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

When you come to Liuzhou, don’t just eat Luosifen! This 2-day, 1-night family-friendly itinerary has been tested to be easy and enjoyable, with concentrated attractions and no detours. It covers natural scenery, cultural history, and urban life, unlocking a different side of Liuzhou for your kids—delicious and fun. 📍2-day, 1-night family itinerary plan ✨Day 1 City Highlights + Dreamy Night Views 9. 00 AM Liuhou Park A classic city park in Liuzhou, built to commemorate Liu Zongyuan. It’s a local favorite for morning exercise, full of everyday life vibes. A 1.5-hour stroll is just right to enjoy the city’s greenery with kids, and you can walk directly to the next stop. 10. 30 AM Liuzhou Museum Free admission with multiple exhibition halls including history and ethnic culture. You can rent VR guide glasses that automatically explain the artifacts, perfect for traveling with kids. Indoors with air conditioning, it’s a great way to escape the midday heat. 2. 00 PM East Gate Tower The best-preserved ancient city gate in Liuzhou. Climb the tower to overlook Wenhui Bridge and the Liu River, with karst mountain scenery and city skyline in one frame—great for photos. A 40-minute visit keeps the schedule relaxed. 3. 30 PM Panlongshan Park Just a few minutes’ walk from East Gate Tower. Climb a short path to the Dengtai Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Liu River. The afternoon light is perfect, with the river shimmering golden—very soothing. If you don’t want to climb, the foot of the mountain is also quiet and pleasant. 5:30 PM Yaobu Ancient Town Make sure to arrive before dark to enjoy both the daytime river views and the nighttime lights. The ancient town has many ethnic costume rental shops. Take family photos at Longcheng Pavilion and Wind and Rain Bridge. Fresh and lively by day, full of atmosphere by night. 8. 00 PM Liu River Night Cruise Tickets cost a few dozen yuan. Enjoy the river breeze while watching the light show and music fountain on both banks. It’s a completely different experience from viewing from the shore. The cruise lasts about an hour with a pleasant evening breeze. ✨Day 2 Natural Scenery + Industrial Style 9. 00 AM Longtan Park Liuzhou locals’ free backyard, very large with Mirror Mountain Lake reflections, Leitan crooked-neck trees, and Wind and Rain Bridge. Every snapshot looks like wallpaper. Fewer people and better light in the morning, and you might catch a misty fairyland. Wear comfortable shoes. 1:00 PM Ma’anshan Park A lazy family favorite! There’s a round-trip elevator for about 35 yuan, so no exhausting climb to the top. The viewing platform offers a spectacular view of the Liu River winding like a green ribbon around the city. The best light is between 2 and 3 PM, making panoramic photos very clear. 3:30 PM Liuzhou Industrial Museum Check out Liuzhou’s hardcore industrial style. Outside are real green-skin trains and old steam locomotives—perfect for vintage-style photos. Inside, there’s a display of the Wuling mini vehicle production line. Visit until closing time and then head back—full itinerary with no wasted time. 💡Family Travel Tips Transportation: City attractions are very concentrated. A taxi’s starting fare can get you there. For groups, renting an electric scooter for about 40 yuan a day is super convenient. Accommodation is recommended near Wuxing Street or Yintai City for proximity to attractions, saving money and time. Accommodation 🏨Place Liuzhou A high-end hotel in Liuzhou’s core business district, close to the Liu River and Wuxing Street. Offers family rooms and is very convenient for dining and sightseeing—top choice for family trips. 🏨Dongxiang State Guesthouse Liuzhou A luxury hotel in Sanjiang, Liuzhou, near the Dong ethnic village scenic area. Features a family pool and ethnic cultural experiences—perfect for kids to experience Dong culture. 🏨Ancient Town Riverside Homestay Liuzhou A riverside homestay in the core area of Yaobu Ancient Town, within walking distance to the town and Liu River. Offers family rooms and is very convenient for night views and exploring the ancient town. 🏨Hotel Near Longtan Park Liuzhou A cost-effective hotel next to Longtan Park, close to the park with family rooms—very convenient for visiting the park with kids.

Here are 4 treasure cities reachable by high-speed rail, with delicious food from east to west, beautiful scenery, and most importantly, impressively low prices. Perfect for students or workers looking to relax, save money in the province, and enjoy a great trip. Save this list and visit them one by one! First stop: Liuzhou, Guangxi — Worth a special trip just for the rice noodles! This place is not just industrial; it’s a paradise for lovers of Luosifen (snail rice noodles)! Eating locally, a basic bowl costs just over 10 yuan, and if you add duck feet, pig’s feet, and tofu puffs, it’s only about 20 yuan. It tastes absolutely amazing. · How to get there: Direct high-speed rail, very convenient from Guangzhou, Guiyang, and Nanning. · What to do: Don’t just focus on Luosifen. Climb Ma’anshan Park to overlook the famous big bend of the Liu River — the night view is stunning and there’s no entrance fee. Then visit Longtan Park for karst landscape scenery, also free. · What to eat: Besides Luosifen, be sure to visit Qingyun Minsheng Market, a local food market where you can try snacks like filtered rice noodles, taro cake, and dew drop glutinous rice balls for just a few yuan. Prices are very budget-friendly. Second stop: Jianshui, Yunnan — Quieter than Dali, cheaper than Lijiang This place has been recommended by National Geographic for many years but still maintains a slow pace of life. Wander casually in the ancient town, where you’ll find centuries-old wells and houses everywhere. Sitting by a well is refreshingly cool. · How to get there: Direct high-speed rail, located in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. · What to do: No need for navigation, just stroll along the bluestone paths of Lin’an Ancient Town. See the ancient Chaoyang Tower, visit Zhu Family Garden and the Confucian Temple to feel the old charm (tickets are affordable). You can also take the slow Mi-gauge narrow-gauge train through the pastoral scenery. · What to eat: Prices here are really low; you can eat until you’re full for about 30 yuan per person. Must-try is Jianshui grilled tofu, cut into pieces and grilled over charcoal, dipped in chili powder — full of local flavor! Also try grass shoots and steam pot chicken, local specialties. Third stop: Shaoxing, Zhejiang — Not just scholarly, but also affordable and hearty Jiangnan flavors This place isn’t as crowded as Suzhou or Hangzhou, but it still has plenty of charming bridges, flowing water, and traditional homes. As the hometown of Lu Xun, you’ll find scenes from textbooks everywhere. The tourism management is very well organized, so no worries about being overcharged. · How to get there: High-speed rail from Shanghai or Hangzhou, just about 1 hour. · What to do: Visit Lu Xun’s former residence, stroll through Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study (tickets are very reasonable). Be sure to take a ride on a black-awning boat, gently drifting through the old streets — this is the real Jiangnan. In the evening, catch a show at Shenyuan Garden. · What to eat: Head to Cangqiao Straight Street for dishes like steamed pork with pickled amaranth, drunken chicken, and fennel beans, paired with a warm pot of yellow wine. You can eat comfortably for just a few dozen yuan. Locals are honest in business and don’t overcharge. Fourth stop: Sanjiang, Guangxi — An underrated Dong ethnic minority town next to Liuzhou Want to experience ethnic minority culture without the heavy commercialization? This is the place. It’s a Dong Autonomous County, famous for its wind and rain bridges, built entirely with wooden mortise and tenon joints, no nails — truly impressive to see. · How to get there: Direct high-speed rail to Sanjiang South Station. · What to do: Be sure to visit Chengyang Eight Villages to see those craft-like wind and rain bridges and drum towers. If you have time, stay a night at Buyang Xianren Mountain Tea Garden and wake up to a sea of clouds and sunrise — it’s like a fairyland. · Money-saving tip: The Sanjiang Great Dong Village scenic area in the county center has several “world’s largest” buildings, all free to enter and perfect for photos. Try Dong ethnic sour fish and sour duck — very appetizing and goes great with rice.

Essential for the lazy! These 5 self-driving routes in Guangxi will take you through hidden gems 🌟Route 1: Depart from Guilin, head south along the Li River, enjoy the scenery along the way, passing through Yangshuo, Lipu, and finally arriving at Hezhou. This route focuses on mountain and water landscapes, perfect for nature lovers. 🚗 Self-driving route: Guilin → Yangshuo → Lipu → Hezhou 💰 Budget reference: 3 days 2 nights, under 1000 RMB per person. 🌟Route 2: Depart from Liuzhou, follow the Liu River southward, passing through Sanjiang, Rongshui, and finally reaching Baise. This route highlights ethnic minority culture, ideal for those interested in cultural experiences. 🚗 Self-driving route: Liuzhou → Sanjiang → Rongshui → Baise 💰 Budget reference: 3 days 2 nights, under 1000 RMB per person. 🌟Route 3: Depart from Yulin, head west along the Nanliu River, passing through Beiliu, Rongxian, and finally arriving at Wuzhou. This route focuses on ancient architecture and historical sites, perfect for history and culture enthusiasts.

【Sanjiang 2 Days 1 Night】Only 300 RMB per person💰 Enter the secret realm of northern Guangxi! Just back from Sanjiang with a slow travel experience in Chengyang Eight Villages! This small town at the Guangxi-Guizhou border is so healing🌾 No commercial hustle, only endless terraced fields, ancient Dong villages, and the world-famous Wind and Rain Bridge… With just over 300 RMB per person, you can fully immerse yourself in Dong ethnic customs. Keep this practical guide👇———🗺️Itinerary (All the highlights of Dong villages included)———DAY 1️⃣: First Encounter with Sanjiang · Dong Village Style🔸Morning: Sanjiang South Station → County Town for a bowl of rice noodles → Chengyang Eight Villages Scenic Area🔸Noon: Enjoy a Hundred Family Banquet in the village (reservation required!) 🔸Afternoon: Visit Yongji Bridge → Watch Dong Grand Song performance → Experience batik dyeing🔸Evening: Climb the viewing platform to watch the sunset and cooking smoke🔸Night: Stay in a village homestay, listen to the Drum Tower night talksDAY 2️⃣: In-depth Experience · Secret Realm Exploration🔸Early morning: Enjoy the deserted village → Experience oil tea🔸Morning: Danzhou Ancient Town (nostalgic pier and ancient city wall) 🔸Noon: Farmhouse river delicacies feast in the ancient town🔸Afternoon: Sanjiang Drum Tower → Moon Street → Return trip———✨Immersive Experience Highlights ——— ✅30 RMB to be a Dong local for half a day! Rent a set of Dong ethnic costumes, freely take photos in the village, the silver jewelry jingling feels amazing✅Learn to sing a Dong Grand Song, then find a local sister to teach you a few lines, the mysterious feeling of polyphony touches the soul✅Make your own intangible cultural heritage batik at the village workshop for 50 RMB, take home a unique blue handkerchief✅Watch the Dong village wake up in the morning mist Get up at 6 am, the stilted buildings shrouded in light fog look like a fairyland, a dream for photographers———🚫Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Tested and summarized)———⚠️Transportation pitfalls: · Sanjiang South Station is far from the county town, take the special bus line (5 RMB) after getting off, avoid illegal taxis• For Chengyang Eight Villages, carpooling is recommended (15 RMB per person), bus frequency is low and takes longer• Stone slab roads in the village make pulling suitcases difficult, backpacks are recommended⚠️Food pitfalls: · Hundred Family Banquet at 50 RMB/person is cost-effective but needs advance booking in peak season• Be cautious trying sour fish and sour meat, the fermented taste may be hard to accept• For oil tea, make sure it’s freshly made; packaged ones taste very different⚠️Sightseeing pitfalls: · Chengyang Eight Villages ticket includes performances, pay attention to show times (usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon) · Few signposts in the village, easy to get lost, you can ask the homestay owner for a simple map• Terraced fields are slippery when rainy, wear non-slip shoes recommended———💰Expense Details (2 days 1 night)———• Transportation: County town to village round trip 30 + Danzhou fare 20 = 50• Accommodation: Village homestay 60 per person (terrace view from the window!) · Food: Hundred Family Banquet 50 + daily meals 40 = 90• Tickets: Chengyang Eight Villages 60 (half price for students) + Danzhou 20 = 80• Experiences: Dong costume 30 + batik 50 = 80✅Total: 360 RMB (excluding major transportation) · ——🌾Local Insider Tips ——— 1️⃣Best photo spots: Chengyang Yongji Bridge, Yanzhai Viewing Platform, Danzhou Ancient City Wall2️⃣Buy souvenirs at Moon Street, Dong cloth and bamboo weaving are cheaper than in scenic spots3️⃣Visit during the lunar “March 3rd” festival or National Day to see grand folk events4️⃣Bring mosquito repellent! The village’s good ecological environment means many mosquitoesThe magic of Sanjiang lies in how time slows down here Sitting on the Wind and Rain Bridge watching elders craft feels like stepping back into old timesThis tranquility is worth a special trip🌉

Liuzhou Sanjiang Tea Viewing · Mountain Realm Resort Villas completely redefine my perception of rustic mountain lodgings! Hidden deep in the mountains of Sanjiang, uniquely designed wooden houses are built on cliff edges, backed by endless green mountains and bamboo seas. Open the window to a sea of clouds and layered peaks, like living in a real-life fairy tale~ Originally a tea mountain area, this resort is built around the local Dong ethnic tea culture. Though it lacks heavy historical architecture, it perfectly blends the Dong people's natural ecology with luxury vacationing, becoming a new popular getaway near Liuzhou! Travel Guide 🎫: No entrance fee, just stay at the villa to experience 🚗 Transportation: 3 hours self-drive from Liuzhou, 40 minutes self-drive from Sanjiang County Key Attractions 1. Cliffside Wooden House Cluster: Uniquely shaped popular treehouses, perfect for photos 2. Tea Mountain Viewing Platform: Overlooks the entire tea mountain and sea of clouds with an expansive view Special Experiences ✔️ Soak in a private hot spring on the wooden house terrace while enjoying afternoon tea with mountain views ✔️ Watch the sea of clouds roll through the mountains at dawn and capture stunning sunset glows in the evening Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Explore Dong villages in Sanjiang County → Check in at Tea Viewing · Mountain Realm → Enjoy the sea of clouds from the terrace Day 2: Tea mountain hiking → Experience making Dong-style oil tea → Return trip Tips ✅ Best time to stay: Spring and autumn, avoid the rainy season for a higher chance of sea of clouds ⚠️ Mountain roads have many curves, drive slowly if self-driving, experienced drivers recommended 🥘 The villa offers Dong ethnic specialty dishes, be sure to try sour fish and oil tea Tea Viewing · Mountain Realm is a lodging that takes mountain romance to the extreme. No need to travel abroad—you can experience stunning cliffside treehouses right in Liuzhou, with the vacation vibe fully maximized! Friends, would you rather stay in a cliffside wooden house or go hiking in the tea mountains? Let’s chat in the comments~

This is a customized 2-day 1-night travel guide for Guangxi Sanjiang Chengyang Eight Villages, with a budget controlled around 1000 yuan, helping you deeply experience the Dong ethnic culture and natural scenery. Guangxi Sanjiang Chengyang Eight Villages 2-Day 1-Night Travel Guide (Budget: About 1000 yuan) 1. Attraction Introduction Chengyang Eight Villages, located in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Guangxi, is a charming village composed of eight adjacent ancient villages. It is famous for its well-preserved Dong ethnic ancient architecture, distinctive stilted buildings, rich ethnic culture, and magnificent terraced fields. Here, you can enjoy strong ethnic customs and enchanting natural scenery, making it perfect for travelers who love a combination of culture and nature. 2. Transportation Arrangements Departure Location: Adjust according to your city Transportation Methods: Train/High-speed Rail: You can arrive at Liuzhou, Guilin, or Nanning, then transfer by bus or chartered car to Sanjiang (advance booking recommended) Bus/Chartered Car: From Liuzhou, Guilin, or Nanning to Sanjiang, about 2-4 hours by car, costing 50-150 yuan per person Suggestion: Arrange transportation in advance to avoid high prices from last-minute ticket purchases. 3. Accommodation Recommendations Characteristic Homestays or Farmhouses: 150-250 yuan/night Budget Inns: 100-150 yuan/night Suggestion: Choose homestays or farmhouses near the Eight Villages to experience Dong ethnic life; prices are affordable and transportation is convenient. 4. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival and Exploration Morning: · Arrive in Sanjiang and head to Chengyang Eight Villages (about 1 hour by car) · Check in and drop off luggage (about 150 yuan) Noon: · Taste local specialty lunch: Dong rice noodles, cured meat, bamboo tube rice (about 50 yuan) Afternoon: · Tour the Eight Villages: admire ancient Dong stilted buildings, wind and rain bridges, drum towers · Experience traditional Dong handicrafts such as silver jewelry and embroidery · Visit the Ethnic Museum to learn about Dong culture (ticket about 20 yuan) Evening: · Watch Dong grand song performances (some free or low-cost tickets) · Night tour of the village to enjoy the splendid night lights · Stay at farmhouse or homestay (about 200 yuan) Day 2: Nature and Cultural Experience Morning: · Watch the sunrise and enjoy the tranquility of early morning · Taste Dong ethnic breakfast (about 30 yuan) Late Morning: · Explore terraced fields and natural scenery (choose to hike or take a sightseeing vehicle) · Visit ancient village buildings and ancestral halls to learn about Dong traditional customs Noon: · Enjoy a specialty lunch (about 50 yuan) Afternoon: · Pack up and prepare for departure · Book return tickets in advance according to transportation arrangements 5. Budget Summary (Approximate) Item Cost (yuan) Transportation (round trip) 300 Accommodation 200 Meals 150 Tickets and Performances 20 Others (souvenirs, etc.) 50 Total About 770 yuan Remaining budget can be used to purchase specialty handicrafts or additional experiences. 6. Notes · Book in advance: transportation and accommodation to ensure a smooth trip · Carry cash: some places may not support electronic payments · Respect ethnic culture: respect Dong customs and avoid casually photographing sacrificial sites · Weather preparation: bring rain gear and sun protection · Eco-friendly travel: keep the environment clean and be a civilized tourist Hope this guide helps you explore Guangxi Sanjiang Chengyang Eight Villages easily and happily, and feel the unique charm of the Dong ethnic group! If you need more detailed advice or assistance, feel free to let me know!

