Qumarleb County travel guide and discussion

Sisters! When you go to Qinghai, don’t just focus on the salt lakes and Chaka‼️ This time I went all in, flooring it into the Hoh Xil no-man’s land— a world natural heritage site, one of China’s largest uninhabited areas, known as the “forbidden zone of life.” What happened? I cried😭 Not from fear, but moved to tears! 📍 Where is Hoh Xil? Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province. About 200 km south from Golmud along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109). The core area is near the Sonam Dargye protection station. 🚗 How to get there? ⚠️ Important reminder: Hoh Xil is not a tourist attraction! No tickets are required, but you must respect nature. Self-drive: Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Budo Spring → Sonam Dargye protection station → Tuotuo River. The entire route is paved, but altitude rises from 2,800 m to 4,600 m, so be sure to prevent altitude sickness. Charter/shared ride: Local travel agencies in Golmud offer one- or two-day tours to Hoh Xil, priced at 800–1,500 CNY per person. Drivers know the roads and can act as guides. Don’t hike on your own: This is no joke. No signal, wild animals, extreme weather— even locals don’t dare. 📅 Best time: June–August (weather is relatively stable, Tibetan antelope calving season, you can see lambs running with their mothers) 📸 Highlights & photo tips 1️⃣ Tibetan antelope 🦌 Near Sonam Dargye protection station, easiest to spot between 5–7 PM. Remember: stay quiet, don’t get out to chase! Use a telephoto lens (phone cameras won’t cut it, renting a camera is recommended). Seeing their white rumps as they run is super heartwarming💖 2️⃣ Kunlun Pass 🏔️ At 4,767 m altitude, surrounded by endless snow-capped mountains and fluttering prayer flags. You can stop here to take photos, but it’s windy and cold, so wear a windbreaker. 3️⃣ Budo Spring 💧 A magical spring that never freezes. Water temperature stays near 0°C year-round but never freezes. The ice-blue spring water against the snowy background is stunning. 4️⃣ Hoh Xil snow mountains and wilderness The overwhelming vastness can’t be captured even one-thousandth by a phone. Use a wide-angle lens, crouch low, and frame the sky, road, and wilderness together with a caption like “No one is here, yet life thrives.” ⚠️ Survival guide (key points!) Altitude sickness: Take Rhodiola 2 days in advance, bring oxygen, avoid bathing and strenuous activity. Clothing: Down jacket + windproof outerwear. It can snow even in summer❄️ Food: Self-heating rice, chocolate, hot water. No convenience stores along the way. Toilets: None! Use a cloth for privacy in the wild... Phone signal: Basically none once you enter the mountains. Download offline maps in advance. Don’t litter: Every plastic bag could be mistaken for food by Tibetan antelopes and cause death. 💡 Why strongly recommend? Because this is not a tourist spot, it’s the last pure land on earth. When your eyes meet those of a Tibetan antelope, you’ll understand what “life” really means. No commercial noise, only wind, snow mountains, and freedom. It’s not for enjoyment, it’s for reverence. Before you go, watch the movie Hoh Xil to better understand the weight of this land. After you go, remember to share your story with me—I’ll be waiting in the comments✨

When it comes to the Kunlun Mountains, most people have heard of its legends. The Kunlun World Geopark is located in the heartland of this "Ancestor of Ten Thousand Mountains." Stretching across western Qinghai, it combines majestic mountains, glaciers, canyons, and ancient landforms. It boasts magnificent natural scenery sculpted over billions of years and countless mythological tales. Stepping here, you can understand the unique grandeur and mystery of Kunlun. The park is situated south of Golmud City, built around the main Kunlun mountain range, with an average altitude exceeding 4,000 meters. It is a representative geological secret on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Over billions of years, tectonic movements, glacial erosion, and weathering have created richly layered geological landscapes. As a world-class geopark, it preserves the geological traces of plateau uplift and glacier evolution intact and serves as a natural classroom for studying the geomorphological changes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Far from urban noise, the endless mountain ranges and vast, desolate skies fully display the bold spirit of the western mountains. The entire park is full of highlights, with every scene unforgettable. The Kunlun Mountain Pass is a must-visit, marked by towering stone monuments and sculptures. Standing here, you can gaze at the overlapping mountain ranges stretching into the distance with an incredibly broad view. The famous Nachitai Spring flows year-round, its water clear and sweet, forming a lively pool in this cold region, especially vibrant. Further inside, the Kunlun Grand Canyon is steep and rugged, with colorful rock walls and a deep, narrow gorge. Walking through it, you can feel the power of nature’s craftsmanship. The majestic Yuzhu Peak is covered with snow and ice all year, its snowy summit piercing the clouds. The white snow contrasts with the deep blue sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Along the way, you can also see uniquely shaped strange rocks and glacial erosion landforms, with every step revealing the unique charm of geological wonders. Kunlun Mountain has been a cultural sanctuary since ancient times, where mythology and humanity intertwine. It has been revered as "China’s First Sacred Mountain" from ancient times to the present. Legends such as the Queen Mother’s Jade Pool and the immortal cultivation realm have been passed down through generations, casting a romantic and mysterious aura over the mountains. It is also an important section of the ancient Silk Road and the Qiangzhong Road, where caravans and travelers once passed, leaving a long historical imprint. The local ethnic groups living nearby hold deep reverence for Kunlun Mountain, and the sacred mountain belief is integrated into daily life, adding a warm cultural layer to this vast land. Finally, here are some practical travel tips. The best time to visit is from June to September when the temperature is suitable and roads are accessible. The park is at high altitude, so be sure to prepare for altitude sickness and avoid strenuous activities. The plateau has strong UV rays and large temperature differences between day and night, so sunscreen hats, sunglasses, and windproof thick jackets are essential. The scenic area is vast with widely spaced attractions, so self-driving or joining an official tour group is recommended. Please protect nature throughout your visit by not littering and preserving this pristine landscape. Dominating the plateau, Kunlun Mountain offers magnificent rivers and mountains and flowing myths. Enter Kunlun World Geopark, feel the vastness of heaven and earth at the foot of the sacred mountain, encounter natural wonders and millennia-old culture, and gain an unforgettable plateau journey.

🌈 While everyone rushes clockwise, we go against the flow and take the reverse Qinghai-Gansu big loop. Leave the crowds to the peak season, and keep the morning light, mirror lakes, sunsets, and starry skies all for you. 👭👭👭 ✅ 3 Core Advantages of the Reverse Route, Perfect for Peak Season Anxiety 💯 Gradual Altitude Increase, Avoid Altitude Sickness: Start with low-altitude adaptation in Zhangye and Dunhuang, then enter Qaidam Basin and Qinghai Lake, making it easy for elderly and children. 💯 Off-Peak Travel, Flexible Flight Options: Salt lake in the early morning with no crowds, exclusive sunset at Danxia Landform, U-shaped highway with perfect lighting for photos, say goodbye to queues. 💯 Relaxed Pace, Deep Immersion: No rushing, no ticking off check-ins, give time back to the scenery and romance back to the journey. 🚗 Recommended Itinerary: ➡️D1: Xining — Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea (late July) — Gangshika Snow Mountain — Qilian Grassland — Zhangye ➡️D2: Zhangye — Rainbow Danxia — Jiayuguan Fortress — Son of the Earth — Shazhou Night Market — Dunhuang ➡️D3: Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain / Crescent Spring — Dunhuang ➡️D4: Dunhuang — Heidu Mountain — Silk Road Heritage City — Dachaidan ➡️D5: Dachaidan — Emerald Lake — Water Yadan — U-shaped Highway — Golmud ➡️D6: Golmud — Kunlun Holy Spring — Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace — Kekexili Viewing Platform — Sonam Dargye Protection Station — Golmud ➡️D7: Golmud — Chaerhan Salt Lake — Qaidam Basin — Chaka ➡️D8: Chaka Salt Lake — Qinghai Lake — Riyue Mountain — Xining 🏯 Must-Visit Attractions ✅ Qinghai Lake: The sapphire of the plateau, healing contrast of rapeseed flowers and lake water ✅ Chaka Salt Lake: Mirror of the sky, barefoot reflections breathtakingly beautiful ✅ Chaerhan Salt Lake: China’s largest salt lake, magnificent and no less than Chaka ✅ Emerald Lake: Tiffany blue salt pool, stunning drone shots ✅ Heidu Mountain: The place on Earth most like the moon, effortlessly producing cinematic shots ✅ Mogao Caves: Millennium murals, a glimpse into Silk Road civilization ✅ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Sand and spring coexist, camel rides chasing sunsets are super romantic ✅ Rainbow Danxia: God’s spilled palette, sunset is breathtaking ✅ Kekexili: Kunlun as a screen, heaven and earth as borders, Kekexili stretches across the vast heart of the Earth’s Third Pole. Tibetan antelopes graze, wild yaks stand on peaks, every inch of land grows freedom and resilience. 🎖 Why Choose Us: 💥 Pure play, zero shopping, no hidden costs, formal electronic contract signed 💥 Small exquisite groups, stop whenever you want, travel freely and flexibly 💥 Experienced local guides, deep knowledge of Northwest China, familiar with unique photo spots 💥 No rushed travel, focus on thoughtful emotional service 💥 Exclusive free perks: free pick-up and drop-off + mineral water + drone aerial photography service ❓ Why choose this route? ♻️ Reverse off-peak travel to avoid crowds ♻️ Full coverage of culture and nature, including popular and hidden gems ♻️ Light luxury small private groups, no crowded buses, pure play with no tricks, immersive deep travel ♻️ Pure play with no tricks, immersive deep travel ♻️ Gradual altitude increase, friendly for altitude sickness beginners, no need to worry about planning, leave it to the professional team to unlock your Qinghai-Gansu trip. Learn about Northwest China travel, group tours, and customization by consulting the link at the bottom left to tailor your exclusive travel plan!

Who understands! After finishing "The Tree of Life," I was so moved I booked a flight overnight! The Tree of Life, Bolamula... I’ve traveled through all the unforgettable scenes from the show for you! Standing at the Kunlun Pass, the wind carries the faith and tenderness from the drama. This 9-day minimalist itinerary avoids detours and rushing, with altitude increasing gradually—perfect even for beginners‼️ 🎬 9-Day Guide|Just copy this plan 🎈 Day 1: Departure → Xining airport/train station pickup Altitude: Departure point → 2261m Must do: Rest upon arrival in Xining, visit Dongguan Grand Mosque, try hand-pulled lamb, and start adapting to the plateau. 🎈 Day 2: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Approx. 220km | Altitude: 2261-3200m Must do: See prayer flags at Riyue Mountain, photograph the blue lake and grasslands at Qinghai Lake. 🎈 Day 3: Chaka → Qaidam Basin → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Golmud Approx. 460km | Altitude: 3200-2670m Must do: Cross the Gobi Desert, capture the apple-green lake surface at Chaerhan Salt Lake. 🎈 Day 4: Golmud → Queen Mother’s Yaochi → Hoh Xil → Golmud Round trip approx. 480km | Altitude: 2670-4768m Must do: Explore the Kunlun secret realm, venture into Hoh Xil, encounter Tibetan antelopes, and feel Bolamula’s steadfastness. 🎈 Day 5: Golmud → Water Yadan → 315 U-shaped Highway → Dachaidan Approx. 340km | Altitude: 2670-3170m Must do: Check in at the "Fleet on the Sea," shoot cinematic scenes on China’s version of Route 66 along the 315 U-shaped Highway. 🎈 Day 6: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidushan → Dunhuang Approx. 240km | Altitude: 3170-1138m Must do: Photograph the emerald lake surface at Emerald Lake, unlock the romantic desert evening in Dunhuang. 🎈 Day 7: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain → Dunhuang Approx. 25km | Altitude: 1138m Must do: Touch millennium-old murals at Mogao Caves, ride camels at Mingsha Mountain to watch the sunset 🌞 🎈 Day 8: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye Approx. 365km | Altitude: 1138-1500m Must do: Watch the sunset at Rainbow Danxia, the layered patterns are breathtakingly beautiful. 🎈 Day 9: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan → Xining Approx. 280km | Altitude: 1500-2261m Must do: See the sea of rapeseed flowers in July 🌹, return to Xining for a perfect ending. ✨ Tips for Drama Fans to Avoid Pitfalls ❶ Gradual altitude increase; prepare altitude sickness medicine + oxygen bottle ❷ Wear white/light blue/cream colors for atmospheric photos at salt lakes and snowy mountains ❸ Do not feed or take unauthorized photos in Hoh Xil; respect the plateau’s wildlife ❹ Many unpaved roads; small group travel recommended for flexible stops and photo ops ❺ Book Mogao Caves tickets 10 days in advance; must grab tickets during peak season❗️ This route captures all the romance and desolation of "The Tree of Life"! Drama fans, save this article and follow it without worry‼️

Always wanted to take the kids to a distant snowy mountain wilderness, to experience the vastness and grandeur of the Kunlun Mountains. I've put together this exclusive 3-day, 2-night family itinerary for a family of three, covering Kunlun Holy Spring, Kunlun Pass, Yuzhu Peak, and Qarhan Salt Lake all in one go. The pace is relaxed and suitable for traveling with children, with a total budget controlled at 3800 yuan. No detours, no pitfalls, no rushed schedule, just an immersive experience to unlock the pristine beauty of the Kunlun Plateau. Families traveling with kids can just follow this guide! Xinjiang Kunlun Mountains (including Qinghai section) 3-day 2-night family trip (budget 3800 yuan for a family of three) Note: The Kunlun Mountains span across Qinghai and Xinjiang. The Golmud section in Qinghai has well-developed roads, is family-friendly, and is a popular destination. The Xinjiang section offers Kunlun Grand Canyon (4A). This trip focuses on the Qinghai section, with a convenient addition of Qarhan Salt Lake/Kunlun Grand Canyon, ensuring a relaxed pace. Budget Overview (3 people, total approx. 3780 yuan) · Transportation: Chartered car for 3 days (5-seater SUV, with driver) 1800 yuan · Accommodation: 2 nights at a business hotel in Golmud (triple room) 600 yuan (300/night) · Dining: 9 meals over 3 days (80/person/day) 720 yuan · Tickets: Kunlun Grand Canyon + Wuji Longfeng Palace 240 yuan (Adult 80×2 + Child 40) · Equipment/Miscellaneous: Oxygen tank + sunscreen + snacks 420 yuan 📅 Day1 Golmud → Kunlun Holy Spring → Wuji Longfeng Palace → Kunlun Grand Canyon (Overnight in Golmud) · Morning: Depart from Golmud (altitude 2800m, acclimatize to plateau), head south along G109. · Kunlun Holy Spring (Free): Altitude 3540m, a high-altitude, cold, non-freezing spring. The water is sweet; let the kids taste "ice mountain nectar." · Wuji Longfeng Palace (Ticket 30 yuan/person, half price for children): A Taoist holy site, home to the legend of the Queen Mother of the West. The architecture blends plateau and Taoist styles. · Afternoon: Kunlun Grand Canyon (Free, family-friendly route) · Drive 70km along G109, follow signs to enter. Take the non-wading route: Iron Bridge → 5-minute walk to the canyon edge → safely descend into the valley to see red rock walls + streams, look for marmots and pikas. Excellent for nature education. · Evening: Return to Golmud, stay at a business hotel; dinner of yak hot pot (approx. 60 yuan/person), drink butter tea to prevent altitude sickness. 📅 Day2 Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Yuzhu Peak Observation Deck → Sonam Dargye Protection Station (Overnight in Golmud) · Morning: · Kunlun Pass (Altitude 4767m, Free): A landmark on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Take photos at the monument, gaze at the continuous snow-capped peaks; walk slowly, no running or jumping, to prevent altitude sickness. · Yuzhu Peak Observation Deck (Free): Altitude 6178m, the main peak of the eastern Kunlun Mountains, perpetually snow-covered. See the reflection of the snow mountain, teach kids about glaciers. · Afternoon: Sonam Dargye Protection Station (Free, Science Museum) · On the edge of Hoh Xil, see specimens of Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks, listen to stories of ecological protection. A very meaningful family research trip. · Evening: Return to Golmud, eat hand-pulled lamb + yogurt; rest early to adapt to the altitude. 📅 Day3 Golmud → Qarhan Salt Lake → Return Trip · Morning: Qarhan Salt Lake (Ticket 100 yuan/person, half price for children) · China's largest salt lake, the "Mirror of the Sky." Play in the shallow water, take reflection photos; wear bright clothes for better pictures. There's a shallow children's area, safe and fun. · Afternoon: Return to Golmud, purchase specialties like Kunlun jade pendants and yak milk candy, end the trip. 👨👩👧 Family-Friendly & Avoid Pitfalls Tips 1. Altitude & Altitude Sickness: Golmud 2800m, Kunlun Pass 4767m. Take Rhodiola 1 day in advance; bring oxygen tanks for children, inhale oxygen immediately if uncomfortable; move slowly, no running or jumping. 2. Clothing: Plateau temperature difference can be 20℃+ between day and night. Bring thick down jackets/outerwear, hats, gloves, snow boots; bring an extra set of warm clothes for children. 3. Sun Protection: UV rays are extremely strong. Sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and sun hats are essential to avoid sunburn. 4. Road Conditions: The latter part of Kunlun Grand Canyon has 10km of washboard road. Choose an SUV for chartered car, ensure child seats are securely fastened. 5. Animals: Marmots, wild yaks, and Tibetan antelopes by the roadside. Observe from a distance, do not feed or chase, safety first. ✅ Budget Control Tips · Chartered Car: Book 3 days in advance, choose a 5-seater SUV for carpooling (perfect for 3 people), more fuel-efficient and hassle-free than self-driving. · Accommodation: Choose a triple business hotel in Golmud city center, cheaper than guesthouses in scenic areas, with complete amenities. · Dining: Focus on Tibetan cuisine + noodles, approx. 80 yuan/person/day, avoid overpriced restaurants in scenic areas.

