County; the journey takes one hour and costs 12 yuan. The bridge itself isn't large; you can see it in half an hour. However, there's an ancient bridge exhibition hall nearby that explains the evolution of bridges throughout history, and the content is quite well done. ⚠️ The bridge surface is paved with stone slabs, which become very slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes. Xibaipo is in Pingshan County. There are direct buses from Shijiazhuang North Bus Station; the journey takes two hours. 📍 Once you arrive, buy a sightseeing bus ticket first. The walking distance within the scenic area is long, and walking is too tiring. At the end of September, the persimmons and dates on the hillside are ripe; locals sell them by the roadside for ten yuan a small basket, and they're sweeter than those in supermarkets. 🍜 The farm-style dishes in Pingshan County are worth trying. I recommend the large pot stew with cornbread; it costs about 30 yuan per person. The stew contains local vermicelli and pork belly, and is very fragrant. The last bus back to Shijiazhuang is at 5 PM, so don't miss it. 05 Taiyuan City | Shanxi The Jinci Museum is definitely worth spending half a day on. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, and a taxi from downtown Taiyuan costs about 40 yuan. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. Upon entering, first see the Holy Mother Hall. The expressions of the Song Dynasty painted sculptures are worth staring at for two minutes—more important than taking photos. Fish Pond Flying Bridge and Nanlao Spring are nearby; a complete tour takes about an hour. In the afternoon, go to Tianlong Mountain. Navigate to Tianlong Mountain Grottoes; it's a 20-minute drive from Jinci. The mountain roads are winding, so bring medication if you get motion sickness. The grotto statues are quite weathered, but the environment is serene, and there are far fewer tourists than at Jinci. 🍜 At the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain, they serve oat noodles (kaolao) with tomato sauce for 15 yuan a bowl—a very comforting treat after a long walk. Jinyang Lake Park is best visited in the evening. The lakeside path is well-maintained; enter from the east gate and walk around to the south bank to see the sunset painting the water golden. The park is free, but renting bicycles inside is a bit expensive—60 yuan per hour for a tandem bike, not worthwhile. Walking is recommended; the whole walk takes about an hour. 06 Shangrao City | Jiangxi Sanqingshan and Wuyuan are not the same place, so please distinguish between them. Sanqingshan is for viewing the mountains, while Wuyuan is for viewing the villages. The two places are about a two-hour drive apart, so it's recommended to spend two separate days there. Sanqingshan's entrance fee plus cable car is 245 yuan. ⚠️ You absolutely must take the cable car up; walking up takes four hours and offers little scenery along the way. I recommend taking the South Qingyuan loop at Sanqingshan. Take the southern cable car up, pass the Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain, and reach Goddess Peak. It takes about three hours. This route has many steps but dense scenery, and you don't have to backtrack. 🚄 There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain; standard rooms are around 100 RMB per night. The conditions are basic but clean, and you can catch the sunrise the next morning. You can combine Jiangwan and Huangling in Wuyuan on the same day. Go to Jiangwan first in the morning (entrance fee 60 RMB). The Xiao Jiang Ancestral Hall inside is worth a visit; the architectural details are more exquisite than expected. In the afternoon, go to Huangling. The cable car round trip costs 120 RMB. The autumn harvest scene starts to unfold at the end of September, with red peppers and yellow corn covering the rooftops. Looking down from the viewing platform, the colors are vibrant. Guifeng is located in Yiyang County, not far from Sanqingshan. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus is 110 RMB. It's less crowded here, and the plank road is built on the Danxia cliff face, making it a bit thrilling. Those with average physical fitness should choose the half-marathon route; the full hike takes more than two hours. 07 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland is already a bit chilly at the end of September. Daytime temperatures are around 15-16 degrees Celsius, dropping to single digits at night, so a thick coat is a must. 🚄 A chartered car from Xilinhot takes about two hours one way, costing around 600 yuan for a day trip including sightseeing. It's very economical if split among four people. There are no fixed tourist spots on the grassland. The driver will take you directly to the Ulagai River, where the grass is lush and the river bends are sharp, making for great photos. ⚠️ Cell phone signal is weak, so download offline maps beforehand. Bring some cash, as there are no mobile payments deep in the grassland. 🍜 The hand-pulled mutton at the herders' homes is worth trying. Freshly slaughtered lamb is boiled in plain water and dipped in chive blossom sauce. It costs about 50 yuan per person. The meat is very tender and has no gamey taste, completely different from what you get in the city. However, people with sensitive stomachs shouldn't eat too much, as a purely meaty diet can be overwhelming. In the afternoon, you can ride horses; a herdsman will lead you around for 60 yuan for half an hour. Don't rush; the wind is strong on the grassland, and running too fast will hurt your face. Return to Xilinhot before sunset. Along the way, you'll see herds of cattle and sheep returning to their pens—a scene more memorable than the attractions themselves. 08 Laibin City | Guangxi Both Panwangjie and Lianhua Mountain in Dayao Mountain are located in Jinxiu County and can be visited in a day. From Jinxiu County, a chartered car to Panwangjie takes about 40 minutes, costing 150 yuan round trip including waiting time. Panwangjie has a high altitude, and the summit is often shrouded in mist. The temperature at the end of September is just right, neither too hot nor too cold. 📍 The boardwalk in the scenic area is a circular design, entering from the east gate and exiting from the west gate, taking two hours in total without backtracking. Lianhua Mountain is closer to the county town, a 20-minute taxi ride. The mountain resembles lotus petals, layered upon each other. The hiking route is relatively gentle, suitable for those who don't hike often. Tickets are 65 yuan. After 3 PM, it gets quieter, and the only sound in the forest is birdsong. ⚠️ The mountain paths are slippery, so wear sneakers, not sandals. 🍜 You must try the Yao ethnic minority oil tea in Jinxiu County. It's 5 yuan a bowl, has a strong ginger flavor, and warms you up. It's often eaten with glutinous rice cakes, a common breakfast for locals. In the evening, try a Yao ethnic minority herbal bath; several shops in the county offer it for about 40 yuan per person, and it's said to promote restful sleep. If you're short on time and can only choose one place, I recommend Lianhua Mountain. The scenery is dense and not too tiring. Panwangjie is wilder; only those with good stamina should go, but those with elderly people or children should be cautious. When traveling during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, avoid crowds. These eight places offer mountain views, grasslands, and ancient villages, with budgets mostly under 2000 yuan per person. Which one do you most want to visit? Let's discuss in the comments, and I'll help you plan a detailed itinerary. 01 Chuzhou City | Anhui Province Langya Mountain is not located in the city center. A taxi ride from Chuzhou Station takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 yuan. For convenience, take bus number 11 directly to Langya Mountain Scenic Area Station, then walk two minutes to the main gate. 🚄 Arrive at the visitor center before 8:30 AM for the fewest people; you'll likely not have to wait in line to buy tickets. Don't rush to take the cable car upon entering the mountain. First, walk along the old path from Zuiweng Pavilion to Nantianmen. The stone steps are gently sloping, with dense shade on both sides, making it a pleasant walk. This path takes about 40 minutes, and you can see streams flowing down from the cracks in the rocks; the air is filled with the scent of grass and trees. This path is more comfortable than climbing directly to the summit, especially for families with elderly people or children. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, there's a small shop frequented by locals. Their specialties are Chuzhou-style crispy rice cakes and lotus root starch dumplings. A meal costs around 20 yuan per person. The dumplings have a chewy skin, fragrant filling, and just the right amount of sweetness. ⚠️ Shops within the scenic area gradually close after 3 PM, so it's best to bring your own water. The last section of steps leading to Nantianmen is quite steep; those with average stamina are advised to rest on the platform before continuing. It's windy at the summit, and even in late September, it can feel chilly; a light jacket is just right. 02 Guyuan City | Ningxia Xumishan Grottoes are about 55 kilometers from Guyuan city. There is no direct public transportation; the most convenient option is to hire a car or drive yourself. A round trip takes about half a day, and drivers generally quote around 200 yuan. 🚄 There are buses from Guyuan Bus Station to Sanying Town. From there, you can take a taxi into the scenic area, but returning taxis are difficult to find, so this route is not recommended for first-time visitors. ⚠️ The grotto area has many steep steps, and some sections lack guardrails. Parents with children must hold their hands tightly. Elderly people with mobility issues are not advised to climb to the top; they can visit the Grand Buddha Hall and museum at the foot of the mountain, where they can also see many Northern Dynasties statues. The most worthwhile sight is the Great Buddha Hall in Cave 5. The Buddha statue is over 20 meters tall; standing at its base and looking up, the sense of awe is immense. After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the Buddha's face, making its contours particularly three-dimensional, and the photos look better than at midday when the light is direct. Entry to the scenic area closes at 5 PM, so plan your time accordingly. On the way back to the city, you can stop in Sanying Town for a bowl of mutton offal soup with a white flatbread. It costs about 25 yuan per person, the soup is flavorful and the ingredients are plentiful, much better than the fast food near the scenic area entrance. 03 Kunming City | Yunnan Daguan Park and Dianchi Lake are not far apart, so I recommend visiting them on the same day. Go to Daguan Park first in the morning. The entrance fee is 20 yuan. The park is most famous for its long couplet, but I think sitting by the lake and looking at the Sleeping Beauty of the Western Hills is even more relaxing. 🍜 There's a row of food stalls outside the south gate of the park. I recommend the roasted rice cakes and fried potatoes, 5 yuan a serving, eat them while they're hot. In the afternoon, head towards Dianchi Lake, which is actually near the Haigeng Dam. It was late September, and the seagulls hadn't arrived yet, but the wind was strong and the waves were high, resulting in very clean photos. Walking west along the dam leads all the way to the entrance of Haigeng Park; this stretch is about 1.5 kilometers and takes about half an hour with stops along the way. ⚠️ The wind is extremely strong on the dam; hats can easily be blown away, so hold your phone firmly. The next day, you can go to Dongchuan Red Land. Take a bus from Kunming North Bus Station to Dongchuan District; the journey takes about 3 hours and costs 50 yuan. Once there, contact a local driver for a chartered tour; a loop covering four attractions costs 200 yuan per vehicle. Luoxia Valley is best visited in the evening; the red soil under the setting sun is a deep, oil painting-like color, but the light fades quickly, so you must arrive before 5:30 pm. The Kunming World Horticultural Exposition Garden is famous, but the exhibits are somewhat outdated. The ticket price is 70 yuan, so I recommend spending more time on the Red Land. If you must visit, choose to go in the morning. In the afternoon, it gets crowded and there's little shade in the park, so you're likely to get sunburned. 04 Shijiazhuang City | Hebei Province Zhaozhou Bridge and Xibaipo are in opposite directions, so don't visit them on the same day. Let's talk about Zhaozhou Bridge first. From Shijiazhuang city center, take a bus to Zhaoxian County; the journey takes one hour and costs 12 yuan. The bridge itself isn't large; you can see it in half an hour. However, there's an ancient bridge exhibition hall nearby that explains the evolution of bridges throughout history, and the content is quite well done. ⚠️ The bridge surface is paved with stone slabs, which become very slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes. Xibaipo is in Pingshan County. There are direct buses from Shijiazhuang North Bus Station; the journey takes two hours. 📍 Once you arrive, buy a sightseeing bus ticket first. The walking distance within the scenic area is long, and walking is too tiring. At the end of September, the persimmons and dates on the hillside are ripe; locals sell them by the roadside for ten yuan a small basket, and they're sweeter than those in supermarkets. 🍜 The farm-style dishes in Pingshan County are worth trying. I recommend the large pot stew with cornbread; it costs about 30 yuan per person. The stew contains local vermicelli and pork belly, and is very fragrant. The last bus back to Shijiazhuang is at 5 PM, so don't miss it. 05 Taiyuan City | Shanxi The Jinci Museum is definitely worth spending half a day on. The entrance fee is 80 yuan, and a taxi from downtown Taiyuan costs about 40 yuan. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. Upon entering, first see the Holy Mother Hall. The expressions of the Song Dynasty painted sculptures are worth staring at for two minutes—more important than taking photos. Fish Pond Flying Bridge and Nanlao Spring are nearby; a complete tour takes about an hour. In the afternoon, go to Tianlong Mountain. Navigate to Tianlong Mountain Grottoes; it's a 20-minute drive from Jinci. The mountain roads are winding, so bring medication if you get motion sickness. The grotto statues are quite weathered, but the environment is serene, and there are far fewer tourists than at Jinci. 🍜 At the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain, they serve oat noodles (kaolao) with tomato sauce for 15 yuan a bowl—a very comforting treat after a long walk. Jinyang Lake Park is best visited in the evening. The lakeside path is well-maintained; enter from the east gate and walk around to the south bank to see the sunset painting the water golden. The park is free, but renting bicycles inside is a bit expensive—60 yuan per hour for a tandem bike, not worthwhile. Walking is recommended; the whole walk takes about an hour. 06 Shangrao City | Jiangxi Sanqingshan and Wuyuan are not the same place, so please distinguish between them. Sanqingshan is for viewing the mountains, while Wuyuan is for viewing the villages. The two places are about a two-hour drive apart, so it's recommended to spend two separate days there. Sanqingshan's entrance fee plus cable car is 245 yuan. ⚠️ You absolutely must take the cable car up; walking up takes four hours and offers little scenery along the way. I recommend taking the South Qingyuan loop at Sanqingshan. Take the southern cable car up, pass the Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain, and reach Goddess Peak. It takes about three hours. This route has many steps but dense scenery, and you don't have to backtrack. 🚄 There are farmhouses at the foot of the mountain; standard rooms are around 100 RMB per night. The conditions are basic but clean, and you can catch the sunrise the next morning. You can combine Jiangwan and Huangling in Wuyuan on the same day. Go to Jiangwan first in the morning (entrance fee 60 RMB). The Xiao Jiang Ancestral Hall inside is worth a visit; the architectural details are more exquisite than expected. In the afternoon, go to Huangling. The cable car round trip costs 120 RMB. The autumn harvest scene starts to unfold at the end of September, with red peppers and yellow corn covering the rooftops. Looking down from the viewing platform, the colors are vibrant. Guifeng is located in Yiyang County, not far from Sanqingshan. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus is 110 RMB. It's less crowded here, and the plank road is built on the Danxia cliff face, making it a bit thrilling. Those with average physical fitness should choose the half-marathon route; the full hike takes more than two hours. 07 Xilingol League | Inner Mongolia The Ulagai Grassland is already a bit chilly at the end of September. Daytime temperatures are around 15-16 degrees Celsius, dropping to single digits at night, so a thick coat is a must. 🚄 A chartered car from Xilinhot takes about two hours one way, costing around 600 yuan for a day trip including sightseeing. It's very economical if split among four people. There are no fixed tourist spots on the grassland. The driver will take you directly to the Ulagai River, where the grass is lush and the river bends are sharp, making for great photos. ⚠️ Cell phone signal is weak, so download offline maps beforehand. Bring some cash, as there are no mobile payments deep in the grassland. 🍜 The hand-pulled mutton at the herders' homes is worth trying. Freshly slaughtered lamb is boiled in plain water and dipped in chive blossom sauce. It costs about 50 yuan per person. The meat is very tender and has no gamey taste, completely different from what you get in the city. However, people with sensitive stomachs shouldn't eat too much, as a purely meaty diet can be overwhelming. In the afternoon, you can ride horses; a herdsman will lead you around for 60 yuan for half an hour. Don't rush; the wind is strong on the grassland, and running too fast will hurt your face. Return to Xilinhot before sunset. Along the way, you'll see herds of cattle and sheep returning to their pens—a scene more memorable than the attractions themselves. 08 Laibin City | Guangxi Both Panwangjie and Lianhua Mountain in Dayao Mountain are located in Jinxiu County and can be visited in a day. From Jinxiu County, a chartered car to Panwangjie takes about 40 minutes, costing 150 yuan round trip including waiting time. Panwangjie has a high altitude, and the summit is often shrouded in mist. The temperature at the end of September is just right, neither too hot nor too cold. 📍 The boardwalk in the scenic area is a circular design, entering from the east gate and exiting from the west gate, taking two hours in total without backtracking. Lianhua Mountain is closer to the county town, a 20-minute taxi ride. The mountain resembles lotus petals, layered upon each other. The hiking route is relatively gentle, suitable for those who don't hike often. Tickets are 65 yuan. After 3 PM, it gets quieter, and the only sound in the forest is birdsong. ⚠️ The mountain paths are slippery, so wear sneakers, not sandals. 🍜 You must try the Yao ethnic minority oil tea in Jinxiu County. It's 5 yuan a bowl, has a strong ginger flavor, and warms you up. It's often eaten with glutinous rice cakes, a common breakfast for locals. In the evening, try a Yao ethnic minority herbal bath; several shops in the county offer it for about 40 yuan per person, and it's said to promote restful sleep. If you're short on time and can only choose one place, I recommend Lianhua Mountain. The scenery is dense and not too tiring. Panwangjie is wilder; only those with good stamina should go, but those with elderly people or children should be cautious. When traveling during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, avoid crowds. These eight places offer mountain views, grasslands, and ancient villages, with budgets mostly under 2000 yuan per person. Which one do you most want to visit? Let's discuss in the comments, and I'll help you plan a detailed itinerary.

01 Tianjin Bringing kids to Tianjin, the biggest worry is overdoing it on foot. My advice: split the itinerary into 2 days and focus on one main area per day, go back to the hotel for a nap at noon, then head out again. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Tianjin station. Right outside the exit is the Italian-style district—push the stroller along Marco Polo Square at an easy pace. The cobblestones are gentle, and the small European buildings provide shade; when kids tire, stop at an outdoor café. After 5 PM the light is just right, 📍 but avoid buying jianbing inside the tourist area—they're expensive and sloppy. Walk a couple of blocks into a residential area and buy one there for much better filling. On day 2 go to the Five Great Avenues cultural area. Don't try to see it all; one lap around Minyuan Square is enough. Rent a bike with a child seat—the bike and pedestrian lanes are separate, the child can sit in front watching the carriages while you pedal without getting worn out. ⚠️ Carriage tours have very long lines after 3 PM, so go early if you want a ride. In the afternoon switch to Fantawild Adventure; about half the attractions are indoors, perfect for escaping the summer heat, but popular rides have queues starting at 1 hour. Buy an express pass to save energy for the evening fireworks. 02 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Around Qinghai Lake with kids, the main concerns are altitude sickness and sun exposure. Riyue Mountain sits at about 3,500m. If a child feels dizzy, descend immediately—don't push through. My plan: go to Riyue Mountain in the morning and only walk the boardwalk section, avoid climbing unruly slopes, and bring a windproof jacket for windy stretches. ⏰ Be off the mountain before noon—afternoon UV is intense. Guide National Geopark is better in the late afternoon; the Danxia formations are most vivid at sunset, but shuttle buses inside the park are infrequent. If you're with kids, check the last shuttle time in advance so you don't miss the final bus. If a child's stamina is limited, skip Riyue Mountain and head straight to Guide. The geopark trails are flat and you can push a stroller for most of it; kids often find the colorful rock formations more interesting than the grassland. ⚠️ There are no proper restaurants in the park, only snack stalls selling instant noodles. Bring bread and fruit to be safe. Stay overnight in Guide county and choose a hotel with an oxygen bar so kids sleep more soundly. 03 Taizhou | Zhejiang Taizhou is an underrated family destination in my opinion. Given a choice between Tiantai Mountain and Shenxianju, I'd pick Tiantai for kids—the Shiliang waterfall stretch is shaded, the sound of the stream follows you, and kids can usually walk it themselves. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 7 AM for fewer crowds and cooler air; tour groups arrive after 9 AM. In the afternoon visit the Taizhou Fu cultural tourism area. The city wall path is wide but has many steps, so strollers are inconvenient. Leave the stroller at the entrance and carry the child for a short walk instead of attempting the whole route. Shenxianju is better for older kids—the hanging bridge and glass viewing platforms excite them—but small babies will be too much work for adults to carry the whole way. 🍜 Taizhou snacks are very kid-friendly. Dishes like egg-white lamb tail and shibing tong are mild and not oily; walk down Ziyang Street in Linhai and keep sampling—the kids won't stop eating and adults won't be worn out. ⚠️ On weekends the Shenxianju cableway queue can reach 2 hours. Go on a weekday if you can. 04 Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang When traveling in Xinjiang with kids, the biggest problem is long drives. Bayinbuluke grassland is beautiful, but the park shuttle takes 40 minutes to reach the Nine Bends viewing platform and kids can get restless. My trick: let the kids run around for 20 minutes at the visitor center before boarding so they fall asleep on the ride and wake up on arrival. ⏰ Sunset can be as late as 9:30 PM; if kids can't stay up, the light at 7 PM is also beautiful—don't force it. The Taklamakan Desert and Tarim poplar forest are better as quick stops on the way, not destinations for a special trip. In the desert dress kids in long sleeves and pants—windblown sand stings bare legs. The poplar forest is at its best in October; in August it's just ordinary woods and can be skipped. ⚠️ The prefecture covers a huge area. Keep daily drives under 3 hours or both kids and adults will break down. Bring enough water and wet wipes—the service areas are far apart, so don't count on frequent supplies. 05 Shijiazhuang | Hebei For Shijiazhuang with kids, I recommend a cultural but relaxed itinerary. The Zhaozhou Bridge site isn't large—you can see it in about 1 hour. The bridge surface is flat and stroller-friendly; kids get more from seeing "the bridge from their textbook" in real life than from any explanation. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM for oblique light on the bridge arches—good photos and fewer people. In the afternoon go to Xibaipo, ⚠️ note that some venues are closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The whole site is well landscaped with lots of shade, but there are many slopes; for little ones use a baby carrier—strollers are tiring. If the child is 5 or 6 or older, the Xibaipo explanations are worth listening to, but don't expect full attention. Pack snacks for emergency energy boosts. 🍜 Local specialties like donkey meat sandwich and kiln-baked sesame flatbread are usually kid-approved. Find an old-established shop—it's much better than tourist-area fast food. Two days and one night is enough; stay in the city center, not near the attractions, where conditions are worse and prices higher. 06 Yulin | Guangxi Yulin is a lesser-known choice, which actually makes it better for kids. Darong Mountain National Forest Park is the highlight—the mountain is about 5–6°C cooler than the city, so in August it's like a natural air-conditioned room. ⏰ Enter the mountain in the morning and take the short loop—it takes about 2 hours and kids can walk most of it. ⚠️ Signal is poor on the mountain, so download offline maps in advance and don't rely on live navigation. Back in town, Yuntian Cultural City looks impressive from the outside but has an expensive entrance fee; if kids aren't into architecture, take a photo at the gate and save the money for Yulin beef noodle soup. Wanhualou in the city center is free but small—10 minutes is enough, making it a nice spot for a post-meal stroll. 🍜 The Yulin night market has kid-friendly snacks like beef offal and rolled rice noodles that aren't spicy and are inexpensive. My recommendation: stay one night at Darong Mountain, play the next morning for half a day, and head back in the afternoon for the most relaxed pace. 07 Xiamen | Fujian Gulangyu is a must-see with kids, but don't feel you have to do everything there. My approach: take the first ferry at 8 AM, head straight to Sunlight Rock to get the panoramic view while it's quiet, then go down to the beach. Kids can play in sand and water for 2 hours while you sit nearby. ⏰ Leave the island before 12 PM—the afternoon on Gulangyu gets hot and crowded and the experience drops off sharply. The Railway Culture Park is great at dusk—the flat promenade converted from abandoned tracks is stroller-friendly and kids can walk along the railroad ties. Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen Botanical Garden are adjacent and can be done on the same day. Kids love the succulent area in the botanical garden, but mosquitoes are common—bring long pants and long sleeves. ⚠️ The garden sightseeing car has long queues. With kids, buy a one-way ticket to ride to the top and walk down slowly to save energy. 🍜 Xiamen's shacha noodles and peanut soup are kid favorites. Avoid eateries right at attraction entrances—head to the old town for more authentic and kid-friendly options. 08 Tai'an | Shandong Mount Tai with kids boils down to one rule: don't overdo it. My suggestion: take the cable car up and down and only walk the relatively flat section from South Heaven Gate to Jade Emperor Peak—kids can walk it themselves and you won't have to carry them. ⏰ Take the first cable car at 7 AM to beat crowds and heat, and be down before 10 AM to avoid peak times. ⚠️ Cable car lines can be 2 hours in the afternoon—don't leave it until noon. If a child has good stamina you can start from Zhongtianmen, but the 18 Bends up to South Heaven Gate are steep and long—small babies definitely can't manage those steps. 🍜 At the foot of the mountain, kids may not like jianbing rolled with scallions, but savory porridge and youtiao are safe choices. Half a day on Mount Tai is enough—go back to the hotel for an afternoon nap and stroll around Dai Temple in the evening for a relaxed pace. If the child is very small, you can skip the mountain and play in the water and see waterfalls at Tianwaicun at the foot of the mountain—kids will be just as happy and adults less tired.