Who would have thought! Found a hidden gem Villa in Sanjiang that turns life into poetry✨ Nestled deep in the tea gardens of Buyang Xianren Mountain, 18 triangular wooden cabins are embedded in the pine forest, with a Nordic-style tranquility that’s simply perfect~ Opening the door instantly heals you! The mountain-view room I chose has an incredible view, overlooking the entire tea terraces from a high vantage point. In the early morning, opening the window reveals a rolling sea of clouds, with morning light piercing through the mist and shining on your face, every breath filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees🌄 The room is thoughtfully equipped, with a Dyson hairdryer and smart toilet as standard, walking barefoot is totally fine, and the hygiene details are impeccable~ My favorite is the valley-facing constant temperature SPA bathtub! Soaking in 40°C warm water, looking up at the starry sky, with only the mountain breeze and insect sounds around, all the city anxieties instantly vanish. In the evening, head to the café suspended in the sea of clouds, enjoy a hand-brewed coffee for just 28 yuan, watch the mist roll over your feet, the atmosphere is simply divine~ 🍲 The food is also a hit! The sour soup fish at the mountaintop restaurant is so fresh it makes you stomp your feet, the stir-fried cured meat with fresh bamboo shoots is so fragrant you’ll lick the plate clean, and for just over 80 yuan per person, you can enjoy authentic Dong ethnic flavors. At night, you can rent a barbecue grill, pair it with red wine, soak in the private hot spring while stargazing, pure romance to the core~ 🚗 Super convenient transportation! Free shuttle from Sanjiang South High-Speed Rail Station (only 12 minutes away), or drive directly to the parking lot with navigation. Within a 10-minute walk, you can dive into the Buyang tea garden to pick tea, and a 12-minute drive takes you to Yueye Dong Village to see the lit drum tower and enjoy sour fish with glutinous rice~ Pet-friendly families are welcome too! Just book in advance and bring the vaccination record, a 50 yuan cleaning fee lets your furry friend enjoy the mountain view with you~ Staying two nights might even get you Dong Village tickets, and avoiding weekends offers better value~ Here, no need to rush your itinerary, just let the sunshine soak you, be wrapped in the tea fragrance, and give your time to the mountains and stars🌌 📍Liuzhou Sanjiang Tea Viewing · Mountain Realm Resort Villa Want me to help you organize a "3 Days 2 Nights Sanjiang Itinerary," including time planning for tea picking and Dong Village tours around the homestay, plus a food list?

Starting from Guilin, this route takes you to Zhangjiajie using only high-speed trains and public buses. (Verified in October 2025) This journey explores UNESCO World Heritage sites and the villages and ancient towns of ethnic minorities scattered across Guangxi, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces. Day 1: Guilin, Yangshuo 23-33°C Sunny ☀️ Humidity 80% Day 2: Sanjiang 21-31°C Sunny 🌤️ Humidity 85% Day 3: Guiyang 16-27°C Sunny 🌤️ Humidity 91% Day 4: Xijiang 12-19°C Light Rain 🌂 Day 5: Zhenyuan 10-15°C Light Rain 🌂 Day 6: Fenghuang 7-13°C Cloudy Humidity 80% Day 7: Furong Town 9-16°C Cloudy Humidity 75% Days 8-9: Zhangjiajie 8-18°C Cloudy, 11-17°C Sunny ☀️ Humidity 60% For detailed information on access and tourist spots, please check other sources 🙏 Choose the places you want to visit and create a memorable trip of your own 😊

Liuzhou 3-Day, 4-Night In-depth Travel Guide (Budget: approx. 4000 RMB, for two people) Trip Highlights Chengyang Eight Villages: Miao ethnic customs, ancient village scenery Shuanglonggou: Canyon scenery, rafting experience Zuomei Live Performance: Liuzhou's unique ethnic cultural show Liujiang River Night Cruise: Liujiang River scenery at night Liuzhou Cloud Top Sightseeing: Panoramic view of Liuzhou from above Itinerary [Love]Day 1: Arrive in Liuzhou, experience the city's nightlife and culture Transportation: High-speed train/bullet train to Liuzhou (approx. 150 RMB/person) Accommodation: Economy hotel or guesthouse in Liuzhou city center (200-300 RMB/night, shared by two people) Afternoon: Check in upon arrival, drop off luggage Stroll through Liuzhou People's Park, enjoy the city's greenery Evening: Experience a Liujiang River Night Cruise, enjoy the night view by boat (approx. 80 RMB/person) Taste Liuzhou's specialty Luosifen (river snail noodles) and night market snacks (approx. 30 RMB/person) Budget: Transportation 300 + Accommodation 250 + Dining approx. 80 + Night Cruise 160 = approx. 790 RMB [Cute]Day 2: Chengyang Eight Villages + Liuzhou Cloud Top Sightseeing Breakfast: Liuzhou local breakfast (approx. 15 RMB/person) Morning departure: Charter a car or carpool to Chengyang Eight Villages (car fare approx. 400 RMB, approx. 200 RMB/person after splitting) Visit the ancient Miao villages, experience ethnic customs, admire stilt houses and traditional handicrafts Noon: Enjoy a Miao specialty meal within the Eight Villages (approx. 30 RMB/person) Afternoon: Return to Liuzhou city center Take the Liuzhou Cloud Top Sightseeing (ticket + cable car approx. 150 RMB/person), overlook the panoramic view of Liuzhou Evening: Free time to explore Liuzhou night market or rest Budget: Transportation 400 + Dining approx. 60 + Tickets 300 = approx. 760 RMB [Cute]Day 3: Shuanglonggou Rafting + Zuomei Live Performance Breakfast: Hotel or local breakfast (approx. 15 RMB/person) Morning: Depart early for Shuanglonggou (charter a car or carpool, approx. 300 RMB, 150 RMB/person after splitting) Experience rafting (ticket + rafting approx. 150 RMB/person) Admire canyon waterfalls, unique rock formations, and forest scenery Noon: Dine at the scenic area (approx. 30 RMB/person) Afternoon: Return to the city for a rest Evening: Watch the Zuomei Live Performance (ticket approx. 150 RMB/person), experience Liuzhou's folk culture Budget: Transportation 300 + Rafting 150 + Tickets 300 + Dining 60 = approx. 860 RMB [Cute]Day 4: Free activities or additional sightseeing You can choose to shop in Liuzhou, taste local specialties, or visit nearby attractions Arrange your return trip according to your departure time Return transportation: High-speed train/bullet train approx. 150 RMB/person Budget Summary Project Costs (total for two people) Transportation (high-speed train + city transport + chartered car) approx. 1500 RMB Accommodation approx. 800 RMB (4 nights) Dining approx. 300 RMB Attraction tickets and experience fees approx. 1000 RMB Other (shopping, miscellaneous expenses) approx. 200 RMB Total approx. 3800 RMB Tips Book high-speed train tickets and accommodation in advance to get discounts Choose local specialty restaurants to taste Miao and Dong cuisine Carpooling or chartering a car is more convenient and economical Pay attention to attraction opening hours and plan your time wisely Remember to bring your camera to capture beautiful moments Wish you a pleasant trip in Liuzhou and unforgettable memories!

1️⃣ Yangzhou (Jiangsu) · 👍Recommended reasons: Model of slow life, gardens and morning tea culture. · 🚇 High-speed rail: Transfer at Nanjing/Zhenjiang high-speed rail (30 minutes), or direct to Yangzhou East Station. · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: Slender West Lake + Daming Temple + Dongguan Street (night tour of ancient alleys). · Day 2: Ge Garden/He Garden + Pishi Street art shops + scrubbing bath experience (intangible cultural heritage "Shuibaopi"). · Day 3: Gaoyou Yucheng Post Station (1-hour drive, lesser-known ancient town) or Shaobo Ancient Town. · 🏨 Accommodation: Guesthouses near Dongguan Street or hotels by Slender West Lake. · ✨ Tips*: Best in March-April (cherry blossoms, Qiong flowers in full bloom), must try crab roe soup dumplings for morning tea. 2️⃣ Shaoxing (Zhejiang) · 👍Recommended reasons: Hometown of Lu Xun, water town charm, rich cultural atmosphere. · 🚇 High-speed rail: Transfer at Hangzhou East Station (20 minutes direct to Shaoxing North). · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: Lu Xun's Hometown + Shen Garden (listen to Yue opera at night) + Cangqiao Straight Street. · Day 2: Keyan Scenic Area (Luzhen Shexi) + Anchang Ancient Town (sauced and cured meats). · Day 3: Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy (Wang Xizhi's former residence) + Yellow Wine Museum (taste yellow wine milk tea). · 🏨 Accommodation: Near Lu Xun Middle Road or high-end hotels in Jinghu New District. · ✨ Tips: Must ride the black-awning boat, don't miss drunken crab and fennel beans. 3️⃣ Jingdezhen (Jiangxi) · 👍Recommended reasons: Artistic ceramics capital, lesser-known but highly experiential. · 🚇 High-speed rail: Direct from Nanchang/Hefei (2-3 hours). · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: China Ceramics Museum + Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Street (Friday night market). · Day 2: Sculpture Porcelain Factory (Letian Market) + Sanbao Village (art galleries, studios). · Day 3: Yaoli Ancient Town (transfer at Fuliang Station by high-speed rail, 1 hour away). · 🏨 Accommodation: Design hotels around Taoxichuan or guesthouses in Sanbao Village. · ✨ Tips: Hands-on pottery experience, stunning photos at Bingding wood-fired kiln. 4️⃣ Zhangzhou (Fujian) · 👍Recommended reasons: Southern Fujian style + seafood delicacies, avoid the crowds of Xiamen. · 🚇 High-speed rail: Transfer at Xiamen North Station (18 minutes to Zhangzhou). · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: Zhangzhou Ancient City (Confucian Temple, oyster omelet) + Nanshan Temple. · Day 2: Volcano Island (Rainbow Mountain, Monument Valley) + Zhenhaijiao (Little Kenting). · Day 3: Yunshuiyao Ancient Town (Tulou clusters, filming location of "Big Fish & Begonia"). · 🏨 Accommodation: Near the ancient city or guesthouses on Volcano Island. · ✨ Tips: Must eat four-fruit soup and fried rice cake, remember sun protection in summer. 5️⃣ Dujiangyan (Sichuan) · 👍Recommended reasons: Chengdu's backyard garden, combination of mountains, water, and pandas. · High-speed rail: Direct to Chengdu Xipu Station (30 minutes, ticket price 10 yuan). · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: Dujiangyan Scenic Area (water conservancy project) + Nanqiao night view. · Day 2: Qingcheng Front Mountain (Taoist culture) / Back Mountain (hiking). · Day 3: Panda Valley (fewer people, more interaction) + Guanxian Ancient City. · 🏨 Accommodation: Guesthouses in Guanxian Ancient City or hot spring hotels in Qingcheng Mountain. · ✨ Tips: Summer resort, must try cured pork rib hotpot. 6️⃣ Liuzhou (Guangxi) · 👍Recommended reasons: Paradise of Luosifen (snail rice noodles), karst landscape. · High-speed rail: Direct from Guilin/Nanning in 1.5 hours. · Suggested itinerary: · Day 1: Longtan Park + Ma'anshan night view + Wuxing Street Luosifen. · Day 2: Luzhai Xiangqiao Karst Geological Park (lesser-known secret spot). · Day 3: Sanjiang Chengyang Eight Villages (Dong ethnic style, high-speed rail to Sanjiang South Station). · 🏨 Accommodation: Scenic hotels by the Liu River or guesthouses in the city center. · ✨ Tips: Best in autumn, recommended night market is North Station Night Market. These cities have frequent high-speed rail services, flexible itineraries, and 3 days are enough for an in-depth experience without feeling rushed. It is recommended to check local festivals before departure (such as Jingdezhen market, Shaoxing yellow wine festival) for a more unique experience!

Guilin · Guangxi, with Guilin Yangshuo as its core (classic and conveniently located), takes into account both landscapes and folk customs, with an average per capita budget of RMB 500-800. · -- Day 1: Classic check-in in Guilin city transportation · High-speed rail/train arrives at Guilin Station (Guilin Station is preferred as it is close to the city) · Urban transportation: shared electric vehicles/buses/walking 🌱Attractions 1. Elephant Trunk Hill (Free Tips) · Check in to "Jingxiang Hotel" or "Yi Cafe View Restaurant" to overlook the Elephant Trunk Hill and save on scenic spot tickets. · If you want to get closer, you can buy a ticket (about 55 yuan, half price for students). 2. Qixing Park (Ticket price: 55 yuan, half price for students) - The largest comprehensive park in Guilin, where you can see Camel Mountain and Seven-Star Cave. 3. East-West Lane + Xiaoyao Tower (free) - A pedestrian street in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties, climb up to Xiaoyao Tower and overlook the night view of Li River. 4. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Tour (Budget Version) · Instead of taking a cruise (200+ RMB), walk along Rong Lake and Shan Lake to see the night view of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas. 🏠Accommodation · Hostel/economy hotel: near Guilin Railway Station or Central Square Business District, about 50-80 yuan per bed. 🍧 Food · Lao Dongjiang Rice Noodles (Headquarters): 2 taels of braised meat noodles for 5 yuan, add sour bamboo shoots and chili peppers yourself. · Nuoxiang Station: 4 yuan glutinous rice balls, the first choice for locals for breakfast. · -- Day 2: Yangshuo Landscape Tour transportation · Guilin → Yangshuo: 30 minutes by high-speed rail (23 yuan) or 1.5 hours by bus (35 yuan), with the morning bus departing. Morning: Cycling along the Ten-mile Gallery · Electric car rental: around Yangshuo West Street, about 30-50 yuan/day. · Route: Gongnong Bridge → Moon Hill → Big Banyan Tree (free photography outside) → Yulong River Trail (free rural scenery). Afternoon: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting (Value for Money) · Choose the "Shui'edi→Wanjing" section (NT$160/raft/2 persons), a 40-minute immersive landscape tour, and raft assembly on site. Evening: Yangshuo West Street (free) · Visit the night market, listen to bar folk songs, recommend cheap drinks at Ming Garden Coffee + write travel postcards. Accommodation · Yangshuo Youth Hostel/B&B: Outside West Street or near Yulong River, 60-100 yuan/bed. gourmet food · Sunfire Rice Noodles: popular with locals, 6 yuan per bowl. · Guihua Road Night Market: Mugwort cake 3 yuan/piece, Qingbuliang 8 yuan/bowl. Day 3: Xingping Ancient Town + Li River Hiking transportation · Yangshuo→Xingping: 40 minutes by bus (10 yuan), luggage storage 5 yuan/piece. Morning: Li River Hiking (free) · Xingping Wharf → RMB 20 background viewing platform → Nine Horses Painting Mountain, walk along the river trail for about 2 hours. · Taking photos with the fisherman: 5-10 yuan/time (negotiable). Afternoon: Laozhaishan (free) · Climb to the top for 1 hour and overlook the big bend of the Li River. Please note that the mountain road is steep and you need to wear non-slip shoes. Return · Xingping → Yangshuo High-speed Railway Station (bus 5 yuan/10 minutes), return by high-speed rail. · -- Money saving tips 1. Tickets: Half price with student ID, please purchase with caution with Guilin/Yangshuo Scenic Spot Card (select as needed). 2. Transportation: Use high-speed rail/bus to travel across cities, and shared electric cars within the city > taxis. 3. Dining: Avoid formal meals in scenic areas. Snacks such as rice noodles, oil tea, and baba are filling and authentic. 4. Souvenirs: Be careful when shopping in West Street. You can buy sweet-scented osmanthus cake (10 yuan/box) or refrigerator magnets (5 yuan). Equipment Recommendations - Light backpack, sunscreen, sun hat, sports shoes Mobile phone waterproof bag (for bamboo rafting) A small amount of cash (the signal is unstable in mountainous areas) This guide covers the essence of Guangxi's karst landscape in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, and is suitable for students or time-pressed travelers. If you have enough time, you can add Longji Terraces (1 day)

High-speed rail direct access|The millennium Dong village is a paradise, preserving the original ecology of the village. I still like it here when I brush Chengyang Bazhai for the second time It really looks like an ancient village in a secret realm, escaping from the hustle and bustle Rich and colorful Dong culture, although it is a scenic spot, it still retains the simple and pure Dong folk customs, the original ecological natural ancient village, terraces, wind and rain bridges, and Dong drum towers Eight villages are connected together, and it really takes two days to finish the eight villages · Walking in the village, Dong houses are mainly wooden structures, with unique architectural styles, more like a piece of art You can choose to live in the village, stay in a Dong house for one night, and the sound of climbing up the wooden stairs will definitely make you unforgettable · The Dong drum tower is also a symbol of the eight villages. Each village has a drum tower, and there is a square in front of it. Every time a festival comes, villagers will gather here to sing and dance, and gather together · You must experience the fire pond feast, a group of people sitting around a long table, with two stoves in the middle, eating and feeling the Dong culture · 🚄Traffic strategy: 🟠High-speed rail direct to Sanjiang South Station 🟠Sanjiang South Station Tourist Distribution Center——Chengyang Bazhai Tourist Special Line Bus Departure time: 10:00, 12:10, 14:50, 17:40 · ✔️Shooting and check-in position: 1⃣️Yongji Bridge (the most famous wind and rain bridge in the scenic area, Dong sister welcomes guests) 2⃣️ Sanjiang Drum Tower (small people and big scenery composition, highlighting the drum tower feature) 3⃣️Terraces (walking around the river, you can take pictures of terraces and houses, comfortable) · 👗Clothing recommendation You can experience wearing ethnic costumes for shooting, feeling the Dong style There is a place to rent clothes 200 meters outside the wind and rain bridge, and there are many choices of costumes

Beautiful ethnic minority county, Sanjiang County, Guangxi And very comfortable resort hotel The most beautiful Courtyard Suitable for a single trip of 2-4 days Hotel dinner is great, like beef rice

Sanjiang Chengyang Dong Village is located in Linxi Town, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Province. It still preserves the ancient traditions of the Dong ethnic group, such as the three treasures of the Dong ethnic group: drum tower, big song, and wind and rain bridge. It is the best place to appreciate the Dong ethnic customs and natural scenery. According to statistics, there are currently about 3.5 million Dong people in the country.