Taking kids to Qinghai? Don’t follow the usual rushed routes anymore! This 7-day wild adventure in Hoh Xil covers salt lakes, snow mountains, uninhabited areas, and yardang landforms—all at a relaxed pace that won’t tire out moms. Perfect for first-time family travelers to follow blindly! 🌟 Must-Visit Hidden Gems for Kids · 🏔️ Hoh Xil: Take the kids to see Tibetan antelopes, check in at the Kunlun Pass, experience the vastness of the highland wilderness, tell stories about ecological protection, and learn while playing · 💧 Qinghai Lake: Avoid the crowds and find less popular spots, cycle along the lake with the kids, enjoy afternoon tea under the grassland sky, and immerse in the blue of Qinghai Lake · 💚 Dacaidan Emerald Lake: Layers of Tiffany blue and mint green waters like a spilled painter’s palette, perfect for taking stunning photos with the kids · 💎 Chaka Salt Lake: Asia’s largest salt lake, walk on the towering salt bridge, see the sparkling salt flowers, and teach kids about how salt lakes form · 🏜️ Obolian Yardang: Travel the Mars Road, check in at alien-like landforms, kids’ curiosity will be fully engaged, and they’ll have a blast · 🌊 Water Yardang: The world’s only water yardang landform, where lake water and yardang wonders blend, letting kids marvel at nature’s craftsmanship 🗓️ 7-Day Relaxed Family Itinerary D1 Arrive in Xining from various places, visit Ta’er Monastery, enjoy local specialties, and slowly adapt to the high altitude D2 Depart Xining → Light tour around Qinghai Lake → Watch sunset at Tianjun Stone Forest → Stay overnight in Tianjun D3 Tianjun → View scenery at Hala Lake → Stay overnight in Delingha, enjoy highland pasture views along the way D4 Delingha → Dacaidan Emerald Lake → Stay overnight in Lenghu Town, unlocking stunning salt lake views all the way D5 Lenghu → Oil Town → Heidushan → Obolian Yardang → Stay overnight in Xitai, fully immerse in northwest landforms D6 Xitai → Water Yardang → Chaka Salt Lake → Stay overnight in Golmud, check in at salt lake wonders D7 Golmud → Light trek in Hoh Xil → Return to Golmud, successfully conclude the trip 💡 Essential Tips for Family Travel 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Prepare oxygen bottles and glucose oral solutions in advance, avoid strenuous exercise throughout, encourage kids to drink plenty of water, and gradually transition from low to high altitude for easier adaptation 2. Clothing Advice: Strong UV rays on the plateau require comprehensive sun protection; large temperature differences between morning and night mean even in summer bring windbreakers and warm clothes, and pack extra sets of clothes for the kids 3. Supplies Preparation: Some road sections have few restaurants, so prepare favorite snacks, fruits, and travel meals for the kids in advance to avoid hunger-induced tantrums 4. Travel Safety: Choose reputable vehicle teams and experienced drivers, do not deviate from the route for off-road adventures, safety first when traveling with kids Accommodation 🏨Sofitel Xinhua Union Hotel A high-end brand hotel in Xining’s Haihu New District, equipped with an indoor children’s playground and family rooms, ensuring a top-notch stay experience 🏨Senyuan Quality Hotel Core hotel in Delingha city center, with oxygen-supplied rooms and complete family facilities, perfect for rest and transit during the trip 🏨Mars Camp Homestay Popular themed homestay near Obolian, featuring space capsule design, offering kids an immersive Mars experience with a great atmosphere 🏨Yellow River International Hotel Highly rated hotel in Golmud city center, 24-hour oxygen supply, thoughtful family services, the top choice for trips to Hoh Xil ---

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop hides stunning snow mountains, salt lakes, Gobi deserts, and Danxia landforms✨ Spring is the best time to visit with fewer crowds and pristine scenery, creating an amazing atmosphere🌿 Must-have packing list + outfit formulas all organized for you✅ · - ✨ Trip Highlights ✅ Relaxed Travel: Private car transfers throughout, no need to carry luggage around, stop and go freely ✅ Selected Accommodations: Stay in highly rated local hotels all along the route, rest well after a day of exploring ✅ Key Attractions: Connect all the must-visit spots in Qinghai and Gansu, your social media grid will be full of stunning shots! ✅ Student Friendly: Easy to manage with great value for money! · - 🗺️ Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 8-Day Itinerary Overview (No backtracking) D1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka D2: Chaka - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Wanzhang Salt Bridge - Golmud (overnight) D3: Golmud - Yuzhu Peak Viewing Platform - Wuji Longfeng Palace - Kunlun Mountain Pass - Hoh Xil - Sonam Dargye Protection Station - Golmud (overnight) D4: Golmud - U-shaped Highway - Water Yadan - Dachaidan (overnight) D5: Dachaidan - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Heidushan & Yanzhishan - Dunhuang (overnight) D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (overnight) D7: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Wujie - Jiayuguan (view from afar) - Rainbow Danxia - Zhangye (overnight) D8: Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak & Lianxin Lake - Xining · - 🎒 Essential Packing List for Spring ▫️ Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), some cash📂 ▫️ Sun Protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, cooling sleeves, sun mask🧴 ▫️ Skincare: High-moisture cream, hydrating masks, lip balm, hand cream, moisturizing spray💧 ▫️ Medicines: Rhodiola (prepare in advance), portable oxygen canister, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, band-aids💊 ▫️ Electronics: Phone, camera, power bank, charging cables, offline maps, selfie stick📱 ▫️ Others: U-shaped neck pillow (for long drives), thermos, disposable underwear, snacks🍪 · - 👗 Spring Outfit Formula (Great for photos and practical) Core: Big temperature difference between day and night, layer up and down, wear bright colors for photos📸▫️ Top: Long-sleeve T-shirt + light sweatshirt + windproof jacket / light down jacket🧥▫️ Bottom: Quick-dry pants / jeans + bare-leg solution (if you’re cold)👖 ▫️ Shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes / sneakers + waterproof shoe covers (for salt lakes / deserts)👟 ▫️ Photo Outfits: Red / white / off-white long dresses, ethnic-style shawls, small silk scarves✨ ▫️ Accessories: Sunglasses, hats, scarves (for warmth + sun protection + photo effect)🧣 · - 🌷 Spring Travel Tips ▫️ Altitude 2000-3200m, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness💧▫️ Dry weather, bring masks and lip balm, use daily💦▫️ Strong UV rays, physical sun protection is more effective than just sunscreen🌞 ▫️ Long distances between attractions, bring snacks and water to avoid hunger on the road🍎 ▫️ Salt lakes, Gobi, and Danxia are very photogenic, bright colors look great in any photo📸 · -- Avoid Pitfalls Tips (Save money and hassle💸) 1. Avoid Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake, take the herders’ trails or cliff paths instead for fewer people, better views, and cheaper costs💴, tested and no regrets! 2. Always wear shoe covers when entering Chaka Salt Lake, avoid stepping on crystallized areas❌, protect the salt lake and yourself, don’t be greedy! 3. No drones allowed at Rainbow Danxia🚫, some areas have weak signal, download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost 4. Northwest China is 1 hour behind inland time⏰, don’t plan your schedule by inland biological clock, sleeping in won’t affect your trip! 5. No shower or alcohol on the first day🍷, slowly adapt to altitude sickness or you’ll feel awful and cry😭 -

I'm not going to Delingha anymore!! I want to go further, to Kekexili where Duojie patrolled his whole life, to Dunhuang where Baiju never went, to the Qinghai-Gansu loop that my camera never finished shooting. 🌲|Chasing the roots of the "Tree of Life," I traveled 3,000 kilometers No turning back, no rushing. I just want to hear the crack once on the blue ice of Qinghai Lake, wait outside Sonam Dargye Station for a herd of Tibetan antelopes to cross the road, and be a person carved by the wind at the sunset of the colorful Danxia. 🚩8 days, a journey about taking root Day 1: Xining—Riyue Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Town [Stay] Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake—Chaerhan Salt Lake—Golmud [Stay] Day 3: Golmud—Kunlun Mountain Pass—Kekexili Viewing Platform—Sonam Dargye Protection Station—Golmud [Stay] Day 4: Golmud—315 U-shaped Highway—Water Yadan—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan [Stay] Day 5: Dachaidan—Nanbaxian Yadan Landform—Heidushan—Dunhuang [Stay] Day 6: Morning at Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Dunhuang [Stay] city center Day 7: Dunhuang—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Danxia Landform—Zhangye City [Stay] Day 8: Zhangye—Bianduxia—Qilian Grassland—Distant view of Gangshika Snow Mountain—End in Xining. 📌 Traveling in Qinghai, you only understand in the off-season: · The mirror surface of Chaka Salt Lake has no footprints, only you and the snowy mountains in the reflection · No queues at Emerald Lake, you can have the entire turquoise mine to yourself · Volunteers at Sonam Dargye Station are not busy and will tell you the migration map of Tibetan antelopes, their eyes welling up as they speak 🎞️| In the drama, someone asked Duojie: "Kekexili has nothing, why do you still guard it?" Duojie pointed to the Tibetan antelopes grazing in the distance: "If they are here, so am I." From Qinghai Lake to Dunhuang, from Kunlun Mountains to Qilian Mountains. Gradually understanding— The Tree of Life does not grow in lush, fertile places. It grows in permafrost zones, in the crevices of wind-eroded Yadan, in the worn boots of mountain patrol members, in the hearts of everyone who leaves Qinghai but keeps looking back. Not all roots must be planted in hometowns. Some roots, planted in oxygen-poor heights, can still grow into someone else's tree. · 🚘【Northwest Transportation Guide】 ✈️Major transport: Fly to Xining Caojiabao Airport / Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport 🚗Local transport: Self-driving recommended with car pick-up at Xining/Dunhuang stores 🚌Public transport: Attractions are too scattered! Strongly recommend carpooling/private car🚙 🌟【Qinghai-Gansu Travel "Avoid" List】 ❌Don't join low-price tours, too many traps to cry over😭 ❌Only buy A-class tickets for Mogao Caves! B-class tickets cover only 4 caves and no time selection⏳ ❌Sun protection is a must! Physical sunscreen > chemical sunscreen, hat + arm sleeves are the ultimate combo🧢 ❌Respect local customs! No bare shoulders or legs in temples🙏 ❌Book accommodation in advance! Last-minute bookings cost twice as much💸 🌟【Qinghai-Gansu Travel "Must-Do" List】 ✅Altitude caution: Qinghai Lake is 3,200 meters above sea level, avoid running or jumping! Altitude sickness risk🏔️ ✅Time difference reminder: Northwest gets dark late, you can slightly delay your schedule🌄 ✅Best photo times: Soft light in early morning and evening, high chance of great shots📷 ✅Food exploration: Lamb hot pot, old yogurt, sweet fermented barley… foodies don’t miss out · ✅ Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ Xining/Haizhu New District: Rich nightlife, design hotels with great photo opportunities (suitable for those with a good budget) 2️⃣ Delingha: Must-pass on popular routes, accommodations tight in peak season, book early 3️⃣ Dunhuang/Shazhou Night Market: The choice for artsy youth, hutong homestays to experience Northwest charm 4️⃣ Zhangye City: Convenient transport, close to Zhangye West Station and night market, many nearby attractions 5️⃣ Scenic area exits: Commercial atmosphere strong, good for browsing but shop carefully ·

2 Days 1 Night Kekexili Adventure Guide (Budget 2000 RMB) Suitable for: Travelers who love the wilderness, pursue extreme landscapes, and can adapt to high altitudes Core experiences: Tibetan antelope observation, Kunlun Snow Mountain, no-man’s land highway, starry Milky Way 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Sonam Dargye Protection Station → Buzdong Spring Day 2: Buzdong Spring → Kekexili hinterland (Tibetan antelope watching) → Return to Golmud 💰 Budget Allocation (2 people traveling together, 1000 RMB per person) Item Cost (per person) Remarks Transportation 600 RMB Chartered/shared car round trip from Golmud (including fuel) Accommodation 150 RMB Simple bed at Buzdong Spring Protection Station Meals 150 RMB Bring your own dry food + simple hot meals Others 100 RMB Oxygen cylinder, medicine, miscellaneous expenses 🚗 Day 1: Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Buzdong Spring Morning: 7:00 Depart from Golmud by charter/shared car (4WD off-road vehicle recommended, 300 RMB per person/day). 9:30 Pass by Kunlun Holy Spring (free, can fill glacier water), distant view of Yuzhu Peak. Noon: 12:00 Arrive at Kunlun Pass (altitude 4768m), take photos at the monument, simple roadside meal (self-prepared). Afternoon: 14:00 Visit Sonam Dargye Protection Station (free, learn about Tibetan antelope conservation). 16:00 Arrive at Buzdong Spring Protection Station for check-in (bed 150 RMB/person, basic but warm). Night: 20:00 Stargazing near the protection station (no light pollution, Milky Way clearly visible). 🦌 Day 2: Buzdong Spring → Kekexili Hinterland → Golmud Early morning: 6:30 Depart at sunrise, head deep into Kekexili along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, searching for Tibetan antelope and wild donkeys (higher chance in summer). Morning: 9:00 Arrive near Chumar River or Wudaoliang (frequent animal activity area), quietly wait for photos. 11:00 Return trip, possibly encounter Tibetan fox or wolves on the way (keep distance!). Afternoon: 14:00 Return to Golmud, stop to retake photos of Kunlun Snow Mountain. ⚠️ Important Tips Safety first: Travel in groups, no unauthorized entry into no-man’s land (advance registration required). Bring enough altitude sickness medicine (Rhodiola, ibuprofen), portable oxygen cylinders (30 RMB/can). Transportation advice: Shared rides are more cost-effective (hostels in Golmud can form groups), charter about 1200 RMB/day (price negotiable). Many large trucks on Qinghai-Tibet Highway, drive carefully. Minimal gear: -15℃ warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), power bank (unstable power supply at protection station). 🌍 Soul experience: Touch the wilderness heartbeat of the world’s Third Pole at the lowest cost, perfect for "ascetic" travel lovers! Actual expenses may exceed budget (e.g., emergency treatment for altitude sickness or vehicle repairs).

Qinghai | You Must Visit Hoh Xil Once in Your Life Hoh Xil, means "green mountain ridge" or "beautiful girl" in Mongolian, and "desolate land under the northern Kunlun Mountains" in Tibetan. It is a forbidden zone for humans and a paradise for wild animals. · ————— I downloaded the movie "Kekexili: Mountain Patrol" directed by Lu Chuan to watch on the plane before I left. The movie says, "The story of Hoh Xil is hard to tell, only those who have really been there can understand." The movie is based on the true story of Sonam Dargye. This is heaven, hell, a pure land, and a place to witness life and faith. The last primitive wilderness in China, this is the last habitat of Tibetan antelopes. This is the wilderness, but not barren. Every alpine meadow interprets the power of life. · ————— The original plan was to spend two days there, but it was still early and the weather was good, so I went straight to the Jade Pool of the Queen Mother of the West after returning to the Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace. I was very lucky along the way, from continuous rain to bright sunshine, snow-capped mountains, jade pool, alpine meadows, I saw Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and marmots. I didn't see the "egg yolk pie internet celebrity wolf" but took a photo with the "wolf friend" (see the picture later). The local driver was familiar with the road conditions and drove well, and we left the reserve safely before dark. · ————— Travel method: chartered car Departure: near Golmud Railway Station Departure time: 8:30 Return time: 20:30 Travel preparation: 1️⃣ I ate rhodiola and oxygen supplements for half a month, and didn't take a shower or wash my hair the day before. 2️⃣ I prepared 2 bottles of oxygen (I felt a headache and head swelling when the altitude was over 4,500 meters, and I used up both bottles). 3️⃣ ID card (ID card security check is required to enter and leave the reserve). 4️⃣ Keep warm and protect yourself from the sun, wear a hat and a jacket. Chartered car itinerary: Golmud ➡️ Kunlun Holy Spring (with a water toilet) ➡️ Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace (there are two destinations here, Route A is Sonam Dargye Protection Station, Route B is the Jade Pool of the Queen Mother of the West). Route A: Yuzhu Peak Viewing Platform (it snowed on the night of September 9, and the snow was particularly shocking) ➡️ Kunlun Pass (altitude: 4,768 meters, the breathtaking beauty, there are two wolf-like dogs and a Samoyed outside the platform, which are said to have grown up with humans and dogs, and you can pet them and take photos with them for a fee) ➡️ Yuxu Peak Viewing Platform ➡️ Hoh Xil Sonam Dargye Protection Station (the driver said the protection station was under repair and could not be visited, so I returned at Kunlun Pass) Route B: ➡️ Jade Pool Grassland (the most beautiful scenery is on the road) ➡️ Jade Pool of the Queen Mother of the West (not stunning, but it led me to the most beautiful no man's land)