01 Jinzhou | Liaoning In Jinzhou, the most comfortable way to enjoy summer isn't by the beach, but by heading north into the mountains. Yiwulü Mountain is about an hour and a half drive from the city. The shade gradually thickens along the way, and the temperature is about five or six degrees Celsius lower than in the city. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 8 am; the air is still cool, and you won't be out of breath climbing the steps. By the time the sun rises, you'll be halfway up the mountain. The mountain paths are well-maintained, mostly stone steps, making them manageable for the elderly and children. There are a few small pavilions along the way where you can rest. Bring a water bottle and a couple of flatbreads; there aren't many supply points on the mountain, so don't expect to buy anything on the spot. 📍 When you reach the Wanghai Temple section, the wind suddenly picks up. Sitting by the stone railing, you can see the distant plains and fields of crops, a dazzling green. Don't backtrack on the way down; take the back route, where the path is much gentler and the shade is denser. ⚠️ Thunderstorms are common in the mountains after 2 PM, so carry rain gear with you and avoid taking shelter under trees. The entire hike takes about four hours; if you have knee problems, it's recommended to bring a trekking pole. In the evening, return to the city and enjoy a bowl of Jinzhou barbecue and an ice-cold beer at Linghe Night Market – that will completely wash away the day's fatigue. 02 Pingxiang|Jiangxi What impressed me most about Wugong Mountain wasn't the meadow at the summit, but the dramatic feeling of the weather changing unexpectedly as you walk. 🚄 A taxi from Pingxiang North Station to the foot of the mountain takes about 40 minutes. The entrance fee plus the round-trip cable car ticket is a little over 200 yuan, but the exact price depends on the announcement on the day. It's recommended to take the first-level cable car directly to Zhong'an, then hike for two hours to the Golden Summit. This route has the most scenic views and isn't too tiring. Accommodation at the summit consists only of tents and simple guesthouses; conditions are basic, but you can watch the sunrise. ⏰ Around 5:30 PM, the meadow is bathed in the golden-red glow of the setting sun. The wind is strong enough to blow your hat away, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. The night sky is exceptionally bright, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, but the temperature can drop below 15 degrees Celsius in the early morning, so don't skimp on your sleeping bag. The next morning, after watching the sunrise, don't rush down the mountain. Walk a bit towards Diaomazhuang; the meadows there are quieter than those at the Golden Summit, with almost no one around. ⚠️ Signal strength on the mountain is inconsistent, so keep about 200 yuan in cash on hand for buying water and instant noodles. Take the second-level cable car down the mountain, saving half an hour of walking. Wugong Mountain is suitable for people of average physical fitness; if you want to relax, don't carry too much stuff—lightweight is key. 03 Daxinganling | Heilongjiang Summer in the Daxinganling Mountains is the kind of cool that makes you feel like you've removed the air conditioner's outdoor unit. The Beiji Village tourist area is in Mohe City, a little over an hour's drive from Mohe County; the road conditions are good. 📍 The wooden boardwalk near Beiji Square follows the Heilongjiang River. On the opposite bank are the Russian mountains and forests. When the morning mist hasn't dissipated, the entire river surface looks like it's covered with a thin veil. Beiji Village is small; one night's stay is enough. In the afternoon, go to the northernmost post office to send a postcard, then walk north to the boundary marker to take a picture. The whole process takes about two hours on foot. ⏰ After 6 PM, the mosquitoes along the river begin to swarm. Long sleeves, long pants, and mosquito repellent are essential; don't wear shorts to feed them. The next day, drive deeper into the forest. The section through the Greater Khingan Mountains is the highlight. Birch forests stretch as far as the eye, the veins on the tree trunks seem to be watching you. ⚠️ Cell phone signal is practically nonexistent in the forest area. Download offline maps beforehand for navigation, and fill up your gas tank in Mohe before heading into the mountains. 🍜 Locals make stewed river fish in an iron pot. The fish is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks. Served with cornbread, it's a filling meal for about 50 yuan per person. This is a great place for those who want to completely shut down their phones; the poor signal is actually an advantage. 04 Qiannan | Guizhou In summer, water is the main attraction in Zhangjiang, Libo. In the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, the water at Wolongtan is an incredibly blue, almost like it's been color-corrected, but it's not a filter; it's a natural effect of travertine deposits. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Libo Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. The entrance fee plus the sightseeing bus is around 130 yuan, but please refer to official announcements for the exact price. ⏰ Enter the park at 8:30 am and head straight to Wolongtan. At this time, there are fewer people, the water is calm, and the reflections are clear. Then follow the path downhill, passing Cuigu Waterfall, the Water Forest, and Laya Waterfall, with the sound of water all around. 📍 The Water Forest section is the most fun. Walking barefoot on the stones, the water is so cold it makes your toes tremble, but it's incredibly refreshing. ⚠️ Be careful of moss on the stones; don't run around, or you might slip and fall. In the afternoon, we went to Daqikong Scenic Area, taking a boat into the canyon. The banks were lined with karst cliffs, and the sound of the boatman's pole echoed through the valley. 🍜 At the entrance of the scenic area, there were vendors selling Libo sour fish soup. It was spicy and sour, and the fish was freshly killed. Served with a bowl of sticky rice, it left us feeling refreshed. This place is suitable for bringing parents; the trails are gentle, there are many rest stops, and you don't need to rush. 05 Shijiazhuang | Hebei In Shijiazhuang's summer, I recommend a combination of "bridges and mountains." In the morning, we went to Zhaozhou Bridge. This Sui Dynasty stone bridge is still walkable; the bridge surface is polished to a shine, and the carvings on the stone railings are still clearly visible. 📍 The Xiaohe Park under the bridge is free. Sitting under the willow trees by the river and enjoying the breeze is much more comfortable than the air conditioning in the city. ⏰ Arrive before 9 am; the light shining obliquely on the bridge arches is the best for taking photos. In the afternoon, we went to Xibaipo, about an hour and a half drive from Zhaozhou Bridge. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, don't make a wasted trip. The scenic area is free but requires reservations; you can book one day in advance through the official WeChat account. The entire area stretches along Gangnan Reservoir, with a wide lake surface and a refreshing breeze, much cooler than the city. In the evening, have dinner at a farmhouse outside the scenic area. Enjoy stewed chicken with cornbread; the chicken is freshly killed, and the soup is so delicious you could drink two bowls. It costs around 50 RMB per person, and the portions are generous. This place is suitable for history buffs and families with children; it's more relaxing than a pure hike. 06 Jiangmen|Guangdong Kaiping Diaolou is an underrated summer retreat. 🚄 It's a 40-minute taxi ride from Jiangmen Station. The scenic area is divided into three sections: Zili Village, Liyuan Garden, and Majianglong. A combined ticket costs around 180 RMB, but check the official announcement for the exact price. I highly recommend Zili Village, where the Diaolou and rice paddies are interspersed; in summer, the rice paddies are lush and green, swaying in the wind like waves. ⏰ Enter the village after 3 PM. The light is soft, warming the gray walls of the watchtowers. 📍 You can climb to the top of Mingshi Tower. The stairs are narrow but worth it. From the top, you can see the entire rice paddy and distant mountains. There are vendors selling tofu puffs in the village, fried until golden brown, eaten with garlic soy sauce for five yuan a serving. It's very pleasant to eat while walking. ⚠️ The watchtowers in Majianglong are quite scattered, requiring a long walk. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, it's recommended to only visit Zili Village and Liyuan Garden. 🍜 In the evening, return to Kaiping city and have a bowl of Chikan duck porridge. The duck meat is tender, the porridge is smooth, and it comes with a side of stir-fried rice noodles. It's a satisfying meal for about 30 yuan per person. This place is suitable for those who prefer a slower pace; you don't need to rush to see the sights, and you can easily spend an afternoon sitting in the village. 07 Hanzhong|Shaanxi Summer in Hanzhong is a perfect combination of the Qinling mountain breeze and the speed of the high-speed rail. 🚄 A high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Hanzhong takes only an hour and a half. Stepping out of the station, you're greeted by lush greenery, and the temperature is several degrees lower than in Guanzhong Plain. Our first stop is the Shimen Plank Road. Located in the Baohe Canyon, the plank road is built on a cliff, with the emerald green river flowing beneath your feet, and a cool breeze blowing in your face. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM. The sunlight streams in from the canyon entrance, shimmering the water with golden light. The plank road is two kilometers long, and you can complete it in about an hour with stops along the way—not physically demanding. 📍 At the Shimen Cliff Carvings section, you can see ancient inscriptions embedded in the rock face. Although weathered, the characters still retain their grandeur. ⚠️ Some sections of the plank road are narrow, so be careful not to back up while taking photos. In the afternoon, we visited the Ancient Hantai, now the Hanzhong Museum. Admission is free; just show your ID card. The museum houses rubbings of the Thirteen Stone Inscriptions of Shimen, with clear characters—calligraphy enthusiasts could easily spend half a day studying them. 🍜 Take an evening stroll along the Han River. The river breeze is refreshing, and there are teahouses along the bank. Order a cup of Hanzhong Xianhao tea and watch the locals fishing and relaxing – this is the perfect way to unwind. It's ideal for history buffs who dislike the heat; you won't feel tired after a long day, and you'll have plenty of information. 08 Wuxi | Jiangsu I recommend experiencing Wuxi's summer with a combination of ancient towns and lake views. In the morning, head to Huishan Ancient Town. Entry is free, and the ancestral halls are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. 📍 Jichang Garden is the highlight. The rockery and ponds are exquisitely designed. Sitting in the pavilion by the water, with the breeze blowing through the corridors, is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⏰ Arrive at 8:30 am; before the crowds arrive, the garden is so quiet you can hear the birds chirping. For lunch, have a bowl of silver thread noodles in the ancient town. The noodles are as thin as hair, and the broth is clear and flavorful. It costs around 20 yuan per person. In the afternoon, head to Nianhua Bay, a half-hour taxi ride from the ancient town. This area features Tang and Song dynasty-style architecture, with small bridges and flowing water, perfect for taking photos. ⚠️ The evening performance "Zen Walk" is worth watching, but it's crowded, so arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. The next day, visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha. Tickets are around 200 RMB, but check official announcements for the exact price. The Buddha is 88 meters tall; looking up from its base is truly breathtaking. 📍 The dome murals in the Brahma Palace are worth a closer look; they are vibrant and colorful, but photography is not allowed inside. 🍜 Near Lingshan, there's a vegetarian noodle shop with an incredibly delicious mushroom soup base; a bowl costs 25 RMB. If you're interested in film and television, you can visit the CCTV Wuxi Film and Television Base (Three Kingdoms and Water Margin), located on the shore of Taihu Lake. It's a group of ancient-style buildings, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a film crew shooting. ⚠️ The sun is very strong by Taihu Lake in summer, so sunscreen and a parasol are essential. Wuxi is suitable for those who want to "experience culture." Ancient towns, Zen atmosphere, the Grand Buddha—different theme each day, you can control your own pace. 01 Jinzhou | Liaoning In Jinzhou, the most comfortable way to enjoy summer isn't by the beach, but by heading north into the mountains. Yiwulü Mountain is about an hour and a half drive from the city. The shade gradually thickens along the way, and the temperature is about five or six degrees Celsius lower than in the city. ⏰ Arrive at the mountain gate before 8 am; the air is still cool, and you won't be out of breath climbing the steps. By the time the sun rises, you'll be halfway up the mountain. The mountain paths are well-maintained, mostly stone steps, making them manageable for the elderly and children. There are a few small pavilions along the way where you can rest. Bring a water bottle and a couple of flatbreads; there aren't many supply points on the mountain, so don't expect to buy anything on the spot. 📍 When you reach the Wanghai Temple section, the wind suddenly picks up. Sitting by the stone railing, you can see the distant plains and fields of crops, a dazzling green. Don't backtrack on the way down; take the back route, where the path is much gentler and the shade is denser. ⚠️ Thunderstorms are common in the mountains after 2 PM, so carry rain gear with you and avoid taking shelter under trees. The entire hike takes about four hours; if you have knee problems, it's recommended to bring a trekking pole. In the evening, return to the city and enjoy a bowl of Jinzhou barbecue and an ice-cold beer at Linghe Night Market – that will completely wash away the day's fatigue. 02 Pingxiang|Jiangxi What impressed me most about Wugong Mountain wasn't the meadow at the summit, but the dramatic feeling of the weather changing unexpectedly as you walk. 🚄 A taxi from Pingxiang North Station to the foot of the mountain takes about 40 minutes. The entrance fee plus the round-trip cable car ticket is a little over 200 yuan, but the exact price depends on the announcement on the day. It's recommended to take the first-level cable car directly to Zhong'an, then hike for two hours to the Golden Summit. This route has the most scenic views and isn't too tiring. Accommodation at the summit consists only of tents and simple guesthouses; conditions are basic, but you can watch the sunrise. ⏰ Around 5:30 PM, the meadow is bathed in the golden-red glow of the setting sun. The wind is strong enough to blow your hat away, so remember to bring a windproof jacket. The night sky is exceptionally bright, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, but the temperature can drop below 15 degrees Celsius in the early morning, so don't skimp on your sleeping bag. The next morning, after watching the sunrise, don't rush down the mountain. Walk a bit towards Diaomazhuang; the meadows there are quieter than those at the Golden Summit, with almost no one around. ⚠️ Signal strength on the mountain is inconsistent, so keep about 200 yuan in cash on hand for buying water and instant noodles. Take the second-level cable car down the mountain, saving half an hour of walking. Wugong Mountain is suitable for people of average physical fitness; if you want to relax, don't carry too much stuff—lightweight is key. 03 Daxinganling | Heilongjiang Summer in the Daxinganling Mountains is the kind of cool that makes you feel like you've removed the air conditioner's outdoor unit. The Beiji Village tourist area is in Mohe City, a little over an hour's drive from Mohe County; the road conditions are good. 📍 The wooden boardwalk near Beiji Square follows the Heilongjiang River. On the opposite bank are the Russian mountains and forests. When the morning mist hasn't dissipated, the entire river surface looks like it's covered with a thin veil. Beiji Village is small; one night's stay is enough. In the afternoon, go to the northernmost post office to send a postcard, then walk north to the boundary marker to take a picture. The whole process takes about two hours on foot. ⏰ After 6 PM, the mosquitoes along the river begin to swarm. Long sleeves, long pants, and mosquito repellent are essential; don't wear shorts to feed them. The next day, drive deeper into the forest. The section through the Greater Khingan Mountains is the highlight. Birch forests stretch as far as the eye, the veins on the tree trunks seem to be watching you. ⚠️ Cell phone signal is practically nonexistent in the forest area. Download offline maps beforehand for navigation, and fill up your gas tank in Mohe before heading into the mountains. 🍜 Locals make stewed river fish in an iron pot. The fish is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks. Served with cornbread, it's a filling meal for about 50 yuan per person. This is a great place for those who want to completely shut down their phones; the poor signal is actually an advantage. 04 Qiannan | Guizhou In summer, water is the main attraction in Zhangjiang, Libo. In the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, the water at Wolongtan is an incredibly blue, almost like it's been color-corrected, but it's not a filter; it's a natural effect of travertine deposits. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Libo Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. The entrance fee plus the sightseeing bus is around 130 yuan, but please refer to official announcements for the exact price. ⏰ Enter the park at 8:30 am and head straight to Wolongtan. At this time, there are fewer people, the water is calm, and the reflections are clear. Then follow the path downhill, passing Cuigu Waterfall, the Water Forest, and Laya Waterfall, with the sound of water all around. 📍 The Water Forest section is the most fun. Walking barefoot on the stones, the water is so cold it makes your toes tremble, but it's incredibly refreshing. ⚠️ Be careful of moss on the stones; don't run around, or you might slip and fall. In the afternoon, we went to Daqikong Scenic Area, taking a boat into the canyon. The banks were lined with karst cliffs, and the sound of the boatman's pole echoed through the valley. 🍜 At the entrance of the scenic area, there were vendors selling Libo sour fish soup. It was spicy and sour, and the fish was freshly killed. Served with a bowl of sticky rice, it left us feeling refreshed. This place is suitable for bringing parents; the trails are gentle, there are many rest stops, and you don't need to rush. 05 Shijiazhuang | Hebei In Shijiazhuang's summer, I recommend a combination of "bridges and mountains." In the morning, we went to Zhaozhou Bridge. This Sui Dynasty stone bridge is still walkable; the bridge surface is polished to a shine, and the carvings on the stone railings are still clearly visible. 📍 The Xiaohe Park under the bridge is free. Sitting under the willow trees by the river and enjoying the breeze is much more comfortable than the air conditioning in the city. ⏰ Arrive before 9 am; the light shining obliquely on the bridge arches is the best for taking photos. In the afternoon, we went to Xibaipo, about an hour and a half drive from Zhaozhou Bridge. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, don't make a wasted trip. The scenic area is free but requires reservations; you can book one day in advance through the official WeChat account. The entire area stretches along Gangnan Reservoir, with a wide lake surface and a refreshing breeze, much cooler than the city. In the evening, have dinner at a farmhouse outside the scenic area. Enjoy stewed chicken with cornbread; the chicken is freshly killed, and the soup is so delicious you could drink two bowls. It costs around 50 RMB per person, and the portions are generous. This place is suitable for history buffs and families with children; it's more relaxing than a pure hike. 06 Jiangmen|Guangdong Kaiping Diaolou is an underrated summer retreat. 🚄 It's a 40-minute taxi ride from Jiangmen Station. The scenic area is divided into three sections: Zili Village, Liyuan Garden, and Majianglong. A combined ticket costs around 180 RMB, but check the official announcement for the exact price. I highly recommend Zili Village, where the Diaolou and rice paddies are interspersed; in summer, the rice paddies are lush and green, swaying in the wind like waves. ⏰ Enter the village after 3 PM. The light is soft, warming the gray walls of the watchtowers. 📍 You can climb to the top of Mingshi Tower. The stairs are narrow but worth it. From the top, you can see the entire rice paddy and distant mountains. There are vendors selling tofu puffs in the village, fried until golden brown, eaten with garlic soy sauce for five yuan a serving. It's very pleasant to eat while walking. ⚠️ The watchtowers in Majianglong are quite scattered, requiring a long walk. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, it's recommended to only visit Zili Village and Liyuan Garden. 🍜 In the evening, return to Kaiping city and have a bowl of Chikan duck porridge. The duck meat is tender, the porridge is smooth, and it comes with a side of stir-fried rice noodles. It's a satisfying meal for about 30 yuan per person. This place is suitable for those who prefer a slower pace; you don't need to rush to see the sights, and you can easily spend an afternoon sitting in the village. 07 Hanzhong|Shaanxi Summer in Hanzhong is a perfect combination of the Qinling mountain breeze and the speed of the high-speed rail. 🚄 A high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Hanzhong takes only an hour and a half. Stepping out of the station, you're greeted by lush greenery, and the temperature is several degrees lower than in Guanzhong Plain. Our first stop is the Shimen Plank Road. Located in the Baohe Canyon, the plank road is built on a cliff, with the emerald green river flowing beneath your feet, and a cool breeze blowing in your face. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM. The sunlight streams in from the canyon entrance, shimmering the water with golden light. The plank road is two kilometers long, and you can complete it in about an hour with stops along the way—not physically demanding. 📍 At the Shimen Cliff Carvings section, you can see ancient inscriptions embedded in the rock face. Although weathered, the characters still retain their grandeur. ⚠️ Some sections of the plank road are narrow, so be careful not to back up while taking photos. In the afternoon, we visited the Ancient Hantai, now the Hanzhong Museum. Admission is free; just show your ID card. The museum houses rubbings of the Thirteen Stone Inscriptions of Shimen, with clear characters—calligraphy enthusiasts could easily spend half a day studying them. 🍜 Take an evening stroll along the Han River. The river breeze is refreshing, and there are teahouses along the bank. Order a cup of Hanzhong Xianhao tea and watch the locals fishing and relaxing – this is the perfect way to unwind. It's ideal for history buffs who dislike the heat; you won't feel tired after a long day, and you'll have plenty of information. 08 Wuxi | Jiangsu I recommend experiencing Wuxi's summer with a combination of ancient towns and lake views. In the morning, head to Huishan Ancient Town. Entry is free, and the ancestral halls are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. 📍 Jichang Garden is the highlight. The rockery and ponds are exquisitely designed. Sitting in the pavilion by the water, with the breeze blowing through the corridors, is much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. ⏰ Arrive at 8:30 am; before the crowds arrive, the garden is so quiet you can hear the birds chirping. For lunch, have a bowl of silver thread noodles in the ancient town. The noodles are as thin as hair, and the broth is clear and flavorful. It costs around 20 yuan per person. In the afternoon, head to Nianhua Bay, a half-hour taxi ride from the ancient town. This area features Tang and Song dynasty-style architecture, with small bridges and flowing water, perfect for taking photos. ⚠️ The evening performance "Zen Walk" is worth watching, but it's crowded, so arrive 20 minutes early to secure a good spot. The next day, visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha. Tickets are around 200 RMB, but check official announcements for the exact price. The Buddha is 88 meters tall; looking up from its base is truly breathtaking. 📍 The dome murals in the Brahma Palace are worth a closer look; they are vibrant and colorful, but photography is not allowed inside. 🍜 Near Lingshan, there's a vegetarian noodle shop with an incredibly delicious mushroom soup base; a bowl costs 25 RMB. If you're interested in film and television, you can visit the CCTV Wuxi Film and Television Base (Three Kingdoms and Water Margin), located on the shore of Taihu Lake. It's a group of ancient-style buildings, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a film crew shooting. ⚠️ The sun is very strong by Taihu Lake in summer, so sunscreen and a parasol are essential. Wuxi is suitable for those who want to "experience culture." Ancient towns, Zen atmosphere, the Grand Buddha—different theme each day, you can control your own pace.