In Sanjiang County, which borders Hunan and Guizhou in Guangxi, there are eight Yi villages. The main development villages are: Ma Anzhai, Pingzhai, Yanzhai. I have always been fascinated by the original ethnic customs in the Chengyang Bazhai. Because of the rain, the long table banquet was held in the Drum Tower. The unknown people sitting on a table were friends. The long table banquet not only can eat the food on their table, but also can be smashed into other tables. A special experience. When I was half-eaten, the host played a mountain stream and sang a toasting song while asking the guests to drink, so it was well-deserved.

Avoid popular crowds, slowly explore and eat, relax and don't rush 👇 🛶 Shaoxing | Poetic old town in Jiangnan 🚄 Transportation guide High-speed rail from Shanghai/Hangzhou directly to Shaoxing North Station in 0.5–1 hour. Metro + shared bikes are super convenient within the city. 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1: Lu Xun's Former Residence > Shen Garden > Cangqiao Old Street night tour Day 2: Anchang Ancient Town (half day) > Keyan Scenic Area > Guazhu Lake walk Day 3: Calligraphy Sage's Former Residence > Bazijiao Bridge > Xixiaolu Old Street niche stroll 🍜 Food guide Yellow wine popsicle, preserved vegetable and pork belly, fennel beans, stinky tofu, Shaoxing three delicacies, yellow wine milk tea 🏨 Accommodation suggestions Stay near Lu Xun's Former Residence/Cangqiao Old Street; you can walk to explore the old streets. 💡 Practical tips Explore the old streets in the early morning when there are almost no tourists, avoid the high midday temperatures; don't buy specialties at scenic spot entrances, small shops in the old streets are more cost-effective. 🪨 Quanzhou | Half city fireworks, half ancient, Fujian's first ancient city 🚄 Transportation guide High-speed rail from Fuzhou/Xiamen reaches Quanzhou Station in 0.5 hour. City buses cover all attractions. 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1: West Street > Kaiyuan Temple > East and West Pagodas > Chengtian Temple > Suqing Gate night tour Day 2: Luoyang Bridge > Wulin Traditional Village > Xunpu Village flower hairpin experience Day 3: Chongwu Ancient City seaside > Shishi Yongning Ancient Guard City 🍜 Food guide Ginger duck, sea worm jelly, vermicelli paste, spring rolls, vinegar pork, four fruit soup, shihua paste 🏨 Accommodation suggestions Stay near West Street, in the center of the old city, super convenient for late-night snacks. 💡 Practical tips You can bargain for flower hairpins in Xunpu Village; the light is best at Luoyang Bridge in the morning, with fewer people for photos. 🏺 Jingdezhen | Artistic ceramic healing small city 🚄 Transportation guide High-speed rail from Nanchang/Shangrao reaches Jingdezhen North Station in 1 hour. Taxis within the city are not expensive. 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1: Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Block > Sculpture Porcelain Factory Le Tian Market Day 2: Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exhibition Area > Imperial Kiln Site National Archaeological Park > Old City Old Street Day 3: Sanbao Village wild stroll > Bingding Wood-fired Kiln > Yaoli Ancient Town short round trip 🍜 Food guide Cold noodles, jiaozi ba (dumpling cake), beef bone noodles, fried dough stick with glutinous rice cake, ceramic pot chicken 🏨 Accommodation suggestions For first-time visitors, stay in Taoxichuan/Old City; if you prefer quiet, stay in a Sanbao Village B&B. 💡 Practical tips The weekend market is crowded, the weekday market experience is better; don't rush to buy ceramics, compare prices at three stores. 🦞 Liuzhou | Mountain and river industrial city made popular by luosifen 🚄 Transportation guide High-speed rail from Nanning directly to Liuzhou Station in 1 hour. There are many riverside walkways in the city. 📅 3-day itinerary Day 1: Ma'anshan for panoramic night views > Wuxing Pedestrian Street > Liujiang River cruise Day 2: Longtan Park > Yaobu Ancient Town night tour > Industrial Museum Day 3: Luoman Town for water activities/Chengyang Eight Villages short day trip, or Panlongshan Park walk 🍜 Food guide Various flavors of luosifen, duck feet hotpot, rolled noodles, dewdrop tangyuan, suanye, grilled fish 🏨 Accommodation suggestions Stay along the Liujiang River (Wuxing business district), convenient for river views and late-night snacks. 💡 Practical tips Don't just eat at popular luosifen shops, old shops in the alleys have more authentic flavors; walking along the Liujiang River is very comfortable.

Spend 3 days, and these 8️⃣ cities will make you fall in love with travel again NO.1 Beijing Forget the idea of rushing through 5 attractions in one day. Three days are just enough to leisurely explore the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park. ⏰ Enter the Forbidden City at 8 AM with the first group to avoid tour crowds. It takes about 2 hours to walk from Meridian Gate to Gate of Divine Might, and the Treasure Gallery is worth an extra 30 minutes. Don't rush to take a taxi after exiting the Gate of Divine Might; climb Jingshan Park opposite for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. The light is softest before sunset. Dedicate the second day to the Summer Palace. Enter through East Palace Gate and exit through North Palace Gate to avoid backtracking. Sitting by Kunming Lake for a while is more relaxing than rushing through. Visit the Temple of Heaven on the morning of the third day; the Echo Wall is only fun when there are fewer people. ⚠️ The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. Enter Beihai Park after 5:30 PM; there are fewer people when the White Pagoda is lit up, and a walk around the lake is most stress-relieving. NO.2 Zunyi, Guizhou Chishui Danxia Tourist Area is suitable for self-driving, with one day for the main scenic area and two days for in-depth exploration. 🚄 It's about a 2-hour drive from Zunyi city. The road conditions are good but there are many curves, so new drivers should drive slowly. The main attractions are Foguangyan and Shizhangdong Waterfall. ⏰ Go to Foguangyan in the morning; the light hitting the red rock face is most beautiful before the sun shines directly on it. Shizhangdong Waterfall has a lot of mist in the afternoon, so bring a thin waterproof jacket and remember to put plastic bags over your camera lenses. For those with average stamina, choose a combination of sightseeing bus + walking. You can skip the 3-kilometer one-way hike as the scenery is repetitive. The bamboo rice at the snack stalls at the park entrance is not recommended; it's expensive and bland. Eating sour fish soup back in the city is a better option. It can be visited year-round, but there's a lot of rain in summer, and some boardwalks may be temporarily closed, so check the park's announcements before you go. NO.3 Ganzhou, Jiangxi Shicheng and Sanbaishan are in two different directions, so don't plan them for the same day. Shicheng is better for photography; at 6 AM, the lotus pond is foggy, and the white walls and black tiles against the distant mountains make for great photos even with a phone. ⏰ After 4:30 PM, the light becomes warmer, and the alleys of the ancient town offer the richest layers of light and shadow. Sanbaishan focuses on hiking and forest bathing. The entire boardwalk is about 4 kilometers, with many gentle sections, so seniors and children can complete it. 📍 The Dongjiangyuan Waterfall at the summit is the visual highlight, so don't exhaust too much energy halfway. ⚠️ Parking at Sanbaishan is tight on weekends; arriving before 9 AM is safer. For accommodation, choose Shicheng County; clean guesthouses cost just over 100 yuan, and there are Hakka Lei Cha stalls in the evening, which are half the price of those in the scenic area. Both places are suitable for spring and autumn; summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and damp. NO.4 Anshan, Liaoning Qianshan is not a single mountain but a mountain range; don't be too ambitious on your first visit. The main scenic area has three routes: Wuliangguan on the central route, Wufoding on the western route, and Longquan Temple on the eastern route. ⏰ Enter through the main gate at 8 AM and first take the central route to see ancient temples and cliff carvings. You can reach Jiabianshi in two hours, and this section is the easiest. If you have good stamina, challenge Wufoding, which takes an extra 3 hours round trip. The summit offers expansive views, but the stairs are steep, so those with knee problems should be cautious. ⚠️ Don't believe anyone at the foot of the mountain trying to get you to take an illegal taxi to a "free back entrance"; it's a detour and you won't see the main attractions. 🍜 The Nanguo pear cakes outside the mountain gate are worth buying; they cost 5 yuan each, and the warm ones are better than the vacuum-packed ones. The entire trip takes most of the day, so it's recommended to stay in the city. A taxi from Anshan Station to the scenic area costs about 30 yuan. NO.5 Shangqiu, Henan Mount Mangdang's most underrated quality is its tranquility. Compared to other popular mountains, the tourist density here is low, allowing for a leisurely visit. The core attractions are underground: the Western Han Liang King Tombs. The entrance to the Han tombs is hidden within the mountain, and the temperature drops significantly inside, so bring a light jacket in summer. ⏰ After 2 PM, tour groups leave, and the underground palace and stele forest are almost empty, doubling the experience. 📍 The small square at Liu Bang's Snake-Slaying Site has a free light show at night, but the effect is mediocre; just glance at it if you pass by, it's not worth waiting for. There's an electric shuttle up the mountain, 10 yuan one way. Agile people can walk up in about 20 minutes. ⚠️ The "specialty shops" at the scenic area exit have inflated prices; the same Mangdangshan dried apricots are half price in the town outside. It's suitable for a short weekend trip; one day is enough, no overnight stay needed. NO.6 Haidong, Qinghai Huzhu Tu Nationality Homeland Park and Youning Temple, one for culture and one for architecture, it's recommended to allocate half a day to each. The Homeland Park is a living village where Tu ethnic "aguni" (aunties) will invite you to learn pan embroidery; don't be shy, sit down and try, they are more enthusiastic than you might expect. ⏰ There's a "wheel swing" performance at 10:30 AM; if you miss it, wait for the 3 PM show. Youning Temple is on the mountain, about a 20-minute drive from the Homeland Park. The temple is quiet, and prayer flags flutter in the wind, perfect for clearing your mind. ⚠️ Photography is prohibited inside the halls, please respect the rules. The altitude is 2,800 meters; newcomers may feel breathless climbing stairs, just take it slow. 🍜 The small shop at the village entrance has freshly brewed butter tea, 5 yuan a bowl, richer than in restaurants. For accommodation, it's recommended to return to Haidong city, where conditions are better, and it's a 30-minute drive. NO.7 Zhongwei, Ningxia Gaomiao Baoan Temple and Shapotou have completely different vibes; switching between them in one day might feel a bit disjointed, but it's worth it. Gaomiao is in the city, within walking distance. The architecture is compact, with pavilions stacked upon pavilions, and carved beams and painted rafters make for great photos. ⏰ Go in the morning when there are fewer people, and the sunlight slanting on the colorful paintings makes the colors most vibrant. ⚠️ The underground palace was built later; it's dark and cramped, so timid people should skip it. Dedicate the afternoon to Shapotou, with the Yellow River area and desert area each taking up half. 🚄 A taxi from Zhongwei Station takes about 40 minutes; carpooling costs 20 yuan per person. Riding a camel in the desert area costs 100 yuan for one trip; it's good for photos but bumpy, so seniors and children should choose carefully. Sand sliding is the most fun; the slope looks scary, but the speed is controllable, so don't be afraid. Climb to the top of the sand dune at sunset, and the bend of the Yellow River comes into full view; this view is worth the price. The desert area is windy and sandy, so put dust covers on your cameras and phones. NO.8 Liuzhou, Guangxi Liujiang River and Chengyang Eight Villages, one in the city and one in a Dong village, can be split over three days. The way to experience Liujiang is by taking the water bus, 3 yuan per trip, from Dongti Wharf to Yaobu Ancient Town, a 30-minute journey. The river breeze is cool, much more cost-effective than a cruise. ⏰ The 5:30 PM trip has the best light; the sunset dyes the river golden, and you can explore the night market after disembarking at Yaobu Ancient Town. 🍜 You don't need to go to a trendy internet-famous shop for luosifen; any roadside stall with locals queuing is fine. Adding duck feet and fried eggs is essential. Chengyang Eight Villages are a 2-hour drive from the city; staying overnight allows for a more relaxed visit. The Wind and Rain Bridges and Drum Towers in the villages are the essence of Dong architecture, looking most like ink wash paintings when the morning mist hasn't cleared. ⚠️ There's no need to buy a full ticket for the scenic area's shuttle bus; it's only a 20-minute walk in, and the rice paddies along the way are the highlight.

1. Hechi · A longevity secret deep in the karst landscape Hechi hides wilder scenery than Guilin, with few tourists. It’s known as the “world’s longevity hometown.” · Transportation: High-speed rail direct to Hechi station. · Must-do: Bamboo raft down the Red Water River, surrounded by picturesque peak forests; explore Bama longevity village and experience the slow life; visit Baimo Cave to discover the magic of “magnetic therapy”; Sanmen Sea is the world’s only water-filled sinkhole cluster. · Itinerary: Day 1 arrive and check in, stroll through the longevity village; Day 2 bamboo rafting on the Red Water River + Baimo Cave; Day 3 visit Liu Sanjie’s hometown to listen to mountain songs, then return. · Food: Hemp health soup, pan-fried Bama oil fish, five-color sticky rice. · Budget: About 600 CNY per person for 3 days and 2 nights (including round-trip high-speed rail). Guesthouses 150–300 CNY per night. 2. Jingxi · “Little Guilin” on the China-Vietnam border Average summer temperature is 25°C. Known as “climate like Kunming, scenery like Guilin,” with very little commercialization. · Transportation: High-speed rail to Baise station, then transfer by bus or private car to Jingxi (about 2 hours). Private car about 300 CNY per day. · Must-do: Clear water at Goose Spring, check in at the 15-arch Qing dynasty bridge; Tongling Grand Canyon with a 188-meter waterfall; Old Town experience making embroidered balls. · Itinerary: Day 1 enjoy sunset at Goose Spring; Day 2 hike Tongling Grand Canyon; Day 3 make embroidered balls in Old Town, then return. · Food: Vietnamese-style dishes fused with Guangxi flavors, about 50 CNY per person for a good meal. · Budget: Guesthouses 150–400 CNY per night. Attraction tickets range from 30 to 99 CNY. 3. Longzhou · A century-old border town 1.5 hours by high-speed rail By the end of 2025, the Nanning–Pingxiang high-speed rail will connect here, making it possible to reach this French-Vietnamese border town in as fast as 1 hour 20 minutes from Nanning. · Transportation: High-speed rail direct to Longzhou station. Local buses cover the county; taxi about 20–30 CNY. · Must-do: Take photos at the former French consulate in Longzhou; experience intangible cultural heritage Tianqin art at Tianqin Zhuang village; boat ride on the Zuo River to enjoy karst scenery. · Itinerary: Day 1 visit the French consulate, then head to Tianqin Zhuang village for sunset; Day 2 visit Longzhou uprising memorial hall, then boat on the Zuo River. · Food: Must-try Longzhou chicken rice noodles (15–20 CNY) and Vietnamese-style grilled buns (8–12 CNY). · Budget: About 500–800 CNY per person for 2 days and 1 night. 4. Sanjiang · A cool secret in northern Guangxi’s Dong ethnic area Average temperature in August is only 21–24°C, with almost no commercialization, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat. · Transportation: High-speed rail direct to Sanjiang South station (1.5–2 hours from Guangzhou/Guiyang). · Must-do: See the drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges at Chengyang Eight Villages (free outside area); stroll along the Xun River trail to cool off; visit the local market to experience everyday life. · Itinerary: Day 1 arrive and walk by the river, then explore the old street and try snacks at night; Day 2 leisurely visit Chengyang Eight Villages, relax on the shallow riverbank in the afternoon; Day 3 drink oil tea at the market, then return in the afternoon. · Food: Oil tea 6 CNY, rice noodles 7 CNY, local dishes 25–30 CNY per person. · Budget: About 430 CNY for 3 days and 2 nights on local expenses (excluding major transportation). Hostel beds 35–45 CNY, guesthouses 80–100 CNY. · -- 💡 Tips: Bring mosquito repellent and non-slip shoes for summer travel; Longzhou and Jingxi are near the border, so remember to bring your ID.

