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

If you've already visited Lanzhou, tried beef noodles, and walked across Zhongshan Bridge, then this guide is for you. Lanzhou's charm extends far beyond its popular tourist spots. In June, Jincheng (Lanzhou) holds many hidden gems cherished by locals, offering an escape from the hustle of tour groups and a taste of authentic Northwest life. Today, I'll take you to discover a different Lanzhou, allowing you to deeply experience the hidden charm of this Yellow River city. 【Lanshan Park: Lanzhou Locals' Backyard Garden】 Many tourists visit Baita Mountain, but few know that Lanshan Park is truly beloved by Lanzhou locals. In June, Lanshan is lush with greenery, and the temperature is 5℃ cooler than the city, making it a natural summer retreat. I recommend going up the mountain around 4 or 5 PM. First, find a spot in one of Lanshan's tea gardens, order a cup of Gaiwan tea, snack on sunflower seeds, and gaze at Lanzhou city below. This kind of leisurely feeling is something no other scenic spot can offer. Lanzhou's tea garden culture is truly therapeutic. For just a few dozen yuan, you can sit for an entire afternoon, with free sunflower seeds and hot water provided. You can play cards, chat, daydream, or simply do nothing but enjoy the breeze. In the evening, head to Santai Pavilion to watch the sunset and the night view. This is Lanzhou's most beautiful spot for night photography – as the sun sets and the city lights come on, the entire city of Lanzhou glows brightly, and the Yellow River flows through it like a golden ribbon. That breathtaking beauty will be unforgettable. After descending, you can go to Zhengning Road at the foot of the mountain for a late-night snack, or directly enjoy "Big Plate Chicken" (Dapanji) or "Kangkou Lamb" (Kangkou Yangrou) at one of the farmhouses on the mountain. The flavors are authentic, and the prices are reasonable. 【Agan Town: An Industrial Town Forgotten by Time】 Agan Town is just a 40-minute drive from Lanzhou. This industrial town, with a history of over a century, was once Lanzhou's most important coal mining base. Now, its prosperity has faded, but it has left behind precious memories of an era. Walking through the town's streets, with Soviet-style buildings, abandoned factories, and old cinemas on both sides, feels like stepping back into the 1970s or 80s. I especially recommend visiting Shifogou National Forest Park, right next to Agan Town. This is a pristine secondary forest with over 90% forest coverage. In June, Shifogou is covered in blooming wildflowers, and the air is fresh, making it a natural oxygen bar. You can hike in the forest or picnic by the stream. This secluded tranquility is truly therapeutic. For lunch, try a bowl of Lamb Paomo in Agan Town. This local specialty is different from Xi'an's Paomo; Lanzhou's version is boiled, resulting in a richer broth and more tender meat, which is very delicious. There are also many shops in town selling handmade potato vermicelli, which are chewy and great to buy a few pounds to take home. 【Liujiaxia Reservoir: The Blue Pearl on the Plateau】 Many people don't know that a "Plateau Maldives" – Liujiaxia Reservoir – is hidden near Lanzhou. It's a 2-hour drive from Lanzhou. The water here is Tiffany blue and crystal clear, forming a stark contrast with the yellow Yellow River. You can take a boat tour of the reservoir and witness the spectacular "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl" phenomenon where the Yellow River and Tao River converge, with the yellow river water and blue lake water distinctly separated, which is truly amazing. I highly recommend visiting Bingling Temple Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes, with a history of over 1600 years, predating the Mogao Grottoes. The Buddha statues and murals in the grottoes are exquisite, especially the 27-meter-tall Great Buddha in Cave 171, which is incredibly impressive. Due to its inconvenient location, there are very few tourists here, allowing you to quietly appreciate these artistic treasures without the crowds found at Mogao Grottoes. For lunch, enjoy reservoir fish at Liujiaxia. They are freshly caught, with tender meat, delicious whether braised or stewed. Also, order a local bowl of Jiangshui Mian (sour soup noodles), which is spicy, sour, and refreshing – perfect for summer. 【Bafang Shisanxiang: Hui Ethnic Charm in Linxia】 Linxia is a 1.5-hour drive from Lanzhou, known as "China's Little Mecca," with a rich Hui ethnic flavor. Bafang Shisanxiang (Eight Blocks, Thirteen Alleys) is Linxia's most representative attraction. The residences here are typical Hui architecture, with exquisite brick carvings and intricate alleys, making you feel like you've stepped into the world of "One Thousand and One Nights." You can stroll leisurely through the alleys, watch elderly Hui people pray, listen to the joyful laughter of children, and experience the most authentic Hui life. I especially recommend visiting Dong Gongguan (East Mansion), a century-old mansion whose brick carving art is unparalleled. Each brick carving is lifelike and is a national intangible cultural heritage. For lunch in Linxia, try Hand-Grabbed Lamb. The lamb here is even more delicious than Lanzhou's, tender and without any gamey smell, paired with Gaiwan tea, it's absolutely superb. Also, try Fazimianchang (noodle sausage), Niangpizi (cold noodles), and Tianpeizi (sweet fermented oats); every dish is delicious and won't disappoint. You must also try Linxia's Eight Treasure Tea, which contains goji berries, red dates, longans, sesame seeds, and raisins, making it sweet, fragrant, and increasingly delightful with every sip. 【Lanzhou Locals' Late-Night Canteen】 Lanzhou's nightlife truly begins after dark. Don't just go to Zhengning Road; locals prefer Nanguan Ethnic Flavor Street. Any lamb skewer shop here is delicious. I recommend grilled lamb kidney, grilled lamb tendon, and grilled lamb tripe, all freshly cut and grilled, with tender meat and an enticing aroma of cumin and chili. I especially recommend the Fangha Tianpeizi Milk Tea here. This is a unique Lanzhou milk tea that combines Tianpeizi (sweet fermented oats) with milk tea, offering a unique taste that is both delicious and refreshing. Also, try Jiangshui Louyu, made from corn flour, shaped like small fish, soaked in sour soup, it's sour, spicy, and refreshing – a must-have summer delicacy. You can also visit Nongmin Alley, Lanzhou's food street, offering a wide variety of cuisines, from Northwest dishes to Sichuan cuisine, from hot pot to barbecue, you'll find everything. I recommend Pang Mama Hand-Grabbed Lamb, a long-standing Lanzhou brand, whose Hand-Grabbed Lamb, Braised Lamb, and Big Plate Chicken are all very authentic. Lanzhou in June is a city full of surprises. It's not a city that immediately wows you, but if you slow down and delve into its streets and alleys, you'll discover its charm hidden in every bowl of beef noodles, in every cup of Gaiwan tea, and in the smiles of every Lanzhou local. Come to Lanzhou, slow down, and experience the most authentic vibrancy and poetry of this golden city. --- Accommodation 🏨 Gansu Jinghu Wild Luxury Lake View Villa with Terrace 180° panoramic lake view independent villa with terrace, cabin-style tent design, and a lakeside restaurant. A secluded retreat just a half-hour drive from Lanzhou. 🏨 Hyatt Regency Lanzhou A five-star hotel in a prime Lanzhou location, with superb Yellow River view rooms and a large children's playground, offering comprehensive family-friendly amenities for a worry-free stay with kids. 🏨 Xiahe Nordang Camp A wild luxury camp deep in the Sangke Grassland, recommended by National Geographic. The grassland cabins offer an immersive experience of nomadic life in Gannan. 🏨 Langqin Tent Camp A secluded wild luxury tent hotel at the starting point of the Jiangdie Highway, surrounded by mountains and an artificial lake, with streams flowing through. The best stopover for traversing Gannan.

Take a trip along the Linxia and Gannan route—it’s definitely worth it! Experience the pure faith at the world-renowned Labrang Monastery, and be captivated by the stunning Ganjia secret realm and grasslands that you won’t want to leave. The entire trip is self-paced, no rushing, relaxed and worry-free~ · - Treasure travel guide ready for you, check it out now ↓ · - 🗺️ Suggested itinerary: DAY 1: Gather in Lanzhou — Hotel check-in Upon arrival in Lanzhou, a private car will pick you up from the airport or train station to the hotel. Enjoy free time to recharge for the upcoming Gannan secret realm adventure! 🔋 DAY 2: Bafang Shisan Xiang — Labrang Monastery — Bajiao Ancient City Ruins Wander through the ethnic streets of Linxia, feel the power of faith at the world-famous Labrang Monastery, and finally explore the millennia-old ancient city ruins. 🕌 DAY 3: Milarepa Pagoda — Guomang Wetland — Langmusi Scenic Area Pilgrimage to the nine-story pagoda in the Amdo Tibetan region, stroll through the highland wetlands to spot black-necked cranes, and listen to Buddhist chants in the “Little Switzerland of the East,” Langmusi. 🦌 DAY 4-5: Lianbaoyeze — Ruoergai Flower Lake — Zhagana Immerse yourself for two days in sacred mountains and holy lakes! Explore the magical stone peaks of Lianbaoyeze, encounter the wetland spirits of Ruoergai, and stay in the fairy-tale Tibetan village of Zhagana. 🏔️ DAY 6: Guan’egou Experience the canyon waterfalls and Qiang ethnic culture in Guan’egou, known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Longnan,” and enjoy a Tibetan yak meat hotpot for dinner. ♨️ DAY 7-8: Maijishan Grottoes — Fuxi Temple — Return to Lanzhou Spend the last two days traveling through history: admire the Maijishan Grottoes, an eastern sculpture museum, pay respects at the Fuxi Temple, the cultural ancestor, and return to Lanzhou full of Tibetan memories. ✈️ · - Travel tips: · Souvenir prices: Handmade carpets start at around 100 yuan, remember to bargain! 💰 · March climate: Big temperature difference between morning and night, layering with a jacket and light innerwear is key 🧥✨ · Photo spots: The blue walls of Bafang Shisan Xiang, wear light colors for better photos 📸 · Must-try food: Hezhou steamed buns with covered bowl tea, warm and filling 🥟🍵 · Cultural respect: Speak softly and walk slowly when visiting temples, respect local customs 🕌🙏 · - 【Stress-free solo travel, unlock affordable itineraries with one click】

Who would understand! Winter in Gannan welds the word "sacred" into its very bones! Rated by National Geographic as a must-go destination in life, personally tested—this snowy secret realm is even more stunning than Northern Europe, with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great value. Hurry and save this nanny-level guide~ ❓Why must you rush to Gannan in winter? ✅ Off the beaten path and uncrowded: Avoid peak season crowds, enjoy exclusive access to vast snowy mountains and grasslands, and take photos anywhere you want ✅ Stunning snow scenery: Tibetan villages wrapped in silver, temples with red walls and golden roofs, like a Chinese ink painting ✅ Incredible value: Hotels and homestays drop prices, and major transportation costs are half of peak season ✅ Pure experience: Chance encounters with nomads winter grazing, feeling the tranquility and faith of Tibetan winter 🗺️5-day essential itinerary (no detours) D1: Gather in Lanzhou → stroll through Bafang Shisixiang → taste beef noodles D2: Lanzhou → Meiren Grassland (snow walk) → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion (shoot red walls after snow) → stay in Hezuo City D3: Hezuo → Zhagana (see morning mist stone city) → Runwu Valley ice waterfall → stay in Tibetan-style homestay D4: Zhagana golden mountain sunrise → Langmu Temple circumambulation → Namo Grand Canyon light hike → Gahai Lake (Sky Mirror) → stay in Xiahe D5: Labrang Monastery (circumambulate the world’s longest prayer corridor) → Tibetan cultural experience → return to Lanzhou 😋 Tibetan food list ▪️ Stone slab grilled yak beef: fragrant and crispy, bursting with juice, with a meadow fresh aroma ▪️ Tibetan hotpot: copper pot cooking yak beef + wild mushrooms, paired with spicy tsampa chili to warm your heart ▪️ Butter tea: “liquid sunshine,” salty and rich, fights cold and altitude sickness ▪️ Yak yogurt: thick enough to stand a spoon, sweet and sour, amazing with sugar sprinkled on top ▪️ Fern root pig trotters: tender meat, fatty but not greasy, a Tibetan exclusive delicacy 📸 Photo tips for great shots ▪️ Labrang Monastery: capture the light and shadow of the prayer corridor at dawn, snow on the golden roof is super sacred ▪️ Zhagana: shoot the misty stone city at sunrise, Fairy Beach offers panoramic snowy mountain views ▪️ Gahai Lake: ice surface reflects the blue sky, creating a “Sky Mirror” effect ▪️ Outfit advice: dark coat/softshell jacket + bright scarf, creating a color contrast with the white snow and red walls ⚠️ Notes ❶ Keep warm: temperature difference over 20℃ between morning and night, down jacket, fleece pants, snow boots, and Lei Feng hat are all essential ❷ Altitude sickness: elevation 3000-4000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise, oxygen bottle recommended ❸ Transportation: roads easily icy, self-driving not recommended, local car hire is safer ❹ Sun protection: strong plateau UV, sunglasses + sunscreen + mask are must-haves ❺ Customs: no hats or random photos inside temples, turn prayer wheels clockwise Winter in Gannan is pure, without noise. When wind and snow sweep across the grasslands and Buddhist chants echo in the temples, this journey is destined to be unforgettable for life~

Stop only thinking about going to Northeast China to see snow! ❄️ Gannan's winter is outrageously beautiful, every snap is a masterpiece~ Few tourists, affordable prices, come with me to unlock the purest romance and sacredness of Northwest China! 💕 🔥 Why must you visit Gannan in winter? ▪️ Fewer people! Get exclusive access to scenic spots that are crowded in peak season, enjoy the entire snowy mountains and grasslands alone ▪️ Beautiful scenery! Snow filters enhance every photo into a masterpiece ▪️ Save money! Accommodation and tickets are discounted, and flights cost half as much as in peak season ▪️ Fun! Experience Tibetan life and catch the lively Tibetan New Year celebrations 🏔️【5 Days 4 Nights In-Depth Tour】 ✨ Day 1: Gather in Lanzhou from all over the country · Authentic beef noodles are a must! 🍜 · Evening stroll and eat at Zhengning Road Night Market (Address: Yongchang Road, Chengguan District) ✨ Day 2: Lanzhou → Bafang Shisixiang → Meiren Grassland → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Hezuo · Bafang Shisixiang (Address: Bafang Street, Linxia City) · Meiren Grassland (Admission: Free) · Milarepa Buddha Pavilion (Admission: ¥20) ✨ Day 3: Hezuo → Fairy Beach → Zhagana Runwu Valley → Zhagana · Fairy Beach 📍 transforms into an amazing winter ski resort · Don’t miss the spectacular ice waterfall in Runwu Valley · Stay at a Tibetan-style guesthouse in Zhagana (open your window to see the snowy mountains 🏔️) ✨ Day 4: Zhagana Dawn → Langmu Temple → Namo Grand Canyon → Gahai Lake → Xiahe · The morning mist in Zhagana is stunning! Be sure to get up early · Langmu Temple (Address: Border of Gansu/Sichuan) · Gahai Lake is dreamy when frozen in winter ✨ Day 5: Xiahe → Labrang Monastery → Lanzhou · The world’s longest prayer corridor is a must-visit 💡【Travel Tips】 ✅ Bring enough warm clothing! Temperature difference can be 20°C between morning and night ✅ Altitude is 3000-4000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness ✅ Winter road snow makes self-driving not recommended ✅ Must-try foods: hand-pulled mutton, yak yogurt, butter tea 📢 Friends who want to go, quickly 💌 Send [Travel Date + Number of People] to get the detailed itinerary~

Who understands! Winter in Gannan wears "sacred and healing" right on its face❗❗No worries about crowded peak seasons, the snow-covered grasslands and Buddhist pagodas are even more photogenic than imagined, the budget is cut in half, and you can enjoy the scenery alone. I'm going for this reverse move first✅ 🧊Why travel to Gannan in winter❓ 🔹Ridiculously few people! No queues at Labrang Monastery for circumambulation, every shot in Zhagana is a 📸 wallpaper-level masterpiece, no need to worry about strangers photobombing the background 🔹Unbeatable value! Hotel prices are 1/3 of peak season💰, you can save a lot by choosing Tibetan-style homestays on Trip.com, car rentals are more worry-free, and Tibetan hot pot costs about 50 RMB per person to eat until full 🔹Unique scenery! Snowy plains with prayer flags, ice waterfalls reflecting the blue sky, even the air feels as pure as mint, healing all mental fatigue 🧥What to wear in Gannan in winter? ✔️Onion-style layering is always the best! Fleece-lined outdoor jacket + thick down jacket layered, wear thermal underwear + cashmere sweater inside, pants👖 must be fleece-lined + windproof pants, warm and flexible ✔️Choose anti-slip snow boots! Hat🧢, scarf🧣, gloves🧤 are essential, the less exposed skin the better ✔️Bring sunglasses too, the snow glare is super dazzling, protecting your eyes and adding style 🌵Must-visit spots 📍Labrang Monastery ❄️Snow on the golden roof is breathtaking! Follow the circumambulating believers for a round, listening to monks chanting is super healing, free admission but remember to remove hats and keep silent to respect local customs 📍Zhagana The Tibetan village in the morning mist looks like a fairy tale! The ice waterfall in Runwu Valley🧊 is stunning, photos taken underneath are amazing, Tibetan hot pot🍲 at night warms your heart, and the homestay owner’s hand-pulled meat is so fragrant you’ll lick the plate 📍Langmu Temple A magical experience of a temple spanning two provinces! The snow-covered temple looks even more solemn, hiking the Namo Grand Canyon is very comfortable, the crunch of snow🌨️ underfoot is super stress-relieving, and you can see fearless little squirrels along the way 📍Milarepa Pagoda The nine-story pagoda has great layering in the snow, sunlight shining on the pavilion glows with golden light✨, climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the snowy landscape of Hezuo City, the view is amazing 📍Meiren Grassland Turns into a "snow wave grassland" in winter! The wave-like grassland is covered with snow, herders’ cattle and sheep🐏 scattered around, like stepping into an oil painting, every snap is a healing masterpiece 🏜Itinerary 👉DAY1: Gather in Lanzhou (book a hotel near the food street on Trip.com in advance, warm up with a bowl of beef noodles upon arrival) 👉DAY2: Lanzhou - Bafang Shisan Alley - Meiren Grassland - Milarepa Pagoda - Hezuo 👉DAY3: Hezuo - Fairy Beach - Zhagana Runwu Valley - Zhagana (stay in a Zhagana homestay, opening the window to see snow is super romantic) 👉DAY4: Zhagana dawn - Sichuan Langmu Temple - Namo Grand Canyon hike - Gahai Lake - Xiahe 👉DAY5: Xiahe County - Labrang Monastery - Intangible Cultural Heritage Tibetan Thangka experience - Disperse in Lanzhou 💡Tips: ✔️Gannan has a big temperature difference between day and night in winter, remember to bring heat packs, sticking one on the back of your phone can also prevent it from shutting down ✔️Respect local customs, no shorts or short skirts in temples, don’t casually photograph monks, turn prayer wheels clockwise ✔️If worried about altitude sickness, prepare Rhodiola in advance, avoid strenuous exercise right after arrival This winter, don’t compete in Harbin anymore, come to Gannan for a date with snow and faith~❄

01 Pingxiang | Jiangxi Wugong Mountain is the most accessible mountain I've ever seen. Two cable car sections take you straight to the Golden Summit area, so you can see the sea of clouds without hiking. ⏰ Head up the mountain before 7:00 AM to avoid crowds and fog, and see the meadows at their greenest. I took the route from Shigu Temple to Zhong'an. The steps aren't steep, and it only takes 30 mins to reach the cable car station, making it perfect for a trip with parents. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit, so don't wear a skirt. You can rent a windbreaker for CNY 30. 🍜 Don't rush off when you get down. The Pingxiang stir-fried rice noodles at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain cost CNY 12 with extra spice and an egg, and they're ten times better than what you'll find inside the scenic area. Stay in Luxi County for the night for just over CNY 100. It's clean, and you can take a walk in Qiushou Square the next day. The budget is under CNY 400 for a 2-day, 1-night trip. 02 Shennongjia Forestry District | Hubei Shennongjia isn't just a mountain; it's an entire primeval forest. I recommend staying in Muyu Town. It's small, and the scenic area bus station is right outside. The combined ticket includes Shennong Peak and Dajiuhu Lake. ⏰ It's best to catch the first bus to Dajiuhu Lake. The morning mist hasn't cleared yet, and the lake looks like a mirror—the photos don't even need editing. Shennong Peak is at a high altitude, and the temperature is 10 degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain. ⚠️ Bring a thick jacket even if you go in September; don't trust the weather forecast. Hiking enthusiasts should take the Shennong Valley trail. It takes 4 hours and offers views of alpine rhododendrons and fir forests. If you're with seniors or children, take the Banbiyan trail; it's mostly flat and takes half an hour. 🚄 It's a 3.5-hour bus ride from Yichang East Station, costing CNY 50. The whole trip takes 2–3 days, with a maximum budget of CNY 600 per person. 03 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Linxia is an underrated foodie city, but its landscapes surprised me even more. The highlight of Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is taking a speedboat to see the Yellow River backwater bay. The water is emerald green, nothing like the Yellow River you'd imagine. ⚠️ The speedboat driver might try to upsell you on a longer route. Just say no and ask to be dropped off directly at the backwater bay. Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area is located in the grottoes and is only accessible by boat. The ticket, including the boat ride, is CNY 120. ⏰ It's less crowded after 2:00 PM, and the sunlight hits the Buddha statues perfectly, covering the walls in gold. 🍜 After visiting the grottoes, head back to the city for Hezhou steamed buns and sweet fermented oats in Bafang Thirteen Alleys. The buns are CNY 6 per basket and packed with meat. I recommend staying in Linxia City; hotels are around CNY 150. You can visit Hongyuan Garden for free the next day. The 2-day trip costs CNY 350 per person, and you'll eat better than anyone. 04 Guangzhou | Guangdong Guangzhou is still hot in September, but traveling off-peak helps you avoid the summer crowds. I've split the itinerary into two routes. Choose either one—no need to rush. The first is the city route: Start the morning at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The ticket is CNY 10, and the brick and wood carvings will keep you occupied for 2 hours. ⏰ It's less crowded before 10:00 AM, and the light coming through the courtyard makes for great photos. For lunch, walk to Longjin West Road for a bowl of wonton noodles for CNY 8. The bamboo-pressed noodles are chewy. In the afternoon, head up Baiyun Mountain. Enter through the West Gate; the ticket is CNY 5. You can see the panoramic view of Canton Tower from the top. The cable car is an extra CNY 20, but it only takes 40 minutes to walk up. The second is the theme park route: Weekday tickets for Chimelong Tourist Resort are much cheaper in September. The International Circus is more worth seeing than the zoo. ⚠️ Book online a day in advance; buying on-site costs CNY 50 more. In the evening, go to the Pearl River bank under Canton Tower to enjoy the breeze—no need to go up the tower, it's free. 2 days and 1 night, CNY 450 per person. 05 Hezhou | Guangxi The best part of Hezhou is Huangyao Ancient Town, but I have to be a buzzkill first: the ticket is CNY 80, but after 5:30 PM, the staff goes off duty, and you can enter for free. ⚠️ Don't buy a ticket during the day. Stay at an inn inside the ancient town; the owner will take you in through the alleyways. Accommodation is CNY 120 and includes breakfast. The ancient town isn't big; you can walk through it in 2 hours. 📍 There's a tofu pudding stall next to Dailong Bridge. It's CNY 3 a bowl, and you can add your own ginger syrup—it's just the right amount of sweet. The next morning, go to Gupo Mountain. The ticket is CNY 60. The waterfall clusters and primeval forest are very cool. ⏰ Reach the summit before 9:00 AM to see the sea of clouds rolling over the ridge. Hiking enthusiasts can head straight to Dongtan Ridge. You don't need to enter the scenic area; the village road is free. The view from the top is expansive, and you can see the entire Hezhou Basin. 3 days and 2 nights, CNY 380 per person—this is the most budget-friendly of all eight places. 06 Shizuishan | Ningxia Shahu Lake is a magical place—half desert, half lake. The ticket plus boat ride is CNY 120. ⚠️ Buying online saves you CNY 10. ⏰ Enter the park at 9:00 AM and take the boat to the desert area first. While the sun isn't too strong yet, climb the sand dunes to see the lake water, which is as blue as a gemstone. Return to the pier at noon. There's a reed marsh by the lake that rustles in the wind—perfect for lying down and zoning out. 🍜 I don't recommend the grilled fish in the scenic area; it's expensive and salty. Turn right when you leave, and there's a "Laowang Yuzhuang" in Shahu Town. A large platter of fish is CNY 60, enough for two people. If you have kids, they can try sand sliding for CNY 20 per session, with no time limit. If you're afraid of the sun, go to the bird observatory to watch migratory birds through telescopes for free. Leave the park at 4:00 PM and head to Yinchuan city for the night. It's a 1-hour drive, and hotels are CNY 150. 1 day and 1 night, CNY 300 per person. 07 Suqian | Jiangsu What touched me most about Suqian was the Hongze Lake Wetland. It's not that kind of delicate beauty; it's a vastness so quiet it leaves you speechless. The ticket is CNY 60, and the scenic area shuttle bus is an extra CNY 20, but I think walking is better. 📍 Enter from the reed marsh entrance and walk along the wooden boardwalk for 20 minutes to see fields of lotus flowers. ⏰ In mid-September, the lotus flowers are still blooming, a mix of white and pink—they look best when the dew hasn't dried yet. If you're with seniors or children, you can take a boat for CNY 50 to circle the lake. Water birds fly right next to the boat, and you can see the patterns on their wings. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetland, so wear long pants. Don't skimp on the CNY 5 mosquito repellent at the entrance. After seeing the wetland, go to Siyang County to eat "wheel cakes." They're CNY 3 each, filled with sesame sugar, and they taste best when they're piping hot right out of the pan. A round trip in one day costs CNY 220 per person. 08 Baoting County | Hainan Baoting isn't as bustling as Sanya, but its rainforest and Li and Miao ethnic customs are one-of-a-kind. The ticket for the Betel Nut Valley Li and Miao Cultural Tourist Area is CNY 120. A guide will take you through the entire Li village, where you can see grandmothers weaving Li brocade. The craft is ancestral, and a single scarf takes half a month to weave. ⏰ There's a bamboo dance performance at 11:00 AM. You can join in, and no one will laugh if you mess up—everyone is just having fun. In the afternoon, go to the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourist Area. The ticket is CNY 180. Walk the aerial boardwalk with the tropical rainforest canopy right beneath your feet. ⚠️ If you're afraid of heights, take the ground-level route; the scenery is just as good, and you can see strangler figs and thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms. 🍜 The grilled "five-foot pig" skewers at the entrance of the scenic area are CNY 10 for three, fatty but not greasy. Stay in Baocheng Town for CNY 130 a night. The next day, you can go to Qixianling to soak in the wild hot springs for free. 2 days and 1 night, CNY 500 per person.

