Where to go for budget travel in November? These places are super affordable.
01 Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture | Sichuan
November in Aba offers off-season prices and late autumn scenery; the crowds are so small you can almost hear the water. Jiuzhaigou operates on off-season admission; sightseeing bus fares are separate, subject to official announcements on the day.
⏰ In the morning, take a bus towards Changhai Lake upon entering the park, then walk downhill. This saves energy and time. The leaves have mostly fallen, leaving only the blue-green of the travertine pools and the mountain lines marked by the first snowfall, creating a pristine landscape.
Huanglong is at a high altitude, and the boardwalks are prone to icing in November. ⚠️ A combination of taking the cable car up and walking down is more stable; don't try to hike the entire way. Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountain is suitable for viewing the snow-covered ridges; to see the golden sunrise on the mountains, you need to catch the brief burst of light in the early morning.
Choose accommodation in Zhangzha Town or Chuanzhusi; off-season prices are significantly lower than peak season.
🚄 There are direct buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station, saving you considerable money compared to hiring a car. The biggest expense that's likely to exceed your budget is secondary transportation within the scenic area and last-minute taxi fares. It's more reliable to note down the shuttle bus schedules beforehand than to ask on-site.
02 Huzhou City | Zhejiang
The best way to explore Nanxun Ancient Town is to start from Baijianlou (Hundred Houses Building) and expand outwards.
📍 The covered walkways along the river at Baijianlou are quietest around 6 or 7 am, with only the sounds of washing clothes and water. You won't have to wait for others to give way or fight for good spots when taking photos.
The main streets of the ancient town are separate from the smaller attractions. If you only want to explore the alleys, you don't need to buy a combined ticket. It's more cost-effective to buy a separate ticket for attractions like Jiayetang Library and Xiaolianzhuang.
⚠️ Combined tickets are valid only on the day of purchase. Buying one in the afternoon will likely leave you unable to see everything, so don't be greedy.
🍜 For food, Shuangjiao noodles, Xiuhua brocade, and Juhong cake are all located in the old street area. A serving costs around ten yuan and will fill you up. The restaurants near the scenic area entrance are a bit more expensive, but there are alternatives just a short walk inside. Taking a bus from Huzhou Station to Nanxun takes about an hour and costs only a few yuan, saving more than half the cost of a taxi.
The riverside is cool in November, with a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket. The stone-paved path isn't ideal for strollers; it's best suited for leisurely walks.
03 Wuhan City | Hubei Province
Touring Yellow Crane Tower Park, East Lake, Songyang Temple, and Mulan Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area in one day would be too rushed; prioritize your activities.
In the morning, head to Yellow Crane Tower Park. Enter from the west gate and exit from the east gate. Climb the tower to see the Yangtze River Bridge; two hours is sufficient.
⚠️ The elevator inside the tower is charged separately. When it's not crowded, taking the stairs is faster and avoids queues.
In the afternoon, go to East Lake. Choose to cycle along either Moshan or Tingtao. Bike rentals are charged by the hour, offering more freedom than taking the sightseeing bus. The bald cypress trees begin to change color in November, and the sunset with backlighting is the most beautiful. Songyang Temple is in Huangpi, in the same direction as Mulan. It's best to drive or hire a car to connect the two areas; taking public transport and transferring will take up half a day.
🚄 The subway and bus can cover two points in the city. It's recommended to leave the Huangpi trip for the next day; don't force it into your itinerary.
04 Xining City | Qinghai
Three most frequently asked questions about visiting Xining in November, explained here:
First, how to get to Ta'er Monastery?
🚄 There are direct buses from the city center to Huangzhong. The fare is a few yuan, and the journey takes about an hour, much cheaper than taking a taxi. Photography is prohibited in most halls of the monastery. ⚠️ Follow the on-site signs in the debating courtyard and some courtyards; don't wander around with your camera.
Second, can I enter the Dongguan Great Mosque? Opening hours and prayer times are staggered. Dress modestly when entering; shorts and tank tops are inappropriate. Women may want to bring a scarf.
Third, is it cold in November? Temperatures are near freezing in the mornings and evenings, with strong winds; down jackets, hats, and gloves are essential. At midday, when the sun comes out, you might need to remove a layer.
📍 In the Mojia Street area, you can find hand-pulled mutton, liangpi (cold skin noodles), and sweet fermented rice; a meal will cost around 30-40 yuan per person. Staying in the city center is convenient for visiting two temples.
