Reverse Travel List: 8 Stunning Cities That Are Affordable and Comfortable
I've seen too many cities, all the same by day, a dazzling spectacle at night. But there are always a few, each with its own unique character, neither pandering to anyone nor rushing to prove themselves. These eight cities, some captivated me with their food, others silenced me with their breathtaking scenery. Having visited half of them, your understanding of the word "tourism" will be pretty much complete.
01 Bazhong | Sichuan
Guangwu Mountain, its name is truly fitting. At five in the morning, mist rises from the foot of the mountain, completely shrouding the entire red leaf forest. Standing halfway up, you can feel the damp coolness. When the sun comes out and the mist dissipates, the red leaves emerge one by one, a vibrant, almost burning red.
I arrived at three in the afternoon, the sunlight shining at a perfect angle, making the leaves seem edged with gold. Don't rush to take the cable car; take the trail from Pengjiaba, it takes two hours to reach Xianglu Mountain, and you won't be jostled along the way. It's windy at the mountaintop, remember to bring a jacket, or you'll end up shivering like I did.
Locals told me that to see the autumn leaves, you need to go between late October and mid-November; earlier and the leaves are still green, later and only bare branches remain. There are a few farmhouses at Yanzi Ridge at the foot of the mountain; their stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts and a bowl of rice cooked over a wood fire are far superior to the boxed lunches in the scenic area. If you only have one day, hike the trails in the morning and go to Black Bear Gully in the afternoon; the light will be just right, filtering through the trees, so you won't need filters for photos.
⚠️ Don't believe the touts offering "shortcuts" on the roadside; they're all unpaved paths, and you'll slip and fall.
02 Longyan|Fujian
Going to the Tulou (earthen buildings) early or late is like entering two different worlds. I entered the Yongding Tulou cluster at 8 am; the tourists hadn't arrived yet, and I could only hear roosters crowing and the creaking of wooden doors. Standing in the courtyard of Zhencheng Building and looking up, the circular sky is cut into a ring by the eaves, and the sunlight pours down, illuminating the stone steps. If you go in the afternoon, you'll be pushed along by the crowds, and all you'll see in photos are the backs of heads.
Changting Ancient Town is best explored in the evening.
📍 At the end of Diantou Street, the city walls are bathed in a warm orange sunlight, casting long shadows. Turning into an alley, you hear the sizzling sound of oil in a pan—it's frying lantern cakes. Two yuan each, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the taro filling is more fragrant than the radish filling.
Guanzhai Mountain and the Tulou (earthen buildings) aren't close; it takes more than an hour to drive there. The mountain isn't high, but climbing it offers a panoramic view of the Danxia landform, the red mountains contrasting with the green trees like an overturned palette of colors. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, I recommend only the Shimen Lake section by water, taking a boat to see the mountains—it's less strenuous and cooler.
🍜 At noon, I had a plate of "Shuan Jiu Men Tou" (a type of offal soup) in Liancheng County. The beef offal was thinly sliced, cooked quickly in boiling water, and dipped in chili sauce—it was incredibly delicious!
03 Shenyang|Liaoning
You should experience Shenyang like a "Qing Dynasty back garden," but don't just focus on the Forbidden City. Beiling Park is where the Zhaoling Mausoleum is located. After 5 PM, the entrance fee is half price. The setting sun turns the glazed tiles golden, and locals stroll, play with diabolo, and fly kites. If you mingle with them, you won't look like a tourist.
Beita Falun Temple is hidden away; you need to make two turns to get there using navigation. The temple is less crowded. In the afternoon, the sunlight shines through the main hall, illuminating the prayer wheels, making the copper rings dazzlingly bright. Next door is the Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda, its surface mottled, but you can see moss growing in the cracks between the bricks, and it feels cool to the touch.
⚠️ Both places close at 4 PM, so don't go right at that time.
Shenyang Expo Park is family-friendly, but avoid going in the middle of summer; the park is so large you'll get tired of walking. Rent an electric scooter and head straight to the Lily Tower for a panoramic view of the entire park.
🍜 Afterwards, head to Tiexi District for some traditional sweet and sour pork (Guo Bao Rou). It's sweet and sour with a crispy exterior that makes a satisfying crunch with every bite. Locals advised that the authentic version should be paired with an ice-cold beer to cut through the richness.
04 Shenzhen|Guangdong
Don't just think of Shenzhen as a "money-making capital"; its seaside is surprisingly impressive. Dameisha Beach Park is free, but it's incredibly crowded on weekends, with the beach packed like sardines. I recommend coming on a weekday morning when the sea breeze is still cool and the sand isn't warm from walking on it—it's soft and fluffy, like walking on cotton.
