I traveled in the opposite direction during the 8-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, and there were so few people that I suspected the navigation was wrong.
Where to go during the 8-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday? These 5 destinations are less crowded and offer a more enjoyable experience.
01 Wuhan | Hubei
To put it simply, Wuhan is best visited during the first three days of the holiday, when you're most energetic. For Yellow Crane Tower Park, I recommend entering as early as 8 AM when it opens. ⏰ At that time, the main building hasn't been overrun by tour groups, and you can clearly see the railway bridge of the Yangtze River Bridge from the fifth-floor corridor. Book tickets in advance through official channels; queuing at the ticket window can take up to 40 minutes.
Don't expect to see East Lake in one trip; it's much larger than you think. Rent a shared bike and ride from Tingtao Scenic Area to the North Gate of Moshan Mountain; it takes about 40 minutes, with the lake breeze constantly blowing in your face.
📍 The metasequoia forest on Luoyan Island is just beginning to turn yellow in October, making it suitable for a leisurely walk with elderly people; the slope is gentle.
Songyang Temple is in Huangpi District, and it's so quiet you might doubt your navigation. It can be combined with the Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area into a day trip: visit the ancient temple in the morning and explore the mountains in the afternoon.
⚠️ It gets dark quickly in the mountains, so you must head towards the exit before 4 PM, otherwise the winding mountain roads have no streetlights.
The Mulan Scenic Area in Huangpi is suitable for families; the grassy slopes are large, allowing children to run freely. For accommodation, I prefer staying near Jianghan Road in Hankou. Enjoy a bowl of hot dry noodles with egg wine in the evening, and it's easy to cross the river by subway the next day. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, some sections of the East Lake Greenway will have traffic restrictions, so check the official announcements before you go.
02 Alashan | Inner Mongolia
The poplar forests in Ejina only turn yellow for about twenty days a year, and the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays fall right at this window.
⏰ The best light is between 7 AM and 9 AM, when the reflection on the water at Erdaoqiao Bridge is most stable. Going later will result in a lot of tripods being used. The entrance fee plus the shuttle bus is a considerable expense; the specific price depends on the official announcement on the day.
I advise you not to just take a bus into the Badain Jaran Desert for a quick tour. The truly breathtaking view is from the top of Bilutu Sand Dunes; the sheer cliff lines are impossible to capture in photos.
📍 The desert entrance is towards Yabulai. Hiring a car is more reliable than driving yourself; regular sedans can't get in.
Accommodation is the biggest pitfall here. Prices in Ejin Banner town can triple during the National Day holiday. ⚠️ Booking two months in advance isn't early enough. If you can't book, consider staying in guesthouses on the outskirts of Dalaihob town. Families with young children shouldn't attempt desert camping; the temperature difference at night can reach 15 degrees Celsius.
As for food, try the hand-pulled mutton and camel meat pies in town, but don't expect anything fancy.
🚄 It takes about six hours by bus from Yinchuan, and even faster from Jiuquan. This place is suitable for those who can tolerate a bumpy ride and want to see spectacular scenery; it's not suitable for vacationers seeking comfort.
03 Shijiazhuang|Hebei
Shijiazhuang is often used as a transit point, but it's actually worth two days of exploring on its own. I recommend visiting the Zhaozhou Bridge after 4 PM. ⏰ The setting sun casts its rays on the stone arches, making the bridge's curves particularly clear. The entrance fee is inexpensive, and an hour is sufficient to explore. Locals sell pear syrup candy nearby.
Xibaipo is located in Pingshan County, about an hour and a half drive from the city center.
⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The exhibits mainly consist of text and artifacts. If you're bringing children, do some research beforehand to avoid rushing through.
Zhengding Ancient City is my personal favorite. The reclining Guanyin statue at Longxing Temple is unforgettable.
📍 You can reach it by subway and bus from Shijiazhuang Station. The ancient city wall is perfect for a stroll after it's lit up at night. For food, try the Zhengding Eight Bowls and Beng Gan (a type of liver soup), but don't order too much as the portions are generous.