A Reverse Travel List: These 8 Places Are Less Crowded and More Beautiful September and October are the most comfortable travel window. The weather is cooler, the crowds have thinned out, and airfare and hotel prices have plummeted. These 8 places are places I dug out from the popular lists; some are so off-the-beaten-path that even locals don't want to tell you. 01 Guiyang | Guizhou Autumn in Guiyang is slow-paced. Mornings and evenings are cool, like air conditioning is on, while the midday sun makes you lazy. Don't stay in bed in the morning; head to Tianhetan Tourist Resort. It's much quieter than Huangguoshu Waterfall. You can walk through both water and dry caves, and when you ride a boat through the caves, the water dripping overhead is refreshing. Kids will feel like they're on an adventure, and the elderly won't get tired. Remember to check ticket prices online in advance; queuing to buy tickets on-site will add half an hour to your journey. At midday, escape to Qingyan Ancient Town. The main street is too noisy; turn into the back streets and stone-paved lanes for a more pleasant experience. The old walls on both sides are all rounded corners worn smooth by time. Braised pig's feet in town are sold by weight, around 30 yuan per jin (500g). Enjoy them with a bowl of sour plum juice, sitting under an old locust tree – so comforting! In the afternoon, drive up to the Gaopo Yunding Grassland. The altitude is higher, the wind is stronger, so bring a light jacket. The grassland isn't commercialized; it's just a vast expanse of green, the autumn grass turning yellow, and windmills turning slowly in the distance – perfect for lying down for half an hour doing absolutely nothing. On the way back to the city, pass Huaxi Park. The river is dyed golden-red by the sunset in the evening. Locals walk their dogs and jog along the riverbank. Join them for a stroll to truly experience the vibrant atmosphere of Guiyang. 🚄 Tianhetan is about 30 kilometers from the city center. Taking a taxi or sharing a ride is convenient; avoid unlicensed taxis. ⚠️ The light is best at Gaopo Yunding Grassland after 4 pm; going too early will leave you nowhere to escape the sun. 02 Karamay|Xinjiang Karamay isn't just about oil fields; the Urho World Devil City is the real highlight. The smartest way to experience this place is to enter in the evening. During the day, the Yardang landforms are bleached white by the sun, obscuring their layers. ⏰ After 6 PM, as the sun sets, the angular features of the mounds become more defined, casting long shadows and making the entire landscape resemble a blazing honeycomb. There's a small train within the scenic area that runs a loop, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. It's recommended to get off midway and walk about 500 meters further in; the crowds immediately disperse, and only the sound of the wind remains. The wind whistles through the gaps in the mounds, like someone playing a flute in the distance—it sounds like a ghostly wail during the day, but a melodious chant at dusk. Sun protection is essential; Xinjiang's UV rays are a physical attack, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. The entrance fee plus shuttle bus costs a little over 100 yuan; students get half price, so remember to bring your ID. ⚠️ After leaving the scenic area, avoid gas stations during the evening rush hour. Gas stations in Urho town get crowded after 7 PM, so fill up beforehand to avoid waiting in line. 03 Putian | Fujian The Meizhou Island Mazu Cultural Tourism Area in Putian is best visited in September, right between the tail end of the typhoon season and peak season. The crowds are so small you might think you've booked the entire island. The ferry departs from Wenjia Wharf and takes about 20 minutes to reach the island; the ferry ticket plus entrance fee is under 100 yuan. Don't rush to take the sightseeing bus upon arrival; rent an electric scooter first and ride slowly along the island's ring road. The sea breeze carries the salty scent, with reefs on your left and sun-kissed white sand on your right. The Mazu Ancestral Temple is located halfway up the mountain; the stone steps are low, but the incense is very strong. Locals come on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, but it's much quieter on weekdays. The highlight of the temple is the thousand-year-old banyan tree, its aerial roots reaching down to the ground and taking root, like a giant umbrella covering the entire courtyard. For lunch, try a bowl of Putian braised noodles in a fishing village on the island. The broth is thick, and the seafood is generous; a bowl costs around 20 yuan, more affordable than in the city. ⚠️ Seafood stalls on the island raise prices in the evening; order at lunchtime for a more affordable option. 🚄 A taxi ride from Putian Station to Wenjia Wharf takes about 40 minutes, or about 30 yuan per person if shared. 04 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Shijiazhuang might not sound like a famous city, but Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge are truly impressive. Let's start with Zhaozhou Bridge. It's much smaller than you might imagine, but standing under it and seeing the arches that have stood for 1400 years is still awe-inspiring. The stone slabs on the bridge are worn smooth, and you can even feel the tracks from Tang and Song dynasty carts. The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and an audio guide costs 20 yuan. Not renting one is practically a wasted trip, as you won't understand much just by looking at the bridge itself. Xibaipo is in Pingshan County, about an hour and a half drive from the city center. In September, the jujubes on the hillside ripen, and locals sell them by the roadside for 5 yuan a bag—they're so sweet they're sticky. The park is quite large; I recommend taking the electric cart, as walking will exhaust you climbing the mountain. ⚠️ Xibaipo closes for entry at 4 PM. Don't arrive right on time; security guards will definitely stop you. 🍜 In Pingshan County, try the clay oven-baked sesame cakes with mutton offal soup. A meal for just over ten yuan is incredibly filling and ten times better than the boxed lunches at the scenic area. 05 Jiaozuo|Henan Yuntai Mountain in Jiaozuo is the kind of place you either haven't been to, or if you have, you'll want to recommend it to everyone. In September, the water in Hongshixia Gorge is still green, but the leaves on the mountain are starting to turn yellow, creating layers of green and gold, like a spilled palette. ⏰ Arrive at Hongshixia Gorge at 8 AM to avoid the crowds. Tour groups don't arrive until 9:30 AM. You can hear the water and birdsong while walking on the boardwalk, and you don't have to fight for a good spot. Climbing Zhuyu Peak takes an hour and a half; the steps are steep, so if you have knee problems, don't push yourself. Taking the cable car is easier and faster. Qingtian River is located on the west side of Yuntai Mountain. A boat trip through the canyon reveals crystal-clear water where you can see the rocks at the bottom of the boat. In autumn, the red leaves on both banks are reflected in the water, making it even more beautiful than from the shore. Shennong Mountain is famous for its Taihang macaques. Monkeys are waiting to be fed at the mountain entrance; don't wave plastic bags around, they'll snatch them! The entrance fee plus transportation within the scenic area is 180 yuan. Two days are enough to break even; one day is too rushed. ⚠️ Accommodation within the Yuntai Mountain scenic area is relatively expensive. Staying in a guesthouse in Anshang Township costs just over 100 yuan for a standard room, a ten-minute walk from the scenic area gate. 06 Guangyuan|Sichuan Jianmen Pass Scenic Area in Guangyuan is an underrated hardcore attraction. The gate tower is built between two mountains; the saying "one man can hold the pass" is no exaggeration. Standing on the tower and looking down, the Shu Road truly appears as a mere crack. In September, the mountains are cool. Gloves are needed for climbing the bird trails; the iron chains are worn shiny. Those with a fear of heights will feel their legs give way after a few steps, but the exhilarating feeling of completing the entire route is worth the ticket price. Tickets are 105 yuan, half price for students. If you don't want to climb, you can take the cable car to the top and then walk on the glass walkway. Below you is a sheer drop of hundreds of meters; the glass sways in the wind – thrilling! At noon, we had a tofu feast at Jiange County near the scenic area entrance. It was a table full of tofu dishes, over twenty in total, costing 40 yuan per person. The names were all incredibly fancy, and the taste was indeed excellent. 🚄 There are direct buses from Guangyuan Station to Jianmen Pass, once an hour, costing 15 yuan. Don't take the private cars soliciting passengers at the entrance; they cost twice as much. ⚠️ Bird Path has visitor limits after 2 PM, so go early. 07 Qiqihar|Heilongjiang Autumn comes early to Qiqihar. By the end of September, the reeds in the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area were already white, swaying like waves in the wind. The red-crowned cranes are released twice daily, at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Don't miss it; the sight is unforgettable—the flock of cranes soars from the reeds, the wind whipping against your face, and their cries at takeoff are truly breathtaking. After the release, don't rush off. Walk two kilometers along the boardwalk; there are so few people there that you only hear the wind and the cranes' low calls. The wetland water reflects the blue sky, and under the autumn sun, the whole world is golden. The entrance fee plus electric scooter costs 70 yuan, which is worth it. 🍜 The barbecue in the city center is a must-try. Qiqihar barbecue is famous throughout the country. Thinly sliced ​​beef, grilled over charcoal, dipped in dry seasoning—you can eat until you're stuffed for 50 yuan per person. ⚠️ Zhalong is about a half-hour drive from the city center; a round-trip taxi ride costs about 100 yuan, but sharing a ride is more economical. 08 Shenyang|Liaoning September is the most comfortable month in Shenyang, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for leisurely strolling around the city. Beiling Park is the site of the Qing Dynasty Zhaoling Mausoleum. Ancient pines reach for the sky, and in autumn, the fallen needles carpet the ground, soft and yielding underfoot. The park entrance fee is six yuan, with an additional thirty yuan for entering the mausoleum itself; student tickets are half price. The park isn't crowded, mostly with local elderly people playing chess and strolling. Find a bench and sit for half an hour, watching the clouds filter through the trees – a cheap and therapeutic experience. Shenyang Expo Park is near the Botanical Garden station. The park is incredibly large; one day isn't enough to see it all. I recommend only visiting the area around the Lily Pagoda and the Rose Garden. The chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn is in full swing, creating a sea of ​​colors. The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is in Huanggu District, hidden among residential buildings. Its weathered surface gives it a sense of history. There's no entrance fee; you can stop by if you happen to be passing by. It's surprisingly quiet, unlike anything you'd find in Shenyang. Beita Falun Temple is also nearby, a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Its golden roof shines brightly in the sunset, with the most beautiful light after 5 pm. 🍜 Tired from walking? Head to Xita Street nearby, a street full of Korean snacks. Cold noodles, spicy rice cakes, grilled eel—you can eat your fill for just 30 yuan per person. ⚠️ Beiling Park closes at 5:30 PM, so don't rush in at the last minute. Of these 8 places, I personally recommend Guiyang and Jiaozuo the most. One is perfect for relaxing, the other for working up a sweat. September and October are the most comfortable times to visit—fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and prices still in the off-season. Where are you planning to go this autumn? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we'll even meet under the same sunset. Reverse Travel List: These 8️⃣ Places Are Less Crowded and More Beautiful September and October are the most comfortable travel window. The weather is cooler, the crowds have thinned out, and airfare and hotel prices have plummeted. These 8 places are ones I dug out from the popular lists; some are so off-the-beaten-path that even locals don't want to tell you. 01 Guiyang | Guizhou Autumn in Guiyang is slow-paced. Mornings and evenings are cool, like air conditioning, while the midday sun makes you lazy. Don't stay in bed in the morning; head to Tianhetan Tourist Resort. It's much quieter than Huangguoshu Waterfall, with interconnected water and dry caves. While boating through the caves, water drips overhead, creating a cool sensation. Kids feel like they're on an adventure, and even the elderly find it easy to walk. Remember to check ticket prices online beforehand, as queuing on-site will add half an hour to your journey. At midday, escape to Qingyan Ancient Town. The main street is too noisy; turn into the back alleys on stone-paved streets for a more peaceful atmosphere. The old walls on both sides are worn smooth by time. Braised pig's feet are sold by weight, around 30 yuan per jin (500g). Enjoy them with a bowl of sour plum soup, sitting under an old locust tree – so comforting. In the afternoon, drive up to the Gaopo Yunding Grassland. At higher altitudes, it gets windy, so bring a light jacket. The grassland is largely undeveloped, just a vast expanse of green, with autumn grass turning yellow and windmills turning slowly in the distance – perfect for lying down for half an hour doing absolutely nothing. On the way back to the city, I passed Huaxi Park. The river was bathed in the golden-red light of the setting sun. Locals were walking their dogs and jogging along the riverbank. Only by joining them for a stroll can you truly experience the vibrant atmosphere of Guiyang. 🚄 Tianhetan is about 30 kilometers from the city center. Taking a taxi or sharing a ride is convenient; avoid unlicensed taxis. ⚠️ The light is best at Gaopo Yunding Grassland after 4 PM. Going too early will leave you exposed to the scorching sun. 02 Karamay|Xinjiang Karamay isn't just about oil fields; the Urho World Devil City is the real highlight. The smartest way to experience this place is in the evening. During the day, the Yardang landforms are bleached white by the sun, obscuring their layers. ⏰ After 6 PM, as the sun dips below the horizon, the sharp edges of the mounds become more defined, casting long shadows, making the entire landscape resemble a blazing red honeycomb. There's a small train in the scenic area that runs a loop, allowing you to hop on and off as you please. It's recommended to get off midway and walk about 500 meters in; the crowds immediately disperse, and the only sound is the wind. The wind whistles through the cracks in the earthen mounds, like someone playing a flute in the distance; during the day it sounds like ghostly wails, at dusk it sounds like chanting. Sunscreen is a must; Xinjiang's UV rays are a physical attack, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and a mask. The entrance fee plus shuttle bus is a little over 100 yuan; students get half price, so remember to bring your ID. ⚠️ After leaving the scenic area, avoid gas stations during the evening rush hour. Gas stations in Urho town get crowded after 7 pm, so fill up beforehand to avoid waiting in line. 03 Putian|Fujian The Meizhou Island Mazu Cultural Tourism Area in Putian is best visited in September, right between the tail end of the typhoon season and peak season. The number of people is so low you might think you have the island to yourself. The ferry departs from Wenjia Wharf and takes about 20 minutes to reach the island; the ferry ticket plus entrance fee is under 100 yuan. Don't rush to take the sightseeing bus after arriving on the island. Rent an electric scooter first and ride slowly along the island's ring road. The sea breeze carries the salty scent, with reefs on your left and sun-kissed white sand on your right. The Mazu Ancestral Temple is halfway up the mountain; the stone steps aren't high, but the incense is very strong. Locals come on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, but it's much quieter if you go on a weekday. The highlight of the temple is the thousand-year-old banyan tree, its aerial roots hanging down to the ground and taking root again, like a giant umbrella covering the entire courtyard. For lunch, have a bowl of Putian braised noodles in a fishing village on the island. The broth is thick, and the seafood is generously portioned; a bowl costs around twenty yuan, which is more affordable than in the city. ⚠️ Seafood stalls on the island raise prices in the evening, so order at lunchtime for a more affordable option. 🚄 A taxi from Putian Station to Wenjia Wharf takes about forty minutes; a shared ride costs around thirty yuan per person. 04 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Shijiazhuang may sound unremarkable, but Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge are truly impressive. First, let's talk about the Zhaozhou Bridge. It's much smaller than you might imagine, but standing beneath it and looking at the arches that have withstood 1,400 years is still a bit awe-inspiring. The stone slabs on the bridge are worn smooth, and you can even feel the tracks from Tang and Song dynasty carts as you walk on them. The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and an audio guide costs 20 yuan to rent. Not renting one is practically a wasted trip, as you won't understand much just by looking at the bridge itself. Xibaipo is in Pingshan County, about an hour and a half drive from the city. In September, the jujubes on the hillside ripen, and locals sell them by the roadside for 5 yuan a bag—they're so sweet they're sticky. The park is quite large, so I recommend taking the electric cart; walking will exhaust your energy from the climb. ⚠️ Xibaipo closes for entry at 4 PM. Don't arrive right on time; the security guards will definitely stop you. 🍜 In Pingshan County, try the clay oven-baked sesame cakes with mutton offal soup—it's a filling meal for just over ten yuan, ten times better than the boxed lunches in the scenic area. 05 Jiaozuo | Henan Yuntai Mountain in Jiaozuo is the kind of place you either haven't been to, or if you have, you'll want to recommend it to everyone. In September, the water in Hongshixia Gorge is still green, but the leaves on the mountain are starting to turn yellow, creating layers of green and gold, like a spilled palette of colors. ⏰ Arrive at Hongshixia Gorge at 8 am to avoid the crowds; tour groups don't arrive until 9:30 am. Walking on the boardwalk, you can hear the water and birdsong, and you don't have to fight for a good spot. Climbing Zhuyu Peak takes an hour and a half; the steps are steep, so those with knee problems shouldn't push themselves. Taking the cable car is easier and faster. Qingtian River is on the west side of Yuntai Mountain. Take a boat trip through the gorge; the water is so clear you can see the stones at the bottom of the boat. In autumn, the red leaves on both banks are reflected in the water, even more beautiful than from the shore. Shennong Mountain is famous for its Taihang macaques. Monkeys are waiting to be fed at the entrance; don't wave plastic bags around, they'll snatch them! The entrance fee plus transportation within the scenic area is 180 yuan. Two days are just enough to break even; one day is too rushed. ⚠️ Accommodation within the Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area is relatively expensive. Staying in a guesthouse in Anshang Township cost just over 100 yuan for a standard room, and it's a ten-minute walk to the scenic area gate. 06 Guangyuan|Sichuan Jianmen Pass Scenic Area in Guangyuan is an underrated hardcore attraction. The gate tower is built between two mountains; the saying "one man can hold the pass" is no exaggeration. Standing on the tower and looking down, the Shu Road truly appears as a mere crack. In September, the mountains are cool. Gloves are necessary for climbing the narrow path; the iron chains are worn shiny. Those with a fear of heights will feel their legs give way after a few steps, but the exhilarating feeling of completing the entire route is worth the ticket price. The entrance fee is 105 yuan, half price for students. If you don't want to climb, you can take the cable car to the top and then walk on the glass walkway. Below you is a drop of hundreds of meters; the glass sways in the wind—it's thrilling! At noon, we had a tofu feast at Jiange County near the scenic area entrance. A table full of dishes made entirely of tofu, more than twenty dishes, costing 40 yuan per person. The names were increasingly elaborate, and the taste was indeed excellent. 🚄 There are direct buses from Guangyuan Station to Jianmenguan, once an hour, costing 15 yuan. Don't take the private cars soliciting passengers at the entrance; they cost twice as much. ⚠️ Bird grazing is restricted after 2 PM, so go early. 07 Qiqihar|Heilongjiang Autumn comes early to Qiqihar. By the end of September, the reeds in the Zhalong Ecological Tourism Area are already white, swaying like waves in the wind. Red-crowned crane releases are held twice daily, at 10 AM and 3 PM. Don't miss it; the scene is unforgettable—the flock of cranes takes flight from the reeds, the wind from their wings hitting your face, and their cries at takeoff are truly chilling. After watching the release, don't rush off. Walk two kilometers along the boardwalk; there are so few people there that you only hear the wind and the low calls of the cranes. The water in the wetlands reflects the blue sky, and under the autumn sun, the whole world is golden. The entrance fee plus electric scooter costs 70 yuan, which is worth it. 🍜 Barbecue in the city center is the highlight. Qiqihar barbecue is famous throughout the country. Thinly sliced ​​beef is grilled over charcoal and dipped in dry seasoning. You can eat until you're stuffed for about 50 yuan per person. ⚠️ Zhalong is about half an hour's drive from the city center. A round trip by taxi costs about 100 yuan, but sharing a ride is more economical. 08 Shenyang|Liaoning September is the most comfortable time in Shenyang, neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for leisurely strolls around the city. Beiling Park is the location of the Qing Dynasty Zhaoling Mausoleum. Ancient pines reach for the sky, and in autumn, the pine needles fall to the ground, soft and comfortable underfoot. The park entrance fee is 6 yuan, and there's an additional 30 yuan to enter the Zhaoling Mausoleum. Student tickets are half price. The park isn't crowded; it's mostly local elderly people playing chess and taking walks. Find a bench, sit for half an hour, and watch the clouds filter through the trees – it's the cheapest way to relax and unwind. Shenyang Expo Park is located near the Botanical Garden Station. The park is incredibly large; you can't see it all in one day. It's recommended to only visit the area around the Lily Tower and the Rose Garden. The chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn is in full swing, creating a sea of ​​flowers in various colors. The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is located in Huanggu District, nestled among residential buildings. Its weathered surface exudes a sense of history. Admission is free; you can stop by for a quick look if you happen to be passing by. It's surprisingly quiet, unlike anything you'd find in Shenyang. Beita Falun Temple is also nearby, a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Its golden roof shines especially brightly in the sunset, with the most beautiful light appearing after 5 PM. 🍜 If you get tired, head to Xita Street nearby, a street full of Korean food stalls. Cold noodles, spicy rice cakes, and grilled eel—you can eat your fill for around 30 RMB per person. ⚠️ Beiling Park closes at 5:30 PM, so don't miss the last minute. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Guiyang and Jiaozuo the most. One is perfect for relaxing, the other for working up a sweat. September and October are the most comfortable months for both—fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and prices still in the off-season. Where are you planning to go this autumn? Let's chat in the comments; maybe we'll meet up under the same sunset!

1️⃣ Zhuzhou | Hunan Summers in Zhuzhou are truly hot, but ducking into the mountains cools you down by 3 degrees immediately. 📍 Luyuanpo, where the Yandi Mausoleum is located, has plenty of trees and water. After 3:00 PM, the breeze in the tree-lined paths drops the temperature significantly. Don't rush when traveling with kids; take the scenic shuttle to the core area first, then push the stroller along the gentle slopes—it's an easy walk. 🍜 For lunch, grab a bowl of Youxian rice noodles at a farmhouse restaurant near the entrance. The broth is fresh and flavorful, and kids can eat it too. ⚠️ Note: There are many steps in the mausoleum area, so a baby carrier is recommended over a stroller. The lighting is best around 5:00 PM; the red walls and green tiles look great in photos without the harsh glare, and kids can run around in the plaza. Remember to book tickets in advance via the official account. It gets crowded on summer weekends, so arriving before 10:00 AM is most comfortable. 2️⃣ Chifeng | Inner Mongolia Chifeng's coolness is dry and refreshing. There's a large temperature difference between day and night; it's sunny at noon, but immediately cool in the shade. 📍 Hashhatu Stone Forest Tourist Area features strange rock formations that kids will love identifying as "turtles" or "elephants." It's high altitude and windy here, so remember to bring a light windbreaker for your child. ⏰ We recommend entering the park at 8:00 AM. Take the shuttle to the top first, then walk down along the wooden boardwalk to save energy and avoid the sun. 🍜 There are yurt-style restaurants at the entrance serving hand-grabbed mutton and milk tea—kids can easily drink half a bowl of the tea. ⚠️ The UV rays are strong after 2:00 PM, so be sure to apply sunscreen and wear hats. Don't rush off after playing; wait for the sunset on the grassland. The temperature drops to around 20°C, making it so comfortable you won't want to return to the hotel. 3️⃣ Shijiazhuang | Hebei Summers in Shijiazhuang are muggy in the city, but head west and you'll find mountains and water. 📍 In the Xibaipo area, the breeze by the Hutuo River makes it cool to sit in the shade. Visit the historical sites with your kids first; the single-story courtyards aren't too sunny, and you can finish the tour in about 30 minutes. 🍜 For lunch, have a hearty stew at a local farmhouse restaurant in town. Kids will love the corn cakes dipped in the broth. In the afternoon, head to 📍 Zhaozhou Bridge. The water under the bridge is shallow, so kids can splash around, but make sure they wear non-slip sandals. ⚠️ The stone slabs on the bridge get hot in the sun, so don't walk barefoot at noon. ⏰ We recommend arriving at Zhaozhou Bridge after 4:00 PM when the light is soft and it's less crowded. You can grab an old-fashioned popsicle at the bridge head when you're done. The drive between the two spots is about 1 hour—let the kids take a nap on the way to save yourself some trouble. 4️⃣ Wenzhou | Zhejiang Yandang Mountain in Wenzhou is a natural air-conditioned room in the summer. 📍 Lingfeng Scenic Area in Yandang Mountain is the coolest spot, with babbling brooks in the canyon and shade every few steps. If you're with kids, take the Guanyin Cave route; the steps are gentle, and you can reach it in 30 minutes. The temperature inside the cave is 5–6 degrees lower than outside—it's instantly refreshing. 🍜 There are vendors selling wheat cakes at the foot of the mountain. The freshly baked preserved vegetable and meat filling is something kids can snack on while walking. In the afternoon, head to 📍 Liu Bowen's Hometown. Located in Nantian Town, it's high altitude and windy; you might even need a jacket while sitting on the stone benches in the ancient village in the evening. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so remember to use insect repellent. ⏰ It's best to visit Yandang Mountain in the morning for fewer crowds and better light. Save Liu Bowen's Hometown for the afternoon, and when you're done, grab a bowl of Bowen sesame cakes with mung bean soup in town. 5️⃣ Kashgar | Xinjiang Summers in Kashgar are hot during the day, but cool down as soon as the sun sets. 📍 Kashgar Old City is best visited before 10:00 AM. The alleys are narrow, blocking the sun, and there's plenty of shade along the earthen walls. Kids will love watching artisans beat copper pots and make flower hats—they won't know where to look first. 🍜 For lunch, have some pilaf in the Old City. The lamb is tender and the rice is glistening—kids can easily eat a small bowl. It's too hot in the afternoon, so head back to the hotel for a nap and come out again around 7:00 PM. The breeze from the Pamir Plateau makes the temperature just right. 📍 The Stone City ruins are in Taxkorgan County. It's high altitude, so you'll need long sleeves even in summer. Kids might get winded after running a bit, so don't rush them—take it slow. ⚠️ Altitude sickness varies from person to person. If your child complains of a headache, descend immediately. Strollers aren't convenient in the Old City due to the bumpy stone roads, so a hip seat is recommended. 6️⃣ Changchun | Jilin Summers in Changchun are as cool as autumn in the mornings and evenings. It's sunny at noon, but immediately cool in the shade. 📍 The Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo has air conditioning, making it comfortable to visit with kids. However, ⚠️ it gets crowded after 2:00 PM, so we recommend going right when it opens in the morning. 📍 Changchun World Sculpture Park has large lawns and plenty of trees where kids can run wild. Rent a tandem bike for a ride—the breeze feels great. 🍜 For lunch, grab a bowl of cold noodles near the sculpture park. The sweet and sour flavor will have kids slurping away non-stop. In the afternoon, head to 📍 Changying Century City. There are many indoor attractions, so you won't be in the sun while waiting in line, and kids will be amazed by the special effects movies. 📍 Jingyuetan is perfect for the evening. Rent an electric scooter to circle the lake; the breeze is refreshing, the lake sparkles, and kids might even fall asleep in your arms. Sunsets are late in Changchun during summer—it's still bright at 8:00 PM. Play until 9:00 PM, then head back to the city for barbecue—perfect. 7️⃣ Lingshui | Hainan Summers in Lingshui are cooler than in Sanya because of the strong sea breeze, and it's less crowded. 📍 Fenjiezhou Island Tourist Area: Take a boat to the island, and the sea breeze will instantly wash away the summer heat. The sand on the beach is fine and soft; kids can dig for hours while you just lie under a parasol. 🍜 The island restaurants serve Qingbuliang (a local dessert). The coconut milk smoothie with taro balls is addictive for kids. ⚠️ It's hottest from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Avoid the beach during this time and take the kids to the Ocean Theater to watch the dolphin show—it's indoors and air-conditioned. 📍 Nanwan Monkey Island: Take the cross-sea cable car over. It's windy and cool, and kids will giggle watching the monkeys. ⚠️ Don't let kids hold food in their hands, as the monkeys will snatch it. ⏰ We recommend visiting Monkey Island in the morning and Fenjiezhou Island in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun. Hotels in Lingshui are generally affordable; choose one with a pool so you can swim in the evening before heading out for dinner—it's very comfortable. 8️⃣ Ningde | Fujian Summers in Ningde are cool both in the mountains and by the sea. 📍 Taimu Mountain Scenic Area: It's windy on the mountain, and the boardwalks are chilly. Kids might feel cold in short sleeves, so remember to bring a light jacket. ⏰ Head up the mountain before 9:00 AM while the mist is still lingering—it's like a fairyland. 📍 Baishuiyang & Yuanyangxi: The shallow water plaza is a paradise for kids. The water is only ankle-deep and crystal clear. Kids can splash around and chase small fish for 2 hours. 🍜 There are vendors at the entrance selling Guangbing (flatbread) stuffed with pickled vegetables. It's savory and appetizing, and kids can eat it too. In the afternoon, head to 📍 Xiapu Beiqi Mudflat. Arrive by 5:30 PM; as the tide recedes, the mudflats are full of small crabs, and kids will be busy picking them up with small buckets. ⚠️ The mudflats are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes, not flip-flops. The sunset in Xiapu is the main event; the light hitting the mudflats creates a golden scene that even kids will quietly watch for a while. The drive between these spots in Ningde is long, so we recommend chartering a car or driving yourself, and having snacks and water ready for the road. These places are all great for a summer getaway before the end of August. When traveling with kids, don't overdo it—one spot a day is enough. If you're tired, head back to the hotel to rest. Which one do you want to visit most? Let's chat in the comments, and I can help you refine your itinerary.

Ancient Yanzhao charm meets everyday life, and the beauty of the Taihang Mountains awaits. Head to this city "pulled by trains" and encounter the unique tenderness and depth of the city amidst the blend of ancient and modern.✨ Day 1: City culture and museums, wandering through the old city's vibrant life 🏙️ Morning: Head to the Hebei Museum. Book your free admission online in advance to admire national treasures like the Changxin Palace Lamp and the Jade Burial Suit, and touch the thousand-year history of the Yanzhao land. On the way, visit Liberation Square and the former site of the Zhengtai Railway. Feel the urban memories of old Shijiazhuang among the century-old tracks and retro platforms. 🛍️ Afternoon: Stroll through the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to revolutionary martyrs amidst the lush greenery—it's solemn and serene. Afterward, explore the MixC shopping district, visit trendy city landmarks, and experience the lively atmosphere of the modern metropolis. In the evening, head to the Locomotive Pedestrian Street, where retro streets meet street food, creating an incredible vibe. Day 2: Zhengding Ancient City, exploring the charm of thousand-year-old architecture 🏯 Morning: Immerse yourself in Zhengding Ancient City. Visit Longxing Temple to admire the exquisite Song Dynasty architecture and the Guanyin statue. Wander through the ancient city's blue-brick alleys, climb the Ming Dynasty city wall for a panoramic view of the city, and see the thousand-year-old Bixi stone tablet at Kaiyuan Temple, which fully displays the vicissitudes of time. 🍜 Afternoon: Visit the Rongguo Mansion, a replica of the courtyards and corridors from "Dream of the Red Chamber," and immerse yourself in the charm of classical gardens. Explore the unique alleys of the ancient city and taste authentic local delicacies like Zhengding Benggan (braised liver), Haojia pork ribs, and Ganglu sesame seed cakes. In the evening, enjoy the night view of the ancient city, where lights reflect on the ancient walls, creating a perfect traditional atmosphere. Day 3: Landscapes and culture, a trip to a red revolutionary site ⛰️ Morning: Head to the Deming Ancient Town in Western Evergreen. Stroll through the Ming and Qing style streets with their well-arranged bridges and flowing water—it's a great place to take photos in Hanfu. Take a walk around the nearby Longquan Lake Wetland Park, with its open lawns and clear lake water, to relax and embrace nature. 🚩 Afternoon: Head to the Xibaipo revolutionary site. Visit the memorial hall and revolutionary sites to relive the glorious red years and understand the historical significance of "the place where New China began." After returning to the city, explore the Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street and try local barbecue and beef Zhaobing (beef soup with pancakes). 📌 Tips ⚠️ Both the Hebei Museum and Xibaipo offer free admission. Be sure to book in advance via their official WeChat accounts. Both venues are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly to avoid a wasted trip. ⚠️ Zhengding Ancient City is quite large. It is recommended to rent a shared bike or e-bike for sightseeing, as walking for a long time can be tiring. Do not trust roadside vendors selling overpriced all-inclusive tickets. ⚠️ Summer temperatures in Shijiazhuang can be high at noon. Try to avoid outdoor attractions during peak heat, prioritize indoor venues, and stay hydrated and protected from the sun. ⚠️ Local specialties near tourist attractions are often overpriced. You can buy souvenirs like snow pears and Gong noodles at regular supermarkets in the city for better value. ⚠️ Suburban attractions are quite far away. If traveling with a group, consider carpooling or chartering a vehicle. If driving yourself, be aware that mountain roads have many curves, so drive slowly and carefully.