Window of the World is perfect for first-time visitors to Shenzhen. You can see both the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramid in one day. Although they are miniature versions, the lights illuminate them in the evening, and their reflections in the water create a surprisingly realistic effect.
⚠️ Don't buy drinks in the park; a bottle of mineral water costs 15 yuan. Walk a short distance to Yitian Holiday Plaza, and it's half the price.
OCT and Mission Hills are far apart, so choose one. OCT Creative Park is more suitable for young people, with cafes and shops converted from old factories, and various performance posters plastered on the doors. You could easily spend an afternoon sitting in any of them. Mission Hills is better for playing golf or soaking in hot springs; the entrance fee isn't cheap, but the service is excellent.
🚄 To get to Dameisha from the city center, take Metro Line 8 to Yantian Road, then transfer to a bus—it's a 15-minute ride.
05 Ningbo|Zhejiang
Tianyi Pavilion is the most "stubborn" library I've ever seen. Fan Qin once established a rule that books could not be borrowed, and women were not allowed upstairs. Of course, it's open now, but that stubbornness of "books are more precious than life" remains. I went in at 2 PM and sat by the artificial hill and pond for half a day, watching the sunlight slowly slide through the eaves, the koi in the pond were incredibly fat.
Moon Lake connects to Tianyi Pavilion, a ten-minute walk away. Willow trees droop to the water's surface, and an old man sits on a stone bench playing the erhu, his melody drawn out long. Spring is the best time to visit, when cherry blossoms and peach blossoms bloom together, a layer of petals floating on the lake.
The Xikou Tengtou Tourist Area is a bit far from the city center, about an hour's drive. The Chiang Kai-shek's Former Residence area has well-preserved old houses, but it's also heavily commercialized. I recommend Tengtou Village more; the ecological park has vast fields of strawberries, which you can pick yourself in March and April—they're so sweet they're sticky! Qiantong Ancient Town was a pleasant surprise; compared to Wuzhen and Xitang, it's much quieter. Sitting on the stone bridge at dusk, watching the smoke rise from the cracks in the roof tiles, lanterns reflected in the river, it felt like stepping back into the countryside of my childhood.
🍜 In the ancient town, an old lady sells Qiantong's Three Treasures: dried tofu, fragrant dried tofu, and hollow tofu, ten yuan a serving, drizzled with soy sauce, with a rich bean flavor.
06 Anshun | Guizhou
Don't just go to Huangguoshu Waterfall during the day. I entered the scenic area at 4 PM that day, the sun was setting, and the mist was illuminated by the sunlight, creating a rainbow that hung in front of the waterfall for almost twenty minutes. The sound of the water was deafening, and by the time I got close to the Water Curtain Cave, my clothes were completely soaked. Remember to wear quick-drying clothes, or bring an extra set.
Longgong Cave is about a half-hour drive from Huangguoshu, and it mainly features karst caves and underground rivers. You take a boat into the cave, with dense stalactites overhead, and water droplets hitting the boat, feeling cool and refreshing. The lighting inside the cave is dim, and your phone can barely capture anything, so you might as well put it down and see for yourself.
⚠️ Raincoats are sold at the cave entrance for five yuan each. Don't worry about the price; the moisture inside will really soak you to the bone.
If you come in autumn, the weather is drier, and the waterfall's flow isn't as strong as in the rainy season, but there are fewer people. Go to Longgong first in the morning; fewer people, no queues for boats. Then go to Huangguoshu Waterfall in the afternoon; the light is perfect, and the mist is beautiful.
🍜 The bobo candy sold at the scenic area entrance is made fresh; the aroma of sesame mixed with the sweetness of maltose makes it a great snack on the road—better than any other biscuit.
07 Changji | Xinjiang
The wheat fields of Jiangbulak are the most otherworldly landscape I've ever seen. In June, the wheat isn't ripe yet, and the lush green hillsides look like they're covered in velvet. By late July and early August, the wheat turns golden, and the wind makes the whole mountain look like rolling golden waves. Standing on the viewing platform, the wind was so strong it almost blew my hat off, but at that moment, you'd feel it was all worth it.
Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains is located in Changji Prefecture. A round trip by chartered car from Urumqi costs about 600 yuan. Don't join a day tour; they'll just take you to the lakeside for a quick photo and then leave. Hire your own car and arrive early in the morning. Walk up the boardwalk near the Queen Mother of the West Temple; there are fewer people, and you can see the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake, an unbelievably blue color.