For transportation, don't confuse Shijiazhuang Station with Zhengding Airport Station. A two-day, one-night itinerary is perfect: day one at Zhaozhou Bridge and Zhengding, day two at Xibaipo and back. Suitable for a short weekend trip, or a leisurely stroll with parents.
04 Urumqi | Xinjiang
Urumqi deserves a full day; don't just treat it as a stopover on your way to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). The International Grand Bazaar opens after 10 AM. 📍 The stalls selling dried fruit and carpets at the end of the pedestrian street offer better deals, while the souvenir shops at the entrance are overpriced.
⚠️ Before buying, ask whether it's priced by kilogram or pound.
Hongguang Mountain is best visited in the evening; climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the city.
⏰ Arrive forty minutes before sunset, when the light transitions from golden to bluish-purple, providing excellent photo opportunities. The mountain isn't high, so even seniors can hike up slowly.
Dabancheng is about 90 kilometers from the city center; the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. The wind turbines against the backdrop of the Gobi Desert have a desolate yet beautiful charm.
🍜 On the way back, eat spicy chicken in Chaiwopu; it's a local favorite.
For accommodation, I prefer staying near the South Gate or the Grand Bazaar, where there are plenty of places to eat in the evening. The Grand Bazaar gets very crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so keep an eye on your belongings. This place is suitable for first-time visitors to Xinjiang who want to experience the city's atmosphere first.
05 Baishan | Jilin
Changbai Mountain is the most luck-dependent stop on this trip. Whether you can see Tianchi Lake depends entirely on the cloud cover that day.
⏰ I recommend taking the first bus up the mountain in the morning, before 10 am when the clouds haven't gathered yet. Tickets and bus tickets need to be booked in advance through official channels; specific rules are subject to the announcement on the day.
Choose either the North Slope or the West Slope. The North Slope has more attractions, including waterfalls and hot springs, making it suitable for first-time visitors. The West Slope has more steps, suitable for those with good stamina who want to hike the alpine gardens.
⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain, so don't worry about the weight of your windproof jacket.
For food, try the Korean cold noodles and barbecue in Erdaobaihe Town.
🍜 I don't recommend the dog meat restaurant in town that's been there for years. It's not a matter of taste, but many people can't accept it, so avoid it.
It's about a two-hour drive from Baishan city to Changbai Mountain Scenic Area; you can hire a car or share a ride. This place is suitable for those willing to get up early and accept unpredictable weather. Don't be discouraged if you don't see Tianchi Lake; the forest and hot springs themselves are worth the price.
06 Baoshan | Yunnan
Tengchong is the most worthwhile place to stop in Baoshan; I recommend leaving three days. I suggest staying overnight in Heshun Ancient Town. ⏰ In the early morning, the Washing Pavilion and the riverbank are almost deserted; that tranquility only exists before the daytime influx of tourists. The ancient town ticket includes several ancestral halls, so take your time exploring.
The Volcanic Hot Spring Tourist Area is best visited in the afternoon. The boiling spring at the Big Boiling Pot looks scary, so don't get too close.
⚠️ Remember to bring your own swimsuit when soaking in the hot springs; buying one inside the scenic area is ridiculously expensive. You can paddle on grass rafts at Beihai Wetland, which is suitable for families with children.
Yunfeng Mountain is a bit off the beaten path. The mountain road is steep, and it takes about 50 minutes to drive from Tengchong city. Those with average stamina can turn back halfway up; the scenery is already quite impressive. In autumn, the mountain colors begin to warm up, making it perfect for photography.
For food, I recommend Da Jiu Jia (a local specialty) and Xi Dou Fen (a type of rice noodle soup), both available at breakfast stalls.
Tengchong has an airport; a flight from Kunming takes about an hour, which is more convenient than taking a bus. Accommodation in Heshun Ancient Town is in high demand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so book in advance.
07 Zhangye|Gansu
Choose the right time to visit the Rainbow Mountains.
⏰ Enter after 5:30 PM when the oblique sunlight illuminates the color bands most clearly; at midday, it appears as a grayish-red. There are four viewing platforms in the scenic area; take the shuttle bus and visit them in order, don't spend too much time on the first platform.