Now that summer vacation is over, flight and hotel prices have plummeted, and attractions are less crowded. Traveling now means seeing twice the scenery for half the cost. I’ve ranked these 8 destinations based on my real experiences from September to October, so you can avoid the pitfalls I encountered. 1️⃣ Huanggang | Hubei September is the perfect time to visit Tiantangzhai in Luotian and Guifeng Mountain in Macheng. The waterfalls at Tiantangzhai still have plenty of water, and the mist on the hiking trails feels much more comfortable than in summer. The azaleas at Guifeng Mountain are gone by October, but the ancient azalea groves paired with autumn mist make for cleaner, better photos. 🚄 Take a high-speed train from Wuhan to Macheng North (about 40 minutes), then transfer to the scenic area bus. Admission to Tiantangzhai plus the scenic area shuttle is around CNY 100. I recommend checking the official channels in advance for the latest policies. ⏰ Arrive at the South Gate of Tiantangzhai before 9:00 AM to beat the crowds while the mist is still lingering; the Zheren Peak trail is the most rewarding. Guifeng Mountain is best visited in the afternoon. Hike up to the Guifeng Sunrise Observation Deck for the sunset, then head down for a "diaoguo" (hanging pot) meal. ⚠️ Prices on the mountain are double, so bring your own water and snacks. Stay in Luotian County, where you can find clean accommodation for around CNY 100—don't bother trying to stay inside the scenic area. 2️⃣ Nyingchi | Tibet September is the most comfortable window for visiting Nyingchi; the rainy season has just ended, and there's a high chance of seeing the snow-capped mountains. Hiking in the Gang Spruce Forest in Bomi feels like walking on a carpet of thick pine needles. The water at Basum Lake is unrealistically blue, but don't just crowd around the observation deck. 📍 Take the Yunnan-Tibet Highway from Lhasa to Nyingchi; any stop along the Niyang River scenic belt is picture-perfect. For views of Namcha Barwa at the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the chances of seeing the "golden mountain" at sunrise are higher in October than in summer. ⏰ Arrive at Sejila Pass before 7:00 AM for the sunrise; when the clouds are thin, the entire snow mountain glows gold. I recommend staying in Jieba Village at Basum Lake; there's no wind in the early morning, making for perfect reflections. ⚠️ Don't push yourself if you have altitude sickness; avoid showering or running on the first day. Chartering a car or carpooling costs about CNY 200–300 per person per day, which is much more cost-effective than hailing rides on the spot. Accommodation prices drop at the end of the peak season, but you should still book popular guesthouses in advance. 3️⃣ Xianyang | Shaanxi Qianling Mausoleum and Yuanjiacun: one for history, one for carbs—the perfect combination. Standing beneath the Unmarked Stele and the statues of the 61 foreign envoys at Qianling, you can feel a sense of vast, imposing power. The Guanzhong Plain is cool in October, so walking the Sacred Way isn't too hot. 🍜 Yuanjiacun is a Guanzhong cultural experience site. You can eat your fill of yogurt, oil-splashed noodles, and lamb blood soup with vermicelli for about CNY 30 per person. Just don't go on the weekend—the crowds will ruin the experience. 🚄 It takes about 20+ minutes by high-speed train from Xi'an North to Qianxian, then about CNY 20 for a taxi to Qianling. Peak season admission for Qianling is around CNY 100, with half-price for students; check official sources for the latest pricing. ⚠️ The Qianling scenic area is huge, so take the shuttle bus—don't save a few yuan and end up walking until your legs give out. Parking at Yuanjiacun is tight, so I recommend going early or taking the bus. 4️⃣ Yichun | Jiangxi September and October are the best times to visit the Mingyueshan Tourist Area for hot springs and cloud seas. The Xingyue Cave and Yungu Waterfall on the mountain are easy to walk, making them suitable for seniors and children. The cable car has two sections; the view from the middle section to the summit is the most expansive. ⏰ The morning after the rain offers the highest chance of seeing a cloud sea. Spending half an hour just relaxing by Moon Lake is more rewarding than rushing between attractions. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes by taxi from Yichun Station to Mingyueshan; buses are available but slow. Admission plus round-trip cable car is around CNY 200+; buying online in advance can sometimes be cheaper. ⚠️ The temperature at the summit is 5–6 degrees lower than at the base, so bring a light jacket. Hot spring hotel prices spike on weekends during peak season, so going on weekdays can save you 30%. 5️⃣ Baicheng | Jilin At the Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area, the reeds start turning yellow in September, and the river is so wide it makes you want to sing. This place is off the beaten path, but that's exactly why it's cheap. Take a walk along the wetland boardwalk to see water birds taking flight. 📍 The Tongxin Bridge and Lanyue Pavilion in Nenjiang Bay are great photo spots. In the evening, the slanted light makes the reed tassels glow. 🍜 In Baicheng city, try the hand-grabbed meat and river fish stewed in river water for about CNY 50–60 per person. Stay in Da'an city for around CNY 100. ⚠️ Mosquitoes in the wetlands are still fierce in September, so wear long sleeves and pants and bring repellent. There are few dining options in the scenic area, so bring your own food. It's windy in October, so bring a hat and scarf. 6️⃣ Mianyang | Sichuan The Beichuan Qiang City Tourist Area isn't crowded in September, and the Qiang-style architecture spreads out along the mountainside. Walking along the Banaqia Commercial Street, you can hear the sound of Qiang flutes drifting from the alleys. This place is for strolling slowly, not just for checking off a list. 📍 The Beichuan Old County Earthquake Ruins and the Qiang Folk Museum are right next to each other, so see them together. The museum is free but closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. 🍜 Try the Qiang-style cured meat and buckwheat noodles at small street-side eateries for about CNY 20+ per person. The stir-fried bracken with cured meat is great with rice. 🚄 It takes about an hour by bus from Mianyang Station to Beichuan. Driving yourself is more convenient, but be careful on the winding mountain roads. ⚠️ Respect local customs and ask before taking photos. Keep quiet in the ruins area and don't talk loudly. 7️⃣ Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Kunlun Mountain, Qarhan Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake—this route is best traveled in September and October. The summer crowds have faded, so you don't have to fight for photo spots at the salt lakes. The green of Emerald Lake and the white of Chaka are completely different vibes. ⏰ Enter Chaka Salt Lake before 9:00 AM for calm water and clear reflections. It gets windy in the afternoon, which ruins the mirror effect. Qarhan Salt Lake is larger and wilder, making it better for the afternoon. 📍 Kunlun Pass is at an altitude of 4,700 meters, so avoid strenuous exercise. Walk deeper into Emerald Lake for fewer crowds and clearer colors. ⚠️ Salt lakes are corrosive, so don't wear expensive shoes and bring a pair of flip-flops. Apply sunscreen aggressively—the UV rays are no joke. Chartering a car for this route costs about CNY 300 per person per day; carpooling is cheaper. 8️⃣ Fangchenggang | Guangxi Lashan Ancient Fishing Village and the Fangchenggang coast: seafood is ridiculously cheap after the fishing season opens in September. The blue-brick houses and rocky beaches of the ancient fishing village are great for finding small crabs at low tide. Cycling along the coastal road with the salty sea breeze is refreshing, and it's not stuffy in October. 🍜 Try the mantis shrimp and flower crab at the fishing village food stalls for about CNY 60–70 per person. Remember to ask for the price before ordering and don't let the owner just weigh it without checking. 📍 Watch the sunset from the tide-watching platform at Lashan Ancient Fishing Village; low tide times vary daily, so check the tide table in advance. The sand at Bailangtan Beach is fine and perfect for walking barefoot. 🚄 It takes about half an hour by taxi from Fangchenggang North Station to the fishing village. Stay in the Port District, where you can find sea-view rooms for around CNY 100. ⚠️ The coastal rocks are slippery, so don't wear flat flip-flops when climbing on them. Buy seafood at the market and have a restaurant cook it for you—it's half the price of ordering directly from the menu. These eight places will be easy on both your wallet and your eyes if you visit in September or October. If you can only choose one, I'd bet on Nyingchi or Fangchenggang—one for the mountains, one for the sea. You can't go wrong.

Don't want to deal with Mid-Autumn Festival crowds? These 8 places are uncrowded and affordable 01 Changsha | Hunan Wuyi Square during the Mid-Autumn Festival is so crowded you can barely touch the ground. I suggest you go the opposite way. Get to Yuelu Mountain before 7:00 AM. The air is cool, the stone steps aren't in the sun, and you'll just break a light sweat by the time you reach the sightseeing corridor. 📍 There are stone benches under the old camphor tree at the entrance of Yuelu Academy. It's quiet for a rest, and you won't have to wait in line for photos. Tianxin Pavilion is best visited in the evening. Watch the sunset dye the entire old town a warm orange from the city walls. ⏰ The light is softest after 5:00 PM. Remember to book the Provincial Museum in advance via their official WeChat account. ⚠️ It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. Huaminglou is a bit further away, so it's best to drive or take a taxi. It's a nice place to spend half a day wandering around. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, don't eat in the scenic area. Head to the back street of Hunan University for a bowl of beef rice noodles with a fried egg for just over ¥20. Changsha's spice is intense. If you can't handle it, remember to ask for no spice—don't push yourself. 02 Haixi | Qinghai Everyone crowds into Qinghai Lake, but I think this salt lake route is more worth it. The wind at Kunlun Pass is strong enough to blow your hat off. ⏰ The clouds are thin before 10:00 AM, making the snow mountain outlines clearest. Wear a thick jacket, not just a shell. The salt flowers at Qarhan Salt Lake look like broken glass covering the ground; they crunch when you step on them. Emerald Lake has layers of colors, ranging from green to blue. It actually looks better under the midday sun because the water is shallow and the reflections are clear. After 4:00 PM, when the tour groups leave Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky" finally becomes peaceful. 🚄 I recommend chartering a car or driving yourself. Public transport is infrequent, and don't count on being able to hail a taxi on the spot. ⚠️ You'll be at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Don't wash your hair or run around on the first day. If you get a headache, use oxygen—don't try to tough it out. For accommodation, choose Delingha or Dachaidan. The conditions are average, but they're close to the lakes. 03 Changzhi | Shanxi Baquan Gorge in the Taihang Mountains is what I'd call a great alternative to the "Little Jiuzhaigou" of the north. The water is a clear, cyan-green. ⏰ The water volume is highest the day after rain, and the sound of the waterfalls is deafening, but the steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. 📍 At the Baquan Gorge entrance, take the sightseeing bus to the pier, then transfer to a boat to enter the gorge. Don't get the order wrong, or you'll end up walking an extra two kilometers for nothing. The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon is huge. You can only choose one section to walk in a day—pick either Hongdou Gorge or Qinglong Gorge, don't try to do both. 🍜 The rainbow trout at the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain is caught and grilled to order. It's sold by weight, so ask about the price before ordering. ⚠️ Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains can be over 10 degrees. Bringing a light down jacket isn't an exaggeration. It's suitable for seniors, as there are cable cars and elevators the whole way—if they get tired, they can just ride. 04 Nanchong | Sichuan Langzhong Ancient Town is quieter than Lijiang and cheaper than Fenghuang. The bluestone roads are worn smooth and shiny. ⏰ Before 7:00 AM, the only people on the street are those sweeping and selling vinegar. That peace is worth the price of admission. 📍 Zhongtian Tower is the center of the ancient town. Climb up to see the sea of tiled roofs. Zhangfei Temple and the Examination Hall are right next to each other, so a joint ticket is a good deal. Don't hire unofficial guides; a rental audio guide for ¥10 is more reliable. 🍜 Baoning vinegar is a local specialty. You can get a vinegar foot soak on the street for ¥15 per session. It's great for tired feet—the sour smell is strong, but it really relieves fatigue. ⚠️ There are many inns in the ancient town. Choose one by the river to see the lights at night, but be aware that soundproofing can be poor—if you're a light sleeper, stay outside the town. Mid-Autumn Festival room rates are significantly lower than during National Day, so booking a week in advance is fine. It's perfect for a slow-paced trip—two days and one night is just right. 05 Laibin | Guangxi Not many people know about Panwangjie in the Dayao Mountains, so it's perfect for a Mid-Autumn trip. The mountains are layers upon layers of karst peaks. ⏰ In the early morning mist, it looks like an ink wash painting. When the sun comes out and the mist clears, it turns into a different shade of green. The boardwalk on Jinxiu Lotus Mountain is built along the cliff edge. It might make your legs weak, but the scenery is incredible. 📍 At the entrance to Panwangjie, there are Yao women selling oil tea for ¥5 a bowl. It's salty, fragrant, and slightly bitter—it warms you right up. 🍜 The bamboo rice and cured meat at the Yao restaurants at the foot of the mountain are half the price of those in the scenic area. 🚄 It takes about two hours to transfer from Laibin North Station to Jinxiu by bus. There aren't many departures, so leave early. ⚠️ Signal in the mountains is weak, so download offline maps in advance. It's great for hiking enthusiasts; seniors should stick to the flatter sections and not push themselves. 06 Tai'an | Shandong Night climbing Mount Tai during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a classic, but I suggest you do the opposite. Start from Hongmen during the day. ⏰ Leave at 3:00 PM, and you'll reach Zhongtian Gate just at dusk. The Eighteen Bends won't be in the sun, and there are half as many people as the night climb. 📍 The steps from Zhongtian Gate to Nantian Gate are steep. Rent a hiking stick for ¥5—don't skip this. After Nantian Gate, heading toward the Jade Emperor Peak, the wind is strong enough to knock you over, so bring a windbreaker. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, go to the old county office to have a bowl of Mount Tai tofu noodles. The soup is clear, the noodles are smooth, and it's a filling meal for ¥10. ⚠️ Bottled water at the summit is ¥8 each, so bring enough yourself. Book tickets in advance on the official platform, as there are visitor limits during holidays. It's suitable for people with average fitness—take the cable car up and down and save your energy for watching the clouds at the summit. 07 Wenshan | Yunnan Mid-Autumn Festival in Puzhehei is at the tail end of the lotus season. The lotus leaves are still green, and while there are fewer flowers, there are even fewer people. ⏰ Take a willow-leaf boat into the lake at 6:30 AM. The water is as flat as a mirror, reflecting the mountains—one stroke of the oar breaks the reflection. 📍 It's a 20-minute climb to the Qinglong Mountain viewing platform, where you can overlook the entire lake area and the village. It's most beautiful at sunset. 🍜 Stir-fried eggs with lotus leaves and stewed chicken with lotus seeds are local specialties. The farmhouses by the lake do them well, costing about ¥50 per person. 🚄 It takes about an hour and a half by high-speed train from Kunming to Puzhehei Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. ⚠️ You might get into a water fight while boating, so put your phone in a waterproof bag and don't wear white shoes. It's great for couples and families—the rowing isn't strenuous, and kids love it. 08 Linxia | Gansu The water at Liujiaxia is a serene blue-green. ⏰ After 4:00 PM, when the sun hits it at an angle, the reservoir looks like a giant emerald. Take a boat to Bingling Temple. The boat ride takes an hour, with stone cliffs on both sides of the water, and the breeze is just right. The grottoes at the Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area are carved into the cliff face. The boardwalk is narrow, so ⚠️ if you're afraid of heights, walk on the inside. 📍 The Tang Dynasty statues in Cave 169 are well-preserved. The guide will point them out to you, so don't just wander around on your own. 🍜 The hand-grabbed mutton and Hezhou steamed buns in downtown Linxia are cheaper and more authentic than in the scenic area—it's a 20-minute taxi ride away. 🚄 It takes about two hours by bus from Lanzhou to Linxia, making it perfect for a short weekend trip. There are few tourists during the Mid-Autumn Festival, so you can easily find accommodation. Of these eight places, I most recommend Changzhi and Laibin—one has great water, the other has quiet mountains. Pick one, and don't go squeezing into the crowds this Mid-Autumn Festival.