⏰ After 4 PM, the wind picks up at Tianchi Lake, causing ripples on the surface and obscuring the reflections. So, going in the morning is the best option.
Wucaiwan (Five-Colored Bay) is suitable for liberal arts students and photography enthusiasts. At sunset, the Yardang landforms are bathed in red, yellow, and purple hues, like the earth is on fire. However, the wind and sand are strong here, so use a dust cover for your camera; otherwise, cleaning the lens later will be a nightmare.
⚠️ Don't wear light-colored shoes; after a walk, your shoes will be covered in yellow dust.
08 Chuzhou|Anhui
Langya Mountain has been famous for almost a thousand years because of Ouyang Xiu's "Record of the Drunken Pavilion." But honestly, the mountain itself is more worth climbing than the article. I entered from the North Gate at 7 AM; the stone steps were still dewy, and the air was filled with the smell of pine needles and earth. The Drunken Old Man's Pavilion is nestled halfway up the mountain. The pavilion itself isn't large, but sitting inside, you can imagine Ouyang Xiu drinking and writing here in his time.
The mountain isn't high; a leisurely two-hour walk will take you to the South Heavenly Gate. The summit offers a panoramic view of Chuzhou city, its densely packed gray-white houses contrasting with the green fields in the distance.
⏰ It's recommended to arrive before 9 am. In summer, the stone steps become unbearably hot after sunrise, making the climb uncomfortable.
🍜 On the way down, there's a stall selling Langya crisp candy in an alley outside the mountain gate. Made fresh to order, it melts in your mouth, sweet but not cloying. Buy a couple of boxes to take home; it's much more worthwhile than the beautifully packaged souvenirs in the scenic area.
⚠️ Langya Mountain entrance fees vary depending on the season: 55 yuan in peak season and 35 yuan in off-season. Booking online in advance can save you a few yuan. This mountain is best visited in spring and autumn; summer is too sunny, and the stone steps become icy and slippery in winter.
Eight cities, each with its own unique character. The pitfalls I encountered are written here; the joys I experienced are also recorded. The rest, you'll have to discover for yourself. If you've visited any of these, share your thoughts in the comments: which one do you think was the most underrated?
I've seen too many cities, all the same by day, a dazzling spectacle at night. But there are always a few, with their own inherent character, neither pandering to anyone nor rushing to prove themselves. These eight cities, some captivated me with their food, others silenced me with their breathtaking scenery. Having visited half of them, your understanding of "tourism" will be essentially complete.
01 Bazhong | Sichuan
Guangwu Mountain, a place with a truly fitting name. At five in the morning, mist climbs from the foot of the mountain, completely shrouding the entire red leaf forest. Standing halfway up, you can feel the damp coolness. When the sun comes out and the mist dissipates, the red leaves emerge one by one, a vibrant, fiery red.
I arrived at 3 PM that afternoon, and the sunlight was just right, casting a golden glow on the leaves. Don't rush to take the cable car; take the trail from Pengjiaba, which takes about two hours to reach Xianglu Mountain. There's no one to jostle you along the way. It's windy at the summit, so remember to bring a jacket, or you'll end up shivering like I did.
Locals told me that to see the autumn leaves, you need to go between late October and mid-November. If you go too early, the leaves are still green; if you go too late, only bare branches remain. There are several farmhouses at Yanzi Ridge at the foot of the mountain. Their stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts and a bowl of rice cooked over a wood fire are far superior to the boxed lunches in the scenic area. If you only have one day, hike the trail in the morning and go to Black Bear Gully in the afternoon. The sunlight will be perfect, filtering through the trees, so you won't need filters for photos.
⚠️ Don't believe the touts offering "shortcuts" on the roadside; they're all unpaved paths, and you'll slip and fall.
02 Longyan|Fujian
Going to the Tulou (Hakka earthen buildings) early or late is like going to two completely different worlds. I entered the Yongding Tulou cluster at 8 AM, before the tourists arrived; all I could hear were roosters crowing and the creaking of wooden doors. Standing in the courtyard of Zhencheng Building, looking up, the circular sky was cut into a ring by the eaves, and sunlight streamed down, illuminating the stone steps. If you go in the afternoon, you'll be pushed along by the crowds, and all you'll see in photos are the backs of people's heads.
Changting Ancient Town is best explored in the evening.