Near Shijiazhuang | Wuwushui Ecological Scenic Area | Complete All-Season Travel Guide Wuwushui is a high-value 4A scenic area near Shijiazhuang. It's great for cooling off in summer and features stunning ice waterfalls and lights in winter. It offers both natural scenery and historical red tourism sites. Choose the easy route for seniors and children—no strenuous climbing required. Perfect for a short weekend getaway. 📍Basic Info Address: Wuwushui Village, Beiye Township, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang City 🚗Transport: About 1.5–2 hours by car from downtown Shijiazhuang, 95 km total; parking is CNY 10/day with ample spaces. ⏱Recommended duration: 3–4 hours, suitable for a weekend day trip. ⏰Opening Hours ✅Mar–Nov (Summer/autumn water play, autumn foliage): 8:00 AM–5:30 PM, last entry at 5:00 PM ✅Dec–Feb (Ice waterfall season, includes night views): 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, ice lantern night view lights up at 5:30 PM, last entry at 7:30 PM 🎫Ticket & Travel Card Info Adult tickets are CNY 65 on-site, with frequent discounts for booking online in advance; winter ice waterfall group tickets online are as low as CNY 39.9. ▪️Concessions: Half-price for students and seniors aged 60–69 with valid ID; free admission for children under 1.2m, seniors aged 70+, active military personnel, and people with disabilities with valid ID. ▪️Optional add-ons: Sightseeing shuttle (one-way) CNY 15, magic carpet CNY 20, hilltop slide CNY 20; not included in the general admission ticket. ✨Seasonal Highlights 🌿Summer (Jun–Aug) | Cooling off and water play The canyon maintains a constant temperature of about 23℃. The 93m-high Baizhang Waterfall (the No. 1 Waterfall in Yanzhao) offers cool mist. You can splash in the streams of Youyou Valley, walk through the Water Curtain Cave to view the falls, and visit the site of the first hydroelectric power station in New China, combining natural scenery with red tourism education. 🍁Autumn (Oct) | Red foliage The valley is covered in red leaves. If you have time, you can stop by the Sky Gallery along the way for the full Taihang Mountain autumn vibe. ❄Winter (Dec–Feb) | Famous North China ice waterfall night view (Signature attraction) The summer Baizhang Waterfall freezes into a massive ice waterfall cluster, with connected ice pillars, ice curtains, and ice caves. The colorful light show begins at 5:30 PM, with blue and purple lights reflecting off the ice and water—perfect for photos. Experience "ice waterfalls by day, ice lanterns by night." Winter tips: The mountain area is 6–8℃ colder than the city, so wear a thick down jacket and non-slip shoes. Crampons can be rented on-site for CNY 5/person; the ice is very slippery, so please be careful. The best time to enter is around 2:00 PM to see the ice scenery by day and wait for the lights to come on, allowing you to experience both day and night views in one trip. 🚶Two Recommended Routes ▫️[Family-friendly easy route | 3 hours, suitable for seniors and children] Main entrance → Former site of the Red Power Station → Youyou Valley → Baizhang Waterfall → Water Curtain Cave, then return the same way. Almost no strenuous climbing; focused on waterfall viewing and water play. ▫️[In-depth loop route | 4–4.5 hours, for those with good stamina] Main entrance → Red Power Station → Youyou Valley → Baizhang Waterfall → Water Curtain Cave → Wulong Pool → Yixiantian (A Thread of Sky) → Hilltop Observation Deck. ⚠️The Yixiantian section is steep; visitors with limited mobility should skip this part. 💡Practical Tips 1. Remember to bring a change of shoes and socks for summer water play; the trails are damp, so wear non-slip shoes. 2. Temperatures are low during winter night sessions; bring gloves, a hat, and hand warmers. Choose bright-colored clothing for photos to stand out against the ice waterfalls. 3. There are few supply points on the mountain, so it is recommended to bring your own drinking water.

A one-stop destination for revolutionary history and Taihang Mountain scenery. Reflect on revolutionary history while enjoying canyon waterfalls—perfect for educational trips and short family getaways near Shijiazhuang. 📍Location: Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei | Xibaipo + Mi'mi'shui, about a 1-hour drive between the two. 🎫Basic Information 🔴Xibaipo (5A Red Tourism Scenic Area) · Ticket: Free. Real-name reservation required via the "Xibaipo Memorial Hall" WeChat official account. Bring your ID card for entry. · Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM; closed on Mondays (except public holidays). · Costs: Sightseeing battery car round trip is ¥20 (optional, recommended for seniors and children); guided tours are at your own expense. · Recommended duration: 2–3 hours. 💦Mi'mi'shui Ecological Scenic Area (4A) · Ticket: Adults ¥65; students/seniors aged 60–69 are half-price at ¥35; free for children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70. · Hours: March–November, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; extended to 9:00 PM during the winter ice waterfall season for night viewing. · Recommended duration: 3–4 hours. · Background: Home to the first hydroelectric power station of the People's Republic of China, which supplied power to the CPC Central Committee at Xibaipo and lit the first electric light there. A place where revolutionary history meets natural beauty. 🗓Itinerary ✅One-Day Trip (Compact | Self-driving recommended) 8:30 AM Depart from Shijiazhuang 10:00 AM–12:30 PM Visit Xibaipo Route: Five Secretaries Bronze Statue Square → Xibaipo Memorial Hall → Battery car to the former site of the CPC Central Committee → Site of the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee, former residences of leaders, Military Commission Operations Room, air-raid shelter. 1. 00 PM Lunch at a nearby farmhouse restaurant. 2. 00 PM Drive to Mi'mi'shui (approx. 60 minutes). 3. 00 PM–6:30 PM Explore Mi'mi'shui, see the red power station and canyon waterfalls. 7:30 PM Return to Shijiazhuang. ✅Two-Day Trip (Relaxed & In-depth, Recommended) Day 1: Arrive at Xibaipo, full tour, stay at a homestay in Pingshan or near Mi'mi'shui. Day 2: Full day of hiking in Mi'mi'shui, return in the afternoon. 🌟Must-Visit Spots 🔴Xibaipo 1. Five Secretaries Bronze Statue Square | A must-visit landmark for photos. 2. Xibaipo Memorial Hall | Comprehensive historical records of the three major campaigns and the founding of the PRC; rich exhibition halls. 3. Former Site of the CPC Central Committee | Site of the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee, former residences, and Military Commission Operations Room. Understand where "New China began." 💦Mi'mi'shui 1. Former Site of the Red Power Station✨ A pioneering project of the border region supervised by Commander-in-Chief Zhu De. It preserves the original generator sets and memories of revolutionary energy. Visit this first upon entry. 2. Baizhang Flying Waterfall | The No. 1 Waterfall in Yan-Zhao With a 93-meter drop, the water volume is magnificent during the rainy season. On sunny days, you can often see rainbows in the mist—the scenic area's highlight. 3. Water Curtain Cave A natural karst cave behind the waterfall. Looking out from inside, the waterfall resembles a crystal curtain. It feels cool and is great for photos. 4. Youyou Valley A shaded canyon with streams and shallows. The canyon maintains a constant temperature of 23°C in summer. Great for wading, cooling off, and family-friendly fun. 5. Wulong Pool, Yixiantian (Optional) The pool water is emerald green. If you have the energy, head up to Yixiantian. On the way down, you can choose the 800-meter stone slide for ¥20/person—a fun experience. Seasonal Tips: ▶Spring/Summer/Autumn: Canyon streams, waterfalls, and red leaves covering the mountains in September–October. ▶December–February: Giant ice waterfalls and icicles, night lighting, a winter wonderland. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes. 🚗Transportation Guide 🚙Self-driving (Highly recommended) Shijiazhuang → Xibaipo Expressway. Go to Xibaipo first, then navigate to Mi'mi'shui Ecological Scenic Area. There are many curves on the mountain roads, so drive slowly. Parking is available at both scenic areas. 🚌Public Transportation Take a bus from Shijiazhuang North Passenger Station to Pingshan County, then hire a car to the two scenic areas. There are tourist lines during peak season, but they are infrequent, so self-driving is preferred. 🍜Authentic Pingshan Cuisine Guyue tofu, big pot stew, wild vegetable dumplings, corn cakes, mountain mushroom stewed chicken, and jar-baked sesame cakes. Farmhouse meals cost about ¥30–40 per person—great value. 🏨Accommodation Suggestions · One-day trip: Return directly to the city. · Two-day trip: Farmhouse inns at the entrance of Mi'mi'shui village cost ¥80–150/night; scenic area hotels are ¥150–200. You can also stay in Wentang Town, where you can enjoy hot springs. ⚠️Travel Tips 1. Xibaipo is closed on Mondays. Confirm before you go, and be sure to make a reservation and bring your ID card. Flash photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls. 2. There are many trails in Mi'mi'shui, so wear comfortable sports shoes. Bring water shoes in summer for wading. Be sure to use anti-slip gear when viewing ice waterfalls in winter. 3. The road between the two locations is a mountain road with many curves; drive safely. 4. There are few convenience stores in the mountains, so bring your own drinking water and some snacks.

Now is the time for reverse-route trips: these 8 less-crowded scenic places are perfect for travel in September–October 01 Nantong | Jiangsu Haohé is an old city moat that circles the old town — not too long, not too short, a walk that's just right. Start at North Haohé Bridge around 10 AM and head south along the east bank. Plane tree leaves are starting to yellow and drifting into the river, carried by the ripples. This stretch has plenty of shade, so it's easy on older adults and children. When you reach the South Main Street junction, turn in to buy a Nantong crisp cake hot from the oven — flaky and fragrant — paired with a cup of tea for a perfect break. 🍜 At lunch, don't rush out of the scenic area. In the old alleys around Haohé there's a small shop selling pan-fried dumplings with thin skins and generous fillings — take a bite while they're hot and they'll scald your mouth. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing boat; each trip is about 40 minutes and there's a commentary that explains the clock tower and Guangxiao Pagoda along the shore. ⚠️ Boat services become less frequent after 4 PM, so go early if you want to ride. After 5 PM the light is just right — watch the sunset near Haoxi Book Courtyard, when the river turns warm gold. It's quiet and you can even hear the birds. 02 Jiaxing | Zhejiang Wuzhen and Xitang — if you're short on time, pick one. Wuzhen West Scenic Area is prettier at night when the lanterns come on and the reflections on the water soften everything. Tickets cost about CNY 150; if you stay inside the scenic area you don't need a second-day ticket, but waterfront rooms are pricey. If you're on a budget, stay outside the area — it's a 10-minute walk. Xitang has a more lived-in feel: narrow alleys and long covered walkways. Stroll the rain-swept corridors, stop for Guan Laotai stinky tofu, CNY 5 a serving — crispy outside, tender inside. 🚄 There's a direct bus from Jiaxing South Station to Wuzhen that takes about 1 hour; for Xitang, get off at Jiashan Station and take a taxi. Wuzhen is great for photos, gondola rides, and the Mu Xin Art Museum; Xitang is better for eating, tea houses, and soaking up old-town life. If you're traveling with your parents, choose Wuzhen — flat routes and clear signs. If you're with friends, choose Xitang — cheaper finds and more photo spots. ⚠️ Both towns are busy on weekends. Try weekdays and arrive before 8 AM to capture empty stone streets. 03 Bijie | Guizhou Zhijin Cave is perfect at this time of year: about 20°C outside and a steady 16°C inside, so walking the full circuit feels like having your own air conditioning. The cave trail is about 6 km and takes roughly 2 hours to complete; there are many steps, so people with knee problems should be cautious. 🌡️ The cave lighting is artful — the stalactites in the Silver Rain Palace hang like waterfalls and look even more impressive up close than in photos. Baili Rhododendron blooms in spring, so visiting in September–October is mainly for mountain scenery and meadows — don't expect the flowers. Back in Zhijin county in the evening there's a street of griddle snacks: potato cakes, stinky tofu, grilled small intestines — you can eat your fill for about CNY 40 per person. ⚠️ Zhijin Cave tickets include the shuttle, but ticket sales stop at 4 PM, so don't cut it close. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Bijie Station, then switch to a bus to Zhijin county — total around 2 hours. If you like geological sites, this cave is much less crowded than the popular ones, and a guide will walk you through the underground river stories, which is more engaging than just looking. 04 Shijiazhuang | Hebei Xibaipo is well known, but many people don't realize Zhaozhou Bridge is nearby and you can visit both in one day. Go to Zhaozhou Bridge in the morning — tickets are CNY 40. The stone slabs on the bridge are polished smooth, and the Xiao River beneath flows steady and calm. Feel the carved railings; the lines of dragons and beasts are still clear. Standing on a structure more than a thousand years old always feels surreal. For lunch in Zhaoxian, try a bowl of donkey meat huoshao (donkey meat in baked flatbread) — generous portions and a bowl of mixed noodles will fill you up for about CNY 20. In the afternoon drive to Xibaipo — the mountain roads are easy, about 1.5 hours. The whole site is free but requires a reservation; you can also scan in on site. ⚠️ It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. Walk to the row of old earthen houses at the old courtyard; pomegranate trees grow along the walls, and it's so quiet it doesn't feel like a tourist spot. In the evening back in Shijiazhuang city, eat Hebei cuisine around Letai Center — Jinmao Shizi fish is sweet-and-sour, great for family dinners. This route has low attraction density, so it's best for self-driving, not for rushing through many sites. 05 Changchun | Jilin The Puppet Manchukuo Imperial Palace Museum and Changchun Film Theme Park are a bit much to do in one day. I suggest splitting them into two days. Spend the first morning at the palace museum — tickets are CNY 70. The architecture mixes East and West with yellow and green exterior walls; the floorboards creak underfoot. Puyi's bedroom is small and west-facing; afternoon light slanting in only adds to the sense of isolation. The Tongde Hall restoration is detailed — wardrobes, study, reception rooms show traces of daily life back then. In the afternoon visit Changchun World Sculpture Park — it's large and a two-hour stroll to see the scattered sculptures across the lawns. Save Changchun Film Theme Park for day two — it's better for kids, with many movie-effect experiences, though lines can be long; popular attractions may have 40-minute waits. Jingyue Lake is a bit far from the city — about a 30-minute taxi — and in autumn the paths are carpeted with fallen leaves; rent a bike and a loop takes about 2 hours. ⚠️ Dining options inside Jingyue Lake scenic area are limited, so bring water and snacks. 06 Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Siguniangshan — allow about 5 days for this route. Autumn in Jiuzhaigou is top-tier; mid to late October brings the richest colors, and Five Flower Lake looks unreal with its blue waters. Tickets plus the sightseeing bus are about CNY 280 — pricey but worth it. Enter the valley early, take the shuttle to the primeval forest, then walk downhill. Huanglong is beside Jiuzhaigou, with terraced calcified pools that stack like rice terraces, but it's high altitude — above 3,500 m — so go slowly to avoid breathlessness. Siguniangshan is in another direction; it's about a 6-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou, so plan it separately. Shuangqiao Valley is the easiest of the three valleys; shuttles hop on and off, good for those who don't want to hike. ⚠️ High-altitude temperatures vary widely; mornings and evenings can be only a few degrees apart, so a down jacket is essential. Restaurants inside Jiuzhaigou are limited — pack self-heating rice and chocolate instead of queuing for instant noodles. This route suits self-driving or hiring a car; road conditions are generally good but watch for rockfalls on some sections shortly after the rainy season — check the forecast before you go. 07 Benxi | Liaoning Benxi Water Cave is an underground river — you ride a boat to see the stalactites, the full trip takes about 40 minutes, and the cave is a constant 12°C. It's a natural cooler in summer and can feel chilly in autumn; you can rent cotton jackets at the entrance for CNY 20 — don't skip that. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM when light streams through the cave mouth and mist rises from the water for ethereal photos. In the afternoon head to Guangmenshan National Forest Park — this is Benxi's autumn highlight. Maples start changing at the end of September and peak by mid‑October. Guangmenshan tickets are CNY 90; the trails are well maintained, and standing under the maple king with its blazing red leaves is like red rain falling when the wind blows. Huanren Wunv Mountain is a bit further, about 1.5 hours from the city; the mountain isn't very high, but the ruined city walls on the summit offer wide views, including Huanren Reservoir. ⚠️ Wunv Mountain's steps are steep and not suitable for strollers. 🍜 Try Benxi's local mutton soup in town — milky broth with a baked flatbread, about CNY 30 per person — perfect to fill up before a hike. 08 Chenzhou | Hunan Gaoyiling Danxia gets fewer visitors than Dongjiang Lake but the scenery is just as impressive. The red rock and green water of the Danxia landform look like dragon ridges from above. The boardwalk is a bit steep, so those with a fear of heights shouldn't look down. Tickets are CNY 80; light after 4 PM is best — the red rock warmed by the sun needs no filter for great photos. The next morning get to Dongjiang Lake early — the mist over Xiao Dongjiang is iconic, but you must get up early; be at the viewpoint by 6:30 AM to see the fog clinging to the water and fishermen casting nets. It may look staged, but the atmosphere is real. Mangshan Wuzhi Peak is in another direction and about a 2-hour drive from Dongjiang Lake, ideal for hikers. The cliffside skywalk is built on the cliff with sweeping views but closes in bad weather — check the park notices before you go. ⚠️ There's no direct bus between Gaoyiling and Dongjiang Lake, so driving is the most convenient option. 🍜 You must try Chenzhou rice noodles — spicy and warming, topped with a fried egg, about CNY 10 a bowl. Two days is just right for this route, making it a great weekend short trip.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, so bring your family and set off 1️⃣ Shijiazhuang City | Hebei First the conclusion: if you have two days, don't be greedy, leaving time for Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge is enough. 📍 Xipapo is recommended to go early, open at 8:30, less people and quiet, you can slowly see the exhibition. The parking lot is not far from the entrance, so you don’t have to walk too long with the elderly and children. ⏰ Ends before noon, drive directly to Zhaozhou Bridge, the drive is about an hour. The bridge is not big, but standing under the bridge and looking at the arched structure, you can still feel the power of the thousand-year-old project. 🍜 Lunch is solved in Zhao County, find a small shop selling donkey meat grilled, immediately baked cake sandwiched with hot donkey meat, with a bowl of millet porridge, the average of twenty dollars per person. ⚠️ West Park is closed every Monday, don't go there in vain. Tickets for Zhaozhou Bridge are $40. If you book online in advance, you can get $5 cheaper. Remember to buy one day in advance. 2️⃣ Jiujiang City|Jiangxi Mount Kunming and Mount Kunming West Sea, I advise you not to make a choice, go directly to both, but in the right order. On the first day, we will go up to Mount Kunming. Take the ropeway up and down to save some energy. The temperature in the mountains is seven or eight degrees lower than in the city. It's just right for Mid-Autumn Festival. Short sleeves and a thin jacket are enough. 📍Flower Trail and Ruqin Lake are a must-see, the lake is shrouded in mist, the most beautiful around nine o'clock in the morning. Don't rush to those celebrity photo spots. You can't take pictures when people are crowded. The next day we transferred to the western sea of ​​Yuen Long, driving for an hour and a half. It is more suitable for slow living, rent a small boat and float on the lake, the water is clear to the bottom. 🚄 There is a direct bus from Jiujiang Station to Yushan Cableway, every twenty minutes, and a taxi is only $30. ⚠️ The "speedboat package" that attracts customers at the western sea pier in Yunnan, the price is 180, in fact, the on-site bargain can be 120, do not be taken advantage of. 3️⃣ Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan The ancient city of Phoenix is ​​10 times more beautiful at night than during the day, but never book accommodation on the riverside bar street, which is noisy until 2am. I suggest you live outside the ancient city, 10 minutes walk into the ancient city, the room is half cheaper. Entering the ancient city after 5pm, the light is just right. The red lanterns on both sides of the Yujiang River are lit and reflected in the water. That screen is worth all the tickets. The Dehang Grand Canyon and the Aozhai Bridge are stuck together and can go together. The hike in the canyon is not long, two hours round trip, and is suitable for a walk and stop for parents. The village of Shibadong is more suitable for those interested in folklore. The village has a guide to see the old houses and talk about the life of the Miao family, which takes about forty minutes. 🍜 For dinner, find a place that makes blood dumplings in the ancient city. The duck meat is stewed until it is soft, and the glutinous rice dumplings absorb the soup. It is served with a bowl of pickled carrots to relieve the thirst. ⚠️ Phoenix Ancient City does not charge big tickets, but several small attractions inside have to buy tickets separately, do not listen to the roadside lady saying "take you through the free ticket passage", those are to deceive you to buy her house silver jewelry. 4️⃣ Guiyang City | Guizhou These places around Guiyang, let me help you prioritize: Tianhetan > Qingyan Ancient Town > Huaxi Park, Gaopo Yunding Grassland to see the weather. The most worth visiting Tianhetan is the water cave and the drought cave. Take a boat into the cave, the lights beat down like you have entered the world of the earth. The whole process takes about two hours, wet and slippery inside the cave, wear non-slip shoes. The walls of the ancient town of Qingyan are worth climbing. Go up at dusk and watch the green tile roofs of the whole town. 🍜The Wang Wanma stewed pork leg in the town is soft and deboned. You can order it with chili powder and eat it with a bowl of rice cake. You can eat it for 30 dollars per person. Gaopo Cloud Peak Grassland is suitable for visiting when the weather is good. The blue sky and white clouds of cattle can produce beautiful photos casually. But once it rains it turns into mud, don't risk it. 📍 Flower Creek Park is more suitable for locals to walk, visitors can skip, time left for the first three. ⚠️ Tickets are free after 5pm for Qingyan Ancient Town. If you just want to walk and eat, you can go again at dusk. 5️⃣ Lanzhou City | Gansu Lanzhou is not a transit station, it is a place worth flying for two days. Baitashan Park is less crowded in the morning. When you climb to the top, you can see the Yellow River passing through the city. The bend looks like a yellow ribbon. The whole journey has about 300 steps, and the old man can reach it by climbing slowly for 40 minutes. The provincial museum goes in the afternoon, free but reservations must be made in advance on WeChat. The highlight is the horse riding the flying swallow copper galloping horse, the actual thing is much more impressive than the photo. 🍜 The milk egg mash at Zhengning Road Night Market, the one with the longest queue is Lao Ma. The egg flakes are tender, the mash is slightly sour, and costs 8 dollars a cup. There are also beef noodles, do not go to the tourist shop, casually enter a local queue, two small plus spicy, meat and egg double fly, fifteen dollars to eat full. ⏰ Walk after the Zhongshan Bridge lights up at night, the sound of the Yellow River water with the lights, more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ The White Tower Mountain Cable Car stops operating at 6pm. If you want to take the cable car to watch the sunset, go up the mountain in advance. 6️⃣ Jincheng City | Shanxi The Imperial City Prime Minister’s Mansion, I’d call it the most underrated compound in the north. This place is the former residence of Chen Tingjing. It is much larger than the Qiao family compound, but has much fewer tourists. You can basically enjoy it alone during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The plaque was written by Kangxi himself. Further deeper, the Heshan Building must be climbed to the top, the building is seven stories high, the stairs are sloping, but the top overlooks the entire Xiangfu, the cyan tile tops are layered, ten times more shocking than looking on the flat ground. ⏰ There will be a free guided tour after 2pm, followed by a blind steerer, you can hear many detailed stories. 🍜 Yangcheng grilled liver is sold at the entrance of the scenic spot, cut into thin slices and fried, ordered with vinegar to eat, local characteristics, do not miss. ⚠️ There are some side halls in the prime minister's house that require extra charges. There is nothing to see, so don't waste that money. The whole walk down takes about three hours, suitable for taking the elderly slowly, there are many flat roads in the yard, do not have to climb too many stairs. 7️⃣ Jinzhou City | Liaoning The name of Medical Witch Mountain is difficult to pronounce, but the scenery will definitely not disappoint you. This mountain is excellent in Liaoxi, strange pines and rocks, steep mountain but well-made trails, the whole journey down about three hours. 📍 It is recommended to take the northern line into the mountain, first to Wanghai Temple, then climb the main peak. The wind is strong at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring a windproof jacket when you go in autumn. There are several ancient pines on the mountain, all of which are over a few hundred years old. They have a unique posture and are suitable for taking pictures. ⏰ Best to arrive before 9am, few people, the mist in the mountains has not dissipated, like walking in an ink painting. 🍜 After going down the mountain, go to North Town to eat Gu Gang Zi smoked chicken. The old-fashioned restaurant is at a crossroads. The chicken skin is smoked to golden brown and the meat is firm. You can tear it and eat it directly, with a bottle of local beer. ⚠️ The "hiking stick" sold at the entrance of the scenic spot is actually a wooden stick, five dollars a stick, there is no need to buy, the mountain stairs are made very well. 8️⃣ Taizhou City | Jiangsu Qinhu Wetland Park, the Mid-Autumn Festival is just in time to catch up with the ripeness of water chestnuts. Before entering, we first sat on the rocking boat. The boatwoman sang a minor tune while supporting the boat. From time to time, white herons were frightened from the reeds on both sides of the bank. There is a small island in the center of the lake, full of water chestnuts, this season can be picked by your own hands, the boat lady will teach you to recognize, picked directly peeled and eaten, sweet and crisp tender. 📍 The Wetland Science Museum is worth taking your children to, with various bird specimens and aquatic life displays that your children will be very excited about. 🍜 Eat the eight delicacies of Qinhu at a scenic restaurant for lunch. The most recommended is the crab roe soup bun. The skin is so thin that you can see the soup inside, and it's so fresh to take a bite. ⏰ Visitors gradually leave after 3pm, this time is the most comfortable to walk on the canyon, the setting sun dyes the water golden, the wind carries the fragrance of water plants. ⚠️ The rocking boat is closed at 5:30 pm. Don't play too late and miss the last boat. It takes half an hour to walk back. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Mount Kunming and Imperial City Prime Minister the most. One is the natural scenery ceiling, and the other is the underrated cultural treasure. There are few people during Mid-Autumn Festival, and the weather is nice. Take your family and choose one to go. Talk about where you most want to go in the comments section? During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, so bring your family and set off 1️⃣ Shijiazhuang City | Hebei First the conclusion: if you have two days, don't be greedy, leaving time for Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge is enough. 📍 Xipapo is recommended to go early, open at 8:30, less people and quiet, you can slowly see the exhibition. The parking lot is not far from the entrance, so you don’t have to walk too long with the elderly and children. ⏰ Ends before noon, drive directly to Zhaozhou Bridge, the drive is about an hour. The bridge is not big, but standing under the bridge and looking at the arched structure, you can still feel the power of the thousand-year-old project. 🍜 Lunch is solved in Zhao County, find a small shop selling donkey meat grilled, immediately baked cake sandwiched with hot donkey meat, with a bowl of millet porridge, the average of twenty dollars per person. ⚠️ West Park is closed every Monday, don't go there in vain. Tickets for Zhaozhou Bridge are $40. If you book online in advance, you can get $5 cheaper. Remember to buy one day in advance. 2️⃣ Jiujiang City|Jiangxi Mount Kunming and Mount Kunming West Sea, I advise you not to make a choice, go directly to both, but in the right order. On the first day, we will go up to Mount Kunming. Take the ropeway up and down to save some energy. The temperature in the mountains is seven or eight degrees lower than in the city. It's just right for Mid-Autumn Festival. Short sleeves and a thin jacket are enough. 📍Flower Trail and Ruqin Lake are a must-see, the lake is shrouded in mist, the most beautiful around nine o'clock in the morning. Don't rush to those celebrity photo spots. You can't take pictures when people are crowded. The next day we transferred to the western sea of ​​Yuen Long, driving for an hour and a half. It is more suitable for slow living, rent a small boat and float on the lake, the water is clear to the bottom. 🚄 There is a direct bus from Jiujiang Station to Yushan Cableway, every twenty minutes, and a taxi is only $30. ⚠️ The "speedboat package" that attracts customers at the western sea pier in Yunnan, the price is 180, in fact, the on-site bargain can be 120, do not be taken advantage of. 3️⃣ Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Hunan The ancient city of Phoenix is ​​10 times more beautiful at night than during the day, but never book accommodation on the riverside bar street, which is noisy until 2am. I suggest you live outside the ancient city, 10 minutes walk into the ancient city, the room is half cheaper. Entering the ancient city after 5pm, the light is just right. The red lanterns on both sides of the Yujiang River are lit and reflected in the water. That screen is worth all the tickets. The Dehang Grand Canyon and the Aozhai Bridge are stuck together and can go together. The hike in the canyon is not long, two hours round trip, and is suitable for a walk and stop for parents. The village of Shibadong is more suitable for those interested in folklore. The village has a guide to see the old houses and talk about the life of the Miao family, which takes about forty minutes. 🍜 For dinner, find a place that makes blood dumplings in the ancient city. The duck meat is stewed until it is soft, and the glutinous rice dumplings absorb the soup. It is served with a bowl of pickled carrots to relieve the thirst. ⚠️ Phoenix Ancient City does not charge big tickets, but several small attractions inside have to buy tickets separately, do not listen to the roadside lady saying "take you through the free ticket passage", those are to deceive you to buy her house silver jewelry. 4️⃣ Guiyang City | Guizhou These places around Guiyang, let me help you prioritize: Tianhetan > Qingyan Ancient Town > Huaxi Park, Gaopo Yunding Grassland to see the weather. The most worth visiting Tianhetan is the water cave and the drought cave. Take a boat into the cave, the lights beat down like you have entered the world of the earth. The whole process takes about two hours, wet and slippery inside the cave, wear non-slip shoes. The walls of the ancient town of Qingyan are worth climbing. Go up at dusk and watch the green tile roofs of the whole town. 🍜The Wang Wanma stewed pork leg in the town is soft and deboned. You can order it with chili powder and eat it with a bowl of rice cake. You can eat it for 30 dollars per person. Gaopo Cloud Peak Grassland is suitable for visiting when the weather is good. The blue sky and white clouds of cattle can produce beautiful photos casually. But once it rains it turns into mud, don't risk it. 📍 Flower Creek Park is more suitable for locals to walk, visitors can skip, time left for the first three. ⚠️ Tickets are free after 5pm for Qingyan Ancient Town. If you just want to walk and eat, you can go again at dusk. 5️⃣ Lanzhou City | Gansu Lanzhou is not a transit station, it is a place worth flying for two days. Baitashan Park is less crowded in the morning. When you climb to the top, you can see the Yellow River passing through the city. The bend looks like a yellow ribbon. The whole journey has about 300 steps, and the old man can reach it by climbing slowly for 40 minutes. The provincial museum goes in the afternoon, free but reservations must be made in advance on WeChat. The highlight is the horse riding the flying swallow copper galloping horse, the actual thing is much more impressive than the photo. 🍜 The milk egg mash at Zhengning Road Night Market, the one with the longest queue is Lao Ma. The egg flakes are tender, the mash is slightly sour, and costs 8 dollars a cup. There are also beef noodles, do not go to the tourist shop, casually enter a local queue, two small plus spicy, meat and egg double fly, fifteen dollars to eat full. ⏰ Walk after the Zhongshan Bridge lights up at night, the sound of the Yellow River water with the lights, more beautiful than during the day. ⚠️ The White Tower Mountain Cable Car stops operating at 6pm. If you want to take the cable car to watch the sunset, go up the mountain in advance. 6️⃣ Jincheng City | Shanxi The Imperial City Prime Minister’s Mansion, I’d call it the most underrated compound in the north. This place is the former residence of Chen Tingjing. It is much larger than the Qiao family compound, but has much fewer tourists. You can basically enjoy it alone during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The plaque was written by Kangxi himself. Further deeper, the Heshan Building must be climbed to the top, the building is seven stories high, the stairs are sloping, but the top overlooks the entire Xiangfu, the cyan tile tops are layered, ten times more shocking than looking on the flat ground. ⏰ There will be a free guided tour after 2pm, followed by a blind steerer, you can hear many detailed stories. 🍜 Yangcheng grilled liver is sold at the entrance of the scenic spot, cut into thin slices and fried, ordered with vinegar to eat, local characteristics, do not miss. ⚠️ There are some side halls in the prime minister's house that require extra charges. There is nothing to see, so don't waste that money. The whole walk down takes about three hours, suitable for taking the elderly slowly, there are many flat roads in the yard, do not have to climb too many stairs. 7️⃣ Jinzhou City | Liaoning The name of Medical Witch Mountain is difficult to pronounce, but the scenery will definitely not disappoint you. This mountain is excellent in Liaoxi, strange pines and rocks, steep mountain but well-made trails, the whole journey down about three hours. 📍 It is recommended to take the northern line into the mountain, first to Wanghai Temple, then climb the main peak. The wind is strong at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring a windproof jacket when you go in autumn. There are several ancient pines on the mountain, all of which are over a few hundred years old. They have a unique posture and are suitable for taking pictures. ⏰ Best to arrive before 9am, few people, the mist in the mountains has not dissipated, like walking in an ink painting. 🍜 After going down the mountain, go to North Town to eat Gu Gang Zi smoked chicken. The old-fashioned restaurant is at a crossroads. The chicken skin is smoked to golden brown and the meat is firm. You can tear it and eat it directly, with a bottle of local beer. ⚠️ The "hiking stick" sold at the entrance of the scenic spot is actually a wooden stick, five dollars a stick, there is no need to buy, the mountain stairs are made very well. 8️⃣ Taizhou City | Jiangsu Qinhu Wetland Park, the Mid-Autumn Festival is just in time to catch up with the ripeness of water chestnuts. Before entering, we first sat on the rocking boat. The boatwoman sang a minor tune while supporting the boat. From time to time, white herons were frightened from the reeds on both sides of the bank. There is a small island in the center of the lake, full of water chestnuts, this season can be picked by your own hands, the boat lady will teach you to recognize, picked directly peeled and eaten, sweet and crisp tender. 📍 The Wetland Science Museum is worth taking your children to, with various bird specimens and aquatic life displays that your children will be very excited about. 🍜 Eat the eight delicacies of Qinhu at a scenic restaurant for lunch. The most recommended is the crab roe soup bun. The skin is so thin that you can see the soup inside, and it's so fresh to take a bite. ⏰ Visitors gradually leave after 3pm, this time is the most comfortable to walk on the canyon, the setting sun dyes the water golden, the wind carries the fragrance of water plants. ⚠️ The rocking boat is closed at 5:30 pm. Don't play too late and miss the last boat. It takes half an hour to walk back. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Mount Kunming and Imperial City Prime Minister the most. One is the natural scenery ceiling, and the other is the underrated cultural treasure. There are few people during Mid-Autumn Festival, and the weather is nice. Take your family and choose one to go. Talk about where you would like to go in the comments section?