🍃First stop: Zhangzhou, Fujian|A laid-back harbor preserving Minnan local life 🚄Transportation: Take a short train from Xiamen North Station to reach in 18 minutes. Tickets are inexpensive Why it’s ideal for a short, restful trip: Right next to the popular tourist city of Xiamen but away from the crowds and noise. The local folk culture is strong, with residents chatting and drinking tea by the street. The slow pace of life is perfect for a break from the fast daily rhythm. Three-day leisure itinerary: · Day 1: Stroll through the old town streets, visit the Confucius temple to feel the ancient charm, and try local snacks. Visit Nanshan Temple for peaceful views. In the evening, explore the local night market and enjoy affordable specialty late-night snacks · Day 2: Head to the coastal islands for sightseeing, check out the popular mountain viewpoints and unique maze garden, and wait for the sunset over the sea. It’s best to travel off-peak to avoid the midday heat. Students can enjoy ticket discounts · Day 3: Visit the seaside cape area with vast lawns, a coastal lighthouse, and clear blue sea. Bring a book and relax on the grass while the sea breeze eases your stress 💰Daily expenses: Keep daily spending between 110 and 160 yuan. Guesthouses around the old town offer great value 🍜Local specialties: Traditional sweet soups, fresh pan-fried seafood snacks, classic satay noodles, freshly squeezed herbal juices 🏯Second stop: Quzhou, Zhejiang|A treasure ancient town blending water town charm with authentic spicy flavors 🚄Transportation: 90 minutes by high-speed train from Hangzhou, about 2 hours from Shanghai Why it’s ideal for a short, restful trip: A small town in western Zhejiang often overlooked by tourists, with gentle Jiangnan water town scenery and bold local flavors. Visitor numbers are low on regular days, allowing a slow exploration of the old streets and an immersive local experience. Three-day leisure itinerary: · Day 1: Visit the riverside old street at dusk. When lanterns light up at night, the atmosphere is perfect for photos without any ticket fees. Then try the local signature spicy snacks for a unique taste experience · Day 2: Hike in the Danxia Mountain World Natural Heritage site, where visitors are few and the rock formations are spectacular. After descending, visit the ancient town where multiple ethnic cultures blend, enjoying the unique local dialects and culture · Day 3: Sleep in and start the day with an affordable street breakfast. Rest quietly at the Confucius temple. In the afternoon, find a local tea house to watch residents drink tea and chat, blending into the relaxed local life 💰Daily expenses: Spend 110 to 160 yuan daily. There are many accommodation options near the old street 🌶️Local specialties: Charcoal-baked flatbreads, pocket breakfasts, spicy marinated snacks, sweet handmade pastries 🍲Third stop: Liuzhou, Guangxi|A scenic city surrounded by mountains and water, known for its food and livability 🚄Transportation: 1.5 hours by train from Nanning or Guilin, 3.5 hours by high-speed train from Guangzhou Why it’s ideal for a short, restful trip: Most people know the local specialty noodles but few realize the beautiful karst landscape and ethnic minority villages here. The overall cost of living is affordable, making it great for budget-conscious short stays. Three-day leisure itinerary: · Day 1: Sleep until afternoon and then go out for food, visiting a long-established noodle shop downtown. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a free city park. In the evening, hike up a viewpoint hill to see the city’s sparkling nightscape. Walking up saves money · Day 2: Visit a lesser-known nearby geological park with natural caves and stone bridges. Few tourists visit. Return to the city in the evening to enjoy hot clay pot dishes with friends · Day 3: Take the train to an ethnic minority village to see traditional drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges, and listen to authentic folk songs. Stay in a local farmhouse guesthouse with a dinner package and wake up to birdsong in the forest 💰Daily expenses: Spend 85 to 130 yuan daily. Riverside hotels are affordably priced 🍜Local specialties: Classic rice noodle dishes, clay pot stews, breakfast soy milk with fried dough sticks, traditional pastries 🏺Fourth stop: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi|A healing art city famous for ceramics 🚄Transportation: 2–3 hours by high-speed train from Hefei or Nanchang, about 3 hours from Hangzhou Why it’s ideal for a short, restful trip: An artistic town where you can leave work stress behind. The city is rooted in ceramic culture, with handmade workshops everywhere. The slow pace of pottery making helps ease mental tension, and the whole city has a relaxed vibe. Three-day leisure itinerary: · Day 1: Spend the evening wandering the creative district. On weekend nights, a handmade market opens with many young vendors showing original ceramic pieces. Stay in a unique guesthouse nearby, converted from an old factory with an industrial style · Day 2: Visit the large ceramic market, open only on Saturday mornings. Try pottery wheel throwing yourself—don’t worry about the final product, just enjoy the process. Book a visit to the public ceramic museum to see popular Buddha statues · Day 3: Take a trip to a natural Huizhou-style ancient town. It’s less crowded than popular towns, with original bridges and old houses. Sit by the river and watch the clouds drift. The core old town area is free to explore 💰Daily expenses: Spend 130 to 190 yuan daily. Village guesthouses are quiet and comfortable 🍵Local specialties: Cold mixed noodles, rice-based snacks, local specialty rice cakes, flavored teas 🎒Practical tips for a relaxing trip Best times to visit and tips to avoid pitfalls Zhangzhou is best in spring and autumn. Buy seafood at local markets for much lower prices than tourist stalls. The seaside has strong UV rays, so bring sunscreen Quzhou has pleasant spring and autumn weather. Visit the ancient town before 8 AM for clean, empty streets. The local spicy food is strong, so sensitive stomachs should bring medicine Liuzhou’s autumn weather is comfortable. Renting shared electric bikes saves taxi costs. The strong-smelling noodles mean you should wear clothes that don’t easily absorb odors Jingdezhen is good year-round. Weekend night markets have many good finds. You can bargain a bit when buying handmade ceramics All four destinations are accessible by high-speed rail, have affordable costs, a slow pace of life, few tourists, and pristine scenery Plan a short trip when you have time, bring a book, find a slow-paced small town, and enjoy a leisurely, carefree time🍃💤

Driving from Guilin with my parents and family to Sanjiang, what was supposed to be a relaxing short getaway unexpectedly made me fall completely in love with this lesser-known Dong ethnic town. The deeper we explored, the more we realized that although Sanjiang is a small city, it is full of beautiful scenery, rich ethnic heritage, and warm, genuine hospitality. It’s the perfect hidden gem for a slow trip with elders and the whole family. On the third day of our trip, we stopped rushing and fully immersed ourselves in all the core scenic spots of Sanjiang county. The biggest surprise was that most of Sanjiang’s main attractions are free to enter. The Great Dong Village, Dong Tian Palace, Wind and Rain Bridge, Drum Tower, and Moon Street all offer an immersive experience of the thousand-year-old Dong culture without an admission fee. This is incredibly family-friendly and offers excellent value. During the day, we strolled through the Great Dong Village scenic area, where distinctive Dong stilt houses and long corridor pavilions are everywhere, surrounded by mountains and water, exuding an ancient charm. Entering the Dong Tian Palace cultural area, the towering drum tower stands majestically. Its layered architecture showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Dong people, and the strong ethnic atmosphere is palpable. Walking slowly along Yiyang Avenue, the grand Yiyang Wind and Rain Bridge spans the river. Built with mortise and tenon joints without a single nail, it remains sturdy and magnificent after years of weathering. The gentle breeze by the river and the wide, healing views made for a relaxing stroll with my parents, who enjoyed taking photos and sightseeing without any travel fatigue. After exploring the ancient architecture, we visited the softly lit Moon Street at dusk. The clean and elegant alleys, quiet and romantic night views, and gentle evening breeze create a poetic atmosphere unique to the Dong homeland. The highlight of the night was definitely the breathtaking live performance of “Zuo Mei.” Using the mountains and rivers as the stage and the starry sky as the backdrop, the show vividly recreates Dong folk customs, daily life, and romantic love stories. The melodious Dong songs, lively dances, and beautiful lighting create an immersive experience of the Dong culture’s warmth and depth. The stunning and heartfelt scenes left us deeply moved, making it the most unforgettable highlight of the Sanjiang trip. After a full day of fun, we stayed at the Sanjiang Moon Hotel. Though not a large or luxury hotel, it gave us a surprisingly warm and heartfelt experience. We unexpectedly stayed in a cozy and comfortable river view suite. The room was clean and tidy, with a warm and elegant layout. The floor-to-ceiling window faced the stunning Sanjiang river view, offering an excellent sight that instantly washed away our travel fatigue. The owner was sincere, warm, and attentive, providing thoughtful service and even gifting us two packs of authentic local Sanjiang black tea. This unexpected little surprise made the whole trip feel especially warm and healing. Truly grateful, Sanjiang is just a small county but offers many high-quality, free attractions with breathtaking scenery, simple and honest local customs, and well-developed facilities. There’s no overwhelming commercialization, only a peaceful, gentle, and healing slow lifestyle. When traveling with parents, the best scenery is never crowded, trendy spots but the relaxed, comfortable, and reassuring moments shared with family. This Sanjiang trip lived up to expectations with beautiful scenery and warm, healing hospitality. Every view, every encounter, and every feeling left a lasting impression. Small but stunning, gentle and worthwhile—this is a place you must bring your family to at least once in your life!

01 Liuzhou | Guangxi Screw powder is not available in Liuzhou, but screw powder must be the right way to open up the city. At nine o'clock in the morning, the old shop on Valley Port Street has already formed a short queue. A couple of noodles with duck feet and tofu puffs, and spicy oil yourself. After washing the powder, we walked along the Liujiang River. The river was wider than expected, and the water was clear. ⏰ Go to Panlongshan Park at 6pm to see the lights of the river bridge, the whole river seems to be plated with a layer of gold edge, locals walk by the river, no one holds a selfie stick. When I go back to Five Star Street at night, I won't be fooled if I choose one of the street fried ice and sour stalls. Accommodation Stay near Five Star Street, get food downstairs, ten minutes to the river. The next morning go to Chengyang Bazhai, about two hours drive from the city. ⚠️ The 100-family banquet in the village must be booked with the owner of the bed and breakfast in advance. There is often no space for temporary visits. The stream at the bottom of the bridge is cool in the wind and rain. It's much better to take off your shoes and step on the water and walk for a while before going up the bridge. In the afternoon, I returned to the city and went to the ancient town of Kiln Port, but to be honest, the night is more beautiful than the day, and it looks like it when the lights are on. 02 Changzhi | Shanxi This place in Changzhi is so low-key that locals don't know how to brag about it. But Baquan Gorge and Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon put together are the strongest combination of walking in one day. ⏰ Arrive at the entrance of Baquan Gorge Scenic Area before 8am and catch the first boat into the canyon. The boat ride is not long, but the hiking section is the highlight. The canyon is close to the cliff, and the deep turquoise pool is at the foot. ⚠️ Do not wear slippers, there is a section of stairs wet and slippery, non-slip shoes are essential. At noon, we ate at a farmhouse outside the Grand Canyon Scenic Area. For $40 per person, we could eat ground vegetable scrambled eggs and wild vegetable dumplings. The portion is plentiful. In the afternoon, change to the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon. You can choose between Qinglong Gorge and Red Bean Gorge. If time is tight, choose Red Bean Gorge. The second half is less crowded and the mountain breeze is particularly comfortable. 🚄 Take a taxi from Changzhi East Station to the scenic spot for about an hour and a half, it is recommended to charter a car, ask the master to wait on the return trip, not in the mountains is not easy to call a car. This line is suitable for people with good leg strength. It will be difficult to bring the elderly and children, but the scenery is definitely worth the price. 03 Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The Nujiang is not something that a "casual stroll" can handle. What separates C-Zhongluo and Antarctic Luo is not the distance, but the weather. ⏰ The morning mist of Bing Zhongluo is a limited edition. Before 10 o'clock, you can see the first bay of the Nu River at the observation deck. The mist sticks to the water, and the top of the mountain seems to be floating on the clouds. In the afternoon, go to the village of Yuli, walk along the ancient tea horse road for a section, with stone slabs underfoot and the Nu River next to it, the kind of quietness you can’t buy in the city. Antarctica is picky, hiking round trip for more than half a day, 4,000 above sea level, ⚠️ people with a history of altitude sickness do not force, prepare oxygen bottles and glucose in advance. 📍 From Bing Zhong Luo chartered car to the starting point of Antarctic Luo hiking, one way about two hours, the road conditions are average, the driver must be familiar with the road. This line is suitable for travelers who can walk, survive, and are not petty. The scenery is indeed worthy of the words "Secret Land of Western Yunnan". If it is your first time to go to the plateau, it is recommended to acclimatize to Bingzhongluo for one night before deciding whether to go to Antarctica the next day. 04 Chengde|Hebei Chengde Summer Resort and Jinshanling Great Wall, one is suitable for slow tour, the other is suitable for rampage, two days and one night is just right. The first day is left to the Summer Resort, ⏰ Enter the park at 8 am, enter from the main entrance of Li, first stroll the palace area then walk the lake area, and finally up the mountain. Don't take an electric car as soon as you enter the door, walk ahead to see the details of the Smoke and Rain Building and the Wenjin Pavilion. At noon, we had a bowl of noodles at Ruyi Chau in the park. The taste was average but the convenience was better. In the afternoon, we will go to the mountains. ⚠️ The electric vehicles in the mountainous areas finish work at 5:30. Calculate the time and don't rush the last train. At night, stay at a B&B near the mountain house, a ten-minute walk away. For dinner, go to Erxianju Night Market. Grilled lamb legs and soba dumplings are worth trying. The next morning we drove to the Great Wall of Jinshanling, about an hour and a half. This section of the Great Wall is much more wild than Badaling. The stairs vary in height, but the advantage is that there are fewer people and a wide view. ⏰ The light is best at 4pm, the brick walls are sunburned into a warm gold color, portraits will not be backlit. ⚠️ There are no supply points on the Great Wall, so buy water and dry food at the entrance of the scenic spot in advance. This line is suitable for people who like history and don't like crowds. Both are real and not perfunctory. 05 Leshan | Sichuan In Leshan, eating and seeing are two different things, but they can be satisfying. Let's talk about the Leshan Big Buddha first, ⏰ 7:30 in the morning to the entrance of the scenic spot, rush the first batch to enter, from the Jiuqu Canyon down, the stairs are narrow and sloping, but can see the whole Buddha up close. ⚠️ The canyon is a single lane, you have to walk to the end when you get down, don't wear high heels. After seeing the Buddha, don't leave in a hurry. Go to Sun Island across the river, spend five dollars to take a ferry, and see the Buddha across the river. That angle is more complete than taking pictures at your feet. Returning to the city at noon, 📍Chang Gongqiao Good Food Street randomly find a foot beef, the soup is clear and tender. In the afternoon to Emei Mountain, time is tight to only play half of the mountain, Baoguo Temple to Qingyin Pavilion section, two hours hike, there are monkeys on the road. ⚠️ Do not open the plastic bag in public, monkeys will grab it. If you want to see the sunrise at Golden Peak, you have to live on the mountain. 💰The bed room in Lei Dong Ping is about $300 during the peak season, so remember to book in advance. This line is suitable for two days and one night, the first day to eat in the city + Big Buddha, the second day in the middle of Mount Emei, the rhythm is just right, not too rushed. 06 Shanghai This place in Shanghai is found expensive by outsiders and crowded by locals, but there are still surprises for serious fun. The Expo Park is now well renovated, ⏰ Go in the afternoon, the Chinese Palace of Art is free, permanent exhibition to see the Qingming Riverside Picture dynamic version, worth spending half an hour. After watching out, walk along the riverside to the Mercedes-Benz Cultural Center to see the Huangpu River at sunset, less crowded and quiet, much more comfortable than the Outer Banks. Yuyuan Garden is suitable for strolling in the morning, ⚠️ There are few people before nine o'clock, the Jiuqu Bridge casually walk, after ten o'clock it is crowded. The garden is not big, but the details of the fake hill and the roundabout are worth a slow look, half an hour is enough. Guangfulin Cultural Site is in Songjiang, 📍 Metro Line 9 to Songjiang University Town, then 10 minutes by taxi. The roof of the water museum floats on the water, beautiful to take pictures, but ⚠️ closed on Monday, don't go there in vain. Disney alone for a day, 🚄 Metro Line 11 direct access, early enjoyment card can enter the park an hour early, first the Flying Over the Horizon played, later do not panic. Budget is tight and stay near the Xiuyan Road MTR station, 💰 hotel prices are only one-third of the surroundings of the park, take a taxi for fifteen minutes. This line is suitable for people who want to play comfortably and do not want to waste money. The city + Songjiang + Disney is divided into three days, no rush. 07 Jilin Jilin City is the home of Fog and Songhua Lake. Winter is the only time to see the real chapter. ⏰ The best viewing time on Foggy Island is from 6:30 to 8 am, when the sun is high and the fog falls. It's cold on the island, down jackets with warm packs are standard, hats, scarves and gloves are no less. Seeing fog depends on luck. It doesn't happen every day. Check the weather forecast before you go. Days with large temperature differences and high humidity have the highest chance. After watching the fog, we returned to the city and had a meal of Ula Manchu hot pot at noon. Pickled cabbage and white meat were put into the pot, which warmed the soles of our feet. In the afternoon, go to Songhua Lake, the lake is solid in winter, you can walk on the ice, ⚠️ do not go to the center of the lake, near the shore to play snow and ice slides. Summer is a different scene. Take a boat trip to the lake, with the green mountains on both sides reflected in the clear water. 🚄 Take a taxi from Jilin Station to Fog Island about forty minutes, 💰 round trip plus tickets about 150 dollars. This line is suitable for coming in winter to feel the cold and heat of the Northeast, cold in the wind outside and hot in the temperature of the house and inside the pot. 08 Jingmen | Hubei Jingmen is not a tourist city, but obviously the mausoleum is worth a special trip. 📍 Mingming Mausoleum is located in Zhongxiang City, about an hour's drive from Jingmen City, ⚠️ Closed on Monday, admission stops at 4:30 pm on other days. The most special thing about this mausoleum is its Double Treasure City, two square city Ming towers connected together, which is unique among the Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleums. ⏰ Go in after 3pm, the light slantly shoots over, red walls and gold tiles special film. The whole park is not big. It's enough to walk around for an hour and a half. After seeing the obvious mausoleum, go back to Jingmen city to eat Zhanghe fish, the fish is so tender that the chopsticks can't hold it, 💰50 dollars per person to eat enough. Living near Jingmen Wanda, eating is convenient, and transportation to Mingmingling is smooth. This line is suitable for those interested in history, half day watching mausoleums half day eating fish, relaxed rhythm. If you are short on time, just rush the obvious mausoleum, other attractions can be skipped. 01 Liuzhou | Guangxi Screw powder is not available in Liuzhou, but screw powder must be the right way to open up the city. At nine o'clock in the morning, the old shop on Valley Port Street has already formed a short queue. A couple of noodles with duck feet and tofu puffs, and spicy oil yourself. After washing the powder, we walked along the Liujiang River. The river was wider than expected, and the water was clear. ⏰ Go to Panlongshan Park at 6pm to see the lights of the river bridge, the whole river seems to be plated with a layer of gold edge, locals walk by the river, no one holds a selfie stick. When I go back to Five Star Street at night, I won't be fooled if I choose one of the street fried ice and sour stalls. Accommodation Stay near Five Star Street, get food downstairs, ten minutes to the river. The next morning go to Chengyang Bazhai, about two hours drive from the city. ⚠️ The 100-family banquet in the village must be booked with the owner of the bed and breakfast in advance. There is often no space for temporary visits. The stream at the bottom of the bridge is cool in the wind and rain. It's much better to take off your shoes and step on the water and walk for a while before going up the bridge. In the afternoon, I returned to the city and went to the ancient town of Kiln Port, but to be honest, the night is more beautiful than the day, and it looks like it when the lights are on. 02 Changzhi | Shanxi This place in Changzhi is so low-key that locals don't know how to brag about it. But Baquan Gorge and Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon put together are the strongest combination of walking in one day. ⏰ Arrive at the entrance of Baquan Gorge Scenic Area before 8am and catch the first boat into the canyon. The boat ride is not long, but the hiking section is the highlight. The canyon is close to the cliff, and the deep turquoise pool is at the foot. ⚠️ Do not wear slippers, there is a section of stairs wet and slippery, non-slip shoes are essential. At noon, we ate at a farmhouse outside the Grand Canyon Scenic Area. For $40 per person, we could eat ground vegetable scrambled eggs and wild vegetable dumplings. The portion is plentiful. In the afternoon, change to the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon. You can choose between Qinglong Gorge and Red Bean Gorge. If time is tight, choose Red Bean Gorge. The second half is less crowded and the mountain breeze is particularly comfortable. 🚄 Take a taxi from Changzhi East Station to the scenic spot for about an hour and a half, it is recommended to charter a car, ask the master to wait on the return trip, not in the mountains is not easy to call a car. This line is suitable for people with good leg strength. It will be difficult to bring the elderly and children, but the scenery is definitely worth the price. 03 Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The Nujiang is not something that a "casual stroll" can handle. What separates C-Zhongluo and Antarctic Luo is not the distance, but the weather. ⏰ The morning mist of Bing Zhongluo is a limited edition. Before 10 o'clock, you can see the first bay of the Nu River at the observation deck. The mist sticks to the water, and the top of the mountain seems to be floating on the clouds. In the afternoon, go to the village of Yuli, walk along the ancient tea horse road for a section, with stone slabs underfoot and the Nu River next to it, the kind of quietness you can’t buy in the city. Antarctica is picky, hiking round trip for more than half a day, 4,000 above sea level, ⚠️ people with a history of altitude sickness do not force, prepare oxygen bottles and glucose in advance. 📍 From Bing Zhong Luo chartered car to the starting point of Antarctic Luo hiking, one way about two hours, the road conditions are average, the driver must be familiar with the road. This line is suitable for travelers who can walk, survive, and are not petty. The scenery is indeed worthy of the words "Secret Land of Western Yunnan". If it is your first time to go to the plateau, it is recommended to acclimatize to Bingzhongluo for one night before deciding whether to go to Antarctica the next day. 04 Chengde|Hebei Chengde Summer Resort and Jinshanling Great Wall, one is suitable for slow tour, the other is suitable for rampage, two days and one night is just right. The first day is left to the Summer Resort, ⏰ Enter the park at 8 am, enter from the main entrance of Li, first stroll the palace area then walk the lake area, and finally up the mountain. Don't take an electric car as soon as you enter the door, walk ahead to see the details of the Smoke and Rain Building and the Wenjin Pavilion. At noon, we had a bowl of noodles at Ruyi Chau in the park. The taste was average but the convenience was better. In the afternoon, we will go to the mountains. ⚠️ The electric vehicles in the mountainous areas finish work at 5:30. Calculate the time and don't rush the last train. At night, stay at a B&B near the mountain house, a ten-minute walk away. For dinner, go to Erxianju Night Market. Grilled lamb legs and soba dumplings are worth trying. The next morning we drove to the Great Wall of Jinshanling, about an hour and a half. This section of the Great Wall is much more wild than Badaling. The stairs vary in height, but the advantage is that there are fewer people and a wide view. ⏰ The light is best at 4pm, the brick walls are sunburned into a warm gold color, portraits will not be backlit. ⚠️ There are no supply points on the Great Wall, so buy water and dry food at the entrance of the scenic spot in advance. This line is suitable for people who like history and don't like crowds. Both are real and not perfunctory. 05 Leshan | Sichuan In Leshan, eating and seeing are two different things, but they can be satisfying. Let's talk about the Leshan Big Buddha first, ⏰ 7:30 in the morning to the entrance of the scenic spot, rush the first batch to enter, from the Jiuqu Canyon down, the stairs are narrow and sloping, but can see the whole Buddha up close. ⚠️ The canyon is a single lane, you have to walk to the end when you get down, don't wear high heels. After seeing the Buddha, don't leave in a hurry. Go to Sun Island across the river, spend five dollars to take a ferry, and see the Buddha across the river. That angle is more complete than taking pictures at your feet. Returning to the city at noon, 📍Chang Gongqiao Good Food Street randomly find a foot beef, the soup is clear and tender. In the afternoon to Emei Mountain, time is tight to only play half of the mountain, Baoguo Temple to Qingyin Pavilion section, two hours hike, there are monkeys on the road. ⚠️ Do not open the plastic bag in public, monkeys will grab it. If you want to see the sunrise at Golden Peak, you have to live on the mountain. 💰The bed room in Lei Dong Ping is about $300 during the peak season, so remember to book in advance. This line is suitable for two days and one night, the first day to eat in the city + Big Buddha, the second day in the middle of Mount Emei, the rhythm is just right, not too rushed. 06 Shanghai This place in Shanghai is found expensive by outsiders and crowded by locals, but there are still surprises for serious fun. The Expo Park is now well renovated, ⏰ Go in the afternoon, the Chinese Palace of Art is free, permanent exhibition to see the Qingming Riverside Picture dynamic version, worth spending half an hour. After watching out, walk along the riverside to the Mercedes-Benz Cultural Center to see the Huangpu River at sunset, less crowded and quiet, much more comfortable than the Outer Banks. Yuyuan Garden is suitable for strolling in the morning, ⚠️ There are few people before nine o'clock, the Jiuqu Bridge casually walk, after ten o'clock it is crowded. The garden is not big, but the details of the fake hill and the roundabout are worth a slow look, half an hour is enough. Guangfulin Cultural Site is in Songjiang, 📍 Metro Line 9 to Songjiang University Town, then 10 minutes by taxi. The roof of the water museum floats on the water, beautiful to take pictures, but ⚠️ closed on Monday, don't go there in vain. Disney alone for a day, 🚄 Metro Line 11 direct access, early enjoyment card can enter the park an hour early, first the Flying Over the Horizon played, later do not panic. Budget is tight and stay near the Xiuyan Road MTR station, 💰 hotel prices are only one-third of the surroundings of the park, take a taxi for fifteen minutes. This line is suitable for people who want to play comfortably and do not want to waste money. The city + Songjiang + Disney is divided into three days, no rush. 07 Jilin Jilin City is the home of Fog and Songhua Lake. Winter is the only time to see the real chapter. ⏰ The best viewing time on Foggy Island is from 6:30 to 8 am, when the sun is high and the fog falls. It's cold on the island, down jackets with warm packs are standard, hats, scarves and gloves are no less. Seeing fog depends on luck. It doesn't happen every day. Check the weather forecast before you go. Days with large temperature differences and high humidity have the highest chance. After watching the fog, we returned to the city and had a meal of Ula Manchu hot pot at noon. Pickled cabbage and white meat were put into the pot, which warmed the soles of our feet. In the afternoon, go to Songhua Lake, the lake is solid in winter, you can walk on the ice, ⚠️ do not go to the center of the lake, near the shore to play snow and ice slides. Summer is a different scene. Take a boat trip to the lake, with the green mountains on both sides reflected in the clear water. 🚄 Take a taxi from Jilin Station to Fog Island about forty minutes, 💰 round trip plus tickets about 150 dollars. This line is suitable for coming in winter to feel the cold and heat of the Northeast, cold in the wind outside and hot in the temperature of the house and inside the pot. 08 Jingmen | Hubei Jingmen is not a tourist city, but obviously the mausoleum is worth a special trip. 📍 Mingming Mausoleum is located in Zhongxiang City, about an hour's drive from Jingmen City, ⚠️ Closed on Monday, admission stops at 4:30 pm on other days. The most special thing about this mausoleum is its Double Treasure City, two square city Ming towers connected together, which is unique among the Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleums. ⏰ Go in after 3pm, the light slantly shoots over, red walls and gold tiles special film. The whole park is not big. It's enough to walk around for an hour and a half. After seeing the obvious mausoleum, go back to Jingmen city to eat Zhanghe fish, the fish is so tender that the chopsticks can't hold it, 💰50 dollars per person to eat enough. Living near Jingmen Wanda, eating is convenient, and transportation to Mingmingling is smooth. This line is suitable for those interested in history, half day watching mausoleums half day eating fish, relaxed rhythm. If you are short on time, just rush the obvious mausoleum, other attractions can be skipped.

