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

Everyone says popular cities get outrageously expensive in peak season, but these places have cheap admission tickets, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery. I traveled around in August and found that 500 yuan can really go a long way if you pick the right spots. Today, I’m sharing the routes and pitfalls openly. 01 Xining | Qinghai Autumn in Xining starts with a bowl of lamb offal soup. At 7 AM, the stalls on Dongguan Street just lift their lids, and the steam mixed with pepper scent hits your nose. One bowl warms you through. ⏰ Go early. After 8 AM, tourists flood in and the broth gets diluted. Tar Temple tickets cost 80 yuan, half price with a student ID. Don’t mind the price—the butter sculptures and murals inside are worth a whole morning. ⚠️ Remember to take off your hat and no photos inside the main hall. Follow the rules and the monks will be much friendlier. In the afternoon, head back to the city. Dongguan Mosque is free to enter. The square is full of elderly people sunbathing, so peaceful it doesn’t feel like a provincial capital. Stay in a hostel in the east district, beds cost about 40 yuan a night, and there’s a hand-pulled lamb restaurant downstairs. 🍜 Two people can order 500g of lamb ribs with garlic and tea for under 30 yuan each, and eat until full. Overall, Xining is affordable. 500 yuan is more than enough for two days. Just don’t buy yak jerky at the scenic spots—it’s expensive and often fake. 02 Dongying | Shandong Dongying is an underrated hidden gem, especially the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area. At the end of August and early September, the reeds turn white and the wind makes them ripple like waves. Tickets plus sightseeing bus cost 120 yuan. ⚠️ Don’t skip the bus—it’s a huge area and you won’t finish on foot. 📍 Yuanwang Tower is the highest point. From the top, you can see the yellow-blue dividing line where the Yellow River meets the sea. The light is best at 3 PM, and the water looks split in two. The wetland boardwalk is perfect for a slow walk. Occasionally, red-crowned cranes fly by so fast you won’t have time to snap a photo. Stay in the city. Chain hotels cost about 150 yuan a night and are clean. Don’t miss Lijin’s pan-fried buns, 1.5 yuan each, crispy on the bottom with juicy meat filling—I ate four in one bite. Dongying is all about “big views, small spend.” One day is enough, great for a quick stop. 03 Changsha | Hunan Don’t just think of crowds at Wuyi Square when you hear Changsha. That place is packed. I passed by in August and almost got pushed back by the heatwave. The real gems are Tianxin Pavilion and Yuelu Mountain. Tianxin Pavilion tickets cost 32 yuan. The city wall isn’t long, but from the top, you see the old town and new buildings intertwined. It’s best for photos at dusk. Yuelu Mountain is free, but ⚠️ avoid the crowded south gate. The east gate is quieter, and a half-hour walk gets you to Aiwan Pavilion. The maple leaves turn red in late October, but the greenery is refreshing. The provincial museum is free but book three days in advance. The Lady Xinzhui mummy at Mawangdui is stunning every time you see it. 🍜 Don’t eat lunch in the scenic area. Take the subway to the alleys near Wuyi Square and find the small stir-fry beef restaurant. It costs about 40 yuan per person, spicy enough to sweat but addictive. Most of Changsha’s budget goes to food. Hostels cost 70 yuan a night. 500 yuan covers two days if you avoid touristy spots like Wenheyou. 04 Changzhi | Shanxi The Taihang Mountains in Changzhi are quietly breathtaking. Tickets plus boat ride at Baquan Gorge cost 140 yuan. It’s pricey but worth it. The water is emerald green, and the canyon breeze is refreshing—perfect for summer escape. The boat ride into the gorge is the best part. Steep cliffs press in on both sides, and the roar of the water is overwhelming. You can’t capture that feeling on your phone. After the boat, walk the boardwalk. ⏰ At 2 PM, sunlight filters through the cliffs and hits the green water—every photo looks great. ⚠️ Wear non-slip shoes. The boardwalk is damp, and I saw someone slip. Another entrance to the Taihang Grand Canyon is Hongdou Gorge. It’s wilder and less crowded, great for hikers, but not for the faint of heart. Stay at a guesthouse at the gorge entrance for about 150 yuan a night with breakfast included. 🍜 At night, try Changzhi pork soup with strong pepper flavor that makes you sweat, paired with donkey meat sandwich for 30 yuan. 500 yuan can cover two days, but don’t be greedy—one gorge per day is just right. 05 Weinan | Shaanxi Mount Hua is an exception. It’s expensive, but budget travelers have their ways. Tickets cost 160 yuan. ⚠️ Night climbing saves on accommodation and cable car fees. I climbed at night in August, starting at 10 PM from Yuquan Temple. With headlamps, I reached East Peak just in time for sunrise. It’s windy at the top. Rent a military coat for 60 yuan. Don’t skimp—you’ll regret getting sick. After sunrise, don’t rush down. The long plank road costs an extra 30 yuan but is worth it if you’re brave. Below your feet is a sheer drop, and your heart races. Descend via the Zhiqu route. It’s less crowded and the views rival the North Peak. 🍜 In Weinan city, try a bowl of water basin lamb for 20 yuan. The meat is tender and the broth rich. Dip crescent-shaped bread in it—it’s amazing. Stay near Huashan North Station in a hostel for 50 yuan a night and take the high-speed train the next day. Mount Hua is a place where you pay for the pain but savor the experience. 500 yuan is tight but worth it. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baoding’s attractions are spread out but affordable. Qingxi Mausoleum tickets cost 108 yuan. ⚠️ Hire a guide or you’ll just see stone buildings. The stories explain why the tombs of Guangxu and Longyu are so quiet. Baishi Mountain tickets plus cable car cost 150 yuan. The glass walkway is an extra 10 yuan. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t force it. When the mountain mist rises, it feels like walking on clouds. Yesanpo is wilder. Bailixia tickets cost 90 yuan. In summer, the temperature drops 10 degrees inside. The creek is icy cold, perfect for family strolls. Boat rides at Baiyangdian in Anxin can be bargained down. Don’t overpay in peak season—50 to 60 yuan is enough. 🍜 Baoding donkey meat sandwich is a must. The bread is crispy, the meat a perfect fat-to-lean ratio. Pair it with millet porridge for 15 yuan and you’ll be satisfied. Stay in a budget hotel in the city for 130 yuan a night. Baoding is generally cheap. 500 yuan covers two days if you pick two attractions and don’t overdo it. 07 Wuxi | Jiangsu Wuxi is a refined place, but budget travel is possible. Tickets to Nianhuawan cost 120 yuan. I recommend going at dusk when the lights come on—it looks ten times better than daytime. ⏰ Enter at 4 PM to enjoy until dark. ⚠️ Food inside is expensive. Resist and eat in the city. Tickets to Lingshan Grand Buddha cost 210 yuan. It’s pricey, but the murals and dome inside the Brahma Palace are worth it. I was almost mesmerized. To save money, buy a combo ticket for Nianhuawan and Lingshan, saving 40 to 50 yuan. The CCTV Wuxi Film Base for Three Kingdoms and Water Margin costs 90 yuan. It’s great for fans of the Three Kingdoms, and the ancient buildings make impressive photos. Huishan Ancient Town is free and a local favorite. Stone paths are lined with old houses and ancestral halls. When tired, find a teahouse and relax all afternoon. 🍜 Try Huishan tofu pudding—salty, fresh, and smooth—for 6 yuan. Wuxi accommodation is pricey. Hostels cost 80 yuan a night. Two days with 500 yuan is tight, but the ancient town and Taihu Lake are free and help balance the budget. 08 Karamay | Xinjiang Karamay’s Devil City makes you feel small. Tickets plus the small train cost 62 yuan. ⚠️ Don’t walk in alone. The wind and sand are strong, and it’s easy to get lost. Follow the train and listen to the guide. 📍 Twilight is Devil City’s soul moment. The yardang landforms turn golden red in the sunset. The wind whistles through the stone pillars like ghosts crying or whispering. I stayed until sunset. Only a few people remained, and the silence was eerie. ⏰ Enter at 6:30 PM when the light and temperature are just right. 🍜 The city’s big plate chicken is huge, 68 yuan per serving, too much for two people. It comes with wide noodles soaked in sauce—so good you’ll lick the plate. Stay near the oilfield hotel in a chain hotel for 160 yuan a night. Karamay isn’t cheap, but Devil City can be explored in half a day. Spend the rest of your time wandering the city. 500 yuan covers two days. Budget travel isn’t about settling; it’s about spending wisely. Among these eight places, I most recommend Xining and Changzhi—one for great food, the other for unbeatable coolness. If you’ve been to any of these, share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t let great places stay hidden.

Visiting Beijing for the first time, you probably want to see it all: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the famous hutongs, try authentic Peking duck, and squeeze in a dozen other spots. And that makes total sense. But there's another way to experience the city: you don't have to skip the main attractions, just tweak your route around them. 📸 The Tourist: walks straight down the central axis of the Forbidden City and tries to check off as many halls as possible. 🏠 The Local Vibe: takes it slow, wanders into the side courtyards to check out the architectural details, and then heads over to Jingshan Park for a bird's-eye view of the palace complex. 🧱 The Tourist: heads straight to the most famous section of the Great Wall, Badaling. 🏠 The Alternative: Mutianyu. It's also a popular, fully restored section, but folks often pick it for the stunning mountain scenery and a nice, long hike along the wall. 🏮 The Tourist: hits up Nanluoguxiang and considers it the ultimate spot to experience the hutongs. 🏠 The Local Vibe: uses the busy street just as a starting point and ventures further off the beaten path. Try this combo: Baochao Hutong → Gulou → Drum Tower → Shichahai The further you get from the main tourist drag, the more interesting the walk itself becomes. 🦆 The Tourist: books a table at the most hyped Peking duck restaurant. 🏠 The Local Vibe: doesn't sweat the big-name spots. When in Beijing, you've got to dive into everyday street food: zhajiangmian 炸酱面, jiaozi 饺子, jianbing 煎饼. 🌳 The Tourist: tries to figure out what other attraction to cram into their morning. 🏠 The Local: hits up a park. Take Ritan Park 日坛公园, for example. The real draw here isn't the architecture, but the city itself: you'll catch people doing tai chi, going for a stroll, chatting, or just chilling in the shade of the trees. 🌊 The Tourist: spends the evening rushing to collect more sights. 🏠 The Local: picks a neighborhood and kicks back there for a few hours. For that old-school Beijing charm, Shichahai 什刹海 is a perfect fit: lakes, bridges, hutongs, and glowing evening lanterns. For the modern city vibe — Liangma River 亮马河 with its waterfront promenades, illuminated bridges, and skyscrapers reflecting in the water. 🚕 The Tourist: hops from one saved map pin to another in a taxi. 🏠 The Local Vibe: takes the subway between districts and explores on foot once there. And honestly, the walking part here is key. Beijing is massive, but its coolest little gems are usually hidden right between those dots on your map. 💡 What's the difference? It's not that the tourist traps are bad. In Beijing, it would be weird to intentionally avoid the Forbidden City or the Great Wall just because they're popular. The difference is rather in the mindset. The Tourist asks: "What else can I manage to see?" The Local asks: "Where should I hang out tonight?" That's why, for your first trip, I highly recommend mixing both approaches: go see the grand imperial Beijing that draws millions of visitors, but then block out a few hours with absolutely zero itinerary. Pick one neighborhood. And just follow your nose to wherever looks interesting. 📌 Save this before your trip to Beijing: sometimes, all it takes is turning down one side hutong for the city to look completely different.

Want to escape Beijing this weekend? This short trip to a mountain and water paradise is a must! 🌿 📍 Yesanpo Bailixia is truly a summer retreat tailor-made for the working crowd! Just a 2-hour drive from Beijing, super convenient for a spontaneous trip~ 🚶‍♀️ A perfect 3-hour closed loop trail with no backtracking! Deep canyons, streams and waterfalls, surrounded by greenery—it's a natural oxygen bar for sure! Take a deep breath and feel the abundant negative ions~ ✨ Highlights along the way: · Strange peaks and unique rocks everywhere 🗿 · Crystal-clear turquoise pools 💦 · Majestic waterfalls and flowing springs 🌊 · Ancient towering trees providing full shade 🌲 📸 Photo tips: 1. Wear light-colored clothes for better shots 2. Shooting backlit photos near the waterfall creates a great atmosphere 3. The canyon corners are most beautiful when sunlight streams in ⚠️ Tips: · Choose a sunny weekend for safety · Remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen · Wearing non-slip sports shoes is very important Make this your first short trip of the summer! Fewer people, beautiful scenery, every shot looks like a masterpiece 📷

Beijing's top weekend spring hiking spot, head straight to Bai Li Gorge in Yesanpo✔️ A geological wonder surrounded by sheer cliffs, only 1.5 hours away by car🚗 Perfect for families, couples, and friends alike~ Every snap is a no-edit masterpiece~📷 📝Route: Enter through Haitangyu and exit via Shixuan Gorge, a 3-hour easy hike along the plank road with no backtracking. Remember to book your park entry in advance~‼️ 🌿Breathtaking canyon scenery Tiger Mouth cliff towering overhead, streams flowing through the valley, creating a cinematic atmosphere🎬 The narrowest part of the One-Line Sky is just wide enough for one person; look up to see a strip of sky, deep and awe-inspiring! The Sky Ladder plank road climbs vertically, offering a panoramic view of the essence of the Taihang Mountains at the summit~ Tuan Niu Lake waterfall cascades down, surrounded by spring mist, cool and photogenic! 🎮Fully immersive interactive gameplay unlocking NPC hidden quests along the way✅ Encounter ancient-style NPCs who provide clues for challenges, making the canyon adventure anything but boring💕 Complete checkpoints and challenges to redeem surprise gifts on-site🎁 Enjoy the scenery while playing, fun for both adults and kids, fully immersing yourself in the canyon’s charm. The spring hiking vibe is off the charts~💯

I thought Disneyland was dreamy enough until I discovered Yinhu Water Park in Laishui! During the day, it’s a scenic lake surrounded by mountains, and at night, it turns into a spectacular fireworks show 🎆 📍Yinhu Water Park Address: Within Yesanpo Scenic Area, Gougezhuang Village, Laishui County, Baoding City Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM During the day, Yinhu is as beautiful as a sapphire, with crystal-clear water embraced by surrounding mountains. I recommend renting a small boat to drift slowly on the lake and enjoy the gentle breeze~ The real highlight starts after sunset! The water fireworks show begins promptly at 8 PM and is an absolute must-see. Standing by the lake watching the fireworks reflected on the water instantly makes you understand the romance of "the moon in the water is the moon in the sky" ✨ Little Tips: 1. Snacks inside the park are not very cost-effective, so it’s better to bring your own 2. There are more fireworks shows on weekends, so if you want to see them, go on Friday or Saturday 3. The temperature difference between morning and evening is big, so remember to bring a jacket 4. Find a good angle to capture amazing reflection photos! If you visit Laishui, make sure to include this place in your itinerary. It’s definitely worth the ticket price! Less crowded than Disneyland, with a better experience, you can fully enjoy the gifts of nature~

Discovered a breathtaking campsite in Hebei!!! The atmosphere is absolutely perfect💯 Tents nestled deep in the forest Surrounded by nature 360 degrees🌳 Dusk light and shadows are incredibly dreamy✨ Every snap feels like a masterpiece📸 Campsite features: ✅ Wild luxury tents built entirely of solid wood ✅ Fully equipped with professional camping gear ✅ Exclusive secret forest space ✅ Gorgeous sunset photo spots Suitable for: Romantic dates for couples💑 Photo parties with besties👯♀️ Parent-child nature education👨👩👦 BBQ gatherings with friends🍖 Practical information: 📍 Location: Yesanpo Scenic Area, Laishui County, Baoding City, Hebei Province ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 🎫 Average cost: 200-400 RMB per person Tips: 1. For the best dusk views, arrive after 4 PM 2. Remember to bring mosquito repellent spray! 3. You can bring your own ingredients for BBQ~

The Ultimate Yishui Lake Travel Guide Yishui Lake, located in Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, is a picturesque tourist destination. With its harmonious blend of mountains and water, the scenic area is often referred to as the "Little Guilin of the North." Here's a comprehensive travel guide to Yishui Lake: 1. Basic Information · Location: Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province · Best season: April to October · Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 · Ticket price: ¥80/person (includes boat ticket) 2. Transportation · Self-drive: From Beijing, take Jinggang'ao Expressway to Baoding North Exit, then transfer to Rongwu Expressway to Yi County Exit (about 2 hours) · Public transport: Take a bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station to Yi County, then transfer to local buses or taxis 3. Must-visit Attractions · Main Scenic Area: Boat tours to enjoy lake and mountain views · Laozi Peak: Panoramic views of the lake · Wellness Island: Experience health culture · Water Park: Perfect summer retreat · Film & TV Base: Shooting location for many productions 4. Unique Experiences · Boat sightseeing: "Boating through picturesque scenery" · Fishing: Abundant fish resources · Water sports: Speedboats, jet skis, etc. · Farmhouse experience: Taste local lake delicacies 5. Food Recommendations · Yishui Lake Fish Banquet: Whole fish feast, fish head with pancakes · Countryside dishes: Free-range eggs, wild vegetables · Local snacks: Yi County baked cakes, donkey meat burgers 6. Accommodation Suggestions · Lakeside hotels: Stunning views · Farm stays: Rural living experience · Camping sites: Close to nature 7. Precautions · Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter · Wear life jackets during boat rides · Protect the environment (no littering) · Follow park regulations 8. Nearby Attractions · Western Qing Tombs: UNESCO World Heritage Site · Langya Mountain: Red tourism site · Yesanpo: National Geopark 9. Itinerary Suggestions · Day trip: Morning lake tour, afternoon hiking · 2-day trip: Day 1 lake, Day 2 nearby attractions · In-depth tour: 3-5 days for full cultural experience 10. Practical Tips · Bring snacks as park food is pricey · Avoid holidays for fewer crowds · Check weather forecast beforehand · Bring camera for beautiful moments Yishui Lake offers unique charms in every season: spring blossoms, summer retreat, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes. May this guide help you plan a perfect Yishui Lake getaway.

Hey there! 😘 Today, I'm sharing 9 treasure towns that you can reach from Beijing in about 1 hour by high-speed rail. 👏 These places are seriously underrated, with fun, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. 🌼 Save this guide now! 💕 · -- ### **1. Tianjin – A Romantic Blend of Chinese and Western Styles** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Five Avenues**: An international architecture museum. Cycle through European-style buildings and take retro-style photos anywhere. · **Tianjin Eye**: Ride the Ferris wheel at dusk for a panoramic view of the Hai River and the city's nightscape. · **Ancient Culture Street**: Listen to cross-talk, eat Erduoyan Fried Cake, and experience the lively atmosphere of "Jinmen Hometown." · *Tips**: · Must-try breakfast: Jianbing Guozi (recommended from street vendors in old neighborhoods). For lunch, try "Eight Treasures Tofu." In the evening, enjoy a drink in the Italian Style Town. · Subway + shared bikes are the most convenient way to get around, as the attractions are concentrated. · -- ### **2. Baoding – The Cultural Center of Zhili** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Baiyang Lake** (Xiongan New Area): In summer, take a wooden boat to admire the lotus flowers and enjoy salted duck eggs and a full fish banquet. · **Zhili Governor's Office**: The site of the Qing Dynasty "Provincial Government," where you can learn about Northern official culture. · **Yesanpo** (near Baoding): Rafting, canyon hiking – a summer resort for Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. · *Tips**: · It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Baoding city to Baiyang Lake. It's recommended to stay in a B&B in the lake area to experience the life of a fisherman. · -- ### **3. Langfang – A Pearl on the Beijing-Tianjin Corridor** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **The First City Under Heaven**: A resort area modeled after the Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing City. Wear Hanfu for photos and watch the light show. · **Wen'an Luneng Ecological Park**: Wetland hot springs and a parent-child farm, perfect for weekend relaxation. · *Tips**: · It's a 1-hour drive from Beijing and Tianjin. It's recommended to combine a hot spring visit with a day trip to the First City. · -- ### **4. Tangshan – A Collision of Industry and the Sea** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Nanhu Park**: An ecological lake transformed from an industrial wasteland, with beautiful night views. · **Kailuan National Mine Park**: Go down the mine to experience the history of the "Coal Capital." · **Yuetuo Island**: A Dutch-style island with a summer beach music festival. · *Tips**: · Tangshan Banquet (Food Museum) is a must-visit. Qizi Shaobing and Gezha Hezi are local specialties. · -- ### **5. Cangzhou – The Home of Martial Arts and Acrobatics** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Wuqiao Acrobatics World**: Watch thrilling acrobatics performances and experience "Jianghu Culture." · **Cangzhou Iron Lion** (Zhenhai Hou): A thousand-year-old cultural relic and a landmark of Cangzhou. · *Tips**: · Pair it with Donkey Burger (recommended "Gaomana"). Cangzhou Hot Pot Chicken is also worth a try. · -- ### **6. Chengde – A Royal Summer Resort** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Mountain Resort**: China's largest royal garden. A must-visit is the "Rainy Tower" in the lake area. · **Outer Eight Temples**: A temple complex combining Han and Tibetan styles. The Little Potala Palace (Putuo Zongcheng Temple) is the most photogenic. · **Bashang Grassland** (Mulan Paddock): Horseback riding and photography in the fall, with stunning starry skies. · *Tips**: · There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Chengde. Bring a jacket even in summer. Recommended: "Lao San Yang Soup" with sesame cake. · -- ### **7. Zhangjiakou – Winter Olympics and Grassland Scenery** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Chongli Ski Resort** (Genting/Wanlong): Skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer. · **Grassland Sky Road**: Drive along "China's Route 66," accompanied by windmills, terraced fields, and wildflowers. · **Dajingmen**: One of the four major passes of the Great Wall. Hike to experience the history of the borderlands. · *Tips**: · The Grassland Sky Road is most beautiful from June to August. Be prepared with sunscreen. Zhangjiakou Naked Oat Noodles are a local staple. · -- ### **8. Qinhuangdao – Where the Mountains, Sea, and Great Wall Meet** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Shanhaiguan** (Laolongtou): Where the Great Wall enters the sea. Climb the tower to see the Bohai Sea. · **Aranya**: The Lonely Library + Seaside Auditorium, a mecca for literary and artistic youths. · **Pigeon Nest Park**: The best place to watch the sunrise in Beidaihe. The autumn bird migration is spectacular. · *Tips**: · Aranya requires reservations or staying at a hotel within the park. Recommended seafood: "Steamed Seafood Buffet." · -- ### **9. Zhuozhou – The Starting Point of the Three Kingdoms Culture** · *Must-See Attractions**: · **Sanyi Palace**: The site where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei swore brotherhood in the Peach Garden, perfect for Three Kingdoms fans. · **Zhuozhou Film and Television City**: Take photos in ancient costumes and maybe run into a film crew. · *Tips**: · It's a 1-hour trip from Beijing. You can combine it with a day trip to Baoding attractions. · -- Take this guide with you and unlock diverse ways to play in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region! 🌟

Hot summer is here 🔥 Want to go out but don't know where⁉️ ✔️Be sure to save this detailed travel guide - 1⃣️Miyun Qinglianggu Highlights: A perfect summer escape near Beijing, less crowded with beautiful scenery, featuring a 400m-long Great Wall section built with pure crystal bricks❗️ 🧩Team activities: Zip line, cable car🚡, mountain water rafting, magic carpet ride, glass walkway🫧 2⃣️Huairou Yanqi Lake Highlights: Visit the popular wooden walkway, check out the panoramic views of Yanqi Lake, enjoy sunset cycling with fun games, and release happy dopamine❗️ 🧩Team activities: Kayaking🚣, white water rafting, bonfire party, fun sports meet, frisbee carnival 3⃣️Laishui Yesanpo Highlights: A natural oxygen bar, escape from the hustle and bustle to get closer to nature 🧩Team activities: Mountain coaster, rafting, Baxian Cave sightseeing, exciting water fights 4⃣️Yanqing Yudushi Mountain Highlights: Studio Ghibli-style alpine meadows, forest stream tracking with ice-cold camping, cool and refreshing with full of energy❗️ 🧩Team activities: Waist drum rugby🏈, energetic frisbee🥏, archery tag🏹 5⃣️Miyun Gubei Water Town Highlights: Ancient costume cosplay, real NPC interaction, real-scene running, "Running Man" style immersive treasure hunt 🧩Team activities: Ancient town treasure hunt, interactive scenarios, Hanfu experience, team building sports meet