Traveling in September, flight and hotel prices are starting to drop from their summer highs. I've picked 8 places that are affordable and offer great experiences. I've clearly outlined the routes and tips to avoid pitfalls, so just follow along. 01 Tianjin After getting off at Tianjin Station, don't rush to take a taxi. Take Metro Line 2 for two stops to the Italian Style Town, then scan a shared bike to start exploring. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM. Marco Polo Square is almost empty, and the lighting is perfect for photographing the brick buildings. I recommend visiting the Five Great Avenues after 4:00 PM. Sit on the steps at Minyuan Square for a while and watch the local seniors flying kites. ⚠️ The carriage ride costs over CNY 100 per loop. I don't recommend it; walking along Munan Road is more worthwhile. The Olympic Center Stadium is best visited in the evening. The outer walkway is free. It gets crowded when concerts end, so check the schedule in advance. Fantawild is in Binhai, with tickets around CNY 200. There are student discounts, and you'll need a full day to hit all the popular rides. For food, 🍜 try the jianbing guozi (savory crepe) and guoba cai (crispy rice dish) at Nanshi Food Street; you can get full for CNY 10. For accommodation, choose the area near Yingkou Road. Hostel beds are CNY 60–70, and it's convenient for getting to any attraction. 02 Kunming | Yunnan Kunming in September just misses the tail end of the rainy season. Daytime temperatures are just over 20°C, so one jacket is enough. Go to Dianchi Haigeng Dam at 7:00 AM. The black-headed gulls haven't arrived yet, but it's windy and clear, and there are few people, so you can take photos easily. Admission to Daguan Park is CNY 20. Climb Daguan Pavilion to see the long couplet. Locals get in free for morning exercise before 7:00 AM. Dongchuan Red Land is a 3-hour drive from the city. ⏰ Potato flowers bloom in late September; the red soil with white flowers is more photogenic than in October. Expo Garden is now free to enter. The park is large, and renting a bike costs CNY 20 per hour. ⚠️ Don't trust roadside solicitors for Red Land car charters. Carpooling from the city is more reliable, costing about CNY 150 per person round trip. 🍜 Zhuanxin Farmers Market is a must. Tofu pudding rice noodles are CNY 8, and freshly baked flower cakes are CNY 5 each. Stay around Green Lake (Cuihu); hostels start at CNY 50, and you can take a walk around the lake at night. 03 Changsha | Hunan Most of the fun places in Changsha are along the subway lines. Book the Provincial Museum 3 days in advance. It's free, but don't waste a trip on Monday when it's closed. ⚠️ There's always a line in front of Lady Xin Zhui's display case. I suggest going to the third floor first and working your way backward. Enter Yuelu Mountain from the East Gate. The cable car line is long; it takes 40 mins to walk to the top. ⏰ The lighting at Aiwanting Pavilion is best at 6:00 PM. On the way down, stop by the Hunan University snack street. Admission to Tianxin Pavilion is CNY 32. The city wall section is short and takes half an hour to explore, making it perfect to combine with a visit to the Bamboo Slips Museum. Huaminglou is in Ningxiang. Take a bus with one transfer; it's a half-day round trip, and it's quiet with fewer crowds. 🍜 Stinky tofu on Pozi Street is CNY 10 per serving. Eat the sugar oil baba (glutinous rice balls) while they're hot. Stay in a hostel near Wuyi Square for around CNY 60. It's still lively downstairs at 2:00 AM, so choose the west bank of the river if you're a light sleeper. 04 Yushu | Qinghai Yushu is perfect in September. The grass is still green, and snow has already settled on the distant mountain peaks. You can't just enter the Sanjiangyuan National Park; you need to register in advance for the core area. ⚠️ Don't trust any unofficial "off-road" tours. Traveling along the Hoh Xil section of National Highway 109, a round trip from Yushu in one day isn't realistic. I recommend staying 1 night in Qumalai. ⏰ Tibetan antelopes are most active at dawn and dusk. Bring binoculars. The altitude is over 4,500 meters. Take Rhodiola rosea a week in advance, and don't shower on the first night. 📍 The hill behind Jiegu Monastery offers a panoramic view of the entire Jiegu Town. The lighting is best at 4:00 PM, and it's free. Eat and stay in Jiegu Town. 🍜 Yak yogurt is CNY 5 a bowl, and Tibetan-style homestays are just over CNY 100. This is suitable for people in good physical condition who aren't in a rush. Seniors and children should evaluate carefully. 05 Qiqihar | Heilongjiang The main event in Qiqihar is the Zhalong Nature Reserve. 🚄 A taxi from the city costs CNY 40, but carpooling is more cost-effective at CNY 15 per person. Admission plus the sightseeing bus is CNY 65, with half-price for students. ⏰ There are red-crowned crane release shows at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Arrive 20 mins early to get a front-row spot, and bring a telephoto lens. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the reed marshes in the scenic area, so don't skimp on the mosquito repellent. In late September, the cranes start to gather. There are more of them than in summer, and it's windy, so wear a windbreaker. After exploring, head back to the city for 🍜 a Qiqihar barbecue; you can eat your fill for CNY 50 per person. Stay near the train station. Budget hotels are around CNY 120, which is convenient for catching a train the next day. It's great for families; kids can watch the cranes for half a day. 06 Jinhua | Zhejiang Don't expect to finish Hengdian World Studios in one day. Choosing two parks is enough. A combined ticket for the Qin King Palace and Qingming Shanghe Tu is around CNY 300. 🚄 Transfer to a bus at Yiwu Station for a 40-min ride; it's closer than Jinhua Station. ⚠️ The Dream Valley night show has an extra fee. If you have kids, you can stay until the evening; if you're just here for the scenery, you can skip it. ⏰ Visit the Qin King Palace in the morning and Qingming Shanghe Tu in the afternoon. Going against the flow of the crowd will save half your waiting time. Shuanglong Scenic Area is north of the city. Admission for the karst cave and Chaozhen Cave is CNY 80. It's 16°C inside the cave, so bring a light jacket. 📍 Don't miss the waterfall in Binghu Cave; walk to the end and then turn back. 🍜 In downtown Jinhua, try the ham hot pot and crispy cakes for CNY 40 per person. Stay at a homestay in Hengdian Town for around CNY 150; it's quiet at night. 07 Shijiazhuang | Hebei Shijiazhuang is the most underrated stop on this trip. Admission to Zhaozhou Bridge is CNY 40. 🚄 Take a train from the city to Zhaoxian for half an hour, then a CNY 10 taxi ride. ⏰ Go in the morning to see the stone carvings on the bridge clearly, and head back before noon. Xibaipo is free, but you need to book 1 day in advance via their official WeChat account. 🚄 There are direct buses from the city's passenger transport station, a 1-hour drive. ⚠️ The exhibition hall stops admitting visitors at 4:00 PM, so don't cut it too close. You can visit both spots in 1 day. I recommend visiting Zhaozhou Bridge first, then Xibaipo. 🍜 In Zhaoxian, try the donkey meat burger for CNY 10 each. Stay in a hostel near Shijiazhuang Station for CNY 50; it's convenient for transportation. It's suitable for traveling with seniors; the whole route is mostly flat, and the walking intensity is low. 08 Urumqi | Xinjiang Urumqi in September is sunny during the day and cool at night, with a temperature difference of at least 15°C between day and night. The International Grand Bazaar opens at 10:00 AM. 📍 It's right outside Erdaoqiao Metro Station. You can haggle for dried fruits and carpets; start by asking for 30% off. Hongguang Mountain is free, and you can see the city panorama from the top. ⏰ The lighting is soft after 7:00 PM; a taxi ride up costs CNY 20. Dabancheng is 1 hour from the city, featuring a windmill forest and an ancient city. 🚄 It takes half an hour by train, and the ticket is over CNY 10. The Grand Bazaar pedestrian street is livelier at night. 🍜 Try the baked buns and pilaf for CNY 40 per person, and taste the yogurt zongzi for something new. ⚠️ Ask for the price before taking photos with performers in the Grand Bazaar; don't wait until after you've taken the photos to discuss money. Stay near Hongshan. Hostels start at CNY 70, and it's convenient for getting to the airport and train station. Fruits are sweet in September; buy grapes and cantaloupes by the kilogram. Flight and hotel prices for these 8 places are cheap in September. Pick two or three to visit in a row, and you can keep your budget very low. Which one do you want to visit most? Let me know in the comments.