Can you play a sense of luxury even if you are a poor traveler? August-September is suitable for these 8️⃣ places 01 Jinzhong | Shanxi Autumn comes early in Jinzhong. The temperature difference between morning and evening has widened at the end of August. A thin coat is just needed. If you are here for the first time, don't be greedy. Adding a compound to the ancient city of Pingyao is enough. In the morning, we first strolled through the ancient city of Pingyao. Enter from the south gate and walk north along Ming and Qing Street. The city building is the central point of the ancient city, and as you climb up, you can see the entire gray-tiled roof, and the visibility is much better than forcing it through the streets. 🍜At noon, I randomly found a noodle shop near Yamen Street. A bowl of beef noodles costs ten dollars, which is more real than the celebrity shops in the scenic spot. Save your time in the afternoon for the Qiao family compound, which is only a forty minute drive from Pingyao, making it easy to take a taxi or carpool. The brick and wood carving details of the Qiao family are worth looking at slowly, more sophisticated than the Wang family compound, but smaller in scale. If you prefer a magnificent house, then go to the Wang Family Courtyard, which is several times the size of the Qiao Family, and your legs will get tired after walking the whole way. ⚠️ Pingyao Ancient City is free to enter the city, but you have to buy a pass on the city wall and into the attraction, about $100. Ticket inspection stops at 5pm. Don't step on the point. Accommodation is recommended to stay outside the ancient city on Beiguan Avenue, which is half cheaper than in the city, and it is only a ten-minute walk into the ancient city. 02 Liuzhou | Guangxi Don’t just look at the snail powder, Liuzhou’s mountains and rivers are the hidden protagonists. There is a lot of rain in August and September, but after the rain, the mist and steaming along the Willow River have more flavor than a sunny day. In the morning, walk along the Liujiang Trail for a section, from Wenhui Bridge to Panlongshan Park, about five kilometers, along the way you can see the karst mountains on the other side, the river is occasionally crossed by cargo ships, the sound is low. This section of the road is gentle and suitable for slow walking. If you are tired, sit on a bench by the river for a while. The wind blows and is cool. In the afternoon to Chengyang Bazhai, take the shuttle bus from the city for about two hours. The eight villages are connected together. You don't need to find a route. You can just walk along the Drum Tower and the Wind and Rain Bridge. The evening light is best for photography, 🌉 Yongji Bridge turns warm yellow in the sunset. 🍜 The oil tea in the village is worth trying. It costs five dollars a bowl. It has a salty and slightly bitter taste and will make you feel hot after drinking it. ⚠️ Tickets for Chengyang Eight Villages are $80, but tickets are not accepted after 6pm. If you live in the village, you can save this money. Accommodation Choose a bed and breakfast in Pingzhai, clean and cheap, a standard room of more than 100 dollars. 03 Xuancheng|Anhui Xuancheng is an underrated place, where the rice fields are green in August and September, and the ancient village is so quiet that you can hear the chirping of cicadas. Cha Ji and Long Chuan can choose one to go, don't be greedy. The ancient village of Chaji is much more primitive than the village of Hong, without the armies of sketches and tour groups that fill the streets. After entering the village first walk along both sides of the main stream. Most of the old houses in the village are still occupied, with dried vegetables dried at the door, which is more interesting than those houses converted into shops. In the afternoon, go for a walk around the hills behind the village, twenty minutes to reach the top, overlooking the whole gray walled Daiwa, with the rice fields in the distance, the screen is clean. If you prefer to see wood and stone carvings in Hui-style architecture, then go to Jixi Longchuan. The wood carvings in Hu's ancestral hall are well preserved. Each lion on the beams has a different expression, which is worth looking at for ten minutes. ⚠️ Chaji tickets are $70, Longchuan $75, online booking one day in advance can be $10 cheaper. Accommodation choose a farmhouse in Chaji Village, which is only 120 in peak season, including breakfast and dinner. 🚄 After the HSR to Yan County Station, take a taxi for about 40 minutes, the average carpool is 20 dollars. 04 Wu Zhong | Ningxia Wuzhong is not a tourist city, but the Bronze Canyon Yellow River Grand Canyon is worth a special trip. In August and September, the Yellow River has a lot of water, and the sound of the water in the canyon is more shocking than imagined. From the city, take a bus to the town of Bronze Canyon and walk to the entrance to the scenic spot. After entering, take a boat trip to the Yellow River. The water is muddy and yellow, and the mountains on both sides are bare. It is completely different from the green water and green mountains in the south. The boat ride is half an hour, the wind is strong, we recommend wearing a jacket. After landing, walk to the 108 Pagoda. The tower group is built on the mountain. It looks very layered from the bottom up. ⏰ The light after 4pm will dye the tower gold for the best photos. The scenic spot is not big, three hours is enough for the whole journey. 🍜 After leaving, go to the town noodle shop and ask for a bowl of mutton noodles, fifteen dollars, the portion is enough for two people to share. ⚠️ Scenic spot tickets plus boat tickets total $110, booking online in advance is $20 cheaper. ⚠️ There is no decent restaurant inside, only the canteen selling cup noodles, bringing your own dry food is more practical. 05 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Autumn comes especially early in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The grass starts to turn yellow at the end of August, but the yellow-green mixed color is more durable. Sun Moon Mountain and Guide Geopark can be completed in one day. I'll go to Sun Moon Mountain in the morning. It's 3500 above sea level. I'll be out of breath on the climb. I'll walk slowly. The wind at the top of the mountain was so strong that it blew the prayer flags and hunted. Standing at the gate and looking at the grassland in the distance, the shadows of clouds moving on the ground, the sense of openness was something that plain cities could not give. At noon, I randomly found a Tibetan restaurant to have a bowl of noodles, served with butter tea, to warm my stomach. In the afternoon, go to Guide National Geopark, where the color layer of Danxia landform is richer than that of Zhangye, alternating red, yellow and green, as if overturning the palette. There are battery cars in the scenic area. If you can't walk, take a car, but the hiking section is not long. If you still have enough physical strength, it is recommended to walk by yourself. ⚠️ Tickets for Sun Moon Mountain are $40, Geopark is $60. High altitude, sun poison, sunscreen and sunglasses must be brought. Accommodation Stay in the county town of Guide, standard room within 150, cheaper and cleaner than around the scenic area. 06 Qinhuangdao | Hebei August and September are the last peak seasons in Beidaihe, but after the beginning of autumn, there are significantly fewer tourists to the seaside. To avoid the crowds, you have to rush both morning and evening. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise at Pigeon Nest Park is the best worth of ticket money in North Daihe. The park is at the eastern end of the coast with wide visibility and the whole sea is golden the moment the sun leaps out of sea level. After watching the sunrise, walk west along the seaside trail and pass by Tiger Rock Marine Park. In the afternoon, go to Shanhaiguan. The ancient city wall is connected with the first gate tower in the world. Walk around for two hours. Looking down from the city floor, the roof of the old city is stacked with the sea level in the distance, and the sense of history comes out at once. 🍜The prices of seafood stalls near Laolongtou are too high. It's better to find a restaurant in the city where the residents are downstairs. A plate of spicy fried mussels costs more than 20 dollars. ⚠️ Tickets for Pigeon Nest are $25. There are the most people during sunrise. If you want to occupy a good seat, you have to arrive half an hour in advance. 🚄 Take a taxi from North Daihe Station to Pigeon Nest about twenty dollars, buses are available, but the waiting time is long. 07 Dongguan | Guangdong Dongguan is not a typical tourist city, but the Humen Bridge is worth a dedicated trip. The weather is hot in August and September. It is recommended to go in the evening and watch the sunset. Navigate to the old site of Humen Fortress, which is the best camera location to take pictures of the bridge. The bridge spans the mouth of the Pearl River, with dense traffic, and the evening sun will dye the bridge tower orange-red, the sea reflecting broken light, longer than daytime. After seeing the bridge you can go around the naval warfare museum next to it, free of charge, but closed on Mondays, don't run in vain. 🍜 After reading, I just found a stall on Weiyuan Island and ordered a portion of Humen paste crab. Autumn is the time for crab fat. The paste is full of thick meat. You can eat well for seventy or eighty dollars per person. ⚠️ Pedestrians are prohibited from walking on the Humen Bridge. Do not try to walk up. You can only watch from a distance from the shore. 08 Longyan | Fujian Autumn came late in Longyan, and early September still looked like summer, but it was already cooler in the mountains in the morning and evening. The Tulou, the ancient city, and the Danxia Mountain can be strung together in one day, but it will be very rushed. It is recommended to separate them for two days. The first day was left for Yongding earth buildings, the Chuxi earth building complex is more primitive than Hong Hang, there are fewer tourists, and the people living inside are still living normally. The interior of the earth building is dimly lit, but looking up at the round sky of the patio, that shock cannot be captured in a photo. Tickets are $70, but booking online in advance is $10 cheaper. 🍜 Someone sells Hakka stuffed tofu inside the building. It costs five dollars a bowl. It's hot and tastes better than the restaurants outside. The next day we went to the ancient city of Changting. The ancient city wall was built along the river. In the evening, we could see the reflection of the river on the city wall. It was so quiet that it was not like a travel attraction. In the afternoon, go to Kwan Chi Shan and climb for two hours. The summit overlooks the entire Danxia landscape, with a strong contrast between red rock mass and green vegetation. ⚠️ The Cable Car downhill at Kwan Chiu will be suspended at 5:30 pm. Don't take the time to go down the mountain. Accommodation Choose a bed and breakfast in the ancient city of Changting, 120 a night, and at night you can go out to eat a bowl of bubble pork loin, the locals' first choice for supper. The core of poor travel in August and September is the wrong peak and getting up early. In places where the sun is poisoned, hurry up in the morning and evening, and in crowded places, go around noon. The budget for these eight places is under two thousand, but the experience is not compromised at all. Which one are you going to go to first? Talk in the comment section. Can you play a sense of luxury even if you are a poor traveler? August-September is suitable for these 8️⃣ places 01 Jinzhong | Shanxi Autumn comes early in Jinzhong. The temperature difference between morning and evening has widened at the end of August. A thin coat is just needed. If you are here for the first time, don't be greedy. Adding a compound to the ancient city of Pingyao is enough. In the morning, we first strolled through the ancient city of Pingyao. Enter from the south gate and walk north along Ming and Qing Street. The city building is the central point of the ancient city, and as you climb up, you can see the entire gray-tiled roof, and the visibility is much better than forcing it through the streets. 🍜At noon, I randomly found a noodle shop near Yamen Street. A bowl of beef noodles costs ten dollars, which is more real than the celebrity shops in the scenic spot. Save your time in the afternoon for the Qiao family compound, which is only a forty minute drive from Pingyao, making it easy to take a taxi or carpool. The brick and wood carving details of the Qiao family are worth looking at slowly, more sophisticated than the Wang family compound, but smaller in scale. If you prefer a magnificent house, then go to the Wang Family Courtyard, which is several times the size of the Qiao Family, and your legs will get tired after walking the whole way. ⚠️ Pingyao Ancient City is free to enter the city, but you have to buy a pass on the city wall and into the attraction, about $100. Ticket inspection stops at 5pm. Don't step on the point. Accommodation is recommended to stay outside the ancient city on Beiguan Avenue, which is half cheaper than in the city, and it is only a ten-minute walk into the ancient city. 02 Liuzhou | Guangxi Don’t just look at the snail powder, Liuzhou’s mountains and rivers are the hidden protagonists. There is a lot of rain in August and September, but after the rain, the mist and steaming along the Willow River have more flavor than a sunny day. In the morning, walk along the Liujiang Trail for a section, from Wenhui Bridge to Panlongshan Park, about five kilometers, along the way you can see the karst mountains on the other side, the river is occasionally crossed by cargo ships, the sound is low. This section of the road is gentle and suitable for slow walking. If you are tired, sit on a bench by the river for a while. The wind blows and is cool. In the afternoon to Chengyang Bazhai, take the shuttle bus from the city for about two hours. The eight villages are connected together. You don't need to find a route. You can just walk along the Drum Tower and the Wind and Rain Bridge. The evening light is best for photography, 🌉 Yongji Bridge turns warm yellow in the sunset. 🍜 The oil tea in the village is worth trying. It costs five dollars a bowl. It has a salty and slightly bitter taste and will make you feel hot after drinking it. ⚠️ Tickets for Chengyang Eight Villages are $80, but tickets are not accepted after 6pm. If you live in the village, you can save this money. Accommodation Choose a bed and breakfast in Pingzhai, clean and cheap, a standard room of more than 100 dollars. 03 Xuancheng|Anhui Xuancheng is an underrated place, where the rice fields are green in August and September, and the ancient village is so quiet that you can hear the chirping of cicadas. Cha Ji and Long Chuan can choose one to go, don't be greedy. The ancient village of Chaji is much more primitive than the village of Hong, without the armies of sketches and tour groups that fill the streets. After entering the village first walk along both sides of the main stream. Most of the old houses in the village are still occupied, with dried vegetables dried at the door, which is more interesting than those houses converted into shops. In the afternoon, go for a walk around the hills behind the village, twenty minutes to reach the top, overlooking the whole gray walled Daiwa, with the rice fields in the distance, the screen is clean. If you prefer to see wood and stone carvings in Hui-style architecture, then go to Jixi Longchuan. The wood carvings in Hu's ancestral hall are well preserved. Each lion on the beams has a different expression, which is worth looking at for ten minutes. ⚠️ Chaji tickets are $70, Longchuan $75, online booking one day in advance can be $10 cheaper. Accommodation choose a farmhouse in Chaji Village, which is only 120 in peak season, including breakfast and dinner. 🚄 After the HSR to Yan County Station, take a taxi for about 40 minutes, the average carpool is 20 dollars. 04 Wu Zhong | Ningxia Wuzhong is not a tourist city, but the Bronze Canyon Yellow River Grand Canyon is worth a special trip. In August and September, the Yellow River has a lot of water, and the sound of the water in the canyon is more shocking than imagined. From the city, take a bus to the town of Bronze Canyon and walk to the entrance to the scenic spot. After entering, take a boat trip to the Yellow River. The water is muddy and yellow, and the mountains on both sides are bare. It is completely different from the green water and green mountains in the south. The boat ride is half an hour, the wind is strong, we recommend wearing a jacket. After landing, walk to the 108 Pagoda. The tower group is built on the mountain. It looks very layered from the bottom up. ⏰ The light after 4pm will dye the tower gold for the best photos. The scenic spot is not big, three hours is enough for the whole journey. 🍜 After leaving, go to the town noodle shop and ask for a bowl of mutton noodles, fifteen dollars, the portion is enough for two people to share. ⚠️ Scenic spot tickets plus boat tickets total $110, booking online in advance is $20 cheaper. ⚠️ There is no decent restaurant inside, only the canteen selling cup noodles, bringing your own dry food is more practical. 05 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Autumn comes especially early in Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The grass starts to turn yellow at the end of August, but the yellow-green mixed color is more durable. Sun Moon Mountain and Guide Geopark can be completed in one day. I'll go to Sun Moon Mountain in the morning. It's 3500 above sea level. I'll be out of breath on the climb. I'll walk slowly. The wind at the top of the mountain was so strong that it blew the prayer flags and hunted. Standing at the gate and looking at the grassland in the distance, the shadows of clouds moving on the ground, the sense of openness was something that plain cities could not give. At noon, I randomly found a Tibetan restaurant to have a bowl of noodles, served with butter tea, to warm my stomach. In the afternoon, go to Guide National Geopark, where the color layer of Danxia landform is richer than that of Zhangye, alternating red, yellow and green, as if overturning the palette. There are battery cars in the scenic area. If you can't walk, take a car, but the hiking section is not long. If you still have enough physical strength, it is recommended to walk by yourself. ⚠️ Tickets for Sun Moon Mountain are $40, Geopark is $60. High altitude, sun poison, sunscreen and sunglasses must be brought. Accommodation Stay in the county town of Guide, standard room within 150, cheaper and cleaner than around the scenic area. 06 Qinhuangdao | Hebei August and September are the last peak seasons in Beidaihe, but after the beginning of autumn, there are significantly fewer tourists to the seaside. To avoid the crowds, you have to rush both morning and evening. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise at Pigeon Nest Park is the best worth of ticket money in North Daihe. The park is at the eastern end of the coast with wide visibility and the whole sea is golden the moment the sun leaps out of sea level. After watching the sunrise, walk west along the seaside trail and pass by Tiger Rock Marine Park. In the afternoon, go to Shanhaiguan. The ancient city wall is connected with the first gate tower in the world. Walk around for two hours. Looking down from the city floor, the roof of the old city is stacked with the sea level in the distance, and the sense of history comes out at once. 🍜The prices of seafood stalls near Laolongtou are too high. It's better to find a restaurant in the city where the residents are downstairs. A plate of spicy fried mussels costs more than 20 dollars. ⚠️ Tickets for Pigeon Nest are $25. There are the most people during sunrise. If you want to occupy a good seat, you have to arrive half an hour in advance. 🚄 Take a taxi from North Daihe Station to Pigeon Nest about twenty dollars, buses are available, but the waiting time is long. 07 Dongguan | Guangdong Dongguan is not a typical tourist city, but the Humen Bridge is worth a dedicated trip. The weather is hot in August and September. It is recommended to go in the evening and watch the sunset. Navigate to the old site of Humen Fortress, which is the best location to take pictures of the bridge. The bridge spans the mouth of the Pearl River, with dense traffic, and the evening sun will dye the bridge tower orange-red, the sea reflecting broken light, longer than daytime. After seeing the bridge you can go around the naval warfare museum next to it, free of charge, but closed on Mondays, don't run in vain. 🍜 After reading, I just found a stall on Weiyuan Island and ordered a portion of Humen paste crab. Autumn is the time for crab fat. The paste is full of thick meat. You can eat well for seventy or eighty dollars per person. ⚠️ Pedestrians are prohibited from walking on the Humen Bridge. Do not try to walk up. You can only watch from a distance from the shore. 08 Longyan | Fujian Autumn came late in Longyan, and early September still looked like summer, but it was already cooler in the mountains in the morning and evening. The Tulou, the ancient city, and the Danxia Mountain can be strung together in one day, but it will be very rushed. It is recommended to separate them for two days. The first day was left for Yongding earth buildings, the Chuxi earth building complex is more primitive than Hong Hang, there are fewer tourists, and the people living inside are still living normally. The interior of the earth building is dimly lit, but looking up at the round sky of the patio, that shock cannot be captured in a photo. Tickets are $70, but booking online in advance is $10 cheaper. 🍜 Someone sells Hakka stuffed tofu inside the building. It costs five dollars a bowl. It's hot and tastes better than the restaurants outside. The next day we went to the ancient city of Changting. The ancient city wall was built along the river. In the evening, we could see the reflection of the river on the city wall. It was so quiet that it was not like a travel attraction. In the afternoon, go to Kwan Chi Shan and climb for two hours. The summit overlooks the entire Danxia landscape, with a strong contrast between red rock mass and green vegetation. ⚠️ The Cable Car downhill at Kwan Chiu will be suspended at 5:30 pm. Don't take the time to go down the mountain. Accommodation Choose a bed and breakfast in the ancient city of Changting, 120 a night, and at night you can go out to eat a bowl of bubble pork loin, the locals' first choice for supper. The core of poor travel in August and September is the wrong peak and getting up early. In places where the sun is poisoned, hurry up in the morning and evening, and in crowded places, go around noon. The budget for these eight places is under two thousand, but the experience is not compromised at all. Which one are you going to go to first? Talk in the comment section.