05 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou
In November, at the Maling River Canyon, you hear the water first, then see it. Walking down the boardwalk, the waterfall cascades down the travertine cliffs overhead, soaking your clothes. ⚠️ A light raincoat is better than an umbrella; the steps are slippery, so don't run.
Visit Wanfenglin in the early morning. 📍 From the Bagua Field viewing platform, watch the mist rise from between the peaks; it dissipates as the sun rises higher. In November, after the rice harvest, the rice in the fields is a yellowish-brown, more appealing than when it's lush green.
The two points are not far apart; you can reach them by taxi or bus from Xingyi city. Half a day for the canyon and half a day for the peak forest, so you can finish in one day.
🍜 Have lunch in Xingyi with chicken dumplings and a local specialty, "Shuabatou," costing around 20 RMB per person. The canyon has many steps; if you have knee problems, turning back halfway is sufficient, no need to complete the entire route.
06 Shantou City | Guangdong
How to plan a day trip to Nan'ao Island? The easiest way is to split it into three parts: morning, noon, and evening.
⏰ Depart from Shantou city at 7 am and cross the Nan'ao Bridge. Buses are infrequent, so driving or carpooling is more flexible. The toll is charged per vehicle. First, go to Qing'ao Bay. In November, the seawater is too cold to swim, and the beach is almost deserted, but it's a pleasant place to walk around and take photos.
Have lunch in Houzhai Town for seafood: 🍜 oysters, oyster omelets, and seaweed fried rice. Ask for the list price before ordering, and ⚠️ keep track of the weight when weighing to avoid any surprises at the end of the day.
In the evening, head to the windmill area or Songjing to watch the sunset. The sea breeze is strong, so bring a windproof jacket. Accommodation on the island is significantly cheaper in November than in summer, and weekday prices are even more flexible, making it ideal for a one-night stay to stargaze, followed by a leisurely return to the city the next day.
07 Jining City | Shandong
Qufu Ming Dynasty City (Three Confucius Sites) and Weishan Lake – if you only have time for one, which should you choose?
If you want to see architecture and inscriptions, choose the Three Confucius Sites.
📍 The Kuiwen Pavilion and Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple, the courtyards of the Confucius Mansion, and the Sacred Way of the Confucius Cemetery – a leisurely stroll will take a whole day.
⚠️ The combined ticket is valid only for the day of purchase; buying it at noon will leave you unable to see everything. In November, the ginkgo leaves have fallen, and there are fewer tourists; renting an audio guide is more convenient than joining a tour.
If you want to see water and reeds, choose Weishan Lake. In November, the lotus flowers have faded, and the reeds are turning white. Taking a boat on the lake offers a vast view, but the wind is strong, so wear a thick coat. The fishermen's restaurants around the lake area's docks offer delicious meals, such as four-nosed carp and lotus flower banquets, with an average cost of 50-60 yuan per person.
The two places are quite far apart, making it unrealistic to visit them both in one day. The Three Arches (Kashgar, Confucius Temple, and Confucius Cemetery) are more suitable for families with children, offering a slower pace and smoother roads; those who prefer nature should head to Weishan Lake.
08 Kashgar Region | Xinjiang
If you only have one day, spend it in Kashgar Old City.
📍 In the morning, have a bowl of tea at a century-old teahouse, listen to an elderly person playing the zither, and then explore the alleyways. Pottery shops, copperware shops, and noodle stalls are all within walking distance.
⚠️ Entry to the Old City is free, but some residential areas require a fee; ask before entering.
If you have two more days, head to the Pamir Plateau. In November, the mountain roads may be covered in snow; hiring a car is safer than driving yourself. Stone City is in Tashkurgan County, where the sun is strong and the wind is cold, so bring down jackets and sunglasses. Ascend the altitude gradually; don't rush through it all at once.
If you're traveling with elderly people and children, stay in the city center. The handicraft street near Dongmen and the area around Xiangfei Garden are good for leisurely strolls.
🍜 Pilaf, baked buns, and braised pork in a clay pot cost around 30-40 yuan per person. November is the off-season, so airfare and accommodation are more affordable. For road conditions in the highlands, check the latest information.
These eight places all share the common characteristics of off-season prices and fewer crowds in November. To save money, focus on three things: book accommodation on weekdays, use shuttle buses and public transportation, and check for off-season prices and free admission policies for tickets. Jiuzhaigou and Nan'ao Island are suitable for spending a couple more days, while Nanxun and Kashgar Old City are better explored at a slower pace. Do you prefer to explore the mountains or the seaside?