With autumn arriving, I've compiled a list of slow-paced destinations with perfectly scenic views, perfect for those who don't want to do anything but wander around, relax, and enjoy a warm meal. Less crowded is what a vacation should be like, right? 01 Nantong | Jiangsu Nantong's charm lies in its unhurried comfort. In the cooler mornings and evenings, a stroll along the Haohe River is ideal. 🌅 At 6:30 in the morning, before the mist dissipates, you'll find more elderly men jogging than tourists. Find a stone bench and you can overhear some local dialect. If it's too hot during the day, escape to the riverside gardens and emerge after 5 pm when the light is soft and filter-like. 🍜 For an authentic meal, head to a small shop near Sijie Street, order a bowl of clam soup with a crispy straw sandal-shaped flatbread—the soup is flavorful, the flatbread is crispy, and it's a satisfying meal for under twenty yuan. ⚠️ Avoid buying those vacuum-packed crispy crackers at the scenic area entrance; they're hard, lack flavor, and you're likely to be disappointed. Take a leisurely stroll along the Beihao Bridge at night; the lights reflected in the water, a gentle breeze, and you'll feel completely relaxed. This is perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway to another city for a couple of days. No need to rush through the sights; just relaxing by the river is worthwhile. 02 Zhuzhou|Hunan Zhuzhou isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you, but you'll grow to like it over time. The Yandi Mausoleum is worth spending half a day exploring at your own pace. Unlike typical tourist attractions, it's not noisy; the halls are nestled among greenery, and the scent of incense is subtle. ⏰ Arrive around 9 am; the sunlight filters through the treetops onto the red walls, and you won't have to fight for a good spot to take photos—the whole path is yours to enjoy. The square in front of the main hall is particularly spacious; if you get tired, sit under the eaves and listen to the wind chimes tinkling in the wind. 🍜 At noon, drive back to the city center and find a small restaurant near your neighborhood. Order a plate of Youxian-style stir-fried pork with dried tofu. The wok hei (wok aroma) is perfect, and the spiciness is just right. A meal for just over 30 yuan per person is filling and satisfying. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Emperor Yan's Divine Tea" at the entrance of scenic spots. The price is inflated, and the taste is mediocre. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can take a walk along the Xiangjiang River and watch the locals fishing. Zhuzhou is suitable for those who want to explore a less-traveled city at a leisurely pace. You won't feel tired after a day, but your heart will be full. 03 Hangzhou|Zhejiang If you go to Hangzhou in September or October, don't rush to visit the Broken Bridge and Su Causeway; they're packed with people. I recommend walking around the outer perimeter of West Lake, such as through Prince Bay Park. There are fewer people, more trees, and the grass is still green. You can sit on a bench, eat an orange, and gaze at the lake for half an hour. 📍 Remember to enter from the north gate and exit from the south gate. This will connect to Yanggong Causeway, which is shaded by trees all the way. If you want to experience culture without the crowds, the China Umbrella Museum is the most comfortable choice. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The air conditioning is excellent, and the exhibits are exquisite. After visiting, you'll understand why Hangzhou residents are so particular about rainy days. In the afternoon, head to Xixi Wetland. No need to buy a boat ticket; just walk along the free boardwalk. Birds chirp incessantly in the reeds, and the wind carries the scent of water plants. 🍜 In the evening, grab a bowl of Pian'erchuan noodles near Zhejiang University's Yuquan Campus. The broth is delicious, the noodles are chewy, and it's all-you-can-eat for 15 yuan. Hangzhou is perfect for leisurely strolls; don't overschedule. Autumn is for relaxing. 04 Baiyin|Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is the kind of place that leaves you speechless. Go in September or October when the sun isn't as intense, but it's still sunny at midday. ⏰ Be sure to arrive early, around 8 am. The sunlight shines obliquely on the stone forest, making the earthy yellow color look like it's been gilded. Hiking through a canyon, with towering cliffs on either side that require you to look up, and cracked Yellow River mud beneath your feet, the wind howling through the canyon creates a strange sense of tranquility. Donkey carts are available in the scenic area; the drivers will casually sing a few lines of a Northwest folk song—worth the 20 yuan fee. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Yellow River stones" in the scenic area; they're mostly dyed. At the end, you'll see the real Yellow River bend, the muddy yellow water flowing past the stone forest—a moment that will make you feel incredibly small. 🚄 It takes an hour and a half to drive there from Baiyin city. The road conditions are good, but it's recommended to hire a car for the round trip; don't rely on public transportation. This place is suitable for those who enjoy a sense of wilderness and can tolerate long drives. Every step reveals a new vista, a testament to the power of nature. 05 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Many people don't have high expectations for Shijiazhuang, which often leads to pleasant surprises. The Zhaozhou Bridge is even more delicate than it appears in textbook photos; the cracks in the bridge's stones are the marks of millennia. ⏰ Go after 3 PM, the tour groups will have mostly left, allowing you to stand quietly at the bridgehead and touch the faded stone carvings on the railings. The Xiao River below isn't very full, but the banks are shaded by willows, making it pleasant to sit on a stone bench and enjoy the breeze. Heading west from the city, the autumn colors in the mountain villages around Xibaipo are at their peak. Persimmons hang unpicked on the branches, and you can easily pick a few jujubes from the roadside trees to taste—they're incredibly sweet. 🍜 For lunch, order a large pot of stew with cornbread at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain. The vermicelli soaks up the meat broth, and the cornbread has a crispy crust at the bottom—it's so delicious you'll want a second bowl. ⚠️ It takes over an hour to drive there from Shijiazhuang city. The mountain roads are winding, so novice drivers should drive slowly. This is suitable for families who want to see the old bridge and let their children run and jump around in the countryside—not tiring, and you can eat comfortably. 06 Guyuan | Ningxia The Xumishan Grottoes in Guyuan are the kind of place you've heard of but never seriously planned to visit. This is precisely why it retains a rare tranquility. In September and October, the trees on the mountain begin to turn yellow, and the grottoes rise layer by layer along the cliff face. As you slowly climb along the boardwalk, each Buddha statue in the cave bears the marks of wind erosion, becoming more and more captivating with each look. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens in the morning; the light shines perfectly on the face of the largest Buddha statue, its serene expression making you hesitant to speak loudly. The wind is strong in the mountains. If you get tired, rest at the pavilion halfway up the mountain, where you can see the distant, layered mountain ridges. 🍜 After descending the mountain, go to the county town for a bowl of simmered mutton noodles. The mutton broth is clear and not gamey, the noodles are thin and smooth, and with a braised egg, it only costs about ten yuan. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the caves. Don't secretly use flash; damaging the cultural relics will only make you feel embarrassed. This place is perfect for history buffs who don't want the crowds of Dunhuang. Spend half a day exploring at your own pace, and you'll feel a profound sense of satisfaction. 07 Baicheng | Jilin Baicheng is a place even many Northeasterners may not have visited, but the autumn scenery of Da'an Nenjiang Bay is truly underrated. From late September to early October, the wetland reeds along the river turn a golden-brown, ripple like waves in the wind, and flocks of migratory birds fly overhead – a sight that will leave you breathless. ⏰ The golden hour is from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The sunset paints the entire river surface orange-red, and the flocks of birds returning to their nests are particularly spectacular. The scenic trails are well-maintained, making it easy to walk with elderly people or children. 🍜 For lunch, enjoy a pot of stewed river fish at a small restaurant in a nearby town. The fish is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks, and a pot of hot cornbread is served. It's a satisfying meal for about 40 yuan per person. ⚠️ It's windy by the river, so remember to bring an extra jacket in the afternoon; the temperature drops quickly after sunset. This place is perfect for those who want to completely escape the crowds and enjoy a natural sunset; it's so quiet you can only hear the wind and birdsong. 08 Shangluo | Shaanxi Shangluo is located in the heart of the Qinling Mountains, where the air is filled with the scent of pine and grass. Jinshixia Gorge is the kind of place where you want to take a deep breath with every step. The water in the gorge is rushing, and the boardwalk winds along the stream; the water is so clear you can see the patterns on the stones. ⏰ If you go into the mountains in the morning, the sunlight is cut into slanted pillars by the mountain walls on both sides, creating shimmering waves on the water; it's surprisingly cool, unlike autumn. The entire hike takes about three hours. The path is in good condition, but there are many steps, so elderly people with knee problems should be cautious. For even more tranquility, go to Tianshuxia Gorge; it's less crowded, and the pools at the bottom of the valley are a vibrant emerald green. 🍜 At noon, have a bowl of fermented fish soup on the street in Mancheng Pass Ancient Town. It's sour, spicy, and appetizing, and paired with a walnut bun, it's so delicious you'll want to pack five to take home. ⚠️ There are many unlicensed guides at the entrance of Jinshixia Scenic Area, claiming they can take you to shortcuts to avoid paying the entrance fee. They're almost always lying; just buy a ticket and use the main entrance. Baita Temple is hidden in a mountain valley. The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree there turns completely golden in mid-to-late October, carpeting the ground with golden leaves—worth a special detour to see. Shangluo is perfect for those who love mountains and hiking. The lush greenery and the sound of rushing water will lift your spirits for a whole week after just two days. These six places aren't exactly breathtaking, but they're all suitable for those with a relaxed, easygoing attitude. Pick a weekend that's nearby and go! Autumn waits for no one; once it gets colder, you won't want to move. With autumn arriving, I've compiled a list of slow-paced destinations with perfectly scenic views, perfect for those who don't want to do anything but wander around, relax, and enjoy a warm meal. Less crowded is what a vacation should be like, right? 01 Nantong | Jiangsu Nantong's charm lies in its unhurried comfort. In the cooler mornings and evenings, a stroll along the Haohe River is ideal. 🌅 At 6:30 in the morning, before the mist dissipates, you'll find more elderly men jogging than tourists. Find a stone bench and you can overhear some local dialect. If it's too hot during the day, escape to the riverside gardens and emerge after 5 pm when the light is soft and filter-like. 🍜 For an authentic meal, head to a small shop near Sijie Street, order a bowl of clam soup with a crispy straw sandal-shaped flatbread—the soup is flavorful, the flatbread is crispy, and it's a satisfying meal for under twenty yuan. ⚠️ Avoid buying those vacuum-packed crispy crackers at the scenic area entrance; they're hard, lack flavor, and you're likely to be disappointed. Take a leisurely stroll along the Beihao Bridge at night; the lights reflected in the water, a gentle breeze, and you'll feel completely relaxed. This is perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway to another city for a couple of days. No need to rush through the sights; just relaxing by the river is worthwhile. 02 Zhuzhou|Hunan Zhuzhou isn't the kind of city that immediately wows you, but you'll grow to like it over time. The Yandi Mausoleum is worth spending half a day exploring at your own pace. Unlike typical tourist attractions, it's not noisy; the halls are nestled among greenery, and the scent of incense is subtle. ⏰ Arrive around 9 am; the sunlight filters through the treetops onto the red walls, and you won't have to fight for a good spot to take photos—the whole path is yours to enjoy. The square in front of the main hall is particularly spacious; if you get tired, sit under the eaves and listen to the wind chimes tinkling in the wind. 🍜 At noon, drive back to the city center and find a small restaurant near your neighborhood. Order a plate of Youxian-style stir-fried pork with dried tofu. The wok hei (wok aroma) is perfect, and the spiciness is just right. A meal for just over 30 yuan per person is filling and satisfying. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Emperor Yan's Divine Tea" at the entrance of scenic spots. The price is inflated, and the taste is mediocre. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you can take a walk along the Xiangjiang River and watch the locals fishing. Zhuzhou is suitable for those who want to explore a less-traveled city at a leisurely pace. You won't feel tired after a day, but your heart will be full. 03 Hangzhou|Zhejiang If you go to Hangzhou in September or October, don't rush to visit the Broken Bridge and Su Causeway; they're packed with people. I recommend walking around the outer perimeter of West Lake, such as through Prince Bay Park. There are fewer people, more trees, and the grass is still green. You can sit on a bench, eat an orange, and gaze at the lake for half an hour. 📍 Remember to enter from the north gate and exit from the south gate. This will connect to Yanggong Causeway, which is shaded by trees all the way. If you want to experience culture without the crowds, the China Umbrella Museum is the most comfortable choice. ⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The air conditioning is excellent, and the exhibits are exquisite. After visiting, you'll understand why Hangzhou residents are so particular about rainy days. In the afternoon, head to Xixi Wetland. No need to buy a boat ticket; just walk along the free boardwalk. Birds chirp incessantly in the reeds, and the wind carries the scent of water plants. 🍜 In the evening, grab a bowl of Pian'erchuan noodles near Zhejiang University's Yuquan Campus. The broth is delicious, the noodles are chewy, and it's all-you-can-eat for 15 yuan. Hangzhou is perfect for leisurely strolls; don't overschedule. Autumn is for relaxing. 04 Baiyin|Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest is the kind of place that leaves you speechless. Go in September or October when the sun isn't as intense, but it's still sunny at midday. ⏰ Be sure to arrive early, around 8 am. The sunlight shines obliquely on the stone forest, making the earthy yellow color look like it's been gilded. Hiking through a canyon, with towering cliffs on either side that require you to look up, and cracked Yellow River mud beneath your feet, the wind howling through the canyon creates a strange sense of tranquility. Donkey carts are available in the scenic area; the drivers will casually sing a few lines of a Northwest folk song—worth the 20 yuan fee. ⚠️ Don't buy the so-called "Yellow River stones" in the scenic area; they're mostly dyed. At the end, you'll see the real Yellow River bend, the muddy yellow water flowing past the stone forest—a moment that will make you feel incredibly small. 🚄 It takes an hour and a half to drive there from Baiyin city. The road conditions are good, but it's recommended to hire a car for the round trip; don't rely on public transportation. This place is suitable for those who enjoy a sense of wilderness and can tolerate long drives. Every step reveals a new vista, a testament to the power of nature. 05 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Many people don't have high expectations for Shijiazhuang, which often leads to pleasant surprises. The Zhaozhou Bridge is even more delicate than it appears in textbook photos; the cracks in the bridge's stones are the marks of millennia. ⏰ Go after 3 PM, the tour groups will have mostly left, allowing you to stand quietly at the bridgehead and touch the faded stone carvings on the railings. The Xiao River below isn't very full, but the banks are shaded by willows, making it pleasant to sit on a stone bench and enjoy the breeze. Heading west from the city, the autumn colors in the mountain villages around Xibaipo are at their peak. Persimmons hang unpicked on the branches, and you can easily pick a few jujubes from the roadside trees to taste—they're incredibly sweet. 🍜 For lunch, order a large pot of stew with cornbread at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain. The vermicelli soaks up the meat broth, and the cornbread has a crispy crust at the bottom—it's so delicious you'll want a second bowl. ⚠️ It takes over an hour to drive there from Shijiazhuang city. The mountain roads are winding, so novice drivers should drive slowly. This is suitable for families who want to see the old bridge and let their children run and jump around in the countryside—not tiring, and you can eat comfortably. 06 Guyuan | Ningxia The Xumishan Grottoes in Guyuan are the kind of place you've heard of but never seriously planned to visit. This is precisely why it retains a rare tranquility. In September and October, the trees on the mountain begin to turn yellow, and the grottoes rise layer by layer along the cliff face. As you slowly climb along the boardwalk, each Buddha statue in the cave bears the marks of wind erosion, becoming more and more captivating with each look. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens in the morning; the light shines perfectly on the face of the largest Buddha statue, its serene expression making you hesitant to speak loudly. The wind is strong in the mountains. If you get tired, rest at the pavilion halfway up the mountain, where you can see the distant, layered mountain ridges. 🍜 After descending the mountain, go to the county town for a bowl of simmered mutton noodles. The mutton broth is clear and not gamey, the noodles are thin and smooth, and with a braised egg, it only costs about ten yuan. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the caves. Don't secretly use flash; damaging the cultural relics will only make you feel embarrassed. This place is perfect for history buffs who don't want the crowds of Dunhuang. Spend half a day exploring at your own pace, and you'll feel a profound sense of satisfaction. 07 Baicheng | Jilin Baicheng is a place even many Northeasterners may not have visited, but the autumn scenery of Da'an Nenjiang Bay is truly underrated. From late September to early October, the wetland reeds along the river turn a golden-brown, ripple like waves in the wind, and flocks of migratory birds fly overhead – a sight that will leave you breathless. ⏰ The golden hour is from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The sunset paints the entire river surface orange-red, and the flocks of birds returning to their nests are particularly spectacular. The scenic trails are well-maintained, making it easy to walk with elderly people or children. 🍜 For lunch, enjoy a pot of stewed river fish at a small restaurant in a nearby town. The fish is so tender it falls apart with chopsticks, and a pot of hot cornbread is served. It's a satisfying meal for about 40 yuan per person. ⚠️ It's windy by the river, so remember to bring an extra jacket in the afternoon; the temperature drops quickly after sunset. This place is perfect for those who want to completely escape the crowds and enjoy a natural sunset; it's so quiet you can only hear the wind and birdsong. 08 Shangluo | Shaanxi Shangluo is located in the heart of the Qinling Mountains, where the air is filled with the scent of pine and grass. Jinshixia Gorge is the kind of place where you want to take a deep breath with every step. The water in the gorge is rushing, and the boardwalk winds along the stream; the water is so clear you can see the patterns on the stones. ⏰ If you go into the mountains in the morning, the sunlight is cut into slanted pillars by the mountain walls on both sides, creating shimmering waves on the water; it's surprisingly cool, unlike autumn. The entire hike takes about three hours. The path is in good condition, but there are many steps, so elderly people with knee problems should be cautious. For even more tranquility, go to Tianshuxia Gorge; it's less crowded, and the pools at the bottom of the valley are a vibrant emerald green. 🍜 At noon, have a bowl of fermented fish soup on the street in Mancheng Pass Ancient Town. It's sour, spicy, and appetizing, and paired with a walnut bun, it's so delicious you'll want to pack five to take home. ⚠️ There are many unlicensed guides at the entrance of Jinshixia Scenic Area, claiming they can take you to shortcuts to avoid paying the entrance fee. They're almost always lying; just buy a ticket and use the main entrance. Baita Temple is hidden in a mountain valley. The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree there turns completely golden in mid-to-late October, carpeting the ground with golden leaves—worth a special detour to see. Shangluo is perfect for those who love mountains and hiking. The lush greenery and the sound of rushing water will lift your spirits for a whole week after just two days. These six places aren't exactly breathtaking, but they're all suitable for those with a relaxed, easygoing attitude. Pick a weekend that's nearby and go! Autumn waits for no one; once it gets colder, you won't want to move.

Budget 500 RMB for 5 days? These 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations are less crowded and have beautiful scenery. 01 Yingtan | Jiangxi Longhushan entrance ticket plus sightseeing bus: around 200 RMB in peak season, can be reduced to under 150 RMB in off-season. I suggest buying a two-day pass. On the first day, walk along the high-altitude plank road to see the Danxia landforms, and on the second day, take a bamboo raft ride on the Luxi River. The bamboo raft ride takes about 40 minutes, with boatmen poleing the way. The banks are lined with reddish-brown mountains, and the water reflects the bamboo shadows—much cooler than walking along the plank road. 🚄 Get off at Yingtan North Station and take bus 23 directly to the scenic area entrance. Don't take unlicensed taxis; they start at 30 RMB, while the bus only costs 2 RMB. For accommodation in town, choose a guesthouse near the visitor center. In the off-season, a standard room is 80 RMB per night; the conditions are basic but clean. 🍜 Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant outside the scenic area. A plate of stir-fried chicken costs 48 RMB, enough for two people. ⚠️ Remember that the light on the boardwalk dims after 4 PM, resulting in poor photo quality. Try to finish before 3 PM. To save money, bring two bottles of water; bottled water in the scenic area costs 8 yuan, which is quite expensive. 02 Zhuzhou | Hunan The Yan Emperor's Mausoleum is not in the city center, but in Yanling County. It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from Zhuzhou West Station, costing 25 yuan. The biggest advantage here is the cheap entrance fee: 60 yuan full price, half price for students. The entire mausoleum area is very large; it takes about two hours to walk through the main hall, the stele corridor, and the imperial stele garden. The ancient Song Dynasty stele in the stele corridor is worth stopping to see; the inscriptions are weathered and have an indescribable solemnity. ⏰ It's best to arrive before 9 AM, when there are fewer tourists, you can hear birds chirping in the square in front of the hall, and the air is filled with the scent of incense mixed with fresh grass. If you are coming with your parents, this is much easier than climbing a mountain; the entire area is flat, and wheelchairs can be pushed. 🍜 Turn right after exiting the scenic area, and you'll find a stall selling mugwort cakes for 3 yuan each. They're freshly fried, with a slightly crispy outer layer and a filling of sesame and peanut crumbs. Worth buying a couple to tide you over. ⚠️ The scenic area closes for entry at 5 PM. Don't rush there; allow at least two hours to walk around. I don't recommend staying near the scenic area. Stay in the county town; it's 80-100 yuan per night, with more options, and you can even take a walk along the Xiangjiang River in the evening. 03 Jiaxing|Zhejiang I advise you to only visit one of Wuzhen and Xitang. If you have to choose, Xitang is better for budget travelers. Wuzhen East Gate tickets are 110 yuan, West Gate is 150 yuan, and a combined ticket is 190 yuan—you simply can't see everything in one day, it's a waste of money. Xitang tickets are 95 yuan, and you can enter after 4 PM and use the ticket again the next day, essentially paying for one day's visit for two. Many people don't know this rule, but I've tested it and it works. 🍜 Enter the scenic area in the evening. First, have a bowl of wontons at Lao Pin Fang under the covered corridor (8 yuan). The wontons have thin wrappers, generous fillings, and a delicious broth. Then walk along the Xutang River. The lights cast a warm yellow glow on the white walls and black tiles, and occasionally a rowboat glides by on the river, the sound of the water very gentle. For accommodation, there are hostels a ten-minute walk outside the scenic area. A bed costs 50 yuan per night; the conditions are basic but clean. ⚠️ Don't take a rowboat inside the scenic area. A single ticket costs 80 yuan, the route is short, and it's not cost-effective. If you want to experience it, share a boat; you can get it down to 30 yuan per person. The next morning, before the tour groups arrive, explore Shipin Lane. The narrow alley is only wide enough for one person to pass through, and looking up reveals a sliver of sky—perfect for taking photos. 🚄 A taxi from Jiashan South Station to Xitang costs about 30 yuan; sharing a taxi is even cheaper. 04 Shanghai Visiting both the World Expo Park and Yu Garden in one day will test your stamina, but it's feasible. In the morning, I went to the Expo Park. The China Art Museum is free; the former China Pavilion from the World Expo now has a free permanent exhibition, but it's closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. The exhibits aren't numerous, but the architecture itself is magnificent, with its striking red dougong (bracket set) structure in the sunlight – perfect for photos. ⚠️ Don't go into the Mercedes-Benz Arena in the Expo Park; the performance tickets are expensive and the shows aren't very popular. Instead, explore the surrounding area. Houtan Park is free, and the river breeze is pleasant. In the afternoon, I went to Yu Garden. Tickets are 40 RMB during peak season. The garden isn't large, but the rockeries, pavilions, and ponds are compact and exquisite; an hour is enough. Exiting Yu Garden leads to the City God Temple commercial area, which is very crowded. 🍜 At Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop, a basket of crab roe soup dumplings costs 35 RMB; the taste is good, but the queue is too long. I recommend the Ningbo Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball) shop next door; a bowl of sesame tangyuan is 12 RMB, sweet but not greasy, and you can get it in five minutes. 📍 From Yu Garden Metro Station, take Line 10 to Guangfulin Station, about 40 minutes. Guangfulin Cultural Relics Site: Tickets are 30 RMB. The underwater museum is a highlight; the building is partially submerged, and the reflections are beautiful when the lights come on at dusk. 🚄 For transportation, rely on the subway throughout the day. Buy an 18 RMB day pass for unlimited rides. Don't take taxis; city traffic jams will leave you questioning your existence. 05 Huangnan | Qinghai Kanbula National Forest Park is located in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, about a two-hour drive from Xining. Its biggest selling point is the combination of Danxia landforms and the Yellow River reservoir. The red mountains against the emerald green Yellow River create a strong visual impact. A package ticket including the entrance fee, sightseeing bus, and boat ride costs 150 RMB. ⚠️ Note that the scenic area has two routes: one involves only the sightseeing bus (about two hours); the other involves a boat ride (an extra hour). I recommend only buying the sightseeing bus ticket, as the boat ride offers repetitive scenery, and the 50 RMB saved can be used for a meal. ⏰ In October, the leaves in Kanbula turn yellow, and the mountains gleam like red-hot iron blocks in the sunlight, perfect for taking photos. After the sightseeing bus reaches its final stop, there's a wooden boardwalk offering panoramic views of the reservoir. Be aware of the wind, so bring a jacket. 🍜 There aren't any decent restaurants near the scenic area entrance. If you're driving, I recommend having lunch in Jianzha County. A serving of hand-pulled mutton costs 60 yuan; dip it in salt and pepper for a milder flavor. 🚄 A round-trip chartered car from Xining costs about 400 yuan. Sharing a car among four people costs 100 yuan per person, which is the most economical option. Find accommodation back in Xining city; hostel beds cost 60 yuan per night. 06 Changzhi|Shanxi The Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon, with Baquan Gorge as its core scenic area, has an entrance fee of 100 yuan. Sightseeing bus and boat tickets are extra. I advise against buying the full-price ticket; walk up the mountain, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the boat dock. The scenery along this route is quite nice, saving you the 20 yuan sightseeing bus fare. The boat tour is a must. It winds through the canyon, flanked by sheer cliffs. The water is turquoise, and a cool breeze greets you. After disembarking, there's a narrow, steep suspension staircase leading uphill; the elderly and children should proceed with caution. ⏰ During the National Day holiday, the canyon is very crowded. Try to arrive before 8 AM, otherwise, the wait for a boat can be up to an hour. 🍜 At the farmhouses near the scenic area entrance, a bowl of knife-cut noodles costs 10 yuan, with a tomato and egg sauce—all you can eat. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in the Grand Canyon town; a standard room costs 120 yuan per night. You can hear the stream at night, so bring earplugs if you have trouble sleeping. ⚠️ Signal is poor in the canyon, and some sections have no service at all. Download an offline map beforehand. For those with average stamina, hiking through Baquan Gorge is sufficient. The nearby Hongdou Gorge has similar scenery and charges an extra entrance fee, so it's not worth visiting. 07 Lanzhou | Gansu Lanzhou isn't a tourist city, but as a transit point, spending a day visiting Baitashan Mountain and the Gansu Provincial Museum is very worthwhile. Baitashan Park is free. Cross the Yellow River from Zhongshan Bridge, and you'll see the mountain above; the climb takes about 30 minutes. The Baita Temple at the top is a Qing Dynasty building with a weathered exterior. Standing at the foot of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire city of Lanzhou, with the Yellow River making a bend below. ⏰ The best time to go up the mountain is around 4 PM, when the light is soft, and you'll be able to catch the Zhongshan Bridge lights up on your way down. 🍜 After descending the mountain, avoid Dazhong Lane; it's too crowded. Walk to Nanbinhe Road and find any shop with a sign saying "Beef Noodles." A bowl costs 8 yuan, and adding beef costs 10 yuan. You add your own chili; the broth is rich and flavorful, much better than any trendy restaurant. The Gansu Provincial Museum is free, but you need to make a reservation one day in advance through their official WeChat account. It's closed on Mondays. The museum's prized possession is the bronze galloping horse, also known as the Flying Horse of Gansu. The actual horse is much smaller than in the photos, but its lines are exquisitely beautiful. 🚄 For city transportation, rely on buses and walking; avoid taxis as Lanzhou traffic is notoriously congested. For accommodation, choose the Xiguan Shizi area; hostel beds are 70 yuan per night, and there's a food street downstairs. 08 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge are in opposite directions, so visiting them in one day might be rushed. I suggest choosing one. If you're interested in ancient architecture, go to Zhaozhou Bridge. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The bridge isn't large, but it was built by Li Chun of the Sui Dynasty, over a thousand years ago, and the carvings on the stone railings are still clearly visible. Standing on the bridge, you can recall the descriptions from textbooks—it's quite magical. ⚠️ There's an antique-style commercial street next to the bridge; don't buy anything there, as the items are expensive and of mediocre quality. If you're interested in history, go to Xibaipo. It's free, but reservations are required. It's the former site of a command post; the buildings are low, with mud-brick walls, and there's a large tree in the courtyard. 🍜 There aren't any decent restaurants near the scenic area. If you're driving, bring some snacks, or eat back in Shijiazhuang city. A bowl of Anhui noodles costs 10 yuan, plus a braised egg—it's filling. 🚄 It takes about two hours by bus from Shijiazhuang Station to Xibaipo, or 150 yuan by taxi. I recommend sharing a ride. For accommodation back in the city, chain hotels near the train station cost 150 yuan a night; they're clean and safe. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Longhushan and Kanbula the most. One is by water, the other by mountains—both are truly places that allow you to find peace and tranquility. Regarding budget, transportation is the biggest expense. If you can share a ride, don't hire a car; if you can take the bus, don't take a taxi. Stay in hostels and guesthouses. Don't skimp on food; local snacks are inexpensive. For your National Day trip, keep a relaxed mindset; less crowded places naturally have better scenery. Let's chat in the comments: which one do you most want to visit? 5 days on a 500 yuan budget? These 8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots Offer Less Crowds and Beautiful Scenery 01 Yingtan | Jiangxi Longhushan (Longhu Mountain) entrance fee plus sightseeing bus: around 200 RMB in peak season, can be reduced to under 150 RMB in off-season. I recommend buying a two-day pass. On the first day, walk along the high-altitude plank road to see the Danxia landforms, and on the second day, take a bamboo raft ride on the Luxi River. The bamboo raft ride takes about 40 minutes, with boatmen poleing the way. The banks are lined with reddish-brown mountain walls, and the water reflects the bamboo shadows—much cooler than walking along the plank road. 🚄 Get off at Yingtan North Station and take bus 23 directly to the scenic area entrance. Don't take unlicensed taxis; they start at 30 RMB, while the bus only costs 2 RMB. For accommodation in town, choose a guesthouse near the visitor center. In the off-season, a standard room costs 80 RMB per night; the conditions are basic but clean. 🍜 Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant outside the scenic area. A plate of stir-fried chicken costs 48 RMB, enough for two people. ⚠️ Remember that the light on the boardwalk dims after 4 PM, resulting in poor photo quality. Try to finish before 3 PM. To save money, bring two bottles of water; bottled water in the scenic area costs 8 yuan, which is quite expensive. 02 Zhuzhou | Hunan The Yan Emperor's Mausoleum is not in the city center, but in Yanling County. It takes about 1.5 hours by bus from Zhuzhou West Station, costing 25 yuan. The biggest advantage here is the cheap entrance fee: 60 yuan full price, half price for students. The entire mausoleum area is very large; it takes about two hours to walk through the main hall, the stele corridor, and the imperial stele garden. The ancient Song Dynasty stele in the stele corridor is worth stopping to see; the inscriptions are weathered and have an indescribable solemnity. ⏰ It's best to arrive before 9 AM, when there are fewer tourists, you can hear birds chirping in the square in front of the hall, and the air is filled with the scent of incense mixed with fresh grass. If you are coming with your parents, this is much easier than climbing a mountain; the entire area is flat, and wheelchairs can be pushed. 🍜 Turn right after exiting the scenic area, and you'll find a stall selling mugwort cakes for 3 yuan each. They're freshly fried, with a slightly crispy outer layer and a filling of sesame and peanut crumbs. Worth buying a couple to tide you over. ⚠️ The scenic area closes for entry at 5 PM. Don't rush there; allow at least two hours to walk around. I don't recommend staying near the scenic area. Stay in the county town; it's 80-100 yuan per night, with more options, and you can even take a walk along the Xiangjiang River in the evening. 03 Jiaxing|Zhejiang I advise you to only visit one of Wuzhen and Xitang. If you have to choose, Xitang is better for budget travelers. Wuzhen East Gate tickets are 110 yuan, West Gate is 150 yuan, and a combined ticket is 190 yuan—you simply can't see everything in one day, it's a waste of money. Xitang tickets are 95 yuan, and you can enter after 4 PM and use the ticket again the next day, essentially paying for one day's visit for two. Many people don't know this rule, but I've tested it and it works. 🍜 Enter the scenic area in the evening. First, have a bowl of wontons at Lao Pin Fang under the covered corridor (8 yuan). The wontons have thin wrappers, generous fillings, and a delicious broth. Then walk along the Xutang River. The lights cast a warm yellow glow on the white walls and black tiles, and occasionally a rowboat glides by on the river, the sound of the water very gentle. For accommodation, there are hostels a ten-minute walk outside the scenic area. A bed costs 50 yuan per night; the conditions are basic but clean. ⚠️ Don't take a rowboat inside the scenic area. A single ticket costs 80 yuan, the route is short, and it's not cost-effective. If you want to experience it, share a boat; you can get it down to 30 yuan per person. The next morning, before the tour groups arrive, explore Shipin Lane. The narrow alley is only wide enough for one person to pass through, and looking up reveals a sliver of sky—perfect for taking photos. 🚄 A taxi from Jiashan South Station to Xitang costs about 30 yuan; sharing a taxi is even cheaper. 04 Shanghai Visiting both the World Expo Park and Yu Garden in one day will test your stamina, but it's feasible. In the morning, I went to the Expo Park. The China Art Museum is free; the former China Pavilion from the World Expo now has a free permanent exhibition, but it's closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. The exhibits aren't numerous, but the architecture itself is magnificent, with its striking red dougong (bracket set) structure in the sunlight – perfect for photos. ⚠️ Don't go into the Mercedes-Benz Arena in the Expo Park; the performance tickets are expensive and the shows aren't very popular. Instead, explore the surrounding area. Houtan Park is free, and the river breeze is pleasant. In the afternoon, I went to Yu Garden. Tickets are 40 RMB during peak season. The garden isn't large, but the rockeries, pavilions, and ponds are compact and exquisite; an hour is enough. Exiting Yu Garden leads to the City God Temple commercial area, which is very crowded. 🍜 At Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop, a basket of crab roe soup dumplings costs 35 RMB; the taste is good, but the queue is too long. I recommend the Ningbo Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball) shop next door; a bowl of sesame tangyuan is 12 RMB, sweet but not greasy, and you can get it in five minutes. 📍 From Yu Garden Metro Station, take Line 10 to Guangfulin Station, about 40 minutes. Guangfulin Cultural Relics Site: Tickets are 30 RMB. The underwater museum is a highlight; the building is partially submerged, and the reflections are beautiful when the lights come on at dusk. 🚄 For transportation, rely on the subway throughout the day. Buy an 18 RMB day pass for unlimited rides. Don't take taxis; city traffic jams will leave you questioning your existence. 05 Huangnan | Qinghai Kanbula National Forest Park is located in Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, about a two-hour drive from Xining. Its biggest selling point is the combination of Danxia landforms and the Yellow River reservoir. The red mountains against the emerald green Yellow River create a strong visual impact. A package ticket including the entrance fee, sightseeing bus, and boat ride costs 150 RMB. ⚠️ Note that the scenic area has two routes: one involves only the sightseeing bus (about two hours); the other involves a boat ride (an extra hour). I recommend only buying the sightseeing bus ticket, as the boat ride offers repetitive scenery, and the 50 RMB saved can be used for a meal. ⏰ In October, the leaves in Kanbula turn yellow, and the mountains gleam like red-hot iron blocks in the sunlight, perfect for taking photos. After the sightseeing bus reaches its final stop, there's a wooden boardwalk offering panoramic views of the reservoir. Be aware of the wind, so bring a jacket. 🍜 There aren't any decent restaurants near the scenic area entrance. If you're driving, I recommend having lunch in Jianzha County. A serving of hand-pulled mutton costs 60 yuan; dip it in salt and pepper for a milder flavor. 🚄 A round-trip chartered car from Xining costs about 400 yuan. Sharing a car among four people costs 100 yuan per person, which is the most economical option. Find accommodation back in Xining city; hostel beds cost 60 yuan per night. 06 Changzhi|Shanxi The Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon, with Baquan Gorge as its core scenic area, has an entrance fee of 100 yuan. Sightseeing bus and boat tickets are extra. I advise against buying the full-price ticket; walk up the mountain, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the boat dock. The scenery along this route is quite nice, saving you the 20 yuan sightseeing bus fare. The boat tour is a must. It winds through the canyon, flanked by sheer cliffs. The water is turquoise, and a cool breeze greets you. After disembarking, there's a narrow, steep suspension staircase leading uphill; the elderly and children should proceed with caution. ⏰ During the National Day holiday, the canyon is very crowded. Try to arrive before 8 AM, otherwise, the wait for a boat can be up to an hour. 🍜 At the farmhouses near the scenic area entrance, a bowl of knife-cut noodles costs 10 yuan, with a tomato and egg sauce—all you can eat. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in the Grand Canyon town; a standard room costs 120 yuan per night. You can hear the stream at night, so bring earplugs if you have trouble sleeping. ⚠️ Signal is poor in the canyon, and some sections have no service at all. Download an offline map beforehand. For those with average stamina, hiking through Baquan Gorge is sufficient. The nearby Hongdou Gorge has similar scenery and charges an extra entrance fee, so it's not worth visiting. 07 Lanzhou | Gansu Lanzhou isn't a tourist city, but as a transit point, spending a day visiting Baitashan Mountain and the Gansu Provincial Museum is very worthwhile. Baitashan Park is free. Cross the Yellow River from Zhongshan Bridge, and you'll see the mountain above; the climb takes about 30 minutes. The Baita Temple at the top is a Qing Dynasty building with a weathered exterior. Standing at the foot of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire city of Lanzhou, with the Yellow River making a bend below. ⏰ The best time to go up the mountain is around 4 PM, when the light is soft, and you'll be able to catch the Zhongshan Bridge lights up on your way down. 🍜 After descending the mountain, avoid Dazhong Lane; it's too crowded. Walk to Nanbinhe Road and find any shop with a sign saying "Beef Noodles." A bowl costs 8 yuan, and adding beef costs 10 yuan. You add your own chili; the broth is rich and flavorful, much better than any trendy restaurant. The Gansu Provincial Museum is free, but you need to make a reservation one day in advance through their official WeChat account. It's closed on Mondays. The museum's prized possession is the bronze galloping horse, also known as the Flying Horse of Gansu. The actual horse is much smaller than in the photos, but its lines are exquisitely beautiful. 🚄 For city transportation, rely on buses and walking; avoid taxis as Lanzhou traffic is notoriously congested. For accommodation, choose the Xiguan Shizi area; hostel beds are 70 yuan per night, and there's a food street downstairs. 08 Shijiazhuang|Hebei Xibaipo and Zhaozhou Bridge are in opposite directions, so visiting them in one day might be rushed. I suggest choosing one. If you're interested in ancient architecture, go to Zhaozhou Bridge. The entrance fee is 40 yuan. The bridge isn't large, but it was built by Li Chun of the Sui Dynasty, over a thousand years ago, and the carvings on the stone railings are still clearly visible. Standing on the bridge, you can recall the descriptions from textbooks—it's quite magical. ⚠️ There's an antique-style commercial street next to the bridge; don't buy anything there, as the items are expensive and of mediocre quality. If you're interested in history, go to Xibaipo. It's free, but reservations are required. It's the former site of a command post; the buildings are low, with mud-brick walls, and there's a large tree in the courtyard. 🍜 There aren't many decent restaurants near the scenic area. If you're driving, bring some snacks, or eat back in Shijiazhuang city. A bowl of Anhui-style noodles costs 10 yuan, plus a braised egg—it's filling. 🚄 It takes about two hours by bus from Shijiazhuang Station to Xibaipo, or 150 yuan by taxi. Sharing a ride is recommended. For accommodation back in the city, chain hotels near the train station cost 150 yuan per night; they're clean and safe. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Longhushan and Kanbula the most. One has water, the other a mountain—both are truly places that allow you to find peace and tranquility. Regarding budget, transportation is the biggest expense. If you can share a ride, don't hire a car; if you can take the bus, don't take a taxi. Stay in hostels and guesthouses. Don't skimp on food; local snacks are inexpensive. For your National Day trip, keep a relaxed mindset; less crowded places naturally have better scenery. Let's chat in the comments: which place do you most want to visit?