If you want to turn your weekend into a meaningful night tour, this Linxia route is better than just visiting a single old street: spend the day looking at brick carvings and courtyards, then enter Bafang Thirteen Alleys in the evening. Both are in the city, so there is no need to rush for intercity travel. For those coming from Lanzhou and surrounding areas to taste Hezhou cuisine and see folk alleys, you can plan according to this 2-day, 1-night itinerary. 🌙 On the afternoon of arrival, first go to the Dong Mansion on Huancheng East Road. It combines brick carvings, wood carvings, and Republican-era residences in one courtyard, perfect for slowing down to look at the details of the gate towers, walls, and beams. The official public opening hours are 8:30 AM–5:30 PM, and admission is free. If you want to enter, don't arrive too late. 🧱 After seeing the Dong Mansion, head to Bafang Thirteen Alleys. The focus isn't on how fast you walk, but on the sense of daily life in the alleys. It gets its name from eight mosque parishes and thirteen streets and alleys. Along the way, there are public exhibition halls such as folk museums, handicraft museums, and intangible cultural heritage museums. The content open on the day and specific experiences are subject to on-site arrangements. 🚶 The evening sequence can be simple: first stroll slowly through the main alley, look at the courtyard walls and brick carvings, then find a place to sit and drink Gaiwan tea, and finally have dinner. This arrangement avoids the rush of squeezing tea and dinner into the same time slot and also leaves time to walk through the illuminated alleys slowly. Don't pre-set must-visit restaurants; it's safer to follow the daily crowd and choose clean shops with clearly marked prices. For Hezhou night food, you can order hand-grabbed mutton, spiced beef, noodles, and side dishes according to the number of people. If it's your first time, try a small combination. If you have concerns about beef/mutton flavors or dining habits, ask about the ingredients before ordering. 🍜 On the second day, save time for the folk customs and handicraft details of Bafang. Instead of repeatedly taking photos of doorways, it's better to choose one or two exhibition halls or handicraft experiences to look at slowly: the Tea Horse Road trade, brick and wood carvings, and daily life in Hezhou. After understanding a bit of the background, the lights and stalls you see at night will have more depth. 🫖 From September 18–20, Linxia City will hold celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture. If you happen to be traveling during these days, pay attention to official notices regarding accommodation, entering/leaving the city, and crowd flow in the blocks as early as possible. Specific event schedules, performances, and business operating hours are subject to change, so checking before departure is most reliable. This route is suitable for those who prefer low-intensity travel and want to combine ethnic culture and dinner into the same weekend. When returning to the alley entrance at night, don't just focus on your camera: the narrow alleys are still living spaces for residents. Keep your voice down, don't block doorways or passageways, and take your trash with you to make this night more comfortable for everyone. ✨

Highly rated cities for September–October, these 6 places have fewer crowds and beautiful scenery 01 Tai'an | Shandong When climbing Mount Tai, don't just rush for the sunrise right away. At 5:00 AM in September, the mist hasn't cleared at Nantian Gate yet, and there aren't many people on the steps. As you walk up the damp stone slabs, you can hear your own breathing and birds in the distance. I suggest taking the cable car from Zhongtian Gate to save your energy for the stretch from Tianjie to the Jade Emperor Peak, where the scenery is the most rewarding. ⏰ Head up the mountain after 3:00 PM. The light hits the cliffs at an angle, so you won't have to wait in line to take photos. 🍜 Don't rush off after coming down the mountain. Near Dai Temple, there's a "Wangji Sanguan" that opens at 4:00 AM. They serve beef bone soup with egg and fried dough sticks for CNY 8 a bowl. ⚠️ It's windy at the summit, so don't worry about the space a thin down jacket takes up. To avoid the crowds, take the Taohuayu route; the cable car line is half as long. 02 Tonghua | Jilin Tonghua is an underrated autumn city. The Goguryeo cultural relics are in Ji'an, a 90-minute drive from the city center. The route is full of red maples, so don't just focus on getting there. Stop halfway; the fallen leaves cover the roadbed, and they crunch when you step on them. Visit the Wandu Mountain City ruins in the afternoon; the sunlight shines through the crumbling walls, casting long shadows, perfect for a slow stroll. The rapeseed flower fields in Ji'an are still finishing up in early September, and the golden color against the blue of the Yalu River rivals Qinghai. 🚄 Buses from Tonghua to Ji'an run every hour, with the last one at 4:30 PM, so don't miss it. 🍜 The sauerkraut and pork hot pot at "Lao Bainuo Guan" in the city center will fill you up for CNY 30. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the ruins area, so don't be lazy about wearing long pants and long sleeves. 03 Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang Autumn in Changji is the kind of place that will make people ask, "Is this abroad?" when you post it on social media. The wheat fields in Jiangbulake have just been harvested, leaving a golden expanse of stubble, and the distant snow-capped mountains are already white-capped. Renting a car for a road trip is the most convenient way; it's a 2-hour drive from the city to the scenic area entrance. The ticket plus the shuttle bus is over CNY 90, which is worth it. Don't go to Wucaiwan at noon; the sunlight is too harsh and washes out the colors. ⏰ After 7:00 PM, the Yadan landforms are dyed orange-red, which is when they look their best. There are relatively more people at Tianshan Tianchi, but you can take the boardwalk to the Queen Mother of the West Temple to avoid tour groups, and the lake is unbelievably blue. ⚠️ The temperature difference in the mountains is large; short sleeves during the day and a padded jacket at night, so a fleece jacket is a must. 04 Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia Manzhouli is a small city that makes you feel like you've gone abroad. Matryoshka Square looks much better at night than during the day. Once the lights turn on, the whole square looks like a fairy tale town. The ticket is CNY 100; whether it's worth it depends on your mindset—I suggest buying only the night ticket and entering after 4:00 PM when the light is just right and there are fewer people. The Russian-style architecture around the square, with its red walls and green roofs, makes for wallpaper-worthy photos with every snap. 🍜 The cheese buns at "Lubuli Restaurant" in the city center are stringy when fresh out of the oven. They cost CNY 25 each, which is perfect for two people to share. ⚠️ Don't buy Matryoshka dolls at the scenic area entrance; they are more than twice as expensive. The same ones in city supermarkets are half the price. 🚄 It's a 2-hour train ride from Hailar, and a taxi to the city center after getting off costs CNY 10. 05 Huangshan | Anhui For Huangshan, I don't recommend heading straight to the main peak. Hongcun and Xidi—choosing one is enough, and I choose Hongcun. The reflection in Nanhu Lake is neater than a painting, but you must go before 8:00 AM before the tour groups arrive, when the water is as calm as a mirror. Chengkan Ancient Village has even fewer people, and the layout of the Bagua village is winding and suitable for wandering around. As for the Huangshan Scenic Area itself, the front mountain is steep and the back mountain is beautiful. I went up via Yungu Temple in the back mountain and down via Yuping Tower in the front mountain. It was a two-day, one-night trip, staying at the Baiyun Hotel on the summit, so I didn't have to fight for a spot to watch the sunrise in the early morning. ⏰ In late September, the red leaves on the mountain just start to change color, a mix of yellow and green that looks better than when they are fully red. ⚠️ The Hongcun ticket is CNY 94 and is valid for three days, so don't throw it away. 🍜 The braised pork with dried bamboo shoots in Tangkou Town at the foot of the mountain, served with a bowl of white rice, is so delicious you'll lick the bowl. 06 Jingzhou | Hubei Jingzhou Ancient City is the most "unpretentious" ancient city I have ever seen. You can go up the city wall for free. If you go up at 6:00 PM, the sunset turns the brick joints golden, the shadows of the willow trees by the moat stretch out, and locals walk their dogs at the foot of the city wall. The ticket for Binyang Tower is CNY 35; it's not big inside, but the view of the whole city from the top is great. 🍜 There is a "Gong'an Guokui" shop on "Zhang Juzheng Street" by the city gate. The preserved vegetable filling is CNY 6 each, and it's crispy enough to crumble when fresh out of the oven. ⚠️ The Jingzhou lantern folk custom is only available in the first lunar month, so don't be disappointed if you go in September. If you want to experience the atmosphere, go to the Yangmatou Cultural and Creative Park in Shashi District, a night market renovated from old factory buildings that gets lively after 7:00 PM. 🚄 It takes about 15 minutes to take a taxi from Jingzhou Station to the ancient city. 07 Sanming | Fujian The beauty of Sanming is the kind of green that doesn't need a filter. In the Danxia landform of Dajin Lake, you can take a boat ride on the water. The red cliffs on both sides look like they were slashed by a knife, and the water is so green it's almost black, but it's clean. ⏰ The 9:00 AM boat trip is the most comfortable; the light isn't dazzling, and the breeze is cool. Taining Ancient City is quieter than you'd imagine, with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and the bluestone roads echo when you walk on them. 🍜 You must try the "Youjiang Tofu" in the ancient city; it's CNY 3 a bowl and as tender as steamed egg. ⚠️ The Dajin Lake boat tour takes 3 hours in total. You get off halfway to climb Ganlu Rock Temple, where the steps are steep, so elderly people should be careful. If you have a limited budget, choose the "Water Danxia" half-route to save half the time. 08 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Linxia is my most pleasant surprise this year. You don't need to buy a ticket for the Liujiaxia Tourist Resort. Drive along the reservoir road, and the Yellow River water here is so blue it doesn't look like the Yellow River, forming a strong contrast with the distant loess mountains. The best spot for photos is the "Yellow River Blue-Yellow Convergence Viewing Platform," which is free, and the light is softest at 4:00 PM. You need to take a boat to get to the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area. A round-trip speedboat costs CNY 120. The Tang dynasty statues in the grottoes have expressions even more vivid than those in the Mogao Caves. 🍜 The Dongxiang hand-grabbed lamb at "Ersa Shouzhua" in the city center is CNY 88 per jin, fatty but not greasy, and served with garlic and pepper salt. ⚠️ Bingling Temple is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 🚄 It's a 1-hour high-speed train ride from Lanzhou to Linxia, and a 30-minute taxi ride from the station to Liujiaxia. Of these eight places, I personally recommend Changji and Linxia the most; they are so uncrowded that you can hear your own footsteps. Where have you been recently? Let's chat in the comments section.

Avoid the crowds! These 8 off-the-beaten-path attractions are absolutely stunning! 01 Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou The mornings in Xijiang Miao Village are even more breathtaking than the nighttime views. ⏰ At 6:30 am, the village is still asleep, with smoke rising from the rooftops of the stilted houses, and the terraced fields lighting up layer by layer in the mist. Don't rush to squeeze into the viewing platform; walk along the stone path deeper into the village, where elderly women in Miao costumes are already cooking sour soup noodles at their doorsteps. 🍜 A bowl of noodles with houttuynia cordata costs only five yuan, more affordable than any trendy stall in the scenic area. Zhaoxing Dong Village is much quieter than Xijiang. At 8 pm, the drum tower lights up, and the Dong folk songs begin on time. No tickets are needed; you can listen just by standing in the square. ⚠️ Note that there are some "free" welcome drinks in the village. After drinking, you'll be pulled into a silver jewelry shop. If you don't want to buy anything, just smile and wave goodbye. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is best visited in the evening. The red lanterns along the Wuyang River are reflected in the water. Walk along the riverbank to Zhusheng Bridge; the breeze is refreshing. Xianghuoyan is best viewed during the rainy season. The waterfall has a large flow, and the path is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Don't wear white shoes; you'll come back covered in mud. 02 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu The most stunning part of the Liujiaxia Tourist Resort isn't the reservoir itself, but the road leading to Bingling Temple. 🚄 It takes about an hour and a half by chartered car from Linxia city. Along the way, the Yellow River's blue water is unlike anything you'd see in northern China. Upon arriving at the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area, first take a boat into the canyon. The Danxia landforms on both sides look as if they've been cleaved by a knife. After the boat docks, climb the boardwalk to see the giant Buddha. ⚠️ After 3 PM, the light becomes more slanted, making the details of the stone carvings clearer. However, the area closes at 5 PM, allowing for a full two hours. Compared to the Mogao Grottoes, the crowds here are surprisingly small. Guides will lead you through each cave individually, so there's no need to squeeze or fight for a spot. 🍜 After your visit, there are stalls selling hand-pulled mutton by the dock. Enjoy it with a bowl of Sanpaotai (a type of Sichuan hot pot) while sitting by the Yellow River, the air filled with the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns and cumin. If you're short on time, just visit Bingling Temple; you can see the Liujiaxia Dam from the bus, no need to get off. 03 Ma'anshan City | Anhui The Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area is the kind of place you "expect to be boring, but end up wanting to keep going." ⏰ Enter the park at 2 PM. First, climb Cuiluo Mountain. The steps aren't steep, and you'll reach the top in half an hour. Suddenly, the river unfolds before your eyes, and cargo ships move slowly like toy boats. The Taibai Tower atop the mountain is worth visiting; the wood carvings and calligraphy are ancient. But the most comfortable spot is the long corridor outside the tower, where you can sit and enjoy the river breeze, easily spending an afternoon in contemplation. On the way down, don't return the same way. Take the boardwalk on the east side, walking along the river with rocks and water right beneath your feet. ⚠️ There are many sections of the boardwalk without railings, so hold children's hands tightly. 🍜 After leaving the park, take a taxi to Caishiji Town and find a noodle shop to have a bowl of Dangtu braised pork noodles. The meat is stewed until tender, the broth is rich, and it costs just over ten yuan—more substantial than anything in the scenic area. This is a good place to visit if you're passing through; it only takes twenty minutes by high-speed train from Nanjing, and half a day is enough for a weekend. 04 Dongguan City | Guangdong The Humen Bridge sounds like a tourist hotspot, but what's truly worthwhile is standing under it and seeing it for yourself. ⏰ Arrive at the Weiyuan Fort ruins at 5:30 PM. The setting sun bathed the bridge towers in gold, and cargo ships slowly passed under the arches, leaving long ripples on the river. The fort itself isn't large, but the rusty cannons and weathered walls create a more immersive experience than any museum. ⚠️ Don't even think about walking on the bridge; pedestrians aren't allowed, and you won't see much even if you drive by. The best spot is on the viewing platform next to the fort, offering a direct view of the bridge. After viewing the bridge, walk south along the riverside path for ten minutes to reach the Maritime Battle Museum. It's free, but admission stops at 4:30 PM, so plan your time accordingly. 🍜 Nearby is a food stall called "Xinwan Fishing Village," famous for its grilled oysters and stir-fried crab. It costs around 60 RMB per person, and the oysters are much fresher than those chain restaurants in the city. It's best to drive here; it's a 40-minute drive from Shenzhen. It's not worth making a special trip, but it's worth it if you're passing by. 05 Linfen City | Shanxi Province The Hongtong Big Locust Tree Ancestral Roots Park is the kind of place where you only understand why it's called "Roots" after you go there. ⏰ Enter early when it opens at 8 am; there are few tourists, and the ancient locust trees in the park provide perfect shade. The park isn't large; you can walk through it in two hours, but don't rush through—many people are genuinely looking for their surnames in front of the surname wall, and they'll stand there for a long time once they find it. 🍜 Outside the park, there are small shops selling "Roots and Ancestors Noodles," which are basically local hand-pulled noodles topped with tomato, egg, and minced meat sauce. A bowl costs eight yuan, very reasonable. The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area on the Yellow River is completely different from what I imagined. ⚠️ Don't buy a raincoat; it's useless. The water mist will come from all directions. Wear quick-drying clothes or bring an extra set to change into. ⏰ The best light is around 10 AM. You can see rainbows in the spray from the waterfall. Standing by the railing, the Yellow River roars down, and your feet tremble. This place is not suitable for the elderly or very young children; there are many steps, the air is very damp, and the ground is slippery year-round. Yunqiu Mountain is on the other side, in a different direction from Hukou Waterfall. Visiting both places in one day is too rushed; choose only one. If you want to see the waterfall, go straight to Hukou; if you want to hike, go to Yunqiu Mountain. Don't be greedy. 06 Tai'an City | Shandong Mount Tai needs no introduction. But I must say, don't just climb the Hongmen route. ⏰ Take a bus from Tianwaicun to Zhongtianmen at 3 PM, then hike up the mountain. Reaching Nantianmen will catch the sunset. This route avoids the daytime crowds and the fatigue of a night hike. It's windy at the summit, even in summer; bring a light jacket. 🍜 Along the road from Zhongtianmen to Nantianmen, there are stalls selling scallion pancakes for ten yuan each, much more affordable than instant noodles at the summit. ⚠️ Don't buy water on the mountain; it gets more expensive the higher you go. Bring just two bottles. After watching the sunset, don't rush down the mountain. Wait half an hour until it's completely dark and the lights of Tai'an city below come on. The feeling is completely different from daytime. 🚄 Take the cable car down to Zhongtianmen, then transfer to a bus. The whole journey takes forty minutes. Don't skimp on this; climbing down at night is really bad for your knees. Mount Tai is suitable for people with good stamina. If you're with elderly people or children, take the cable car directly to Nantianmen, watch the sunrise, and then come down. Don't push yourself too hard. 07 Zhoukou City | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is the kind of place where "locals treat it as a park, and tourists treat it as a tourist attraction." ⏰ Arrive at 7 AM; the locals doing their morning exercises haven't left yet. You can blend in and feel like you're taking a stroll. The ancient cypress trees in the mausoleum area are over a thousand years old, their trunks so thick it takes two people to encircle them, and they feel cool to the touch. 🍜 There are vendors selling "Fuxi cakes" at the entrance, which are basically thin baked pancakes filled with sesame salt. They cost three yuan each, and paired with a bowl of spicy soup, breakfast is solved. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi County, some distance from Zhoukou city. ⚠️ Don't schedule it on the same day as the Fuxi Mausoleum. The two places are more than an hour's drive apart, and visiting two places in one day is too rushed. Taiqing Palace is quieter, and the buildings are older. The stone steps in front of the main hall are worn smooth by countless footsteps, showing the marks of time. This place is suitable for people interested in history. If you're just looking for a trendy photo spot, you might be disappointed. But if you're willing to slow down and sit under the ancient cypress trees for a while, you'll find it well worth it. 08 Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are the kind of place where "a photo can't capture even a tenth of their beauty." ⏰ Watch the sunrise from the Duoyishu viewing platform, but don't crowd onto the lowest level. Go up two levels for a wider view and fewer people. The terraces light up layer by layer in the morning light, like mirrors shattered on the hillside. ⚠️ It's windy and cold at the viewing platform in the morning, so dress warmly. After watching the sunrise, don't rush off. Walk down the ridges of the fields for a while; you'll encounter Hani elders driving water buffalo to plow the fields. They'll stop to let you take photos, but don't take too long, as they still have work to do. Jianshui Ancient City and Yuanyang are in opposite directions. 🚄 It takes three hours by car from Yuanyang, so it's recommended to split the trip into two days. The most pleasant time to visit Jianshui Ancient City is in the evening. The Zhu Family Garden is closed, but the stone-paved streets of the ancient city are still there. Walk along Lin'an Road to Chaoyang Tower, where the lights come on, and it feels like stepping back hundreds of years. 🍜 Jianshui roasted tofu is a must-try. It's only 50 cents a piece. Sit on a small stool around a charcoal stove, dip it in a dry sauce, and enjoy it with a bowl of papaya juice. You'll be stuffed for about 20 yuan per person. This place is perfect for those who want a slower pace. Don't rush; stay overnight and stroll through the ancient town at night—it's ten times more beautiful than during the day. Avoid the crowds! These 8 lesser-known attractions are amazing! 01 Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou The mornings in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village are even more worth seeing than the nighttime views. ⏰ At 6:30 am, the village is still asleep. Smoke rises from the rooftops of the stilted houses, and the terraced fields light up layer by layer in the mist. Don't rush to the viewing platform for a good spot. Walk along the stone path deeper into the village, and you'll see elderly women in Miao costumes already cooking sour soup noodles at their doorsteps. 🍜 A bowl of noodles with houttuynia cordata costs only 5 yuan—more affordable than any trendy stall in the tourist area. Compared to Xijiang, Zhaoxing Dong Village is much quieter. At 8 PM, the drum tower lights up, and the Dong folk songs begin on time. No tickets are needed; you can listen from the square. ⚠️ Note that there are some "free" welcoming drinks in the village. After drinking, you'll be pulled into a silver jewelry shop. If you don't want to buy anything, just smile and wave goodbye. Zhenyuan Ancient Town is best visited in the evening. The red lanterns along the Wuyang River are reflected in the water. Walk along the riverbank to Zhusheng Bridge; the breeze is refreshing. Xianghuoyan is best viewed during the rainy season. The waterfall has a large flow, and the path is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. Don't wear white shoes; you'll come back covered in mud. 02 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu The most stunning part of Liujiaxia Tourist Resort isn't the reservoir itself, but the road leading to Bingling Temple. 🚄 It takes about an hour and a half by chartered car from Linxia city. Along the way, the Yellow River's blue water is unlike anything you'd see in northern China. Upon arriving at the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area, first take a boat into the canyon. The Danxia landforms on both sides look as if they've been cleaved by a knife. After the boat docks, climb the boardwalk to see the giant Buddha. ⚠️ After 3 PM, the light becomes more oblique, making the details of the stone carvings clearer. However, the area closes at 5 PM, allowing a full two hours. Compared to the Mogao Caves, the crowds here are surprisingly small. Guides will lead you through each cave, so there's no need to squeeze or fight for a spot. 🍜 Afterwards, there are stalls selling hand-pulled mutton by the dock. Enjoy it with a bowl of "Sanpaotai" (a type of Sichuan hot pot) while sitting by the Yellow River, the air filled with the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns and cumin. If time is limited, just visit Bingling Temple; you can see the Liujiaxia Dam from the car, no need to get off. 03 Ma'anshan City | Anhui The Yangtze River Caishiji Cultural and Ecological Tourism Area is the kind of place you "expect to be boring, but end up not wanting to leave." ⏰ Enter the park at 2 PM. First, climb Cuiluo Mountain. The steps aren't steep, and you'll reach the top in half an hour. Suddenly, the river stretches out before you, and cargo ships move slowly like toy boats. The Taibai Tower at the summit is worth visiting; the wood carvings and calligraphy are old, but the most comfortable spot is the long corridor outside the tower. Sitting there, enjoying the river breeze, you could easily spend an afternoon daydreaming. On the way down, don't return the same way. Take the boardwalk on the east side, walking along the river with rocks and water right beneath your feet. ⚠️ There are many sections of the boardwalk without railings, so hold children's hands tightly. 🍜 After leaving the park, take a taxi to Caishiji Town. Find a noodle shop and have a bowl of Dangtu braised pork noodles. The meat is stewed until tender, the broth is rich, and it costs just over ten yuan—more substantial than anything in the scenic area. This place is perfect for a side trip; it only takes twenty minutes by high-speed train from Nanjing, and half a day is enough for a weekend. 04 Dongguan City | Guangdong The Humen Bridge sounds like a tourist hotspot, but what's truly worthwhile is standing beneath it and seeing it for yourself. ⏰ Arrive at the Weiyuan Fortress site around 5:30 PM. The setting sun bathes the bridge towers in gold, and cargo ships slowly pass beneath the arches, leaving long ripples on the river. The fortress itself isn't large, but the rusty cannons and weathered walls offer a more immersive experience than any museum. ⚠️ Don't even think about walking on the bridge; pedestrians aren't allowed, and you won't see much even if you drive by. The best spot is on the viewing platform next to the fortress, offering a direct view of the bridge. After viewing the bridge, walk south along the riverside path for ten minutes to reach the Maritime Battle Museum. It's free, but admission closes at 4:30 PM, so plan your time accordingly. 🍜 Nearby is a food stall called "Xinwan Fishing Village," famous for its grilled oysters and stir-fried crab. It costs around 60 RMB per person and the oysters are much fresher than those chain restaurants in the city. This place is best visited by car. It's a 40-minute drive from Shenzhen. A special trip isn't necessary, but it's worth it if you're passing by. 05 Linfen City | Shanxi Hongtong Big Locust Tree Ancestral Roots Park is the kind of place where you only understand why it's called "Roots" after you've been there. ⏰ Enter early when it opens at 8 am. There are fewer tourists, and the ancient locust trees in the park provide perfect shade. The park isn't large; you can walk through it in two hours, but don't rush through—many people are genuinely looking for their surnames on the surname wall, and they'll stand there for a long time once they find them. 🍜 Outside the park, there are small shops selling "Roots and Ancestors Noodles," which are basically local hand-pulled noodles topped with tomato, egg, and minced meat sauce. A bowl costs eight yuan, and it's a good deal. The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area on the Yellow River is completely different from what I imagined. ⚠️ Don't buy a raincoat; it's useless. The water mist will come from all directions. Wear quick-drying clothes or bring an extra set to change into. ⏰ The best light is around 10 AM. You can see rainbows in the spray from the waterfall. Standing by the railing, the Yellow River roars down, and your feet tremble. This place is not suitable for the elderly or very young children; there are many steps, the air is very damp, and the ground is slippery year-round. Yunqiu Mountain is on the other side, in a different direction from Hukou Waterfall. Visiting both places in one day is too rushed; choose only one. If you want to see the waterfall, go straight to Hukou; if you want to hike, go to Yunqiu Mountain. Don't be greedy. 06 Tai'an City | Shandong Mount Tai needs no introduction. But I must say, don't just climb the Hongmen route. ⏰ Take a bus from Tianwaicun to Zhongtianmen at 3 PM, then hike up the mountain. Reaching Nantianmen will catch the sunset. This route avoids the daytime crowds and the fatigue of a night hike. It's windy at the summit, even in summer; bring a light jacket. 🍜 Along the road from Zhongtianmen to Nantianmen, there are stalls selling scallion pancakes for ten yuan each, much more affordable than instant noodles at the summit. ⚠️ Don't buy water on the mountain; it gets more expensive the higher you go. Bring just two bottles. After watching the sunset, don't rush down the mountain. Wait half an hour until it's completely dark and the lights of Tai'an city below come on. The feeling is completely different from daytime. 🚄 Take the cable car down to Zhongtianmen, then transfer to a bus. The whole journey takes forty minutes. Don't skimp on this; climbing down at night is really bad for your knees. Mount Tai is suitable for people with good stamina. If you're with elderly people or children, take the cable car directly to Nantianmen, watch the sunrise, and then come down. Don't push yourself too hard. 07 Zhoukou City | Henan The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is the kind of place where "locals treat it as a park, and tourists treat it as a tourist attraction." ⏰ Arrive at 7 AM; the locals doing their morning exercises haven't left yet. You can blend in and feel like you're taking a stroll. The ancient cypress trees in the mausoleum area are over a thousand years old, their trunks so thick it takes two people to encircle them, and they feel cool to the touch. 🍜 There are vendors selling "Fuxi cakes" at the entrance, which are basically thin baked pancakes filled with sesame salt. They cost three yuan each, and paired with a bowl of spicy soup, breakfast is solved. Taiqing Palace is located in Luyi County, some distance from Zhoukou city. ⚠️ Don't schedule it on the same day as the Fuxi Mausoleum. The two places are more than an hour's drive apart, and visiting two places in one day is too rushed. Taiqing Palace is quieter, and the buildings are older. The stone steps in front of the main hall are worn smooth by countless footsteps, showing the marks of time. This place is suitable for people interested in history. If you're just looking for a trendy photo spot, you might be disappointed. But if you're willing to slow down and sit under the ancient cypress trees for a while, you'll find it well worth it. 08 Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture | Yunnan The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are the kind of place where "a photo can't capture even a tenth of their beauty." ⏰ Watch the sunrise from the Duoyishu viewing platform, but don't crowd onto the lowest level. Go up two levels for a wider view and fewer people. The terraces light up layer by layer in the morning light, like mirrors shattered on the hillside. ⚠️ It's windy and cold at the viewing platform in the morning, so dress warmly. After watching the sunrise, don't rush off. Walk down the ridges of the fields for a while; you'll encounter Hani elders driving water buffalo to plow the fields. They'll stop to let you take photos, but don't take too long, as they still have work to do. Jianshui Ancient City and Yuanyang are in opposite directions. 🚄 It takes three hours by car from Yuanyang, so it's recommended to split the trip into two days. The most pleasant time to visit Jianshui Ancient City is in the evening. The Zhu Family Garden is closed, but the stone-paved streets of the ancient city are still there. Walk along Lin'an Road to Chaoyang Tower, where the lights come on, and it feels like stepping back hundreds of years. 🍜 Jianshui roasted tofu is a must-try. It's only 50 cents a piece. Sit on a small stool around the charcoal stove, dip it in the dry sauce, and enjoy it with a bowl of papaya juice. You'll be stuffed for about 20 yuan per person. This place is perfect for those who want a slower pace. Don't rush; stay overnight and stroll through the ancient town at night—it's ten times more beautiful than during the day.