August family summer getaway list: 6 uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable destinations 01 Fuzhou | Fujian When taking kids to Fuzhou in summer, don't rush to crowd the main street of Sanfang Qixiang. Enter from Nanhou Street before 9:00 AM; the alleys are still dewy, the bluestone paths aren't hot, and it's easy to push a stroller. Explore Langguan Alley first, then turn into Ta Alley—it's less crowded, and the bougainvillea on the walls is blooming wildly. If the kids are tired, find a small shop selling peanut soup; a bowl of iced soup is more effective than air conditioning. ⚠️ Crowds in Sanfang Qixiang double after 10:00 AM, so be sure to go early if you have kids. The sun is harsh at noon, so hide in the coffee shop next to Lin Juemin's former residence to rest. The kids can nap while you enjoy an iced Americano. Return to Nanhou Street after 4:00 PM, buy a couple of fish balls, and eat while you walk to avoid the scorching sun. This way, you won't have to push the stroller much, you'll stay in the shade, and neither the kids nor the adults will suffer. 02 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is a place where it's best to split your itinerary into two days—don't try to do too much. On the first day, go to the Western Qing Tombs. The area around Mu Mausoleum has thick shade and flat stone paths, making it easy to push a stroller. Kids might not be interested in the mausoleum architecture, but there are plenty of squirrels in the courtyard; bring some sunflower seeds, and you can watch them for half an hour while squatting under a tree. Have a bowl of heluo noodles at a farmhouse restaurant outside the scenic area for lunch—it's cheap and the portions are large. In the afternoon, head to Baishishan. ⚠️ The cable car queue is long, so if you have kids, don't go up the mountain after 3:00 PM; the light gets dim and it gets windy, making it easy for kids to catch a cold. Save the second day for Yesanpo. The stream in Bailixia is cool, and kids can splash around—remember to bring water shoes as the rocks are slippery. For Baiyangdian, skip those big cruise ships; they're hot and noisy. Rent a small wooden boat instead and let the boatman row you into the reed marshes, where the breeze carries the scent of lotus leaves. When the kids are tired, they can just lie down on the boat and fall asleep—it's better than any sleep-aid gadget. 03 Hechi | Guangxi Hechi is the kind of place where, once you bring your kids, you'll kick yourself for not coming sooner. The water at Jiudun Tianchuang is unbelievably clear. Kids can splash around in a swim ring while you lie in the shade on the bank, feeling the cool mist on your face—it's refreshing to the bone. ⚠️ You must wear sun-protective clothing when getting in the water; the UV rays reflecting off the water surface can cause worse sunburns than direct sunlight. You don't need to hike in the Donglan mountains and waters; just walk slowly along the trail. There are vendors selling freshly sliced bananas by the road for CNY 5 a bunch—they're incredibly sweet. The Xiangbei Fairyland is best visited in the afternoon. The part where the boat enters the cave is pitch black, which is both scary and exciting for kids, and when you emerge into the open, both adults and kids will be amazed. Save Sanli Yangdu for last. Rent a bamboo raft for a 40-minute float; the water is shallow, and kids can reach out to splash, but remember to wear water sandals because the wooden planks on the raft can get hot. 04 Baicheng | Jilin Baicheng is so off the beaten path that even the locals might worry about you. At the Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area, the August wind is dry, unlike the humid air in the south. Enter the scenic area at 8:00 AM and walk along the wooden boardwalk; there's the river on the left and meadows on the right, and kids can run for two kilometers chasing dragonflies. When the sun comes up at noon, hide in the Wetland Science Museum—it has air conditioning and you can see specimens, keeping the kids quiet for half an hour. In the afternoon, rent a four-person bicycle and ride around the river embankment; the breeze blowing into your clothes makes it feel cool, unlike the dog days of summer. ⚠️ There are few places selling water in the scenic area, so bring enough yourself, especially ice water, as a bottle of mineral water inside costs CNY 8. Watch the sunset by the river in the evening, but there are many mosquitoes, so spray on repellent before sitting down, or the kids' legs will be covered in bites and they won't be able to sleep at night from the itching. 05 Shigatse | Tibet Taking kids to Shigatse is, honestly, something you need to carefully consider due to the high altitude. If your child is under six, I advise you to skip the Everest Base Camp and just go to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. There is shade on the prayer path in the monastery, and the steps aren't high, so kids can walk on their own. Arrive before 10:00 AM when there are fewer tourists; the sound of monks chanting drifts from the halls, and kids will quiet down to listen—that atmosphere is more impactful than any early childhood education. Drink some sweet tea at a Tibetan restaurant outside the monastery at noon; it's warm and refreshing. If the kids are in good spirits in the afternoon, you can go to the Pala Manor; there are little lambs in the courtyard that kids can touch, but ⚠️ the manor is dimly lit and the steps are slippery, so be sure to hold their hands. Save Everest for when the kids are older; going up at this age will just cause altitude sickness for the whole family. 06 Zaozhuang | Shandong Don't go to Taierzhuang Ancient Town at night—seriously, it's only worth it if you go during the day with kids. Enter the town at 9:00 AM; the breeze by the canal makes it comfortable. First, take a sculling boat; the boatwoman sings, and the kids will be mesmerized. After getting off the boat, walk along the main street; there are water channels in front of the shops where kids can squat and play with water for half an hour while you buy a cup of plum juice and watch them. Find a restaurant by the river for lunch and order the spicy chicken and canal carp—the portions are large, and two dishes are enough for a family of three. ⚠️ It's hottest between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, so don't plan outdoor activities during this time. Take the kids back to the inn for a nap; inns in the ancient town aren't expensive, and you can find clean ones for a little over CNY 100 a night. Come back out at 5:00 PM when the sun is lower; the light hitting the blue brick walls makes for great photos, and the kids won't be fussy—they can chase pigeons in the square until dark. 07 Qianxinan | Guizhou Qianxinan is so cool in the summer that it doesn't feel like the south at all; you'll even need a light jacket in the morning and evening. You must go to the Maling River Canyon in the morning before the fog clears; the sound of the waterfall is booming, and kids might be scared enough to hug your legs, but they'll soon dare to reach out and catch the spray. The trail is slippery, so ⚠️ be sure to wear non-slip shoes—I've seen people in flip-flops slip and fall on their butts three times. Have a bowl of jianfen noodles at the entrance of the scenic area for lunch; they're sour and spicy, and kids can eat them too. Go to Wanfenglin in the afternoon; don't ride an electric scooter as it's too sunny—rent a small sightseeing car instead, and the driver will stop to let you take photos. The biggest surprise is the Bagua Fields area; the rice paddies are lush green, and kids can run along the ridges while the breeze carries the scent of rice flowers. Head back to the city in the evening and find a restaurant serving sour soup fish; the soup is appetizingly sour, and kids can eat a whole bowl of rice with it. 08 Suqian | Jiangsu The Hongze Lake Wetland in Suqian is the kind of place where you'll realize you don't need to go to the beach to have a great time playing in the water with your kids. Arrive at 8:00 AM and rent a small boat to enter the reed marshes; water birds will be flapping their wings around you, and the kids will be squealing with excitement. Have some lake food at the scenic area restaurant for lunch—the silverfish with scrambled eggs is a must-order, and kids can eat two bowls of rice with it. Go to the lotus pond area in the afternoon; the lotus flowers are in full bloom in August. Walk along the wooden boardwalk, and kids can reach out and touch the lotus leaves with dew rolling around on them—they can squat there and watch for ten minutes. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so wear long pants and spray on repellent. Don't wear sandals, or you'll leave footprints in the mud. There's a sightseeing train in the evening that goes around the lake; the breeze blows, and the kids will drift off to sleep while swaying on the train. This whole trip won't cost you more than CNY 300, and the kids will have a blast, covered in mud spots, with huge smiles on their faces. After this whole trip, the places I'm most impressed by are Hechi and Qianxinan—they're unbelievably cool and inexpensive. If you only have a week of vacation, pick these two places; your kids will have stories to brag about to their classmates for a whole semester. Which of these have you taken your kids to? Let's chat in the comments section; there's still time to squeeze in one more trip before the end of summer vacation.

Ladies, want to escape Beijing for a breath of fresh air this weekend? These places are just 2 hours away by high-speed train, so hidden that even locals say they’re amazing! No crowds, no complicated planning, just follow this guide👇 · -- Datong, Shanxi: a glimpse of Northern Wei’s thousand-year spirit 📍Highlights: Yungang Grottoes (Eastern stone carvings so stunning they’ll move you to tears), Hanging Temple (a cliffside temple, not for those afraid of heights), Huayan Temple (Liao dynasty wooden structure with many relics), Datong ancient city wall (perfect for a healing bike ride at sunset) 🚶Itinerary: Day 1 Beijing North → Datong South (2h) → drop off luggage at hotel → Yungang Grottoes (half day) → watch sunset at ancient city wall → dinner at Kaige Restaurant (yellow millet jelly, fried pork) Day 2 Hanging Temple (go early to avoid crowds) → Mount Heng (optional) → buy some sesame oil cakes before heading back 🍜Food: Dongfang knife-cut noodles (with marinated egg), Longjuxiang shaomai (lamb shaomai), Fenglingge (shaomai shaped like flowers) ⚠️Tips: Guided tours recommended at Yungang Grottoes (or join a tour group), Hanging Temple tickets are limited and must be booked 3 days in advance, wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat as it’s windy in Datong · -- Jizhou, Tianjin: the thousand-year echo of Dule Temple 📍Highlights: Dule Temple (one of China’s oldest wooden structures, with a 16-meter-tall Guanyin statue that’s breathtaking), Panshan Mountain (visited 32 times by Emperor Qianlong, known as “the first mountain east of Beijing”), Huangyaguan Great Wall (less crowded, beautiful scenery, great for hiking) 🚶Itinerary: Day 1 Beijing → Jizhou North (1h) → Dule Temple + White Pagoda Temple (2h) → lunch at Yuyang Ancient Street → afternoon at Huangyaguan Great Wall (3h hike) → stay at a mountain guesthouse Day 2 Panshan Mountain (take the cable car up and down, focus on Tiancheng Temple and Wansong Temple) → eat iron pot stewed fish on the way down → return trip 🍜Food: Yuyang feast (iron pot stewed fish with pancakes), Wantuo (sour and spicy snack), Jizhou persimmons (super sweet in autumn) ⚠️Tips: Morning light is best at Dule Temple, Panshan has steep steps so elderly and kids should take the cable car, Huangyaguan Great Wall is almost empty in the off-season · -- Xuanhua: slow living under the ancient city wall 📍Highlights: Xuanhua ancient city (Qingyuan Tower, Zhenshuo Tower, Gongji Tower—three Ming dynasty drum towers in a row), Xuanhua Catholic Church (Gothic architecture, great for photos), Milk grape vineyard (pick grapes in autumn, incredibly sweet) 🚶Itinerary: Day 1 Beijing → Zhangjiakou Station → taxi to Xuanhua (30 min) → stroll three ancient streets (Qingyuan Tower + Zhenshuo Tower + Gongji Tower) → eat Youmian Wowo (steamed oat noodles) → afternoon at the vineyard (recommended: Chunguang Vineyard, free tastings) Day 2 Xuanhua Museum (learn about the ancient city’s history) → take the bus to Pangjiabao (abandoned mining area, great for railway photos) → buy Xuanhua milk grapes before leaving (10 yuan per jin) 🍜Food: Lao Ma’s baked flatbread (delicious with meat), Youmian Zui Da Wang (rolled oat noodles with lamb soup), Chaoyanglou (hot pot lamb, a local classic) ⚠️Tips: Best time for the vineyard is September to October, limited buses in Xuanhua so taxis or car rentals are recommended, mainly walking inside the ancient city · -- Baoding, Hebei: the lively atmosphere of the Zhili Governor’s Office 📍Highlights: Zhili Governor’s Office (well-preserved Qing dynasty government building), Ancient Lotus Pond (small but exquisite northern garden), Baishi Mountain (cliffside walkway, high chance of sea of clouds), Yesanpo (Bailixia Gorge, great for canyon trekking) 🚶Itinerary: Day 1 Beijing → Baoding East (40 min) → Zhili Governor’s Office + Ancient Lotus Pond (2h) → lunch with donkey meat sandwich → afternoon at Baishi Mountain (stay at a mountain guesthouse, watch sunset) Day 2 Baishi Mountain (glass walkway + Buddha’s Light Peak) → eat Baiyunzhang steamed buns on the way down → return trip (if time allows, go rafting at Yesanpo) 🍜Food: Yan family donkey meat shop (donkey meat sandwich with steamed jelly), Baiyunzhang steamed buns (beef and green onion, juicy), Zhili Anjia (pickled vegetables, great as gifts) ⚠️Tips: It’s windy and cold at Baishi Mountain’s peak, bring a jacket; Yesanpo is best for summer water activities, some attractions close in winter; shared electric bikes are convenient in Baoding city · -- Travel tips summary · Transportation: All high-speed trains from Beijing to these destinations take under 2 hours. Datong and Baoding have frequent trains, while Jizhou and Xuanhua have less frequent service. · Accommodation: Stay near the ancient city or attractions. In Datong, stay inside the city wall; in Jizhou, near the foot of Panshan; in Xuanhua, around the drum towers; in Baoding, near Yuhua Road. · Avoid pitfalls: Long lines at Datong’s Hanging Temple, so arrive early; distinguish milk grapes from regular grapes at Xuanhua vineyard; don’t trust roadside “free guides” at Baishi Mountain. · Best seasons: Spring and autumn for Datong and Xuanhua; all seasons for Jizhou and Baoding (summer for water activities, autumn for fall foliage) Don’t hesitate, pack up and go this weekend!📸

Want to escape the sweltering city in the heat of summer? 🎐 Yesanpo Bailixia is definitely a hidden gem for a summer retreat. With deep canyons, clear streams, unique rock formations, and lush green forests, save this essential travel guide 🌟 ⛰️ Bailixia Must-See Highlights Deep Canyon Secret Spot 🏞️ Towering cliffs stretch on both sides, and the canyon is densely vegetated with tree canopies blocking the sun, making the temperature much lower than outside the city. With babbling streams at your feet, stroll along the canyon trails and enjoy new scenery at every turn with strange rock formations along the way. Mountain Pools and Streams 💦 There are many shallow water areas along the canyon. The summer stream water is cool. You can stroll along the water to enjoy the view, immerse yourself in the coolness of the mountains, and feel the breeze in the valley, blowing away the summer heat. Unique Rock Formations 🪨 Nature has carved out rock walls and strange stones of various shapes. The cliffs on both sides are magnificent. Walking through the canyon, you can look up and see the "line of sky" view. The view is stunning and perfect for photos. Mountain Top Viewing Platform ☁️ After reaching the top, you can overlook the entire canyon. Rolling green mountains unfold layer by layer, and the mountains are all in view. On a clear day, the view is wide, allowing you to take in the entire mountain landscape. 🗓️ 2-Day Itinerary Reference Day 1: Drive to Yesanpo Bailixia and settle into your accommodation. In the afternoon, avoid the midday heat and enter the canyon to explore. Stroll along the stream trails to enjoy the canyon scenery, admire the strange rocks and streams as you walk, and return to your accommodation in the evening to rest. Day 2: Enter the park early in the morning to avoid crowds. The valley is quiet and peaceful in the morning, perfect for exploring niche spots. If you have enough energy, challenge yourself to climb to the viewing platform to overlook the panoramic view of the canyon. After resting in the afternoon, head back. 💡 Helpful Travel Tips 🌟 🔸 The canyon is stuffy at noon in summer; try to enter the scenic area in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid the sun. 🔸 There are many steps in the scenic area, and hiking the whole way is physically demanding. Be sure to wear non-slip, comfortable sports shoes and prepare plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated. 🔸 The canyon stream areas are slippery. Be careful when walking near the water and do not climb over railings to enter undeveloped water areas. 🔸 Mountain weather is changeable. Sudden showers are common on summer afternoons. Carry rain gear with you, as there are few places to take shelter in the canyon. 🔸 Crowds surge during holidays. If you want to enjoy the view and take photos quietly, prioritize traveling on weekdays or entering the park early in the morning to avoid crowds. 🔸 Plan your energy reasonably. Don't force yourself to walk the entire route at once; stop and rest at the rest platforms along the way. 🔸 Protect the canyon's natural ecology. Do not litter, do not climb rock walls, and help preserve the pristine canyon environment. 🔸 There are many accommodation options nearby; it is recommended to book in advance. For self-driving parking, prioritize official scenic area parking lots. Head to the mountain canyons and unlock summer coolness 🍃 With unique peaks, deep valleys, and babbling streams, escape the city heat, embrace the mountain breeze in Bailixia, and spend a healing and relaxing summer vacation.