Want to travel for the National Day holiday but afraid of breaking the bank? I've tested 8 places for you. They're uncrowded, affordable, and have great scenery. Pick one and go. 1️⃣ Haixi | Qinghai Let me start with a reality check: Haixi isn't for late sleepers. ⏰ Leave Golmud before 7:00 AM; the wind at Kunlun Mountain Pass will wake you right up. Don't wear a thin jacket; I wore a hoodie and was back in the car within 3 minutes of stepping out. Charhan Salt Lake is much less crowded than Chaka, and the admission ticket is cheaper too. 📍 The road along the Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge is covered in salt crusts that crunch like broken glass when you walk on them. For reflection photos, go before 10:00 AM when the wind is calm. Visit Emerald Lake in the afternoon when the light hits at an angle, making the colors most vibrant. Don't take the scenic train; it's only a 40-minute walk if you take your time. ⚠️ Don't walk barefoot on the salt lake; the salt crystals will hurt your feet and ruin your shoes. For dinner, head back to downtown Golmud for pan-roasted lamb. 📍 The restaurants on Bayi Road are popular with locals, and you can eat your fill for about CNY 50 per person. Book your accommodation for the National Day holiday in advance; prices will more than double if you wait until the last minute. 2️⃣ Suizhou | Hubei I didn't have high expectations for Dahong Mountain, but I was pleasantly surprised. ⏰ October is the perfect time to visit; the ginkgo trees are starting to turn yellow, and the crowds haven't arrived yet. Take a bus from downtown Suizhou to Changgang Town, then transfer to a local minibus to get up the mountain. 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Suizhou South Station. A taxi ride costs about CNY 80, but ride-sharing is more cost-effective. 📍 At 3:00 PM, sunlight filters through the leaves of the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in front of Hongshan Zen Temple, creating a dappled light effect on the ground. Don't rush to take photos; walk up to Bailong Pool first, then look back for a panoramic view of the temple. ⚠️ There's a large temperature difference at the summit, so bring a fleece jacket even in October. There are few dining options in the scenic area, so I recommend eating in town before heading up. It's suitable for seniors as the steps aren't too steep; a slow two-hour walk is enough. 3️⃣ Baoji | Shaanxi I've been to Baoji three times, and every time it's for the food. First, Famen Temple: ⏰ Go in the morning when it's less crowded and the lighting is good. The ginkgo trees in front of the Namaste Dagoba don't turn yellow until November, so in October, you're just there for the architecture. Taibai Mountain and Guanshan Grassland require two separate days. Take the cable car up Taibai Mountain. 📍 The boardwalk from Xiabansi to Shangbansi is covered in red leaves in October and is an easy walk. Guanshan Grassland is best visited in the afternoon. Don't rent horses at the entrance; walk further in and the price will be cut in half. Dongshanfeng is an off-the-beaten-path spot that you can't find on navigation apps; you'll have to ask the locals. ⚠️ There's no signal or supplies, so don't go alone. 🍜 Head back to the city for cold skin noodles. 📍 The old shop on Jing'er Road only sells them until 2:00 PM. Order a small bowl of saozi noodles; you won't be able to finish a large one. 4️⃣ Fuzhou | Jiangxi I was surprised that there were no long lines at Dajue Mountain during the National Day holiday. ⏰ Arrive at the cable car station before 8:00 AM, or the tour groups will beat you to it. Buy your admission ticket and cable car pass online in advance to save CNY 20 compared to buying on-site. 📍 From the top cable car station, turn right for Dajueyan Temple or left for the rafting starting point. Rafting is closed in October, so don't make a wasted trip. The ancient town isn't overly commercialized. 📍 The shop on the old street selling lotus root candy sells bags for CNY 10, and it's just the right amount of sweet. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain costs CNY 8, so bring your own. It's great for families; you can finish the cable car and ancient town in half a day. Head back to downtown Fuzhou in the afternoon. 🍜 Try the rice noodles with beef offal; 📍 the shop on Gandong Avenue doesn't open until 6:00 PM. 5️⃣ Taizhou | Jiangsu I recommend Qin Lake for those who don't want to walk until their legs give out. ⏰ Take a boat into the wetlands in the morning; the boatwoman will point out the elk grazing on the banks. The admission ticket includes the boat ride, and it's CNY 15 cheaper if bought online. 📍 On the wooden boardwalk in the wetland park, the reeds turn white in October, looking like snow when the wind blows. Don't walk the whole way; turn back at the bird-watching platform, as the scenery repeats after that. ⚠️ Food in the scenic area isn't cheap; a basket of duan crabs costs CNY 80. Go back to downtown Jiangyan to eat. 📍 There's a small restaurant on North Street where you can get crab roe tofu and fish ball soup for about CNY 40 per person. It's suitable for children; the boat ride is stable, and the boardwalk is flat. Hairy crabs are just hitting the market in October; don't buy them in the scenic area—go to the wet market and have the vendor steam them for you. 6️⃣ Panjin | Liaoning I went to Red Beach because of the photos, and when I arrived, I found out the photos didn't lie. ⏰ It's reddest from late September to mid-October, and the National Day holiday falls right in the middle. Don't drive into the corridor, or you'll be stuck in traffic until you question your life choices. 🚄 Take the scenic shuttle bus. 📍 The viewing platform in the middle of the corridor is the least crowded; walk 200 meters in either direction to get photos of the seepweed without anyone else in them. ⚠️ Don't wear white shoes; one step into the mudflats and they're ruined. It's windy, so hold onto your hat. 🍜 Head back to downtown Panjin for river crabs. 📍 Buy them fresh at the market in Xinglongtai and have them steamed; it's half the price of the scenic area. The rice paddies are also yellow in October, so it's worth a look on your way. 7️⃣ Jilin Visiting Songhua Lake and Rime Island in October is a bit awkward. You have to wait until December for the rime ice, but the autumn scenery at Songhua Lake is worth the trip. ⏰ Arrive at the lake at 3:00 PM when the sunlight turns the mountains a golden red. Choose the half-route boat tour; 📍 depart from Fengman Pier and turn back at Wuhu Island—an hour and a half is enough to see it all. Don't buy the photos taken on the boat; they cost CNY 20 each and are so blurry your own mother wouldn't recognize you. ⚠️ The wind by the lake is harsh; wearing a down jacket is not an exaggeration. There's no rime ice on Rime Island in October, but the drying of autumn crops in the village is quite beautiful. 📍 The farmhouses in Hantun offer a night's stay plus three meals for CNY 150. It's best for self-driving as bus service is infrequent. 🍜 Try the jianfen (pan-fried starch noodles) and heluo (pressed noodles) in downtown Jilin; 📍 the old shop on Henan Street will fill you up for CNY 10. 8️⃣ Harbin | Heilongjiang If you go to Harbin for the National Day holiday, don't be disappointed that the Ice and Snow World isn't open yet. ⏰ However, Volga Manor and Saint Sophia Cathedral are less crowded in October, so you won't have to fight for a photo spot. Just taking photos outside Saint Sophia Cathedral is enough; you need a ticket to go inside, and there are only a few old photos in there. 📍 The bench on the side of the cathedral gets great light at 4:00 PM, perfect for portraits that don't need editing. Volga Manor is in the suburbs; 🚄 a taxi ride costs about CNY 50, and it's cheaper to buy tickets online. ⚠️ Temperatures in Harbin approach zero in the morning and evening in October, so bring a light down jacket. You can still eat a Modern Hotel popsicle on Central Street; it's warm indoors. 🍜 The Hongzhuan Street morning market is open from 6:00 AM–8:30 AM; you can get your fill of fried cakes and tofu pudding for CNY 5. Choose accommodation in Daoli District; it's close to everything. Of these eight places, I most recommend Haixi and Panjin—one is beautifully desolate, and the other is unapologetically red. Where are you planning to go for the National Day holiday? Let me know in the comments, and I'll help you spot any potential pitfalls.

Hoh Xil or Kekexili (Mongolian for "Blue Ridge", also Aqênganggyai for "Lord of Ten Thousand Mountains") is an isolated region in the northeastern part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. On July 7, 2017, the Hoh Xil in Qinghai was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as "the largest and highest plateau in the world". when in Qinghai,China

On a whim, I decided to hold an end-of-year awards ceremony for the roads I've traveled and the scenery I've seen over the past 3 years. 2026 Nominees: Mianyang–Jiuzhaigou–Guangyuan Loop / Hoh Xil / Yangtze River Cruise / Summer Western Sichuan Small Loop / Kansai, Japan / Guangdong / Shanghai / Chifeng Best of the Year: Hoh Xil (Standing in the wilderness of humanity, listening to the breath of nature's creatures) (p1–p4) Departing from Golmud, the distant Kunlun Mountains look like a giant wall stretching across the horizon. Looking from afar, it's hard to tell if it's clouds or snow-capped mountains. The car climbed all the way, crossing the Kunlun Mountain Pass. The air grew thinner, but the world became increasingly vast. From Wuji Longfeng Palace to the Queen Mother of the West's Jade Pool, I began to truly enter a land that gradually loses contact with cities, signals, and human society. The road stretches infinitely forward, with nothing but mountains, glaciers, wilderness, and the occasional wild animal entering my field of vision. At that moment, you suddenly realize that humans are actually just very small passersby on this land. Even though we have been to many places, we still tear up at such solitude, freedom, and vastness. 2025 Nominees: Winter Western Sichuan Small Loop / Huizhou / Yantai & Weihai / Hulunbuir / Wushan Best of the Year: Hulunbuir (I hope I can spend all the autumns of the rest of my life like this) (p5–p8) Autumn on the grasslands waits for no one. By the time I arrived during the National Day holiday, I had already missed the perfect autumn colors. The grasslands and hillsides were left with only mottled gold. Large swathes of forest had shed their leaves, with bare branches reaching toward the sky, making the whole world seem exceptionally desolate. The air on the autumn grasslands is biting; every breath carries a chill that belongs to the wilderness. We wandered along the endless road, encountering cattle, sheep, sunsets, starry skies, and ever-changing colors on the vast land. Later, when mentioning Hulunbuir, I always say: In the autumn of the north, I briefly lived a nomadic life. 2024 Nominees: Changbai Mountain–Yanji / Wuxi Yuantouzhu / Gannan / Hohhot / Xinjiang (Altay, Ili) / Qingdao / Austria / Chengdu / Leshan Best of the Year: Xinjiang (The sun of that summer will never set) (p9–p12) No one could beat Xinjiang in 2024. Sayram Lake, half sunny, half rainy, The sunset and starry sky of Baihaba, The waters of Kanas, so gentle they don't seem like they belong to the real world, The massive glacier at the end of Xiate, And the crowds and revelry of Tekes at night. Walking on this land, even without music, you can't help but walk to the rhythm; Even without alcohol, you remain in a state of mild intoxication. Mountains, grasslands, lakes, glaciers, and people stretched the summer days infinitely long. Xinjiang in 2024 gave me an invincible summer.

What's the biggest fear when traveling with kids for three days? Rushing, waiting in lines, and kids complaining they're bored. I've picked these eight places because they allow for a slower pace, have plenty to see and do, and make dining and lodging hassle-free. By planning only one or two spots a day and keeping nap times, both adults and kids can avoid meltdowns. 1️⃣ Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai To be clear, this route in Haixi is suitable for older children; I don't recommend it for those under three. The altitude is high, and the temperature swings between day and night are enough to require a down jacket. ⏰ In July, the rapeseed flowers along Qinghai Lake are in full bloom, but the wind is strong enough to blow your hat into the lake. Kunlun Pass is great for older kids to experience what it's like to have "mountains in the sky." Don't stay long; take a photo and move on. The salt flowers at Qarhan Salt Lake look like crushed glass on the ground. Kids can squat and watch them for a long time. ⚠️ Don't let them pick at it; the salt crystals are sharp. Emerald Lake has the most appealing colors on this entire route; it's so green it doesn't look real. When traveling with kids, stick to the boardwalks and don't go into the lake to step on the brine. Chaka Salt Lake is famous but crowded. ⏰ I recommend entering before 8:00 AM to save half the time waiting for the small train. Choose accommodation in Delingha or Chaka Town; don't be tempted by cheap tents by the lake, as it gets cold at night and the kids won't sleep well. 🍜 You can try the pan-roasted lamb and yak yogurt. The yogurt is on the sour side, so the kids might not love it. Please check official announcements for ticket prices and opening hours on the day of your visit. 2️⃣ Nanning | Guangxi Nanning is an underrated city for traveling with kids. Qingxiushan Scenic Area is large, but don't try to see it all in one day. 🚄 Metro Line 3 goes directly to the West Gate; it's stroller-friendly with well-designed ramps. ⏰ In the morning, head to the Cycad Garden and Orchid Garden. It's cool, and the plant labels are designed like picture books. For lunch, have a bowl of Laoyou rice noodles on the mountain. The sour bamboo shoot flavor might make the kids frown, but adults will appreciate it. In the afternoon, go to Fubo Temple. It's not a large place, but it's quiet. The kids will be happy just running around the big banyan tree in front of the temple. 📍 The temple is by the Yongjiang River, so you can catch the river view on your way back in the evening. Don't miss the night markets in Nanning. 🍜 Zhongshan Road opens after 6:00 PM. Rolled rice noodles, suanye (pickled fruit/vegetables), and freshly pressed rice noodles are all suitable for kids' tastes. ⚠️ The suanye can be spicy, so pick mango and papaya for the kids. Stay in the Qingxiu District for the three days; it's close to everything. 3️⃣ Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia Manzhouli is a giant fairytale scene. The Matryoshka Scenic Area is the core, but I'll be honest: the tickets aren't cheap, and if the kids are small, just looking at the architecture from the outside is exciting enough. ⏰ Enter the Matryoshka Scenic Area after 4:00 PM when the light is soft, so you won't be squinting in photos. There are amusement facilities and performances inside. ⚠️ Performance times change daily, so take a photo of the schedule when you enter. 🍜 You can try Russian-style Western food once. The borscht and rye bread are generally well-received by kids. But don't eat it for every meal; by the third day, you'll be craving a bowl of plain porridge. 📍 Zhongsu Golden Street looks best after the lights come on at night. The pedestrian street isn't long, making it easy for strollers. Staying at the Matryoshka Hotel for one night is enough; the price is inflated, so it's more practical to switch to a business hotel in the city for the second night. 4️⃣ Longnan | Gansu Longnan is the kind of place where you think, "I didn't know Gansu had places like this." Guan'egou is great for walking with kids; the boardwalks are gentle, and the sound of water follows you the whole way. ⏰ Visit in October during the autumn, when the colorful forests and clear water are even more impressive than in summer. Wenxian Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) requires driving on winding mountain roads, so if your kids get carsick, apply motion sickness patches in advance. 📍 There is a trail around the lake; it takes an hour to walk a full circle, and it's not tiring. ⚠️ Temperatures on the mountain are low, so bring a jacket even in summer. There is a Luren Village inside Guan'egou where you can rest and eat a bowl of noodles. 🍜 Potato mash (Yangyu Jiaotuan) is a local specialty. The texture is like mashed potatoes, which kids can usually accept. Three-day itinerary: Day 1 in Guan'egou, Day 2 at Tianchi, and Day 3 wandering around Dangchang County. Don't try to do too much; the roads in Longnan take more time than you'd think. Please check official announcements for ticket and sightseeing bus rules on the day of your visit. 5️⃣ Jingzhou | Hubei Jingzhou Ancient City Wall is a place where kids can run around. Rent a tandem bike and ride a section of the wall; it's less tiring than walking. ⏰ Get on the wall at 5:00 PM; it's not too sunny, and you can watch the sunset. 📍 The East Gate Binyang Tower is the main entrance, and you can take the ramp next to it with a stroller. There are characters on the wall bricks that kids will be curious to touch, which is a great opportunity to tell a few history stories. Jingzhou lantern folk customs are concentrated around the Spring Festival; otherwise, you're mainly there to see the ancient city and the museum. ⚠️ The museum is closed on Mondays; don't make a wasted trip. There are chime bells and lacquerware in the museum, and kids can play with the interactive exhibits. 🍜 Jingzhou fish cake and Zaotang noodles are local breakfast staples. The fish cake is soft and suitable for kids. Stay near the ancient city, and you can walk to the Guandi Temple area in the evening. You can connect the ancient city, museum, and Wanshou Pagoda over the three days. 6️⃣ Chuzhou | Anhui Chuzhou is all about a "light" trip. Langya Mountain isn't high, so climbing it with kids is completely stress-free. ⏰ Visit in April during the spring, when the fresh green of the mountains and wildflowers make the air feel sweet. 📍 Zuiweng Pavilion is halfway up Langya Mountain. The pavilion isn't large, but kids will be curious about the name "Zuiweng" (Drunken Old Man). Follow the stream; there are stone steps and flat paths along the way. Take the main road if you have a stroller. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so mosquito repellent is a must. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, go to the old town of Chuzhou for a bowl of tea with Langya crispy candy. The candy is sweet, and kids love it. How to plan the three days: Day 1 at Langya Mountain, Day 2 at the Chuzhou Museum and wandering around the old town, and Day 3 at a farm in Quanjiao or Lai'an to pick fruit. The pace is slow, suitable for young children. 7️⃣ Nanping | Fujian Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area is the most "educational" of these eight. The Nine-Bend Stream bamboo raft is the main event. ⏰ The 7:30 AM slot is the most comfortable; it's not sunny, and the mist hasn't cleared yet. The bamboo raft floats for an hour, and kids will be busy watching the water, mountains, and fish, so they generally won't fuss. 📍 The end point is at Wuyi Palace, and right outside is Song Street, where you can get something to eat. ⚠️ Bamboo raft tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance. Please check official announcements for height restrictions on the day of your visit. The steps to Tianyou Peak are steep; don't force it with small kids—just go halfway and take a look. 🍜 Langu smoked goose in Wuyi Mountain is on the spicy side, so it's safer to order a portion of Zixi rice noodles for the kids. The Dahongpao scenic area is great for walking, and the tea tree terraces are great for photos. Stay in the resort area for the three days; there are shuttle buses to all the attractions. In the evening, you can watch the Impression Dahongpao show; kids will like the sound and light effects. 8️⃣ Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture | Jilin The last stop is Yanbian because the food is good, the pace is slow, and the kids are happy. Liudingshan Cultural Tourism Zone is the core. ⏰ Go in the morning when it's less crowded and the light is good. 📍 There is a giant Buddha and Buddhist cultural architecture in the scenic area. Kids might not understand it, but the space is open and comfortable for running around. ⚠️ There are many steps, so strollers aren't very convenient; I recommend a baby carrier for small kids. 🍜 Yanji cold noodles, blood sausage (sundae), and rice cakes (tteok) are all suitable for kids. The cold noodles are on the sour side, so you can ask the shop to use less vinegar. The Water Market is busiest in the morning, and the rice cakes are made and sold on the spot, which kids will watch with fascination. Three-day itinerary: Day 1 at Liudingshan, Day 2 eating and shopping in Yanji city, and Day 3 visiting Tumen or Hunchun to see the border scenery. Stay near Yanji University; it's convenient for dining, and you can take a stroll in the evening. Of these eight places, if I had to pick the three most hassle-free ones: Haixi for the lakes, Wuyi Mountain for the bamboo rafting, and Yanbian for the food. Don't just focus on checking off sights when traveling with kids. One spot a day, and leave the rest of the time for naps and wandering around. Which of these have you taken your kids to? Let's chat in the comments.