📍itinerary overview Day 1: Linxia · Bafang Thirteen Lanes → Hongyuan Day 2: Linxia → Lanzhou · Zhongshan Bridge → Baita Mountain → Zhengning Road night market Day 3: Lanzhou → Jinchang · purple flower fields → Jinchuan Park Day 4: Jinchang · Badain Jaran Desert (desert off‑roading + sunset) Day 5: Jinchang → Lanzhou · return 💰budget breakdown (CNY 3,000 for 2 people) Transport: CNY 800 (high-speed rail + coach + taxis) Lodging: CNY 600 (4 nights in budget hotels/guesthouses) Food: CNY 800 (local snacks + meals) Tickets + activities: CNY 600 (desert off‑roading + attractions) Misc.: CNY 200 (emergencies + souvenirs) 🌟Day 1 | Linxia · first taste of ethnic culture 📍 Bafang Thirteen Lanes (free) Stroll the early-morning blue-brick alleys and admire the Hui-style brick carving, wood carving, and colorful painting. 📸 must-shoot: the old teahouse at the lane entrance, sunlight on the tea bowl makes for a perfect atmosphere 🍜 lunch: Hezhou steamed buns + hand-pulled mutton (CNY 30 per person, recommended: "Ersa Hand-Pulled") 📍 Hongyuan Garden (admission CNY 10) Spend the afternoon in this Jiangnan-style garden; pavilions and towers reflect in the lake, and you might hear local elders singing "hua'er" folk songs. 🌙 dinner: Linxia niangpi + sweet fermented rice (CNY 15 per person; night market stalls are more authentic) 🌟Day 2 | Lanzhou · romance by the Yellow River 🚄 Linxia → Lanzhou (high-speed rail 1h, ticket about CNY 50) 📍 Zhongshan Bridge (free) This century-old iron bridge spans the Yellow River, and the sheepskin raft rides under the bridge are thrilling 📸 best spot: north side at the foot of Baita Mountain to capture the Yellow River sunset and the bridge silhouette 📍 Baita Mountain (free) Climb to the top for panoramic views of Lanzhou, with the Yellow River winding like a ribbon 🍜 lunch: Lanzhou beef noodle (CNY 8 per person, recommended: "Mogouyan old shop") 📍 Zhengning Road night market (CNY 40 per person) Must-try: milk, egg, and sweet fermented rice (longest lines at Ma's), grilled lamb skewers, gray beans 🌙 overnight: near Lanzhou Xiguan intersection (double room CNY 150/night) 🌟Day 3 | Jinchang · purple flower fields and industrial memories 🚄 Lanzhou → Jinchang (high-speed rail 2.5h, ticket about CNY 80) 📍 purple flower fields (free) In September lavender and verbena bloom, creating purple waves that feel like Provence 📸 outfit: white long dress + straw hat, backlit photos of the flower fields look dreamlike 📍 Jinchuan Park (free) Explore the industrial relics of the "nickel capital" in the afternoon; old factories and a green-painted train offer great retro-industrial photo ops 🍜 dinner: Jinchang mutton with pancakes + sand onion scrambled eggs (CNY 40 per person, recommended: "Jinchuan Hotel restaurant") 🌟Day 4 | Badain Jaran Desert · desert carnival 🚌 Jinchang → Badain Jaran (chartered car round trip CNY 300, drive 1.5h) 📍 desert off‑roading (CNY 150 per person, includes admission) Dune runs, screams, and adrenaline — slide down the dunes and feel weightless 🏜️ sunset: climb the tallest dune to watch the golden sand meet the blue sky, with stunning light and shadow 🌙 overnight: desert tent camp (CNY 200 for two, includes a starry bonfire party) 🌟Day 5 | return · packed with memories 🚄 Jinchang → Lanzhou (high-speed rail 2.5h, ticket CNY 80) 🍜 lunch: Lanzhou Ma San potato chips + carrot juice (CNY 20 per person) 🎁 souvenirs: Linxia eight-treasure tea, dried Lanzhou lily, Jinchang desert roses 💡tips The northwest is dry, so bring sunscreen, lip balm, and hydrating masks In the desert, wear high-top shoes and bring sand gaiters Linxia has many halal food options; please respect local customs 📌 total cost: CNY 2,850 (for 2 people), CNY 1,425 per person The northwest's rugged beauty and romance are all packed into this trip 🌄

Avoid the crowds—these 8 small cities hold the most authentic Chinese flavors 01 Xining | Qinghai Many people treat Xining as a transit point for Tibet and just drive through. I suggest you stay for 2 days. The butter flowers and murals at Ta'er Monastery are worth a special trip. The prayer wheels in the temple are polished smooth, and the air is filled with the scent of butter and cypress. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM before the tourists flood in, so you can quietly watch the monks' morning classes. In the afternoon, go to the Dongguan Mosque. Don't just photograph the exterior; stand on the stone steps in front of the main hall and listen to the call to prayer for a while. That kind of resonance is more intuitive than any guide. 🍜 When you come out, turn into Mojia Street and have a bowl of liangpi and yogurt. The yellow skin on top of the yogurt is the essence. ⚠️ Photography of Buddha statues is prohibited inside Ta'er Monastery. Put your phone away to avoid dirty looks. 02 Jining | Shandong The "Three Confucius Sites" in Qufu are so famous that many people overlook Jining itself. The dragon pillars of the Confucius Temple, the opera stage of the Confucius Mansion, and the ancient cypresses of the Confucius Forest take half a day to walk through, but what really made me remember it was the candied hawthorn I bought on Queli Street in the early morning. Each hawthorn was plump, and the sugar shell was crispy. Don't rush to leave in the afternoon; 🚄 take a train to Weishan Lake. ⚠️ Remember, don't take those touts' speedboats at the entrance of the scenic area, as the price can double. Find a legitimate dock and take a slow boat into the reed marshes. The boatman will stop by a lotus pond for you to pick lotus pods to peel and eat on the spot—it's incredibly sweet. ⏰ The lake at 5:00 PM is golden. Watching the sunset from the return boat is worth more than any paid performance. 03 Shenzhen | Guangdong Who says you can only visit malls in Shenzhen? Dameisha beach has more people than Sanya, but it's cheaper. Go at 7:00 AM when the sand is still cool and comfortable to walk on. After swimming, take a fresh water shower and take a taxi directly to Window of the World—but my advice is, don't buy night tickets. Visiting during the day until 3:00 PM is enough. You can just take photos of the miniature landscapes; you don't need to look at each one carefully. Overseas Chinese Town and Mission Hills are better for families with kids, but if you only have 1 day, I recommend saving your energy for the Dameisha coastal boardwalk. 📍 Start walking from the Yantian Seafood Street section. It's less crowded, windy, and you can see the container terminal and the sunset in the same frame. ⚠️ Don't drive to Dameisha on weekends, or you'll be stuck in traffic until you question your life. Taking the subway to Yantian Road and then transferring to a bus is the most reliable way. 04 Linxia | Gansu The name Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture might sound unfamiliar, but it hides the quietest section of the Yellow River. The water in the Liujiaxia Reservoir is clear and green. Taking a boat through the canyon with ochre-red rock walls on both sides is a completely different concept from the muddy Yellow River you see online. The Northern Wei grottoes of Bingling Temple are right by the reservoir. You can only get there by self-driving or chartering a car. I suggest going to Bingling Temple in the morning and finding a farmhouse near the Liujiaxia Dam to eat rainbow trout on the way back in the afternoon. 🍜 Don't miss the hand-grabbed mutton and Hezhou baozi. The mutton in Linxia has no gamey taste; dipping it in pepper salt is enough to make it delicious. ⚠️ The temperature difference between morning and night is large here. Even in summer, bring a light jacket so you aren't fooled by the hot sun during the day. 05 Alxa | Inner Mongolia If your impression of Populus euphratica forests is still stuck on Ejina, then I have to say that the Populus euphratica forest in Alxa is just as shocking, and much less crowded. In the autumn, the Populus euphratica forest tourist area is dazzling with golden leaves, with cracked earth and camel thorn beneath the trees. Walking in feels like falling into an oil painting. The Badain Jaran Desert is wilder—a true world-class desert. The sand dunes have large drops, and off-road vehicle sand bashing is a must-experience project—but remember, ⚠️ if you get motion sickness, take motion sickness medicine in advance. This is much more exciting than a roller coaster. ⏰ Enter the desert after 4:30 PM for the softest light. The shadows on the sand ridges are incredibly beautiful. 📍 Stay at a desert starry sky camp at night. If you look up at 2:00 or 3:00 AM, the Milky Way is so clear it looks fake. 06 Hengshui | Hebei Hengshui Lake is much gentler than its name sounds. Such a large freshwater lake on the North China Plain is a miracle in itself. Come in summer when lotus flowers cover the lake surface. Taking a sculling boat through them, the sound of the oars cutting through the water can calm you down. 🍜 The full fish feast by the lake is famous, but I recommend ordering a single portion of stewed mixed fish. Dipping pancakes into the fish soup is salty, fresh, and goes well with rice. ⚠️ Don't eat at the restaurants at the entrance of the scenic area. The old shop 300 meters inside is where the locals go. ⏰ It's best to come in spring and autumn. Although the lotus flowers are in full bloom in summer, the sun is also fierce, so remember to bring a parasol. It's suitable for bringing the elderly and children; the whole route is flat, and pushing a stroller is not difficult. 07 Nanjing | Jiangsu Nanjing shouldn't be classified as an off-the-beaten-path destination, but compared to Hangzhou and Suzhou, it is indeed underestimated. The Presidential Palace is worth spending a whole morning, not to look at the architecture, but to watch modern history unfold before your eyes. In the afternoon, go to Fuzimiao—but don't squeeze onto the main street of Gongyuan Street. 📍 Turn into Wuyi Lane and walk 200 meters forward; the tourists will suddenly decrease. The night view of the Qinhuai River should be viewed from Wende Bridge. The lights are reflected in the water, and when the wind blows, the silhouettes of the painted boats are more moving than any shop on the shore. The Foding Palace on Niushou Mountain is very new, but the architecture is truly shocking, and the light and shadow of the dome are amazing. Xuanwu Lake is better to visit in the evening. Walk half a circle around the lake, watch the Zifeng Tower light up, and blow in the wind at the foot of the city wall with the locals. ⚠️ The Presidential Palace is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 08 Nyingchi | Tibet Nyingchi is the place in Tibet that least resembles Tibet. It has low altitude, plenty of oxygen, and is full of green. The water of Basum Lake is fake-blue, as if someone poured paint into the lake, but it's real. Small villages are hidden in the primeval forests of Bomi. Stay in a Tibetan-style wooden house for a night, and wake up in the morning to snow-capped mountains and a sea of clouds outside your window. The viewing platform of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon offers a view of Namcha Barwa Peak, but this snow-capped mountain often hides in the clouds. ⏰ In autumn and winter, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM is the time with the highest probability of seeing the "golden mountain at sunrise." 🚄 If you enter Tibet via the Yunnan-Tibet line, Nyingchi is a gentler first stop than Lhasa. Your body adapts quickly, and you are less likely to get altitude sickness. 🍜 You must eat the stone pot chicken. The chicken soup stewed in the stone pot from Medog is so fresh your eyebrows will fall off. ⚠️ The rainy season (July and August) is prone to landslides and traffic jams, so don't pack your itinerary too full. These 8 cities are not the kind of "check-in and leave" perfunctory destinations. Their goodness requires you to stop, walk slower, and sit on the same bench as the locals to eat a bowl of noodles to taste it. Which city is on your private list of small cities? Share it in the comments section, and I'll go verify it next time. cities travel exploration scenery tour resort tour travel

Bafang Thirteen Alleys ✨ A hidden gem in the Northwest with the charm of Jiangnan-style ancient alleys A treasure of a 4A scenic spot in Linxia, Gansu! Ancient alleys with blue bricks and intricate carvings, the night view atmosphere is legendary ✅ 🚗 Transportation Take the high-speed rail to Linxia Station, then transfer to a city bus directly to the site. If driving, navigate to the scenic area; there is free parking nearby. It's a 10-minute taxi ride from the city center, making it super convenient and perfect for a quick stop. 🏞️ Attractions A historic Hezhou street featuring a fusion of Hui, Han, and Tibetan architectural styles. The exquisite intangible cultural heritage brick carvings, retro streets, and folk museums are great to explore. When the lanterns light up in the evening, the night view is stunning and soothing—perfect for taking atmospheric photos. 🍡 Snacks Local specialties like sanzi (fried dough twists), crispy guokui, and handmade desserts, paired with traditional Sanpaotai tea. It's sweet, refreshing, affordable, and authentic—a must-try when visiting the alleys. 🏨 Accommodation It's best to stay at a homestay or hotel near the scenic area. You can walk directly to the ancient alleys, and there's a food street right downstairs. It offers great value and is a top choice for short trips. 🍴 Dining Must-try: Linxia hand-grabbed lamb and local noodle dishes. The meat is tender and not gamey, full of Northwest flavor. Local long-standing restaurants serve authentic tastes with generous portions. 🎫 Tickets Free admission all day! No reservation required, no hidden fees. It's quiet, uncommercialized, and a hidden cultural gem in the Northwest that is well worth a visit.

September low-budget guide to roaming 8 cities — I took the wrong turns so you don't have to, and the money saved is enough for two nice meals. The trip is mainly by high-speed rail and public transit, stay in chain hotels or hostels in the old town, and keep it around CNY 3,000 per person. No detours, just practical tips. 01 Jinhua | Zhejiang Hengdian and Shuanglong Cave are just enough for a day and a half — don’t try to cram more in. In the morning head to Hengdian's Ming and Qing Palace right when it opens; most tour groups don't arrive until 9:30 AM, so you'll have about an hour of empty space for photos. In the afternoon choose between Qinwang Palace and Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival — I prefer the latter, its covered bridges and waterways are more photogenic. 🏠 Stay in Hengdian town at night; there are plenty of guesthouses around CNY 80 per person. Don't stay inside the scenic area — prices double and it's noisy. Reserve the second day for Shuanglong Scenic Area. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Jinhua station. Buy tickets online a day in advance — it's CNY 10 cheaper than at the gate. The cave stays around 18°C year-round; bring a light jacket and avoid short skirts, the dripping cold water will really make you shiver. After descending, don't rush off — the row of farm restaurants at the foot of the mountain serves a native chicken stew with wild greens; CNY 150 will fill three people. ⚠️ Book afternoon high-speed train tickets in advance; on weekends the Jinhua station waiting room gets very crowded. 02 Chizhou | Anhui Mount Jiuhua is not for people rushing through. With the cable car up and the core temples walked around, plan at least 6 hours. If your knees are bad, skip Tiantai and stick to Roushen Hall and Huacheng Temple to feel the atmosphere. 🚄 From Chizhou station there's a shuttle bus to the visitor center for CNY 12. Don't trust the touts at the entrance — private cars asking CNY 60 are a rip-off. Tickets are CNY 160, students get half price, bring a physical student ID. ⏰ Go up after 2 PM for the most pleasant experience; tour groups start leaving and the steps are quiet enough to hear wind chimes. Stay in Kecun at the foot of the mountain — a twin room with breakfast is just over CNY 100. For dinner find a Hui cuisine restaurant; the stinky mandarin fish with stir-fried stone ear fungus and eggs will run about CNY 50 per person and leave you stuffed. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain is CNY 10 per bottle — bring two bottles and you'll save enough to buy a blessed bracelet. 03 Suzhou | Jiangsu Suzhou's problem is too many gardens and too little time. If it's your first visit, choose between the Humble Administrator's Garden and Tiger Hill — I vote for Tiger Hill. The Humble Administrator's Garden is packed, while Tiger Hill at least has that slope under the pagoda where you can breathe. ⏰ Get into Tiger Hill by 7:30 AM; take your time at Sword Pool and the thousand-person rock before tour groups flood in after 9 AM, then head to the east gate. Take a taxi to Hanshan Temple for about CNY 10. The daytime ambience at Hanshan Temple is less than the poetry suggests, but the canal walkway outside the temple is worth the stroll. Save the afternoon for Pingjiang Road. Don't fight the crowds on the main street — turn into the side alleys like Niujia Lane and Xiaojiacun Lane to find the real old Suzhou. 🍜 The queue for Yaba Shengjian is too long; instead grab a bowl of sweet congee at a random shop — it's good and saves you half an hour. If you must pick between the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, choose the Lingering Garden — it's half as crowded and just as exquisite. ⚠️ All gardens require advance reservation; you usually can't buy tickets on the day. 04 Jingdezhen | Jiangxi Taoxichuan is best visited at night — when the lights come on the old porcelain factory lots turn into an arts district that's ten times better than by day. Don't buy in the first shop you see; browse, note styles you like, prices are often inflated. ⏰ On Friday and Saturday nights there's a market where students sell handmade goods at about half the shop price and you can bargain. Save the ancient kiln and folk expo area for the next morning to watch old craftsmen throw pots and paint porcelain — it's more interesting than just shopping. 🚄 It's just over CNY 20 by taxi from Jingdezhen North station to the city. Stay near People's Square for convenience. 🍜 Don't miss Fan's beef bone rice noodles — CNY 18 a bowl, spicy enough to make you gasp but you won't stop eating. Try the cold noodles too; they are completely different from Nanchang's style. ⚠️ Don't buy porcelain in the scenic area; go to the warehouse shops behind the sculpture porcelain factory — the same cup can be two-thirds cheaper, and the owner will pack it up securely. 05 Jinzhong | Shanxi You only need to visit one of the Qiao Family Compound or the Wang Family Compound. The Qiao Compound is well-known but over-restored, like a film set. Wang Family Compound in Lingshi is three times bigger and its brick and wood carvings are real craftsmanship — you'll see what Shanxi merchants' confidence looks like. 🚄 From Pingyao Ancient City station it's about a 40-minute taxi ride to the Wang Compound. A round-trip private car is CNY 150, which isn't expensive split among four people. ⏰ The best light is in the afternoon when the shadows on the high walls of the Wang Compound stretch long — no filters needed for photos. Pingyao Ancient City itself is highly commercialized. But don't be disappointed — at 6 AM when shops are still closed, walking on South Street with the bluestone reflecting the light feels like a different world from the daytime noise. ⚠️ The ancient city pass is CNY 120 and covers more than 20 sites — visiting three spots already pays it off. If the live performance tickets for the courtyard are over CNY 300 and your budget is tight, skip them. 🍜 Try Tianyuankui's kaolao-lao and bowl-to, about CNY 40 per person — you won't go wrong. 06 Sanming | Fujian Taining Ancient City and Dajin Lake work as a single route — do the lake first, then the town. 🚄 It's about a 15-minute taxi ride from Taining station to the Dajin Lake pier. Boat plus admission is CNY 160, and the tour lasts about 3 hours. ⏰ The first boat in the morning is the calmest; the water is mirror-flat. After noon the wind picks up and the ride gets dizzying. Dajin Lake's Danxia landforms are related to those at Longhu Mountain, but the water is greener and the peaks are wilder. Ganlu Temple is embedded in the cliff and reachable without too many steps, so it's doable with elders. Return to Taining Ancient City in the afternoon and spend an hour at the Shangshu residence. The ancient town is small — you can walk it in two hours, but don't rush. 🍜 You must try lei tea — peanuts, sesame, and tea leaves are ground together; it's savory and refreshing. At CNY 10 a bowl, refills are available. ⚠️ The boxed lunch on the tour boat is CNY 30 and not tasty — wait until you get back to the ancient town where there are plenty of snacks. 07 Chengdu | Sichuan The panda base is famous, but be prepared for crowds. 🚄 From Chunxi Road it's about a 40-minute taxi. Arrive at the entrance before 7 AM, and when it opens at 8 AM head straight for the moon nursery — you can see panda cubs nursing. If you arrive half an hour later you'll only catch their backs. Walking the base takes about 2 hours; the sightseeing shuttle is CNY 10, don't skip it — distances are longer than you think. Plan a full day for Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan. In the morning visit Dujiangyan to see the fish mouth diverting water — hire a guide to appreciate the engineering. In the afternoon go to the front mountain of Qingchengshan, take the cable car up and walk down — two hours is enough. ⏰ After descending, sit in a teahouse by Nanqiao for half an hour; the Min River breeze will take away the fatigue. 🍜 For food in Chengdu you don't need a guidebook — almost any alley will beat a trendy spot. If you're short on time skip Anren Ancient Town and save room for sweets like tangyou guozi and egg cakes on Jianshe Road. ⚠️ Tiantai Mountain has little water this season; don't make a special trip — it's better to enjoy a hotpot in the city. 08 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Liujiaxia and Bingling Temple fit nicely into a one-day trip. 🚄 From Lanzhou station the high-speed train to Liujiaxia takes only half an hour. After exiting the station share a car to the reservoir pier for about CNY 10 per person. The boat ticket includes Bingling Temple admission for CNY 140; the round-trip water journey takes two hours, and the Yellow River here looks so green it doesn't feel like the Yellow River. Bingling Temple's Buddha statues are carved into red sandstone — less famous than Dunhuang but just as impressive. ⏰ Arrive before 2 PM to catch sunlight on the largest Maitreya Buddha; its expression is so compassionate you'll feel speechless. Audio guides are CNY 20 — rent one, otherwise you'll just watch without context. 🍜 Back in Linxia city, don't miss hand-pulled lamb. Dongxiang hand-pulled lamb is CNY 48 per jin, served with garlic and pepper salt — rich but not greasy. In the evening head to Eight Lanes Thirteen Alleys; when the lanterns are lit find a shop and sip a bowl of san paotai for CNY 5 until closing. ⚠️ Book return high-speed train tickets in advance — if you miss the last train you'll have to stay in the county. The September breeze is just right, crowds thin, and prices come down. Among these eight cities I'm most fond of Jinzhong and Linxia — one is weighty, the other is wild. Do you have a favorite small September city? Share it in the comments and I'll scout it for you next time.