Reverse Travel Guide to Escape the Summer Heat: 8 Places with Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Scenery 01 Zhaoqing | Guangdong Summer in Zhaoqing is softened by the lush greenery of Xinghu Lake. Arrive at Xinghu Scenic Area before 9 AM; the lake surface is still shrouded in a thin layer of mist, making the reflection of the Seven Star Crags as clear as a mirror. Don't rush to take a boat; first, walk along the lake embankment. The banyan trees provide ample shade, and the breeze blowing across the water carries the fragrance of lotus leaves—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station, about 1 hour and 40 minutes, second-class seats cost around 60 RMB. When the midday sun gets too strong, escape to the stone chamber cave in the rocky mountains. Inside, the temperature is consistently around 20 degrees Celsius, and the stalactites are illuminated in a dreamlike way. ⚠️ The steps inside the cave are slippery; wear non-slip shoes, and the elderly should walk slowly. Return to the lakeside after 4 PM; the light begins to soften, making it the perfect time to photograph the reflection of the Seven Star Crags—it looks beautiful even without a filter. 🍜 For dinner, find a time-honored restaurant near the Archway Square. The zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are a must-order; the glutinous rice is soft and tender, and the filling includes salted egg yolk and pork belly. One dumpling is just right for two people. 02 Longyan|Fujian The best way to experience Longyan is to split the Tulou (earthen buildings) and the ancient city into two separate days. Dedicate the first day to the Yongding Tulou cluster. Go in as soon as it opens at 8 am, before the tour groups arrive. Stand in the courtyard of Chengqi Building and look up at the four-story circular wooden structure that rises in concentric circles—the awe-inspiring sight cannot be captured in photos. ⏰ The golden time for photography is before noon when the sunlight shines obliquely into the buildings. In the afternoon, go to Changting Ancient City. Enter through Jichuan Gate and stroll along Diantou Street. The stone-paved streets are lined with small shops selling dried tofu and taro dumplings for five yuan a serving—eat as you walk. The second day, go to Guanzhai Mountain. Shimen Lake and Guanzhai Mountain are included in the combined ticket. First, take a boat trip on the lake, then climb the mountain. The mountain isn't very high, but there are many steps, so those with children should walk slowly. ⏰ After 3 PM, there are fewer people on the mountain, and it's windy. Standing at the Longevity Pavilion and looking down, the red Danxia landform mountains surrounded by lakes create a striking color contrast. ⚠️ There are stalls selling "wild Ganoderma lucidum" at the foot of the mountain; don't buy it, as it's mostly cultivated. The city itself doesn't have many major attractions, but the night market in Longyan's old town is worth spending an evening at. Beef ball soup with taro dumplings costs only 20 yuan and you'll be stuffed. 03 Shangluo | Shaanxi Shangluo is a small city in the heart of the Qinling Mountains, several degrees cooler than Xi'an in summer. Both Jinshixia and Tianshuxia are canyon landscapes; if I had to choose one, I'd choose Jinshixia. The trails in the canyon follow the stream, are shaded throughout, so you can walk without getting sunburned, and the stream water is icy cold—soaking your feet in it for five minutes is incredibly refreshing. ⏰ Enter the canyon at 10 AM. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a vibrant green glow on the moss. The entire hike takes about three hours; those with average stamina can turn back at Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool). Mancheng Pass Ancient Town is located on the border of Shangluo and Hubei Province. It's relatively unknown and almost deserted. The town is small; a single old street takes about half an hour to walk through, but its charm lies in its tranquility. The brick walls of the old houses are covered in moss. In the afternoon, sit for a while at the teahouse by the bridge, enjoy a cup of local green tea for five yuan, and the proprietress will chat with you for the entire afternoon. ⚠️ Baita Temple is located northwest of the city center. Transportation is not very convenient; it's suitable for those driving and visiting along the way, but not worth making a special trip for. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Shangluo (about an hour). From the station, take a taxi to the scenic area (about half an hour). 04 Pingdingshan | Henan The most worthwhile place to visit in Pingdingshan is the Yaoshan Central Plains Buddha Scenic Area. The Buddha statue is over 100 meters tall. Standing under its lotus pedestal and looking up will strain your neck, but the sense of awe is overwhelming. ⚠️ Tickets are not cheap. It's recommended to buy a package ticket online in advance, which is several tens of yuan cheaper than buying it on-site. After entering the scenic area, take the electric shuttle bus to the foot of the Buddha statue first, then hike up Yaoshan Mountain next to it. This is the most efficient way to distribute your energy. Yaoshan Mountain is a spur of the Funiu Mountains. While its altitude isn't high, the mountain paths are steep. Taking the cable car is recommended; it only takes about ten minutes one way, saving you two hours of hiking. ⏰ The viewing platform at the summit is less crowded and windy after 4 PM. You can see the entire Funiu Mountain range, with its layered peaks resembling an ink painting. 🍜 In Yaoshan Town at the foot of the mountain, there's a place that serves spicy soup with fried dough sticks. A breakfast there costs only ten yuan and is quite filling. Overall, the scenic area is suitable for young people who enjoy natural scenery. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, just explore the Buddha area and avoid the strenuous hike up Yaoshan Mountain. 05 Baiyin | Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest in Baiyin is the kind of place that leaves you speechless at first glance. It's about an hour's drive from Baiyin city; the road conditions are good, but the scenery along the way is desolate. Don't worry about the distance; it's worth it. After entering the scenic area, take a sightseeing bus to the canyon entrance, then transfer to a donkey cart or electric scooter to walk further in. A donkey cart costs 20 yuan per trip; it's slow and leisurely, and actually more interesting than an electric scooter. The old man driving the cart will tell you stories about the Yellow River. ⏰ The light around 4 or 5 pm is the most stunning. The earthy yellow stone forest is dyed golden red by the setting sun, casting long shadows. Standing on the viewing platform and looking down, the Yellow River makes a bend in the canyon; the desolate feeling is something that southern landscapes can't provide. ⚠️ The wind and sand are strong in the scenic area, so wear a hat and mask. Don't wear light-colored shoes; your shoes will be covered in dust after a walk. The entire tour takes about three hours, and there's no shade, so apply plenty of sunscreen. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Baiyin, about an hour, then hire a car to the scenic area; the round trip will cost around 200 yuan. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is an underrated summer resort. Spend a day visiting the Western Qing Tombs and Baishi Mountain in Yi County. See the tombs in the morning and hike in the afternoon; the route is convenient. The Western Qing Tombs are much less crowded than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The area is shaded by towering trees, making it cool and refreshing. The glazed tiles of the Tai Mausoleum gleam in the sunlight, perfect for a quiet moment. ⚠️ Do not wander around the tomb area. Some areas have fences; do not climb over them. Baishi Mountain features marble peak forest landforms. The walkways are built on cliffs, with glass below; those with a fear of heights should proceed slowly. It's seven or eight degrees Celsius lower in the mountains than at the foot of the mountain; bring a light jacket even in summer. ⏰ Climb the mountain after 2 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely on the white rock walls, making the textures appear as if carved by a knife. Yesanpo and Baiyangdian are two other areas; if time is limited, choose one. I'd vote for Yesanpo; the stream trails in Bailixia are so pleasant to walk on. 🍜 For donkey meat sandwiches in Baoding city, any shop in the old town will do. Pair it with a bowl of mung bean soup, and you'll have a meal for 15 yuan. 07 Dalian|Liaoning Summer in Dalian has a seaside flavor. Jinshitan National Tourist Resort is an hour's drive from the city center; the sand is soft, but the real fun is the coastline along the geological park—strange rocks and seawater so blue it doesn't seem like it's from the north. ⏰ Arrive before 8 am; the beach is still relatively empty, allowing you to have the entire sea to yourself. Tiger Beach Ocean Park is more suitable for families with children; there are several dolphin shows a day, but ⚠️ weekends are crowded with long queues. Weekdays offer a much better experience. Tanglihu Park is located west of the city center; it's a popular spot for locals to stroll, but tourists rarely go there. Arrive around 5 PM and take a walk along the lake. Watching the sunset bathe the lake in gold is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, more so than any tourist attraction. Visit Xinghai Square at night; the seaside promenade is pleasantly breezy after the lights come on. However, avoid buying grilled squid there—it's overpriced and mediocre. 🍜 For dinner, find a small seafood restaurant near Zhongshan Square. Try the steamed sea urchin with egg and spicy stir-fried clams. It costs around 70-80 RMB per person, much more affordable than in the tourist areas. 08 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Jingdezhen isn't for rushing; it's for leisurely enjoyment. Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Zone is a converted old porcelain factory, a mix of red brick buildings and modern glass curtain walls, beautiful when lit up at night. Explore the studios and shops; many young ceramic artists' works are more interesting than tourist souvenirs, but they're not cheap—just look. ⏰ Go after 6 PM; fewer people and perfect lighting. The Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is a great place to learn about the porcelain-making process. You can see master craftsmen throwing clay and painting blue and white porcelain on-site, experiencing the entire process firsthand, which will greatly deepen your understanding of porcelain. ⚠️ The ceramics experience activities inside require an additional fee. If you want to try it yourself, ask about the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged. 🍜 Cold rice noodles and alkaline rice cakes are local specialties in the city. A bowl costs five or six yuan at a roadside stall, and they taste better than those in tourist areas. 🚄 From Nanchang, take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen, which takes about an hour and a half. A taxi from the station to the city center costs around twenty yuan. These eight places are not crowded, popular tourist spots, but each one is worth a special trip. Where are you planning to go this summer? Let's chat in the comments section; maybe we'll bump into each other in some canyon. Reverse Travel Guide to Escape the Summer Heat: 8 Places with Fewer Crowds and Beautiful Scenery 01 Zhaoqing | Guangdong Summer in Zhaoqing is softened by the lush greenery of Xinghu Lake. Arrive at Xinghu Scenic Area before 9 AM; the lake surface is still shrouded in a thin layer of mist, making the reflection of the Seven Star Crags as clear as a mirror. Don't rush to take a boat; first, walk along the lake embankment. The banyan trees provide ample shade, and the breeze blowing across the water carries the fragrance of lotus leaves—much more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station, about 1 hour and 40 minutes, second-class seats cost around 60 RMB. When the midday sun gets too strong, escape to the stone chamber cave in the rocky mountains. Inside, the temperature is consistently around 20 degrees Celsius, and the stalactites are illuminated in a dreamlike way. ⚠️ The steps inside the cave are slippery; wear non-slip shoes, and the elderly should walk slowly. Return to the lakeside after 4 PM; the light begins to soften, making it the perfect time to photograph the reflection of the Seven Star Crags—it looks beautiful even without a filter. 🍜 For dinner, find a time-honored restaurant near the Archway Square. The zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are a must-order; the glutinous rice is soft and tender, and the filling includes salted egg yolk and pork belly. One dumpling is just right for two people. 02 Longyan|Fujian The best way to experience Longyan is to split the Tulou (earthen buildings) and the ancient city into two separate days. Dedicate the first day to the Yongding Tulou cluster. Go in as soon as it opens at 8 am, before the tour groups arrive. Stand in the courtyard of Chengqi Building and look up at the four-story circular wooden structure that rises in concentric circles—the awe-inspiring sight cannot be captured in photos. ⏰ The golden time for photography is before noon when the sunlight shines obliquely into the buildings. In the afternoon, go to Changting Ancient City. Enter through Jichuan Gate and stroll along Diantou Street. The stone-paved streets are lined with small shops selling dried tofu and taro dumplings for five yuan a serving—eat as you walk. The second day, go to Guanzhai Mountain. Shimen Lake and Guanzhai Mountain are included in the combined ticket. First, take a boat trip on the lake, then climb the mountain. The mountain isn't very high, but there are many steps, so those with children should walk slowly. ⏰ After 3 PM, there are fewer people on the mountain, and it's windy. Standing at the Longevity Pavilion and looking down, the red Danxia landform mountains surrounded by lakes create a striking color contrast. ⚠️ There are stalls selling "wild Ganoderma lucidum" at the foot of the mountain; don't buy it, as it's mostly cultivated. The city itself doesn't have many major attractions, but the night market in Longyan's old town is worth spending an evening at. Beef ball soup with taro dumplings costs only 20 yuan and you'll be stuffed. 03 Shangluo | Shaanxi Shangluo is a small city in the heart of the Qinling Mountains, several degrees cooler than Xi'an in summer. Both Jinshixia and Tianshuxia are canyon landscapes; if I had to choose one, I'd choose Jinshixia. The trails in the canyon follow the stream, are shaded throughout, so you can walk without getting sunburned, and the stream water is icy cold—soaking your feet in it for five minutes is incredibly refreshing. ⏰ Enter the canyon at 10 AM. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a vibrant green glow on the moss. The entire hike takes about three hours; those with average stamina can turn back at Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool). Mancheng Pass Ancient Town is located on the border of Shangluo and Hubei Province. It's relatively unknown and almost deserted. The town is small; a single old street takes about half an hour to walk through, but its charm lies in its tranquility. The brick walls of the old houses are covered in moss. In the afternoon, sit for a while at the teahouse by the bridge, enjoy a cup of local green tea for five yuan, and the proprietress will chat with you for the entire afternoon. ⚠️ Baita Temple is located northwest of the city center. Transportation is not very convenient; it's suitable for those driving and visiting along the way, but not worth making a special trip for. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Shangluo (about an hour). From the station, take a taxi to the scenic area (about half an hour). 04 Pingdingshan | Henan The most worthwhile place to visit in Pingdingshan is the Yaoshan Central Plains Buddha Scenic Area. The Buddha statue is over 100 meters tall. Standing under its lotus pedestal and looking up will strain your neck, but the sense of awe is overwhelming. ⚠️ Tickets are not cheap. It's recommended to buy a package ticket online in advance, which is several tens of yuan cheaper than buying it on-site. After entering the scenic area, take the electric shuttle bus to the foot of the Buddha statue first, then hike up Yaoshan Mountain next to it. This is the most efficient way to distribute your energy. Yaoshan Mountain is a spur of the Funiu Mountains. While its altitude isn't high, the mountain paths are steep. Taking the cable car is recommended; it only takes about ten minutes one way, saving you two hours of hiking. ⏰ The viewing platform at the summit is less crowded and windy after 4 PM. You can see the entire Funiu Mountain range, with its layered peaks resembling an ink painting. 🍜 In Yaoshan Town at the foot of the mountain, there's a place that serves spicy soup with fried dough sticks. A breakfast there costs only ten yuan and is quite filling. Overall, the scenic area is suitable for young people who enjoy natural scenery. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, just explore the Buddha area and avoid the strenuous hike up Yaoshan Mountain. 05 Baiyin | Gansu The Yellow River Stone Forest in Baiyin is the kind of place that leaves you speechless at first glance. It's about an hour's drive from Baiyin city; the road conditions are good, but the scenery along the way is desolate. Don't worry about the distance; it's worth it. After entering the scenic area, take a sightseeing bus to the canyon entrance, then transfer to a donkey cart or electric scooter to walk further in. A donkey cart costs 20 yuan per trip; it's slow and leisurely, and actually more interesting than an electric scooter. The old man driving the cart will tell you stories about the Yellow River. ⏰ The light around 4 or 5 pm is the most stunning. The earthy yellow stone forest is dyed golden red by the setting sun, casting long shadows. Standing on the viewing platform and looking down, the Yellow River makes a bend in the canyon; the desolate feeling is something that southern landscapes can't provide. ⚠️ The wind and sand are strong in the scenic area, so wear a hat and mask. Don't wear light-colored shoes; your shoes will be covered in dust after a walk. The entire tour takes about three hours, and there's no shade, so apply plenty of sunscreen. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Baiyin, about an hour, then hire a car to the scenic area; the round trip will cost around 200 yuan. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is an underrated summer resort. Spend a day visiting the Western Qing Tombs and Baishi Mountain in Yi County. See the tombs in the morning and hike in the afternoon; the route is convenient. The Western Qing Tombs are much less crowded than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The area is shaded by towering trees, making it cool and refreshing. The glazed tiles of the Tai Mausoleum gleam in the sunlight, perfect for a quiet moment. ⚠️ Do not wander around the tomb area. Some areas have fences; do not climb over them. Baishi Mountain features marble peak forest landforms. The walkways are built on cliffs, with glass below; those with a fear of heights should proceed slowly. It's seven or eight degrees Celsius lower in the mountains than at the foot of the mountain; bring a light jacket even in summer. ⏰ Climb the mountain after 2 PM. The sunlight shines obliquely on the white rock walls, making the textures appear as if carved by a knife. Yesanpo and Baiyangdian are two other areas; if time is limited, choose one. I'd vote for Yesanpo; the stream trails in Bailixia are so pleasant to walk on. 🍜 For donkey meat sandwiches in Baoding city, any shop in the old town will do. Pair it with a bowl of mung bean soup, and you'll have a meal for 15 yuan. 07 Dalian|Liaoning Summer in Dalian has a seaside flavor. Jinshitan National Tourist Resort is an hour's drive from the city center; the sand is soft, but the real fun is the coastline along the geological park—strange rocks and seawater so blue it doesn't seem like it's from the north. ⏰ Arrive before 8 am; the beach is still relatively empty, allowing you to have the entire sea to yourself. Tiger Beach Ocean Park is more suitable for families with children; there are several dolphin shows a day, but ⚠️ weekends are crowded with long queues. Weekdays offer a much better experience. Tanglihu Park is located west of the city center; it's a popular spot for locals to stroll, but tourists rarely go there. Arrive around 5 PM and take a walk along the lake. Watching the sunset bathe the lake in gold is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, more so than any tourist attraction. Visit Xinghai Square at night; the seaside promenade is pleasantly breezy after the lights come on. However, avoid buying grilled squid there—it's overpriced and mediocre. 🍜 For dinner, find a small seafood restaurant near Zhongshan Square. Try the steamed sea urchin with egg and spicy stir-fried clams. It costs around 70-80 RMB per person, much more affordable than in the tourist areas. 08 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Jingdezhen isn't for rushing; it's for leisurely enjoyment. Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Zone is a converted old porcelain factory, a mix of red brick buildings and modern glass curtain walls, beautiful when lit up at night. Explore the studios and shops; many young ceramic artists' works are more interesting than tourist souvenirs, but they're not cheap—just look. ⏰ Go after 6 PM; fewer people and perfect lighting. The Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is a great place to learn about the porcelain-making process. You can see master craftsmen throwing clay and painting blue and white porcelain on-site, experiencing the entire process firsthand, which will greatly deepen your understanding of porcelain. ⚠️ The ceramics experience activities inside require an additional fee. If you want to try it yourself, ask about the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged. 🍜 Cold rice noodles and alkaline rice cakes are local specialties in the city. A bowl costs five or six yuan at a roadside stall, and they taste better than those in tourist areas. 🚄 From Nanchang, take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen, which takes about an hour and a half. A taxi from the station to the city center costs around twenty yuan. These eight places are not crowded, popular tourist spots, but each one is worth a special trip. Where are you planning to go this summer? Let's chat in the comments section; maybe we'll bump into each other in some canyon.

01 Hefei | Anhui Sanhe Ancient Town isn't large, but it's perfect for a family trip with kids. Arrive before 9 AM, enter from the South Gate, and walk along the Xiaonan River. The ancient streets and alleys are shaded and cool. 🍜 There's a Sanhe Rice Dumpling stall in the town; it's freshly fried, with a crispy outer layer and a filling of dried tofu and shrimp, which kids usually love. 📍 Walk through Yiren Alley towards Wanniantai; that section is the least crowded and perfect for taking photos. ⚠️ Tour groups arrive after 11 AM, so the alleys get crowded. It's recommended to leave before 11 AM. The ancient town is free, but some smaller attractions charge separately; ticket prices are announced on-site. If your kids get tired, they can sit on the covered bridge by the river; the breeze from the water is refreshing. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Hefei South Railway Station, costing around 60 yuan. You can also take a tourist bus, but the service is infrequent; if you're traveling with kids, a taxi is recommended. 02 Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan August in Dali is the tail end of the rainy season. It's cool in the mornings and evenings, but sunny at midday, though much more comfortable than most cities. Don't try to do too much with children; focus on one activity per day and slow down the pace. Day 1: Erhai Lake. 📍 Cycle from Caicun Wharf towards Xizhou. This section of the ecological corridor has less traffic, allowing children to run freely. ⏰ After 4 PM, the light is softest, and the breeze picks up, making it less stuffy. There are shared bikes and family tricycles available. Rent one and ride to Xizhou; the wheat fields along the way are lush and green. In Xizhou Ancient Town, just take a quick photo at the corner tower; the main attraction is Sifang Street, where you can try the crispy fried dough sticks (破酥粑粑). The sweet ones are more popular with children than the savory ones. ⚠️ Don't buy silverware in the ancient town; the prices are inflated, so just look. Day 2: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas. Enter early in the morning. There are many steps inside the temple, which can be tiring for strollers; baby carriers are recommended. The Three Pagodas Reflecting Pool is a classic photo spot; it's not crowded, and children can watch the fish from the poolside. Leave when the sun gets too strong at midday and head back to the ancient town for a nap. Nanzhao Folk Island is in Shuanglang and requires a boat ride. The island is small; you can explore it in an hour. ⚠️ Buy boat tickets and island tickets separately; check prices on official channels in advance. There are several large banyan trees on the island, providing shade where children can play in the sand. Shuanglang town has many cars and narrow roads, so driving in is not recommended; park in parking lots outside town and walk. 03 Panjin|Liaoning The Red Beach Scenic Corridor, despite its name suggesting mudflats, is actually for viewing Suaeda salsa. Mid-August is the peak season for the grass, with the red color extending to the sea, creating a striking visual impact against the backdrop of reeds. If you're bringing children, don't walk the entire length; it's too long for them. 📍 There are electric carts in the scenic area; get off at the "middle section of the corridor," where the view is most expansive and there are fewer people than at the entrance. ⚠️ It's windy on the boardwalk, so bring a light jacket for your child. ⏰ Arrive around 5 PM; the sunlight will be at an angle, making the reds more saturated, and it won't be too sunny. Food and drink options are limited inside the scenic area, so bring your own water and snacks. Ticket prices are subject to official announcements; children get discounts, so bring your ID card or household registration booklet. 🚄 It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Panjin city center. Return taxis are hard to find, so it's recommended to book in advance. 04 Hangzhou|Zhejiang Hangzhou is hot in August, but Xixi Wetland is an exception. With plenty of trees and water, it feels two or three degrees cooler than the city. When taking children to the wetland, avoid walking on land; take a rowboat. The boat travels through the reeds, and the breeze from the water is refreshing. 📍 Board the boat at the Zhoujiacun entrance. The boatman will row to the Deep Pool, where you can see egrets along the way. ⏰ Enter the park before 9 AM to avoid crowds and long queues for boats. 🍜 There's a small shop selling lotus root starch near the entrance to Shentan (Deep Pool). It's freshly made and served warm; a child could easily drink a bowl. ⚠️ Be aware of mosquitoes in the wetlands; long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. Don't take children for a walk around West Lake; it's too sunny. Choose Prince Bay Park instead. It has dense shade and large lawns where children can run around. The streams in the park are shallow enough to wade in barefoot, but the stones are slippery, so keep a close eye on them. The China Umbrella Museum is near Gongchen Bridge. It's indoors, cool, and children are interested in the opening and closing mechanism of umbrellas; you could easily spend half an hour there. ⚠️ The Umbrella Museum is closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. After seeing the umbrellas, stroll around the Qiaoxi Historical District. There's a noodle shop there that serves Pian'erchuan noodles with a delicious broth, perfect for children. 05 Suzhou|Jiangsu Suzhou is hot and humid in August, but the gardens with their many trees and water features are much more comfortable than the streets. When taking children to gardens, choose just one; don't try to visit too many. The Humble Administrator's Garden is famous, but it's crowded and the experience is just average. I recommend the Lingering Garden. 📍 The Lingering Garden isn't large; you can walk through it in an hour, but every corner has a scenic view. With its artificial hills, ponds, and winding corridors, children will find it like a maze and will be very excited. ⏰ Enter at 8:00 AM when it opens; there will be fewer people and the light will be softer. There's an old wisteria tree in the garden, its vines providing ample shade where you can sit on the stone benches. Tiger Hill is more suitable for older children. There are many steps, making it inconvenient for strollers. The hill isn't high; you can reach the pagoda in half an hour. The upper part of the hill is shaded and breezy, making it cooler than the lower part. 🍜 After descending the hill, go to Shantang Street and find a shop selling sweet osmanthus taro. It's sweet and sticky, and children love it. A separate trip to Hanshan Temple isn't worthwhile. However, if you're particularly drawn to the imagery of "Hanshan Temple outside Suzhou," then go for it. The temple isn't large; you can explore it in half an hour. ⚠️ Ignore the people selling incense at the temple entrance and just walk in. Tickets to Suzhou gardens are inexpensive, but during peak season, you need to book in advance through official platforms; tickets may be sold out on-site. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is the most "wild" of these six places, perfect for escaping the city with kids. Baishi Mountain is the main attraction; the mountaintop walkway is built along the cliff edge, offering expansive views and strong winds. In summer, the perceived temperature is just over 20 degrees Celsius. 📍 Enter from the East Gate and take the cable car up the mountain, minimizing the uphill climb. If the children get tired, turn back before the "glass walkway"—that section offers the best scenery. ⚠️ The weather on the mountain is unpredictable; bring a raincoat, but don't bring an umbrella—it's too windy. ⏰ Arrive at the summit before 10 AM; there's less fog, allowing you to see the complete peak forest. Yesanpo is more suitable for water activities. A shallow, clear stream flows through Bailixia Gorge, perfect for children to wade in. The gorge is flanked by high cliffs, offering shade and a cool atmosphere. 📍 Enter from the main gate and walk through Haitangyu Valley; the entire route is shaded by trees. 🍜 There are farmhouses near the scenic area entrance serving stewed chicken and cornbread, which children love. Qingxi Mausoleum is the Qing Dynasty's imperial tombs; if children aren't interested in history, they can skip it. In August, lotus flowers bloom at Baiyangdian Lake in Anxin. Boating through the reed beds, the fragrance of lotus blossoms wafts on the breeze. ⚠️ Boatmen on the lake will try to sell you shopping stops; avoid them and just ask for a private boat tour. Ticket and boat fares are subject to on-site announcements. 07 Wanning|Hainan Wanning isn't particularly cool in August, but the sea breeze is strong, making it more comfortable than inland cities. It's also less crowded, with clean beaches, perfect for relaxing with kids. Choose either Shimei Bay or Riyue Bay; I chose Shimei Bay. 📍 It's about a 30-minute taxi ride from Wanning city. The bay is quite long; just find a shady spot under a tree and lay out a mat. ⏰ Go into the sea after 5 PM. The sun isn't too strong, and the seawater, warmed by the sun all day, is perfect for kids to play in. There are coconut vendors on the beach for 10 yuan each, served chilled. After you finish drinking the coconut, the vendor can even split it open and give you the coconut meat. ⚠️ The waves at Shimei Bay are smaller than at Riyue Bay, making it more suitable for children. Riyue Bay is a surfing hotspot with big waves; adults can try it, but children shouldn't go in the water. There's a coastal road near Riyue Bay; rent a small electric scooter and ride along it—the wind is much more comfortable than walking. 🍜 In the evening, go to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine: curry fish balls and "leaky milk pudding" (a type of steamed bun). The kids loved it. Accommodation in Wanning isn't expensive; guesthouses near Shimei Bay are around 200 yuan a night and are clean. 08 Lhasa | Tibet August is the rainy season in Lhasa, but most of the rain occurs at night. The days are sunny and the temperature feels just right – not too hot or humid. If you're bringing children to Lhasa, don't plan any activities on the first day; let them acclimatize to the altitude in the city. Tickets for the Potala Palace need to be booked in advance through the official app; they're very difficult to book during peak season, so keep an eye on things a week in advance. ⏰ Enter the Potala Palace through the east gate and exit via the back hill; don't return the same way. There are many steps inside the palace; if your child becomes breathless, stop and rest, don't push them. The Jokhang Temple is in Barkhor Street; it's best to go in the afternoon when the light is better. 📍 Walk around Barkhor Street; you'll see many locals circumambulating the prayer wheels, which children will find fascinating. 🍜 There's a sweet teahouse in Barkhor Street; the sweet tea is basically milk tea, served warm, which children will enjoy. Namtso Lake is far from Lhasa city, a four-hour drive one way, and at a higher altitude, so be cautious if you're traveling with children. If you and your child adapt well to Lhasa, you can consider a day trip by chartered car, but definitely don't rush a day trip. ⚠️ Don't let your child run and jump around at Namtso Lake. It's windy by the lake, so make sure their hats are fastened. The sun is strong in Lhasa city, so apply high SPF sunscreen and have your child wear a sun hat. When taking your child to escape the heat, don't overschedule. One highlight per day is enough. Of these six places, I highly recommend Dali and Baoding. One is near Erhai Lake, offering coolness, and the other is near the mountains, providing a cool breeze—both places where children can play freely. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's discuss in the comments. 01 Hefei|Anhui Sanhe Ancient Town isn't large, but it's perfect for a family outing. Arrive before 9 am, enter from the south gate, and walk around the Xiaonan River. The ancient streets and alleys are shaded and not sunny. 🍜 There's a Sanhe rice dumpling shop in the ancient town. It's freshly fried, with a crispy outer skin and a filling of dried tofu and dried shrimp, which kids usually love. 📍 Walk through the alleyway towards Wanniantai; that section is the least crowded and perfect for taking photos. ⚠️ Tour groups enter after 11:00 AM, making the alleyways crowded. It's recommended to leave before 11:00 AM. The ancient town is free, but some smaller attractions charge separately; ticket prices are announced on-site. If children get tired, they can sit on the covered bridge by the river for a while; the breeze blowing across the water is refreshing. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Hefei South Railway Station, costing around 60 yuan. You can also take a tourist bus, but the frequency is not high; if you're traveling with children, it's recommended to take a taxi directly. 02 Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture|Yunnan August in Dali is the tail end of the rainy season. It's cool in the mornings and evenings, but sunny at midday, but much more comfortable than most cities. Don't try to do too much with children; one attraction per day, at a slower pace. Day 1: Erhai Lake. 📍 Cycle from Caicun Wharf towards Xizhou. This section of the ecological corridor has less traffic, allowing children to run freely. ⏰ The light is softest after 4 PM, and the breeze is refreshing, so it's not stuffy. There are shared bikes and family tricycles available along the roadside. Rent one and ride to Xizhou; the wheat fields along the way are lush and green. In Xizhou Ancient Town, just take a quick photo at the corner tower; the main attraction is Sifang Street, where you can try the crispy fried dough sticks (破酥粑粑). The sweet ones are more popular with kids than the savory ones. ⚠️ Don't buy silverware in the ancient town; the prices are inflated, so just look. The next day, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Enter early in the morning; there are many steps inside the temple, which can be tiring for strollers, so a baby carrier is recommended. The Three Pagodas Reflection Pool is a classic photo spot; it's not crowded, and children can watch the fish from the pool. Leave when the sun gets too strong around noon and return to the ancient town for a nap. Nanzhao Folk Island is in Shuanglang and requires a boat ride. The island is small; you can explore it in an hour. ⚠️ Buy boat tickets and island tickets separately; check prices on official channels in advance. There are several large banyan trees on the island, providing shade for children to play in the sand. Shuanglang Town has many cars and narrow roads, so driving in is not recommended; park in the parking lot outside town and walk. 03 Panjin | Liaoning The Red Beach Scenic Corridor, despite its name suggesting mudflats, is actually for viewing the Suaeda salsa (glass lichen). Mid-August is the peak season for the grass, with the red color extending to the sea and creating a striking visual impact against the backdrop of reeds. If you're bringing children, don't walk the entire route; it's too long and children may find it difficult. 📍 There are electric shuttle buses in the scenic area. Get off at the "middle section of the corridor," where the view is most open and there are fewer people than at the entrance. ⚠️ It can be windy on the boardwalk, so bring a light jacket for children. ⏰ Arrive around 5 pm; the sunlight will be at an angle, making the red color more saturated, and it won't be too sunny. Food and drink options are limited inside the scenic area, so bring your own water and snacks. Ticket prices are subject to official announcements; children receive discounts. Bring your ID card or household registration booklet. 🚄 It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Panjin city center. Return taxis are hard to find, so it's recommended to book in advance. 04 Hangzhou|Zhejiang Hangzhou is hot in August, but Xixi Wetland is an exception. With plenty of trees and water, it feels two or three degrees cooler than the city center. When taking children to the wetland, avoid walking on land and take a rowboat. The boat travels through the reeds, and the breeze from the water is refreshing. 📍 Board the boat at the Zhoujiacun entrance. The boatman will row to Shentankou, where you can see egrets along the way. ⏰ Enter the park before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and boat queues. 🍜 There's a small shop selling lotus root starch near Shentankou. It's freshly made and served warm; a child can easily drink a bowl. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetland, so long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. Don't take children for a walk around West Lake; it's too sunny. Choose Prince Bay Park. It has dense shade and a large lawn, perfect for kids to run around. The stream in the park is shallow enough to wade in barefoot, but the stones are slippery, so keep a close eye on them. The China Umbrella Museum is near Gongchen Bridge. It's indoors, cool, and kids are interested in the opening and closing mechanism of umbrellas; you could easily spend half an hour there. ⚠️ The Umbrella Museum is closed on Mondays, so don't waste your time. After seeing the umbrellas, take a stroll through the Qiaoxi Historical District. There's a noodle shop there that serves Pian'erchuan noodles; the broth is delicious and suitable for children. 05 Suzhou|Jiangsu Suzhou is hot and humid in August, but the gardens with their many trees and water features are much more comfortable than the streets. When taking children to a garden, choose just one; don't try to visit too many. The Humble Administrator's Garden is famous, but it's crowded, making the experience less than ideal. I recommend the Lingering Garden. 📍 The Lingering Garden isn't large; you can walk through it in an hour, but every corner offers a view. With its artificial hills, ponds, and winding corridors, children will find it like a maze, keeping them very engaged. ⏰ Enter the park as soon as it opens at 8 AM; it's less crowded then, and the light is softer. There's an old wisteria tree in the park, its vines providing ample shade where you can sit on the stone benches for a while. Tiger Hill is more suitable for older children. There are many steps, making it inconvenient for strollers. The hill isn't high; you can reach the pagoda in half an hour. The trees on the hill are dense, and the wind is strong, making it cooler than at the foot of the hill. 🍜 After descending the hill, go to Shantang Street and find a shop selling sweet osmanthus taro. It's sweet and sticky, and kids love it. A separate trip to Hanshan Temple isn't worthwhile. However, if you're obsessed with the "Hanshan Temple outside Suzhou," then go ahead. The temple isn't large; you can see it in half an hour. ⚠️ Ignore the people trying to sell incense at the temple entrance and just go in. Tickets for Suzhou gardens aren't expensive, but during peak season, you need to book in advance on the official platform; tickets might not be available if you buy them on-site. 06 Baoding|Hebei Baoding is the most "wild" of these six places, perfect for taking kids to escape the city. Baishi Mountain is the main attraction. The mountaintop walkway is built along the cliff edge, offering expansive views, but it's also windy, and the summer temperature feels like just over 20 degrees Celsius. 📍 Enter from the East Gate and take the cable car up the mountain, avoiding a long uphill climb. If the children get tired, turn back before the "Glass Walkway"—that section offers the best scenery. ⚠️ The weather on the mountain is unpredictable; bring a raincoat, but don't bring an umbrella—it's too windy. ⏰ Arrive at the summit before 10 AM; there's less fog, allowing for a complete view of the peak forest. Yesanpo is better for water activities. There's a shallow, clear stream in Bailixia Gorge where children can wade. The gorge is flanked by high cliffs, providing shade and a cool atmosphere. 📍 Enter from the main gate and walk through Haitangyu Valley; the entire path is shaded by trees. 🍜 There are farmhouses near the scenic area entrance offering stewed free-range chicken and cornbread, which the children love. The Western Qing Tombs are the mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty. If your child isn't interested in history, you can skip this. In August, the lotus flowers are in full bloom at Baiyangdian Lake in Anxin. Take a boat ride through the reed beds, and the breeze carries the fragrance of lotus blossoms. ⚠️ Boatmen on the lake will try to sell you shopping stops; avoid them and just ask for a private boat tour. Ticket and boat fares are subject to on-site announcements. 07 Wanning | Hainan Wanning isn't cool in August, but the sea breeze is strong, making it more comfortable than inland cities. It's also less crowded, and the beaches are clean, perfect for relaxing with kids. Choose between Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay; I chose Shimei Bay. 📍 It's about a 30-minute taxi ride from Wanning city. The bay is long; just find a shady spot under a tree and lay out a mat. ⏰ Go into the sea after 5 pm. The sun isn't too strong, and the seawater is warm after a day's sunshine, perfect for children to play in. There are coconut vendors on the beach, ten yuan each, iced. After you finish drinking the coconut, the vendor can even split it open and let you eat the coconut meat. ⚠️ The waves at Shimei Bay are smaller than at Riyue Bay, making it more suitable for children. Riyue Bay is a surfing hotspot with big waves; adults can try it, but children shouldn't go in the water. There's a coastal road near Riyue Bay; rent a small electric scooter and ride for a while—the wind is much more comfortable than walking. 🍜 In the evening, go to Xinglong Town for some Southeast Asian cuisine, like curry fish balls and "leaky milk" (a type of steamed bun). The kids loved it. Accommodation in Wanning isn't expensive; guesthouses near Shimei Bay are around 200 yuan a night and are clean. 08 Lhasa | Tibet August is the rainy season in Lhasa, but most of the rain is at night. The days are sunny, and the perceived temperature is just right—not too hot or humid. If you're taking children to Lhasa, don't plan any activities on the first day; let them acclimatize to the altitude in the city. Tickets for the Potala Palace need to be booked in advance through the official WeChat account. They're very difficult to book during peak season, so keep an eye on things a week in advance. ⏰ Enter the Potala Palace through the east gate and exit via the back hill; do not return the same way. There are many steps inside the palace; if your child becomes breathless, stop and rest, do not push them. The Jokhang Temple is located in Barkhor Street; the afternoon light is better. 📍 Walk around Barkhor Street; you'll see many locals circumambulating the prayer wheels, which children will find fascinating. 🍜 There's a sweet teahouse in Barkhor Street; the sweet tea is essentially milk tea, served warm, which children will enjoy. Namtso Lake is far from Lhasa city, a four-hour drive one way, and at a higher altitude, so be cautious if traveling with children. If you and your child are well-adjusted in Lhasa, you can consider a day trip by chartered car, but never rush a day trip. ⚠️ At Namtso Lake, prevent children from running and jumping; the wind is strong by the lake, so make sure their hats are fastened. The sun is intense in Lhasa city; apply high SPF sunscreen and have your child wear a sun hat. When traveling with children to escape the heat, don't overschedule; one highlight per day is sufficient. Of these six places, I most recommend Dali and Baoding. One is near Erhai Lake, offering a cool respite, and the other is nestled in the mountains, providing a refreshing breeze – both places where kids can run wild. Which one do you plan to visit first? Let's discuss in the comments!