Finally made it to the legendary revolutionary holy land—Xibaipo! ✨ As soon as you walk into the scenic area, you can feel the strong atmosphere of the red revolution. Those blue-brick and gray-tile building complexes and precious revolutionary artifacts seem to be telling the story of those passionate, burning years. It is simply so full of history! 🙌 Highly recommended spots you must visit: · Former Residence of the Five Secretaries: A restoration of the real living scenes of the revolutionary predecessors. · Site of the Second Plenary Session of the Seventh Central Committee: The venue that witnessed an important historical moment. · Xibaipo Monument: Super impressive! 📸 Seeing a group of students taking photos in front of the monument felt so special. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, making it a perfect time to visit. Remember to book a guide in advance. The guides are so engaging and tell the stories vividly. Transportation is also quite convenient. 🚗 🚩 Scenic Area Guide: 📍 Address: Yingbin Road, Pingshan County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province ⏰ Opening Hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) ⚡️ Note: Closed on Mondays! Don't make a wasted trip. A must-visit destination for red tourism. Take advantage of the weekend, bring your family and friends, and come experience the revolutionary spirit together! 💪

Avoid the crowds during National Day! These 8️⃣ hidden gems will give you a sophisticated experience 1️⃣ Changsha | Hunan Don't just focus on the crowds at Orange Isle in Changsha during National Day. I've broken down the route into two parts: a stroll through the old city and an air-conditioned museum, so you can finish in one day without getting tired. In the morning, head to Tianxin Pavilion. 📍 Enter from the South Gate and exit from the North Gate. The path along the city wall is shaded by trees, perfect for taking photos. Admission is free, but climbing the pavilion costs money. I don't think it's necessary; just looking at the old city bricks from below is enough. At noon, take a taxi directly to the Hunan Provincial Museum. 🚄 It's about a 15-minute taxi ride from Tianxin Pavilion. ⚠️ Remember to book three days in advance through the official WeChat account. It's free, but there are visitor limits, so it's common to not be able to book on National Day itself. For the museum's most prized artifacts, I recommend renting an audio guide, otherwise, it's a wasted trip. After 3 PM, head to Yuelu Mountain. Don't enter from the South Gate; the crowds are unbelievable. Enter through the East Gate, take the sightseeing bus up the mountain (20 yuan one way), enjoy the breeze and view the Xiangjiang River from the summit, then walk down, passing Aiwan Pavilion, just in time for the sunset. 🍜 After descending, find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on Lushan South Road and slurp down a bowl of cilantro beef noodles – it's only truly delicious when it's so spicy you're sweating! I didn't schedule a visit to Huaminglou this time; it's too far from the city center, so don't force it if you're short on time. 2️⃣ Wanning|Hainan Wanning isn't a budget alternative to Sanya; it's a surfing enthusiast's paradise. If you come here during the National Day holiday, don't stay at Shenzhou Peninsula; head straight to Shimei Bay. The coastline of Shimei Bay is much quieter than Sanya's. Go to the beach at 7 am, and the entire sea is yours. 📍 Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore is right by the sea. Grab a coffee, sit and read a book, listen to the waves crashing on the shore – more therapeutic than any tourist attraction. In the afternoon, head to Riyue Bay, a gathering place for surfers. No surfing skills? No problem! Rent a board on the shore for 200 yuan with an instructor. If you can stand up after two hours, you've won! ⚠️ Don't go swimming at midday; you'll get sunburned and peel. The waves are calmest around 5 pm. 🍜 In the evening, head to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine. Indonesian fried rice with iced coffee—around 50 yuan per person, you'll be stuffed. Wanning has a slow pace, so don't overschedule; two days and one night is just right. 3️⃣ Mianyang|Sichuan What surprised me most about Mianyang was the Beichuan Qiang City Tourist Area. It's not a traditional tourist spot, but a living little town. Walking into the Qiang village, you'll see watchtowers and wooden houses lining the stone-paved streets, with Qiang women embroidering at their doorways. 📍 At the end of the path, there's a workshop for intangible cultural heritage, where you can try your hand at Qiang embroidery. A 30 yuan kit of materials is available, and you can take your finished piece home. For lunch, have Qiang-style cured meat hot pot in the village. The cured meat is smoked and incredibly fragrant. ⚠️ After 5 PM, the village sees fewer tourists and the lighting is softer, making it perfect for photos. However, shops close early, so if you want to buy things, go in the morning. It's a great place to stroll around at a leisurely pace; three hours is enough. It's also easy to bring elderly people and children, as the paths are gentle and there's no climbing involved. Visiting during the National Day holiday allows you to avoid the crowds in Chengdu and experience a different kind of ethnic culture. 4️⃣ Shijiazhuang|Hebei For National Day in Shijiazhuang, I suggest you only do two things: see the bridges and see the water. In the morning, head straight to Zhaozhou Bridge. 📍 The scenic area isn't large; you can see everything in an hour. The bridge has been in use for over a thousand years, and you can feel the rough texture of history by touching the stone railings. Tickets are 40 yuan, half price for students. For lunch, have a bowl of donkey meat sandwiches and a bowl of mixed noodle soup at the bridgehead; it'll cost around 20 yuan. In the afternoon, go to Xibaipo. ⚠️ It's free, but reservations are required. On National Day, it's almost impossible to get a reservation on-site; book three days in advance through their official WeChat account. The park is large, so I recommend taking the electric cart (20 RMB round trip). The lakeside scenery is more worth seeing than the architecture; the reflection on the water at dusk creates stunning silhouette photos. 🚄 It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Shijiazhuang city center, so I suggest hiring a car or driving yourself, as public transport is too tiring. A day trip is enough; don't plan an overnight stay. 5️⃣ Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Qianxinan is a secret destination for me. Visiting during the National Day holiday is like having the karst landscape all to yourself. Malinghe Canyon is the top choice. 📍 From the entrance down to the valley floor, you'll be greeted by a series of waterfalls. During the National Day holiday, it's the high-water season, so the water volume is high, and you'll be sprayed with mist while walking on the boardwalk; remember to wear non-slip shoes. The entire hike takes about 3 hours; those with average stamina can manage halfway. In the afternoon, go to Wanfenglin. Don't take the sightseeing bus; rent an electric cart and ride it yourself. Wandering along country lanes, you'll find Buyi villages scattered throughout. The evening smoke rising from chimneys against the backdrop of the towering peaks is more beautiful than any oil painting. 🍜 Enjoy sour fish soup in Nahui Village for dinner—a tangy and spicy treat, costing around 60 RMB per person. ⚠️ The best spot for photographing Wanfenglin is the viewing platform halfway up the mountain. Navigate to "Bagua Tian" (八卦田) to get there; don't miss it. This place is suitable for young people who enjoy the outdoors. It might be tiring for elderly people or children, so choose carefully. 6️⃣ Xianning|Hubei The ancient battlefield of Chibi in Xianning is a pilgrimage site for Three Kingdoms enthusiasts and a hidden gem for ordinary tourists. 📍 The cliff carvings of the characters "Chibi" at the entrance of the scenic area are a popular photo spot. Further in, the antique-style buildings are well-preserved, but don't have too high expectations. The main attraction is the cliffs along the river and the rushing water. Standing on the cliff edge, you can imagine the scene of the burning of the enemy camps. ⚠️ The scenic area is large; it's recommended to take the electric cart (30 RMB round trip), otherwise your legs will be tired from walking. 🍜 Have lunch outside the scenic area: Chibi fish cake. The fish meat is mashed and steamed, tender and chewy, served with a bowl of lotus root soup. It costs about 40 RMB per person. This place is suitable for history buffs or those looking for a quiet place to relax. Half a day is enough; in the afternoon, you can go to Xianning city for a hot spring bath – perfect for National Day! 7️⃣ Yuncheng|Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake, known as the "Dead Sea of ​​China," is a great place to experience the joy of floating during National Day. 📍 Navigate to the Salt Lake Scenic Area. The ticket includes a floating experience (about 200 RMB). Change into your swimsuit, lie in the salt water, and float up automatically, looking at the blue sky and white clouds, clearing your mind. ⚠️ The salt concentration is high; avoid getting water in your eyes and wear goggles. After floating, take a walk along the lake. The salt crystals sparkle in the sunlight, like snow. 🍜 For lunch, we ate Yuncheng-style braised chicken nearby. The noodles soaked up the broth and were even more flavorful than those from Xinjiang. This place is perfect for couples or solo travelers; it's incredibly relaxing. Half a day is just right; don't schedule any other attractions, let your body completely rest. 8️⃣ Baishan|Jilin Whether you can see Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Changbai Mountain during the National Day holiday depends entirely on luck. But even if you don't see it, it's still worth it. 📍 The North Slope is the classic route; the entrance fee plus the environmental protection bus is 190 yuan. After reaching the top, don't rush to Tianchi immediately. Go to Changbai Waterfall first; the water cascading down the cliff is deafening. Then take the bus to the main peak of Tianchi. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit, and the temperature is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain. Rent a down jacket for 30 yuan. Tianchi appears and disappears intermittently; the moment the clouds and mist clear, the blue is unreal. 🍜 After descending the mountain, have a bowl of Korean cold noodles with sweet and sour pork; it's sweet and sour and refreshing. 🚄 It's about a 2-hour drive from Baishan City, so hiring a car is recommended. This place is suitable for energetic young people, but due to the high altitude, the elderly and children are prone to altitude sickness. Visiting during the National Day holiday means fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, making it worth the price. Eight places, each with its own unique way of experiencing them. Eat spicy food in Changsha, surf in Wanning, visit Qiang villages in Mianyang, touch ancient bridges in Shijiazhuang, explore canyons in Qianxinan, reminisce about the past in Xianning, float in Yuncheng, and chase the Tianchi Lake in Baishan. Which one do you most want to go to? Let's discuss in the comments. Avoid the crowds during the National Day holiday with these 8️⃣ hidden gems for a sophisticated experience 1️⃣ Changsha|Hunan Don't just focus on the crowds at Orange Isle in Changsha during the National Day holiday. I've broken down the route into two parts: a stroll through the old city and an air-conditioned museum, so you can complete it in one day without getting tired. Start in the morning at Tianxin Pavilion. 📍 Enter from the South Gate and exit from the North Gate. The path along the city wall is shaded by trees, perfect for taking photos. Admission is free, but climbing the pavilion costs money. I didn't think it was necessary; seeing the old city bricks from below was enough. At noon, I took a taxi directly to the Provincial Museum. 🚄 It's about a 15-minute ride from Tianxin Pavilion. ⚠️ Remember to book three days in advance through the official WeChat account. It's free, but there are limits on the number of visitors, and it's common to not be able to book on National Day. For the museum's most prized artifacts, I recommend renting an audio guide; otherwise, it's a wasted trip. After 3 PM, I headed to Yuelu Mountain. Don't enter through the South Gate; it's incredibly crowded. Go through the East Gate, take the sightseeing bus up the mountain (20 yuan one way), enjoy the breeze and the Xiangjiang River view from the top, then walk down, passing Aiwan Pavilion, just in time for the sunset. 🍜 After descending, find a small, unassuming restaurant on Lushan South Road and slurp down a bowl of cilantro beef noodles—it's so spicy you'll be sweating! I didn't get a chance to go to Huaminglou this time; it's too far from the city center, so don't force it if you're short on time. 2️⃣ Wanning | Hainan Wanning isn't a budget alternative to Sanya; it's a surfing enthusiast's paradise. During the National Day holiday, skip Shenzhou Peninsula and head straight to Shimei Bay. Shimei Bay's coastline is much quieter than Sanya's. Go to the beach at 7 am, and the entire sea is yours. 📍 Phoenix Jiuli Bookstore is right by the sea. Grab a coffee, sit and read a book, and listen to the waves crashing on the shore—more therapeutic than any tourist attraction. In the afternoon, head to Riyue Bay, a haven for surfers. No surfing skills? No problem! Rent a board on the shore for 200 yuan with an instructor; if you can stand up after two hours, you've succeeded! ⚠️ Avoid swimming at midday; you'll get sunburned. The waves are calmest around 5 pm. 🍜 In the evening, head to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine. Indonesian fried rice with iced coffee—around 50 yuan per person, you'll be stuffed. Wanning has a slow pace; don't overschedule. Two days and one night is just right. 3️⃣ Mianyang|Sichuan What surprised me most about Mianyang was the Beichuan Qiang City Tourist Area. It's not a traditional tourist attraction, but a living little town. Walking into the Qiang village, you'll see watchtowers and wooden houses lining the stone-paved paths, with Qiang women sitting at their doorways embroidering. 📍 At the end of the path, there's an intangible cultural heritage workshop where you can try your hand at Qiang embroidery. A 30 RMB kit of materials is provided, and you can take your finished piece home. For lunch, we had Qiang-style cured pork hot pot in the village. The cured pork was smoked and incredibly fragrant. ⚠️ After 5 PM, the village is less crowded, and the lighting is softer, making it perfect for taking photos. However, the shops close early, so if you want to buy things, go in the morning. It's a great place to stroll around at a leisurely pace; three hours is enough. It's also easy to bring elderly people and children, as the paths are gentle and there's no climbing involved. Visiting during the National Day holiday allows you to avoid the crowds of Chengdu and experience a different kind of ethnic culture. 4️⃣ Shijiazhuang|Hebei For National Day in Shijiazhuang, I suggest you only do two things: see the bridges and see the water. In the morning, head straight to Zhaozhou Bridge. 📍 The scenic area isn't large; you can see it in an hour. The bridge has been in use for over a thousand years. Standing on the bridge and touching the stone railings, you can feel the rough texture of history. Tickets are 40 yuan, half price for students. For lunch, have a bowl of donkey meat sandwiches and a bowl of mixed noodle soup at the bridgehead; 20 yuan for lunch. In the afternoon, go to Xibaipo. ⚠️ It's free, but reservations are required. On National Day, it's almost impossible to get a reservation on-site; book three days in advance through their official WeChat account. The park is large; I recommend taking the electric cart, 20 yuan round trip. The scenery by the lake is more worth seeing than the architecture. At dusk, the reflection on the water creates amazing silhouette photos. 🚄 It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Shijiazhuang city center; I recommend hiring a car or driving yourself, as public transportation is too tiring. A day trip is enough; don't plan an overnight stay. 5️⃣ Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Qianxinan is a secret destination of mine. Visiting during the National Day holiday is like having the karst landscape all to yourself. The Malinghe Canyon is the top choice. 📍 From the entrance down to the valley floor, you'll be greeted by a series of waterfalls. During the National Day holiday, it's the high-water season, so the water volume is high, and you'll be enveloped in mist while walking on the boardwalk; remember to wear non-slip shoes. The entire hike takes about 3 hours; those with average stamina can manage halfway. In the afternoon, go to Wanfenglin. Don't take the sightseeing bus; rent an electric scooter and ride it yourself. Wander along the country lanes, with Buyi villages scattered throughout. The evening smoke rising from the chimneys against the silhouette of the peaks is more beautiful than any oil painting. 🍜 In the evening, have sour fish soup in Nahui Village. It's sour, spicy, and appetizing, costing around 60 RMB per person. ⚠️ The best photo spot for Wanfenglin is the viewing platform halfway up the mountain. Navigate to "Baguatian" (八卦田) to get there; don't miss it. This area is suitable for young people who enjoy the outdoors; it might be tiring for those with elderly people or children, so choose carefully. 6️⃣ Xianning|Hubei The Chibi Ancient Battlefield in Xianning is a pilgrimage site for Three Kingdoms enthusiasts and a hidden gem for ordinary tourists. 📍 The cliff inscription "Chibi" at the entrance is a popular photo spot. Further in, the antique-style buildings are well-preserved, but don't have high expectations; the main attractions are the cliffs along the river and the rushing water. Standing on the cliff edge, you can imagine the scene of the burning of the enemy camps. ⚠️ The scenic area is large; it's recommended to take the electric cart (30 yuan round trip), otherwise your legs will be tired from walking. 🍜 Have lunch outside the scenic area: Chibi fish cake. The fish is mashed and steamed, tender and chewy, served with a bowl of lotus root soup. It costs about 40 yuan per person. This area is suitable for history buffs or those looking for a quiet place to relax. Half a day is enough. In the afternoon, you can even soak in a hot spring in Xianning city. A relaxing soak during the National Day holiday is perfect. 7️⃣ Yuncheng|Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake, known as the "Dead Sea of ​​China," is a great place to experience the joy of floating during the National Day holiday. 📍 Navigate to the Salt Lake Scenic Area. The ticket includes the floating experience, costing around 200 yuan. Change into your swimsuit, lie down in the salt water, and float up automatically, watching the blue sky and white clouds, clearing your mind. ⚠️ The salt water concentration is high, so avoid getting water in your eyes and wear swimming goggles. After floating, take a walk along the lake. The salt crystals sparkle in the sunlight, like snow. 🍜 Have lunch nearby with Yuncheng Big Plate Chicken. The noodles soak up the broth and are even more flavorful than those from Xinjiang. This place is suitable for couples or solo travelers, offering maximum relaxation. Half a day is just right; don't schedule other attractions, let your body completely rest. 8️⃣ Baishan|Jilin Whether you can see Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Changbai Mountain during the National Day holiday depends entirely on luck. But even if you don't, it's still worth it. 📍 The North Slope is the classic route; the entrance fee plus the environmental protection bus is 190 yuan. After reaching the top, don't rush to Tianchi immediately. Go to Changbai Waterfall first; the water cascading down the cliff is deafening. Then take a bus to the main peak of Tianchi. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit, and the temperature is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain. Rent a cotton coat for 30 yuan. Tianchi appears and disappears intermittently; the moment the clouds and mist clear, the blue is unreal. 🍜 After descending the mountain, have a bowl of Korean cold noodles with sweet and sour pork—a refreshing and delicious meal. 🚄 It's about a 2-hour drive from Baishan City; hiring a car is recommended. This place is suitable for energetic young people. Due to the high altitude, the elderly and children are prone to altitude sickness. Visiting during the National Day holiday means fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, making it worth the price. Eight places, each with its own unique way of experiencing them. Changsha for spicy food, Wanning for surfing, Mianyang for Qiang villages, Shijiazhuang for ancient bridges, Qianxinan for canyons, Xianning for historical sites, Yuncheng for floating, and Baishan for Tianchi Lake. Which one would you most like to visit? Let's discuss in the comments!