📍 At the end of Diantou Street, the city walls were bathed in a warm orange sunlight, casting long shadows. Turning into an alley, I heard the sizzling sound of oil in a wok—it was frying lantern cakes. Two yuan each, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the taro filling was more fragrant than the radish filling.
Guanzhai Mountain and the Tulou aren't very close; it takes more than an hour to drive there. The mountain isn't high, but climbing it offers a panoramic view of the Danxia landform, the red mountains contrasting with the green trees like an overturned palette of colors. If you're traveling with elderly people or children, I recommend only taking the waterway along Shimen Lake. Taking a boat to see the mountains is less strenuous and cooler.
🍜 For lunch, try a plate of "Shuan Jiu Men Tou" (a type of offal hot pot) in Liancheng County. The beef offal is thinly sliced and cooks quickly in boiling water. Dipped in chili sauce, it's incredibly delicious.
03 Shenyang|Liaoning
You should experience Shenyang like a "Qing Dynasty back garden," but don't just focus on the Forbidden City. Beiling Park is where the Zhaoling Mausoleum is located. Tickets are half price after 5 PM. The setting sun turns the glazed tiles golden, and locals stroll, play with diabolo, and fly kites. If you mingle with them, you won't look like a tourist.
Beita Falun Temple is hidden away; you'll need to make two turns to get there using navigation. The temple is less crowded. In the afternoon, the sunlight shines through the main hall, illuminating the prayer wheels and making the copper rings dazzlingly bright. The nearby Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda is weathered, but you can see moss growing in the cracks between the bricks when you get close; it feels cool to the touch.
⚠️ Both places close at 4 PM, so don't go right at that time.
Shenyang Expo Park is suitable for families, but avoid going in the middle of summer; the park is huge and you'll get tired of walking. Rent an electric scooter and head straight to the Lily Pagoda; the top offers a panoramic view of the entire park.
🍜 After exploring, head to Tiexi District for some traditional sweet and sour pork (Guo Bao Rou). It's sweet and sour, with a crispy outer layer that makes a satisfying crunch with every bite. Locals advised me that the authentic version should be paired with an ice-cold beer to cut through the richness.
04 Shenzhen|Guangdong
Don't just think of Shenzhen as a "money-making capital"; its beaches are seriously impressive. Dameisha Beach Park is free, but it's packed with people on weekends; the beach is overflowing with people. I recommend coming on a weekday morning. The sea breeze is still cool, and the sand hasn't been warmed up by walking on it. Walking barefoot on it feels like stepping into cotton.
Window of the World is perfect for first-time visitors to Shenzhen. You can see the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids in one day. Although they are miniature versions, they look quite realistic when the lights come on in the evening and their reflections in the water.
⚠️ Don't buy drinks inside the park. A bottle of mineral water costs 15 yuan. Walk a short distance to Yitian Holiday Plaza, where it's half the price.
OCT and Mission Hills are far apart, so choose one. OCT Creative Park is more suitable for young people, with cafes and shops converted from old factories, and various performance posters plastered on the doors. You could easily spend an afternoon in any of them. Mission Hills is better for playing golf or soaking in hot springs. The entrance fee isn't cheap, but the service is excellent.
🚄 To get to Dameisha from the city center, take Metro Line 8 to Yantian Road Station, then transfer to a bus for about 15 minutes.
05 Ningbo | Zhejiang
Tianyi Pavilion is the most "stubborn" library I've ever seen. Fan Qin established a rule that books couldn't be borrowed and women weren't allowed upstairs. Of course, it's open now, but that stubbornness of "books are more precious than life" remains. I went in at 2 PM and sat by the artificial hill and pond for half a day, watching the sunlight slowly slide through the eaves, the koi in the pond were incredibly fat.
Moon Lake connects to Tianyi Pavilion, a ten-minute walk away. Willow trees droop to the water's surface, and an old man sits on a stone bench playing the erhu, his tune drawn out. Spring is the best time to go, when cherry blossoms and peach blossoms bloom together, a layer of petals floating on the lake.
Xikou Tengtou Tourist Area is a bit far from the city center, an hour's drive. The Chiang Kai-shek's former residence area has well-preserved old houses, but it's also heavily commercialized. I highly recommend Tengtou Village; the ecological park has fields of strawberries, which you can pick yourself in March and April—they're so sweet they're sticky. Qiantong Ancient Town was a pleasant surprise; much quieter than Wuzhen and Xitang. Sitting on the stone bridge at dusk, watching the smoke rise from the cracks in the roof tiles and the lanterns reflected in the river, it felt like stepping back into the countryside of my childhood.