Weekend getaway from Beijing | 2-hour direct trip! A guide to Baoding Yishui Lake, comparable to Guilin No need to travel thousands of miles to Guilin! We've found a treasure trove of natural scenery around Beijing✨ Just a 2-hour drive to unlock the Jiangnan-style landscapes of green mountains and clear waters—this is Yishui Lake in Baoding, Hebei! Sparkling in the sun, misty in the rain, the scenery is stunning. With no strenuous hiking, it's suitable for all ages and perfect for Beijing workers to decompress on weekends, family trips, or short couple getaways. Personally tested as the most cost-effective one-day trip destination near Beijing! 🌟 Why choose Yishui Lake? Key advantages 1. Original, niche natural scenery: A 4A-rated scenic area with crystal-clear lake water and lush green mountains. It's not over-commercialized, preserving its natural beauty. Every step is a view, perfect for photos. 2. Accessible for everyone: The core experience relies on boat rides and flat boardwalks around the mountains. There are almost no steep climbs, making it easy for the elderly and children to enjoy a family trip without burden. 3. Easy short-distance travel: Located just 150 km from Beijing, it's a 2-hour drive with good road conditions. No need to wake up early or rush back, making it perfect for a relaxed day trip. 4. Flexible and free: You can enjoy a relaxing one-day trip or combine it with nearby attractions for a 2-day deep dive, fitting all travel needs. 📅 The ultimate one-day itinerary (tested, relaxed pace) 9:00 AM Depart Beijing Avoid the morning rush. The roads are clear, and the scenery along the way is healing, making for a relaxing start to your weekend trip. 11:00 AM Arrive at Yishui Lake Navigate directly to Yishui Lake Jinpo Pier. The scenic area has ample parking. Exchange your tickets and get ready to enter. 11:20 AM Boat tour (essential) The essence of Yishui Lake is the boat ride! Spend 20 mins on the water, surrounded by green mountains and rippling blue waves. Immerse yourself in the poetic atmosphere and take great photos. 11:50 AM Laozi Peak hiking (2–3 hours) Get off the boat and head straight to the core area, Laozi Peak. It's a 5 km mature loop trail. ✅ Best route: First, climb to the summit viewing line for a panoramic view of the lake and mountains, then walk down along the flat boardwalk. No backtracking, easy to walk, and great for sightseeing. 3. 30 PM Return boat Avoid the afternoon crowds, skip the lines, and double your enjoyment. 4. 00 PM Taihang Water Town (10 mins drive) An ancient-style water town with white walls and black tiles, full of Jiangnan charm! The evening light is soft, and the night views are beautiful. Explore the snack streets and watch the light show—perfect for relaxing, eating, and taking photos. 7:30 PM Return to Beijing End a fulfilling and healing day trip with a relaxed schedule. 📸 3 top photo spots (even beginners can take great shots) ✅ Zhixu Terrace: The best viewing platform at Yishui Lake! No obstructions, panoramic views of the lake and mountains, and a wide field of vision. A must-visit! ✅ Gushen Cave: A natural karst cave. The cave entrance acts as a natural frame with green mountains and clear water in the background, creating a perfect composition. ✅ Tianmen Cloud Ladder: The iconic internet-famous boardwalk at Laozi Peak. A 156-step gentle staircase. Climb high for a great view of the lake surface. ⚠️ Tested tips to avoid pitfalls | Must-read for beginners 1. Ticket tips: Don't just buy the entrance ticket! The core area of Yishui Lake is only accessible by boat, so the boat ticket is essential. Buying the "Entrance Ticket + Boat Ticket" combo for ¥140 is the most cost-effective option. 2. Pier selection: Prioritize Jinpo Pier! It has the best lake views, is the most photogenic, and is closest to the core scenic area. Beginners should head straight there to avoid detours. 3. Clothing: It's windy by the lake with strong UV rays, so be sure to use sun protection regardless of the weather! Wear comfortable sports shoes; avoid high heels or flip-flops for safer walking on the boardwalks. 4. Timing: Try to enter in the morning! The afternoon gets crowded, leading to lines for boats and photos. Morning light is softer and the scenery looks better. 5. Consumption: Prices inside the scenic area are on the higher side. Bring your own water and snacks for better value. Taihang Water Town snacks are reasonably priced. 6. Weather: Not recommended during heavy rain, as the lake surface gets foggy, obscuring the view and affecting the experience. 🗺️ Extended trips | 1-day/2-day itineraries [1-day relaxed version] Yishui Lake + Taihang Water Town for a relaxing, stress-free day. [2-day deep dive version] Day 1: Depart Beijing → Full day at Yishui Lake → Night tour of Taihang Water Town, stay at a homestay near Baishishan Day 2: Hike Baishishan Scenic Area → Return to Beijing in the afternoon You can flexibly connect with nearby attractions like Yesanpo, Langyashan, and Zijingguan Great Wall for a slower, deeper trip. 📝 Practical travel info 📍 Navigation: Yishui Lake Scenic Area (Jinpo Pier) 🚗 Drive time: 2 hours from Beijing 💰 Cost: ¥140/person for the combo ticket 🅿️ Parking: Large parking lot available at the scenic area Tired of the city hustle and bustle? Come to Yishui Lake to embrace the green mountains and clear waters! No need to travel far to unlock healing scenery. The top choice for a weekend getaway from Beijing, offering great value and experience✅

Where to escape the summer heat with kids? These 8️⃣ places are cool and fun! 01 Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan While the rest of the country is sweltering in August, Dehong feels like it has a natural air conditioner. Daytime temperatures are just over 30 degrees Celsius, and the cool breezes in the mornings and evenings mean you need a light jacket under your short-sleeved shirt. The key to bringing kids here isn't rushing to tourist attractions, but slowing down and enjoying fruit. Jackfruit and dragon fruit are sold in heaps on the streets of Mangshi; you can buy a big bag for ten yuan, and the kids will be munching on more, their faces dripping with juice. 📍It's recommended to visit the Meng Huan Golden Pagoda after 5 pm. When the sun is low, the pagoda shines brightly against the blue sky. There aren't many steps, so even a five-year-old can climb them. The square at the foot of the pagoda is spacious; kids chase pigeons, and you can sit in the shade and watch the Dai aunties sell Paoluda (a type of coconut milk tea), eight yuan a cup, with the aroma of coconut mixed with bread crumbs—more refreshing than milk tea. ⚠️The UV rays are strong during the day, so avoid going out between 12 PM and 3 PM. Taking a nap at the hotel pool or in your room is the best option. 🍜In the evening, head to Best Food City for hand-grabbed rice with sour rice cakes. Kids will find it novel, and adults will enjoy it immensely. Remember, Dehong has a slow pace, so don't overschedule; two places a day are enough. 02 Shenyang|Liaoning Shenyang's coolness is dry and refreshing. Standing under the shade of a tree, a gentle breeze will leave you feeling refreshed. For families with children, I recommend a combination of parks and indoor activities. 📍Beiling Park: Tickets are 6 yuan. Upon entering, you'll find a vast ancient pine forest with towering canopies and soft pine needles covering the ground. Kids can run around all day without getting their shoes dirty. There's a Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum inside the park; no extra ticket is needed to enter, just explore the outside. ⚠️Don't rush to take a boat ride. The lake is sunny, and going at 2 PM is pure torture. We went at 8 am; the lake breeze was cool. A half-hour ride on a duck boat cost 40 yuan, and the kids were thrilled, pedaling themselves. Shenyang Expo Park is better visited around 3 or 4 pm. The park is large, and walking isn't practical; rent a tandem bicycle and ride slowly. You can lie down on the lawn under the Lily Pagoda. An indoor alternative is the Beita Falun Temple next to the Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda. The pagoda is ancient, the temple is quiet, and the steps are low, making it easy for both the elderly and children. 🍜For lunch, we had a bowl of Lao Siji Ramen near Tawan Street. Chicken soup noodles cost 8 yuan a bowl, with an extra chicken frame; the kids slurped it down happily. Shenyang's coolness isn't amazing, but it's satisfying; you can spend a whole day there without getting tired. 03 Wenzhou|Zhejiang Wenzhou is humid and hot in August, but Yandang Mountain can save you. 📍The core of the Yandang Mountain Scenic Area is Lingfeng and Lingyan. Don't try to do too much with kids; one route a day is enough. Near the Fruit Box Bridge in Lingfeng Scenic Area, there's a stream with water only ankle-deep. Children take off their shoes and step in; the coolness seeps up from their feet. ⚠️ Don't miss the night view of Lingfeng, but don't bring very young children. The mountain paths are dimly lit after dark, which can frighten them. During the day, there's a tightrope walking performance at 10:30 PM, where children watch with wide-eyed amazement as they do somersaults on a tightrope. The mountain breeze is cool, a completely different world from the city. If you don't want to hike, Liu Bowen's Hometown is another option. 📍 In Wencheng County, there's the Liu Ji Temple and Bowen Academy. The architecture is old-fashioned, with shady eaves. The guides tell the story of the "Shaobing Song," which fascinates elementary school students. 🍜 After descending the mountain, go to "Xiangxiang Restaurant" in Yandang Town. The stir-fried rice noodles with fish ball soup cost around 30 yuan per person, and the children are full and quiet. ⚠️Beware of mosquitoes in the mountains; long pants and mosquito repellent are a must. 04 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is the kind of place that "looks unassuming but is surprisingly fun to visit." 📍The Western Qing Tombs are much less crowded than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The golden nanmu wood hall at Muling Tomb is filled with a cool, woody fragrance; children will ask, "Why isn't this building painted?"—perfect for educational purposes. The area around the tombs has many trees, casting long shadows in the afternoon, making it convenient for strollers. Baishi Mountain is a different story; taking a child requires taking the cable car, which costs 70 yuan one way—expensive but worth it. The glass walkway at the summit is both scary and exciting for children; they'll hold your hand and slowly move along, laughing louder than anyone else. ⚠️Baishi Mountain is high in altitude; the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius at the foot, but only around 20 degrees Celsius at the summit. Bring a light windbreaker for your child. Yesanpo is a good place to stay overnight; the stream trail in Bailixia is perfect for children to wade through the water—it's so cool and refreshing they won't want to leave. 🍜Buy the lotus leaf tea and salted duck eggs at Baiyangdian! But⚠️Don't trust the touts on the roadside when taking a boat tour of the lake; go to the official docks where the boats have clearly marked prices. Baoding is a place for leisurely relaxation; a weekend is definitely not enough. 05 Bijie|Guizhou Bijie is a hidden gem in the summer resort scene, averaging just over 20 degrees Celsius in summer, requiring blankets at night. 📍Zhijin Cave is a must-see. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16 degrees Celsius; it's like a natural refrigerator inside. ⚠️Kids must wear long pants when entering the cave; it's slippery inside, so non-slip shoes are essential. The stalactites in the cave, illuminated by colorful lights, will have kids constantly exclaiming "Wow!", but don't let them touch them, as some areas are still growing. The cave tour takes two hours. There's ginger soup for sale at the entrance for five yuan a cup; it'll warm you up completely. Summer isn't the peak blooming season for the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area, but don't be disappointed! 📍The hydrangeas in Yishan Flower Valley are in full bloom, a vast expanse of purple and pink. Kids run around taking photos there, creating even more picturesque scenes than in spring. 🍜In Bijie city, head to the area near People's Park for some hot pot in the evening. The potato cakes and stinky tofu sizzle and pop, and even though the kids are panting from the chili powder, they can't resist taking another bite. ⚠️Bijie has a high altitude and strong UV rays, so sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. 06 Baise|Guangxi Baise's coolness is hidden in its mountains and waters. 📍Haokun Lake has only become popular in the last two years. The lake water is emerald green, and the lakeside trail is gentle, making it easy to push a stroller. We went at 8 am, and the lake was foggy; the kids said it looked like "a place where fairies live." Renting a pedal boat costs 50 yuan an hour; the wind is strong in the middle of the lake, making it so cool you don't want to get out. Tongling Grand Canyon offers a completely different experience. 📍Waterfalls cascade down the canyon, spraying water vapor all over you. Standing on the viewing platform for three minutes will cool you down completely. ⚠️Taking photos under the waterfall will inevitably get you wet, so bring an extra set of dry clothes for your children. The canyon has many steps; it's recommended to carry children under seven in a baby carrier rather than trying to walk on them. 🍜At the farmhouses near Chengbi Lake, freshly caught fish is served in a sour and spicy soup, which is very appetizing. Kids can easily eat a bowl of rice while soaking in the soup. Baise's heat is humid and muggy, but every scenic spot has water features, so you'll forget about the heat as you play. 07 Changde|Hunan The coolest place in Changde is 📍Taohuayuan Tourist Area. A stream flows through the village of Qin Valley, and the stone paths are completely shaded by trees, making it feel like the temperature drops by five degrees Celsius as you walk in. Take the electric cart to the entrance of Qin Valley with your child, and walk downhill – it's not strenuous. Children can catch small fish in the stream with nets. A set of buckets and nets costs 15 yuan at the scenic area entrance and they can play for an entire afternoon without getting bored. ⚠️After 5:30 PM, the scenic area's announcements urge visitors to enter; don't rush in just before the deadline, allow at least three hours. 🍜The Lei Cha (擂茶) in Taohuayuan is a must-try. It's made by grinding fried rice, peanuts, and tea leaves together; it's salty, fragrant, and refreshing, and the kids drink it like a beverage. In Changde city, there's also Liuye Lake. Rent a family bike along the lakeside cycling path for 30 yuan per hour; the lake breeze is much more comfortable than air conditioning. Changde's coolness isn't harsh, but it's very comfortable, like summers at my grandmother's house when I was a child. 08 Weifang|Shandong Weifang's summers aren't extremely cool, but they're dry and refreshing. Under the shade of trees, a breeze quickly cools you down. 📍Qingzhou Ancient City Tourist Area is a top choice for families with children. There's no entrance fee, and the streets and alleys are shaded by old locust trees. Every few steps, you'll find vendors selling popsicles for just one yuan each; kids will happily lick their popsicles as they wander around. The Catholic Church and Ouyuan Garden are worth a visit. The artificial hill and covered corridors in Ouyuan Garden are perfect for children to play hide-and-seek for hours. ⚠️The main street of the ancient city is extremely crowded at midday. It's recommended to visit around 8 am or after 4 pm when the lighting is better and there are fewer people. 🍜Longsheng Pastry Shop in the ancient city is a must-buy. Their honey-glazed pastries and peach crisps are sweet but not cloying; kids will eat them as they walk, leaving crumbs everywhere. The Qingzhou Museum is also worth a visit. It houses Zhao Bingzhong's imperial examination scroll; children will find reading about "what ancient people tested on" more interesting than seeing the artifacts. ⚠️The museum is quite air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket for your children. The key to exploring Weifang is to avoid midday; other times are always great. After discussing eight places, the ones I most want to revisit with my child are Bijie and Baise. One is refreshingly cool, and the other offers a fantastic time to play. Where did you take your kids this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments and give other parents some pointers. Where to escape the summer heat with kids? These 8️⃣ places are cool and fun! 01 Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan While the rest of the country is sweltering in August, Dehong feels like it has a natural air conditioner. Daytime temperatures are just over 30 degrees Celsius, and the cool breezes in the mornings and evenings mean you need a light jacket under your short-sleeved shirt. The key to bringing kids here isn't rushing to see the sights, but slowing down and enjoying the fruit. Jackfruit and dragon fruit are sold in heaps on the streets of Mangshi; you can buy a big bag for ten yuan, and the kids will be munching on more, their faces dripping with juice. 📍It's recommended to visit the Meng Huan Golden Pagoda after 5 pm. When the sun is setting, the pagoda shines brightly against the blue sky. There aren't many steps, so even a five-year-old can climb them on their own. The square below the tower is spacious, children chase pigeons, and you can sit in the shade watching a Dai auntie sell Paoluda (a type of flatbread), eight yuan a cup, the coconut flavor mixed with bread crumbs, more refreshing than milk tea. ⚠️The UV rays are strong during the day, so don't go out between noon and 3 pm. Taking a nap at the hotel pool or in your room is the best option. 🍜In the evening, go to Best Food City. Hand-grabbed rice with sour rice cakes is a novel experience for kids, and adults enjoy it immensely. Remember, Dehong has a slow pace, so don't overschedule; two places a day are enough. 02 Shenyang|Liaoning Shenyang's coolness is dry and refreshing. Standing under the shade of a tree, a breeze makes you feel refreshed. If you're bringing kids, I recommend a combination of "parks + indoor activities." 📍Beiling Park: Entrance fee is six yuan. Inside, there's a vast ancient pine forest with canopies that block out the sun. The ground is covered in soft pine needles, so kids can run around all day without getting their shoes dirty. There's a Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum in the park; no extra ticket is needed to enter, just stroll around the outside. ⚠️Don't rush to take the boat rides. The lake is sunny, and going at 2 PM is pure torture. Go at 8 AM, the lake breeze is cool, and the duck boats cost 40 yuan for half an hour. Kids can pedal themselves and are very excited. Shenyang Expo Park is better visited around 3 or 4 PM. The park is large, and walking isn't practical. Rent a tandem bicycle and ride slowly; you can lie down on the lawn under the Lily Pagoda. An indoor alternative is the Beita Falun Temple next to the Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda. The pagoda is ancient, the temple is quiet, and the steps are low, making it easy for the elderly and children. 🍜For lunch, have a bowl of Lao Siji Ramen near Tawan Street. Chicken soup noodles are 8 yuan a bowl, add a chicken frame, and the kids will slurp it down happily. Shenyang's coolness isn't amazing, but it's satisfying; you won't get tired after a day of sightseeing. 03 Wenzhou|Zhejiang Wenzhou is humid and hot in August, but Yandang Mountain can save you. 📍The core of Yandang Mountain Scenic Area is Lingfeng and Lingyan. Don't try to do too much with young children; one day is enough to explore just one route. Near the Fruit Box Bridge in Lingfeng Scenic Area, there's a stream that's ankle-deep; children can take off their shoes and step in, feeling the coolness creep up their feet. ⚠️Don't miss the night view of Lingfeng, but don't bring very young children, as the mountain trails are dimly lit after dark, which can frighten them. During the day, there's a tightrope walking performance at 10:30 pm in Lingyan, where children watch with wide-eyed amazement at the tightrope somersaults. The mountain breeze is cool, a completely different world from the city. If you don't want to hike, Liu Bowen's Hometown is another option. 📍In Wencheng County, the Liu Ji Temple and Bowen Academy feature old-fashioned architecture, shady corridors, and guides who tell the story of the "Shaobing Song," which fascinates elementary school students. 🍜After descending the mountain, head to "Xiangxiang Restaurant" in Yandang Town. We had stir-fried rice noodles with fish ball soup; it cost around 30 yuan per person, and the kids were full and quiet. ⚠️Beware of mosquitoes in the mountains; long pants and mosquito repellent are essential. 04 Baoding|Hebei Baoding is the kind of place that "looks unassuming but is surprisingly fun to visit." 📍The Western Qing Tombs are much less crowded than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The golden nanmu wood hall at Muling Tombs has a wonderful woody fragrance mixed with cool air; kids might ask, "Why isn't this building painted?"—perfect for a fun educational experience. The area around the tombs has many trees, casting long shadows in the afternoon, making it convenient for strollers. Baishi Mountain is a different story. Taking a child requires taking the cable car, which costs 70 yuan one way—expensive but worth it. The glass walkway at the summit is both scary and exciting for kids; they'll hold your hand and slowly move along, laughing louder than anyone else. ⚠️Baishi Mountain is at a high altitude; the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain, but it might only be 20 degrees Celsius at the summit. Bring a light windbreaker for your child. Yesanpo is a great place to stay overnight. The Bailixia stream trail is perfect for kids to wade and play in the water – it's so refreshing they won't want to leave! 🍜Buy the lotus leaf tea and salted duck eggs at Baiyangdian, but⚠️don't trust the touts on the roadside when taking a boat tour of the lake. Go to the official dock; legitimate boats have clearly marked prices. Baoding is a place for leisurely relaxation; a weekend is definitely not enough. 05 Bijie|Guizhou Bijie is a hidden gem for summer retreats. Summer temperatures average just over 20 degrees Celsius, and you'll need a blanket at night. 📍Zhijin Cave is a must-see. The cave maintains a constant 16 degrees Celsius – it's like a natural refrigerator. ⚠️Kids must wear long pants when entering the cave. It's slippery inside, so non-slip shoes are essential. The stalactites in the cave, illuminated by colorful lights, will have kids constantly exclaiming "Wow!", but don't let them touch them – some areas are still growing. The cave tour takes two hours. There's ginger soup for sale at the entrance for five yuan a cup; it warms you up completely. Summer isn't the peak blooming season for the Baili Rhododendron Scenic Area, but don't be disappointed! The hydrangeas in Yishan Flower Valley are in full bloom, a vast expanse of purple and pink. Kids run around taking pictures, creating even more photogenic scenes than in spring. In Bijie city, we went to the area near People's Park for hot pot in the evening. The potato cakes and stinky tofu sizzled and popped, and even though the kids were panting from the chili powder, they couldn't resist taking another bite. ⚠️Bijie has a high altitude and strong UV rays, so sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. 06 Baise|Guangxi Baise's coolness is hidden in its mountains and waters. Haokun Lake has only become popular in the last two years. The lake water is emerald green, and the lakeside trail is gentle, making it easy to push a stroller. We went at 8 am, and the lake was foggy; the kids said, "It's like a place where immortals live." Rent a pedal boat for 50 yuan an hour. The wind is strong in the middle of the lake, making it so cool you won't want to get out. Tongling Grand Canyon is a completely different scene. 📍Waterfalls cascade down the canyon, spraying water all over you. Standing on the viewing platform for three minutes will cool you down completely. ⚠️Taking photos under the waterfall will inevitably get you wet, so bring an extra set of dry clothes for your children. There are many steps in the canyon, so it's recommended to carry children under seven in a baby carrier rather than forcing them to walk. 🍜At the farmhouses near Chengbi Lake, freshly caught fish is served in sour soup, which is spicy and appetizing. Kids can easily eat a bowl of rice while soaking in the soup. The heat in Baise is muggy, but every scenic spot has water, so you forget about the heat as you play. 07 Changde|Hunan The coolest place in Changde is 📍Taohuayuan Tourist Area. A stream flows through the village in Qin Valley, and the stone paths are completely shaded by trees. Walking in, the perceived temperature drops by five degrees Celsius. Take the kids on an electric cart to the entrance of Qin Valley and walk downhill – it's easy. Children can catch small fish in the stream with nets; a set of buckets and nets costs 15 yuan at the scenic area entrance, enough to keep them entertained for an afternoon. ⚠️After 5:30 PM, the scenic area's announcements urge visitors to enter; don't rush in just before the deadline, allow at least three hours. 🍜The Lei Cha (擂茶) in Taohuayuan is a must-try. It's made by grinding fried rice, peanuts, and tea leaves together – salty, fragrant, and refreshing; the kids gulp it down like a beverage. In Changde city, there's also Liuye Lake. Rent a family bike along the lakeside cycling path for 30 yuan per hour; the lake breeze is much more comfortable than air conditioning. Changde's coolness isn't harsh, but it's comfortable, like summers at my grandmother's house when I was a child. 08 Weifang | Shandong Weifang's summers aren't extremely cool, but they're dry and refreshing. Under the shade of trees, a breeze quickly cools you down. 📍Qingzhou Ancient City Tourist Area is a top choice for families with children. There's no entrance fee, and the streets and alleys are shaded by old locust trees. Every few steps, you'll find vendors selling popsicles for just one yuan each; kids will happily lick their popsicles as they wander around. The Catholic Church and Ouyuan Garden are worth a visit. The artificial hill and covered corridors in Ouyuan Garden are perfect for children to play hide-and-seek for hours. ⚠️The main street of the ancient city is extremely crowded at midday. It's recommended to visit around 8 am or after 4 pm when the lighting is better and there are fewer people. 🍜Longsheng Pastry Shop in the ancient city is a must-buy. Their honey-glazed pastries and peach crisps are sweet but not cloying; kids will eat them as they walk, leaving crumbs everywhere. The Qingzhou Museum is also worth a visit. It houses Zhao Bingzhong's imperial examination scroll; children will find reading about "what ancient people tested on" more interesting than seeing the artifacts. ⚠️The museum is quite air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket for your children. The key to exploring Weifang is to avoid midday; other times are always great. Now that I've talked about eight places, the ones I most want to revisit with my child are Bijie and Baise. One is refreshingly cool, and the other is a fantastic place to have fun. Where did you take your kids this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments and let other parents know!