The Gannan grasslands are vast, with boundless blue skies and white clouds. Step into Linxia, a small city that serves as a tourism pearl and a melting pot of cultures along the ancient Silk Road, where this hidden gem shines with vibrant colors. From mosques and the Bafang Thirteen Alleys to hand-grabbed mutton and local delicacies, there is so much to see and experience. As the sun sets, walk along the stone-paved streets of the old neighborhoods, watch the sunlight filter through the pillars of the temple pagodas, and reflect on the vast, lonely beauty of the Silk Road—it is a truly unique experience that will stir your soul.

When visiting Gansu, don't just stick to the deserts and Gobi! This hidden gem of an ancient street in Linxia is known as the "Jiangnan of the Northwest." With its white walls, dark tiles, and brick-carved courtyards, it's full of exotic charm and is a photographer's dream. 📍Address: Bafang Thirteen Alleys, Linxia City, Gansu 🎫Admission: Free, no general admission ticket required ⏰Best time to visit: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM The soft light at dusk is perfect for photos. Once night falls and all the lanterns light up, the atmosphere is incredible. 📜Introduction Bafang Thirteen Alleys is a century-old historic district where the Hui people of Linxia live, consisting of 8 neighborhoods and 13 winding alleys. The entire area preserves traditional Hezhou residences. The exquisite Hezhou brick carvings are the biggest highlight here, with layered reliefs and lifelike flowers, birds, and landscapes. Every wall is a work of art. ✨Must-visit spots 1️⃣ Gaiwan Tea Square Located in the heart of the district, it features retro corridors and is hung with red lanterns at night. Sit by the street, enjoy a cup of authentic Eight-Treasure Gaiwan tea, and experience the slow-paced local vibe of the Northwest. 2️⃣ Folk Customs Museum / Brick Carving Museum Get an up-close look at the intangible cultural heritage of Hezhou brick carving, appreciate the craftsmanship, and enjoy the cultural details in peace. 3️⃣ Hongyuan-style residential courtyards Carved wooden doors and glazed eaves create a picturesque scene at every turn. Any corner is perfect for a photo. 4️⃣ Main street at night As the lights come on, warm red lanterns fill the ancient alleys. The light and shadows fall on the carved walls, creating a night view that rivals the ancient towns of Jiangnan. 🍜Must-try food in Linxia ✅Hand-grabbed mutton: Tender and not gamey, a signature Northwest dish ✅Eight-Treasure Gaiwan tea: Wolfberry, red dates, longan, and raisins, with a sweet, refreshing aftertaste ✅Liangpi, Tianpeizi, and fried Guoguo ✅Hezhou steamed buns: Thin skin and generous filling, a local specialty snack There are many old local shops in the alleys with affordable prices and a lively, authentic atmosphere. 🚗Transportation guide ▪️Self-driving: Navigate to "Bafang Thirteen Alleys." There are public parking lots nearby ▪️Public transport: After arriving in downtown Linxia, take a taxi directly. Taxis within the city are very cheap 💡Travel tips 1. Respect local customs. Do not enter private residences without permission, and ask locals before taking photos of them. 2. Wear simple, solid-colored clothing; it pairs perfectly with the ancient alley brick carvings. 3. Daytime is best for seeing architectural details, while the evening and night offer the most beautiful views. We recommend arriving in the evening. 4. The alleys crisscross, so feel free to wander without following a strict route. Getting lost is part of the fun. 5. It gets crowded during holidays, so visiting off-peak offers a better experience. Travel musings Unlike the desolate Northwest deserts, Linxia hides a gentler, more refined side. With shimmering brick carvings, swaying lanterns, and a bowl of Gaiwan tea, take a slow stroll through this century-old street and experience the unique romance of Hezhou.

Where to go with kids for National Day? These 8️⃣ hidden gems are less crowded and more scenic! 01 Shijiazhuang|Hebei When bringing kids to Shijiazhuang, don't just focus on Xibaipo. While that history is worth learning, children might rush through it. I recommend focusing on the Zhaozhou Bridge. 📍 The Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area isn't large, but it's full of stories. Seeing the "open-shouldered arch" from textbooks become a real structure will encourage children to ask, "Why doesn't the bridge collapse?" There's also an ancient bridge exhibition hall where you can assemble a wooden arch model, which is much more interesting than simply looking at the bridge. ⏰ Arrive before 9 am for less crowds and better lighting. The Xiao River under the bridge sparkles beautifully, perfect for taking photos without backlighting. ⚠️ Visiting the Xibaipo site requires advance booking, and loud explanations are not allowed inside the exhibits. If your child is too young (under five or six), I suggest skipping it to avoid overloading your itinerary. 🚄 A taxi ride from Shijiazhuang Station to Zhaozhou Bridge takes about 40 minutes and costs around 60 yuan. After visiting the bridge, head back to the city and have a bowl of braised pork in a clay oven – your child will remember the taste. 02 Xinxiang | Henan Baoquan and Baligou in Xinxiang are paradises for taking kids to play in the water. It's not necessary to go to both, but I'd choose Baoquan. The paths at Baoquan are gentle, even for strollers. The water is a clear green, and kids will take off their shoes and run into the shallows. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes. There's a water jetpack show in the scenic area, starting around 2 or 3 pm – kids will be glued to the screen. Baligou is more suitable for older children because it involves climbing a steep ladder with many steps, which can be tiring for elderly people with knee problems. But if your child is energetic, the waterfalls at Baligou are more spectacular. The water at Peach Blossom Bay is fast-flowing, and the spray is refreshingly cool. 🍜 A bowl of millet porridge with pickled vegetables sold at the scenic area entrance costs five yuan. It's more effective than snacks for tired kids. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the glass walkway at Baoquan has a queue of at least half an hour. If you don't want to queue, just walk on the adjacent wooden walkway; the scenery is just as good, and it saves time. 03 Haixi | Qinghai The Haixi route is designed for families who dare to take long trips with their children. Kunlun Mountains, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake—connecting these four destinations requires at least three days. If you could only choose one, I'd choose Emerald Lake. Compared to the crowds at Chaka, Emerald Lake is much quieter. The lake water has an unreal turquoise color, and children can hear a "crunching" sound when stepping on the salt crust, like crushing a thin layer of ice. Remember to wear non-slip shoes, as the edges of the salt crust are very sharp. ⏰ For Chaka Salt Lake, arrive before 8:30 AM. At that time, the lake surface is like a mirror, and you won't have to fight for a good spot to photograph the reflections. After 10:00 AM, the wind picks up, the water surface ripples, and the reflections become blurry. ⚠️ Kunlun Mountains are at a high altitude, so don't let children run and jump, as they are prone to oxygen deficiency and dizziness. Prepare portable oxygen cylinders in advance; they can be bought at pharmacies in town for around 20 yuan each. 🚄 The attractions along this route are scattered, so hiring a car is the most convenient option. Starting from Golmud, you can visit Chaka Salt Lake and Emerald Lake in one day, and then go up Kunlun Mountains the next day – a perfect pace. 04 Shaoguan|Guangdong Danxia Mountain is one of the few mountains suitable for climbing with children. Don't be scared off by the word "climbing"; the cable car and electric cart will save you a lot of energy. My suggested route is: first take the cable car up Elder Peak, see Yangyuan Stone, and then walk down the mountain. The kids are most excited when they see the "Yin Yuan Stone" and "Yang Yuan Stone." No explanation is needed; they'll burst out laughing on their own. This is natural science education—a hundred times more vivid than textbook illustrations. 🍜 There's a place called "Yang Yuan Village" at the foot of the mountain. The farmhouses there serve bamboo rice stuffed with sausage and mushrooms; a child can easily finish a whole tube. It costs around 30 yuan per person, which isn't expensive. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the scenic area has visitor limits, so tickets must be purchased one day in advance through their official WeChat account. Buying tickets on-site will likely only result in midday tickets being available, wasting the coolest part of the day. ⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the red rocks, making the entire mountain look like it's on fire—the best time for photos. Don't rush down the mountain. 05 Zhangjiajie|Hunan Zhangjiajie has three core attractions: Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, and the National Forest Park. If you're traveling with children, I suggest cutting one and choosing two; otherwise, your legs will be exhausted. Wulingyuan is the top choice. The "Hallelujah Mountains" in Yuanjiajie are a major attraction for children; they'll constantly ask, "Where's Avatar?" The Bailong Elevator only takes a little over a minute to reach the summit, but kids will feel like they're on a roller coaster, screaming the whole way. Tickets are valid for four days, so you can explore at your own pace. Tianmen Mountain is more suitable for families with good stamina. The 999-step elevator isn't ideal for children under six, but they can take the escalator up. The glass walkway at the summit is surprisingly brave for kids, who are even willing to lie on it and look down. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the Tianmen Mountain cable car queue can be at least two hours long. If you have children, don't try to wait; buy a B-line ticket, take the eco-friendly bus up from the mountain gate, and then take the cable car down, saving half the queuing time. 🍜 Roasted potatoes and corn in the scenic area are 10 yuan each; the taste is average, but they'll fill you up. Don't buy the "Tujia Secret Recipe" dried meat; it's expensive and dry. 06 Weinan | Shaanxi Taking kids to Mount Hua is a courageous decision. But if your child is already in elementary school and has good stamina, I recommend the "west up, north down" route. Take the cable car up the West Peak directly to the highest point, then walk downhill. This route is mostly downhill, so kids won't get tired easily. While the Canglong Ridge and Yao Fanzhen sections along the way may seem dangerous to kids, the safety railings are very good, and anyone without a fear of heights can pass. ⏰ Enter as early as 7 AM when the park opens; there are usually no queues for the cable car. During the National Day holiday, arriving after 10 AM can result in waiting in line for up to two hours. ⚠️ Don't dress your child too warmly; they'll sweat a lot while hiking. A quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket are enough. It's windy on the mountain, so make sure your hat has a drawstring, otherwise it will blow away. 🍜 Instant noodles at the mountain's supply points cost 15 yuan a bowl, and hot water is free. Bring your own thermos with hot water and some chocolate for energy; it's less tiring than carrying a bunch of snacks. 07 Quzhou | Zhejiang Quzhou is an underrated family destination. Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom and Jianglang Mountain·Ershibadu are two completely different places, but both are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom isn't a boring museum. It boasts over 500 root-carved Buddha statues, the largest over ten meters tall, which will make children exclaim "Wow!" upon entering. There's a craft area where you can make your own small root carvings for 30 yuan each; a child can spend an entire afternoon there. Ershibadu Ancient Town is one of my personal favorites. It doesn't have those cookie-cutter bars and Yiwu-style souvenir shops; it's just the way the locals live. There's a shop on the old street that makes copper gongs; the old craftsman's single strike carries halfway down the street. My child insisted on buying a small copper bell to take home for 10 yuan. ⚠️ Langfeng Tianyou on Jianglang Mountain is very steep. Don't push it if you're with elderly people or children. The boardwalk halfway up the mountain is sufficient; the scenery is just as beautiful. 🚄 From Quzhou Station, take a bus to Kaihua (about 1.5 hours). From there, you need to transfer at Ershibadu. Renting a car is recommended; it costs around 300 yuan per day and is much more convenient. 08 Linxia | Gansu Liujiaxia and Bingling Temple in Linxia are the kind of places you only realize how worthwhile you are once you've been there. At the confluence of the Tao River and the Yellow River at Liujiaxia Reservoir, one side is emerald green while the other is muddy yellow, with a clear boundary. Children will ask, "Why don't the two rivers mix?" This is the best geography lesson. Take a speedboat to Bingling Temple (half-hour journey). Children are excited the whole way; the Danxia landforms on both banks resemble a giant mural. 📍 The Buddha statue at Bingling Temple was carved during the Tang Dynasty. Standing beneath it and looking up, the awe-inspiring sight cannot be captured in a photograph. The child will quiet down; you don't need to explain what "reverence" means, they'll sense it themselves. ⏰ The last speedboat departs at 3:30 PM, don't miss it. After seeing the Buddha statue, take the boat back, just in time for the sunset by the reservoir. 🍜 In Linxia, ​​Dongxiang hand-pulled mutton is 40 yuan per jin (500g). The child is gnawing on lamb chops, hands covered in oil, laughing so hard their eyes are practically closed. Pair it with a bowl of Sanpaotai (a type of spicy mutton soup) for a refreshing and warming experience. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the Bingling Temple Grottoes. Remember to put your phone away and don't let the children run and jump in the caves. That's all for the eight places. If I had to choose three best for taking kids: Quzhou, Danxia Mountain, and Xinxiang. Quzhou has handicrafts and ancient towns, Danxia Mountain is educational, and Xinxiang is all about water activities—perfect for kids. The rest depends on what kind of child you have. For National Day travel, less crowds and beautiful scenery are key; choose one and go! Where to take kids for National Day? These 8️⃣ Hidden Gems: Less Crowded and Beautiful Scenery 01 Shijiazhuang|Hebei When bringing kids to Shijiazhuang, don't just focus on Xibaipo. While that history is worth learning, children might rush through it. I recommend focusing on the Zhaozhou Bridge. 📍 The Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area isn't large, but it's full of stories. Seeing the "open-shouldered arch" from textbooks become a reality will encourage children to ask, "Why doesn't the bridge collapse?" There's also an ancient bridge exhibition hall where you can assemble a wooden arch model, which is much more interesting than simply looking at the bridge. ⏰ Arrive before 9 AM for less crowds and better lighting. The Xiao River under the bridge sparkles beautifully, perfect for taking photos without backlighting. ⚠️ Visiting the Xibaipo site requires advance booking, and loud explanations are not allowed inside the exhibition hall. If your children are too young (under five or six), I suggest skipping it to avoid overloading your itinerary. 🚄 A taxi ride from Shijiazhuang Station to Zhaozhou Bridge takes about 40 minutes and costs around 60 yuan. After visiting the bridge, head back to the city and have a bowl of braised pork in a clay oven – your child will remember the taste. 02 Xinxiang | Henan Baoquan and Baligou in Xinxiang are paradises for taking kids to play in the water. It's not necessary to go to both, but I'd choose Baoquan. The paths at Baoquan are gentle, even for strollers. The water is a clear green, and kids will take off their shoes and run into the shallows. Remember to bring an extra set of clothes. There's a water jetpack show in the scenic area, starting around 2 or 3 pm – kids will be glued to the screen. Baligou is more suitable for older children because it involves climbing a steep ladder with many steps, which can be tiring for elderly people with knee problems. But if your child is energetic, the waterfalls at Baligou are more spectacular. The water at Peach Blossom Bay is fast-flowing, and the spray is refreshingly cool. 🍜 A bowl of millet porridge with pickled vegetables sold at the scenic area entrance costs five yuan. It's more effective than snacks for tired kids. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the glass walkway at Baoquan has a queue of at least half an hour. If you don't want to queue, just walk on the adjacent wooden walkway; the scenery is just as good, and it saves time. 03 Haixi | Qinghai The Haixi route is designed for families who dare to take long trips with their children. Kunlun Mountains, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake—connecting these four destinations requires at least three days. If you could only choose one, I'd choose Emerald Lake. Compared to the crowds at Chaka, Emerald Lake is much quieter. The lake water has an unreal turquoise color, and children can hear a "crunching" sound when stepping on the salt crust, like crushing a thin layer of ice. Remember to wear non-slip shoes, as the edges of the salt crust are very sharp. ⏰ For Chaka Salt Lake, arrive before 8:30 AM. At that time, the lake surface is like a mirror, and you won't have to fight for a good spot to photograph the reflections. After 10:00 AM, the wind picks up, the water surface ripples, and the reflections become blurry. ⚠️ Kunlun Mountains are at a high altitude, so don't let children run and jump, as they are prone to oxygen deficiency and dizziness. Prepare portable oxygen cylinders in advance; they can be bought at pharmacies in town for around 20 yuan each. 🚄 The attractions along this route are scattered, so hiring a car is the most convenient option. Starting from Golmud, you can visit Chaka Salt Lake and Emerald Lake in one day, and then go up Kunlun Mountains the next day – a perfect pace. 04 Shaoguan|Guangdong Danxia Mountain is one of the few mountains suitable for climbing with children. Don't be scared off by the word "climbing"; the cable car and electric cart will save you a lot of energy. My suggested route is: first take the cable car up Elder Peak, see Yangyuan Stone, and then walk down the mountain. The kids are most excited when they see the "Yin Yuan Stone" and "Yang Yuan Stone." No explanation is needed; they'll burst out laughing on their own. This is natural science education—a hundred times more vivid than textbook illustrations. 🍜 There's a place called "Yang Yuan Village" at the foot of the mountain. The farmhouses there serve bamboo rice stuffed with sausage and mushrooms; a child can easily finish a whole tube. It costs around 30 yuan per person, which isn't expensive. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the scenic area has visitor limits, so tickets must be purchased one day in advance through their official WeChat account. Buying tickets on-site will likely only result in midday tickets being available, wasting the coolest part of the day. ⏰ After 4 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely on the red rocks, making the entire mountain look like it's on fire—the best time for photos. Don't rush down the mountain. 05 Zhangjiajie|Hunan Zhangjiajie has three core attractions: Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, and the National Forest Park. If you're traveling with children, I suggest cutting one and choosing two; otherwise, your legs will be exhausted. Wulingyuan is the top choice. The "Hallelujah Mountains" in Yuanjiajie are a major attraction for children; they'll constantly ask, "Where's Avatar?" The Bailong Elevator only takes a little over a minute to reach the summit, but kids will feel like they're on a roller coaster, screaming the whole way. Tickets are valid for four days, so you can explore at your own pace. Tianmen Mountain is more suitable for families with good stamina. The 999-step elevator isn't ideal for children under six, but they can take the escalator up. The glass walkway at the summit is surprisingly brave for kids, who are even willing to lie on it and look down. ⚠️ During the National Day holiday, the Tianmen Mountain cable car queue can be at least two hours long. If you have children, don't try to wait; buy a B-line ticket, take the eco-friendly bus up from the mountain gate, and then take the cable car down, saving half the queuing time. 🍜 Roasted potatoes and corn in the scenic area are 10 yuan each; the taste is average, but they'll fill you up. Don't buy the "Tujia Secret Recipe" dried meat; it's expensive and dry. 06 Weinan | Shaanxi Taking kids to Mount Hua is a courageous decision. But if your child is already in elementary school and has good stamina, I recommend the "west up, north down" route. Take the cable car up the West Peak directly to the highest point, then walk downhill. This route is mostly downhill, so kids won't get tired easily. While the Canglong Ridge and Yao Fanzhen sections along the way may seem dangerous to kids, the safety railings are very good, and anyone without a fear of heights can pass. ⏰ Enter as early as 7 AM when the park opens; there are usually no queues for the cable car. During the National Day holiday, arriving after 10 AM can result in waiting in line for up to two hours. ⚠️ Don't dress your child too warmly; they'll sweat a lot while hiking. A quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket are enough. It's windy on the mountain, so make sure your hat has a drawstring, otherwise it will blow away. 🍜 Instant noodles at the mountain's supply points cost 15 yuan a bowl, and hot water is free. Bring your own thermos with hot water and some chocolate for energy; it's less tiring than carrying a bunch of snacks. 07 Quzhou | Zhejiang Quzhou is an underrated family destination. Kaihua Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom and Jianglang Mountain·Ershibadu are two completely different places, but both are worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Root Palace Buddhist Kingdom isn't a boring museum. It boasts over 500 root-carved Buddha statues, the largest over ten meters tall, which will make children exclaim "Wow!" upon entering. There's a craft area where you can make your own small root carvings for 30 yuan each; a child can spend an entire afternoon there. Ershibadu Ancient Town is one of my personal favorites. It doesn't have those cookie-cutter bars and Yiwu-style souvenir shops; it's just the way the locals live. There's a shop on the old street that makes copper gongs; the old craftsman's single strike carries halfway down the street. My child insisted on buying a small copper bell to take home for 10 yuan. ⚠️ Langfeng Tianyou on Jianglang Mountain is very steep. Don't push it if you're with elderly people or children. The boardwalk halfway up the mountain is sufficient; the scenery is just as beautiful. 🚄 From Quzhou Station, take a bus to Kaihua (about 1.5 hours). From there, you need to transfer at Ershibadu. Renting a car is recommended; it costs around 300 yuan per day and is much more convenient. 08 Linxia | Gansu Liujiaxia and Bingling Temple in Linxia are the kind of places you only realize how worthwhile you are once you've been there. At the confluence of the Tao River and the Yellow River at Liujiaxia Reservoir, one side is emerald green while the other is muddy yellow, with a clear boundary. Children will ask, "Why don't the two rivers mix?" This is the best geography lesson. Take a speedboat to Bingling Temple (half-hour journey). Children are excited the whole way; the Danxia landforms on both banks resemble a giant mural. 📍 The Buddha statue at Bingling Temple was carved during the Tang Dynasty. Standing beneath it and looking up, the awe-inspiring sight cannot be captured in a photograph. The child will quiet down; you don't need to explain what "reverence" means, they'll sense it themselves. ⏰ The last speedboat departs at 3:30 PM, don't miss it. After seeing the Buddha statue, take the boat back, just in time for the sunset by the reservoir. 🍜 In Linxia, ​​Dongxiang hand-pulled lamb costs 40 yuan per jin (500g). The child gnaws on lamb chops, hands covered in oil, laughing so hard their eyes disappear. Pair it with a bowl of Sanpaotai (a type of Sichuan hot pot), it's refreshing and warming. ⚠️ Photography is not allowed inside the Bingling Temple Grottoes, remember to put your phone away, and don't let the children run and jump in the caves. That's all for the eight places. If I had to choose three best for taking kids: Quzhou, Danxia Mountain, and Xinxiang. Quzhou has handicrafts and ancient towns, Danxia Mountain is more educational, and Xinxiang is purely for water play, perfect for kids. The rest depends on what kind of child you have. For National Day travel, less crowds and beautiful scenery are key, choose one and go!