Can you have a great time on a tight budget? These 8 uncrowded, beautiful spots for September–October 01 Shennongjia | Hubei In September and October, Shennongjia is so quiet you can hear your own footsteps on the fallen leaves. After the National Day holiday, flight and homestay prices plummet. I entered the mountains on October 8 last year and got a standard room for CNY 180. 📍 The Shennongjia Ecological Tourism Area is huge, and it's basically impossible to get around without a car. I recommend staying in Muyu Town and leaving before 7:00 AM; the morning mist at Dajiuhu Lake is the real highlight. ⏰ Head to Shennong Valley in the morning and visit Banbiyan to see the stone forest in the afternoon. Shennong Peak is over 3,000 meters above sea level, so bring a light down jacket—don't try to tough it out in just a hoodie. ⚠️ Attraction tickets are sold as combined passes or single-site tickets. If you only want to see Dajiuhu Lake, buy a single ticket and don't get tricked into buying a package. Dining in town costs about CNY 40 per person; the stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured meat is worth ordering. 02 Nanping | Fujian It starts to cool down in Wuyi Mountains in September, making hiking much more pleasant. I advise against going on weekends; bamboo raft tickets are easier to snag from Monday to Thursday, and there are half as many people. 📍 Tianyou Peak is a must-climb, but don't wear flat-soled shoes like I did. The stone steps are slippery, so wear sneakers to stay safe. ⏰ Enter the scenic area at 6:30 AM. The clouds and mist swirling around the Nine-Bend Stream make the ticket price worth it. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, head to the resort area to eat Langu smoked goose. Half a goose is about CNY 50; pair it with a bowl of Zixi rice noodles, and two people will be stuffed. ⚠️ Book tickets for the Impression Da Hong Pao show in advance; buying them on-site is expensive and the seats are worse. Student IDs get you half-price tickets, so remember to bring yours. 03 Zhengzhou | Henan Zhengzhou is the most underrated transit hub on this list. Don't just treat it as a stopover city; stay for a day and a half, and you'll find plenty to do. 📍 Go to Qinwei Water City in the evening; once the lights turn on, it looks like a completely different place, and it's free. Get to Shaolin Temple on Mount Song early; arrive at the Pagoda Forest before 8:00 AM, before the tour groups arrive. ⏰ Xiliu Lake is great for cycling after 4:00 PM when it's breezy. You must book the museum in advance, and it's closed on Mondays—⚠️ don't ask me how I know. 🍜 Dining in the city is ridiculously cheap; a bowl of Heji braised noodles is just over CNY 20. Stay along Metro Line 1, and it's convenient to get anywhere. 04 Chengde | Hebei In September, the Chengde Mountain Resort truly lives up to its name as a summer retreat. Tickets aren't cheap, but you can pick and choose from the surrounding temples to save money and get great photos. 📍 Jinshanling Great Wall is much less crowded than Badaling. ⏰ Go up at 4:00 PM; the light hits the bricks at an angle, making every shot look good. ⚠️ Don't take the sightseeing bus around the resort; walking through the lake area for two hours is plenty. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin at Puning Temple is worth buying a separate ticket for. 🍜 Go to the Erxianju Night Market in the evening; the wantuo (buckwheat jelly) and lamb soup cost about CNY 30 per person. Stay at a homestay near the resort; you can get a decent place for CNY 150 during the off-season. 05 Southwest Guizhou | Guizhou Wanfenglin and Maling River Canyon are right next to each other. By September, the rains are ending, but the waterfalls still have plenty of water, and the crowds have thinned out significantly. This place is meant for a slow pace, so don't rush. 📍 Rent an electric scooter in Wanfenglin for CNY 50 to ride around all afternoon, and take your time wandering through Bagua Fields and Nahui Village. ⏰ At 6:00 PM, the sunset dyes the forest of peaks a honey color. Walking the full length of Maling River Canyon takes about three hours. ⚠️ The steps are slippery, so seniors should be careful about doing the whole thing; you can take the elevator up and down. 🍜 Have a bowl of Xingyi lamb rice noodles in the morning for CNY 12. For accommodation, choose a guesthouse inside the Wanfenglin scenic area; you can get a room with a balcony for under CNY 200. 06 Yichun | Jiangxi Mingyue Mountain sounds like a place for retirees, but once you go, you'll realize it's actually great. The temperature on the mountain in September is in the low 20s, which is perfect for soaking in hot springs. 📍 Take the cable car up the mountain and walk the Qingyun Plank Road. ⏰ There's a high chance of seeing a sea of clouds before 10:00 AM. The flat section around Moon Lake is even stroller-friendly. ⚠️ Don't book hot spring hotels at the foot of the mountain last minute; prices double on weekends. Go on a weekday, and you can soak in a private hot spring for CNY 300. 🍜 The steamed sponge cake and selenium-rich dishes in Wentang Town are comfortable and cost about CNY 50 per person. It's great for bringing your parents; the pace is slow and not tiring. 07 Xinzhou | Shanxi Yanmenguan, Laoniuwan, and Mount Wutai are in three different directions; don't try to do them all in one day. I suggest splitting it into two days, otherwise you'll spend the whole time in the car. 📍 Go to Yanmenguan in the morning; it's windy on the city walls, ⏰ and while the light is harsh, it's imposing. Laoniuwan is best for seeing the Yellow River bend in the evening. ⚠️ It's a long way, so it's only convenient if you're driving yourself. Mount Wutai is less crowded in September, and accommodation in Taihuai Town is just over CNY 100. 🍜 The vegetarian food is worth a try, but don't eat at the entrance of the scenic area; it's cheaper further inside. Buy Mount Wutai admission tickets and sightseeing bus tickets separately, and book in advance through official channels. If you're bringing seniors, just explore Taihuai Town and don't climb to the peak. 08 Haixi | Qinghai Chaka, Emerald Lake, and Qarhan: after September, the number of tourists drops sharply, and the price of chartered cars also goes down. But ⚠️ don't believe the "mirror of the sky, perfect for photos anytime" hype; you only get that mirror effect if there's no wind and no people. 📍 Qarhan Salt Lake is much larger than Chaka and less crowded. ⏰ The light is clearest at noon. Emerald Lake's colors are most vibrant after 4:00 PM. It's windy at Kunlun Mountain Pass, so bring a thick jacket. 🚄 A chartered car in Golmud is about CNY 500 per day, and carpooling is about CNY 150 per person. 🍜 Golmud's "kang" pot lamb costs about CNY 60 per person and will fill you up. You can stay in a chain hotel for CNY 150; don't stay by the salt lake, as it's expensive and damp. Of these eight places, Shennongjia and Southwest Guizhou are the ones I personally want to visit again. If you're on a tight budget, pick one and don't try to do too much. Where are you planning to go in September?

Following Trip.com's recommendation, I chose this customized tour product in Golmud, Qinghai. My goal was to have a flexible itinerary, and I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. The attractions, route, and timing along the loop were very well arranged. I basically didn't have to worry about anything, and the trip went very smoothly. The only downside was the last day. Because I wasn't familiar with the road conditions of National Highway 109, I booked a one-day tour to Yuzhu Peak and Hoh Xil. As a result, I spent most of the day on the bumpy national highway. The attraction was temporarily changed from Yuzhu Peak (170 km from Golmud) to the Kunlun Grand Canyon (70 km away), but I still couldn't find the entrance following the navigation, so I had to head back with some regrets about the Kunlun Mountains. If any friends are planning a similar route, I suggest confirming road conditions and attraction accessibility with your travel designer in advance, or opting for a shorter, more reliable itinerary. Throughout the trip, our driver-guide, Mr. Zhang, provided very thoughtful service, and communication was smooth. Overall, the experience is worth recommending. 😊

September is the first travel window of early autumn. With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and lower prices, choosing the right destination is more important than choosing an expensive one. I've ranked these 8 spots based on whether they're "worth a special trip," clearly outlining the pros and cons so you can choose based on your vacation time. 01 Jinan | Shandong Jinan is just starting to cool down in September, and the spring water levels look great. ⏰ Enter Baotu Spring before 7 AM for fewer crowds, slanted light, and plenty of water vapor—the three springs are at their most vigorous then. 📍 Enter through the East Gate and walk a loop past Suoyu Spring, the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall, and the main Baotu Spring; one hour is enough. Don't climb Thousand Buddha Mountain in the afternoon, as the stone steps are blindingly bright. ⏰ Head up the mountain after 5 PM to see the sunset over the city from Xingguo Chan Temple. It's cool at the top, so remember to bring a light jacket. 🚄 A taxi from the city center costs around 20 yuan, or you can take bus K51. For food, I don't recommend Furong Street; it's crowded and expensive. 📍 Go to the back streets of Kuanhouli for braised pork with rice, or have a bowl of sweet foam soup on Qushuiting Street. ⚠️ Baotu Spring is occasionally closed for maintenance on Mondays, so check the official announcement before you go. If you're traveling with seniors, you can take the cable car up Thousand Buddha Mountain to save half the effort. 02 Nanchang | Jiangxi Tengwang Pavilion is the main attraction in Nanchang, but there's a trick to visiting in September. ⏰ Enter after 4:30 PM to see the Gan River from the pavilion, then wait for the sunset around 7 PM. If you're lucky, you'll catch the real-life scene of "the autumn water and the vast sky sharing the same color." 📍 The view from the 6th floor of the main pavilion is the best, so don't crowd onto the first floor. Buy tickets online a day in advance; it's faster than queuing on-site. ⚠️ The elevators in the pavilion often have long lines. If you're fit, taking the stairs is actually faster. 🚄 Take Metro Line 1 to Tengwang Pavilion Station and walk 10 minutes to the East Gate. 🍜 Don't rush off when you leave. The Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural Block lights up at night. Rice noodles with clay pot soup are a local late-night staple, and you can get stuffed for 15 yuan. It's great for couples and photographers, but if you're just looking at the architecture, two hours is plenty. 03 Chengde | Hebei The Mountain Resort in Chengde is most comfortable in September; the summer heat has dissipated, and the leaves in the lake area are starting to change color. ⏰ Enter from Lizheng Gate in the morning, walk through the palace area first, then take the mountain shuttle to Er'madao for a view of the Little Potala Palace that's worth the price of admission. The resort is too big to see in one day. My advice: take your time in the lake and plain areas, and just take the shuttle through the mountain areas. 📍 Jinshan Pavilion and Yanyu Tower are great photo spots, especially in the morning mist. The Jinshanling Great Wall is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city. ⏰ I suggest setting aside half a day and heading up after 3 PM. The light hitting the watchtowers is beautiful, and it's much less crowded than Badaling. ⚠️ The Great Wall is windy, and the temperature difference in September can be over 10 degrees, so don't worry about the weight of a windbreaker. 🚄 High-speed trains reach Chengde South Station, just over an hour from Beijing. 04 Baoshan | Yunnan Tengchong is the highlight of Baoshan. It's the end of the rainy season in September, and the volcanoes and hot springs are misty and atmospheric. 📍 Visit the Rehai Big Boiling Pot in the morning. The water is nearly 100 degrees, and the egg-boiling stalls sell skewers for 5 yuan—it's a fun local experience. ⚠️ Don't soak in the hot springs on an empty stomach, and don't soak for more than 20 minutes. Heshun Ancient Town is worth an overnight stay. ⏰ At 7 AM, the laundry pavilion and the Xianhe Wetland are so quiet you can only hear the sound of clothes being washed. 🍜 Rice noodles (xidoufen) with fried dough sticks in the ancient town are a local breakfast staple, usually sold out by 8 AM. The grass mats at Beihai Wetland are still green in September, and they wobble when you step on them—great for kids. The Yunfeng Mountain cable car is very steep, so avoid it if you're afraid of heights. You can take a hot air balloon at the Tengchong Volcano Park, but it depends on the wind direction. ⚠️ If it's too windy, they stop flying, so don't wait around. Overall, it's a place for slow travel; 3 days is not too long. 05 Yushu | Qinghai September is the best time of year to visit Hoh Xil and Sanjiangyuan. ⏰ July and August are rainy, but September has a high rate of sunny days, and you can see the Tibetan antelope moving toward their migration corridors. 📍 From Yushu city, head toward the Qinghai-Tibet line and stop at the Sonam Dargye Protection Station along the way. ⚠️ The altitude here is over 4,500 meters, so you must sleep well the night before and start taking Rhodiola a week in advance. If you're driving, keep your gas tank full; there are few supply points. The core area of Sanjiangyuan National Park is not open to the public; you can only view it from a distance on permitted roads. Don't believe drivers who promise to "take you into the core area." 🚄 There are flights to Yushu Batang Airport. Acclimatize for a day after landing before moving around. This route is for those with high-altitude experience; I advise against it for families with children or seniors. 06 Shannan | Tibet The water in Yamdrok Lake is at its most stable in September; the muddy water from the rainy season has settled, and it's a stunning, almost unreal blue. ⏰ The light is best from 10 AM – 2 PM, when the lake looks like a piece of satin. 📍 Gangbala Pass is a classic photo spot, but it's windy enough to blow your hat off. ⚠️ There are people at the pass charging for photos with Tibetan mastiffs. Ask about the price before you take a photo so you don't end up paying unexpectedly. It's about a 2-hour drive from Lhasa, and a day trip by chartered car is enough, but I recommend having lunch in Langkazi County before heading back. The altitude is 4,400 meters, so don't run or jump by the lake. This is suitable for people who have already acclimatized to Lhasa; a day trip back to Lhasa is fine. If you want to see the "golden mountain" (sunlight on the peaks), you'll need to go a bit further toward Pumoyumtso Lake, so plan your time accordingly. 07 Baise | Guangxi Autumn comes late to Baise, and it's still green in September. Visit Tongling Grand Canyon ⏰ in the morning; the waterfall is still strong, and the cool air hits you as you walk along the boardwalk at the bottom. ⚠️ The steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes—don't wear white sneakers. Haokun Lake is best in the afternoon. 📍 A bike ride around the lake takes about 2 hours, and there's an observation deck by the lake for sunset. Chengbi Lake is more local, with fewer tourists, and is great for fishing and relaxing. 🍜 Try the rice rolls and pickled snacks in downtown Baise; they're 5 yuan per serving and very appetizing. 🚄 High-speed trains reach Baise Station, 1.5 hours from Nanning. The three spots are spread out, so I recommend driving or chartering a car; public transport takes too long. It's great for people who love nature but hate crowds, and it's family-friendly, though you can't push a stroller through the canyon. 08 Changzhi | Shanxi The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon is cool in September, and Baquan Gorge is the core attraction. ⏰ Arrive at the ticket office before 8 AM and take the sightseeing bus. Do the water route first, then the land route; if you do it in reverse, you'll have to climb for an extra hour. 📍 If you're not very fit, I recommend buying the combo ticket for the "Sky City" elevator and cable car at Baquan Gorge. ⚠️ Signal is weak in the canyon, so don't get separated from your group. You can choose between Hongdou Gorge and Qinglong Gorge; I recommend Qinglong Gorge for fewer people and clearer water. 🍜 Try the lamb soup with flatbread in Huguan County, but go before 3 PM, as they close when they sell out. 🚄 High-speed trains reach Changzhi East Station, about a 1-hour drive to the scenic area. It's great for hikers and family trips, and seniors can manage Baquan Gorge easily by taking the boat and elevator. It's cool in the mountains at the end of September, so a light down jacket isn't an exaggeration. Of these 8 places in September, I most recommend Chengde and Tengchong for their stable climate and mature travel options. Whether you want to head north or south, let me know in the comments, and I'll help you plan a specific itinerary.