New summer travel guides for Yishui Lake, Wolf Mountain, Yesanpo Grand Canyon, Baishi Mountain, Benxi, Kanas, Jiuzhaigou, and Bashang Grassland🍃 💡General travel tips: Mountainous canyons are cool in summer but prone to sudden showers, so bring rain gear; grasslands and plateaus have extreme day-night temperature differences, so a light jacket is essential; mountain and water scenic areas have many insects, so take precautions in advance. Yishui Lake🌊 ✨Recommended attractions: Laozi Peak suspension walkway, Jinyi Wharf lake cruise route, Taihang Water Town style street, lakeside camping lawn. The lake water is emerald green and tranquil, blending mountains and water. Known as the "Little Guilin of the North," it is perfect for light hiking and boating. 💰Estimated budget: 650–950 yuan per person for 2 days. Core expenses are tickets and boat tour packages. Local snacks are affordable, with no hidden mandatory charges, offering great value. 🚗Transportation: For out-of-town visitors, take the high-speed train to Baoding Station, then transfer to the direct tourist bus to the scenic area. Driving is the most convenient; the scenic area has large free parking lots, and the tour involves taking boats and walking. 🏨Accommodation: Lakeside boutique farmhouses cost 130–240 yuan, where you can enjoy local lake fish and home-cooked meals. Chain hotels in Yixian County cost 110–200 yuan, which are quiet, clean, and suitable for basic needs. Wolf Mountain (Langya Mountain)⛰️ ✨Recommended attractions: Mountain forest trails, high-altitude viewing platforms, flower valleys, and mountain-encircling glass viewing platforms. In summer, the mountain forest has high vegetation coverage and fresh air. The hiking difficulty is moderate, suitable for relaxing family trips. 💰Estimated budget: 500–800 yuan per person for 2 days. Scenic area tickets are affordable, there are no extra expenses for hiking, and food and accommodation are reasonably priced. A top choice for short weekend trips. 🚗Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Baoding, transfer to a county bus to Yixian, then take a taxi to the foot of the mountain. Driving is easy with smooth road conditions and convenient parking at the foot of the mountain. 🏨Accommodation: Characteristic homestays at the foot of the mountain cost 100–180 yuan, within walking distance to the entrance. Comfortable hotels in the county seat cost 120–220 yuan, with nearby supermarkets and restaurants for convenience. Yesanpo Grand Canyon🏞️ ✨Recommended attractions: Bailixia deep trails, Juma River wading shallows, Longmen Tianguan rock landscapes, and the colorful art town. The canyon is cool with a constant temperature and babbling streams, making it an excellent summer retreat for wading, hiking, and exploring niche streets. 💰Estimated budget: 750–1,200 yuan per person for 3 days. Single scenic area tickets are low-priced, with joint tickets being more cost-effective. Rafting and water activities are optional and paid for as needed. 🚗Transportation: Take a train directly to Yesanpo Station, then take a short taxi ride to the park. Driving allows you to connect all surrounding attractions with a flexible pace. 🏨Accommodation: Homestays around Bailixia cost 150–280 yuan, nestled in the mountains by the water. Boutique hotels in the town cost 180–320 yuan, where you can explore the night streets in the evening. Baishi Mountain☁️ ✨Recommended attractions: Cloud suspension walkway, Xiongshi viewing platform, mountain-top sea of clouds photo spots, and alpine meadows. With a significant altitude advantage, the average summer temperature is very low, and it is often shrouded in clouds and mist, making it a top-tier summer resort in North China. 💰Estimated budget: 850–1,300 yuan per person for 2–3 days. Ticket prices are fixed, cable cars are optional, and there are no extra expenses at the summit, making overall costs transparent. 🚗Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Laiyuan Station, then transfer to a local bus directly to the East Gate of the scenic area. Driving allows you to go directly to the ticket gate; mountain roads are stable and beginner-friendly. 🏨Accommodation: Light luxury hotels in Laiyuan County cost 140–260 yuan, with complete facilities and high value. Scenic homestays at the foot of the mountain cost 200–350 yuan, where you can see the morning mist. Benxi🌿 ✨Recommended attractions: Green Stone Valley stream secret, Dashihu cascading waterfalls, mountain forest oxygen bar, and suburban ecological trails. In summer, the forest is lush, the streams are cool, and the negative oxygen ion content is high, making it a natural summer retreat in Northeast China. 💰Estimated budget: 800–1,250 yuan per person for 3 days. Most natural scenic spots are affordable, and local Northeast cuisine has large portions at reasonable prices, keeping overall travel costs low. 🚗Transportation: Take the high-speed train directly to Benxi Station, then take a taxi or carpool to various scenic spots. Driving is recommended for easily connecting multiple niche spots like valleys and waterfalls. 🏨Accommodation: Business hotels in the city cost 130–240 yuan, convenient for transport and shopping. Farmhouse homestays around the valley cost 160–290 yuan for an immersive experience of the quiet mountain forest atmosphere. Kanas🏔️ ✨Recommended attractions: Shenxian Bay morning mist, Moon Bay valley, Wolong Bay waterfront, and riverside forest trails. In summer, the lake water is clear and emerald green, with grasslands and forests connected. The natural scenery of Northern Xinjiang is vast and healing, perfect for photos. 💰Estimated budget: 2,400–3,600 yuan per person for 4–5 days. Main expenses are transportation, shuttle buses, and accommodation. Scenic area views are free, with no extra hidden charges. 🚗Transportation: Fly into Altay Airport, then carpool or charter a car to enter the scenic area. Distances between attractions in Xinjiang are long, so public transport is not suitable; chartering a car is the best way to travel. 🏨Accommodation: Original ecological homestays inside the scenic area cost 320–550 yuan for a close-up experience of the mountain night. Hotels in Burqin County cost 200–380 yuan, offering better facilities and value. Jiuzhaigou💧 ✨Recommended attractions: Five-Color Pond, Nuorilang waterfall, Long Lake viewing area, and forest trails. In summer, the water volume is abundant, the various lakes have rich color layers, the mountain forests are lush, and the water scenery is vivid and beautiful. 💰Estimated budget: 1,800–2,800 yuan per person for 3–4 days. Tickets + sightseeing bus are mandatory expenses. Food and accommodation prices are moderate, suitable for a slow-paced tour. 🚗Transportation: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport or take a bus directly to the Jiuzhaigou entrance. Sightseeing buses are available throughout the scenic area, so there is no need for long-distance hiking. 🏨Accommodation: Light luxury homestays around the entrance cost 180–400 yuan, within walking distance to the entrance. Resort hotels in the surrounding area cost 260–480 yuan, with complete facilities, suitable for longer stays. Bashang Grassland🐎 ✨Recommended attractions: Endless meadow viewing area, windmill ranch, sunset viewing slope, and grassland hiking trails. In midsummer, the grass is lush, wildflowers are everywhere, the evening breeze is cool, and the view is vast, creating a relaxed and healing atmosphere. 💰Estimated budget: 1,100–1,800 yuan per person for 3–4 days. Grassland sightseeing is free; horseback riding, aerial photography, camping, and other experiences are optional and paid for as needed, keeping expenses controllable. 🚗Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Chengde Station, then carpool to the grassland. Driving offers the best experience, allowing you to freely travel along the grassland roads and stop for photos at any time. 🏨Accommodation: Characteristic grassland courtyard homestays cost 160–300 yuan, clean and comfortable. Grassland-view yurts cost 200–360 yuan for an immersive grassland accommodation experience. ✨Exclusive summer travel tips Roads in mountain and water scenic areas are slippery after rain, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. The UV rays on plateaus and grasslands are very strong, so take thorough sun protection measures throughout the trip. Mountain areas often have short, sudden showers, so carry a folding umbrella. During peak season, accommodation is in high demand, so booking three days in advance is recommended.

A dreamy campsite far from the city hustle and bustle 🏕️ Enjoy a moment of leisure~ 📍Address: No. 1, Xipo Sheshutai, Magezhuang Village, Sanpo Town (Just a few minutes from the highway exit, super convenient transportation 🚗) ✨Highlights: · Family-friendly: Little ones can have a blast here 🧒 · Archimedes water system: Kids' favorite little fountain ⛲ · Seasonal activities: Insect exploration, tie-dye DIY 🍃/pizza making 🍕/gold panning treasure hunt 💰 (some activities require an extra fee) · Nighttime activities: Bonfire party 🔥/starlit movie 🎬 · Relaxing afternoon tea: Highly recommend the osmanthus latte ☕ it's delicious~ 📸Photo ops: White tents against green mountains ⛰️ Wooden terrace + lounge chairs = stunning mountain view 🏞 Every shot is a masterpiece! 💫Nearby attractions: · Yugu Cave Scenic Area (15-minute drive) · Alpine rafting (exciting and refreshing 💦) 💡Tips: Parents with kids can bring some snacks along~ On clear nights, you can see tons of stars ✨

Avoid the crowds! These 8 less-known cities hide the most authentic local life 1️⃣ Anshun | Guizhou Huangguoshu Waterfall is so famous that many people forget how pleasant Anshun city itself is to explore. I suggest you enter the city in the afternoon and head straight to Gufu Street. The fried chicken cakes and Chongchong cakes on that old street are much more authentic than the snacks at the scenic area entrance. 🍜 Eat a bowl of local beef noodles before heading to the scenic area; it will keep your stomach happy. You need to go to Huangguoshu early. ⏰ Be among the first to enter the park at 7:30 AM, and you'll barely have to queue for Water Curtain Cave. By the time tour groups arrive at 9:00 AM, you'll have already seen the most essential parts. Remember to wear non-slip shoes; the boardwalks are damp. I've personally seen someone slip three steps while wearing flip-flops. Dragon Palace is not far from Huangguoshu, but fitting two major attractions into one day is too rushed. I recommend splitting them over two days. The boat ride into the cave at Dragon Palace is very cool. Bring a light jacket in summer, as the temperature inside the cave is 5–6 degrees lower than outside. 2️⃣ Baoding | Hebei Baoding is suitable for a two-day, one-night weekend trip. On the first day, go to the Western Qing Tombs in the morning. Don't just visit the Tai Mausoleum; the Echo Wall at Changxi Mausoleum is even less known than Beijing's Temple of Heaven, with so few people that you can enjoy the entire wall to yourself. ⚠️ Go to Baishi Mountain in the afternoon. Take the cable car up and walk the glass skywalk. If you have a fear of heights, bypass it directly; don't force yourself. The wind on the mountain is strong enough to blow your hat off, so tying your hair back is more reliable than wearing a hat. The second day is for Yesanpo or Baiyangdian. These two are in opposite directions, so you can only choose one. I chose Yesanpo. The stream water in Baili Gorge is icy cold, making it especially comfortable to wade in during summer. Baiyangdian is better suited for autumn. When the reeds turn yellow, a boat ride through them offers a rare taste of a northern water town. 🚄 There are shuttle buses from Baoding Station to various attractions, but services significantly decrease after 4:00 PM. Don't play too late and get stuck outside the city. 3️⃣ Garzê | Sichuan Garzê is not a city but a vast autonomous prefecture, so your itinerary needs to be planned by region. Xinduqiao is a base for photographers. ⏰ In mid-to-late October, the poplar forests turn golden, and the morning light hitting the hillsides makes every casual photo a desktop wallpaper. Mugecuo is near Kangding and is at a high altitude. Walk slowly; don't rush like I did on my first attempt, which led to a headache all afternoon. Daocheng Yading and Hailuogou are far apart; allocate at least a full day for each. The Milk Lake at Yading requires a half-day hike at an altitude of 4,700 meters. Bring trekking poles and oxygen tanks; don't be overconfident. Hailuogou's glacier tongue is accessible at a low altitude, but you might not see anything if the weather is bad. Check the weather forecast before you go. Accommodation conditions in Garzê vary. Xinduqiao and Daocheng towns have better options, but guesthouses in Tibetan villages might have unstable water pressure, so be prepared. 4️⃣ Haidong | Qinghai Haidong is only a half-hour high-speed train ride from Xining, yet it completely avoids the crowds of Qinghai Lake. Huzhu Tu Nationality Homeland Park is worth a leisurely stroll. The patterns of Tu embroidery are very unique, and the aunties in the park will demonstrate the weaving technique on-site, allowing you to try it out. ⏰ There are rotating folk performances at 10:00 AM; don't be late. Youning Temple is on the mountain, about a 20-minute taxi ride from Huzhu County. This temple holds a high status in Tibetan Buddhism, but it sees very few tourists. Only a few locals can be found on the kora path. ⚠️ The main hall might close after 2:00 PM, so it's best to go in the morning. While you're there, enjoy the sun on the hillside and view the Huangshui River Valley. 🍜 Don't miss the Gamianpian and Goujiaoniao cakes in the county town. The names sound strange, but the taste is truly delicious. 5️⃣ Baishan | Jilin The core of Baishan is Changbai Mountain, but how you explore it makes a big difference. The West Slope and North Slope are two entrances, and tickets are not interchangeable. The North Slope was developed earlier, with dense attractions like Tianchi, the waterfall, and Green Deep Pool, which can be covered in one day, but it also has large crowds. The West Slope requires climbing 1,400+ steps, which is tiring, but the views are more expansive, and you have a higher chance of seeing the full panorama of Tianchi. ⏰ Whether you see Tianchi depends entirely on luck. July and August offer the highest probability, but the summit can become foggy at any time. The time I went, I waited 40 minutes, and the moment the clouds dispersed, the entire lake was an unreal blue. ⚠️ There's no need to rent cotton jackets on the mountain. A windbreaker is enough for July and August; thick down jackets are only needed after October. 🍜 The hot spring boiled eggs outside the mountain gate have runny yolks and are worth trying. 6️⃣ Sanming | Fujian Sanming is Fujianese people's own backyard, with few foreign tourists visiting specifically. The Danxia landforms of Dajin Lake paired with green waters make for a three-hour boat ride. The pillar of Ganlu Temple, suspended against the cliff, shows the ingenuity of ancient people. ⏰ The light at 4:00 PM looks best on the water, but the last boat usually stops at 3:30 PM. If you want to photograph the sunset, you'll have to charter a boat, which is expensive and not worth it. Taining Ancient City is right by Dajin Lake. It's more atmospheric in the evening than during the day. The brick carvings of Shangshu Di are clearer under the lights. Small shops in the ancient city sell Lei Cha and Warm Mushroom Buns, which are 5 yuan each and more substantial than scenic area milk tea. ⚠️ Some people in the ancient city might try to get you to take a "sightseeing car" tour. You can actually walk through it in 15 minutes, so don't waste your money. 7️⃣ Jinzhong | Shanxi Jinzhong has so many attractions that two days are simply not enough. I'll prioritize them for you. Pingyao Ancient City requires an overnight stay. After the tour groups leave at 6:00 PM, the streets and alleys beneath the ancient city walls truly belong to you. ⚠️ Don't blindly follow those "tour guides" in the ancient city. If you want to hear stories, hire an official guide; otherwise, you might be taken to shopping spots. If you have to choose between Qiao Family Compound and Wang Family Compound, I'd pick Wang Family. Qiao Family is more famous but has a smaller compound. Wang Family, built into the mountain, takes half a day to explore its five alleys and six fortresses. The intricacy of its brick and wood carvings far surpasses Qiao Family's. Mianshan in Jiexiu is far from the city and suitable for those who enjoy hiking. The cliff walkways and the Hanging Temple of Baofu Cave are quite stunning, but it's not recommended for elderly people with mobility issues. 🍜 Pingyao's Wantuo and Kaolaolao are everywhere. Look for small shops where locals are sitting outside cracking melon seeds; you can't go wrong. 8️⃣ Tianjin Tianjin is the most underestimated municipality. It's unpretentious and full of local charm. The Five Great Avenues are a must-visit, but don't take those 80-yuan-per-person sightseeing carriages. Rent a shared bike yourself and slowly cycle along Machang Road and Chongqing Road. There are so many celebrity former residences that you won't be able to see them all. ⏰ Go to Minyuan Plaza at 7:00 AM. Local elderly people will be exercising, and you can sit on the steps eating Jianbing Guozi. That's what truly immersing yourself in local life feels like. The Italian Style Area is best visited in the evening. After the lights come on, the small Western-style buildings take on a different charm, but the restaurants there are overpriced. I recommend taking photos and then leaving, walking two blocks to the area near Beian Bridge for dinner. 🍜 Tianjin's breakfast is its soul: Miancha, Juanquan, and Laodoufu. Any stall downstairs in a residential area is better than those around tourist attractions. ⚠️ The Olympic Center Stadium and Fantawild Adventure are far from the city center. Unless you're going to a concert or taking kids to theme park rides, you can skip them and save your time for the old Tianjin streets and alleys.