A list of cities with zero negative reviews; you'll only understand why they're worth it once you've been there. 01 Anshun | Guizhou ⏰ Arrive at Huangguoshu Waterfall before 8:00 AM for fewer crowds and softer light. The moment the mist hits your face, it's worth the price of admission. Don't rush to take the escalator. Walk along the hillside boardwalk instead, where you can hear the sound of the water getting closer, like drumbeats growing faster and denser. Visit Longgong and the waterfall on separate days. Don't cram them into one. For the underground river cave at the entrance of Longgong, the boat ride takes over 10 minutes. The stalactites overhead are very close, and ducking to avoid them actually makes it more fun. ⚠️ The cave is dimly lit and hard to capture on a phone, so it's better to just enjoy the view with your own eyes. 📍 Don't buy the "fresh-cut fruit" from the vendors at the entrance; the scales are inaccurate and it's overpriced. Bring your own water, and grab some Anshun guojuan (wrapped rolls) afterward. They're spicy, savory, and refreshing—much better than any meal you'll find at the attraction. 02 Linxia | Gansu For Liujiaxia and Bingling Temple, I recommend combining a "water route + land route" in one day. Take a boat to Bingling Temple in the morning; the Yellow River water here is unbelievably green. It gets windy on the boat, so bring a light jacket. The grotto boardwalks are narrow, so seniors and children should walk slowly, but it's absolutely worth it. In the afternoon, head back to the Liujiaxia Tourist Resort. Don't just focus on the reservoir dam. 📍 Walk two kilometers along the newly built trail on the south bank of the reservoir to see the confluence of the Yellow River and the Tao River. One side is clear and the other is yellow; seeing it in person is ten times more stunning than in photos. 🍜 For dinner, find a Dongxiang hand-grabbed lamb restaurant. The rib meat has the perfect ratio of fat to lean, and it pairs well with garlic and salt and pepper. Finish your meal with a bowl of Sanpao Tai tea to cut the grease. ⚠️ It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Linxia city center to Liujiaxia. Don't trust the "low-price chartered car" offers from roadside solicitors; using a ride-hailing app is more reliable. 03 Haibei | Qinghai Qilian Mountain isn't just a single peak; it's an entire expanse of wilderness that makes you want to just lie down and relax. Starting from Qilian County, drive deep along the Heihe Grand Canyon. The road is in good condition, but there are many curves, so take motion sickness medicine if you need it. It's chilly in the canyon, so you'll need long sleeves even in July or August. Lenglong Ridge is best visited in the afternoon when the sunlight hits the ridges at an angle, making the boundary between the grasslands and the bare rocks look like it was cut with a knife. 📍 The yogurt stand at the entrance of the Amidongsuo Scenic Area uses fresh, house-made yogurt. It's so tart it'll make you frown, but add a spoonful of sugar and you won't be able to resist having another bowl. ⚠️ The altitude is nearly 4,000 meters, so don't run or jump, and slow down your pace when walking. 🚄 Chartering a car from Xining is the most worry-free option. It takes about three hours one way. Don't drive at night; there are no streetlights in the mountains after dark, and visibility is poor. 04 Zhoukou | Henan Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum and Taiqing Palace have completely different vibes, but both are worth setting aside half a day for. The cypress trees at Fuxi Mausoleum are incredibly old, with bark cracked into deep gullies; touching them feels like flipping through an old book. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM when there are fewer pilgrims, so you can quietly explore the entire central axis. Taiqing Palace is in Luyi, a different county from Fuxi Mausoleum, so don't try to visit both on the same day. 📍 The pair of iron pillars in front of the palace are so dark and shiny they look like they've just been oiled; they are said to be relics from the Song Dynasty. After seeing the main hall, don't rush off. There's a Tang Dynasty cypress in the small courtyard on the west side with a slanted trunk that makes for great photos. 🍜 In Zhoukou city, have a bowl of Xiaoyao Town hot and sour soup with fried dough fritters. It's spicy enough to make your back warm up, and it's much more authentic than the restaurants around the scenic area. ⚠️ Parking is tight around both scenic areas. Navigate to the official parking lots and don't park on the side of the road. 05 Suizhou | Hubei Dahong Mountain is perfect for people who like to "go into the mountains and zone out." The road from the foot to the summit is in good condition but has sharp curves, so new drivers should take it easy. ⏰ Head up the mountain after 3:00 PM. The light filters through the trees, turning the moss on the steps a golden green—it's very photogenic. The Ciren Patriarch Hall at the summit isn't very busy, which makes it peaceful. Sitting on the stone steps in front of the hall, you can hear the birds and the wind across the entire mountain without other tourists bothering you. 📍 On the way down, there's a fork in the road leading to Bailong Pool. The water is a grayish-blue, reflecting the fir trees, and it feels more wild than the main scenic area. ⚠️ There are few supply points on the mountain, so bring your own water and snacks. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Suizhou South Station to the mountain gate. It's hard to get a ride back, so arrange a driver in advance. If you have bad knees, don't force yourself to walk the entire boardwalk; half the distance is enough. 06 Hezhou | Guangxi For Gupo Mountain and Huangyao Ancient Town, I recommend hiking the mountain first and then exploring the town; it's the perfect way to manage your energy. The round trip to the main peak of Gupo Mountain takes about four hours. There are waterfalls along the way, and the mist keeps it cool, so it's not stuffy even in summer. 📍 The mist at the Xingu Waterfall section is heavy enough to soak your clothes, so bring a quick-dry shirt. Huangyao Ancient Town is better to enter in the evening. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the tour groups leave, the stone paths clear out, and the scent of fermented black beans drifts from the doorways. Stay the night, and go to Dongtan Ridge the next morning to see the morning mist. When the mist clears, the whole town looks like it was just pulled out of the water. 🍜 For stuffed tofu and stuffed pumpkin flowers in the ancient town, buy them from street stalls instead of going into big restaurants. ⚠️ The Huangyao admission ticket is valid for one entry; you'll have to buy a new one if you leave and come back. Choose accommodation inside the town; don't try to save money by staying on the outskirts. 07 Shantou | Guangdong Don't just look at the lighthouses and windmills on Nan'ao Island; that's the standard tourist route. 📍 Continue east on the island loop road past the Tropic of Cancer Square to the area near Yun'ao Fishing Port. When the fishing boats dock, the ground is covered with freshly unloaded seafood. Vendors sell it right there on the ground, and the prices are 30% cheaper than in town. ⏰ Head up Huanghua Mountain at 6:00 PM to see the sunset over the sea and the lights of the whole island turning on at the same time. After coming down the mountain, find a street food stall to eat oyster omelet. The oysters are plump, the egg is fried until crispy, and it's served with fish sauce and pepper. You can eat a whole plate by yourself. ⚠️ Traffic entering the island is terrible on weekends, so try to go on a weekday or cross the Nan'ao Bridge before 8:00 AM. 🚄 It takes about half an hour by taxi from Shantou Station to Laichang Ferry Terminal. Rent an electric scooter once you're on the island; it's more flexible than driving. 08 Baoting | Hainan Binglanggu and Yanoda are both rainforest-themed, but don't choose just one—go to both if you have time. Binglanggu focuses more on Li and Miao culture. The elderly women in the village weave Li brocade on the spot; their movements are slow, but their eyes are focused. You can stand next to them watching for a long time and they won't even notice you—that kind of immersion is very precious. Yanoda focuses on rainforest adventure. 📍 For the "treading on waterfalls and playing in water" route, you need to change into straw sandals. You'll be stepping in water and on rocks, and the water is cold enough to make your feet numb, but finishing the two-hour route is incredibly satisfying. ⏰ It's less crowded before 10:00 AM, so you won't have to wait in line for gear. 🍜 The Wuzhishan wild vegetables and bamboo rice at the entrance of the scenic area are half the price of the restaurants inside. ⚠️ Both scenic areas rely on tropical vegetation for shade, but don't skimp on sunscreen. There are many leeches after the rain, so long pants are safer than shorts. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Sanya city center to Baoting; ride-sharing is more cost-effective. None of these eight places rely on filters to look good. How many have you been to? Let's chat in the comments—which one surprised you the most?

Ladies! I've put together a stress-free 6-day itinerary for Lanzhou and surrounding areas. ✅ Includes door-to-door transfers for the whole trip—it's convenient and budget-friendly. Beginners can just follow this plan! · ------- Scroll down to unlock this super practical guide ↓ · ------- 📝 Itinerary: Day 1: Yellow River Iron Bridge Stroll across the Yellow River Iron Bridge and touch the historical marks of Lanzhou's century-old Yellow River culture. Day 2: Labrang Monastery – Sangke Grassland – Ganjia Secret Realm Visit a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site and discover hidden grassland gems and unique Tibetan landscapes. Day 3: Langmusi Scenic Area – Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area – First Bend of the Yellow River Check out the Tibetan Buddhist sites and highland wetlands, and encounter the stunning scenery of the Yellow River sunset. Day 4: Zhagana – Guomang Wetland Delve into the stone city of Zhagana and encounter the healing scenery of wetland meadows. Day 5: Milarepa Buddha Pavilion at Hezuo Monastery – Bafang Thirteen Alleys – Dongxiang Benzhigou Viewing Platform – Yellow River and Tao River Confluence Viewing Platform Explore the Tibetan Buddhist pavilion and ancient alleys of Linxia, and overlook the confluence of the two rivers and the magnificent mountain scenery. Day 6: Wanshang Pavilion Stop by Wanshang Pavilion and experience the slow-paced, vibrant life of Lanzhou's old town. · ------- Must-visit attractions: 1. Ruoergai Flower Lake Ecotourism Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: National Highway 213, Ruoergai County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Opening hours: May 1 – Oct 7 (Peak season) 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM Duration: 3–5 hours Strolling by the lake feels like stepping into a fairy tale world. You can see cute highland creatures like black-necked cranes, and the lake surface is like a mirror of the sky—so healing~ 2. First Bend of the Yellow River ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Scenic Area Road, Tangke Town, Ruoergai County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Opening hours: Apr 16 – Nov 14, 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Duration: 1–3 hours Standing on the viewing boardwalk, you can see the incredible S-shaped bend of the Yellow River. At sunset, the golden river water paired with the evening glow is a photographer's dream! 3. Zhagana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: X412 (Nizha Section), Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1–2 days A hidden paradise with golden highland barley fields, simple Tibetan wooden houses, and thousand-year-old traditional farming culture. Every photo you take looks like a healing pastoral masterpiece~ · ------- 👜 Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), and save digital copies in advance to prevent loss 👕 Clothing: Thin long-sleeved sun protection clothing, breathable long pants, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes 🧴 Skincare/Cosmetics: High-SPF sunscreen, hydrating masks, and lip balm to combat dryness 🎒 Accessories: Foldable sun hat, portable umbrella, empty bottles, and a portable fan 🍬 Food/Drink: Portable thermos, small-packaged snacks, and common gastrointestinal medicine 📱 Electronics: Power bank, selfie stick, and download offline maps and travel guides in advance 🧰 Emergency: Band-aids, mosquito repellent, and a small amount of cash for emergencies · ------- Get ready according to this guide, and you'll be set for an amazing trip. Click below to check out some great deals

Hey everyone! Here is the ultimate 6-day Tianshui travel guide! Gansu is a hidden gem and a traveler's paradise. Combine Tianshui, Xi'an, and Pingliang for a trip featuring history, culture, and natural scenery. Everything is perfectly planned for you—from the ancient charm along the Wei River to the stunning landscapes of the Qinling Mountains. This guide is easy to follow and has everything you need! · ------------------- 🌟Itinerary: · *Day 1: Departure – Tianshui – Pickup – Hotel check-in** After arriving in Tianshui, your guide will pick you up and take you directly to your hotel. Take some time to settle in before starting your Tianshui adventure. Get ready for an amazing journey! · *Day 2: Maijishan Scenic Area – Lazikou Campaign Memorial Hall** Climb up to 📍Maijishan to experience the unique charm of this World Heritage site, then head to the Lazikou Campaign Memorial Hall to revisit a chapter of revolutionary history. · *Day 3–4: Zhagana – Ruoergai Flower Lake Eco-Tourism Area – First Bend of the Yellow River – Langmusi – Guomang Wetland – Labrang Monastery – Bafang Thirteen Alleys** Spend these two days immersed in the natural wonders of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the cultural charm of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the hidden paradise of Zhagana, enjoy the serene beauty of Flower Lake, and watch the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. Buddhist culture and historical sites complement each other perfectly here. · *Day 5–6: Tianshui Ancient City – Departure** Step into Tianshui Ancient City to feel its deep history and ancient charm. Finally, bid a reluctant farewell to the mountains and rivers, bringing this trip to a perfect close! · ------------------- 🌤️ Clothing: Windbreaker, lightweight down jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tianshui has large temperature differences between day and night in autumn, so bring comfortable sneakers and quick-drying socks—perfect for exploring the outdoors! 🧢 Accessories: A sun hat or headscarf, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. You'll need these sun-protection items for autumn mountain hikes and strolling through the ancient city! 📱 Electronics: Bring a phone with a spare battery, a power bank, and a multi-port charging cable. You won't want to miss a moment of capturing the scenery of Maijishan and the Qin'an Terraced Fields! 🛡️ First Aid: Pack a small portable kit with Band-Aids, painkillers, cold medicine, and stomach medicine. Don't forget mosquito repellent for any unexpected situations while exploring the outdoors. 📜 Documents: ID card, health code, and bank cards are all must-haves! If you're driving, remember your driver's license. It's recommended to print your high-speed train tickets in advance in case of network issues. 🍴 Snacks: Bring some energy bars, nougat, and nuts to keep your energy up! Don't forget a lightweight water bottle—staying hydrated will keep you energized for your trip! · ------------------- Tianshui's beauty is not to be missed. This guided tour guide has everything covered, so pack your bags and let's go!

🌿Jingdong (Yunnan) 🚩Trip highlights: Explore the secret primeval forests of Wuliang Mountain, shrouded in mist; see the serene, mirror-like alpine lakes of Dujuan Lake; experience the vibrant local life in the Yi ethnic ancient town 🗺️Itinerary: Day 1: Jingdong > Wuliang Mountain > Dujuan Lake; Day 2: Yi ethnic ancient town > Ailao Mountain > Return 🍜Food recommendations: Jingdong ham, tartary buckwheat, papaya water ⚠️Travel tips: Winding mountain roads, bring motion sickness medication, wear non-slip shoes 🕌Linxia (Gansu) 🚩Trip highlights: Experience the Muslim alleyway culture at Baxi Shisanxiang; see the thousand-year-old statues at Bingling Temple Grottoes; view the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Yellow River at Liujiaxia 🗺️Itinerary: Day 1: Linxia > Baxi Shisanxiang > Liujiaxia; Day 2: Bingling Temple Grottoes > Donggongguan > Return 🍜Food recommendations: Hand-grabbed mutton, Hezhou steamed buns, sweet fermented oats ⚠️Travel tips: Observe dress codes in mosque areas, walk carefully on the grotto steps 🏯Hechuan (Chongqing) 🚩Trip highlights: Visit the ancient battlefield fortress of Diaoyu Fortress, known as the "place where God broke his whip"; see the Ming and Qing dynasty streetscapes of Laitan Ancient Town; overlook the magnificent confluence of the three rivers from Wenfeng Pagoda 🗺️Itinerary: Day 1: Hechuan > Diaoyu Fortress > Laitan Ancient Town; Day 2: Wenfeng Pagoda > Binjiang Road > Return 🍜Food recommendations: Hechuan peach slices, mutton rice noodles, Qingcaoba radishes ⚠️Travel tips: Wear flat shoes as there are many steps at Diaoyu Fortress, stay safe near the river 🌿Ningming (Guangxi) 🚩Trip highlights: See the spectacular thousand-year-old cliff paintings by the ancestors of the Zhuang people at Huashan Rock Art; go boating on the Ming River and enjoy the picturesque green mountains on both sides; experience the tranquility of the primeval forest at Paiyang Mountain 🗺️Itinerary: Day 1: Ningming > Huashan Rock Art > Ming River boating; Day 2: Paiyang Mountain > Zuojiang Leaning Tower > Return 🍜Food recommendations: Ningming star anise chicken, sand cakes, soft and glutinous mugwort rice cakes ⚠️Travel tips: Huashan Rock Art requires a boat ride to view, bring sun protection, drive slowly on mountain roads

Weekend getaways without taking time off: these 8️⃣ spots will keep you busy until the end of the year 01 Yongzhou | Hunan Shangantang Ancient Village. The name sounds unfamiliar, but walking in feels like falling into a time warp. 📍 The Buying Bridge at the village entrance features stones from the Southern Song Dynasty. The Xiemu River flows slowly beneath it—perfect for standing and daydreaming for a while. Don't rush to take the main road when entering; turn into the alley on the left instead. The bluestone path is polished smooth, and the upturned eaves of the old houses on both sides are layered upon each other. 🍜 There's a rice noodle shop in the village run by a local grandma that only stays open until noon. The broth is made from simmered bones—be sure to add a fried egg. ⚠️ The ancient village has no admission ticket, but after 5:00 PM, the crowds thin out, and the light hitting the gate tower at an angle makes for much better photos than at noon. Two hours is enough to see the whole village. It's great to pair with a visit to the nearby Nvshu Ecological Museum to experience the unique women's script culture of southern Hunan. 02 Fuzhou | Fujian Three Lanes and Seven Alleys can be confusing for first-timers, but you only need to remember one route. Enter from the main gate on Nanhou Street and walk along the widest part of the street, where the aroma of rouyan (meat wontons), fish balls, and taro paste fills the air. Then, duck into Yijin Lane on the left to see the Waterside Stage, then loop around to Wenru Lane. It's less crowded there, and the walls are covered in creeping fig. 🍜 Try the meat wonton soup at Tongli Rouyan Old Shop; the broth is clear and flavorful, and a bowl will leave you feeling satisfied. ⏰ After 6:00 PM, the lanterns on the main street light up and most tourists have left, making it the quietest time to visit the Former Residence of Yan Fu. ⚠️ The Former Residence of Lin Juemin and Bing Xin is closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. The whole area takes about 3 hours to walk. Wear comfortable shoes; the stone paths aren't friendly to high heels. 03 Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai You can visit Riyue Mountain and Guide National Geopark in one day, but you need to time it right. Arrive at Riyue Mountain in the morning. It's at an altitude of 3,500 meters and it's windy, so remember to bring a windbreaker. Standing at the mountain pass where Princess Wencheng passed on her way to Tibet, the prayer flags snap in the wind, and the grasslands and snow-capped mountains in the distance stretch to the horizon. ⏰ Head down the mountain before noon and go straight to Guide National Geopark; the Danxia landforms show their most saturated colors in the afternoon sun. 📍 In the park, Nuwa Gorge is so narrow in places that only one person can squeeze through at a time. Looking up, you'll see reddish rock walls with textures that look like they were carved by a knife. 🍜 Stop in Guide County on the way to have a bowl of ga mianpian (small dough pieces). The dough is thin, and the broth is made with lamb and radish—very warming. ⚠️ There's a lot of walking in the geopark, which can be tiring for seniors and young children, so be sure to pack water and snacks. Hiring a car for the whole trip is more convenient; it's about an 8-hour round trip from Xining. 04 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu The Liujiaxia Tourist Resort and Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area are perfect for a full-day itinerary. In the morning, head to the Liujiaxia Reservoir Dam. Standing on top of the dam and looking at the Yellow River, it's as green as jade—completely different from what you might imagine. 📍 Weijiapo by the reservoir is called "Little Erhai Lake" by locals. The water is calm, and there are farmhouses along the shore where you can sit, drink tea, and relax. In the afternoon, take a speedboat to Bingling Temple. The boat ride takes about 40 minutes, passing red stone forests on both sides. It can be windy and choppy, so remember to wear a waterproof jacket. The Tang Dynasty Buddha at Bingling Temple is carved into the cliff face. It makes your neck sore to look up at it, but it's worth it. ⚠️ Speedboat departures are limited, and the last boat back is at 3:00 PM, so don't miss it. 🍜 Back in downtown Linxia, go to Bafang Thirteen Alleys in the evening for hand-grabbed lamb paired with Sanpaotai tea to cut the grease. The key to this day is the switch between water and land; if you get seasick, take motion sickness medicine beforehand. 05 Huzhou | Zhejiang Nanxun Ancient Town is quieter than Wuzhen and Xitang, and cleaner than Zhouzhuang—perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. Enter from the North Gate and walk along Baijianlou, where old houses line the river for hundreds of meters, their white walls and black tiles reflected in the water. 📍 The Former Residence of Zhang Shiming is a must-see. The mix of Western-style ballrooms and Jiangnan-style gardens inside shows just how wealthy the owner was back in the day. 🍜 For lunch, find a small restaurant by the Xunxi River and order a portion of Xun trotters, stewed until tender, paired with a bowl of chewy shuangjiao noodles. In the afternoon, head to Xiaolian Villa. If the lotus flowers are in bloom, the cool breeze by the pond carries the scent of lotus leaves—you won't want to leave. ⚠️ The ancient town doesn't charge an admission ticket after 5:00 PM, but the houses inside are closed. If you want to see the architecture, come during the day. 🚄 It's about a 40-minute taxi ride from Huzhou Station, making it perfect for a slow-paced two-day weekend trip. 06 Taizhou | Jiangsu Qin Lake National Wetland Park is great for a trip with your parents or just to get some fresh air. When you enter, take a sculling boat. The boatwoman sings local folk songs while rowing. The water is wide, and egrets occasionally take flight from the reed marshes. 📍 After getting off the boat, walk along the wetland boardwalk. The whole path is about 2 kilometers long, with wooden planks underfoot and calamus and water chestnuts on both sides. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM; there's a light mist on the lake, and it looks like an ink wash painting in photos. 🍜 For lunch, eat fish balls and fish cakes at the Qinhu Baxian Restaurant at the park entrance. The fish balls are bouncy, and the soup is incredibly flavorful. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetland park, so wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby Qintong Ancient Town. There's a former residence of an academician on the old street, which is quiet and uncrowded. The whole trip is slow-paced—half a day for the wetland and half a day for the ancient town—so it's not tiring. 07 Dandong | Liaoning You can split your Dandong trip into two parts: mountains and the river. In the morning, climb Fenghuang Mountain. The Laoniubei section is truly dangerous, with cliffs on both sides. Hold onto the iron chains tightly; if you're afraid of heights, know your limits. The view from the top is expansive, and you can see the China-North Korea border in the distance. ⏰ After descending the mountain, head straight to the Yalu River Broken Bridge. Get on the bridge around 5:00 PM; the sunset dyes the river gold, and the bullet holes on the bridge are still clearly visible. 📍 There are places at the bridge entrance that rent out Korean-style clothing for photos for 20 yuan a set. You can wear them and take a few pictures by the river. If you have enough time the next day, go to Kuandian Hekou and Lvjiang Village. The rapeseed flowers in Lvjiang Village bloom in June. Usually, it's an island in the middle of the river, and the submerged landscape is very unique. 🍜 Find any restaurant in downtown Dandong to eat yellow clams; they are large, plump, and perfect with an ice-cold beer. ⚠️ The Fenghuang Mountain cable car stops running at 4:00 PM, so head down early if you want to take it. 08 Yingtan | Jiangxi Longhu Mountain, the ancestral home of Taoism and a Danxia landform, can be fully explored in one day. In the morning, take a bamboo raft tour on the Luxi River. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes, with red cliffs and Danxia landforms on both sides. The water is so clear you can see the pebbles on the riverbed. 📍 After getting off the raft, go watch the hanging coffin performance. There are fixed showtimes every day, and how the coffins were placed up there remains a mystery to this day. In the afternoon, climb Xianshui Rock. The boardwalk is built on the cliff, so it's not tiring to walk, but your legs might feel weak if you look down. 🍜 For lunch, have some Shangqing tofu at the entrance of the scenic area—it's tender and fragrant with soy—paired with Luxi fish, which is fresh, spicy, and appetizing. ⚠️ Tianshi Mansion closes at 5:30 PM, so plan to visit before 3:00 PM if you want to see it. 🚄 It's about a 30-minute taxi ride from Yingtan North Station to the scenic area. The admission ticket plus the bamboo raft ticket is a little over 200 yuan; check the official announcement on the day for the exact price. The whole trip is half a day on the raft and half a day climbing the mountain—the pace is just right and not rushed. These eight places are accessible by high-speed rail or car, and a two-day weekend is enough. Which one do you want to visit first? Let's chat in the comments.