Budget travelers unite! These 8️⃣ places have fewer crowds and beautiful scenery in August and September 01 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia At the end of August, the grasslands haven’t fully turned yellow, and most people have already left. Airfare and car rental prices are almost half of July’s rates—this is the right way to experience the grasslands. 📍 Hulunbuir grassland, don’t just focus on the Morigele River viewing platform. Drive toward Jinzhanghan, and any dirt road you turn onto will lead to a grassland where no one competes for the best photo spot. The wind carries the scent of grass seeds and cow dung—authentic and unforgettable. ⏰ The grassland sunset is around 7:20 PM. Leaving after 5 PM to reach a high point is still plenty of time. It’s scorching during the day and cool in the evening, so bring a windbreaker. 🚄 After landing in Hailar, carpool northbound. Three days and two nights cost about 800 per person. The driver can take you past all the paid viewing spots. 02 Chenzhou | Hunan High-speed rail direct access, two hours to escape Guangdong’s heat. Chenzhou’s mountains and waters are wild, but tickets are much cheaper than nearby Zhangjiajie. 📍 Gaoyiling Danxia, don’t enter through the main gate. Navigate to the village committee road, walk 10 minutes on a dirt path to see the same red rocks and green water, saving 80 yuan on tickets. ⚠️ Roads are slippery after rain. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals. ⏰ At Dongjiang Lake tourist area, be sure to catch the 6 AM fog. The fishermen casting nets is a show, but the fog is real. After the fog, head back to the city for a bowl of spicy Qifengdu fish noodles to wake you up. 📍 Mangshan Wuzhifeng, after taking the cable car, it’s all flat paths—wheelchairs and strollers are fine. Bring elders here instead of climbing stairs at Gaoyiling. 03 Chuzhou | Anhui High-speed rail from Nanjing takes 18 minutes. Langya Mountain tickets are free, making this one of the most underrated budget destinations nearby. 📍 Langya Mountain, enter from the north gate and follow the creek upstream under the shade of trees. Zuiweng Pavilion is mid-way through the park. After taking photos, don’t rush down—continue to Nantianmen to see the whole city of Chuzhou from the summit. 🍜 After descending, go to Zunyang Street for the old brand “Lao Dongguan” beef vermicelli soup. Ten yuan a bowl with a rich broth that clings to the spoon. ⚠️ They close after selling out post 2 PM. Avoid peak meal times. The whole trip is a four-hour walk. If your knees aren’t good, take the park’s electric shuttle for 10 yuan one way. Tickets are free but require booking on the official account. You can also book on-site, so don’t worry. 04 Xi’an | Shaanxi Xi’an is scorching in August, but the Terracotta Warriors pits are cool. The key to avoiding crowds is to go in the evening. 📍 Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors Museum, enter at 3:30 PM. After 5 PM, most tour groups leave. The lighting in Pit 1 makes the warriors’ expressions clearer than during the day. ⚠️ Don’t hire unofficial guides at the entrance. Rent an official electronic guide for 30 yuan. 📍 Xi’an city wall, enter from the south gate (Yongning Gate), rent a bike to ride half the circuit. After 8 PM, the wall is less crowded and windy, and you can see the bell tower lit up. Tickets are 54 yuan, half price for students. 📍 Qinling Zhongnanshan, if short on time, don’t enter the mountain. Eat at a farmhouse restaurant at Fengyu Pass and just enjoy the mountain views. The history museum is free but hard to book—try to get tickets three days in advance. If you can’t, visit the Xi’an Museum for a similar experience. 05 Zhoushan | Zhejiang The August fishing ban just ended, and seafood is so cheap it brings tears. But don’t just go to Putuo Mountain—it’s crowded. 📍 Putuo Mountain scenic area, boat plus ticket costs 220 yuan. Island accommodations are expensive, so stay in Shenjiamen and take the first boat to the island early the next day to avoid pilgrim crowds. The vegetarian meal at Fayu Temple entrance is 10 yuan and filling. Avoid restaurants inside the scenic area. 📍 Gouqi Island is farther than Shengsi Island but has bluer waters. Take a four-hour boat from Shenjiawan dock; tickets cost just over 100 yuan. The island’s Dawang Beach is free, and after the evening tide recedes, you can find small crabs. 📍 Shengsi Archipelago is better for a two-day, one-night trip. Rent an electric bike to circle the island. At night, listen to the waves at Jihu Beach—it’s more fun than drinking in a guesthouse. ⚠️ Book boat tickets three days in advance on the official account. You can’t buy them on the day during peak season. 06 Liuzhou | Guangxi Going to Liuzhou for luosifen (snail noodles) is worth it, but the city is much more fun than just a bowl of noodles. 📍 Liu River has a free water music fountain show at 7:30 PM. Walking the riverside path is better than taking the 120 yuan boat ride, which costs zero yuan. 📍 Chengyang Eight Villages, take a two-hour bus from the city to Sanjiang. Tickets are 60 yuan. The wind and rain bridges and drum towers are best seen in the evening light. Stay overnight in a wooden guesthouse for 150 yuan a night and wake up to birdsong. 🍜 For luosifen, avoid the trendy shops. Just find a small local place in a neighborhood building, add duck feet and tofu puffs, and it costs about 15 yuan per person. ⚠️ Even mild spicy is quite spicy. Guangdong friends should order no spice. 07 Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai At 4,000 meters altitude, August is the season of green grass and blooming flowers. How few people? You might have the entire viewing platform to yourself. 📍 Kekexili, don’t try to go deep into the uninhabited area. From Yushu city, drive along G215 toward Budongquan. You can see Tibetan antelope and wild donkeys by the roadside. ⚠️ Altitude sickness is serious. Take Rhodiola a week in advance and avoid strenuous exercise once there. 📍 Sanjiangyuan National Park’s core area is closed, but you can enter the Longbaotan wetland on the outskirts. At 9 AM after the morning fog lifts, black-necked cranes stroll by the water. The quiet is so profound you won’t dare speak loudly. ⏰ August has a big day-night temperature difference. Bring both a down jacket and short sleeves. Stay in Yushu city; standard rooms cost about 200 yuan and are better than expected. 08 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu One hour by high-speed rail from Lanzhou, this overlooked small city has the clearest water in northwest China and the earliest grottoes. 📍 Liujiaxia tourist resort, the Yellow River here is as green as jade. Take a speedboat to Bingling Temple. Round-trip boat ticket plus admission is 120 yuan, much cheaper than Xinjiang. ⚠️ Boat schedules are limited. Arrive at the dock before 10 AM or wait until 2 PM. 📍 Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage site, the grottoes are carved into red sandstone. The giant Buddha predates Yungang’s. It’s so uncrowded you can enjoy the entire plank road alone. Two hours is enough to explore. 🍜 In the city, hand-pulled lamb costs 60 yuan per jin, served with Sanpao tea. Sit by the roadside and watch the sunset. At night, visit Bafang Shisan Alley. It’s free, and when the lights come on, it feels like another world. In August and September, these eight places await the off-season breeze. Pick the closest one to start your trip. Don’t wait until your social feed is flooded and regret it.