What's the worst thing about retirement? It's not being idle, it's having nowhere to go. The kind of touristy, check-off-the-marks kind of travel isn't for us young people; our legs can't keep up, and the pace is tedious. I scouted this route for my parents—slow-paced, scenic, and affordable. Most importantly, every stop has a place to sit and rest. After completing the eight stops, they talked about it for half a year. 1️⃣ Manzhouli|Inner Mongolia Manzhouli is a great place to take your parents to broaden their horizons. Don't just take a picture of the large Matryoshka dolls at the Matryoshka Square and leave. It's much more beautiful after 6 pm when the lights come on, bathing the Russian-style buildings in a warm golden glow. There's a Matryoshka-themed hotel in the square; even if you don't stay, you can stroll around the lobby. The decor is so glittering that the older folks said it looked "like a palace." ⏰ I recommend entering the park around 4 pm, exploring the outdoor areas first, and then watching the lights after dark. ⚠️ Prices at the Russian souvenir shops inside the scenic area are double. The same Matryoshka dolls are 30% cheaper in the city center's Zhongsu Street. For dinner, we went to a Mongolian restaurant near Beihu Park, ordered a pot of milk tea and some hand-pulled mutton, and it cost about 50 yuan per person – a satisfying meal. Manzhouli isn't big; a day and a night is enough. The next morning, just take a photo at the entrance of the border gate scenic area; there's no need to pay to go inside. 2️⃣ Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang I took my mother to the Ili River Valley once. She stood on the Kalajun Grassland, stunned, and said, "It's not even this green on TV!" The meadows bloom in June, the grass is densest in July, and it starts to turn yellow in August. To see the most saturated green, go in mid-to-late June. There are shuttle buses in the Kalajun Scenic Area; don't try to walk, as the stops are far apart and elderly people can't walk. The Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley depends on luck; the flowers are only in full bloom for ten days in early April. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year. The Gongnaisi Grassland is better suited for a self-driving trip; you'll encounter herders migrating along the way, a scene far more breathtaking than the scenic area itself. ⚠️ Xinjiang's attractions are scattered, so don't plan to visit more than two places in a day. If the drive takes more than three hours, cut one out. You can stay with local Kazakh families for 50 yuan a night including breakfast; the atmosphere is better than hotels, but ask about the toilet conditions beforehand. 3️⃣ Baoding | Hebei For Baoding, I planned a route for my parents that included the Western Qing Tombs and Baiyangdian Lake, which was perfect for two days. The Western Qing Tombs are quieter than the Eastern Qing Tombs, with fewer tourists and shady ancient pine and cypress trees, making it easy to walk the entire route with a wheelchair. There's a young guide in the tomb area who explains things more vividly than an audio guide; if you happen to come across one, listen to a segment. ⚠️ The temples are closed on Mondays, so don't plan to go on Mondays. Baishi Mountain can be skipped; the steps are too dense, and elderly people with knee problems will find it difficult to walk for even half an hour. Yesanpo is best visited after a summer rain; the streams rise, and the mountain mist swirls around the waist, creating a picturesque scene like a traditional Chinese ink painting. Autumn is the best time to visit Baiyangdian, when the reeds turn golden. Take a boat trip through the reeds, and the boatman will stop to let you pick lotus pods. 🍜 Be sure to try the stewed mixed fish by the lake, served with cornbread. It's all-you-can-eat for around 40 yuan per person, and incredibly delicious. 4️⃣ Shangrao|Jiangxi I hesitated about Shangrao, worried about the mountainous terrain and potential fatigue, but after the trip, I found that a well-planned itinerary is key. Don't try to do too much at Sanqingshan. Take the Jinsha Cableway, circle around Nanqing Garden, and you'll see the core attractions in about two hours. Don't try to walk the entire route. ⏰ The peak queue for the cable car is between 10 and 11 am. Take the first cable car at 8 am to avoid waiting. Jiangwan in Wuyuan is flat, perfect for leisurely strolls. You can easily spend half a day admiring the brick carvings on the gate towers of the Hui-style old houses. The autumn harvest in Huangling is a signature attraction, but it gets very crowded in November, diminishing the experience. In comparison, I recommend Guifeng. The boardwalks along the Danxia landform are gently sloping, making them easy for seniors to walk on. At the foot of the mountain, you can take a boat trip on Qingshui Lake to see the reflections of the mountains. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse in Wuyuan County; they're clean and quiet, costing 150 yuan a night. Accommodation in the scenic area is twice as expensive and lacks soundproofing. 5️⃣ Lingshui County | Hainan Besides Sanya, Lingshui in Hainan is quieter and more suitable for seniors. The waters around Fenjiezhou Island are very clear; take a sightseeing boat to the back of the island, and you can see the coral reefs clearly without needing to dive. The boardwalks on the island are gentle, and the sea breeze keeps it cool. 🍜 The seafood market at the pier offers fresh seafood, which can be cooked on the spot. Abalone is 3 yuan each, and processing is charged by weight, half the price of Sanya. The monkeys on Nanwan Monkey Island are wild and will snatch food, so make sure your backpack zipper is closed. ⚠️ Don't buy bananas to feed the monkeys on the island; you might get surrounded and scratched. A more recommended way to experience the area is to take the cross-sea cable car to see the Tanka fishing rafts from the air; that's more interesting than watching the monkeys. ⏰ After 3 PM, there are fewer tourists, and the monkeys are more docile. Lingshui is a good place to stay for two nights. During the day, explore the islands, and in the evening, take a walk on Qingshui Bay beach; the sand is as fine as flour. 6️⃣ Ankang|Shaanxi Ankang is a true hidden gem; I dare say nine out of ten Shaanxi people haven't been there. In summer, the water at the Qiancenghe Scenic Area is bone-chillingly cold; stepping in barefoot instantly refreshes you. The boardwalks along the riverbanks aren't steep; after half an hour, you'll see three tiers of waterfalls cascading down, the sound of the water so loud you have to shout to talk. The Fengyan Ancient Terraces are most beautiful in spring when they're flooded, reflecting the sky like a mirror; the stubble after the autumn harvest is also quite charming. ⏰ The most beautiful time to visit the terraces is between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, when the mist hasn't dissipated and the sun has just crossed the mountains. We chose a farmhouse inn near the terraced fields for 80 yuan a night. Dinner consisted of homegrown vegetables and cured meat, which was delicious. ⚠️ Ankang has many mountain roads, so if you're driving, hire an experienced driver. My parents, who are prone to motion sickness, should take some medication beforehand. 7️⃣ Benxi|Liaoning Benxi Water Cave was a pleasant surprise. I initially thought it was just an ordinary karst cave, but the moment we entered by boat, my mother exclaimed "Wow!" The cave is 12 degrees Celsius year-round; you'll need a jacket in summer. They rent down jackets at the scenic area for 20 yuan each—don't skimp on that! The boat ride takes 20 minutes, and the lights shining on the stalactites make them look like things from a dragon palace. Huanren Wunü Mountain is suitable for older people with better stamina. There are over 900 steps, but with some stops, you can reach the top in 40 minutes. The view of Huanlong Lake from the summit is worth the price of admission. Guanmenshan National Forest Park is the star of autumn; around October, the maple leaves turn a vibrant red, and the fallen leaves crunch underfoot. ⚠️ The parking lot at Guanmenshan is far from the entrance. During peak season, park in Parking Lot 3; otherwise, it's a 20-minute walk. Xiaoshi Lamb Soup in Benxi city is a local specialty, costing around 30 yuan per person. The soup is rich and the meat is tender; a bowl after a hike is incredibly refreshing. 8️⃣ Shanghai I initially didn't want to include Shanghai, fearing the fast pace would tire the elderly, but a different approach suits it better. The World Expo Park is now a cultural park, free to enter. The permanent exhibition at the China Art Museum is worth seeing, including a dynamic version of the Qingming Scroll. My mother stood there for half an hour without moving. Yu Garden should be visited early, entering as soon as it opens at 9 am to see fewer people and better appreciate the details of the artificial mountains. After 10 am, tour groups flood in, making it difficult to see anything. The underwater museum at the Guangfulin Cultural Site is impressive; the architecture resembles a roof submerged in water. The exhibits start from the Neolithic Age, which the elderly thoroughly enjoyed. ⚠️ Don't take the elderly to Disneyland. Waiting in line for three hours for a three-minute ride is too much of a hassle. I really want to take pictures of the castle and the lakeside at Wishing Star Park, where I can get a panoramic view without having to buy tickets. 🍜 Eat the Nanxiang steamed buns at the City God Temple while they're hot! A basket of six costs 25 yuan; the skin is thin and the filling is juicy—much better than other shops in the scenic area. After visiting these eight stops, my parents' biggest takeaway wasn't how many sights they saw, but rather, "Wow, we can actually have fun like this!" Everywhere they went, they found benches to sit on, hot meals, and locals willing to chat with them. If you're planning to take your parents out, don't try to do too much; choose three or four places at a time and explore slowly. Which stop would you most like to take them to first? Let's discuss in the comments. What's the worst thing about retirement? It's not being idle, it's having nowhere to go. The kind of touristy, check-off-the-board travel that young people do isn't for us; our legs can't keep up, and the pace is tedious. I scouted this route for my parents; it's slow-paced, the scenery is stunning, the cost is manageable, and most importantly, every place has a corner where they can sit and rest. After visiting all eight stops, they talked about it for half a year after returning home. 1️⃣ Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia Manzhouli is a great place to bring your parents to broaden their horizons. Don't just take a picture of the large Matryoshka dolls at the Matryoshka Square and leave. It's much more beautiful after 6 PM when the lights come on, bathing the Russian-style buildings in a warm golden glow. There's a Matryoshka-themed hotel in the square; even if you don't stay, you can stroll around the lobby. The decor is so glittering that the older folks said it looked "like a palace." ⏰ It's recommended to enter the park around 4 PM, explore the outdoor areas first, and then wait until dark to see the lights. ⚠️ Prices at the Russian souvenir shops inside the scenic area are double. The same Matryoshka dolls are 30% cheaper at the Zhongsu Street in the city center. For dinner, go to a Mongolian restaurant near Beihu Park, order a pot of milk tea and some hand-pulled mutton, and it'll cost about 50 yuan per person—a hearty meal. Manzhouli isn't big; one day and one night is enough. Just take a picture at the entrance of the National Gate Scenic Area the next morning; there's no need to pay to go inside. 2️⃣ Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang I took my mother to the Ili River Valley once. She stood on the Kalajun Grassland, stunned, and said, "It's greener than anything on TV!" The meadows bloom in June, the grass is densest in July, and it starts to turn yellow in August. To see the most saturated green, go in mid-to-late June. There are shuttle buses in the Kalajun Scenic Area; don't try to walk, as the stops are far apart and elderly people may have difficulty walking. The Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley is a matter of luck. The flowers are in full bloom for only ten days in early April; if you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year. The Gongnaisi Grassland is better suited for a self-drive trip. Encountering herders migrating their livestock along the way is much more impressive than visiting the scenic area. ⚠️ Xinjiang's attractions are scattered; don't plan to visit more than two places in a day. If the driving time exceeds three hours, cut one out. You can stay with local Kazakh families for 50 yuan a night including breakfast. The atmosphere is better than hotels, but ask about the toilet conditions beforehand. 3️⃣ Baoding|Hebei For my parents in Baoding, I planned a trip to the Western Qing Tombs and Baiyangdian Lake, two days in total. The Western Qing Tombs are quieter than the Eastern Qing Tombs, with fewer tourists and shady ancient pine and cypress trees, making it easy to walk the entire route even with a wheelchair. There's a young guide in the tomb area who explains things more vividly than an audio guide; if you happen to come across one, listen to a segment. ⚠️ The tombs are closed on Mondays, so don't schedule a visit that day. Baishi Mountain can be skipped; the steps are too dense, and elderly people with knee problems will find it difficult to walk for even half an hour. Yesanpo is best visited in summer after a rain, when the streams are high and the mountain mist swirls around you, creating photos that look like an ink painting. Autumn is the best time to visit Baiyangdian Lake, when the reeds turn golden, and you can take a boat ride through them; the boatmen will stop to let you pick lotus pods. 🍜 You must try the stewed mixed fish by the lake, served with cornbread; it's all-you-can-eat for around 40 yuan per person, and incredibly delicious. 4️⃣ Shangrao|Jiangxi I hesitated about the Shangrao leg of the trip, worried about the mountains and the fatigue, but after the trip, I found that a well-planned route was sufficient. Don't try to do too much at Sanqingshan. Take the Jinsha Cableway, circle around Nanqingyuan, and you'll see the core attractions in about two hours. Don't challenge yourself to walk the entire route. ⏰ The peak queue for the cable car is between 10 and 11 am. Catch the first cable car at 8 am to avoid waiting. Jiangwan in Wuyuan is flat and perfect for leisurely strolling. You can easily spend half a day admiring the brick carvings on the gate towers of the Hui-style old houses. Huangling's autumn harvest is a signature attraction, but it gets very crowded in November, diminishing the experience. I recommend Guifeng instead; the Danxia landform's boardwalks are gently sloping, making it easy for older people to walk, and you can take a boat trip on the Qingshui Lake at the foot of the mountain to see the reflections. For accommodation, choose a clean and quiet guesthouse in Wuyuan County for 150 yuan a night. Accommodation in the scenic area is twice as expensive and lacks soundproofing. 5️⃣ Lingshui County | Hainan Besides Sanya, Lingshui in Hainan is quieter and more suitable for seniors. The waters around Fenjiezhou Island are highly transparent; a sightseeing boat trip to the back of the island reveals the coral reefs clearly, eliminating the need for diving. The island's boardwalk is gentle, and the sea breeze keeps it cool. 🍜 At the seafood market near the pier, you can buy and have seafood cooked on the spot. Abalone is only 3 yuan each, with processing fees charged by weight, half the price of Sanya. The monkeys on Nanwan Monkey Island are wild and will snatch food, so make sure your backpack zippers are securely closed. ⚠️ Don't buy bananas to feed the monkeys on the island; you might get surrounded and scratched. A more recommended activity is taking the cross-sea cable car to see the Tanka fishing rafts from the air—that's more interesting than watching the monkeys. ⏰ After 3 PM, there are fewer tourists, and the monkeys are more docile. Lingshui is ideal for a two-night stay; explore the islands during the day and stroll along Qingshui Bay beach in the evening—the sand is as fine as flour. 6️⃣ Ankang | Shaanxi Ankang is a true hidden gem; I dare say nine out of ten Shaanxi people haven't been there. In summer, the water at the Qiancenghe Scenic Area is bone-chillingly cold; stepping in barefoot instantly refreshes you. The boardwalks along the riverbanks aren't steep; after half an hour, you'll see three tiers of waterfalls cascading down, the sound so loud you have to shout to be heard. The Fengyan Ancient Terraces are most beautiful in spring when they're flooded, reflecting the sky like a mirror; the stubble after the autumn harvest is also quite charming. ⏰ The most beautiful time to visit the terraces is between 6:30 and 7:30 am, when the mist hasn't dissipated and the sun has just risen over the mountains. We stayed at a farmhouse near the terraces for 80 yuan a night; dinner consisted of homegrown vegetables and cured meat—delicious! ⚠️ Ankang has many mountain roads; if you're driving, hire an experienced driver. My parents, who are prone to motion sickness, should take some medication beforehand. 7️⃣ Benxi|Liaoning Benxi Water Cave was a delightful surprise. I initially thought it was just an ordinary karst cave, but the moment my mom entered by boat, she exclaimed "Wow!" The cave maintains a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius; in summer, you'll need a jacket. They rent down jackets at the scenic area for 20 yuan each—don't skimp on that! The boat ride takes 20 minutes, and the lights shining on the stalactites make them look like things from a dragon palace. Huanren Wunü Mountain is suitable for older people with good stamina. There are over 900 steps, but with some stops, you can reach the top in 40 minutes. The view of Huanlong Lake from the summit is worth the ticket price. Guanmenshan National Forest Park is the star of autumn; around October, the maple leaves turn a vibrant red, and the fallen leaves crunch underfoot. ⚠️ The parking lot at Guanmenshan is far from the entrance. During peak season, park in parking lot number 3; otherwise, it's a 20-minute walk. Xiaoshi Lamb Soup in Benxi city is a local specialty, costing around 30 yuan per person. The soup is rich and the meat is tender; a bowl after climbing the mountain will revitalize you. 8️⃣ Shanghai I initially didn't want to include Shanghai, fearing the fast pace would tire the elderly, but a different approach proved more suitable. The Expo Park is now a cultural park, free to enter. The permanent exhibition at the China Art Museum is worth seeing; the animated version of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" was a highlight—my mother stood there for half an hour without moving. Yu Garden needs to be visited early, entering as soon as it opens at 9 am to see the details of the artificial hills more clearly. After 10 am, tour groups flood in, making it impossible to see anything. The underwater museum at the Guangfulin Cultural Site is impressive; the architecture resembles a roof submerged in water. The exhibits start from the Neolithic Age, which the elderly thoroughly enjoyed. ⚠️ Don't take the elderly to Disneyland. Three hours of queuing for three minutes of rides is too much trouble. If you really want to take pictures of the castle, go to the lakeside at Wishing Star Park; you can get a panoramic view without buying a ticket. 🍜 Eat the Nanxiang steamed buns at the City God Temple while they're hot. A basket of six costs 25 yuan; the skin is thin and the filling is juicy—much better than other shops in the scenic area. After visiting these eight stops, my parents' biggest takeaway wasn't how many sights they saw, but rather, "Wow, we can actually have fun like this!" Everywhere they went, they found benches to sit on, hot meals to enjoy, and locals willing to chat with them. If you're also planning a trip with your parents, don't try to do too much; choose three or four places at a time and explore slowly. Which stop would you most like to take them to first? Let's discuss in the comments.

01 Zhumadian | Henan When hiking Chaya Mountain with kids, don't rush to the cable car as soon as you enter. Take the South Gate trail first; you'll reach the Stone Monkey Courtyard—a filming location for "Journey to the West"—in about 20 minutes. Kids love hunting for the stone monkeys more than the actual sights. There are many stone steps on the mountain, so don't bring a stroller. For children under 5, a baby carrier is recommended. Laole Mountain is better in the afternoon; it's well-shaded. It's windy at the summit, so bring a light jacket for your child. There's grass sliding at the foot of the mountain—30 yuan for 2 rides—and kids will never want to leave. ⚠️ Water sold at the entrance is double the price, so bring your own. Stay in downtown Zhumadian and visit the Royal Post Station Night Market in the evening. The grilled gluten and stir-fried jelly noodles are both great choices. 02 Weifang | Shandong You don't need a combo ticket for Qingzhou Ancient City; the main street is free. Head straight to Ouyuan Garden with the kids; the rockery maze can keep them busy for half an hour. The sugar painting stall at the exit costs 5 yuan each—a better deal than the souvenir shops. Buy "Mi San Dao" pastries at Longsheng at noon. It's a time-honored brand, but don't buy too much—it's cloyingly sweet. In the afternoon, go to Fucai Gate Tower. From the top, you can see the gray-tiled roofs of the entire ancient city. Kids enjoy counting chimneys more than looking at the scenery. ⏰ After 6:00 PM, the crowds thin out and the lights come on, making it the best time for photos. There are few restrooms in the ancient city, so remember to have the kids use the facilities at Ouyuan Garden or the city gate. Choose a homestay outside the West Gate for easy parking; it's a 5-minute walk into the ancient city. 03 Nanchang | Jiangxi Pavilion of Prince Teng is crowded during the day, so buy night tickets when traveling with kids. Enter at 6:30 PM and watch the live performance on the 6th floor of the main pavilion first. Kids might not grasp the poetic significance, but they'll be mesmerized by the light show. Don't take the elevator up; there are models of the pavilion from different dynasties in the stairwell. Explaining them as you walk is better than just lecturing on history. It's windy at the top, so hold onto your child's hat. 🍜 Afterward, head to the Wanshou Palace block; the sugar cakes and thick soup are kid-friendly. ⚠️ Night tickets must be booked 1 day in advance; you likely won't get them on the day. If you come during the day, it's less crowded before 10:00 AM. Remember to bring mosquito repellent. 04 Zhangjiajie | Hunan Wulingyuan Scenic Area is huge, so don't try to do too much with kids. Spend the first day just walking along Golden Whip Stream. It's flat the whole way, and the water is knee-deep—kids can spend 2 hours catching fish and splashing around. There are many monkeys, so hide your snacks. If they get snatched, don't chase them. On the second day, go to Tianmen Mountain. The cable car line is at least 1 hour long, so have snacks and cartoons ready. The glass skywalk is not recommended for children under 5; they may panic when it's windy. You can see the same scenery by walking on the stone steps next to it. 🏠 Stay near the Wulingyuan Landmark Gate for convenient dining and lodging. ⚠️ The last shuttle bus in the scenic area is at 5:30 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to walk back—don't ask me how I know. 05 Datong | Shanxi At Yungang Grottoes, focus on the giant Buddha in Cave 20. It's outdoors, and kids standing at its feet looking up can truly feel the scale. Rent an audio guide; kids are more fascinated by the stories than just looking at the statues. Hanging Temple has a visitor limit of 2,000 people per day. Arrive at 8:00 AM to queue and save 2 hours. If your child is afraid of heights, don't force them up; the panoramic view from below is actually more spectacular. ⏰ In the afternoon, go to Mount Heng. Take the cable car halfway up and hike for 40 minutes to the summit—it gives kids a sense of accomplishment. After coming down, go to Hunyuan County to eat "Xiaoxifu" jelly noodles. It's 8 yuan a bowl, and kids can finish the whole thing, soup and all. 06 Baoding | Hebei Baili Gorge in Yesanpo is the top choice for families. It's flat the whole way, follows a stream, and the water is cool in summer—kids can play in it all afternoon. There are electric carts in the scenic area, so it's not tiring for seniors or children. Baiyangdian is too sunny in summer. You must charter a whole boat; waiting for a shared boat will make you impatient. The lotus flowers are beautiful, but the mosquitoes are fierce, so don't skip long pants and sleeves. Baishi Mountain has a glass skywalk that's shorter than the one in Zhangjiajie, making it suitable for kids trying it for the first time. ⚠️ The weather on the mountain is changeable. Buy raincoats at the parking lot for 10 yuan each; they cost double on the mountain. The underground palace of the Western Qing Tombs is cool and feels like natural air conditioning in summer, but preschoolers might be afraid of the dark, so bring a flashlight to help them feel brave. 07 Pingliang | Gansu When visiting Kongtong Mountain with kids, take the Zhongtai route. Don't challenge the "Heavenly Ladder"—the steps are so steep they'll make adults' legs weak. The section from Zhongtai to Chaotian Gate is gentle, and you might see Taoist monks practicing on the way, which kids find fascinating. It's windy at Qipan Ridge on the summit, so put a windbreaker on your child. Take the cable car down. While queuing, some people may try to sell "consecrated" items—don't buy them. 🍜 There are "Hele" noodles at the Guangcheng Station at the foot of the mountain. It's 10 yuan a bowl, and kids can finish the whole thing. ⚠️ The steps in the scenic area are slippery. Don't go on rainy days; falling is no joke. 08 Chuzhou | Anhui Tickets for Langya Mountain and the scenic area shuttle are separate. Enter through the North Gate with kids; it's a 20-minute walk to the Zuiweng Pavilion, so there's no need to buy a shuttle ticket. The stream next to the pavilion is shallow, and kids can play in the water. You have to climb over 600 steps to reach Nantian Gate. I suggest skipping it if your kids are under 5; feeding fish at Shenxiu Lake is more practical. ⏰ Enter the park after 3:00 PM; the light filtering through the trees is beautiful, and there are fewer people. Afterward, go to Zunyang Street and try the tofu meatballs from the "Prefect's Feast"—kids will love them. ⚠️ There are few supply points in the scenic area, so buy water and snacks in advance. There are many snakes in summer, so don't wander deep into the bushes. When traveling with kids, pace is more important than the sights. Plan at most 2 big activities a day, and leave time for naps and running around. Let's chat in the comments: which place was the most memorable for your kids?