8 budget-friendly cities for National Day, less crowded with beautiful scenery 01 Lhasa | Tibet Lhasa during the National Day holiday has much gentler airfares than in peak season. ⏰ In October, daytime temperatures are in the teens (Celsius), and the sunshine makes you feel lazy, but you'll need a fleece jacket for mornings and evenings. You need to book Potala Palace tickets in advance; they are 200 during peak season, but actually easier to book during the National Day holiday. 📍 The Yaowangshan Observation Deck is where you can take the photo featured on the 50-yuan note; it's least crowded before 8:00 AM. There are many people prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple; please don't take close-up photos of them. A round trip to Namtso in one day is too rushed; staying overnight is recommended. It's windy by the lake, so don't mind the weight of a down jacket. 🍜 At the Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House on Barkhor Street, sweet tea is 1 yuan a cup, and it's filling when paired with Tibetan noodles. For accommodation, choose the area around Barkhor Street; hostel beds are 50–60, and you're right on the kora path. Don't push through altitude sickness, and avoid showering on the first day. 02 Linxia | Gansu A little over an hour west of Lanzhou, Linxia is an underrated transit stop. Take a boat at Liujiaxia Reservoir to see Bingling Temple; the boat ticket plus admission is just over 200, and the water is clearer than you'd imagine. The Tang Dynasty Buddha at the Bingling Temple Grottoes is worth seeing. ⚠️ The boardwalk is narrow, so if you're afraid of heights, hold onto the railing. Speedboats are more flexible than large boats and can stop at two extra scenic spots. 🍜 Linxia's hand-grabbed mutton is sold by weight, 70–80 per jin, and is eaten with garlic. Hezhou steamed buns have thin skins; the shop with a line in the morning is definitely the right one. The city center is small, and the starting taxi fare is 5. Stay near Hongyuan for easy access to the night market. It's cool by the Yellow River in October, so bring a light jacket. 03 Haibei | Qinghai North of Xining, the Qilian Mountains run through Haibei. ⏰ By the National Day holiday, the grass has turned yellow, but the snow-capped mountains against the golden meadows actually have more depth than in summer. Qilian Mountain Grassland is free, and any stop along the road offers a view. The Heihe Grand Canyon is less crowded, but the wind blows right through the canyon, so remember to wear a hat. It might snow on Lenglongling in October, so if you're driving, bring snow chains. Admission to the Amidongsuo Scenic Area is 60, with sightseeing bus tickets extra. 📍 View Niuxin Mountain from the observation deck; the afternoon light is perfect. The altitude is over 4,000m, so walk slowly. Stay in Qilian County; a standard room is around 150. 🍜 Kangguo mutton is a local specialty; the potatoes soak up the oil and are even tastier than the meat. It's below freezing at night in October, so bring a sleeping bag liner. 04 Garzê | Sichuan Autumn colors in Western Sichuan are just starting to emerge by the National Day holiday. The poplar trees in Xinduqiao aren't fully yellow yet, but the light and shadows are already worth seeing. ⏰ In early October, the temperature difference between day and night is 15 degrees. Admission plus the sightseeing bus for Daocheng Yading is over 200; the long hiking route takes a full day, so those with average stamina should take the short route. Milk Lake is at an altitude of 4,600m; ⚠️ don't push yourself, and the 300-yuan horse ride doesn't save much energy. Mugecuo is close to Kangding and can be enjoyed in half a day. Hailuogou Glacier is often foggy in October, so seeing Gongga Mountain depends on luck. 📍 Stay one night in Moxi Ancient Town, then enter the valley the next day. 🍜 Kangding jelly noodles and yak yogurt are under 10 at roadside stalls. If driving along the 318 National Highway, traffic jams during the National Day holiday are concentrated at Zheduo Mountain, so leave two hours earlier. 05 Zhengzhou | Henan Zhengzhou is a transportation hub, so it's worth stopping by for two days. The newly opened Qinwei Water City is free; it's crowded for the light show at night, but quiet during the day. Admission to Shaolin Temple on Mount Song is 80; ⚠️ don't miss the martial arts performance, which happens on the hour. The Sanhuangzhai boardwalk is dangerous, so seniors should be cautious. Xiliuhu Park is where locals go for a stroll; the ginkgo trees don't turn yellow until the end of October. The museum is free, but book three days in advance. 📍 The Lotus and Crane Square Pot in Hall 1 is the museum's treasure; don't just take photos, read the description too. 🍜 Huimian (braised noodles) is a dozen yuan a bowl, with Heji and Xiaoji each having their own fans. Stay near Erqi Square; the subway makes it easy to get to all the attractions. Zhengzhou is cool in October, making it comfortable for walking. 06 Shantou | Guangdong Nan'ao Island is Shantou's ace for a low budget. 🚄 Take bus 161 from Shantou Station to the island for a dozen yuan, saving 200 compared to chartering a car. ⏰ The seawater isn't cold in October, so it's perfect for swimming after 4:00 PM. Rent an electric scooter for the island loop road; it's 80 per day and more flexible than driving. 📍 Sanchongya Lighthouse is great for sunset photos, but it's windy, so hold onto your hat. Qing'ao Bay is crowded, so head toward Shen'ao for quieter beaches. 🍜 Seaweed fried rice and oysters on the island will fill you up for an average of 50 per person. For beef hot pot back in the city, Baheli has long lines, so the old shops in the alleys are more authentic. Stay in Houzhai Town; homestays are just over 100. ⚠️ The bus to the island is crowded during the National Day holiday, so take the first bus before 7:00 AM. 07 Tai'an | Shandong Night climbing Mount Tai is a classic National Day activity. ⏰ Start from Hongmen at 10:00 PM, and it takes five or six hours to reach the top, just in time for sunrise. Admission is 115, with half-price for students. ⚠️ Renting a military-style overcoat at the summit costs 30 with a 100 deposit; don't mind how it looks, as the wind can cut right through you in the early morning. The Zhongtianmen cable car line starts at two hours; if you're fit, take the Shibapan path. For the descent, take the Tianzhufeng path; it's less crowded and more scenic. 📍 Dai Temple is below Hongmen; admission is 30, and the Han Dynasty cypresses are worth seeing. 🍜 Tai'an pancakes rolled with green onions are 5 a set, perfect for a snack before climbing. Stay near the train station; hostels are 40. It's around zero degrees at the summit in October, so bring gloves. 08 Yichun | Heilongjiang For autumn in Northeast China, Yichun is a hidden gem. Admission to Tangwanghe Forest Park is 90. ⏰ From late September to early October, the birch and larch trees turn fully yellow, and it's 100 times quieter than Snow Town. 📍 The "Thread of Sky" and "Stone Monkey Watching the Sea" in the Stone Forest Scenic Area take three hours to walk around. ⚠️ It's below freezing in the forest area in October, so wear a down jacket. The sightseeing bus is an extra 30; if you're fit, you can walk. 🍜 In Yichun city, try the iron pot stew; goose and pork ribs are cooked together, averaging 60 per person. Dried blueberries and pine nuts make good souvenirs and are cheaper than at the scenic spots. Stay in Tangwanghe Town; farmhouses are 120 including breakfast. 🚄 It takes over four hours by train from Harbin to Yichun, and tickets aren't hard to get during the National Day holiday. Of these eight places, Lhasa and Yichun are the most worth staying an extra two days. Where are you planning to go for the National Day holiday? Let's chat in the comments.

Escape the Mid-Autumn Festival crowds with these 8 niche destinations for a private moonlit experience 01 Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Hubei When visiting Enshi for the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't just focus on the Grand Canyon. I recommend spending a day fully exploring the tracker culture of Shennong Stream. 📍 Walk along the stream to see the marks left on the rock walls by old boat trackers—a detail you won't find on the scenic area's information signs. Head back to Enshi Tusi City in the evening. The wooden buildings of the Jiujin Hall glow with an antique gold hue in the sunset, making for great photos when it's less crowded. ⏰ Enter after 4:30 PM when the light hits the white walls and gray tiles at just the right angle. Don't rush off at night; the walkway along the Qingjiang River is worth a leisurely stroll. Locals gather at the bridgehead to cool off, and with the river breeze blowing, you won't even need tea with your mooncakes. ⚠️ If you encounter rainy or foggy weather at the Grand Canyon, visibility will be low and the boardwalks slippery. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, I suggest rescheduling. 02 Heihe | Heilongjiang Mid-Autumn night in Heihe is a true "moon reflecting on the river" experience. The volcanic landscape of Wudalianchi looks rugged by day, but by evening, the lake reflects the moon, and the whole world suddenly softens. ⏰ I suggest entering the scenic area at 3:00 PM. Walk the Laoheishan loop first so you can reach the lakeside before sunset to see the afterglow. There are few lights in the scenic area at night, so the moonlight becomes the star of the show. A local friend told me that in autumn, the lake water layers into shades of blue and green, making it even more beautiful than in summer. ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night is significant; it's no exaggeration to say you'll need a short-sleeved shirt during the day and a down jacket at night. Bring a thick coat and don't just follow the crowd by dressing too lightly. 03 Jinan | Shandong When visiting Jinan for the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't rush straight to Baotu Spring. I suggest waking up early and 📍 taking a walk along the east bank of Daming Lake before the tour groups arrive, watching the willow trees and morning light cast long shadows on the water. In the morning, head to the First Spring under Heaven scenic area. Baotu Spring, Heihu Spring, and Wulongtan are close together and can be easily visited on foot. 🍜 Find any roadside shop serving braised pork with rice; it's fatty but not greasy, and much more satisfying than the snacks inside the scenic area. In the afternoon, climb Thousand Buddha Mountain. You don't need to hike to the top; you can get a panoramic view of Jinan from the entrance of Xingguo Chan Temple halfway up the mountain. ⏰ Head up half an hour before sunset when the light is softest and the city skyline is clearly visible through the light mist. ⚠️ Thousand Buddha Mountain gets crowded on weekends, and there's a temple fair on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you want a quieter experience, I suggest going a day early. 04 Liuzhou | Guangxi Mid-Autumn in Liuzhou is about more than just river snail rice noodles. I suggest spending your day at Chengyang Eight Villages. The wind and rain bridges span the streams, the rice paddies are golden, and the occasional singing of elderly Dong people from the drum towers is more natural than any background music. Return to the city in the evening. 📍 The reflection in Jinghu Lake at Longtan Park is a spot locals keep to themselves. When the moon rises, the water surface looks like scattered silver. It's quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for daydreaming. Take a walk along the Liujiang River at night. The river breeze carries the scent of pickled bamboo shoots, and you'll instantly feel the city come alive. 🍜 Remember, authentic river snail rice noodle shops sell out after 6:00 PM, so don't expect to find the real deal at late-night food stalls. ⚠️ Chengyang Eight Villages is about a 1-hour drive from the city. I recommend chartering a car or driving yourself, as public transport is infrequent and indirect. 05 Zhangjiajie | Hunan If you're going to Zhangjiajie for the Mid-Autumn Festival, I advise you not to be too ambitious. Choose either Wulingyuan or Tianmen Mountain, or your legs will give out. If you choose Wulingyuan, 📍 enter through the Landmark Gate and take the eco-friendly bus to the lower station of the Tianzi Mountain cable car. The Imperial Brush Peaks at the summit are especially clear in autumn with less cloud cover, allowing you to see the layered stone pillars. If you choose Tianmen Mountain, I recommend taking Route B—cable car up, eco-friendly bus down. ⏰ Go early in the morning. The mist at Tianmen Cave clears slowly, and after noon, the direct sunlight can make photos look washed out. ⚠️ The mountaintop boardwalks are crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, and the glass skywalk requires queuing. If you're short on time, skip it and don't waste your ticket time. A 2-day itinerary is too rushed, so it's better to choose: go to Wulingyuan for unique peaks, or Tianmen Mountain for the Tianmen Cave. 06 Baicheng | Jilin Mid-Autumn in Baicheng is the season of wetlands and reed marshes. The Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area is so uncrowded you'll wonder if you're in the wrong place. 📍 Walk deep along the wooden boardwalk. Flocks of cranes occasionally fly up from the reeds, the sound of their wings flapping exceptionally clear in the vast space. At dusk, the river is dyed pink by the sunset, the moon rises from the opposite bank, and only the sound of the wind remains between heaven and earth. This place is perfect for a road trip. It's about a 40-minute drive from the city, with plains scenery all along the way. The autumn colors are golden, and it's incredibly comfortable to drive with the windows down. ⚠️ There are few dining options in the scenic area, so I suggest bringing your own food and water. If you want to see migratory birds, it's best to bring binoculars; with the naked eye, you'll only see small black dots. 07 Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Mid-Autumn in Linxia is perfect for slowing down. The lake water at Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is exceptionally clear in autumn, with distant mountains like dark eyebrows and the water and sky blending into one color. 📍 Taking a boat tour is the best way to experience it. As the boat travels near Bingling Temple, the grotto Buddha statues stand in silent contemplation on the cliff walls for a millennium. In autumn, the slanted sunlight makes the faces of the Buddha statues look exceptionally gentle. Go ashore in the afternoon and visit the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area, which takes about 2 hours to explore on foot. The murals in the caves are still vibrant, but photography is prohibited, so just take them in with your eyes. 🍜 Don't miss the Dongxiang hand-grabbed lamb after returning to the city. Local friends say the authentic way to eat it is with garlic and salt and pepper. ⚠️ Liujiaxia boat schedules increase during holidays, but they stop running after 4:00 PM, so you need to go early if you want to take a boat. 08 Bijie | Guizhou For Mid-Autumn in Bijie, I cast my vote for Zhijin Cave. The cave maintains a constant temperature year-round, so you don't have to worry about the late summer heat. The karst landscape is layered under the lights, like walking into an underground palace. ⏰ It's least crowded if you enter the cave before 10:00 AM. It takes about 2 hours to walk the whole route, and you'll come out just in time for lunch. If you have extra time, although Baili Dujuan (Hundred Mile Rhododendron) is best in spring, the primitive forest trails in autumn are quiet and uncrowded, perfect for a lung-cleansing hike. 📍 The small market at the exit of Zhijin Cave sells local fried potatoes and sour soup rice. It's cheap and filling, and much more practical than the restaurants at the entrance of the scenic area. ⚠️ There are many steps inside the cave, and they are slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and don't wear high heels—I've seen people sprain their ankles with my own eyes. The Mid-Autumn moon is round everywhere, but the mood and backdrop for viewing it are different in each place. Of these 8 places, I personally prefer Heihe and Linxia—one is crisp and cold, the other vast and desolate. Where do you plan to watch the moon? Let's chat in the comments.

01 Ningbo | Zhejiang August in Ningbo is sweltering during the day, but the Tianyi Pavilion and Yuehu Lake area is particularly pleasant in the mornings and evenings. Arrive at Tianyi Pavilion before 9 am, before the crowds arrive. A breeze rustles through the gray bricks and tiles, and the wooden doors of the library creak – more refreshing than any air conditioning. Yuehu Lake is nearby; a walk around it takes only forty minutes. The dense shade of the plane trees along the lake is perfect for sitting and daydreaming. 🍜 At noon, you can detour to the vicinity of the City God Temple for a bowl of Fenghua beef noodles. The broth is clear, the beef is tender, and a bowl costs only around twenty yuan. ⚠️ Tianyi Pavilion gets very crowded in the afternoon; taking photos is a race against time, so it's recommended to go early. If you still have energy in the afternoon, take a taxi directly to the Xikou Tengtou Tourist Area. The journey takes about an hour. The old houses around Chiang Kai-shek's former residence are mostly shady, making for a leisurely stroll. The ancient town of Qiantong is quieter, with cobblestone streets and streams crisscrossing the landscape. The light is perfect after 5 pm, and sitting under the eaves of old houses watching villagers wash clothes and cook is incredibly charming. Back in the city at night, you can stroll through the night market along the Drum Tower, but avoid buying those "old Ningbo specialty" gift boxes; they're not good value. 02 Shigatse | Tibet Speaking of Shigatse, many people's first thought is Mount Everest, but going to Everest Base Camp in August is not for everyone. My advice is to focus on Tashilhunpo Monastery. Enter the monastery after 3 pm; the sunlight shines obliquely on the white walls, and the chanting of monks emanates from the halls, creating a sense of tranquility. There are many steps inside the monastery, so walk slowly; an altitude of 3800 meters is no joke. 🚄 From Shigatse city to Tashilhunpo Monastery, a taxi ride costs only the starting fare, but avoid the "guides" soliciting customers at the entrance; their pricing is opaque. If you plan to see Mount Everest the next day, I recommend joining a two-day tour. Departing at 4:30 AM, you'll arrive at the Jiawula Pass just in time for sunrise. ⚠️ The tent camps at Everest Base Camp are only a few degrees Celsius at night, so bring a thick sleeping bag. Don't believe the camp owner who says "the blankets are warm enough." The viewpoint next to Rongbuk Monastery offers the best view, but it's windy, so make sure your hat is tightly fastened. On the way back, remember to stop by Gangga Town for a bowl of Tibetan noodles—it's only five yuan a bowl, and the broth is made from yak bones—much more authentic than many popular restaurants in Lhasa. 03 Baise | Guangxi Summer in Baise is like a sudden downpour in the sweltering heat. Haokun Lake is best visited in the morning; the water is emerald green. Rent a bamboo raft and paddle slowly, the mountain reflections mirrored in the water, and a cool breeze rising from your feet. ⏰ Be sure to arrive at Tongling Grand Canyon before 2 PM, as the canyon will be shrouded in mist in the afternoon. The waterfall cascades down from a 188-meter-high cliff, and the mist is refreshing, even cooler than an air-conditioned room. 📍 There's a viewing platform halfway down the boardwalk at the canyon entrance. Don't rush to take pictures; continue walking down, as the wind is stronger and the mist is denser at the bottom of the canyon. ⚠️ The boardwalk is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals. Chengbi Lake is best visited in the evening. There's a farmhouse restaurant by the lake; order a steamed swordfish—the fish is so tender you can barely hold it with chopsticks—around 50 RMB per person. Stay overnight in Baise city; hotels are cheap, with decent rooms available for 200-300 RMB. The next morning, you can go to Jiefang Street for rice noodle rolls—freshly steamed rice noodles wrapped with minced meat and bean sprouts, drizzled with yellow pepper sauce—a tangy and spicy appetizer. 04 Linxia | Gansu Summer in Linxia is surprisingly cool in the mornings and evenings, unlike typical Northwest China. The best time to visit Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is after 4 PM, when the sun isn't so strong and the breeze from the reservoir is refreshingly misty. A speedboat ride around the Liujiaxia Reservoir takes about half an hour, and you'll witness the spectacular sight of the Yellow River suddenly turning green – a striking blue-green against the backdrop of the loess mountains, almost unreal. ⚠️ Be aware that speedboats can splash water, so be sure to cover your phone and camera with waterproof bags. Bingling Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, is next door, a 40-minute boat ride away. The grottoes are carved into red sandstone cliffs, and the Buddha statue in Cave 169 is more impressive than expected, but the walkways are narrow, so those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution. 🚄 A taxi ride from Linxia city to Liujiaxia takes about an hour, and a round trip by car costs around 200 yuan; sharing a ride is more economical. Back in the city in the evening, be sure to try the Dongxiang hand-pulled mutton; the ribs are the most flavorful, dipped in salt and pepper, and served with a bowl of Sanpaotai (a type of fermented tea) – a refreshing and comforting dish. 05 Anshan | Liaoning August is the perfect time to visit Qianshan Mountain in Anshan. The temperature is six or seven degrees Celsius lower than in the city, and the dense shade blocks out the sunlight. Entering the mountain from Wuliang Temple at 7 am, the path is completely shaded by pine and locust trees on both sides, and you won't even break a sweat after half an hour. 🍜 There's a vegetarian restaurant near Longquan Temple halfway up the mountain. Their bean products are so good they taste like meat. A bowl of vegetarian noodles costs ten yuan, and the broth is so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl clean. ⚠️ Don't trust the herbal medicine stalls selling "Qianshan specialties" at the foot of the mountain; they're mostly sourced from elsewhere. Reaching the Tianshangtian Scenic Area, the view opens up dramatically. The distant peaks stand like swords, and the wind is so strong it blows your hat away, but it's incredibly cool. For those with average stamina, you can return via the same route at Jiabianshi. The entire trip takes about three hours. After descending the mountain in the afternoon, head to the city center. The Anshan Museum is free; the exhibits are limited, but the air conditioning is strong, making it a good place to rest. For dinner, have some Niuzhuang meat pies—thin crust, generous filling, three yuan each, served with a bowl of hot and sour soup—very comforting. 06 Anyang | Henan August in Anyang is hot, but the Taihang Grand Canyon is a completely different world. It's an hour and a half drive from the city, and the temperature drops ten degrees Celsius upon entering the mountains; the streams are bone-chillingly cold. 📍 Peach Blossom Valley is the highlight. Walking along the boardwalk, waterfalls come one after another; the mist on your face is more effective than any spray. Reaching Huanglongtan, the water is blue-green; you can take off your shoes and wade in the water, but the stones are slippery, so watch your step. ⚠️ The light in the canyon dims after 3 PM, resulting in poor photo quality; try to enter the canyon in the morning. Yinxu is better visited in the afternoon. The indoor exhibition halls are numerous, and the displays of bronzes and oracle bone inscriptions are truly impressive, especially the owl-shaped bronze vessel unearthed from the tomb of Fu Hao—its lines are so beautiful they don't seem to date back 3,000 years. 🚄 A taxi from Anyang East Station to Taihang Grand Canyon costs about 150 yuan; sharing a ride is cheaper. In the evening, return to the city center and eat flat rice noodles near Wenfeng Pagoda. Sweet potato noodles with pig's blood, plus a spoonful of chili oil, cost 10 yuan and are all you can eat. 07 Nanchang | Jiangxi August in Nanchang is unbearably hot during the day, so you must visit Tengwang Pavilion in the evening. Enter at 5:30 pm, take the elevator to the top floor, and the entire Gan River is below you. The wind blowing from the river, carrying moisture, is quite refreshing. As the sun begins to set, the river turns golden, and the lights of Tengwang Pavilion illuminate. At that moment, you truly understand the saying "The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together"—it's no exaggeration. ⚠️ Tengwang Pavilion closes at 8 PM, so don't plan to stay inside for too long. 🍜 After enjoying the night view, walk ten minutes to Shengjinta Food Street and have a bowl of Nanchang clay pot soup. The meatball soup is the classic, paired with a side of spicy mixed noodles—it's spicy enough, and costs around 20 RMB per person. The next morning, you can visit the Jiangxi Provincial Museum. It's free, but you need to make a reservation through their official WeChat account. The gold artifacts from the Haihunhou Tomb are impressive. The exhibition hall is well-air-conditioned, perfect for escaping the sun. In the afternoon, go to the Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural District. The old buildings have been renovated, but the snacks in the alleys still have their original flavors. The white sugar cake and thick soup are worth trying. 08 Jincheng | Shanxi Summer in Jincheng is much cooler than in Henan and Hebei. The Huangcheng Xiangfu Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area is a must-see. Rush in as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM, before the tour groups arrive, and explore the inner courtyard of the Xiangfu. The brick and wood carvings are exquisite; every doorway deserves a five-minute look. ⏰ After 10 AM, tour groups started arriving, and the area became incredibly crowded, significantly diminishing the experience. We had lunch at the Xiangfu Manor outside the scenic area; the average cost was 40-50 RMB per person. The dishes weren't amazing, but the portions were generous. In the afternoon, we went to the nearby Jiunüxian Lake. It was a 15-minute electric cart ride from the scenic area entrance. The lake was emerald green, and a boat ride around it took 40 minutes. It was windy, so remember to bring a light jacket. ⚠️ The tickets for Huangcheng Xiangfu and Jiunüxian Lake are separate; don't buy a combined ticket, it's not worth it. 🍜 In the evening, we returned to Jincheng city and went to South Street for a bowl of Yangcheng Zha Ge (a type of noodle dish). It's vermicelli with pig's blood and tofu, the broth is rich, and with a sesame flatbread, it's a 10 RMB meal that's enough to fill you up. For escaping the heat in August, these eight places are ones I've personally tested that are "less crowded, beautiful, and cool." If you only have three to five days of vacation, I personally recommend Baise and Linxia—one with southern mountains and water, the other with northwestern scenery, each offering its own unique way of cooling off. Let's chat in the comments section: Which destination would you most like to visit first? 01 Ningbo | Zhejiang August in Ningbo is sweltering during the day, but the Tianyi Pavilion and Yuehu Lake area is particularly pleasant in the mornings and evenings. Arrive at Tianyi Pavilion before 9 AM, before the crowds arrive. A breeze rustles through the gray bricks and tiles, and the wooden doors of the library creak – more refreshing than any air conditioning. Yuehu Lake is right next door; a walk around it takes only forty minutes. The dense shade of the plane trees along the lake is perfect for sitting and daydreaming. 🍜 At noon, you can detour to the vicinity of the City God Temple for a bowl of Fenghua beef noodles. The broth is clear, the beef is tender, and a bowl costs only around twenty yuan. ⚠️ Tianyi Pavilion gets extremely crowded in the afternoon; taking photos is a race against time, so it's recommended to go early. If you still have energy in the afternoon, take a taxi directly to the Xikou Tengtou Tourist Area. The journey takes about an hour. The old houses around Chiang Kai-shek's former residence are mostly shady, making for a leisurely stroll. The ancient town of Qiantong is quieter, with cobblestone streets and streams crisscrossing the landscape. The light is perfect after 5 pm, and sitting under the eaves of old houses watching villagers wash clothes and cook is incredibly charming. Back in the city at night, you can stroll through the night market along the Drum Tower, but avoid buying those "old Ningbo specialty" gift boxes; they're not good value. 02 Shigatse | Tibet Speaking of Shigatse, many people's first thought is Mount Everest, but going to Everest Base Camp in August is not for everyone. My advice is to focus on Tashilhunpo Monastery. Enter the monastery after 3 pm; the sunlight shines obliquely on the white walls, and the chanting of monks emanates from the halls, creating a sense of tranquility. There are many steps inside the monastery, so walk slowly; an altitude of 3800 meters is no joke. 🚄 From Shigatse city to Tashilhunpo Monastery, a taxi ride costs only the starting fare, but avoid the "guides" soliciting customers at the entrance; their pricing is opaque. If you plan to see Mount Everest the next day, I recommend joining a two-day tour. Departing at 4:30 AM, you'll arrive at the Jiawula Pass just in time for sunrise. ⚠️ The tent camps at Everest Base Camp are only a few degrees Celsius at night, so bring a thick sleeping bag. Don't believe the camp owner who says "the blankets are warm enough." The viewpoint next to Rongbuk Monastery offers the best view, but it's windy, so make sure your hat is tightly fastened. On the way back, remember to stop by Gangga Town for a bowl of Tibetan noodles—it's only five yuan a bowl, and the broth is made from yak bones—much more authentic than many popular restaurants in Lhasa. 03 Baise | Guangxi Summer in Baise is like a sudden downpour in the sweltering heat. Haokun Lake is best visited in the morning; the water is emerald green. Rent a bamboo raft and paddle slowly, the mountain reflections mirrored in the water, and a cool breeze rising from your feet. ⏰ Be sure to arrive at Tongling Grand Canyon before 2 PM, as the canyon will be shrouded in mist in the afternoon. The waterfall cascades down from a 188-meter-high cliff, and the mist is refreshing, even cooler than an air-conditioned room. 📍 There's a viewing platform halfway down the boardwalk at the canyon entrance. Don't rush to take pictures; continue walking down, as the wind is stronger and the mist is denser at the bottom of the canyon. ⚠️ The boardwalk is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals. Chengbi Lake is best visited in the evening. There's a farmhouse restaurant by the lake; order a steamed swordfish—the fish is so tender you can barely hold it with chopsticks—around 50 RMB per person. Stay overnight in Baise city; hotels are cheap, with decent rooms available for 200-300 RMB. The next morning, you can go to Jiefang Street for rice noodle rolls—freshly steamed rice noodles wrapped with minced meat and bean sprouts, drizzled with yellow pepper sauce—a tangy and spicy appetizer. 04 Linxia | Gansu Summer in Linxia is surprisingly cool in the mornings and evenings, unlike typical Northwest China. The best time to visit Liujiaxia Tourist Resort is after 4 PM, when the sun isn't so strong and the breeze from the reservoir is refreshingly misty. A speedboat ride around the Liujiaxia Reservoir takes about half an hour, and you'll witness the spectacular sight of the Yellow River suddenly turning green – a striking blue-green against the backdrop of the loess mountains, almost unreal. ⚠️ Be aware that speedboats can splash water, so be sure to cover your phone and camera with waterproof bags. Bingling Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, is next door, a 40-minute boat ride away. The grottoes are carved into red sandstone cliffs, and the Buddha statue in Cave 169 is more impressive than expected, but the walkways are narrow, so those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution. 🚄 A taxi ride from Linxia city to Liujiaxia takes about an hour, and a round trip by car costs around 200 yuan; sharing a ride is more economical. Back in the city in the evening, be sure to try the Dongxiang hand-pulled mutton; the ribs are the most flavorful, dipped in salt and pepper, and served with a bowl of Sanpaotai (a type of fermented tea) – a refreshing and comforting dish. 05 Anshan | Liaoning August is the perfect time to visit Qianshan Mountain in Anshan. The temperature is six or seven degrees Celsius lower than in the city, and the dense shade blocks out the sunlight. Entering the mountain from Wuliang Temple at 7 am, the path is completely shaded by pine and locust trees on both sides, and you won't even break a sweat after half an hour. 🍜 There's a vegetarian restaurant near Longquan Temple halfway up the mountain. Their bean products are so good they taste like meat. A bowl of vegetarian noodles costs ten yuan, and the broth is so delicious you'll want to lick the bowl clean. ⚠️ Don't trust the herbal medicine stalls selling "Qianshan specialties" at the foot of the mountain; they're mostly sourced from elsewhere. Reaching the Tianshangtian Scenic Area, the view opens up dramatically. The distant peaks stand like swords, and the wind is so strong it blows your hat away, but it's incredibly cool. For those with average stamina, you can return via the same route at Jiabianshi. The entire trip takes about three hours. After descending the mountain in the afternoon, head to the city center. The Anshan Museum is free; the exhibits are limited, but the air conditioning is strong, making it a good place to rest. For dinner, have some Niuzhuang meat pies—thin crust, generous filling, three yuan each, served with a bowl of hot and sour soup—very comforting. 06 Anyang | Henan August in Anyang is hot, but the Taihang Grand Canyon is a completely different world. It's an hour and a half drive from the city, and the temperature drops ten degrees Celsius upon entering the mountains; the streams are bone-chillingly cold. 📍 Peach Blossom Valley is the highlight. Walking along the boardwalk, waterfalls come one after another; the mist on your face is more effective than any spray. Reaching Huanglongtan, the water is blue-green; you can take off your shoes and wade in the water, but the stones are slippery, so watch your step. ⚠️ The light in the canyon dims after 3 PM, resulting in poor photo quality; try to enter the canyon in the morning. Yinxu is better visited in the afternoon. The indoor exhibition halls are numerous, and the displays of bronzes and oracle bone inscriptions are truly impressive, especially the owl-shaped bronze vessel unearthed from the tomb of Fu Hao—its lines are so beautiful they don't seem to date back 3,000 years. 🚄 A taxi from Anyang East Station to Taihang Grand Canyon costs about 150 yuan; sharing a ride is cheaper. In the evening, return to the city center and eat flat rice noodles near Wenfeng Pagoda. Sweet potato noodles with pig's blood, plus a spoonful of chili oil, cost 10 yuan and are all you can eat. 07 Nanchang | Jiangxi August in Nanchang is unbearably hot during the day, so you must visit Tengwang Pavilion in the evening. Enter at 5:30 pm, take the elevator to the top floor, and the entire Gan River is below you. The wind blowing from the river, carrying moisture, is quite refreshing. As the sun begins to set, the river turns golden, and the lights of Tengwang Pavilion illuminate. At that moment, you truly understand the saying "The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together"—it's no exaggeration. ⚠️ Tengwang Pavilion closes at 8 PM, so don't plan to stay inside for too long. 🍜 After enjoying the night view, walk ten minutes to Shengjinta Food Street and have a bowl of Nanchang clay pot soup. The meatball soup is the classic, paired with a side of spicy mixed noodles—it's spicy enough, and costs around 20 RMB per person. The next morning, you can visit the Jiangxi Provincial Museum. It's free, but you need to make a reservation through their official WeChat account. The gold artifacts from the Haihunhou Tomb are impressive. The exhibition hall is well-air-conditioned, perfect for escaping the sun. In the afternoon, go to the Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural District. The old buildings have been renovated, but the snacks in the alleys still have their original flavors. The white sugar cake and thick soup are worth trying. 08 Jincheng | Shanxi Summer in Jincheng is much cooler than in Henan and Hebei. The Huangcheng Xiangfu Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area is a must-see. Rush in as soon as it opens at 8:30 AM, before the tour groups arrive, and explore the inner courtyard of the Xiangfu. The brick and wood carvings are exquisite; every doorway deserves a five-minute look. ⏰ After 10 AM, tour groups started arriving, and the area became incredibly crowded, significantly diminishing the experience. We had lunch at the Xiangfu Manor outside the scenic area; the average cost was 40-50 RMB per person. The dishes weren't amazing, but the portions were generous. In the afternoon, we went to the nearby Jiunüxian Lake. It was a 15-minute electric cart ride from the scenic area entrance. The lake was emerald green, and a boat ride around it took 40 minutes. It was windy, so remember to bring a light jacket. ⚠️ The tickets for Huangcheng Xiangfu and Jiunüxian Lake are separate; don't buy a combined ticket, it's not worth it. 🍜 In the evening, we returned to Jincheng city and went to South Street for a bowl of Yangcheng Zha Ge (a type of noodle dish). It's vermicelli with pig's blood and tofu, the broth is rich, and with a sesame flatbread, it's a 10 RMB meal that's enough to fill you up. For escaping the heat in August, these eight places are ones I've personally tested that are "less crowded, beautiful, and cool." If you only have three to five days of vacation, I personally recommend Baise and Linxia—one with southern mountains and water, the other with northwestern scenery, each offering its own unique way of cooling off. Let's chat in the comments section! Which one would you most like to visit first?