On a small budget for Mid-Autumn Festival, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, and the night of the full moon is more romantic 1️⃣ Huizhou | Guangdong When you go to Huizhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't rush to Sunliao Bay. There are many people and the room is expensive. It's like dumping dumplings. I recommend leaving the day to Huizhou West Lake and heading to the foot of Luofu Mountain in the evening. West Lake doesn't require a ticket. You can go in at 5:30 in the evening. The light is just right. The wind on the Jiuqu Bridge carries the fragrance of osmanthus. It takes more than an hour to walk around the lake. When I get tired, I buy a bottle of water from the lakeside canteen, sit on a stone bench and watch the moon climb up from the top of Si Chau Tower. ⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent water, lakeside mosquitoes are really strong. Mount Luofu is suitable for visiting early the next morning. It opens at 7 o'clock and enters. The air is still cool. You can see the sea of ​​​​clouds halfway up the mountain. The cable car round trip is probably over a hundred, I suggest just sitting on it, walking down, along the way there are ancient views of Chongxu and many cliff carvings, more interesting than sitting the whole way. To be honest, I don't recommend going there during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Room rates have doubled and the beach is full of people. It's better to find a farmhouse at the foot of Loufu Mountain for a night, eat kiln chicken and stuffed tofu. You can already watch the moon in the yard, and you'll save enough money to eat three seafood meals. 2️⃣ Shenyang | Liaoning The biggest advantage of Shenyang Mid-Autumn Festival is: cool, and cheap. Tickets for urban attractions are basically very cheap, and accommodation for two or three hundred dollars can be quite comfortable. Beiling Park (Qingzhaoling) is my favorite, the ticket is a few dollars, but the inside is ridiculously big. Go in at 3pm and rent a tandem bike for a lap along the lake, under the pine trees all picnickers. The ginkgo trees in the garden start to turn yellow at the end of September. You can catch up with the earliest batch of color change during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The photos look much better than in summer. Shenyang Expo Park is suitable for taking children or couples. The park is too big to walk in one day. It is recommended to choose a few theme parks by car. ⚠️ Many indoor pavilions close after 4pm. If you want to visit the botanical pavilion, you must go early. The Immaculate Pure Light Relic Pagoda and the North Pagoda Falun Temple are located on the north side of the city, so close that they can be put together. The Falun Temple doesn’t charge an entrance fee, and there’s a quiet aura when you enter the door, much more comfortable than those celebrity temples. Check opening hours before you go, sometimes it closes at 4pm. 3️⃣ Xi'an | Shaanxi Xi'an is only half an hour from Xi'an by high-speed train, but the house price is only half of Xi'an. If you want to avoid the crowds during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can stay directly in Xi'an, walk the Qianling Mausoleum during the day, and go to Yuanjia Village at night to eat a bowl of noodles and watch the moon. Perfect. Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian. The tickets are about 100. Whether it is worth it depends on how you play. I recommend hiring a guided tour, otherwise it’s a bunch of rocks and mounds. The Ong Zhong and Wing Horse on both sides of the Shinto are worth a closer look, the carving details are shocking. ⏰ Go in the morning, the light is slanted, the stone statues have a three-dimensional sense. Yuanjia Village is the best place to go at night. After six o'clock, the tourists disperse, the lanterns in the village light up, and the smell of Guanzhong Old Street comes out. 🍜Sour soup noodles, tofu brain, oil splash spicy, a bowl costs a few dollars, but you can eat enough for less than fifty dollars. Find a teahouse to sit until the moon rises. The blue bricks and gray tiles of Guanzhong folk houses with the full moon are much more flavorful than the restaurants in the city. 4️⃣ Jiaozuo|Henan Jiaozuo is the king of value for money for Mid-Autumn mountain climbing. No matter how many people there are in Yuntai Mountain, it is one order less than Mount Tai. Tickets include almost 120, which is very cheap for a full day. You must enter Yuntai Mountain early, before 8 o'clock take the view bus directly to Red Rock Gorge, this place starts queuing after 9 o'clock, the narrow canyon is blocked for half an hour. It takes about an hour and a half to walk after the Red Rock Gorge. The red rock walls and green water, the camera can't capture that bad color. Then go to Dogwood Peak, cable car up, walk down, halfway up the highway is the film location, the view is wide and suitable for watching the sunset. Qingtian River and Shennong Mountain are less famous and have fewer people. The Qingtian River is more suitable for taking the elderly and children to see the red leaves on both sides by boat without having to climb the mountain. Shennong Mountain has to be climbed, but the hiking trail is well done. There are all white-bark pine trees along the way. There are so few people going there during the Mid-Autumn Festival that it's like a chartered place. 5️⃣ Guizhou Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou I went to Libo Little Seven Kong last year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There were half fewer people than during the summer holidays. The water color was that kind of translucent peacock blue. When the moon came out, it was reflected on the water, as if it was fake. Tickets plus scenery pay more than 100, the scenic spot gate enter first take the car to the innermost, and then all the way down, so it is downhill, save effort. Wolongtan, Cuigu Waterfall, and water forest, each point has a view between each point, the physical demand is not high. ⏰ After 4pm the large force begins to withdraw outward, at this time rowing out from Yuen Yuen Lake, the whole lake is yours, the moon rises from the treetops, so quiet that you can hear the sound of the paddle. Accommodation is recommended to stay in Libo County Town, half cheaper than the entrance of the scenic spot, and more choices of food. 🍜Changjiang barbecued fish is a specialty, Jiangtuan fish is immediately killed and grilled, with folded ear root dipped in water, 50 per person is full. ⚠️ The food in the scenic area is expensive and average, bring some water and snacks yourself. 6️⃣ Shijiazhuang | Hebei Shijiazhuang is not a traditional tourist city, but because of this, it is quiet to visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Zhaozhou Bridge and Xibaipo are two completely different routes, it is recommended to choose one side. Zhaozhou Bridge is located in Zhao County, an hour's drive from the city. Tickets are not expensive and the bridge itself looks pretty plain, but knowing it was left over from the Sui Dynasty feels amazing. Trails have been built on both sides of the Ji River under the bridge, making it very comfortable to walk. After watching the bridge, go to the county town to eat a bowl of Zhao County donkey meat grilled. The cake is crispy and the meat is fragrant. It is much stronger than those chain stores in Shijiazhuang city. Xibaipo is located in Pingshan County, on a red route, but aside from history, the scenery along the Huyu River in that area is actually very good, with beautiful mountains and clear waters. If that history is not interested, you can just go for a walk by the reservoir and watch the sunset. ⚠️ Two places are far apart, you can only choose one a day, don't be greedy. 7️⃣ River Pond | Guangxi Hechi is a niche destination in my private collection. I went there during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There were so few tourists that you would doubt if you were in the wrong place. But the scenery is really shocking. Jiuton Skylight is in Duan County, a few ponds exposed in the underground river. The water is so blue that it doesn't look real. No tickets are charged here, navigate directly to the village entrance, a few minutes walk away. There are villagers setting up stalls selling boiled corn and roasted sweet potatoes by the water. You can eat enough for $5. ⏰ The water is calmest before 10 am, you can see that glass-like texture, after noon the water becomes turbid when there are more people. Xiangbei Paradise is located in Yizhou District, the name sounds vulgar, but the road into the village on a bamboo raft does have the taste of Tao Yuanming. Sanliyangdu is a great place for cycling and hiking, with idyllic scenery with karst peaks and forests. If you get tired of walking, just find a farmhouse to eat. The mountains and rivers of Donglan are more dispersed, suitable for self-driving slow tours, do not have to deliberately go to the attractions, see beautiful ones along the way and turn in. ⚠️ Public transportation is inconvenient at the attractions in Hechi. If you don't drive yourself, the cost of chartering a car will be high. It is recommended that four people share a car for the cheapest price. 8️⃣ Wu Zhong | Ningxia Wuzhong may be the least popular of these eight, but everyone who’s been there during the Mid-Autumn Festival says it’s good. Bronze Canyon Yellow River Grand Canyon, tickets plus boat tickets over 100, cheap. Entering the door first take a boat through the ten-mile long gorge, with bronze mountain walls on both sides, the water of the Yellow River is clear here, and is completely different from the turbidity downstream. After getting off the boat, you can see the 108 Pagodas. The 108 ancient pagodas line up from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain. The sunset in the evening stretches the tower shadow, which is especially good for taking pictures. ⏰ After 4pm the light is best, there are few people, you can climb slowly. The morning tea in Wuzhong city was an unexpected surprise. Wu Chung's beach lamb must also be tried. The hand-grabbed lamb has no greasy taste at all, and the meat is so tender that it falls apart with chopsticks. Accommodation in the city within two hundred dollars a night, eating is also cheap, the whole way down the budget than to go to popular scenic spots save more than half. ⚠️ The Grand Canyon is windy, remember to add a jacket in the evening. Tickets for scenic spots are sold separately from boat tickets. It is recommended to buy a package ticket. It is not worth buying them separately. Eight places finished. Huizhou and Jiaozuo are suitable for families, Qiannan and Hechi are suitable for youngsters who like to travel around, Shenyang and Xianyang are suitable for those who are on a budget and want to have fun. There are only three days off during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Don't spend your time on traffic jams and queues. Who have you been to? Or have a private collection of niche moon viewing places, chat in the comments section. On a small budget for Mid-Autumn Festival, these 8️⃣ places are less crowded and beautiful, and the night of the full moon is more romantic 1️⃣ Huizhou | Guangdong When you go to Huizhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't rush to Sunliao Bay. There are many people and the room is expensive. It's like dumping dumplings. I recommend leaving the day to Huizhou West Lake and heading to the foot of Luofu Mountain in the evening. West Lake doesn't require a ticket. You can go in at 5:30 in the evening. The light is just right. The wind on the Jiuqu Bridge carries the fragrance of osmanthus. It takes more than an hour to walk around the lake. When I get tired, I buy a bottle of water from the lakeside canteen, sit on a stone bench and watch the moon climb up from the top of Si Chau Tower. ⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent water, lakeside mosquitoes are really strong. Mount Luofu is suitable for visiting early the next morning. It opens at 7 o'clock and enters. The air is still cool. You can see the sea of ​​​​clouds halfway up the mountain. The cable car round trip is probably over a hundred, I suggest just sitting on it, walking down, along the way there are ancient views of Chongxu and many cliff carvings, more interesting than sitting the whole way. To be honest, I don't recommend going there during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Room rates have doubled and the beach is full of people. It's better to find a farmhouse at the foot of Loufu Mountain for a night, eat kiln chicken and stuffed tofu. You can already watch the moon in the yard, and you'll save enough money to eat three seafood meals. 2️⃣ Shenyang | Liaoning The biggest advantage of Shenyang Mid-Autumn Festival is: cool, and cheap. Tickets for urban attractions are basically very cheap, and accommodation for two or three hundred dollars can be quite comfortable. Beiling Park (Qingzhaoling) is my favorite, the ticket is a few dollars, but the inside is ridiculously big. Go in at 3pm and rent a tandem bike for a lap along the lake, under the pine trees all picnickers. The ginkgo trees in the garden start to turn yellow at the end of September. You can catch up with the earliest batch of color change during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The photos look much better than in summer. Shenyang Expo Park is suitable for taking children or couples. The park is too big to walk in one day. It is recommended to choose a few theme parks by car. ⚠️ Many indoor pavilions close after 4pm. If you want to visit the botanical pavilion, you must go early. The Immaculate Pure Light Relic Pagoda and the North Pagoda Falun Temple are located on the north side of the city, so close that they can be put together. The Falun Temple doesn’t charge an entrance fee, and there’s a quiet aura when you enter the door, much more comfortable than those celebrity temples. Check opening hours before you go, sometimes it closes at 4pm. 3️⃣ Xi'an | Shaanxi Xi'an is only half an hour from Xi'an by high-speed train, but the house price is only half of Xi'an. If you want to avoid the crowds during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can stay directly in Xi'an, walk the Qianling Mausoleum during the day, and go to Yuanjia Village at night to eat a bowl of noodles and watch the moon. Perfect. Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian. The tickets are about 100. Whether it is worth it depends on how you play. I recommend hiring a guided tour, otherwise it’s a bunch of rocks and mounds. The Ong Zhong and Wing Horse on both sides of the Shinto are worth a closer look, the carving details are shocking. ⏰ Go in the morning, the light is slanted, the stone statues have a three-dimensional sense. Yuanjia Village is the best place to go at night. After six o'clock, the tourists disperse, the lanterns in the village light up, and the smell of Guanzhong Old Street comes out. 🍜Sour soup noodles, tofu brain, oil splash spicy, a bowl costs a few dollars, but you can eat enough for less than fifty dollars. Find a teahouse to sit until the moon rises. The blue bricks and gray tiles of Guanzhong folk houses with the full moon are much more flavorful than the restaurants in the city. 4️⃣ Jiaozuo|Henan Jiaozuo is the king of value for money for Mid-Autumn mountain climbing. No matter how many people there are in Yuntai Mountain, it is one order less than Mount Tai. Tickets include almost 120, which is very cheap for a full day. You must enter Yuntai Mountain early, before 8 o'clock take the view bus directly to Red Rock Gorge, this place starts queuing after 9 o'clock, the narrow canyon is blocked for half an hour. It takes about an hour and a half to walk after the Red Rock Gorge. The red rock walls and green water, the camera can't capture that bad color. Then go to Dogwood Peak, cable car up, walk down, halfway up the highway is the film location, the view is wide and suitable for watching the sunset. Qingtian River and Shennong Mountain are less famous and have fewer people. The Qingtian River is more suitable for taking the elderly and children to see the red leaves on both sides by boat without having to climb the mountain. Shennong Mountain has to be climbed, but the hiking trail is well done. There are all white-bark pine trees along the way. There are so few people going there during the Mid-Autumn Festival that it's like a chartered place. 5️⃣ Guizhou Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou I went to Libo Little Seven Kong last year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There were half fewer people than during the summer holidays. The water color was that kind of translucent peacock blue. When the moon came out, it was reflected on the water, as if it was fake. Tickets plus scenery pay more than 100, the scenic spot gate enter first take the car to the innermost, and then all the way down, so it is downhill, save effort. Wolongtan, Cuigu Waterfall, and water forest, each point has a scenic shuttle between each point, the physical demand is not high. ⏰ After 4pm the large force begins to withdraw outward, at this time rowing out from Yuen Yuen Lake, the whole lake is yours, the moon rises from the treetops, so quiet that you can hear the sound of the paddle. Accommodation is recommended to stay in Libo County Town, half cheaper than the entrance of the scenic spot, and more choices of food. 🍜Changjiang barbecued fish is a specialty, Jiangtuan fish is immediately killed and grilled, with folded ear root dipped in water, 50 per person is full. ⚠️ The food in the scenic area is expensive and average, bring some water and snacks yourself. 6️⃣ Shijiazhuang | Hebei Shijiazhuang is not a traditional tourist city, but because of this, it is quiet to visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Zhaozhou Bridge and Xibaipo are two completely different routes, it is recommended to choose one side. Zhaozhou Bridge is located in Zhao County, an hour's drive from the city. Tickets are not expensive and the bridge itself looks pretty plain, but knowing it was left over from the Sui Dynasty feels amazing. Trails have been built on both sides of the Ji River under the bridge, making it very comfortable to walk. After watching the bridge, go to the county town to eat a bowl of Zhao County donkey meat grilled. The cake is crispy and the meat is fragrant. It is much stronger than those chain stores in Shijiazhuang city. Xibaipo is located in Pingshan County, on a red route, but aside from history, the scenery along the Huyu River in that area is actually very good, with beautiful mountains and clear waters. If that history is not interested, you can just go for a walk by the reservoir and watch the sunset. ⚠️ Two places are far apart, you can only choose one a day, don't be greedy. 7️⃣ River Pond | Guangxi Hechi is a niche destination in my private collection. I went there during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There were so few tourists that you would doubt if you were in the wrong place. But the scenery is really shocking. Jiuton Skylight is in Duan County, a few ponds exposed in the underground river. The water is so blue that it doesn't look real. No tickets are charged here, navigate directly to the village entrance, a few minutes walk away. There are villagers setting up stalls selling boiled corn and roasted sweet potatoes by the water. You can eat enough for $5. ⏰ The water is calmest before 10 am, you can see that glass-like texture, after noon the water becomes turbid when there are more people. Xiangbei Paradise is located in Yizhou District, the name sounds vulgar, but the road into the village on a bamboo raft does have the taste of Tao Yuanming. Sanliyangdu is a great place for cycling and hiking, with idyllic scenery with karst peaks and forests. If you get tired of walking, just find a farmhouse to eat. The mountains and rivers of Donglan are more dispersed, suitable for self-driving slow tours, do not have to deliberately go to the attractions, see beautiful ones along the way and turn in. ⚠️ Public transportation is inconvenient at the attractions in Hechi. If you don't drive yourself, the cost of chartering a car will be high. It is recommended that four people share a car for the cheapest price. 8️⃣ Wu Zhong | Ningxia Wuzhong may be the least popular of these eight, but everyone who’s been there during the Mid-Autumn Festival says it’s good. Bronze Canyon Yellow River Grand Canyon, tickets plus boat tickets over 100, cheap. Entering the door first take a boat through the ten-mile long gorge, with bronze mountain walls on both sides, the water of the Yellow River is clear here, and is completely different from the turbidity downstream. After getting off the boat, you can see the 108 Pagodas. The 108 ancient pagodas are lined up from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain. The sunset in the evening stretches the shadow of the tower for a long time, which is especially good for taking pictures. ⏰ After 4pm the light is best, there are few people, you can climb slowly. The morning tea in Wuzhong city was an unexpected surprise. Wu Chung's beach lamb must also be tried. The hand-grabbed lamb has no greasy taste at all, and the meat is so tender that it falls apart with chopsticks. Accommodation in the city within two hundred dollars a night, eating is also cheap, the whole way down the budget than to go to popular scenic spots save more than half. ⚠️ The Grand Canyon is windy, remember to add a jacket in the evening. Tickets for scenic spots are sold separately from boat tickets. It is recommended to buy a package ticket. It is not worth buying them separately. Eight places finished. Huizhou and Jiaozuo are suitable for families, Qiannan and Hechi are suitable for youngsters who like to travel around, Shenyang and Xianyang are suitable for those who are on a budget and want to have fun. There are only three days off during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Don't spend your time on traffic jams and queues. Who have you been to? Or have a private collection of niche moon viewing places, chat in the comments section.

01 Heyuan | Guangdong After retiring, I slowed my pace to match the speed of the lake water. The breeze at Wanlv Lake sounds cool just by its name. Arrive at the lake before 9:00 AM, when the mist hasn't cleared and the lake surface looks like it's covered in a veil. Rent a small boat and drift slowly; don't rush, the boatman will wait for you. ⏰ After 3:00 PM, the light slants, creating layers of green in the lake water, and the reflection of the bamboo grove on the shore is perfect for photos. 🍜 For lunch, order a pot of Wanlv Lake fish head soup at a nearby farmhouse restaurant. The soup is milky white and flavorful, and the portion is enough for two. ⚠️ The dried fruit specialties sold in the scenic area are 30% more expensive than in town, so don't rush to buy them. There aren't many steps here, and the lakeside trail is flat, so even seniors using canes can walk half the loop. 02 Lhasa | Tibet Lhasa isn't for checking off a list; it's for staying and breathing slowly. You need to book the Potala Palace 1 day in advance. The morning light is best, making the white walls and red windows look especially clean in the sun. Namtso is a 4-hour drive from the city. The altitude is high, so don't rush. I brought a portable oxygen canister and rested every few steps. The wind by the lake is strong enough to blow your hat off. 📍 There are many people circumambulating in Jokhang Temple Square in the afternoon. Just stand to the side and watch; don't block the way. ⚠️ Don't shower or drink alcohol on your first day in Lhasa; drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep. 🍜 Drink a pot of sweet tea in a sweet tea house, paired with Tibetan noodles. You can sit for the whole morning for CNY 6. This place isn't for rushing. Plan only 1 attraction per day; your physical comfort is more important than anything else. 03 Wuhan | Hubei Wuhan is comfortable in both spring and autumn, but I recommend coming in autumn when the scent of osmanthus fills the city. Tickets for Yellow Crane Tower Park are 70 yuan. Climbing the tower is a bit tiring, but the view of the Yangtze River Bridge from the fifth floor is worth the price of admission. East Lake is several times larger than West Lake. Rent an electric scooter to ride around the lake; when the breeze blows, you'll feel completely relaxed. 📍 Songyang Temple is in Jiangxia. It's quiet and uncrowded. The ginkgo trees in front of the temple turn golden in autumn, perfect for sitting and daydreaming. Huangpi Mulan Cultural Ecological Tourism Zone is far from the city center. I suggest chartering a car for the day to see the grasslands and lakes together without having to fight for photo spots. ⚠️ The breakfast stalls at Hubu Alley have lines that are too long. I recommend going to Liangdao Street for hot dry noodles and egg drop wine; you can eat until you're full for CNY 6. Attractions in Wuhan are far apart. Planning 2 per day is enough; don't try to do too much. 04 Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan The roads in Garze are difficult, but the scenery is worth it. Xinduqiao is known as a photographer's paradise. In October, the poplar forests turn a dazzling yellow; every snapshot looks like a postcard. Mugecuo is at an altitude of 3,000 meters, and the lake water is an unreal shade of blue. I had to stop and catch my breath every few steps. The scenic area has electric shuttles, which save a lot of energy. Daocheng Yading is too famous and crowded. I suggest staying in Shangri-La Town and entering the scenic area early the next morning to get up the mountain before the tour groups. The glacier trail at Hailuogou is well-built, but the altitude is high. I brought trekking poles and rested periodically as I walked. ⚠️ Most restaurants in Garze are on the spicy side. When ordering, say "no spice," and the chef will prepare it separately for you. ⏰ May to October is the peak season. After the National Day holiday, many inns close, so don't get caught out. This place is suitable for seniors in good health. Those with heart conditions should be cautious and consult a doctor beforehand. 05 Weihai | Shandong The sea breeze in Weihai is salty; after a day of it, your face feels like it's covered in a film of salt. Chengshantou is the easternmost point of the coastline. Many people go to watch the sunrise, but I prefer going in the afternoon when it's less crowded and the sound of the waves is loud enough to drown out all your worries. Huaxia City is an artificial scenic area, but the temples and towers on the mountain are grand. The steps aren't steep, and you can reach the top in half an hour at a slow pace. You need to take a boat to Liugong Island, which takes 20 minutes. There is an old pier on the island, and the light in the evening is especially soft. 🍜 Seafood in Weihai is cheap. Go to the market by the pier to buy live shrimp and crab, then find a small restaurant nearby to cook them for a 20-yuan processing fee. ⚠️ It's windy by the sea, so bring a light jacket even in summer. The pace here is slow. It's suitable for a 3-day stay; visit 1 place each day and spend the rest of the time sitting by the sea daydreaming. 06 Shijiazhuang | Hebei Shijiazhuang isn't very famous, but it hides 2 places worth visiting. Zhaozhou Bridge is the one from the textbooks. The bridge surface is worn smooth, and you can feel the traces of 1,400 years when you touch it. The small park next to the bridge is free and perfect for sitting and watching the water. Xibaipo is in Pingshan County. The mountain roads are easy to travel, and the environment is quiet and secluded. ⚠️ The parking lot at Xibaipo is a bit of a distance from the entrance. Seniors with mobility issues can take the scenic area shuttle for 10 yuan per person. ⏰ It's recommended to visit both places in the morning when the light is good and it's less crowded. For lunch in Pingshan County, have a bowl of ganglu shaobing (clay oven rolls) with tofu pudding; you'll be full for CNY 5. Attractions in Shijiazhuang are far apart. Driving yourself is most convenient; if you don't have a car, chartering one for the day costs around 300 yuan. This isn't a place to visit specifically, but if you're passing by, it's worth a half-day stop. 07 Alxa League | Inner Mongolia Alxa is a true "faraway place"—the roads are long, the people are few, and the scenery is intense. The Populus euphratica forest scenic area is the star in autumn. In mid-to-late October, the leaves turn completely yellow, and as sunlight filters through the leaves, the whole forest seems to glow. There are boardwalks in the scenic area, making it easy to walk. The sand dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert are terrifyingly high, but the off-road drivers are skilled, and going up and down the slopes feels like riding a roller coaster. I sat in the passenger seat gripping the handle, my heart pounding. ⚠️ There is no cell signal in the desert, so bring enough cash and water. 🍜 The lamb skewers in Ejina Banner are 5 yuan each. They are a mix of fat and lean meat, grilled until sizzling with oil. I ate 5 in 1 go. ⏰ The temperature difference between day and night in the desert is huge. Wear short sleeves at noon and a down jacket at night; don't find it troublesome. This place isn't suitable for frail seniors, but if you are still mobile, this trip will be a lifelong memory. 08 Hefei | Anhui Hefei is suitable for slow travel, and Sanhe Ancient Town is the last stop. The ancient town is free to enter, but the small attractions inside charge separately. I suggest just strolling along the main street to see the old houses and stone bridges. 🍜 Sanhe rice dumplings are a specialty. They cost 1.5 yuan each, with a crispy crust and a filling of tofu and dried shrimp. I bought 10 and ate them while walking. 📍 There is an old teahouse on the ancient street where you can sit for the whole afternoon for 10 yuan a cup of tea. ⚠️ It's crowded on weekends, and the stone paths are slippery, so don't wear flip-flops on rainy days. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the tourists disperse, the lanterns light up, and the ancient town is quiet enough to hear the sound of flowing water. There are no major attractions here, making it a perfect end to a Hefei itinerary—stroll slowly without getting tired. Traveling after retirement isn't about rushing; it's about finding a place to sit down and observe how others live. Of these 8 places, the most memorable for me were the slowness of Lhasa and the intensity of Alxa. How about you? Is there any scenery that makes you want to stay a few extra days? Let's chat in the comments section.