Weekend getaways: 5 lesser-known cities accessible by high-speed rail 1️⃣ Hengyang | Hunan Many people only see Hengyang as a transit stop for Nanyue. I suggest you set aside a day for it. 📍 Nanyue Grand Temple is in the center of Nanyue Town, about an hour by tourist shuttle from Hengyang East Station. Red walls, gray tiles, incense is plentiful but not choking. ⏰ Get to the temple before 7:30 AM. Fewer crowds, light hitting the eaves at an angle—great for photos. For Nanyue Hengshan Scenic Area, don't try to hike the whole thing. 🚄 Buy a shuttle ticket at the visitor center, ride to Nantianmen, then walk to Zhurong Peak. Saves three hours of energy. Summer mountaintops are 7–8 degrees cooler than the base; bring a light jacket. 🍜 After descending, go to a vegetarian restaurant in Nanyue Town. The "braised pork" made of tofu is even better with rice than the real thing. ⚠️ Bottled water on the mountain starts at CNY 5; carry two bottles up yourself. Suitable for parents; with the cable car and shuttle, even those with average mobility can reach the top. 2️⃣ Jinhua | Zhejiang Jinhua is overshadowed by Hengdian, but the city center itself is worth a half-day stroll. Shuanglong Scenic Area is in Wucheng District. 📍 You have to lie down to ride the small boat into Shuanglong Cave; the waterway is low, so don't lift your head. ⏰ Arrive before 9:00 AM before the tour groups flood in. The cave is as cool as if it had AC. Those few seconds on the boat with water dripping on your face are quite exciting. Hengdian World Studios is for drama lovers. 🚄 Direct shuttle from Jinhua Station to Hengdian takes about an hour. The Qin King Palace and Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival areas are the most photogenic. Rent a Hanfu for a little over CNY 100. ⚠️ Don't go on weekends; extras and tourists crowd together, making it hard to even walk. 🍜 Jinhua ham claypot rice on Jiangbei Old Street in the city center—the scorched rice is crispy, and the salty flavor is just right. Stay near Guzicheng at night; the night market is right outside. 3️⃣ Shuozhou | Shanxi Shuozhou is truly niche—so niche that if you ask your neighbor on the high-speed train, they might not have even heard of it. Shahu Pass is in Youyu County. 📍 Charter a car from Shuozhou Station; it takes about an hour and a half. This was a pass for Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties; remnants of the earthen Great Wall lie across the wind. ⏰ Go after 5:00 PM. The sunset turns the rammed earth walls a golden red—ten times better than at noon. ⚠️ It's windy, so keep your hat on tight. There are no commercial facilities nearby, so bring enough water and dry food. 🍜 Go back to the city for Youyu lamb. Boiled in plain water, it's fresh; a little salt is enough. Suitable for those who like a sense of wilderness and history. If bringing children, keep a close eye on them; there are no railings on the Great Wall ruins. Best in summer—just over 20 degrees, you'll still need a thin quilt at night. 4️⃣ Pingxiang | Jiangxi Wugong Mountain has become a bit too popular in recent years, but Pingxiang itself is still slow-paced. 🚄 Get off at Pingxiang North Station and take the scenic shuttle to the Wugong Mountain Visitor Center. ⏰ I recommend starting the ascent at 2:00 PM. Take the first cable car to Zhong'an, then walk toward the Golden Summit. You'll catch the sunset over the meadows just in time, with clouds rolling beneath your feet. Tent campsites on the mountain cost between CNY 200 and CNY 400 a night. ⚠️ You must book in advance during peak season; prices go up on-site, and there might not even be space. If bringing elderly people, take both cable cars—don't force the hike up the "Hero Slope." 🍜 Back in the city, get Pingxiang stir-fried rice noodles with a poached egg on Jianshe Road. It's got plenty of "wok hei," and you can get full for CNY 10. The meadows turn golden in autumn, which is more photogenic than the lush green of summer. Suitable for those with average stamina who want to photograph the sunrise. 5️⃣ Haixi | Qinghai Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has a long name and even wider scenery. This area is best for self-driving or chartering a car; don't count on public transport. 📍 The Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge at Chaerhan Salt Lake—driving on it feels like floating on a salt crust. ⏰ The light is harsh at noon, but the salt lake looks whiter and brighter. Wear sunglasses, or it'll be blinding. Emerald Lake is near Da Qaidam Town; the colors are most transparent after 4:00 PM, like an overturned paint palette. Chaka Salt Lake is famous. ⚠️ If you want to photograph reflections, you have to go early or late. At noon, the wind blows and the mirror surface shatters. The Kunlun Mountain Pass is at a high altitude, so don't jump around—walk slowly. 🍜 Eat "kangguo" (pot-roasted) lamb along the way—potatoes and lamb stewed together. Pair with a bowl of yogurt to cut the grease. Suitable for those with high-altitude experience and plenty of time. July and August are the warmest months, but you'll still need a windbreaker in the morning and evening. 6️⃣ Chengde | Hebei You can't possibly finish exploring the Chengde Mountain Resort and surrounding temples in one day. I suggest splitting it into two days. 📍 Enter the resort from Lizheng Gate, walk the lake area first, then head to the mountain area. ⏰ Enter as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM to enjoy the lotus flowers all to yourself. Take the mountain shuttle in the mountain area—don't save that CNY 40, walking will kill your legs. Jinshanling Great Wall is in Luanping County. 🚄 It takes about an hour and a half by chartered car from Chengde city. This section of the Great Wall has little restoration, keeping the original bricks and stones, and the slopes are wild. ⚠️ The light is best after 4:00 PM, but the downhill cable car stops at 5:30 PM, so time it carefully. 🍜 Have a bowl of buckwheat noodles with lamb soup in the city to warm your stomach. Suitable for those who like ancient architecture and hiking; for the elderly, I suggest only visiting the lake area of the resort. Come in autumn, and the ginkgo trees in the resort turn yellow along with the red leaves on the Great Wall. 7️⃣ Enshi | Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is tightly surrounded by mountains, and the scenery is hidden deep within. Enshi Grand Canyon is the main event. 📍 The cliffside plank road at Qixingzhai takes about four hours to walk. ⏰ Take the cable car up before 8:00 AM to avoid the crowds. The "Incense Stick" rock pillar is more impressive from a distance than up close. The Shennongxi Boat Tracker Culture Tourism Area is in Badong. Take a boat into the canyon; the boat tracking performance is for show, but the chants echoing off the canyon walls are quite immersive. The Qing River in Enshi is great for a cruise; the water is as green as jade. Enshi Tusi City is in the city center; the wooden structure of the Jiujintang is worth seeing. ⚠️ There are many steps in the Grand Canyon, so bring knee pads if your knees aren't great. 🍜 Zhangguan Hezha is served by the head; the bean dregs are stewed until soft, paired with stir-fried ferns and cured meat. Come in summer to escape the heat; it's 5–6 degrees cooler in the mountains than in the city. 8️⃣ Shenyang | Liaoning Shenyang has been treated as a transit stop for too long, but you can actually spend two days playing in the city. Beiling Park is the Zhaoling Tomb of Hong Taiji. 📍 Locals start their morning exercises there at 6:00 AM. ⏰ In mid-to-late October, the ginkgo avenue turns completely yellow—much more comfortable than crowded tourist spots. Tickets are cheap, with separate fees for the park and the mausoleum. Shenyang Expo Garden in Hunnan District is good for kids, with a botanical garden and amusement facilities. The Wugou Jingguang Relic Pagoda and the North Pagoda Falun Temple are both in the north of the city; they are quiet and uncrowded, and the brick carvings on the pagoda body are worth a close look. 🚄 Metro Line 2 connects Beiling and the main points in the city. 🍜 Laosiji's stretched noodles with chicken racks—locals grow up eating this. You have to tear the chicken rack apart with your hands to eat it. ⚠️ It's minus 20 degrees in winter; your phone battery will drain quickly, so keep it close to your body. Suitable for a two-day weekend—no rushing, just eat well and sleep well. These eight places are all accessible by high-speed rail, so pack your bags for a weekend getaway. Pick one, don't hesitate.

📍Golmud, Qinghai ⏰Best window: Late Aug – Early Oct 🏔️ Golmud is an underrated small city often overlooked by the tourist crowds. It is accessible by high-speed rail, attraction tickets are affordable, and you will still need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings—it is uncrowded and peaceful, perfect for those looking to stay quietly for a few days. 🌲 Poplar Forest: The Golmud Poplar Forest is the world's highest-altitude poplar forest. Starting in late September, it turns from green to gold, with the golden tree crowns in the desert contrasting sharply against the blue sky 🏞️ Qarhan Salt Lake: China's largest salt lake. In autumn, the lake water is exceptionally clear, and the salt crystals sparkle like crushed diamonds in the sunlight ⛰️ Kunlun Mountain Pass: The grandeur of the "Ancestor of All Mountains." In autumn, the air is clear, and the snow-capped mountains are clearly visible 💡 Golmud has an airport and a train station. The altitude is about 2,800 meters, so avoid strenuous exercise on your first day ⚠️ The temperature difference between day and night exceeds 15°C. A windbreaker + fleece is essential

A 3-day Mid-Autumn Festival getaway: 8 uncrowded and comfortable spots 1️⃣ Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai If you visit Haixi in mid-to-late September, you'll want to take off your jacket during the day, but you'll need to pull out a down jacket as soon as the sun sets. Don't think that's an exaggeration; at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the temperature difference is just that extreme. ⏰ For Chaka Salt Lake, it's recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM when the light hits at an angle, making the salt flower textures clearest. The wind picks up in the afternoon, creating ripples on the lake surface and scattering the reflections. The wind at Kunlun Pass is even stronger; if your hat doesn't have a chin strap, you might as well consider it a gift to the Gobi Desert. 📍 Don't just stop at the observation deck at the entrance of Emerald Lake. Drive two kilometers further in; it's half as crowded and the colors are even more transparent. The Chaka Salt Lake tourist train has long lines, so if you're up for it, just walk in—it's a 40-minute one-way trip, and you'll have more freedom to stop and take photos along the way. 🚄 Renting a car after landing in Delingha or Golmud is the most convenient option. Without a car, you're essentially stuck between attractions. ⚠️ Don't step on the thin crust at the salt lake. It might look like a solid white expanse, but there could be mud underneath. Don't blame me if you ruin your shoes. This destination is suitable for early risers who aren't afraid of the sun and are willing to drive long distances. 2️⃣ Baise | Guangxi Autumn arrives late in Baise, and it's still lush green in September. Haokun Lake is best visited after 4:00 PM when the sun isn't as harsh and the lake starts to mist over, looking as if someone poured milk into the water. The Tongling Grand Canyon hike takes about 2 hours. The steps can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. 📍 Don't rush through the underground river section at the canyon exit. Look up at the stalactites; it's more interesting than the crowded observation deck in the first half. Chengbi Lake is great for traveling with seniors; the lakeside path is flat, and you can just sit and relax when you get tired. 🍜 For breakfast in the city, grab a bowl of rice rolls (juan tong fen) with pickled bamboo shoots and crushed peanuts—it's filling for just 6 yuan. ⚠️ Tongling Canyon may partially close during the rainy season, so check the scenic area's announcements before you head out. The pace in Baise is just right for a 3-day Mid-Autumn trip—no rushing. 3️⃣ Karamay | Xinjiang The Urho Ghost City has an intimidating name, but it's actually a collection of wind-eroded rock formations. Enter after 7:00 PM; the light dyes the rock walls orange-red and stretches the shadows, making it ten times better than at noon. ⏰ The scenic area has a circular tourist train route. Sit by the window on the right side for the best lighting for photos. If you want to take photos without people, wait until after the last train and walk a section yourself, but don't go too far—it gets dark quickly, and the signs aren't very clear, making it easy to get turned around. 📍 It's about 100 kilometers from the city to the Ghost City; charter a car or drive yourself. ⚠️ When it's windy, sand will hit your face, so sunglasses and a headscarf are more useful than sunscreen. This isn't an amusement park; it's a place to see geological formations. Keep an eye on children and don't let them climb the rocks. It's not crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Stay in downtown Karamay and head toward Dushanzi the next day. 4️⃣ Shantou | Guangdong If you go to Nan'ao Island during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the seawater isn't cold, and you can still splash around. But don't expect peace and quiet; the traffic heading to the island during the holiday can stretch from the bridge to the ferry terminal. 🚄 It takes about 40 minutes to take a taxi from Shantou Station to Laiwu Ferry Terminal, and the ferry ride to the island is 30 minutes. Renting an electric scooter on the island is the most comfortable way to get around—it costs about 80 yuan a day, and you can stop and take photos whenever you like along the island loop road. 📍 Watch the sunrise at Qing'ao Bay and the sunset at the Tropic of Cancer Square. Don't mix up the directions. 🍜 For seafood on the island, go to the Houzhai Town market. Pick your own seafood and find a small shop nearby to cook it for you; it's more authentic than the big tourist restaurants. ⚠️ The ferry queue is long during holidays, so try to get to the terminal before 8:00 AM. Nan'ao is suitable for couples and families with kids. The pace is slow, but don't be lazy about sun protection. 5️⃣ Guyuan | Ningxia Xumishan Grottoes are hidden in the mountains of the Northwest and are surprisingly uncrowded. Visiting during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the mountain breeze is cool, the grottoes are quiet, and there are more guides than tourists. 📍 The grottoes are divided into several areas. The Tang Dynasty seated Buddha in the Great Buddha Hall is the most worth seeing—its ears are taller than a person. ⚠️ Some niches are closed for protection; don't climb over the railings or use flash photography. Go in the morning for good light; it's backlit in the afternoon, making photos look dark. 🍜 In downtown Guyuan, have a bowl of mutton sazi noodles. The broth is rich, the noodles are chewy, and a bowl will warm you right up. 🚄 It takes about an hour by taxi from Guyuan Station to Xumishan. It's recommended to charter a car for the round trip, as it's hard to get a ride back. This is suitable for those interested in grottoes who don't want to deal with the crowds at Dunhuang. A 3-day trip to Guyuan and the surrounding Liupan Mountains is just right. 6️⃣ Hinggan League | Inner Mongolia Arxan National Forest Park is perfect for catching the autumn colors during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The birch forests have turned yellow, while the larches are still green, creating layers of color up the mountains. ⏰ Go to Camel Peak Heaven Lake in the morning to avoid backlighting and see the water like a mirror. Go to Santan Gorge in the afternoon; the boardwalk follows the stream, and you'll feel the cool air rising from the ground. 📍 Attractions within the park are scattered, so you must take the sightseeing bus; private cars are not allowed in the core area. 🍜 In Arxan city, try the hand-grabbed mutton with chive flower sauce. Don't order too much; the portions are generous. ⚠️ Temperatures are near freezing in the morning and evening during the Mid-Autumn Festival, so bring a light down jacket. Don't have high expectations for the hot springs; the facilities are a bit old, and you're mostly paying for the atmosphere. This is suitable for those who enjoy forest hiking and autumn scenery. Three days is just enough to cover the main attractions. 7️⃣ Shanghai For a 3-day Mid-Autumn getaway, you can avoid the crowds at the Bund in Shanghai. Walk along the Expo Park Riverside in the evening; the river breeze is pleasant, and you don't need to squeeze to the front to see the light show on the opposite bank. 📍 Enter Yu Garden before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and get photos of the Nine-Turn Bridge without people. The Guangfulin Relics Park is in Songjiang; the underwater museum section is worth seeing. ⏰ The light is soft after 4:00 PM, and the roofs cast reflections on the water. Disney is crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival; if you want to ride attractions, buy a Disney Premier Access pass. ⚠️ Claim your spot for the fireworks show 40 minutes in advance, or you'll only see the back of people's heads. 🚄 The subway plus shared bikes is the most convenient way to get around; traffic in the city center makes walking a better option. 🍜 The places with long lines for xiaolongbao near Yu Garden aren't necessarily the best. Turn into the nearby alleyways; the taste is similar and it's cheaper. Shanghai is suitable for those who don't want the hassle and just want to eat, shop, and stroll. 8️⃣ Qujing | Yunnan It's not the season for rapeseed flowers in Luoping during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the Jiulong Waterfall Group is at its peak water volume. The September rains are plentiful, making the waterfalls even more impressive than in the spring. 📍 Enter the Jiulong Waterfalls from the West Gate and walk downwards to save energy. When you reach the large waterfall at the bottom, the mist will hit your face—wipe your phone lens dry before taking photos. ⚠️ The steps are slippery, and shoes with shallow treads will easily slide. It's about a 40-minute drive from Luoping County to the waterfalls; chartering a car is convenient. ⏰ Sunlight hits the canyon after 10:00 AM, and you can capture rainbows. 🍜 In Luoping, try the five-colored rice and pickled vegetable pork trotters at small street-side shops. A 3-day trip to Qujing and Luoping is slow-paced, low-cost, and suitable for those with a limited budget who want to see natural scenery. Save the flower fields for next February; the waterfalls are perfect right now. These eight places aren't the most crowded during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Pick one, stay for three days, and it'll be much more comfortable than rushing around.