01 Wuhu | Anhui When visiting Wuhu, I recommend staying near Fantawild Adventure Park to save time traveling in the mornings and evenings. During the day, enjoy Fantawild Dreamland; the roller coasters and 4D theaters are perfect for young groups. For families with children, head to Oriental Mythology Park; the Nuwa Mending the Sky ride there will be a must-see for kids. ⚠️ Fantawild tickets vary by season, with significantly higher prices during summer vacation and holidays. Check the official website for the day's price beforehand, don't buy tickets on-site. Don't just eat lunch in the park; turn right after exiting and head to "Siji Chun" on Yinhu North Road for a bowl of shrimp roe noodles—the broth is incredibly delicious! In the afternoon, when it gets hot, head back to your hotel and relax. In the evening, take a stroll through Jiuzi Ancient Town; admission is free, and the night view is even more beautiful than during the day. 🍜 For dinner, remember to order a plate of red-skinned duck—the soul of Wuhu's late-night snacks. Crispy skin and tender meat, it's perfect with beer. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Wuhu Station, then a taxi to Fangte takes about 15 minutes and costs a little over 20 yuan. 02 Weihai|Shandong I recommend exploring Weihai over three days, don't try to do too much. Dedicate the first day to Chengshantou, leaving at 6 AM to arrive before the tour groups. 📍 Enter through the Dongtianmen entrance, first walk along the seaside boardwalk. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks is very soothing. Walk to the stone monument at the end of the boardwalk and then turn back. The whole walk takes about two hours. If you have knee problems, I suggest taking the electric cart to save your energy for the afternoon. ⚠️ It's windy at the seaside, even in summer, bring a light jacket. Don't ask me how I know. On the second day, go to Huaxia City. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for a man-made scenic area, but the "Shenyou Huaxia" live-action performance at night was definitely worth the ticket price. The mountains and rivers serve as the stage, and with the lights on, it's breathtaking. During the day, treat it like a park, with beautiful scenery, suitable for taking elderly people for a leisurely stroll. Day 3 is dedicated to Liugong Island. 🚄 Take a ferry from Weihai Port; ferries depart every 20 minutes. Go early, as the return ferry queues in the afternoon can be incredibly long. The Sino-Japanese War Museum on the island is worth a serious visit; that history is more profound than any scenery. 🍜 After disembarking, head to the seafood market near the pier. Pick your own lively mantis shrimp, and have it cooked at a nearby shop. The cooking fee is calculated by weight, and it's half the price of a restaurant. ⏰ The best season is September, when the fishing season opens and the seafood is plump and cheap. Summer is crowded and expensive, not worthwhile. 03 Guangyuan|Sichuan Regarding Jianmen Pass, my conclusion is simple: enter from the South Gate and exit from the East Gate. Don't go the wrong way. Entering from the South Gate, you first need to climb the Bird Path, a narrow path on a cliff, just wide enough for one person to pass sideways, with a sheer drop below. Your palms will sweat, but it's thrilling. For those with average stamina, return the way you came after reaching the end of the Bird Path. Don't push yourself to try the Monkey Path; it costs extra and requires a safety rope. For those afraid of heights, it's just paying money to suffer. 📍 You absolutely must see the Guanlou (关楼), the very same Guanlou from the textbook known for its "one man can hold off ten thousand." Standing below and looking up, you can imagine the battles of yesteryear. 🍜 The Jianmen Tofu Feast in the ancient town at the foot of the mountain is a feast entirely made of tofu: tofu pudding, dried tofu, tofu skin. The most amazing is the "Pregnant Tofu" (孕胎豆腐), with its fragrant bean flavor wrapped around minced meat—it's incredibly delicious! ⚠️ The so-called "wild kiwis" sold by vendors in the scenic area are mostly sourced from orchards at the foot of the mountain. Don't be ripped off. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Guangyuan Station to Jianmenguan Station (about 10-15 minutes). There's a direct shuttle bus to the scenic area from the station for 5 yuan. ⏰ Autumn is highly recommended. The vibrant red leaves against the rugged mountainside are far more beautiful than the bare green of summer. 04 Nantong|Jiangsu What surprised me most about Nantong was the Haohe River, the city's moat. In other cities, moats are tourist attractions; in Nantong, the Haohe River is life itself. At six in the morning, the riverbanks are full of locals jogging and strolling. Following along, you can connect the Nantong Museum, Wenfeng Pagoda, and Tianning Temple. 📍 Start walking from Beihao Bridge south to Changqiao Bridge. This section is the most scenic. The old houses along the river are adorned with red lanterns, their reflections shimmering in the water—perfect for photos. For lunch, head to Sijie Street for snacks. The alley is so narrow that only one tricycle can pass at a time, but it's home to Nantong's most authentic hot dumplings and fried dough sticks. 🔥 The hot dumplings must be eaten hot; the crispy skin bursts with scalding meat juice—be careful not to burn your mouth! ⚠️ I personally don't recommend taking the night cruise on the Haohe River. The night view and lighting are mediocre, and the tickets aren't cheap. It's better to find a teahouse by the river in the evening and watch the sunset. 🍜 For dinner, go to "Siyi Pastry Shop," a long-established brand. Their crab roe buns and osmanthus cakes are made to order, a delightful combination of sweet and savory. 🚄 Take a taxi from Nantong Station to the Haohe Scenic Area; it's just the starting fare. ⏰ The best time to visit is in the early morning during spring and autumn, when the fog hasn't dissipated yet, and the river surface looks like it's veiled in mist. 05 Linxia|Gansu Many people have never even heard of Linxia, ​​but I remembered it after just one visit. At the Liujiaxia Tourist Resort, the first thing I saw was the Yellow River—it was green! That emerald green was mind-blowing. 📍 Take a boat trip to Bingling Temple. The journey takes about an hour. The banks are lined with Danxia landforms; the reddish-brown mountains against the green water are like a painting. The Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area is the main attraction. The Buddha statues in the grottoes date back to the Western Qin Dynasty. Standing at the foot of the Buddha, the silent sense of a thousand years is more powerful than any explanation. ⚠️ Boat trips are infrequent, with one at 10:00 AM and another at 2:00 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to charter a boat, which is several times more expensive. Check the schedule in advance. 🍜 After disembarking, head to the county town for Dongxiang hand-pulled mutton. In Linxia, ​​hand-pulled mutton is boiled in plain water and only dipped in salt and pepper; the meat is pure and fragrant, rich but not greasy. ⏰ Summer is the best time to visit; it's a great place to escape the heat, and you'll need a blanket at night. 🚄 Take the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Linxia Station, which takes a little over an hour. From there, it's about a 20-minute taxi ride to Liujiaxia. 06 Pingxiang|Jiangxi Wugong Mountain: I advise you to be mentally prepared before you set off. It's not the kind of easy mountain where you can climb up and see the scenery immediately; it requires you to earn your way up step by step. My route was as follows: On the first day, I took the cable car from Shigusi Temple to Zhong'an at noon, then hiked to Diaomazhuang. This section was the most tiring of the entire hike—steep steps, heavy backpack, and I almost questioned my existence. But when you climbed the last slope and saw the vast meadow stretching out before you, the sense of openness made it all worthwhile. I stayed overnight at the tent campsite on the Golden Summit. 📍 Remember to book in advance; during peak season, you can't get a spot on the spot. ⏰ Sunset is the highlight of the entire trip. The sea of ​​clouds surges, and the setting sun paints the meadow gold. The cold wind whips your face, but you won't want to leave. On the second day, I got up early to watch the sunrise. I got up at 5:30 am to secure a good spot; it's very crowded, and if you're late, you'll only see heads. ⚠️ The temperature difference on the mountain is significant. Short sleeves during the day and down jackets at night wouldn't be an exaggeration. A military-style overcoat costs 40 yuan, but hygiene is questionable; it's best to bring your own fleece. 🍜 After descending the mountain, I went to the city to eat Pingxiang fried noodles. They were incredibly spicy, and a bowl of mung bean porridge with them was both refreshing and invigorating. 🚄 There are direct buses from Pingxiang North Station to Wugong Mountain, departing every half hour, with a journey time of about 1 hour. 07 Jinhua|Zhejiang My biggest dilemma in Jinhua was choosing between Hengdian and Shuanglong. My answer: go to both, but choose only one scenic area in Hengdian. Hengdian World Studios has five scenic areas; even three days wouldn't be enough to visit them all. For the average person, choose either the Ming and Qing Palace or the Qingming Riverside Scene. I chose the Ming and Qing Palace because it was a filming location for "Empresses in the Palace," giving you a sense of time travel. 📍 There are small shops renting period costumes at the entrance of the scenic area; 100 yuan for a set including makeup and hair, perfect for taking great photos. ⚠️ The "film crew visit" projects within the scenic area are mostly gimmicks; don't waste your money. Shuanglong Scenic Area has a completely different feel, a natural karst cave with a year-round temperature of 18 degrees Celsius—it feels like entering a natural air-conditioned room in summer. 🍜 Be sure to try Jinhua Hot Pot in Jinhua city! The broth is rich and flavorful, and it's perfect with a side of crispy pastry. 🚄 Take bus route 5 from Jinhua Station directly to Shuanglong Cave. From Hengdian, take a shuttle bus from the Passenger Transport Center, which takes about an hour. ⏰ It's recommended to visit Shuanglong Cave in the morning when it's less crowded and the lighting effects inside are clearer. 08 Qianxinan | Guizhou Qianxinan was the biggest surprise of my trip. Two days were perfect for visiting the Malinghe Canyon and Wanfenglin. For the Malinghe Canyon, I recommend hiking the entire route, which takes about four hours. Along the way, there are over a dozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, creating a refreshing mist that feels like a natural air conditioner. 📍 When you reach the Broken Bridge section, look up and the canyon walls look like they've been cleaved by a knife—it's so spectacular it gives you goosebumps. ⚠️ The canyon is slippery; wear non-slip shoes, not flip-flops. I saw people slip and fall firsthand. The next day, I went to Wanfenglin Scenic Area. I think the most comfortable way to experience this area is to rent an electric scooter and ride it yourself, instead of taking the sightseeing bus. Wander through the villages and alleys to see the daily life of the local Buyi people. ⏰ In the evening, I went to the Bagua Field viewing platform. The sunset gilded the thousands of peaks with gold; the vastness was so breathtaking that a camera couldn't capture even a tenth of it. 🍜 At the entrance of the scenic area, I tried the egg fried rice with sour fish soup. Locals eat it this way—it's sour and spicy, very appetizing, and perfect for a long day of hiking. 🚄 It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Xingyi city to Malinghe Canyon, and about 40 minutes to Wanfenglin. Autumn is the best time to visit; the golden rice paddies paired with the dome-shaped peaks create a fairytale-like scene. A city with zero negative reviews isn't built on filters; it's about every detail standing up to scrutiny. These are eight places I'd love to visit again. Do you have a city with zero negative reviews in mind? Tell me in the comments, and I'll check it out next time.

🗓️Recommended travel dates: Sep 26–Oct 13🍂 While autumn is still subtle elsewhere, the mountains and fields of Linxia have quietly turned a warm golden hue. From late September to early October, temperatures remain stable between 9–18°C. The birch forests of Taizishan are adorned with golden light, and the Yellow River Danxia landforms are distinct under the clear autumn sky. With little rain and high visibility, the duration of this autumn spectacle may fluctuate by 3 days depending on the arrival of cold air. It offers more than just magnificent Northwest scenery. It blends millennia of painted pottery culture with unique Hezhou folk customs. Most routes are gentle and not tiring, requiring no strenuous hiking. You can take your children into the world of prehistoric creatures, stroll through ancient alleys to experience local life, and avoid the crowds. It is a niche, high-quality autumn destination for families. 🟢Per-person cost breakdown💸 1. Economy (2 adults, 1 child): CNY 1,220 Budget homestays in the city, local home-style meals, prioritizing free attractions, and choosing sightseeing vehicles as needed 2. Comfort (2 adults, 1 child): CNY 2,030 Quality family-friendly homestays, all-inclusive tickets for core attractions, and specialty light local dishes, with a relaxed travel pace 🟢Safety tips✨|Travel options🚗🚄🚌 🚗Self-driving (recommended): Attractions in Linxia are relatively scattered, making self-driving the most flexible option. You can stop anytime along the Taizishan route to enjoy the autumn mountain scenery. Most attractions have official parking lots 🚄High-speed rail (convenient): Arrive at Lanzhou West Station first, then rent a car or carpool to Linxia. Suitable for families who do not want to drive for long periods 🚙Chartered car (best choice): The top choice for families with multiple children. Offers point-to-point transfers, saving you the effort of navigating complex mountain routes and conserving energy 🚌Public transport (not recommended): Bus services between counties are infrequent and time-consuming. It is very inconvenient when traveling with strollers or children's luggage 📍Family-friendly spots (ranked, 8 total) 1️⃣⭐【Top tier・Must-visit】Kangle Birch Forest🍂 The top autumn viewing spot in Linxia. The birch forest turns completely golden in autumn, with white trunks contrasting against golden leaves, creating a great atmosphere. The forest trails are flat, making it suitable for kids to pick up fallen leaves and learn about nature. 2️⃣⭐【Top tier・Cultural core】Bafang Thirteen Alleys🏮 The core of Hezhou folk customs, featuring blue brick carvings and unique residential buildings. The streets are flat and accessible, with a rich local atmosphere. The lighting is soft in the evening, making it easy to experience Hui folk culture. 3️⃣💎【Diamond tier・Geological study】Hezheng Paleozoological Museum🦴 A world-class treasure trove of prehistoric fossils. The exhibition halls are temperature-controlled and comfortable, featuring a large number of ancient animal fossil exhibits and a children's science area. It is suitable for teaching children about prehistoric geology, and the visitor center is equipped with a nursing room. 4️⃣💎【Diamond tier・Lake view Danxia】Liujiaxia Yellow and Tao River Confluence Viewing Platform🌊 A spectacular sight where the Yellow River and the Tao River meet, complemented by the Danxia landforms along the banks. The view is wide, and the viewing platform is flat and safe. It offers stunning photo opportunities and is free to the public. 5️⃣💎【Classic tier・Ancient architecture study】Dong Mansion🏯 A well-known treasure trove of brick carving art. The courtyard is flat with no steep slopes. The exquisite brick carving patterns are perfect for explaining traditional craftsmanship to children. It is quiet and uncrowded, with a very low intensity of exploration. 6️⃣💎【Classic tier・Forest leisure】Songmingyan National Forest Park🌲 Ancient pine forests with layers of autumn colors. It features flat wooden boardwalks and babbling mountain streams. The air is fresh, making it suitable for short forest walks where you can stop and rest at any time. 7️⃣💰【Gold tier・City leisure】Hongyuan Garden🍁 A blend of Jiangnan garden style and Northwest ethnic architecture, featuring pavilions, lakes, and colorful trees. The paths are flat, and the amusement facilities are gentle, making it suitable for a relaxing stroll with children in the city. 8️⃣💰【Gold tier・Painted pottery study】Linxia Prefecture Museum🏺 The core exhibition hall for Majiayao painted pottery, housing national treasure-level artifacts. The exhibition halls are accessible, making it suitable for indoor study and a great backup option for rainy days. 🟢Relaxed family itinerary|3 days, 2 nights 📅Day 1|Stroll through the alleys, get to know Hezhou Arrive in downtown Linxia in the afternoon, check into your homestay, and slowly adapt to the dry climate here. Stroll through Bafang Thirteen Alleys in the evening and try some mild local snacks. No evening activities are scheduled to fit the children's daily routine. 📅Day 2|Seek autumn in the forest, explore ancient mysteries Head to Kangle Birch Forest early in the morning to immerse yourself in the fallen leaves and feel the autumn forest. Have a light farm-style meal nearby at noon. Visit the Hezheng Paleozoological Museum in the afternoon to start a wonderful prehistoric science tour. Take a walk in Hongyuan Garden in the evening to capture the autumn light and shadows in the city. 📅Day 3|Spectacular landscapes, enjoy the return trip After waking up, head to Liujiaxia to see the spectacular sight of the clear and yellow river waters meeting. If time permits, visit Dong Mansion on the way to appreciate the exquisite brick carving art. Enjoy some local specialties, pack your bags, and head home. 🍜Local food suitable for children✨ ▪️Milk and egg fermented glutinous rice🥣: Rich in milky fragrance, smooth and slightly sweet, suitable for all ages, and very popular with children ▪️Hezhou steamed buns🥟: Thin skin and tender filling. You can choose the mild beef and chive flavor, which is full of juice ▪️Pan-fried potatoes🥔: Dense and sweet, original flavor without heavy seasoning, suitable as a small snack on the go ▪️Hezhou warm pot🍲: Clear soup base, ingredients are soft and nourishing, with a mild flavor that is not irritating ▪️Linxia Liangpi (cold noodles)🥢: You can ask for less chili. It is smooth, chewy, refreshing, and cuts through grease 💡Essential tips for moms to avoid pitfalls 1. Avoid peak times⏰: Try to visit the Birch Forest and the Paleozoological Museum on weekdays. Enter the parks before 9:00 AM to avoid peak tour group hours 2. Accommodation location🏨: When traveling with children, prioritize homestays in downtown Linxia, which have complete shopping facilities. Temperature differences between day and night are significant in mountain areas, so confirm children's amenities with the homestay in advance 3. Rest spots🪑: Benches in the Birch Forest, museum lounges, pavilions in Hongyuan Garden, and the viewing rest area at Liujiaxia are all available for you to stop and rest at any time 4. Ticket guide🎫: Bafang Thirteen Alleys, Hongyuan Garden, and the Yellow and Tao River Confluence Viewing Platform are free. Book tickets for the Paleozoological Museum and Songmingyan online in advance to save time queuing on-site 5. Parking guide🅿️: Major attractions have official parking lots with sufficient spaces. Roadside parking in towns is limited, so prioritize parking in officially designated areas 6. Family-friendly facilities👶: The Hezheng Paleozoological Museum and the Linxia Prefecture Museum are equipped with nursing rooms, providing changing tables and warm water. Most core tour routes are flat, allowing strollers to pass through smoothly 7. Weather and clothing🍂: Temperature differences between day and night are significant in mountain areas. Wear long sleeves during the day and carry a light windbreaker. Forest trails can occasionally be slippery, so prioritize wearing non-slip shoes 8. Safety and etiquette⚠️: Touching exhibits is prohibited in museums. Do not pick wild fruits in the mountains. Keep a close eye on children at all times in viewing areas