🍜 In the ancient town, an old lady sells Qiantong's Three Treasures: dried tofu, fragrant dried tofu, and hollow tofu, ten yuan a serving, drizzled with soy sauce, with a rich bean flavor.
06 Anshun | Guizhou
Don't just go to Huangguoshu Waterfall during the day. I entered the scenic area at four in the afternoon that day; the sun was setting, and the mist was illuminated by the light, creating a rainbow that hung in front of the waterfall for almost twenty minutes. The sound of the water was deafening; by the time I got close to the Water Curtain Cave, my clothes were completely soaked. Remember to wear quick-drying clothes, or bring an extra set.
Longgong is a half-hour drive from Huangguoshu, mainly featuring karst caves and underground rivers. Taking a boat into the cave, you're surrounded by dense stalactites overhead, and the water droplets hitting the boat feel cool and refreshing. The cave was dimly lit, and my phone couldn't capture much of the scenery, so I put it down and just looked.
⚠️ Raincoats are sold at the cave entrance for five yuan each. Don't worry about the price; the humidity inside will really soak you to the bone.
If you come in autumn, the weather is drier, and the waterfall's flow isn't as strong as in the rainy season, but there are fewer people. Go to Longgong first in the morning—fewer people, no queues for boats; then go to Huangguoshu Waterfall in the afternoon—the light is perfect, and the mist is beautiful.
🍜 The bubble candies sold at the scenic area entrance are made fresh to order, with a sesame aroma mixed with the sweetness of maltose. Buy a bag to eat on the road; it's better than any other biscuit.
07 Changji|Xinjiang
The wheat fields of Jiangbulak are the most otherworldly landscape I've ever seen. In June, the wheat isn't ripe yet, and the lush green hillsides look like they're covered in velvet. By late July and early August, the wheat turns golden, and when the wind blows, the entire mountain looks like rolling golden waves. Standing on the viewing platform, the wind was so strong it almost blew my hat off, but at that moment, you'd feel it was all worth it.
Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains is located in Changji Prefecture. A round trip by chartered car from Urumqi costs about 600 yuan. Don't join a day tour; they'll just take you to the lakeside for a quick photo and then leave. Charter your own car, arrive early in the morning, and walk up the boardwalk near the Xiwangmu Temple. There are fewer people, and you can see the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake—an unbelievably blue color.
⏰ After 4 PM, the wind picks up at Tianchi Lake, causing ripples on the surface and obscuring the reflections. Going in the morning is the best option.
Wucaiwan (Five-Colored Bay) is suitable for liberal arts students and photography enthusiasts. At sunset, the Yardang landforms are bathed in red, yellow, and purple hues, like the earth is on fire. However, the wind and sand are strong here, so use a dust cover for your camera; otherwise, cleaning the lens later will be a nightmare.
⚠️ Don't wear light-colored shoes; after a walk, your shoes will be covered in yellow dust.
08 Chuzhou | Anhui
Langya Mountain has been famous for almost a thousand years because of Ouyang Xiu's "Record of the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion." But honestly, the mountain itself is more worth climbing than the article. I entered from the North Gate at 7:00 AM; the stone steps were still covered in dew, and the air was filled with the scent of pine needles and earth. The Drunken Old Man's Pavilion is hidden halfway up the mountain. The pavilion isn't large, but sitting inside, you can imagine Ouyang Xiu drinking and writing here.
The mountain isn't high; a leisurely walk takes about two hours to reach the South Heavenly Gate. The view from the summit is expansive, overlooking the entire city of Chuzhou, with its densely packed gray-white houses and green fields in the distance.
⏰ It's recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM. In summer, the stone steps become scorching hot after the sun comes out, making the climb uncomfortable.
🍜 On the way down the mountain, there's a stall selling Langya crisp candy in an alley outside the mountain gate. It's made fresh to order, melts in your mouth, and is sweet but not cloying. Buy two boxes to take home; they're much more worthwhile than the beautifully packaged souvenirs at the scenic spot.
⚠️ Langya Mountain tickets vary by season: 55 RMB in peak season and 35 RMB in off-season. Booking online in advance can save you a few RMB. This mountain is best visited in spring and autumn; it's too sunny in summer, and the stone steps are icy and slippery in winter.
Eight cities, each with its own unique character. The pitfalls I encountered are listed above; the joys I experienced are also listed above. The rest, you can verify for yourself. If you've been to any of these cities, share in the comments: which one do you think was the most underrated?