Still heading south in August? You probably haven’t felt the sun’s full heat. These 8 places don’t need air conditioning during the day, and you’ll want a light blanket at night. Temperatures just above 20℃ are how summer should feel. 01 Yangjiang | Guangdong The sea at Dajiao Bay on Hailing Island is a clear blue-green, no filter needed. ⏰ The best time to swim is after 4 PM when the sun is less intense and the waves are gentler. Rent a beach umbrella and lie down all afternoon with only the sound of the waves. ⚠️ Don’t walk on the sand at noon—it’s scorching hot. Don’t ask how I know. After swimming, head to Zha Po town for a bowl of pig intestine roll paired with iced mung bean soup to cool off completely. 📍 Navigate to the main entrance of Dajiao Bay. There’s a parking lot nearby. Parking costs 20 yuan for the day. 02 Shiyan | Hubei Wudang Mountain isn’t for climbing, it’s for staying. 🚄 Take the park shuttle to Nanyan and check into a guesthouse. Open the window to misty mountains. At 5:30 AM, watch the sunrise from the Golden Summit. The sea of clouds rolls beneath you, and it’s cold enough to need a jacket. 📍 Zixiao Palace is less crowded in the afternoon. The red walls and green tiles look especially photogenic in the light. Don’t carry too much water uphill; there are plenty of supply points along the way, only a few yuan more expensive than at the base. It’s cool at night in the mountains, so a light long-sleeve shirt is just right. 03 Putian | Fujian Summer on Meizhou Island is defined by sea breeze and the scent of Mazu Temple incense. 🍜 Start with a bowl of Putian braised noodles. The broth is thick and packed with ingredients. In the afternoon, rent an electric scooter to circle the island. 📍 Ride from Mazu Ancestral Temple to Ewei Shenshi Park, enjoying sea views all along the way. ⚠️ Take photos of the scooter condition before renting to avoid disputes when returning it. In the evening, wade in the water at the Golden Sand Beach. After the tide recedes, you can find small crabs. Guesthouses on the island are generally clean. In the off-season, you can get a sea view room for just over 200 yuan. 04 Hanzhong | Shaanxi Hanzhong is a basin protected by the Qinling Mountains, with summer temperatures lower than Xi’an. 📍 The Shimen plank road hangs on a cliff above the emerald Baoh River, with cool breezes as you walk. The ancient Han platform is hidden in the city and free to enter, perfect for escaping the sun in the afternoon. ⏰ Take an evening stroll by the Han River. The river breeze feels better than air conditioning. 🍜 Any roadside hot noodle dish is delicious, especially with pickled tofu for a sour and spicy kick. ⚠️ The plank road has many steps. If you’re with elderly people, take it slow and don’t rush. 05 Linfen | Shanxi Linfen’s coolness is the dry kind found on the Loess Plateau. 📍 At the Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree scenic area, the ancient tree canopy blocks the sun. Sitting in the shade calms the mind. The Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is at its most powerful this season. Standing on the viewing platform, the mist feels like a fine rain. ⏰ Visit Hukou in the morning for the best light and clear rainbows over the waterfall. Yunqiu Mountain is high in elevation, about 10 degrees cooler than the base. ⛰️ Hiking to Yulian Cave, you’ll be shaded by forest all the way. ⚠️ It’s windy at Hukou. Bring a windbreaker. 06 Tianjin Tianjin’s summer is best spent inside the old mansions of the Five Great Avenues. 📍 Start at Minyuan Square, then walk along Machang Road, shaded by trees along the entire street with no sun. The Italian Style Area is best in the evening when the lights come on. Find an outdoor seat and enjoy a beer. ⚠️ Don’t sit on the “tour guide tricycles” at the park entrance. They’re expensive and don’t offer much information. If you have kids, Fantawild Adventure has indoor attractions, perfect for escaping the midday heat. 🍜 At night, try a bowl of old tofu with fried cakes in the northwest corner. Carbs bring happiness. 07 Liuzhou | Guangxi Liuzhou isn’t just about snail noodles; it also has a cool Liu River. ⏰ At 6 PM, locals are already swimming in the river. The water is clear and natural, like a swimming pool. 📍 Walk along the riverside trail from Wenhui Bridge to Panlong Mountain Park, enjoying the river breeze all the way. 🍜 Snail noodles are a must. Pick any spot under a residential building, avoid the popular places with long lines. Chengyang Eight Villages outside the county has a wind-and-rain bridge over a stream. Take off your shoes and step in—the coolness rises from your feet. ⚠️ Accommodation in the villages is basic, but the night view is worth staying a night. 08 Anqing | Anhui Anqing’s summer is taken care of by Tianzhu Mountain. 📍 Take the cable car up, then hike a bit to see strange peaks and rocks shrouded in mist. The temperature on the mountain is 7–8 degrees cooler than the base. At Liandan Lake, a breeze dries your sweat instantly. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 2 PM. Light filtering through the cracks creates a Tyndall effect in photos. 🍜 After descending, head to the city for a bowl of Jiangmao dumplings. Thin skin, tender filling, paired with fried rice for comfort. ⚠️ There are few supply points on the mountain. Bring two bottles of water and don’t mind the weight. Each of these 8 places has its own way to stay cool. Some love the sea breeze, some the mountain air, and some just want to daydream by the river. Where would you rather escape to? Share in the comments.

01 Guiyang | Guizhou Guiyang in August is hot during the day, but the breeze cools down by evening. I recommend staying in Huaxi District, close to Tianhetan and Qingyan Ancient Town. Hostel beds cost about 50 yuan per night, and there’s beef noodle soup downstairs. You can visit Tianhetan in the morning. Take a boat into the karst cave, which stays around 18 degrees year-round. Wearing short sleeves inside will give you goosebumps. Tickets plus boat ride cost about 80 yuan. Student ID gets half price, so remember to bring it. In the afternoon, head to Qingyan Ancient Town. Don’t buy braised pig’s feet on the main street; walk into the alleys where Chen’s shop has tastier ones for 25 yuan each. The ancient town walls have great lighting for photos at dusk, but some small gates close after 5:30 PM, so don’t miss your exit. Gaopo Yunding Grassland is perfect for sunset. A taxi from the ancient town costs about 40 yuan; carpooling is cheaper. It’s windy on the grassland, so bring a light jacket. Huaxi Park is free and great for a morning walk. A half-hour stroll along the river is enough. ⚠️ Guiyang has frequent summer showers. Always carry an umbrella and don’t trust the “cloudy” weather forecast. 02 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient City is the kind of place you don’t want to leave once you enter, but you need to stay overnight. It’s crowded during the day, but after 9 PM, the streets quiet down, lanterns light up, and the reflection on the cobblestones gives the city its charm. Stay in a guesthouse inside the ancient city. A standard room costs about 150 yuan, rising above 200 yuan in peak season. Book at least a week in advance. Entry to the ancient city is free, but attractions like Zhang Fei Temple and Gongyuan require tickets. A combined ticket costs 110 yuan. If you just want to stroll the alleys, you don’t need to buy tickets. 🍜 For breakfast, try a bowl of Langzhong beef noodles for 6 yuan. The noodles are alkaline water noodles, and the broth is thick enough to coat the bowl. Avoid the most popular tourist spot; locals line up at the old shop on Libaisi Street. ⏰ In the afternoon, walk along the Jialing River. The river breeze is cool, and across the river is Jinping Mountain. A boat ride costs 5 yuan. ⚠️ Many shops sell Baoning vinegar in the ancient city, priced from 10 to 50 yuan. Don’t buy at the scenic entrance; the vinegar street offers better deals. 03 Liuzhou | Guangxi Liuzhou is more than just snail noodles. In August, after 6 PM, the riverside is full of swimmers. The water is clean and free, but the steps are slippery, so watch your step. Night cruises on the Liu River cost 80 yuan, but I don’t think it’s worth it. Instead, walk along the riverside trail from Wenhui Bridge to Panlongshan Park to enjoy the lights for free. Chengyang Eight Villages are north of the county, about an hour’s drive. Tickets cost 60 yuan. The villages have many wind-and-rain bridges. The best light for photos of wooden buildings and rice fields is around 3 or 4 PM. 🍜 For noodles in Liuzhou, skip the trendy shops. Any street stall with dry noodles works, about 8 yuan a bowl. Add a fried egg for 2 yuan—perfect. 🚄 A taxi from Liuzhou Station to downtown costs about 15 yuan, but traffic near Liujiang Bridge is heavy during rush hour. Taking the bus costs 2 yuan and is often faster. ⚠️ Accommodation in Chengyang Eight Villages is basic. It’s best to make a day trip. The last bus leaves at 6 PM, so don’t miss it. 04 Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia Manzhouli Matryoshka Doll Scenic Area is impressive from afar but crowded up close. Tickets cost 100 yuan. Inside are hotels, amusement facilities, and shops shaped like Matryoshka dolls—good for photos but average for activities. If you’re on a budget, I suggest skipping the entrance. The Matryoshka Square outside is free and just as good for photos. At night, visit Zhongsu Street. The Russian-style buildings light up, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale town. Shops selling Russian goods have inflated prices on the main street; walk into the alleys for the same dolls at half the price. ⏰ The best time to visit Manzhouli is early September when the grasslands are still green and the weather is cool. Long sleeves are just right during the day. Stay in the city center. Standard rooms cost about 120 yuan. Avoid staying near the scenic area—it’s expensive and has no food options at night. ⚠️ Don’t fall for offers to join “border day tours” near the port. Prices are outrageous and the experience is mediocre. 05 Linfen | Shanxi Linfen’s attractions are far apart, so renting a car or hiring a driver is best. Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree Root-Seeking Ancestral Park costs 80 yuan. It’s basically a large park featuring a replica of the great pagoda tree and an immigration museum. It’s suitable for older visitors; younger people might find it boring. Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River is the highlight. In August, the water volume is high and powerful. Standing on the viewing platform, you’ll get soaked by the mist, so wear a waterproof jacket. Tickets cost 90 yuan, and the shuttle bus is 20 yuan. Yunqiu Mountain is far from the city but worth visiting. There’s an ice cave that stays below zero year-round. In summer, you need to rent a cotton jacket for 20 yuan. ⏰ It’s best to visit Hukou Waterfall in the morning for good lighting and rainbows in the mist. In the afternoon, backlighting makes photos look washed out. 🍜 In Linfen city, try beef meatball noodles for 10 yuan a bowl. It’s spicy enough, so don’t eat on an empty stomach. ⚠️ The road between Hongtong and Hukou is average. If driving, don’t speed. Navigation shows 2 hours, but you should allow 3 hours. 06 Nanyang | Henan Xixia Funiu Mountain Old Jieling Dinosaur Site Park has a long name but is worth visiting separately. Old Jieling is good for hiking. It’s cool and shady in August. Tickets cost 60 yuan, and a one-way cable car is 40 yuan. If you’re fit, skip the cable car and hike up in about 2 hours. You might see wild macaques along the way. Don’t feed them—they’re quick to snatch food. The Dinosaur Site Park is in another direction. Tickets cost 70 yuan. It has large dinosaur fossil displays and realistic models that kids will love. Adults will find it interesting too. The two sites are 20 km apart. A taxi costs about 50 yuan. It’s best to drive or hire a driver for the day to save hassle. 🍜 In Nanyang city, try Fangcheng stewed noodles for 12 yuan a bowl. The broth is white with gluten and more homestyle than Zhengzhou’s version. ⚠️ It’s windy at the top of Old Jieling. Bring a light windbreaker even in summer. 07 Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hubei Enshi Grand Canyon is physically demanding. Tickets plus sightseeing bus and cable car cost about 200 yuan. I recommend buying only the ticket and sightseeing bus. Skip the cable car and hike down—the views are best on foot. It’s tiring but worth it. Shennong Stream Boatman Culture Tourism Area is in Badong County. A boat ride costs 120 yuan. The cliffs on both sides are steep, and the water is emerald green. It’s windy on the boat, so secure your hat. Enshi Tusi City tickets cost 45 yuan. It features restored Tujia architecture. The wood carvings in the nine-entry hall are exquisite. Two hours is enough to explore. Qingjiang Gallery is best enjoyed by boat. Tickets cost 100 yuan. The full trip takes about two hours. The scenery layers like a traditional ink painting. ⚠️ Enshi’s attractions are spread out. Hiring a car for about 400 yuan a day is cheaper than taking taxis on the spot. 🍜 Tujia cured meat and Hezha are specialties. Small local restaurants serve filling meals for about 40 yuan per person. ⏰ August is rainy in Enshi. The Grand Canyon paths get slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes. 08 Tianjin Tianjin city attractions are concentrated, perfect for walking. The Italian Style Area is free, but restaurants and cafes inside are pricey. Just admire the architecture and skip eating there. The Five Great Avenues Cultural Tourism Area is also free. It’s best to rent a shared bike because the area is large and walking is tiring. The mansions on Munan Road are the best preserved and less crowded, so no need to compete for photo spots. The Olympic Center Stadium is fine for photos outside if you’re not a sports fan. Entry requires a ticket and there’s nothing special inside. Fantawild Adventure tickets cost 240 yuan. It’s suitable for families with kids but expect long lines. Visiting on a weekday can save half the waiting time. 🍜 For breakfast in Tianjin, you must try jianbing guozi from neighborhood stalls. It costs 6 yuan per set. Made with mung bean flour and two eggs, it tastes ten times better than those near tourist spots. ⚠️ Many mansions in the Five Great Avenues are private homes. Don’t peek through windows—it’s rude. 🚄 It’s a 10-minute walk from Tianjin Station to the Italian Style Area. Don’t take a taxi; traffic is heavy. ⏰ Early September is the most comfortable time in Tianjin. It’s cool in the morning and evening, and short sleeves are fine at noon. The key to budget travel in August and September is: stay close to attractions and eat farther away. Check official ticket prices before you go to avoid being scammed by scalpers. Among these 8 places, I recommend Liuzhou and Enshi the most—one for great food, the other for stunning scenery. Which have you visited? Share in the comments to help those who haven’t set off yet.

People say Shandong is overcrowded, but Linyi somehow got missed by the masses. It has underground rivers, canyons, fireflies, and vast wilderness. While nearby Mount Tai is packed with people, this place is so quiet you can hear the wind. Today, here are 8 underrated cities all at once—few people, beautiful views, and low budget. 01 Linyi | Shandong Linyi’s attractions are best divided into two parts. During the day, explore the firefly water cave and underground grand canyon tourist area. The cave stays around 18℃ year-round, so bring a light jacket in summer. The highlight of the firefly water cave is taking a boat to see the “stars” overhead. The boatman rows quietly, and when it gets dark, the cave walls light up with fireflies like an upside-down Milky Way. Walking through the underground grand canyon takes about 2 hours. There are over 100 scenic spots inside the cave. The most photogenic is the “Nine Dragon Palace” section, where the stalactites glow amber under the lights. ⚠️ Tickets include the boat ride. Buying online 1 day in advance saves 40 yuan compared to on-site. Student ID gets half price. In the afternoon, head to Yimeng Mountain. I recommend the Yunmeng scenic area route. 🚄 It’s about a 1-hour car ride from downtown Linyi. The mountain roads are winding, so take motion sickness medicine if needed. Don’t rush the hike. Near the “Rain King Temple” halfway up is a forest where the pine scent fills the air when the wind blows—a kind of quiet you won’t find in the city. If your stamina is average, take the cable car up and hike down. The whole trip takes about 3 hours. After descending, stop by the “Mengshan Family” farmhouse at the foot of the mountain and order a pot of stewed native chicken. The broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop. 02 Fuzhou | Jiangxi The must-visit in Fuzhou is Dajue Mountain. Don’t think of it as just a regular hike. The scenic area is split into two parts. The first half takes a sightseeing bus to the cable car station, then the cable car up the mountain. The “Dajueyan Temple” at the summit is built into a cliff. The mix of incense smoke and mist creates a magical atmosphere. The second half is rafting—3.6 km with a 188 m drop. Rafting starts at 2 PM in summer. When the water splashes down hard, the screams echo through the valley. ⚠️ You’ll get soaked rafting. Bring a change of clothes and store them in a locker at the mountain base. Lockers cost 10 yuan each. For local food, head straight to Zixi County after descending. The “Laobiao Local Cuisine” on Jianshe Road is famous for stir-fried dried bamboo shoots and fermented fish. The fermented fish smells strong but tastes salty, fragrant, and sweet, perfect with rice—you could eat two bowls. 🍜 Fuzhou rice noodles are also worth a breakfast stop. The broth is made from pork bones, and the noodles are thinner and smoother than those in Nanchang. 03 Dandong | Liaoning Dandong is a border town with a surprisingly slow pace. Phoenix Mountain is a favorite for hikers. The Laoniubei section is almost vertical, requiring hands and feet to climb—people afraid of heights should avoid it. I recommend visiting the Yalu River Broken Bridge in the afternoon. The rusty bridge leads to a break where you can see the North Korean village across the river with the naked eye. The best light is after 5 PM when the sunset turns the river golden red. The wind on the bridge carries the river’s salty smell, creating a historic feeling photos can’t capture. Head toward Kuandian Estuary, where peach trees line the road in spring, blooming pink and white. Green River Village is a bit farther but worth the detour. From June to August, the island in the river floods, creating a “water-covered land” effect with grass and water interlaced, like a computer desktop background. ⚠️ It’s best to drive to Green River Village. Navigate to “Green River Village Committee,” then drive 500 meters further to the best photo spot. 🚄 It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Dandong. The mountain roads are winding, so new drivers should go slow. 04 Huangshi | Hubei Huangshi city is small. Chengyue Island is a local favorite for walks. The island sits in the middle of Cihu Lake. Cross the arch bridge to get there. The lake breeze is refreshing, more comfortable than air conditioning. The island’s walking path is about 2 km. Renting a shared bike for half an hour is enough to circle it. There’s a small pavilion on the island where you can watch the sunset. The lake turns warm orange, and shadows stretch long. 📍 Enter from the Tuanchengshan Park entrance. The arch bridge is on the right—don’t take the wrong gate. After the island, buy two “Old Four Gates pork lard cakes” nearby. Freshly baked, the crust is flaky and crumbly. The pork lard mixed with scallions fills your mouth with savory oil. ⚠️ The cake shop opens at 3 PM and closes when sold out. Don’t come too early. 05 Shaoxing | Zhejiang Shaoxing’s charm lies in its mix of attractions and everyday life. Lu Xun’s hometown and Shenyuan Garden are must-visits, but don’t follow the usual route. 📍 Enter from the east gate of Lu Xun’s hometown. First visit Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study, then pass through a small alley to Shenyuan Garden. Shenyuan is small, but the story of Lu You and Tang Wan gives it soul. The gourd pond and solitary crane pavilion are perfect for sitting quietly. Lanting is in the suburbs, reachable by bus 303. The highlight is the winding waterway where ancient scholars drank and wrote poetry—more interesting than reading plaques. Anchang Ancient Town is best saved for evening. After 5 PM, tour groups leave, and the sausages and marinated ducks hanging by the river glow shiny brown in the sunset. 🍜 The “Achang Restaurant” in the ancient town serves braised pork with preserved vegetables. The meat is tender, and the preserved vegetables soak up the sauce—perfect with rice. ⚠️ The ancient town has no main entrance fee, but small attractions like the “Shiye Museum” require separate tickets. A combo ticket for 50 yuan is worth it if you visit two or more. 06 Jiayuguan | Gansu Jiayuguan has no off-season because it’s always impressive. Visit the fortress scenic area in the morning. The slanting light hits the city walls, making the rammed earth glow golden—much prettier than at noon. Passing under the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven” plaque, the wind carries sand grains that hit your face. This desolate feeling can’t be found in Central Plains cities. ⚠️ The “Ancient-style Barracks” street near the exit is not worth visiting. It’s purely artificial and a waste of time. In the afternoon, go to the Hanging Great Wall, 7 km north of the fortress. The wall looks like an earthen dragon lying on Black Mountain. It takes about 40 minutes to climb up. The wind is strong at the top, so secure your hat. 🚄 A taxi from downtown costs about 30 yuan one way. It’s hard to get a ride back, so save the driver’s number or book a round trip. 07 Wuxi | Jiangsu Wuxi’s attractions are large, so two days are well spent. Day one is Nianhuawan, a place built in Tang and Song dynasty style but very authentic. Especially at dusk, when the lights come on, the small bridges and flowing water paired with Zen music feel like stepping into an ancient painting. ⏰ Enter after 3 PM to avoid half-day tour groups. Stay until 8 PM to watch the water curtain light show, then take the subway back downtown—perfect timing. On day two, visit the Lingshan Grand Buddha in the morning. There’s a queue to hug the Buddha’s foot, but the view of Taihu Lake from the top is worth it. In the afternoon, go to the CCTV Wuxi Film Base for Three Kingdoms and Water Margin. It’s great for fans of TV dramas. The racetrack has live equestrian shows at 10:30 AM and 2 PM—don’t miss them. Huishan Ancient Town is optional. If short on time, skip it. The main street is commercialized, but the “Old Cao Tofu Pudding” in the alleys is worth trying. The savory tofu pudding with chili oil warms your stomach. 08 Liuzhou | Guangxi Liuzhou is not just about snail noodles. The Liu River is the soul. Rent an electric bike and ride along the river from Wenhui Bridge to Hudong Bridge. This stretch is the most pleasant, with cool river breezes and purple bauhinia flowers blooming in April. In the evening, find a tea stall by the river to sit and watch locals swim and fish. The river surface glows with golden sunset fragments. Chengyang Eight Villages are about 1.5 hours from the city. The Dong ethnic villages are well preserved. The Wind and Rain Bridge spans the creek, built entirely with mortise and tenon joints—no nails used. The “Hundred Family Feast” in the village is worth joining. It costs 60 yuan per person. Each family brings their specialty dishes to a long table, including sour fish, glutinous rice, and plenty of cured meat. 🍜 Back in the city, try “Jiao Jie Old Brand Snail Noodles.” The broth is made from snails and pork bones. The sour bamboo shoots’ strong smell hits you at the alley entrance, but one slurp of noodles bursts with sour, spicy, and fresh flavors. A 30-minute wait is worth it. Each of these 8 cities hides underrated scenery. Do you have a secret underrated city? Share in the comments, and I’ll visit it next time.