Mati Temple is in Sunan County, about an hour's drive from the city. The Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes require climbing narrow stairs; ⚠️ those with a fear of heights or mobility issues can simply admire it from the outside. The murals in the temple are well-preserved; avoid using flash photography.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the city center. The reclining Buddha inside is very long, and going inside will bring a sense of tranquility.
📍 It's a ten-minute walk from the Bell and Drum Tower. Along the way, you can visit Ganzhou Market and try a bowl of "cuo yu mian" (a type of noodle dish).
Liqian Ancient City is further from the city center, and its exhibits are more focused on exhibitions; whether you go depends on your schedule. A two-day, one-night itinerary is recommended: Day 1: Sunset at Danxia Landform; Day 2: Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple. Suitable for self-driving or hiring a car.
08 Daxinganling | Heilongjiang
Beiji Village is the northernmost stop on this trip. Visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays allows you to catch the tail end of autumn colors.
⏰ From late September to early October, the birch forests are a vibrant yellow; any later and the leaves will have fallen. The northernmost post office in the village allows you to send postcards, adding a touch of ceremony.
The Greater Khingan Mountains forest route is perfect for a self-driving trip. 📍 It's about 80 kilometers from Mohe to Beiji Village, and the road conditions are good. You can stop and drive along the way, and even find pine cones in the forest.
⚠️ Don't stray too far from the main road; signal is weak in the forest, and it's easy to get lost.
Choose a guesthouse in Beiji Village for accommodation. If the weather is clear at night, you might be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis. Don't be disappointed if you don't see it; the starry sky is already quite spectacular.
🍜 Try the iron pot stew and cold-water fish in the village, though they're not cheap.
This place is suitable for those who want to completely unwind, not for those rushing through a itinerary. During the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, save it for the last part of your trip, and wrap it up slowly—much more comfortable than squeezing into popular cities.
Of these eight destinations, I personally recommend Zhangye and Baoshan the most: one for its stunning landscape, and the other for hot springs. If you only have five days, skip the Greater Khingan Mountains and Alashan and save them for next time. Tell me in the comments where you're planning to go, and I'll help you avoid some pitfalls. Where to go during the 8-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday? These 5 destinations are less crowded and offer a more enjoyable experience.
01 Wuhan | Hubei
To put it simply, Wuhan is best visited during the first three days of the holiday, when you're most energetic. For Yellow Crane Tower Park, I recommend entering as early as 8 AM when it opens. ⏰ At that time, the main building hasn't been overrun by tour groups, and you can clearly see the railway bridge of the Yangtze River Bridge from the fifth-floor corridor. Book tickets in advance through official channels; queuing at the ticket window can take up to 40 minutes.
Don't expect to see East Lake in one trip; it's much larger than you think. Rent a shared bike and ride from Tingtao Scenic Area to the North Gate of Moshan Mountain; it takes about 40 minutes, with the lake breeze constantly blowing in your face.
📍 The metasequoia forest on Luoyan Island is just beginning to turn yellow in October, making it suitable for a leisurely walk with elderly people; the slope is gentle.
Songyang Temple is in Huangpi District, and it's so quiet you might doubt your navigation. It can be combined with the Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area into a day trip: visit the ancient temple in the morning and explore the mountains in the afternoon.
⚠️ It gets dark quickly in the mountains, so you must head towards the exit before 4 PM, otherwise the winding mountain roads have no streetlights.
The Mulan Scenic Area in Huangpi is suitable for families; the grassy slopes are large, allowing children to run freely. For accommodation, I prefer staying near Jianghan Road in Hankou. Enjoy a bowl of hot dry noodles with egg wine in the evening, and it's easy to cross the river by subway the next day. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, some sections of the East Lake Greenway will have traffic restrictions, so check the official announcements before you go.
02 Alashan | Inner Mongolia
The poplar forests in Ejina only turn yellow for about twenty days a year, and the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays fall right at this window.
⏰ The best light is between 7 AM and 9 AM, when the reflection on the water at Erdaoqiao Bridge is most stable. Going later will result in a lot of tripods being used. The entrance fee plus the shuttle bus is a considerable expense; the specific price depends on the official announcement on the day.