Perfect for budget travel in Sept–Oct, the weather is mild, crowds are thin, and prices are low. I've screened these 8 places for you. 01 Ma'anshan | Anhui I didn't have high expectations for Caishiji, but I ended up spending half an hour just enjoying the breeze on the riverside boardwalk. The river breeze in Sept–Oct isn't sticky or cold—it's just right. ⏰ It's most comfortable to enter the scenic area after 4:30 PM, when the light hits the cliffs at an angle, making photos look great without filters. 📍 Enter from the East Gate and follow the route: Taibai Tower — Sanyuan Cave — Riverside Boardwalk. Two hours is enough. 🚄 A taxi from Ma'anshan East Station costs about 25 yuan. Buses are available, but the wait is long. ⚠️ Don't eat river fish at the restaurants near the entrance; they're overpriced. It's more practical to go back to the city for a bowl of Dangtu meat noodles. Great for students and solo travelers. Tickets are affordable, and you can see everything in half a day. Mosquitoes by the river are still quite fierce in September, so long pants are a safer bet than shorts. 02 Weifang | Shandong Qingzhou Ancient City was an unexpected surprise on this trip. There's no general admission fee, and you can wander freely—much more honest than many other ancient cities. Go to Ouyuan Street at 7 AM, just as the locals are setting up their breakfast stalls. 🍜 Buy "Mishandao" (honey-glazed pastries) from Longsheng and eat them while they're warm; they get hard when cold. 📍 Enter from Fucai Gate, walk all the way to Ouyuan Garden, then turn onto Mosque Street—it's a direct route. ⚠️ Don't go into the shops with "influencer check-in" signs on the main street. Walk two alleys deeper, and the prices are cut in half. In Sept–Oct, the osmanthus flowers in the ancient city are in bloom, and you'll smell them as you walk. Great for a slow stroll with parents; it's all flat ground, and you can sit down whenever you're tired. Choose accommodation on the outskirts of the ancient city; it's cheaper and quieter than staying inside. 03 Hengyang | Hunan Visiting Mt. Heng in Sept–Oct is the most cost-effective time of the year. The summer crowds have faded, and the summit isn't cold enough to require renting a heavy coat. ⏰ If you want to see the sunrise, start climbing at 10 PM to arrive at Zhurong Peak around 5 AM—just in time. If you're not a strong hiker, take the eco-bus to Nantianmen and walk the rest of the way to save two hours. 📍 The Nanyue Grand Temple is at the foot of the mountain; visit it the day after your hike so your legs won't be as shaky. ⚠️ Don't buy incense at the foot of the mountain; there's a free incense distribution point at the entrance of the Grand Temple. 🍜 After coming down the mountain, go to Nanyue Town for a bowl of rice noodles with Hengyang braised toppings for just over 10 yuan. Suitable for hiking enthusiasts, as well as those who just want to take a bus to the top to see the clouds—there's something for every budget. 04 Yushu | Qinghai Sept–Oct is the final window for Hoh Xil and Sanjiangyuan. Any later, and the roads become difficult to travel. 📍 Start from Yushu city, take the 215 National Highway towards Qumalai, and you can see Tibetan antelopes along the way. ⏰ Leave in the morning and head back by 3 PM; there are no lights on the road after dark. ⚠️ The altitude is over 4,500 meters, so don't jump or run. If you get a headache, use oxygen—don't try to tough it out. 🚄 Yushu has an airport, but for budget travel, I recommend taking a bus from Xining. It's half the price, though it takes longer. The grass is already yellow by late September, which looks even better against the snow-capped mountains. Suitable for those with high-altitude experience; if it's your first time, spend two days in Xining to acclimate first. 05 Hulunbuir | Inner Mongolia In mid-to-late September, the Hulunbuir grasslands turn from green to gold, offering more depth than in summer. The key is that accommodation prices are slashed in half. 📍 Start from Hailar and take the route through Ergun, Enhe, and Shiwei. A five-day chartered car trip costs just over 1,000 yuan per person. ⏰ The light at 4 PM is best for photos; any stop on the grassland makes for a great view. 🍜 In Enhe, try Russian-style bread with blueberry jam; in Shiwei, try the hand-grabbed meat. Don't eat at the entrance of scenic spots—walk into the village instead. ⚠️ It's already freezing (0°C) at night in late September, so a down jacket is a must. Suitable for carpooling with a few friends; chartering a car alone is too expensive. Self-driving is also an option, but don't drive off the road—the grass might be hiding marshy ground. 06 Hezhou | Guangxi Gupo Mountain, Huangyao Ancient Town, and Dongtanling—these three spots form a perfect line, and Sept–Oct is just right to avoid the muggy heat of Guangxi. 📍 Day 1: Gupo Mountain. The waterfalls still have plenty of water. Take the Xian'gu Waterfall route; it's a three-hour round trip. Day 2: Huangyao Ancient Town. Enter the town before 7 AM to avoid the ticket fee. ⏰ At this hour, there are only cleaners and art students sketching. 🍜 Huangyao's fermented bean curd noodles and stuffed tofu are better at street stalls than in restaurants. Day 3: Dongtanling for sunrise. 📍 Navigate to the Dongtanling Viewing Platform. The mountain roads are narrow, so beginners shouldn't drive themselves. ⚠️ Accommodation inside Huangyao is expensive and damp. Stay at a guesthouse a 10-minute walk outside the town; it's cheaper and drier. Suitable for those who love ancient towns but dislike crowds; there are few tourists in September, so you can explore in peace. 07 Lianyungang | Jiangsu Huaguoshan and Lian Island—one for hiking, one for the sea. In Sept–Oct, the seawater isn't too cold yet, so it's fine to wade in. ⏰ Enter Huaguoshan at 7:30 AM, take the scenic shuttle to the Water Curtain Cave, then hike to Yunu Peak. The whole trip takes four hours. 📍 The rocks around the Water Curtain Cave are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. In the afternoon, go to Lian Island. 📍 Dashawan Beach is crowded, so head towards Sumawan—it's less crowded and the water is clearer. 🚄 You can get there by BRT from the city, but I recommend taking a taxi to Lian Island, as the bus takes too long. ⚠️ Ask for prices before ordering at seaside food stalls, especially for crab—there's a big difference between pricing by the piece versus by weight. Suitable for families; there are many monkeys at Huaguoshan, so don't carry plastic bags in your hands. 08 Bortala | Xinjiang Sayram Lake, Anjihai Grand Canyon, and Wenquan County—this route is so empty in Sept–Oct that you'll feel like you have the place to yourself. 📍 Enter Sayram Lake from the South Gate and circle the lake clockwise. ⏰ The light at 7 PM hits the lake, making it look impossibly blue. Go to Anjihai Grand Canyon in the afternoon; there are fewer shadows in the canyon, making for more three-dimensional photos. 🍜 In Wenquan County, eat cold-water fish; the small street-side shops are half the price of restaurants in scenic areas. ⚠️ Accommodation around Sayram Lake starts closing down in late September, so call ahead to confirm before you go. 🚄 There are trains to Bole, but carpooling from Urumqi is more flexible. Suitable for self-driving; public transport on this route is a hassle. It's below freezing at night in late September, so bring a sleeping bag or a thick quilt. You won't go wrong with any of these 8 places in Sept–Oct. If you want to save as much as possible, choose Ma'anshan, Weifang, or Hengyang. If you want to see grand scenery, choose Yushu, Hulunbuir, or Bortala. Which one are you planning to visit first?

Everything you need to know about Golmud in one post🔥 You'll only realize what makes life worth living after visiting Golmud~ Save this for later🐎 🏜️Day 1: Qarhan Salt Lake → Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge → City Center As soon as I landed, I felt like I had traveled to another world! Golmud's Qarhan Salt Lake is so stunning🕌 Qarhan Salt Lake is so photogenic! Every angle is a blockbuster shot📸 Had hand-grabbed mutton in the city center for lunch, it was so delicious I licked the plate😋 Explored the Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge in the afternoon, it really has such a vibe! Every casual shot is wallpaper-worthy📸 Every corner looks like a movie screenshot🎬 Recommend setting aside 1–2 hours in the evening to stroll around slowly, there are too many details✨ Recommend yak meat for dinner! It was heavenly🤤 It's amazing! 🐪Day 2: Kunlun Mountain Pass → Yuzhu Peak Woke up early in the morning to see the Kunlun Mountain Pass🌅 No matter how sleepy you are, you must go!!! The most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen in my life, bar none. Every step is a view, remember to bring enough camera batteries📸 Explored Yuzhu Peak in the morning, I was truly stunned the moment I saw it😭 Had yogurt for lunch to recharge, it was so, so delicious! Wanted another serving after finishing it🥹 Free exploration in the afternoon, ride a camel/hike to experience this magical land🐪 Watched the starry sky in an open area at night🌌 The stars filled the sky as if you could reach out and pick them. 🎈Day 3: Hoh Xil → Farewell Great for taking photos here in the morning! Recommend wearing light-colored clothes👗 Strolled through the local market to buy tsampa as a souvenir🎁 Finally, had a cup of butter tea and said goodbye to Golmud👋 💡Practical tips: Planning ahead can save you a lot of money! Recommend downloading offline maps🗺️ No need to carry too much cash, most places accept cards💳 Must book your hotel in advance during peak season! Golmud is a city that will redefine your expectations—it's so beautiful, so delicious, and so worth visiting again and again✨ Save this guide and set off✈️

Traveling in Sept–Oct means lower airfares, better hotel rates, and shorter lines at attractions. I've selected 9 personally tested, budget-friendly autumn routes where you can keep costs down without compromising on the scenery. 1️⃣ Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Bottom line: Carpooling is much more cost-effective than chartering a car on this route. Sharing a car with 4 people costs just over 200 per person per day, and the driver doubles as a guide. ⏰ Arrive at Chaka Salt Lake before 7:00 AM for the best mirror effect; later in the day, the wind creates ripples. Save money by skipping the train ticket; it's only a 20-minute walk inside. 📍 Don't just crowd the first viewing platform at Emerald Lake. Drive 2 kilometers further in for half the crowds and clearer colors. The area of Qarhan Salt Lake is incredibly vast; just find a deserted section of the salt bridge to park and take photos. It's windy at Kunlun Mountain Pass, so a windbreaker is more practical than a down jacket. ⚠️ Don't run or jump once you're above 4,000 meters in altitude. If you get a headache, use oxygen; don't try to tough it out. 2️⃣ Chengde | Hebei The admission ticket for the Chengde Mountain Resort is the biggest expense of this trip, but it's worth it. I recommend entering through Lizheng Gate in the morning, visiting the lake area first, and then heading up the mountain. The afternoon light on the Wanshu Garden side is the most beautiful. I advise against taking the cable car at Jinshanling Great Wall. It's a 40-minute hike up, and the view between the watchtowers is more expansive than at Badaling, with fewer crowds. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the city walls glow gold, perfect for photos without filters. 🍜 Have a bowl of lamb soup with a sesame flatbread in the city for 15, which is filling. For accommodation, choose a homestay in the older residential areas near the resort for around 150 a night; you can walk to the attraction. ⚠️ Sightseeing cars inside the resort cost extra. If you're fit, just walk; the scenery is beautiful all the way from the lake area to the mountains. 3️⃣ Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Guizhou Regarding the Libo Zhangjiang route, I'll say this: Xiaoqikong is worth it; Daqikong depends on your time. ⏰ Enter Xiaoqikong at 8:00 AM, take the sightseeing car to the innermost Wolong Pond, and then walk your way out—it's all downhill and not tiring. You can take off your shoes and wade in the water at the Water Forest section, but the stones are slippery, so hold onto the railings. 📍 The 68-Level Cascade Waterfall is the most photogenic spot on the whole route, but it's backlit at noon, so it's clearest to photograph before 10:00 AM. 🍜 The sour fish soup at the entrance is priced by weight. For 2 people, order a smaller one; it's about 60 per person. ⚠️ During peak season, book your admission ticket 1 day in advance through official channels; buying on-site often leads to disappointment. Staying in Libo County is half the price of staying at the entrance, and a taxi ride there is only 20. 4️⃣ Taizhou | Jiangsu Qinhu is a place for a slow stroll, so don't rush. Buy the admission ticket and boat ticket together; taking the boat into the wetlands is less tiring than walking and lets you see more of the water. ⏰ By the end of September, the reeds start to turn white. Take the last boat out in the evening, when the lake is so quiet you can only hear the sound of the oars. 📍 Qintong Ancient Town is right next door. The fish balls and mitten crabs on the old street are worth trying. Mitten crabs are sold by the piece, so ask for the price before ordering. 🍜 Don't have morning tea at the attraction. Go back to Taizhou city and find an old shop for dried tofu strips and fish soup noodles; you can get full for 20. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the wetlands, so wear long pants and use repellent; don't wear shorts and feed the mosquitoes. It's suitable for seniors, as it's all flat ground and boat rides, which is easy on the knees. 5️⃣ Xishuangbanna | Yunnan In Sept–Oct, Xishuangbanna enters the tail end of the rainy season. It's muggy during the day, and sudden rain showers are common in the afternoon, so carrying a folding umbrella is essential. The Dai Minority Park is best visited in the morning. The 11:00 AM water-splashing performance is the most crowded; if you want to take photos, stand on the periphery. For the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, I recommend setting aside a whole afternoon; ⏰ the light in the Garden of Hundred Flowers is soft in the evening, making it easy to take great photos. 📍 The peacock release at the Primeval Forest Park happens twice a day; arrive 10 minutes early to get a front-row spot. 🍜 You can get full for 30 per person on pounded chicken feet and pineapple rice at the night market. ⚠️ The east and west areas of the botanical garden are far apart; don't skimp on the sightseeing car ticket, or you'll wear your legs out walking. Choose accommodation near Gaozhuang; hostel beds start at 50. 6️⃣ Zhongwei | Ningxia Gaomiao Temple isn't large, but the architecture is layered and complex. You can finish touring it in half an hour, and the admission ticket is cheap. The real star is Shapotou. ⏰ Enter Shapotou after 4:00 PM when the sun isn't as harsh; the lines for sand sliding and the Yellow River zipline are also shorter. 📍 Watch the sunset in the Yellow River area and the starry sky in the desert area; there's a shuttle bus between the two. 🍜 Try the Haozi noodles and stir-fried pulled noodles in Zhongwei for just over 20 per person. ⚠️ Don't wear mesh shoes in the desert; you'll sink with every step once you're in the sand. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours; the back of the neck is the easiest spot to miss. If you're on a tight budget, stay in the city for around 100 a night; a taxi to Shapotou is 30. It's great for kids; they'll play on the sand slides until they don't want to leave. 7️⃣ Huzhou | Zhejiang The beauty of Nanxun Ancient Town is that you don't need to buy an admission ticket if you enter before 8:00 AM. Follow the locals in through the side gate, and the Baijianlou buildings in the morning mist are as quiet as a painting. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the light slants across the river, making it the most comfortable time for a sculling boat ride. You can share a boat with others for about 30 per person. 📍 If you have to choose between the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming and the Little Lotus Garden, choose the Little Lotus Garden; the gardens and library are easy to walk around. 🍜 The double-topping noodles and Xiuhuajin vegetables at small shops in the ancient town are a dozen or so per bowl, which is more practical than the restaurants in the attraction. ⚠️ It's crowded on weekends, so book your accommodation in advance. Riverside homestays are twice as expensive; staying outside the town and walking 10 minutes can save you half the cost. 8️⃣ Xianyang | Shaanxi The highlights of Qianling Mausoleum are the Unmarked Stele and the stone statues. ⏰ Go in the morning for better lighting. The steps up Liangshan Mountain aren't steep; it's a slow 40-minute walk to the top. 📍 Yuanjiacun Guanzhong Impression Experience Area is best visited in the afternoon. The whole street is full of food—oil-splashed noodles, Zeng cake, and spicy soup with lamb blood—you can eat until you're stuffed for 40 per person. ⚠️ Parking at the village entrance is expensive; park further away and walk in. 🍜 Local Qianxian Guokui flatbread with tofu pudding is 6 at a breakfast stall. For transportation, take the high-speed train from Xi'an to Qianxian Station, then take a taxi to Qianling; it's much cheaper than chartering a car. It's suitable for exploring slowly on your own or with parents, and you can set your own pace. After trying these 9 routes, my biggest takeaway is: spend your money on admission tickets and transportation, and you can actually save on food and accommodation. Combining 2 or 3 routes that are on the way is more comfortable than trying to do them all at once. Which one do you want to visit first?

Tutoring classes teach standard answers, but traveling shows them the real world. These eight places might be tiring for your legs or voice, but your kids will have plenty to talk about on the way back. Pick one and head out during the holiday. 1️⃣ Xinxiang | Henan Baoquan's waterfall cluster is best visited in the morning when it's less crowded and the mist is thick. ⏰ Arrive before 10:00 AM and walk along the cliffside boardwalk; kids can get a close-up view of the water crashing into the pool. Don't wear mesh shoes as the stones are slippery; I saw a kid fall and get their pants completely soaked. Baligou is wilder, and you can wade in the water at the Red Stone River section. When traveling with kids, I recommend taking the sightseeing bus up the mountain and walking down to save half your energy. 🍜 The acorn jelly at the farmhouses at the foot of the mountain costs 5 yuan a bowl. Kids might not love it, but it's worth a try. ⚠️ Both scenic spots have visitor limits during the National Day holiday, so book online a day in advance. Choose accommodation in Huixian city; it's half the price of staying at the scenic spot entrance and a 20-minute drive away. Suitable for children aged 5–6 and older who can walk for two hours on their own. 2️⃣ Baoting | Hainan Betel Nut Valley and Yanoda are next to each other, but don't try to cram both into one day. At Betel Nut Valley, you can see Li brocade and explore boat-shaped houses. Intangible cultural heritage masters weave on-site, and kids can touch the fabrics. ⏰ There's a song and dance performance at 9:30 AM, so grab a front-row seat 10 minutes early. Yanoda is a tropical rainforest. With kids, take the Dream Valley route to wade through water and see waterfalls along the way. 📍 You'll need to change into straw sandals for the water-wading activity, so keep a dry set of clothes in your bag. ⚠️ There are many mosquitoes in the rainforest, so don't skimp on the insect repellent. 🍜 The Li-style bamboo rice in the scenic area, with glutinous rice mixed with coconut fragrance, is usually a hit with kids. Suitable for children aged 4 and older; younger ones won't be able to handle the walking. Hainan is still hot in October, so it's more comfortable to enter the rainforest after 2:00 PM. 3️⃣ Baiyin | Gansu Yellow River Stone Forest sounds hardcore, but it's actually just right for kids. ⏰ After 4:00 PM, the light hits the stone pillars, making them look like rows of earth-colored castles. Take a donkey cart into the valley; the driver will sing a few lines, and the kids will clap along. 📍 Yinmagou Grand Canyon is the core section. It's 4 km long, so if you can't walk it, take a sheepskin raft out. 🍜 There's freshly cooked Yellow River carp at the entrance of the scenic area. It's sold by weight, so ask about the price before ordering. ⚠️ Don't go at noon; the Gobi Desert has no shade, and the sun will make your scalp ache. Bring enough water, as there are few places to buy it inside. Suitable for children aged 6 and older; younger ones are too heavy to carry. On the way back, stop by Longwan Village to see the apples—10 yuan for 3 jin, and they're sweet. 4️⃣ Laibin | Guangxi Choose either Panwangjie in Dayao Mountain or Jinxiu Lotus Mountain; one is enough. For the sea of clouds at Panwangjie, ⏰ get to the viewing platform before 7:00 AM. As the clouds and mist roll up from the valley, kids will shout that it looks like a cartoon. Lotus Mountain is more relaxed, with gentle boardwalks that are easy for both seniors and children. 📍 The view at Huixian Bridge is the most open, but don't stand on the edge when taking photos. ⚠️ The weather on the mountain changes quickly, so raincoats are more useful than umbrellas. 🍜 The Yao-style oil tea in Jinxiu County is bitter yet fragrant, served with puffed rice. If the kids aren't used to it, just order a bowl of rice noodles. Suitable for a two-day, one-night trip—Panwangjie on the first day and Lotus Mountain on the second—without rushing. 5️⃣ Yushu | Qinghai When bringing kids to Hoh Xil and the Three-River-Source region, you're not here to see animals, but to see "nothingness." ⏰ The grass is green in July and August, and while it's already cold in October, the sky is stunningly blue. Driving along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, you can see Tibetan antelopes running in the distance. 📍 You can stop at the Sonam Dargye Protection Station and tell your kids about the mountain guardians. ⚠️ The altitude is over 4,500 meters, so don't run or jump, and have oxygen canisters ready. If your child shows signs of altitude sickness, descend immediately. 🍜 The yak yogurt in Yushu Prefecture, sprinkled with white sugar, is sour enough to make you squint. Suitable for older children, at least 10 years old, who can understand the weight of the word "protection." If you come in October, bring down jackets. 6️⃣ Yulin | Shaanxi The Danxia landforms in Wave Valley look like someone smeared red cream on the mountain ridges. ⏰ The colors are most vibrant after the rain, but the paths are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. 📍 Zone 1, Flame Danxia, is the most photogenic. Stay on the boardwalk and don't step on the rock formations; you'll be fined if you do. The Yellow River in Jia County is nearby, and Xianglu Temple hangs on the cliff; kids will ask, "How was this built?" 🍜 Yulin Pin Sanxian, a stew of meatballs, crispy pork, and vermicelli, is warming. ⚠️ It's windy in Wave Valley, so use a hat with a chin strap. Hongshixia is best visited in the afternoon; the cliff carvings and stream water make it cool. Suitable for children aged 7 and older who can walk and climb. The temperature difference between day and night in northern Shaanxi during the National Day holiday is large, so don't forget a jacket. 7️⃣ Changchun | Jilin The Museum of the Imperial Palace of the Manchu State is a heavier history lesson for kids than any textbook. ⏰ Arrive right when it opens at 9:00 AM and rent an audio guide; kids will listen to it like a story. ⚠️ It's closed on Mondays, so don't make a wasted trip. Changchun World Sculpture Park has large lawns where kids can run around. 🍜 There's an old-fashioned guobaorou (sweet and sour pork) restaurant near the park; it's crispy, sweet, and sour, and kids will fight over it. Go to Changchun Movie Wonderland in the afternoon; the lines for special effects movies are long, so get your reservation ticket first. Leave half a day for Jingyuetan; rent a bike to cycle around the lake. ⏰ The light is soft after 5:00 PM. Suitable for all ages, and stroller-friendly. Changchun's subway reaches most spots, so choose accommodation near People's Square. 8️⃣ Shenzhen | Guangdong Dameisha Seaside Park is quite crowded during the National Day holiday, but kids can spend the whole afternoon digging in the sand. ⏰ Arrive before 8:00 AM to grab a spot in the shade. 📍 The shower area is on the east side, which is convenient for rinsing off your feet. ⚠️ You need to book your entry for holidays, so do it a day in advance. Window of the World and OCT are next to each other, so pick one. At Window of the World, you can see miniature landscapes, and kids can hunt for the Eiffel Tower. The OCT Creative Culture Park is suitable for older kids, with fun shops to browse. 🍜 There's a rice noodle roll shop in OCT that steams them fresh in drawers. Mission Hills Resort has a handicraft workshop where kids can do pottery. Suitable for a two-day trip—one day at the beach, one day in the city. Shenzhen is still hot in October, so keep sunscreen with you. The wind that tutoring classes can't give you, the sea can, the mountains can, and the Gobi Desert can too. Which of these eight places have you been to? Or which one are you planning to take your kids to? Let me know in the comments, and I'll help you check if your route makes sense.