Head to Bailixia to embrace the green mountains and streams, immerse yourself in the mountain breeze, and wash away the day's fatigue. No need to rush home after your adventure—stay at Zeus E-sports Hotel. With high-spec equipment for smooth gaming and comfortable rooms for a restful stay, you can enjoy both the romance of nature and the thrill of e-sports—the perfect itinerary for your Baoding trip. Spend your day hiking and admiring the stunning scenery of Bailixia, soaking in the comfort of nature. Return to Zeus E-sports Hotel in the evening to team up with friends and climb the ranks. Half mountain scenery, half e-sports fun—maximize the joy of your trip! Admire the magnificent landscapes of Bailixia by day and game to your heart's content at Zeus E-sports Hotel by night. Enjoy two kinds of happiness in one trip. Stroll through the canyon forests, admire the unique peaks and beautiful waters, and relax as you get close to nature. Stay at Zeus E-sports Hotel at night, where professional e-sports setups and comfortable accommodations await to help you relax after a day of fun. Combining outdoor adventure with e-sports leisure, we create a comfortable and carefree travel experience. Explore the landscapes of Bailixia, stay at Zeus E-sports for the ultimate fun Daytime mountain outings, nighttime e-sports revelry

Can you have a great time on a budget? These places are less crowded and more scenic from August to October 01 Panjin | Liaoning Autumn in Panjin begins when the Suaeda salsa turns red. The Red Beach Scenic Corridor, despite its name, is actually a scenic area along its entire coastline. Mid-September to mid-October is the best time to visit, when the Suaeda salsa is at its most vibrant red, contrasting beautifully with the golden rice paddies – a breathtaking sight. 📍 The corridor entrance is about 30 kilometers south of Panjin South Railway Station. A taxi ride will cost around 60 RMB; sharing a ride is recommended. There's a sightseeing bus within the scenic area; don't skimp on it, as walking the entire route will be exhausting. After getting off the bus, walk deeper into the area for fewer people and cleaner photo spots. ⚠️ The Red Beach is affected by tides; it's most beautiful at low tide when the mudflats are exposed. Check the tide table before you go. The midday light is too harsh, resulting in washed-out photos; the colors are most vibrant after 4 PM. Entrance fees are slightly expensive, but students get a half-price discount. Accommodation in Panjin city is inexpensive; you can find clean chain hotels for just over 100 yuan. By the way, Panjin river crabs are in season right now; they're sold on the roadside just outside the scenic area. Don't buy them inside the scenic area, as they're twice as expensive. 02 Chenzhou | Hunan Chenzhou is a relatively unknown destination that has only become popular in the last two years. August to October is the perfect time to visit—not too hot, not too cold, and not too crowded. I've highlighted the key attractions for you: Gaoyiling, Dongjiang Lake, and Mangshan Wuzhifeng (Five Finger Peaks). Three days is just right. Gaoyiling Danxia landform: Go in the morning; the sunlight shines obliquely on the red rock walls, making the textures look like they were carved by a knife. The climb takes about 40 minutes. Wear non-slip shoes; some sections lack guardrails, so those with a fear of heights should be cautious. For Dongjiang Lake, go early. The "Mist-shrouded Xiaodongjiang" at 6:30 am is a must-see. The fishermen casting their nets is a performance, but the mist is real—a truly ethereal experience. Mangshan Wuzhifeng (Five Finger Peak) is high in altitude and accessible by cable car. It's windy at the summit, so bring a light jacket. It's suitable for those who want to see the sea of ​​clouds but don't want to hike; it's also suitable for the elderly and children. 🚄 There are buses from Chenzhou West Station to Dongjiang Lake, but renting a car is more recommended. It costs around 200 yuan per day, which is very economical for four people. Choose accommodation in Zixing city center, as it's close to Dongjiang Lake and convenient for eating fish noodles. 🍜 Fish noodles are the soul of Chenzhou, spicy enough, and cost 10 yuan a bowl. Eating them in the morning will wake you up completely. ⚠️ Gaoyiling will have backlighting in the afternoon, making your face look dark in photos. Don't ask me how I know. 03 Guilin|Guangxi Guilin has been talked about to death? That's because you haven't been to the right places. This time, I'll only talk about three things: Xingping, Longji, and Reed Flute Cave. Xingping Ancient Town, the location featured on the back of the 20 RMB note. Don't take a bamboo raft at the dock; it's expensive and noisy. Walk upstream along the Li River for twenty minutes to find the exact same view, and it's free. Go in the evening; the sunset paints the river golden, and the cormorants of the fishermen doze on their rafts—it's so peaceful, it doesn't feel like a tourist area. Longji Rice Terraces are golden from late September to mid-October, cascading layer upon layer to the mountaintop—a sight you'll remember forever. Stay in a stilted house in a village; open your window to the terraces, and be woken by roosters crowing in the morning. ⚠️ The mountain road is winding; if you get motion sickness, take medication beforehand, don't push yourself. Reed Flute Cave is a karst cave, less crowded than Silver Cave, with restrained lighting, making the stalactites even more beautiful. The cave is consistently 20 degrees Celsius, perfect for escaping the afternoon sun. Tickets are 80 yuan; book online a day in advance for a 10 yuan discount. 🍜 Guilin rice noodles should be eaten dry; the broth is the soul of the dish, don't add soup right away. Find any old shop in the city center, 5 yuan for two liang (100g), add a braised egg, perfect. 04 Yancheng | Jiangsu To be honest, Yancheng isn't on most people's travel bucket list. But if you're looking for a quiet place to see Père David's deer, the Dafeng China Père David's Deer Park is worth a special trip. This is the world's largest Père David's deer reserve, with over 3,000 deer roaming freely in the mudflats and wetlands. September is the deer's mating season, and the males fight in the mud with their antlers gleaming, splashing water everywhere—a scene more exciting than an animal documentary. The sightseeing bus takes you inside, and the deer roam right beside the bus; if you're lucky, you might even touch them. ⚠️ Don't feed them your own food. The park provides special feed, 10 yuan a bag. The deer may look docile, but they can bite without hesitation. 📍 The park is located in Dafeng District. It's about a 1.5-hour bus ride from Yancheng Station, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride from there. The entrance fee is 50 yuan, which is quite reasonable for Jiangsu province. The entire park takes about three hours to explore. The afternoon light is soft and perfect for taking photos. For accommodation, I recommend returning to Yancheng city center. You can find very good rooms for around 150 yuan. In the evening, go to the Water Street for a bowl of fish soup noodles; the broth is milky white and incredibly delicious. 05 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is an underrated city. Just half an hour by high-speed train from Beijing, it offers a completely different pace. I have three options here, depending on your preference. For ancient architecture, go to the Western Qing Tombs. Emperors Yongzheng and Guangxu are buried here, and it's much quieter than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The stone statues, glazed tiles, and golden nanmu wood halls are well-preserved, yet there are very few tourists. Go in the afternoon; the sunlight filters through the pine forest onto the sacred path, and even your footsteps echo. The entrance fee is 100 yuan, half price for students. For hiking, go to Baishi Mountain. At an altitude of 2000 meters, the mountain features a peak forest landscape with walkways clinging to the cliffs, overlooking a sea of ​​clouds. In October, the autumn colors are at their peak, a vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, and green, like a spilled palette. For those with average stamina, taking the cable car up and hiking the most scenic section takes about two hours. If you want to enjoy water activities, choose either Yesanpo or Baiyangdian. Bailixia Gorge in Yesanpo has cool streams, perfect for escaping the summer heat in August. Baiyangdian is better after September; the lotus flowers have faded, there are fewer people, and rowboats glide through the reeds, creating a desolate, northern water town atmosphere. 🚄 A taxi from Baoding East Station to Qingxi Mausoleum takes about 40 minutes and costs around 100 yuan. These places are scattered, so renting a car is recommended (around 200 yuan per day). Stay in Baoding city for cheaper accommodation. In the evening, try a donkey meat sandwich for 15 yuan – they're crispy and crumbly. ⚠️ The temperature difference at the top of Baishi Mountain is significant; even if it's 30 degrees Celsius at the foot, you'll need a jacket at the summit. 06 Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei Shennongjia, with its mysterious name, is actually the ultimate summer retreat. In August, the temperature drops to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain, but only slightly above 20 degrees Celsius on the summit; you'll need a blanket at night. The main attraction is the Shennongding Scenic Area. Driving from the foot to the top involves a vertical elevation gain of over 2,000 meters, with vegetation changing from broad-leaved forests to coniferous forests and then to alpine meadows – a journey through all four seasons in a single day. In October, if you're lucky, you can witness a sea of ​​clouds; cars drive through the clouds with visibility as low as ten meters – a thrilling experience. 📍 The entrance to Shennongding is in Muyu Town, where there are plenty of accommodations, ranging from 80 to 300 yuan. The scenic area entrance fee is 130 yuan, and the sightseeing bus is 60 yuan, allowing for repeated entries within two days. It's recommended to stay on the mountain and get up early the next morning to watch the sunrise. ⚠️ Mountain weather is unpredictable; a raincoat is more useful than an umbrella. Due to the high altitude, those with poor physical condition should avoid running and jumping, as it can easily cause shortness of breath. This area is best suited for self-driving, but the mountain roads are winding, so beginners should proceed with caution. If you don't have a car, you can take a bus from Yichang to Muyu Town and then hire a car into the scenic area for 500 yuan per day. 🍜 Stewed pork with potatoes is a local specialty, savory and delicious with rice, averaging around 40 yuan per person. 07 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Qianxinan, the southwesternmost corner of Guizhou, has far fewer tourists than Guiyang, but the scenery is just as stunning. Two key attractions: Malinghe Canyon and Wanfenglin. Malinghe Canyon, known as "the most beautiful scar on Earth," features dozens of waterfalls hidden in a crevice. In August and September, just after the rainy season, the water volume is at its peak, and the roar of the waterfalls crashing into the canyon can be heard from afar. Walking down the boardwalk, the mist hits you like a natural air-conditioned room. The entire hike takes two hours, with many steps; those with knee problems should consider this. Wanfenglin offers a different kind of breathtaking spectacle. More than 20,000 conical peaks rise abruptly from the plains. Xu Xiake said, "There are countless mountains in the world, but only here do peaks form a forest." Before the rice harvest in October, the golden fields and gray-green peaks blend together like an abstract painting. Cycling is the best way to get there. Rent an electric scooter for 50 yuan a day and leisurely cruise along the village roads, the air filled with the scent of rice paddies. 🚄 There are flights from Xingyi Airport, or you can take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Panxian and then transfer to a bus. For accommodation, choose a Buyi ethnic village in the Wanfenglin Scenic Area. Guesthouses converted from wooden buildings start at 150 yuan, and you'll see mountains right outside your window. ⚠️ The water in the Maling River Canyon is murky after rain, so don't rush there. Wait a day or two until the water clears up before you see the best views. 08 Harbin|Heilongjiang October in Harbin isn't the coldest time yet, but you can already smell winter. This season has fewer tourists and cheaper airfares, making it a great time to snag a bargain. I don't recommend spending hundreds of yuan to enter the Ice and Snow World; it doesn't open until December, and in October you'll only see scaffolding. However, Volga Manor is worth a visit. The Russian-style architecture looks like an oil painting in the autumn colors, the birch forest is golden, the entrance fee is 80 yuan, there are fewer people, and every photo you take will look like you're abroad. St. Sophia Cathedral is best visited in the evening when the lights come on and flocks of pigeons circle above the dome—ten times more beautiful than during the day. Many people take wedding photos in the cathedral square; you can snag a perfect spot for a stunning angle. 🍜 Don't miss the famous Qiulin red sausage and Madier ice cream from the time-honored shops on Central Street in Harbin. Take a stroll along the Songhua River; the water glistens coolly in the sunset, and the wind is already biting—time to put on your long underwear. ⚠️ Taxi fares start at 9 yuan in Harbin, but traffic is severe during rush hour. The subway is faster and cheaper. Choose accommodation near Central Street; it's convenient for getting around, and you can find decent places for under 200 yuan. Autumn in Harbin is short—so short that the ginkgo leaves fall overnight. But it's this brief autumn, combined with Russian-style architecture and cool breezes, that creates a romance that other cities can't offer. Can you have a great time on a budget? These Places Are Less Crowded and More Beautiful from August to October 01 Panjin | Liaoning Autumn in Panjin begins when the Suaeda salsa turns red. The Red Beach Scenic Corridor, despite its name suggesting a tourist area, is actually a scenic spot along its entire coastline. The best time to visit is from mid-September to mid-October, when the Suaeda salsa is at its most vibrant red, contrasting beautifully with the golden rice paddies – a breathtaking sight. 📍 The corridor entrance is about 30 kilometers south of Panjin South Railway Station. A taxi ride will cost around 60 RMB; sharing a ride is recommended. There are sightseeing buses within the scenic area; don't skimp on this, as walking the entire route will be exhausting. After getting off the bus, walk deeper into the area; there are fewer people and cleaner photo spots. ⚠️ The Red Beach is affected by tides; it's most beautiful at low tide when the mudflats are exposed. Check the tide table before you go. The midday light is too harsh, resulting in washed-out photos; the colors are most vibrant after 4 PM. The entrance fee is slightly expensive, but students get a half-price discount. Accommodation in Panjin city is inexpensive; you can find clean chain hotels for just over 100 yuan. By the way, Panjin river crabs are in season right now; they're sold on the roadside just outside the scenic area. Don't buy them inside the scenic area, as they're twice as expensive. 02 Chenzhou | Hunan Chenzhou is a relatively unknown destination that has only become popular in the last two years. August to October is the perfect time to visit—not too hot, not too cold, and not too crowded. I've highlighted the key attractions for you: Gaoyiling, Dongjiang Lake, and Mangshan Wuzhifeng (Five Finger Peaks). Three days is just right. Gaoyiling Danxia landform: Go in the morning; the sunlight shines obliquely on the red rock walls, making the textures look like they were carved by a knife. The climb takes about 40 minutes. Wear non-slip shoes; some sections lack guardrails, so those with a fear of heights should be cautious. For Dongjiang Lake, go early. The "Mist-shrouded Xiaodongjiang" at 6:30 am is a must-see. The fishermen casting their nets is a performance, but the mist is real—a truly ethereal experience. Mangshan Wuzhifeng (Five Finger Peak) is high in altitude and accessible by cable car. It's windy at the summit, so bring a light jacket. It's suitable for those who want to see the sea of ​​clouds but don't want to hike; it's also suitable for the elderly and children. 🚄 There are buses from Chenzhou West Station to Dongjiang Lake, but renting a car is more recommended. It costs around 200 yuan per day, which is very economical for four people. Choose accommodation in Zixing city center, as it's close to Dongjiang Lake and convenient for eating fish noodles. 🍜 Fish noodles are the soul of Chenzhou, spicy enough, and cost 10 yuan a bowl. Eating them in the morning will wake you up completely. ⚠️ Gaoyiling will have backlighting in the afternoon, making your face look dark in photos. Don't ask me how I know. 03 Guilin|Guangxi Guilin has been talked about to death? That's because you haven't been to the right places. This time, I'll only talk about three things: Xingping, Longji, and Reed Flute Cave. Xingping Ancient Town, the location featured on the back of the 20 RMB note. Don't take a bamboo raft at the dock; it's expensive and noisy. Walk upstream along the Li River for twenty minutes to find the exact same view, and it's free. Go in the evening; the sunset paints the river golden, and the cormorants of the fishermen doze on their rafts—it's so peaceful, it doesn't feel like a tourist area. Longji Rice Terraces are golden from late September to mid-October, cascading layer upon layer to the mountaintop—a sight you'll remember forever. Stay in a stilted house in a village; open your window to the terraces, and be woken by roosters crowing in the morning. ⚠️ The mountain road is winding; if you get motion sickness, take medication beforehand, don't push yourself. Reed Flute Cave is a karst cave, less crowded than Silver Cave, with restrained lighting, making the stalactites even more beautiful. The cave is consistently 20 degrees Celsius, perfect for escaping the afternoon sun. Tickets are 80 yuan; book online a day in advance for a 10 yuan discount. 🍜 Guilin rice noodles should be eaten dry; the broth is the soul of the dish, don't add soup right away. Find any old shop in the city center, 5 yuan for two liang (100g), add a braised egg, perfect. 04 Yancheng | Jiangsu To be honest, Yancheng isn't on most people's travel bucket list. But if you're looking for a quiet place to see Père David's deer, the Dafeng China Père David's Deer Park is worth a special trip. This is the world's largest Père David's deer reserve, with over 3,000 deer roaming freely in the mudflats and wetlands. September is the deer's mating season, and the males fight in the mud with their antlers gleaming, splashing water everywhere—a scene more exciting than an animal documentary. The sightseeing bus takes you inside, and the deer roam right beside the bus; if you're lucky, you might even touch them. ⚠️ Don't feed them your own food. The park provides special feed, 10 yuan a bag. The deer may look docile, but they can bite without hesitation. 📍 The park is located in Dafeng District. It's about a 1.5-hour bus ride from Yancheng Station, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride from there. The entrance fee is 50 yuan, which is quite reasonable for Jiangsu province. The entire park takes about three hours to explore. The afternoon light is soft and perfect for taking photos. For accommodation, I recommend returning to Yancheng city center. You can find very good rooms for around 150 yuan. In the evening, go to the Water Street for a bowl of fish soup noodles; the broth is milky white and incredibly delicious. 05 Baoding | Hebei Baoding is an underrated city. Just half an hour by high-speed train from Beijing, it offers a completely different pace. I have three options here, depending on your preference. For ancient architecture, go to the Western Qing Tombs. Emperors Yongzheng and Guangxu are buried here, and it's much quieter than the Eastern Qing Tombs. The stone statues, glazed tiles, and golden nanmu wood halls are well-preserved, yet there are very few tourists. Go in the afternoon; the sunlight filters through the pine forest onto the sacred path, and even your footsteps echo. The entrance fee is 100 yuan, half price for students. For hiking, go to Baishi Mountain. At an altitude of 2000 meters, the mountain features a peak forest landscape with walkways clinging to the cliffs, overlooking a sea of ​​clouds. In October, the autumn colors are at their peak, a vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, and green, like a spilled palette. For those with average stamina, taking the cable car up and hiking the most scenic section takes about two hours. If you want to enjoy water activities, choose either Yesanpo or Baiyangdian. Bailixia Gorge in Yesanpo has cool streams, perfect for escaping the summer heat in August. Baiyangdian is better after September; the lotus flowers have faded, there are fewer people, and rowboats glide through the reeds, creating a desolate, northern water town atmosphere. 🚄 A taxi from Baoding East Station to Qingxi Mausoleum takes about 40 minutes and costs around 100 yuan. These places are scattered, so renting a car is recommended (around 200 yuan per day). Stay in Baoding city for cheaper accommodation. In the evening, try a donkey meat sandwich for 15 yuan – they're crispy and crumbly. ⚠️ The temperature difference at the top of Baishi Mountain is significant; even if it's 30 degrees Celsius at the foot, you'll need a jacket at the summit. 06 Shennongjia Forest District | Hubei Shennongjia, with its mysterious name, is actually the ultimate summer retreat. In August, the temperature drops to 30 degrees Celsius at the foot of the mountain, but only slightly above 20 degrees Celsius on the summit; you'll need a blanket at night. The main attraction is the Shennongding Scenic Area. Driving from the foot to the top involves a vertical elevation gain of over 2,000 meters, with vegetation changing from broad-leaved forests to coniferous forests and then to alpine meadows – a journey through all four seasons in a single day. In October, if you're lucky, you can witness a sea of ​​clouds; cars drive through the clouds with visibility as low as ten meters – a thrilling experience. 📍 The entrance to Shennongding is in Muyu Town, where there are plenty of accommodations, ranging from 80 to 300 yuan. The scenic area entrance fee is 130 yuan, and the sightseeing bus is 60 yuan, allowing for repeated entries within two days. It's recommended to stay on the mountain and get up early the next morning to watch the sunrise. ⚠️ Mountain weather is unpredictable; a raincoat is more useful than an umbrella. Due to the high altitude, those with poor physical condition should avoid running and jumping, as it can easily cause shortness of breath. This area is best suited for self-driving, but the mountain roads are winding, so beginners should proceed with caution. If you don't have a car, you can take a bus from Yichang to Muyu Town and then hire a car into the scenic area for 500 yuan per day. 🍜 Stewed pork with potatoes is a local specialty, savory and delicious with rice, averaging around 40 yuan per person. 07 Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Qianxinan, the southwesternmost corner of Guizhou, has far fewer tourists than Guiyang, but the scenery is just as stunning. Two key attractions: Malinghe Canyon and Wanfenglin. Malinghe Canyon, known as "the most beautiful scar on Earth," features dozens of waterfalls hidden in a crevice. In August and September, just after the rainy season, the water volume is at its peak, and the roar of the waterfalls crashing into the canyon can be heard from afar. Walking down the boardwalk, the mist hits you like a natural air-conditioned room. The entire hike takes two hours, with many steps; those with knee problems should consider this. Wanfenglin offers a different kind of breathtaking spectacle. More than 20,000 conical peaks rise abruptly from the plains. Xu Xiake said, "There are countless mountains in the world, but only here do peaks form a forest." Before the rice harvest in October, the golden fields and gray-green peaks blend together like an abstract painting. Cycling is the best way to get there. Rent an electric scooter for 50 yuan a day and leisurely cruise along the village roads, the air filled with the scent of rice paddies. 🚄 There are flights from Xingyi Airport, or you can take the high-speed train from Guiyang to Panxian and then transfer to a bus. For accommodation, choose a Buyi ethnic village in the Wanfenglin Scenic Area. Guesthouses converted from wooden buildings start at 150 yuan, and you'll see mountains right outside your window. ⚠️ The water in the Maling River Canyon is murky after rain, so don't rush there. Wait a day or two until the water clears up before you see the best views. 08 Harbin|Heilongjiang October in Harbin isn't the coldest time yet, but you can already smell winter. This season has fewer tourists and cheaper airfares, making it a great time to snag a bargain. I don't recommend spending hundreds of yuan to enter the Ice and Snow World; it doesn't open until December, and in October you'll only see scaffolding. However, Volga Manor is worth a visit. The Russian-style architecture looks like an oil painting in the autumn colors, the birch forest is golden, the entrance fee is 80 yuan, there are fewer people, and every photo you take will look like you're abroad. St. Sophia Cathedral is best visited in the evening when the lights come on and flocks of pigeons circle above the dome—ten times more beautiful than during the day. Many couples take wedding photos in the cathedral square; you can snag a great spot for a stunning angle. 🍜 Don't miss the famous Qiulin red sausage and Madier ice cream from the time-honored shops on Central Street. Take a stroll along the Songhua River; the water glistens coolly in the sunset, and the wind is already biting—time to put on your thermal underwear! ⚠️ Taxi fares in Harbin start at 9 yuan, but traffic is severe during rush hour. The subway is faster and cheaper. Choose accommodation near Central Street; it's convenient for getting around, and you can find decent places for under 200 yuan. Autumn in Harbin is short—so short that the ginkgo leaves fall overnight. But it's this brief autumn, combined with the Russian-style architecture and cool breezes, that creates a romance that no other city can offer.