I advise you not to just take a bus into the Badain Jaran Desert for a quick tour. The truly breathtaking view is from the top of Bilutu Sand Dunes; the sheer cliff lines are impossible to capture in photos.
📍 The desert entrance is towards Yabulai. Hiring a car is more reliable than driving yourself; regular sedans can't get in.
Accommodation is the biggest pitfall here. Prices in Ejin Banner town can triple during the National Day holiday. ⚠️ Booking two months in advance isn't early enough. If you can't book, consider staying in guesthouses on the outskirts of Dalaihob town. Families with young children shouldn't attempt desert camping; the temperature difference at night can reach 15 degrees Celsius.
As for food, try the hand-pulled mutton and camel meat pies in town, but don't expect anything fancy.
🚄 It takes about six hours by bus from Yinchuan, and even faster from Jiuquan. This place is suitable for those who can tolerate a bumpy ride and want to see spectacular scenery; it's not suitable for vacationers seeking comfort.
03 Shijiazhuang|Hebei
Shijiazhuang is often used as a transit point, but it's actually worth two days of exploring on its own. I recommend visiting the Zhaozhou Bridge after 4 PM. ⏰ The setting sun casts its rays on the stone arches, making the bridge's curves particularly clear. The entrance fee is inexpensive, and an hour is sufficient to explore. Locals sell pear syrup candy nearby.
Xibaipo is located in Pingshan County, about an hour and a half drive from the city center.
⚠️ Closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The exhibits mainly consist of text and artifacts. If you're bringing children, do some research beforehand to avoid rushing through.
Zhengding Ancient City is my personal favorite. The reclining Guanyin statue at Longxing Temple is unforgettable.
📍 You can reach it by subway and bus from Shijiazhuang Station. The ancient city wall is perfect for a stroll after it's lit up at night. For food, try the Zhengding Eight Bowls and Beng Gan (a type of liver soup), but don't order too much as the portions are generous.
For transportation, don't confuse Shijiazhuang Station with Zhengding Airport Station. A two-day, one-night itinerary is perfect: day one at Zhaozhou Bridge and Zhengding, day two at Xibaipo and back. Suitable for a short weekend trip, or a leisurely stroll with parents.
04 Urumqi | Xinjiang
Urumqi deserves a full day; don't just treat it as a stopover on your way to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). The International Grand Bazaar opens after 10 AM. 📍 The stalls selling dried fruit and carpets at the end of the pedestrian street offer better deals, while the souvenir shops at the entrance are overpriced.
⚠️ Before buying, ask whether it's priced by kilogram or pound.
Hongguang Mountain is best visited in the evening; climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the city.
⏰ Arrive forty minutes before sunset, when the light transitions from golden to bluish-purple, providing excellent photo opportunities. The mountain isn't high, so even seniors can hike up slowly.
Dabancheng is about 90 kilometers from the city center; the wind is strong enough to blow your hat away. The wind turbines against the backdrop of the Gobi Desert have a desolate yet beautiful charm.
🍜 On the way back, eat spicy chicken in Chaiwopu; it's a local favorite.
For accommodation, I prefer staying near the South Gate or the Grand Bazaar, where there are plenty of places to eat in the evening. The Grand Bazaar gets very crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so keep an eye on your belongings. This place is suitable for first-time visitors to Xinjiang who want to experience the city's atmosphere first.
05 Baishan | Jilin
Changbai Mountain is the most luck-dependent stop on this trip. Whether you can see Tianchi Lake depends entirely on the cloud cover that day.
⏰ I recommend taking the first bus up the mountain in the morning, before 10 am when the clouds haven't gathered yet. Tickets and bus tickets need to be booked in advance through official channels; specific rules are subject to the announcement on the day.
Choose either the North Slope or the West Slope. The North Slope has more attractions, including waterfalls and hot springs, making it suitable for first-time visitors. The West Slope has more steps, suitable for those with good stamina who want to hike the alpine gardens.
⚠️ The temperature on the mountain is 10 degrees Celsius lower than at the foot of the mountain, so don't worry about the weight of your windproof jacket.
For food, try the Korean cold noodles and barbecue in Erdaobaihe Town.