Want to avoid the National Day crowds? These 8 destinations are perfect for a 3-day trip 01 Changsha | Hunan If you're heading to Changsha for National Day, don't just stick to Wuyi Square. I suggest splitting your three days into "one day on the West Bank, one day on the East Bank, and half a day in the south of the city." ⏰ 7:30 AM: Head up Yuelu Mountain. Enter from the East Gate; it's less crowded and the mist hasn't cleared yet. It takes exactly an hour to reach the top. On the way down, visit the Hunan Museum—remember to book three days in advance, and note that it's closed on Mondays. 📍 Tianxin Pavilion is best in the evening. Climb up to see the old city walls and the sunset. Tickets are affordable, and half an hour is enough. In the evening, grab a bowl of shredded pork rice noodles at Nanmenkou and add a tiger skin egg—it's more authentic than the viral spots. ⚠️ Huaminglou is in Ningxiang, far from the city center. It takes two hours by intercity train and bus. If you only have three days, I recommend skipping it and saving that time for Orange Island and Chaozong Street. Changsha is for savoring, not rushing. 02 Gannan | Gansu In Gannan during National Day, the grass has turned yellow, but the sky is incredibly blue. One night in Zhagana is enough—don't try to do too much. ⏰ 6:30 AM: Head to the Dari Viewing Platform to watch the sunrise turn the stone city golden. The local guesthouses are basic, so bring a sleeping bag liner for extra comfort. 📍 Langmusi Temple spans both Sichuan and Gansu; the Gansu side offers better panoramic views. In the afternoon, head to Gahai Lake. It's very windy, so bring a windbreaker to keep your hat from blowing away. ⚠️ Yeliguan is far away with average road conditions; don't force the trip if it's raining. Gannan is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters, so avoid showering or strenuous exercise on the first day. This destination is for those who don't mind roughing it and want to see grasslands and snow-capped mountains—not for families with kids or those looking to rush through attractions. 03 Ganzhou | Jiangxi Ganzhou is one of those places you think won't be much, but end up loving. Shicheng and Sanbai Mountain offer autumn scenery and hot springs, respectively. ⏰ Enter Tongtianzhai in Shicheng before 8:00 AM for the best light hitting the Danxia rock walls. The October rice fields are golden and look great in photos without filters. 📍 The glass bridge and hot springs at Sanbai Mountain are separate; the hot springs are up on the mountain, accessible by shuttle bus. After soaking in the hot springs in the afternoon, stay at a local guesthouse at the foot of the mountain and enjoy a plate of Hakka stuffed tofu. ⚠️ It's over a two-hour drive between Shicheng and Sanbai Mountain, so I recommend renting a car or hiring a driver. Public transport is infrequent and can be frustrating. This is for travelers who enjoy peace and quiet and don't mind a bit of travel. 04 Haixi | Qinghai The Haixi route is perfect for National Day, but don't try to do it all in one day. Kunlun Mountain, Qarhan, Emerald Lake, and Chaka are all spread out. ⏰ Visit Qarhan Salt Lake in the morning for flat light, which makes the salt flowers easier to see. Emerald Lake is most vibrant after 3:00 PM, looking like an overturned palette of paint. 📍 Wear shoe covers at Chaka Salt Lake, or your feet will get pricked. The line for the small train is long, and it only takes 20 minutes to walk in. It's windy at Kunlun Pass, and the altitude is 4,700 meters, so don't jump around. ⚠️ These spots are often 200–300 kilometers apart, so hiring a car or driving yourself is the only option. Staying in Golmud is most convenient, but hotel prices double during National Day, so book in advance. This trip is for those who can handle long car rides and don't mind dry weather. 05 Xing'an League | Inner Mongolia For Xing'an League, I'll only mention one place: Arxan. National Day is the best time of year to visit Arxan. ⏰ Enter Arxan National Forest Park at 7:00 AM. Head to Camel Peak Heaven Lake first; it's a 40-minute climb with steep stairs, so wear non-slip shoes. In the afternoon, visit Azalea Lake, where the birch forest reflects on the water in golden hues. 📍 The Unfrozen River is outside the park and free to visit; go in the evening to photograph the cattle and sheep crossing the river. Return to the city in the evening to soak in the hot springs and soothe your tired legs. ⚠️ Food in the park is expensive and not great, so bring your own snacks. Temperatures in Arxan approach zero at night during National Day, so a down jacket is a must. This is for photography enthusiasts and those looking to escape the crowds—not for those who can't stand the cold. 06 Chongzuo | Guangxi Chongzuo is hot during National Day, but it's worth it. Detian Waterfall and Mingshi Scenic Area are perfect for a two-day trip. ⏰ Arrive at Detian Waterfall before 10:00 AM. The water volume is high, and you can see rainbows in the mist when the sun hits it. If you take a bamboo raft close to the waterfall, you will get wet, so put your phone in a waterproof bag. 📍 Visit Mingshi Scenic Area in the afternoon. Rent a bicycle and ride around; the rice paddies, karst peaks, and small river make you feel like you're walking through a painting. In the evening, have grilled fish by the river—it's heavy on pickled bamboo shoots, so let them know if you're not used to it. ⚠️ It's a 40-minute drive between Detian Waterfall and Mingshi Scenic Area. I recommend staying in Mingshi, as it's quieter than Shuolong Town. Bamboo rafts have long lines during National Day, so go early. This is great for families with elderly people or children, as the roads are flat and easy. 07 Tianjin Tianjin is perfect for a 3-day stay—no need to rush, just take it slow. Choose between the Italian Style Town, Five Great Avenues, Olympic Center, or Fantawild based on your mood. ⏰ Arrive at the Five Great Avenues before 9:00 AM. Rent a shared bike and take a 40-minute loop starting from Minyuan Square. In the afternoon, head to the Italian Style Town, find a cafe, sit by the window, and watch the horse-drawn carriages go by. 📍 The Olympic Center is lit up at night and great for a stroll. Fantawild Adventure is in Binhai; it's good for kids, but once is enough for adults. ⚠️ Fantawild is far from the city center—it takes an hour and a half by subway and bus, and lines are at least two hours long during National Day. If you just want to eat and explore, skip Fantawild and save your time for the Northwest Corner and the jianbing guozi stalls. This is for a relaxed, family-friendly trip. 08 Wanning | Hainan Wanning is less crowded than Sanya and warmer than Haikou during National Day. Stay one night each in Shimei Bay and Riyue Bay. ⏰ Watch the sunrise at Shimei Bay; the beach is clean and not too crowded. In the afternoon, head to Riyue Bay. There are surf shops everywhere; renting a board and getting a lesson costs about 300. 📍 Don't miss the sunset at Riyue Bay. Sit on the beach, watch the surfers, and have a coconut. In the evening, go to Xinglong for Southeast Asian cuisine—try the curry beef brisket with lemongrass water. ⚠️ Hotel prices in Wanning skyrocket during National Day, so book your guesthouse in Shimei Bay a month in advance. The waves at Riyue Bay are strong, so don't go into deep water if you can't swim. This is for young people who want to relax and learn to surf. Of these eight places, I highly recommend Gannan and Arxan—they're perfect for National Day. Which one will you choose?

What's the worst part about traveling during holidays? Crowds, getting ripped off, and photos filled with the backs of people's heads. I've personally vetted these 8 places. They're perfect for September and October—comfortable temperatures and easy on the wallet. 01 Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | Qinghai Don't let the name "Haixi" make you think it's too far. Fly into Golmud or Delingha, rent a car, and you can easily string together a few salt lakes. The September wind isn't biting, and the lake colors are vibrant. ⏰ Arrive at Qarhan Salt Lake before 10:00 AM; the light hits the salt crystals at an angle, making them incredibly green. Head to Emerald Lake in the afternoon—it's half as crowded, and any puddle can serve as a "mirror of the sky" for your photos. It's windy at Kunlun Mountain Pass, so don't bury your windbreaker at the bottom of your suitcase. ⚠️ The train at Chaka Salt Lake has long lines; if you're not feeling up for it, just walk to the second stop before heading into the water to save time and energy. 🍜 Grab a bowl of yak yogurt with highland barley cakes in downtown Delingha—it's so sour you'll wince, but you won't be able to stop eating. Choose accommodation in Delingha or Da Qaidam; don't try to stay near the lake just for convenience, as it gets freezing at night. This route is best for experienced drivers who don't mind long distances. If traveling with seniors or children, skip Kunlun Mountain and stick to the salt lakes. Admission fees and opening hours are subject to official daily announcements. 02 Baoji | Shaanxi Baoji is an underrated transit hub. Many people head straight to Xi'an, but if you go west for half an hour, the pace slows down immediately. Taibai Mountain starts changing colors in late September, peaking in October. For Taibai Mountain, I recommend taking the cable car to Tianyuan Difang and walking a bit further up. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 8:00 AM and head down before 3:00 PM; otherwise, the cable car lines will leave your legs feeling like jelly. The road at Dongshanfeng is narrow, so don't push your luck if you're driving. Famen Temple is great for those genuinely interested in Buddhist culture; two hours is enough for a quick look, but set aside half a day if you want to explore in detail. The grass at Guanshan Grassland turns yellow in October, but horseback riding is cheap, and it's quiet enough to hear the wind. 🍜 Try the ganmianpi (cold noodles) near Jing'er Road in the city center—they're chewier than the ones in Xi'an. ⚠️ Renting a cotton jacket at the foot of Taibai Mountain is half the price of renting one on the mountain, so don't wait until you reach the summit to regret it. Take the kids to Guanshan Grassland to run wild, or couples can hike Taibai Mountain to see the sea of clouds. Stay in the city center; don't stay at the foot of the mountain, as there's nothing to eat at night. 03 Changzhou | Jiangsu Changzhou isn't just about the Dinosaur Park. In October, the fish heads at Tianmu Lake are plump, and the breeze at Nanshan Bamboo Sea is cool—perfect for those who want to enjoy autumn colors without hiking. If you're taking kids to Global Dinosaur Town, plan for at least a full day. ⚠️ Don't go on a weekend, or you'll be waiting in lines until you question your life choices. The Spring and Autumn Yancheng Tourist Area is better for a leisurely stroll; walking around the ruins park for two or three hours is just right. Set aside a full day for Tianmu Lake. ⏰ Take a boat tour in the morning, have fish head casserole by the lake for lunch, and ride the small train at Nanshan Bamboo Sea in the afternoon. 🍜 Don't eat the fish head soup at the first restaurant near the entrance; walk 200 meters further in, and the price will be 30% lower. Stay in downtown Changzhou for convenient subway access. If you're going to Tianmu Lake, stay in Liyang; don't try to do a round trip in one day, as it's too rushed. This is great for families and seniors—not much walking, and the food is good. 04 Wuzhong | Ningxia Wuzhong is the city most people just pass through in Ningxia, but the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is worth a dedicated day trip. In September and October, the Yellow River water clears up, and the colors on both banks are layered. 📍 At the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area, take a boat first, then see the pagodas. Climbing up to the 108 Pagodas will leave you a bit breathless, but it's the only spot for a view overlooking the canyon. ⏰ The light is best after 4:00 PM; it's too blindingly sunny at noon. ⚠️ Don't rush to buy goji berries inside the scenic area; they're half the price at supermarkets in downtown Wuzhong. 🍜 Try the hand-grabbed lamb in the city, served with garlic and vinegar—it's rich but not greasy. This place is best for self-driving; public transport is a hassle. If traveling with seniors, just take the boat to see the scenery and skip the climb to the pagodas. One day is enough; no need to stay near the scenic area, as it's more comfortable to stay in downtown Wuzhong. 05 Weifang | Shandong Weifang is famous for kites, but visiting Qingzhou Ancient City in October is the real highlight. The ancient city isn't big and can be explored in a day, but it's worth staying overnight. 📍 Go to Ouyuan Street in Qingzhou Ancient City at 7:00 AM; the shops aren't open yet, the stone paths are damp, and no one will block your photos. ⏰ After 5:00 PM, the lanterns light up, looking ten times better than during the day. 🍜 Try the pan-fried buns at Old Locust Tree with tofu pudding—they only sell them until 10:00 AM. ⚠️ Avoid those "viral" smashed-bowl wine stalls in the ancient city; they're expensive and taste bad. If you really want to eat, go to the local eateries outside the East Gate. This is suitable for seniors—it's walkable without being tiring. Choose a homestay inside the ancient city for a quiet night. October is the perfect time to visit; it's too hot in summer and too cold in winter. 06 Nanping | Fujian September and October are the golden period for Wuyi Mountain; the rock tea has just been roasted, and the weather isn't stuffy. But don't just focus on Tianyou Peak—it's crowded. ⏰ Book the 7:30 AM first bamboo raft ride on Nine-Bend Stream in advance. If you go later, you'll be exposed to the sun and stuck in long lines. 📍 Walk the second half of the Rock Bone Flower Fragrance Trail, from Water Curtain Cave to Da Hong Pao; it's less crowded and the scenery is great. ⚠️ The steps at Tianyou Peak are steep; skip it if you have bad knees. 🍜 Try the smoked goose from Langu in the resort area—it's deliciously spicy. Stay in Nanyuanling; it's cheaper than the resort area and a 10-minute taxi ride away. Suitable for couples and hiking enthusiasts. If traveling with children, stick to the walking trails and don't climb the peaks. Admission and bamboo raft tickets are subject to official daily announcements. 07 Pingliang | Gansu Kongtong Mountain in Pingliang is covered in red leaves in October, but it has far fewer tourists than Mount Hua. It's perfect for those who want to hike but hate crowds. 📍 At Kongtong Mountain Scenic Area, go up from Chaotian Gate and walk from Zhongtai to the Imperial City. ⏰ Enter the mountain at 8:00 AM and head down before 2:00 PM. ⚠️ The cable car lines are long; if you're fit enough, just walk up—it takes two hours. 🍜 Try the Pingliang lamb soup with flatbread at the foot of the mountain; the broth is clearer than the version in Xi'an. Stay in the city center; don't stay at the foot of the mountain. Great for hiking enthusiasts; if traveling with seniors, take the cable car to Zhongtai and stroll around slowly. The temperature difference in October is significant—wear a jacket in the morning and take it off at noon. One day is enough; no need to stay longer. 08 Panjin | Liaoning The Red Beach in Panjin starts turning red in late September and is most vibrant in mid-October. It's just one corridor, but it's worth a special trip. 📍 At the Red Beach Scenic Corridor, ⏰ go after 3:00 PM; the light hits the seepweed, making it glow red. ⚠️ Don't take the electric cart to the end and walk back; go the opposite way to avoid crowds. 🍜 Eat Panjin river crabs in the city—they're at their plumpest in October. Stay in the city center; there's not much accommodation near the corridor. Suitable for self-driving and easy for seniors, as the whole route has boardwalks. One day is enough; visit the Reed Marsh on the way. Admission fees are subject to official daily announcements. These 8 places are the safest bets for September and October. String two or three together, and it'll be much more comfortable than squeezing into popular cities. Which one have you been to? Let's chat in the comments.