8 cities you must visit in this lifetime. How many have you checked off? 1️⃣ Shigatse | Tibet ⏰ At 5 AM, the wind at Everest Base Camp is strong enough to knock you off your feet. Don't rush to take out your camera; first, find a sheltered rock and squat down to wait for dawn. When the first ray of sunlight hits the peak, the entire mountain seems to ignite, and only then will you understand what "worth it" means. Remember to stay at Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse the night before. Don't expect to sleep well, but be sure to bring oxygen tanks and hand warmers. 📍 After watching the sunrise, head down the mountain and go straight to Tashilhunpo Monastery. The light is best around 2 or 3 PM, with the white walls and red eaves clearly layered in the sunlight. The Jampa Buddha Hall in the monastery is worth taking your time to see; don't just take photos of the exterior and leave. ⚠️ The kora path has many steps. For seniors and children, just take the flat path on the outside. Ticket prices are subject to the official announcement at the window on the day of your visit; don't trust the "fast pass" hawkers at the entrance. 2️⃣ Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hubei If you only have 2 days, I recommend this itinerary: On the first day, head straight to Enshi Grand Canyon. Enter the scenic area at 8 AM, first walk through Yunlong Ground Fissure, then go up Qixing Village. Your legs will probably be exhausted after the whole journey. But the Yizhu Xiang (A Pillar of Incense) and the cliffside plank road are truly worth the leg-numbing effort. 🍜 Don't settle for lunch in the scenic area. Go to a farmhouse restaurant opposite the visitor center and order a pot of cured pork stew with potatoes. It's about CNY 40 per person, and you'll be stuffed. The second day is for Shennong Stream and Tusi City. The boatman culture of Shennong Stream is authentic; taking a boat to see the hanging coffins and listen to the boatmen's chants is more interesting than just looking at the scenery. In the afternoon, return to the city to visit Tusi City. The wooden structure of Jiujintang is very photogenic, but ⚠️ some corners inside sell "blessed items," so don't engage with them. If you're short on time, cut out Qingjiang Gallery; it's too similar to the Grand Canyon. Save your energy to go back to the city and eat Zhangguan Hezha. 3️⃣ Benxi | Liaoning The most impressive thing about Benxi isn't autumn, but Benxi Water Caves, which maintains a constant temperature of 12℃ year-round. Remember to bring a light jacket if you go in summer; it's as cold as air conditioning inside the cave. Take a boat through the underground dark river, where stalactites glow in various colors under the lights. The 30-minute boat ride is just right, preventing aesthetic fatigue. ⏰ It's recommended to go in the first wave in the morning when there are fewer people and no queue for boats. In the afternoon, go to Guanmen Mountain. If you catch it in mid-October, the maple leaves are incredibly red, almost fake-looking. Don't crowd at the main entrance for photos; walk 3 kilometers further in, and the reflections of the red leaves by the stream are even more photogenic. Wunv Mountain in Huanren is a bit further, but worth a separate trip. The mountain isn't high; it takes about 40 minutes to climb to the top. The expansive view overlooking Huanlong Lake is something you can't buy with money in the city. ⚠️ Don't take unofficial paths down the mountain; the loose soil can be slippery. 4️⃣ Xuzhou | Jiangsu Half of Xuzhou's pride lies in Yunlong Lake. There's no entrance fee, and a loop around the lake is 8 kilometers. In the evening, there are more locals strolling than tourists. Enter from the east gate and walk to the section near Sugong Pagoda; the view suddenly opens up, and the lake surface reflects the sunset like a mirror. 🍜 Don't rush off after watching the sunset. Take a 10-minute taxi ride to Fuguo Street, find any barbecue restaurant, and enjoy Xuzhou skewers with scallion pancakes. It's much more authentic than trendy spots. ⚠️ A word of advice: don't make a special trip to the imitation ancient streets of Hubu Mountain; they're crowded and expensive. The real taste of Xuzhou is in the small street-side eateries. Try a bowl of "sha tang" soup with pan-fried buns; that steaming hot flavor is only available before 8 AM. Yunlong Lake is suitable for everyone; pushing a stroller is easy, the lakeside path is flat, and renting an electric car to circle the lake costs less than CNY 50. 5️⃣ Baoding | Hebei You'll definitely be exhausted if you try to visit both Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo in one day. I suggest splitting them up. The Western Qing Tombs are suitable for those interested in architecture. Yongfu Temple and the underground palace of Chongling are the highlights; the carved beams and painted rafters are no less impressive than the Forbidden City, but there are far fewer tourists. ⏰ After 3 PM, the light is slanted, casting long shadows from the red walls, making for particularly atmospheric photos. ⚠️ The area is large, so it's recommended to take the scenic area's electric shuttle, otherwise, you'll walk until your legs give out. Yesanpo, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. The stream in Baili Gorge is bone-chillingly cold, making it a natural air-conditioned room in summer. Climb the 2,800 steps of the Sky Ladder; don't stop midway, go up in one breath, and the moment you look back at the valley, all fatigue will disappear. Baiyangdian is perfect this season; paddle a boat through the reed marshes, but remember to spray mosquito repellent, or the mosquitoes will carry you away. Save Baishi Mountain for autumn. Below the glass skywalk is a bottomless abyss, so those with a fear of heights should be cautious. 6️⃣ Zunyi | Guizhou Chishui Danxia is the most "un-Guizhou" scenery I've ever seen in Guizhou. The reddish color of the Danxia landform, paired with the green mountains, looks like it's been color-adjusted. Enter the scenic area at 8 AM and go to the Grand Waterfall first. The mist will hit you, and your clothes will be wet within 3 minutes of standing on the viewing platform. ⏰ Water levels are high during the rainy season, making the waterfall more spectacular, but the plank roads are slippery. Wear non-slip shoes; don't wear flip-flops. For lunch, come out and eat Douhua Rice in Fuxing Town. Tender tofu with chili water, served with a bowl of steamed rice, costs about CNY 15 per person. In the afternoon, go to Foguang Rock. The climb on that plank road is a bit steep, but the curved Danxia rock wall at the top, like a giant red screen, is a breathtaking sight that you can only truly appreciate in person. ⚠️ There are few supply points in the scenic area, so bring 2 bottles of water yourself; don't think they're too heavy. 7️⃣ Zhuzhou | Hunan In Zhuzhou, I personally feel that the most worthwhile place to visit is the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan. It's not crowded like other attractions; the entire park is quiet and solemn, with ancient trees reaching to the sky, perfect for a leisurely stroll. ⏰ It's best to go in the morning. Around 10 AM, there's a sacrificial ceremony, and the sound of bells and drums reverberates through the forest. That atmosphere cannot be experienced through photos. The square in front of Shennong Hall is very spacious, making it convenient for seniors, with flat paths throughout and no climbing. 🍜 Afterward, go to the streets of Yanling County and find any noodle shop. A bowl of Youxian noodles with a braised egg has a rich broth, completely different from Changsha's noodles. ⚠️ Don't buy so-called "specialties" at the scenic area entrance; prices are inflated. The same items are half price in county supermarkets. 8️⃣ Zhumadian | Henan Chaya Mountain is the kind of place where you initially think, "It's just a rocky mountain," but you're convinced by the end. The fact that it's a filming location for Journey to the West is not just hype; those strangely shaped granite rocks really look like they were moved from Flower Fruit Mountain. ⏰ It's recommended to enter the mountain at 2 PM. The light will illuminate the rock textures clearly, so you won't need filters for photos. Laole Mountain has a completely different style from Chaya Mountain. Chaya Mountain is for rocks, and Laole Mountain is for clouds. If you go in autumn, there's often a sea of clouds at the summit, but ⚠️ the wind at the summit is strong; a light jacket won't cut it, so bring a windbreaker. There are farmhouse restaurants at the foot of the mountain, serving golden stewed free-range chicken soup. Drink a bowl before climbing to replenish your energy. Neither of these mountains is very high; people with moderate fitness can complete them in 3 hours, making them suitable for a weekend round trip. 🚄 A taxi from Zhumadian West Station to Chaya Mountain costs about CNY 50. Carpooling is more cost-effective. These 8 cities, some off-the-beaten-path and some popular, each have a reason to be remembered. How many have you checked off? Share in the comments which one surprised you the most!

01 Xianyang | Shaanxi Qianling Tomb and Yuanjia Village—one for history, one for tasting Guanzhong cuisine. It’s best to visit Qianling Tomb in the morning when it’s less crowded. The stone lions along the sacred way are especially atmospheric in the morning light. The tomb area is large; walking the entire route takes about two hours, so wear comfortable shoes. ⚠️ There is a slope at the end of Sima Road. Elderly visitors with knee issues can just explore the first half. Drive to Yuanjia Village at noon, about a 30-minute trip. The snack street at the village entrance offers everything from biangbiang noodles to spicy oil noodles. You can eat your fill for about 30 yuan per person. Spend the afternoon wandering the village alleys, with old millstones and earthen walls perfect for photos. 🚄 Private car round trip from Xi’an costs about 300 yuan, more flexible than group tours. 02 Yichang | Hubei Don’t try to squeeze both the Three Gorges Waterfall and Qingjiang Gallery into one day—they’re far apart and exhausting. My itinerary: visit Three Gorges Folk Village in the morning, take a boat into the scenic area, and enjoy the river breeze that cools the heat. The Tujia stilt houses and boatmen’s songs have performances, but don’t wait too long. After the 10:30 AM show, leave. In the afternoon, head to the Three Gorges Waterfall, wear a raincoat to walk through the water curtain cave—soaking wet but incredibly refreshing. ⏰ After 3 PM, the slanting light on the mist creates rainbows. ⚠️ Raincoats cost 10 yuan at the scenic entrance; don’t buy expensive ones. Qingjiang Gallery is better for a full day alone, with longer boat rides and a slower pace. 03 Laibin | Guangxi Dayao Mountain’s Panwangjie and Lotus Mountain are Guangxi locals’ secret summer retreats. Panwangjie is up the mountain, about 5–6 degrees cooler than the city. Take the cable car up, then walk half an hour on the plank road, with clouds rolling right beneath your feet. ⚠️ Weather on the mountain changes quickly; bring a light jacket as rain comes fast. In the afternoon, visit Lotus Mountain, shaped like lotus petals, filled with fir trees and the sound of streams, completely washing away the heat. 🍜 Don’t miss the oil tea and bamboo tube rice in Jin Xiu County at the foot of the mountain. The area is quiet, perfect for solo travelers or couples. 🚄 Take a high-speed train from Liuzhou to Laibin North Station, then a private car up the mountain for about 100 yuan. 04 Baoding | Hebei Between Baishi Mountain and Yesanpo, I recommend Baishi Mountain unless you’re really into caves. Baishi Mountain is truly cool in summer, with strong winds at the peak and a feel of just over 20 degrees. Walking the glass plank road takes courage but the views are worth it. ⏰ Arrive before 10 AM to see the mist still lingering, making the mountain look like an ink painting. In the afternoon, visit Qingxi Mausoleum to see the tombs of Emperor Yongzheng and Emperor Guangxu. The architecture is more understated than Qingdong Mausoleum but has more intricate details. ⚠️ The mausoleum area is large; don’t walk the whole way. Use the electric shuttle to save your legs. At Baiyangdian, lotus flowers are in bloom this season, but boat prices vary—ask if it’s a private or shared boat before boarding. 05 Zhenjiang | Jiangsu Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan can be done in one day at a comfortable pace. Start with Beigushan in the morning; it’s small and can be toured in half an hour. Standing in front of Ganlu Temple looking at the Yangtze River, you’ll recall all of Xin Qiji’s poems. Then go to Jinshan, famous for the Legend of the White Snake flooding Jinshan Temple. The temple is on the mountain, and the mix of incense and river breeze accompanies your climb. Spend the afternoon at Jiaoshan, taking the ferry over. The island is much cooler than the city. Take your time exploring the stele forest—it can easily take two hours. 🍜 Have guogai noodles with cured meat at Jinshan Temple’s entrance for lunch—the three Zhenjiang specialties all in one meal. 🚄 It’s only a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Nanjing, perfect for a weekend day trip. 06 Lhasa | Tibet Namtso in August is a blue that leaves you speechless. The wind by the lake makes prayer flags flutter, and the waves crash like the sea. ⏰ The light is softest around 4–5 PM, and the lake changes color from light blue to deep blue. ⚠️ At 4,700 meters altitude, don’t run or jump. I’ve seen people get altitude sickness from overexcitement. You must book the Potala Palace a day in advance. Once inside, climb the stairs slowly; two hours is enough. The best time to visit Jokhang Temple is at dusk. The sound of pilgrims’ footsteps circling Barkhor Street echoes all around. Sitting in a butter tea house, sipping tea and watching the crowd is very relaxing. 🚄 Taxi fares start at 10 yuan in Lhasa. To get to Namtso, shared rides cost about 200 yuan per person. 07 Zhanjiang | Guangdong Huguangyan is a volcanic crater lake with crystal-clear water. The best part of visiting in summer is the dense shade. Walking around the lake takes 40 minutes, and you’re almost never in the sun. ⚠️ Things inside the scenic area are expensive; bring your own water. Locals prefer to come in the evening. ⏰ After 5:30 PM, tickets are discounted, and the light is gentle. The lake looks like a piece of green jade. 🍜 Afterward, go to Chikan Old Street for oysters and spicy beef. A dozen oysters cost 10 yuan, and the charcoal flavor hits your nose. Zhanjiang’s pace is slow; don’t rush the sights. It’s worth coming just for the food. 08 Haidong | Qinghai Huzhu Tuzu Homeland Park is so colorful that the Tuzu women’s embroidered sleeves shine in the sun. The park is small; watching a Tuzu wedding performance and drinking barley wine takes about an hour. Youning Temple is on a mountain with few visitors, surrounded by towering pines and cypresses. The butter lamp light in the prayer hall is especially peaceful in the afternoon. ⏰ Visit in the afternoon when light streams through the windows onto the Buddha statues, creating an oil painting effect. ⚠️ No photography inside the temple; please respect the rules. 🚄 Private car round trip from Xining costs about 200 yuan. The roads are good, and you can visit both spots in half a day. Haidong’s summer is dry and cool; you’ll need a blanket at night but won’t feel hot. Among these eight places, I prefer Lhasa and Haidong—one grand, one peaceful. Where do you plan to go? Share in the comments.

Here’s a straightforward summary for Baoding in August 🌞: the old city cultural route plus the Taihang mountain summer escape route. Three days and two nights, spending just over 500 per person, you can enjoy it fully. The key is how to avoid the scorching midday sun, or it will really be tough. This time I learned my lesson. Coming to Baoding in August, the dumbest thing is rushing to outdoor attractions in the morning. Between 12 PM and 3 PM, standing under the blazing sun at the Zhili Governor’s Office almost broke me. After returning, my travel spending mindset completely collapsed—not because it was expensive, but because I was sunburned, exhausted, and foolishly waited in two-hour lines. 🏨 Accommodation tips (no risks) Take my advice: stick to the Lianchi District around Yuhua Road or West Street. It’s within a 5-minute walk to the Zhili Governor’s Office, Ancient Lotus Pond, and West Street. Old city lodging costs 150–350 yuan, offering the best value 👑. I stayed near Wanbo Square at a chain hotel. A 150-yuan-per-night queen room with private bathroom and good soundproofing. Just a couple of steps downstairs is a century-old donkey meat sandwich shop. ⚠️ Avoid small inns near the train station; the quality varies. Don’t touch the low-priced hotels soliciting customers at the high-speed rail exit—they’re dirty, chaotic, and overpriced. August is peak season, so book on Trip.com at least 15 days in advance. Last-minute bookings often mean no rooms or double prices. A friend of mine paid twice as much last time for a last-minute booking and regretted it. 💰 Best price tips For tickets, buying combo passes on Trip.com is the best deal: Zhili Governor’s Office + Huai Army Office + Ancient Animal Museum + Lianchi Academy four-attraction combo ticket for 99 yuan. Single tickets cost 35 for the Governor’s Office, 25 for the Huai Army Office, and 30 for Ancient Lotus Pond. The combo saves you the cost of a donkey meat sandwich 🥙. Yesanpo Bailixia ticket is 100 yuan, plus the Wild Life immersive experience ticket for 115 yuan. Baishishan West Gate entry is 135 yuan. Ticket + Xiangyunmen cable car round trip + Ten Waterfalls Gorge is 310 yuan. Yishui Lake ticket + round-trip boat ticket is 135 yuan ⛴️. Baiyangdian Xiong County dock boat ticket + choice of Lotus Grand View Garden or Cultural Garden is 108 yuan; all-inclusive is 148 yuan. In August, the lotus flowers at Baiyangdian are in full bloom, but sitting on the boat at noon will leave you questioning life from the sun exposure. Evening tours are recommended. The 80-yuan lake cruise has morning and afternoon sessions to choose from. 🗺️ My easy itinerary (no rushing) Day 1 Slow tour of the old city 🏛️ Morning at Zhili Governor’s Office (2 hours is enough), then a 5-minute walk to Ancient Lotus Pond. The lotus flowers are beautiful in August, a rare southern-style garden in the north, perfect for vintage-style photos 📸. For lunch, downstairs has a round donkey meat sandwich with beef pancake. The 10-yuan sandwich is completely different from the long style in Hejian! In the afternoon, visit the Huai Army Office to see the Hui-style theater building with exquisite wood carvings and few visitors. Evening stroll along West Street, a Republican-era old street with bluestone slabs and red lanterns, creating a great night atmosphere. Day 2 Taihang mountain summer escape ⛰️ All day at Yesanpo Bailixia. Honestly, the city is hot and stuffy in August, but the mountain temperature is several degrees cooler. Walking into the gorge is refreshing. The Bailixia hike takes 3 hours, with streams and forests creating a natural oxygen bar. You can also raft on the Juma River. Wear non-slip sports shoes and bring mosquito repellent; there are more mosquitoes in the mountains than you expect. Lunch is local farmhouse dishes costing a few dozen yuan per person. In the evening, return to the city to visit the Military Academy Square night market. Day 3 Choose between lake view or glass plank road 🌊 If you have energy, go to Baishishan. The suspended glass plank road experience is amazing. The mountaintop is 5–8℃ cooler than the city, so bring a light jacket. For a more relaxed day, go to Yishui Lake, take a boat tour, and enjoy the lake breeze. Known as the Little Guilin of the north, it’s flat and easy for elders and kids. 💡 Avoid outdoor attractions during peak heat hours (12 PM–3 PM) in August. Either rest at the hotel or visit indoor spots like museums. On day 2, I foolishly rushed to Baishishan at noon and suffered halfway up the stairs—such a dumb move. 🍜 Food and drink tips Baoding’s prices are surprisingly low. You can eat well for 50 yuan a day. Check off donkey meat sandwiches, beef pancakes, Baiyunzhang steamed buns, and Quyang black dumplings. At Heda Night Market and West Street food street, you can enjoy plenty of food for just a few dozen yuan 🍢. For street snacks, choose reputable shops and stalls with local queues. Specialty shops at attraction entrances are overpriced. Don’t buy vacuum-packed donkey meat near attractions; the same products are half the price in city supermarkets. Three things to remember when visiting Baoding in August: book accommodation early, avoid outdoor activities at noon, and bring a jacket for the mountains. Follow this guide, and you won’t break down—you’ll fall in love with this small city on Beijing’s outskirts just like I did, with a completely changed spending mindset 💕.

1️⃣ Yangzhou | Jiangsu Slender West Lake is best visited at 7:00 AM before the crowds arrive; a walk around the lake takes about 2 hours. Enter through the North Gate and exit through the South Gate to avoid backtracking. Geyuan Garden is on Dongguan Street, making it a convenient stop after Slender West Lake. The garden is small, but the four-season rockeries are worth a slow look, especially the autumn rockery when the light hits it at an angle, creating the best depth. I personally find He Garden more engaging than Geyuan; the design of the corridors and window views is brilliant, and the light and shadow effects are especially beautiful after 3:00 PM. ⚠️ He Garden clears out at 5:30 PM, so don't arrive too late. 🍜 You can try the lotus root balls on Dongguan Street, but don't buy too many—they're sweet and rich. In the evening, you can go to Pishi Street; it's quieter than Dongguan Street and perfect for a stroll. 2️⃣ Baoding | Hebei The Western Qing Tombs and Yesanpo are in opposite directions, so I recommend choosing one for a 3-day trip. I chose the Western Qing Tombs—it's less crowded, the architecture is well-preserved, and the pine forest at the Tailing Tomb of Emperor Yongzheng is perfect for just zoning out. 🚄 It's about a 1-hour taxi ride from Baoding East Station; I recommend chartering a car to make the return trip easier. Baishishan is great for those with good stamina; the glass walkway and mountain peaks are worth seeing, but the full route takes 4–5 hours, so be careful if you have bad knees. Anxin Baiyangdian is better in the summer; the reeds are beautiful when they turn yellow in autumn, but it's windy on the boat, so remember to bring a jacket. ⚠️ Yesanpo Bailixia has long lines during peak season. If you go, try to be in the first group at 8:00 AM. 🍜 You can't go wrong with any old shop for a donkey meat burger in downtown Baoding; it pairs perfectly with a bowl of millet porridge. 3️⃣ Dehong | Yunnan I recommend visiting the Menghuan Golden Pagoda in the evening; the sunset dyes the pagoda a warm gold, which looks much better than during the day. 📍 The pagoda is on top of Leiyarang Mountain. Take a taxi to the foot of the mountain and walk up the stairs for 10 minutes—don't let the driver take you all the way up, as the scenery along the way is worth a slow walk. You must take off your shoes to enter the pagoda. The ground can be a bit hot from the sun, so wear thick socks. ⚠️ Do not use flash photography inside the pagoda; please respect local customs. Don't rush off after seeing the Golden Pagoda; the Silver Pagoda next door is even more photogenic once it lights up at night. 🍜 Try the Paoluda and lemon sapei at the Dai snack stalls at the foot of the mountain—they're sour, spicy, and appetizing. For a 3-day trip, spend 1 day on the Golden and Silver Pagodas, and the remaining 2 days exploring the villages around Mangshi for a perfect pace. 4️⃣ Jiayuguan | Gansu You must get to the Jiayuguan Pass early—arrive before 9:00 AM so the light hits the walls at an angle, and you won't have to dodge crowds in your photos. Enter through the East Gate, follow the central axis to the West Wengcheng, and then walk a loop along the city walls; it takes about 2 hours. ⚠️ The Pass scenic area, the Overhanging Great Wall, and the First Pier are sold as a joint ticket, but they are far apart and inconvenient without a car. If you are only interested in the Pass, just buy a single ticket and don't get talked into the package deal. 🍜 Datang Food Street in the city center is lively at night; the roast lamb chops and apricot skin tea are both great. 🚄 It's about a 15-minute taxi ride from Jiayuguan South Station to the Pass, costing less than 20 yuan. For a 3-day trip, spend 1 day at the Pass, 1 day visiting the Wei-Jin tomb murals, and the remaining day eating and drinking in the city—it's very comfortable. 5️⃣ Mianyang | Sichuan The Beichuan Qiang City tourist area isn't a traditional scenic spot; it's more of a quiet memorial site. If you are interested in the earthquake ruins and Qiang culture, it's worth setting aside most of the day. 📍 The old county earthquake ruins and the new county museum are two separate locations. Take the shuttle bus between them—don't try to walk, as it's quite far. I recommend visiting the museum first to understand the background before going to the ruins; it will be less emotionally overwhelming. ⚠️ The ruins area requires walking the whole way, so wear comfortable shoes. It's very sunny in the summer, so bring plenty of water. 🍜 You must try Mianyang rice noodles in downtown Mianyang. The red broth beef flavor is the most classic—it's 10 yuan a bowl and tastes better than any chain store. For a 3-day itinerary, spend 1 day in Beichuan and the remaining 2 days walking around the city and the Fule Mountain area for a relaxed pace. 6️⃣ Xiamen | Fujian Gulangyu is worth staying for one night, but don't stay at influencer homestays—they are expensive and have poor soundproofing. During the day, visit Sunlight Rock and Shuzhuang Garden. In the evening, after the tourists have dispersed, wander through the alleys of Longtou Road; it's more surprising than any travel guide. ⚠️ Buy ferry tickets through official channels 3 days in advance; they are usually sold out on the day of during peak season. The Railway Culture Park is where locals go for walks; it's a trail built on abandoned tracks with plenty of shade, perfect for an afternoon walk. Nanputuo Temple and the Xiamen Botanical Garden are next to each other and can be planned for the same day. Enter the Botanical Garden through the West Gate, see the succulent area first, then take the sightseeing bus to the Rainforest World to save your energy. 🍜 Go to the old shops on Siming South Road for Shacha noodles; don't eat at the entrance of the scenic area. For a 3-day trip, spend 1 day on Gulangyu, 1 day on the Botanical Garden and Nanputuo, and leave the last day for Shapowei and Huandao Road. 7️⃣ Qiqihar | Heilongjiang Watching the red-crowned crane release at the Zhalong Eco-tourism Zone is the main event. There are two shows daily, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so don't be late. 📍 The release area is deep inside the scenic zone. Take the battery car from the main gate to the pier, then walk the boardwalk for 20 minutes; allow 1 hour for the whole process. ⚠️ The crane release only lasts a few minutes. Stand further back to see the full view and don't crowd the front row—the wind from the cranes' wings when they take off is quite strong. Remember to bring mosquito repellent if you go in the summer; the mosquitoes in the wetlands are fierce. 🍜 Qiqihar BBQ is the city's calling card. Any shop you find in a residential area will be better than the ones in malls. The beef is sliced and grilled fresh, and it's served with perilla leaves to cut the greasiness. For a 3-day trip, spend 1 day at Zhalong and the remaining 2 days eating BBQ and strolling through Longsha Park in the city—it's relaxing and not tiring. 8️⃣ Karamay | Xinjiang The Urho Ghost City is best visited after 6:00 PM when the sun is at an angle, making the textures of the Yadan landforms look three-dimensional. The intense sun and glare during the day make all the rocks look the same. 📍 There is a shuttle bus in the scenic area, but I recommend getting off at the second and fourth stops to walk for a bit; the details of the wind-eroded rock walls are much more stunning than what you see from the bus. ⚠️ It's windy in the Ghost City, so don't skip the hat and sunglasses, or you'll end up with a mouthful of sand. The sun sets at 9:30 PM, so stay until after you've seen it—don't rush off. 🍜 There is a night market near the oil bubble sculpture in downtown Karamay. The roast buns are 3 yuan each, full of lamb filling, and pair perfectly with a bowl of yogurt. For a 3-day trip, spend 1 day at the Ghost City, 1 day visiting Black Oil Mountain to see the oil bubbling, and the remaining day resting in the city—it's very comfortable.

Laiyuan is located in the northwest of Baoding, deep in the Taihang Mountains. With an average summer temperature of just 21℃, it is truly a "cool city." Here you can find the stunning peaks and sea of clouds of Baishi Mountain and the clear springs at the source of the Juma River. With fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, it’s an excellent choice for summer retreats and wellness. Day 1: Baishi Mountain all day Arrive in Laiyuan in the morning and head straight to Baishi Mountain. This area features a unique marble peak forest landscape in China, with steep peaks and rolling seas of clouds, earning it the nickname "Northern Huangshan." The scenic area has a glass skywalk suspended over a deep abyss, offering thrilling views. You can take the cable car up the mountain, stroll along the cliffside walkway, and admire the towering peaks and ever-changing sea of clouds, like a fairyland. In the evening, descend to the county town to stay overnight and enjoy local farmhouse dishes. Day 2: Juma River source → Geyuan Temple → Return trip In the morning, visit the source of the Juma River, where the water is crystal clear and maintains a constant temperature year-round, providing exceptional coolness in summer. Then explore Geyuan Temple, an ancient temple built during the Liao Dynasty, which houses exquisite Liao Dynasty murals and wooden architecture, offering a serene and historic atmosphere. Before heading back in the afternoon, don’t forget to try Laiyuan’s specialty foods—Laiyuan millet porridge, which is fragrant, sticky, and gentle on the stomach; oat noodles, which are chewy and delicious; and mountain mushrooms stewed with native chicken, rich and flavorful. Best time to visit: June to September offers the best summer cooling effect. The sea of clouds at Baishi Mountain is most spectacular when shrouded in mist. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Beijing, or you can take the train to Laiyuan Station. Transportation is convenient.