Take your wife to these 8️⃣ places, and she'll be moved to tears! 1️⃣ Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu For Liujiaxia Tourist Resort, I suggest you skip the early morning drive. Depart from Linxia city at 10 AM; it's a 40-minute drive. Walk along the boardwalk by the Yellow River; the water is an unusually deep blue, like someone poured a bucket of paint into it. 📍 Behind the row of white houses on the west side of the pier, there's an inconspicuous viewing platform. It's almost deserted, offering a panoramic view of the reservoir and Danxia landforms, perfect for taking photos without having to fight for a spot. Have lunch at the resort entrance with a bowl of riverside noodles for 15 yuan; the broth is delicious. In the afternoon, head to Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Site. You need to take a boat to get in; the boat ticket is included in the entrance fee. ⚠️ The last return boat departs at 5 PM; don't get so engrossed in admiring the Buddha statues that you forget the time. The grottoes are carved into the red sandstone walls, and the Buddha statue is 27 meters tall. Standing at its base and looking up, you suddenly feel the weight of traveling together as a couple. Returning to town in the evening, wander through the alleyways of the Eight Squares and Thirteen Lanes. As the lanterns light up, an old man selling sweet fermented rice at the alley entrance will call you to try a bite—five yuan, cool and sweet. If you bring your wife, she might stand in front of the Buddha a little longer, so don't rush her. 2️⃣ Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture|Xinjiang This is a place to slow down and focus on one thing a day. Visit Tianchi Lake in the morning; arrive at the scenic area entrance before 9 am to avoid crowds and to see the snow-capped peaks reflected on the lake's surface. Take the shuttle bus halfway up the mountain and walk along a boardwalk. On the lakeside near the Queen Mother of the West Temple, there's a flat rock where you can sit and eat naan with yogurt, with Bogda Peak right in front of you. Descend the mountain at noon and head directly to Jiangbulak; don't linger in the county town. In the afternoon, the wheat fields are just turning yellow, and the wind makes the whole hillside seem to sway, as if the earth is turning over. 📍 At the end of the wooden boardwalk in the scenic area, there's a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the rolling wheat fields—a much better spot than any random parking lot by the roadside. Wucaiwan (Five-Colored Bay) is best visited at dusk; the sunlight slants across the Yardang landforms, changing colors rapidly from earthy yellow to ochre red—a completely different look every twenty minutes. ⚠️ Stay overnight in Changji city; avoid staying within the scenic area, as it's expensive and the conditions are generally basic. The next day, head to Tianshan. If you want to hike, only hike the Dadonggou section; it takes about two hours round trip, the slope is gentle, and your wife won't get too tired. 🍜 Have a large plate of chicken in the city that evening—the portion is so huge that two people can't finish it. Remember to ask the owner for an extra serving of belt noodles. 3️⃣ Shannan City | Tibet Yamdrok Lake—I advise you not to just go to the viewing platform. Most people just take a picture at the summit and leave. You and your wife can drive east along the lakeside road for about half an hour, until you see a grassy slope surrounded by prayer flags. The lake water here has three layers of color: mint green closer to the shore, turning blue in the middle, and a deep indigo against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Standing by the lake, the wind is strong enough to make you stumble, but the water is incredibly still—that contrast is unforgettable. ⏰ It's best to arrive before 2 PM when the sunlight is direct, making the lake most transparent. After 4 PM, the clouds thicken, and the color becomes dull. ⚠️ Don't talk to the people with Tibetan mastiffs by the lake; they charge 20 yuan for a photo. On the way back to Lhasa from Langkazi County, you'll pass the Karola Glacier. Just stop and take a couple of pictures; you don't need to buy tickets to enter the scenic area. The altitude is close to 5,000 meters. If your wife is a little breathless, don't force her. Keep an oxygen cylinder in the car; it costs 30 yuan a bottle, which is cheaper than the 60 yuan one sold at the scenic area. We'll stay overnight in Zedang Town and take a quick look at Yumbulagang Palace. No need to climb up; just take photos of the watchtowers and prayer flags from the bottom of the slope. 4️⃣ Shangluo City | Shaanxi If you only have one day, choose Jinshixia or Tianshuxia. Jinshixia is a walk along the canyon, with steps and boardwalks throughout. The sound of water accompanies you the whole way, and it's cool and perfect for summer. Enter from the scenic area gate, follow the stream upstream to Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool), and then turn back. The round trip takes about three hours. 📍 There's a large blue stone by the pool; the sunlight makes the bottom of the water transparent. Sitting there and taking off your shoes to soak your feet is more relaxing than any foot massage. Tianshuxia is a bit wilder, with narrower paths and steeper steps. If you're with your wife, I suggest only doing the first half. Just seeing the large rocks that look like stacked book pages is enough; the second half is too steep and might lead to arguments. Mancheng Pass Ancient Town can be visited in the evening. The town is small; you can walk the entire street in about twenty minutes. Baita Temple is located on the edge of town. The temple is very quiet, with an old ginkgo tree in the courtyard that turns golden in autumn. Handmade tofu sold at the temple entrance costs five yuan a pack; it's savory, chewy, and delicious. ⚠️ Restaurants in the ancient town are generally 20% more expensive. Walk a few steps further down the street, and you'll find a small shop selling thick soup noodles for ten yuan a bowl—a place frequented by locals. 5️⃣ Changzhi City | Shanxi Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon, Baquan Gorge: For first-time visitors, definitely try the waterway first, then the land route. Upon entering, take a boat. The boat travels through the canyon, flanked by sheer reddish-brown cliffs. The water is emerald green; this section is the most breathtaking part of the entire scenic area. Don't linger on the shore; save your energy for the scenery on the boat. After disembarking, walk up the boardwalk to see eight springs gushing from the rock crevices—the sound is so loud you have to shout to hear them. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 10 AM. The sunlight shines in from the east side of the canyon, giving the rock walls a golden-red hue. No filter is needed for photos. ⚠️ The sightseeing elevator in the scenic area costs 50 yuan one way. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to take it. Walking up takes only about 40 minutes, and there are several viewing platforms along the way where you can rest. The scenery is much better than being stuck in the elevator. Another section of the Taihang Grand Canyon is Qinglong Gorge. If you're short on time, Baquan Gorge is enough. Qinglong Gorge is more about hiking and has a longer trail, suitable for serious mountain climbers. 🍜 The Huguan mutton soup sold on the street near the scenic area exit costs 15 yuan a bowl, served with a sesame seed cake. After a hike, a bowl of this will revitalize you. 6️⃣ Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Don't treat Hoh Xil as just another tourist attraction. From Yushu city, drive west along National Highway 109 for about two hours. You don't need to venture deep into the reserve. Just find an open spot by the roadside, park your car, and wait quietly for a while. Tibetan antelopes will appear on the distant meadows, sometimes in groups of three or five, sometimes in small herds. The way they run is breathtaking; you'll feel like the lightest thing you've ever seen. 📍 The area near the Budongquan Protection Station is a stable observation point. There's an open space by the roadside where you can park, but don't walk in or honk your horn. ⚠️ The altitude here is above 4,500 meters, so move slowly. It's normal to be out of breath after just a few steps; don't panic. The core area of ​​the Sanjiangyuan National Park is not open to tourists, but there's a stretch of road towards Qumalai County on the outskirts where you can see the spectacular confluence of three rivers. ⏰ July and August are the Tibetan antelope calving season. If you're lucky, you might see herds of mothers with their calves. Make sure to fill up your tank before you go, as gas stations are scarce along the way, averaging only one every 100 kilometers or so. If you bring your wife, she'll quietly gaze out the window the whole way; that silence isn't boredom, it's awe. 7️⃣ Huangshi City | Hubei Province Chengyue Island is best visited in the evening. Located in the middle of Cihu Lake, it's connected to the shore by a bridge and there's no entrance fee. After 5:30 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely from the west, making the lake shimmer like scattered gold, casting long shadows on the island's pavilions, winding bridges, and weeping willows. A walk around the island takes exactly forty minutes; slow down and watch the city skyline on the opposite shore gradually light up. 📍 The wooden walkway on the east side of the island, facing the sunset, is the best spot on the entire island. ⚠️ There are no shops on the island, so bring your own water. After leaving the island in the evening, head to the night market near Huangshi Port. Grilled fish is a local specialty; a two-pound river carp, grilled until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender, paired with ice-cold beer, costs around 70-80 yuan for two people. After eating, stroll back to the hotel along the lakeside path; the cool breeze brings a real sense of happiness. 8️⃣ Laibin City | Guangxi Panwangjie in the Dayao Mountains is perfect for a leisurely hike for two. It's a half-hour drive from Jinxiu County. The thousand-year-old cedar tree in the scenic area is worth lingering over; its trunk is so thick that three people couldn't encircle it. The mountain path is well-maintained, the steps aren't steep, and there are pavilions to rest at regular intervals; even my wife wearing sandals had no problem. ⏰ In the morning, the air humidity is high, and a thin mist often rises in the mountains, making the light in the forest soft as if through a veil, resulting in naturally soft-focus photos. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is another spot; its shape truly resembles a half-open lotus flower. The hike takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. The summit offers a panoramic view of the entire Yao mountain range, layered with greenery. ⚠️ There are mobile stalls selling so-called "Yao medicine" at the foot of the mountain; don't buy from them, the quality is not guaranteed. 🍜 After descending the mountain, head to the county town for a bowl of Yao ethnic minority oil tea. It's only five yuan a bowl, with a strong ginger flavor. It warms you up completely and is perfect with glutinous rice cakes. You can stay in a guesthouse in the town for a little over a hundred yuan a night. They're clean, and the landlady will enthusiastically tell you Yao stories—whether you listen or not is up to you, but listening in bed is relaxing. Taking your wife out doesn't have to be far or expensive. The key is to make her feel that you're willing to spend time with her, to see the scenery, to get up early, walk a little further, and take a few more photos for her. These eight places are places I've personally visited and think are worth taking someone important to you. Which ones have you been to? Let's chat in the comments. Take your wife to these 8️⃣ places, and she'll be moved to tears. 1️⃣ Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Gansu Liujiaxia Tourist Resort: I suggest you give up on getting up early. We departed from Linxia city at 10 AM, a 40-minute drive away. Walking along the boardwalk by the Yellow River, the water's blue was unlike anything in Northwest China; it looked like someone had poured a whole bucket of paint into it. 📍 Behind the row of white houses on the west side of the pier, there's an inconspicuous viewing platform. Almost deserted, it offers a panoramic view of the reservoir and Danxia landforms, perfect for taking photos without having to fight for a spot. At noon, we ate a bowl of riverside noodles for 15 yuan near the resort entrance; the broth was delicious. In the afternoon, we went to the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area, which requires a boat ride (the boat ticket is included in the entrance fee). ⚠️ The last return boat departs at 5 PM, so don't get so engrossed in admiring the Buddha statues that you forget the time. The grottoes are carved into the red sandstone walls, and the Buddha statue is 27 meters tall. Standing beneath it, looking up, you suddenly realize the significance of traveling together as a couple. Returning to town in the evening, wander through the alleyways of the Eight Squares and Thirteen Lanes. As soon as the lanterns light up, the old man selling sweet fermented rice at the alley entrance will call you over for a taste—five yuan, cool and sweet. Bring your wife; she might stand a little longer in front of the Buddha statue, so don't rush her. 2️⃣ Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Xinjiang This is a place to slow down and focus on one thing a day. Visit Tianchi Lake in the morning; arrive at the scenic area entrance before 9 am to avoid crowds and to see the snow-capped peaks reflected on the lake's surface. Take the shuttle bus halfway up the mountain and walk along a boardwalk. On the lakeside near the Queen Mother of the West Temple, there's a flat rock where you can sit and eat naan bread with yogurt, with Bogda Peak right in front of you. Descend the mountain at noon and head straight to Jiangbulak; don't linger in the county town. In the afternoon, the wheat fields are just turning yellow, and the wind makes the whole hillside seem to ripple, as if the earth is turning over. 📍 At the end of the wooden boardwalk in the scenic area, there's a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the rolling wheat fields—a much better spot than any random parking lot by the roadside. Wucaiwan (Five-Colored Bay) is best visited at dusk; the sunlight slants across the Yardang landforms, changing colors rapidly from earthy yellow to ochre red—a different look every twenty minutes or so. ⚠️ Stay overnight in Changji city, not inside the scenic area; it's expensive and the conditions are generally basic. The next day, head to Tianshan. If you want to hike, just hike the Dadonggou section; it takes about two hours round trip, the slope is gentle, and your wife won't get too tired. 🍜 Have a big plate of chicken in the city that evening—the portion is so large that two people can't finish it. Remember to ask the owner for an extra serving of belt noodles. 3️⃣ Shannan City | Tibet At Yamdrok Lake, I advise you not to just go to the viewing platform. Most people take a picture at the top and leave. Drive east along the lakeside road with your wife for about half an hour, and you'll see a grassy slope surrounded by prayer flags. The lake here has three distinct color layers: mint green near the shore, turning blue in the middle, and a deep indigo against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Standing by the lake, the wind is strong enough to make you stumble, but the water is incredibly still—a contrast you'll remember for a long time. ⏰ It's best to arrive before 2 PM when the sunlight is direct, making the lake most transparent. After 4 PM, the clouds thicken, and the color becomes dull. ⚠️ Don't talk to the people with Tibetan mastiffs by the lake; they charge 20 yuan per photo. On the way back to Lhasa from Langkazi County, you'll pass the Karola Glacier. Just stop for a couple of photos; no need to buy tickets to enter the scenic area. The altitude is close to 5,000 meters. If your wife is a little breathless, don't push her. Keep an oxygen cylinder in the car; it costs 30 yuan a bottle, much cheaper than the 60 yuan one sold in the scenic area. Stay overnight in Tsetang Town and visit Yumbulagang Palace. You don't need to climb up; just take photos of the watchtowers and prayer flags from the bottom of the slope—they'll be perfect for photos. 4️⃣ Shangluo City | Shaanxi Golden Silk Gorge and Heavenly Book Gorge: If you only have one day, choose Golden Silk Gorge. Golden Silk Gorge is a walk along the gorge, with steps and boardwalks throughout, and the sound of water accompanies you the whole way. It's cool and perfect for summer. Enter from the scenic area gate, follow the stream upstream to Black Dragon Pool, and then turn back; the round trip takes about three hours. 📍 There's a large blue stone by the pool; the sunlight makes the bottom of the water transparent. Sit there, take off your shoes, and soak your feet—it's more relaxing than any foot massage. Heavenly Book Gorge is a bit wilder; the path is narrower and the steps are steeper. If you're going with your wife, I suggest only doing the first half—just seeing those large rocks that look like stacked book pages is enough. The second half is too steep and might lead to arguments. Mancheng Pass Ancient Town can be visited in the evening; the town is small, and you can walk the entire street in about twenty minutes. Baita Temple is located on the edge of town. The temple is very quiet, with an old ginkgo tree in the courtyard that turns golden in autumn. Handmade tofu sold at the temple entrance costs five yuan a pack; it's savory, chewy, and delicious. ⚠️ Restaurants in the ancient town are generally 20% more expensive. Walk a few steps further down the street, and you'll find a small shop selling thick soup noodles for ten yuan a bowl—a place frequented by locals. 5️⃣ Changzhi City | Shanxi Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon, Baquan Gorge: For first-time visitors, definitely try the waterway first, then the land route. Upon entering, take a boat. The boat travels through the canyon, flanked by sheer reddish-brown cliffs. The water is emerald green; this section is the most breathtaking part of the entire scenic area. Don't linger on the shore; save your energy for the scenery on the boat. After disembarking, walk up the boardwalk to see eight springs gushing from the rock crevices—the sound is so loud you have to shout to hear them. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 10 AM. The sunlight shines in from the east side of the canyon, giving the rock walls a golden-red hue. No filter is needed for photos. ⚠️ The sightseeing elevator in the scenic area costs 50 yuan one way. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to take it. Walking up takes only about 40 minutes, and there are several viewing platforms along the way where you can rest. The scenery is much better than being stuck in the elevator. Another section of the Taihang Grand Canyon is Qinglong Gorge. If you're short on time, Baquan Gorge is enough. Qinglong Gorge is more about hiking and has a longer trail, suitable for serious mountain climbers. 🍜 The Huguan mutton soup sold on the street near the scenic area exit costs 15 yuan a bowl, served with a sesame seed cake. After a hike, a bowl of this will revitalize you. 6️⃣ Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture|Qinghai Don't treat Hoh Xil as just another tourist attraction. From Yushu city, drive west along National Highway 109 for about two hours. You don't need to venture deep into the reserve. Just find an open spot by the roadside, park your car, and wait quietly for a while. Tibetan antelopes will appear on the distant meadows, sometimes in groups of three or five, sometimes in small herds. The way they run is breathtaking; you'll feel like the lightest thing you've ever seen. 📍 The area near the Budongquan Protection Station is a stable observation point. There's an open space by the roadside where you can park, but don't walk in or honk your horn. ⚠️ The altitude here is above 4,500 meters, so move slowly. It's normal to be out of breath after just a few steps; don't panic. The core area of ​​the Sanjiangyuan National Park is not open to tourists, but there's a stretch of road towards Qumalai County on the outskirts where you can see the spectacular confluence of three rivers. ⏰ July and August are the Tibetan antelope calving season. If you're lucky, you might see herds of mothers with their calves. Make sure to fill up your tank before you go, as gas stations are scarce along the way, averaging only one every 100 kilometers or so. If you bring your wife, she'll quietly gaze out the window the whole way; that silence isn't boredom, it's awe. 7️⃣ Huangshi City | Hubei Province Chengyue Island is best visited in the evening. Located in the middle of Cihu Lake, it's connected to the shore by a bridge and there's no entrance fee. After 5:30 PM, the sunlight shines obliquely from the west, making the lake shimmer like scattered gold, casting long shadows on the island's pavilions, winding bridges, and weeping willows. A walk around the island takes exactly forty minutes; slow down and watch the city skyline on the opposite shore gradually light up. 📍 The wooden walkway on the east side of the island, facing the sunset, is the best spot on the entire island. ⚠️ There are no shops on the island, so bring your own water. After leaving the island in the evening, head to the night market near Huangshi Port. Grilled fish is a local specialty; a two-pound river carp, grilled until the skin is crisp and the meat is tender, paired with ice-cold beer, costs around 70-80 yuan for two people. After eating, stroll back to the hotel along the lakeside path; the cool breeze brings a real sense of happiness. 8️⃣ Laibin City | Guangxi Panwangjie in the Dayao Mountains is perfect for a leisurely hike for two. It's a half-hour drive from Jinxiu County. The thousand-year-old cedar tree in the scenic area is worth lingering over; its trunk is so thick that three people couldn't encircle it. The mountain path is well-maintained, the steps aren't steep, and there are pavilions to rest at regular intervals; even my wife wearing sandals had no problem. ⏰ In the morning, the air humidity is high, and a thin mist often rises in the mountains, making the light in the forest soft as if through a veil, resulting in naturally soft-focus photos. Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is another spot; its shape truly resembles a half-open lotus flower. The hike takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. The summit offers a panoramic view of the entire Yao mountain range, layered with greenery. ⚠️ There are mobile stalls selling so-called "Yao medicine" at the foot of the mountain; don't buy from them, the quality is not guaranteed. 🍜 After descending the mountain, head to the county town for a bowl of Yao ethnic minority oil tea. It's only five yuan a bowl, with a strong ginger flavor. It warms you up completely and is perfect with some glutinous rice cakes. You can stay in a guesthouse in the town for a little over a hundred yuan a night. They're clean, and the landlady will enthusiastically tell you Yao stories—whether you listen or not is up to you, but listening in bed is relaxing. Taking your wife out doesn't have to be far or expensive. The key is to make her feel that you're willing to spend time with her, to see the scenery, and to get up early, walk a little further, and take a few more photos for her. These eight places are ones I've personally visited and think are worth taking someone important to you. Which ones have you been to? Let's chat in the comments.

Off-peak travel in September–October: these 8 places are uncrowded and beautiful. If you've been to 3, it's worth it. 01 Tianjin Tianjin in September: the sea breeze blows away half the summer heat, making it perfect for wandering around the Five Great Avenues. Don't just hop on a carriage right away. Dive in, follow Machang Road to Munan Road. The sycamore leaves on the street are starting to turn yellow, and the old men sunning themselves by the Western-style buildings are more useful than a GPS. 📍 The jianbing guozi stand at the intersection of Changde Road and Xikang Road: mung bean batter, made to order, stuffed with crispy fried dough. Go at 8:00 AM to avoid the line. Eat it while it's hot; the edges are so crispy they crumble. In the afternoon, head straight to the Italian Style Town, but honestly, it's better for photos than for dining. The small shops near Marco Polo Square are overpriced; a simple Americano costs CNY 40, which I don't recommend. ⚠️ If there's no concert or game at the Olympic Center Stadium, you can't enter the outer venues, so don't make the trip for nothing. 02 Haikou | Haikou Haikou isn't for "playing," it's for "living." In October, rain in Haikou comes and goes quickly; you have to learn to head out in the gaps, just like the locals. If it's not raining in the morning, go straight to Qilou Old Street. Don't rush to explore the main street; turn into the small alleys next to Bo'ai North Road. The walls are mottled and full of character. The small stalls under the arcades selling pickled noodles—a bowl with beef jerky, the sour bamboo shoot smell hits you right in the face—it's refreshing. When it gets hot at noon, hide in the Five Officials Temple. The greenery here is excellent, with ancient trees shading the sky. It honors five historical figures. I won't go into the history, but the quietness is like a different world from the outside. ⚠️ Don't buy the "volcano chicken" at the entrance of the Volcano Park; it's expensive and mediocre. 03 Zaozhuang | Shandong Taierzhuang Ancient Town: I advise you to enter after 3:00 PM. It's sunny and empty during the day. Wait until 5:00 or 6:00 PM when the lanterns light up one by one and the canal reflects the red glow; that's when it feels right. The ancient town ticket costs over 100, which honestly isn't cheap, but if you stay until after 9:00 PM to see the night view, it's worth the price. Don't wander aimlessly the first time. Enter and follow the main street east to Boat-shaped Street, then turn back toward the Catholic Church. The ancient town is crisscrossed with waterways. 📍 After crossing Guangji Bridge, there's a small alley on the right. Go in and find the vegetable pancake stand. It's CNY 10 per serving, golden and crispy, stuffed with vermicelli and chives. It's much tastier than the heavy dishes you'd order at a restaurant outside. 04 Yongzhou | Hunan Shangantang Ancient Village: you might not have heard of this name, but that's exactly why it's worth visiting. The history of this village can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, and the Zhou clan has lived here for generations. The Buying Bridge at the village entrance has bluestone slabs polished smooth by footsteps. The Xie-Mu River flows slowly under the bridge, and women wash clothes on the bank. The sound of the wooden clubs hitting the clothes one by one seems to slow down time. Go in October; the rice fields have just been harvested, and the air is mixed with the smell of straw and cow dung. Don't be put off by the dirt; this is what the countryside is really like. There's no admission fee to enter the village. Follow the ancient post road inside to see old houses from the Ming Dynasty. Although the wood carvings on the lintels are damaged, the details are still exquisite. ⚠️ The ancient village hasn't been overdeveloped, so there are no decent restaurants. I suggest eating your fill in the county town before coming, or bringing your own food. 05 Taizhou | Zhejiang Taizhou is magical because it has mountains, the sea, and an ancient city all at once. In September, Tiantai Mountain is very misty. Enter the mountain in the morning; the Shiliang Waterfall has a high water volume, and the mist hits your face, with the chill seeping directly into your skin. Don't rush to take the cable car; the walk from the entrance to the waterfall is only 20 minutes. The vegetation along the way is dense, and there are plenty of negative oxygen ions. Head down the mountain at noon and have a vegetarian meal at Guoqing Temple. The temple is filled with the scent of incense and food. It's CNY 10 per serving, but the communal dishes are made exceptionally fresh. After eating, you can stroll around the temple. The Sui Pagoda stands outside the courtyard wall; it's been there for 1,000 years and still looks the same. ⚠️ Shenxianju is in Xianju County, which is a highway drive away from the Linhai city area. If you only have one day, I suggest choosing one or the other. 06 Xining | Qinghai In Xining from September to early October, the temperature difference between morning and evening can reach over 10 degrees. You can wear short sleeves at noon, but you'll need a down jacket as soon as the sun goes down. The city itself is at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Most people won't get altitude sickness, but don't shower or exercise vigorously on the first day; let your body adapt first. Ta'er Monastery is a must-visit, but you need to do some homework before you go, otherwise, you're just skimming the surface. The butter sculptures, murals, and embroidery are the "three artistic wonders" of Ta'er Monastery. Especially the butter sculptures, which the monks mold in ice water; the level of detail is something photos just can't capture. ⚠️ Many halls in the monastery do not allow photography. There are signs at the entrance, so don't break the rules knowingly. Hire a guide; it costs a few dozen yuan per person if you join a group, otherwise, you really won't understand the stories behind those Buddha statues and thangkas. 07 Altay | Xinjiang Kanas in October is the kind of place where you'd suspect a filter was used if you saw it on social media, but seeing it in person makes you think, "So beauty really can be this unreasonable." The birch forests have all turned yellow, and the larch trees have turned golden brown. The lake water is an unreal blue-green on sunny days. The Moon Bay section looks like a gemstone embedded in the valley. Don't just stare at the Guanyutai (Fish Watching Pavilion); although it has the best view, those 1,000+ steps are no joke. I recommend walking along the wooden boardwalk from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay, which is about 2 kilometers. The path follows the lake, it's uncrowded, the scenery is beautiful, there's soft fallen leaves under your feet, and the air smells of cold pine resin. 08 Linxia | Gansu Linxia is a place many people pass through on their way to Gannan, but it's a pity if you only treat it as a transit stop. In autumn, the water level of Liujiaxia Reservoir drops, revealing stretches of ochre-red earth forests. Taking a boat through them, with steep cliffs on both sides and the water a clear, emerald green, feels like traveling through a painting when the sun shines. 📍 Take a speedboat from the reservoir dam; it takes about an hour round trip. Chartering a boat costs around CNY 300, and it can seat five or six people, so it's not expensive per person. Bingling Temple is right by the reservoir, and you have to take a boat to get there. This grotto temple is hidden on the cliffs along the Yellow River. It was first excavated in the Western Qin Dynasty, over 1,600 years ago. The Great Buddha is 27 meters high. Standing at its feet and looking up, the shock of traveling through time is hard to describe in words. travel gems trip experience