Taking your parents out, the biggest worry isn’t spending money but when they say “anything’s fine” while their legs protest first. These eight places are my personally tested lazy-friendly destinations with few steps, plenty to see, and lots of benches. Sit when you need to, rest enough, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. 1️⃣ Kaifeng | Henan Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden opens at 9 AM. Don’t rush in; rent a wheelchair or electric cart at the south gate first. The park is mostly flat, so pushing around is easy. The park is full of Song Dynasty–style buildings. Watch the live show “Yue Fei’s Spear Fight with Xiao Liang Wang”—your parents might be even more excited than you. Have soup dumplings at Sun Yangzheng’s inside the park for lunch—eight per basket, thin skin, juicy filling. Bite a small hole first to sip the soup. In the afternoon, head to Iron Pagoda Park. Don’t force yourself to climb the pagoda; just look up at the glazed bricks reflecting light—it’s stunning enough. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue at Daxiangguo Temple is worth seeing. There are benches inside the hall where you can sit and admire it slowly. Visit Bao Gong Temple in the evening when it’s quiet. Bao Gong Lake in front of the temple is perfect for watching the sunset. ⚠️ Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is crowded on weekends. Try to visit on weekdays. Ticket prices follow official announcements. 2️⃣ Zhangzhou | Fujian Yunshuiyao Ancient Town is best visited after 3 PM when the light hits the old banyan trees by the creek at an angle, casting moving shadows on the water like a painting. The cobblestone street in town isn’t knee-friendly, but don’t worry—there’s a stone plank walkway along the creek that’s wheelchair accessible. Don’t try to see too many Tulou buildings in Nanjing; one “four dishes and one soup” Tianluokeng cluster is enough. The interiors are dim, so hold your parents’ hands when entering. The columnar jointing at Binhai Volcano National Geopark is a highlight. The hexagonal stone pillars look like they were split by giant hands. It’s windy by the sea, so bring an extra jacket for your parents. 🍜 The alkaline rice dumplings and sour bamboo shoots from the Tulou at the park entrance are more practical than souvenirs. 3️⃣ Changde | Hunan Taohuayuan Scenic Area sounds like a mountain hike, but the core area is flat with gentle slopes. Electric carts can take you directly to the Qin Valley entrance. The stream sounds in Qin Valley are very soothing. If your parents get tired, there are pavilions by the creek to sit and listen to the water instead of rushing. Visit Taoyuanshan at dusk to see the Yuan River dyed orange by the sunset. At the dockside fish restaurant, order a pot of Yuan River fish head stew with tofu—the broth is so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise. ⏰ Arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups. Be sure to try the ground-pounded lei tea in the park—it’s ground, not brewed. ⚠️ On holidays, self-driving cars can only park in outer lots and must transfer by shuttle. Don’t drive into the scenic area entrance. 4️⃣ Liuzhou | Guangxi The night view of the Liu River is ten times better than during the day. After 7 PM, take a boat ride. The river breeze is mild, and the lights on both banks outline the bridges and hills. Your parents will want to take photos. During the day, walk along the riverside promenade. It’s flat with no steps, and benches are placed every few hundred meters—perfect for walking a bit and resting. Chengyang Eight Villages are an hour’s drive north of the city. The wooden buildings and wind-and-rain bridges are close together, so you don’t have to walk much to see everything. 🍜 Have oil tea with glutinous rice balls and peanuts for lunch in the village. It’s savory and warming, better suited to older stomachs than Liuzhou snail noodles. 🚄 A taxi from Liuzhou Station to Chengyang Eight Villages costs about 150 yuan. Carpooling is more cost-effective for groups. 5️⃣ Yichun | Jiangxi The easiest way to enjoy Mingyue Mountain Scenic Area is by cable car. The Qingyun plank road at the summit is flat and easy to walk. When the clouds rise, it feels like walking on cotton. There’s a selenium-rich hot spring at the foot of the mountain. Soaking there after a day of sightseeing relaxes your muscles and is a great way to end the day. ⏰ Arrive at the cable car station before 10 AM to avoid long lines. Descend in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Buy a box of selenium-rich salted duck eggs at the entrance to snack on the way. The yolks are soft-boiled and perfectly salted. ⚠️ The cable car may close temporarily in strong winds. Check the weather before going and avoid going up in the rain. When taking your parents to the hot springs, choose a private bathhouse. Public pools are crowded and inconvenient for changing. 6️⃣ Chifeng | Inner Mongolia Hasahatu Stone Formation Scenic Area is a surprise. The giant stones look like they’re growing out of the ground, and when the wind blows, the gaps between the stones whistle. There’s a wooden boardwalk inside the park that takes about an hour to walk. The slope is gentle but it’s windy, so secure your hat. Have lunch at the Mongolian yurt restaurant at the park entrance. The hand-pulled meat with milk tea is tender enough for elders with weak teeth. 📍 The park is in Keshiketeng Banner, about a three-hour drive from Chifeng city. The scenery along the way is wide open with meadows and cattle—great for photos. ⏰ The best time to visit is after 4 PM when the light is low, making the stone textures more three-dimensional. It’s quieter then. ⚠️ There are no supply points inside the park. Bring water and snacks in the car. 7️⃣ Jinzhou | Liaoning Yiwu Mountain is more delicate than expected. The mountain isn’t high but shaded by many trees. The south slope path is well maintained with low steps. Walking slowly for an hour will get you to Wanghai Temple. From the summit, you can see the Beizhen plain. When the wind blows, the pine trees rustle loudly. Don’t return the same way; take the eastern mountain path down. There’s a small stone bridge with clear creek water underneath where your parents will enjoy stopping to wash their faces. 🍜 The smoked chicken sold at the Beizhen temple gate is worth buying. The whole chicken is ready to eat, with firm but easy-to-tear meat. ⚠️ Don’t trust people at the entrance offering “free admission with a guide.” Official ticket prices follow announcements. 🚄 There’s a shuttle bus from Jinzhou Station to Beizhen, about an hour. From the bus stop, a taxi to the mountain gate costs 10 yuan. 8️⃣ Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | Jilin Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area’s biggest advantage is that the car can drive to the top. Take an electric cart from the gate straight to the foot of the Golden Ding Buddha, so there’s almost no uphill walking. The Buddha shines golden in the sunlight, surrounded by mountains with wide views. Your parents will quietly stand on the platform for a long time. The Buddhist culture museum inside the park has strong air conditioning, making it comfortable in summer, but remember to bring a light jacket for your parents. 🍜 At the exit, try the Korean cold noodles with sweet and sour broth paired with crispy sweet and sour pork. The noodles are chewy, and the pork is crispy—perfect together to cut the richness. ⏰ Morning visits are recommended for good lighting. The Buddha’s front won’t be backlit, so photos won’t cause squinting. ⚠️ Vegetarian meals are only served at noon. If you miss it, there won’t be another chance. Book early if you want to try it.

Even with a small budget, you can have a premium experience. These 8 places are absolutely amazing. 01 Shigatse | Tibet While others flock to Potala Palace in Lhasa, I recommend you take a train directly west. Prices in Shigatse are about 30% lower than in Lhasa, but the scenery and culture are just as rich. The entrance fee for Mount Everest Base Camp is CNY 160, but if you just want to see the snow-capped mountains from afar, you can actually capture the golden peak at sunrise from Gyatso La Pass without spending a dime. The entrance fee for Tashilhunpo Monastery is CNY 55. After 3:00 PM, there are noticeably fewer tourists. Follow the locals on their kora (pilgrim circuit) for a more immersive experience than hiring a guide. ⚠️ Remember to wear long pants and no hats when entering monasteries; this is basic respect. For accommodation, choose the old town area in the city center, where hostel beds start from CNY 60. A bowl of Tibetan noodles and sweet tea for dinner costs less than CNY 20. If you're on a tight budget, spend your money on transportation to Mount Everest, not on souvenir shops. 02 Changsha | Hunan Changsha is the most budget-friendly internet-famous city I've ever seen. Tianxin Pavilion is free, and from there, you can see the rooftops of the old city. The light is best around 5:00 PM for photos, avoiding backlight. Yuelu Mountain is also free, but don't foolishly queue for the sightseeing bus from the South Gate. Go up from the East Gate; it's a 40-minute walk to the top, and you can see the red maple leaves of Aiwanting Pavilion along the way. You need to book the Hunan Provincial Museum three days in advance via its official WeChat account. If you can't get a reservation, go to the Changsha Bamboo Slips Museum instead; it's less crowded and cooler. Huaming Building is a bit far from the city center, but it's directly accessible by bus, and admission is free, making it suitable for a leisurely visit with seniors. 🍜 Don't queue at Taiping Street for lunch. Walk ten meters into the alley off Pozi Street, and you'll find a noodle shop where a bowl of chili fried pork noodles costs CNY 12, ten times better than any internet-famous spot. ⚠️ Changsha summers are genuinely hot. Go out before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, and hide in a mall with air conditioning during other times. 03 Chizhou | Anhui If you only have three days off and want to avoid crowds, Chizhou is a hidden gem. The entrance fee for Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area is CNY 160, but if you stay in Ke Village at the foot of the mountain, many guesthouse owners can help you arrange routes in and out, saving on scenic area transportation fees. Don't take the cable car between Baisui Palace and Tiantai Temple; hike up instead. It takes about an hour and a half, with pine trees providing shade along the way, and a breeze makes it especially cool. ⏰ Go up the mountain before 6:30 AM. The mist hasn't dissipated yet, and the temple bells blend with bird calls. In that moment, you'll feel the ticket was worth it. The Dayuan Cultural Park at the foot of the mountain is free. Visit in the evening, and when the lights come on, it feels like another world. For food, try both stinky mandarin fish and stir-fried stone ear mushrooms. A meal for two costs around CNY 80. For transportation, a taxi from Chizhou High-Speed Rail Station to Ke Village is about CNY 30, and carpooling is even cheaper. 04 Liuzhou | Guangxi Liuzhou isn't just about luosifen, but luosifen is definitely worth a trip here. The night view of Liujiang River is free, with the fountain show starting promptly at 8:00 PM. Walking along the riverbank to watch is more practical than taking a boat tour, which costs over a hundred yuan per person. The entrance fee for Chengyang Eight Villages is CNY 80, but if you stay in a wooden guesthouse in the village, the owner can often get you a discount. Under the Wind and Rain Bridge, an old woman sells oil tea for CNY 5 a bowl; it's very gingery and warms you up. ⚠️ Don't buy silver jewelry at the scenic area entrance. Go to the handicraft workshops deeper in the village; you'll find the same craftsmanship for a third of the price. In the city, look for "Xihuan Feizai" or "Fengzhang" for luosifen; a small bowl costs CNY 8, and adding duck feet or fried tofu puffs only costs an extra CNY 5. For accommodation, choose near Wuxing Street; you can find a clean twin room for CNY 150, and the night market is right outside. 05 Ningbo | Zhejiang Ningbo is, in my opinion, the most cost-effective city in Jiangnan. The Tianyige and Moon Lake Scenic Area has a free Moon Lake section, and the Tianyige Library entrance fee is CNY 30, but the first 100 people who book each Wednesday can get free admission—can you believe it? The joint ticket for Xikou Tengtou Tourist Area is CNY 120, but visiting only Chiang Kai-shek's Former Residence is enough, which costs CNY 60 for a single ticket. The scenery at Wenchang Pavilion is the most comfortable; sitting on the terrace overlooking the Yanxi River, you can daydream for an entire afternoon. The entrance fee for Qiantong Ancient Town is CNY 40, but after 5:00 PM, entry is free. At that time, the cobblestone streets glow in the sunset, and residents eat outside their homes, creating an atmosphere ten times more vibrant than during the day. 🚄 From Ningbo city center to Qiantong Ancient Town, it's about an hour and a half by bus with a transfer, or about CNY 120 by taxi. Carpooling is recommended. For accommodation, choose near Moon Lake; you can stay in a guesthouse converted from a Republican-era villa for CNY 250, and when you open the window in the morning, you'll see the shadows of plane trees. 06 Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan Jiuzhaigou, Mount Siguniang, and Huanglong are all world-class scenic spots individually, but visiting them together requires strategy. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus for Jiuzhaigou is CNY 280; it's expensive but worth it. I recommend rushing in as soon as it opens, going to Five Flower Lake first, and then walking down to avoid the main tour groups. Huanglong is above 3,500 meters in elevation. If you're not physically fit, don't hike up the mountain; the round-trip cable car is CNY 80, saving your energy to see the Five-Color Ponds. The entrance fee plus sightseeing bus for Siguniang Mountain's Shuangqiao Valley is CNY 150; this route is the least strenuous and suitable for first-time visitors to high-altitude areas. ⚠️ August to September is the rainy season, and you might encounter rockfalls on the road. Avoid driving at night, and make sure to choose a car rental driver with proper credentials. For accommodation, I recommend staying in Goukou Town; there are many guesthouses for just over a hundred yuan. Yak hot pot costs about CNY 50 per person, and it warms you up completely. Don't buy oxygen tanks in the scenic area; they cost CNY 25 a can at pharmacies in town, but CNY 60 in the scenic area. 07 Zhongwei | Ningxia Zhongwei is the most surprising desert town I discovered this year. The entrance fee for Shapotou is CNY 80, but if you just want to walk and take photos in the desert, you can go to the desert edge outside the scenic area for free, and the scenery is almost identical. Gaomiao Baoan Temple is free, and its Arhat Hall and underground palace are worth seeing, especially the underground palace, which is very cool and unique inside. Stay near the Drum Tower in the city center, eat a bowl of Artemisia annua noodles for CNY 15, and stroll through the night market in the evening. Lamb skewers are CNY 3 each, paired with Eight Treasures Tea—very pleasant. ⚠️ Always bring sunglasses and a mask to the desert; the wind will fill your mouth with sand, don't ask me how I know. If you want to camp in the Tengger Desert, find a local group to join; it costs CNY 200 including dinner and a tent, half the price of booking through platforms. 08 Baicheng | Jilin Baicheng might be the least-known place on this list, but precisely because it's off the beaten path, you can keep your budget to a minimum. The Daan Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area is free. Walk along the boardwalk by the river, and the reeds on both sides start to turn yellow in late August, swaying like ocean waves in the wind. If you're lucky, you might see egrets and herons gliding over the water—a scene worth ten social media posts. 🚄 A taxi from Baicheng Station to Nenjiang Bay is about CNY 15, or you can take bus route 2 directly for just CNY 1. For lunch, eat stewed river fish at a riverside restaurant for about CNY 40 per person; the fish is as tender as tofu. ⚠️ Remember to bring mosquito repellent; the mosquitoes by the water are truly fierce. For accommodation, choose near the train station; you can find a clean standard room for CNY 80, which is also convenient for catching your train the next day. None of these eight places require you to empty your wallet. Either the free attractions are excellent, or the prices are unbelievably low, and most importantly, there are fewer crowds than at popular destinations. Which one do you want to visit most this year? Tell me in the comments, and I'll help you pinch pennies even more.