🍜 I don't recommend the dog meat restaurant in town that's been there for years. It's not a matter of taste, but many people can't accept it, so avoid it.
It's about a two-hour drive from Baishan city to Changbai Mountain Scenic Area; you can hire a car or share a ride. This place is suitable for those willing to get up early and accept unpredictable weather. Don't be discouraged if you don't see Tianchi Lake; the forest and hot springs themselves are worth the price.
06 Baoshan | Yunnan
Tengchong is the most worthwhile place to stop in Baoshan; I recommend leaving three days. I suggest staying overnight in Heshun Ancient Town. ⏰ In the early morning, the Washing Pavilion and the riverbank are almost deserted; that tranquility only exists before the daytime influx of tourists. The ancient town ticket includes several ancestral halls, so take your time exploring.
The Volcanic Hot Spring Tourist Area is best visited in the afternoon. The boiling spring at the Big Boiling Pot looks scary, so don't get too close.
⚠️ Remember to bring your own swimsuit when soaking in the hot springs; buying one inside the scenic area is ridiculously expensive. You can paddle on grass rafts at Beihai Wetland, which is suitable for families with children.
Yunfeng Mountain is a bit off the beaten path. The mountain road is steep, and it takes about 50 minutes to drive from Tengchong city. Those with average stamina can turn back halfway up; the scenery is already quite impressive. In autumn, the mountain colors begin to warm up, making it perfect for photography.
For food, I recommend Da Jiu Jia (a local specialty) and Xi Dou Fen (a type of rice noodle soup), both available at breakfast stalls.
Tengchong has an airport; a flight from Kunming takes about an hour, which is more convenient than taking a bus. Accommodation in Heshun Ancient Town is in high demand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, so book in advance.
07 Zhangye|Gansu
Choose the right time to visit the Rainbow Mountains.
⏰ Enter after 5:30 PM when the oblique sunlight illuminates the color bands most clearly; at midday, it appears as a grayish-red. There are four viewing platforms in the scenic area; take the shuttle bus and visit them in order, don't spend too much time on the first platform.
Mati Temple is in Sunan County, about an hour's drive from the city. The Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes require climbing narrow stairs; ⚠️ those with a fear of heights or mobility issues can simply admire it from the outside. The murals in the temple are well-preserved; avoid using flash photography.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the city center. The reclining Buddha inside is very long, and going inside will bring a sense of tranquility.
📍 It's a ten-minute walk from the Bell and Drum Tower. Along the way, you can visit Ganzhou Market and try a bowl of "cuo yu mian" (a type of noodle dish).
Liqian Ancient City is further from the city center, and its exhibits are more focused on exhibitions; whether you go depends on your schedule. A two-day, one-night itinerary is recommended: Day 1: Sunset at Danxia Landform; Day 2: Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple. Suitable for self-driving or hiring a car.
08 Daxinganling | Heilongjiang
Beiji Village is the northernmost stop on this trip. Visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays allows you to catch the tail end of autumn colors.
⏰ From late September to early October, the birch forests are a vibrant yellow; any later and the leaves will have fallen. The northernmost post office in the village allows you to send postcards, adding a touch of ceremony.
The Greater Khingan Mountains forest route is perfect for a self-driving trip. 📍 It's about 80 kilometers from Mohe to Beiji Village, and the road conditions are good. You can stop and drive along the way, and even find pine cones in the forest.
⚠️ Don't stray too far from the main road; signal is weak in the forest, and it's easy to get lost.
Choose a guesthouse in Beiji Village for accommodation. If the weather is clear at night, you might be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis. Don't be disappointed if you don't see it; the starry sky is already quite spectacular.
🍜 Try the iron pot stew and cold-water fish in the village, though they're not cheap.
This place is suitable for those who want to completely unwind, not for those rushing through a itinerary. During the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, save it for the last part of your trip, and wrap it up slowly—much more comfortable than squeezing into popular cities.
Of these eight destinations, I personally recommend Zhangye and Baoshan the most: one for its stunning landscape, and the other for hot springs. If you only have five days, skip the Greater Khingan Mountains and Alashan and save them for next time. Tell me in the comments where you're planning to go, and I'll help you avoid some pitfalls.